The Ripper finished its shore leave and was on its way to the Triangle border for its border patrol.

The first few days, Krantz familiarized himself with his station and his crewmates on his shift to which Khaval was a part of. After the 5th day and at the end of their shift on the bridge, Krantz and Khaval were in the Comissary once more, finishing a meal and after Khaval brought forth a small but well used Klin Zha board and pieces and invited Krantz to a game.

Their game began and so far both players were evenly matched.

"How do you fare at the weapons console?", Khaval asked as he moved a blocker forth. "I know its not the station of a D7 which is what you were trained for but the Ripper has no less teeth than the Bloodspiller."

  Krantz had spent his time aboard the Ripper, attempting to learn everything he could about its Captain,and service record. He poured over tactical tapes, and used ship's weapons simulator on the computer, when off duty. He was quickly adapting to ship board routine,and some of the Officers would at least knowledge his presence.

 On this off duty period, he had been challenged to a game of Klin Zha, by his friend Khaval. Krantz welcomed an excuse to take a break from his self imposed training schedule when on his own time. He now watched the game board with a look of concentration. Khaval move a piece, and krantz slid one of his Lancers into an advanced space upon the board. " This one is learning quickly,and the console is not so dissimilar to  that of a D-7. There are subtle differences, but nothing this one has not overcome." The Weapons Officer watched the board for his opponent's next move.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:12, Tue 12 May 2015.

"True - its not what the ship type is, a disruptor bank still delivers a vicious strike to our enemies."

He moves his flier within striking distance of Krantz's goal.

"As you know the security chief is keeping an especially steady watch on you - as well as me...This one's humor is not what an Imperial is used to. As long as we do our jobs with skill and without error, we will be alright."

There were 4 other men in the commissary as well as Krantz and Khaval. One of them, a human fusion approached them and watched the game. Khaval turned to the newcomer.

"Looking to play the winner, Korg? Why do you bother? Klin-Zha is not your game - its luck when our games last more than 5 minutes."

"You're good but one day I will win one of our games - its only a matter of time", the newcomer said.

"Allow me to introduce Korg - Ship's...What is it that you do, Korg?"

"Medical officer - Kagga's Crown, Khaval! You know damn well what I do - who fixed your arm when you got into that incident with Khant from engineering?", Korg said angrily.

"Oh! you were the one holding the scanner - shields down, Korg...You are so easy to goad."

(gaming roll please ~ Almighty GM)

This message was deleted by the player at 21:02, Sun 24 May 2015.

In reply to Krantz tai Barshtoc (msg # 4):

 Krantz studied the board, a deep frown of concentration upon his face. When Khaval moved his Flier to within striking distance of his goal, Krantz knew his friend was the Master of this match. However, he would go down in flames and minor glory. His hand lightly touched one piece,then another, as he contemplated his response. Finally, he touched and moved his Bloackader in front of the opposing Flier. Krantz sat back knowing he would at least slow down his opponents drive towards his goal. " Your victory shall not be without a cost, Khaval." Krantz looked up from the board,and nodded to the Medical Officer.

21:27, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 55 using 1d100. Gaming roll Klin Zha. Skill of 21
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Sun 24 May 2015.

Krantz escaped Khaval's maneuver and play continued.

"Seems you have found your match, Khaval", Korg said watching the two players.

"Unlike certain scanner holders who claim to play?", Khaval said with a grin looking Korg's way. After Korg gave him a sneer, Khaval gave him a wink and turned back to the board.

Krantz cost Khaval a Blocker but Khaval was still a formidable player.

"Klin-Zha is an exercise of the deadliest weapon - the mind, Korg...Skill, strategy and a little bit of guile and daring - practice may yet improve your skill. Krantz and I have been playing this game since we have known each other - this game is typical of our matches."

(Another gaming roll please ~Almighty GM)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:42, Fri 29 May 2015.

18:41, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 96 using 1d100. 2nd gaming roll.

The game went on a little longer. Khaval  lost two vanguard but somehow, he managed to "kill" the goal of Krantz.

"A Pleasant game. My compliments to a worthy opponent.", Khaval said.

"Luck", Korg said under his breath.

"If that is what you believe Korg, then you have no business playing Klin-Zha...Luck, indeed", Khaval said.

 Krantz had not spoken to Korg before now. But when the other Officer made mention of "Luck" He deemed to comment. " Luck? That is  a concept, unworthy of a Klingon. There is only the victor and the vanquished. But even in defeat, if one fought with all his skill, he has won a different sort of victory. It is as in life, he with the most skill, prevails. A pleasant game, Khaval" Krantz reached for his goblet of fruit nectar, but if anyone took notice, he reached with his left hand.

Krantz and Khaval played 2 more matches each being victorious in each.

Retiring for the night to get an early start, Krantz goes to his quarters. Early on, he discovered that his roommate duties were the night shift so that allowed him a degree of privacy.

The next day, he reported for duty on the bridge. After the 3rd hour of the shift, a beeping of a console took everyone's attention.

"I have a contact, bearing 2-3-8, mark 3 - attempting to identify", Khaval said from his station.

"Shields up, power weapons - get a target lock at once!", Capt. Kobos said turning to Krantz with a hard stare. The bridge darkened from its white lighting to its red, battle illumination.

"Ship is a Romulan freighter, An I-7, Vespin class. Its warp engines are powered down, no weapons emplacements and minimal life signs", Khaval said, reading the data before him.

The captain heard what Khaval said but remained silent for a few seconds.

"Weapons, hold lock, disruptors armed...Helm, intercept course. Full scan of target once we are close."

 The days of days, was at hand. Krantz was going to have his chance to prove his worth, to his Captain. When the  command in the short clipped Battle language, was heard from the Captain, Krantz's fingers danced across the consul in front of him. All indications where the Disruptors where  operational,and ready to discharge. Krantz then attempted to get a weapon's lock on the target vessel. "Weapons Hot and Locked, Captain." Replied Krantz, in the clipped battle language of the Klingons.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Mon 08 June 2015.

Ripper closed with the disabled Rom freighter while Khaval counted off distance.

"10,000 Kelicams...8,000 Kelicams...6,000 Kelicams..."

The captain hailed his small marine contingent on board.

"Troops prepare to board but with caution - Minimal life signs but be wary."

"Transporter range, Captain", Khaval said.

"Lower shields - beam troops & reraise one they are away", the captain snapped.

Suddenly, the viewscreen lit up like a sun, blinding everyone on the bridge, followed by a violent shaking that threw everyone off their feet. The captain was thrown off his chair but somehow managed to hold on with an arm so he was half on the floor, half on the ground.

"Khest! TodSah!!" Capt. Kobos cursed out loud. "Status! All stations report!!"

Khaval stood up shakily and manned the sensors. "The freighter exploded - shields came back online before we took the worst of...Ship Decloaking astern, captain! Rom Destroyer, T-10, Bright one Class!!"

"Weapons, Target Destroyer and fire - helm, evasive!", the captain yelled.

(Ship's weapons roll please ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz saw the Romulan ship appear from it's cloak, The Weapons Officer felt a sudden blinding hatred for the traditional enemy of the Empire. He responded to his Captain's order by activating the fire control on his display. The ship's Disruptors stabbed out toward the enemy vessel,but they missed by a large margin. The shock wave of the explosion had  effected Krantz more then he realized.



Skill : 47




10:33, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 75 using 1d100. Ship's weapons skill roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Fri 26 June 2015.

The Disruptors missed their mark. The Romulan destroyer opened fire with its own disruptors. The bridge shook as sparks few from the navigation console and engineering one as well. Smoke began to fill the bridge and a support beam fell from the celling.

"Shields down - we lost warp power. Aux power is responding."

Some of the bridge crew put out the small fires that had sprouted and the air filtration system was taking care of the smoke.

Krantz looked at his console and saw his disruptors were at half power - there was power to power the fore and aft torpedo tubes should it be necessary.

"Enemy destroyer closing - 5,000 kelicams - orders Captain?...Captain??"

The smoke fully dispersed and all on the bridge found the captain in his command chair. The support beam fell and pierced his chest, pinning him there, quite dead.

Khaval saw the body of the captain and knew what he had to do.

"Helm, heading 2-6-8, mark 4. Z-minus 5,000 degrees - keep our bow pointed at the enemy and drop us below them. Weapons, ready torpedoes & target destroyer's stern."

He turned to navigation. "Get me those shields back up!"

  Weapon's Officer Krantz, cursed at seeing the weapons he had targeted miss. His fingers hovered over the Photon Torpedo launch controls. He would not miss this time, or he might be joining the Black Fleet far sooner then he had expected. " Weapons Ready,Captain! " Said in the battle language.

Ripper pivoted and dove, avoiding a large piece of debris of what was left of the I-8's aft section. The T-10 opened fire but only two of its 4 disruptors managed to hit the Klingon destroyer. The bridge shook as the rom disruptor hit ripper amidships, more sparks flying as conduits overloaded. A thin haze of smoke hung in the air of the red-lighted bridge.

Gaining the distance it needed, Ripper, turned and pointed its bow at the Romulan destroyer which was also angling to bring its deadly forward weapons to bear.

"In position", the helmsman said.

"Fire!", Khaval shouted to Krantz.

(Ship's Weapons roll plus add luck - average the result ~ Almighty GM)

 Like a Predator of a pack, Krantz waited for the signal of the Pack leader to strike. When Acting Captain Kaval spoke the Battle language word " Fire!" The Weapon's Officer depressed the firing button, to send Ripper's Disruptors stabbing forth, through the darkness of Space. The energy beams where aimed at the center of mass of the Romulan Ship. There had been no time for getting fancy, just to  lock and return fire upon the enemy.


 Skill Score: 68




09:51, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 40 using 1d100.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Fri 26 June 2015.

As the T-10 was maneuvering to face Ripper, Krantz opened fire on Khaval's order.

Green disruptor beams lanced from Ripper's weapon ports followed by the red glowing orb of a photon torpedo. The weapons fire hit the rom destroyer amidships, visibly making the enemy ship get pushed by the weapons fire, then a small explosion erupt from the area where Ripper's weapons hit their mark.

"Shields back up", the Navigator exclaimed after those on the bridge celebrated the hit on the romulan ship.

"Weapons, target again and fire", Khaval said.

(Weapons roll again - straight roll this time ~Almighty GM)

 The blood in his veins sang in glee,at being at the weapon's controls of a warship, locked in battle. Krantz had not felt such joy in a very long time. His fingers danced for the controls. He depressed all activation controls at once, sending energy beams and scarlet torpedoes towards the Romulan craft.

 "Weapons away, Captain" Krantz said, in the clipped words of the battle language of the Klingons.



 Ship Weapons skill: 47



11:18, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 47 using 1d100.

( He just made it by the skin of his forehead ridges. lol

Ripper poured more fire into the rom destroyer. The enemy vessel responded by firing a torpedo at Ripper, hitting the shields sqarely. However the second salvo Ripper fired was enough to seal the romulans fate as it exploded in a huge fireball.

"Damage report", Khaval said.

"We lost warp drive. We have impulse and there is damage to 3 decks...Ive been trying to hail engineering but no one has responded." the female at communications said.

"We will set course back to base - we cant continue like this...Krantz, with me - lets see why engineering is not responding", Khaval said as he went toward the turbolift.

  Krantz stood from his seat at the Weapon's station, in response to the call from Acting- Captain Khaval. Part of Krantz's mind could not but wonder, why Khaval's claiming of the Captain's chair had not been challenged. Perhaps he was that respected by his fellow Officers. But then again, it had been in battle,and now that  there was time to consider the matter,a challenge might yet be forth coming.

  When Krantz fell int place near Kaval, he made a sign that only Kaval could see. His hand was  raised, fingers spread in the imitation of a Captain's Star. A slight smile played across the lips of the Weapon's Officer. " At your Command.Captain."

"We'll see about that", Khaval said with a grim grin as the turbolift doors closed. "Although it was mostly all Imperials on the bridge, they only responded because I seized the moment - once the shock wears off, it may be a different story."

The lift headed for engineering but stopped 2 decks short. The doors opened to find Korg - the medical officer - in the hallway, hovering over the body of a very large Klingon. He seemed to be applying some sort of first aid to him by the looks of the open med-kit next to him.

 When the lift opened ,and he then saw a downed crew member, with the Medical type, Krantz had a Disruptor in his right hand, out of instinct. He advanced into the corridor out of the lift, eyes darting every which way, seeking an enemy. "What happened here?" He demanded.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Mon 13 July 2015.

"There was a plasma leak in engineering. It was sealed off & suppressed but not many made it out - I found him crawling out of a lift that made it up from that deck before the safeties shut them down", Korg said as he treated the kingon's burns on his body.

The large Imperial opened his eyes briefly as looked up at Korg, Khaval and Krantz. As he closed them tightly in obvious pain, he said, "I must not be dead...That Khesting jokester Khaval would not be allowed on the Black Fleet."

"Its good to see the one alive, Khant", Khaval said to the large prone form of the engineering officer. "How many made it out? Is Kull alive?"

"I saw the Chief trying to seal the leak off before engineering was flooded - I do not know", Khant said.

Khaval turned to Krantz. "We will have to take the service crawlways to gain access to the engineering deck - the lifts wont work to get there."

  The Weapons Officer shook his head in the negative." Khaval, allow me, to go forth,and determine what the status is in Engineering. I shall contact you, as soon as I know something.  As acting Captain, your place is upon the Bridge. You must consolidate your position,as it is still, not secure." Krantz offered this advice,in part, he was concerned for his friend, and he wished to claim any glory, that might be in the offering.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Thu 16 July 2015.

Khaval looked at Krantz for a moment and gave him a nod and a grim grin.

"Very well - there is an access point a few meters down the corridor", he says pointing further down from their location. "I will head back and to the bridge & see what aid I can give you from there - here."

He takes his communicator off of his belt and hands it to Krantz.

"I do not know if comm panels will be operational down there...Quapla."

In reply to GM (msg # 27):


 Kratnz took the communicator and clipped it upon his belt. " Kai the Captain." He said with a grin, as his right hand made the Academy sign of a Captains star. With that being done, Krantz headed down the corridor in search of the access panel.

The access panel was less than 6 feet away. Entering, Krantz crawled his way down on hands and knees till he got to a side passage with a ladder that went down. He wend down and when he reached the next deck, a thin layer of smoke hung in the access crawlway.

He crawled further until he reached another access panel. Opening it, he found the engineering deck.

The deck was smoky but not enough to impair breathing. the heat was uncomfortable even for an Imperial Klingon - no doubt from the plasma leak. Having sight for 4 feet ahead of him, he made his way slowly. He found two bodies when he got to a junction. They were both Klingon Imperials, quite dead - no burns so they might have suffocated due to the smoke. Just then, his communicator beeped.

"Khaval to Krantz - Status", he heard his friend say over the comm..

  When Krantz saw the two bodies, he had a Disruptor in his hand, out of habit and training. He looked for a Respirator station to guard himself against the fumes and smoke. Once he had a resirator on, and only then, he would respond to his new Captain." Krantz here, I have just arrived and have found to expired crew. The heat is bad here, perhaps a Plasa leak. I shall investigate further, then report. "

"Understood", Khaval said.

Krantz went further down the corridor. Following the signs to engineering, he found the doors to it - or rather an open doorway to it as the doors were wide open. Scorch marks could be seen and an outline of a body on the floor at the threshold.

The smoke was thicker here and the heat was intense. Looking into the room, all you see is a raging plasma fire by one of the control panels. All that is left of crewmen in this room are outlines when the fire erupted.

  The heat of the Plasma fire, was almost more then Krantz could tolerate. He attempted t make his way to a computer panel and activate the fire suppression system in engineering . His fingers danced across the keys in a desperate attempt to hit the right ones,as his vision was somewhat hampered in the breathing mask.


 Computer Ops skill: 30



11:45, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 11 using 1d100. Computer Ops roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Sat 01 Aug 2015.

Finding the emergency suppression system via an engineering panel, he activated it.

The white mists of the system engulfed the fire while air purification systems engaged, taking care of the smoke. After a few moments, the plasma fire was out and the heat subsided to normal, tolerable levels.

 Now that the Plasma fire was under control, Krantz had a chance to get a better view of the engine room. He was a Weapons Officer, not an Engineer, but he attempted to determine what caused the fire before he reported to Khaval.



( I was trying to use luck to find out what happened. he has a 21... there could be a Romulan Kinshaya Orgy going on in front of him,and he would miss it with that roll.)



17:28, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 92 using 1d100. Luck roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Wed 05 Aug 2015.

With the fire out and life support now free to vent the smoke and regulate the temperature to more comfortable levels, Krantz looked for a cause.

Other than where the fire originated - which was near a engineering panel near a console several feet away - he had no clue other than something exploded.

"Krantz, this is the bridge - Status", came the voice of Khaval.

In reply to GM (msg # 35):

 He looked around, but really had no idea of what he was looking at. Besides the basics from his Academy days. Krantz knew next to nothing about Engineering. He activated a Com panel. "Krantz, here. There was some sort of explosion,and a plasma fire as a result. The fire has been suppressed for the moment, but there are several fatalities in Engineering. I recommend a damage control party be sent here as soon as possible." He waited for Kaval to respond.

Krantz heard a grunt & turned to the source of the noise which was the entrance to engineering.

He saw medical officer Korg & engineering crewman Khant. Korg was holding Khant by one shoulder, while Khant held a disruptor pistol at Korg's side.

"He insisted on coming down here and giving assistance", Korg said.

"I didnt give him much choice sir...Also im probably the last engineer to have survived, Khant added.

In reply to GM (msg # 37):

 Seeing the two enter Engineering, Krantz spotted the disruptor pistol in the side of the medical officer. "Korg, give him something  keep him on  his feet. The well being of this ship is of more importance then our well being. Consider that an order. Crewman Khant, put away the weapon. We all serve the Empire, let us serve now and do what we can to make repairs." Krantz contacted Khaval again.


" Krantz to Khaval, we have a survivor from Engineering, it is a rating, but we shall do what can be done to make repairs. Request additional personal to render assistance?" Krantz awaited a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Mon 17 Aug 2015.

Khant puts his disruptor away as he points to one of the engineering consoles to direct Korg to take him there. Khant leans with one arm while he taps controls with the other.

Korg leaves him to his work and steps up to Krantz, looking about engineering as he does so.

"Must've been a very bad plasma fire to leave nothing but silhouettes on the floor - a horrible way to die."

Khant spoke as he remained looking at the console. "Warp power is repairable but with the damage we sustained, it wont be much - perhaps warp 5...I will have to bypass some conduits and cut power to other systems."

 Krantz was looked at Korg." Concern yourself with keeping Engineer Khant able to perform his duties, Medical Officer. If something happens to him, we are all undone."

 The Weapons officer then addressed Engineer Khant. " Until we get replacements down here, I shall place myself at your disposal, Khant. Tell me what I must do? The welfare of the ship is the first priority, so to khest with rank, for the time being." I await your instructions, Enginerr Khant." Krantz was most sober in his attitude and words.

Khant didn't know how to respond to that. He looked to the human fusion medical officer, then back to Krantz.

He spoke slowly. "The console behind you monitors power output of the warp engines...keep an eye on that & make sure it does not go to 60%."

Khant then points to Korg. "You will help me with bypassing power to more stable conduits while I physically repair and replace the hardware to distribute the warp power."

Khant motions for Korg to help him to another part of Engineering. Time passes while the two Klingons repair and reroute power. The gauge goes to 55% but remains steady as Khant comes back with Korg to where Krantz is.

"Repairs complete, sir...We can go up to warp 5.7 - anything more and we risk rupturing the bypasses I created."

  Krantz activated his communicator to contact Khaval. " Krantz to Captain Khaval." He did that for the benefit of anyone near his friend, listening. " With the assistance of the one surviving Engineer rating, repairs leave us capable of Warp 5.7. He cautions anything higher, there is a risk of failure of the engines. I recommend that Engineer Khant be promoted one grade."

Silence followed Krantz communication to the bridge.

Korg goes to Khant to see how he is doing healthwise and finds a chair for the large imperial to sit down on despite his protests but a wince of pain forces him to do so more than Korg's reasoning to let him be looked at. After a couple of minutes, a reply from the communicator.

"This is CAPTAIN Koval - I am in command here. I will determine who is promoted on Ripper...I will be sending down what crew are skilled in engineering to continue repair."

Krantz recognizes the voice of the first officer.

  The voice of the Executive Officer, that came over Krant's communicator, caused him to feel a tightness in the pit of his stomach. Had he just condemned both his friend and himself to what remained of thier lives, in an Agonizer booth? He had called Khaval Captain, to help his friend, the opposite could well have happened. There was not way to know what had happened, or what was about to happen.  But Krantz had to respond to the "Captain."

 "Understood, Captain. I await your orders."  What else could he say?

After a few moments, a group of Klingons - 5 human fusions and two imperials comes into the engine room. One of the Imperials tells Krantz to report back to the bridge.

Upon reaching the bridge, Khaval is standing by Koval who is sitting in the blood-stained command chair - it looks like they cleaned up somewhat after he left as Kobos's body is gone and the bulk of the debris removed.

Koval turns to you. "You and Khaval acted to save this ship from certain destruction - Khaval for taking command while I was away from the bridge and you for taking charge of getting power restored to engineering."

He stands from the chair. "Khaval is now executive officer - Krantz, man the weapons station."

Khaval's face is like stone, he looks at you but his face reveals nothing.

 Krantz rode the turbo lift to the bridge, his thoughts where fatalistic,and he would face what would come, in a worthy fashion of an officer. When the turbo lift doors opened, Kratz walked onto the bridge, the smell of blood still present, mixed with the high moisture that Klingons relished.

 The Captain told Krantz to assume his weapon station, the Weapons officer nodded curtly. "Yes, Captain." and walked over and took a seat at  the weapons console. Krantz ran a diagnostic on all systems,and would then run a simulation if he had the time.

Ripper leaves the area at impulse and jumps to warp 4 shortly after that. After a few hours, Krantz's shift on the bridge is relieved and he finds himself back at his own quarters (now truly his own as his bunk mate was one of the fatalities during the attack).

His door opens and Khaval enters.

"Interesting turn of events, eh?" he says matter of factly.

 After his shift, krantz headed for his quarters,and took a sonic shower and changed into off duty garb. He took the small dagger he always had on him,and slipped it into the small of his back. Krantz toyed with arming himself with the small slug thrower pistol,he had purchased at his last assignment,but reconsidered and just went with the blade. Krantz was about to turn on his terminal to watch the latest episode of the Battle Cruiser Vengeance,when his door just opened. Krantz scooped up the slug thrower and aimed it, at what he now saw was his friend ,who walked in and spoke to Kratnz.

 " Kaga's Crown, Kaval. You should know better then to just walk into quarters without making yourself known." The point of the weapon remained on his friend a moment longer to make his point,then it was placed back upon the table.  He made hidden gesture to Kaval to just listen.

 Krantz stood to his feet with a smile. " You can buy me a drink in the Officers Mess, in way of making up for your blunder at my door." Krantz said this in a humorous way. The Weapons Officer did indeed, wish to discuss recent matters, but he was not about to do it in his quarters. If Security was watching,and odds where, that the new Captain ordered it, then they needed to be in a crowed place with noise to talk.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sun 06 Sept 2015.

"Also an interesting way to greet your executive officer", Khaval said with a grin. "I could use refreshment after today - lets go."

As they made their way, Khaval made small talk when they were alone in the corridor.

"I find it very interesting that Koval was not on the bridge when our engagement with the roms happened...Only afterward, after we acted - once Kobos was killed in action - did our new captain deem to make his appearance."

 As the two of them moved down the corridor, Krantz looked around out of long habit for a Security type. He looked to Kaval. " Perhaps he was with his female. I hear one of the women in Communications has been keeping company with him, here of late." Krantz mused as the moved along.

Both officers entered the commissary for a drink with Khaval having a Warnog for himself. As the sat, the Ripper's security officer, Kaj entered.

He was an unassuming imperial of small build and stature but word among the crew was that the man was quick in speed and reflexes and excelled at his task - the crew gave him a wide berth wherever he entered.

He came right to Krantz and Khaval's table.

"I would speak with you both", he said plainly.

Khaval gestured to an empty chair. As he sat, Khaval gave Krantz a brief look of surprise at having Kaj among their company.

 Krantz sat down,and was about to take a drink of his own Warnog, when a sudden stench offended his senses. The source of the smell, revealed itself, in short order. The Chief Security Officer for Ripper, approached their table.


 The Weapons Officer's facial expression went blank, out of old habit of dealing with Imperial Security. Krantz would have liked to drive a blade into the throat of Lt.Commander Kaj, but he gripped his goblet of Warnog, until his finger tips where white, instead.

" I was just departing"  Krantz said in a flat tone of voice. He began to stand.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Tue 15 Sept 2015.

"Sit Krantz", Khaval said in an authoritative tone. "Let us see what our head of security has to say to us." He waited for Kaj to sit.

"I am not sure of our new captain's allegiance", Kaj said in a low tone. "I found it odd that he was not at the bridge during the attack. Also, we no longer have a marine contingent on board due to the destruction of the rom freighter detonating and our marine captain was among the casualties during the attack - he was caught in an explosion of his computer console monitoring his men. We also lost our engineering team in a plasma explosion - only a crewmen survived it."

"Convenient", Khaval said.

"Too convenient", Kaj said. "Right now this ship has no fighting arm and its engineering is crippled. We are limping back to Ganarra III at less than cruising speed...Id say we were ripe for the taking."

"By who - the Romulans?", Khaval said.

"No - I believe the rom trap was genuine...A convenient opening for these turn of events", Kaj said.

 Krantz resumed his seat, when his friend, but more to the point, his superior, told him to remain. The Weapons's Officer did not know what version of the game, the Security Officer was playing, but he could see the game pieces in motion in his mind. Krantz's best counter move upon the board,was to remain silent and listen,as his superiors spoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

"An opening - for who?", Khaval said.

"Who indeed?", was Kaj's reply.

Khaval took a dring of his warnog. He sat silent for a moment, thinking on this revelation their security chief had just told them.

"What say you, Krantz? What are your thoughts on this?", Khaval asked of his friend and fellow officer.

In reply to GM (msg # 55):

 When Krantz was asked for his opinion, he had to resist the urge to strangle Kaval. He wanted Krantz's opinion in front of the head of Security,was he mad? But Krantz was now moved into a position,where he had to respond,or look the fool. " We are near to many factions within the Triangle. perhaps renegade Klingons, or Orions."He took a drink of his War Nog

   The Weapons Officer, decided to make a bold move upon the board. " We may not have Marines, but our weapons are still hot,and the shields function. If whatever PataQs, think to offer us battle, they shall find Ripper, is not without teeth." Krantz bared his teeth.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Fri 25 Sept 2015.

"Well said, Krantz", Khaval said. "Perhaps our new captain wants to defect to the IKS but ive never known them to frequent this area of space. As far as the Orions, pirates will go where the profit is - it would be suicide for them to come this far into the triangle and not be challenged by our forces or the Roms."

Khaval remained silent for a few seconds. "Kaj, go over service records - see who is friends or loyal to Koval - if what you say is true, he will need more than just planning to be captain to take this ship for his own purposes. I know we can count on Korg, Khant & Krantz here - I will see who else we can garner support from as well."

Kaj nodded and stood "Acting", he said simply and left them alone.

 Krantz waited until the Security Chief had departed, before he spoke to Khaval, in a low voice. " You do not trust that PataQ, I hope. He plays his own version of the game,and he wants you as one of his Pieces, Kaval. Let us play our own  gambit,and make him our piece upon the board." Kratnz said,with a grin.

Khaval retuned the grin.

"That one has his own agenda of course but he does not wish the captaincy - and besides, security personnel don't attract the attention of the Imperial Navy...You know not every security officer has it in for you Krantz."

He finished his Warnog.

"I don't think he made me executive officer out of mutual respect - no offense Krantz but Imperials don't like the Fusions beyond ordering them around...I think he made me his second for two reasons; One, he could not deny my actions against the Roms. Two, most of the bridge crew was loyal to Kobos - the Imperials anyway...Im now a target for the others on the bridge...Clever of Koval, eh?"

In reply to GM (msg # 59):


 Krantz scratched the ridges upon his forehead in thought,a moment. " Perhaps not all Security Officers are not out to get me. But that does not mean, I do not wish to make them all raw protein."

 He drained the last of his drink,as well.

 "As for our new esteemed Captain, I shall see what I might learn from my fellow Imperials, Kaval. Your thoughts make sense to me,as to his reasons to elevate you to Second in command. But no matter his reasons, Fusions have won glory in the Empire in the past. Kang, Kur, Kolos, just to name a few. No matter his reasons, you shall of course embrace the position,and make it your own. One step closer, to your own command." He grinned then, exposing teeth of a carnivore.

Two days passed.

Krantz talked with his fellow imperial bridge crew as time allowed, gathering information to find out anything about Kaj's claim of an attempt of conspiracy on board. He spent time in the Commisary, engaging in conversation while drinking or playing Klin Zha, hoping to glean information as Khaval and Kaj were also doing.

(Add carousing, Gaming: Klin Zha, INT and LUC together, divide by 4 (round up) and roll equal or under that number ~Almighty GM)

 After the calculation, the final number is 31



16:49, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 93 using 1d100.


 It makes sense, the roll I mean. He is new, Security might have black listed him, It is about the Captain, etc. So no one talking to him about this is reasonable.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Sun 18 Oct 2015.

Unfortunately, Krantz does not find out anything from among the Imperials.

Ripper continues its slow journey back to Ganarra III & after finishing his shift on the bridge, Krantz retires for the night. Sleep is brief however as he is awoken to someone in his room! In the darkness Krantz senses movement nearby him.

(What do you do? Almighty GM)

In reply to GM (msg # 63):


 Krantz was a light sleeper by long habit,from years ago at the Imperial Academy. Senior Cadets liked nothing more then to find an under class men and then beat him. He know that someone was in his quarters,and since his former roommate perished in the fire, it was an intruder. He had his light duty weapon in his hand at once, The Slug thrower might not have been as lethal as a Disruptor pistol, it could slow  most things down, or do them in if the projectile was aimed well.


 The Weapons Officer felt his adrenaline begin to rush,and his muscles tense ready to spring out of bed, He took a deep breath, and uttered one word. " Lights". When the illumination panel came on, instead of a sleeping Krantz, they would see fully alert and armed Krantz, The business end of the light duty weapon would be trained upon the intruder.

At Krantz command, the lights came on. He saw an Imperial over his bed - Ens. Khas, Navigator. His Dk'tag was raised high, ready to plunge into into his chest! Khas is surprised by the sudden activation of the lights and hesitates.

(Unarmed combat roll please ~Almighty GM)

In reply to GM (msg # 65):

16:22, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 79 using 1d100.  Unarmed Combat skill roll.

 His skill is 38, so he missed,and then some.

 Can Krantz shoot him?

No - he is in bed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Sun 01 Nov 2015.

Krantz rolls and dives off the bed as Khas recovers from his hesitation and stabs Krantz in the shoulder as he hits the floor.

(Butcher's bill - 7 pts of damage; Actions and appropriate skill roll please ~Almighty GM)

In reply to GM (msg # 68):

 Krantz felt  the others blade kiss his flesh, as Krantz  got to his feet and assumed a fighting stance. The Weapons Officer feinted a hand attack towards the other face, to cover the real attack of a low kick to his assailants knee, in a attempt to knock him down to the floor,


19:58, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 52 using 1d100. Miss
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Mon 02 Nov 2015.

Krantz feint works and Khas goes defensive by bringing his blade up but Krantz's kick falls short. Khas swipes with his blade and cuts Krantz arm. Khas begins to maneuver to the door and Krantz cant decide if he is attempting to flee or block his escape.

(Butcher's bill: 3 pts of damage; Actions and appropriate skill roll please ~Almighty GM)

In reply to GM (msg # 70):

 Bleeding from two wounds now, Krantz  attempted a crescent kick to knock the dagger arm aside as Krantz spung with a wheel kick to the head of his assailant.

21:56, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 79 using 1d100. Miss


 Should just shoot himself with these crappy roles
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Mon 02 Nov 2015.

Krantz attempts a crescent kick to knock the weapon away from Khas but once again he misjudges the distance and fails to disarm his assailant. As Khas raises his Dk'tag to attack, the door opens to his quarters.

Khas turns to see who it is and three muffled popping sounds are heard. He falls to the floor and Krantz looks to see who it is.

Korg is at the doorway with a slug thrower with a silencing device attached to it in hand. "Seems im not the only light sleeper on board - Ensign Kal came to end this one's life but I always sleep with my silent companion", he says mentioning his weapon.

The door closes as he enters. "Let me have a look at those wounds", he says holstering his slug thrower.

 By now Krantz had opened his storage area and had a Disruptor pistol in his hand. It was obvious that there was something very wrong on board the Ripper. " Someone attempted to kill you as well? We need to contact the XO,at once." Said Krantz. The Pistol was not aimed at the other Imperial,but that could be changed quickly.


 He took his communicator and activated it. " Krantz to Kaval."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Mon 02 Nov 2015.

"I tried that - communications are scrambled", Korg said. "Your arm wound is only superficial but I will need to suture that shoulder wound or you will bleed out quickly."

He produces a portable med kit from his pouch at his belt to close Krantz wound.

 A grunt of annoyance, from Krantz, but he made a curt nod to Korg. "Very well, proceed." Krantz said, through clenched teeth. He sat on his bed, so the other could attend to his wounds, but he pointed the disruptor at the door during Kord's medical attention.

 Krantz took this time to collect his thoughts,and speak aloud about them. "Could this be an attempt by one or more officers, to eliminate those loyal to the Empire.? Once they achieved this goal, they would join the renegade Klingons in the Triangle. The Ripper would make a fine addition to the rag tag collection of ships those traitors have. What do you think."
 Asked Krantz.

"Very bold of them to strike in this area of space but traitors know no borders", Korg says as he injects a regenerative compound into the shoulder area to promote knitting of the muscles and places an autosuture over Krantz wound to close it. After a few minutes Korg is done.

In reply to GM (msg # 76):

 The Weapons officer armed himself with two blades, his light duty slug thrower,and the hand Disruptor. He opened the door to his quarters, went to one knee, and took a quick look into the corridor, He hoped being low and his speed, wold keep himself from getting shot, if more attackers waited,

The corridor was empty and quiet - eerily so - only the ship engines could be felt by the subtle vibrations on the deck plates.

In reply to GM (msg # 78):

  When Krantz saw no one, he turned ans whispered to his companion. "We must get to the Quarters of Khaval. He is the primary target, if this is a bid to defect to the renegades."

 With his hand Disruptor at the ready, Krantz started to make his way to his friends quarters.

Krantz and Korg exit the quarters and make their way to Khaval's quarters which are on the same deck.

Coming to the entrance to his quarters, the doors open to reveal three Klingons dead, and Khaval leaning over the body of Kaj. He looked up to the two newcomers.

"Good - you are both still alive. Korg, see to Kaj - he took a D'tagh to the abdomen between the plates of his armor."

Korg nods and begins to tend to Kaj who is breathing haggardly. Khaval stands and comes to Krantz side.

"These P'taks came in to my quarters while I was at my table reviewing personnel files. They almost sent me to the Sto-vo-kor and the Black Fleet were it not for Kaj - took a knife to the stomach for his trouble."

Kaj speaks with blood coming from his mouth and barely any breath from his lips as Korg undoes his front chest plate to treat his stomach wound.

"Kh-Khoval...He is...Making h-his move...", he says. Korg begins to seal his wound and injects a hypo in his neck and Kaj goes silent.

"He will live but he is not defending first officers further any time soon", Korg says not looking up from his treatment of Kaj.

 When Krantz took in the scene in his friend's quarters, a grim expression came to his face. "Khaval. whomever is loyal to you, now is the time to rally them. I say we make a strike for engineering. Once we have that, we can control the entire ship,and demand the surrender of the traitors, or we can left them breath Vacuum." Krantz's Warrior blood was up,in the anticipation of conflict to come.

Khaval clasped Krantz shoulder. "My idea exactly. Korg, youre with us. Once you stabilize Kaj, we'll secure the door to my quarters and we all will make our way to engineering. Well take the lift 2 decks above engineering & then the aceess crawlways to engineering itself."

Once Kaj was stabilized they moved as one to the lift. Once it stopped, Khaval led them to the crwalways and crawled for what seemed like eternity but once they were within mere meters from Engineering, they heard slugthrower fire. It stopped once they were at the hatch to engineering.

"Khant, give up...There is no escape - You fight well but we control the ship. There is a place for you in the IKS...Surrender now and we will promise no harm and fair treatment for you."

"If there were a place for me, you wouldn't have sent weakings to kill me - if that is the IKS, I think I can hold you off forever!"

The fire renewed.

Khaval grinned "That overgrown bulkhead of a Klingon is worthy of the stars...Ready weapons - a corridor divides this hatch but once we clear the hatch and round the corner, we will see what were up against."

In reply to GM (msg # 82):


 With the word's of Khaval, Krantz double checked the power level of his hand Disruptor, and nodded grimly. " We await your orders, "Captain"." For with the treason to the Empire of the former Captain, Kaval was now in de facto command of the Ripper.

They exited the hatch and made their way to the corner of the wall that divided engineering.

From there, they saw that Khant was crouched behind a large console, slugthrower in hand. There were a group of Klingons - 5 imperials - at the door to leading into engineering. Two more were behind a console.

Krantz and the others were in perfect position to catch the two by the console in a crossfire.

 Krantz then recalled they where getting ready to storm the Engine room.Energy weapons  and sensitive instrumentation did not mix well. He turned off his Disruptor and took out his light duty weapon. It was a slim affair,more worthy of perhaps a woman then a Klingon Warrior. But Krantz had taken it from an Orion he had killed in a Bar brawl and it packed a punch when one of it's projectiles hit something.

While the imperials were concentrating their fire on Khant, Khaval hand signaled to take aim at the Klingons behind the console. Once they were all in position, Khaval gave the silent order to fire.

(Marsmanship: Archaic roll please ~Almighty GM)

 The Weapons Officer was crouched behind what cover the area provided. Krantz watched for Khaval's signal. When it was given, Krantz raised his slender Orion chemical projectile weapon and depressed the trigger. A loud popping sound with flash of flame, erupted from the barrel. A metallic projectile sped toward one of a traitors.

09:27, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 82 using 1d100.  Old School Pistol to hit roll.

 A miss,as usual. lol.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Sun 24 Jan 2016.

Krantz fired but his shots were wild but at least were a distraction for Khaval. Korg managed to hit one of the imperials behind the console and he went down. Khaval ran to Khant's console as his men loyal to him fired. He was fired upon but the traitor's surprise of being counterattacked made them miss the moving target that was Khaval.

Khant took the distraction and stood for a moment to cover khaval with his weapon and tap a few buttons on the console he hid behind. The doors to engineering closed, securing the room for the moment.

Korg ran out next and went to the other console where the two traitors were. One was alive and he surrendered when he saw he was outnumbered and his support was behind a secured door.

  The fighting had ended,almost as quickly as it had begun. Krantz felt disappointment,at being denied the chance to draw the enemies blood and glory. The Weapons Officer walked over to the captive,and pointed his light duty slug thrower at his face. " I should send this Ha'DIbaH to oblivion for his treason to the Empire."

 The Weapons Officer looked at the captive with an expression of disdain. "Why? Why would you betray your oath to the Emperor and the Empire? What sort of reward is worthy of relieving yourself upon your own honor?" Asked Krantz of the prisoner. He really wanted to know.

Khaval steps right next to Krantz.

"I would like the answer to that question as well", he says.

The imperial remains silent glaring at Khaval

"No matter - a few sessions in the Agonizer Booth will loosen your tongue once this is all over."

Her turned to Khant. "Status"

"I am attempting to get control of the ship...Some directives have been rerouted to the bridge", he says as he continues to work.

"Krantz, help him - ill watch our prisoner", Khaval says.

 Krantz nodded then, but before he heeded Khaval's order, he paused. " Is it possible to activate the anti-boarding program, from enginerring? We could seal off most vital parts of the ship, shut down the elevators,and of more importance, we can flood areas of the ship with Theragin nerve gas. Can this be done from here, Khant?"

"Those are the directives im trying to reactivate. They have taken control of the anti boarding program from the bridge so im attempting to activate different parts of it individually, bypassing the program - id like you to input the following commands, sir."

Khaval meanwhile leans down to their captured mutineer and speaks to him in a low tone while Korg covers him with his weapon.

(Computer Ops roll plus LUC, average out and roll ~Almighty GM)

Krantz holstered his disruptor and went to the computer control pad. His fingers did not dance across the keyboard, they more like plodded.

19:58, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 29 using 1d100.  roll to assist Engineer rating.

needed 25..Close.

"No good - I cant access the anti boarding program...But I can try to do something to the engines to stop wherever theyre taking this ship", Khant said.

Khaval looked at Khant and gave him a nod to proceed.

Khant went to a different console and began tapping controls. The ship lurched then the warp engines went cold.

"I still need control of this ship, Khant - we wont be able to hold this position for long", Khaval said.

 Krantz uttered a curse under his breath, when he could not perform the task. He stepped away from the  control panel. " Khaval, we can gain access to the bridge by means of a Transporter and avoid the turbo- lifts, that they control. I say the three of us gain the armory, take as many grenades as we can,and wipe out the traitors by storming the bridge. Let them think we are still hold up here, in Engineering, but in reality, like the predator stalking it's prey, we leap out at them from ambush."
 Krantz had emotion in his voice,as he was done with being the one that was always on the short end of matters.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Wed 24 Aug 2016.

"Inter-ship transport is dangerous - we might end up in a bulkhead or out in the vaccum of space", Khaval responded.

"I agree but we have few options", Korg says.

"I can try", Khant said. "Give me a moment to fine tune the transporter and I believe I could get us somewhere else."

Khaval thought it over for a moment. "Very well", he said. He grabbed their prisoner and brought him along to the evacuation transporter across the room "If we die, at least you will die with us if we fail."

The rest followed his lead, Khant following last to do some minor sabotage work on the engineering panel should the traitors gain entry. Once that was done, he asked Krantz for his assistance one again in calibrating the transporter as sits to site transport has never been done before.

(Add transporter ops, computer ops and LUC together, average out and roll ~Almighty GM)

 The formula you gave for the attempt was  a 24 even rounding up. I rolled a 34. Soooo, I guess he is now part of the deck or a bulk head. New character?

Krantz & Khant fine tune the transporter as best they can. They stepped onto the pads.

"I have placed our destination - the armory on the Bridge deck", Khant said.

"Death is an experience best shared", Khaval said with a grin & winked at Krantz.

Korg remained silent, his slugthrower square in the back of their bound prisoner.

The transporter sequence began just as the doors to engineering were being pried open from the other side...Then they were bathed in light.

 You dirty egg sucking, low down, sheep herding, pole cat. You are going to leave it there?!?!?!?! I have to wait how many more days to you post again???? I think I hate you. :P

The light disappeared and gave way to red lights and then a sudden drop as Krantz hit the floor hard as if he was in mid air.

His crewmates also hit the floor but after a brief moment, they all stood realizing that they transported almost 2-3 feet off the ground but they had reached their destination. Another thing they noted was that their prisoner was gone.

In reply to GM (msg # 101):

 Krantz had the sensation of falling,at least it was a fall of a short distance.But all the same, it was enough to send the Orion slug thrower out of his hand when he landed on his behind. Krantz's instinct was to scramble after the weapon on the ground even before attempting to ascertain his location.

"Kaga's crown!" He uttered,as he attempted to scoop up the weapon.

As Krantz and his allies picked themselves up, Korg noticed the prisoner he was guarding had disappeared.

"Where is our prisoner?!", Korg hissed in a low tone?

"Found him", Khant said also in a low tone, pointing to the furthest bulkhead.

A large stream of blood was running down the wall, originating from the seam where the wall and celling met.

"At least we don't have to guard a prisoner now", Khaval said, also trying to be quiet. "Look for Slugthowers and melee weapons - carry grenades and disruptors but only as backup weapons - I would like the Bridge intact."

 Krantz holstered his pistol,and searched the armory for a Klingon projectile hand weapons. He settled on a brace of large black pistols of Klingon manufacture. he took six Sonic grenades and attached them to his belt. Krantz considered taking a Bat'leth, but decided for this mission,a dagger was more then enough. He soon stood ready and awaiting orders from his friend and erstwhile Captain.

Once they were properly armed, Khaval led the way to the exit out of the Armory.

He tapped the controls to the door and they opened. He saw the corridor was deserted for the moment and hand signaled for Krantz and Khant to go out first to cover their exit of the armory.

As soon as Khaval and Korg came out, Khaval gave his next orders.

"Ready Disruptors - we head for the bridge. We will meet opposition as we make our way to our objective but once we get there, we switch to slugthrowers and melee weapons and regain control."

 When Khaval gave his orders,Krantz answered in the Battle Language. " Understood Captain."

 He took his Disruptor pistol in hand,then awaited the feeling of being transported.

With Krantz and the larger Khant leading the way, the four loyalists made their way to the bridge.

After a few moments, they ran into their first opposition literally around the corner - 5 crewman, all Imperials.

Both groups are shocked to see each other.

(What do you do? Your choice will determine what I require as far as rolls go ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz was a fellow Imperial,so he took the first action. " We fight for the Emperor and the Empire. For whom do you fight for?"

 Krantz had his disruptor pistol pointed at the floor,but he was ready to aim it at the five Klingons.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Sun 11 Sept 2016.

Upon hearing Krantz's words, they stopped.

"For duty & Empire!", one said.

"Kai to the Emperor!", said another.

"Death to all traitors!", said a third.

Khaval stepped forward. "We are on our way to the Bridge to retake the ship form the P'tak who have taken over Ripper...Are you with us?"

All nodded or said. "Aye".

(Good move - extra dice for skill improvement when this adventure is over ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz nodded and smiled to the five new members of their merry band. " We follow you to the Black Fleet,Captain?"

Khaval put his hand on Krantz shoulder and gave a firm grip and grim grin.

Turning to the newcomers, he just said, "We move".

All nine Klingon loyalists moved through the corridor on their way to the bridge. Emerging in the top of a T shaped junction, a single door was there which would lead them through the long corridor to the bridge. Tapping the controls, Khaval noted they were locked.

"Krantz and Khant, run a bypass if you can - the rest of you ready weapons...If we cant open this door, we may have to blast it open."

(Computer Ops + LUC, average out and roll please ~Almighty GM)

15:22, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 30 using 1d100.  Need a 26 for com ops+ Luc  Averaged.

Missed as usual

The door opened to a foot wide gap - then the disruptor fire hit the door from the other side, causing the others nearby to scatter to the sides as a few bolts came through the gap, missing Khant and Krantz respectively.

"Grenades!", Khaval yelled as Korg and Khant grabbed their explosives and tossed them through the opening, followed by an explosion and several Klingon traitors yelling on the other side and then smoke came through.

"Pry that door open!", Khaval said and several loyalists sprang to the task, grabbing the ends of the door & and widening the gap.

Beyond the smoke, several Klingons lay dead in the corridor.

 When the door was pryed open enough  for Krantz to see, he rolled a sonic grenade through the doors and waited for the flash that would indicate it had destroyed the organic matter within its area of effect. The Weapons Officer would then attempt to move through the doors slug thrower at the ready.

The loyalists walked the long corridor to the Ripper's bridge, stepping over the dead bodies of the traitors.

"We will have one more door to bypass - no doubt they will be ready for us...Ready slugthrowers when we get there - I want no consoles damaged", Khaval said.

  As Krantz stepped over the bodies,he looked to see if any of them where from Security. He hated that branch,but if non where present,it might be Security was not with the mutineers. A potential for added allies in the reclaiming of the ship for the Empire.

 The Weapons Officer moved past Khavel and into the lead. "Captain, I wish to scout ahead to determine the disposition of the traitors."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Sun 18 Sept 2016.

Khaval looked at Krantz for a moment, weighing the weapons officer's words.

"Ghos", he said, allowing him to proceed.

 Krantz nodded and took off down the corridor remaining close to the left bulkhead,to give himself the best arch of fore for his Slug thrower. He would stop to listen from time to time,investigate any doors,and report via personal communicator to his Captain on his progress.

Krantz goes on ahead. Most doors he find are small armories which are empty, service access panels or unused storage lockers. The corridor ends at the doors leading to the bridge - sealed, no doubt.

 Krantz went into a one knee kneel position,and aimed his slug thrower at the bridge doors. He activated his communicator. " Krantz to Khaval, I am at the doors to the bridge,and have encountered no resistance. Awaiting orders."

"Stand by", came Khaval's reply. The group made it to Krantz's location and Khaval looked at the doors.

"No way to blast through that - it would take hours with either grenades or disruptors...Khant, Krantz - if you would?"

(Same as before with the doors ~Almighty GM)

20:51, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 41 using 1d100.

Fail

Khant & Krantz try to bypass the door but fail to do so.

"Try again - we need control of this ship", Khaval said, insistence in his voice.

(Reroll & add +10 to your roll ~Almighty GM)

15:00, Mon 19 Sept: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 40 using 1d100.

With Krantz & Khant's collaboration, they manage to open the doors - and are meeted with disruptor fire almost immediately coming from within the bridge. All the loyalists hit the deck or head for the cover of the doorframe.

(DEX+LUC & average please ~Almighty GM)

 When the disruptor beams stabbed outward from the bridge, towards the now open door. Krantz dove into the entrance of the bridge, wildly firing his heavy caliber slug thrower in an attempt to make the traitors take cover.


20:58, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 50 using 1d100.  Marksmanship  Archaic.
20:57, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 63 using 1d100.


 Fail and Fail.

Krantz boldly enters the bridge, firing his slugthrower to make the traitors go for cover. Some do but a disruptor bolt hits him in the leg, making the weapons officer collapse to the ground.

"COVER FIRE!", Khaval yells from the doorway as slugthrower fire erupts from the doorway behind Krantz. Another disruptor bolt hits nearby Krantz.

(25 damage from Endurance and your left leg is useless - what do you do? ~Almighty GM)

 The Weapons Officer made a gambit,that he would reach the cover of a consul ,and he had come up short. He felt a sharp pain stab into his leg,as it collapsed out from under him, taking him prone on the deck. He felt the ionized air near him,as a Disruptor bolt burned a depression into the deck next to Krantz. He did his best to low crawl behind the nearest counsel and use it for cover. Krantz hoped that the traitors would think him either dead or incapacitated,and concentrate on the fire coming from the door.

 If Krantz made it behind the cover of a consul, he would take a sonic grenade from his belt, activate the fuse for two seconds(klingon equivalent) and toss it over the consul toward the traitors, with a cry of " Kai Komerex!" upon his lips.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Fri 23 Sept 2016.

Krantz crawled toward the nearest console, hoping to get some cover and enact his plan of using a grenade. He took a bullet into his shoulder from a ricochet but he kept crawling. He made it to a console but one of the traitor bridge crew came from the other side, D'tagh in hand looking to finish off the wounded weapons officer.

(15 pts to END; Combat: Unarmed or armed roll + LUC & average please ~Almighty GM)

Krantz clawed for his  D'k tahg from its scabbard,and slashed it towards his antagonist's legs,hoping to injure or at worst, make him back up.

20:23, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 51 using 1d100.  D'k tahg attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Mon 26 Sept 2016.

Krantz dagger only caught air while his opponent came down with his but only managed to hit the deck plating, drawing sparks as it did so. Slugthrower fire continued to be heard as both loyalists and traitors continued to exchange fire.

(Only armed combat if you wish to continue attacking with your blade ~Almighty GM)

He missed with his blade, the rolled away on the floor, as he rolled his empty hand reached for the small Orion slug thrower that was his light duty weapon. When he rolled on his back he pointed the muzzle of the weapon at the traitor, and pulled the trigger several time.

 Archaic marksmanship+ luck etc. He missed

20:54, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 50 using 1d100.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Mon 26 Sept 2016.

Krants rolled and brandished his slugthrower, squeezing off several rounds. Two shots went wild but 3 hit their mark, one in the shoulder, stomach and right leg.

The traitor jumps on top of Krantz, stabbing with his dagger and catching Krantz left arm.

(10 to END...Actions please ~Almighty GM)

"Pitak!" cried the weapons officer,as the other was on top of him. Krantz emptied the pistols magazine into the traitors belly.


21:26, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 97 using 1d100.

Jam?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Mon 26 Sept 2016.

Krantz tried to jam his slugthrower into the traitor's belly and unload his remaining bullets into him but his weapon refused to fire. His assailant pulled his weapon and was preparing to plunge it into his chest but several bullets found his head and dropped the traitor.

Weapons fire continued to criss-cross the bridge.

In reply to GM (msg # 135):

 Krantz was more dead then alive, but he used nothing but sheer will power to drag himself to the edge of the consul,blood lay in the wake of his passing upon the floor. He struggled with the grenade and instead of throwing it,for he lacked the strength due to his wounds, he rolled it across the floor towards the Captains chair.

With almost the rest of his strength, the Weapons Officer hoped those by the door, could hear him. " Grenade!!"

Krantz tosses the grenade with what strength he has left. Traitors scatter as he yells & then the grenade goes off. The explosion moves the weapons officer sliding him from the console and up against the far wall.

Silence came after the explosion and then, Korg was at his side, assessing his wounds.

Then, Khaval's half human face appeared. "You should be dead - either by your actions or the traitor's wounds upon you. What in Khaless name were you thinking? you could have taken half the bridge with you!"

Krantz felt light headed, and his would have gone from painful to numbness. Part of the Weapon Officer's fuzzy mind registered his friend's world. He looked up at Khaval through narrow eyes. When he spoke, it was in a hoarse whisper. " Cal..Calculated ..Risk" Cough. Cough.. "You.... Pinned down.... had to... had to break standoff.." He raised his hand and placed it on Kaval’s ... " Kai the ..Captain." He then passed out.

Krantz wakes up in the medical bay along with several others. Korg is nearby attending to another patient. On Krantz's injured leg is some sort of device attached by straps.

Two more warriors enter the bay with another injured crewman.

 Being a Klingon,and stubborn by even their standards,Krantz attempted to sit up and get out of bed." I have duties to perform."

Krantz gets up as Korg turns around to acknowledge him and promptly collapses under his bad leg.

"Your leg is still injured - I took care of the slugthower & knife wound - the knitter is attempting to regenerate some of what the disruptor didn't destroy...I can replicate a walking stick or crutch if you wish", he says, turning back to his unconscious patient on the gurney.

(END is currently at 40 & you cannot put any weight on the injured leg ~Almighty GM)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:38, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

 Krantz uttered a curse under his breath,and attempted to stand on  his injured leg,without success. " To Fecklor with a crutch." Said as he almost fell on his face. If not for grabbing the end of the med bed. Krantz would have kissed the deck.

 " Fine!.. A cane will do."

Korg left his patient for the moment and went to the replicator. After tapping a few buttons, a black cane appeared.

Walking over, he handed it to Krantz.

"It is a cane but also a balanced wooden sword - I cannot let any warrior walk out of my med bay helpless...Keep that knitter on your leg for at least 12 hours and do not attempt to put weight on it or the knitter will not heal your leg properly and we will have to discuss bionic options", Korg said.

 Krantz accepted the cane with a curt nod of thanks to the Doctor." I shall continue to perform my duties,real leg or bionic,it matters not."

 The Weapons Officer tested the cane, and took a few steps,then nodded. "Is the ship secure,and where is the Captain?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

"You have only been out about 8 hours - the ship is secure...Khaval and the others went from deck to deck & found loyalists locked in their quarters - at least the ones that haven't been killed. Repairs are underway on the bridge and engineering."

Korg continued his work on his patient. "Khaval is on the bridge assisting with the repairs."

 Krantz nodded to Korg. " You have performed your duty, as concerns me,Doctor. I shall now leave you and report." Krantz, with the help of the cane,departed Med bay and headed for the bridge.

Krantz leaves the medical bay and takes the turbolift to the Bridge.

The turbolift doors opened to crewmen bustling about repairing consoles that took slugthower fire as well as shrapnel from Krantz's grenade. The captain's chair is ripped off its moorings and laying off to the other side of the bridge. Khaval was at the helm, tapping controls and conferring to the navigator, another human fusion who was nodding and tapping controls as well.

  When Krantz stepped of the turbolift, he was hit with the stench of death and violence. The combination of the chemical propellants and the explosive from the grenade, not to mention the smells of a recently deceased body, was almost enough to make him return to sick bay. The scrubber where doing their best to purify the air, but it was not enough. Krantz hobbled over to stand at attention near to where Khaval was. "Captain, Weapons Officer reporting for duty."

Khaval looked at Krantz with a grim grin, got up and gestured to the weapons console. As they walked towards it, Khaval said, "You nearly took out half the bridge with your stunt - we have almost all of the damage fixed and Khant is busy down below in engineering...Also you gave me nowhere to sit."

   Krantz looked the bridge over, and slowly nodded.  "We were pinned down by disruptor fire, and could not gain access to the bridge. I took it upon myself to break the stalemate. The gambit worked, and we have reclaimed this ship for the empire. If my Captain feels I need to be disciplined, such is his option. As for the chair..." Krantz looked briefly where the captain chair had once been, then back to Khaval....." It did not look very comfortable." Said with the slightest hint of scarcasm, but Krantz's face remained stoic.

A smirk came across the face of Khaval.

"You have been around me for too long - you may lose your cranial ridges, I fear", he finished with a grin.

"Man you station - its one of two stations not damaged by your 'Gambit'. Check for faults & then I want Ripper's weapon status."

 Krantz nodded,turned and hobbled over to the weapons station and took a seat. He ran diagnostics on the consul itself,then the Disruptor banks and Photon torpedo launchers.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Sun 09 Oct 2016.

No faults to report & weapons check out. The doors open to the bridge and Security officer Kaj enters. He looks over at Krantz for a moment and heads to meet with Khaval. They confer in low tones for a moment.

Khaval looks over to Krantz "Status", he says to the weapons officer.

 When the turbo lift doors opened, Krantz looked up from his consul, and saw the  Security officer. they locked eyes briefly,and the weapon officer frowned,then returned to his screen. When Captain asked for a status report,Krantz answered at once. " All weapon systems within normal operational parameters,Captain."

Khaval nodded.

"Krantz and Kaj with me to the Captain's room...Kital, send word to Khant & Korg to meet us in the captain's room within 5 minutes Kagan, you have the bridge."

Kital, the female communications officer and Kagan the navigational officer said, "Acting" in unison and turned back to their respective console.

When all were gathered, Khaval began to speak.

"Our current position is approximately one and a half parsec IN the Triangle...I don't know where our former captain was taking us but I'm guessing it was some Khesting IKS base or stronghold."

"Its more than a guess", Kaj said "Searching his body I have discovered a data chip with his plans -  he indeed was taking this ship to a forward base they have in this sector...The battle with the Roms gave him the opening to act with his conspirators."

"Captain, I advise that we return to the nearest base and report what went on here.It is not without reason, that one or more IKV warships where coming to rendezvous with the traitors."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

"The engine room is almost repaired but I'm running a skeleton crew", Khant said.

"The same with half the ship", Khaval said. "We make course back to Ganarra III - we are in no condition to take on an IKS base in our condition. We repair and report...All of you back to your duties."

 Suddenly, Krantz had a Disruptor pistol in his hand,and it was aimed right at Kaj's chest. " Why did you not detect this treason when so many of this ship's compliment where involved? It is your function to detect such things,it is your duty to to stop a conspiracy before it blooms into treason. Now explain to the Captain, your failure as a Security officer."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

Kaj remained calm in light of a disruptor pointed at him and looked over to Khaval.

"He was hand picked by the former captain to be executive officer and I had not surmised the extent of his treachery. Also, I knew not who to trust as one of my OWN security officers came to Kill Khaval but luckily I intervened and took a D'tagh to my stomach for my efforts."

He looked back to Krantz. "I took a great risk coming to Khaval and you with my suspicions...Khaval may be a human fusion but his loyalty is unquestioned - despite his association with one such as you."

"Put away the weapon, Krantz - now is not the time for us to turn on each other", Khaval said.

"I shall obey you, my Captain." The disruptor was returned to its holster, but his glare to Kaj became more glacial." But I shall be watching this pitak, very very closely.”

"As will I", Kaj said plainly.

They all left the Captain's room to their stations or duties.

Ripper left the Triangle and after a few days arrived at Ganarra III.

Khaval Reported in to Imperial Command about what had transpired on Ripper as she sat docked under repair and requests sent for crew.

(Please continue any responses back to the Gararra III thread - this thread will be locked ~Almighty GM)

They were now 1 day out from the triangle and after that, another day and a half to the traitor's outpost.

Krantz and Khaval were in the Commisary once more, the Klin-zha board in front of them. This was their third game and Krantz had so far won the last two - this was not typical of their games, Krantz knew as Khaval was a better player.

Watching close by was Korg and their new helmsman, Khadaan - a human fusion similar to Khaval.

Krantz usually enjoyed sitting across the game board with Khaval. His captain was by far the superior player, but it was an honor to play someone of his ability. So it was with some concern, when Krantz won two games in a row. He made a study of Khaval, attempting to determine what might be amiss.

Krantz observed Khaval and their game. Within 10 moves, Krantz had taken Khaval's goal.

Korg's mouth opened slightly at seeing Khaval lose 3 times in a row while Khadaan merely stared, not being witness to the captain and the weapon's officer's games in the past.

"Your game has improved, Krantz", was all Khaval said with a small grin.

"Well played", Khadaan said.

Korg remained silent, still trying to digest what he saw.

 "The one honors me,Captain. But perhaps it is the fact your thoughts are not totally upon the board and pieces." Said Krantz, in concern for his friend,and not a barb.

"Playing scenarios in my head - figuring on how defenses are at the traitor's base as well as if they have any ships in the area...The IKS has a rag-tag navy but no less formidable", Khaval said. "We might encounter small opposition like gunboats or a capital ship or two."

 Krantz sat back , in his chair,and reached for his fruit juice. He used the act of taking a drink, to allow him to form a response in his mind. " Perhaps a way might be found to conduct a reconnaissance of the area of operation,before our force arrives, Captain. I have heard, it might be possible to attune a ship's warp probe to emit a signature that would be taken for a comet,if not inspected to closely. If we could make these modifications to the probe, it might give you the information of enemy naval forces and dispositions, by passive sensor gathering” Said Krantz.

 Krantz  regarded his glass of fruit juice a moment, to allow his proposal to sink in with his Captain.

Khadaan raised an eyebrow at the weapons officer's idea. Korg looked over to Khaval at the suggestion.

Khaval put a hand to his chin, mulling the idea over and then grinned.

"If more ideas came like this from you, I would allow you to win every game of Klin-Zha", he said. "I will have to clear this with Capt. Khlim but I have no doubt that any advantage he will take against the traitors.."

Khaval and Krantz found themselves on the bridge a short while later. Hailing Onslaught, Khaval spoke to Khlim about using the probe to gain intel on the enemy base.

"Ingenius - who came up with that idea, captain?"

"My chief engineer", Khaval lied. "He was only a crewman when we dealt with the traitors mutiny on board our ship, but he has a keen mind."

"You have my permission to enact this plan - alert me the moment when you have the probe operational and ready for launch...Onslaught out."

The screen went back to its view of the ship in warp.

Khaval hit a button on his console. "Khant, pull and prepare a probe for a special modification and await instructions - Krantz, come to my office please."

Khaval led the way out of the bridge and both entered the Captain's office. Once the doors closed, Khaval spoke.

"Before you say anything, you understand this one's reasons why I said it was Khant's idea and not yours?"

Krantz followed his captain into his sanctum sanctorum on the ship. When Khaval put the question, of why he had given Khant credit for the probe idea, Krantz slowly shook his head no." I assumed you have your reasons, Captain. But whatever the reason, you moved a piece upon the board against Khlim's position. Such is this ones view of the matter."

 Krantz was not vexed over the credit going elsewhere. He assumed Khaval had a good reason for doing what he did.  He was loyal to Khaval, and owed him a great debt. But Krantz was Klingon, and no matter his Captains reason, the scales of debt between the two lessened a little, in Krantz's favor, this day.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Wed 07 Dec 2016.

"More of a feint, actually...By Making Khant the source of the idea, I enforce his idea of an Imperial being superior in Khlim's mind. I also elevate Khant - unknowingly, of course - and give him status as a capable engineer...Remember, he was only a crewman before the mutiny but he is a capable engineer and has a good punching arm."

Khaval says that last line as he strokes his jaw and grins in amusement.

"You are marked by IS so I could not say the plan was from you - lest Khlim would not even consider the plan - and it is a good plan."

Khaval then went silent, letting his words sink into his fellow officer and friend.

  A slight frown came to the features of Krantz. But he still slowly nodded, when Khaval stated his reasons. “So our new commander is one of those that cannot look beyond the opinion of Imperial Security, and accept or reject an officer on his or her merits. That is a good piece of information for me, my Captain.” Said Krantz in a neutral tone of voice, so that Khaval would not know his anger at hearing this.

“I cannot but note that our former Captain and the other traitors did not attempt to recruit me to their conspiracy. One might think, someone so mark by IS and treated accordingly, would be a natural recruit for the IKS. Perhaps they thought I was too good to be true. The irony is not lost on this one.” Krantz then smiled.

"I thought on that as well. Perhaps since your father is a well known raking officer and House patriarch prior to the security notation, it was too convenient for them...Also, I was associated with you and I was known to be loyal to Kobos before we lost him in the Rom destroyer attack that allowed the traitors to move on us."

Khaval came up to him and put a hand on Krantz shoulder.

"The game continues on - a feint to keep Khlim at bay, an elevation for Khant since he is a valuable piece in my ambitions and an omission of your intellect to keep you in the game as well", Khaval said.

" You have honored me, by making me your Executive officer, and this would be enough for me, under normal conditions. But I must point out, things are not normal upon this ship, Sir. Head of Security and Marines are of the same house, and potential rivals. I submit the following, if I was elevated in rank to Lieutenant Commander that would make me a more valuable piece on your game board, my Captain.”

 Said Krantz in a most sober tone and expression to Khaval. it was offered as advice to help his Captain's position as well as his own.

"Imperial Command would never put it through - I was fortunate to get you the position you hold now, due to loss of crewmen during the mutiny", Khaval said.

"Patience, my friend - the Komerex Zha is an everlasting game...Opportunities will present themselves for both of us."

 Krantz‘s features slowly assumed a mask of neutrality, in response to his Captain’s words. The Imperial Klingon adjusted his uniform, and then spoke.

“This one understands, and accepts the situation. I shall have to strive that much harder, to bring you and myself Glory, in the service of the Empire.”

 The Weapons Officer had assumed his “game face” that revealed nothing of what he was thinking, the same for his voice. But on the inside, Kratnz was seething.

Krantz explained the modifications to Khant who went to work on the probe. Once completed it was launched and once it got within sensor proximity of the enemy base, they began receiving telemetry.

The base itself was not of Klingon design, although modified with disruptor emplacements and a shield generator. Small gunboat sized craft were detected about the base but no capital ships.

"Perhaps they modified an old mining platform...The small planetoid it orbits might have been the source of the ore", Khaval said, thinking out loud.

 Krantz studied the telemetry from the probe, and scratched his ridges, in thought. The Weapons Officer considered the situation, for a time, then offered a course of action, for his Captain's consideration.

" Perhaps, just perhaps, we might be able to modify two or three probes to imitate the electronic signature of a squadron, not long, but perhaps long enough to draw off the gunboat's to allow a shuttle, one of ours, to slip past an onto the  base. Their sensors have to be older versions, and  a modern shuttle might just be able to jam theirs long enough, for a landing. If we can get out Marines on that base, the element of surprise, and the superior fire power of the latest weapons systems, might just carry the day. If we can seize their command and control and, or the power plant, and shut down the shields, our ships would have the base at its mercy.”

 The plan was with great risk, and bold to say the least. But if it worked, the glory earned would be worthy of the High Command's attention.

"I will speak to Khlim on additional use of the probes. Two destroyers against gunboats shouldn't be too much of a fight but the real challenge will be the base itself - it is rather large and the probe is too far out to scan its interior for number of life signs...You have the bridge, Krantz."

Khaval left the bridge to speak to Khlim in private. After what seemed almost 20 minutes, Khaval returned to the bridge.

"Battlestations! Helm, lay in course 329, mark 12...We are going in."

Krantz noted on his tactical display that Onslaught began to cloak while Ripper headed directly toward the base - it seemed Khlim went with his own plan instead of using the probes.

 Krantz nodded to his Captain, as the latter departed to speak with the Squadron Leader. When Khaval returned, he called for battle stations.

 Krantz moved to the bridge, and relieved the officer at the weapons station. While he was only a Lieutenant, he was second in command of the ship, so he did his best to look every inch the executive officer.

Ripper maneuvered as Onslaught disappeared. At 50,000 Kelicams, the base could be seen. It indeed was an old mining base of unknown design - almost box-shaped with domed protusions dotting the outer edges.

"Contacts closing ahead - gunboats, Captain...4 closing, another 6 lauching from the base", Khadaan announced at helm.

"Weapons, target and destroy those ships as they come to bear", Khaval said.

(Give me 4 ship's weapons rolls - Almighty GM)

"Affirm Captain, Targets now being engaged." Said in the short curt battle language, that make communication easier during times of conflict.

 Krantz swiveled his gunners chair as he followed the four blips on his target screen. His fingers danced across the firing activation controls. Greenish beams issued forth from the Ripper's Disruptor banks, as some hit the target,others did not.


07:45, Mon 16 Jan: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 46 using 1d100.  "  " "4.
.
07:44, Mon 16 Jan: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 45 using 1d100.  "  " "3.
07:43, Mon 16 Jan: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 58 using 1d100.  Ships weapons roll 2.
07:43, Mon 16 Jan: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 22 using 1d100.  Ships weapons roll 1.

Disruptor fire cuts down the incoming gunboats, each one detonating in succession - except for one which manages to fly by and fire its disruptors, hitting Ripper but her shields easily take the incoming fire.

Krantz tracks the traitors as they fly by and realizes the fools are in range of Ripper's sole aft firing disruptor.

(Another ship's weapons roll...Make it count! - Almighty GM)

 The weapons officer followed the sole remaining Gun boat,as his weapons chair moved with the target. He engaged the aft Disruptor,as a greenish beam of disruptor fire launched out and enveloped the traitors craft. The small craft flew apart,and where before was a vessel, now only debris could be detected.

Krantz was heard to say,to no one in particular. " Traitors they where, but not cowards. To come against Ripper in nothing but a gunboat, is an act of courage and or desperation."


11:19, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 11 using 1d20.  aft disruptor fire.

"6 more gunboats coming into range - 10,000 kelicams and closing", Khadaan said at the helm.

"Weapons - destroy incoming targets. Helm, z minus 500 degrees, cut speed to 3/4 impulse", Khaval ordered.

Beyond the battle, Onslaught decloaked and began firing on the base.

(6 more weapons rolls ~Almighty GM)

 Again in battle language, " Targets acquired and engaged, Captain."

 The Gunners chairs swiveled again,as Krantz painted the tragets with the ship's sensors. His  hands danced across the firing controls to send for Disruptor beams at the approaching Gun boats. Four hist where registered.

15:12, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 211 using 6d100 with rolls of 15,57,79,29,29,2.  Second round of Ripper fire on Gunboats.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Sat 11 Feb 2017.

Krantz targeted the ship's and destroyed 4 of the 6 gunboats before they could even fire a shot. The last two ships evaded Ripper's fire and flew past, angling and banking away from her aft firing disruptor, firing their disruptors but still the destroyer's shields held firm.

"Helm, heading 276, mark 4 - those khesting traitors learn fast", Khaval said.

"Acting", Khadaan said, tapping controls on the helm console.

Ripper made a 90 degree turn and brought her bow up to face the two gunboats now circling and coming around for another pass. They spread themselves apart to flank Ripper.

(I just realized I made this post without instructions...2 Weapons rolls please ~Almighty GM)
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Tue 14 Feb 2017.

 Again, Krantz moved with the targets in his gunner's chair, more disruptor fire lashed out at the two remaining Gun Boats.


22:19, Sun 12 Feb: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 55 using 2d100 with rolls of 9,46.

Again, Ripper's forward disruptors fired at the last two incoming gunboats. The gunboats returned fire but their disruptor bolts failed to hit the destroyer, as Ripper's fire destroyed them, both vessels exploding.

"Take us to the base, Khadaan - lest Khlim take all the glory for himself", Khaval said.

Ripper tured and headed to the base at full impulse as Onslaught continued to pound the base with its disruptors while the base returned fire with its remaining weapon emplacements.

 Krantz continued to scan the area, seeking any more enemy ships. His right hand danced across the weapon controls. He made ready photon torpedo tube, in anticipation of the Captain ordering him to fire upon the base.

Ripper began to close with the base. "50,000 Kelicams and closing, Captain", Khadaan said.

"Alter course 429, mark 4 - lets spit their fire, give Khlim some breathing room."

Ripper altered its course as it approached. Disruptor fire from the base hit Ripper's shields as its closed. "Shields at 70%", Khadaan said.

"Weapons station - target those emplacements", Khaval ordered.

(Weapons roll please ~Almighty GM)

 The Weapons Officer fired the ship's Disruptors at the weapons emplacements,but saw them being absorbed by the base's shields.

20:16, Sat 25 Feb: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 71 using 1d100.  Disruptor  fire on weapons emplacements.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

Despite Ripper's failure to take out the base's disruptor emplacements, it divided their fire between the two destroyers. Onslaught's secondary fire took out the emplacements.

"Onslaught to Ripper, beam your marine contingent to their main generators - I will beam ours to their command and control - execute!", Khlim said over the comm.

"Affirm, Onslaught", Khaval said.

Both ships beamed their marines on board.

"Captain - ship dropping out of warp and entering sector", Khadaan said.

"On screen", Khadan ordered.

(Vessel is shown in game map ~Almighty GM)

"What kind of ship is that?", Khadaan said out loud.

"Some IKS salvaged monstrosity - Onslaught, the traitors have reinforcements."

"Ripper, take course 205, mark 3  - we will flank and destroy", Khlim said.

"Affirm, Onslaught - Khadaan turn us about. Krantz charge forward disruptors and fire on my command!"

 The weapons officer swiveled his gunners chair to acquire the new target on his tracking screen. Krantz’s fingers danced across the controls that would lock the ship’s disruptors on the new target, once the ship changed course. “Weapons hot and locked, Captain.” Said, in the short clipped words of battle language.

Ripper turned to face this new threat arrived in the sector while Onslaught already making its turn, sped ahead at full impulse, its forward disruptors firing at the strange Klingon-like vessel, hitting its shields but holding firm.

"Helm, full impulse - Weapons, fire forward disruptors once optimum range is reached!", Khaval ordered.

Ripper lanced forward as Onslaught fired a torpedo, hitting the enemy ship squarely on its forward shields. The ship fired its weapons at Onslaught, hitting her on her port shields.

"Onslaught took a heavy hit, Captain - she is veering off, making an impulse turn for another pass", Khadaan said.

Weapons station read optimal range has been achieved.

(Give me two weapons rolls please ~Almighty GM)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:07, Sun 02 Apr 2017.

 When the enemy ship came within range, and Ripper’s targeting program locked onto it, Krantz fired the Disruptor banks in flashes of emerald hued energy beams.


13:44, Yesterday: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 51 using 1d100.
13:44, Yesterday: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 7 using 1d100.  Weapons fire on the IKV ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Mon 03 Apr 2017.

Ripper's forward disruptors hit shields and then collapsed them, hitting the IKS ship on her superstructure. Ripper veered away as the IKS ship opened fire with her disruptors.

Sparks flew from consoles as conduits exploded on the bridge, the destroyer shuddered under the disruptor fire.

"Forward shields down to 30% Captain!", Khadaan said.

"Course 259 mark 9 - Weapons, arm aft torpedo tube and disruptors and fire as we fly by!", Khaval ordered.

(Two more weapon rolls ~Almighty GM)

 Again, the Gunners chair swiveled as Krantz brought the targeting computer to lock onto the target and engaged with the aft weapons of Ripper.


21:43, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 94 using 1d100.
21:43, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 40 using 1d100.  Weapons fire on the IKV ship.

One hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

Ripper flew past the IKS vessel at full impulse. She took another disruptor hit but managed to fly by.

Ripper's aft firing disruptor only grazed her shields but the torpedo hit the traitor's ship amidships. A small explosion could be seen for a moment as Ripper gained distance.

Kratz could see that her aft shield generator was offline, giving the IKS ship a great vulnerability - at least until if and when they could get it operational again.

(Apologies for being away from the game...Entering our busy time at work ~Almighty DM)

(Shit happens)

Onslaught finishes her turn and comes right back at the IKS warship, firing her disruptors and forward torpedo. The IKS ship turns in Onslaught's direction and fires as well, it having more disruptor banks than Khlim's destroyer.

Onslaught veers away after the exchange, taking the worst of the head on salvo.

"Onslaught just lost her forward shields - her power output is fluctuating", Khadaan says. "She did manage to disable her forward torpedo tubes, however."

"Course 167, mark 3 - stay on her aft, helm. Weapons - fire disruptors as we enter range."

Ripper swung around and went at full impulse, trying to stay behind the IKS ship and her weak aft section. Krantz watched his display, waiting for Ripper to close the distance until finally, forward disruptors were in range.

(Weapons roll please ~Almighty GM)

 The Weapons Officer attempted to penetrate the shields, of the enemy ship. His fingers stabbed down on the fire control, but the Disruptors failed to penetrate the others shields.


19:58, Sun 11 June: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 68 using 1d100.  Disruptor fire on enemy ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Mon 19 June 2017.

The IKS vessel maneuvered to keep Ripper from hitting her vulnerable aft quarter, Krantz's shots only hitting the fully charged starboard quarter.

The enemy vessel fired her aft disruptors to keep the D18 off her rear, she did score a hit but the nimble Ripper maneuvered from the worst of the weapons fire. Flying by Onslaught, the IKS ship fired its aft torpedo and hit Khlim's ship on her forward quarter.

Two explosions could be seen erupt from amidships as she began to tilt and list away, slowly.

" Onslaught just lost warp power - she's moving off on half impulse"

"Stay on her aft, helm! Weapons, hit that Khesting ship, NOW!", Khaval yelled at both his bridge officers.

(Give me three weapons rolls, please ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz turned his gunner's chair as he tracked the enemy vessel. He again fired Ripper's Disruptors.

Thu 29 June: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 13 using 1d100.  3rd roll.
19:01, Thu 29 June: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 53 using 1d100.  3rd roll.
19:00, Thu 29 June: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 99 using 1d100.  2nd roll.

 Skill:47

(OOC - 13 was a great roll! ~Almighty GM)

Ripper's disruptors opened up on the IKS ship. The first shot fired wide, the second glanced off its hull but the 3rd shot hit her square on her aft quarter. A massive explosion erupted behind her impulse engines, causing it to vent plasma. The IKS ship made a beeline toward the base at half impulse.

"Kai, Gunner!", Khaval said slamming his fist on the console in satisfaction.

"Sir, Onslaught is requesting assistance - she just lost impulse and is dead in space", Kital reported from the Comm station.

Khaval turned to look at Kital, then back to the IKS ship heading for the base.

"Inform Khlim we will assist once the enemy cruiser is dealt with - helm, stay with them. Gunner, fire at will!"

(3 more weapons rolls please ~Almighty GM)

11:47, Mon 16 Oct: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 74 using 1d100.  3rd.
11:47, Mon 16 Oct: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 54 using 1d100.  2nd attack.
11:47, Mon 16 Oct: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 99 using 1d100.  1st shot.

 Again, the Gunnery officer stabbed down on the activation buttons to fire the Disruptor batteries from Ripper, sending the the beams of destruction forward in an attempt to destroy the enemy ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Fri 01 Dec 2017.

A small salvo of disruptor fire streams from Ripper's weapon banks, several miss but one shot hits the IKS ship on its aft quarter but not enough to slow the vessel. A torpedo is fired from the enemy vessel.

"Evasive!", Khaval yells, gripping both hands on the captain's chair.

Ripper turns but the torpedo hits the destroyer on her port quarter.
An overload causes Krantz's console to explode in sparks as well as helm control. Smoke fills the bridge as the viewscreen is partly static, showing the IKS vessel arriving at the station and hovering just above.

"Report!", Khaval said.

"Weve lost impulse - Khant is attempting to restore", Khadaan says as he puts out a small fire with his hands on his console.

Krantz console is sparking and a small fire begins under a partially exposed panel.

(computer ops + starship weapons + INT = 51 rounded down...Beat this roll to assess the damage at your station ~Almighty GM)

 The bridge had smoke and the stench of burning circuitry in the confined space. Krantz reached for a fire suppression device on the side of his consule and expelled the fire retardant  contained within cylinder, in an attempt to starve the flames of oxygen. His efforts had mixed results, as his eyes attempted to take a tally of the damage to his station.

14:42, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 62 using 1d100.  Assess the damage  to Weapons Station.

From what Krantz can see, the console is a smoking ruin. with the smoke clearing however, he sees he still has disruptors but the display flickers - it is uncertain if the console would function should the captain call on him to fire anything.

On the flickering viewscreen, the IKS vessel hovers above the station for about a minute before she moves away and jumps to warp, leaving the area.

"Khant reports Impulse has been restored", Khadaan says as he himself assess the status of the helm.

"Onslaught is signaling", Kital says from the communications station. "He demands you rendezvous and render assistance."

Khaval looks over at Kital with a raised eyebrow, almost Vulcan-like. He lets out a smirk as Kital sits looking at the captain with a neutral look.

"Tell Khlim we are proceeding to the base to pick up Ripper's and his Marines. Im curious as to see why that ship did not destroy the base outright with both our ships temporarilyt disabled."

"Acting", Kital said with a nod and turned back to her station.

Turning to look at his bridge crew, he said, "Our fearless leader can keep until we investigate what transpired at the base, eh?"


Khaadan let out a small laugh while Kaj merely let out a grim grin.


As Ripper approached, she settled 5,000 Kellikams from the base.


"Krantz & Kaj you are with me. Kital, have Korg meet us in the transporter room."


Once in the transporter room, Korg was already there waiting. They beamed to the station where what was left of both Ripper & Onslaught's marine contingent stood, sat or layed in what was left of the Ops chamber of the station.


A marine captain approached them, a human fusion. "Captain M'van, leader of Ripper's marine contingent", said the newcomer. After asking permission to do so, Korg moved from the group to see to Ripper's injured marines conferring with their own field medic.


"Report", Khaval said.


"We beamed over with Onslaught's contingent with us attacking engineering. We encountered heavy resistance but we breached the engineering section and cut power to key defensive force field barriers placed by the traitors. Onslaught's marines breached Ops where the bulk of their command structure was located. They fought like cornered Targs until suddenly they beamed away from their reports."


"Prisoners?", Khaval asked.


"None of the traitors - those that were not killed, beamed away. We have a group of Kuve we found in what passed for their Commisary. We have them shackled and confined over there", he said pointing to a corner of Ops where a Tellarite, a Ruddy Orion, two humanoid Xindi and a Trill sat on a floor. They were watched by two of Ripper's marines.

(If Krantz has any questions, by all means ~Almighty GM)

  Krantz regarded his friend then scratched his ridges in thought a moment. “ Indeed, why not destroy this base when they had a chance? Possible conclusions, the place is too valuable to be destroyed and they think to return and retake it at a later date. Or..and it is hoped that the one is incorrect, they set a self destruct before they retreated.”

  The weapons officer walked over to the prisoners and looked them over. He wished to see if any one of them was garbed better than the others, a sign of an officers Servitor. If not one was present, Krantz would draw his  D'k tahg then grab the Ruddy Orion by the front of his garment. “ I have been told you Orions are a clever race. Now is the time to impress me with how clever you really are.  Tell me everything you know about this base.” The point of the dagger was placed at the Orion’s throat.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Thu 28 June 2018.

"No self destruct is active - my technical officer checked the main computer and all subsystems", M'van said rather defensively.

"Im sure they did", Khaval said putting a hand on the marine's shoulder. "My First Officer merely is looking for the logic in leaving an intact base behind."

Krantz looked over the servitors and upon not seeing an officer's servitor, grabbed the Ruddy Orion and made his query with his D'tagh in his face for emphasis.

"Clever, yes...Knowledgeable of renegade Klingons and their plans not so much", he said looking Krantz in the eye, speaking as if he was oblivious of his predicament. "I was placed with these three to serve them Rakajino & Gagh in what passed for their cafeteria...Those that I served never imparted me with intelligence."

 “  Yes, but many conversations are to be heard by such as you, when your betters consume their food and converse among themselves."  Krantz looked at his D'tagh then returned the weapon to the scabbard.

" I know not if this will function as intended on a non-Klingon.” Krantz reached into a belt compartment and came forth with a small cylinder in his hands. It was a Hand Agonizer, most Officers carried one for the discipline of those below them.

 “Let us experiment.” Krantz grabbed the Orion’s head on his left arm to brace, then applied the discharge end to the nerve junction on the Orion’s neck, then activated the Agonizer.

The Orion was calm as the Agonizer was placed on his neck but as soon it was activated, he dropped to the floor, exhaling forcefully as if he was hit in the stomach. An Agonizer was a small device but can lay low any humanoid not used to or have the mental ability to stave off its effects - the ruddy orion proved he was one of many. Khaval walked over to stand by Krantz as the orion gets to one knee.

"I am no stranger to your torture device", the ruddy orion said shakily.

"Perhaps not", Khaval said. "But we have an entire booth back on board Ripper reserved for you and your fellows among you...I commend you for your Cluros, but it will avail you not here. You will tell us what you have overheard from your traitorous captors, no matter how insignificant and should your knowledge prove of import, you may - just may - be treated fairly."

He turned to Kaj. "Take these four back to Ripper and interrogate them - I will expect you will have something of use from them within an hour?"

"Setting 4 for the Orion - the others i expect at two...Acting, Captain", Kaj said in answer, made a fist & thumpted it on his chest and extended it out in salute. He then contacted Ripper to expect prisoners and prepare a security detail in the transporter room. As they moved away for transport, Khaval tapped Krantz on his shoulder and walked a few feet away from Kaj & the prisoners.

"It is...Sloppy for the traitors to keep Kuve, on a base this close to the border, let alone to see this base here - your thoughts?", he asked of his first officer.

   The second officer watched the prisoners and rubbed his ridges, a habit when he was thinking. When he was asked by Khavel what Krantz thought of things, a sudden horrible thought came to Krantz’s mind? He clawed his communicator off his belt and contacted Ripper. “This is Krantz, cease that order to transport, I say again, cease that order. Do NOT transport anyone until you hear from the Captain. Stand by!”

 Krantz knew his Captain would be vexed at Krantz, when he countermanded his orders, but unlike most captains, would allow an explanation..” Khaval, you asked me my thoughts, My Captain. Why have Kuve so near the border, and why leave them behind? Perhaps I have been looking over my shoulder for Security too long, but I have a thought."

 Krantz almost shuddered at what he was thinking, and would be happy to have his friend call him foolish once Krantz had been proven wrong. “Captain, the traitors have very few ships, few personal, Marines, industry, in point the fact, the Empire out classes them with ease, and yet still, they have dreams of conquest and control of the Empire. A fools dream, perhaps, and yet they continue to dream it."

 Krantz continued.” What if these Kuve where left here on purpose, and the base abandoned for that same purpose? We need to have the ship’s Medical officer to transport over here in an Environmental suit and test those prisoners, the Marines, and even us. Biological agents have been tested in the early days of the Empire, and then discarded. What if the traitors think to even the odds by unleashing some bio calamity upon the Komerax? It could be something subtle, hard to detect and delayed. We take it on board Ripper, when next we make port; it spreads to other crews and other ships. The IKS bides its time then walk in and claim part a shattered Empire, Shattered by plague.” Krantz hoped Kaval would tell him he was being paranoid, even for him.

Khaval listened to his first officer and after he was done, he called for Korg.

When he came over, the captain said, "Scan these prisoners thoroughly for any pathogens no matter how benign."

"I already did so", the marine corpsman said as Korg moved to examine the Kuve.

Khaval shot the corpsman a look. "I did not ask you - see to the contingent!", Khaval snapped.

The marine corpsman calmly retreated & went back to the wounded marines.

"I doubt the IKS have the means to come up with a biological means of attacking us", Khaval said to Krantz as Korg ran his scans. "Any biological weapon used against us would no doubt affect them as well...Even if they had an antidote, who is to say that the pathogen would not mutate and kill the traitors? Sorry, Krantz - even I think the IKS lacks such means."

Korg finished his scans. "There is nothing I can find that would be a biological threat to us", Korg said.

"Very good, Korg - see to the wounded", Khaval said. Turning to Krantz, he said "Satisfied?"

(Apologies to responding till now - spent the last 3 weeks renovating a room in the house ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz felt like a fool, but it had been a possibility that had to be eliminated. " Am I satisfied? About the potential of a bio threat, it seems so, But I am not satisfied at having unanswered questions,Captain."

 The First officer scratched the ridges of his forhead in thought, a few moments, then spoke again. " Captain, I request permission to search the base myself,and scan for anything that might shed light as to why the enemy did what they did."

( As always, no worries. This has always been a a * post when you can* sort of game. I am not going anywhere.)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Thu 16 Aug 2018.

Khaval thought it over for a few moments.

"Very well - oversee the investigation here. Kaj's men are going over what our & Khlim's men found when they captured the station. See what you can find and assess what our security team finds...Report to me and Kaj when you or the team finds anything."


Khaval's communicator beeped and he answered it.


"Captain, a shuttle has left Onslaught and is making course for the station", Kital voice says from the communicator. "I believe its Khlim, sir - he has sent several transmissions to Ripper to get in contact with you to send assistance."

"Understood", Khaval said & returned his communicator to his belt. Turning back to Krantz & Kaj he says "I will see to Captain Khlim. Kaj, take the Kuve back to Ripper and begin your interrogation."


Kaj ordered his men to take possession of the prisoners and walked a short distance away to arrange beam out. Khaval nodded to Krantz to begin his looking about of the station & then headed out of the Ops chamber to meet with Khlim.

 Krantz, with Tricorder in hand began as detailed a scan of the base as he walked the corridors as possible. There had to be a reason the traitors abandoned the base without much of a fight, and Krantz would do his best to unravel the reason.

 Krantz started by trying to find a map or read out of the bases locations.He would scan for the power source(s) and scan where the various sources of energy output go too. Then scan anything that is designated as a Lab/Research. The next would be the living areas and finally any shuttle bays.

Krantz begins his own search first with power distribution of the station. Using his Tricorder, he accessed the base's power grid. The power grid was laid out typical of a mining station however he notes that additional power was being diverted to the docking bays.

There were no signs of Labs or Research areas on the station.

Heading to the Shuttle Bays, he notes two Gunboats that were in the process of being repaired or overhauled, their larger components yanked out from the inside of the ships. No other shuttles or gunboats are in the bays.

The living quarters were divided into sections for officers, enlisted & Kuve. The living quarters look like they were hastily abandoned, no doubt of Ripper & Onslaught's arrival.

(Which area would you like to scrutinize further? ~Almighty GM)

 Krantz would scanned the Officers quarters, then inspect enlisted area. As a last mattter, he would scan the gun boats, then returned to the beam up point.

Krantz went to the officer's quarters but found nothing on scans. Upon scanning the enlisted men's quarters, he found a computer card of some kind among the bedding. The scanning of the gunboats yields nothing.

 Krantz was about to depart the enlisted quarters, when he spotted something on the deck. He picked it up and made a quick study of the object. If it was of Klingon design, Krantz would attempt to put it in his tricorder and read it. If it was not, he placed the card into a belt pouch and returned to the beam up point. He would show it to the captain upon his return to the ship.

The card was for an old style computer port - no longer made by the Empire. It will not fit Krantz newer tricorder but perhaps can be adapted by Khant back on Ripper.

 The weapons officer returned to the beam down point,and after taking one last look around him, took communicator in hand. " Krantz to Ripper,Jol ylchu." He said into the comm device.

 He hoped that once back on board his ship, the science officer might be able to make use of his find.

Returning to Ripper, he went straight to the bridge to let Khaval know of his find but found the captain not on the bridge. Before he could make sense of his friend not being there, the turbolift doors opened to Khaval entering and cursing angrily.

"Khesting, HuH, toDSaH, p'tahk!", he said as finally took attention to Krantz on the bridge. Stopping his profanity laced tirade he said to Krantz more camly, "Report".

 When Krantz stepped off the transporter pad, and nodded to the one operating the device, then walked out into the corridor. The Weapon's Officer Destination was the bridge, and took the turbo lift to that location. The warm humid air felt good after the coolness of the base below.

 With the metallic sound of the lift's door opening onto the bridge, Krantz walked out and saw the empty captain's chair. Before Krantz could asked her Khavel was he had his answer with the Captain entering the bridge, and sounding not happy at all.

 When ordered to report by his captain, training took over for the concern for his friend." I conducted more scans without much success. But I did find this, Captain." Krantz took out the computer card from a belt pouch, and held it up for Khavel's inspection." Perhaps there is something of worth on it, Sir."

Khaval took the computer card from Krantz and inspected it. He gestured for Krantz to come to his office and once inside, placed the card on his desk.

"Havent seen one of these since my early days at the Imperial Academy - we don't use these old cards anymore since the smaller chips came out - and where did you find this?"

  Krantz felt the need for some blood wine, but he had to report, so report he did. " I found that in the enlisted quarters cover by bedding on a bunk. Perhaps the science officer might access any data it might contain, Captain."

"A fine idea if we had one" Khaval said. "Ripper is a Destroyer, not a scout or cruiser sadly - we fight and kill, nothing more...Im going to have Kaj look over what on this data card - I know how you feel about him and security in general but he has the expertise of disseminating information."

 Krantz's face assumed a neutral expression, when the Captain spoke about the ship's Security officer.Less said about that topic, the better. So instead of Krantz indulging himself with an opinion about Imperial Security, he asked instead." What are your Orders, Captain?"

"For now, man your station - Khlim has ordered the mining station the traitors used destroyed and our marine contingent is placing charges as we speak. His ship has suffered more damage than ours so he has ordered me to beam over Khant to assist with repairs", he said with an annoyed tone.

"Once Kaj has analyzed the data on the card you found, we will see where we go from there - hopefully there is something on it of use to us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Mon 12 Aug 2019.

 Krantz nodded, then turned to head for the Gunners chair and took his seat. He ran a low level diagnostic on the weapon systems, to make sure all was as it should be.

 If Krantz had the time, he would run a target program to practice his gunnery.

Krantz busied himself at his station. Kaj arrived on the bridge and went straight to Khaval's office and after a few minutes left and exited the bridge. Khaval emerged from his office and sat on the command chair. After almost an hour, Kital reports that M'van has placed all charges and is ready for he and his men for beam out.

Khaval acknowledges and orders transporters to begin beaming Ripper's marine contingent back. Once done Khaval has Kital hail Onslaught - Khlim's face appeared on screen.

"Charges have been placed, Captain. We will detonate once we reach 100,000 Kelicams."

"Very well - prepare to get underway in 10 minutes."

"Captain, when will my Chief Engineer be returned to me? I have repairs on Ripper that need his attention."

Khlim's face turned into a scowl. "He will be returned when our damage is fully repaired, Captain", he said the last word with contempt as the viewscreen went back to its view of space.

"Charming", Khaval said.

After 10 minutes, bothe destroyers were underway and after they reached the appropriate distance, they detonated the explosives, destroying the old mining station. Both ships jumped to warp. After 20 minutes, Kaj came back to the bridge and came to Khaval's side.

"I have something", he said.

"Very good - my office. Krantz join us", Khaval said as both he and Kaj went to the Captain's office.

 The Weapons Officer got out of the Gunner chair, and followed his Captain into his office. Krantz wrinkled his nose, as he swore that a Security officer had a certain unpleasant odor to them.

 Once in Khaval's office, Krantz made sure he had a good position to watch Kaj, in case Kaj decided on treachery.

Khaval walked behind his desk while Kaj took position adjacent to Krantz and offered the old style data card back to the captain.

"The data card was a copy of a junior officer's personal log - Kobar, formerly of House Subaiesh...Regardless, he boasts of a starting campaign that the IKS is attempting and the former mining station was to be a rallying point to attack Klingon targets on our side of he Triangle. He speaks of enjoying the springs of the independent world of Mevor so I have narrowed possible locales of IKS bases within the Triangle to 5 systems that the traitors would use as a supply base."

Khaval called up the planet Mevor and Kaj pointed to the systems that could harbor supply bases.

"If we can destroy one or more of those bases, we could cripple their entire offensive - set them back and perhaps have them abandon their little plan entirely", Khaval said, thinking out loud as he watched the map on the computer screen.

"We have destroyed the mining base - they have no staging area to launch an attack...Would they risk an attack now that we have tipped their hand?", Kaj said.

"They would either abandon or up their timetable and with the ship we faced at the station, I would enact the plan before we can sound an alarm to the Empire."

Khaval looked to Krantz. "Thoughts?"

 After listening to his Captain. Krantz was thoughtful. “Perhaps we might disperse the squadron to these systems, launch a class five probe modified to only collect data in a passive mode to avoid detection better. We cover all five systems with probes, then monitor them by frequent trips to the outer edge of each system, to download the probes data it had collected.”

 Krantz half expected his captain to dismiss his idea out of hand. But the Great Game was not always warping into an enemy with Disruptors blazing. Stealth and guile had its place upon the game board, as well.

"We are days away from these systems & have no Squadron as of yet, to say nothing of Khlim still leading this expedition", Khaval said to Krantz plainly. He rose from his seat .

"Good work - I will study this information and confer with Khlim on our findings - Stations!"

Krantz & Kaj went back to their stations while Khaval stayed in his office for the next hour.

After an hour had passed, Khaval returned to the bridge and sat at the command chair.

"Kagan, time to reach Ganarra III?"

"At current speed, 72 hours", the Navigator said.

Khaval let out an annoyed sigh. "Kital, hail Onslaught"

"Acting", Kital said as she hailed Khlim's destroyer.

After a few moments, Khlim's annoyed face appeared on the viewscreen. "What is it now Khaval? if this is about your engineer - "

"I have found information on this old data card about a possible attack by the IKS on our stations and outposts on our side of the Triangle", Khaval said as he held up the data card for Khlim to see.

Khlim raised an eyebrow. "Why was I not told of this information until now?"

"I needed to verify its authenticity before contacting you."

"Very well - transmit the information and I will determine its value."

Khaval walked over to the communications station and handed the data card to Kital and she slotted it into her console's many ports. After a few moments, she nodded to Khaval.

"Transmission complete", Khaval said.

Khlim said nothing as communications ceased with Onslaught.

"Charming" Khaval said in a low, annoyed voice as he took the datacard back from Kital and returned to the captain's chair and rubbed his chin in contemplation.

 Krantz returned to his station with a deep scowl. He his idea had not been well received, but he thought it had merit, still.

 He did as he always did,and ran a diagnostic upon the ship's weapons systems, then ran a gunnery practice program.

Several minutes passed and suddenly, Krantz's console lights up. Checking the sensors, he reads power fluctuations coming from Onslaught. As he reads the incoming data, the D14 is slowly dropping out of warp.

(Roll Computer Ops & Starship Sensors ~Almighty GM)

21:21, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 8 using 1d20.  Star ship sensors. (Skill 20)

21:20, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 49 using 1d100.  Computer ops (Skill) 37

01:18, Today: Krantz tai Barshtoc rolled 44 using 1d100.  Star ship sensors.

Onslaught drops out of warp and the helmsman Khadaan matches speed with the D14.

"What's happening?", Khaval asked but more with curiosity than concern.

"Onslaught has dropped out of warp and im reading power fluctuations from her engines...I think her engines are experiencing a breach", Kagan said at the navigation console.

"Hail them", he said, turning to Kital.

"They are not responding, Captain", she said.

Khaval hits a button on his chair. "Transporter room, beam Khant off of that ship and get us a safe distance once aboard."

After a few moments, Kital says, "Khant is onboard."

"Helm Execute"!, Khaval said with force.

"Acting", Khadaan said, his hands quickly tapping the controls on his console. Ripper pulled away from Onslaught as the D14's warp engines began to glow brightly. As Ripper reached a safe distance, Onslaught exploded.

 Kranzt remained alert, at his station, as he kept his eyes glued to the ship's sensors.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Tue 14 Jan 2020.

Khaval got up from the Captain's chair.

"Krantz with me - let us meet our rescued Chief Engineer in the transporter room. He probably thinks he was transported to Sto-Vo-Kor & the Black Fleet", Khaval said with a wry grin as he made his way out of the bridge to the hallway that connected to the turbolift doors beyond.

 Krantz, rose from the consule and walked over to join his Captain. " Perhaps he has intel o what happened over there."

As both Captain & First Officer entered the Turbolift, Khaval said, "He might have an idea but I doubt he would have surmised the cause in such short a time before Onslaught detonated."

They both arrived at the transporter room where Khant stood at attention at seeing them both.

"This one is...Grateful for my rescue", the large engineering officer said.

"No need - just think it was only 5 months ago you broke my jaw and spent 3 days in an Agonizer booth when you were a just an enlisted and I Chief Helmsman...Now the Komorex Zha has given us new positions and purpose."

"I regret nothing...Sir", Khant said. "You deserved it for being a Khesting pain."

Khaval let out a laugh. "Perhaps I did but you will now serve a week or worse in the Agonizer Booth should you attempt it again."

  Upon hearing that their newly  commissioned engineering officer had struck the captain, Krantz went from a neutral expression, to a deep frown. He regarded Khant, giving him an up and down look with that frown.

“ My Captain, with your permission, as executive officer, moral and discipline fall within my area of duty.” Said as Krantz never took his mind off of the Engineer.

 Krantz walked right up to stand in front of Khantz.” The Captain is tolerant, more then I would be considering your infraction, Khantz. And I noticed a slight hesitation when you addressed the Captain with Sir. You report to me, and I report to the Captain, so in the future, you shall act like an officer in all things. You are no longer a rating. If you fail to impress me, time in an Agonizer booth will seem mild, to what I shall do to you. Understood?”

Khant looked down at Krantz and after he spoke, Khant responded with the Imperial salute and an "Aye, sir".

"Station, Khant - I need maximum warp to get us back to Ganarra III and get Imperial Command to act on what we have discovered about the IKS."

Khant gave a nod to the Captain & simply said, "Acting" and left his two superiors to head to the engine room. After Khant left for Engineering, he turned to Krantz.

"Flexing those First Officer muscles I see - good", Khaval said. "We all need to be reminded of what new positions we have since the attempted taking of Ripper...Khant, Korg and a few others have been given field promotions because of it and are now officers and should act as such...The incident with Khant and I happened before you came aboard and truth be told I instigated him into striking me when I was just a Lieutenant & he a Sergeant."

  " Understood Captain. But I did not like his hesitation when he addressed you by your rank. It was without respect, due you and your station, If he does it again, in front of me, I will rip out his throat." Offered Krantz,and by his tone, he meant every word.

"I think the Agonizer Booth will suffice, Krantz...We'll lose less capable officers that way", Khaval said.

Khaval gestured for Krantz to follow him. As they left the transporter room, they headed to the Turbolifts & once they entered, Khaval spoke.

"With Khant back we can get the engines repaired and make haste to Ganarra & warn Imperial command to give us ships to deal with the IKS threat - I will need this crew to be ready when we strike these traitors down & send them back to what little planets they hold sway in whatever hole in the Triangle they call home."

 Krantz nodded. " I understand. With your permission, My Captain, I shall Commence with department drills, and see to the level of competence of each department, so we shall have a keen edge when we meet the traitors in battle."

"Permission granted", Khaval said. "With the loss of Khlim and Onslaught, perhaps Imperial Command will take the IKS threat more seriously and send more ships."

With Khant's returned presence on Ripper, repairs went quickly and they made all speed back to Ganarra III.

(This thread will be locked - proceed to Ganarra III thread ~ Almighty GM)