Brett:
 Summary: The USS Delphyne has been named flagship of a small survey fource of four vessels which have been tasked with mapping the Amenti border for Federation starcharts.  The four ships are spread out about 1/4 LY apart along the line of coordinates the Amenti have sent as their border limits.  <c>

Brett:
 Summary: Aboard the Delphyne, embedded SFN reporter Kylie faint and her camera crew have been seen about the vessel taking establishing shots of the interior and interviewing crewmen about their feelings on the signing.

Brett:
 <<<<Resume Mission "Sanctum - Line of Control Part 2">>>>

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::at Science I on the bridge, monitoring sensors and working on the survey data::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::At his place on the bridge::

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::in the turbo lift and his way to the bridge::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::At his station on the Bridge reviewing the sensor telemetry from the last few hours.::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Researching the Synod and Amenti species::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::at her helm position watching the  flight path::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Leaves Security, heads for bridge::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Exits his Ready Room. ::

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::enters the bridge and goes to engineering station::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Reads a PADD in the TL, looks up as the 'lift stops, exits onto the bridge, heads to her station::

Brett:
 INFO: The line of vessels, headed by the Sabre class USS Sherman, travel slowly along the Amenti border.  Staggered in "height" as well as distance to cover the most area of space and minimize sensor overlap, the Delphyne and her two Science oriented charges collect huge amounts of data for processing.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::walks down the corridor from sickbay and presses the call for the Turbolift... no time like the present to report in, after all... ::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Makes certain that all the sensor pallets are operating at peak efficiency.::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: So, we are to be the command ship for this star charting project?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::raises her head to look at the XO as he speaks::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Checks the readout on the board::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: That's correct, we're coordinating with the other vessels to maximize our scans.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::steps into the turbolift and commands it to the bridge, then stands squarely in the middle, hands loosely clasped behind her back::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: I've been in contact with the other captains, everything is going smoothly thus far.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Sit in the Big Chair and watches the Main Viewscreen. ::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::looks up and sees the CO:: CO: Sir.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::is calmly interested in processing the data and viewing it more critically in astrometrics::

Brett:
 Action: The lift doors open and Kylie faint and her camera man Bruce arrive on the bridge.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: What are you orders for our people?

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::quick glance to the board:: CO: All ships running straight and true, sir.

Brett:
 <Faint> Bruce: Get some shots of the crew along the back here, doing their thing.  I'll see about an interview with the Captain.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Keeps an eye on the readings on his console to make certain that the sensors can handle working at full power for this long.::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Stay the course, Mr. Bauer.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Sees Ms Faint and Bruce entering the Bridge, pastes a smile on his face. ::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Sounds like a plan ::Smiles::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::completely ignores the news team and the people and concentrates on her work::

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::Checks the readings on the sensors making sure they are working at peak efficiency::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::sees the reporter and crew arrive, turns her face back to work::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 SELF: Oh, the press have arrived.

Brett:
 <Bruce> ::Moves along the rim of the bridge, ending up zooming in on OPS, standing over the LCDR's shoulder::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::feels the lift slow, and takes a deep breath with closed eyes before she steps out onto the bridge::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 Faint:  Welcome to the Bridge, Ms Faint. Bruce. ::stands::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Looks over to see the FNS crew come onto the bridge::

Brett:
 <Faint> CO: Captain.  ::Smiles::  When can I get a sit down with you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this treaty?

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Looks up at the new commotion on the Bridge.  This was definitely a different atmosphere than he was used to since the Vestes.::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::raises an eyebrow slightly as she spots Faint and her sidekick, but pays them little mind as she walks down toward the command chairs, but remains off to the side for now...::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 Faint: I'm sure we can set aside some time soon, Ms. Faint.  Say, 1900 tonight?

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::adjusts the heading by 3 degrees to port::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Incoming transmission..... from the Sherman

Brett:
 <Bruce> ::Moves down the line and then leans his camera over the CSO's shoulder to see her readings::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Captain Varndt, sir

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::crosses arms as the CO's attentions are obviously diverted places more important::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Priority?

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Looks over to the person at the helm and offers them a smile and then shrugs and returns his attention to what's on his console.::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: No, sir

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::focused on her work, inwardly excited about the astronomical data, pays little heed to the camera man::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::senses the OPS::  OPS: I would have returned the smile but at that moment I was correcting a small misalignment of our course.  How are you today?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: On screen. :: Suspecting Ms. Faint would just follow him to his Ready Room if he took it there. ::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Touches her board::  CO: On screen, aye.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 AFCO:  Still adjusting to life on a bigger starship.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::looks around the bridge and observes the bridge crew in their work, then moves eyes to the screen::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Watches the crew and the effect the media crew has on them::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 OPS: This is small compared to what I have flown in the past.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Nods and presses a few commands into his panel.::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::looks up at the various readings on various windows on her consoles, inwardly excited and interested in every little bit of data... flags key bits of information for priority analysis later::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Notices how unusually quiet the bridge crew has become and smiles::

Brett:
 <CO_Varndt>COM:DEL: CO: Captain.  ::Smiles::  We've almost finished this section.  I recommend we regroup at the section intersection ahead and best plan our next step.  The Mainyu's science officer has an idea to increase sensor efficiency.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::looks up at the screen and raises an eyebrow at the words increase sensor efficiency::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 COM:Sherman:CO_Varndt: Agreed. Our FCO will set coordinates for the rendezvous and we'll put our heads together before the next sweep. ::Smiling::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::hears the CO and waits for the coordinates::

Brett:
 <Varndt> COM: DEL:CO: Agreed..

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Enters a few commands to see if he can raise efficiency in some areas.::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I have a sudden energy reading in front of the ship... perpendicular to the Sherman and three million kilometers to their left... in a small gaseous cloud.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 COM: Sherman: CO_Varndt: Very well, we'll..  ::stops when he hears the CSO's input.::  Did you hear that?

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Reading his console learning the Synod are actually made up of three species types:: SELF: Weird, they have feathers.

Brett:
 @<Varndt> ::Suddenly turns as someone on his bridge speaks to him::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::hears the XO's muttering and looks over at him oddly...then looks back to the screen, arms crossed::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Glances down as her board chimes::  CO: Sir  I'm picking up a warp signature

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Turning to course 270 mark 320. Sir?

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Wonders if they are going to find anything unusual while mapping out the Amenti region.::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: About 3 million KM away from the Sherman,

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Can you identify what ship it is?

Brett:
 @<Varndt> COM: Del: CO: We've got incoming warp signatures...

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::almost smirks...great...since when is a simple charting mission ever really that simple...::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: Change heading, wait to intercept.

Brett:
 Action: On the CTO's board, the warp signature suddenly begins splitting...now two, now 10, now 40, now 60.  All small signatures, but all moving at warp 9.8.  headed for the Sherman

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Not yet, sir.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CTO: Perhaps we should check that signature to the signatures we read from the mysterious ships at the signing

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 Outloud: Damn ::softly::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Understood sir.  ::Changes heading to interception range and then slows to a complete stop.::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Sighs softly as he sees the new signatures appear on the scanners on his console.  So much for leaving the danger on the Pharaoh.::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I am reading more ships... larger ones from the cloud... emerging now.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Sir, we've got trouble.  Signature splitting.  So far, I count 60.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Hail the oncoming ships.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: 60?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Shields up.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 Self: Here we go.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 CO:  Opening hailing frequencies.  ::Activates the comm channel and attempts to hail the incoming ships.::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::sees the CTO is busy and does a quick comparison of the warp signatures detected previously to the ones detected now::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Small, ::pauses to look down, then back up at the CO::  CO: 60.  Small and moving fast.  Warp 9.8

Brett:
 @<Varndt> ::Issues orders to raise shields then turns back to the viewer::  CO: Captain, I read incoming drones of some sort...High yield explosive warheads...Not as powerful as a photon, but...::Doesn't have to mention the quantity::

Brett:
 Action: The comm board comes alive with requests for instructions from the other three vessels.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Checks the board again:: CO: All heading for the Sherman

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::Checks the power to the shields::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 COM: Sherman: CO: Take evasive action. Go to Red Alert.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Putting in flight computer evasives and course to put us between the Sherman and the incoming what ever they are sir.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: We need to know who they are.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 CO:  Captain, the other Starfleet Ships are requesting instructions.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Raises sheilds:: Outloud: Shields up, aye

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS Red alert, evasive action, all ships.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::rolls the D in a tight 180 on her z axis and heads for the Sherman::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::curses under her breath, seeing the CO is busy and walks to the TL...if they really want to know that she's here, they obviously saw her....but just in case.: XO: CMO, Ensign Lincaad, I was here, and now I'm leaving for sickbay.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Runs a scan on the incoming, trying to lock onto one::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Activates the Red Alert Status and begins computing evasive maneuvers with the helmswoman.::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::stands in front of the TL, waiting for it to return::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Is it possible to detonate a photon torpedo a safe distance from the Sherman that will affect the drones?

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CMO: Ensign?

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::now drops the D 12 degrees to port and swings the back end of the D around to give the CTO a good shot::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CMO: Can I help you?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I just did an analysis of the warp signatures. Some of them match the ships we saw at the signing. This would suggest that these are Synod ships.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::turns around and raises an eyebrow at the XO:: XO: I was to report in, however that opportunity passed. I am now retiring to my post.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Makes certain that there is enough power going around to power the sensors and the tactical systems.::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CMO: Well, welcome aboard, Doctor.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: The readings indicate smaller ones are indeed missiles and the larger ones are still an unknown

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: Of the five ships, two are small and only 70 meters long... and the other three are about the same size as the Delphyne.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::gives a slightly sarcastic smile to the XO, then steps into the turbolift and turns around to face back out so suddenly her labcoat whips around as the doors close::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::now turns the D around 180 degrees starboard and up 15 degrees to afford the CTO a better angle for the shot::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Unknown if the torpedo would affect them, sir

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::instructs the turbolift to sickbay::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: We could try, though

Brett:
 Action: Ahead, the drones suddenly alter course as the Sherman powers its weapons, and they streak toward the USS Mainyu.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 cTO: You got a perfect shot now if you want to get most of them

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Repeats the hails for the invading ships.::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Plot the intercept and fire.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Watches new CMO go:: SELF: Nice, lady.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Aye, Sir ::taps a command and a torpedo streaks away::  Outloud: Torpedo away

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Sir, looks like they are heading towards the Mainyu.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 Self: Woah  ::brings the D around 145 degrees and barrel roll and brings the D in between the Mainyu::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Change to intercept.

Brett:
 INFO: The Delphyne races up the line of ships.  Ahead, the larger alien vessels streak forward, their own weapons powering up.  The drone swarm approaches the Mainyu...

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Aye

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Make sure the Mainyu gets out of the way!

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::taps in a command to intercept the drones::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::brings the D around for the CTO and affords his perfect shot by diving 15 degrees to port and rolling for the perfect shot::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS In fact, have the other ships retreat to a safer distance.

Brett:
 Action: The two Starfleet science vessels turn, and begin attempting to avoid the coming storm.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: Keep us between the drones and the other Federation ships, lieutenant.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 COM: Mainyu:  USS Mainyu, you are instructed to retreat to a safe distance immediately.  ::Transfers similar messages to the other two Starfleet Ships.::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Doing so now sir.

Brett:
 Action: Two Alien ships swerve and intercept the Sherman, forcing her to break away and evade a hail of disrupter fire.

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::walks toward sickbay and is pleased to see the staff preparing for any possible casualties per red alert protocol::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Sir if I may make a suggestion?

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyne's torpedo slams into its target, destroying 6 drones in the fireball.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: What is it?

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: We got 6 drones, sir

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::brings the D around 145 degrees on her z axis and gives the CTO another perfect shot for the other drones::

Brett:
 Action: The Mainyu powers up its warp drive...but it is too late.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Keep at it.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO; There is a way to confuse the sensors of the drones.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 AFCO: You mean a way to take them out all at once?

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Taps the 'fire' command::  Torpedo away, sir ::nods towards the FCO::  FCO: Good work

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Feeds more power to the Delphyne's weapon systems.::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 Self: Damn it.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: If you can confuse them, do it.

Brett:
 Action: The Nova is hammered by drone after drone, it's shields glowing blue, then blue-white as they struggle to contest the power of the warheads.  Finally, they collapse and 32 drones pound into her hull unimpeded.  The USS Mainyu ceases to exist in a ball of incandescent fire.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Are these the exact same ships we saw earlier?

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: It will confuse all of them if we use the deflector dish and a thalium burst.  It disrupts all Federation sensors and it will confuse the drones long enough for us to destroy them.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 Self: ::softly:: Blast it.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::slams fist in to her console::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Looks at the screen at the flash, hits the corner of her console with her fist::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: No... not all of them... but two of the ships match the signatures of ships we saw earlier. I would hazard a guess that these may be Synod ships.

Brett:
 Action: Suddenly, the larger alien ships begin to disgorge tiny vessels.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Stares at the viewscreen as the Mainyu is no more.  He can't really believe his eyes.::  Self:  And I thought I was going somewhere safe.  COM: Sherman, Beckman:  Retreat to a safe location now!

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::closes her eyes as she senses a strange and unsettling reaction from the bridge crew....walks to her office to see if she can find anything out from the bridge sensors::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::hands fly across the boards:: *CEO*: Sir can you rig a thalium burst from the deflector dish?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Now's you're chance to learn more about the Synod. Try to ascertain what they're up to and get any data you can.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CSO: So, they weren't there just to watch the festivities. So much for them being the religious types.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Works on targeting the other drones, a *beep* catches her attention:: CO: Sir, The larger ships are launching... what appears to be more drones.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: I suggest we contact our new Allies and find out if there's anything they want to tell us about the Synod?

Brett:
 INFO: The battle is joined: The USS Sherman jousts with two cruiser sized ships, both twice her size but seemingly just as maneuverable.  Two more enter the Delphyne's sphere of engagement...the third overtakes the lumbering USS Beckman and begin lashing her with disrupter fire.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: We need to take out the larger ships.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::nods:: CO: Aye sir. ::doesn’t have time to try to make sense of what the XO just said and goes right to work::

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 FCO:   I believe so ::begins adjusting the deflector shields::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 XO: Aye.  ::targets them:: FCO: Can you get closer?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: Don't use the deflector just yet.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::tries to train the sensors onto the alien ships to see what information they can get and analyze later::

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyne is rocked by disrupter fire from the two alien cruisers as they flash past and turn to pursue.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Watches as the other ships are engaged in the battle.  He holds onto his console as they are fired upon.::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::continues to roll and give the CTO all the best firing shots she can get him::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Looks at her board:: CO: Sir, the new ships aren't drones.  They're fighters

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::grabs onto her desk and stands to walk back into main sickbay. No injuries yet...but she surmises they may arrive soon::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: We've got to stop the larger ship from launching drones.

Brett:
 Action: The USS Beckman reports heavy damage, their warp drive is out and they are venting plasma.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Deflector dish is ready sir.  ::rolls the D again 360 degrees and dives 20 degrees down and 40 degrees to port again::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Fires torpedos off as she gets them targeted::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: See if you can find out how the drones are communicating and then jam their frequencies.. or whatever the analogy is?

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: We may need to consider leaving the area.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Nods and attempts to isolate the communication frequencies that the fighters are using in the attack.::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Permission to fire phasers at the fighters ::fingers on her right hand hover just above the 'fire' button::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Do it.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::listens for the CO's permission and has her hands poised for the rolls necessary::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Aye ::fires phasers::

Brett:
 Action: The Sherman, though 1/2 the size of her enemy, seizes upon its stern and batters the alien's shields down in a few shots.  Her own shields withstand the pounding from the other alien craft, and the Sabre's phasers cut the Cruiser in half.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CTO: Hang on to your console.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 OPS: Can you make contact with Starfleet command? Request backup?

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyen again lurches at the two cruisers on her tail pound away.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 FCO: Just get me in

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::puts the D into a negative 50 degree turn coming around for a straight bow shot::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 XO:  I'll attempt to contact them.  ::Attempts to make contact with Starfleet.::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO: Captain, our aft shields are down to 70%

Brett:
 Action: The Excelsior's phasers wipe three small fighters from space with little effort.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::hangs on to her console::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Fires pahsers at the fighters and torpedoes at the drones and the larger ships::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CTO: OK in that case I will have to keep her dorsal side towards the enemy.

Brett:
 Action: The Beckman sends a distress call and launches life pods...they are abandoning ship.

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::finishes the adjustments to the deflector::  FCO:  The deflector should be ready when needed.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::brings the D around and flips the dorsal side up and lets the CTO have a field day.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO/CTO: Don't give them a target to fire at...  and see if we can get those shields back up.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 CO:  I'm picking up a distress call from the Beckman.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::is alarmed to hear the Beckman::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: On it sir.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: On screen.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO/XO: Drones are taken care of.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::her hands fly across the boards making the ship dive and buck like a drunken sailor giving the CTO every opportunity to shoot::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: What about the ships they came from?

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::moves around with her staff in sickbay to treat the wounded, too focused on treating patients to pay attention to anything else::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 XO: Sir.  ::fires phasers again and targets more larger ships::

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::keeping one eye on the condition of the shields as well::

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyne's phasers continue to swat at the fighters, destroying another 5 before the bulk of them move away.  Her aft torpedoes, five in number,  impact the pursuing cruiser and demolish her forward shields,

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CTO: Way to go.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: Good work, Lieutenant.

CEO_LtJG_Heller:
 ::begins rerouting power to shields trying to get them back up to 100%::

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 CO:  It's a general distress call.  They are jettisoning the escape pods and abandoning ship.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Target those escape pods and make sure they're all accounted for.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::brings the D around for retrieval of escape pods::

Brett:
 Action: The two pursuing vessels again fire, and the Delphyne's aft shields drop only another 5%.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: We should pick up the survivors in the escape pods, some I'm sure need medical attention.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::wonders what this enemy will do with the life pods, then hears the CO:: CO: Aye sir.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO/XO: Shields down another 5%

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Agreed but we have some unfinished business first...

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::scans the pods and gets a number including life readings::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Fires at teh fighters to keep them away from the lifepods, just in case::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: How much longer before we can take out those pursuing ships?

Brett:
 Action: As the Delphyne turns toward the floating pods, they see where the fighter swarm had gone.  Systematically, the small fighters are destroying the helpless pods.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::targets the fighters, firing at will::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 Self:  ::breathlessly:: No...

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::watches helplessly:: Self: No...::for once the overwhelming emotion textures her whisper::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Well, we've had better days.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Shakes his head in disbelief at what is happening.::

CMO_Ens_Lincaad:
 ::in sickbay, oblivious to anything but her patients::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Not good, especially in front of the press.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO/XO: sirs, did you notice that their shielding wasn't really all that good?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Put a report for Starfleet together. Get any pertinent data and attach. Send it top priority and also a copy to any nearby vessels. Include the footage of the pods being destroyed.

Brett:
 Action: The Sherman's CO appears on the screen, his bridge is smoky and lit by red alert lamps.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 CO/XO: I mean, once we targeted them, they didn't seem to really be able to take much fire

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Aye, Sir.

Brett:
 @<Varndt> COM: CO: Del: Damn them!  Those pods are helpless!  Who are these people?

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::fires at a few more fighters::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 COM: Sherman: CO: I don't know. But I intend to find out.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: Like they were on a suicide mission.

Brett:
 Action: Despite the Delphyne moving though the debris field, swatting fighters from the sky like mosquitoes, they cannot save the pods.  Even those captured in tractor beams are destroyed, almost spitefully.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 XO: I'll try to just disarm one, maybe we can tractor one then

Brett:
 Action: Suddenly, there is a yell from the Com screen.  Varndt shields his eyes and then a blinding flash.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Well, we know one thing now. The Synod really have some strong feeling about the Federation and the Amenti treaty.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: Good plan.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::antennae lay flat as she closes her eyes at the flash::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 FCO: Get me closer to one of those fighters.  ::getting mad:: I want one

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Hail the Sherman.

OPS_LtCmdr_Sanford:
 ::Attempts to hail the Sherman.::

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Aims phaser at one fighter, firing to disable only::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: That's putting it mildly.

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CTO: Hold on I get you the shot.  ::rolls the ship and comes up and lets the broadside to the enemy ship:: There you go.

Brett:
 Action: The continues exchange of fire with the pursuing cruisers leaves one alien vessel dead in space in the Delphyne's wake, the other also damaged but, despite no forward shields, continuing the pursuit.  The Excelsior's beleaguered aft shields are now down to 35%.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::is surprised, her voice sounds of it:: CO: Sir... the sensors show that a cruiser rammed the Sherman... on purpose... destroying both ships.... as someone suggested earlier... a suicide run.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Fires at the fighter::  FCO: Lets get him

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::continues the forward dive and keeps the ship dead to rights::

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyne's carefully aimed phaser splits the fighter in half.  It is shockingly fragile.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 *CEO*: Anything you could do to get more power to the shields would be very helpful, Mr. Heller.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CTO: Cripple the other....

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 CO: Sir if we don't get shielding aft we may be in for a surprise.

CTO_LtJG_Llynisika:
 ::Hits the console:: CO/XO: Damn, that shouldn't have.... Sirs, I wasn't even firing at full

AFCO_Lt_Ariel_Rochelle:
 ::rolls the ship 130 degrees to port and comes up just under the enemy ship:: CTO: Best shot of the day let her rip.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CTO: It's ok Lieutenant, Those ships were obviously made disposable.

Brett:
 <<<pause>>>>