Shakedown Mission: Transportation

[newestmember]

Arya watched them leave and hoped Steve would be okay and soon. She didn't like the mess they were in. She noticed someone was missing, and wondered why he wasn't on the bridge.

=^=Smith to Halthor, report to the bridge.=^=

She had an idea but wasn't sure it was a good one considering what the ship's condition was.

"Commander Smith to Tan, what is the status of our tractor beam? I had an idea, but don't want to try it if we don't have the tractor beam online or if it is too risky," she said thinking of ways to get the ship moving faster than what they were. She didn't like sending Braga out there in a small craft against a ship, and wanted to be around faster.

(tag Halthor and Tan)

[David Tan]

He was being kept busy, very busy .. Almost every system, from the warp drive itself, to the automatic door activators, had suffered some sort of damage during the cascade. With only a small fraction getting away untouched .. He'd asked the Engineering staff to categorize the repairs ..

Now :
Next :
As and When ..

That way, essential work would get priority .. Anyone wanting hot coffee would just have to wait !

"Sir .. I've just had a request from the Shuttle-bay .. They need power to the outer door .. It seems we are launching a shuttle."

With the warp core off-line, power was sparse, David didn't know, nor did he have the time, to find out about launches. He ordered the Ensign to give them what they needed, then turned back to the task at hand ... He sighed as his Comms badge chirped ..

=^= Commander Smith to Tan =^=

=^= Tan .. Go ahead Commander =^=

=^= What is the status of our tractor beam .. I had an idea .. But don't want to try it if we don't have the tractor beam on-line or if it is too risky =^= asked Arya.

David, totally unaware of her promotion to Executive Officer, wondered why she, and not Steven would be asking ..

=^= Non-existent at the moment Commander .. We have other things we need to get up and running .. Most important of all .. The warp core =^=

=^= I'm aware of that David .. I really am .. But could you possibly get someone down there to take a look and report back ? =^=

=^= Yes .. I'll get somebody down there now .. How's the Captain ? =^= he asked, hoping for some inkling as to what was happening up there .. Seem's he didn't have long to wait ..

=^= On his way to Sick-bay .. Suspected concussion .. But before he left the Bridge he authorized my move to Exec' .. It isn't common knowledge yet David .. So I'd appreciate discretion .. OK =^=

=^= No problem Commander .. And .. Congratulations =^=

=^= Thanks David .. Bridge out =^=

Grabbing a passing Ensign, he instructed her to check Tractor status then get back to him .. If the system itself was undamaged, there was no reason it wouldn't be one hundred percent once the core was re-activated .. He cleared 'Tractor System' from his screen, then moved back up to one of the 'Now' items .. Idly wondering if he'd ever get to see the Bridge again this trip ..........



< tag : All >

[kiralmallen]

As Kiral supervised, a group of security officers carried the few seriously injured into sickbay. At that moment, she discovered the downside of a Prometheus class sickbay. “Only one biobed… who in their right mind would design a warship with only ONE biobed? We have injured people here!” She motioned for the security officers to lift a crewman with a fractured hip onto the single bed. The concussion and broken arm would have to wait.

She turned to a security officer, the youngest and strongest looking. “Can you go dig some cots out of storage? Or at least a chair or two?” she asked him. “One of you go with him, help him carry things. The rest of you can go back to engineering or wherever else you were stationed.”

They must have sensed her frustration and urgency, because only minutes later, sickbay was crowded with two additional cots and a line of chairs against one wall. It was packed, but it would at least be more efficient. Her staff went right to work. She was realigning the bones of a woman’s broken arm when the captain walked—no, staggered in.

The Marine Lieutenant Anton Braga was with him. Kiral had seen him before, but had not yet met him personally. Braga helped the captain into a chair, and then approached her. “We think Captain Smith has a concussion,” he told her. The captain himself mumbled something incoherent.

“With all due respect, sir, I’m a little busy. Someone will be with the Captain very soon,” Mallen replied, not looking away from her work.

“How soon?”

Kiral didn’t answer. She closed up the wound in her patient’s arm and checked over the area with her tricorder one last time. “Does it hurt when you move it?” she asked. The patient shook her head. “Good. You’re free to go back to work. No heavy lifting for at least two days. No dangerous holodeck programs either,” she added, thinking of Rio. “I’ll see Captain Smith now,” she finally said, looking up at Braga for the first time.

The captain stumbled over and lay down. Mallen could tell just by looking at him that he was in pain. “I assume you hit your head, Captain,” she said. He nodded affirmation. “So… head pain, disorientation, any other symptoms?” She scanned him with her tricorder while talking. “Hallucination? Well, this sounds serious.” Her scans confirmed this hypothesis.

“You have suffered a Grade III Concussion, sir. You’ll be fine. Concussion symptoms usually go away on their own.” She pressed a hypospray to his neck. “This will start healing your brain. I would recommend that you stay in sickbay for a few hours at the least. I would advise against sudden movements, and no rigorous activity for a week. If symptoms start to present again, see me immediately.” She gave him another spray. “This will keep you awake for a while.”

“Also, doctor, I’m here because I need a medic,” Braga said. “Captain Smith has authorized a shuttlecraft launch to pursue the other ship. Is there anyone you would recommend?”

Kiral took a moment to think about it. The Olympia wasn’t in any more danger, and any yet unreported injuries wouldn’t be very severe. Her team was more than capable enough to handle sickbay. Anything could happen on a shuttlecraft, chasing after an enemy vessel, and who knew what sort of shape Rio would be in. “Well, Lieutenant, if the Captain thinks he can spare me, I’ll accompany your team myself.”

[vanderhalthor]

=^=Smith to Halthor, report to the bridge.=^=

=^=Halthor here, i got your message and i am on my way to the bridge, sorry about this, just trying to focus on some things, i wont let my feelings take over what needs done, so i will be on the bridge shortly to help you in what you need captain=^=

Halthor was trying his best to keep his mood and feelings up but, for the best in him he needed some R & R and wanted to get with his family as soon as possible because if he didnt he'd probably have a mental breakdown.

Halthor proceeded along the deck and walked to the nearest turbolift that would put him on the deck which was close to the bridge area. As he walked in he said "Deck closest to bridge please" the turbolift shot off and was on its way to the top of the ship.

The turbolift doors opened and halthor walked out, looked around for a little bit and continued to the next turbolift that would make its entrance right to the bridge. Halthor continued walking and tried to hustle it some more until he had arrived to the turbolift doors, they swung open, and he proceeded into the turbolift. "Bridge please". The doors shut and immediately sent halthor up to the bridge.

The door swung open and Halthor walked out to meet up with Commander Smith. "Ma'am, present and accounted for, what seems to be the problem? Also Ma'am if it wouldnt be a problem i need to go see the captain to talk to him about some things that are important, if he is not around i will give you the news to pass to him"

Halthor waited for a response.

(Tag Arya Smith)

[anton]

Anton stood by patiently as the captain recieved his treatment. There was no shame in being concussed ... he'd suffered similar problems several times in the past. To the point that his mother started suggesting he wear a helmet at all times whenever they spoke.

When he asked for a medic he was rather surprised when the CMO offered to come along herself.

"I am unsure if that would be wise, Doctor," Anton replied looking over the injured, "but if you are determined I am in no position to stop you. However, it is your call, Captain."

<Tag Captain Smith>

"Very well, I shall meet you in shuttle bay one," the navigations officer replied in the general direction of the doctor, "We will be leaving shortly."

Anton wasn't entirely aware of when his "game face" had suddenly appeared, but it was certainly there as he marched out of sickbay at full speed toward the shuttle bay. It had been nearly an hour since the ambassador was kidnapped and roughly half an hour since the aides and Rio vanished by way of the shuttle bay. Now, it was time to do something significant about it.

A few moments later, Anton arrived in shuttle bay one and was happy to see a squad of five marines present and tooled up for a battle-based excursion. He saluted to the Major Rio's second in command.

"Sir, I was unaware that you would be coming along," Anton said plainly, "I am sure you are aware that I am in command of this mission."

<Tag the Mysterious Mr. Black>

[newestmember]

"Lieutenant Halthor, I'm the one in charge right now, you can tell me. As for the captain he was wounded and taken to sickbay," she informed him and kept an eye on him to see if he had a response to that.

(Vander)

"How long before that is taken care of?" She asked not liking the sound of this.

(Vander)

"Understood, dimissed," Arya said and turned back to her present conversation over the commlink. It didn’t take long to end it, and she knew she would have to wait until word came, which she hoped was soon.

Arya sat down in the captain’s chair having been on her feet too long, and noticed how much more comfortable the chair was than the counselor’s chair. ~I wonder if that was done on purpose.~ She thought knowing how crews often felt about having a counselor on board.

[Deleted]

Steve rubbed his head and could feel the the pain easing. It was still there, but was slowly dissipating.

"If you are sure that we can cope without you for a while Doctor, then by all means, I allow you to go with Mr Braga here. But be careful out there." He said, looking at both Anton and Kiral.

He thought back to something the doctor had said to him a few moments ago; 'No sudden movements or rigorous actions' She DID know he was in command of a starrship didnt she? Steve smiled and let out a little laugh, hoping it wouldn't be heard. People might start to think he was going mad. He tried to make himself comfortable where he was.

'Perhaps I should get a little rest seeing as I have to be here for a few hours.' He thought, staring at the floor. All he wanted was to get back up to the Bridge, but he was told to rest up, and rest up he shall.

'But before I do anything, I need to know whats going on.' He tapped his commbadge.

=/\= Captain Smith to the Bridge. Status report, please. =/\= He said, rubbing his temples, still keenly aware of the pain he was in.

[jackson]

"Sir, I was unaware that you would be coming along," Anton said plainly, "I am sure you are aware that I am in command of this mission."

Jason stared at the man before him as though he had just crawled out from under a rock. Of course, there was no news there really, Jason always looked at people like that. In truth he had no desire to lead the current mission. If he had wanted to leave, he would have taken command of the marine contingent on the Raven. Instead, he chose to remain under someone else’s command. He was not a born leader; he liked to think about one thing: mission completion.

“Green is driving.” He said in answer to Braga’s question, and stepped into the shuttle. The marine navigations officer didn’t say anything, or if he did, Jason wasn’t listening enough to hear him. Both men settled in the bay of the shuttle, along with a good number of Rio’s men that had volunteered for the job. Black was used to the troops broody silence, and wondered how Braga would take to them.

“Sorry if I’m late.” Said a female voice as a large medical pack was shoved through the hatch. Jason waited to see who was speaking, and the culprit finally appeared from behind it with yet another bag slung over her shoulder. He checked a sidelong glance at the already overcrowded shuttle and sighed.

”Who’s that?” He grunted at Braga.

”Chief Medical Officer.” He replied, helping her get her supplies on board. From the looks of what she had brought with her, she obviously didn’t think this was going to be a happy affair. Looking neither approving or disproving Jason leant back against the cold metal wall.

“Any more surprises?” He said listlessly.

Braga chose to ignore him. “Sergeant Green, that’s everyone. Take us out.” He ordered the man at the helm.

And so they were underway. Jason stretched his arms in the relatively limited space of the shuttle, his shoulders pressing into the men on either side of him. They really needed some proper marine shuttles the Olympia, perhaps Hawkers, or Deathpods…

Most of the men were looking worried. Jason had no qualms that this would be a short trip, or a comfortable one. They were looking at least at several hours of travelling before they reached the neutral zone, and who-knew-what once they got there. He didn’t like to think too much on these journeys, he wasn’t a worrier. Rio was a worrier, but she would hide it well. Usually they just sat in silence, or made sarcastic comments about the others misfortunes on the holodeck runs.
Of course, they hadn’t been to the holodeck for a while now: Rio had been too busy running around with the top brass and getting herself kidnapped. He guessed that was what happened when you had her job. Another reason he liked to be deputy.

Another hour or so passed, Jason wasn’t really keeping count. Some of the boys had struck up a game the involved a pack of cards and a lot of bluffing. He had personally never played. It didn’t sound dissimilar to poker, of which he was quite a fan with his stoic smile, but this definitely wasn’t the same thing. ‘Probably picked it up at the Academy.’ He mused, thinking he must sound old.

“Sirs, the Olympia is calling for a status report.” Green announced suddenly from the cockpit. Both Black and Braga exchanged immediate looks. Jason almost smiled, and held out his hand to offer the floor to the other man. He didn’t think he was missing much, there was barely anything to report on anyway. Something interesting had better happen soon, he was getting sleepy…

[newestmember]

Arya heard the captain over the commlink and sighed knowing this wasn't going to be good. "Little to no change yet. Engineering is working hard to get us back underway, but they really have their work cut out for them. The shuttle has just left, everything went smootly on sending it as far as I know," she said wishing she could give him better news. She waited to see what Halthor needed from her hoping it was good instead of bad.

"Acknowledged, sir," she said finishing the conversation with the captain. Arya realized Tan hadn't called back on the tractor beam.

=^=Smith to Tan. A report of your status is necessary. Also I have yet to hear about if the tractor beam is working or not.=^=

"I see. If you will have someone send the information of the report to the captain's chair, I will look through it. It's good to hear we have our tractor beam. I was thinking that we could send out the rest of our shuttles and have them tow the ship. It would be better than standing still. What do you think? Is it doable?" Arya asked hoping he would have good news on moving the ship or approve of the idea.

[David Tan]

David and the Engineering staff were working hard, very hard .. They had worked wonders getting the Olympia's systems back up and running .. As David checked once again, he could see that now eighty seven percent of systems were operating just fine .. The important thing was, essential systems could now be accessed, the other thirteen percent were secondary back-ups that could wait .. The only exception to all this was the warp core itself ... He was keeping an idea in the back of his mind but a call from Commander Smith changed that in a heart beat ...

=^=Smith to Tan .. A report of your status is necessary .. Also I have yet to hear about if the tractor beam is working or not =^=

=^= The tractor is now on-line Commander .. I'm just finishing up a report on progress as we speak =^= Tan nodded to a nearby Security Officer and handed him the PAD, mouthing the word 'Bridge' .. The Officer nodded and headed out.

=^= I see .. If you will have someone send the information of the report to the captain's chair .. I will look through it .. It's good to hear we have our tractor beam .. I was thinking that we could send out the rest of our shuttles and have them tow the ship .. It would be better than standing still .. What do you think? Is it doable ? =^= Arya asked, hoping David would have good news on moving the ship or approve of the idea.

=^= The report is on its way .. But .. Due to the sheer 'size' of the Olympia .. Shuttles would only get her up to maybe point eight of warp .. And I'd be worried that the inertia could cause her to 'over-run' the shuttles .. I'd like your permission to try something .. A cold start of the warp core =^= Tan said, hoping Arya knew what he was intending, she obviously did, besause she asked the right question next.

=^= If the re-start goes wrong .. Worst case scenario ? =^=

=^= Worst case .. The core blows itself up .. But we can eject it if that seems likely .. And you would still have the shuttle option =^= David said, hoping Arya took the comment as it was meant, and not as insubordination on his part ..

He had to give the new Exec' her due. She didn't hesitate for a second on which way to go. Giving Tan the feeling that the second seat was going to b in good hands ..

=^= Then try it Mr Tan .. But at the first sign of trouble .... =^=

=^= Understood Ma'am =^=

=^= Lieutenant .. Unless you are planning on jumping on that core as you eject it .. Please do NOT call me Ma'am again .. Bridge out =^= said Arya, only just managing not to laugh as she imagined the look on Tan's face ...

~~~~~~~~~~

It took fifteen minutes to set the cold-start sequence, before David was happy that everything was set .. A Lieutenant was ready to eject the core on Tan's command .. The re-start began ... A moment later, the tell-tale hum, and strobing blue glow of the core had returned, albeit, sick .. The re-start had worked, but not fully. There was more work to be done. He sighed as he tapped his Comms badge ..

=^= Tan to Bridge =^=

=^= Go ahead David .. You got it to re-start I see =^=

=^= Yes Ma .... Yes Commander .. But we need to recalibrate before going to high warp =^=

=^= How long .. And what speed ? =^= Arya asked simply.

=^= One hour .. Maybe ninety minutes .. Warp two point one five .. Max =^=

=^= I'll take it Mr Tan .. Get on with those re-calibrations .. And Well done .. Bridge out =^=

"Helm .. You heard Lieutenant Tan .." said Arya.

"Yes Sir." said the duty Helm Officer.

Seconds later, the Olympia leaped, well, stumbled, into warp ..........



< tag : Cptn / Exec'/ All >

[Deleted]

Steve was getting complacent down in Sickbay. He was told to wait here for a few hours before he could go back to duty. He laid back down on the biobed and closed his eyes in an effort to sleep.

'Maybe that will pass the time quicker.' He thought. Sadly though, he just couldnt drift off, and about 15 minutes later, he sat back up again, cursing under his breath. Looking round Sickbay suddenly gave him a thought.

'The CMO is now off on a mission on one of our shuttles, so I could quite easily sneak away." He mused to himself, checking out what the other medical staff were currently doing. All of them seemed to be busy with one thing or another, so Steve jumped off the biobed, and quietly snuck towards the door. Suddenly, one of the nurses turned around and all of a sudden Steve became very fixated with a mark on the ceiling. When the nurse has moved away, Steve carried on edging towards the door...until he finally got out.

Breathing a big sigh of relief, he made his way up to the bridge. Within moments, he entered and headed to his nice comfortable chair, only to find his wife occupying it, and seemingly in deep concentration with something. A little grin formed on Steve's face and he plopped down into the XO's chair, quite gracefully.

"How's that for a switch then?" He asked, playfully, reffering to the XO being in the CO chair and vice versa. Arya suddenly looked straight at Steve and frowned giving him a look that said: 'You shouldnt be here.', yet Steve gave as good as he got and equally returned to look as if to say: 'Are you going to force me away?'

"I see we are moving a little bit faster than what we were." He finally said. "So someone must be working on something." He then remembered about Mr Tan being in Engineering, so he tapped the comm link.

=/\= Captain Smith to Mr Tan. Hows everthing down your end? =/\=

[jackson]

“What are they up to? Its still at least an hour from the neutral zone, why have they stopped?” S’Pon asked with a frown as he started out the tiny viewscreen at the stationary form of the USS Olympia.

“Haven’t you been listening at all?” Rio asked, exasperated, as she spat another lump of congealed blood from her mouth. Both Vulcans, (or were they Romulans, she still couldn’t decide) whipped round to face her blooded form. She knew that if she would just shut her mouth, they would probably stop beating the daylights out of her, but she just couldn’t seem to help herself. There was no point in fighting them, despite the fact that they had four phasers and she had none, they were both physically stronger than her. And she already hurt enough.

“You just don’t know when to quit do you…” T’Var rounded on her with a smile, planting a swift kick on the bottom of her jaw. Flat out on the deck, Rio felt the warm trickle of blood rushing into her mouth as it dripped down from her nasal cavity. She bled from several other superficial blows about her skull, slowly covering the surface in a fresh pool of deep red.

“They have stopped because I made it so.” T’Var snapped at his comrade. Rio may have only been semi-conscious, but even she could tell he was beginning to get annoyed: there was a definite gap emerging between her kidnappers, and it appeared T’Var was growing tired of being questioned. S’Pon didn’t not quite seem to understand. Maybe he had trouble keeping his mouth shut too.

“But what did…you did something to slow them down…cool.” He continued to mutter in his colleague’s ear as the shuttle flew on past the crippled Olympia. “How long are they going to be stuck like that for?” He asked.

T’Var was just about at his wits end, and he crunched his teeth through his own lip to stop any vile words leaking out. So many things had gone wrong, so many of his plans had had to change. He had never intended to go up against D’Tek, he was a far more powerful operative than T’Var would ever be. But D’Tek had betrayed him, he had left them behind, and the anger inside of him now took over from judgement.

Slowly, T’Var stood up, and circled around behind the chair in which the other was sat. The corners of Rio’s mouth began to twitch: she believed he was coming for her again. But the Vulcan/Romulan was not even looking at her. He turned and stared back out into space as the shuttle trundled towards the Neutral Zone.

“Longer than you, my friend.” T’Var said quietly, as he reached his muscular hands about the others neck and snapped it clean across the spine. Rio’s smile vanished as S’Pon’s form slumped in his chair and eventually slid to the ground. Feeling a little less burdened, T’Var turned back to the Marine.

“And if you don’t shut up, you’re next.” He riled.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Murtok smiled a devious smile as the planet Kratar came into view for the first time. It had been years, in fact, nigh on a decade, since he had last seen this place, and to return here under the service of the might D’Tek was an occasion he would never wish to forget. The Vulcan ambassador would be making his touchdown in less than ten minutes, and from then on in it was a picnic.

“D’Tek, Sir, we have made contact with the base.” Murtok announced to his Captain.

The Romulan in the centre chair grinned. “Very good. Please inform them that their guest will be arriving shortly.” He instructed. Murtok did as he was told, and couldn’t help smiling at their recent success. Kidnapping the Vulcan Ambassador from a Federation Starship - not a lot of people could put that achievement to their names.

Seven minutes later D’Tek, Murtok and Ambassador Trevak beamed inside the high security Romulan institution somewhere on the planet Kratar. They were met by an excessive force of heavily armed men, each of whom were pointing one of their many weapons in the trio’s direction. Seemingly oblivious to their firepower, D’Tek raised a hand gently.

“That will not be necessary.” He said calmly, stepping off the transporter pad into their midst. “The Ambassador isn’t going anywhere.”

As his leader disappeared, Murtok released his heavy grip on the tightly bound Vulcan, who dropped to the floor, unable to hold himself upright. His green blood stained his clothing; there was barely a clean patch on him. He was immediately seized as though he were a wild animal, and dragged off to a holding cell, screaming silent screams though his gagged mouth.

[David Tan]

=^= Captain Smith to Mr Tan .. How's everything down your end ? =^=

David finished entering the last of this set of calculations then answered ..

=^= Tan .. We're getting there Captain .. But the re-calibrations are going to take at least another forty minutes before we can risk increasing speed =^=

=^= OK .. Keep me informed David .. We need to catch up to both our shuttle 'and' the ship holding the Ambassador =^=

=^= Aye Sir .. Engineering out =^=

'Ok .. What next' tan thought to himself .. He rubbed his eyes, realizing just how tired he was. He'd come down here from almost a full shift on the Bridge, and sleeplessness was starting to get to him .. He wondered briefly, about asking sickbay for something, but dismissed the thought ...

"Sir." an Ensign close-by said quietly, "I hope you don't mind my saying but .. The Chief's office is still empty .. Why not go in there and rest for a few moments .. We can get you if need be."

"No .. Thats not nes ......" he began, but she interrupted him ..

"Sir .. I will come and get you myself the minute you're needed .. Ten minutes rest will work wonders .. I promise." she said, gently maneuvering him to the office ...

He knew the Engineering staff could do all that was necessery for now. He let her edge him across to the office, once inside, he closed the door and sat at the desk. He noticed how sparse the room seemed, but that would change depending on just how the new Chief Engineer personalizes it ... 'when we get one' he thought idly ..

Placing the PADD down, he tapped in the next set of jobs to tackle, then once again rubbed his tired eyes .. He stretched, leaning back in the chair, and closed his eyes for a second to ease the stinging ..

Then, Through sheer exhaustion .. Fell fast asleep ..........

[newestmember]

Arya wanted to answer Tan after her husband engaged him, but decided not to and let Steve finish his conversation. Once he was done she leaned in so only he could hear her.

"Did someone release you from sickbay?" She asked hoping the answer returned would be yes.

=^=Sickbay to Bridge, we seem to be missing the captain down here. He must have snuck out on us. Is he up there?=^=

Arya was saddened by what she heard. "Yes, nurse, he is up here. He will be returning shortly," she answered and closed the channel turning back to Steve.

"That answers my question. You need to be down there not up here. You could make this easy on all of us and return of your own volition. I have a feeling you won't do that though. Shall I guilt you into it? Torture you? There is always a nurse helping us by coming up here and putting you to sleep so security could escort you back. Which would you have it?" Arya asked letting him choose instead of just trying a method and having it work or not work.

[newestmember]

Arya found it difficult to convince the captain he should rest, and knew there was no way she could get him to return to sickbay. A nurse came looking for him, and Arya promised to keep an eye on the physical health of her husband knowing he would be even more difficult if made to return to sickbay.

Reports were coming in from all over the ship. "Sir, we have just recieved a message from our guys in the shuttle. They report they are dead in the water, and don't understand why," the operations officer reported, and Arya sighed.

"Very well, tell them to sit tight and we will be there in no time. Helm continue on course highest warp you can give me," she said knowing she was probably stepping on the captain's toes at this point. She figured he would give her a lecture later or let it go.

"Inform me when we get to the shuttle," she said and helped the captain into his ready room so she could speak with him.

"I really have to insist you return to sickbay. We have things under control here, and I can contact you if I need to know something. I know it is your ship, and this is the first mission. But your health comes first, and I won't take no for an answer," she responded quickly.

[Deleted]

Once in the Ready Room, Steve shrugged Arya off him and sat on his desk, not looking happy at all. He sighed deeply and looked at Arya.

"I really have to insist you return to sickbay. We have things under control here, and I can contact you if I need to know something. I know it is your ship, and this is the first mission. But your health comes first, and I won't take no for an answer,"

"Firstly, I dont need help to walk, I can do that just fine thank you." He said, feeling anger rise in him. He tried to keep it in check. "And secondly, you are going to have to take no for an answer. I am fine. I have had treatment for my injury. I had a rest, albeit not the length of time the CMO wanted, but a rest nonetheless. I am not just going to idly sit by and twiddle my thumbs. If you are so concerned, then I can just sit and rest in my chair on the bridge, because thats all I'll do in sickbay anyway." He replied, trying not to shout.

He got up and approached Arya, and put his hand on her neck, stroking it. "I know you are looking out for me, and I appreciate it. But I am fine, honestly." He said with a sweet smile. "I can assure you that at the first sign of pain of dizzyness or anything then I will go, ok?" He added, by way of compromise.

[anton]

Anton glared at the NCO as he nudged his way forward.

"Olympia, this is the Montgomery, we are on the trail of the so called aides. So far we've tracked them toward the neutral zone, but our current search for the ambassador's captors has proven inconclusive. We are proceeding in pursuit of the assumed kidnappers and Major Rio," he said plainly, "We will report back with any new developments. Montgomery out."

With that, Anton turned back to the NCO and then took a seat next to the pilot.

The warp signature of the Federation shuttle were much easier to follow than anticipated, it was almost as if the kidnappers wanted them to follow in their footsteps. That thought automatically registered in Anton's brain and he immediately ordered Sergeant Green toward a less invasive pursuit course.

"I don't think they were anticipating pursuit ... which means we may be able to surprise them. However, I don't like our options in regards to a shuttle battle, if anything I hope to catch up to them after they land ... I know your squad will have much more fun if they get to use their shiny new guns. Get ready for an offensive planetside ... I'll leave the tactics to you."

<Tag Black>

"Sir, the shuttle altered its course here, it appears they have taken up a heading toward Korr, an unsettled planet just within the neutral zone," sergeant Green said as his hands flew across the control panel, "Shall I continue our outside travel course?"

"Yes," Anton replied turning back to the panel, "Keep their track within sensor range, but I want to stay behind them ... and hopefully out of their sensor range ... though chances are they are so far a head of us, we'll be well out of their range regardless."

He turned back toward Black with a snarky smile, "Well, so much for speculation, we are probably going planetside, prepare for close combat."

<Tag Black>

Anton then turned toward the doctor with a grimace, "Doctor, you're with me. I'll get you around to the wounded, but I don't want you running off at the sightest thing, these marines have basic medical training. They'll be alright during the fight, but I want you intact."

<Tag Doctor>

[kiralmallen]

Kiral had found the ride in the shuttle to be uneventful. She had spent the first hour in silence, lost in her own thoughts. She was worried about the Vulcan ambassador and worried about the Olympia, but mainly worried about Rio. Part of her anxiety was due to the fact that, as a doctor, she felt that the life of every crewmember onboard Olympia was partly her responsibility, but it went beyond that. Rio had been the first person that Mallen had met after graduation from the academy, the first one to welcome her aboard (if bleeding all over sickbay could be considered a welcome). If the marine was still alive when they found her, Mallen would make sure that she lived to visit sickbay many more times.

Realizing that worrying wasn’t making the shuttle go any faster, Kiral spent the rest of the trip watching some of the marines playing a card game. After fifteen minutes, she was fairly sure that she knew all of the rules, and ten minutes later she realized that the marine closest to her was not very good at all.

Shortly afterwards, Lt. Braga and Black started discussing their plans to go down to the planet. She double-checked her med kit as they spoke, making sure she had everything she would need, plus extras.

Anton then turned toward the doctor with a grimace, "Doctor, you're with me. I'll get you around to the wounded, but I don't want you running off at the sightest thing, these marines have basic medical training. They'll be alright during the fight, but I want you intact."

From his expression, Kiral could tell that the marine wasn’t thrilled to have her tagging along, which irked her. Being a doctor didn’t make her completely helpless. She wondered if he would have preferred a less crucial (and therefore less qualified) doctor. “I’ve been in dangerous situations and worked under pressure before,” she informed him. “So don’t worry too much. But I understand what you’re saying. I’ll only treat the ones most in need. Just tell me when we’re ready to go.”

[David Tan]

Suddenly, he sat bolt upright .. He looked round the unfamiliar room, trying to get his bearings, then realized he was still in the Chief Engineer's office .. He checked the chronometer above the door, and was shocked at the fact that he'd rested for less than an hour ...

Leaving the office, he sought out the young Lieutenant he'd spoken to earlier ..

"Lieutenant ...... " he paused, not remembering her name, but she obliged.

"Valenti Sir .. Carmen Valenti."

"OK .. Sorry .. Where are we up to Lieutenant ?" David asked.

"Actually..." Carmen said, grinning, "I was about to come get you .. We have finished the re-calibrations and have double-checked the results .. The core is at one hundred percent."

He smiled, tapping his Comms badge ...

=^= Engineering to Bridge =^=

=^= Bridge =^= answered the Captain, seemingly just beating his Exec' to the call.

=^= Sir .. We have full warp capability .. Power and systems at your discretion =^=

=^= Thank you David .. I'll be needing every fraction of that power for a while .. Well done down there .. Bridge out =^=

Tan turned to the Engineering staff and spoke to Lieutenant Valenti ..

"Well done .. Engineering is in your hands Carmen .. I'll be on the Bridge if needed." he said looking at everyone in turn, then heading for the doors, "Thanks everyone."

~~~~~~~~~~

In the Ready room, Steven let go of his wife, turned, and entered the Bridge, a new purpose to his demeanor ...

"Helm !!! ... Increase speed to .. Warp eight point five .. Same heading." he ordered, taking his seat ... He chose to 'ignore' the look from Arya as she too sat down, holding her stare locked onto her husbands eyes for a good thirty seconds, before slowly turning to look at the view screen ..

The stars suddenly changed as the Olympia arrowed toward her children ..

"We're coming ....." said Steven, almost inaudibly ..........

[jackson]

The shuttle landed without a noise, touching down on a strip of runway on the far side of the Romulan base. The sight from the viewscreen did not look pleasant; dark greying clouds, dust-filled air and the hint of something chemical floating throughout the atmosphere. T’Var didn’t seem to mind it, he had been here before. The planet was barren, but inhabitable. The base spanned a huge distance, covering a good portion of the northern hemisphere when measured border to border. The planets thick ionosphere had masked their descent from D’Teks ship, which had dropped anchor on the opposite side of the continent.

“Get up.” He grunted at Rio, who was lying on her back on the floor of the shuttle. Her nose had eventually stopped bleeding and she found it much easier to breath like this. She didn’t think it was broken, but it was definitely not a happy nose. As usual she didn’t really feel like cooperating, so T’Var quickly stepped over her and hauled her up by her sleeve. “Get a move on.” He roared, thrusting her towards the hatch. Feigning unsteadiness, Rio jerked forwards, stumbling a couple of steps before dropping to her knees. T’Var was outraged, and aimed another heartfelt kick at her midriff.

Rio groaned and toppled all the way over into the cockpit. The blow had been hard, but he had missed her ribs. She clambered to her feet again with the help of the Romulan and they exited the shuttle side by side. They were met by what she assumed were guards, and they spoke to one another in their native tongue. Rio was then shoved unceremoniously into the hands of two other men, and dragged into the depths of the complex.

The ceilings were high and the corridors narrow, and she wasn’t sure where the light was coming from. There were vast shadows stretched across the floor, which all around was paved with metal. Their footsteps echoed through the eerie walkway, preceding them like a haunted pathway. The room into which the marine was escorted was rather larger than she had been expecting, but exceptionally bare. The walls inside were cold and metal, closing in as the corridor had done. The door that closed on her was heavy and brown, stacked on huge iron hinges for effect. High up on its frame, so high up that she could not see out of it, was a tiny barred window only six inches around.

“Well, no place like home…” She whispered to herself as she picked the most inviting corner and settled her back against the wall. She slid down to the floor and sat with her knees tucked into her chest protectively. She pulled her sleeve over her hand and tried to wipe away some of the blood from her face and neck. She was beginning to feel hungry, and wondered what Romulan tasted like.

Several minutes passed by, in which she heard nor saw nothing from her captors. Taking one last look around for hidden security measures, she tipped a tiny silver object out of her sleeve and played it in her hands. T’Var’s kick in the stomach had been worth it: she had practically fallen right on top of S’Pon’s dead body, and grabbed his communicator to boot. Of course, there was no knowing if it would even work down here, or even if there was anyone to hear it – but it was worth a try.

She tapped it like she would a comm. badge, but nothing happened, not even white noise. She tried another seven or eight times to contact someone outside the base, but nothing worked. Frustrated she slammed her fist still clutching it into the wall, and the communicator chirped pathetically. Well, at least it was progress.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There wasn’t a lot of room in the hanger of the ‘Montgomery’, but Black watch with pride as his marine team made themselves combat ready. All trails had lead them here, a planet of unknown habitation, which looked to be the final resting place of the stolen shuttle. Lieutenant Braga was finishing up the technicalities while his team readied for action.

“So what have we got?” He asked, stepping towards the cockpit and hovering very closely over Braga’s shoulder.

“Not much unfortunately. We still have their trajectory, but there appears to be something blocking our scans of the planets surface.” He explained.

“What kind of something?” Jason asked.

“Hard to say, there appears to be some electrical, or possibly chemical interference to do with the planets atmosphere.” He advised. Black did not look too worried. So they were going in blind, that was nothing new. Not to him anyway. He spared a quick glance over his shoulder at the recruits. Perhaps the same couldn’t be said for some of them.

“Sir, I’m picking up a signal…” Sergeant Green piped up suddenly, looking excitedly over the controls. Braga and Black looked at him expectantly. “It keeps cutting off, all I get is a bit of noise…listen.” He said, confused. All three men concentrated hard on the sound as it came up, flickering on and then off again, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, repeating itself over and over again. By the third repetition, both Black and Braga were tapping along to the signal. A smile ebbed onto Jason’s face.

“Jackson.” He said with confidence.

“Are you sure Sir, I mean we don’t even know…” Green began, but was interrupted.

“Of course its her, marine basic training.” He stunted, looking at Braga for his agreement. “Sergeant, see if you can pinpoint the location of the SOS, we’ll get a team down there ASAP.” He ordered, proceeding to the rear of the shuttle to pick up his don his own combat gear. As the ‘Montgomery’ sailed towards the planets surface, the team, including Braga and the Chief Medical Officer, assembled ready for action, or as Jason had dubbed it, Operation Leap Before you Look.

[anton]

Anton stood and took up his combat gear and assembled it just as he had numerous times before. He watched Black get ready to go and wondered once again exactly what they were getting themselves into. He turned back to Sergeant Green and looked over the scanner readings. The signal was in no way strong enough for the Olympia to pick up, they in the shuttle had only just barely picked it up. He sat down again and opened a channel to the Olympia.

=^=Shuttle Montgomery to Olympia, we believe we've located Major Jackson and we are preparing to land on an unknown planet at the edge of the neutral zone. We have reason to believe that scans are being blocked by unknown means. Transmitting the coordinates of the planet to you now. Request authorization to land and retrieve Major Rio.=^=

<Tag Someone on the Olympia>

=^=Acknowledged. Montgomery out.=^=

Anton turned to Green and looked over the limited scans they had available. The signal had originated from near a formation on the southern most continent. He chose a landing spot just south east of the formation and ordered the sergeant to land with care. The only thing they had working for them in this situation was the element of surprise and it was best to keep that until the very last moment.

"Ok, once we're planetside I want you in groups of three," Anton ordered plainly, "Three forward scouts, one a click a head, one a click to the right, and one a click to the left, report anything unusual. Me and Mr. Black here are going to run in the middle with the doctor with a group at the back running rear guard. Understood?"

"Aye, sir," they responded as one.

"Good. Once we hit the ground, we check for oxygen, then we move out."

[newestmember]

Arya had gotten a report that they had found the warp trail to where the Ambassador had headed. She ordered Navigations to lay in a course and pursue the Ambassador knowing they would need him to complete this mission. She sat down in her chair again and realized she still had her companion with her. She hoped no one noticed, and realized only the captain would say something on this matter.

"Ma'am, we have communications with the shuttle," the Ops officer said, and she told him to patch it through. Arya heard what he had to say, and sighed knowing they wouldn't be able to go in two different directions at the same time.

"Good work, request has been authorized. Good luck. We have found the Ambassador, and will be around to assist you once we have found what has happened there. Be careful," Arya said and the transmission was cut.

Arya wondered what else could happen, and noticed when Lieutenant Tan came on the bridge. She acknowledged his presences with a nod of the head.

[David Tan]

=^= ..........ound the Ambassador .. We will be around to assist you once we have found what has happened there .. Be careful =^= Arya was saying, as David entered the Bridge.. She nodded to him briefly as the transmission was cut.

"Well done down there Mr Tan .. Not a moment too soon."

"Thank .... you .. Ma'am." replied David, almost stopping as he took in the Bridge. The Captain it seemed, had fallen asleep, not unexpected in the circumstances, concussion can do that.. But the thing that almost 'fazed' Tan, was the bird .. It sat quietly watching Tan as he spoke to the Executive Officer, and as far as David was concerned, had absolutely 'no' place up here..

"Commander .. Should we move the Captain into his ready room .. He may be more comfortable in there if he's not going to go down to Sick bay ?" Tan asked.

"Yes .. We can." said Arya, watching David's eyes move from her, to her 'companion' and back, in quick succession.

Getting up and about to help, David held up an arm to stop her, then motioned for the two Security Officer's stationed at the turbo-lift to come forward .. Picking the Captain up they entered his office, placing him on the sofa, his head on the arm-rest.

"Thank you." David said, letting the two return to their post, he was about to enter the Bridge himself but decided to talk first ..

"Commander .. I don't want to sound out of line .. But ........"

"It's OK David .. She will be staying in here too." Arya said, smiling, "They will both be safe enough." placing the bird on the back of a chair, it settled itself, seemingly eying Tan up and down .. It made him feel less then comfortable, he wasn't a bird fan. "Lets get back .." Arya continued, amused at his discomfort, "We should catch up with the shuttle within the hour."

~~~~~~~~~~

"We are now within range of the planet where the Ambassador was being held" the duty Helm Officer informed them.

"I'm scanning the surface Commander .. We've got the shuttle they landed in .. Ours is close-by .. Several life-signs but I can't determine who's who from this distance." said the junior Science Officer.. Tan double-checked her readings from his console.

"Ma'am .. I would suggest a Geo-stationary orbit directly above their location." he began, "We can't get a transporter lock .. There's some sort of interference down there ........"

"Probably why they picked this rock ...." mused Arya.

" ........ At least from a GS orbit we can at least burn a hole through the roof of their shuttle if need be." David finished.

"Very well." said Arya, happy for the advice, "Helm .. Geo-stationary orbit .. Keep us high .. I'm sure they know we are here but I rather not have them taking pot-shots at us from the surface."

"Aye Ma'am." said the helm officer, gently moving the Olympia, first into a high orbit, then bringing her to a stop .. On the view-screen, it simply looked as if the planet below had ceased rotating ...

Arya stood, and motioning for David to follow, headed for Steven's office .. Once there, she knelt beside her husband, feeling his brow, satisfied that he wasn't getting any hotter. She tickled the bird under it's beak, then stood ...

"This situation ..." she began, "I don't intend to leave here without the Ambassador .. We are in a difficult spot .. We aren't hostage negotiators we simply have to do this the hard way and hope no-one gets hurt in the process."

"I understand Ma'am .. This is a g ......."

"Arya .. Call me Arya .. Never Ma'am .. Please David."

"OK .. Arya .." said David, smiling, "This is a good ship .. I'm sure everyone will give one hundred percent .. You have an excellent crew .. Young but plenty of experience .. They learn quickly .. We can try to have the Ambassador sat in that chair before the Captain wakes up." David said, grinning.

It seemed to be just what Arya needed, a little levity put a smile on her face .. She was about to reply when the Comms activated ...

=^= Commander Smith .. We can make contact with the Montgomery now .. Would you like to speak to them ? =^=

=^= I'm on my way out .. Open a channel =^= said Arya, and briefly gripping David's shoulder, she mouthed the word 'thank you' before re-entering the Bridge, Tan close behind ...

=^= USS Olympia to Shuttlecraft Montgomery =^=

=^= Olympia to Montgomery =^=

Arya and David watched the image of the planet below as they waited for a reply ..........



< tag : Away-team >

[newestmember]

Arya didn't like the situation. She wondered why the away team hadn't responded yet, but didn't say anything.

She didn't want to wait any longer, knowing they were busy looking for the aides elsewhere.
"Tan, get a group together, and take one of our shuttles down there. Find the Ambassador, and get back here pronto. Keep in contact with the ship. We will be able to fire on anything against you to help," Arya said not wanting to wait longer than she had to. She hoped the crew of the Montgomery were having just as good luck as they were on this planet.

[David Tan]

=^= Olympia to Montgomery =^=

"Sir .. We are in contact with the Montgomery .. They just aren't replying ...." the duty Helm Officer said, turning to look at Arya .. Commander Smith banged her hand on the arm of her chair, then quickly composed herself again ...

"Tan .. Get a group together .. Take one of our shuttles down there .. Find the Ambassador .. Then get back here pronto .. Keep in contact with the ship .. We will be able to fire on anything against you to help." she ordered suddenly.

David was dubious of sending yet another team down to the surface ... Arya was new to Command decisions, but one fact was certain, the Ambassador's release, and return would, should, take precedence in the current situation .. He MUST be got back ! .. Tan tapped his Comms badge ...

=^= Tan to Security .. Have four Officers meet me in the main shuttle-bay .. We're going down to the surface =^=

=^= A Marine contingent is ready to leave immediately Sir =^=

=^= Did I ASK for Marines ? =^= barked Tan, loosing his temper for a split second.

=^= No Sir ... Sorry Sir ....... =^=

=^= Then follow orders .. I'll be there shortly .. Tan out =^=

Nodding to Arya, and with a final glance at the door of the Captain's ready room, he entered the turbo-lift ...

"Main Shuttle-bay." he ordered .....

~~~~~~~~~~

Entering the Shuttle-bay he saw three, heavily armed Security Officers. They were close-by one of the remaining shuttles. A fourth was already preping it for their departure .. The outer door was already retracted, showing a view of open space beyond the blue tint of the force-field ...

One Officer gave Tan a side arm and a phaser-rifle, and as he checked them over, first the hand phaser, and satisfied, placing it on his hip. Then checking over the rifle itself, Tan was slapped on the shoulder ...

"Remote Transporter lock." the Security Officer said, in way of an explanation, "Commander Smiths orders."

David decided not to check if the others had been issued the same device ... He somehow doubted it ...

"OK .... Lets go !" he said ..........