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| USS LaFayette | USS Unicorn |
The crew of the Unicorn has transferred to a new vessel, the USS LaFayette. To continue reading about the Unicorn's last mission, just scroll down. To begin reading our new adventures aboard the LaFayette, click her logo above.
USS UNICORN
Mission 4 -- A Whiter Shade of Pale
Although the Unicorn is once again space worthy, well-intentioned but dunderheaded meddling with her computer systems on the part of Marine 2Lt. Lessonar is requiring a complete rebuilding of her main and secondary computer cores. Lt. Cdr. David Smith, my XO, has been reassigned by Fleet Command; several other senior officer positions remain unfilled. My Chief Engineer has been recovered, almost too easily I think, from the hands of the Krazzle, but is infected with a virus leaving him quite incapacitated. Tests have shown that both Lt. Malsten and Lessonar have also be infected and quarantine measures have been put in place. My intentions are to hasten what repairs we can make to the Unicorn's computer systems and then take her deep into Krazzle territory to gather intelligence and find a cure for this virus. If the Krazzle develop this virus into a bio-weapon for use against the Federation, we currently do not have a defense.
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OFF:
Unicorn Message Header
New Mission
Mission 4: A Whiter Shade of Pale
<Mission 4 1 Post 071899 CO/Joe>
OFF>>
1st Fleet Command Super - Carrier Kavalvar
Somewhere near the Federation border in Krazzle Space:
ON>>
Lord Skragg: Reading the latest reports on the discovery of his
base near
Dante, looks up at the Purmar leader responsible. "You are
an idiot." he
states calmly. "Has blind stupidity infected the whole of
the Purmar Clan?
Just on the eve of a punishing attack you let 50 proto monkey
troops take
your whole base, fighter wing, secret papers with codes, and well
up to a
1,000 troops and technicians. Now tell me how such a thing could
happen?"
Purmar Leader Vellig: Looking down decides it is indeed useless
to ask for
mercy, for there is none in Lord Skragg's eyes. "I have no
excuse, mighty
Lord."
Skragg: Looks again at the report. "Very well, you do not
deserve a
warriors death. You are hereby banished to the Plains of
Drucstarn There
you will live out the remainder of your miserable life with no
tools, no
aid, and no companionship until you perish, then may your soul
fry in
Hell."
Vellig: his face registering shock at the fate which had been
pronounced
upon him says nothing.
Skragg: pleased that the Purmar did not whimper or try to change
his fate
is disposed towards a new idea. He looks at the Purmar like a cat
studying
a mouse. "Perhaps, I might give you a chance to redeem some
small portion
of Honor and Respect and allow you a Warriors Death. I have a
mission which
is considered by many fools to have no Honor and is extremely
distasteful
to any true warrior. If you will accept this mission and you
perform it
well, I will allow you a to be challenged by any warrior which
wants the
Honor of killing you in combat.
Vellig: eager to avoid this worse of all fates looks with new
Hope at the
Lord. "Lord, I will perform your mission and praise you for
it."
Skragg: looking at his papers again then looks back up. "Very
well, You
will remove your uniform and all rank and will dress in the robes
of a
Royal Court Scribe. You will then under a flag of truce take a
shuttle to
Dante Base and openly contact first the Unicorn, then the
Commander of the
Base, and then their Admiral. You will be given letters which
state you are
a diplomatic envoy. You are to request of these proto- monkeys
that you
have the desire to meet with the Federation Council in an attempt
to iron
out the differences between our people. You will act in all ways
as a court
syncopant. You will be instructed before you go on how you will
act. You
have no Honor and thus can lose none. You have no Respect so can
lose none.
You will avoid all challenges and will soothe them with words of
sweetness.
You will lie, about our true intentions. You will cozen them with
baubles
until I am truly ready to strike."
Vellig: again shocked by what this Lord is suggesting, "That
is
dishonorable! The proto-monkeys are prey! You would roll over and
show your
belly to these!"
Skragg: not in the least upset, sneers at the Purmar, "Stupidity
has indeed
infected you and your clan if you think that. I have studied this
prey much
more than you realize and I dare say I know them better than you
ever will.
When you fight an enemy with no honor or different honor, you
revise your
tactics accordingly. Do you think I destroyed the Borg here using
outmoded
Krazzle views. You are wrong to think so. To destroy the proto
monkeys you
use their culture against them. Never suggest to me that I am
dishonored,
because I would fight a foe that is dishonorable according to my
views on
their terms. This is wisdom. That is also why the Minjay are
slaves to my
clan today. They clung so stupidly to a view of the universe that
was not
true. They should praise me for preventing their extinction by
the Borg!
When I feel that the stupidity of their views has been removed
from our
race, then and only then will I allow them to return as a power."
He bares
his teeth in a frightening snarl, 'Or perhaps, they will someday
become
intelligent enough to overthrow me? The affect will be the same.
For now
that they are slaves, they must perform dishonorable actions to
remove me.
Much like their Traitorous Clan Leader J'min who violating his
own Honor
now serves the proto monkeys Fittingly enough, he has been
assigned to the
criminal ship. I find this humorous. Though I actually applaud
his stance I
find his notions of Honor to be Hypocritical. He bleats of Honor
and
Respect but his clan defeated belongs to me and so does he. What
does he
do? He runs away to prey to protect him. Still it shows some hope
for him."
Vellig: bolder and stung, "It is said Lord, that you
defeated his clan
dishonorably. You allowed the Borg to attack them and when they
were
defeated you moved in. You did not challenge the clan and gain it
by your
own might or strength."
Skragg: nodding in agreement, "Of course I did. Why should I
soil my hands
with an unworthy foe. The Minjay could have beaten the Borg
themselves.
They had more ships, more weapons and more troops than I, but
little brain.
They fought stupidly. I defeated the Borg and all they have is
now mine.
Purmar then declared itself the lead clan. They did nothing to
deserve this
gain. For did they not grab power that I gave them? They did not
challenge
for leadership. Now they stupidly start a war with proto monkeys
without
having the clans unified and run to me to help them when three
ships defeat
all the power they have brought to bear, Soon Purmar will also be
mine I
think. I will soon become Emperor of all the clans. Then the
Universe will
be my hunting ground. So you have a choice Purmar, cling like a
Minjay to a
stupid view of the universe and become a slave. Or learn from my
wisdom and
bring your clan to greatness with me. "
Vellig: stares a challenge "I am without Honor or Respect
Lord. I will do
as you command. I will learn from your wisdom and perhaps someday
I will
remove you."
Skragg: laughs loudly and long and then looks back with great
humor in his
eyes and Vellig feels fear for the first time, "Only if you
become what I
am will you succeed, cubling. With such an attitude, perhaps I
should
challenge you myself upon your return if you do well. Or perhaps
if you do
exceptionally well, I will even restore you. Think upon this well.
Now
leave me and send in Detritus. He has much to explain."
Vellig: still frightened and confused, bows and leaves.
Skragg: rises and turns to his large Window and stares into the
stars. All
his life he has been different. Born a mutation, he is much
larger than any
two Krazzle and fighting came easy to him, To easy. Oversized
adults would
challenge him as a young cub, for the sport and honor of
disciplining the
strange one. Such Honor they had! He had learned that Honor was
useless,
winning and fear from those that dared attack him were what
counted in this
universe. The Universe was not kind. Somewhere their was always
another
fool killer in the shadows. Where are you today, Fool Killer? The
Krazzle
race would learn the hard lessons he had learned or they would
all be his
slaves. Turning away he again took his place in the Command Chair
and
started to review the report on the interrogation of the Unicorn
Engineer.
Detritus: walks in and bows, "Master, you wished to command
me?"
Skragg: looking up. "I find it interesting that two
criminals from the
Unicorn could overcome a fully armed and alert Commando Base. I
understand
they were only Purmar but really, two warriors? Would you like to
explain
this?"
Detritus: "Easily explained Lord, I knew the base was
compromised. We had
already evacuated all the subsidiary bases. Except for two of the
most
useless and fearful of the guards and one medical tech to serve
me in the
interrogation. The proto fools in essence crept stealthily into a
completely empty base. We did watch what they did and you may see
videos of
them if you desire. The programs they used so efficiently were
actually
useless to them, but they will not ever learn that until it is to
late. Our
computers are NEVER given the degree of latitude or trust that
Federation
models have. I thought it a good idea that they should continue
to
underestimate us. I was in no real danger at any time from their
pathetic
attempts."
Skragg: "Excellent, but you gave them back the valuable
Engineer? Why?"
Detritus: "Several reasons Lord, the first is we wished to
test the Bio
Weapon. The infection we placed on him is non lethal but very
incapacitating, even to one of his great strength. We wish to see
if the
proto monkeys can be hit from this weakness. Next, we had
considerable time
with the subject, almost 4 days, from the time of his initial
capture to
his rescue. Even while unconscious we have done much to this
subject that
could reap benefits in the future. Finally, your magnificent plan,
ruined
by Purmar fools, had to be scrapped completely. We stand more to
gain by
letting them seem to win a victory. It is really a hollow victory.
We can
recover the engineer anytime we wish to do so."
Skragg: nodding in satisfaction, "Excellent, you have
learned much from me
Minjay since I defeated you in combat, while you covered the
retreat of the
traitorous J'min and the few court toadies that ran with him."
Detritus: rubbing his scars in the memory of the pains the Lord
had
inflicted on him in the combat. "I am surprised you actually
let me live
Lord. May I ask why you did after almost killing me?"
Skragg: "You deserve that answer, At first you challenged me
for Honor. So
I toyed with you, taking your eye and crippling you as your
leader fled.
Even then though you fought knowing I would defeat you and
finally
desperate you tried to throw dirt in my eyes and grab a weapon
from my
guards. A normally dishonorable action performed to give your
leader time.
At that moment, I considered you worthy. You showed wisdom and
promise. I
let you live with the reminders that your Honor gained you a
broken body.
Now you have the chance to gain Honor on your own terms."
Detritus: "I understand, you are certainly a good teacher
Lord. I ask one
request."
Skragg: looked at the Minjay. "You have served me well so
far. I will grant
your request. What is it?"
Detritus: softly "I wish the honor of personally killing J'min."
Skragg: "You do not ask for freedom? Interesting, your
choice of
priorities. If it is possible and you can arrange it without
jeopardizing
other projects. You may do so. Leave me now for there is much I
must now
do."
Detritus: bowing once again left. He had more respect for his
Lord, and
considering the scars on his own body, for the proto monkey he
had tortured
than J'min. Perhaps someday, he would have J'min in the same
situation. He
though would not be allowed the luxury of a rescue. Detritus
would see to
that.
OFF>>
USS Unicorn, Dante Base
Conference Lounge, Deck 2
ON:
The problem with having a holodeck as a briefing room, thought
McAllister, is that when the computers are down, so is the
conference room. McAllister had been working out of a small
office on Dante, but still preferred to conduct briefings on the
Unicorn, to take advantage of her advanced security systems. The
Captain was also having to make do without a yeoman, since Acey
was off-line until the computer cores could be replaced.
Still, the crew of the Unicorn had done an excellent job of
temporairy outfitting the Lounge for today's briefing. The
customary buffet was a little sparse, but their was pleanty of
coffee, the Captain's favorite blend, Black Fly Coffee (For the
buzz that lasts all day), imported from Maine.
McAllister's senior officers filtered in, took what they wanted
from the buffet, and seated themselves at the table. McAllister
gave them some time to settle, listening to their friendly banter,
even chuckling inwardly at some of the jibes being tossed back
and forth. He noted with not a little amusement that "Major"
Lanor, the Marine CO, moved his chair a little closer to Ensign
Layna Sanders, the Unicorn's recently promoted Operations Manager.
As he was about to begin, the lights flickered, going dim before
brightening again to show the Lounge in it's default
configuration. As the holograms phased into place, Engineering
Officer Billy-Bob Stynt rushed into the room.
Lt. Stynt: Sorry I'm late, sir, but I was coordinating the
activation of our new main core -- the crews are installing the
secondary now. *with a little aprehension, takes seat normally
occupied by Chief Engineer "Biggs" Duke, across from
Lanor.*
McAllister (CO): I'm glad we're back on-line, Mr. Stynt; but,
where is Acey?
Stynt: The AHCI is keyed to activate only on your command,
Captain. But the program has been installed in the new core.
CO: *tapping commbadge* Computer, activate Advanced Holographic
Computer Interface.
An image of a young, slim, red haired woman in the duty uniform
of a command ensign appeared next to the buffet table, carrying a
PADD.
Acey: Aye, Captain. What are your orders, sir?
CO: *smiling* Briefing mode, Acey.
Acey nodded, and went to stand next to the wall viewer, ready to
display any information that might be required.
Acey: Recording.
CO: Very well. Mr. Stynt, you've already demonstrated our status
regarding the computer cores -- what else have you to report?
Stynt: *nervous* Sir, I umm...
Commander "Biggs" Duke, Chief Engineer: *weak voice
from coming from Acey, but deffantely Biggs* Out with it, man,
don't take all day!
Lt. Lyris DevRoy, Chief Medical Officer: Biggs! You're supposed
to be resting!
Biggs: I ain't dead yet -- and the boy *Acey points at Stynt*
still has be lot to learn from his betters! *kindly* Out with it,
son, tell the Cap'n the Uni is ready to kick some Krazzle ass *Acey
nods at J'min, the Krazzle Tactical Officer* present company
excluded, of course *coughs*
Lt. J'min: *nods* My thanks, Commander. And congratulations on
your promotion.
Biggs: *still coughing*
CO: Biggs! Turn off the comlink and get some rest! That's an
order!
Biggs: *still coughing -- Acey is shaking her head "no."
CO: Acey, terminate and isolate all comm lines from SickBay for
the duration of this briefing.
Acey: Complied.
CO: Mr. Stynt?
Stynt: Yes, sir. As Biggs said, the Unicorn is ready. All stores
have been topped off, all we're waiting for now is the secondary
core installation, which should be compledted within the hour.
The infected cores are being sent to FOX for analysis -- if
Lieutenant Lessonar's program can incapacitate our computers,
there may be some use for it as a computer virus.
CO: Lyris, how are your patients?
DevRoy: Dr. Wakako is monitoring them. They're in strict
isolation. Biggs is the worst off -- in his weakened state he has
no ability to fight off the affects of the Krazzle virus. Lt.
Malsten and Lessonar are also infected. In Kira, the virus seems
to have no affect on her mental abilities, but is slowly
paralizing her physically. Lessonar is the least affected -- at
this point he seems only to be a carrier; able to infect others,
bit not sufferring any ill affects personally. Unfortuntely, I
have no way of telling if he is still contagious. However, now
that the computer is back on-line, we can have the EMH continue
her research.
CO: Keep me posted on their conditions. Acey, make sure the EMH
is active and working on the problem.
Acey: Complied. EMH is active and has been given instructions.
CO: Alright, people, here is what we're going to do. I've been
going over our situation with Lt. J'min. We believe our best
option is to proceed into Krazzle space to these coordinates *Acey
turns to the wall viewer and "inputs" some data -- a
planet is displayed* This is a planet on the fringes of Krazzle
space known as Pale. J'min has contacts on Pale who may be able
to help us find an antidote for this virus, as well as increase
our intell on what this Lord Skragg may be up to. Before I turn
this briefing over to J'min, I want you all to know that we'll be
going in alone -- Capt. Sorrento of the Encounter has retired,
and Commodore Taggert's status is currently unknown. Silent
runing protocols will be in effect -- we'll be cloaked and out of
contact with the rest of the Federation for some time.
CO: J'min, tell us about the Pale.
OFF:
OK, folks, there it is, our new mission. We're taking the fight
to the Krazzle, so to speak -- I'm thinking we can do some covert
intelligence gathering here, have some fun with an Away mission
or two. Joe: the remainder of the Skragg post will be used as is
once we get a little more involved, perhaps on our way back from
the Pale.
Enjoy,
P.D. McAllister
Capt. USS Unicorn
Commanding
and
"Biggs" Duke
Commander, USS Unicorn
Chief Engineer
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