Contact

Posted on Thu Aug 18th, 2016 @ 4:24am by Lieutenant Mickey McClane & Captain Elijah Michaels & Commander Cor Cordale & Commander Bertrand Cuprum & Lieutenant JG Elliot Keller & Johnathen Wade & Lieutenant Valeria Mordin
Edited on on Thu Aug 25th, 2016 @ 6:54am

Mission: Do Not Follow
Location: The Golum Expanse
Timeline: Three hours after arrival (6AM)

The tension on the bridge was palpable. Each shudder of a subspace eddy against the navigational deflector would cause an equal ripple of emotions from the crew. None of them were at full capacity because of the lost sleep. All of them were expecting an ambush of some sort.

It was almost a relief when sensors picked up the wreck of the USS Seattle. Through the static of the screen the crew could make out the cloud of debris. One nacelle and a reasonable slice of the engineering section was all that remained fully intact, though large chunks of the Saucer could still be seen drifting int he cloud.

"Captain to the Bridge," Bertrand called through coms before turning to Valeria and Kevin. "What have we got?"

Valeria was on her third cup of tea, the last two were twice as strong as the first. "Background radiation is rendering long range scanners almost useless, and is interfering with most shorter range scans. If there's any residual readings from whatever weaponry destroyed the Seattle, the current conditions will make identifying them difficult at best." the rabbitess started. "Tactical may have more to say about that aspect of the scans." as with each scan prior, every station that needed the scanner data was given full access to read it.

"I'm widening the scanning options for life pods."

Kevin ran the scans through his console. It was difficult, what readings he could get were tricky to evaluate completely, but he was able to isolate a few 'hits' on the Seattles hull.

"From what I'm getting from the scans" he began, "the weapons used against the Seattle aren't your 'A-typical' phasers. The ionization of the hull where she's been attacked are three times that of our own phasers, and there's something else, there's a residue I'm not familiar with...it makes it seem as though the metal around the scorch marks has been depolarized.

"A depolarization effect could hint at magnetic delivery systems. We could potentially be dealing with anti-matter based weaponry." Valeria mused.

"That would be more effective in this environment where the subspace compression would play havoc with a focused beam such as phaser or disruptor," Bertrand acknowledged. "Can we get a remote feed to any computer?"

"I'm reading sporadic power spikes within the wreck. A link is possible, though subspace interference is making such a link difficult to sustain for any length of time." Valeria stated. During such time, two remote connections were attempted, both of which failed to establish a meaningful connection. "I'm attempting to correct with the latest scans of the background interference."

"I want tactical logs for the most recent battle first, "Bertrand prioritized. "Then any astrological data, as that was the Seattle's Primary mission. I want those tactical logs first though so we know what we are up against."

"Acknowledged." Valeria said with a dutiful nod as she keyed at her console. On the fifth try, rather than the disheartening tone of failure the console gave a chirp of success. Rather than exclaim her success, she merely began the download of what logs she could from the derelict wreck. Once the data began to flow, and what interference was corrected for, did she inform Bertrand, "Tentative connection established, sir. We should have the tactical logs within the next few minutes, luck holding."

Kevin watched and listened as the fragmented tactical data came through. Without realising it he was talking to himself out loud "Ship possibly detected, though uncertain as to size...no visual because of interference...ship detection now confirmed...Seattle attempted to raise shields...something about their hull...shields failing...again something about their hull, sounds like 'magnetics' mentioned...screams and shouts now being heard...orders being given then countermanded...." then Kevin straightened up quickly "No!" he shouted.

Realizing people had looked round at him, he calmed himself and reported "Sir, the last thing from the Tactical communications station was the Seattle's order that it was surrendering....it appears that this was when the heaviest damage was inflicted on the ship..."

"I think we can agree that the aggressor is not interested in negotiation or surrender," Bertrand muttered. He indicated to a sensor spike int he relayed information, "Look, here. Before each of the attacks there is a build up of subspace distortion, which made the attackers difficult to detect. Lieutenant Mordin, can we modify the tactical sensors to flag such buildups. We may be able to use them as a flag to warn of impending attack."

"As most of the damage was done when the Seattle signaled a surrender, it could be this race is of a war mentality. They saw the surrender as weakness." Valeria offered as an opinion. At Bertrand's request, she gave a nod. "It won't give us much of a window, but some warning is certainly better than none. I'll begin the calibrations now."

Elijah arrived on the Bridge. "Report." He said approaching his Second Officer who had the Chair.

Bertrand stood aside, leaving the information he had pulled on the command console for the CO to review, "We have located the wreck of the Seattle and are downloading tactical and scientific data now. We are working on a supposition that the aggressors were overtly hostile and not interested in accepting surrender. As yet we..."

"Sir," The junior tactical officer called from the station. "Sensors are picking up an unusually large Subspace compression bearing 20 mark 45. It could be..."

There was a shower of sparks as the ship shook. Bertrand leapt to the Tactical console as soon as he was sure of his footing.

"We are taking hits," he barked. "Shields are depolarizing. 58% effectiveness. We have a hull breach in the forward section."

Elijah clutched his Chair. "Evacuate those Decks, divert auxiliary power to shields." He said checking his Crew.

"I am reading one large vessel and two smaller... I can't get a lock on them. Another subspace compression. Brace for..."

A second blow to the bridge and the lights faltered for a moment.

The bridge was shaking as mickey came in Along with Acting Ensign Aladdin. They took the Operations Station as he got to work. "If we stay we will die, i am diverting any and all power to the structural integrity field. and shields." Mickey said as he tried to stabilize the the damage but with this condition the only thing he wants is to get out alive.

"Breech in Engineering, we've got a coolant leak!" Cordale announced from the engineering console, "I've got two teams on that breech, but it's bad. I'm heading to primary Engineering to see if I can squeeze a little extra out of the core before we get pummeled to death." and the Thux made a beeline for the turbolift.

"Sir, reading another subspace compression at heading two sev..." Valeria started, before the attack struck. Her science console blew out, sending sparks and smoke out in a cloud and hurling the rabbitess officer back. She struck the edge of the tactical console behind her at what could be called a 'bad angle' and when she landed on the ground, she wasn't moving. Her breathing was shallow, but she was motionless otherwise.

Kevin stumbled and staggered his way over to where Valeria was lying. He could see that she was still breathing, but that her breaths were shallow. He had triage training and started to try and make her more comfortable till a Medic could look her over properly. Turning the rabbitess onto her side, and placing her into the recovery position, he'd almost finished when a second blow out from the science console caught him by surprise.

Instinctive reactions had forced him to start to turn away, but not fast enough. Pieces of console, circuitry and acrid sparks thudded into him, knocking him to the floor. It took a few seconds for him to regain a sitting position, and he tried to look around him. Though other consoles were exploding, and the bridge around him seemed to be disintegrating, it was almost incomprehensible to hear, as what was happening was coming from some great distance away.

He could visually see that someone was in front of him asking him something, but he couldn't actually hear them. He grabbed them and slowly stood up, and as they once again tried to speak to him, he pushed them away. Instinctively he tried to move back to his Secondary Tactical console, it was then that he realised he was only seeing out of his left eye. He put his right hand up to his face to where his right eye was, and all he could feel was soreness and bloody skin. He didn't have time to think about that now, so he grabbed hold of the rail beside him and forced his way to his console.

"Prepare a spread of Quantum Torpedoes." Elijah said barking out his orders. "Defensive Pattern, Omega Charlie."

"The readings are sporadic at best!" Kevin shouted out above the din "Shields now at forty seven percent, but we do have forward photon tubes loaded Captain!"

"I can't get a lock," Bertrand cut in. "I am trying to target manually but with the sensors in this state... We are pretty much firing blind."

Mickey had an idea but it was a risky idea he didn't care about glory as long as he could get the crew out alive. He tallied up what could either be there deaths or a fighting chance to live. "There is one way out of this." Mickey than tapped a com to Engineering. "Engineer, Report status on the core?"

"It's a mess down here." Cor started, "Almost to the point where I should put on a suit. Reactor integrity is holding, radiation and coolant leaks are secure and the breech is sealed and holding. Another hit like that last one and I'm ordering who I've got left to put on EVA suits. We're stable, but if we're making a run for it I can get you one hundred and four percent for ten minutes. After that, we have to bring her to idle for a full diagnostic. For the moment, we're stable."

"Computer, Transfer the reserve power to the shields." Mickey order the computer as it increased power. "Shield Status?" Mickey asked the computer. "Shields, at 72 percent." The computer replied. "That won't hold for long." Mickey said to himself as he look onto the captain. "Sir, there is a way out of this, but your not going to like the suggestion i have mind." Mickey looked on the captain.

"It had better be a good one." Elijah said seeing the Sparks and the flames.

"I am reading multiple hull breaches," Bertrand reported. "Casualties on all decks. Hull integrity is down to 89%. I can't even tell if we are hitting them or doing any damage. Val, can you give me anything more?"

There was no reply from the resident rabbitess. Valeria, much like her Science station, was currently out of commission. She lay on the ground, on her side while her station was critically damaged.

One of the rear stations erupted in flame, sending the ensign on station flying. Bertrand glanced at Kevin, "Grab a medical kit or fire suppression unit. Turbo lifts are down. We aren't getting any help."

"Aye Commander" Kevin replied. He made it over to the Tactical station, and grabbed the medical kit that was there. Looking around, he saw that there were a number of injured crew, both on the deck where they'd landed, or back at their posts, trying to stalwartly carrying out their duties. He moved around, assessing the crew as he went. He knew he had to push his personal feelings to the side when deciding on those who could be treated and those who were to far gone. That was till he came to a young Ensign who'd been beside the Science console when it had blown out the second time.

The young woman had severe burns to the side of her head, her collar bone was broken and had come through her skin, her arm was shreaded from her elbow to wrist and her hand was charred black.

Kevin ran the medical tri-corder over her, but instinctively knew she was dying, the best he could do was give her a hypo to relieve her pain. As he reached into his kit, she grabbed him with her good hand and said "What are...my...chances....S...Sir?"

"Better if you lie still and let me give you a shot till the Doc gets up here and can take over" Kevin said, laying his hand gently over hers.

She blinked at him, then arched her back as a wave of sever pain came over her. Grimacing, she replied "You've...got a...lousy lying...bed side manner...Sir...but it's...ok...I forgi...for..." and her eyes rolled up to the top of her sockets and her grip relaxed as she passed away.

Kevin had witnessed death before, on a number of occasions, but this one was different, this one had got to him. She was young, probably just out of the Academy and on her first assignment, now she was dead....

Elijah got up from his seat. "Divert all power you can, take it from life support if you need to." He approached Bertrand. "Commander, transmit our logs to Starfleet, this place is a no go."

Bertrand knew the strategy. It meant the Captain fully expected the ship might not survive. He loaded the logs and released the buoy; just as the Seattle had.

"Captain, i know this is not the best of ideas. Because, this would be a sort of save our skins idea. I recommend we divert all power to the structural integrity fields and the shields and we Detonate the warp core to push us out of here. I've sent a distress signal. But, this is your call Captain." Mickey said the idea.

Elijah looked around the Bridge. "Anyone else agree or disagree with that?"

"I disagree Sir" Kevin said as he carried on treating the wounded "What if we eject then detonate the warp core and it doesn't throw us clear? As much as we're in trouble right now, I believe we have a better fighting chance to get out of this with the core in place rather than floating around in space in a billion agitated particles."

"A billion..." Bertrand mused for a moment. "Wait, there might be something in what Mickey is suggesting. Engineering, can we still dump the antimatter containment pods and fuel dump deuterium?"

"We can, but I don't know if we should. With all the subspace disruptions already occurring, we're dancing on eggshells already. We're running the risk of a tear already." a pause from the Thux, "But... considering our options are thin as it is, I'll prep the tanks for drop. We'll be on reserves once this is done."

"While the Core may not knock us free, the release of a large amount of Matter and Antimatter from dumped fuel should give a more wide spread explosion. We don't get a boost, but what we do get is a massive disruption of subspace. It may blind their targeting sensors long enough for us to get clear."

"So, flash in the pan, and then run like hell." Cordale said over the comm. "Sounds better than 'death by radiation leak' any day."

"Alright perhaps a Billion particles was over exaggerating it" Kevin said, continuing his triage of the injured crew "maybe Millions of particles is closer, but aren't we forgetting something?"

"A large section of the USS Seattle's still there" Kevin replied "if there's any part of the ship we could use to help us in our current situation, say their warp core, can't we use it? Now that we have a computer link, terse as it is, can we remotely access their core and dump it, or dump their antimatter and ignite it? I mean, I'm no engineer, and I know time is short and critical, but isn't it worth a try?"

"Dump the Antimatter and then ignite it." Elijah ordered. "If we're going to get away in the slightest we need the Warp Core." Elijah moved from his Seat towards the Aft Engineering Station. "If it fails then we set the Auto Destruct and Evacuate."

"Sir, we need to move the most critical of the injured to your Ready Room immediately then, otherwise they'll stand no chance of surviving" Kevin said.

The Captain nodded. "Do it."

"Cor, can you remote tie-in to the Seattle? Will destroy her and as soon as the tear begins will blow the ship to warp. Also, how much time would we have at warp speed?" Mickey asked the engineer

"Tears are bad. We want to avoid causing them." Cordale reminded Mickey. Though, the Captain gave an order and Cordale would see it through. Using the link to the Seattle, the Thux set their deuterium fuel cells to emergency purge. "I'm initiating the matter scram of the Seattle now." and the Aft Engineering Station readout changed to show the Seattle's fuel cells starting to dump. "Sir, we're solid on our own core now. We can jump to warp at any time. I'm initiating the dump of the Seattle's antimatter containment pods in five seconds." and a countdown popped up on the Engineering screen. Once the countdown reached zero the antimatter containment pods were ejected.

"Cor, blow up the pods, Stand by Going to Maximum Warp." Mickey said as the ship Entered warp speed.

Once the containment on the antimatter pods ran out of power the magnetic containment failed, and upon contact with the dispersed deuterium the reaction was immediate and violent. A cataclysmic explosion caused by matter / anti-matter annihilation. There'd be no salvage of the Seattle after this.

"Yes! We are free and clear Captain." Mickey said

"Engineering damage report. We've patched up a deuterium leak and that coolant leak is secure. Primary Engineering is reading radiation levels at five percent above background, so non-Thux need a suit to do their job. We have five confirmed deceased, with eight wounded and three unaccounted."

Valeria took the moment of peace and calm, and the ministrations of one of the bridge crew with a first aid kit, to slowly pull herself to her feet with the aid of the nearby railing. A thick matting of red coloration marred her face from the base of an ear down along her cheek. It would seem that Ts'usugi bleed red after all. "Science... unknown damage. Will assess after I report... to medical." she rasped as she almost gulped down each breath between phrases. She slumped to her knees. "Could one of you... gentlemen assist me? My ... my balance... seems compromised. Mild nausea."

"Get her to Sickbay." Elijah said moving to me of the Aft Comsoles. "Make use of the Jeffries Tubes until we get the Turbolifts online."

"Well, it looks like extended shore leave. I know, I know dumping the core would have been a bad idea. But, at least we are still alive. Before we left i deployed warning beacons to that area." Mickey looked around the wrecked bridge with a sad look on his face.

"Those... beacons won't... last a week..." Valeria commented from her position on the floor.

"We are alive, that's all that matters. But, this unknown enemy whomever they are. I just have a gut feeling they will be back." Aladdin said as he sat right next to Mickey staring at the warp tunnel

"I wonder how many died? How many didn't have to?" Mickey said outloud.

Valeria muttered something that the Universal Translator failed to pick up.

"Don't," Bertrand barked. There was a darkness about him that was a little frightening to behold. This was not his normal gruffness. "They either died or did not die. There is no 'had to' or 'shouldn't have'. They died and are gone. Mourn them, salute them, but do not question if the decisions were the wrong one. They were made by best people who could make the decisions with the information and time they had available."

He looked around at the shocked faces, but all he could here was the ringing in his ears from a battle a life time ago... many lifetimes ago.

"You know your jobs. Get to it," he ordered. "If you have time to speculate then you aren't working hard enough. Find another job to do. Helm when can we expect to reach Federation space?"

"We Should arrive in 4 hours, Sir" The helmsmen responded

"Engineering, we need a full damage listing ASAP."

"As of now, we're mobile. No leaks. Structural damage but we can patch it on the go." A pause, "Radiation is still filtering out, the automatic scrubbers aren't kicking in, so if you plan to visit be advised we have the main pit isolated. Five confirmed lost, three still missing. I've got at least eight wounded, everything from cuts and burns up to Emerson who's looking at a broken rib or two. He's stable and restrained. Our wounded are fine except for Emerson. So low on the list." Cor reported. "That's right now."

"Opps, Contact SF headquarters and appraise them of our condition."

"Starfleet, has been apprised of our situation sir." Mickey sent their situation to command

"Medical, get us a casualty report. We will need to adjust rosters to limp home."

"Of Course, Commander" Sickbay responded

"Captain Sinclair, have your marines secure all decks. Turbo lifts are out, so you will have to use ladders. I want our missing people found, including our second officer, and I want to be sure we have no hitchhikers. Aladdin, if you can help, do so. Check the jefferies tubes."

Sinclair nodded while Aladdin elected to remain on the bridge

"Kilbane, when you are up to it I want you and Val to go over everything we got from the Seattle and our own logs. Pull them apart for anything."

The rabbitess looked over at Kevin and gave a nod from her seated posture against the wall, her breathing somewhat less frantic, "It may be a while until... medical can fully clear me. Standing's a bit tricky, so I hope you don't mind if... wherever we go to work, I take a seat?" it sounded like such a silly thing to worry about. Though, 'protocol' was the one word that could best summarize her people.

"Yes Commander" Kevin replied "I've treated the injured up here as best I can and they're comfortable. If the CO doesn't mind, I'd like to keep them in the Ready Room till the Medical team arrive."

He looked round at Valaria and said "I'm more than happy to work wherever is most suitable for you Lieutenant, and I was going to suggest you remianed seated anyway" he smiled.

Bertrand pressed the Com, "Mr Wade. Are you receiving?"

"Yeah, we're hear..." said Jack a bit groggily

"If 10 forward is still operational, anyone who reports needing a stiff drink today can put it on my tab. One only."

"Negative... 10 forward is gone... managed to get everyone out, but everything is just gone. Roger and I are pretty banged up as well, the ships sealing systems went nuts and where trapping crew inside burning rooms so Roger had to pry the doors open while I got them out. We'll be fine... but.... sorry... I got nothing left..."

"Acknowledged," Bertram responded. "Can you make it to a Rally point? Medical is being inundated, so any Triage you can do there will be helpful."

"Understood" Wade said over the com

Finally Bertram turned to the CO, "Sir, most of the command staff have been operating with limited sleep and under high pressure. I would recommend relieving them to get some kip while the Beta crew manage the clean up. That would include yourself."

"Understood." Elijah said to him. "I'll stay here and brief the Beta Shift, everyone else get some shut eye."

"With respect sir, I doubt I will be able to sleep for another three days after that skirmish," Bertrand said his eyes darker even than normal for one of his race. "I... would prefer to remain at my station."

"Very well." Elijah nodded.

"No!" Mickey got up and objected. "Captain, Sir. As i was away on mental leave i have the energy to take care of things on the bridge sir. We do not need our Chief of Security making a mistake as this was crazy enough but i think Commander Cuprum should rest sir. I could take it from here, sir." Mickey than spoke his objection to the Captain.

Elijah brushed it off, either he didn't hear or hears ignoring him. He was focused on the Shop and getting them back to fighting condition.

"Commander, Sir. I am fine now. You need sleep, and hitting the booze won't solve the problem. Please, i will take it from here, sir." Mickey looked at him calmly, this was the first time Mickey stood up for something though this was not was the best plan. But, mentality state someone needs to keep calm and somber tunes

"Hitting the booze!" Bertrand exploded. "Why you jumped up, little..."

Bertrand took a step towards Mickey the fire of his anger washing off of him. He was stopped when Aladdin, much more sensitive to the emotions, stepped in front of his master growling, hackles up. Bertrand took a step back. He glanced at Mickey and then the rest of the crew who were watching him carefully.

"Perhaps," he began carefully, "I should help with the rescue effort instead."

The Captain stood back and watched, he was amazed at how quickly his Crew gave into their emotions,

Kevin saw what the dog did, and regardless of the situation of Bertrand taking a step forward towards the Ops Officer, there was no excuse for it's reaction, a Junior Officer does not threaten a Senior Officer, those were the rules and anyone breaking those rules paid the price. Knowing he was well within his rights, and stepping forward himself to stand between Bertrand and Aladdin, Kevin said "Ensign Aladdin, in accordance with Starfleet regulations regarding threatening behavior towards a Senior Officer, you're hereby placed under arrest."

The Captain slammed his fist down hard onto the side of the Science Console. "Enough of this! This is a Starfleet Vessel not some Buccaneer Cruiser!" He barked loudly. "We are tired, we just got seven shades of shit kicked out of us and I am in no mood for squabbling on my Bridge."

His action startled several of the Crew as they turned to their Commanding Officer, a man who never blew his top like this before and it was startling to see him get angry.

He looked towards his Senior Staff. "Now, if you are all finished with this episode." He looked down to his hand, bruised from a rather violent slam into the console. "We have a Ship to repair and I need my Staff to be on the same side, no arguments, no insubordination and no bullshit." The Captain rubbed his eyes and sighed. "Anyone who doesn't want to be here or feels they cannot do this is relieved of duty and free to protest when we get back to Federation Space."

Bertrand straightened with a nod of acceptance at the reprimand. He moved to Valeria and lifter her eaisly. "Let's get you to MEdical as best we can.

The rabbitess was momentarily surprised by the literal lift, but gave Bertrand a soft smirk, "Pride demands I walk on my... own two feet. Common sense says that I can wait... until just outside of Medical before taking that step inside. Thank you for the assistance Commander." She then turned to meet the glance of Kevin, to just give him a slight nod. "I'll catch up with you once Medical clears me."

"Captain, Everyone on alpha team, i am sorry for this but you all go to bed, Bertrand, i will watch the night shift. I have been resting. Please, sir." Mickey said calmly as he called beta team to the bridge

"Good night, everyone. Get some sleep." Mickey saw the bridge staff leave as he took the night shift. Mickey sat down in the captains seat. Aladdin sat next to him

"Aladdin, i know you meant well. But, don't growl at Bertrand again. OK?" Mickey looked at his friend with a smile knowing he wouldn't harm a fly.

The U.S.S. Victory was returning back to Federation Space. The Ship was hurt and morale was damaged but maybe after time the ship can get back to normal. That only time would tell.