Task Force: Gamma

uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

"This is going bad fast," thought Uvek to himself. Hull attachments were very bad news in space. Especially if they turned out be explosives or compression weapons. Hulls were peculiarly fragile objects despite the abuse structural integrity fields and shields can absorb.

The captain was digesting the information from Sciences, while he manuevered through the bridge in order to present himself to the main view screen.

The Romulan looked at his tactical display. "Captain," he barked, "I cannot achieve targeting lock on ship two, due to the atmosphere. However, I concur with Science's report. The vessel appears to be a smaller version of our adversary there; perhaps a shuttle or support craft similar to our runabouts. Without detailed scans we cannot be sure."

Uvek fine tuned the weapons lock on the primary target. He was ready to fire everything in one burst. Based on his tactical analysis, that should prove enough to "rattle their cage," as Admiral Dwyer so eloquently put it.

He also brought two Quantum torpedoes up, and ran them into the track system. One of those ought to send the appropriate message, he thought with a wicked smile. Indeed.

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:35 pm Post subject:

Calodan plotted the points of the mysterious objects on the MSD and forwarded the info to Engineering and the MSD at the back of the Bridge as well as to the display built into the Captain's chair.

"From where these objects have been placed, it appears that they have been arrayed to determine the capabilites of the Hartington. The object on Deck 7 is placed with a direct line of contact to the Main Computer core. Deck 10's objects are placed outside of the Armory and the Secondary Comms Array. Deck 13's are near the Stellar Cartography, Astrometrics, and Astrometric Sensor Array. The object on Deck 25 seems to be oriented so it can scan Tertiary Life Support and Environmental Control on Deck 24 as well as Transporter Room 6."

After a pause to update the MSD with more information, highlighting the areas of the ship that have been exposed, he continues his observations. "Sensors are showing that there have been routine tetryon radiation spikes in the areas affected by these devices. I suspect that we have been probed with coherent tetryon beams from those devices. Whoever placed them knows a lot more about us then we do about them."

He catches Lt Uvek's ears perking up and anticipates the Chief of Security's question.

"I would not suggest attempting to remove them. If this technology uses tetryon radiation for scanning, it is logical to think that it could also be used as a weapon, as it was used on our probes and the Williamette. Where these devices are placed, the Hartington would be severely damaged and the many of the crew would be poisoned by the radiation."
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:37 pm Post subject:

The Captain rose from his command char, straightened his tunic and spoke. His words carried with them the air of authority that he, and everyone else, hoped would carry across the void and into the minds of these hostile new aliens.

"Alien vessel, I am Captain David Brennon of the United Federation of Planets aboard the USS Hartington. You have taken up a hostile posture and are jamming our communications with our landing party. I am formally requesting a parley to bring a peaceable end to both of these situations."

Several tense moments followed with no reply. The Captain looked back to Lieutenant Uvek, a quizzical look upon his face.

"Are they receiving us Mr. Uvek?"

The Romulan Tactical Officer checked his readings and nodded his reply.

"Yes Captain."

Brennon turned to Rolen, questions in his eyes. The Vorta shook his head, preempting the Captain.

"I wish I knew, Captain..."

The Captain turned back to the viewscreen and started once more to speak to their mysterious visitors.

"To the alien vessel jamming our communications: I repeat our request for parley. We are representatives of the United Federation of Planets. We have no hostile intent. We are expl..."

The viewscreen activates, displaying a pale green serpentine face, presumably that of aliens aboard the other vessel. His dry, raspy voice cut off the Captain.

"This is Inquisitor Voss of the U'shal, Tal'harton Missionary Fleet. You are violating the sanctity of this world, duly claimed by The Tal'harton Holy Order. You will surrender your vessel, your crew will stand by to be transported to reeducation centers further inside our territory. Failure to submit to these demands will precipitate armed conflict."

The Captain stared at the viewscreen, across space to the demanding alien. His face showed no sign of the shock he was feeling. Great... he mused, Three days into the Gamma Quadrant and we're already being bullied. After a moment the Captain responded.

"You seem to have us at a disadvantage. Inquisitor. Two vessels to my one... this is alien terrain for us, while you appear to be quite at home."

Ambassador Rolen shook his head at the Captain's words. He couldn't believe what the Human was saying!

Captain Brennon ignored the Vorta however and continued on.

"We apologize for crossing into your territory, Inquisitor. Perhaps, seeing as we just met and in the interest of peace between the Federation and the Tal'harton Holy Order, we could be allowed to return to our people. To tell them not to cross into this area of space. Perhaps tell them where Tal'harton space begins so as not..."

Inquisitor Voss hissed as he slammed his fists into the console to his right. His voice was laced with venom as he shouted back to the Starfleet Captain.

"All is our right under the Tal. Your people could not avoid us if you tried. Enough talk, surrender or be destroyed!"

"We won't be surrendering today or any other day Inquisitor. The Federation didn't surrender to the Dominion with all of it's warships bearing down on us and I sure as hell won't surrender to a glorified advanced scout!"

The Captain shot a look to Lieutenant Uvek. Through his facade of anger he let slip one quick wink to his Tactical Officer.

"Mr. Uvek, close channel!"

ACTION

As soon as the channel was closed the alien vessels opened fire, causing the ship the shutter only slightly... the weapons didn't seem to be very effective against the Hartington's shields.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject:

The Captain returned to his chair and looked over the data provided on the new "attachments". He shook his head and looked to Calodan.

"We're going to have to worry about them once we've picked up our team and dealt with the Tal'harton. They're starting to remind me of misquotes... Mr. Uvek, return fire. Shoot to disable their weapons if possible."
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uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject:

The tactical chief punched his console button. Energy rippled from the Hartington's twin phaser banks, followed closely by photon torpedoes.

The enemy shields lit up in a brilliant visual display and the ship rocked at the pinpoint firing. The torpedoes drove the point home and the ship actually shifted position in space.

"Their weapon systems are damaged, captain!" reported Uvek. "Their primary shields have collapsed. I see no movement from the second vessel, but it is unlikely they will be effective against us alone."

The quantum torpedoes loaded up, but Uvek didn't think they would need them. "I have their engines locked in, and should be able to disable them with the next volley." he reported. Though, given the captain's last gesture, he didn't think it would be necessary. Bluff was not new to Uvek and bluff followed by a show of the Hartington's force, was going to go a long way to opening "dialogue."

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject:

"Captain, the devices have become active! Detecting surges in Tachyon Radiation in the areas surrounding their points of attachment. Hull breaches in progress, emergency bulkheads are holding though."

The MSD updated, flashing red where the probes had damaged the ship.

"Sir, the probes seem to be using up all of their energy in a weapons burst and falling away. I don't think they will pose a danger anymore. All crew are being evacuated from the irradiated areas and are being treated for radiation poisoning."
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Liam McTavish · Task Force Crewman Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 286

"Captain! We have multiple boarding parties. Decks 25, 13, and 10. Deck 7 shows a large bio-mass but what ever it was isnt alive now." McTavish sent his readings to Ops and Tactical while thinking to himself 'glad im not on the clean up crew for that mess'
"Sensors show a Compressed Tetryon Beam going away from the ship, towards the shields, and into the atmosphere. Tactical, can you follow the beams and get a lock on that second ship?"

uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

Uvek tapped a comm switch. "Security to penetrated decks!" he ordered, "NO ONE is to enter the contaminated areas until the levels are under control, and NO ONE is to approach the bio mass on deck 7 without security!"

He turned his attention to the tetryon beam. "One moment while I adjust for the atmospheric interference." He adjusted his console, while keeping an eye on the damaged Tal'harton vessel before him.

uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject:

"Captain, I suggest something unconventional." blurted Uvek. "The compressed beam does not appear to be affecting our shields. I suggest we maneuver into the atmosphere outer layer, and tractor beam the enemy vessel. It worked to save our runabout, and I am convinced that their mass will prove no problems."

He checked his readings again. "I don't think the Tal'harton vessel is any match for us. Perhaps by moving toward them at this point, we can intimidate them. They have suffered damage, and will be unable to threaten us or defend themselves for several minutes at least."

Uvek swallowed hard. Fvadt! He cursed inwardly....when will he learn to keep his teeth together?!

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:38 pm Post subject:

The Captain's smug look of success melted away as he heard the report of boarding parties and hull breaches. His head whipped to Tactical as he bellowed out.

"I want Security teams and emergency force fields in place on all decks. Secure the Bridge, main computer and all sensitive areas ASAP. How the HELL did they get through our shields Lieutenant?"
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uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

Two security men stepped off the turbo lift, and placed themselves on either side of the door, having been dispatched at the moment of the first red alert.

"Shields are up throughout the ship, Captain," reported Uvek. "Teams have been dispatched and moving toward the invaders! The primary areas of the ship are secured".

Red lights began to flash on his board. He now had a full plate, and was switching between the internal and external threats. "We are releasing anestazine gas into deck 25, sections 9, 12, and 13, and deck 10, section 11!" He called out, "Our people are clear of them. That should have an immediate effect."

I am attempting to adjust our shield coverage now, and rotating frequencies. Security is on high alert and I am now getting contact reports from those decks."

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject:

"Advise all teams that I want the aliens alive Lieutenant. We're not starting a war today."

Brennon shook his head and turned back towards the front of the bridge.

"Get the Inquisitor back, I'd like to have a little chat..."
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uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:57 pm Post subject:

"Channel open Captain," responded Uvek. He tapped his comm panel again and sent the captain's order through the system. All teams would now be hitting the invaders with stun and gas whereever possible.

"Teams have taken the upper hand, captain. Between the shields, our controlled gas releases, and phasers, we should have everything under control in another few minutes."

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:03 pm Post subject:

Calodan keyed the commands at Ops to release the gas into the areas tactical had indicated.

"Anestazine gas releasing in the indicated sections Mr. Uvek. System is set to cycle it out after one minute then your security teams can move into collect the intruders."

He pulled up the threat board and looked closely at where the intruders had beamed in. Very quickly, a pattern emerged.

"Captain, I suggest we target the small ship in the atmosphere immediately. The boarding parties most definitely were beamed from there. Those probes were used to focus a type of transporter technology I've never seen before, but it can punch right through our shields and hull. The devices themselves seem to be sensors so that they can get a solid lock. The beams that penetrated the hull weren't from the devices themselves, but were the transporter signals themselves. I'm attempting come up with a counter measure, but for now we're completely exposed."

He turned his head so he could see Uvek at tactical. "Mr. Uvek, setting the shields on a modulating frequency might help to block their transporters. I also suggest level 10 containment fields around critical areas of the ship. At this point, they can punch a transporter beam into any area of the ship. We could have an armed boarding party on the Bridge before our sensors detected that they were coming or they could punch a beam into the Warp core and breach its containment."
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uvek · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:13 pm Post subject:

"Done, Lieutenant." replied the CTO. "I am raising security shields and containment to level 10 as indicated." He checked his sensor lock...nothing.

"Captain, without being closer I cannot lock onto the ship in the atmosphere. However, the tractor beam should be sufficient given our proximity once we move."