El Sal Mission 8.25: Not a Sentient Was Stirring..

[SA. Stacey Jackson [Ret]]

After bieng dismissed from the briefing room Stacey walked back out onto the bridge she considered going down to her office but she had nothing to do there, and no one had contacted her wanting a session.

Instead she sat back down behind her console and watched the stars fly past the view screen. After a few minutes S’reena appeared on the Bridge.

A few minutes later she as joined by the new CMO, Stacey watched the slow scene on the bridge as she continued to keep an eye on the stars flying by.

After a rather uneventful ten minutes, during which time Wolf and Savot had appeared from the briefing room, Sreen’a called out that four Breen ships were approaching fast with weapons hot.

Stacey looked to the view screen and saw a scene that was not new to her she had seen it before, faced sown these opponents before. She blocked the memories from resurfacing.

They didn’t hail or issue demands instead they fired, the ship rocked under the fire.

Stacey managed to grab a hold of her station and use it to stay seated, she pressed the console and activated the ships comm.

“All hands battle stations… Senior officers report to the bridge.”

She looked back at her panel, no casualty reports yet, it would seem the shields had held up under the fire.

She looked to Savot who was just sitting in his chair, while trying to keep balance.

“Captain… I suggest opening a comm. Channel to the Hirogen… Invite them to the ‘hunt’… it may even up the odds.”

Tag Savot/All

[Deleted]

Hearing Commander Jackson's recommendation after the first attack he agreed with her they could seperate the ship but that would leave them open to attack until they pulled it off. " Captain I agree with Commander Jackson it migh also be wise to contact the klingon ships as well. It would improve the odds and buy us some time to come up with a plan" He went to the tatical station and contacted the security teams while the captain made his decision.

Opening a channel ships security and his Marines " I want security assigned to key postions on the ship in case we have a boarding party, I want the Breen Guard doubled make sure you are heavly armed for what might happen"

Looking back down at the captain things just didn't seem to be going there way. On the other hand several questions just got answered somebody else knew about the weapon. Think for a moment of other ways to improve the odds before the next impact of weapons.

[Savot]

Savot's eyebrow rose slightly in response to Wolf's unexpected use of the vulcan salute, but he responded in kind, "Peace and long life, Colonel."

As they returned to the bridge and Savot exchanged greetings with Commander Hope, the situation rapidly degenerated as the El Salvador shook violently from the weapons fire of 4 Breen warships having gotten the jump on them. Clearly the focus of the El Salvador's sensors on monitoring the planet they just vacated had allowed a blind spot the Breen had been fortuitous enough to come across. He noted with satisfaction as Wolf made for the tactical station, and just before he could give the order himself, Counselor Jackson surprised him by calling battle stations.

However, as the important thing was that the order was correctly given at the proper time, Savot found himself satisfied with the unfolding of things where more emotionally guided commanders might have balked at battle orders being given by an officer with little personal knowledge of starship operations. The vulcan inwardly applauded her good sense as he let the rocking of another volley settle him into his chair. Calling up both short and long-range tactical displays on each of his chair arms, Savot took in the situation as his crew offered their input.

“Captain… I suggest opening a comm. Channel to the Hirogen… Invite them to the ‘hunt’… it may even up the odds”, came Jackson's voice from his left.

Then from slightly behind her station came Wolf's approval, "Captain I agree with Commander Jackson it might also be wise to contact the Klingon ships as well. It would improve the odds and buy us some time to come up with a plan."

Savot nodded, "I concur. Counselor, open a channel and extend an invitation to the Hirogen commander, while requesting assistance from the Klingon commander." Though it could hardly be assumed of every Klingon, in general the race was more prone to seeing themselves in the light of a glorious rescuer than simply one of many cogs in a successful machine; ergo logic dictated a different approach with the two forces.

"Helm, plot an evasive course back towards the battle site. If the Hirogen or the Klingons do decide to aid us that will reduce the time required for us to join forces."

The vulcan captain glanced down once more at the short-range tactical display watching the formation of the Breen ships. Despite the arrival of their warships, Savot still found it improbable that the Breen government were aware of the existence of the weapon the El Salvador had just destroyed. For their central command to be aware of it, they would either have had to know about it before construction began, and if that were the case they would surely have done so within their own space rather than Cardassian territory which they knew would be under severe scrutiny by the Federation following the Dominion war.

The only other way they could know was if the troops on the planet had sent a message back towards their home system informing them of the weapon's existence, and this too was all but impossible since the risk of the message being intercepted by non-Breen was too great and enemy forces could secure the weapon before they could. No, Savot's internal hypothesis was that a message was indeed sent out, but only informing the Breen homeworld of the existence of survivors in Cardassian space, and that it was this very transmission signature the El Salvador first picked up while still on the Federation side of the border. A simple message like that could be much shorter since it didn't have to contain technical data, and as such would be much less likely to be intercepted.

However, while it was somewhat comforting to believe the entire Breen armed forces were still unaware of the existence of a planet-killer weapon, that did not in any way dilute the fact that the El Salvador was in a 4-on-1 battle with their warships. Still, the El Salvador was among the most tactically superior vessels in the fleet and as such their destruction was by no means guaranteed. As in any scenario the efficient application of ability, logic, and cunning would increase the likelihood that the El Sal would triumph. Therefore... Savot began applying.

"Helm, take our evasive course within 100 meters of starboard-most Breen vessel to put it between us and its three companions; they will have to re-orient themselves to get a clear line of fire on us. Mr. Wolf when we close the distance to that ship give it a broadside: phasers first to weaken the shields then a 5-count spread of quantum torpedoes", Savot looked up at the viewscreen to watch the stars whirl across in curved arcs as the El Salvador began answering the call to battle.

[Deleted]

S'reena reached for Ian's arm and gripped it tightly. "Four Breen?" she asked softly, wanting Ian very much to deny the odds.

"Four Breen," Ian confirmed, prying her fingers from his arm.

"This vessel is a Prometheus class, correct?"

Again, Ian murmured an affirmative.

"Then why aren't we going into MVA mode?" S'reena sat up. "Captain, I suggest we assume Multi Vector Assault mode, then we are providing more targets, which might confuse them and give the Hirogen a better shot at them. We could distract them, while our allies have some...fun?"

(tis a tad short...but I just had to suggest it....and it was all I could think of at 6am lol. I might edit more in tonight, we'll see)

[Deleted]

He just obeyed his captain orders with out question and prepared to fire phasers and armed the quantum torpedos. It was a sound plan they would at least disable or eliminate of the Breen ship. At the same time he opened a channel to the klingons he would have to be forceful with them in order to get them to help.

A klingon Commander appeared on his little view screen " Commander I never thought I would see a day where a klingon would not join a hopless battle"

He could tell the klingon was insulted but thats what he wanted " It maybe hopless for you Federation man but not klingon empire" pausing as he aligned for the phaser shot " I'm sorry Commander I dont believe you could beat the Breen I think you are licking you wounds the planned worked " We are coming to show you just how wounded we are Federation leave it to the klingons to show you how to fight" closing the channel he Started to fire the phasers

Captains savots plan was working at this close range he punched a hole in the shields. Counting down he fired the torpedoes and watched as they impacted on the breen. A quick scan showed they had nocked out the main power and weapons.

" Captain one Breen ship disabled 3 to go, the klingons will be joining and giving us a lesson on how to fight the Breen." He saw his captain arch his eye brow " Sorry sir you know klingons you pretty much have to insult them to get them to help"

At the same time he heard Commander Hope suggestion While the el sal could do that it would leave them open to attack until they completed the seperation. Looking back at his scans he saw the Hirogen heading there way. It appeared they found the Breen worthy prey which was a good thing. " Captain Hirogen moving in off the port bow of the Breen lead ship"

Just as he finished his last statement the El- Sal shook again from several hits shields were holding but they were starting to drain " Shields down to 89% we can't keep taking to many hits like that" he started to shut down power to not critical systems and feed the power back into the shields they rose a little but shields took a lot power.

" Sir the klingons have entered the fight they are taking on the secound Breen ship." scanning the klingon ship he saw they were still damage from there last fight " Sir the klingons are going to need some help there shields are not at full strenght a couple of hits and they are done for" <Tag Savot>

[Deleted]

Savot arched an eyebrow slightly, "Your findings Doctor?"
"Sir, I've examined the Breen throughly and I came up with some really interesting findings." Sam began "First as you maybe aware Breen haven't got any blood. Blood will freeze within their body due to the extreme cold. My staff and I found out that these Breen have a Central liquid collection, it is some form of storage liquid. It contains organic and inorganic matter. Cmdr. Hope helped me with the examination of the liquid."
[Tag: S'reena]

"I don't know if this central liquid collection is present in all Breen, but it is present in all our Breen." Sam replied "As to you special interest in the Breen brain function I've examined this really close, this was very interesting. The Breen brain consist out of four lobes. This was already known, this is why I, and most other empathic species, can't get any reading from them."
Sam took a breath, stood on his other leg and went on.
"These lobes have many interconnections between them selfs and each other. It is as if you have four processors that can function alone but also function as one. It is like a old Earth stile computer processor a quad-core processor as it is. Besides these interconnections there are a lot of redundant functions. This makes the Breen brain very resilient to damage. You've asked me if I could whip-out the Breen memory. I think so but I can't guarantee if it will work. It will take some time since I need to whip the memory of all the four lobes. If you want I can proceed ASAP. after the Physical of Cmdr. Hope."
[TAG: Savot]

OCC: sorry for the long monologue I was inspired

[Deleted]

Watching things progress on his tatical screen things were moving quickly the klingons shields were holding but they wouldn't beable to take to much more of a pounding. He felt like he had to do something he more or less forced the klingons in to the battle.

"Captain if Ensign Fire can bring us in closer to the klingon ship I can extend our shields to help there's. It will weaken us some but the klingons are not going to last much longer there shield strenght is already down to 45%."

He watched as the battle progressed he kept his eye's on the 3 remaining ships. It appeared the Breen had reached the same conclusion as well. The 3rd ship was heading towards the klingon ship to reduce the odds.

" Sir the 3rd remain Breen ship is heading towards the klingons there shields will not handle an attack on the rear they have channeled there power to forward shields."

He waited for his captains response he knew the captain would not sit by and let this happen. He also knew not to 2nd guess him the captain may have a plan that was better then his but he hope they would move quickly before the lost the klingons.

[Savot]

S'reena sat up at her station, "Captain, I suggest we assume Multi Vector Assault mode, then we are providing more targets, which might confuse them and give the Hirogen a better shot at them. We could distract them, while our allies have some...fun?"

Savot was of course familiar with the El Salvador's tactical abilities and while Hope's points were accurate he hesitated to use the MVAM as they didn't currently have enough experienced officers to effectively man each of the separate hulls and he was reluctant to allow the computer to remotely control them under the current circumstances. However, as Wolf's reports came in regarding the lead Klingon's status it became clear that, the vulcan's preferences notwithstanding, action had to be taken.

"Mr. Wolf, launch a hellfire torpedo and detonate it in the attacking Breen ship's path to disrupt their weapons lock on the Klingon. Ensign Fire, bring the ship around in front of the Bird of Prey and synchronize our navigational computers. Counselor, hail the Bird of Prey and instruct them to proceed on course straight through the El Salvador's coordinates once we've gotten in front of them."

<Wolf/Fire/Jackson>

Savot paused just a moment before continuing, "We will initiate Multi-Vector Assault Mode and establish a triangular formation around the Bird of Prey effectively replacing their lateral and aft shields allowing them to transfer power from those grids into their forward disruptors and inflict greater damage upon the Breen vessel. During this manuever Colonel, you're to reallocate phaser power to the shields as we will focus on defense while letting the Klingons deliver the blow. Timing at each juncture will be critical; however, or we risk collision. Execute when ready."

Savot then turned to listen to the Doctor in the few seconds' calm before the proverbial storm, his brow arching in fascination at the Doctor's findings but at the end he shook his head, "Given the already uncertain nature of the procedure under ideal circumstances I believe it would be in our best interests to wait until a cessation of hostilities has been reached. Unpredictable jarring from weapons impact or a power loss in the sickbay systems during a procedure of that complexity could be disastrous. Return to sickbay and make preparations, but do not begin the procedure unless I give the order."

[Deleted]

Listening to the orders he started programing the hell fire they were going to seperate the ship he knew his captain well enought to know he didn't really like that idea. The crew was new and he wasn't sure how many of them had done a seperation before.

" Sir I would like to take command of one the sections if possible, Commander Hope can more then handle the power requirements. I would like be nearest to the klingon ship to feed tatical information to for fire squences. They sustained heavy damage to there computer core and there targeting scanners are off line they are firing manualy. I would like to put my effort into feeding information to there gunners" <Tag Savot>

He knew there was still a trust issue between them but in order to build they had to start somewhere. He had no intention of doing anything else accept what he suggested not to mention he was one of the few crew members who had some seperation experince.

" Hell Fire is preprogramed and ready on as soon as we fire weapons locks from the Breen will be lost for 1min 45secounds."

He waited his captain to make the call he really wanted to help the klingons he had goated them into helping and felt responsable to make sure they had every advantage to pull this off. With him provide tatical the klingon weapons systems would be more accurate and devistating. It was almost a perfect combinataion at the moment with out haveing to provide power to there shields there weapson would pack a lot more punch then normal.

[Deleted]

"It was nothing," S'reena answered K'Vada's unasked question, her attention never wavering from the incoming data. "Klingons are taking heavy damage from the Breen," she reported, "your idea is sound captain but I strongly advise against sharing our shield power."

She hesitated briefly. "Klingons will not take kindly to our assistance, it will most certainly backfire on us during the battle. It seems the Klingons consider us weak, therefor I strongly urge you to assign two modules to the battle, while positioning the primary module as rear-guard for the bird of prey. To watch their stern, so to speak. Each module has her seperate power distributions, and can fend for themselves. As Colonel Wolf suggested, I will be able to handle the power allocation, especially with Lieutenant Forbes' assistance."

She nodded forward to the helm. "So long as Mr Fire keeps calling out direction to me, I should be able to keep the shields rotational and optimised under any condition." She paused briefly. "May I suggest Commander Jackson command the third module? I recommend against using the computer to fly them. Reaction time would be slowed considerably and we cannot afford any loss of attention during battle."

The Romulan smiled, resting her hand on her console. "Have a little faith in us captain," she continued, "we react faster than a computer ever could. And this ship is built for battle, highly maneuverable while in MVA and quite durable, I assure you."

This time, she grinned at Wolf, though of course she couldn't see his response, if any. "I'm sure Colonel Wolf will see to it that whatever module he takes charge of, will remain in such a condition that she can still re-dock with us once the battle is fought."

[Deleted]

He found himself agreeing with Commander Hope the klingons might now like there help. He also agreed that having the computer control the ship was not a good idea. Insticting and reaction time was very importan in battle. He did wonder about Commander Jackson though she didn't know that much about ship operations and battle was the last place to learn.

He held his tounge though he knew the captain would make the call and have the same concerns. Still it was better to have a human in command that could adapt strange that Commander Hope didn't volunteer her self. Although he could understand with out sight she would be at a disadvantage but her training would make up for it. He didn't feel like going into this now and put away for later.

He smiled when he heard Commander Hope joke about him bring the ship back in one peice. " Don't worry Commander I promise to have her home in one peice and washed and waxed and top off the tank" He didn't take her joke personally it was intended to lighten the mood on the bridge. He waited for the captains call but prepared himself for what ever the decision was going to be.

[Savot]

Savot listened from the bridge's center to his Science Officer's suggestions and Wolf's jocular reply, arching an eyebrow at some of the remarks, "I am quite familiar with the full range of the El Salvador's tactical abilities, Commander, and if I didn't have confidence in each of your capabilities you would not be serving as her senior officers."

"Though I agree with your points regarding computer control of the separate modules during assault mode, unfortunately we must make do with them in this instance, Colonel Wolf's ability to safeguard their 'paint job' notwithstanding", Savot said with a bow of his head towards Wolf reassuring the Colonel that he had every confidence the Marine was capable of controlling one of the modules effectively. "There is insufficient time to transfer personnel to each bridge before the separation manuever, and after its completion we cannot beam crew between modules as lowering our shields to do so would be unwise."

"However, your hypothesis regarding Klingon response is indeed sound, so we will serve as rear guard for them ourselves while assigning the other two modules to hit-and-run tactics. Colonel Wolf you may indeed focus your attention on augmenting the Klingon's targetting abilities while Commander Hope and Mr. Forbes attend to the shields."

Turning slightly to face Jackson seated at his left Savot gave another nod in acknowledgement of her own well-conceived actions thus far, "Counselor if you'd continue to liase between the El Salvador and our allies it would be most appreciated. Looking at the tactical situation at large, if you see areas where either the Hirogen or Klingons require aid you should be able to issue targetting directives to one of the other two El Salvador modules vocally. Also, please hail the Breen vessels and inform them they are in violation of sovereign Cardassian territory interfering in a war crimes investigation and that we will respond with deadly force unless an immediate cessation of hostilities occurs."

The Breen knew all of this ahead of time of course, and if they were willing to jump a Federation battleship it was unlikely they'd just throw up the white flag, but certain procedural statements had to be made for the sake of paperwork even if they weren't likely to alter the situation mid-battle. Gazing forward once again Savot concluded this next round of actions with instructions to the helm, "Initiate Multi-Vector Assault Mode. Ensign Fire as soon as the primary module is clear and free to navigate take up position aft of the lead Bird of Prey."

[SA. Stacey Jackson [Ret]]

Stacey held onto her console for support as she spoke to the lead Klingon ship, the Klingon communications officer gave her a quick rundown on their ships condition.

Stacey relayed the message Savot asked her to relay to the Klingons regarding their next course and after it was acknowledged Stacey turned to Savot and said.

“Captain the Klingon’s acknowledge your plane they are ready when we are.”

She blocked out the chatter from Hope and Wolf as she listened over the comm. Channels for the Hirogen and Klingon Chatter.

She did manage to pick up a stray thought from Colonel Wolf after S’reena suggested that she command the third module, something about her not being able to do it under battle conditions. She turned and gave him a filthy look.

“Worry about yourself Colonel.”

She turned and continued to monitor the comm. Chatter.

A few seconds later the Captain made up his mind and issued his orders.

"Counsellor if you'd continue to liase between the El Salvador and our allies it would be most appreciated. Looking at the tactical situation at large, if you see areas where either the Hirogen or Klingons require aid you should be able to issue targetting directives to one of the other two El Salvador modules vocally. Also, please hail the Breen vessels and inform them they are in violation of sovereign Cardassian territory interfering in a war crimes investigation and that we will respond with deadly force unless an immediate cessation of hostilities occurs."

Stacey nodded and opened a hailing frequency to the Breen.

“Breen Vessel this is the Federation Starship El Salvador.. You are in trespassing in Cardassian territory and interfering with a war crimes investigation unless you cease fire immediately We will respond with all necessary force.”

The lead Breen Vessel fired a torpedo that wasn’t aimed for the Klingon ship they were close to, it flew through space until into smashed into the El Sals shields.

Stacey said.

“I think we have our answer.”

Turning to the tactical station she said out loud.

“Mr. Wolf… when you get the chance target the aft Starboard section of the Breen ships hull, the Shielding is weakest there.” She knew he would be wondering how a lowly non-battle weary Counsellor would know such things, but she had no time to indulge him, needless to say you don’t live through a war and not learn a few things along the way.

[Deleted]

He was still caught of guard from her first comment to him, he hadn't said anything out loud he had kept that thought to himself.

“Mr. Wolf… when you get the chance target the aft Starboard section of the Breen ships hull, the Shielding is weakest there.”

When he heard Commander Jackson give another order he went into automatic mode and didn't question it combat was the last place to secound guess someone. If she could pick up a stray thought then she could pick up other things as well.

He targeted the section she had given and fired and punch a hole right through the shields. "They have taken moderate damage and are adjusting shields they wont be jumping to warp any time soon"

He kept focused on the tatical screen and forgot about everybody else he listened for orders but was working on defense and attack plans he programed a nother Hell fire to explode in front a breen ship to prevent it from targeting the klingons. He knew the trick wouldn't keep working they had to get one of th ships off the klingons.

" Captain if we are going to seperate now is the time the breen are already adapting to the energy from the hell fires."

" You know if they are just answering the call from the breen on the surface it might be in our best interst to let them know who's got them. It might draw them off the klingons and focus on us"

[Deleted]

"Mr. Wolf, launch a hellfire torpedo and detonate it in the attacking Breen ship's path to disrupt their weapons lock on the Klingon. Ensign Fire, bring the ship around in front of the Bird of Prey and synchronize our navigational computers. Counselor, hail the Bird of Prey and instruct them to proceed on course straight through the El Salvador's coordinates once we've gotten in front of them."

Ensign James Fire had been sitting on the bridge once again called to take the helm. As the chief navigator it was his duty to sit there even if he wasn't perhaps the most senior officer on the ship. Little did he realize he would soon be promoted and lose his acting ensign status.

With a great amount of grace he brought the ship around to the coordinates that he was ordered and adjusted the navigation computer as ordered. "Captain coming about to face the Bird of Prey and navigation computers are stable and holding a syncronized setting with the other ship." He said and looked up out the viewport.

He smiled continuing to watch the controls out of the bottom of his eyes while watching the viewport begin to show the other vessel from where he'd made his adjustments.

[Deis Irae]

*Deis is sooo glad she took this shuttle ride careful. Her outer sensors anounces the fact that theres a massive battle going on. And the El Salvador is right in the middle of it. She begins tapping out orders for the shuttle to close in on the area but before traveling too far she forces herself to slow down. She dosent want to just run up on this fight and get taken out by one phaser shot....theres hellfire torpedos being hurled around out there.*

Damn me.

*she hopes there is someone to listen as she transmits her coordinates and information to the El Salvador...she has to, its protocol even while things are obviously heavy. She keeps her distance though, she has to. One shot could turn her little shuttle into space dust*

((short lil post but it gets me back in here))

[Deleted]

--Bridge--
Sam listened to the Capt.
"Yes Sir we'll do." Sam replied and walked toward the turbolift.
"Deck 7, Sickbay."

--Sickbay--
Sam entered.
"Lt. Hope prepare all the instruments we need to perform a memory whipe on the Breen. As soon as the capt give the order I want to get started. Mr Souhami prepare the other sickbay parts for wounded I sensed that there is going to be a fight soon." Sam ordered
[Tag: hope (Michael)]

Sam sat down in his offices.
**Now the waiting begins, I hate waiting.** Sam thought He picked up a PADD and began reading his neurological examination of the Breen.

OCC: sorry short post, I can't contribute a lot in the hostilities.

[Deleted]

While working on defense plans and tracking the Breen ships along with everything else his targeting senors picked up a new ship on the outer edge of the conflict. A quick scan showed it to be a federation shuttle keeping its distance. Thats when he noticed a incoming hail from the shuttle.

" Captain Savot we have incoming hail from a federation shuttle on the outer edge of the battle zone. I'm transfering the signal to you now sir and opening the channel" <Tag Savot>

He would have dealt with it himself but he had to many things going on. With the last hell fire launched it was only luck that he hadn't taken out the shuttle. He was lucky the pilot was paying attention and didn't come flying in. He was already adjusting his attacks to make sure he was not putting the shuttle in any danger. Not to mention he didn't want the breen to notice the shuttle either, it wouldn't stand a chance against there weapons. The question was how long before they noticed the shuttle and went after it they were already having a hard enought time looking out for the klingons.

" Mr. Fire bring our heading 30 degrees to port and bank us hard. Make sure when you do that you are blocking out as much of the shuttle you can. They might not notice it right away and we should block any shots they try to take at it. Thats is of course the pilot is as good as I think they are and use us as a screen" <Tag Fire>

[Deleted]

Ensign James Fire looked over his own scans and noticed the same return as the Colonel had reported. He crossed his fingers over his console, "Captain I'm bringing the ship about to place us in front of the shuttle for extra defense." He said over the commotion of the Bridge.

<Tag Savot>

He quickly swung the ship so that it protected the shuttle while still trying to keep them in sync with the Klingon ship and avoiding as much fire from the other ship.

[Savot]

Almost as soon as he'd finished relaying the Klingon's condition, Wolf called out another report over the organized chaos of the bridge, "Captain Savot we have incoming hail from a federation shuttle on the outer edge of the battle zone. I'm transfering the signal to you now sir and opening the channel."

Savot looked down at his chair's right arm console and quirked an eyebrow at the incoming data. He muted the channel for a moment though as a navigational report came from Mr. Fire's direction, "Captain I'm bringing the ship about to place us in front of the shuttle for extra defense." He said over the commotion of the Bridge.

Savot's tactical readout on the left arm console confirmed this manuever, and he simultaneously unmuted the outgoing hail to the shuttle and activated the controls to separate the El Salvador into its 3 Multi-Vector Assault Mode segments. He plotted a course for the Gamma hull, the bottom third of the ship that carried the deflector dish, and spoke calmly to the shuttlecraft, =^=Incoming shuttle, we are currently engaged with Breen warships, the Hirogen and Klingon vessels are providing us assistance. The Gamma Section of the El Salvador will take the following course on a relatively straight vector for approximately 15 seconds. This should provide you enough time to pilot your craft through its shields and make a controlled landing in the shuttlebay. If you cannot land on the Gamma section, advise you warp away from the battle immediately to avoid taking fire, Main Bridge out.=^=

The 3 sections of the Prometheus class battleship glided gracefully away from each other, the lowermost one going wide as Savot had told the shuttle pilot to give her a chance to land if she so chose. The Primary hull flew a covering motion for the shuttle before taking up its planned position, under Mr. Fire's control, at the rear of the damaged Bird of Prey. The Secondary hull attacked the lead Breen vessel from the opposite side, forcing them to divert shield power away from where the Klingons would strike.

Green disruptor fire flew like vengeful lightning from the wingtips of the Bird of Prey, with the center following up with a powerful torpedo shot that seriously damaged the Breen vessel in question. Apparently, whatever the end result of their original battle, the Hirogen had gained a level of respect for their Klingon former-opponents, as the Hirogen cruiser delivered the coup de grace with a full salvo from their main weapon batteries.

Unlike Starfleet, the Hirogen and Klingons were under no orders to attempt to preserve life and use non-lethal means to end a fight, and while Savot did regret the loss of life as the Breen ship was obliterated on the main viewer, he could not argue that they had brought it on themselves with this surprise attack. The Hirogen vessel had yet to take any significant damage from the Breen, though they were of course still down to about 50% from their bout with the Klingons. The other Bird of Prey had been disabled but the Breen had either seen no need to destroy it, or simply had not had the opportunity since they had still-active foes left to deal with.

That left the lead Bird of Prey, the damaged Hirogen, and the El Salvador's 3 segments against 2 remaining Breen warships. One of their original 4 had been disabled by the El Salvador's lucky first pass, and their combined efforts had just destroyed the second of the 4. Though the odds weren't tipped heavily in their favor yet, things were certainly looking up for the El Sal and her friends.

Savot turned to his left, "Counselor, hail the Breen and again extend the invitation to surrender. They are now outnumbered approximately 2 to 1, and even after they agree it will take us a moment to convince the Hirogen and Klingons to cease fire, so it's in their best interest to do so sooner rather than later, if they wish to survive to reclaim their survivors from the planet surface."

[Deleted]

Battle was like that sometimes slow then faster then light with a swith move they were now down too only 2 Breen ships left. He wasn't sure if the Breen had the same sense of battle lust the klingons did. If they did they they would not surrend no matter what a quick scan showed one of the Breen ships had power fluxes in the aft shields. He adjusted the phaser setting to lower the power level and fired. The ship shook a little and the aft shields went down. He hoped with that they might take there captains offer of surrender more to heart.

He could have just destroyed them but that was not the star fleet way. With a quick course correction to one of the battle hulls he adjusted it to provide cover for the Breen. He didn't want there friends out there to take advantage of the opening he just created yet. He was giving his captain some leverage. If they refused they would be wiped out if they accepted they would be protected from the other ships in the fight.

" Aft shields down on the secound breen ship, I have adjusted course of the battle hull to provide cover in case our friends out there wont let the breen surrender. Either way captain the 2nd Breen ship is at a disadvantage for the moment"

[Deleted]

Michael stared at K'Vada in horror. "Mind wipe?" he repeated, disbelief on his face and in his voice. "I'm sorry sir but I won't be part of that. You can't erase part of their memory simply because it's convenient. The risk is too great that you erase part of their identity and I won't be part of that. Put me up on report if you like, but I refuse to follow that order."

He crossed his arms over his chest, clutching the hypospray he'd been holding tightly in his right hand, keeping the closed tricorder in his left. "You're on your own doctor." With that, he turned on his heels and walked away, fully intent on tending to the Breen patients, making them as comfortable as possible. Enemy or no, they were a patient in sickbay right now, despite their transport from the brig.

After tending to them, and making sure they were well cared for, insofar possible in their refrigerator suits -which would more likely benefit more from an engineer's touch rather than a doctor's- Michael put down his equipment and walked out of sickbay. He fully ignored K'Vada from then on and didn't hear if any further orders were shouted at him.

"Doctor Hope to bridge. I'm very sorry captain but I can't follow the order Doctor K'Vada has just given me. It's unethical and I won't be part of it."

~~

On the bridge, S'reena inhaled sharply as she heard her husband's voice over the intercom. Of course, she'd heard the order being given to prepare the Breen for the mind wipe, but the order to execute the previous one hadn't been given yet. Quietly, she agreed with her husband; it was unethical.

She didn't look up to listen to the chatter on the bridge, trying to concentrate on her work. Auric warbled on the station next to her, drawing her attention back to the present. Her fingers dug into her console as she tried to reign in her anger. After a few breaths, she'd successfully fought the feeling down, then turned. "I'm afraid I agree with him captain, it is unethical and highly dangerous. I have seen the procedure performed before, and the results were disastrous. I can't in good conscience support that order either."

[Savot]

They say it's lonely at the top, and Savot sure didn't seem to be making friends recently with his command decisions. Dr. Hope's voice of discontent came through over the bridge speakers, =^=Doctor Hope to bridge. I'm very sorry captain but I can't follow the order Doctor K'Vada has just given me. It's unethical and I won't be part of it.=^=

Without hesitation Savot tapped his commbadge, =^=Understood Doctor; you're relieved of duty until the situation has been resolved and your objection will be noted in the ship's log. Bridge out.=^=

The vulcan quickly faced a pincer assault from the Hope better half as well. "I'm afraid I agree with him captain, it is unethical and highly dangerous. I have seen the procedure performed before, and the results were disastrous. I can't in good conscience support that order either", S'reena's voice rang clear over the tumultuous activity of the bridge.

Again with no sign of offense or disappointment, Savot immediately nodded his acknowledgement of Commander Hope's words, "I shall note your objection in the ship's log in addition to that of your husband, nor will I order you to provide any assistance should the procedure be performed."

However, perhaps in some galactic attempt to balance fortunes, this internal dissatisfaction occurred at the same time as an external resolution. The 2 remaining Breen warships were transferring power from their weapons grid to their shields, and assuming a non-threatening formation across from the Federation vessel and her compatriots. It seemed getting confirmation of their survivors' whereabouts had prompted them to break off hostilities at least temporarily, and Savot's eyebrow lifted slightly in curiosity as to how the next few minutes would play out.

Before the eyebrow muscles had even settled, an incoming hail came in from the Breen signalling their desire to speak, to which Savot acknowledged their message and faced Commander Jackson, "Counselor please ask our allies to join the ceasefire unless the Breen re-initiate hostilities."

The El Salvador, all 3 pieces of it, stood down to Yellow Alert, disarming their weapons as a show of good faith while maintaining power to their shields to be on the safe side. Savot then re-established communication with the Breen ship that had just hailed them, =^=Breen Commander, this is Captain Savot of the U.S.S. El Salvador representing the United Federation of Planets. We have recovered what we believe to be Breen survivors of the Dominion War on a nearby planet surface. They appear to be in good health at the moment but as they were engaged in illegal activity while on the planet I am awaiting instruction from my superiors before taking action. Should they permit me to, I am fully willing to return your people to you. However, any further hostility on your part will make that an impossibility.=^=

Displaying their characteristic stoicism when speaking with an opposing force, the Breen commander barely acknowledged Savot's transmission and agreed to wait for the Federation Council's ruling before closing the hail. As stars and blackness once again filled the viewscreen, Savot tapped the intra-ship communication controls to address the entire crew over all 3 modules, =^=This is Captain Savot; a temporary cease-fire has been established with the Breen vessels. Senior officers may break for one half hour if they so desire before returning to duty stations, standby teams will remain at battlestations until otherwise instructed. Your performance thus far has been exemplary, Savot out.=^=

Savot cut intra-ship and opened a channel to the shuttlecraft landing on the Gamma Section, =^=Main Bridge to Commander Irae; as soon as you've landed proceed to the nearest transporter room and signal the Primary Module so we can bring you aboard, then report to the bridge at once, Savot out.=^=

He'd known who the incoming officer was from the data she'd transmitted a few minutes before, and he'd also learned from that data that Starfleet Command had gotten around the time-delay on transmitting their orders regarding the Breen by giving them to Commander Irae who was conveniently warping to their location already to report for duty. One way or another, the Breen's fate would be decided for certain in the next few minutes...

((Apologies for taking more liberty with the plot than usual. The activity level's been amazing and you guys have really kept the momentum going but even so it's getting a tad long for a single mission, so chime in as much as you want but let's refrain from adding any new major plot developments so we can wrap up soon. Again, great work everyone, looking forward to the next one.))

[Deleted]

=^=This is Captain Savot; a temporary cease-fire has been established with the Breen vessels. Senior officers may break for one half hour if they so desire before returning to duty stations, standby teams will remain at battlestations until otherwise instructed. Your performance thus far has been exemplary, Savot out.=^=

While any other officer, or helmsmen may have taken this moment to get up and relax for a moment James didn't take this moment to do anything more then remain at his post. He continued to watch the Breen ship with intense stares keeping his fingers locked over the controls at the pure enjoyment of flying any vessel large or small.

The youthful young acting ensign hadn't gotten the opportunity to get out and about throughout the ship and meet others that were flight controllers nor any other member of the ship. He had arrived in the middle of a distress situation and reacted swiftly upon orders from Colonel Wolf. And, now he had remained sitting there for several hours only taking one break from the helm in order to finish with his things. And, shortly thereafter he'd returned to his post and guided the ship through the intensive battle with the Breen Warships following every protocol that he'd learned while in flying classes back home on Earth. And, recalling from memory his time at the academy before he'd been sent to this ship to finish his fourth year and graduate while under the command of Captain Savot.

Little to his knowledge had his graduation taken place and that he'd been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant JG completely skipping the rank of ensign. His black pip remained upon his collar as he sat there watching the sensor readouts and keeping the thrusters and other elements at his control in check.

[Deleted]

It seemed for the moment that they might find a peaceful solution to there problem. As the captain was busy getting things together he walked over to Commander Hope's station. He understood her concern about the breen problem. He was shocked that her spouce felt the same way. His duty was to his captain and he wouldn't let anything harm the captain or allow the captain to harm himself. Still a idea had been floating around in his head but he wasn't a medical officer or a science officer they would have to judge if it would work.

Commander Hopes fire lizard looked at him as he apporached. He hope she was learning to feel the room as well. She appeared to be doing just that when she looked up at him.

" Tell me commander did your sense tell you it was me or was it the mental image of your friend there." As he waited for her reply "You know Commander I share your concern about the Breen. I too am being placed in a hard position they are my prisoners and I have a responesablity to protect them from harm. As much as I know the danger of what they can do I still have to ensure there personal rights as well. So I was thinking and it may be a stretch but instead of wiping there minds is it possible to block those memories."

" If we could do that it would lessen the risk to them and provide some protection that they can't do it again. If you could isolate the memory and block with either drugs or maybe short it out some way. Then there memories would be intact along with everything else, like I said I'm not sure if this would work. It might be worth a check because I think it would be a acceptable answer to everybody involved at least one people could live with."

Pausing for a moment " Either way something is going to be done there is no option on that, I will do my best to protect everybody involved. Although right now I'm stuck I have to protect them as well as the captain. I'm sure you know what I mean by that you were once a fist officer and know sometimes we have to protect our captains from them selves" <Tag Hope>

As he waited for her to respond and check his idea he looked over at there new Con officer. " Mr. Fire I just wanted you to know that your performance as of late was quite impressive. As you have learned all ready nothing is normal aboard the El sal good work Lt." <Tag Fire>