Mission 1:3: United They Stand...?

[williamhunter]

"All Senior Staff report to the Briefing Room immediately."

William give his counsel to another officier and walk to the Briefing Room.
He entered the room and sit down on a chair.
"Sorry,Sir. That Iam late." said william to Captain Drago.

[Deleted]

"So they definitely followed them into the Badlands."
"Mr. Parsons, thoughts?"

"Well, Sir, I suggest we follow the Captain's advice and notify command of the situation, however, I hate to sit idly by and wait for further orders. Our other ships may need our help," Parsons responded.

Captain Drago was silent for a moment, apparently in thought.

"Mr. Bower, take us into the Badlands, best possible speed."

Parsons couldn't hide a look of concern.

"Aye Sir." Max replied.

Drago then tapped his comm badge. "All Senior Staff report to the Briefing Room immediately."

Parsons entered the briefing room with the Captain.

When all were settled, the Captain began, "As you are aware, we have recently arrived to where we supposed to rendez vouz with the Orlandos and Transip, however, they are no-where to be seen. We received a transmission from one of the Commanding Officers stating that they had pursued an unknown assailant into the Badlands and are requesting that we alert Command. Mr. Apirana currently has the Computer working on an analysis of debris in the area to see if it belongs to either of the two now missing vessels."

The Captain paused, looked round at his crew and frowned.

"I'm planning to take the Scavenger into the Badlands, sending a courier with a message to Deep Space Nine, where they can relay the situation back to Command.
What I want to know is where you all stand with this. I honestly have no idea what we will face, seeing as we are dealing with two missing Starships. I need to know how you all feel. And I expect honesty."

"As long as we inform command, my choice would be to aid our ships in any way we can."

[tintagel]

“Illito, I'd like to apologize for what I said,” Paikea said, “I had no right to ever say that to you....”

“It's fine,” Illito replied softly, as Captain Drago made a motion, trying to quiet conversation. She was a doctor, she was used to dealing with angry people, and having them blame her for not being able to instantly fix their problems. Pai had been much nicer about it than many. Still, it had stung a little more, coming as it did from a friend. But Illito knew Pai hadn't exactly meant it.

Captain Drago started the meeting then, explaining the situation, and what he proposed to do about the missing ships. What “I want to know is where you all stand with this. I honestly have no idea what we will face, seeing as we are dealing with two missing Starships. I need to know how you all feel. And I expect honesty.”

“I say do it,” Illito replied. “There's no way we should leave them there.” Illito knew that the badlands were dangerous—hypothetically, at least, but there were two entire ships out there, and it was clear, to her, where the Scavenger's obligations lay.

[tarapik]

Tarapik proudly observed the straight ranks of his security officers, who were fallen in line right of the holodeck's doors. The marines had formed a line on the left. Everything was ready for training. The Vulcan strained and said: "Now that everything is ready, shall we proceed with the trainin..."

luke said:

"All Senior Staff report to the Briefing Room immediately."

Tarapik bit his lips and jumped on his fingers. "Proceed with training," he said and made a run for the turbolift, not noticing Hunter didn't go with him. As he entered the lift, Tarapik noticed the marine wasn't there, but he couldn't do anything else about it, than to shrug and carry on.

**********

The Vulcan carefully listened the captain's speech and leaned back on his chair's back. When his turn to talk came he said: "It would be more logical to inform Starfleet Command and wait for orders... I do not like this, sir, but I am with you. I would like to maintain constant Red Alert and perform battle drills among the crew. We do not know what we are facing and it would be wise if we faced it prepared."

< tag Drago\Any >

[Deleted]

Luke didn't respond to Hunter as he apologised for his tardiness, it's not that he was particularly bothered by it, jus that his mind seemed to be consumed by dark thoughts about what had happened to the Transip and Orlandos. The Marquee had disbanded years ago, could they be back, this time specifically targetting Federation vessels?

Something that Paikea had said really struck a chord within Luke, Federation Starships really weren't designed to last in the intense environment of the Badlands... Technically neither were Federation citizens... With Tarapik giving his thoughts, and sketchily agreeing with his decision Luke sighed and stood up, walked to the windows and stared out. The Badlands seemed to have enveloped the Scavenger, which, at the moment, seemed to be holding up well, but Commander Dunsmore was right, there was no guarantee as to whether she would hold up the entire time they she was required to.

"We will continue with our search." He stopped to consider his orders. "Commander Parsons, I would like you, Lieutenant Tarapik and First Lieutenant Hunter to begin running security drills and organise team rotations throughout the ship. If we lose sheilds there is a high possibility of us being boarded by whoever, or whatever, attacked the Transip and Orlandos.
Commander Tintagel, please prepare you and your team for casualties, both from our own, and from the other vessels. I would like you to remain on the Bridge whilst we are in the Badlands, please co-ordinate from your console there.
Commander Apirana, you and I will continue the search for the Ships, and dispatch the courier to Assailant." He paused.
"You all have your orders. Dismissed."

<TAG All>

As the Officers all filed out of the Briefing Room Luke whispered behind them... "Good Luck."

He followed his staff out soon after and immediately he and Paikea began refining the sensors.

"I am not sure of how useful you will find me Commander." Luke said. "However, I trained as a pilot and know the warp signature of a Starfleet vessel like the back of my hand, plasma storms or no."

<TAG Paikea>

[tintagel]

“Yes sir,” Illito replied. After she exited the briefing room she found a more isolated section of the bridge, so she wouldn't bother anyone while she was telling Lieutenant Avel what the situation was. =/\=Commander Tintagel to Lieutenant Avel=/\=

=/\=Lieutenant Avel here.=/\=

=/\=I'm going to stay up on the bridge—Captain's orders—but we're going into the badlands and anticipating casualties.=/\=

=/\=Yes, the badlands. Is that a problem, Lieutenant?=/\=

=/\=No, that is...no. No problem, sir.=/\=

Illito nodded, wondering what Avel meant, before remembering that his sister had been in the Maquis, and the badlands weren't just dangerous to Federation ships. =/\=Alright. Make sure sickbay is prepared, and let me know if there are any problems.=/\=

=/\=Understood.=/\=

Illito walked over to the medical console, not quite sure what she should be doing up here, other than making sure sickbay would be prepared (which she'd basically just done) and being prepared herself to deal with any injuries that occurred on the bridge. She had a medical kit with her—she always had one when she was on duty, and often off-duty too—which meant she didn't have to leave to get one. Illito hadn't spent much time on the bridge yet though, so she decided to figure out what she could do from her station on the bridge and what she'd need to be in sickbay for.

[williamhunter]

We will continue with our search." He stopped to consider his orders. "Commander Parsons, I would like you, Lieutenant Tarapik and First Lieutenant Hunter to begin running security drills and organise team rotations throughout the ship. If we lose sheilds there is a high possibility of us being boarded by whoever, or whatever, attacked the Transip and Orlandos.

William listened the captain's speech and he writing some on his TAPP. He remember the training with the Security of Lt Tarapik. He foggot it..

As the Officers all filed out of the Briefing Room Luke whispered behind them... "Good Luck."

"Yes, Sir"said Willian Hunter to the Captain.

He walk to the door and saw Lt. Tarapik.

"I walk with you to the Traning of the Marines and the Security." Said hunter.


He and Tarapik walk to the Turbo-lift and entered the lift.

"Sorry, Tarapik. I forgot the Training. I was on duty on the Bridge." said William.

William don't, want to look in the eyes of Lt. Tarapik.

< Tag Tarapik >.

William and Tarapik left the Turbo-lift . They walk to the Holodeck 2, where the team of Security and the Marines are withing for to finest the Assault Training. William and Tarapik entered the holodeck 2.

"Attention, Officers on deck" said Master Sergeant Bakker.


"Thank you, Master sergeant Bakker." said Hunter.

"Lt Tarapik, Will you take the inspection of the marines."said Hunter.

William was very proudly to observed the straight ranks of his security officers, who were fallen in line right of the holodeck's doors. The Security had formed a line on the left .
William walk with Lt. Tarapik to take the inspection of the marines.

< Tag Tarapik >

After inspection william give Lt Parapik a PADD.

"On the PADD:"
-----------------------------------------------
~Fire teams in place at major security areas.
~All Marines armound with the P90 Mark 7, combat rifle, to the departments of Marines.
~One Fire Team on the Brige.
------------------------------------------------

< Tag Tarapik >

[Deleted]

Parsons listened intently during the briefing. He knew what was at stake and wondered what the crew of the missing ships were going through and if they were even still alive.

"We will continue with our search." The Captain paused briefly. "Commander Parsons, I would like you, Lieutenant Tarapik and First Lieutenant Hunter to begin running security drills and organize team rotations throughout the ship. If we lose shields there is a high possibility of us being boarded by whoever, or whatever, attacked the Transip and Orlandos.

Drago went on to order the CMO to prepare for casualties and asked that she stay on the bridge during the search. Adam found some comfort in the fact that a messenger was being dispatched to Deep Space Nine.

"You all have your orders. Dismissed."

After the briefing Parsons checked the status of the current training exercises with Tarapik and informed he and Lt. Hunter that he would meet them in the holodeck shortly.

[Paikea Apirana]

"Computer, prepare a Level 1 priority courier to be completed by Captain Drago," Paikea said as he took his station.

"Level 1 Priority courier is prepared, awaiting Captain Drago's authorization codes."

"Computer launch three class 8 probes into these coordinates," Paikea said as he opened the launch doors," look for the warp signature of the USS Orlandos and Transip."

"Affirmative."

Paikea looked at the view screen as the probes were launched into the badlands. It would help them search for the ships and would also provide them with a safer route.

"I am not sure of how useful you will find me Commander." Luke said. "However, I trained as a pilot and know the warp signature of a Starfleet vessel like the back of my hand, plasma storms or no."

"Well, sir I think it would be best if you monitor the probes I sent into the badlands," Paikea said," I modified them to search for the warp signature of both ships and a safe route inside, but the plasma storms might cause them to give false readings."

<Luke>

[tintagel]

Illito tapped her fingers against the console a few times, before a glance from one of the other bridge officers reminded her that she wasn't in her office, and that she had to be quiet in order to let other people work. She understood the theory, but she was very used to working in a quiet environment, but one where her actions only really affected her. She could probably get used to working on the bridge, but she almost hoped she wouldn't have to. There was a reason a doctor belonged in their sickbay.

Still, while she was up here she should try to get some work done. She opened up a document, before stopping in favor of sending out a message to all crew members to, if they felt any of the numerous signs of negative side effects from the plasma storms, report to sickbay immediately.

Illito glanced up every few seconds from whatever she was doing at the time, making sure everyone on the bridge was doing fine. She kept a careful eye on Captain Drago, since he hadn't yet come down to sickbay, he showed an apparent disinterest in his own health. But that was why Illito was willing to be on the bridge. Even if she felt temporarily more isolated from what was going on in sickbay, she would ultimately be more connected to what was going on in the ship and be able more in the event of a bridge-based emergency.

[Paikea Apirana]

With everyone hard at work, it allowed Zach some time to rest for a change. With Commander Apirana's recent meltdown it was up to him to keep up the high standards that he placed in the department. He had been at an utter loss when he took over. He didnt' understand how the Commander dealt with the civilian scientist and the Starfleet scientist. It hurt his head just thinking about it.

When he heard the Scavenger would be going into the badlands he informed all of the civilian scientist that they would have to abandon ship and head towards Deep Space Nine. The plasma storms had been known to discharge and could possibily delete there entire computer files. They would take with them all of the Scavenger's experiments and scientific library. It was extensive and massive, but he and Commander Apirana would not take a chance at loosing all that vital information. Some of the Scavenger's discoveries had already helped cure three diseases and upgrade their own deflector control by 34%.

"Zach, we're all set," Jamie said over the comm," we'll be ready to depart shortly."

"Good, keep the information safe, we'll be back to pick it up," Zach replied," so don't give it to anyone."

"We won't," Jamie replied," now get some sleep. I saw the Captain and Commander Apirana working on the bridge. They will need you on the bridge soon enough."

"I suppose," Zach said getting into bed without even removing his uniform.

[williamhunter]

Marine Captain and Lt Tarapik have finest the Inspection on the Marine and the Security team's.
Before they start on the traning in holodeck 2 . Commander 1st class Parson entered holo deck 2.

"Attention, Officier on deck." said Hunter.

< Tag Parson/ All >

[Paikea Apirana]

OOC: Things have become a bit slow, so I'm going to move some things along. Others if you wish please join me on the bridge and help out

IC:

Even with all the technology afforded to him, Paikea realized that it always took some time for these things to actually come to fruition. Even with the Captain's help, they were unable to find the warp signatures of both ships.

"Captain, I suggest get closer into the badlands," Paikea said," it will be a bumpy ride, but it should allow us better readings."

<TAG Luke>

"I also suggest getting Lt. Tarapik and Lt. Hunter to report to the bridge," Paikea suggested," they should be able to help us out raise the ships defenses."

<Tag Tarapik and Hunter>

"Apirana to Tintagel, we are about to enter the badlands," Paikea said over the comm wanting sickbay to be ready for any ill effects thier current enviornment might have on the crew.

<Tag Illito and everyone else>

[williamhunter]

William Hunter order that, after he talk with Commander Parson,and give Commander a PADD.

On the PADD:"
-----------------------------------------------
~Fire teams in place at major security areas.
~All Marines armound with the P90 Mark 7, combat rifle, to the departments of Marines.

~One Marine fire team have duty on the bridge.
~One Marine fire team have duty in the sickbay.
~One Marine fire team have duty in the transporter room.
~One Marine fire team have duty in the weapon room.
------------------------------------------------

After that william have given the order. He reporting in on the bridge.He walk to the turbolift en get to th brigde. He entered the bridge.

"Marine Captain Willian Hunter reporting for duty, Sir" said william.

< Tag All >

[Deleted]

On Paikea's advice, Luke gave the order for the Scavenger to move deeper into the Badlands.
Immediately Luke could feel the strain on the Vessel, her hull groaning under the new environment's pressure.

"How long can we sustain optimum effeciency in the Badlands Commander?" He asked of his Science Officer.

<TAG Paikea>

Luke frowned, that wasn't long at all. But as Paikea had said, Federation vessels really were not designed for a place as uninviting as the Badlands.

"Captain..." Paikea said from his Station. "I am picking up extremely strange readings, approximately 1million Km from here."

"The Transip and Orlandos?" Luke asked, staring at the readings that Paikea spoke of but he could tell for himself that this was not the case. They were warp signatures, not Starfleet, and there was something else there. Something much larger.
"Could it be a sensor glitch?" He asked.

"Negative Sir." Paikea replied. "I have reajusted the sensors to read through the plasma storms, there will be some slight hiccups but nothing this big."

A noise behind Luke signled the arrival of their SMO.
"Marine Captain William Hunter reporting for duty, Sir." Luke turned round and saw the Senior Marine Officer standing behind him with a PADD.
"I have also given a copy of this to Commander Parsons." He said, offering Luke the PADD.
He quickly read it and handed it back to Hunter.

"Thank you Captain. Please take Ops and at the first available oppurtunity give me an update on Ship systems."

<TAG Hunter>

Luke turned back to Paikea. "What are your thoughts Paikea?"

<TAG Pai>

"It's worth the investigation is what you're saying?" Luke asked.

Paikea nodded slowly.
Luke smiled. "Good." He said, because I agree."
"All decks, this is the Captain. Please ready yourself for enhanced affects from the plasma storms, all non-essential personnel are restricted to quarters from this point forward. Those off duty are to take emergency stations, night crew prepare to man the Battle-ready section. All power from the holodecks, Mess Hall, science labs and all other non-essential areas will be removed to reduce the problems experienced because of the Badlands. Please be aware that these orders stand from now. Drago out."

Paikea looked at Luke questioningly. "There are warp signatures out there Commander. One's that we do not recognise, I want to take no chances."

"Captain Drago to Commander Parsons, please report to the Battle-ready section and prepare to take Command on my order. Immediate separation may be required. Assign Commander Dunsmore and Lieutenant Tarapik to your command."

<TAG Parsons>

"Very good, report in as soon as you are ready. Drago out."

"Commander Tintagel, ready yourself for Bridge casualties and assign Officers to the Battle-ready section."

<TAG Illito>

"Commander Bower, lay in a course for the warp signatures, maximum impulse."

"Aye Sir." Max replied from the helm, happy to be doing something other than keeping the Scavenger steady. "Course set, Sir."

"Engage." Luke ordered, turning back to Paikea.
"Commander, I need you to keep the scanning the local area, the Transip and Orlandos must be out there some..."

Before Luke could finish his order the proximity alarm sounded and several of the Bridge Officers were knocked to their feet as something collided with the Ships hull.

"Report!" Luke said, as someone quickly disabled the alarm, knowing how aggrivated it caused Luke to become.

"It appears that some sort of wreckage impacted the aft half of the saucer section. No major damage." Paikea reported.

"Can scans tell us what it is?" Luke asked, sitting down in the centre chair, very aware he nearly fell down moments before."

"It appears to be from a Federation vessel consistent with Galaxy class hull designs." He replied, continuing with his scans. "Sir, it has the registration." He added, his voice quieter.

"And?!" Luke snapped.

"It was the Orlandos Sir."

It took the Captain a few moments to regain composure. "Aknowledged Commander, continue scans for wreckage and survivors."

"Sir, it is highly unlikely..." Illito started from his left side.

"I am aware of that thank you Doctor. Commander please continue the scans."

Luke sighed and leaned back, his temple yet again was hurting, since his arrival in this time the modified nano-probes seemed not to be as effective as before...

"Sir, the energy signature we picked up has just expanded. We are now only minutes away from it." Max reported.

Luke jumped to his feet. What the hell was going on?!

"Visual contact?!"

"Affirmative." A Lieutenant reported from Tactical in Tarapik's absence.

The Scavenger's viewscreen flickered into life and an audible gasp filled the Bridge as everyone present took a deep breath in.

"What the..." Max started...

"Focus Commander, keep us steady." Luke said, his gaze fixed to the viewscreen as the Scavenger moved closer to the extraordinary sight.
Filling his vision was a void of Badlands... Actual stars could be seen through what could only be described as a giant tear in the very fabric of the plasma storms. Rough edges kept the purpley-orange nature of the Badlands far away from the peace of the star-filled vacuum through the hole.

"Report!" Luke yelled.

"We've got nothing." Paikea replied from Science, clearly slightly disturbed by this fact. "I can't get a scan on anything through that... thing..."

"Luke..." Max said quietly from Helm. "Main viewer..."

Luke turned round and felt his stomach writhe, ships were coming through... A whole lot of ships...

"I am detecting weapons lock from all approaching unknown vessels." Tactical reported.
Luke faltered momentarily, deju vou clouding his judgement but within seconds he had taken control of his scences.

"Battle Stations, all decks prepare for combat situation."

<TAG All>

[Deleted]

"At ease," Parsons said as Hunter handed him the PADD. The marine officer then headed to the bridge as XO finished looking over the security measures that would be in place during the mission.

Looking up to Lieutenant Tarapik, "This looks very good....however, I would like additional security assigned to Main Engineering if there is not going to be a marine presence.

<TAG Tarapik>

"Captain Drago to Commander Parsons, please report to the Battle-ready section and prepare to take Command on my order. Immediate separation may be required. Assign Commander Dunsmore and Lieutenant Tarapik to your command."

"Aye, Captain, we are on our way," Parsons replied, wondering what was in store.

"You heard the Captain, Mr. Tarapik, you are with me." With that the two officers exited the holodeck and headed for the battle ready section bridge.

"Very good, report in as soon as you are ready. Drago out."

"Parsons to Dunsmore, please report to the battle ready section."

The FO was on the battle ready section and almost to the bridge when the wailing of the proximity alarm began. Parsons and Tarapik looked at each other and began to run to the bridge area. As they reached the door, the ship shook, throwing them against the bulkheads.

Parsons and Tarapik watched in horror on their screens on the battle section bridge as the news of the Orlandos fate came in.

The two officers then watched as the anomaly became visible on their view screen, by now other junior officers had filtered into their stations. They continued to monitor the situation from their location.

Commander Dunsmore reported in that he was now on the battle section and Parsons acknowledged.

"Sir, tactical shows we have incoming unidentified vessels," Tarapik reported. Then Captain Drago's voice was heard throughout the ship. "Battle Stations, all decks prepare for combat situation."

[williamhunter]

"Thank you Captain. Please take Ops and at the first available oppurtunity give me an update on Ship systems." said Captain Drago.

William walked to the counsil of the Ops en run a security check on the system on the ship.


"Captain!. All sytems ready, Sir" Said william Hunter.

< Tag All >

[tarapik]

Tarapik saluted Hunter, accepting the offer to conduct the inspection, and stepped toward the marine rank. "Prepare for inspe-ection!" he shouted abruptly. As the men stood at attention he stepped toward their executive officer and saluted. The lieutenant responded. The Vulcan put out his hands and said: "Personal arms - for inspection!"

Tarapik took the gun off Baker's hands and quickly removed the magazine, then dismantled the weapons and thoroughly inspected each part. Three quick moves later, it was whole again and its butt was leaned against Tarapk's shoulder. He ran a level-5 diagnostic through the weapon's systems and then returned it to its owner, nodding.

As he was stepping toward the next marine, the first officer entered the holodeck. The Vulcan stood at attention and when he was released, said: Lieutenant Baker, you should take over the inspection."

adamparsons said:

Looking up to Lieutenant Tarapik, "This looks very good....however, I would like additional security assigned to Main Engineering if there is not going to be a marine presence.

"Yes sir," responded the Vulcan responded, "I will make the necessary corrections after the training." As he stepped toward his officers to give orders, Hunter left. Tarapik shrugged and carried on.

A bit later, as a priority message came from the bridge. "You heard the Captain, Mr. Tarapik, you are with me." The Vulcan nodded and turned toward his men: "We are now on security alert. Maintain your assigned positions. Sporekum, take tactical on main bridge." he said. Then he left the holodeck after the XO.

After entering the battle-section bridge, Tarapik quickly took the tactical stations and turned sensors on. "Sir, tactical shows we have incoming unidentified vessels," Tarapik reported. Then Captain Drago's voice was heard throughout the ship. "Battle Stations, all decks prepare for combat situation."

Tarapik ran his fingers through the console. "Battle stations ordered, sir," he reported, "we are in condition for battle and ready for separation, if need be."

<Tag Parsons>

[Paikea Apirana]

Captain Drago took Pai's advice and ordered the Scavenger deep into the badlands. Almost instantly he could feel the strain on the ship. The ships shields would be able to deflect the plasma discharges, but the continuous strain on them would soon become apparent.

"How long can we sustain optimum efficiency in the Badlands Commander?" He asked.

"Sir at most we have seven hours plus or minus a few minutes," Paikea reported as he continued with his scans. The Scavenger would need to stop two hours in to assure them enough time to get out safely. About 25 thousand Km in, Paikea's sensors picked up something very strange. Something that didn't belong. It didn't take long for him to discover that they were warp signatures.

"Captain..." Paikea said from his Station. "I am picking up extremely strange readings, approximately 1 million Km from here."

"The Transip and Orlandos?" Luke asked."Could it be a sensor glitch?"

"Negative sir." Paikea replied. "I have readjusted the sensors to read through the plasma storms, there will be some slight hiccups but nothing this big." He didn't know of anyone who could sustain so many ships in this environment. If they could sustain this environment it was very likely that they knew about the Orlandos and the Transip.

"What are your thoughts Paikea?"

"Sir, I've never seen so many ships inside the Badlands before, I've already read over thirty ships coming out of of nowhere. The ships configuration has never been encountered by anyone. These people, who ever they are, don't belong here sir."

Both mens interest peaked, Captain Drago ordered Commander Bower to change course, not before he ordered the complete battle readiness of the entire ship. As they approached the unusual readings the proximity alarms came on line. A second later, Paikea found himself on the ground his head hurting from the impact.

"Report!" Luke said, as someone quickly disabled the alarm, knowing how aggravated it caused Luke to become.

"It appears that some sort of wreckage impacted the aft half of the saucer section. No major damage." Paikea reported as he continued to scan the object that they had just impacted upon. It didn't take long for his sensors to determine that they had collided with a ship. He didn't any help from the sensors to determine what ship it was. He knew the Galaxy class designs anywhere. He felt sick to his stomach.

"Can scans tell us what it is?" Luke asked, sitting down in the center chair, very aware he nearly fell down moments before."

"It appears to be from a Federation vessel consistent with Galaxy class hull designs." He replied, continuing with his scans. "Sir, it has the registration." He added, his voice quieter.

"And?!" Luke snapped.

"It was the Orlandos sir, there is no way anyone survived," Paikea replied even quieter than before. It was impossible for anyone to survive the natural environment of the Badlands, but he scanned for survivors nonetheless. If there was a slim chance to find someone alive they should try.

"Sir, the energy signature we picked up has just expanded. We are now only minutes away from it." Max reported.

"Affirmative sir, the energy signature has expanded by 43 thousand Km," Paikea reported," it continues to expand."

When visual contact was confirmed, none could believe there eyes. What they saw was impossible, it couldn't happen, but here they were looking into a widening hole that led to the unknown.

"Sir that is not supposed to be there," Paikea said in awe," its scientifically impossible sir."

"Report"

"We've got nothing." Paikea replied from Science, clearly slightly disturbed by this fact. "I can't get a scan on anything through that... thing..."

The only thing he knew about the opening was the fact that many ships were coming out of it. His scans told him that the ships were definately not used for science.

"I am detecting weapons lock from all approaching unknown vessels." Tactical reported.

"Confirmmed sir, all ships have a lock on our warp nacelles," Paikea reported.

"Battle Stations, all decks prepare for combat situation."

The bridge crew immediately took there positions ready to meet the enemy. They were all veterans in warfare, but the sheer number of ships wouldn't allow them the advantage. Paikea hesistated recommending deploying the fighters, since they lacked the protection necessary the pilots.

"Sir they are firing," Paikea reported.

[tintagel]

“Apirana to Tintagel, we are about to enter the badlands” Paikea said over the comm wanting sickbay to be ready for any ill effects their current environment might have on the crew.

Illito smiled softly. “Yes, I'm aware of that,” she said. “By Captain Drago's orders I'm still on the bridge.” But she notified Lieutenant Avel of the updating situation. She wasn't sure whether she was still wanted on the bridge or not, since people seemed to keep expecting her to be in sickbay. It was like they recognized that she belonged there.

But then Illito felt the ship shaking and Drago assigned orders, “Commander Tintagel, ready yourself for Bridge casualties and assign Officers to the Battle-ready section.”

“Yes sir,” she replied, taking out the items that that would be more helpful for this medical situation and laying them out on top of her console, so they'd be 100% ready when, not if, she needed them. She also took out her tricorder, setting it to monitor her own lifesigns and the bridge environment, she could use as much advance warning as she could get.

Illito didn't do very many more preparations, because suddenly the bridge got quieter and the image on the viewscreen changed to something far more terrifying. Illito didn't like battle situations, which was likely true of everyone on the bridge, but she knew what she had to do. Which was mostly prepare for other people to be injured. She was still shocked by the Orlandos' destruction, but she knew how to submerge the feeling of despair for a little longer.

[williamhunter]

Hunter get the information on his counsel, that all sytems are ready. Also that the Fire team and the Security teams are on the tactical places on the ship the are ready for battle. He was very nervious, This is his first battle, He wait for the orders from the Captain.

"Captain, All Fire team are on the Tactical position in the ship and are ready for orders." Said William Hunter.

< Tag All >

[Deleted]

The third barrage of missile fire impacted the Scavenger's shields, small fires had broken out on the Bridge already but were under control. Casualty reports were coming in from all decks and they had lost all contact with the Battle-ready section that had seperated from the main hull only minutes before.

"Sir, three of the lead ships are coming round for another attack."

"Brace for impact" Luke yelled just seconds before the weapons made contact with the already weakened shields.

"Captain, that took out the auxilary power generators, and main power is failing. This needs to end soon!" Hunter yelled from Ops.

Luke ran over to Tactical, removing the Officer who was there. "Get to Sickbay." He ordered the Lieutenant whose face was already scarred by the effects of the short battle.
"Max!" Luke yelled over the din. "I need you to head for the void where the Ships came through. There is no way our shields can withstand the effects of the Badlands and this continued fire!" He ordered as he sent another volley of fire towards the enemy vessels.

"Sir, our fire appears to be having limited effect on the enemy craft and I would not recommend entereing that void without knowing what it is." Paikea commented, his voice barely audiable over the noise of the groaning Scavenger, wailing alarms and weapons fire.

"We don't have a choice Commander!" Luke yelled back. "Max, move us into the void. NOW!"

As he yelled this order the Scavenger was sent lurching once again, Luke fell to the floor as did several other Officers, fires once again burst forth on the Bridge and several new alarms joined the chaos.

"Captain, we have lost all communications and life support on decks 4, 7 and 11." Hunter reported.
Luke grabbed the Tactical console and pulled himself up, he could feel blood flowing freely from an open wound, taste the bitterness in his mouth.

"Shields are done to 23%" He said to no-one in particular. As he did this he felt someones hands on his shoulders and turned round to see the Doctor trying to do all that she could for his head wound.

"No time for that now Doctor!" Luke yelled over the noise of another enemy fire contact.

"Shields have been lost on the aft section Sir!" Hunter yelled.

"Rotating frequencies to compensate!" Luke called back.

"We have entered the void Captain." Max said from the helm. The Bridge was now eerily quiet, no weapons fire filled their ears and the Scavenger was no longer under such stress from the Badlands. Luke took this brief respite as God-sent and immediately set about reviewing the situation.

"Paikea I need you to get me all the information you can on where the hell we are." He said quickly. "All other departments report in immediately!"

"The navigation array is totally shot Luke." Max replied. "I'm using the old fashioned way to get us around and I think the links between here and Engineering may have been damaged, the controls aren't responding as quickly which means I'm wasting time trying to predict three or four steps ahead where we need to be."

Luke frowned, looking over his friends shoulder. "You're doing a great job Max, we have no way of contacting Engineering so you're just going to have to make the best of this situation."
"All other departments!" He snapped. "And what is the location of the Battle-ready section? Did they follow us through?"

<TAG All>

[Deleted]

"Battle stations ordered, sir," Tarapik reported, "we are in condition for battle and ready for separation, if need be."

"Very good, Lieutenant," Parsons responded.

A report came from the main bridge that wreckage impacted the aft half of the saucer section with no major damage.

Soon the viewer was filled with a widening hole that led to the unknown.

Tarapik reported multiple ships on tactical sensors and a few seconds later a tactical lock by all approaching unknown vessels.

"Battle Stations, all decks prepare for combat situation," again rang out throughout the ship.

"Sir they are firing," Tarapik reported.

"Lock weapons on the aggressor and brace for impact," Parsons ordered. The battle section was still attached to Scavenger, but the XO had no intention of standing by while the ship was forced into combat. Parsons turned to the Conn officer, "Emergency sever! Blow the airlocks and veer starboard now!" The Battle-ready section separated only seconds before a third barrage of missile fire impacted the Scavenger's shields.

The Battle Section was relatively unscathed and fired on the attacking ship as it came about. "Direct hit on the enemy vessel, Commander," reported Tarapik from tactical.

"Very good, stay on 'em. Don't let them breath."

"Sir, three of the lead ships are coming round for another attack on Scavenger."

"Stay with our current target, Lieutenant, I wanna see debris," Parsons barked.

Seconds later the ship the Battle Ready Section was pursuing burst into dust and wreckage. "Now Ensign, the XO ordered, bring us about. Mr. Tarapik, target the ships attacking Scavenger and fire at will."

"Sir, Scavenger is in bad shape, main power is fluctuating," another junior officer reported from a sensor station. "Sir, Scavenger is heading straight for the void."

"Follow them in, continue firing all weapons, we need to draw some of the enemy's fire," Parsons said standing from his command chair.

Scavenger made it through the void and the Battle Ready Section did behind them taking moderate fire from the enemy, but they were in better shape than Scavenger.

<TAG Tarapik and others>

[Paikea Apirana]

"Paikea I need you to get me all the information you can on where the hell we are." He said quickly. "All other departments report in immediately!"

That was the order that he was concentrating on. He could not allow himself to feel anything else. He had heard the reports given out and could feel the Scavenger shake under the barrage of fire, but he didn't let it affect him. It didn't take long for him to realize that they were no longer in the same universe. All the readings mirrored that of there own universe.

In that second, he made the sickening realization that they were in the so called "Mirror Universe". A place where everything you knew was right was gone. A place where you had a better chance of being killed by a friend than a foe.

"Captain we're in the Mirror universe," Paikea said feeling the tension level on the bridge rise as he said the words.

(Luke)

"Sir I can also verify that the battle ready section made it through, but they are also recieving heavy damage," Paikea reported," and my scans report more ships decloaking off our port bow."

(Luke and all others)

[Deleted]

Luke's stomach lurched as Paikea gave his report.
The Mirror Universe... The last time he had ended up here did not prove to be an enjoyable experience... In fact this place was the first step towards the hardening of Luke's soul...
He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, this was no time to lose concentration. He had to remain focussed, get the crew back to their Universe.

"Resume Battle Stations!" Luke ordered as he was informed of the decloaking vessels.
"How many are we facing now?"

<TAG Paikea>

Luke swallowed hard. That number was overwhelming...

"Mr. Bower, prepare for emergency maneuvers.
Mr. Hunter, I need you to try and restore communications, we have to restore contact with the rest of the ship and the Battle-Ready section."

<TAG Hunter>

Luke paced the Bridge, so far the decloaked vessels had yet to attack... The waiting was not a pleasant experience.

"I am detecting weapons lock from all conflicting vessels." Paikea reported.

"Attack pattern Alpha 1, keep us moving Max." Luke said, his voice remaining steady despite the turmoil that raged within.

The Scavenger began to rock under heavy fire, they couldn't move fast enough to avoid the fire from their surrounding foes, nor could they keep a target lock on any particular vessel.

"This is absurd!" Max yelled from the Helm. "There is no way we're going to get..."

An explosion cut across Bower's remarks, fire burst forth on the Bridge and screams could be heard above the groaning Scavenger and screaching klaxons.
Luke looked up from his position on the floor and swore. He could feel something lodged into his back and attempted to move his legs, he could...
This established he got to his feet and quickly looked round the Bridge, barely able to see for the smoke that filled the room.

"Report!" He yelled.

"They took out our sheild generators!" Paikea yelled, now on Tactical, abandoning any hope of being able to use his beloved sensors. "We've lost power to the phaser arrays and the torpedoes are being fired blind."

"And Commander Parsons' team?" Luke asked over the noise.

<TAG Paikea>

Luke frowned. This was it. Once again.

"Lock the weapons on a continual firing spread, make sure it can't stop until every torpedo has been launched." Luke ordered.
"Hunter, do we have comms?!"

<TAG Hunter>

"That's one small piece of good news..." He muttered to himself as the Scavenger buckled again.

"Sir, that just blew out environmental controls. Life support is failing on all decks, many are open to vaccum."

"Give the order damn it Luke!" Max said picking himself up off the floor, grabbing Luke's shoulders and staring at him. His eyes locking contact with Luke's own.
Luke turned away...

"Open a channel to all decks, including the Battle-ready Section." He ordered, Max still gripping his shoulders.
The Scavenger tossed and turned in space, he could feel her breaking up beneath him. They had very little time.

"Torpedoes are depleted Sir!" Paikea said with resignation.

"All crew, this is the Captain, emergency evacuation. Man all life-pods and get back through that void!"

The computer immediately began to blare out another alarm, this time automatically instigated by the order to abandon ship.

"All Senior Staff, get to the Runabouts, we're not done here!"
Max looked at Luke, his eyes quizzing him. "That void is still open Commander." He replied, now screaming over the noise. "We have to close it, to stop whatever purpose these ships have.
Go with Illito and Hunter Max. Get to the Runabouts and try and find a safe place to stay until we can all meet up."

"Sir, the Engineering Section has breached, we have only minutes until the Core goes critical!" Paikea yelled.

Luke began to pray, hard, for his crew and that Parsons, Tarapik and Dunsmore were planning an evac of their own.

As what was left of the Bridge crew fled to the pods and runabouts Luke gazed round the command centre of the Scavenger that was now literally in pieces.

"It's time to go Captain!" Paikea cried out as yet more volleys of fire barraged against the hull."
Drago ignored him, one more Ship, one more crew.

"Luke! It is time to GO!" He said, now practically dragging his CO to the turbolift that would hopefully take them to Shutlebay...

...

As the two of them climbed into the Runabout and Luke powered up the ships systems they both glanced back at the chaos.
The small vessel was roughly shoved from the Scavenger as the last few phaser blasts finished her off.
As the Runabout fled from the scene, the two Officers turned round more time and watched as the Scavengers hull collapsed in on itself... The breach finishing her off...
The Runabout was sent catapulting off by the explosion, forcing Luke's head into the console in front of him.
His last thoughts were of the destruction that had lay before him, before he lost consciouness and darkness swirled about him.

<TAG All>