"Thank you." A respectful nod is set to Kadon. "Ours died months ago. If you can move seawater to the liquid reserves, we'll appreciate it. The replicators can handle the purification."
Markson cracked his neck. "Beyond that, we can stretch to Bajor and through what we can expect to be a major Borg push. I think we'd be kidding ourself if we didn't expect at least a Cube."
Star Trek: Death of the Federation
Moderator: B4UTRUST
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Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm
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- Location: Ice Sarcophagus outside a ruined Jedi Temple
- Contact:
#77
"Relay the appropriate coordinates to the Riskadh and my chief engineer will see it done," said Kadon.
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
#78
Alpha Quadrant
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
He had a tendency to watch Captain Solheim when he spoke. At first, it had been a habit due predominantly to his desire to slowly build a case against him in the eyes of Samara. When it became abundantly clear that Samara would not be swayed from her decision, it had been due to the Captain's background. He did not hold it against Solheim that he had been at one point Section 31. He did not even hold it against the man that he had been particularly creative and effective against his people's best interests. As much as he hated to admit it, he could not in good conscience hold Solheim's past against him when so many people that he himself knew had made their living doing the same thing to the Federation.
Solheim's own tactical officer had worked for the Tal'Shiar and his background had been almost as colorful as that of Solheim himself.
To say that he did not trust Solheim was a misnomer. He trusted the human to keep his ship and crew safe as well as to fight the Borg with uncommon tenacity and skill. He did unfortunately have an uncanny ability to let his heart get in the way of his head. For a Romulan, that would have been a near fatal character flaw. For a human, it was almost endearing. Perhaps it was that ability to let his heart overrule his head that had drawn Samara's curiosity.
Had she looked at my heart and found it wanting?
Regardless of what Samara may or may not think of Solheim's ability, the moment descended upon him and his heart once more overruled his mind. It was not that he was not flattered by the man's words. It was not even that he was wrong. He spoke sensibly, it was simply a matter that he did not wish to entangle himself with the burden of command. He had seen too many ships die, too many of his people's worlds in their death throes for him to desire to lead. He was capable of leading. He was in the eyes of many one of the best living Riovs.
I am not prepared to order men and women to their deaths that are not immediately my own.
His eyes glanced towards those of Solheim for a moment. There was a mixture of surprise and pleasure at the human's words as well as something else lurking in the depths.
Damn it Solheim.
"I agree with Commander Kalpov." He spoke smoothly. He had no desire to undermine Solheim's words but he saw an opening that he could take without bringing his closest ally any overt shame. "While I am flattered by Captain Solheim's words and they do indeed make a lot of sense, I assure you that I will do everything I can to convince my people that cooperation is in our best interests."
"Furthermore, the bulk of the ships here are Federation vessels. It is suitable that as the largest force, one of its officers should lead. As the Captain of the Riskadh, Kadon represents one of the oldest and strongest allies of the Federation." The fact that the Klingon people were non-human helped. The greatest strength of the Federation was arguably its inclusion of its members races. What the humans did not do well, the member races filled in. The end result was a whole that was greater than the sum of its parts. The Romulan Star Empire had realized that fact too late to be able to effectively negate the advantage.
His head turned then as he glanced in the direction of Gul Tarka. His words considered for a moment before he nodded his head. "I am certain that we will enjoy your company in the days to come Gul." So far, he was the only Captain that was unproven against the Borg. Gul Tarka had proven his craftiness in evading retaliation for his actions but the Cardassians had always been competent at turning a weakness into a strength. Gul Turka had turned his lack of courage into a strength that had earned him notoriety. If he could do the same against the Borg, that notoriety would turn him into a Cardassian legend.
His attention shifted towards Captain Anderson when he easily slid into command. He did not like the idea although the man clearly had a lot of practice about talking in front of an audience. He also had a way that demanded attention and expected compliance. His cybernetics only added to the effect.
Unfortunately for him, I have been present in the Senate in more than one occasion. It will take far more than that to sway me, let alone intimidate me.
"The S'harien is not in need of urgent nor critical resupply." He responded a moment or so after Captain Anderson went silent. A great deal achieved when power was not an issue and your vessel possessed transwarp capability. The fact that one of his officers was one of the highest ranking members of the Tal'Shiar also helped matters. "I would prefer to give my crew a chance to stretch their legs on the world for a few hours as well as determine how many if any Romulan citizens are present in the world."
His head turned and he glanced at the Captain of the Riskadh. He was an imposing figure even for a Klingon and while at the moment, he was not channeling the same aura of command that Anderson was emitting his lack of such an aura only made him seem more imposing. Before him stood a representative of a the species that had fought the Borg more readily and willingly than any other. The Klingon people had amassed honor and hoarded it perhaps even to their detriment. When anyone else would have broken, the Klingons fought. When anyone else would have retreated and regrouped, the Klingons fought. It was argued by the handful of surviving Romulan strategists that it was Klingon blood that had allowed the Federation time to develop their subspace dread weapons and super dreadnoughts.
Kadon spoke and his words found his heart as easily as a Bat'leth wielded by a Dahar Master would have. It was the right approach to take with him, a man that even now desired little more than the survival of his people. In that moment, as Kadon's words cavorted in the air he managed to do what few beings in the Universe could have. He managed to unravel the facade that Romulans clothed themselves in. For a moment, a fraction of a second, his eyes were laid bare to the Klingon. "You honor me Captain." He said in response momentarily off balance.
Moments later, when Kadon spoke he had all of his attention. His words rang true and immediately he understood that he had made the right choice. Kadon and Anderson would be suitable choices for the days to come. They would complement each other. He only hoped that neither was too stubborn to compromise when the situation warranted it. He paused for a moment and hesitated. His people had believed in many things but the Romulan Star Navy had believed in one tenet above most others.
If knowledge is power, then being unknown means being unconquerable.
It was this ideology that had driven the development of the cloak. It was this ideology that had driven the development of the neutral zone. It had colored Romulan military strategy in many circles for as long as he could remember. The secrets of the S'harien were not those that he was willing to part with easily. Nonetheless, sooner or later they would be revealed. The Empyrean and the Riskadh had already noticed some discrepancies. The Romulan in him wanted to hoard his secrets. It was a lesson that had been drilled into him time and time again in the Imperial War College.
Is it not time for the Romulan people to start anew?
"I have the capability to get the S'harien as well as most if not all of the assembled squadron to Bajor in a fraction of the time it would normally take." He said. He did not offer an immediate explanation on how he could manage this but it was not necessary at this time. He had just revealed the largest secret his vessel possessed after all.
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
He had a tendency to watch Captain Solheim when he spoke. At first, it had been a habit due predominantly to his desire to slowly build a case against him in the eyes of Samara. When it became abundantly clear that Samara would not be swayed from her decision, it had been due to the Captain's background. He did not hold it against Solheim that he had been at one point Section 31. He did not even hold it against the man that he had been particularly creative and effective against his people's best interests. As much as he hated to admit it, he could not in good conscience hold Solheim's past against him when so many people that he himself knew had made their living doing the same thing to the Federation.
Solheim's own tactical officer had worked for the Tal'Shiar and his background had been almost as colorful as that of Solheim himself.
To say that he did not trust Solheim was a misnomer. He trusted the human to keep his ship and crew safe as well as to fight the Borg with uncommon tenacity and skill. He did unfortunately have an uncanny ability to let his heart get in the way of his head. For a Romulan, that would have been a near fatal character flaw. For a human, it was almost endearing. Perhaps it was that ability to let his heart overrule his head that had drawn Samara's curiosity.
Had she looked at my heart and found it wanting?
Regardless of what Samara may or may not think of Solheim's ability, the moment descended upon him and his heart once more overruled his mind. It was not that he was not flattered by the man's words. It was not even that he was wrong. He spoke sensibly, it was simply a matter that he did not wish to entangle himself with the burden of command. He had seen too many ships die, too many of his people's worlds in their death throes for him to desire to lead. He was capable of leading. He was in the eyes of many one of the best living Riovs.
I am not prepared to order men and women to their deaths that are not immediately my own.
His eyes glanced towards those of Solheim for a moment. There was a mixture of surprise and pleasure at the human's words as well as something else lurking in the depths.
Damn it Solheim.
"I agree with Commander Kalpov." He spoke smoothly. He had no desire to undermine Solheim's words but he saw an opening that he could take without bringing his closest ally any overt shame. "While I am flattered by Captain Solheim's words and they do indeed make a lot of sense, I assure you that I will do everything I can to convince my people that cooperation is in our best interests."
"Furthermore, the bulk of the ships here are Federation vessels. It is suitable that as the largest force, one of its officers should lead. As the Captain of the Riskadh, Kadon represents one of the oldest and strongest allies of the Federation." The fact that the Klingon people were non-human helped. The greatest strength of the Federation was arguably its inclusion of its members races. What the humans did not do well, the member races filled in. The end result was a whole that was greater than the sum of its parts. The Romulan Star Empire had realized that fact too late to be able to effectively negate the advantage.
His head turned then as he glanced in the direction of Gul Tarka. His words considered for a moment before he nodded his head. "I am certain that we will enjoy your company in the days to come Gul." So far, he was the only Captain that was unproven against the Borg. Gul Tarka had proven his craftiness in evading retaliation for his actions but the Cardassians had always been competent at turning a weakness into a strength. Gul Turka had turned his lack of courage into a strength that had earned him notoriety. If he could do the same against the Borg, that notoriety would turn him into a Cardassian legend.
His attention shifted towards Captain Anderson when he easily slid into command. He did not like the idea although the man clearly had a lot of practice about talking in front of an audience. He also had a way that demanded attention and expected compliance. His cybernetics only added to the effect.
Unfortunately for him, I have been present in the Senate in more than one occasion. It will take far more than that to sway me, let alone intimidate me.
"The S'harien is not in need of urgent nor critical resupply." He responded a moment or so after Captain Anderson went silent. A great deal achieved when power was not an issue and your vessel possessed transwarp capability. The fact that one of his officers was one of the highest ranking members of the Tal'Shiar also helped matters. "I would prefer to give my crew a chance to stretch their legs on the world for a few hours as well as determine how many if any Romulan citizens are present in the world."
His head turned and he glanced at the Captain of the Riskadh. He was an imposing figure even for a Klingon and while at the moment, he was not channeling the same aura of command that Anderson was emitting his lack of such an aura only made him seem more imposing. Before him stood a representative of a the species that had fought the Borg more readily and willingly than any other. The Klingon people had amassed honor and hoarded it perhaps even to their detriment. When anyone else would have broken, the Klingons fought. When anyone else would have retreated and regrouped, the Klingons fought. It was argued by the handful of surviving Romulan strategists that it was Klingon blood that had allowed the Federation time to develop their subspace dread weapons and super dreadnoughts.
Kadon spoke and his words found his heart as easily as a Bat'leth wielded by a Dahar Master would have. It was the right approach to take with him, a man that even now desired little more than the survival of his people. In that moment, as Kadon's words cavorted in the air he managed to do what few beings in the Universe could have. He managed to unravel the facade that Romulans clothed themselves in. For a moment, a fraction of a second, his eyes were laid bare to the Klingon. "You honor me Captain." He said in response momentarily off balance.
Moments later, when Kadon spoke he had all of his attention. His words rang true and immediately he understood that he had made the right choice. Kadon and Anderson would be suitable choices for the days to come. They would complement each other. He only hoped that neither was too stubborn to compromise when the situation warranted it. He paused for a moment and hesitated. His people had believed in many things but the Romulan Star Navy had believed in one tenet above most others.
If knowledge is power, then being unknown means being unconquerable.
It was this ideology that had driven the development of the cloak. It was this ideology that had driven the development of the neutral zone. It had colored Romulan military strategy in many circles for as long as he could remember. The secrets of the S'harien were not those that he was willing to part with easily. Nonetheless, sooner or later they would be revealed. The Empyrean and the Riskadh had already noticed some discrepancies. The Romulan in him wanted to hoard his secrets. It was a lesson that had been drilled into him time and time again in the Imperial War College.
Is it not time for the Romulan people to start anew?
"I have the capability to get the S'harien as well as most if not all of the assembled squadron to Bajor in a fraction of the time it would normally take." He said. He did not offer an immediate explanation on how he could manage this but it was not necessary at this time. He had just revealed the largest secret his vessel possessed after all.
Last edited by Marcao on Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Peddler of Half Truths.
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
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General Havoc
- Mr. Party-Killbot
- Posts: 5245
- Joined: Wed Aug 10, 2005 2:12 pm
- 19
- Location: The City that is not Frisco
- Contact:
#79
"We contacted the colony as we were arriving and they offered to spare replimass and fresh supplies if we'd cover them for a few days. There's been Borg scouts criss-crossing this sector for days. We don't... strictly need to be resupplied, but our reserves are almost bare. The last five systems we stopped at had nothing left."
Commander Kalpov might have gone on, had not a pair of aircars intruded on their conversation.
The aircars were old, battered models, the sort one might expect to see on a colony at the end of space, and they slid into view at the edge of the field, sliding to a halt and lowering to the ground. A half dozen men and women in civilian clothing exited the leading car, and milled about it, apparently talking amongst themselves with frequent gestures towards the group of captains that stood in the center of the field. The other car did not shut off, but another group of people exited it, armed with heavy phaser rifles, disruptors, and a host of other weapons of provenance uncertain.
Three of the armed colonists remained behind with the cars, and the other three, along with the six without weapons, began to approach the center of the field. Though the rifles in the hands of the colonists were plainly worn with use, they did not hold them in a threatening manner, nor could they have if they had tried. Even discounting the warships in orbit, the firepower at the disposal of the ship captains and their officers and guards was many times the amount on display. But before the colonial magistrates could reach speaking range, Kalpov saw Ereshal tense up, glance around, and whisper a curt "Commander," in that way that he knew meant potential trouble.
And a moment later, he saw why.
The forest that ringed the field that they stood in had been empty moments before, but now it was moving, and as Kalpov watched, he saw the source of the movement come into view. First one, then several, then dozens, then hundreds of people on foot, humans, andorians, bajorans, bolians, tellarites, and here and there a handful of people from every major and minor race in the quandrant, began to appear from within the trees, huddling together in clumps at the very edge of the field. Kalpov tried to guess how many there were, perhaps a thousand. Perhaps more. All on foot, most (but not all) unarmed, all staring at the small group of Starfleet, Romulan, Klingon, and Cardassian officers and crewmen, whispering to one another in tones so low that even a Ferengi could never have heard them at this distance. Where they had come from, he had no idea, presumably from within the forest, or at least near enough to have walked or run.
Even if only one in ten were armed, they still outgunned the lot of them here many times over. That wasn't a direct worry. At need, any one of these Captains, including Kalpov, could likely call down fifty heavily armed security personnel, marines, or general crewmen from the ships in orbit, or transport them all back up to one of the cruisers and decide what to do from the safety of space. His concern wasn't that the crowd would turn violent, indeed they didn't seem inclined towards it, simply staring and watching with no obvious sense of what they wished to do. There were men, women, some children, a very few elderly, and a handful of species for whom those distinctions did not apply, yet none of them seemed happy to see these newcomers, nor upset. They seemed... shell-shocked perhaps, moving in listless dazes that looked chronic rather than sudden, as though their lives for a long period of time had consisted of an unending pall of sleeplessness, fear, and uncertainty. He doubted very much he was too far off the mark.
More and more and more civilians arrived as the colonial leaders walked towards them, two thousand, three thousand, perhaps as many as five thousand, of every species and rank. They stood in thick lines ringing the entire field, watching and murmuring to one another, staying back as though repelled by an invisible forcefield. They looked pale and thin and worn, eyes sunken, antennae drooping, clothing patched and tattered, saying and doing nothing, just watching, in a manner that made Kalpov, at least, singularly uncomfortable. Lt. Luther swore under his breath as he cast his eyes over them, and Ereshal shivered, despite the warm weather and bright sun, muttered something to herself in Andorian, and looked down at the grass, casting apprehensive glances at Kalpov.
As the colonial officials finally entered speaking distance, the Bolian at their head called out a greeting. His three guards, and the small retinue of officials with him said nothing, remaining behind and watching the crowd with expressions that looked positively nervous. Kalpov wasn't sure he wanted to know why.
"Captains," said the Bolian in a measured tone that obviously took some effort to maintain, "my name is Magistrate Brathaw, counsel chair of the Nivoch IV colony. Welcome to our planet. I... We didn't think there'd be so many of you."
He took a brief look around at the throng of people that ringed them in from a distance, and coughed once or twice to cover his nerves.
"Who is... I mean... is there someone in charge of this unit of yours? Commander Kalpov didn't mention that there would be other ships arriving. We... er... we're happy to see Starfleet and other allied ships of course but... I'm not sure if we can extend our supplies to cover all of you."
Careful observers would note that Magistrate Brathaw made great efforts to avoid looking directly at the Klingons, Romulans, or Cardassians.
Commander Kalpov might have gone on, had not a pair of aircars intruded on their conversation.
The aircars were old, battered models, the sort one might expect to see on a colony at the end of space, and they slid into view at the edge of the field, sliding to a halt and lowering to the ground. A half dozen men and women in civilian clothing exited the leading car, and milled about it, apparently talking amongst themselves with frequent gestures towards the group of captains that stood in the center of the field. The other car did not shut off, but another group of people exited it, armed with heavy phaser rifles, disruptors, and a host of other weapons of provenance uncertain.
Three of the armed colonists remained behind with the cars, and the other three, along with the six without weapons, began to approach the center of the field. Though the rifles in the hands of the colonists were plainly worn with use, they did not hold them in a threatening manner, nor could they have if they had tried. Even discounting the warships in orbit, the firepower at the disposal of the ship captains and their officers and guards was many times the amount on display. But before the colonial magistrates could reach speaking range, Kalpov saw Ereshal tense up, glance around, and whisper a curt "Commander," in that way that he knew meant potential trouble.
And a moment later, he saw why.
The forest that ringed the field that they stood in had been empty moments before, but now it was moving, and as Kalpov watched, he saw the source of the movement come into view. First one, then several, then dozens, then hundreds of people on foot, humans, andorians, bajorans, bolians, tellarites, and here and there a handful of people from every major and minor race in the quandrant, began to appear from within the trees, huddling together in clumps at the very edge of the field. Kalpov tried to guess how many there were, perhaps a thousand. Perhaps more. All on foot, most (but not all) unarmed, all staring at the small group of Starfleet, Romulan, Klingon, and Cardassian officers and crewmen, whispering to one another in tones so low that even a Ferengi could never have heard them at this distance. Where they had come from, he had no idea, presumably from within the forest, or at least near enough to have walked or run.
Even if only one in ten were armed, they still outgunned the lot of them here many times over. That wasn't a direct worry. At need, any one of these Captains, including Kalpov, could likely call down fifty heavily armed security personnel, marines, or general crewmen from the ships in orbit, or transport them all back up to one of the cruisers and decide what to do from the safety of space. His concern wasn't that the crowd would turn violent, indeed they didn't seem inclined towards it, simply staring and watching with no obvious sense of what they wished to do. There were men, women, some children, a very few elderly, and a handful of species for whom those distinctions did not apply, yet none of them seemed happy to see these newcomers, nor upset. They seemed... shell-shocked perhaps, moving in listless dazes that looked chronic rather than sudden, as though their lives for a long period of time had consisted of an unending pall of sleeplessness, fear, and uncertainty. He doubted very much he was too far off the mark.
More and more and more civilians arrived as the colonial leaders walked towards them, two thousand, three thousand, perhaps as many as five thousand, of every species and rank. They stood in thick lines ringing the entire field, watching and murmuring to one another, staying back as though repelled by an invisible forcefield. They looked pale and thin and worn, eyes sunken, antennae drooping, clothing patched and tattered, saying and doing nothing, just watching, in a manner that made Kalpov, at least, singularly uncomfortable. Lt. Luther swore under his breath as he cast his eyes over them, and Ereshal shivered, despite the warm weather and bright sun, muttered something to herself in Andorian, and looked down at the grass, casting apprehensive glances at Kalpov.
As the colonial officials finally entered speaking distance, the Bolian at their head called out a greeting. His three guards, and the small retinue of officials with him said nothing, remaining behind and watching the crowd with expressions that looked positively nervous. Kalpov wasn't sure he wanted to know why.
"Captains," said the Bolian in a measured tone that obviously took some effort to maintain, "my name is Magistrate Brathaw, counsel chair of the Nivoch IV colony. Welcome to our planet. I... We didn't think there'd be so many of you."
He took a brief look around at the throng of people that ringed them in from a distance, and coughed once or twice to cover his nerves.
"Who is... I mean... is there someone in charge of this unit of yours? Commander Kalpov didn't mention that there would be other ships arriving. We... er... we're happy to see Starfleet and other allied ships of course but... I'm not sure if we can extend our supplies to cover all of you."
Careful observers would note that Magistrate Brathaw made great efforts to avoid looking directly at the Klingons, Romulans, or Cardassians.
Gaze upon my works, ye mighty, and despair...
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
-
frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
- 19
- Location: Alone and unafraid
#80
Captain Anderson stepped forward, continuing his assumption of authority. Cerezi stepped up behind him at his right hand, giving the Bolian a bright smile. Behind him at his left hand, Mak Than, the breen, had silently drew out his disruptor pistol holding it in his left. Lt. Summers and Ssszzzttt both stiffened. Lt Summers slowly and casually shifted to face the crowd, the memory of almost being eaten about a year ago had left him a little twitchy. His rifle remained pointed to the ground however. Sssszzzttt also kept his firearm, something human sized creatures would view as a crew served small cannon pointed to the ground. He focused his rather intimating teeth filed visage on the delegation.
"Greetings, Magistrate Brathaw. I am Captain Anderson, USS Immortal. We are actually working out our supply needs at the moment. Mostly replicator mass and water. Water we can draw without inconveniencing you or making demands on your labor force. Which I am sure is busy. We will however need your cooperation in regards to replicator mass, as the faster you aide in resupply, the faster we get back into operations against the Borg. We have assumed that you would have few if any military grade spares am I correct? I would have your administration compile us an inventory list and a list of what you require to keep your population functional for the next year. As we are for the most part preceding to Bajor to report to Command, we could of deliver any message you have for the Government. How soon could you have that ready?"
"Greetings, Magistrate Brathaw. I am Captain Anderson, USS Immortal. We are actually working out our supply needs at the moment. Mostly replicator mass and water. Water we can draw without inconveniencing you or making demands on your labor force. Which I am sure is busy. We will however need your cooperation in regards to replicator mass, as the faster you aide in resupply, the faster we get back into operations against the Borg. We have assumed that you would have few if any military grade spares am I correct? I would have your administration compile us an inventory list and a list of what you require to keep your population functional for the next year. As we are for the most part preceding to Bajor to report to Command, we could of deliver any message you have for the Government. How soon could you have that ready?"
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
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frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
- 19
- Location: Alone and unafraid
#81
"Barbarossa, this is USS Immortal, Commander Tak. The Captains are planet side for conference. Welcome to Nicoch IV, are you enroute to Bajor?" The XO said.Charon wrote:"Hello Nivoch IV, and assembled vessels of the resistance. This is Captain Reis of the Barbarossa. I assume everyone here is on their way to Bajor?"
Closing the comm channel he turned to tactical.
"Why in all the icy hells is a Romulan ship using a human name? Someone start digging and find me an answer." He ordered.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
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Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm
- 19
- Location: Ice Sarcophagus outside a ruined Jedi Temple
- Contact:
#82
"Barbarosa?" asked Morizan. "That's not Romulan."
"Neither is the paint job," said Aaveroke.
"The name is human. Born by emperors and pirates. It means red beards."
"Emperors and pirates?" asked Aaveroke. "That doesn't sound like earthers."
"They're more like us than they would have you believe lieutenant," said Morizan. "Someone found a wounded D'deridex and that one was human but not Starfleet."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kadon acknowledged the Romulan commander's gesture. The Romulans were no less a proud race than his own and had suffered just as grieviously at the hands of the Borg. Anderson was moving up to address the Federation officials and refugees and that was how it should be. He was the senior and most respected Starfleet captain here. That he said nothing at all about helping them and instead requested replicator stock was surprising.
But it was not as surprising as the Romulan's next words. The Klingon's mind raced. There could be only one conclusion. The unusual scanner results had to have been from transwarp systems.
"Neither is the paint job," said Aaveroke.
"The name is human. Born by emperors and pirates. It means red beards."
"Emperors and pirates?" asked Aaveroke. "That doesn't sound like earthers."
"They're more like us than they would have you believe lieutenant," said Morizan. "Someone found a wounded D'deridex and that one was human but not Starfleet."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kadon acknowledged the Romulan commander's gesture. The Romulans were no less a proud race than his own and had suffered just as grieviously at the hands of the Borg. Anderson was moving up to address the Federation officials and refugees and that was how it should be. He was the senior and most respected Starfleet captain here. That he said nothing at all about helping them and instead requested replicator stock was surprising.
But it was not as surprising as the Romulan's next words. The Klingon's mind raced. There could be only one conclusion. The unusual scanner results had to have been from transwarp systems.
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
#83
Hizir smiled. "Good morning Commander Tak, I was beginning to wonder if our comm unit had broken again. Thank you for the information and yes, we are on our way to Bajor. Hear that's where the fighting is to be had."
Hizir waved and the comm channel was cut. "Alright, Ereiss. Move us into orbit. Have we got idents on those other ships yet?"
Khoal nodded and handed the datapadd with the information over to his captain. Hizir scanned the information while the Barbarossa ever so slowly moved into position in orbit, careful to keep a respectful distance from most of the other ships. "Very interesting." Hizir muttered to himself finally. "Definitely workable." Already a plan was beginning to form in the former pirate's head.
"Ereiss, could you get us in contact with the Immortal again? Thank you." Hizir looked up at the screen which showed a zoomed in shot of the beat up Sovereign. "USS Immortal, this is the Barbarossa again. Don't suppose you know who's in charge up here would you? Or where I should go if I plan on getting in on that meeting?"
Hizir waved and the comm channel was cut. "Alright, Ereiss. Move us into orbit. Have we got idents on those other ships yet?"
Khoal nodded and handed the datapadd with the information over to his captain. Hizir scanned the information while the Barbarossa ever so slowly moved into position in orbit, careful to keep a respectful distance from most of the other ships. "Very interesting." Hizir muttered to himself finally. "Definitely workable." Already a plan was beginning to form in the former pirate's head.
"Ereiss, could you get us in contact with the Immortal again? Thank you." Hizir looked up at the screen which showed a zoomed in shot of the beat up Sovereign. "USS Immortal, this is the Barbarossa again. Don't suppose you know who's in charge up here would you? Or where I should go if I plan on getting in on that meeting?"
Moderator of Philosophy and Theology
-
General Havoc
- Mr. Party-Killbot
- Posts: 5245
- Joined: Wed Aug 10, 2005 2:12 pm
- 19
- Location: The City that is not Frisco
- Contact:
#84
Captain Anderson turned to deal with the colonial magistrate, as Commander Kalpov tried to process what the Romulan captain had said before their rude interruption.
"Hold on a minute," he asked, "there's a dozen warships in orbit. How is it you can get us all to Bajor faster than we can get there ourselves?" He suddenly remembered the comment that his sensor officer had made about "power fluctuations"
*------------------------------------------------------*
"Barbarossa," came the voice of an extremely confused comm officer, "this is the USS Argonaut. There is a conference under way on the planet at coordinates that we're sending over to you. You're welcome to join them, so long as you're prepared to heave to for Bajor with the rest of us."
There was a brief burst of silence, followed by another transmission. "We do request a report on your... status... though."
*------------------------------------------------------*
Magistrate Brathaw looked at Captain Anderson as though the human captain had just grown another head.
"Captain," he stuttered, "we... we don't have enough replimass to feed a dozen warships! We've got five times as many people on this planet as there should be as-is, we barely have the means to feed everyone here.
Magistrate Brathaw looked askance at the armed men he was surrounded by, visibly trying to calculate how many weapons they could bring to bear, and equally visibly not liking the results he was coming to.
"Captain Anderson, you... you have to understand... Starfleet has to understand, we weren't prepared for this. We might be able to support a single ship's requests, but an entire fleet? I've got over a hundred thousand refugees down here as it stands..."
It was clear that the Magistrate was prepared to go on in this vein for some time...
*------------------------------------------------------*
As the Magistrate pleaded his case, a small number of civilians began to approach.
Small was, in this case, a relative term. Perhaps one in twenty of the surrounding civilians had the strength, courage, and interest in approaching the assembled captains, but that was still several hundred people, all of whom slowly began edging towards the assembly. Most were unarmed, all reticent, but they visibly watched the officers gathered, as though waiting for some kind of sign or gesture that would signify anything.
What they were looking for however, was not entirely clear.
"Hold on a minute," he asked, "there's a dozen warships in orbit. How is it you can get us all to Bajor faster than we can get there ourselves?" He suddenly remembered the comment that his sensor officer had made about "power fluctuations"
*------------------------------------------------------*
"Barbarossa," came the voice of an extremely confused comm officer, "this is the USS Argonaut. There is a conference under way on the planet at coordinates that we're sending over to you. You're welcome to join them, so long as you're prepared to heave to for Bajor with the rest of us."
There was a brief burst of silence, followed by another transmission. "We do request a report on your... status... though."
*------------------------------------------------------*
Magistrate Brathaw looked at Captain Anderson as though the human captain had just grown another head.
"Captain," he stuttered, "we... we don't have enough replimass to feed a dozen warships! We've got five times as many people on this planet as there should be as-is, we barely have the means to feed everyone here.
Magistrate Brathaw looked askance at the armed men he was surrounded by, visibly trying to calculate how many weapons they could bring to bear, and equally visibly not liking the results he was coming to.
"Captain Anderson, you... you have to understand... Starfleet has to understand, we weren't prepared for this. We might be able to support a single ship's requests, but an entire fleet? I've got over a hundred thousand refugees down here as it stands..."
It was clear that the Magistrate was prepared to go on in this vein for some time...
*------------------------------------------------------*
As the Magistrate pleaded his case, a small number of civilians began to approach.
Small was, in this case, a relative term. Perhaps one in twenty of the surrounding civilians had the strength, courage, and interest in approaching the assembled captains, but that was still several hundred people, all of whom slowly began edging towards the assembly. Most were unarmed, all reticent, but they visibly watched the officers gathered, as though waiting for some kind of sign or gesture that would signify anything.
What they were looking for however, was not entirely clear.
Gaze upon my works, ye mighty, and despair...
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
-
SirNitram
- The All-Seeing Eye
- Posts: 5178
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:13 pm
- 19
- Location: Behind you, duh!
- Contact:
#85
"A Transwarp Coil, or similar." Markson shot the suspense in the head and kicked it through the metaphorical airlock. "Estimate the speed for a fleet of our tonnage. It will be useful in determining our new requirements."
Markson, for good or ill, had graduated the academy when compassion and peace was still in vogue, even if on the way out. These people here.. They needed help. The Klingons.. Might understand, or might view it as stupid. Same with Starfleet, though more likely to be viewed as naive. The Romulans.. They would see it as a sign of weakness.
In the evolving chess game of the rag-tag group's politics, Markson was already surveying the board and considering moves five on. He had always been good at chess. He went for the move that would let him sleep better at night.
He tapped his commbadge. "Suvuc. I'm going to have new figures for you. Calculate how much replimass, civilian-grade, we can leave here for the new travel distance. The usual safety margins. Beam it to.." A pause, glancing at the Magistrate. "Where are your largest replimass silos?"
Markson, for good or ill, had graduated the academy when compassion and peace was still in vogue, even if on the way out. These people here.. They needed help. The Klingons.. Might understand, or might view it as stupid. Same with Starfleet, though more likely to be viewed as naive. The Romulans.. They would see it as a sign of weakness.
In the evolving chess game of the rag-tag group's politics, Markson was already surveying the board and considering moves five on. He had always been good at chess. He went for the move that would let him sleep better at night.
He tapped his commbadge. "Suvuc. I'm going to have new figures for you. Calculate how much replimass, civilian-grade, we can leave here for the new travel distance. The usual safety margins. Beam it to.." A pause, glancing at the Magistrate. "Where are your largest replimass silos?"
Half-Damned, All Hero.
Tev: You're happy. You're Plotting. You're Evil.
Me: Evil is so inappropriate. I'm ruthless.
Tev: You're turning me on.
I Am Rage. You Will Know My Fury.
Tev: You're happy. You're Plotting. You're Evil.
Me: Evil is so inappropriate. I'm ruthless.
Tev: You're turning me on.
I Am Rage. You Will Know My Fury.
#86
Alpha Quadrant
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
His attention settled on Commander Kalpov as he gave an accounting of the state of his ship. The end result was somewhat unexpected but not at all inconceivable. His own ship had tracked the movements of Borg scouts throughout the sector and the intelligence that he had received from a handful of sources all indicated that something major was making its way towards Bajor. It had given credence to the increasingly desperate calls from whatever remained of Starfleet regarding Bajor.
The battle for Earth was a catastrophe. Will the battle for Bajor be any better?
It was then that the air cars intruded on the conversation and there was no immediate reaction to his words regarding his offer. His head turned and settled on the approaching vehicles annoyance dancing and cavorting in the pit of his stomach. As if sensing the sudden change in their charges thought process and taking notice of the impending arrival of more armed personnel the twin Reman bodyguards shifted, their left arms moving in near perfect unison as they removed disruptor rifles from their backs and held them in their arms. Each weapon was larger, heavier and if anything more threatening than standard federation weapons of their type. The Federation had always considered disruptor weapons to be cruel and somewhat barbaric but the Empire had always understood the inherent nature of conflict. A disruptor rifle was a tool of intimidation as much as it was a weapon of war.
His eyes followed the armed colonists as they disgorged themselves from the air cars and began to approach the field. The manner in which they held their weapons suggested that they did not wish to threaten but sought to negotiate and force the assembled forces to take them seriously. His eyes focused on what he expected was the representative from the colony, before something else caught his attention. He looked past the magistrate to the nearby tree line and blinked. Before he could question his visual acuity, the movement occurred again and again. A few moments later, and the sources of the movement presented themselves.
Who are these people?
The numbers of people became larger and larger until it seemed that a ring of people from every conceivable culture and nation wrapped itself around them. It was a tribunal, as if thousands of eyes stared at those in the field with a mixture of hope, fear and indignation.
Is this what our people have been reduced to?
His eyes stared at the gathered mass, his head turning from side to side as his eyes sought the familiar features of his own kin. Romulans, Vulcans and even Remans. These were the features that he sought amongst the mass. He could not offer to save them all, but for his people he could do more than those that were not. It was not fair, but it was all that he could do. There were more Federation ships than any other, they would take care of their own. Who would take care of his people? It was then that the Bolian spoke and his attention focused on the man that was presumably in charge. It quickly became apparent that the Magistrate was avoiding his gaze. It was a situation that he planned on rectifying. He waited until Captain Anderson had spoken and then Captain Kadon. He had after all supported their leadership and he would not undermine their authority. However, after the two captains had spoken he did not hesitate. He had his own questions and he wanted answers.
"Magistrate, wishing that I am not here is not going to change the fact that I am." He said politely. A moment later after those words had carved themselves into the Magistrate's heart he continued. "Who are these people?" Where they the undesired? the unwanted? Those that had lacked the ability to give and only take?
It was only after he had spoken that Captain Anderson's words were truly dissected. He had expected that for a Captain of the Federation, he would have been more sympathetic to the plight of so many from his own people. Perhaps he was being realistic. Perhaps Captain Anderson understood better than most that his ship had to be at Bajor in order to make a difference. Perhaps he understood that tired and hungry soldiers would not be able to do their part against the Borg. There were thousands of possible explanations for his carelessness. Each possibility did not change a singular fact. That when the Federation like any other nation stopped caring for the very people that made up the nation, that nation ceased to exist. The Federation had always draped itself in the ideology that it amongst all other star nations had cared for the common men and women more so than any other. Captain Anderson was quickly disabusing the survivors of Nivoch IV of that notion. Perhaps it was high time that the Federation shed its romantic image. Nonetheless, for the people which surrounded the field it would be a small comfort in the days and nights to come.
Commander Kalpov spoke a moment later and it was only his words that forced his attention from the Captain of the Immortal. His eyes focused on those of the Commander for a moment before he answered the man's question. "There is a way. It will take time to prepare, but I assure you that it is very possible. I will be happy to share some of the details as soon as this situation is resolved to my satisfaction." The situation that he referred to was easily enough to notice. It was surrounding them on all sides.
His head turned and he glanced at the Magistrate as he sought to negotiate with Captain Anderson. Given his response to the plight of thousands of citizens of the Federation he did not believe that the Magistrate would make much headway. He watched the Magistrate closely noticing that he was making little to no headway against Captain Anderson when movement caught his attention. His head turned and focused on the small number of civilians that began to approach. It was a small number, but it signified that the will of some of these men and women had not been completely broken. Before he could act, a particular human wearing a Starfleet uniform spoke in a manner that he disliked. It was a mixture of condescension and mirth as if the truth was clearly apparent to any to see. His eyes slid over that particular human and found him wanting. His lips parted and he spoke with everything that particular human lacked.
"A gross over simplification human." He said. "Do you call Surak a mere philosopher? Do you consider S'task to be a mere warrior or your own Beethoven a simple musician?" He let his words sink in and offered no response to the latter part of his comment. "See to your people, as I will see to mine." He added a moment later as pride blossomed in his stomach. Alongside the men and women that had the courage to approach, he saw a handful of Romulans. He took a step to the side and then another, his Reman guards following behind as he approached the Romulans. Once he had closed the distance between them he spoke in the language of the people.
"My name is Riov Galan Cretak. I command the S'harien, I am prepared to offer you to take you with me off this world and to Bajor if you wish it." He said. His eyes sliding from one Romulan to another. There were five, three men and two women.
Alpha Quadrant
Nivoch System, IRW S'harien
"The Warbird that identifies itself as the Barbarossa has reached orbit."
"I want to know everything about that ship. Scan it, see if anything stands out that can identify its signature."
"On it sub-commander."
"Sub-commander, sensors indicate that Riov Cretak and his guards are currently surrounded by five thousand or so life signatures on the planet below."
"Five thousand? Where the hell did they come from?"
"Uncertain at this time. It is possible that the forest below was masking their signatures. We also were not looking too closely sub-commander."
"Are there any signs that the mass of signatures is hostile?"
"No sub-commander. We have not received any communication from the Riov or his guards."
"Send a shuttle down under cloak. Do not launch it. I want it beamed directly to the planetary atmoshphere. Our neighbors may see our shuttle bay doors opening and that would spoil the surprise."
"Yes sub-commander."
Less than three minutes after having given the order, a Romulan shuttle was transported under cloak into the upper atmosphere of the planet. The operation would have been difficult to detect for all but the most alert of sensor officers. Such a sensor officer could have noticed the distortion as the Shuttle rematerialized in the planet and then oriented itself towards its final destination but only for a few moments before the Romulan cloak swallowed it into its usual invisibility.
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
His attention settled on Commander Kalpov as he gave an accounting of the state of his ship. The end result was somewhat unexpected but not at all inconceivable. His own ship had tracked the movements of Borg scouts throughout the sector and the intelligence that he had received from a handful of sources all indicated that something major was making its way towards Bajor. It had given credence to the increasingly desperate calls from whatever remained of Starfleet regarding Bajor.
The battle for Earth was a catastrophe. Will the battle for Bajor be any better?
It was then that the air cars intruded on the conversation and there was no immediate reaction to his words regarding his offer. His head turned and settled on the approaching vehicles annoyance dancing and cavorting in the pit of his stomach. As if sensing the sudden change in their charges thought process and taking notice of the impending arrival of more armed personnel the twin Reman bodyguards shifted, their left arms moving in near perfect unison as they removed disruptor rifles from their backs and held them in their arms. Each weapon was larger, heavier and if anything more threatening than standard federation weapons of their type. The Federation had always considered disruptor weapons to be cruel and somewhat barbaric but the Empire had always understood the inherent nature of conflict. A disruptor rifle was a tool of intimidation as much as it was a weapon of war.
His eyes followed the armed colonists as they disgorged themselves from the air cars and began to approach the field. The manner in which they held their weapons suggested that they did not wish to threaten but sought to negotiate and force the assembled forces to take them seriously. His eyes focused on what he expected was the representative from the colony, before something else caught his attention. He looked past the magistrate to the nearby tree line and blinked. Before he could question his visual acuity, the movement occurred again and again. A few moments later, and the sources of the movement presented themselves.
Who are these people?
The numbers of people became larger and larger until it seemed that a ring of people from every conceivable culture and nation wrapped itself around them. It was a tribunal, as if thousands of eyes stared at those in the field with a mixture of hope, fear and indignation.
Is this what our people have been reduced to?
His eyes stared at the gathered mass, his head turning from side to side as his eyes sought the familiar features of his own kin. Romulans, Vulcans and even Remans. These were the features that he sought amongst the mass. He could not offer to save them all, but for his people he could do more than those that were not. It was not fair, but it was all that he could do. There were more Federation ships than any other, they would take care of their own. Who would take care of his people? It was then that the Bolian spoke and his attention focused on the man that was presumably in charge. It quickly became apparent that the Magistrate was avoiding his gaze. It was a situation that he planned on rectifying. He waited until Captain Anderson had spoken and then Captain Kadon. He had after all supported their leadership and he would not undermine their authority. However, after the two captains had spoken he did not hesitate. He had his own questions and he wanted answers.
"Magistrate, wishing that I am not here is not going to change the fact that I am." He said politely. A moment later after those words had carved themselves into the Magistrate's heart he continued. "Who are these people?" Where they the undesired? the unwanted? Those that had lacked the ability to give and only take?
It was only after he had spoken that Captain Anderson's words were truly dissected. He had expected that for a Captain of the Federation, he would have been more sympathetic to the plight of so many from his own people. Perhaps he was being realistic. Perhaps Captain Anderson understood better than most that his ship had to be at Bajor in order to make a difference. Perhaps he understood that tired and hungry soldiers would not be able to do their part against the Borg. There were thousands of possible explanations for his carelessness. Each possibility did not change a singular fact. That when the Federation like any other nation stopped caring for the very people that made up the nation, that nation ceased to exist. The Federation had always draped itself in the ideology that it amongst all other star nations had cared for the common men and women more so than any other. Captain Anderson was quickly disabusing the survivors of Nivoch IV of that notion. Perhaps it was high time that the Federation shed its romantic image. Nonetheless, for the people which surrounded the field it would be a small comfort in the days and nights to come.
Commander Kalpov spoke a moment later and it was only his words that forced his attention from the Captain of the Immortal. His eyes focused on those of the Commander for a moment before he answered the man's question. "There is a way. It will take time to prepare, but I assure you that it is very possible. I will be happy to share some of the details as soon as this situation is resolved to my satisfaction." The situation that he referred to was easily enough to notice. It was surrounding them on all sides.
His head turned and he glanced at the Magistrate as he sought to negotiate with Captain Anderson. Given his response to the plight of thousands of citizens of the Federation he did not believe that the Magistrate would make much headway. He watched the Magistrate closely noticing that he was making little to no headway against Captain Anderson when movement caught his attention. His head turned and focused on the small number of civilians that began to approach. It was a small number, but it signified that the will of some of these men and women had not been completely broken. Before he could act, a particular human wearing a Starfleet uniform spoke in a manner that he disliked. It was a mixture of condescension and mirth as if the truth was clearly apparent to any to see. His eyes slid over that particular human and found him wanting. His lips parted and he spoke with everything that particular human lacked.
"A gross over simplification human." He said. "Do you call Surak a mere philosopher? Do you consider S'task to be a mere warrior or your own Beethoven a simple musician?" He let his words sink in and offered no response to the latter part of his comment. "See to your people, as I will see to mine." He added a moment later as pride blossomed in his stomach. Alongside the men and women that had the courage to approach, he saw a handful of Romulans. He took a step to the side and then another, his Reman guards following behind as he approached the Romulans. Once he had closed the distance between them he spoke in the language of the people.
"My name is Riov Galan Cretak. I command the S'harien, I am prepared to offer you to take you with me off this world and to Bajor if you wish it." He said. His eyes sliding from one Romulan to another. There were five, three men and two women.
Alpha Quadrant
Nivoch System, IRW S'harien
"The Warbird that identifies itself as the Barbarossa has reached orbit."
"I want to know everything about that ship. Scan it, see if anything stands out that can identify its signature."
"On it sub-commander."
"Sub-commander, sensors indicate that Riov Cretak and his guards are currently surrounded by five thousand or so life signatures on the planet below."
"Five thousand? Where the hell did they come from?"
"Uncertain at this time. It is possible that the forest below was masking their signatures. We also were not looking too closely sub-commander."
"Are there any signs that the mass of signatures is hostile?"
"No sub-commander. We have not received any communication from the Riov or his guards."
"Send a shuttle down under cloak. Do not launch it. I want it beamed directly to the planetary atmoshphere. Our neighbors may see our shuttle bay doors opening and that would spoil the surprise."
"Yes sub-commander."
Less than three minutes after having given the order, a Romulan shuttle was transported under cloak into the upper atmosphere of the planet. The operation would have been difficult to detect for all but the most alert of sensor officers. Such a sensor officer could have noticed the distortion as the Shuttle rematerialized in the planet and then oriented itself towards its final destination but only for a few moments before the Romulan cloak swallowed it into its usual invisibility.
Last edited by Marcao on Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
The Peddler of Half Truths.
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
#87
Empyrean - Nivoch IV Orbit
Bridge
Dian Vares made it to the bridge to find several alerts waiting for him at the Captain’s chair. As he sat down to enter his command code, the feeling of lonliness swept over him. When the ship was like this, it didn’t feel and less empty, but the lack of people only reinforced how empty the ship really was. As the Barbarossa and Vigilance, he sent a standard hail, combined with instructions to contact the Argonaut for additional information with regards to the current situation. With this number of ships, perhaps we could complete a diagnostic in peace. Almost as soon as he thought it, a new alert showed up, and he regretted the thought.
After so long alone, the Empyrean had been modified to make sure that sensors were set for regular scans, so that if the Borg or any other threats appeared they had time to get the ship back to fighting strength before it was too late. Usually, it was the Captain in this position, Vares had not taken command in at least a year. So when the alert detecting a sensor anomaly appeared, Dian’s blood ran cold. He bolted to a sensor station, calling up more detailed information on the alert, the color draining from his face as he did so. He tapped the communicator badge on his chest, “Captain,â€
Bridge
Dian Vares made it to the bridge to find several alerts waiting for him at the Captain’s chair. As he sat down to enter his command code, the feeling of lonliness swept over him. When the ship was like this, it didn’t feel and less empty, but the lack of people only reinforced how empty the ship really was. As the Barbarossa and Vigilance, he sent a standard hail, combined with instructions to contact the Argonaut for additional information with regards to the current situation. With this number of ships, perhaps we could complete a diagnostic in peace. Almost as soon as he thought it, a new alert showed up, and he regretted the thought.
After so long alone, the Empyrean had been modified to make sure that sensors were set for regular scans, so that if the Borg or any other threats appeared they had time to get the ship back to fighting strength before it was too late. Usually, it was the Captain in this position, Vares had not taken command in at least a year. So when the alert detecting a sensor anomaly appeared, Dian’s blood ran cold. He bolted to a sensor station, calling up more detailed information on the alert, the color draining from his face as he did so. He tapped the communicator badge on his chest, “Captain,â€
-
rhoenix
- The Artist formerly known as Rhoenix
- Posts: 7998
- Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:01 pm
- 17
- Location: "Here," for varying values of "here."
- Contact:
#88
People of all species and walks of life began to pour en masse from out of the forest, and from out of aircars. Some were armed, but most appeared nervous about it, something that did not reassure Captain Solheim. After all, frightened people with power, even guns, tended to be... impulsive.
As if reading that thought, Captain Solheim's commbadge chirped, breaking him from his thoughts. "Lieutenant Adranis to Captain Solheim."
Almost by rote, Captain Solheim tapped his commbadge in response. "Captain here, go ahead."
The response had a notable pause before beginning. "...Sir... you are aware that you're surrounded on all sides by civilians, are you not? I've ordered a transporter lock on all three of you, just in case we get a repeat of The Second Orion Incident."
This caused Captain Solheim to smirk. "Your paranoia and preparedness both are commendable. I'm not sure of the civilians' purpose - but the three of us, along with the other Captains' delegations are going to be beamed to the Empyrean momentarily for further discussions there."
"Acknowledged, Captain," replied Lieutenant Adranis calmly, as he continued. "Lastly, I almost missed it, but I noticed the S'harien quietly sending out a shuttle directly to the planet using Tal'Shiar Method C. Orders, Captain?"
"See if you can get a scan of the shuttle again before it lands," replied Captain Solheim with a smirk, and a glance at Riov Cretak. "I'm sure it'll make for good conversation material later on."
"Acknowledged, sir," replied Lieutenant Adranis formally. "Gilgamesh out."
As if reading that thought, Captain Solheim's commbadge chirped, breaking him from his thoughts. "Lieutenant Adranis to Captain Solheim."
Almost by rote, Captain Solheim tapped his commbadge in response. "Captain here, go ahead."
The response had a notable pause before beginning. "...Sir... you are aware that you're surrounded on all sides by civilians, are you not? I've ordered a transporter lock on all three of you, just in case we get a repeat of The Second Orion Incident."
This caused Captain Solheim to smirk. "Your paranoia and preparedness both are commendable. I'm not sure of the civilians' purpose - but the three of us, along with the other Captains' delegations are going to be beamed to the Empyrean momentarily for further discussions there."
"Acknowledged, Captain," replied Lieutenant Adranis calmly, as he continued. "Lastly, I almost missed it, but I noticed the S'harien quietly sending out a shuttle directly to the planet using Tal'Shiar Method C. Orders, Captain?"
"See if you can get a scan of the shuttle again before it lands," replied Captain Solheim with a smirk, and a glance at Riov Cretak. "I'm sure it'll make for good conversation material later on."
"Acknowledged, sir," replied Lieutenant Adranis formally. "Gilgamesh out."
Last edited by rhoenix on Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."
- William Gibson
- William Gibson
Josh wrote:What? There's nothing weird about having a pet housefly. He smuggles cigarettes for me.
-
Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm
- 19
- Location: Ice Sarcophagus outside a ruined Jedi Temple
- Contact:
#89
Kadon touched his comm badge. "Riskadh, hold action."
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
-
LadyTevar
- Pleasure Kitten Foreman
- Posts: 13197
- Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:25 pm
- 18
- Location: In your lap, purring
- Contact:
#90
"Spector, we will be moving the meeting to the Empyrean," Eoife informed her crew, watching the crowd of refugees carefully.
"Captain, this crowd will not react well to any move we make," Serin said softly as he carefully positioned himself to cover her back. "Any action taken now could cause an incident."
"They're scared and desperate," Eoife agreed. "People with nothing to lose are the most dangerous." Nothing to lose, the Borg took it all. The Federation was broken, and these people knew they had nowhere left to run. No hope, no chance. No hero to save them.
No hero. No Enterprise, no James T. Kirk to save the day. Eoife grimaced, cursing her name again even as her mind raced, calculating the odds. If the crowd heard there was a Captain Kirk, heading to Bajor. A Hero Kirk, to save the day, the Federation, the Galaxy.
"Serin, remind me to bring up the power of legends and heroes during the meeting," Eoife ordered. He would do it, she knew, and that would leave her no way to chicken out.
"Captain, this crowd will not react well to any move we make," Serin said softly as he carefully positioned himself to cover her back. "Any action taken now could cause an incident."
"They're scared and desperate," Eoife agreed. "People with nothing to lose are the most dangerous." Nothing to lose, the Borg took it all. The Federation was broken, and these people knew they had nowhere left to run. No hope, no chance. No hero to save them.
No hero. No Enterprise, no James T. Kirk to save the day. Eoife grimaced, cursing her name again even as her mind raced, calculating the odds. If the crowd heard there was a Captain Kirk, heading to Bajor. A Hero Kirk, to save the day, the Federation, the Galaxy.
"Serin, remind me to bring up the power of legends and heroes during the meeting," Eoife ordered. He would do it, she knew, and that would leave her no way to chicken out.
Dogs are Man's Best Friend
Cats are Man's Adorable Little Serial Killers
#91
"Sensors say things aren't exactly looking pleasant down there, so I'll just stay up here for now. Thanks for the offer though." There was a little bit of bite in those last words. "We're gonna be heading to Bajor, as for our status, supplies are getting a bit tricky in some places, but we could make it to Bajor. Mostly my men are antsy from being locked up in a damn ship for too many months."General Havoc wrote:"Barbarossa," came the voice of an extremely confused comm officer, "this is the USS Argonaut. There is a conference under way on the planet at coordinates that we're sending over to you. You're welcome to join them, so long as you're prepared to heave to for Bajor with the rest of us."
There was a brief burst of silence, followed by another transmission. "We do request a report on your... status... though."
Moderator of Philosophy and Theology
#92
Alpha Quadrant
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
His attention had been concentrating purely on the five Romulans before him. His eyes sliding over each and taking notice of their manner of dress and physical mannerisms. He did not doubt that his words and offer had caught them unprepared and each seemed to be looking at the others for guidance. He was prepared to wait for them to reach a decision before he looked over his shoulder. He did not look at the human captain that had offended his sensibilities by carelessly trivializing what his crew had accomplished.
His eyes focused on the delegates from what he believed were the Starfleet vessel Empyrean. It was something about the manner in which that they drew closer to Captain Anderson and the manner in which they looked at him. It did not seem a look that would herald anything but bad news. He took a step back from the Romulan civilians and then another. He moved back just enough to be able to eavesdrop on the conversation between the humans. He did not manage to move quickly enough to catch the start of the exchange, but he did catch the end of it.
A large new addition to the guest list? The planet was no longer secure?
What else could threaten the gathering of forces orbiting Nivoch IV if not the Borg? A large new addition to the guest list indicated a high likelihood of a Cube. He hesitated for only a moment before he walked back towards his Reman guards and the five Romulans. His right hand moved a moment before he spoke.
"S'harien. What do you have on sensors?" He asked.
"Riov. We were just about to contact you, our long range sensors are indicating the possibility of a Borg transwarp conduit." He heard the voice of his sensor office reply.
"Possibility?"
"It is at the very edge of our long range scanners Riov. We will be able to confirm in tie kevn and sie siuren give or take a siuren."
"There is no need. It seems that the Empyrean's sensors are superior to our own. Their commanders indicate that the meeting place is no longer safe. They are indicating their intentions to beam the delegates here to their bridge. I want you to allow this. Furthermore, I want you to lock on to the five Romulans before me and prepare them for transport to the S'harien."
"Understood Riov."
"Prepare the S'harien for action. I will keep in touch from the Empyrean."
"You trust them enough to be taken into their ship?" The voice of his erei'riov interjected a moment later.
"I doubt they want me as a hostage. If they do, I naturally expect for you to liberate me but I do not believe that will be necessary." He responded. It seemed that the Empyrean was preparing to beam everyone to their ship and that would include Kadon. The Klingon and his companion seemed fit enough to try and rip asunder a bridge with their bare hands.
-------------------------------------
tie: one
kevn: period (~10 minutes)
sie: three
siuren: minute (~51 seconds)
Nivoch System, Nivoch IV
His attention had been concentrating purely on the five Romulans before him. His eyes sliding over each and taking notice of their manner of dress and physical mannerisms. He did not doubt that his words and offer had caught them unprepared and each seemed to be looking at the others for guidance. He was prepared to wait for them to reach a decision before he looked over his shoulder. He did not look at the human captain that had offended his sensibilities by carelessly trivializing what his crew had accomplished.
His eyes focused on the delegates from what he believed were the Starfleet vessel Empyrean. It was something about the manner in which that they drew closer to Captain Anderson and the manner in which they looked at him. It did not seem a look that would herald anything but bad news. He took a step back from the Romulan civilians and then another. He moved back just enough to be able to eavesdrop on the conversation between the humans. He did not manage to move quickly enough to catch the start of the exchange, but he did catch the end of it.
A large new addition to the guest list? The planet was no longer secure?
What else could threaten the gathering of forces orbiting Nivoch IV if not the Borg? A large new addition to the guest list indicated a high likelihood of a Cube. He hesitated for only a moment before he walked back towards his Reman guards and the five Romulans. His right hand moved a moment before he spoke.
"S'harien. What do you have on sensors?" He asked.
"Riov. We were just about to contact you, our long range sensors are indicating the possibility of a Borg transwarp conduit." He heard the voice of his sensor office reply.
"Possibility?"
"It is at the very edge of our long range scanners Riov. We will be able to confirm in tie kevn and sie siuren give or take a siuren."
"There is no need. It seems that the Empyrean's sensors are superior to our own. Their commanders indicate that the meeting place is no longer safe. They are indicating their intentions to beam the delegates here to their bridge. I want you to allow this. Furthermore, I want you to lock on to the five Romulans before me and prepare them for transport to the S'harien."
"Understood Riov."
"Prepare the S'harien for action. I will keep in touch from the Empyrean."
"You trust them enough to be taken into their ship?" The voice of his erei'riov interjected a moment later.
"I doubt they want me as a hostage. If they do, I naturally expect for you to liberate me but I do not believe that will be necessary." He responded. It seemed that the Empyrean was preparing to beam everyone to their ship and that would include Kadon. The Klingon and his companion seemed fit enough to try and rip asunder a bridge with their bare hands.
-------------------------------------
tie: one
kevn: period (~10 minutes)
sie: three
siuren: minute (~51 seconds)
The Peddler of Half Truths.
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
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rhoenix
- The Artist formerly known as Rhoenix
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- Contact:
#94
Watching the Captains, whether Starfleet-trained or no, react professionally to being beamed directly to another ship's bridge. Neither Captain Solheim nor his XO detected any real flat-footed at this from the assembled shipmasters, though the rather overstressed Magistrate was a different story.
In the background, Commander Inzeti spoke quietly with Lt. Commander Nevola, and then conferred quietly with Captain Solheim while Captain DuBois was briefed as to the situation. "Captain, I recommend we send Swift back to the ship in case her talents are needed - she's as good a sensor operator as Lieutenant Adranis, and I think his mind would be valuable here," she said quietly, raising her eyebrows at the unspoken question.
Captain Solheim looked at both women, and nodded once. "A prudent plan, Commander. Do it."
Moments later, Lt. Commander Nevola faded into the familiar sparkles of light, and was replaced a moment later by a tall, older Romulan man with greyish skin, and the familiar severe Romulan hairstyle. Despite this, his uniform was that of Starfleet tactical. He nodded once as he arrived to his Captain and his XO. "Captain," he said, receiving an answering nod from Captain Solheim.
Captain DuBois lost no time in examining the situation once he'd finished being briefed, and broke the situation down. He also did so with humility, something that others in his situation might not have, though from what Captain Solheim understood now, the Borg were apparently experts at teaching others the value of humility - and of sacrifice.
Hearing the news of the Borg cube's imminent arrival seemed to settle over Captain Solheim's nerves like a cloak, helping to quiet his idle thoughts, and help him focus simply on what must be done in the moment. "What is this plan of yours, Captain DuBois?"
In the background, Commander Inzeti spoke quietly with Lt. Commander Nevola, and then conferred quietly with Captain Solheim while Captain DuBois was briefed as to the situation. "Captain, I recommend we send Swift back to the ship in case her talents are needed - she's as good a sensor operator as Lieutenant Adranis, and I think his mind would be valuable here," she said quietly, raising her eyebrows at the unspoken question.
Captain Solheim looked at both women, and nodded once. "A prudent plan, Commander. Do it."
Moments later, Lt. Commander Nevola faded into the familiar sparkles of light, and was replaced a moment later by a tall, older Romulan man with greyish skin, and the familiar severe Romulan hairstyle. Despite this, his uniform was that of Starfleet tactical. He nodded once as he arrived to his Captain and his XO. "Captain," he said, receiving an answering nod from Captain Solheim.
Captain DuBois lost no time in examining the situation once he'd finished being briefed, and broke the situation down. He also did so with humility, something that others in his situation might not have, though from what Captain Solheim understood now, the Borg were apparently experts at teaching others the value of humility - and of sacrifice.
Hearing the news of the Borg cube's imminent arrival seemed to settle over Captain Solheim's nerves like a cloak, helping to quiet his idle thoughts, and help him focus simply on what must be done in the moment. "What is this plan of yours, Captain DuBois?"
Last edited by rhoenix on Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."
- William Gibson
- William Gibson
Josh wrote:What? There's nothing weird about having a pet housefly. He smuggles cigarettes for me.
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Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
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- Contact:
#95
"Relay your data to the Riskadh," said Kadon. It was not a request. Behind him Kallor was moving to peer at the Empyrean's consoles, which would also give the Riskadh a look. The federazhon had a tendency to mistranslate Dahar Master as being simply a master of the blade, but the title was given to those who were masters of the arts of war. All arts. Battles were often lost and won before they were ever fought.
"I will hear your plan," said Kadon.
"I will hear your plan," said Kadon.
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
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General Havoc
- Mr. Party-Killbot
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#96
There was debate, as was perhaps to be expected, protests from the colonial Magistrate that their supplies would not stretch to filling the cargo bays of an entire fleet. Looking at the people around him, he believed him. There were at least five thousand people on-site, and Kalpov couldn't tell if they were some special welcoming committee the Magistrate had organized for them, or simply those people that happened to be eking out a living around here. He had a sick feeling in his stomach that it was the latter.
But just as matters were reaching a head, Captain DuBois stepped aside, speaking to his crew for a moment. He couldn't determine what was being said, but moments later, Captain DuBois announced that the entire gathering would be re-convened aboard his ship.
Kalpov froze, visibly, as his first officer's antennae perked up at the announcement. Neither of them said a word for a moment, before Ereshal turned to Kalpov, blind eyes wide, antennae standing on end. Kalpov, for his part, did not hesitate further.
"Kalpov to Argonaut," he said, slapping his comm badge. "Three to beam up. Now."
An instant later, Commander Kalpov and his officers twinkled out of existence, leaving the rest of the ship captains to beam back to the Empyrean or not, as they saw fit.
*---------------------------------------------*
Only a few moments after the captains arrived aboard Empyrean, fresh transporter sparkles deposited Commander Kalpov and Lt. Commander Ereshal on the bridge as well, as Argonaut opened a site-to-site transport to the bridge of the still unshielded Nova-class Starship. What the purpose of their transition back to the Argonaut prior to joining the others aboaed Empyrean was, was unclear, nor did either one of them attempt to explain what they had just done, settling down instead to listen to what Captain DuBois had to say. Neither Commander ventured a word as yet.
The Magistrate, however, still reeling from the sudden shift from planet to space, listened to the news as though listening to a terminal diagnosis. It wasn't far from the truth.
"My god," he said, sounding every bit as horrified as he looked. "We... we don't have enough hardened shelters for all the refugees, even if they helped. And we don't have the firepower to repel a Cube."
An understatement, if the sensor reports were to be believed.
"You've got to stop it," he insisted, to largely anyone willing to listen. "Please... we've got... we've got no defenses against something like that. We'll give you whatever you want, we'll empty our replimatter tanks, anything! Please just... you have to stop it!"
*---------------------------------------------*
"Copy that Barbarossa," came the reply from the Argonaut. "Please be advised, it appears the Captains have taken their meeting off-world. Please contact USS Empyrean for further details. I can think of at least one captain who's going to have some questions for you..."
The bridge officer of the Argonaut sounded like he needed a drink.
But just as matters were reaching a head, Captain DuBois stepped aside, speaking to his crew for a moment. He couldn't determine what was being said, but moments later, Captain DuBois announced that the entire gathering would be re-convened aboard his ship.
Kalpov froze, visibly, as his first officer's antennae perked up at the announcement. Neither of them said a word for a moment, before Ereshal turned to Kalpov, blind eyes wide, antennae standing on end. Kalpov, for his part, did not hesitate further.
"Kalpov to Argonaut," he said, slapping his comm badge. "Three to beam up. Now."
An instant later, Commander Kalpov and his officers twinkled out of existence, leaving the rest of the ship captains to beam back to the Empyrean or not, as they saw fit.
*---------------------------------------------*
Only a few moments after the captains arrived aboard Empyrean, fresh transporter sparkles deposited Commander Kalpov and Lt. Commander Ereshal on the bridge as well, as Argonaut opened a site-to-site transport to the bridge of the still unshielded Nova-class Starship. What the purpose of their transition back to the Argonaut prior to joining the others aboaed Empyrean was, was unclear, nor did either one of them attempt to explain what they had just done, settling down instead to listen to what Captain DuBois had to say. Neither Commander ventured a word as yet.
The Magistrate, however, still reeling from the sudden shift from planet to space, listened to the news as though listening to a terminal diagnosis. It wasn't far from the truth.
"My god," he said, sounding every bit as horrified as he looked. "We... we don't have enough hardened shelters for all the refugees, even if they helped. And we don't have the firepower to repel a Cube."
An understatement, if the sensor reports were to be believed.
"You've got to stop it," he insisted, to largely anyone willing to listen. "Please... we've got... we've got no defenses against something like that. We'll give you whatever you want, we'll empty our replimatter tanks, anything! Please just... you have to stop it!"
*---------------------------------------------*
"Copy that Barbarossa," came the reply from the Argonaut. "Please be advised, it appears the Captains have taken their meeting off-world. Please contact USS Empyrean for further details. I can think of at least one captain who's going to have some questions for you..."
The bridge officer of the Argonaut sounded like he needed a drink.
Gaze upon my works, ye mighty, and despair...
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
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frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
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#97
"We'll discuss the replicator mass later Magistrate. Borg come first. Commander Cerezi order the shuttle back to the Immortal. Captains, I would have those of you who can cloak do so. Captain Kirk, Gul Tarka, you'll engage the Borg at long range and stay at long range. Captain Du Bois, please remain with Captain Kirk and Gul Tarka. I'll need your sensors. The rest of you fall in on the Immortal we'll provide the main battleline. Questions, Suggestions, Captains?" Captain Anderson moved fast, against the Borg he needed to move fast or they would be slaughtered piecemeal.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
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SirNitram
- The All-Seeing Eye
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#98
"A Cube." Markson said it with a kind of calm that was only possessed by those who were already dead, and simply were still moving. A tap of his commbadge. "Suvuc. Give me a Caffeine cycle and see if you can't blind them with one of our special deliveries. And prepare them." The last word was almost like loosing some hellish beast onto a colliseum.
Half-Damned, All Hero.
Tev: You're happy. You're Plotting. You're Evil.
Me: Evil is so inappropriate. I'm ruthless.
Tev: You're turning me on.
I Am Rage. You Will Know My Fury.
Tev: You're happy. You're Plotting. You're Evil.
Me: Evil is so inappropriate. I'm ruthless.
Tev: You're turning me on.
I Am Rage. You Will Know My Fury.
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Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm
- 19
- Location: Ice Sarcophagus outside a ruined Jedi Temple
- Contact:
#99
Every squadron needed a leader and it was clear that the federazhon and the Cardassian were willing to defer to Anderson. The man was proven over and over that he was worthy of leading Klingons. There was no shame in following the Immortal into battle.
The problem was that they weren't a squadron. They didn't know each other ships and crew. For the most part their capabilities and skills remained an unknown quantity. Only the Immortal was a known quantity, although the Rom commander seemed both capable and formidable. The other humans were mostly Starfleet and that was nothing to take lightly, but their reactions and abilities he was less sure of. They had, however, little choice. One cube destroyed here was one that didn't make it to Bajor.
"You should know that the Riskadh contains a store of tricobalt torpedoes. Open a wound and we will strike deep."
The problem was that they weren't a squadron. They didn't know each other ships and crew. For the most part their capabilities and skills remained an unknown quantity. Only the Immortal was a known quantity, although the Rom commander seemed both capable and formidable. The other humans were mostly Starfleet and that was nothing to take lightly, but their reactions and abilities he was less sure of. They had, however, little choice. One cube destroyed here was one that didn't make it to Bajor.
"You should know that the Riskadh contains a store of tricobalt torpedoes. Open a wound and we will strike deep."
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
#100
"Yeah, I'm sure Argonaut." Hizir cut the channel without anything more and sat back in his chair. "I get the feeling that something else is going on."
"Sir, scanners are picking up a rather massive incoming signature. We just got it on our long-range."
Danava snorted. "With our luck I can tell you it's not another big fleet."
Hizir nodded and got a comm channel opened to the Empyrean. "USS Empyrean, this is Captain Reis of the Barbarossa. Anyone want to fill me in on what is going on?"
"Sir, scanners are picking up a rather massive incoming signature. We just got it on our long-range."
Danava snorted. "With our luck I can tell you it's not another big fleet."
Hizir nodded and got a comm channel opened to the Empyrean. "USS Empyrean, this is Captain Reis of the Barbarossa. Anyone want to fill me in on what is going on?"
Moderator of Philosophy and Theology