Let The Die be Cast! - Mission 1 - 11207.03

Summary:  The Claymore sits in orbit of Denely III for the past 24 hours.  The Claymore received mission orders from Deep Space 3 and an encrypted message from Captain T'Shara aboard the USS Fragarach.  Now Acting Captain Raeyld needs to make a decision that could cost the Claymore and her crew more than just their careers.

******************* Begin Mission *************************

CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::On the bridge, looking through the department heads incoming reports waiting to be sent out.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS PO2 Hope>::Strolls onto the bridge and relieves Kendal::
SO Lt Amethyst Yera says:
::Looking through a general scan of the region.::
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::In the CAG office, finishing his review of mission reports as well as personnel reviews by Warren.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Sitting in the Command seat, ostensibly reviewing reports as well, although her foot is fidgeting just a little more than usual for such things::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::In Main Engineering checking over the ship's repair status, and the reports from the crew onboard the Bli Tu, he nods to himself skimming over the reports::
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Enters the bridge, face a bit more haggard than usual, though that's not saying much, and takes over the primary tactical station::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Hits her commbadge:: *OPS*: Lieutenant, we're preparing to go to radio silence. Please transmit the message.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Glances over at the CMO as the last of the department head reports come through.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Nods and checks off informing the teams to return at the end of their shifts and starts for his quarters, then stops:: *aCO* As you wish ma'am.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Inhales deeply, then exhales, gripping the armrest of the CO's chair a long moment, before she stands from the bridge:: CSO: She's all yours, Commander.
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Turns and fiddles with the modified operations console now a permanent fixture in engineering he presses one button, sending a low priority message into the nearest subspace relay, with tags to forward it to the next relay and on to the next, it should delay the message's arrival at DS3 for several days.::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: Nods her head::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Pauses a moment, then nods in return, and heads to the turbolift::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Moves to take the command seat.::

ACTION:  The Claymore warps out of the Denely System at warp 7.  Her course takes her over the top of the Black Cluster.  The flying skills of the Claymore's Helmsmen keeps them at 250 meters from the Cluster at all times.

ACTION:  3.7 Days have passed and its midway through Alpha Shift as the Claymore drops from warp just outside the Thro Tal System.

ACTION:  Communications console on the bridge signals an incoming priority transmission from Deep Space 3.

****************** Resume Mission After 3.7 day time warp *********************

aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Sitting on the bridge, hands wringing ever-so-slightly, as she awaits their orbit of Lothia Prime::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::At science as they arrive at their destination.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> ::On the bridge at operations.:: aCO: Ma'am I have received a priority message from Deep Space Three. Per orders no acknowledgement sent.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Pauses in her fidgeting and, inhaling deeply once, nods::  aOPS: Thank you, Mr. Kendal.
OPS Lt Fong says:
::In the chief engineer's office, using a holographic emitter to display a schematic of a fairly complex construction involving a water tank and centrifuge, among other items::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::As all is normal, just a few transport ships that are part of the scheduled traffic, she turns to listen.::
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Stands at tactical, looking over scans and trying his best not to fidget at his thoughts::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
FCO: Time to orbit?

ACTION:  Communications console lights up again signaling another attempt by Deep Space 3.

ACTION:  Communications console lights up for an incoming transmission from Starfighter Command, Earth.

aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Watches the veritable fireworks upon the Operations console a distance away, and instead taps her commbadge:: *CAG*: Mr. Hawk, report to the bridge immediately.
Admiral Cosgrave says:
<FCO Lawrence>aCO:  Three Minutes Ma'am.  ::Fingers sliding over the controls moving the ship into the system at full impulse.::
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
*CO*  On my way
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Lifts a brow but just watches.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
aOPS: Once we've entered orbit, send a signal to Lothian Prime, informing Prime Minister Welland of our arrival.
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Leaves his office and heads for the bridge::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> aCO: Ma'am Second attempt from Deep Space Three, and message from Earth Starfighter Command.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Nods...:: aOPS: Understood. No acknowledgement at this time.
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Exits the turbolift and enters the bridge::  aCO:  Reporting as ordered, ma'am.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Writes a quick note and forwards it to Raeyld.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Nods, pressing her lips together for a moment, shooting him a single, apologetic glance::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> aCO: Understood.  ::Maintains the communications blackout::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Glances at a messages that appears on her screen, but instead looks up::  aOPS: Open a ship-wide comm, Lieutenant.
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> aCO: Aye. ::Presses the button for the shipwide announcement::
Admiral Cosgrave says:
<FCO Lawrence> ::Moves the Claymore closer to Lothian Primes Orbital entrance and reduces velocity to 1/3 impulse.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: Attention all hands, this is your Captain speaking.
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal>::Sends a signal to Prime Minister Welland's office on Lothian Prime announcing their arrival::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: Five days ago we were contacted by Captain T'Shara. She implored our assistance with her mission in the Barque system within Breen space. As acting Captain of this vessel, I have made the decision to supply the help she's requested: our arrival in the Thro Tal system is but the first step on this journey.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: However, this decision runs counter to direct orders from Admiral Cosgrave. As acting Captain, I take this responsibility fully upon myself. But I cannot do this alone.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Like the rest of the bridge crew, she sits quietly watching and listening.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Looks up from his work to listen then folds his arms and looks around::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: No officer has been held to account for following the orders of his commanding officer. I need you. Captain T'Shara needs you.
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Moves his hands to clutch at the console so they don't start tapping in consternation, or worse, shaking, glad all over again that the news wasn't sprung on him blind since he's having enough trouble keeping his composure even with advance warning::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: However, if you find joining us on this mission unconscionable, this is your opportunity: You have 10 minutes to gather whatever belongings you desire and report to the nearest Transporter Room, where you will be beamed to Lothian Prime, guests of the local government for extended shore leave.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: Starfleet will be notified of your location, and someone will be along to retrieve you.
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Raises his eyebrows...  really?::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
*Ship-Wide*: You have ten minutes.  Captain Raeyld, out.    ::Nods to Kendal::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal>::Cuts the comm::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Lowers herself once more into her seat, glancing toward Hawk::
Admiral Cosgrave says:
<FCO Lawrence> aCO:  Orbit established around Lothian Prime.
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Gives the aCO a wry grin, the drawls::  aCO:  Well, ma'am....  it's a nice touch, but I kinda suspect you're stuck with us.  But hell of a speech!
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Hazards a smile, before looking back to the front:: aOPS: Anything from Lothia?
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> aCO: Incoming hail from Prime Minister Welland Ma'am.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
aOPS: On screen.
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Focuses keeping his composure from getting any more worn, wishing they were already underway so he would no longer have the option to back out::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal>::Puts the message on screen::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Stands::  aCO:  Commander, if you will excuse me, I need to get my daughter ready to visit Marcus.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Glances over to Senn, blinking a moment, then nods in understanding:: CSO: Of course, Commander.
PM Welland says:
@::Sitting behind a rather utilitarian desk in his private office, looking noncommittally into his computer terminal::  COM: Claymore: Captain Raeyld.  ::Nods once::  Have you got any takers?
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::In arrangement with Marcus, one of the few other people she would leave her daughter with, she heads for the lift to take her to her quarters.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Smiles weakly, but determinedly:: COM: Lothia: PM: Presumably, Prime Minister, but I can't bring myself to check the count until after we've left the system. At minimum, Gladwyn is on her way.  ::Smiles a bit more at that::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::It had not been an easy decision.  Lately it seemed her daughter was spending more time off the ship then on it with her.  But there were so many uncertainties and with a friend willing to play uncle for as long as she needed him, she decided to take advantage of Marcus with his blessings.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Enters a turbolift, and rides it to transporter room one, a PADD in his hand.::
PM Welland says:
@COM: Claymore:  I see.  ::Taps a few times at his console::  I'm sending beamdown coordinates to operations.  ::Looks up::  Is there anything else I can do for you?
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::As the lift stops, she steps off and makes her way to her quarters to find her daughter waiting a bit mutedly.  Eris simply smiled and went to her knees::  Gladwyn:  Come on, baby.  You will enjoy your time with Marcus... remember?  Before he left?
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Moves over to a corner and taps his commbadge.  Speaking so he won't be overheard::  *Warren*  Hawk to Warren...  you see any pilots heading for a transporter room?
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
<Warren> *CAG*  Doesn't seem to be.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Shakes her head, standing from her chair::  COM: Lothian Prime: Welland: Prime Minister… M.D. …Thank you.  ::Reaches out toward the viewscreen, palm open in a farewell gesture::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Knowing they do not have much time, she sweeps her daughter into her arms as she stands and then reaches for the bag with what her daughter needs.::  Gladwyn:  He has been looking forward to spending time with you... after all, he has not seen you in a long time.   ::Talks as she quickly makes her way to the transporter room.::
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
*Warren*:  You make damn sure there aren't, Gillian.  Hawk out.
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS PO3 Bell>::Arrives at Transporter Room One, a small duffle over his shoulder. He looks at Fong then looks down, walking into the room::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: Keeping up a constant stream of talk, very unusual for her which is doing the job of keeping Gladwyn unable to try and talk her out of their plans, she enters the transporter room and quickly moves toward the transporter padd were at least one other crewmember now awaited to beam down.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS PO3 Bell> ::The big Catian kneels slightly next to Senn's daughter.:: CSO: I'll keep an eye on her ma'am, too as often as possible.
PM Welland says:
@::Smiles a bit, despite himself, then sighs::  COM: Claymore:  Please.  You're getting off easy.  I'm the one who's going to have to hear all about it and then some from Cosgrave the next time I speak to him.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Gives her daughter a big hug and kiss::  Gladwyn:  Give Uncle Marcus a hug and a kiss from me.  And be your normal good self.  You should have a good time.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Looking at the Catian, Eris smiled::  OPS PO3 Bell:  Thank you... she will be staying with the Prime Minister who will be expecting her.  It would be nice to know someone else has an eye on her.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Tilts her head slightly, at Welland's phrasing...wondering if he's already devised what she has in mind. But she can't risk asking, not here...and wouldn't want to risk his response if she were wrong::
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Mutters to himself::  Oh Cosgrave is a real understanding kind of guy
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: Deliberately puts her daughter's tiny hand into the caitian's before stepping back off the padd.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Checks the Timer on his PADD and nods, then steps into the transporter room. He glances left and right focusing on Bell:: Aloud: This is your last chance to change your mind. ::Moves to the transporter controls taking over from Felgar.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Glances at Kendal:: PM: Looks like we're ready.    ::Bows deeply to the viewscreen:: ...Until next time, Prime Minister.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Moves to stand beside Fong, an easy smile on her face for those who have chosen to leave.  She totally understood.  If anything, she was surprised more did not.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS PO3 Bell>::grips Gladwin's hand lightly, and smiles at her, not able to look at the two officers::
OPS Lt Fong says:
*aCO* Ready for single beam down cycle.
PM Welland says:
@COM: Claymore:  Until next time.  ::Nods low from his seated position, and closes the channel::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Straightens:: *OPS*: Do it.   ::The phraseology registers in her head after her order, and she lowers herself into the chair::
CSO LtCmd Senn says:
<Gladwyn>::Looks curiously at the furry hand that has her then looks at her mother.  With a sigh of understanding, this was nothing really new, she returned her mother’s smile and then looked up at the big cat with a smile.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Nods to the crewmembers that are leaving:: Aloud: Energizing. ::begins the transport cycle.::

ACTION: The transporter hums and the 6 persons standing on the pads dematerialize.  Moments later they appear on the planet within the Great Halls Operations center.  Prime Minister Welland is there to greet them.

CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: For a minute, she just stares at the empty transporter padd.::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Verifies the successful beamout:: *Bridge* Beamdown successful.
CSO LtCmd Senn says:
@<Gladwyn>::With a big smile, runs toward Uncle Marcus.::

ACTION: Communications panel lights again signaling an incoming message from Deep Space 3.

OPS Lt Fong says:
@<OPS PO3 Bell> ::Sighs, hitches his bag on his shoulder and smiles thinly at the Prime Minister.::
PM Welland says:
@::Kneels to embrace Gladwyn::  Gladwyn:  Ah, I missed you.
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal>aCO: Deep Space Three is hailing again ma'am.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
@<Gladwyn> Welland:  Uncle!  Mamma say 'ive hug and 'iss.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
aOPS: Understood.  ::Rests her PADD upon the chair arm, and activates a transmission of information from the encrypted data there, to the conn:: FCO: Our flight path has been transmitted. Set course and prepare to engage, Warp 7.
Admiral Cosgrave says:
<FCO Lawrence> ::Taps the controls.::  aCO:  Course laid in Commander.
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Exhales quietly but as if the air's completely going out of him, but maintains his grip on the tactical console, now wondering if being underway will really help::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::On one hand she could count the number of people she would leave her daughter with.  One might say she copped out here, but in her mind, she figured she was lucky Marcus was here.  With a sigh, she turned away and walked out, heading for the bridge.::
PM Welland says:
@Gladwyn:  Can't disappoint mamma.  ::Sticks his cheek out::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Nods to the scientist:: CSO: Commander...
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Glances once around the bridge, letting it sink in that all these people remained, staying for the dangerous and uncertain mission ahead of them:: FCO: Engage.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
@<Gladwyn> :: Carefully lays her beak against his soft check and gives him a peck::
OPS Lt Fong says:
::Watches her walk away and nods, then nods to Felgar and heads towards engineering himself::
Admiral Cosgrave says:
<FCO Lawrence> ::Runs he hands over the helm.::  aCO:  Aye ma'am.
CAG Cdt Hawk says:
::Notes the unusually tense TO and slowly moves beside him, appearing to study the tactical panel.  Quietly::  TO:  Relax, my friend.  What are they gonna do, take away our birthdays?

ACTION:  The Claymore slips from orbit then moves away from Lothian Prime before jumping to warp.  With a flash the Claymore increases velocity to warp 7.

CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: As she steps onto the lift, she orders it to the bridge.  One concern put aside, she concentrates on the next.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Sinks into the chair...may as well enjoy it for the very brief time she'll be here::
PM Welland says:
@Gladwyn:  There we go.  Mission complete.  ::Smiles broadly and stands, taking hold of Gladwyn's hand, then looks up to regard the Starfleet officers::  Crew:  Welcome to Lothian Prime.
TO Ens Kytides says:
::Gives Hawk an unusually, for him, flat stare, but definitely doesn't correct the misinterpretation of the reason, nodding just to avoid responding::
PM Welland says:
@Bell:  Mister Bell, good to see you again.  ::Doesn't recognize any of the others, offhand::

ACTION: The Claymore travels to the Bargue system without incident.  They follow Captain T'Shara's route and notes to the letter and arrive 15.5 days after their stop at Lothian Prime.

ACTION: The ship slows to a stop at the designated coordinates.

CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
aCO:  I am picking up a Romulan patrol in the system.  No starfleet vessels.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Looks up from the seat in which she's been generally planted during Alpha shifts, not once stepping into the Ready Room since their departure from the Thro Tal system:: CSO: Understood. Analyze the system, passive sensors only, and transmit recommendations for best place to remain undiscovered by the Romulans while we're here.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
aOPS: Maintain radio silence.
OPS Lt Fong says:
::In the darkened engineering with half an eye on power usage. Sure the lights don't take that much power, but running them at 75% reminded the crew that they were limiting energy usage::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
@::Taps a command.::  aCO: I am picking up twenty fighters in two crafts grouped throughout the system. One valdor class at all stop near the third planet from the star.
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
TO: Keep an eye out for any sign we've been detected.
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
aCO:  Looks like two of the vessels are trying to remain cloacked but the debris in this system is causing problems for the moment.  They are D'Deridx class.
TO Ens Kytides says:
aCO:  Aye, Captain.  ::Keeps his eyes glued to the console, glad to have a worry not directly related to Breen::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::Sends the coordinates over to tactical.::
aCO Cmdr Raeyld says:
::Quietly:: Bridge:: And now.......we wait.
OPS Lt Fong says:
<OPS LtJg Kendal> ::nods from the operations station, he hadn't been planning on calling anyone.  The communications array was also in low power mode, meaning that if anyone wanted to call out it would take a few seconds for it to power up, and hopefully he would spot it by then.::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
::The immediate dealt with, she pulls up a map of the system.::
CSO LtCmdr Senn says:
:: After a few moments she lifts a brow and answers wryly::  aCO: The best place is right where we are.  We are just within a high concentration of metallic dust.  Not far off are two large asteroids.  By the way, it is the metal dust giving the Romulan ships fits at the moment.

************************ Pause Mission ***************************

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