Host SM_Selan says:
RECAP: The Quirinus and the Starfleet Intelligence task force have spent the last twenty hours travelling in a unique pattern to intercept and assault the Storm [AKA "New Federation"] home base - Eden. They have been very careful to go undetected. Fear and anticipation fill all the crew as they prepare for the fight to come ...
 
Host SM_Selan says:
U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10306.09 "Escalation" Episode Three

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Resume Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::On bridge:: Phaser: report

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: at Science One, completing a transmission to the fleet ::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::on the bridge at the operations console::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks at the tactical readouts:: CO: One moment Captain.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::In Sickbay, working with the CEO on their personal investigation::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::On the bridge:: Sulek: This should be fun ::sarcastic::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
::waiting in SB with Mathar making calculations::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is sitting rather tensely at the helm::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Leans back and rubs his eyes:: CEO: So your best theory is mass subspace folding transport?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Once we are detected is there a way to create a massive amount of innocous particles in the area that would say allow us to detect any cloaked vessels. Something that sticks to shielding or the hull would be good.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, I have transmitted the internal sensor program, along with details on the dampening field, to the rest of the fleet. Should the entity make an appearance, we should at least be able to detect it.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO/XO:  The Bahrain reports we should prepare to drop from warp in five minutes.  ::sends the co-ordinates for the drop point to the FCO's console::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: That's all I can explain from the scans except I need to run one more scan, I need to see if subspace as been distorted from the folding of space

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Battle is seldom fun.  Kraight: Understood.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Possibly... let me check an idea I have...    : turns back to console ::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
::scans for mass subspace distortion::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Drop form warp at the coordinates given

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Prepare to drop out of warp.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Captain, the Bahrain and the task force are requesting that we drop out of warp in five minutes at the following coordinates and drop points. ::sends the data to the Captain's console::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CEO: Where are you scanning for it though?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::continues monitoring comm. traffic from the fleet::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Move us to red alert.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Aye sir. ::sounds the red alert klaxons::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::nods:: XO: Understood, Sir. Dropping warp in five.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: the planet because that's where they were transported from

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (RedAlert.wav)

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: if my theory is correct of course

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Scratches chin:: CEO: They scanned the orbit of Al-Jihj but found no subspace distortions. But with all the radioactive activity on the surface, no one bothered to check for distortions down there ...

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the stars stream by on the screen::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::taps her panel quickly::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: maybe we can equip a probe with enhanced radioactive shielding and send it to the surface that is after our conflict

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: turns back to Sulek ::    CO: Captain... some minor modifications to a standard photon torpedo would cause it to generate large quantities of anionic radiation on detonation. A pattern of thirty or so such torpedoes could flood a volume of space several AU in radius.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Interference patterns in the radiation field would betray the presence of cloaked vessels.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::brings the shields to full power and weapons online::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Once we are in range of the Storm base, I want all launch points targeted and shut down.  Let's try to keep as few ships as possible from leaving the base.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
XO: Dropping out of warp now, Sir.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CEO: There may have been extensive background recording of the surface conditions which no one bothered to check for subspace distortion. You can possibly look it up now.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Understood. I'll prepare for it

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: will do checking now ::starts scans::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Fleet drops out of warp. A developing system lies before them ... gas, and matter slowly spread out from a glowing center ... developing for countless centuries into worlds that may one day spring life. This day, however, this system may spring death.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TO: As soon as you can, target the launch facilities on the planet.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Almost immediately, the task force begins to split up into offensive positions.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Commander, setting targets and locking on to all launch points with torpedoes.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::watches the view screen::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: Quirinus, this is the Bahrain. We have them on sensors ahead. They haven't detected us. You should be able to cut through their cloak momentarily.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Weapons are at the ready Sir

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checks sensors ::   CO: Even better, Captain. Much of that gas is already highly charged. Cloaked vessels will have a hard time staying undetected for long in that soup.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: I think our theory is correct massive subspace distortions around the whole planet

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Understood.  Preparing to make move to shut off launch points.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Blinks:: CEO: Good god. Okay ... one question answered ... new one formed ... where the hell did they send them?

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: It almost looks like they folded the whole planet, but I'm not sure just a theory

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::inputs the maneuvers previously worked out::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Walks over to the CEO:: CEO: Not the world ... just it's people. But why? Why send them away? Why make it seem like they murdered a whole planet's populace?

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir... an asteroid matching Eden's specs has been detected at 174 mark 209, along with three modified runabouts nearby.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Sir, still can't lock on but continuing to track the most likely launch points.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::eyes narrow slightly as she listens::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Scan for launch points and bring quantum torpedoes on line.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: beats me maybe this assault into storm might reveal an answer, but the folding of space they could be anywhere within a 40,000 light year radius

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: Quirinus, this is Bahrain. Prepare for assault. You're leading Beta Wing [13 vessels].

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TO: Do the best you can. Look sharp

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: ahead sub light .5.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: we need to question a STORM operative

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Already scanning sir. :;turns and smiles at the Captain::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Making approach now.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Laughs:: CEO: Good idea. Any plans on how to acquire one?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep Beta wing apprised of our movement.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye Captain.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: Try to flank them. We're moving out in five ...

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: well we should capture one from this assault

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Ahead .5, Sir. ::straightens her spine imperceptibly and does as asked::.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::coordinates communication among Beta wing

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: All vessels in Alpha and Beta Wings begin to power up their weapons banks. Eden and their Runabouts make no moves that suggest they've detected the invaders. But they all know this could be a trap.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, Engineering reports four modified photon torpedoes are ready for launch.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: there is one thing we can determine from this there was a ship maybe cloaked that had to relay folding space transporter

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Nods:: CEO: Hopefully.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::is far to dense to consider that this might be a trap::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Bring us in on the far side of the Asteroid away from the modified shuttles.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CEO: That's several billion people that were "folded." It'd have to be a lot of vessels ...

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: scans gas clouds ahead for particle momentum signatures that would indicate a cloaked vessel passing through ::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Commander, Eden still has not activated her defense systems. Suggest caution sir.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Alpha Wing springs forward, launching several dozen torpedoes in an impressive barrage. There is no opening hail ... no warning ... this is pure vengeance at its best. Revenge for the dozens of SFI agents murdered. Revenge for the billions "lost" on Al-Jihj.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
ATO: Understood

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: not if you made the modifications they could have done several transports using the ship to relay the transporter and transport them not on the ship, but to a different location

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::modifies the flight path as ordered::.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: What do you think? They must have detected us by now

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Lock on to any openings on the asteroid and fire.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: we need more info to figure this one out we know how they did it, but the why and the where are still a mystery

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Almost immediately, Eden activates it's defenses ... coming out of it's small sensor cloaking which the Quirinus saw through. The three defensive Runabouts make evasive maneuvers.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you have an idea how we can detect the cloaked ships, now would be a good time to deploy it.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: As the Bahrain's alpha wing drives straight to the Eden ... the Quirinus and its beta wing try to flank them to cut off any escape.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir. Firing torpedoes...

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
::taps combadge:: *CO*: Do you need me in engineering?

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Aye sir, we have visual now. Eden has dropped her cloak.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::taps her panel and bites her lip::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kellen: Keep all systems up.  All nonessential systems shut down and run power to phaser and shields.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The three runabouts are made short work of by a few of the vessels. Eden is being slammed, but no damage is apparent.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Locking on to the launch points Commander, but Eden has several runabouts leaving the surface.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::leans over and whispers::  FCO:  This is too easy so far.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: turns to a side panel and quickly sets up a new scanning pattern, focused on Eden ::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
Mathar: sorry I'll will return to finish this, but the captain needs me in ME ::turns and runs out of SB::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::looks at cherry briefly and nods grimly:: OPS: Agreed.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Lock on with phaser and take them out.  Lock on to points where they are leaving.  As soon as they clear the surface, Eden must drop shields.  Fire photons at those locations, full spread.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir! Sensors detect nearly a hundred runabouts flanking both Alpha and Beta wings!

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
::enters TL:: Com: Main Engineering

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: They come from all sides ... whether or not they decloak is hard to tell as it happens so fast and so vicious ... dozens of Storm Runabouts start appearing and opening fire on all the vessels. Concussive bursts slam the shields. The Quirinus rocks hard as it's shields try to hold steady.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO/CO: Locking on targets! Firing all weapons! Photons full spread!

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Holds on as the ship rocks, mumbling in fear:: ... and so it begins ...

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
Self:  Ack!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Evasive maneuvers.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Evasive maneuvers, Sir!

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (Phsblst1.wav)

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Bahrain and it's Alpha Wing break off their major assault on the Eden to concentrate on the swarm around them.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
::enters ME and transfers all available power to phasers and torpedo launchers::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Have the Beta stay locked on to departure points.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::brings the ship around in a tight arc::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::communicates Sulek's orders to Beta Wing::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::grabs the side of her console but continues to fire all weapons::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Target shuttles around us and try to keep us clear.  We must be able to take out Eden's launch points and command centers.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Shields holding.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Targeting shuttles sir. ::locks on to the nearest shuttles to port and starboard and opens fire::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
*CO*: sir I transferred all available power to phaser and torpedo launchers and main power is holding

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: shakes head ::  CO: I'm having problems scanning Eden itself, sir. I'm trying to adjust sensors to compensate.

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (Phsblst1.wav)

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::continues to try to avoid getting them all killed::

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (All Weapons FIRE!.wav)

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus swerves past a few Runabouts ... a series of extreme concussive bursts tear off the sensor pod of a Nebula Class vessel in Beta Wing. It begins to slow.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Get us in as close as you can.  We'll fire at point blank if we have too.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::watches the action on the view screen::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: We just lost two vessels in Alpha Wing, Quirinus. What's your status?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep Beta group on target.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::wonders briefly why she hadn't taken that nice safe job as a garbage scow driver and does as asked:: CO: Aye, Sir. Bringing her in.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO: Trying Sir.  Captain Keener is requesting our status.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
*CEO*: Phaser here. I show a slight power loss in the torpedo launchers. Can you rereoute to keep them at 100%?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::repeats the CO's orders to Beta Wing::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: taps a command into his panel ::  CO: Launching a Class II probe toward Eden, sir... maximum acceleration, evasive maneuvers.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Beta group has one vessel crippled.  We are trying to get a direct assault on Eden and take out launch points and command communications, but we need time.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus rocks under a massive concussive burst. Port and starboard shields down to 50%.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::fires on the next wave of runabouts::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::mutters under her breath and attempts to compensate::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::her hands crash against the Operations console and the ship rocks::

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (All Weapons FIRE!.wav)

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
*ATO*: aye sir transferring back up power to launchers and torpedoes

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Three Runabouts coming at the Quirinus and the vessels guarding it are destroyed.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::sees that she broke a fingernail::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kellen*: Keep the shields up.  Transfer power from life support on crew quarter deck if necessary.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Any detection in Eden's shield drop points?

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::smiles as she sees the phasers and torpedoes hitting their targets::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The CSO's probe swerves and spins through the battle, desperately trying to get through to Eden which just looms there.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::chokes back a sob as she attempts to refocus on her job::

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
*CO*: transferring life support from unoccupied parts of the ship to shields 

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Negative on that sir.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Sits in Sickbay contemplating what to do next::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Use the probe to detect any shield harmonic variance.  That may be how the shuttles are launching.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: works his panel furiously, adjusting the probes trajectory in real time. Kraight is suddenly glad for all those games of Stratagem he played as a youth...  ::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::moves the tactical grid to the next sector and sets the target again::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'm ordering all nonessential personnel to the safest areas of the ship

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Checking, sir...

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Agreed.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::continues to coordinate the attack with Beta Wing::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: Quirinus ... it's obvious that Eden is the stronghold we need to take down for this to succeed. We're initiating a full out clean sweep maneuver to clear the field ... we've figured out some structural points to hit on those bastards' runabouts. Pull back and once the field is clean, drive in for the goal.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Send out a ship wide alert, all non essential personnel are to report to the areas surrounding sickbay, and other designated safety spots

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::fires the next volley at the passing runabouts::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::continues to fly in and out as smoothly as possible::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Two more Runabouts bite the dust at Phaser's volleys.

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (Phsblst1.wav)

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
XO:  Right away Sir!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Try varying photon speed to see if we can slip them through the shields.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus is rocked by a few lucky concussive bursts by a passing runabout ... port shields [which were increased] are down to 75%. They can't go any higher.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::broadcasts the XO's instructions to the entire ship::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Meanwhile, the probe is moving ... and then BOOM, it's clipped by a running runabout. Both explode.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Take us of at a right angle to Eden while Alpha does its work.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: You read my mind sir. ::smiles and begins to reconfigure the speed of the photons::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::grabs her console as the ship rocks again::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Understood.  Pulling away so you can clear the shields.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::nods:: Ayes, Sir. Forty -five degrees in seven.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep Beta Group with us.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
Nobody in particular: Frel!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Cover Alpha group.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: With the orders given, the Quirinus and it's Beta Wing pull to the right as Alpha Wing gathers it's forces and act like an interstellar broom, driving the surprised and increasingly inefficient Storm Runabouts back. They're flocking like geese to their doom.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checks readings received before the loss of the probe ::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::nods at the CO and does as ordered::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::has all she can do to keep on her feet but fires again:: CO: Understood Captain.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We've got them on the ropes

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
*CEO* Mind some company down there? I want to run some simulations from Engineering on the subspace transport.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::scans and  targets the ships closest to Alpha group and takes them out::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Bring us in behind Alpha.  Right down the middle.

CEO_Ens_Kellen says:
*Mathar*: go right ahead but engineering is kind of messy

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: A group of Runabouts try to run at Beta Group, but Alpha Wing catches them in time and wipe out half of them.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
*CEO* I can understand. I'll try not to get in the way. ::Exits Sickbay::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::does as ordered:: CO: Aye, Sir!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep Beta with us.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Eden seems to sense it's impending trouble, and begins to fire thrusters ...

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, Eden is underway.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  On it Captain!

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::glances up at the screen for a moment as more of the runabouts explode into fiery balls::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: We are coming right down your middle.  Clear the path and notify us for the move.  Until then we have your backs.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Speed 20 meters per second and increasing.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::relays the plan to Beta Wing::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Alpha Wing clears the path.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: Understood. The hallway is cleared ... rock and roll, Captain. ::Smiles::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Beta Wing is ready Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Ahead full.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Power surge detected on Eden, sir. 

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Full ahead, Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Fire all quantum torpedoes full spread.  Now!

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Captain, I confirm that reading.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Beta Wing begins running at full speed for Eden ...

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Firing all quantum torpedoes sir. ::hits the button and fires all tubes::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Blue bursts of weapons fire ripple toward Eden.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep us together.

ATO_Ens_Phaser  (All Weapons FIRE!.wav)

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: Reload and fire at will.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::nods and does what the Captain wishes::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  The formation is tight, Captain.  ::continues coordinating with Beta wing::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Scans?

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checking sensor panels ::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The weapons fire slams into Eden ... but it doesn't seem to have much effect.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Arrives in engineering and moves over to a console to begin his simulations::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Captain, I have something on scans. Peculiar readings, debris but not from the runabouts....mines sir.....there are mines out there!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser: configure photons to explode below surface.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek/CSO: Could they be using some kind of shielding we're not seeing? We're not doing much damage ::looks at his display::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Some sort of signal is emanating from Eden, sir, but I'm having trouble interpreting it... there's a lot of EM and subspace interference from the battle.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Send data to Morgan.  Morgan: Keep us clear of the mines.  Cherry: Warn the rest of Beta and Alpha Groups.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::pushes back her hair and taps her panel once again::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Eden begins to slow.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Similar to last time?

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: transfers sensor readings to the FCO's station ::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Begins typing on the console::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::sends the co-ordinates of the detected mines to the other groups::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Aye sir, but the mines, they've disappeared. Evidence shows that those concussive bursts were not from weapons fire but from those mines. ::turns to look at Sulek::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::swallows and thinks MINES!::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Get us in close.  If necessary, we'll follow them through.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Negative, sir. No points of correlation with prior readings.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Trying, Sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::thinks this is like fighting a ghost::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::scans for any signs of more mines::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::listens to the latest reports and looks puzzled::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Are you getting the EM readings?  What do you make of them?

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Photons reconfigured. All tubes ready.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO/XO:  Sirs... the point vessels report their sensors suggest Eden isn't really there.  Something is there, but not Eden.  ::continues to look puzzled::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: That would certainly explain why I couldn't get a sensor lock, sir.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Could they have phase shifted?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::starts to feel a bit creeped out::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
:;looks at Cherry:: OPS: Holo projection?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Contact them and see if they are in the same time phase

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks even more puzzled::  XO:  I'll ask Sir.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Keener> @ COM: Quirinus: We've pretty much wiped out the group. We're surrounding the "downed" Runabouts and preparing to beam aboard their crews as prisoners. We've taken quite a beating though, but lost few ships. This was a hard fought victory. How goes the progress with the Eden?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::contacts the point vessels and requests they check their time phase::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checks sensors once more ::  No sir... these readings are starting to make sense now. We are chasing a giant hologram, sir. Neither Eden nor the runabouts actually exist.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: All the damage we've taken has been from the mines, sir.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::goes to the operations panel:: OPS: It's a way of seeing if there in or out of phase with us. Tell them to check the temporal variances between us and them

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Keener: Point ships say that sensors say Eden is not there.  Something is but not Eden.  Suggestions.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks up at the XO and listens carefully::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::clarifies her request to the point vessels::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Phaser:  Set one photon torpedo to detonate at center of Eden and fire.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Beta Wing point vessels surround "Eden."

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::beginning to feel like a rat in a trap::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::calculates the center of Eden and prepares to fire:: CO: Aye sir, just readying the torpedo now.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::wistful:: Sulek: Captain...I'm beginning to think we've been...duped

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Before the Quirinus can fire anything. "Eden" explodes. The point vessels are vaporized with the hundreds of men, women and innocents onboard.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Com Keener: It appears we have been fighting solid holograms.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus is hurled backwards by the shockwave ... all the crew thrown off their feet.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Prepare for wave impact.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Firing sir! :;hits the panel and sends the torpedo::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::manages to stay in her chair but just barely::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::tossed from his chair, he struggles to his feet gripping the arm::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Holds on as all the engineering crew are thrown off their feet:: Checkmate. ::Activates the commands he's been programming for the last few minutes oblivious to the buys CEO::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::knocks his head on the chair as he falls to the ground, cutting his forehead::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::slams back and hits the ground::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Mathar's program goes into effect. The Quirinus' weapons, shields, impulse and warp drive shut down.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::is thrown to the deck and hits again the back wall of the bridge::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: struggles shakily to his feet after having been thrown over the railing ::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Further away, the Alpha Wing watches in confusion as all the Runabouts and their "debris" fade away into nothingness.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::notices the power to those systems drop off::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::struggles to her feet cradling her sore wrist::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::slides back into her seat::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::tries not to think about all those on the point vessels::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::gets up::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks down at his chair console to see all major systems go off line::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: And suddenly, from the explosion, dozens of real Storm Runabouts come flying out ... firing from all angles. Golden beams of pure death slam into the already battered SFI task force. Shields are cut down like silk ... hulked peeled away like paper ... dozens are sucked out screaming into oblivion.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
:;struggles to her feet but now nursing a sore shoulder:: CO: Captain, all weapons systems are down, including shields.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is surprised they are still alive::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Override.  Sulek Alpha one A

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::sees what is happening::  CO/XO:  Our shields are down!

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Runabouts intentionally avoid the Quirinus ... but cut into the battered SFI Beta Wing who try to valiantly struggle, but are being slaughtered. These Runabouts are better fighters than the Holograms ... these are the real Storm.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Computer> CO: Unable to comply.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::watches the screen in horror::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::begins to slap at her panel helplessly::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::tries to bring the shields back online::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Estimates ten minutes before the Q crew figure a way to get around his program. Calmly walks out of Engineering:: It'll be over soon.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: crouches under his station to pull off an access panel ::  CO: I'll try to rig an override, sir...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
ATO: Fire at will

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the task force is cut to ribbons:: Cherry: Send full distress any way you can.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: Alpha Wing tries to come about and go to the rescue of Beta Wing, but suddenly another swarm of Runabouts are upon them ... cutting into them, slaughtering them as well. An Akira is carved in half.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Commander, weapons are offline!

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::is too horrified to comply with the CO's order::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
Self:  Oh my god.....

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: sticks his head and one arm into the workspace and begins reconfiguring isolinear chips ::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::tears of frustration fill her eyes as she helplessly watches the slaughter::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: A great shadow falls over the Quirinus ... the real Eden appears from the raw material of this new born system, blocking the light. It towers over the Quirinus as the fleet is slaughtered.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
XO: Trying to bypass to secondary systems!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves up to Cherry:: Cherry: Send Distress now.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::snaps out of it::  CO:  We are being hailed Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: On screen.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::sends out a distress signal then puts the hail on screen::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# ::Sitting calmly in a chair as leather-clad Storm agents work around him:: COM: Quirinus: Captain Sulek.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::takes a deep ragged breath::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::whispers under his breath with contempt:: Trebor....!

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::berates herself for freezing up like that::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is overwhelmed by the feeling of death that is washing through the area::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Trebor: Trebor.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks at Pangborn:: XO: Trebor sir?

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: I would apologize for what is happening right now ... but you do understand it's just business.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: voice muffled from under the panel :: CO: Definitely looks like sabotage, sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::wonders why they were spared::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
ATO: Just a bit of the past biting us in the ass Ensign.....::quietly::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
ACTION: An Excelsior tries to come up alongside the Quirinus, assuming it's been boarded, but it sliced in half and explodes. The explosion shakes the Quirinus a little bit ... causing the lights to flicker and some sparks to happen.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Trebor: The business of slaughter seems to suit you.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::a tear rolls down her check.  Angrily, she wipes it away::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: We're only targeting our enemy. Starfleet Intelligence. You've noticed we've chosen to spare you ... you're not like those people ... you have morals.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::thinks she would have preferred death::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::shrugs at the XO and looks at the screen::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
ACTION: Flaming pieces of what used to be the Bahrain reach the Quirinus' hull and bounce off.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::rocks with the explosion but hangs one::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
<on>

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::doesn't even want to know what just hit them::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Trebor: The hard hologram projections of the Runabouts was a clever ruse.  My complements to the race who created such technology.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
COM: Trebor: What do you call what happened on that planet? ::enraged::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
<Edit CO, Al-Jihejians = Runabouts. Actually, Keep the XO's comment>

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::hears the edge in the XO's voice and looks over at him::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: We do our best. ::Doesn't grin:: XO: While I am sorry for the destruction of Al-Jihj, I'm sure the Jihejians will get over it. They're quite alive, by the way. Safe and sound ... all several billion of them. I'm afraid you all were just the victim of quite the set up.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::remembers something one of her guest instructors at the academy told her about this Trebor person::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::is really beginning to hate that guy on the view screen::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Trebor: So the remains scans were accurate.  Clones

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is relieved to hear that at least some have survived the slaughter::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
COM: Trebor: And what was your point in this?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sits in the chair and watches Pangborn, perhaps he can goad Trebor into something::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: Yes. How else would we get Intel. to unleash the last of their fury upon us? By slaughtering several billion people we could guarantee such a response. Now, Starfleet Intelligence is crippled. Your information data sources for finding out all the dirty stuff about this Universe is gone. You're blind.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::eyes widen as she begins to understand::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
Self: Now what did Admiral Sheridan say....oh yes, never trust anyone that breaks a date. I wonder what she meant.

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: We don't kill innocents. The Jihejians' home world was the price that had to be paid for this operation ... we will provide them with a hopefully suitable replacement.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
COM: Trebor. I think you'll find Starfleet to be a formidable opponent as long as the likes of you are around

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
Out loud but to no one in particular:  They don't kill innocents?!

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::thinks bitterly that murder is never justified::

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks at Trebor and wonders what the connection to the Quirinus really is::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: Maybe. But by the time you're up for that sort of fight ... I'm sure we'll be long since done with our long term plans.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stands and quietly crosses to Kraight:: Whispers: Kraight: Can you reload from the computer core the effected systems?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::has an nearly overwhelming urge to cut the comm. but refrains::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# ::Someone off screen asks something, he replies:: Yes, yes ... we'll be under way soon enough ... Quirinus: Oh, yes, one last thing ...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
COM: Trebor: Why don't grow up and face the big boys? Terrorism is for cowards, which is exactly what you are

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: whispers ::  CO: Almost done with the reconfiguration, sir. Reload from protected backup will require about twenty minutes.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to face Trebor:: Com Trebor: There is seldom one last thing with the Storm.

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# COM: Quirinus: I'm sure you'd like to say hi to the real Mathar Raythan ... ::A grim and haggard familiar face steps on screen:: ... I'm sure that little "clone" we sent you has grown tiresome. He's done his job of course, as you've learned. Feel free to deal with him and dissect him or whatever you want to do.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Get on it.

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# ::Mathar looks like he's about to die of self hate on screen, but remains quiet::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::shakes her head sadly::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: makes a few last adjustments to the ODN network beneath his station ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at Mathar::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: wriggles out of the workspace and replaces the access panel ::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  Those b#$%#*&.

ATO_Ens_Phaser says:
::gulps and looks away from the screen::

Host General_Etap_Trebor says:
# ::Gets a report the fleet has been effectively slaughtered:: COM: Quirinus: Well, we must be going. Good fight ... you surely "creamed" us. ::Light smile:: Now it's time to take our bats and our pride and go home. Adios, Captain.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: stands and begins the system reload procedure ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Raythan:: Raythan: Your choice?

Host SM_Selan says:
<Mathar Raythan> # COM: Quirinus: ... there are no choices anymore.

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The comm. cuts.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::stares at the screen mutely::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: All the Runabouts gather around Eden, and they all ripple and fade into a portal which opens, which does not seem to be any sort of normal subspace distortion.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: Keep a lock on Eden as long as you can

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The silence is deafening in the aftermath of the Storm's exit.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Medical: Report to the bridge and relieve Mr. Mathar. Run a cellular degradation test....Mathar: I'm sure you understand....Old friend

Host SM_Selan says:
<Medical> *XO* Mr. Raythan isn't present, he left for Main Engineering approximately thirty minutes ago.

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus floats there amongst the debris ... a glimmering last hope amongst the death ...

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Pause Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=