USS UNICORN

Mission 2 -- A Better Part of Valor

STOAT has received information that a new Dominion threat is lurking close to Federation borders. The Dominion has formed their own special operations team, known as the Sect. STOAT is currently underway on a fleet-wide mission to combat this threat before Dominion forces attack Federation space.

Mission Briefing

$---A Better Part of Valor---$

McAllister met Yeoman Layna Sanders outside of the briefing room.  Layna saw
the scowl on her Captain's face and knew better than to ask any questions.

McAllister:    *reviewing data on a PADD*    When we get back to the
Unicorn, set the briefing room up -- have plenty of coffee available and get
some quick-sober pills from Sickbay.

Sanders:    *disappointed*    I take it shore leave is cancelled, sir?

McAllister:    That's correct.  *noticing Layna's disappointed look, he
forced a smile*    Don't take it so hard, Yeoman.  After this mission, there
will be plenty of time for R&R.    *if we make it back, he thought, but did
not add.*

Sanders:    *brightening*    Yes, sir.

They enter a lift which would take them to the Unicorn's docking ring.  As
the doors began to close, McAllister heard a female voice call out:

DevRoy:    Hold the lift!

McAllister:    Computer, hold doors.

The lift doors reopened to admit a tall young woman with striking jade green
eyes into the lift.  She wore an obviously new STOAT uniform with the
sciences-blue trim, and the rank devices of a full Lieutenant.  The lady
appeared to be a bit harried, and was carrying  a standard issue duffel.

DevRoy:    Thanks.    *glancing from Sanders to McAllister*    I mean,
thank-you, sir.

McAllister:    *smiling*    You're welcome, Lieutenant.  Where are you
headed?

DevRoy:    To the Unicorn, sir.  *with pride*    I'm to be her new CMO!

McAllister:    You must be Lieutenant DevRoy.

DevRoy:    Captain McAllister?  *standing straighter*    Yes, sir!  I am Lt.
Lyris DevRoy.

McAllister:    At ease, Lt.  We're in a lift -- and not going anywhere.
Computer, resume.    *To Sanders*    Lieutenant, this is my yeoman, Petty
Officer Layna Sanders.  Layna, could you show the Lt. to her quarters?

Sanders:    *very professional*    Aye, sir.

McAllister:    How was your trip out, Lyris?

DevRoy:    Very tiring, sir.  It was a longer voyage then I had originally
thought.

McAllister:    Unfortunately, you'll have little time to rest -- we will be
shipping out soon.  It will be good to have a counselor abroad for this
mission, I think.

DevRoy:    Why is that, sir?

McAllister:    All in good time, Lieutenant.  Let's get you settled first.
There will be a briefing as soon as we can gather the senior staff together.

DevRoy:    Yes, sir.

The lift stopped, the doors opened.  McAllister led the way to the Unicorn's
docking ring.

McAllister:    Lieutenant, as soon as you drop your stuff off, come see me
on the Bridge.  Layna, give her the nickel tour, then get started on that
assignment.

Sanders:    Aye, sir.  This way, Lieutenant.    *heading toward Sickbay as
McAllister heads for the bridge*

DevRoy:    Call me Lyris.

Sanders:    I'm sorry, sir -- no can do.  Captain McAllister is a bit
particular about protocol.  Not a bad man to work for, but he runs a tight
ship.

DevRoy:    Of course.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to place you in an ackward
position.

Sanders:    *smiling*    'Tis alright, no harm done.

<Bridge>

As McAllister exited the lift onto the bridge of the Unicorn, the marine on
guard announced:

Marine (NPC):    Captain on the Bridge.

McAllister:    *automatically*    As you where.    *does double take, sees
one marine and one security officer on guard, glances over at his executive
officer, Lt. Commander David Smith.

Smith:    *grinning*    There was a running debate -- when we were short
security personnel, the marines  -- what was the phrase Cpt. Lanor used? --
"watched your six."  They considered the post to be a point of honor.  Our
new Security Chief demanded that protocol be observed and the marines stick
to "pounding sand," I believe is how she put it.  I settled the dispute by
giving you bookends.

McAllister:    *chuckling*    I see.  A wise decision, XO.  And where is our
new Security Chief?

Smith:    Touring the brig.  Then she's going down to find Bigs -- he hasn't
configured her station yet.  Of course, he only received the request five
minutes ago, and he's not even on board.

McAllister:    *taking his seat*    XO, we;have got a mission, and I don't
like it at all.  It's another of those rush in and get shot up deals, but
this time we need to win, and win big.  I have the bridge.

Smith:    Captain has the bridge.    *takes his seat*

McAllister:    Mister Johnson, contact all crew on board Dante.  Sound the
recall.

Lt(jg) Johnson, OPS (NPC):    Aye, sir.

McAllister:    Helm, set course for these coordinates *taps coordinates into
his command console* and make ready to get underway.

Helm (NPC):    Coordinates received and plotted, sir.

McAllister:    Very well.    *Stands*    XO, I'll want to see the senior
staff in briefing in thirty minutes.  You have the bridge.

Smith:    They'll be there.  I have the bridge.

<Main Briefing Room, 30 minutes later>

An odd assortment of some rather rugged looking officers greeted McAllister
as he entered from his Ready Room.

Sanders:    Attention on deck!

McAllister:    As you were.

During the Captain's usual morning briefings, a buffet was available.
Sanders had chosen wisely, however, in making sure only coffee, water and
light refreshment were available for a crew pulled off of leave on short
notice.

McAllister:    There are some new faces here, so let's have some
introductions before we begin.    *Stands behind Lyris' chair*    Lieutenant
Lyris DevRoy has joined us as Counselor and Chief Medical Officer.  She will
be replacing Dr. Wakako in that capacity.  Lt. Wakako will remain with us,
assigned to our marine detachment as their medical officer.

McAllister:    *nods at Cpt.  Dyral Lanor*    Captain Lanor, congratulations
on your new assignment.  *to all*    Cpt. Lanor is now the Company Commander
for Unicorn Company, 17/th Marine Regiment, assigned to the Unicorn.  That
accounts for all the new green shirts you've seen running around here
lately.

*mummers of congratulations, Lanor accepts with professional pride*

McAllister moved to stand behind a very small woman who looked all the world
like a mythical fairy.

McAllister:    Lieutenant Kira Malsten has joined us as Chief of Security
*glances with glee at Bigs and Lanor*    as some of you have already
learned.    *Moves again to stand behind a large Klingon in marine green*
And 2Lt. Lessonar has come aboard to assist Cpt. Lanor with whipping those
new recruits into shape.

McAllister finally made it to his own seat, accepting a mug of coffee from
Yeoman Sanders.

McAllister:    Ladies and Gentlemen, we have another mission, ver similar to
the last one in that we're going quickly into harm's way with little to no
intelligence.  A new and potentially overwhelming Dominion threat has been
discovered, and all of STOAT is mobilizing to meet this threat.  The
Dominion has formed their own little covert group, and rumor has it they're
getting ready to launch an offensive from here.

McAllister nodded at Layna, who activated a holographic projection of Rura
Penthe.

McAllister:    This is our target.  Defenses are currently unknown, but
several enhanced versions of the usual Jem'Hadr toys are expected to make
our job harder then it would normally be.  I've transferred all know
information regarding this mission to your personal databases, study it
well.  The Anti-Krazzle Strike Team will form up to the rear of our fleet.
Our job is to make sure nothing gets us from behind on the way there.  Cpt.
Lanor, your marines are on stand-by for this mission, but I'd get started on
drilling both ground and boarding assaults.

Lanor:    Aye aye, sir.

McAllister:    Commander Duke, I want the Unicorn running at top
efficiency -- make sure the weapons stores are toped off ASAP.  Make sure
you get the shield down time after firing the phaser cannon down  to an
absolute minimum.

Lt. Commander "Bigs" Duke, Chief Engineer:    Count on it, Cap'n.

McAllister:    Lieutenant DevRoy, prepare for causalities.  This won't be a
cake walk.  Make sure your EMS teams are ready and don't be afraid to take
advice from the LMH -- that's what she's there for.

DevRoy:    I talked with "Dr. Crusher" briefly before the meeting sir.  She
had several good ideas I've already instructed her to implement.

McAllister:    Very well.  Lieutenant Malsten -- the Unicorn is a good ship.
It's your job to keep her fighting.    Prepare some battle plans for both
fleet defense and orbital assault.  Your better ideas go straight to the
top, so make it good.

Malsten:    Yes, sir!

McAllister:    Very well.  Lot's of work, and little time.  As soon as the
last of the supplies and crew replacements are on board, we're leaving Dante
to from up with the fleet.  Dismissed.

All of those present made their way to their own departments, but Commander
Smith, stayed behind.

McAllister:    *when the room cleared*    I know what your thinking, XO.

Smith:    *nods in agreement*    What about the Krazzle infiltration?

McAllister:    Command has been notified.  I've received no specific
instructions, but I presume that's why our marine force was left out of the
initial assault planning -- and it may be why we're at the rear of the
procession.

Smith:    That may just be the luck of the draw.

McAllister:    True -- someone has to be guarding the rear.  I want you to
concentrate on the Krazzle angle, XO.  If there are additional agents on
this ship, I want them found,and tossed in the brig.  Alive.  I'm sure Kira
would enjoy questioning a traitor or two.

OFF:

P.D. McAllister
Capt., USS Unicorn
Commanding

Don?t Drop the Soap, Were covering the Rear!

<<Engineering Section>>
USS Unicorn 4 hours after the meeting:

ON:

Stynt: peering at the Dilithium Array power distribution board carefully
with a Phacet?s Gauge, ?OK Bigs you were right we don?t have to lose
shields to fire full phasors if we build up power to the Dilithium
Batteries and use them to maintain Shields temporarily while were firing.
That means the Captain can fire and the shields stay at full power or at
least maintain their present state whatever it is.?

Duke: ?Yep whoever did the design specs like this couldn?t pour water out
of a boot with instructions on the heel. Imagine designing a ship that
loses shields every time it fires. That means if were under continuous fire
we can?t hit back except for torpedoes. That has to be the dumbest thing I
ever heard! A nice side affect to this change is that as long as we have
power in the Dilithium batteries we can give the Unicorn shields even if we
lose full power here. Hand me that Spartosky relay.?

Stynt: hands Duke the relay and watches him quickly make the connections.
?So that?s why you ordered extra batteries before leaving Starbase and you
been storing them near critical devices all over the ship. I noticed you
were tying them into redundant relays as well.?

Duke: making the final connection and closing the panel. ?Yep, we ain?t
seen these Dreadnoughts yet but if the main power feed is cut anywhere then
the battery automatically takes over ships functions and it can run up to
eight hours on the battery in each section. Works good if were disabled but
if were blown away it won?t mean a thing.?

Stynt: Locking the panel down under security codes that Lanor had installed
throughout the ship. ?These panels are a good idea you need special code to
make them work and anyone trying to bypass the code just blows up the
relays. What?s next??

Duke: ?Yeah we installed them on all the critical ships functions and even
on the shuttlecraft. People can take Engineering or Life support but it
will take them hours to rewire in new panels and then it has to match the
non standard key configurations we put in. All ships officers have the
bypass code and only ships officers and each man has a constantly changing
code based on the Brownian motion of atoms from a complete M.Ed. scan from
Dr. Wakako of each persons body. The sensors read your whole body scan
which constantly changes as well. Each person has to actually type in their
access standing in front of the panel or it still don?t work. That Doc is
one slick customer, I never thought of that so I was glad he was assigned
to the Marines. Next we look at the phasor array.?

Stynt: gathering up the tools, ?Just going to check them out??

Duke: ?Nope already did that after the last battle. I want to improve the
throughput on their power to mass ratio. Do you realize it took several
shots at full power to go through a shuttlecrafts shields? At that rate we
would be atoms against a larger ship. Those arrays must have come from Toys
R Us. When those things touch off this time I want them to have some power.
Especially now that it won?t be pulling from ships shields at all. We can
pull a full burst directly from ships engines and then use a Venturi Power
Focus Crystal to feed a very thin continuous burst that will triple the
original power.?

Stynt dubious, ?Can the ships circuits and arrays handle that kind of
power??

Duke: nodding, ?Sure can son, the plasma conduit?s already feed double the
power were going to be using. The trick is to not have the beam attenuate
over distance. The Super focus of the Venturi Crystal is used in most
Capital ships anyway, has been for years. Especially ships of the Defiant
class, you notice how it burst fires continuously??

Stynt: confused, ?Then why didn?t they put it on here in the first place??

Duke: laughs ?Cost son, Ships this size aren?t made to have the range and
power of a Capital Ship phasor array. Each of these puppies costs Big Cred.
And we needed enough for five linear and two fixed focus arrays.  That many
Venturi?s effectively doubles the cost of this whole ship.?

Stynt: shocked, ?They that big? Where would you put them? How did you ever
get your hands on them??

Duke: smiling, ?Not big son, actually there very small, miniaturization
makes everything expensive. These things are the size of a heavy coffee mug
and just as breakable. They fit just outside the main power transformer of
each gun. They take the power and bounce it back and forth through two
mirrors inside past a magnifier. The mirrors are curved to focus the beam
tighter and the bouncing and heat builds pretty fast. The beam escapes
through a thinner mirror and strikes a series of super focused lenses and
out the barrel she goes. They used the same trick on Lasers in the
twentieth century so it ain?t exactly new tech. Gives your arrays a
hellacious throughput. The best part is the extra heat build up actually
becomes part of the beam power so the arrays don?t overheat. The only way
someone knows it?s there is when the beam hits the target or somebody tears
the gun down.?

Stynt: thinking, ?I see pretty simple device but how did you ever lay hands
on that many of them. You stole them didn?t you. The Captain is going to be
really fried at you Bigs. You?re already in trouble with him.?

Duke: laughing, ?Not guilty this time but I thought Sanders might have
tumbled to what I was doing when Lanor got his promotion. That boy owes
this ship a wet down, it?s tradition when you get promoted??

Stynt: not to be denied, ?Bigs?????

Duke: ?OK son, I went to the bone pile. Lots of ships get decommissioned
and sent to salvage or reserve yards. Many of the parts are stripped out of
them. Most new ships want new crystals so they don?t go there much unless
they need a part they can?t find. Right after we got back I sent for those
and since we don?t really exist except in a STOAT database they figured we
were a NEW Capital ship not commissioned yet. They sent them right to us by
fast courier. Real nice of those boys, I sent back a nice personal Thank
You for Admiral Jarovik.?

Stynt: Shocked and alarmed, ?You forged the Admirals signature!?

Duke: False innocence, ?OF course not! I signed my own name but told them
the Admiral has spoken well of their dedication and fine support to line
units. I am sure the Admiral must have said something nice about the supply
boys sometime. You have to keep up morale you know. If he didn?t then I
just helped him out by performing this small task for him. He can have the
credit. I don?t mind.?

Stynt: laughing so hard he can hardly breathe. ?You think the Admiral will
see it the way you do??

Duke: surprised, ?Why not? The Admiral wants every ship in top shape he
would have done the same thing if he had the time. Man?s got to run a fleet
you know, he can?t do everything. It?s our duty?..Yes Duty, to help him
out.?

Stynt: still laughing, ?I suppose Lanor got something out of this too??

Duke: slyly, ?Well I do have to help the Jarhead out every now and again
you know and it was only right we got some stuff for him too.?

Stynt: in anticipation, ?Well??

Duke: reluctantly ?Well, He needed some mortars for his mortar teams and
some smart missiles for a heavy weapons unit.? Justifying, ?But I did
remind him which way the barrel points?.?

OFF:

Lt. CMDR Wayne ?BIGS? Duke

The Rear Guard is Us.

USS Unicorn - Marine Briefing Room

ON:

The briefing room was spartan only the conference table held any real
features as the holomap of the ship floated above the table.

Lessonar: lecturing, "And we will place reserve forces here and here.  That
will allow us to have no less than 10 marines in full battle gear anywhere
on the ship 2 minutes after the red alert sounds.  Within 20 minutes we will
all be in our positions with 1/2 on guard and 1/2 on ready reserve.  With
the interior batteries installed by the chief engineer, security will be
able to place force shields anywhere in the ship to prevent enemy advance
without draining ships power.  With 1 minute notice we can have 1/2 the
force ready for transport to other ships either as assualt troops or
reenforcements as the Capt decides."  closes his pointer and sits.

Lanor: "Very good Lt.  I see you coordinated with the ships security as
well.  What are their feelings on this?"

Lessonar: "Sir they are not happy with our plans.  However, they acknowledge
that our equipment is infintely better than theirs and that on a real
boarding attack they would meerly be cannon fodder.  To account for this
they will hold critical areas such as Engineering, Life Support, and the
Bridge with minimum support from us.  This will provide them an advantage in
position to make up for their lack of equipment.  I have recommended that we
replicate and modifiy the armor and weapons you provided for our company and
supply them in order to bring them up to our strength."

Lanor: "Yes, I saw that and I will have to deny that request." Holding up
his hand. "For two very important reasons. 1) the equipment is... special
and can't be easily replicated, it has to be hand made and that would take
forever.  2) the security personnel, except for the fairy, were chosen by
Commander Uno.  While I am sure that most if not all of them are good and
loyal people.  The chance that one of them is not is to great to allow our
highest tech combat armor and weapons to fall into enemy hands.  Technically
speaking we aren't even suppose to have it.   However, my last command
before my 'death' and transfer to STOAT was to ship the special R&D stuff
here so I wouldn't have to face inferrior warriors with supperior technology
again."
Turns to Sarge. "How are the suprise packages coming?"

Sarge: "Mr. Stynt has done an excellent job.  We now have 103 flash/bang and
41 frag bombs.  We have had to halt production while on mission but we
should be able to start again when we return.  I have talked to all the
transporter opperators and they have the bombs locked in.  Next time the
enemy will get a much nastier surprise before we are beamed into the middle
of them."

Lanor: "Very good.  Any questions?  Yes, corporal."

Corproal Best: "Sir, the heavy weapons teams haven't been given an
assignment."

Lanor: Smiles, "Well Corproal Best Starfleet frowns on fireing heavy weapons
inside of ships hulls.  I personnally don't see the problem but then all of
my personnel have vac suits on.  The rest of the crew doesn't see it that
way.  Don't worry.  Your job will be a big surprise to the enemy."  Nods to
Lessonar.

Lessonar: standing again. "We have found 4 positions on the ship that are
extremely criticial to movement.  We will set up the heavy weapons at these
positions to prevent the enemy from easily accessing the ship.  The heavy
beam phasors will also be equiped with mini gatling mass drivers in case of
Borg shielded invasion.  It may turn out that these are your primary weapons
since their rounds will not penatrate the outer hull while phasors will most
certainly do so if not used with extreme caution."  Sits again.

Lanor: "Any more questions. Yes private smith."

Private Smith: "Yes sir, why did the capt say. " Pushes a button a recording
starts.

"McAllister's voice:   ' Very well.  Lieutenant Malsten -- the Unicorn is a
good ship.
It's your job to keep her fighting.    Prepare some battle plans for both
fleet defense and orbital assault.  Your better ideas go straight to the
top, so make it good.'

Kira Malsten:   ' Yes, sir!"

Lanor: instantly slams the stop button and signals a security man. "MR. that
does not exist and you will NOT mention it again is that understood?"
glares around the room.  "As to your question about why the Capt assigned
our Chief of Security to prepare battle plans for the fleet and an orbital
assualt... I don't know.  I believe that our head of Security may be a
little bit more than she appears.  However, that is my problem and NONE of
you are to look into it further." Turns his eyes to Lessonar. "ESPECIALLY
you.  I am very specifically ordering you NOT to look into this.  Do you
understand?"

Lessonar: face straight, "I will act with honor, Sir"

Lanor: "Very good gentlemen.  You have your orders and you know your jobs.
Remember, if I were a Krazzle watching our entire fleet sail away into the
great nothingness.  I would chose now to attack.  So keep your eyes open and
your wits about you."

OFF

Capt Lanor - USS Unicorn.

$---Into Harm's Way---$

<USS Unicorn, Bridge>

So far so good, but then again, the had just left the base.  Murphy's Law
hadn't  kicked in yet.  McAllister sat in his command chair, wishing once
again for an older style bridge -- he wasn't used to having a console in
front of him, and had to fight the desire to keep putting his feet up. The
alpha shift was at their posts, and McAllister could tell from the
tell-tales on his board that they were all running system checks and what-if
drills.

His thoughts returned to the senior staff's usual morning briefing.

<Main Briefing Room, earlier>

McAllister had broken with tradition this morning, arriving early, and being
seated eating his ham and eggs as the staff filtered in.  Most became wary
immediately on noticing him, but McAllister greeted each officer by name,
with a smile, and waved them to the buffet, all while continuing to eat, not
mentioning the upcoming mission at all.  As he ate, he reviewed and signed
off on a pile of report PADDs Yeoman Sanders kept placing in front of him.

McAllister was mopping up some egg with an english muffin when Layna came
back into the room, carrying more PADDs.

McAllister:    Layna, you give me one more report on the latest cost of
garbage removal on this ship and I swear I'll send you back to engineering!

Petty Officer Layna Sanders:    *smiling*    Sorry, sir.  But Fleet does
need your signature on several items...

There were chuckles around the table as McAllister groaned and pantomimed
pulling his hair out.

Lt. Commander David Smith, XO:    Sir, whenever you're ready?

McAllister:    *signaling for another mug of coffee, sits back in his chair*
Very well.  What do you have for me today, XO?

Smith:    Commander Duke?

Lt. Commander "Bigs" Duke, Chief Engineer:    Cap'n, I've about got ole Uni
in the shape she should have been when we left the yard -- I'll be adding
some enhancements along the way, so long as we keep from being knocked
about.  We've solved the shield down time problem by installing batteries to
take the load when the canons fire.  Was such a good idea, I've installed
batteries independent to all critical systems to take the load should we
lose the engines for a bit.  We've also added additional security measures
to our critical access panels.

Smith:    How will that affect damage control?

Duke:    I gotta admit, your DC parties can't get in as fast as they used
to, but the delay should be minimal.

McAllister:    Very well.  Good thinking.  Anything else?

Duke:    Yeah, Cap'n.  With all the work my folks have been putt'n in on the
Uni herself, we haven't had much time to look at the runabouts and shuttles.

McAllister:    We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Bigs.  Good work.

Naval tradition is a sacred thing.  Starfleet had adopted many of the old
sea navies traditions and one of these was that a ship could have only one
captain.  Since Dyral Lanor's promotion to marine Captain, people had
attempt to avoid using his rank when McAllister was around.  Fortunately,
tradition provided an answer for those situations when this kind of thing
was unavoidable.

Smith:    *with a smile*    "Major" Lanor?

Cpt. Lanor, Marine CO:    *coolly*    My people are drilling as ordered,
sir.  We have also made arrangements with the Chief of Security to add our
expertise to the defense of the Unicorn.  Security personnel will handle
critical areas such as the Bridge and Engineering while my people will take
what's left over and act as a rapid response force.

McAllister:    *also coolly -- those around the table are beginning to
wonder what happened this time*    Very well.  Please stay after the
briefing, Major.

Lanor:    Aye, sir!

The conversation between Lanor and the Captain had cooled the comradire of
the briefing.  The remaining reports were given -- the Unicorn was battle
ready.  Soon it was time to go to work.

McAllister:    Good work all the way around.  We sail in five minutes.
Stations please -- XO you have the bridge.  Take us out, form with the
fleet.

Smith:    Aye, sir.

McAllister:    Dismissed.

Bigs winked at Lanor in silent support as the senior staff left the room.
Soon only McAllister, Sanders and Lanor remained.

McAllister:    Layna, give me the room for a minute.

Sanders:    Aye, sir.    *Concern for Dyral was evident in her face as she
slowly left*

McAllister:    Give me one good reason I shouldn't have a private of yours
courts-martialed!

Lanor:    Sir?

McAllister:    *sighing*    Sit down Dyral.    *Lanor sits at attention, as
McAllister presses a button*

Private Smith: "Yes sir, why did the Capt say. " Pushes a button a recording
starts.

"McAllister's voice:   ' Very well.  Lieutenant Malsten -- the Unicorn is a
good ship.
It's your job to keep her fighting.    Prepare some battle plans for both
fleet defense and orbital assault.  Your better ideas go straight to the
top, so make it good.'

Kira Malsten:   ' Yes, sir!"

Lanor: instantly slams the stop button and signals a security man. "MR. that
does not exist and you will NOT mention it again is that understood?"
glares around the room.  "As to your question about why the Capt assigned
our Chief of Security to prepare battle plans for the fleet and an orbital
assault... I don't know.  I believe that our head of Security may be a
little bit more than she appears.  However, that is my problem and NONE of
you are to look into it further." Turns his eyes to Lessonar. "ESPECIALLY
you.  I am very specifically ordering you NOT to look into this.  Do you
understand?"

Lessonar: face straight, "I will act with honor, Sir"

McAllister:    *turning off recording*    Why is one of your troopers
accessing confidential mission logs?

Lanor:    Sir, I....

McAllister:    *interrupting*    Don't say what you were going to say -- or
I would have to bust your butt too.  It's none of your damn business how I
run my ship mister, much less a private in the damn marines!

Lanor:    *stonefaced*    Yes, sir!

McAllister:    *calmer*    Dyral, you really need to get that chip off your
shoulder.  I asked Sarge to set up security on this tub before you arrived
'cause we were short handed.  You know that.  Your folks did a bang-up job.
You also know that it's the marines job to attack, security's to defend.  I
agreed with your plan for the defense of the ship, and so did Lt. Malsten
(OFF: Chief of Security).  And if I need someone to plan a down and dirty
takedown of engineering, I'll go to you, like I did with the Odysseus
situation.  You can't be everywhere, Major, and right now I need you to
concentrate on what you're good at.  You'll be in the thick of it soon
enough -- let Malsten's people do their jobs so you can do yours.

Lanor:    Permission to speak freely?

McAllister:    Granted.

Lanor:    You chose the wrong man for this job, sir.  Give me something to
kill and I'll kill it, but I don't work well with others.

McAllister:    Bullnuts!  I would not have gotten you those railroad tracks
if I thought that!  You took one in the pride when you lost primary security
responsibility for this ship.  Get over it and move on, Major.

Lanor:    *snapping to attention*    Aye, sir.  About my trooper?

McAllister:    If I catch him or anyone else without clearance in any cookie
jar on this ship, I'll personally bust them out the nearest airlock, kapich?

Lanor:    Yes, sir.  Thank-you, sir.

McAllister:    Dismissed.

<Bridge, Present time>

Smith:    Sir?

McAllister:    Sorry XO, woolgathering.  what is it?

Smith:    The Calidorn reports conditions nominal and has signaled for the
first course change.

McAllister:    Acknowledged.

Ensign Alfi (NPC) Helm:    Course plotted and laid in, sir.

McAllister:    Engage.  Set Condition Yellow.  Prepare for flight
operations.  Launch the Infiltrator when ready.

Runabout Coordinator (NPC):    Infiltrator is away.

McAllister:    Open a channel.

RC:    Channel open.

McAllister:    Infiltrator -- you're going to keep an eye on our trail, yes?

Infiltrator:    +Roger that, sir.+

McAllister:    "Run silent, run deep"  Next communications window is four
hours from my mark --- 3,2,1 mark.  Good luck and Godspeed.  McAllister out.

Infiltrator:    +Roger mark.  Wilco.  Infiltrator out.+

Smith:    You still believe we'll get hit from the rear?

McAllister:    I do.  But if anything is following us, the Infiltrator
should pick it up in time for some warning.

Your Mama eats used Kitty Litter?..
>
>
>
> <ON>
>
> Lord Skragg: Krazzle Leader of Clan Rowlther, intently studies a Star Map
> showing Federation Space. He turns with an unstudied grace. A large
> felinoid of electric blue fur, huge muscular development and protruding
> fangs, much like an earth sabertooth tiger. His size alone would inspire
> fear in many who saw him. The most fascinating thing though was the
glimmer
> of high intelligence in his green and yellow cats eyes as he scanned
> reports neatly stacked before him. Reading one report he growled and
> pressed a button to summon his aide. The small white Minjay, Pearliu,
> stepped into the room and glided over to his master bowing without a
sound,
> awaiting his pleasure.
>
> Skragg: looking down with a calm stare, which the Minjay does not
> challenge, speaks in a growly, gravelly voice. "I have driven the Borg
from
> our space only to find that the trainees on this side of the Greatest
> Empire are beset by a plague of proto-monkeys. Explain why this is so and
> why they have failed to make this prey fear us."
>
> Pearliu: Without looking up from the floor he answers in the softest of
> voices, "Master, the Purmar leader in charge of that sector is known for
> his violent temper and his unthinking attacks. He thought of this prey as
> being beneath the notice of true warriors. He states they have no code of
> honor. He sent young cubs fresh from training to deal with them as he
> stated they are unworthy of a warrior?s attention. It also appears he has
> underrated the strength of the enemies technology and their numbers."
>
> Skragg:  *betraying no sign calmly studies his claws for a moment*
"Summon
> General Falsk tell him he is take a message to Purmar Leader Zlar. The
> Leader has disgraced his House, his Clan, his people and now knows what
he
> must do to atone for his loss of Honor."
>
> Pearliu: "Yes Master, but Purmar Leader Zlar is the last of his house and
> of a long line with great honor."
>
> Skragg: staring at the aide but revealing nothing, ?Then he should
perform
> his atonement quickly so as not to further disgrace his lineage.?
>
> Pearliu: turning he glides gently to the door waiting only a moment
before
> passing through to deliver his fateful message.  He felt no sadness for
> Zlar; his littermate had been among those killed by his thoughtless
attacks
> against an inferior enemy.
>
> Skragg: *turning away for a moment* "First half dead machines then
> proto-monkeys, was their no end of insults against the true people. This
> latest insult must be dealt with in terms even these degenerates could
> understand." *Turning away he sat in his command chair and activated a
> holofield. Studying his immediate fleet he was well pleased with the
> repairs. Just his first fleet contained Eleven Fleet Carriers, Ninety
> escort ships, and over 180 ancillary assault craft with 10 Legions of
> assault troops which recently had fought the Borg to a standstill. Would
it
> be enough for this threat or should he summon even greater power?
> Information was called for. He touched another key to summon his Prime
> Torturer and Master of Intelligence. * A few cycles past before the small
> Panthla, Detritus, entered from the door.  He walked tall and proud his
> black shoulders thrown back with dignity.  His shoulder length mane hid
> most of the scars that had ruined his body and his face, but his one
> gleaming eye shone with a defiance of life and the cruelty of someone who
> hated greatly. "Your wish, Master?" His voice was quiet and sibilant and
> left a threat hanging behind it.
>
> Skragg: *again with no emotion* "Tell me of the proto-monkey threat."
>
> Detritus: *somewhat nervous at the unflinching gaze* "Yes, Master.  We
face
> an alliance known by it?s inhabitants as The United Federation of
Planets.
> They are formed from well over one hundred worlds and as many races.  The
> dominant clan is called Terran or Humans and they appear to be a simian
> type species, noisy, and aggressive in groups.  This Federation is
> currently expanding rapidly and has obviously discovered many enemies.
> These include the Romulans who are quite close to our space and who which
> we have a treaty currently. Another is called The Dominion and their
> servant race is called Cardaseans, we currently have no dealings with
this
> group but they appear to fear The Borg greatly because of their superior
> technology and firepower. " *He laughs evilly, sees Skraggs is not amused
> and continues quickly* "There are several other minor races who
frequently
> cause them trouble in varying degrees. They are spread very thin  and
this
> has greatly hindered their fleets. They have assigned only three vessels
to
> oppose us.  The Flagship of this group is called USS Odysseus. I have
> recently discovered that it may have been disabled and captured by a
minor
> race called "The Cartel."  The USS Encounter and The USS Unicorn both
small
> capital ships of perhaps cruiser strength have also been assigned
recently
> to deal with us.  They have perhaps twelve other such vessels split among
> each of their major enemies with the majority focused on the Dominion,
but
> they sometimes interact to aide each other.  These vessels operate out of
a
> Starbase called Dante, which from the description is far weaker than any
of
> our comparable bases. It would seem that they dedicate most of their
> resources to technology and expansion leaving their military might vastly
> weaker than we would consider wise for such a large volume of space."
>
> Skragg: *a hint of irritation and disgust creeping into his voice* "You
> expect me to believe that an empire of over 100 stars has only 15 ships
in
> its fleet?  You also say that ONLY three of these oppose us with one
being
> still commissioned? Is this what you told Leader Zlar?"
>
> Detritus: *hastily* "No my lord. NO.  The Federation of Planets has well
> over a hundred ships in its fleet perhaps a thousand but they are
scattered
> across the galaxy on research and exploration missions, Not all are war
> ships but many could be converted by their industrial might.  What we
face
> is a small part of their military called STOAT.  After a small vicious
> mammal from their home world.  THIS force only has fifteen ships
currently
> at its command."
>
> Skragg: *thoughtful* You tell me there are only three active ships
against
> us and one is damaged. You suspect many more could be added at need but
> would require refit and retraining time. Tell me what you know of these
> current ships, crews and command.
>
> Detritus: *taking a deep breath and shifting carefully* "Master on this
> subject my source was... less than helpful.  The crew of the USS Unicorn
is
> mostly filled with trainees and a few veteran officers.  It is the most
> recently commissioned. Most of their people are inferior criminals
showing
> the lack of honor and desperation of their command to crew ships. Even
> their warriors are dishonored in some way.  The crew of the USS Encounter
> is a complete unknown at this time, their Captain appears to be respected
> by his peers although my source could not say for what.  The crew of the
> USS Odysseus is the best known of the three vessels as it is crewed by
> veteran warriors and has fought several campaigns. It seems however that
a
> Great Lord known as an?. "  *fights with the strange word* "Admiral, has
> betray this craft to their enemies which is the problem I recently spoke
to
> you about. That is all my source currently knows Master. All my secondary
> sources could discover confirms this what we know so far."
>
> Skragg: *sternly* "I assume you will tell your underlings that I will
wish
> more detailed information. I want to know defense plans, ship positions
and
> other details. You are to supply this information to my Chief of Staff.
We
> will arrange a small test attack at the least of these ships to gauge
their
> power. I want to know much more of their base as well. I want schematics
> and test versions of their technology for our scientists to study. Do not
> fail."
>
> Detritus: *nervous* "Yes Master, we shall arrange for all the information
> you desire to be delivered as fast as it is uncovered.  My source is
> reluctant, but we are holding his mate as well as others hostage.  It
will
> take time to confirm all the information but the USS Unicorn is known to
be
> in space dock now and has never been on a mission before. We already know
> much of this ship from our source who is in high position. Even now she
> adds more crew and prepares to go to assist this Odysseus. We will
contact
> those called traders and procure the things you wish."
>
> Skragg: Waves his hand in dismissal and returns to his papers. There will
> be much to do soon. This new threat would be studied, tested, and probed.
> An appropriate response would be made.

Shuttlecraft Infiltrator: Warren Officer Reatail, Lt. Kira Malsten, Lt.
Lessonar


As the fleet begins to move off to attack the Dominion base, A recon
shuttle departs from the Unicorn cloaking immediately.

Retail: "All right Sirs, just sit back and enjoy the flight.  Please don't
touch those Mr. Kira the ship is cloaked and we don't want to give
ourselves away.  Mr. Lessonar would you mind not playing with the targeting
computers for the same reason?", sigh heard across space.

Lessonar: “I was putting the sensors on passive scan with a maximum
sensitivity to try and find any movement.”

Warrant Officer Retail: "Yes Sir.  Sorry sir. " Flips pilot override and
quietly turns off the targeting sensors which had locked onto the Unicorn's
exhaust.  'What did I do to deserve 8 hours of this?' He thinks quietly to
himself.

Kira: “Listen you brain dead piece of meat, I know how shuttles work and
daresay have more experience in covert opts than you, so stuff it."

WO Retail: "Roger Unicorn, Infiltrator out." sits back and stares at the
bored pair with him, "Would either of you like to try?"

Kira: Bored, "Why don't you exercise your fine command in language and say
nothing! I want to practice some high G maneuvers while were out on this
boring detail trying to chase a ship we can't catch. So shut up or I'll
whip you and your cow to." Kira: Singing as she grabs the controls; "That
Captain, his head hurts, his feet stink and he don't love his dog, I've
flushed him from the bathroom of my heart." The shuttle rolls wildly and
spins 180 degrees in a bootlegger....

Lessonar sitting (tightly) in the co-pilot seat, takes the controls and
goes to full speed and loops it with a roll.

Kira: screaming, "Let go of that you monkey, I'm in control here." Spins
the shuttle into another roll and pulls it out facing the away from the
Unicorn.

Lessonar: “That's MR. Monkey to you short round.”  Lessonar, singing a good
old fashioned Klingon war song ( he refuses to let Kira have all the music
on top of which he can't carry a note), takes the controls back a does a
bootleggers spin around a small asteroid a 200 meters

Kira: "I said give me that." Grabs the controls and flys through the eye of
a ring on the asteroid.

WO Retail is heard gasping in the background as the shuttle gently scraps
through the hole.

Lessonar, muttering "amateurs" uses his controls to flip the shuttle end
for end and sends it back through the hole spinning like a corkscrew

Kira: still singing, "My husband ran off with my best friend and I sure do
miss her, "Hits side thrusters and decants a full 360 degree spin, Retail
looks green as the stars spin crazily.

<USS Unicorn, Shuttlebay>

Lt. Commander Smith, XO of the Unicorn, was waiting for the crew of the
Infiltrator as they disembarked, still bickering over who had shown the most
ability in flying the covert recon vessel.

Smith:    Report

Both 2 Lieutenant Lessonar and Lieutenant Malsten attempted to answer for
the Infiltrator.

Smith:    *not amused*    Lt. Malsten, report.

Lieutenant Kira Malsten, Chief of Security:    *haughty, like all members of
her race when dealing with humanoids*    This ridgehead can not fly.  We saw
nothing on our back trail, we are not being followed.  There is too much
concern with what is going one behind us and not enough with what is
happening ahead of us, in my opinion.

Lessonar:    You have insulted my honor for the last time, winged fairy!
*Lunges for Malsten, who dodges nimbly away*

Smith:    *voice of command*    STOP!    *They stopped, but they clearly
wanted to continue this fight*    That will be enough!  This ship will being
going into battle soon, and you two can't leave your petty turf battle
alone.  If you both weren't needed so badly, I would toss you both in the
brig to rot.  Neither one of you deserves to be a member of this crew let
alone an officer.

Smith:    You!    *points at Malsten*    Report to the bridge, take your
station.    And you! *points at Lessonar*    Report to your CO.  I'm sure
Major Lanor can find something for you to do.

Smith stood his ground at the glares of anger he received from Lessonar and
Malsten, who finally decided that assaulting the XO would not be their best
choice of action.  They did as they had been ordered.

Smith seethed as he waited for the Infiltrator's pilot to finish his
post-flight check.  Before he could receive a report from the one sane
person who had been on the recon mission, the alert klaxons sounded.

McAllister:    (On intraship)    All hands, this is the Captain.    Set
Condition Red; I say again, Set Condition Red.  All hands to Battle
Stations, this is not a drill.

Smith hurried to the bridge, thoughts of the failed recon mission forgotten.

>Calidorn - Main Engineering>>
>The red alert Klaxons bang away and Jrovik is trying to make himself
heard over the noise.>
>Jarovik : <Almost shouting> Lynch,  get the stabilisers ready, I don't
want any coolant leaks down here.
>>Lynch : Aye sir, I'm on it.
>>Jarovik : Jessop, I want a full level 3 containment field around the
warp core in 30 seconds.
>Jessop  : On it Admiral.
>>Jarovik : Amanda?
>>Amanda : Yes Admiral?
>>Jarovik : Shut off that damned noise.
>>Amanda : Yes Admiral.
>><Almost instantly, the alert klaxon went dead.  Amanda, the ships
computer had done it again.>
>>Jarovik : Amanda, Thank you.
>>Amanda : You're welcome.
>>Jarovik : What's happening up there?
>>Amanda : I'm sorry Admiral, I can't let you know.  Regulations, and my
programming prevent it.
>>Jarovik : I understand, don't worry about it Amanda.
>><Suddenly the ship is rocked>
>>Jarovik : I assume we were hit?
>>Amanda : I'm afraid so admiral, it's begun.
>>Jarovik : Alright people, this is it, let's get to it.
>><<Main Bridge>>
>><Marcus is sitting in the Command chair, looking a little worried>
>>Marcus : Track that ship.
>>Davies : Tracking, it's gone behind us.
>>Marcus : Tell the Oddyseus to watch our asses, but Taggart to stay in
formation.
>>Davies : Aye sir.................message sent, and acknowledged.
>>Marcus : Good, Inform the Genolan, Alderaan, Samurai, Leningrad,
Encounter and Unicorn to break formation, and give us cover from the
fighters.......................on my mark.
>>Davies : Standing by.
>><On the viewscreen several small shapes come in to view, growing larger
and larger, there are a few surprised looks on the Bridge, the shapes become

clear, Jem'Hadar Fighters, but not standard fighters, Sect fighters>
>>Marcus : Break formation and engage.
>><The six outlying ships break formation and head directly towards the
incoming ships, the battle has begun.>
>>OFF : Alright, time to have some fun, post where you are, the rest of
the ships, if you need to break off to evade the fighters, so so, but return
to formation, I have something vry very interesting planned.

<ON - USS Resolution>
::Rarius sat forward in the command seat as the Dominion fighters
closed.::
[Rarius] Keep right in behind the Calidorn, Petersson.
[Petersson] Aye Sir.
[Rarius] Bridge to Fighter Bays. DaSilvor, you there?
[DaSilvor] Just strapping in now, Sir. Ready to launch in 30 seconds.
[Rarius] Good. Keep all you fighters within the formation of the larger
ships. I don't want them to get picked off away from the capital ships.
Come to think of it I don't want those Sect fighters to get a chance to pick
of one of the capital ships either!
[DaSilvor] Understood.... Alpha Wing report in.
[Alpha2] Alpha2 standing by.
[Alpha3] Alpha3 ready to drop.
[Alpha4] Alpha4 A-OK.
[Alpha5] Alpha5 All systems go.
[DaSilvor] Whats the trouble 6?
[Alpha6] ... Alpha6... I've got a red light on my Nav system.
[DaSilvor] Ignore it... If you get that far from the fleet, finding your
way home will be the last thing on your mind.
[Alpha6] Aye, Sir. All, other, systems green.
[DaSilvor] Beta leader?
[Beta1] All craft green and ready to drop.
[DaSilvor] Alpha leader to all fighters. Set comms to scrambler code
DaSilvor147. Keep it tight and cover your wingman. I DO NOT want to see
anyone on his own. If you get seperated get your ass back to the
resolution or add yourself to another pair. Understood?
[All] Yes, Sir.
[DaSilvor] DaSilvor to Bridge...
[Rarius] Bridge here.
[DaSilvor] Permission to leave the barn?
[Rarius] On my mark... 3... 2... 1... Drop!
:: One after another the twelve fighters dropped from the belly of the
Resolution and split into six teams of two. Rarius watched them move away
and muttered under his breath, "Good hunting guys."
<OFF>
Get the pidgeon...Get the pidgeon...Get the pidgeon... Noooowwww!
(sorry couldn't resist!)
Cmmdr Rarius
_______________________________________________________________
<USS ODYSSEUS- CIC- ST>

<ON>
Commodore Taggart sat amidst the glow of countless information screens.
As he recieved orders from the Calidorn he passed them on to the
Squadron- who broke off on their way to their various tasks.  He called
up to the bridge of the Odysseus.
Taggart: [intercom] Captain Balio.
Balio: [intercom] Yes, skipper?
Taggart: [intercom] Maintain formation, engage the Enemy Vessel at 350--
It's your show up there, I'm worrying about the Squadron down here.
Balio: [Intercom] Aye, sir.  Balio out.
<ODYSSEUS- BRIDGE>
Balio: Tactical, prepare to engage. =/\= Engineering.
Terra: =/\= Terra here.
Balio:  Give me as much as you can on the forward shields- and make sure
the Phoenix is working properly, I don't need glitches in a time like
this.
Terra: Aye, cap'n.  Terra Out. =/\=
<OFF>
Okay, then.  T'loch, don't be a hero... I know you're prone to take on
the entire battle, but don't make the Odysseus appear invincible- we
don't want the other ships to become too jealous! :-)


                                                          OOOO
       Cpt. Balio Tebris, USS Odysseus, XO-Chief of Staff to Commodore
Taggart
[ON]

<USS ODYSSEUS - DECK 2, FLAGSHIP COMBAT INFORMATION CENTER>
Commodore Flynn Taggart hunched over the large tactical map table (OFF:
Otherwise known as the TACtable); the blue lighting casting a shadow over
the room.  Officers and staff to Commodore Taggart, most of them freshly
arrived from Dante Base before leaving, briskly went about their duties;
passing reports to one another and constantly updating the main TACtable.  A
lieutenant junior grade stepped over to the commodore.
LIEUTENANT:  The fleet has broken formation, sir.
TAGGART:  :::frowning:::  I can see that, lieutenant.
LIEUTENANT:  Uhhh...yessir.
TAGGART:  Continue to monitor the rest of the A-K.  Keep close watch on
their targeting packages and maintain supervision of their systems reports.
LIEUTENANT:  Aye aye sir.  Is that all?
TAGGART:  No.  You can get me a cup of coffee when you are finished with
that.
LIEUTENANT:  :::forcing down the urge to laugh:::  Cup of coffee for the
commodore, aye aye sir.
With that, the lieutenant snapped to attention and was gone again.  Taggart
let out a long sigh and continued to watch the little digital shapes move
about the map board, like some sort of computer dance.  He frowned.  He
wished he could be up on the bridge, amongst the action.  But he had a job
to do as a flag officer, and it must be damned important.  Was it?  Of
course, otherwise the CIC wouldn't exist.  As his cup of joe reached him, he
took the mug and headed to the center of the CIC, climbing the small ladder
that led to his command perch.  From the hightened platform, he could watch
all the busywork throughout most of the CIC, while abbreviated combat and
fleet information graced the command screens and consoles that circled his
rather large command chair.  Taggart sat and sipped his coffee before the
next few officers contacted him for orders on anything from a task force
command to a stubbed toe.

=/\=  [O]  Commodore Flynn Taggart  =/\=

$---A Better Part of Valor - USS Unicorn---$

ON:

<Unicorn Bridge>

All station's were manned, Condition Red having been ordered.  McAllister
and Smith were at the command station, Smith seated, McAllister standing
between their two consoles, facing the viewscreen.

Lt. Cdr. David Smith, XO:    I don't like this -- it's taking too long to
break formation.  It's the Sect's turkey shoot until we can spread out some.

Capt. PD McAllister, CO:    I agree.    *issuing order*    Mr. Afali,
maintain course and speed, z+50

Ensign Afali, Helm (NPC):    *surprised*    Z+50?  Aye, sir.

There was more than the usual momentary stomach flop as the Unicorn began to
rise at speed, before the interial dampers regained control.

Cadet Eliza McCay, Tactical:    Incoming!  I have incoming fighters --
they're firing!

The Unicorn shuddered twice, then twice more as two Sect fighters fired
direct hits onto her aft shields.  Some sparks erupted, and the bridge
lights dimmed, then came back to strength as the affect systems were
rerouted automatically by the computer.

McAllister:    Return fire!  Evasive maneuvers!

Lt. Kira Malsten, Chief of Security:    Firing phasers -----  direct hits on
both fighters!  Very little damage -- their shields are tougher then we
expected!  They're coming around for another pass!  Recommend we cloak sir!

McAllister:    Negative -- the formation is still too tight.  Shield status?

McCay:    Shields at 90% and holding.

McAllister:    Very     *is interrupted by the Unicorn taking two more hits,
braces himself from falling*  well.  Aft torpedoes, fire.

Malsten:    Firing full spread --- torpedoes away!

McAllister:    Bring al weapons to bear, fire at will.

Malsten:    Firing.

Smith:    Look at this, sir    *pointing at his console monitor*

McAllister:    *glancing down*    Bullnuts!    *issuing order*    Tactical
Display, now!

McCay brought up a tactical view of the battle on the main screen while Lt.
Malsten continued to track and fire and the Sect fighters haring the
Unicorn's flanks.  One fighter overshot his mark, flying past the Unicorn
and into the crosshairs of her forward mounted phaser cannon.  The lights on
the bridge dimmed again as Malsten fired the cannon directly at the lone
fighter.  Beams of light lanced from the Unicorn's upper hull, spearing the
Sect vessel which glowed for a moment, then disappeared in a anti-climatic
explosion.  the Unicorn rocked and dropped, then came about for another
shot.  This time, torpedoes finished off the competition in good order.

McAllister was concentrating on the tactical display.  The STOAT formation
had broken apart nicely, all ships now having some room to fight.  The
fleet's own fighters and shuttles had launched, and were providing some
diversion, allowing their bigger cousins and chance fire offensively instead
of defensively.  Except for the Encounter

The Encounter seemed to be having some difficulty.  Commander Smith pointed
out the damage she had taken.

Smith:    I don't know how, but she seems to be wallowing.  Her shields are
holding, but she hasn't fire back in several passes.

Just then, the Unicorn rocked violently, shuddering.  This time the lights
didn't come back right away, but eventually came up to almost full power.

McCay:    Shields at 50% and rising.

Lt. Cdr. "Bigs" Duke, Chief Engineer:    *over com*    +Cap'n we just took a
major hit down here, I've got some wounded.  Warp engines off-line, but
you've still got full impulse.+

Malsten:    We need warp power of the cannons!

McAllister:    +Status on repair?+

Duke:    +30 minutes, tops+

McAllister:    +You've got 15, Bigs+

Bigs didn't waste time answering the Captain's order, but began ordering
damage control crews into action before the com channel had even closed.

McAllister:    Shield status?

McCay:    73% and holding, sir.

Smith:    The Encounter is still taking a pounding.

McAllister:    *activated com*    Engine Room, Bridge.  We have enough juice
to cloak?

Duke:    +*startled*    If we go dead in space, yeah.+

McAllister:    +Not good enough.  I need firing control and weapons.+

Duke:    +If you route all other systems, we can do it, but just barely, and
one hit will take it down+

McAllister:    Very well.  Standby to engage cloaking device.  Helm, prepare
to buzz the Encounter, high speed pass, then head for these coordinates
*taps coordinates into his console*  Kira, target those coordinates with
everything we've got.

A chorus of acknowledgements came echoed as a small smile came to the face
of Commander Smith.  Shortly thereafter, a huge grin appeared on the face of
Lieutenant Malsten as she figured out what McAllister was trying to do.

McAllister:    Engage.

The Unicorn swooped in over the USS Encounter, taking some hits as her
sister ship began to swell in the viewscreen.  At the last moment, the
Unicorn pulled up and headed for the point in space McAllister had
predetermined.  The interial dampers strained, and Bigs thought he actually
heard the SIF whine in protest as the ship pulled up at high speed.

Smith:    It worked!  They've broken off their attack and followed us!

McAllister:    *to OPS*    All available power to engineering.  Engage
cloaking device.  Helm, drop us z-30.

The Unicorn faded from visible existence with a shimmer, and began to sink.
Again, the out of control elevator feeling hit everyone on the bridge as
there was limited power available for her dampening fields.

As McAllister thought they might, the Sect vessels following converged on
where the Unicorn had been, and paused to get their bearings.

McAllister:    Disengage cloak.  All power to weapons.  Fire at will!

Phaser and torpedo launches lit up space, streaking towards the waiting Sect
vessels.

Lt. Commander Smith, the Unicorn's Executive Officer, cursed as his console
once again failed to display the requested information.

Smith:    Captain, I can't receive decent damage control reports from this
station until it's repaired -- and the bridge's engineering sub-station is
off-line too.  I need to take a tour to see where we stand.

McAllister:    OK, XO.  Make it quick, this lull won't last for ever.

Smith:    Yes, sir.  Malsten, you're with me -- I want to make sure the
security protocols are still holding -- several ships have been boarded.

Malsten:    Aye, sir.

Cadet Eliza McCay, looking extremely haggard, answered Lieutenant Malsten's
wave and took over the Chief of Security's station.  Yeoman Layna Sanders
entered the Bridge for the lounge and began to distribute coffee in
spill-proof mugs.  McAllister took two mugs off her tray with a smile of
thanks and walked over to the frazzled looking cadet, hoping to offer some
words of comfort.

Smith and Malsten entered the lift.

Smith:    Engineering.

<Engineering>

Kira Malsten: “So this is Bigs idea of engineering.”

Smith:    *seeing Bigs head buried in the cloaking controls -- jokingly*
"Mr.
Wayne, I run a neat ship, what is this mess?"

Bigs Duke: * a bit testy*     I am trying to wire this console back
together, Sir,  before we go into battle again. *lightening up a little as
the console hums back to life*    You get dirty when you
do real work, -- why don't you take your canary and fly out of here and
let me get something else done?.”
>
>Kira" "YOU WORK?!, WHEN?!”
>
Smith: *with a sniff of disdain* I was hoping you could accompany
me on my tour. However,  in your state I will be sure to report you to the
>Captain. Come along, Kira, and watch how you talk to your ELDERS.

>Kira: " Bigs knows that I meant nothing by that remark, Bigs always does
>such great work he gets a big head at times and I have to punch him in the
>ribs to bring him back earth SIR.”

<Shuttle Bay>

Smith and Malsten arrived at the Unicorn's shuttle bay shortly after leaving
engineering.  The Shuttlebay had taken extensive damage, but the majority of
her cargo and suffered only minor bruising.  the Unicorn was going to need a
new Shuttlebay door -- the hatch had absorbed most of the blast meant for
the interior of the ship and there was nothing holding in atmosphere now but
a force field.

Technicians were working, finishing up the diagnostics of the runabout
AnaKat.  The AnaKat had been configured originally to serve as the Captain's
yacht, but with weapons platforms in short supply, McAllister had ordered
her placed in service for combat patrols.

Smith and Malsten entered the AnaKat to see how the work was progressing.

>Kira: “Sir I advise against this, we need to get back to the bridge.”
>
Smith: * a frustrated pilot*    I’ll have you know I can run a
>diagnostic on this craft just as well as anyone.” Sitting in the pilots
>chair he activates the main console and starts a Level 1 diagnostic.

At that moment an alarm sounds.

Computer:    Emergency Launch initiated securing all hatches”.
The main hatch slams closed with Kira just making it all the way inside in
time.

<USS AnaKat>


Malsten: *confused* "Why are you launching us?"

Smith: *puzzled* "I didn't launch us, the ship has launched
itself. I am shutting down engines. Somehow the board has disconnected
itself. I'll
try to bypass it. Darn these new security boards engineering put in.

Malsten:    *assisting* Mr. Wayne didn't wire these panels yet. These are
the
standard panels the shuttle came with. I think I better use the
communicator."

Smith: "Nonsense, I have no control. Hmm,  the shuttle is
heading for full speed to Dante Base, Shields are up, and
nothing is responding!" *frustrated.*

Malsten: "Communications are out, the saboteur must have been
here.  He may have set this shuttle to crash into Dante Base for some
reason..."

<Meanwhile, on the Bridge>

McAllister had clamed the frazzled McCay to a point where he was almost
certain she would not break out in tears when her board lit up. Then her
board lit up.

McCay:    Sir!  Unauthorized launch -- it's the AnaKat!  She's powering up,
going to warp.

McAllister:    +AnaKat!  Respond!  Where in the hell are you going?

McCay:    No response to hails.  I read two life signs on board -- one of
them is Lt. Malsten!

McAllister:    +Bridge to Commander Smith!+

Computer:    Commander Smith is not on the USS Unicorn.

McAllister:    Just what in the hell are those two up to?  Damn.  Track that
runabout.

McCay:    Course and speed set for a straight shot back to Dante Base sir.

McAllister:    Very well.    *toggles comm*    +Major Lanor to the Bridge+

It didn't take long for Lanor to appear.  McAllister ushered him into his
ready room.

Lanor:    What's up sir?

McAllister:    Malsten and Smith just took off in the AnaKat.  Their heading
was consistent with a return to Dante.  We can't leave, but I have to know
if this is part of the Krazzle infiltration.  You up to some flying?

Lanor:    Yes, sir.  But what about the company?

McAllister:    Turn command over to Lessonar.  *Lanor starts to object*
Only you and Bigs know everything that is going on -- and I need Bigs here.
That means you're elected.  Take the Infiltrator and follow them -- I want
to know where they're going.

Lanor:    Aye, sir.  And if they discover I'm on their tail?

McAllister:    Dyral, we don't know what they're up to.  But if you have
to -- take them out.

Lanor:    I understand.  On my way.

Lanor exited the ready room and McAllister took a moment to reflect on just
what was going on.  He realized he had no idea.

The red alert klaxons began to sound.

McCay:    +Captain to the Bridge!  Inbound Dreadnoughts!

McAllister rushed onto the bridge.  McCay had the tactical display on the
main viewscreen.  It showed the incoming armada, and the forces of STOAT
gathering to meet it.

McAllister:    Signal the Odysseus, request instructions.  Notify the
Encounter that she's on her own.  Launch all armed shuttlecraft to give us a
screen.  Set course for the one right in front of us.  Engage cloaking
device.  And...

McCay:    And, sir.

McAllister:    And pray, Cadet.  Pray very hard.

USS ODYSSEUS -- MAIN BRIDGE>
>
>Commodore Taggart sat in the command chair, staring at the viewscreen and
>the battle which seemed so close...yet so far.  Taggart turned to Commander
>Merlin.
>
>TAGGART:  Commander, status report.
>MERLIN:  All decks report ready, sir.  Shields at thirty three percent.
>Weapons as ready as she'll ever be.
>TAGGART:  +TAPS+  Bridge to Combat Information Center.  Captain Balio?
>BALIO:  +Balio here.+
>TAGGART:  Status of the A-K?
>BALIO:  +We're just receiving an update now...the Unicorn has decloaked
just
>to starboard.  Captain McAllister is..anxious...to return to the battle,
>sir.+
>TAGGART:  Man after my own heart.  And the Encounter?
>BALIO:  :::pause:::  +She's floundering, sir.  Heavy systems damage.  From
>the looks of it, their core went critical and were forced to shut it down.
>They've lot communication, so we're going off of sensor readings.+
>TAGGART:  :::frowning:::  Life signs?
>BALIO:  +No way to tell, sir.  Too much interference.+
>TAGGART:  Keep trying, captain.  Good job.  Bridge out.  +TAPS+  Helm.
>BLACKHAWK:  Yes sir?
>TAGGART:  Ahead, half impulse.  Keep our shuttles flying for both the
>Unicorn and Odysseus.
>BLACKHAWK:  Aye aye sir.  :::working:::  Executing.
>MERLIN:  The Unicorn is following starboard, sir.  They are arming all
>weapons.
>T'LOCH:  We're armed to the teeth as well, sir....such as it is.
>TAGGART:  :::letting out a heavy breath, then nodding:::  Acknowledged.
>
>Sensor readings screamed from the Ops console.  Commander Merlin yelled out
>without even looking up.
>
>MERLIN:  We've been detected!  Incoming torpedoes!  Ten seconds from mark!
>TAGGART:  :::standing:::  =/\=  Unicorn, evasive action!  =/\=  Helm, hard
>to port!
>BLACKHAWK:  Hard to port, aye aye sir!  Helm responding!
>
>The bridge crew shifted their weight as the intertial dampeners shorted for
>a moment as the intensely-tight turn was made.
>
>MERLIN:  They've still got a lock on us!
>TAGGART:  Launch five-inch evasion devices to starboard!  :::pointing to
>tactical readout displaying the rapidly-distancing USS Unicorn:::  Signal
>the Unicorn to break and attack!!
>MERLIN:  Aye aye sir!  :::pause:::  Countermeasures away!
>T'LOCH:  Three seconds!  It's gonna be close!!
>
>The crew held their breath as the small devices jettisoned from the
>starboard countermeasure-launcher and began pulsing a counter-signal.  The
>spread of torpedoes drove through them and a large explosion errupted,
>putting even more distance from the Unicorn and Odysseus.
>
>T'LOCH:  :::smacking his hands together in triumph:::  We got 'em!
>MERLIN:  NO WE DIDN'T!  INCOMING TORPEDO!  BRACE FOR IM---
>
>The explosion threw the crew to the floor.  Aft consoles on the bridge
>sparked, then exploded violantly, sending crewmen sprawling into the nearby
>railing and eventually onto the deck in a bloody heap.  Cealing panels blew
>open, dropping cabling and revealing sparking conduits.  Many of the bridge
>consoles went dark.
>
>TAGGART: :::picking himself up::: DAMAGE REPORT!!
>MERLIN:  :::stumbling into his chair:::  Impact zone, command hull, bravo
>section!  Hull breach, decks three through five!  Officers' lounge
>depressurized!  Jym depressurized!  Cr.....  :::stops short, cups hand over
>mouth::::
>TAGGART:  Out with it commander!
>MERLIN:  Officers' Quarters, sections gamma and lambda.....depressurized.
>BLACKHAWK:  Oh my god...
>T'LOCH:  We...we were at general quarters...
>TAGGART:  :::managing to hold up a hand in silence:::  They all had
>stations.  Many weren't in those cabins.
>MERLIN:  They knew the risks...
>TAGGART:  That's enough!  All of you!  We have a job to-----
>
>The bridge erupted in a white, ice-cold gas emanating from one of the
>blown-our ceiling panels.  Taggart recognized it instantly.
>
>TAGGART:  COOLANT LEAK!  We've got a ruptured conduit people, evacuate the
>bridge!!!
>T'LOCH:  :::ushering people to the jefferies tubes and turbolifts:::  MOVE,
>PEOPLE!  GO, GO, GO!!
>*COMPUTER*:  +DANGER.  DANGER.  COOLANT LEAK ON MAIN BRIDGE MODULE.
>EVACUATION IS RECOMMENDED.  DANGER.  DANGER.+
>TAGGART:  Computer!  Activate auxiliary bridge, deck 13!  Emergency startup
>protocol!
>*COMPUTER*:  +INSUFFICIENT POWER TO OPERATE 65% OF ROUTED BRIDGE
SYSTEMS...+
>TAGGART:  Shut off all routing to the bridge except helm, weapons,
>operations, command, and engineering then!
>*COMPUTER*:  +ACKNOWLEDGED.  BRIDGE POWER RE-ROUTED.  DANGER.  DANGER.
>COOLANT LEAK REACHING CRITICAL.  ENVIRONMENT BECOMING UNSTABLE.+
>TAGGART:  +TAPS+  CIC, bridge!  We're evacuating up here!  What's the Task
>Force's situation!
>BALIO:  +Combat efficiency at thirty percent and dropping, commodore!  We
>could be thowing g*ddamn stones at them and would probably do more damage!+
>TAGGART:  Copy to Flagship USS Calidorn!  STOAT XO requesting immediate
>withdrawl of STOAT forces!  Transmit!
>BALIO:  +Aye aye sir!+
>
>Another blast threw everyone that was standing, yet again, to the deck.
The
>situation was becoming worse...a LOT worse.  Taggart lost the connection
>with Balio as he scrambled to his feet.  T'loch saw the last of the bridge
>personnel safely in the jefferies tube, slid in feet-first, and beckoned to
>Commodore Taggart and Commander Merlin.
>
>T'LOCH:  Lets go, sirs!
>TAGGART:  Merlin, move!
>*COMPUTER*:  +DANGER.  DANGER.  EMERGENCY DEPRESSURIZATION OF MAIN BRIDGE
>MODULE IN TWENTY SECONDS.  EVACUATE.  EVACUATE......+
>

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