From: Erik (felldoh_at_voyager.net)
Date: Mon Apr 09 2007 - 15:03:25 PDT
"A Routine Mission" continued from "Downtime" Location: Karashi Nebula Stardate: 2.70409.1750 Scene: USS COLUMBIA “How’s the map coming, Petty officer?” Ben asked from the helm of the PATRIOT’s only Euphrates-class runabout. “Nearly finished with the first section, sir.” PO1 Mibe replied from his seat at the science station. “Prepare to come about to 00457 on my mark.” “I'm on it.” Catherine’s hands were moving across the co-pilot’s console before Ben could respond. She seemed a little tense, and probably was eager for some real work, but she wasn't likely to get it on this mission. “Alright. Section 1A complete.” The Algolian science officer continued with mock gravity. “27 more like that and we can put this thing to bed.” Ben and Catherine sighed in unison. The assignment to map the nebula was projected to take four days at this pace, and they would not be exciting. “Alright, Lieutenant, go ahead and bring…” Mibe cut off suddenly and stared at his console. “That’s strange…” =/\= Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: MOC Time Index: Two Days Earlier “I've got good news everyone.” Helice said kindly as she took a seat. “Starfleet has decided to give us a break, we've got a nice easy assignment this time. Completely routine.” She looked at Ben to continue the explanation. “We've been assigned to Map the Karashi Nebula.” He began bringing up a holographic display of the nebula, and its position. It’s on the edge of Federation space, so it hasn't been mapped in almost 60 years.” “But Sir,” Cindy spoke up, concerned. “We just got a complete overhaul of our sensor system after straining it last mission, and nebulas are notorious for confusing sensors anyway. Without a proper shake down of those new systems, we'll have no idea if our map is accurate.” “That’s correct.” Ben replied. “That’s why we'll be using our runabout to complete the map. It will take a little bit longer than if we used a ship, but we’re going to use the extra time to get the sensors up to maximum efficiency.” “The runabout team will consist of a two person flight crew, and someone to over see that actual mapping.” Helice picked up the briefing again. “T'ial, normally that job would fall to you, but I want to give you some time to get familiar with your department, and I imagine you'll want to help with calibrating the sensors, so I'd like you to give a recommendation from your staff to the Commander, who will be leading the team.” “I'm still largely unfamiliar with the capabilities of my staff.” T'ial began with typical vulcan dispassion. “But Petty Officer Mibe, our stellar cartographer, would be the logical choice.” “Very well,” Helice smiled approvingly. “Inform him of his assignment. We will leave the starbase in one hour, and it will take us approximately two days to reach the nebula. I want everyone to be prepared when we arrive. Unless there are any other questions you’re all dismissed.” =/\= Location: Karashi Nebula Scene: USS COLUMBIA Time Index: Present “What is it.” Ben asked, worried by the fact that even a small error would mean they'd have to start over and the last 3 and half hours would be gone. “I don't understand. There’s a strange blurring effect on the resolution in region 32.” The Algolian said. “I can't think of anything that could have caused it.” Ben leaned back to look at the screen. “Can we use a local scan of that region to clean up the map?” He asked, hoping for away to save time. “That would probably work.” Mibe answered, biting his lip in thought. “If we got close and did a high detail scan, and then have the computer match the image with the clear portion of the map we have it should give us a clear picture. I can't be certain though, since I don't know what caused it in the first place.” “How long would it take?” Catherine asked. She too hoped to avoid unnecessary delay. “Approximately 30 minutes.” They both looked at Ben for the final word. “Alright,” He said. “Give me the coordinates for the new scanning position.” =/\= Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: ILO's Office Time Index: Yesterday Catherine nearly dropped her PADD in surprise when the door chime rang. She almost never got visitors to her office these days, and she knew Daniel was on duty. “Come in.” she called, curious who would enter. When the doors opened it was almost the last person she'd wanted to see. “Good Day, Lieutenant.” Ben Kenta said, and then continued without waiting for a response. “May I assume you’re familiar with the details of our next mission?” “We’re mapping a nebula, yes I've heard.” She replied. Not quite sure what he was getting at. “Good,” He continued. “I'm here to offer you the chance to volunteer to be part of the runabout crew.” “What?” Catherine replied, more confused than ever. “I still need another member of the flight crew. You’re job isn't essential for this mission, and I know you’re not happy being grounded from away team work. Captain Jones has agreed to allow you to participate if you wish. If you don't want the job, I'll find someone else.” His manner was formal, and deliberately neutral. She wondered if this was his idea as he seemed to imply, or if she had forced it on him. She didn't think either sounded especially likely. “Alright,” she said almost before she knew what she was doing. “I'll do it.” She paused for a moment before hastily adding “Sir.” =/\= Location: Karashi Nebula Scene: USS COLUMBIA “I don't think its working.” Mibe reported 20 minutes into the scan. “I'm getting some really strange read…” He never finished his sentence because suddenly his console exploded in sparks. The runabout shook, throwing all of them out of their seats. Ben already knew exactly what it was. “Who’s shooting at us?” He yelled above the sizzle of electronics at Catherine, who was already back to her chair. “It’s some kind of small raiding vessel, probably and Orion pirate.” She yelled back as another spark shot out the science console. “I don't know where it came from. Weapons are offline, and shields are at 52%.” Ben spared a moment to confirm his suspicion that Mibe was already dead, and then leaped back into his seat. “I'm taking evasive action, but it’s not going to help for long.” He said, his fingers flying over the console. “See if you can get a distress call to the PATRIOT.” “I'm trying, but there’s a lot of interference.” Another blast rocked the ship. “Shields are down to 34%, we can't take much more of this.” Ben knew she was right before she spoke, and his mind raced looking for an alternative. “Go to the aft compartment and prepare to seal the door.” He said suddenly. “What?” She answered, not understanding. “Now, Lieutenant!” He shouted, knowing there wasn't time to explain. Catherine didn't ask anymore questions, and did as she was ordered, as another blast rocked he ship. Ben reached over to the engineering controls and began to reroute power. He worked quickly, knowing he didn't have much time. As soon as he finished he ran to join Catherine in the back and ordered her. “Now!” Only moments later a final blast knocked out the shields and caused an explosion. The Orion Pirates scanners registered the target destroyed. =/\= Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: Captain’s Ready Room. “Enter.” Helice called in a pleasant voice, and looked up to see Tellah Cal walk in. “What can I do for you?” “Captain, we just received a very faint transmission from inside the nebula. There’s too much interference to be sure but it could be a distress call. We’re unable to raise the COLUMBIA. I took the liberty of sending someone to use the STAR RIDER’s scanners to try and find them. “Tell the senior staff to assemble in the MOC in 20 minutes.” =/\= Location: Karashi Nebula Scene: USS COLUMBIA “What just happened?” Catherine asked tentatively as she picked herself up off the ground. “If I did it right.” Ben began, doing the same. “Then that last blast should have triggered a critical overload in the helm console, causing it to explode and hopefully blow out the front of the runabout.” “You were hoping our attackers would see the explosion and debris and assume we'd been destroyed.” She said, finally understanding his plan. “That was the general idea.” Ben agreed, rubbing his back, where he'd fallen on it. “Unfortunately there’s no way of knowing whether it worked.” “Well, we’re alive for the moment.” Catherine said, trying to sound more optimistic than she felt. Ben nodded. “For the moment.” =/\= Location: USS PATRIOT Scene: MOC “The nebula’s interference makes its impossible to know for sure, but the data we collected with the STAR RIDER suggests there may have been weapons fire within the nebula recently.” T'ial explained, being the one chosen to analyze the sensor data they had. “There is, however, no sign of the COLUMBIA, or any other ship that we can detect from here.” “I think we have to assume the worst.” Mav spoke up. “They were attacked by an unknown ship that’s hiding in the nebula, and possibly destroyed.” “We have to assume they are alive.” Helice corrected. “And need our help.” She leaned back in her chair and sighed, then started to give orders. “Our sensors are practically useless in the nebula, so the STAR RIDER will have to be our search party. Kel, you will command the search team. I want you to take T'ial for her sensor expertise, and Tam as well. Depending on what shape our crew members are in when we find them her skills may be needed. Inside the nebula you should be able to use the STAR RIDER’s external holographic matrix as a sort of cloaking device while you search, but just in case you can't, we'll be taking the PATRIOT in as a decoy.” “Are you sure that’s wise?” Kel put in quickly. “The PATRIOT will be half blind, or worse. Even a much smaller ship could pose a significant threat.” “I'm aware of the risk.” Helice answered calmly. “But I won't send the STAR RIDER in alone, and I won't abandon our crewmates either.” “The PATRIOT can soak up a lot of damage.” Mav added. “If things get dicey we can always leave the nebula. Even if something follows us out, once we’re on a level playing field there aren't many ships that can stand toe to toe with us.” “Ladies and Gentlemen, you have your orders.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NRPG: I hope nobody minds I skipped straight to the action. I figured after the long break we didn't need two more days of getting where we were going. Feel free to backpost if there is something you needed to do in that time. There's a lot to write about here. Exactly who/what are the attackers? We only guessed they were Orion pirates. Why are they in the nebula? Why did they attack? What caused the problem with the mapping, and will it affect the other ships. The only thing I ask is that you not rescue Ben and Catherine right away, as Naomi and I have a few things we want to do while they are stranded. Also can everyone please add plainsimplegarak_at_yahoo.com to the list of observers (posts only). Finally, for the Newbies, in case no one has told you yet, we have a website up at http://www.geocities.com/USSPatriot/ It has bios for the PCs, and all sorts of useful information about the ship and crew, and it links to the archives. Erik Walz Commander Benjamin Kenta Executive Officer USS PATRIOT 5781-A & Lt. Seloron Junior ACT Instructor Starfleet Academy, Earth From HyperNews_at_youth.net
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