The scene opens as a slow pan of the bridge of the USS Independence, a Miranda-class starship, scrolls across the screen, with everyone at their duty station.  Dramatic voiceover by our fearless captain:

"Captain’s Log, stardate 5428.3 — The ship is on course to planet Dourap IV, near the Klingon border. Velkath, the Tellarite colony there, has had an outbreak of d’kar fever, a highly contagious viral infection. The disease is still in its early phases, and no fatalities have been reported. We have been tasked by Starbase 24 to transport an emergency medical team and their supplies to the colony, and provide any assistance they might need. We are traveling at warp factor six; our ETA is approximately eighteen hours."

OOC: Any areas of inquiry or actions?  You're up. ;)

From the Communications console, LT Nipay adjusted her ear receiver and reported, "USS Reliant leaving communications range, heading to Ceti Alpha system for research.  No other major comms traffic."

"Captain," ch'Pertha spoke up, "may I draw your attention to the Tragon Sector, however.
I'm not sure yet, but there seems to be ... something ... moving there, on a parallel velocity to our own.  It's almost on the periphery of our sensor capabilities", he said.
His fingers were dancing along his console, "I'm trying to get a fix on it, but its .... something seems to be interfering with the scan".

Sean likes to do this.   To jump right in; not only adding to the situation, but to get some practise dice rolling in.
Rolling Control + Security (13) to identify the possible threat:
-rolled 2d20 with rolls of 14,17.  Control + Security.

But he seemed frustrated.
"Can anyone else read whatever that is?"

Xanatos's ears prick up as his heart begins to race as it always seems to, no matter the stress level, like his body starts to idle, waiting for action, eyes darting around as his fingers hover over his station, awaiting the order to raise the shields, trying to anticipate it..
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

In reply to Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 3):

"By 'anyone', I assume you mean me?", replied Decker, as his hands began moving across the science console, fingers darting out in a precise stacatto fashion.

"Yes, I believe I can help. Bringing the lateral sensors online and coordinating with your tactical scanners."


Since ch'Pertha did not score any successes, I don't believe I can assist, but would have to make a fresh new attempt. I believe I would roll Science + Reason (17), assisted by the ship's Sensors (9) + Science (3). Decker's Technical Expertise means he can re-roll any one of the  dice.
Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 12 using 3d20 with rolls of 8,3,1. Attempting to identify sensor contact.
4 successes, with the ship achieving a critical success (SOMEONE is keeping the sensors in tip-top shape!)

This message was last edited by the player at 08:38, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

[Over Comms] Bridge, be advised we are detecting harmonic fluctuations in the power-grid.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 6):

What a thing to be saying to a tone-deaf captain, CDR Parry-Jones thought. "Acknowledged, Mr. JavKer. Does this affect the dilithium crystals? Please update as soon as you have more information."

"Thank you, Mr. Decker. What have you got?"

"Bring the ship to yellow alert."

ch’Pertha did as directed with a precise and practiced tap on the screen.
As the lighting on the Bridge changed subtly in response to the action, ch’Pertha could almost see his department downstairs coming to life .... like someone kicked the proverbial jurtethic nest.

And Ltn E’Dentra would be on her way up to man the secondary security console.

Ch'Pertha's scan was inconclusive - his short-ranged tactical scanners were designed for weapons targeting and threat analysis, and he'd only caught something on their periphery.

Decker, however, directed the full power of the long-range sensors towards the anomaly the Andorian had spotted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:53, Sun 27 Jan 2019.

Just then, the comm on the captain's chair whistled.

"Captain, De Montaine here," came the lilt of the Haitian Chief Medical Officer.  "I've got de civilian medical team prepping for our arrival. De drug is stored and ready for transport, but it's fragile.  What's wit de yellow alert?"

The medical team is composed of civilians, out of deference to the wishes of the colonial administration. It consists of twenty-six people: six doctors, ten nurses, and ten orderlies. They’ll coordinate with local physicians, distribute the drug as needed, and tend to isolated colonists in outlying areas. They’re in Sickbay with the ship’s medical crew, coordinating treatment plans with each other for when the ship reaches Dourap IV.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Sun 27 Jan 2019.

The Bridge doors swished open quietly and a whipcord-lean Trill woman in security colors moved to the weapons sub-systems panel.  She glanced once to ch'Pertha, raised a brow and nodded, and then slid into the chair.

Without speaking, ch’Pertha showed E’Detra the cause for concern: feeding her secondary screen his own scan data, and a link to Decker’s data.
He trusted her intuition at the console, and she had a knack for looking at a problem from angles he didn’t think to ... and the two worked well at the consoles.

Additionally, if there was a need for ch’Pertha is leave the Bridge suddenly, there was nobody he trusted with the Security console more than E’Detra.

In reply to CDR Ffion Parry-Jones (msg # 8):

Decker frowned, "Captain, sensors do not detect a ship, or any object. But there is an ion trail and a slight subspace disturbance. If we weren't so far from the Romulan border I'd strongly suspect a cloaked vessel...but that is what it looks like."

So, I generated 4 - the difficulty in momentum, correct?  Also, I generated a bonus momentum which can only be used on the Obtain Information spend, which leads me to...

"I'm trying to match it against all known warp drive signatures."

His finger hovering over the controls as he fights the instinct to just do it, Xanatos turns his head just enough to keep an eye on everything, "Sir, permission to raise shields?"

“I’d advise against that Captain.
For one thing, IF that is a ship tailing is, they most likely believe that we are unaware of their presence.  Raising Shields for no attainable reason will tip them to our suspicions”.

"Raise shields. Oh--and the last time I checked, it's still ma'am."

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 17):

"Thank you for your input, ch'Pertha, but if that is a ship tailing us, then that's exactly what I want."

Bowing his head for a moment, Xanatos responds "My apologies, Ma'am I meant no disrespect"

Turning his attention back to his job, he activated the shields, watching his instruments to make sure they raise with no issues.

In reply to CDR Ffion Parry-Jones (msg # 7):

Ma'am, the interference halted as soons as shield were raise. We continue diagnostics.

ENGINE ROOM

Hearing her superior officer report to the captain, LT Harada looked up from her board.  "Sir, the harmonics stopped... and now they're backlashing.  Rippling up.  I think..."

And the ship shuddered.

The shields come up, even as Decker trains the main sensor array towards the unknown contact. The ship - it does seem it was a ship - is at extreme range.  Its warp signature doesn't match
any known Romulan designs.  But, almost as if it could detect the full might of the Indy's sensors upon it like a searchlight... it goes dark.  It may have dropped out of warp... or just dipped out of sensor range.

Abruptly, alarm klaxons begin blaring, the ship lurches violently from side to side, and the normal starfield in the forward viewer changes to a swirling tunnel of red-orange bands of energy. Your ship has fallen into a wormhole. Something has clearly gone very wrong!



While a potentially frightening occurrence, this is something that the crew is trained for. A wormhole of this nature generally occurs when the ship’s warp drive goes out of balance for some reason. Taking the ship out of warp brings the ship back into normal space. Unfortunately, the wormhole effect hampers subspace communications and has a detrimental effect on most shipboard systems.

Stabilizing the ship requires a Daring or Control + Conn Task with a Difficulty of 3 from the character at the helm, assisted by the ship’s Engines + Conn. It’s lurching quite badly, and the helm is sluggish because of the wormhole. While the ship’s Conn is responding to basic positioning operations, navigation and engine controls are not responding. The character at Conn cannot take the ship out of warp.

That falls to the Engineering department. Forcing the warp drive offline, from either the engine room or the Engineering console on the bridge, requires the character in Engineering to make a Control + Engineering Task, again with a Difficulty of 3; as the character is working against the ship, the ship cannot assist this Task!

The Captain can attempt to Rally, inspiring and coordinating the crew.  This is a Presence + Command roll with a Difficulty of 0... useful for generating Momentum. ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

ch’Pertha turned to E’Dentra, “Assist Conn to stabilise” he commanded, knowing her suitability for such a task.

Meanwhile, ch’Pertha began procedures at the Security console to analyse the ship’s structural integrity, in case the Captain asked at any moment (knowing that Engineering had its own problems to focus on).
rolled 4 successes using 3d20 with rolls of 9,2,10.  Insight+Engin(11) assist by ship(10?).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

OOC: One option is to wait for the Captain to do the Rally task, get everyone moving, and that should give you some Momentum to spend to buy more dice if you want (for Conn and Engineering tests especially).  Currently you guys have 0 Momentum. ;)

This message was deleted by the player at 03:45, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

His heart racing, adrenaline pumping as training and instinct take over, fingers moving over his controls almost like a musical instrument, Xanatos's focus narrows to what he must do, everything else falling away for the moment.

OOC: 20:19, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 37 using 3d20.  control + con = 15 focus helm operations?

-with the focus of crisis management?, Gullak and his team are unable to wrest the ship back under control-
Difficulty 3; control 11, engineering 5. Results 5&13(2d20)

Edit, focus: warp field dynamics
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

Parry-Jones tightens her grip on the sides of her chair. "What's going on with the warp engines, Mr. JavKer?"

Rally: Difficulty 0, Presence 10 + Command 5
25 using 2d20 ((7,18)

Unable to directly assist in correcting the warp drive failure, Decker redirects the main sensors fore and aft, checking for any dangers approaching the ship from either direction through the wormhole tunnel.

Science + Reason (17)(or a 16 if the GM wants me to use Control instead), assisted by the ship's Sensors (9) + Science (3). Decker's Technical Expertise means he can re-roll any one of the  dice.

12:03, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 29 using 3d20 with rolls of 18,6,5.
12:06, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Re-roll of 18 using Technical Expertise talent.
Looks like three successes.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 30):
4 successes, actually:  the Ship’s Dice counts as two

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 31):

The Science department rating is 3, so a roll of 5 only achieves 1 success.

The Captain's steady voice seems to remind the crew of their training, keeping them on task and focused. They go about their tasks as best they can with the time dilation effects and gravimetric warping hampering them. (OOC: 1 Success = 1 Momentum added to the group pool.)

ch'Pertha sent E'Detra about assisting Mcreeg before turning his attention to the ship's structural integrity field.  The XO / Security Chief was able to quickly assess that the field wasn't compromised, and that while the ship was encountering turbulence, she'd handled worst in the past. (OOC: Difficulty 2, 4 successes = 2 Momentum added to the group pool.)

The ship bucks and warbles, making it difficult for Decker to stay steady over his scanner.  The blue light washes up across his pinched features, contrasting the ruddy orange glow from the wormhole on the viewscreen.  There was good news in that... he could tell that there were no immediate threats or obstacles in the wormhole.  He could also tell their course was winding like a corkscrew and their velocity was quickly going off the scale... (OOC: Difficulty 2, 3 successes = 1 Momentum added to the group pool.)

Down in engineering, JavKer and his team struggle to shut down the warp drive - the only way to correct the imbalance.  The ship fought them - her heart was racing and she didn't want to slow down.  But the Tellarite and his team were good.  With a sigh, the warp core shut down and went offline.  (OOC: You got 3 successes, so it works! No added Momentum this time however.)

For Mcreeg, trying to stabilize the rapidly-sliding Miranda-class vessel was a challenge.  It was the equivalent of sliding an old automobile on black ice.  He applied RCS thrusters and impulse power in tandem, the warp engines doing nothing to help.  Then, with a blink, the warp drive cut off... and it was like surfing the crest of a wave, that suddenly collapsed...

(OOC: Mcreeg's roll of 3, 14 and 20 (ship die) nets him 3 successes, which makes it.  No added Momentum... and the 20 generates a Complication. >:) Which will be "OFF COURSE", of course.)

In the end, it's the young man's skill and flying instincts that saves them, despite the ship's worst attempts.  There's a bang and a drop, not unlike a roller coaster ride, and then the ship shudders into normal space with a heave, consoles sparking all over the bridge, smoke billowing up from one console.

(OOC: Everyone may take 1 action, which may or may not require a die roll.  The group's Threat/Momentum Pool has been updated, so you may buy extra dice... but you might want to wait to see what the full situation is before doing so.  Questions welcome!)

link to a message in this game
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:04, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

Decker leaned back from his console for a couple of seconds to make sure that it wasn't about to explode in his face (and to give his stomach a moment to settle). Gritting his teeth, he moved back in and set up an expanding perimeter sensor scan - first checking the environment immediately surrounding the ship and then moving outwards to the extreme range of the ship's sensors.

OCC: Presumably this is an extended task of some kind.

As the Independence dropped out of the Wormhole (and the fact that they'd been observing some kind of shadow prior), ch'Pertha naturally assumed that this might have been an engineered trap ... and that there was possibly a great deal of threat awaiting the Indy upon arrival here.

He immediately began scanning, with the close range Security sensors directly available to him, for any evidence of such.
- rolled 3,9,5.  Reason+Security(13) + Sensors+Security(11).
= 3 Successes

Xanatos sits for a moment, his fingers almost vibrating from the sudden lack of movement as he waves the smoke away, glancing around, then re-focusing on what was in front of him, waving away the last of the smoke, one hand almost petting his board, as if reassuring a spooked animal, his eyes checking every little thing, every read out,every switch, seeing if anything is at all out of wack, trusting the others to do the same, making himself ready to answer any question the Captain may put to him.

Mcreeg checks his board and runs a quick sweep of ship's status. Propulsion systems are all offline, as are guidance systems. Subspace communications are out, so they can’t even notify Starbase 24. Weapon systems are down but the shields are functional, though only at about 65% (the ship’s maximum Shields is reduced to 7 until further notice). A large portion of the engineering section is without lights or power due to an overload. Life support and the ship’s sensors appear to have made it through the incident unscathed.

ch'Pertha's scan doesn't reveal any immediate, external threats.  But he can tell the ship is moving off-kilter and at a high velocity.  They seem to be off-course, but there's no sign of enemy vessels, cloaked or otherwise... that he can detect.  Yet...

Decker, meanwhile, does his best to ascertain the bigger picture...

OOC: Mr. Decker, please make a Difficulty 1 Reason + Science Task; assisted by the ship’s Sensors + Science.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:00, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

MAIN ENGINEERING

Everything's dark.  Moans echo in the blackness, the distant sounds of metal-on-metal scraping as objects are moved aside.  JavKer can taste a bit of blood in his mouth as he realizes he's fallen, lying on the deckplates.  He was near the warp core a moment ago, but now it - like the rest of main engineering - is dark.

From above him, somewhere, he hears Harada's pinched voice say, "Help..."

In reply to Starfleet Command (msg # 37):

OCC:

21:12, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 14 using 3d20 with rolls of 3,2,9.  Expanding perimeter sensor scan (12+5) with (9+3) assist.

I think I'll skip the re-roll and take the 5 successes.

Decker fought past the paralysis of fear by drawing on the mental disciplines he learned on Vulcan as a boy. All distractions were cast aside as he applied himself again to the ship's sensor arrays and the displays all around him updated with fresh information about the volume of space surrounding the ship.

JavKer attempts to stand but the overload discharge has left him dizzied.
'Get the emergency lights on' he barked, crawling towards Harada's voice. The shock of placing his into warm fluid told him that the situation was dire. Even before the stab of light from a torch sho across the room. Applying pressure to worst of the visible harm.
'Ensign Shinma.' JavKar barked, 'see too Harada.'

Once the casualty was in the hands on someone mote capable than he. The chief engineer pulled himself up withba grimace and a wobble. To take stock of little the displays revealed.

With an attempt to keep his voice calm tho there is a storm of emotion running thru him, his practiced eyes taking in and processing what the readouts are telling him, his heart racing as he turns, beginning his report. "Maam, Propulsion and Guidance Systems are offline, Subspace communications are out, Weapons are out too but shields are holding at 65%" Xanatos waits, ideas running thru his head, not the first of which is him wondering how much of this is fault.

BRIDGE


Parry-Jones tugs at the uniform she was never going to get used to, not even in a crisis. At least the miniskirt let her feel like she could move freely.

"So," she says as evenly as she can. "What's out there, Mr. Decker?"

"Is there any good news, Mr. Mcreeg?" Parry-Jones asks.

Parry-Jones's voice comes through to engineering. "Status, Mr. JavKer?"

[OOC: I don't remember if we are at the tap on the badge to get whomever we wanted to speak to or hitting a button somewhere on the console, asking someone to do it, or, given circumstances, even getting through to engineering. Will edit if needs be.]

In a lower tone, pitched to ch'Pertha's more sensitive hearing, "What are our immediate threats?"

[OOC: assuming the hearing thing, based on The Starfleet Medical Reference Manual. If that's been superseded, will edit.]

“We seem to be clear for the moment, Captain”, ch’Pertha replied.
“I’ll continue to scan, of course.  But I find no enemy presence; any danger present emanates from our environment and our situation”.

Responding to the captain-

We are prioritising life support functions. Diagnostics in progress.

We will attempt to reset the systems to allow thrusters while we work on impulse power. The warp drive will needca complete inspection.

OOC: Can i roll to return thruster control?

"Ma'am, from where I sit, that we have shields at all IS the good news, hopefully the others have better " Xanatos makes sure his voice shows that he is trying to be positive and in no way to come off flippant or disrespectful.

Decker consults his scanner, cross-referencing data with the ship's computer and analyzing the results.

(OOC: Momentum pool tops off at 6, so you've got 2 extra Momentum you can only use for an Immediate Spend to Obtain Information.  I'll apply that to the answers here!)

During all the buffeting and bouncing that happened, the ship managed to turn nearly ninety degrees in the wrong direction. They’re traveling at 0.9c, straight toward the Klingon border, and they’re substantially closer to it than is prudent. At their current speed — and there’s nothing to slow them down at the moment — they’ll cross the border into Klingon space in a little under three hours.

The captain assessed the situation, gathering info from both Decker and JavKer.  (OOC: In this era, commbadges aren't in use.  Wall panels, intercomms and (rarely on ship) hand communicators are the order of the day.  Some wrist communicators were also in use.)


Down in Engineering, Ensign Shinma replied, "Y-yessir!" to JavKer's order to check on Harada.  Lights were down, and hand torches were the only thing illuminating the room.  Casualties seemed to be light... no major injuries, but plenty of bumps and scrapes.  Harada had become pinned by a falling support pylon, and Shinma and several other junior engineers were moving to help her.  The Chief turns to try to get power to the thrusters... so far all the panels are dark.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:45, Sun 03 Feb 2019.

LT Nipay, disheveled, turns from communications, adjusting her earpiece receiver. "Captain, I'm getting reports of minor injuries from all over the ship.  And an emergency report from sickbay."  Her face falls and she adds in a shaken voice, "Dr. De Montaine is dead.  Apparently he was attempting to secure the serum and was crushed.  Nurses are on-site..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Sun 03 Feb 2019.

While his finger's danced over his panel to facilitate the order, ch'Pertha explained to the Bridge in general,
"Dispatching Security teams to aid in Med-bay and Engineering".

Security wasn't just about fighting off attackers, it was about keeping people safe ... and these two areas of the ship seemed to be needing extra hands to help clean up, and extract people from unsafe situations.

[To the science officer]

How much thrust do we require to arrest our drift?

In reply to CDR Ffion Parry-Jones (msg # 42):

Decker frowned as he double-checked his readings, "No sign of that ship, or whatever it might of been. No sign of anything, in fact, other than the Klingon border we're rapidly approaching."

He swiveled around to face the Captain. "Ma'am, on our present course and speed, we'll cross into Klingon space in 6.8 standard hours. Unfortunately, at 0.9C, relativistic effects are working against us. We have just under 3 standard hours ship time. And at this speed thrusters will be useless. We'll need the Impulse engines to effectively stop or veer off."

In reply to LT Lyn Nipay (msg # 50):

There would be time to mourn later--when they got out of this mess. Parry-Jones closed her eyes for a moment. "What's the status of the serum?"

Fabulous. A Romulan or a Kilngon ship with Romulan tech. Parry-Jones turned to ch'Pertha. "Have you received any intelligence--even heard any rumors in bars--that the Romulans have been active in this sector?"

With the arrival of security staff, all active engineering crew turn thier attention to the impulse engines.

ch’Pertha turned towards the Captain with a curious look,
“Actually, Captain, Ltn Borden of the Titanic was talking about something interesting”, when he and ch’Pertha and a few others were playing poker, “a few weeks ago when we were at Starbase Horizon.
He was saying ...”


Cue Starfleet Command
- rolled 2,1.  Insight+Security (Espionage) 15.
I used Espionage Focus, we knowing rumours about your enemies seems to be appropriate.
And does a ‘1’ on a Focus give even more successes????     I doubt it, so:
= 4 successes

ch'Pertha dispatched teams to both the med labs and Engineering.  They rushed to the scene, eager to help.

LT Nipay turned from the Captain to her board.  "Checking, ma'am," she replied when asked the status of the serum. "They're still picking up the pieces down there," she reported, obviously not getting any definite answers from Sickbay yet.

Down in Engineering, with the arrival of ch'Pertha's teams, JavKer and his group can turn their attention to the matter of propulsion.  At the moment, there's no power, and everything is down.  Shutting down the warp core should NOT have caused this... there's been an overload somewhere.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:39, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Nipay's face was a mask of controlled disappointment as she turned back to Captain Parry-Jones.  "Ma'am..." she said, the tone in her voice giving away that the news wasn't good.  "They're still sifting through the mess, but the nurses report that it's bad.  Large quantities of the serum are ruined, their casings shattered. They're trying to ascertain how much of it they can salvage."


Cut to Commercial Break...

OOC: And with that we will close Scene 1 "DOWN THE WORMHOLE" and open Scene 2... "PICKING UP THE PIECES".  The significance of the scene change is, -1 Momentum... but all 1/scene abilities are now refreshed, such as the Captain's "Rally" action.  I would recommend using a bit of Momentum before such a Rally, however... the cap is still 6, and you currently have 5 Momentum.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

SCENE 2: "PICKING UP THE PIECES"

The Independence hurtled towards the Klingon border, out of control, many of her systems down. They had only 3 hours (relative, ship-board time) before they crossed the border... and into Klingon space.  The precious serum they carried to the colony on Dourap IV's status was uncertain, their CMO dead in the turbulence from the wormhole and their emergency drop out of warp.

Before he could relay his rumors and intel to the captain, ch'Pertha's comm panel beeped.

"Sir, Stirling here," came the steady, deep tones of his lieutenant.  "Down in the Med Labs.  Looks like a freight train hit the place.  Doc's been crushed under crates of the serum.  A lot of it's smashed, spilled all over the floor.  But there's something odd..."

"The restraints designed to hold the shelving in place, and the crates, they've been cut," he reported.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Damage Report: Decker, using the ship’s computer, can make a Reason + Science Task at Difficulty 1 to determine what caused the wormhole. Analyzing the sensor logs has an Interval of 5 minutes.

Armed with this knowledge, Jav'Ker can perform a Reason + Engineering Task at Difficulty 1 to discover more data... this survey also has an Interval of 5 minutes. Both these Tasks are assisted by the ship’s Sensors + Engineering.

These Tasks must be attempted before anything else, and the second one cannot be attempted until the first is complete.

Momentum may be spent... 1 Momentum buys you an extra die, or 3 Momentum can buy you two dice.  I doubt you need to spend such at this point, but FYI.

Have at it! :)

ch’Pertha listener to Stirling’s report, then replied, “Understood, Lieutenant.  Continue the cleanup, I’ll be down shortly”.

Returning his attention to Captain Parry-Jones, ch’Pertha continued thing the answer to her question:
“... the Klingons and Romulans have been onwn to exchange of technology, Captain.
We know, for example, that the Klingon Empire has sent the Romulans several older D7 hulls”.

As he spoke, ch’Pertha continued operating his console: coordinating Security reinforcements around the ship, and scanning for threats.
“Some of that exchange seems to have included some cloaking technology.
But there's been no evidence that the Klingons have actually implemented it ... yet.

Our current understanding, though, is that the cloaks the Romulans gave are too weak to cover a D7 K'tinga class cruiser.
Even in Romulan service, the cloaking device doesn't work as well on the D7 as it does on the older, smaller War Eagles”.

After a brief pause, he continued ... almost as a secondary thought:
“However, Orion pirates have been known to steal Romulan cloaking devices in the past, and outfit a select few of their raiders with them”.


“Captain, Lieutenant Stirling reports something suspicious in Med-bay.
With your permission, I’d like to take a look?”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Having relayed his bad news, Decker returned to his station. He frowned at the forward display for a moment, and then got to work. After setting up the long-range sensors on a continuous loop scanning for warp signatures, he accessed the recent sensor logs and began a rigorous analysis of all data during their recent encounter looking for any anomalies that might explain the warp engine imbalance.

Reason (12) + Science (5) assisted by Sensors (9) + Engineering (2). Technical Expertise allows for 1 re-roll.
Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 24 using 3d20 ((2,9,13))
Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 15 using 1d20 ((15)) - re-rolling the 13.
Total of two successes. Will immediately spend the generated momentum to Obtain Information if there is an obvious question generated by the base results.

Decker's scans reveal that the wormhole was caused by a warp field imbalance on the Independence... not an outside source or influence.  Relaying this to the Chief Engineer takes a touch of a button.

OOC: No need for Immediate Spend, adding to the Momentum Pool.  JavKer is up... see post #61. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

In reply to Starfleet Command (msg # 64):

"Captain, after a thorough analysis of the sensor logs, I'm convinced that whatever is out there was not responsible for the wormhole event. There are no signs of any external fields or energies that influenced our warp field. I've already notified Lieutenant Commander JavKer."

Today: LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 15 using 2d20 with rolls of 12,3.  Reason 8 + Engineering 5. Target 1.

OOC: That's three successes, but you forgot to add the ship's die for help.
07:17, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  Ship's Sensors + Engineering.
That brings you to a total of 5 successes.  Momentum tank is full!

For now.

I directed any excess Momentum towards an Immediate Spend to Obtain Information, which gives you the following, below... ;)


Armed with Decker's sensor data, JavKer is able to track down the source of the problem. The field imbalance was due to a damaged plasma injector about halfway up the starboard nacelle pylon. There’s also very little in the way of actual physical damage to the ship; most of the systems were taken down by an overloaded power grid.

JavKer knows it will take at least 60 minutes for the nacelle pylons to cool so that the plasma injector can be replaced; warp drive is impossible until that's done.

The plasma injector was damaged by an overload in the power system, which also disabled the safety interlocks that would normally have taken the ship out of warp when the problem was first detected. It’s essential that this be repaired, or the problem may happen again the next time the ship goes to warp. Damage control teams have isolated the overload to a section on the starboard side of the engineering section, on three decks. That section is a maze of junctions and Jefferies tubes, and with the power out, it has the Complications Dark and Difficult to Navigate.

Numerous engine control relays were taken out by the overload, disabling the impulse engines and maneuvering thrusters, as well as making it dangerous to go to warp. Repairing or replacing them is an arduous and time-consuming process...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Wed 06 Feb 2019.

[Overcomms] captain, the warp drive malfunction has been identified but its at least an hour before we can begin repairs.

With your permission, we'll put our efforts towards resettimg impulse drives and restoring power and non-essential systems until. The warp drive has sufficently cooled.

Parry-Jones stood and tugged at her uniform. "Suspicious, Mr. ch'Pertha? Let's go."

"Permission granted. I have every faith in your ability to get things done as quickly and safely as possible. Please keep me apprised of any changes."

"Shields are a definite plus, Mr. Mcreeg." They are so adorable and young at this stage of their careers, she thought. I don't think I was ever that young.

"You have the console, Ltn E'Detra", ch'Pertha said, and strode out of the Bridge alongside the Captain.

As they walked to Med Lab, he explained his thoughts to Parry-Jones,
"Ltn Stirling informs me that the strapping that should have been holding the medicines secure have been cut.
And from what I just heard from Engineering, the issue that sent our ship spinning could likely have been ... engineered.  I'm no engineer, but it seems to have been caused in an out-of-the-way locations, easily reached without much chance of having been spotted.  But would create great effect throughout the ship; causing turbulence.

Obviously, whomever cut the strapping knew that such an incident was imminent ... one wouldn't compromise the straps on the mere hope that they would get shaken around.

It may have been some of the regular crew,", ch'Pertha continued, but he didn't think so: he trusted Starfleet members.
"But more likely, some of those who came on board while we were at Starbase 24.

The strapping could have been cut by anyone.  But the engineering incident, I am guessing, took skilled knowledge.  But it was likely that the culprit was able to get access to the location without seen.

Whomever cut those straps, however, would have had to be very careful.   Med-bay is a well populated and monitored area.
Thus, I'll be going through the logs and footage looking for anyone who should not have been there", he said.

Also:  he knew, the culprits had to still be on board.  With nowhere to run if they were discovered.  And so they had a plan ... and they'd want to know how close Security was on their tail.
And the only way to do that would be to keep an (albeit subtle) watch on Security.

So as ch'Pertha and the Captain walked to, and entered, the Medbay, ch'Pertha was on heightened watch for anyone acting suspicious: working where they shouldn't, or too close, for no reason ... and for anyone trying to subtly watch him.
- rolled  3,16,7.  Insight+Security (15) +Momentum die.
- 'Espionage' Focus
- Constantly Watching:   When you attempt a Task to detect danger or hidden enemies, reduce the Difficulty by 1.

= 4 Successes at -1 Difficulty

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 72):

In a low voice, Parry-Jones said, "We have to find out if the saboteur is still aboard. I hate to think it's one of the crew, but it's possible. Pull everything you can from our time at Starbase 24--starbase personnel, visitors, civilian medical staff. And especially that blonde who slept with half the maintenance crew and broke the food synthesizer. As far as med-bay goes, if you don't see anything out of the ordinary in the logs, I'd say we have two possibilities: it's one of us, or it's someone who is invisible to current security measures. I don't like either."

She paused. "Fair play, Mr. ch'Pertha--this doesn't reflect poorly on you or your team. Someone worked very hard to circumvent the security you've put in place."

Decker hates to step away from his station at a time like this, but knows that it needs to be done. He calls his second to the bridge to take his place OCC: presumably the next most skilled officer on the ship at operating the main sensors and as soon as she arrives, he moves to the command chair.

"Obviously you need to keep a close watch on the border - we may not have a lot of options right now, however it would be a poor ending for us if we didn't even see it coming - but that cloaked ship, or whatever it was, may still be out there. Keep a sharp eye out for it."

Wary of any additional malfunctions, the engineering team activate and test each impulse drive subsystem individually before they can activate the drive fully.

On one of the few active monitors, a display runs down the time to the border

Unsure of what to help even as the Captain's comment is still ringing in his ears, he turns to face the acting deck officer "There must be something I can do, some way I can help?" Xanato's tone of voice making him sound a bit younger than he actually is.

In reply to LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg (msg # 76):

Decker smiled slightly, "One of the more difficult lessons they should have taught you at the Academy, Lieutenant, is that sometimes there's nothing you can actually *do*. Man your post. Stay sharp. Keep an eye on your instruments. Once the Impulse engines are back online, or if someone shows up before then, you'll need to act on a moment's notice."

He shrugs, "For the moment, that's all we can do. That's our duty. That's why we're here."

Presence (7) + Command (2) - you really shouldn't leave Decker in charge...
In fact, we'd better throw in a Momentum die...
09:59, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 20 using 3d20 with rolls of 10,5,5.  Reassuring Xanatos and the rest of the bridge. Presence (7) + Command (2) + 1 Momentum.
2 Successes!!!

Nodding to show both that he listened and as a sign of respect, Xanatos responds "You're right, that was probably the hardest thing to learn, and I still have issues, but I'll make sure I'm ready for anything that needs our..my attention" He turns back fully to his station, eyes moving, hands at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

As ch'Pertha and Parry-Jones entered Sickbay, they could see it was a hotbed of controlled chaos.  The beds were full of injured crew, although none of the injuries seemed to be life threatening.  Nurses were moving between patients, tending the injured and performing triage.  There were a few junior doctors, all moving without much direction as their CMO was no longer alive to coordinate them.  And, amongst them, the civilian medical team from Starbase 24 did their best to help as well.



A pair of guard near one of the back doors noticed their entry and gestured them over.  "Sir," the young guard said, "LT Stirling's inside.  This is the medical storeroom where the serum is... was... is stored." The men are obviously doing their best to secure the scene, while staying out of the way of the treatment zone.

OOC: ch'Pertha rolled 3 successes, with a -1 to the Difficulty due to his Talent.  In the situation, the Difficulty would be 4, reduced to 3 by his talent.

Glancing through the room, ch'Pertha notices his guards looking to him for direction... but the medical staff seems far more focused on tending injuries, and reeling from the loss of Dr. de Montaine.  In fact, the medical staff doesn't follow any kind of military protocol to address the CO and XO - they're too busy treating patients. Nobody present looks suspicious... but the entire civilian staff isn't here, and some of the nurses are absent also (presumably out treating injuries).  He's able to note who's present, and that gives him a basis for who's LESS likely to be guilty.  One figure he distinctly notes absent is the lead civilian doctor, an older human woman; he recalls her name as Evangel Stoorer. The medical team is composed of civilians, out of deference to the wishes of the colonial administration. It consists of twenty-six people: six doctors (including Stoorer), ten nurses, and ten orderlies..
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:41, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

Down in Engineering, JavKer turns his focus to restoring the Impulse drives.  The engines themselves aren't damaged, but multiple control relays are fried, requiring careful replacement and rewiring.

Repairing or replacing them is an arduous and time-consuming process, requiring a Fitness + Engineering Task with a Difficulty of 3, and an Interval of sixty minutes – getting all the repairs and replacements done quickly is more a matter of endurance than aptitude. You may buy an extra die for 1 Momentum; or buy 2 for 3 Momentum.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:21, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

On the bridge, Decker slides uncomfortably into the center seat, leaving an Ensign in charge of scanners.  The young officer looks nervous, but determined, as they focus down on the task at hand.  Decker, meanwhile, does his best to assure Mcreeg.  The rest of the bridge crew seems to draw some solace from his well-faked command presence.

However, even as the helmsman takes in the CSO's advice, it does occur to him that one of his first postings was in phaser control... and the phasers are offline.  It might be possible for him to assist in changing that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

As he sits there waiting and watching, something occurs to Xanatos and he actually rolls his eyes at himself "Sometimes I am such a first poster" running thru his mind as he turns to the Acting Captain..

"Sir, I'm not needed here at the moment and we need to have phaser capability, I can help with that, permission to leave my station and do so?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

Swiveling slightly in her chair, Ensign Nyshuri added, "I can assist the relief helmsman if needed, sir."

Decker frowned. The bridge was beginning to run thin on experienced officers. On the other hand, there weren't a lot of operational systems available, either.

"Lieutenant E'Detra, Mr. Mcreeg is at your disposal if he'll be any assistance at restoring the phasers."

To Lieutenant Mcreeg, "Please call for your relief and get to work, then. I hope we don't need them, but I can't think of many situations where I'd feel less comfortable without them."

Casually noting the absence of Dr Stoorer, ch'Pertha strode into the medical storeroom, vigilant against corrupting the scene any further.
After receiving all the explanation and report that Ltn Stirling provided, ch'Pertha directed him to,
"Ltn Stirling, the Captain and myself would like to take a look at this room ourselves.
Please leave us for now; and have Security attempt to locate Dr Stoorer, discreetly.   Do not appear to be seeking her, nor should anyone approach her in any manner other than what might be expected ... then report her location and activities to me, please".

Then, preferably with Captain Parry-Jones's assistance, ch'Pertha will conduct his own search of the room.

- rolled 5,8,15.  Insight + Security (15) + 1 Momentum Dice.
To my reckoning, that is 3 successes ... 4 successes if my 'Espionage' Focus is relevant.
And I'd like to feed any additional successes (Momentum) into immediate 'Obtain Information', please.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Mon 11 Feb 2019.

With the extra hands provided by the security detail, the engineering team leapt into action.

LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 35 using 3d20 with rolls of 9,17,9.  Fitness 10, Engineering 5. Difficulty 3. One momentum used for +1 dice

Ooc, i can use the focus of damage control here? Or crisis response?

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 86):

OOC: None of your rolls were less than or equal to your Discipline (Engineering), so having an applicable focus wouldn't really matter.

"Granted." She discretely observed the security officer's search, but ran through different scenarios to reconstruct the incident that would have killed the CMO. Nothing made sense, unless he'd moved to protect the serum with enough time to realize the immediate threat. Was it Stoorer or someone else?. The medical staff would have expected Stoorer to be assisting, especially now. She addressed the most junior staffer not directly attending injuries [the one that seems to need a mental task to snap out of it] and asked, "Run me through the last hour of duty. Don't leave anything out."

Mcreeg called his relief over, with the navigator, Ensign Nyshuri, assisting the petty officer in settling in. That let Mcreeg set about fixing the weapons systems...

Weapons Offline: Weapon systems are completely offline, though thankfully they aren’t severely damaged – they shut down when safety systems isolated them from the overload. It takes a Control + Engineering Task with a Difficulty of 1 and an Interval of fifteen minutes to reset the weapon systems, followed by a Control + Security Task with a Difficulty of 2 and an interval of twenty minutes to recalibrate them for use.

"Sir!" Stirling said, snapping to attention as ch'Pertha dismissed him to take over the investigation.  He stepped outside.  In the room, there were still two med techs cleaning up and trying to salvage what they could; and there was a sheet draped over the fallen, smashed form of the ship's doctor, Marius de Montaigne.  Someone had moved the shelving and crates that had killed him to one side, probably in an attempt to revive him.

Stirling headed off to find Dr. Stoorer, as ordered.

The captain looked around and spoke to one of the med techs, who was sealing up a container of serum.

Their examination suggested that the securing straps and bolts that held the shelves in place were indeed cut.  The position of the Doc's body suggested he was attempting to secure the serum in place when the ship dropped out of warp and sent everything cascading down upon him.

Aside from the shelving and cases moved by the med team to uncover de Montaine, the med techs had also been rooting through the wreckage to save what they could.  Many of the serum cases had come open on impact - again, suggesting they'd been unlatched - and the floor was covered in a clear liquid residue.  The serum, now hopelessly contaminated.

Based on the pattern of footprints in the liquid, and the dispersal of the shelves, ch'Pertha believes de Montaine was alone in here when the incident occurred.  There's no sign of anyone else having been hit by the shelves, injured, or making a speedy exit.

This suggests that the sabotage was done some time earlier, and it's possible the Doc didn't even know about it - that he was in here to take extra precautions against damage, when it all went south.

If he'd known or discovered it, he never called for help, the med tech can attest. She runs down the last hour or so of activity to the captain - from her point of view, nothing extraordinary.

"By our estimates, just over half of the serum's been ruined," she adds.  "There won't be enough on hand to treat everyone on Dourap IV." Her voice lowers a notch.  "Dr. de Montaine was one of the few individuals onboard who could oversee synthasizing more..."

This message was last edited by the player at 06:22, Thu 14 Feb 2019.

Meanwhile, in Engineering, JavKer struggles with the repairs...

OOC: His talent, 'Cautious', allows him to reroll one die when he buys a die (or more) with Momentum. I'd reroll the 17! The two 9s are successes, so we'll hang onto those...

Loving a challenge, the circumstances not withstanding, those he wouldn't wish on anyone, Xanatos, after giving his relief a last look, picks up some tools and heads to where he's needed, removing the panel and looking in. Seeing the problem was easy, anyone could do that, it was fixing it that was the trick, that's what took the finesse and training, the instinct and yes, even a little luck.

22:52, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 13 using 2d20 with rolls of 10,3. control + Engineering = 15.

Frustratingly the repairs drag on. Reroll result 16

ch’Pertha sighed.   “Ok.    From memory, Ltn Commander Decker has experience with Biological Sciences.    Maybe he can get onto that. I’ll attempt to give him a hand once I’m comfortable that I’ve nullified any threat of further sabotage.
How hard could it be?!?” he quipped.
Captain Parry-Jones might remember that ch’Pertha had significant medical training himself, albeit in trauma response.  Between he and the Science Officer, and the extensive systems aboard the ship, surely they could acheive something.

But first, ch’Pertha had to end the ongoing threat onboard.
And as yet, his only clue* was that the head civilian doctor wasn’t present in Medbay at the precise moment ... not a lot to go on yet.

But ch’Pertha was on the case.
“Captain, I’ll be in the Security centre”.


Once he got down into Security, he pulled himself up a console, and began scrutinising the logs and records for any clues and data that could reveal more about those responsible for the sabotage in both Medlab and Engineering.
- rolled 14,7,8,2.  Insight+Security (15) + 1 Mom + Ships Comp.
= 5 successes by my reckoning.
Any additional Momentum generated by this roll  —>  Additional information, please



* even after some awesome rolls   ;-P     C'mon bro, gimme something to work with here
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Sat 16 Feb 2019.

In reply to LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg (msg # 92):

OOC: That's 3 successes - which adds two to the Momentum Pool.  Updated. :)  That task took 15 minutes, to reset the controls.  Next is a Control + Security Task with a Difficulty of 2 and an interval of twenty minutes to recalibrate them for use.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:38, Sat 16 Feb 2019.

"So far, so good" runs thru Xanatos mind as he works things falling into place as he restores harmony to the phasers, humming a song he learned back home without even realizing it, a melody about unfocused focus, something he's not sure he's ever understood, but it seems to help.

OOC: 00:02, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 32 using 3d20 with rolls of 6,10,16. control + security = 13 + 1 momentum, diff. 2. for re-caliberation
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Sat 16 Feb 2019.

[Over comms]captain, we've made some progress on repairs but anticipate at least another hour to return to operational status

Decker attempts to maintain a reassuringly calm demeanor for the rest of the bridge crew, but as time passes he starts glancing over to the main Science station - his station.

After the Chief Engineer makes his report, he addresses the Ensign from the Science Department, "It looks like we're going to get pretty close to the border before we're able to veer off. Since the Warp Drive is down and we're essentially drifting, let's shut down all active emissions and go passive on the sensors. With a bit of luck, even if a ship comes within range they won't detect us, whereas we should still see them in time."He turns to the Communication's officer, "That goes for you, as well. No outbound transmissions until further notice."

"Thank you, Mr. JavKer," Parry-Jones says. "Sooner would be better. How about thirty minutes?"

We will report as soon as we make any progress ma'am. It will be music to your ears

Invigoratingly insulted by the commanders questioning of his competence. Gullak redoubles his efforts, within the half hour repairs are complete and engineering informs the bridge that impulse power is operational

Today: LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 36 using 3d20 with rolls of 13,12,11.  Difficulty 3: Fitness 10, Engineering 5, one momentum used

In the security office, ch'Pertha sat down to go over the computer logs. Despite his excellent detective work, so far, he had little to go on.  There simply wasn't enough data... yet.

Scrolling through the flight recorder would take time, but there was nothing for it.

About half an hour in, he received a comm from LT Stirling.  "Commander, this is Stirling," the lieutenant reported.  "I've found Dr. Stoorer.  She's on one of the crew decks, treating injured.  The power's out down here, and so are comms... I'm using a personal communicator.  Your orders?"

(Insert c'Pertha's orders here)

After speaking to his subordinate, the Andorian returns to scrutinizing the records.  At last, he finds something.  A young man - human, by the looks of him - in civilian medical whites, enters the medical storage room containing the serum.  This is time stamped about two hours before the incident.  The young man looks nervous, glancing around to make sure he's not being observed.  Nobody in sickbay seems to be paying him mind.  He slips inside.

He never re-emerges.

Scanning the records at the Captain's behest, he can see that the vent grill was accessed around that time.  And that another, near the engineering decks, was also taken briefly offline... about 30 minutes later.

ch'Pertha doesn't immediately recognize the man - obviously, he's one of the civilian medical staff.  Pulling up records takes him a few more moments, and reveals the young man as Kyle Hunsley, an orderly.  He has an unremarkable record, scattered with a few minor infractions.  They indicate someone with a lack of drive that has drifted from lackluster job to lackluster job until ending up as a medical orderly several years ago...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:15, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

LCDR Decker, the Officer of the Deck (OOD) ordered the ship to go to passive sensors, shutting down emissions.  When he ordered Comms to do the same, Nipay could only favor him with a sad smile.  "That's easy, sir.  Subspace comms are still down; all we've got is intra-ship.  I was going to ask for permission to go assist in repairs... but I can see we're short-staffed," she finished in a hushed voice.

Turning in her chair, she rose and stepped down the command deck.  Standing beside Decker, she said, "If you've got something else I can help with, I'm all ears... sir," she added quietly.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

Meanwhile, down in weapons control, LT JG Mcreeg has had his work cut out for him.  Fortunately, the young man is more than just a talented pilot.  After twenty minutes more of work... following the 15-minute reset... he has the phasers back online and calibrated.

Torpedoes, of course, are another matter...

In the dark depths of the engineering section, JavKer struggles to get the impulse engines online.  Harada has come to assist him, but despite her best efforts, the young human isn't much help.  Over an hour has passed as the Independence hurtles towards the Klingon border, out of control.  The pressure mounts as the stubborn Tellarite digs his heels in and tries to make the miracle the captain wants to happen, happen.

(OOC: JavKer succeeds, but by the dice, that would take another hour.  However, for the expenditure of 2 Momentum, I'll allow him to make that extra hour only an extra half-an-hour.  Spent, unless, of course, you don't want to.)

Lights coming on in sequence, a familiar hum that to him is music, a thought that actually makes him chuckle, Xanatos straightens up, wiping his hands on his pants, smiling a he puts the covering back together.

Going to the ship's Comm, he thumbs it, waiting a moment before speaking "This is Mcreeg in Weapons, Phasers are fully functional and ready when the are needed" his mind wandering for a moment "Sir, am I wanted on the Bridge or should I see what I can do with the Photon Torpedoes?" He knows what he thinks he should do, but assuming is never the way to go..well, almost never.

[Over comms] Captain, we've expedited repairs and the impulse should be operational. However, there are still diagnostics i'd like too do before we can power up. What are your orders?

In reply to LT Lyn Nipay (msg # 104):

Decker sighed. He'd been doing that a lot today and he needed to stop. "We are short staffed, but again, the most experienced Communications officer in the Fleet can't do much at a dead board. If you have expertise you can lend to the repair effort, and if you can scrounge up an appropriate Ensign to take your place, you have my permission to do what you can." He wished he had taken more time to study the files of the other senior officers, but he hadn't planned on being in the center seat during a crisis quite so soon.

Decker glanced over at the helm station. Impulse power was still down, and the two Ensigns seemed to have things well in hand. He opened a channel back to Mcreeg, "Excellent work, Lieutenant. I want you to evaluate the torpedo system and report back with an estimate."

When the call from Engineering came in a few moments later, he clenched his jaw hard to squelch the sigh, groan, or curse that threatened to spill out. Now he really was over his head, "Give me a minute, Gullak. Navigation, what's our time to the border?"

Once he had the answer, he punched the All-Ship broadcast button on his chair, "Bridge to the Captain."

"Thank you Sir, I'll get right on it and get that data to you..Mcreeg out" Feeling glad that he's done well and made the Commander happy, Xanatos takes a moment to re-focus, then heads over to the Torpedo section, going by the book, running thru sequences in his head well studied in the Academy but not something he's needed much in the field, wanting to do it right.

"Make sure we get some extra hands up there to help out, if we can afford it, Stirling.  Thank you.
And use the opportunity keep an eye on her, peripherally".


           Cool.  Thanks man, thats an awesome lead to work from.  You rock.


ch'Pertha's fingers began flying over the keyboard, as he highlighted and cross-referenced all this data; that it could be easily referred to later.

Hitting the intercom beside the console, he keyed in Captain Parry-Jones' direct link, "Captain, I've got tangible lead.   Thank you for your intuition on the vent system, it seems to have paid off.  I'm sending you this data directly", as he sent the data package into the Independent's logs, keyed for 'Captain's Eyes Only'.

Then, he contacted Lt Stirling's personal communicator: "Lieutenant, new orders.  Same subtle 'find and observe'.
One of the civilian orderlies named Kyle Hunsley.    Make sure he remains unaware of our interest in him".

Finally, he intercommed Ltn Commander Decker, "Ltn Commander, it is imperative that we keep shields up.  We need to ensure that nobody beams off this ship ... or onto.
And please have Comms monitor for any attempted communications from or to this ship, especially using covert channels or methods".


Stoorer seemed to be off the hook.
But if Hunsley was the culprit, he might be looking for an exit from the ship as soon as possible ... it might explain why there was a cloaked ship following them.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:16, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

Decker acknowledged ch'Pertha's orders and swiveled to face the Communication station, "If you're still capable of monitoring radio and subspace traffic, well, you heard the XO. If not, work with Sciences. While not specifically designed for it, the ship's main sensors are perfectly capable of detecting those radiations and determining whether or not they're coming from or being directed at Independence."

Parry-Jones stepped over debris to get to the doctor's communication station, and imagined the doctor's indignant last communication. I should have taken the time to respond--never would have thought we wouldn't have been able to have a drink together afterward. "Go ahead, bridge."

"Excellent--it's good to know my misspent youth playing tag in ventilation systems has paid off. I'm bringing it up here in MedBay before I head back to the bridge," Parry-Jones said, bringing the report to the screen.

"Captain, Engineering reports that repairs to the Impulse drive are complete, or should be. Lieutenant Commander JavKer would prefer to run diagnostics first to be sure before powering it up, but we are less than 90 minutes from the Klingon border, ma'am. I believe it's worth the risk to start it up now. Even if we have to power back down afterwards to complete repairs, if we can just alter our vector first...but I knew it should be your call." Decker cuts himself off before he starts to ramble.

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 109):

"Aye, sir," Nipay replied, and was off to try to get subspace comms back online.

A few moments later, Decker relayed ch'Pertha's orders to monitor comms ingoing or outgoing from the Independence to her replacement.  The young comm officer nodded determinedly. "I'll catch it if it's there, sir," he said.

"Roger that, sir," Stirling replied.  "We'll find him."

In Engineering, Harada bites her lip and paces as they wait for a response... diagnostics as recommended, or fire the engines up cold and hope they'd got it all right?

"Shiksho," she muttered, shaking her head and glancing to JavKer in sympathy.

Mcreeg takes stock of the situation of the photon torpedoes...

It takes a Control + Engineering Task with a Difficulty of 1 and an Interval of fifteen minutes to reset the torpedo systems, followed by a Control + Security Task with a Difficulty of 2 and an interval of twenty minutes to recalibrate them for firing.

In sickbay, Captain Perry-Jones pulled up ch'Pertha's report on de Montaine's monitor.  Sitting in the late doctor's chair, she couldn't help but notice a holo pic of the smiling Haitian features with a pair of youngsters in their teens, taken at a beach somewhere.

Her eyes flicked through the report.  Before she could finish, Decker hailed from the bridge and asked his questions.

That was the last thing she heard before a sudden explosion of stars followed a heavy dull thud on the back of her head... then blackness.

Decker got no response.

OOC: 2 Threat spent. ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:58, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

"Captain? ..... Captain?!"

Decker spun around towards the Communication Station, "Are the comms down?  Can you re-open that channel?"

Hastening through the diagnostics. The dull echo of a blast rippled through engineering abd the lights dimmed momentarily. The sudden flash of warning indicators confirmed that all was not well.

"Damage control party 1, with me'

The torpedoes and their systems not something he's as familiar as he was the phasers, but things like that have never stopped him before, and he gets to work this time talking to the computer and the other systems as he would a girl friend..or as he thinks he should talk to one, the thought making him chuckle..

23:05, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 11 using 2d20 with rolls of 5,6. control + Engineering = 15.

And it seems to work, the time both flying by and seeming to stretch forever, he finally gets the systems all reset..

"Half way there..come on fingers, don't fail me now..


Again they seem to dance, to flow from one place to another, seeming to know where they're needed without him even having to think about it..

17:44, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 22 using 3d20 with rolls of 2,12,8. control + security = 13 + 1 momentum, diff. 2.

This time it takes him longer, and he can almost feel time tickling the back of his neck as he works to recalibrate everything..and then the board lights up and so does Xanatos face as he hops up and almost runs to the wall comm unit, thumbing it " Mcreeg to Bridge..Photon Torpedeoes fully restored and at your disposal"

The young officer who was sitting at Communications quickly fumbled at the board, pulled up an indicator, and said, "Internal comms are fine... channel closed at the source, sir!"

Decker's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities for a moment, "Okay. Track down the XO. Tell him what happened and provide the Captain's last known location."

He turned back to the main screen for a few seconds, glanced at the Engineering station, clenched his jaw and thumbed a button on the Command chair a bit more forcefully than necessary to open a channel to Engineering, "Bridge to Engineering. Please bring the impulse engines online immediately. We only need a few minutes to steer us clear. After that, if you need to, you can shut them back down to run diagnostics or whatever else."

Finally, addressing the Helm, "Ensign, as soon as you have power, bring us around 180 degrees. Go gently, say half-impulse, but take us up to .25C perpendicular to the Neutral Zone."

Gullak halted as the command from the bridge came through. He motioned the damage control party onwards and wheeled back the the control console to bring propulsion to readiness. With a wince as the system showed nominal, he tapped the commlink.

"Bridge, impulse drives are in readiness. Gently if you have the competence"

Decker gave a strained chuckle, "We'll do our best, Gullak. If the Impulse engines remain stable for the next few minutes, please expedite repairs on the Warp Drive. We're still in a very dangerous situation here, not to mention the medical supplies the colony is depending upon."

Unknowing of the other chaos and events going on about the ship, ch’Pertha remained in the Security Department, scanning records of the ship’s time at Starbase;  and checking over the files of those who came on board.

Hunsley had a very ... vanilla ... record.    Either he was an extremely unnoteworthy individual who suddenly rose to this sudden challenge and cause, or more likely, this file was constructed to appear this way.   Another part of Hunsley’s disguise.

ch’Pertha was still concerned that Hunsley was not working alone: that he had allies aboard.  And if that were the case, they likely had similar ‘bureaucratic disguises’.
And so, even as untoward activity was being visited upon the Captain, ch’Pertha was scouring the personel filed for any further clues.

- rolled 19,10,18.  Insight+Sec(15) with Computer+Sec(10).
= 1 Success only
But was finding very little (to nothing) at this point in time.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Sun 03 Mar 2019.

The young Comms officer nodded, gave a quick 'aye sir' and went about tracking down ch'Pertha.

"Commander," he began when he found the XO in the security office. "The captain dropped off comms in the middle of a communique.  Her last known position was in Dr. De Montaine's office.  LCDR Decker wanted you informed."

At the conn, ENS Nyshuri manned the navigation console.  "My board shows impulse power building, sir," she reported, covering for Mcreeg as the LT worked on the weapons systems...

ch'Pertha nodded at the 'young Comms officer'.

Keying the comm-code for Med-Bay, he spoke to the first person to answer: asking for the nearest Security Officer.
"Secure Med-Bay, and do a full sweep.  You're looking for the Captain, and a civilian orderly named Hunsley ... they may be together, or seperate.
I'm on my way down there now."

A thought came to him, as he stood, and he sat again.
Pulling up a schematic of the air duct system on that level (and the levels two above and below it) he explained to the nearest, highest ranking Security Officer that "I want Security pulled from all non-essential details.
Coordinate to station one officer at each and every air duct entry.  They are to open the grill, and ensure nobody enters, leaves, nor travels through the air duct system".
Their quarry seemed to have become somewhat comfortable in the ducting system, and ch'Pertha had no intentions of allowing him to continue using them at his whim.

Then, he headed off down to Med-Bay himself.

Addressing the young officer at the Science station, "Okay, once we've come about, go active on the forward sensors."

"Roger that, sir," came the response from security in Sickbay.  "We've got a med bay full of patients and doctors moving about, give us a minute... we're on it."

In the security office, the officer he spoke to nodded and replied, "Will do, sir... but there are more air ducts than we have security guards.  Shall we prioritize the larger grids, the ones most likely to be entered?"

The officer waited for ch'Pertha's reply, then went about carrying out his orders as the Security Chief and XO headed down to Sickbay.

The junior science officer acknowledges.  Nyshuri slowly begins applying thrust, swinging the ship around so it's at least facing away from the border, even if it's still hurtling towards it at high speed.

But after a moment, LT E'Detra makes a subvocal, displeased sound.  Tapping the controls on the weapons console to one side of the bridge, she says, "Sir.  Onscreen."

And the image of the stars shifts... to show...



"Three Klingon cruisers at the extreme limit of the Klingon border, sir," she clarifies. "Directly in our path."

(OOC: Mr. Decker, a Presence + Command check, please.  Difficulty 1.  You may buy more dice with momentum if desired!)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Tue 12 Mar 2019.

LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 22 using 3d20 with rolls of 5,6,11.  Retaining command presence in the face of Klingons (Presence (7) + Command (2)) using 1 Momentum.

Decker's hands clenched the armrests of the command chair, but after a moment his voice sounded out (surprisingly) loud and clear, "Red Alert! All hands to battlestations! Navigator, how quickly do we need to accelerate in order to stay out of their weapon range? Say, at least....how far, Lieutenant E'Detra?"

"So the best you can, Corporal.  Set up the best net you can", ch'Pertha said.

Then he was off.
He was almost to the Med-bay when the ship went to Red Alert.
When it rains, it pours.

Moving to the nearest intercom, ch'Pertha punched the code for the Security desk on the Bridge,
"Report", he requested.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:23, Tue 12 Mar 2019.

Ensign Nyshuri's hands flew across her board, hitting buttons and flipping switches.

"Sir, if they choose to cross the imaginary line in space that is the neutral zone, we'd need to go to maximum impulse to stay out of weapons range, at the rate they're closing."

"Maximum disruptor range on a K'tinga is estimated to be about 30 thousand klicks, sir," she replied quickly.

Then ch'Pertha's call chimed in.

"We've got three Klingon K'tinga-class cruisers inbound, on an intercept course, just on their side of the neutral zone, sir," she said.

Moving through the engineering decks, the engine repair team heard the steady, low thrum of the impulse engines firing on low power, slowly building.  Power was still out in this section for the most part, so the decks were dark, lit only by portable torches and emergency lamps.

At a nearby systems monitor, Harada reported, "Chief, power building steadily.  She seems to be handling it okay.  Recommend we give it ten minutes to build to full before we do anything acrobatic."

Even as JavKer turned to look at her, he saw a shadow dart across the accessway behind her, gone in a blink.

Decker grunted, "Ensign Nyshuri, if the Klingons are willing to cross through the Neutral Zone, we're not going to stay out of range, period. Presumably their warp drives work just fine. Plot a course that will keep us at least 50,000 km from them at their current speed. Accelerate if need be, but let me know."

"Communications, see if you can raise the Klingons via laser or radio frequency broadcast."

He opened a direct channel to Engineering from the command chair, "Jav'Ker, we have three Klingon cruisers closing on the border fast. We have to increase acceleration."

Not, he thought to himself glumly, that it's likely to do much good...

"Received Commander"
Gullak paused as the wave of frustration swept over him. Did they not understand the delicate nature of these engines. Such roughshod handling would take days to recify.
"Impulse systems appear nominal. I shall keep the bridge appraised of the situation in engineering. Provided you can keep us from harms way."

ch’Pertha sighed inwardly.   Of course we now had three war cruisers breathing down our proverbial neck!

He sucked his teeth for a brief moment (as he was known to do at these moments) then said, “I’m on my way back to the Bridge”.

Decker seemed like a good bloke, but ch’Pertha wasn’t sure how his leadership abilities stacked up.
Besides, ch’Pertha had been assigned XO; and he’d be damned if he didn’t fill the role in the first inferring that required it.

As he ran for the Bridge, he contacted Lt Stirling, “Stirling, I’m required in the Bridge.
Find the Captain.  And find this Hunsley, I suspect he’s integral to all this”.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

"Increasing acceleration, aye sir," Nyshuri responded, somewhat troubled.  Her fingers danced across the board and the Indy's engines groaned, her hull creaking with acceleration.

It was at that point that the bridge doors opened and LT Mcreeg emerged, his task complete.  Photon Torpedoes were, for better or worse, back online.

The junior Comms officer replied as well, turning to his board, trying to use stone-age technology to hail the three inbound battlecruisers.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Tue 26 Mar 2019.

Receiving ch'Pertha's orders, Stirling replied, "Roger that, sir.  We'll find them."

He flagged down a couple guards and quickly spread the word, then headed off to lead the search personally.

OOC: OK, I'd like a Daring + Conn check from Mcreeg, as he (assumedly) returns to take control of the helm and steer the ship out of danger.  Difficulty is 3. The ship will assist with 1 extra die, using its Engines + Conn rating.

Following that roll, we'll need a Reason + Engineering check from JavKer, assisted by the ship's Engines + Engineering rating.  Difficulty is also 3!

All but running onto the bridge, barely giving the person in his chair time to get out of the way, Xanatos begins to work, eyes roaming over readouts, fingers dancing over controls, heart racing in a way that he's grown to find feels good.

14:24, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 46 using 4d20 with rolls of 8,13,6,19. Daring + Conn = 15 diff is 3, ships's is Engines + Conn, diff is 3, =1 momentum. Helm Operations Focus

ch'Pertha re-entered the Bridge.
He adjusted his uniform tunic as he did so, pulling it down tight across his chest ... as per Starfleet and Narrative protocol required.

"Thank you, Mr Decker", he asserted, taking command of the ship.
Seating himself in the 'big chair', he quickly pulled up the recent data files, and scanned them swiftly.

Ship-wide Security was looking for Hunsley ... and the Captain.
Engineering was still working to bring the ships propulsion back on line fully.
Communications was attempting to open channels.
Conn was using everything that Engineering could give them to keep the Independence away from the No-Go zone.

That left Science.   Turning to LCDR Decker, ch'Pertha directed, "I'd like you please working with Comm's please, Ltn Commander Decker.  Get my voice out there.
We need contact with Starfleet Command; and I need to be able to talk those buggers over there," he said, pointing at the screen showing the Klingon Cruisers, "out of doing anything stupid.  Which may prove difficult", he muttered to himself.

He could see that Mcreeg had somehow been instrumental in bringing both all the weapons back online, and said so: "Good work in the weapon's bay, Mr Mcreeg", then turning to D'Etra, ch'Pertha directed her to "Work with Nyshuri, please, to have a weapons and navigation plan incase we need to respond to a Hythurgal* attack".

As he sent the Bridge into 'kicked bee-hive mode', he sat for a moment staring at the screen.
Then, he opened ship wide comms, and made an announcement to the entire crew.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are aware, we are in a Critical Situation.   An act of sabotage has crippled the Independence temporarily", he shared, and because he saw no reason to lie or deceive his crew, "and we have three Klingon warships hovering nearby waiting for us to make a mistake.
But I know that we will not.   This situation is precisely what the Academy trained us to deal with, and I have utmost faith in every single crewman aboard to swiftly and competently perform their duties at this vital time.
Keep your heads about you, my friends.   Work together, and with the certainty that we will overcome this situation in a way that will bring pride and honour to the Federation".

Making a rousing speech, to improve moral (and create some additional Momentum for my fellow PC's to use in their continued efforts).
Am using a Point of Determination off his personal Value 'Lead by Example' for 'Perfect Opportunity', and 1 Momentum die.
- rolled 1,13,18.  Presence+Command(12) + 1 Momentum.
+ Perfect Opportunity (worth 2 successes, I understand)
and ch'Pertha has the 'Inspiration' Focus.

That done, he turned his attention back to the screen, and the Bridge ... and waited for his people to provide him with further data and updates.



* Hythergal are a filthy, aggressive and generally repugnant breed of rodent on Andoria; and a very unflattering nickname for Klingons used by many Andorians (presumably because the Klingon's look a bit like Hythergals, along with other similarities)

Decker quickly vacated the center seat to Ch'Pertha with relief, "XO, you have the Conn.", and resumed his station.

After acknowledging the XO's follow-up order, he opened a private channel down to the main sensor operation bay and ordered his most experienced long ranged sensor technicians, a LTJG and an Ensign, to report to Lieutenant Nipay. As some of the long range sensors function along similar principles to sub space radio, they should have appropriate expertise.

Then he turned back to his instruments and focused the sensors on the pursuing Klingon vessels. He began scanning for active sensor locks and communication emissions from them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Thu 28 Mar 2019.

Mcreeg skillfully brought the ship about and applied engine thrust in just the right way to brake the ship's headlong descent into Klingon territory.  The only question was, would the repairs hold?

Following that roll, we'll need a Reason + Engineering check from JavKer, assisted by the ship's Engines + Engineering rating.  Difficulty is also 3! You can purchase an extra die for 1 Momentum if you like! Also, you can benefit from ch'Pertha's Perfect Opportunity (or another player can).  Let me know!
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Tue 02 Apr 2019.

 Today: LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 15 using 2d20 with rolls of 9,6.  Ships Engineering (2) Engines (8), assisting JavKer Engineering (5) Reason (8).

Independence groaned as her hull vibrated with the sudden application of impulse power.  Mcreeg's piloting was top notch... but Indy wasn't firing on all thrusters, at least not yet.  Red lines appeared on the monitor displays, warning of stress.  The thrum of the engines could be felt through the deckplates...

But the repairs held.

Slowly, the mighty starship slowed her onward rush towards the incoming Klingon squadron.

After dispatching his JOs to assist Nipay, Decker turned his attention towards the three K'tinga class cruisers.

(Please make me a Reason + Science roll, assisted by a third die for the ship's Sensors + Science.  Difficulty is 2!)

In the engineering levels...

It was dark and cramped.  Although the engineering staff had worked hard to restore impulse drive, power was still out in this section, with only sparse portable emergency lights providing illumination... that, and exposed control panels.

The engineering team could feel the struggle as Indy applied full impulse with newly-repaired conduits.  The ship shuddered and shook and there was a howl down here, echoing through the Jeffries tubes, like a great wounded animal struggling for its life.

But the repairs held.

Beaming, Harada turned to JavKer.  "Chief, we did it!" she said, her youthful enthusiasm showing.

Then her almond eyes widened and then quickly narrowed.  "Kori wa...?" she muttered.

"Collins, is that you?" she called over JavKer's shoulder.

From behind her, a distant voice replied, "Nope, I'm over here!"

"I saw someone dart across that accessway," she explained quietly to the ship's CHENG (CHief ENgineer). "Or some THING."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

The Science Officer brought the full battery of Independence's sensors to bear on the Klingon ships and tied in the library computer to analyze the results, cross-referencing all known Klingon sensor and communications emissions.

LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 23 using 3d20 with rolls of 9,2,12.  Scanning Klingon ships:  Reason+Science (17) with Sensors+Science (12).
3 successes. As Science Officer he gets a bonus momentum to instant spend on Obtain Information and Studied gives him a second bonus momentum for the same purpose. All the information, please! (and bank the momentum generated by the third success)

Concious of the sabatoge to "his" warp core.javker said in a lowvoice to his subordinate,
"Stay close"
Slowly he moved into the gloom

Decker's features are lit by blue light as he examines the data he can glean from the sensor hood...

OOC: OK, taking advantage of ch'Pertha's "Perfect Opportunity", here...

The bridge doors swished open and LT Nipay emerged, her duty jacket missing, the sleeves of her duty turtleneck rolled up to her elbows.  Smudges of soot and dirt marred her shirt, hands and face, but a smile shone on her dark features.

"Subspace communications restored, sir," she said, moving to relieve her second.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the bowels of the ship...

Slowly, Parry-Jones opened her eyes.  A splitting pain throbbed through her skull, mollified only by the dim lighting.  As she came around, she realized her movements were restrained.  Glancing about, she quickly realized she was inside a Jeffries tube, somewhere in Engineering by the markings.

In front of her was a boxy device with a hand phaser strapped to it with medical tape.  And counting down, a timer, reading 0:31.33 in digital detail...

"Wakarimas," Harada nodded, moving in behind her superior as he moved cautiously through the dark. The Tellarite's recessed eyes scanned the familiar junctions of the lower decks...

OOC: Please to make an Insight + Security check (2d20).  Your Focus of "Fastidious" will apply, so rolls of 3 or less will count as 2 successes.  Difficulty 1... but it's an opposed check. ;)

“Awesome work.

I want a full data package sent to Starfleet Command of our current situation, and recent events.   They need to know where we are, and what’s happened here.

And when your ready, please hail the Klingon Battleships for me”, he said.

12:43, Today: LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 9 using 2d20 with rolls of 3,6.  Insight (11) Security (3), fastidious focus

Gullak froze. something was amiss

Decker looked up and turned towards the Communication Station, "Based on my analysis of their comm traffic, I believe the lead ship is in charge of the squadron."

He then turns towards the XO, "And those aren't old D7s, either. They're modern K'tinga class ships."

"Collating data packet, sir," Nipay said, her fingers flying over her controls.  "Updating logs... and hailing the Klingon vessels."

There were bleeps and pings from her board, but a delay in response from the Klingons.

There was a sudden loud CLANG from the darkness ahead, and a cry of pain.  "OWWW! Shit!" came a young male voice.

Then the clatter of what sounded like a wrench falling a great distance into the tubes, hitting scaffolding all the way down.

His Tellarite eyes narrowing, Gullak could spot a shadowed figure holding its head at the next junction gangway, ahead.

LT Detra looked up from her tactical console.  "Commander, there are two large dust clouds perpendicular to our course," she offered.  "They might provide some cover if we need to fight."

Just then, a security officer frog-walked into the junction, phaser at the ready, hand beacon darting light across the captain's eyes.

"Captain?!" Stirling exclaimed.  "Hang on, ma'am. I'll get you out of there as soon as I can."

Sliding his phaser back into place, he flipped open his communicator with a chirp.

"Bridge, this is Stirling.  I've found the captain, over," he said.

"Klingons finally responding, sir.  Onscreen," Nipay reported.

The main viewscreen's view of the stars wavered, to be replaced by the cunning sneer of a Klingon warrior.

The Klingon commander was not what one might have expected.  He was one of the older "human fusion" Klingons that had been much more common in front line service 15, 20 years ago.  And the man did not seem so old as to have been around as a commander back then.

Steepling his fingers before him, he spoke over the viewscreen to the Independence's bridge.

"I am Commander Kalen'shal," he announced, his eyes glinting in the reddish lighting of his own battle bridge.

In reply to Starfleet Command (msg # 164):

'This is restricted space and we are prepared to use deadly force.' Javker bellowed. 'To your knees'

"Excellent E'Detra, continue working with Mr Mcreeg to plot us an Evasion Course for immediate and initial response to an attack.  Have it ready to enact on my word, Mr Mcreeg", ch'Pertha replied.



ch'Pertha smiled a great big, cheesy smile at the Klingon Commander, "Greetings Commander Kalen'shal.
I am Leutnant Commander ch'Pertha of the Independent.

On behalf of the Federation, I'd like to thank you for kindly making yourself and your ships available to aid us during our apparent crisis.  We appreciate your effort and support.

Please rest assured, though, that our people are already on top of all the issues; and should you need to be about other duties, we are confident that we no longer require assistance", he said, standing casually as he did so, and wandering towards the screen.

- rolled 1,8,13.  Pres+Command(12) = 1 Momentum.
So that is 3 successes (the '1' counts as double, right?)
My Focus of 'Composure' may or may affect that '1'
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Thu 18 Apr 2019.

In reply to LT Michael Stirling (msg # 166):

Parry-Jones shook her head, winced at the pain, and then croaked, "Not me, Lieutenant. That phaser is set to detonate." She nodded toward the device.

Xanatos sits at his post, making the minute adjustments that are part of his job that require little thought or attention, something he has done so often it's routine, listening to what is going on around him to see if his help is needed elsewhere, watching things unfold between his captain and the Klingon, his eyes more on what is going on behind him that he can't really see but tries to without being obvious, mulling over different things that could happen, different situations that could erupt, his fingers occasionally brushing near weapons then moving away so it looks like it's just a part of what he's doing, not liking the odds yet not afraid of them, his heart racing in anticipation yet his breathing regular..seeming calm..

"Back OFF, Porky!!" came the shouted voice.  "I... I've got a phaser!  And the captain... only *I* know where she is!  So you better get OUT of my way and leave me a solid path to the shuttle bay, or... or I don't know what I'm gonna do.  I might just set this thing on disintegrate and start shooting up some plumbing!"

In the darkness, JavKer could see a lone human male, hugging the wall near a Jeffries Tube.

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 170):

The Klingon commander narrowed his eyes and steepled his fingers, regarding the viewscreen with careful scrutiny.

"But of COURSE, Lieutenant Commander," he said finally, his inflection dripping with skepticism.  "We of the Klingon Empire are always ready to assist our friendly neighbors."

"Tell me, though.  Is not such a ship rather grand for one of your rank?  Oh, I admit it's been a while since my briefing on your military structure, but..."

He smiled a predatory grin.

The dance was open.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Mon 22 Apr 2019.

In reply to CDR Ffion Parry-Jones (msg # 171):

Stirling spared a glance to the improvised explosive device, wired to a phaser.  "Yes ma'am," he said.  "Won't happen, though.  We'll get you out."

His communicator still open, he hissed more quietly, "Bridge, I've got the captain, over.  Respond.  There's a tripwire and a phaser rigged, I need an ordnance expert ASAP."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Mon 22 Apr 2019.

Multi-tasking was completely over-rated.

That said, LT Nipay handled the recently-repaired Comms board, composed a buoy transmission, and then caught the incoming call amongst all the other Comms traffic.

"Commander, I've got a call from LT Stirling," she said softly, pitching her voice low and down to avoid projecting towards the Klingon on the monitor screen.  "He's found the captain, but there's a complication."

Sitting next to Mcreeg at the conn, Ensign Nyshuri looked visibly worried.  A thin sheen of sweat formed on her dark skin, her youthful features a controlled mask of concern.

She glanced at Mcreeg, her dark eyes wide, but couldn't say anything with the audio channel open.  So she turned back to her board and sweated.

ch’Pertha smiled.  “It is indeed, Commander.
But, not knowing me, you’d be forgiven for not realising how awesome I am.

I see you have three warbirds there.
May I be so bold as to ask whether you Command all three?   That certainly would be an impressive achievement”.

He’d heard Nipay’s comment, and glanced in her direction with a small nod, while keeping most of his attention on the Klingon Commander.
He trusted Stirling to deal with any ‘complications’ ... and right now had to remain, himself, focused on the problem at hand.

LCDR Decker glanced at the Communications Officer, the XO, and the Klingon commander on the screen. He turned away from the bridge monitor, put on an earpiece for privacy, and opened a direct channel to Lieutenant Nipay, "I believe the XO is a bit occupied, Lieutenant. What's the nature of the 'complication'?"

From the corner of his eye, he senses motion and Xanatos glances over, catching the Ensign's eyes but for a moment, sensing as much as seeing how she was handling it and feeling for her, not the most seasoned in combat himself, but this wasn't his first time either, and as subtly as he can, he smiles at her, hoping she notices, wanting to reassure her as best he can without adding to the situation, having been thru worse encounters and knowing that being too on edge is a dangerous thing..

In reply to LT Michael Stirling (msg # 175):

This would be a colossally stupid way to die, Parry-Jones thought, so I will just have to figure this out. Also, if he makes it out alive, poor dab, Lt. Sterling's therapy bill might bankrupt Starfleet.

She scrutinized the improvised device, to see if it was something she might be able to defuse.

"Hey, Lieutenant," she said, hoping the channel to the bridge was still active. "Here's a joke for you. Do you know why the Klingon crossed the road?"

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 178):

Commander Kalen'shal narrowed his eyes and studied the viewscreen for a moment.

"You play the game well, Andorian.  In time, you might even begin to lose gloriously.  You HAVE played Klin Zha*, yes?" he asked, the sneer gone from his face.

"The other two battlecruisers have their own commanders... but I do lead the squadron," he added with a nod.  His tone suggested this was not a permanent arrangement, but simply a matter of the moment.

* https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Klin_zha

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 179):

Tilting her head down and facing away from the viewscreen, Nipay adjusted her earpiece receiver and replied to Decker. "Lieutenant Stirling says there's a situation with the Captain.  Something about an improvised explosive device.  Do you want me to patch you through to him?" she asked.  She switched over audio so that Decker could hear, just in time for him to catch the captain's Klingon-crossed-the-road joke to Stirling.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Fri 26 Apr 2019.

In reply to LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg (msg # 180):

For her part, Nyshuri caught Mcreeg's glance and smile and let out the breath she hadn't been aware of holding, giving a wan smile in return.  Steadied, she minded her board...

The slightest of smiles crosses his face when Xanatos feels more than sees how she reacts, his own attentions fully back to his post, fingers still moving just making sure everything is as it's supposed to be, listening to the conversations, the posturings both spoken and implied, silently wondering how best to turn things to their advantage, feeling himself sweating just a bit, the anticipation, the waiting, not something he has mastered yet.

Hanging on the line, Stirling studied the setup carefully.  He was more than familiar with phasers, but how this Frankenstein monstrosity of wiring was put together, he wasn't sure.  Certainly not done by a professional, he realized.

Without glancing up, he smiled at the captain's lead-in for a joke.  "Not stinky enough on his side of the road?" he guessed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Fri 26 Apr 2019.

The corners of Decker's lips twitched upwards as he supplied the punchline to the old Academy joke, "Why, to conquer the other side, of course. Captain, this is Lieutenant Command Decker. The XO is speaking with the commander of the Klingon squadron. I understand there's a problem. Can I assist?"

"Oh, we're just fine here, Mr. Decker," she said, not quite telling the truth. "Whoever hit me on the head tried to wire a bomb, but..." She held it up and twisted it in the light before sighing. "My little cousin Harry can wire better explosives than this--in zero G." She started to untangle the mess of wiring around the phaser then looked up at Lt. Sterling. "I weep for the future. Truly. These...these wires are the lights from Decker's birthday party--and the phaser's barely got a charge. Right."

A squadron. A bloody squadron of Klingons. She pushed herself up and handed the mess of wires to Sterling. "Have we found the moron responsible for this yet? What the hell is he doing on my ship and what the hell does he have to do with the Klingons?"





19:07, Today: CDR Ffion Parry-Jones rolled 49 using 4d20 with rolls of 11,13,18,7.  Defuse Phaser Bomb: Intuition + Engineering + Momentum (2).

"I.......see." Decker had trouble focusing on this with the conversation on the view screen behind him.  "Ma'am, with all due respect to the XO, I believe we need you up here on the bridge ASAP. Do you need any assistance?"

In reply to Starfleet Command (msg # 173):

The only solid path you're getting off this ship is with the security division. Thats if i dont vent these tubes first.

ch'Pertha smiled at the compliment, but relied, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure, Commander.
Perhaps when we've sorted this mess, and completed our mission, I might have the opportunity to be 'taught a lesson' in Klingon Zha by yourself, eh?" he suggested.

"But, right now, I must beg your forgiveness, as Duty calls.
May a thousand hawks* drive you on, Commander".
And he make the gesture for Nipay to kill the comm-connection before Kalen'shai could reply.

In reply to CDR Ffion Parry-Jones (msg # 188):

Given the captain's insight and revelations, Stirling re-approached his task and took a different look at the problem.  After a moment, as the CO was on the horn with the CSO, he said, "Ma'am, I'm not sure that was entirely the case."

Apologetically, he indicated a few leads - now that he trusted they weren't live - and pointed them out the Parry-Jones.  "Looks to me like he rigged this up to LOOK like a bomb... but never intended it to actually explode."

"Whoever 'HE' is, that is," the Lieutenant added, somewhat awkwardly.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 190):

In the darkness ahead, JavKer could hear a muttered curse, followed by - if he wasn't mistaken - repressed sobbing.  "I don't want to do this," he breathed.  And the voice was definitely male. "This wasn't supposed to happen."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Tue 30 Apr 2019.

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 191):

There was a bleep and the screen went blank.

"Channel cut, Commander," Nipay reported.

"Awesome", ch'Pertha replied, turning with a huge shit-eating grin on his face and rubbing his hands in glee, "I don't believe that could have gone any better.  How about you Ltn Commander?" he said, directing his last comment to Decker.

"Right, lets see what happening with the Captain", pulling his Starfleet vest tightly down over his chest, and sitting himself down in the Command Seat.   "Ltn Nipay, could you please patch me through to the Captain, and Lt Stirling ... wherever their party happens to be".

Decker returned a rather weak chuckle and grin while nodding and trying to calculate how many seconds the ship had left to live. As Lieutenant Nipay cut the Captain's audio channel over to the XO, Decker swung back to his instruments to watch for the Klingons' next move.

"Roger that, sir," Nipay grinned, and patched ch'Pertha in to Stirling's open communicator... with the captain in easy pickup range of the audio.

Onscreen, meanwhile, the Klingons had no immediate, visible reaction (on sensors or visual)... but continued to approach, weapons ready.

With the channel cut, LT E'Detra turned to Mcreeg and Nyshuri as they sat at their helm console, at the head of the bridge.

"All right, there's two large dust clouds perpendicular to our course, flanking the intercept with the Klingons that's unfolding.  I've sent the pertinent data to your boards.  Let's be ready to dive in to one or the other.  It'll give us cover, and maybe buy us some time," she said.

ch'Pertha smiled, as he heard E'Detra taking control of the situation.
It always made him feel safer when Security was calling the shots.

"Lt Stirling, I understand that you're having fun without me.
Brief, please" he said, as he tapped away at the keyboard built into the Command chair arm ...

the typed message was to LCDR Jav'ker:   'Update please, Engineering'

Xanatos smiles, even with all that is going on, at home at his station, more comfortable with high tensions and a racing pulse than he is when things are calm..

Checking his boards, then checking them again, nodding to himself..

"Aye, say the word and we'll have the ship hidden before they even know we're gone"

He includes the Ensign in his response hoping to reassure her that things will be alright now that they have a plan.

What ever your intent, it is over now. Come out peaceably and you'll be treated with fairness. Endanger no more lives

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 201):

OOC: Thanks all, for your patience.  Last week was a killer.  Pushing on!

There was a long pause as Jav'Ker waited for the man's response...

OOC: Please to make a Presence + Command check.  Difficulty is 1.  Your Intimidation focus will apply, so any roll of 2 or less counts as 2 successes!  You can buy an extra die for 1 Momentum if you wish, or 2 dice for 3 Momentum (total).  Otherwise, 2d20...

"I've got the captain; she's in a Jeffries junction near sickbay.  She's strapped to what appeared to be a phaser bomb, but she's identified it as a dummy.  Whoever rigged this either was hopelessly incompetent, or wanted it to LOOK deadly without actually posing any threat."

"In any case, I'm cutting her free now."

Having said that, Stirling quickly freed the Captain from her bonds.

Seeing the XO's message pop up on a nearby console, Harada drifted closer and surreptitiously typed back, trusting the Chief to handle the interloper he was confronting.

Intruder in lower engineering decks, she typed. Chief has it in hand.

 Today: LCDR Gullak JavKer rolled 36 using 3d20 with rolls of 6,11,19.  Presence (8), Command (2); Intimidation focus. 1 momentum used. Difficulty 1.

Ooc, the browers froze and rolled twice when i refreshed. This is the first roll.

After a pause, Javker took a calmer tone.
'This is a starfleet ship, youll not be harmed if you surrender now.'

Still nothing. Returning to his inital steely pitch.

'And theres is no escape if you don't'

ch’Pertha quickly read Harada’s response ... ... as he listened to Stirling’s report ...


“Good work, L.T.  Stirling.   Allocate a detail to escort the Captain to Medbay.
Then get yourself down to Engineering.   I suspect that our sabatour is there.   Make a full security sweep, at full alert, and liaise with Lt Commander Javker”.

Turning to E’Detra, he directed her to “Lock down Engineering.   Nobody out, with Security access“.

To the Bridge in general, he made it clear, “Let it be known that I am assuming temporary command of the ship until Medical clear Captain Parry-Jones for duty”.

Finally, turning to Mcreeg, ch’Pertha said, “Tell me, LT Mcreeg, do we have an evasion plan if we are attacked?”

He takes a moment, going over several possible responses, setting most of them aside since now is not the time, going over situations, discarding ideas, planning out things in his head, realizing it's going to come down to flying by the seat of his pants, going as much on instinct as on his training, the same way the battle with the Gorn went..

Turning just enough in his chair to show the proper respect to his acting Captain yet still able to keep an eye on his boards, Mcreeg nods "Yes we do, Sir..we're ready.."

'Well?'

There is a clatter - the sound of a tool or weapon hitting the deck, bouncing off the bulkheads on the way - and then a muffled groan of defeat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Sun 30 June 2019.

"Engineering locked down, sir.  But there are repair teams spread across multiple decks, and... it's not a clean seal," E'Detra reported.  While Main Engineering was locked down, the engineering spaces of the big cruiser were vast...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Mon 01 July 2019.

Parry-Jones could have sworn the step by the lift doors was several centimeters from where it actually was...but she managed to catch herself as she moved forward. "You'll get your turn yet, Mr. ch'Pertha, but I'm fine. Perfectly fine. You had three antennae at last count, right?" She tugged her tunic down. "I kid. Did I mention I was fine? And...there's no chief medical officer to clear me, so you'll have to take my word for it. What's our status?"

Harada glanced in the direction the man had been hiding in the shadows, then back to Jav'Ker.  "I think he dropped his phaser," she whispered, tentatively starting to go forward.

ch'Pertha turned to face Captain Parry-Jones, "With all due respect Captain, even YOU would expect the same from a crew member who'd gone through such an ordeal.

And there is always a Senior officer, even if they are simply Acting Department Head for the moment.
So, please take yourself down to Medical for a clearance ... before I direct Security to escort you down".

"Alternately," he said, as an idea came to him, "report to the Counsellor.
If T'Lara feels that you are fit for duty, I'll accept that" ... but he was confident that if the Counsellor felt that the Captain needed an medical examination, T'Lara would support his direction, and possibly escort the Captain there herself.

In reply to LT Kimiko Harada (msg # 212):

Javker waited a second before following his subordinate. Wishing he'd a sidearm. Just this once.

'Secure the weapon harada.' he said calmly. 'No ones going to get hurt.'

Dr. de Montaine was dead.
The man was not only her commanding officer, he was also a dear friend.  He was bright, and joyful, and caring; someone to look up to. Family.  And now he was dead, crushed in some freak accident while trying to save the serum - and by extension, the people whose life depended on it.

Dead.

T'Lara training included grief counseling.  In fact, she helped people who experienced personal loss before.  But all the knowledge and all the textbooks she read on the subject couldn't quiet prepare her for the real thing.  The emotional turmoil was about to overwhelm her. She felt how close she was to losing it.  So instead of embarrassing herself by bursting into tears right in the middle of an ongoing crisis, she quietly excused herself to retrieve something from her office, where she would be away from curious eyes, and where she could finally allow herself to cry.


“Get it together, Lara.  Now's not the time”

She wiped the tears off her cheek.
There were people who still needed her.  Many were injured during the sudden drop from Warp.  She was not a physician, but she was capable enough to administer first aid; to help the rest of the medical team get a hold of the situation.  Straightening out the creases in her pure white uniform as much as she could, and after tying her long black hair back in a pony-tail, she checked herself one last time in the mirror before leaving her office and venturing back toward sickbay, determined to render whatever assistance she could

At the very least, it would distract her mind from the new grim reality.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Tue 02 July 2019.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 214):

"Roger that," Harada replied.  Creeping forward, she knelt and scooped up the phaser.  A young male human was on his knees nearby, wearing the medical whites of a civilian volunteer.

Impulse power was restored.  But warp drive?  That was another matter.

Silence on the bridge stretched for an awkward moment.  Stirling looked like a little worm on a big hook, wishing to be anywhere else.  He glanced from the captain to his XO and back, uncertain which way mutiny lay.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Sat 06 July 2019.

Meanwhile, at Comms... LT Nipay turned to her board and quietly spoke into her receiver.  "LCDR T'Lara, to the bridge, please," she hailed on a closed channel.

Parry-Jones smiled humorlessly. "Your concern is duly noted, Mr. ch'Pertha. Now get out of my chair."

In reply to LT Kimiko Harada (msg # 216):

Motioning harada back Gullak slowly approached and offered a hand to the prisoner.

'Come now, let us have this sorted out.`

The new bone-knitter was a marvel, but they didn't have enough of them to go around to treat so many people at once.  All she could do for now to help the young ensign was to put his arm in a sling and administer the painkillers, and the antibiotics to prevent an infection.
The message over the comms went in just then, and after lagging just a while longer to complete the scan to make sure and man wasn't suffering from any other injuries, and to offer him a reassuring smile, she hurried out of Sickbay and to the nearest turbolift


T'Lara only ever visited the bridge a handful of times throughout the journey.  She really hadn't had a reason to, as her work didn't require her to stay at the ship's center of operation.   She was always keen on seeing how the ship was being run though (and not just out of professional interest). Now, when she finally had the opportunity to, it only served to worry her even further as it looked like the crisis was still far from being over

"T'Lara; reporting as ordered"

ch’Pertha looked at Captain Parry-Jones a moment.  Perhaps a moment longer than he meant to.

It did not bode well to the militant Andorian that the Captain seemed to disregard the need for a crew member to receive a medical check before returning to duty after being assaulted and put through a traumatic event ... or, perhaps, that she didn’t think that such matter pertained to her; that she was above such procedures.
Either way, he felt it set a very bad precedent.

And considered saying so, but realised that it wouldn’t make any difference.
His ‘concern’ had been ‘duly noted’; and he was sure he’d be hearing about it later, either in report, or in private.

With a sigh, he stepped back, and gestured to ‘her chair’.

Then, turning to Ltn Stirling, “Thank you.   Unless the Captain has new orders for you, I still require you to attend Engineering, post haste”.

Finally, ch’Pertha made his way to his security console, and prepared to make contact with Engineering.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Sun 07 July 2019.

Decker swiveled back to his console with relief. That had been shaping into a situation he did not want to step into. Once again he cursed the desk-bound bureaucrat back at Starfleet Command who had placed him in this position. Finally he cleared his mind and focused upon the task on hand. He quickly ran a fresh sensor scan so he would be able to apprise the Captain of the current situation.

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 223):

"Are you all right, Mr. Decker?" Parry-Jones asked, settling into the captain's chair. "Anything new on the sensors?"

Harada and Jav'ker were able to collect the defeated orderly with little trouble.  The question was, what to do with him?  Where would you like to take him?

Seeing T'Lara arrive on the bridge, LT Nipay winced.  She gestured for the counselor to approach the comms station.

"I called you to the bridge.  There was a... possible need for your services," she explained.

"Sir, aye sir," Stirling said, relieved.  He didn't quite salute... but he came to sharp attention before gratefully exiting the bridge via the turbolift, headed to engineering.

Meanwhile, as Decker minds his board...

I'd like a Reason + Science roll, assisted by the ship's Sensors + Science.  Difficulty will be 2.

Likewise, if Mcreeg can make a Insight + Conn check, also assisted by the ship's Sensors + Science?  Difficulty 2.

Decker felt a surge of energy as a sense of rightness returned to him. The Captain was back in the center seat, and all that was being asked of him was to do his job. He expertly ran a fresh sensor sweep and his eyes narrowed as he evaluated the results.

"Quite alright, Captain. Sensors show..."

13:03, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 21 using 3d20 with rolls of 5,15,1.  Sensor sweep: Reason+Science (17) with Sensors+Science (12).
That's two normal success plus two more from the ship's critical success for a total of four.
As Science Officer he gets a bonus momentum to instant spend on Obtain Information and Studied gives him a second bonus momentum for the same purpose. One of those will be applied to the Klingon ships (change of status?) and the other on the aforementioned dust clouds (anything solid hidden inside?).
Please bank the momentum generated by the extra successes.

 Leading the prisoner out of the jefferies tubes, javker jostled him into a corner.

Harada still held the phaser. Keep watch on him til security gets here.

'Where are we on repairs?' he demanded of his team.

T'Lara padded over to the Comm station.  She didn't feel like she belonged, and didn't want to get in anyone's way; especially not when they're busy dealing with an emergency.
"Sure" she said softly to Lt. Nipay "What can I do to help?"

12:33, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 44 using 3d20 with rolls of 12,15,17. int + comm (13) ships sensors + science (11) diff 2.

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 229):

Decker's features were cast in azure blue as he stared into the sensor hood, the myriad displays of the Miranda-class Independence dancing across his vision.  With the skill of a master conductor, he took each packet of data and put it in the proper perspective, cross-referencing it and learning...

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 230):

Harada kept the prisoner covered with the phaser she'd grabbed from where the man dropped it.  The engineering team didn't traipse around armed, typically, but she'd recovered the gun he'd dropped.

Up close, the man was... young.  A big, strong strapping lad, human by the look of it... but not especially threatening.  He wore an orderly's medical whites.  Probably attached to the civilian medical team aboard.

At the chief's query, a junior engineer reported, "Sir, we've got impulse back, and shields are at 60%.  Weapons online.  But, no progress on the warp drive... yet."

"Orders, sir?"

In reply to LCDR T'Lara (msg # 231):

Nipay nudged her head to direct T'Lara over to her chair.  "Slight problem on the command deck, seems to be resolved for now," she whispered. Then, more loudly,  "How are you at Klingon psychology, counselor?"

In reply to LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg (msg # 232):

Doing his best to anticipate the attack pattern of the incoming Klingons, Mcreeg tried to maneuver the ship towards one of the nearest gas clouds... only to have the impulse engines sputter and put the ship into a slow flat spin, practically spread-eagled for the Klingons.  A tempting shot... if they'd choose to take it.

ch'Pertha worked quietly at his workstation, designing their initial strategy to any assault by the Klingons.
The piloting would, of course, be left to Mcreeg ... but defensive and return fire options were his to plan.

"Quite alright, Captain. Sensors show...hm. Klingon torpedoes are armed. They're now within range, although just barely."

He paused for a moment as he readjusted his focus, "Those nearby clouds should provide some temporary cover. They're otherwise clear of obstruction and should be perfectly safe to....wait."

"Captain, I'm detecting that anomaly again! It's...it's definitely a cloaked vessel. I have a better read on it this time. It doesn't match any known Klingon emission signatures. It's also at extreme range, but closing!"

"Not bad" she answered, not wanting to come across as a braggart.  She then thought better of it;  Lt. Nipay probably had a reason of asking her that particular question at that particular moment.  She might need someone who knows Klingon, and in that case:
"Hmm, or maybe a bit better than that" she bit her lower lip "I wrote a dissertation for Starfleet command about the Klingon Empire a few months back.  I also speak the language..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:09, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

"Carry on" javker motioned, 'and get some security down here.'

Then he turned his mind back to how he might expidite the cooling of the plasma injector

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 238):

"Can you give me any more on that cloaked ship, Mr. Decker?" Parry-Jones asked, swiveling in her central command chair. "We've never encountered a Klingon with a cloaking device that I'm aware of..."

But it wasn't beyond reason - the Klingons had a tech exchange with the Romulans going on nearly 14 years now.

"Mr. ch'Perhtha, make sure our shields are at the best possible strength," she ordered, her tone turning somewhat icy as she regarded her Andorian XO.  And then she was flung to one side of her command chair as inertial dampers struggled to compensate as the Independence was flung into a flat spin with impulse engines misfiring...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

In reply to LCDR T'Lara (msg # 239):

"Here," Nipay said, handing T'Lara an earpiece receiver.  "See what you can make of this.  I know some Klingon, but they're talking in Battle Language, and quickly."

With the receiver in her ear, adjusting it, T'Lara had time to make out a single command:

baH!

Fire...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 240):

"You called?" Stirling offered as he ducked under a hatchway to enter the engineering space, phaser pistol in hand.

At that moment, the forward weapons port on the lead K'tinga... which had been glowing ominously... suddenly blossomed and spat fire, an orange star-blossom erupting and cascading out into space... a photon torpedo, fired directly at the pinwheeling Indy!

OOC: OK, gang, let me know what you want your characters to do and how they react to the above post, and I'll call for some dice rolls. ;)

ch'Pertha cursed in Andorian, and his finger's danced across the primary security display.
Without seeking permission, he pulled energy from every non-essential facility, and channelled it into the shields.

Lights dimmed across the ship.

The problem with playing a variety of games, on a slow moving platform like RPoL, I forget the dice/game mechanics of individual games.
From memory, I hope I get this right:
-  rolled 3d20 with rolls of 8,17,16.   Sec+Cont(13) with Ship's Sec+Comp(10) + 1 Momentum.
= just 1 success, if I calculate that correctly; which probably isn't going to amount to much under these circumstances.

In engineering, a relay board exploded sparks. Everyone momentarily froze.

Javker looked at stirling
'Get him out here. Not that youve a sense of honour as i do, but Ive given my word he'll be wwll treated.'

He paid the prisoner no more thought and scanned the readouts. The bridge had dumped all power into shields.
'BATTLESTATIONS'

T’Lara eyes widened with shock as soon as she plugged in the earpiece

”Oh no” she mumbled under her breath ”This can’t be happening, it can’t be”

But the computer confirmed that it was, indeed, happening, as the photon torpedo warped its way over to their ship  ”Maybe it’s targeting whatever is following us” she said hopefully.  Maybe

She knew they couldn’t count on it.  Nor on a quick escape.  That didn’t leave them with many options.

”Captain, may I try to talk with the Klingons?”  She rose to her feet and grabbed the nearby  handrail to avoid being thrown off her feet as the Ship’s impulse engines failed yet again ”We got nothing to lose at this point”

Decker gripped the edge of his console with one hand while stabbing at the keys with the other, trying to follow the Captain's last order to him. Ignoring the incoming fire, about which he could do nothing, he asked the computer to cross-reference the limited sensor readings they had on the cloaked object (field readings and possibly plasma traces from the ship's impulse drive?) with the known cloak-capable races: Romulans and Orions

Harada, get over here.

The Lt hastened over.

I need my warpdrive. You're the chemist, give me an endothermic reaction that was take the heat out of that injector.

With all the chaos going on, Xanatos is strangely calm, it's like a cool wave washing over him, this kind of situation seems to be what he is always destined to go thru, where he is destined to make his stands, to help others even as he helps himself..

His eyes darting over his boards as he thinks, as he tries to see what he can do, his fingers dancing to music in his head..

and it comes to him, and he knows it's what he has to try, no idea if it's been tried before, not caring, once again his brain wants to do things that some might say are insane..

and yet he can't help but smile, one hand moving to the firing switch, the other to the phaser control system, programing the firing control..

His voice cracking even has he hits he switch..hoping he did everything right..that his phasers will take out the incoming torpedo..

"HOLD ON!!!"

09:49, Today: Starfleet Command, on behalf of LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg, rolled 50 using 4d20 with rolls of 20,15,13,2.  Control (11) + Security (2), phaser shot, difficulty 4.
09:50, Today: Starfleet Command, on behalf of LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg, rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  Weapons (0) + Security (2), phaser shot, difficulty 4.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

Javker impatienty waited while his subordinate considered his instruction.

Af a moment Haradas face lit up
'Did the relief supplies include water treatment supplies? Pottassiam Pemangate will endothermically break down'

Desperately, ch'Pertha tried to channel all available power to the shields.  The lights dimmed, and he found himself unexpectedly competing with Mcreeg's pull on the phasers for energy.  The shields firmed up...

"GO, Commander," Parry-Jones said, clinging to her command chair as the ship cycled through a flat spin.

A few taps from Nipay on her console.  "You're on!" she said... as the torpedo homed in...

OOC: Meanwhile, Mr. Decker can make an Intuition + Science check, assisted by the ship's Sensors + Science, for his scan of the cloaked vessel behind them.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

"It's the only thing I can think of that can get warp drive online in less than 30 minutes," the young officer explained her desperate move to the Chief.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 247):

Stirling frowned at JavKer's slight at human honor.  "Don't worry, Commander," he said. "I understand keeping your word.  Wouldn't mistreat a prisoner regardless.  Much.  Come on, you," he said, grabbing the young man by the arm and lugging him out of the maintenance bay.

Mcreeg's shot came as the ship spun helplessly, presenting her dorsal side to the incoming toredo.  Compensating for the ship's momentum, power fluctuations and the torpedo's trajectory, he took a shot, golden phaser fire spitting up into space from one of the saucer's dorsal turrets.  The shot rasped out into the either... just a moment too late.

The phasers detonated the torpedo at point-blank range, causing the blossoming blast to cascade along the flat surface of the saucer, washing across the shields in a blinding flash that heralded doom.

The ship jerked like a tennis ball hit by a racket, a thunderous impact as everyone went flying.  The shields flared... but somehow held.  Sparks cascaded from consoles.  ch'Pertha could see the shields were now at 50%.

And then there was a shriek of metal as a support pylon collapsed, smashing downwards directly onto the captain's chair.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

T’Lara tried her best to compose herself, but her nervousness was all too apparent once she started in a meek tone of voice.
”This is Lieutenant Commander T’Lara of the USS independence, begging you to hold your fire”

She took a deep breath, and without waiting for confirmation, carried on, her voice picking up:

“Our ship is carrying a cure to the highly contagious d’kar fever.  If this outbreak is not treated, and quickly, it will soon find its way to other worlds.  In time, beyond Federation borders as well.  It’s a potential threat to both our people.  We’re willing to share a sample, and our research notes, in the spirit of friendship”

Because she realized that the Klingons aren’t very keen on making friends, she proceeded to present it in a manner that might be more palatable to them:

”Please do consider it; there’s neither honor nor glory with preying upon the weak and disabled”  she stopped short of outright making the accusation that three armed battle cruisers opening fire on a severely damaged science vessel, not capable of fighting back, would be an act of cowardice.  That would have taken it too far, injured their pride.  She just put it out there as a general statement, letting them draw their own conclusion whether the shoe fits or not

”You must not heedlessly pass on an opportunity to stop a potential threat to your Empire.  You have ample time to consider it.  As you can see – we’re not going anywhere soon”


T'Lara really did hope they could come to some arrangement with the Klingons.  The Federation was not at war with the Empire, after all, and this might be a genuine opportunity to foster good relations between the two powers.  But even if not, at the very least she could buy some time as the Klingons deliberated between themselves on what to do, or took it up with their superiors.

After making sure that the comm was off she turned to face the Captain to explain all of that.  She didn’t get very far with it though, as this time she WAS flung off her feet as the ship shook from the impact.  And as she was lying there on the floor, her fingers touching her swollen, bloody lip, she was helpless to do anything other than let out a shriek as the heavy metallic beam knocked loose from the blast crashed right on top of her Captain…

I will roll three dice (one for "Testing a Theory") in addition to the Ship's die:

21:38, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 41 using 4d20 with rolls of 6,18,8,9.  Attempting to refine and interpret scan of cloaked ship (3 @ 15 + 1 @ 12).

I re-roll the 18 (Technical Expertise):

21:40, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Re-roll of the 18 using the Technical Expertise talent (target 15).

Oops.

The result is three successes and a complication.

Assuming that succeeds, I get a free bonus momentum to spend on Obtain Information and I get to ask two questions:

1. Which race's technology best matches the engine/power emissions of the ship?
2. See question #1.

In reply to LCDR Christopher Decker (msg # 259):

(While we wait for other responses...PM)

ch'Pertha cursed in Andorian, and turned to his Ltn, "Keep the shields up", he said to E'Detra.

Then quickly grabbing a Med-kit from the overhead compartment, he made his way to the Captains chair.
The fallen pylon, smashing downward directly onto the captain's chair, wasn't a sign of anything good.  ch'Pertha knew enough about critical situations and trauma response to know that, if Captain Parry-Jones had survived that, she would likely be needing immediate trauma wound attention.
Thankfully, such was a specialty of his security training, and his years in the field.

He hears more than sees what happens, but the crunch of bone and flesh is unmistakable, and he hopes the Captain will be alright, but there are others that his job is to try to save the ship and the crew, a song in his head from his home planet, one that keeps him calm, keeps him focused even as his fingers dance over his controls, indicators and lights flashing, telling him as story he's trying to change..

The sudden bucking of the ship hit. Javker clutched the console to maintain his balance.

'Do what ever you need.'

Decker gave a small grunt of satisfaction as, working together, he and the computer finally collated enough of the sparse and fuzzy data visible through the cloaking field to make two solid matches in the database. His focus on the task had almost been enough to make him forget about the incoming peril, but as he turned to report his findings reality stepped back in.

*WHAM*

He found himself on the deck, unharmed but stunned, gaping at the site of the wreckage that had dropped on top of the Captain's position. After several seconds he scrambled to his feet and hurried over to assist, joining the XO.

In reply to LCDR T'Lara (msg # 258):

Even as the ship reeled from the impact of the torpedo blast... detonated within a ship's length of the hull... Klingon signals came through T'Lara's earpiece receiver.

"petaQ! SoQ bach qul ghIq!"

"qaH wIlo'bogh! bach toDSaH!" came the response on TBS (Talk Between Ships).

This was followed by a cacophony of conflict in the Battle Language, overtalking each other.  But T'Lara's missive seems to have held off any further torpedo shots...

In reply to LCDR Naryss ch'Pertha (msg # 261):

Both the Andorian XO and the human CSO reached the captain's chair almost simultaneously.  Captain Parry-Jones had tried to turn to one side, but the beam had smashed down, pinning her.  Blood ran from her brow.  It didn't look good.

ch'Pertha may make a Reason + Medicine check, or a Daring + Medicine check, depending on his approach. His first aid Focus will apply.  (roll 2 dice)

He may be assisted by Decker's Reason + Medicine check. (Decker rolls 1 die).

In reply to LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg (msg # 262):

Mcreeg can make a Daring + Conn check to get the ship back under control.  Roll 2 dice; target # is 15, and his focus of Helm Operations will apply, so rolls of 4 or less count as 2 successes.

He also rolls a third, separate die for the ship's Engine + Conn, with a target # of 13; 3 or less counts as 2 successes.

Difficulty is 3.

In reply to LCDR Gullak JavKer (msg # 263):

Harada's eyes widened in amazement and horror.  "Me?" she said, shocked.  "But... but it's just a theory!"

Seeing the reaction in JavKer's face, she swallows and says, "Aye sir, I'll do my best!"

Even as the chaos unfolded, the trio of K'tinga-class battlecruisers slowed their advance, braking with impulse engines...

In reply to Starfleet Command (msg # 267):

14:42, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Engine + Conn, with a target # of 13; 3 or less counts as 2 successes.

14:41, Today: LT JG Xanatos Mcreeg rolled 16 using 2d20 with rolls of 12,4.  daring (11) + Conn (4)=15 target is 15 focus of Helm operations applies  difficulty is 3.

16:08, Today: LCDR Christopher Decker rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  Assisting ch'Pertha in performing FA on Captain (Reason 12 + Medicine 4).
Go go teamwork!

Upon reaching the Captain's chair, ch'Pertha moved with deft experience.
He'd studied trauma wound response, and all forms of First Aid, extensively in his career ... and had used these skills regularly in combat and crisis situations.
The first goal in any such situation, was to keeping the patient alive until professional medical aid arrived, or the patient could be transported to such.

Most of ch'Pertha's response now was swift and automatic ... his muscle memory and mind working together to keep Captain Parry-Jones alive until she could be delivered into the care of the Medical Department.
          - rolled 6,12.  Daring (11) + Medicine (4) ... for two successes
He was surprised at the swift, obvious training, that Decker brought to the situation ... and was glad to have a competent hand, as Decker began performing tasks that ch'Pertha might otherwise have had to direct another to do.

Decker, being a very methodical person, had carefully studied the available records of his fellow senior officers, and was well aware of LCDR ch'Pertha's training and experience trauma medicine. Despite his own medical training and experience he therefore let ch'Pertha take the lead and did his best to assist in evaluating the Captain's condition.

T’Lara tried to concentrate in lieu of listening to the harsh Klingon playing in her ear.  That proved to be a tad too difficult, so she decided to focus on the most immediate concern -   Captain Parry-Jones.  Not wanting to consider the possibility of the woman being dead, she decided to think of how best she could help her, if only for the sole purpose of distracting her mind.

The first thing they needed to do, she reasoned, was get the pylon off her.  It easily weighted a few metric tons -heavy enough to crush every bone in her body, if it didn’t already.
But how?

"Lift it up? "
"-Don’t be dense; it’s way too heavy"    she answered herself
"Cut it down with phasers?"                  she tried again
"-That’d take too long, plus we run the risk of scorching the woman trapped underneath"

What about…

'Commander, we need to beam her to sickbay' she peeped softly behind ch'Pertha
'We can’t really help her until we clear the weight on top of her body"

Fairly confident the human female could execute the task. Jav'ker acivated Comms.

'Bridge? Our damage control console is offline. Where do we need to be?'

(OOC: OK gang, with three new players waiting in the wings, and our former CO gone, I'm going to sum up this adventure so we can move on to the next.  All the "important bits" were done, I just don't want it to drag on.  I'll give some time for reactions and such, and then we'll launch Episode 2! ;) )

Mcreeg's reactions were nothing short of exemplary as he turned the Indy IN to the spin, fired the thrusters in the right sequence, and then keyed the impulse drive at maximum power.  The ship rumbled and shook as weakened inertial dampners struggled to keep up, but the Miranda-class light cruiser whipped out of her spin and shot forward towards one of the ionized clouds of space dust at full Impulse.

Desperately working together, ch'Pertha and Decker struggle to save Captain Parry-Jones.  She's been at least partially crushed, blood is streaming from a cracked skull, and there are likely spinal injuries in addition to organ damage.  The two men, although not doctors by trade, have between them plenty of medical experience.  And it shows, as they stabilize the Captain... just barely.

T'Lara's suggestion was to beam her to sick bay.  But, with power fluctuations, the transporters weren't 100%... and intra-ship beaming (in this era) was already considered risky.

But the pair determined she would certainly die if they didn't.

And so, with much holding of breath, they called upon transporter chief CPO Elliot Carter to beam her away.  To everyone's relief, the transport was a success.

That led LCDR JavKer to assist with the restoration of the warp drive, as LT Harada tried her desperate maneuver.  With the dust cloud screening them from Klingon fire... although the Klingons no longer seemed so inclined... they were able to get the warp drive online... and the Independence streaked away, surfing the crest of a multicolored starbow as she went supra-luminal.

(So, to do the wrap up... actions, questions, priorities?  Post here, and we'll put a bow on this one.)

Dourap IV, near the Klingon border.

Velkath, the Tellarite colony there, has had an outbreak of d’kar fever, a highly contagious viral infection. The disease is still in its early phases, and no fatalities have been reported. The Independence has been tasked by Starbase 24 to transport an emergency medical team and their supplies to the colony, and provide any assistance they might need.

Unfortunately, fate took another turn.

After the terrible malfunction that cost the life of the ship's CMO, Dr, Marius de Montaine, a saboteur was found aboard... a civilian medical orderly named Kyle Hunsley.  A young Terran of limited ambition, he was apparently recruited for some kind of sabotage, as his record indicates no known criminal affiliation beyond the misdemeanor level.  Dr. Evangel Stoorer, a Dutch woman, the civilian lead doctor, hadn't known the young man before this mission.

In addition to the loss of the CMO, over half the serum for Dourap IV had been destroyed in the incident.

And as the ship hurtled out of control towards the Klingon border, the Klingons - led by an aggressive, ambitious young officer named Kalen'shal, had interceded.

From there, things had gone from bad to worse, as an intercepted warning shot had caused an impact that had nearly killed Captain Parry-Jones.

But Mcreeg had gotten the ship behind cover in time for JavKer to restore warp power with the help of LT Harada, and the ship had escaped, with Hunsley a prisoner.  Decker had identified the trailing cloaked ship as an Orion, using an older Romulan cloaking device...


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:08, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

SCENE:

The Independence orbits the pastoral colony of Velkath at Dourap IV, her hull marred by a few blackened scars.

Dr. de Montaine lies in the ship's morgue, crushed by falling shelves and cases of the very serum he'd been tasked to deliver.

Captain Parry-Jones was in sickbay, fighting for her life as Dr. Stoorer tried to save her as best she could. But her focus was split as she tried to reproduce as much of the destroyed serum as she could, to treat the civilians suffering from the plague below. Decker is invaluable in assisting this endeavor.

JavKer and his team continued damage control efforts throughout the ship.

The prisoner, Kyle Hunsley, a medical orderly, had not survived interrogation.  Undetected, he had a poisoned tooth.  Even as he bit down on it, he believed it was some form of transponder to beam him out of there.  His last words were an Orion name... Zazz'rit. The man who'd put him to this task, which he'd had no idea of the ramifications.

The Orion that had been tailing them had disappeared after they'd gone to warp.  No sign since.

And so, the Independence carried about its mission of mercy as best it could after the ordeal it had been through.

Actions?  Questions?  Moving things along...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:07, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

                        Apologies if I over-assume here, but will have ch'Pertha acting as Captain until otherwise noted

With Gullak JavKer and his team working on getting the ship ... well, 'ship shape' ... as swiftly as possible, and ch'Pertha (having noted Xanatos Mcreeg's efficient work with the weapon's systems during the earlier crisis) had sent the Lt JG Helsman into Engineering to assist.

And while Christopher Decker providing admirable assistance to Dr Stoorer, ch'Pertha was attempting to liaise with the Velkath government.

His place, though, was on the ship ... and so he'd delighted the task of direct planet-side diplomacy to T'Lara; having great confidence in her ability to work efficiently with the native populous, and create an environment of social support.
She was, for most definition, the ship's 'Face' upon the planet below.

Medbay was keeping him debriefed on Ffion Parry-Jones's condition regularly.

Meanwhile, when not required to be directly involved with any number of duties, ch'Pertha was lending his extensive knowledge of espionage, and leading his security department, in attempting to discover the identity of this apparent Orion, Zazz'rit.
He was intently curious to discover why the Orion (individual, or government?) wanted to see this mission fail.
rolling Reason(8)+Security(5), 'Espionage' Focus; with Ship's Computer(8)+Security(2).
- Naryss ch'Pertha rolled  2,2,10.
to my calculations, thats 4 successes for ch'Pertha, plus another success from the ship's database?   = 5 successes.
If that leads to any additional information, I'd be awfully grateful.

Mcreeg gets his order, tho not really happy about leaving the bridge, he does see the wisdom in it. Turning to Ens Nyshuri, he smiles.."watch my station, ok? even of someone else mans it, keep an eye on it..I trust you"

Getting up from his chair he heads for the doors, running a soon as he's able, wanting to get to Engineering as fast as he can, urging the Turbolift to go, then almost laughing at himself.

Arriving in Engineering, he looks around, as much seeking the reining officer amid all the chaos as trying to figure out where he can do the most good.

T’Lara drowned herself in work once things settled down, best to get her mind from thinking about her recent loss.  She helped with reproducing the destroyed Serum (she was a graduate of Starfleet Medical School, after all), treat the injured, and consul those who were similarly grieving over Dr. de Montaine.

Once the Ship finally arrived at its destination she joined the medical team on the ground to administer the cure and care for anyone already suffering from the plague

LCDR JavKer and his team, now assisted by LT JG Mcreeg, labor to repair the damage to the Indy.  Although she's suffered no major structural harm, lots of system burnouts and overloads throughout the ship have made her a wiring nightmare... at least until repairs are completed.

ENS Nyshuri smiled and took her station as Mcreeg left her in charge of the conn with an inspirational speech.  It seemed to work the way he'd intended it.  Not that there was much to do at conn with the ship damaged and just orbiting.

LCDR Decker continues to assist with the production and dissemination of the serum, even as T'Lara interfaces with the ground staff.  The fever is most dangerous to Tellarites, but there are cases of it jumping species.  So, every precaution is taken. Planetside, she finds a Starfleet doctor on hand, diverted via fast transport. DR. Laila Abdool is working with the Tellarites to treat the plague.

CDR Parry-Jones remained comatose, in critical condition.  Her spine had been crushed and there were probable brain injuries as well.  With time, and advanced rehabilitation, she would survive.  But the odds of her ever commanding a starship again were slim.

Turning his focus to sleuthing, CDR ch'Pertha digs for leads.  The Orion name, Zazz'rit, would seem most likely linked to a renegade Orion by the same name.  The Orion government has several bounties on this man's head.  Starfleet records suggest... a freebooter, perhaps a minor smuggler.

The Orion government itself, of course, disavows any knowledge of the saboteur or his actions.  But with some digging, ch'Pertha discovers an Orion investment firm recently purchased a large amount of pharmaceutical material used in crafting the serum to cure the plague.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:01, Thu 22 Aug 2019.

Meanwhile, an Oberth-class scout, the USS Goddard, has been diverted to Dourap IV at best possible speed.  Her captain, Commander Manantena Rakoto, has erceived a bittersweet order from Starfleet Command...



"Commander, things on the border are quite delicate.  You've been on the block for a promotion for your next billet... but with the losses to the command crew of the Independence, we're going to have to speed things up."

"You're to hand command of the Goddard over to your XO upon arrival at Dourap IV and assume command of the Independence.  Critically injured... like CDR Parry-Jones... are to be transferred to the Goddard for transport to a dedicated medical facility."

"A Doctor Layla Abdool was diverted to Dourap IV by the Bonhomme Richard.  She'll be tapped to replace the Independence's CMO.  A copy of her orders has been delivered to your console."

"In addition, we're transferring your Chief Comms officer, LT T'Kres, along with you.  She's more experienced than LT Nipay and will assume duties as Chief Comms."

"Any questions, CAPTAIN?  And congratulations on your promotion," the Admiral said.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:14, Thu 22 Aug 2019.