MISSION PROLOGUE: When things look to be up, life takes the worst of turns.  After a fierce battle, Captain Shoke disappeared, later taking the Executive Officer and Skree liaison, Commander Shoork.  The Olympus has given chase, and appear to be alone, but they will soon realize they never have been so.  Meanwhile on the planet's surface, the Logistics Officer keeps watch over the Combat Engineer, who may have placed his life in danger.  What does this chapter in the Xi team's mission bring?  Can the prisoners be rescued safe and sound, or will the team go home one less?  In fact, what does the future hold for the entire mission now that the assassination attempt has been thwarted?

A Call To Duty Proudly Presents:
	PRISM XI, Stardate 10402.17, "A Friend In The Need, Part 6"

Crew:
Commanding Officer: Commander Sykora Tarrez-Hunter, played by Charlotte Wrestler
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Mrlr, played by Beth Kelley
Combat Pilot: Lieutenant Commander Sovok, played by Gary Cole
Intelligence Officer: Lieutenant Commander Andrew Revell-Francis,  played by Antony Korets
Strategic Operations Officer: Lieutenant Junior Grade Vraalnec Blade, played by Stephen Novick
Assault Specialist: Lieutenant Junior Grade Patrick Sharpe, played by Jay Kersting
Combat Engineer: Ensign Tral Lingn, played by John Summers
Logistics Officer: Commander Christian Danforth, played by Craig Yoshihara

With Special Appearances By:
	Captain Shoke, played by Christopher Dickinson
	Admiral Wolfe, played by Christopher Dickinson

Managed by Christopher Dickinson

<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>

SO_Blade says:
::scanning the Skree vessel::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Sits at his station patiently going over sensor telemetry ::
XO_Mrlr says:
#::in the brig waiting for Shoke to decide what he is going to do.  Thinks that if he thinks she is going down without a fight he's got another think coming::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::on the bridge of the Olympus::
CE_Lingn says:
@::at the runabouts pilot seat making the runabout more secure::
Host Capt_Shoke says:
#::Reappears in the XO's view with a sharp looking blade::  XO: I've always wanted to see the inside of a cat...

ACTION: The Olympus draws within visual range of the Skree vessel.

IO_Revell-Francis says:
CO: Commander, I have some theories about why the Skree cruiser is decloaked.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
IO: What are they?
SO_Blade says:
CO: We are within visual range of the Skree vessel.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: On screen
IO_Revell-Francis says:
CO: Essentially, either their cloak is damaged or they're expecting reinforcements.
SO_Blade says:
::complies:: CO: On screen Ma'am.
XO_Mrlr says:
#Shoke: And I've always wanted to see the inside of a Skree.  I wonder who will get their wish first. ::unsheathes her claws and growls::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
CO: Or, it could just be a diversion.

ACTION: The Skree vessel drops from warp space.

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
IO: That last wouldn't bow well for us ::frowns::
SO_Blade says:
CO: Captain the Skree have stopped moving.
Host Capt_Shoke says:
#::Gives an evil laugh::  XO: You think those will help you?
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::orders the duty FCO to drop out of warp to::

ACTION: The Olympus drops from warp.

Host Adm_Wolfe says:
CO: Curious..
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Nods :: CO: Damage to their cloaking device is a distinct possibility, however.
XO_Mrlr says:
#::smiles:: Shoke: Why don't you find out? ::wonders if Shoork will cover her back::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Scan the surrounding area
SO_Blade says:
::complies::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
IO: Hail the ship.

ACTION: The Skree vessels turns to face the Olympus, powering up their weapons.

SO_Blade says:
CO: Captain they are powering up weapons.
Host Capt_Shoke says:
#<Skree Bridge> *Shoke*: The Federation scum are hailing us.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Hails the cruiser ::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Power the Olympus weapon and acquire target but do not fire until I order
SO_Blade says:
CO: I have scanned the area ma'am nothing unusual.
SO_Blade says:
::powers up weapons and is at standby::
Host Capt_Shoke says:
#::Sighs::  *Bridge*: Ignore them.  Open fire immediately.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Probes the cruiser's more sensitive areas and relays the coordinates to the SO ::
SO_Blade says:
::nods to the IO::

ACTION: The Skree vessel unleashes a spread of torpedoes.

Host Capt_Shoke says:
#XO: Would you like to watch your crew die?
SO_Blade says:
CO: Open fire?
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::sees them firing::  DutyCP: Evasive maneuvers.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Open fire on them.
XO_Mrlr says:
#::laughs:: Shoke: That won't stop them.  You made a mistake kidnapping us.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Sees the incoming torpedoes on sensors and gets ready to brace for impact ::
SO_Blade says:
::fires targeting the more sensitive areas::
CE_Lingn says:
@::secures the runabout and lifts off::

ACTION: The Skree vessel takes the Olympus's weapons with barely a shudder.  Shields lose only 5% strength.  Inside, there is a little shaking.  Shoork hits the forcefield.. he is unconscious but the forcefield overloads.

CE_Lingn says:
@::pilots the ship through the hole and into space::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Fire at will

ACTION: One of the Skree torpedoes finds its mark, and the Olympus's shields drop to 80%

SO_Blade says:
::targets the Bridge and fires everything he has::
XO_Mrlr says:
#::sees the force field down and launches herself at Shoke aiming for his neck and raking with her hind claws::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::is knock around by the torp.::  IO: Damage
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Checks for damage reports :: CO: Shields at 80%.

#ACTION: Captain Shoke puts his hands up to stop her front claws, ignoring the rear ones  They find their mark, scratching the skin of his arms.

ACTION: The Olympus continues to fire everything they have, and only inflict minimal damage  The Skree vessel barely makes evasive maneuvers as it launches another attack

XO_Mrlr says:
#::keeps raking and bites at his neck, growling, determined to take him down::
CE_Lingn says:
@::as soon as he gets passed the atmosphere he punches the runabout to max warp to the Olympus::
SO_Blade says:
CO: I suggest we try to get under them and blast at their torpedo tubes Ma'am.

#ACTION: The XO's fangs sink into Shoke's neck.  He cries out in pain, and throws his head to the side, effectively head butting the XO.

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Relay the coordinates to the Duty FCO.
SO_Blade says:
::relays the coordinates::
CE_Lingn says:
@::tries to push more power out of the core::
XO_Mrlr says:
#::sees stars and feels the skin over her eye split and bleed.  Nearly gets thrown off but digs in with her claws and bites harder trying for the windpipe of jugular::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::sits down as she sees another pass in the making::

ACTION: The Olympus takes another barrage of weapons fire.  Shields drop to 40%, and the lights flicker.  Reports come in of damage all over the fore sections.

IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Realizes he has to present an alternative to direct combat :: CO: Commander, I'm sure you realize the technological gap between the Federation and the Skree - this doesn't look like a fight we can win...
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods to the IO after that last volley::  IO: Send out a call for help cause we are not leaving
CE_Lingn says:
@::plots an intercept course to try and cut the time::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: Throw everything you can think at them and divert all non essential power to the shields and weapons
SO_Blade says:
::diverts power and blasts the weapon systems with whatever is left::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Sees more damage reports coming in and acknowledges the CO :: CO: Shields are down to 40%.  I'm sending out a distress call.

#ACTION: Captain Shoke manages to get a sufficient grip on the XO, and throws her across the room, against the wall.  She had a chunk of purple-bloody flesh in her mouth, and is slightly dazed from the impact.

ACTION: The Olympus throws out everything they have, and the Skree's shields fall to 87%

IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Transmits a distress call on Federation and trusted Skree frequencies ::
SO_Blade says:
::keeps diverting and firing::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: What if we dump the core and detonate it?
XO_Mrlr says:
#::hits the wall hard and lies there a little stunned before staggering back to her feet and stand looking at Shoke...growling::

ACTION: The Skree retaliate with everything they have, and the Olympus' shield bubble collapses

SO_Blade says:
CO:  We would be as humans say a "sitting duck".
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: With increasing alarm :: CO: Primary shields have failed!
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
SO: We aren't much better at the moment.

ACTION: Consoles explode everywhere, and the lights go dark.  Hull breach, forward section, decks six through nine.

SO_Blade says:
CO: Shall I initialize ejection process?
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Struggles to remain at his console and hopes it doesn't explode ::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::reads the shield information::  SO: Negative
XO_Mrlr says:
#::gathers herself for another spring at Shoke::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
All Hands: Brace for collision.

ACTION: The Skree vessel comes around for a final pass, its weapons ports lit up...

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
Duty FCO: Take us to ramming speed.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Skims through more damage reports, the adrenalin pumping :: CO: Hull breach, Decks 6 through 9, forward section!
Host Capt_Shoke says:
#::Holding his neck, he looks very upset.  Rage burns in his eyes and he lets loose a string of curses in Skree.
XO_Mrlr says:
#::launches herself at him trying again to get a death grip on his neck.  Raking with her claws at anything she comes into contact with.  Trying to dig deep::

ACTION: ... and then the space between the two vessels shudders.  An image resolves of a Skree battle cruiser, with special markings all over.  Its weapons fire out, biting hard at the enemy.

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::sees the new ship:: Duty FCO: Pull out
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Sees the ship on screen before on sensors and is about to announce it before realising the CO has seen it already ::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
IO: Do we know who they are?

ACTION: Transporter beams grab the XO, Captain Shoke, and Commander Shoork.  Only the XO rematerializes aboard the Olympus' Bridge

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::stands as she sees the XO::  XO: Lt?  ::moves to her side::  Are you alright?
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::calls for medics::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Tries to read the markings on the Skree hull :: CO:... Negative, nothing about it in the database
XO_Mrlr says:
::rematerializes on the bridge and turns and growls at the CO not seeing her clearly.  Almost takes a swipe with her claws but stops just in time:: CO: Commander?

ACTION: A hail comes in as Shoke's vessel is finally disabled.

IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Sees a faint blip on his console :: CO: Incoming hail, Commander.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
IO: Open comm
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Opens the channel, breathing heavily::
Host King_Skroth says:
%::Smiling grimly::  COM: Olympus: Commander.  Did you honestly believe that your ship could stand up to ours?
CE_Lingn says:
@::sends weapon power to the engines::
XO_Mrlr says:
::moves to an empty chair and shakingly sits down watching the viewscreen::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::smiles brightly::  COM: King: Not really, but I had to try.  Thanks for coming to our aide.  I wasn't looking forward to colliding with that ship.
XO_Mrlr says:
::hisses at the medic who arrives and starts to clean her head wound.  Pushes him aside and watches the screen intently::
Host King_Skroth says:
%::Nods slowly:: COM: Olympus: I apologize for putting you in the middle of this situation.  I underestimated the tides of battle.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Co ordinates emergency efforts throughout the ship via the bridge  ::
CE_Lingn says:
@COM: Olympus: We are on our way, I hope you saved some for us.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods::  COM: King: So it seems we all did.  I do have a question though...
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: Yes?
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Something catches his ear and he looks up at the viewscreen ::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods::  COM: King: Why was Shoke able to transport Shoork and my XO from the planet, but he couldn't get you?
XO_Mrlr says:
::stands up and walks to stand next to the CO:: CO: That is something I would like to know also
Host King_Skroth says:
%::Smiles slightly::  COM: Olympus: That information is classified.  ::Face turns serious again::   I believe he wanted not only my life, but to start a conflict with you.  With me gone, he could have turned your attack upon his vessel into an act of war, and launched a devastating attack across your Federation.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Considers the possibilities of a war against the Skree, not liking the potential outcome ::
XO_Mrlr says:
::steps up and grins:: COM: Skroth: Well your majesty, you'll find him a little too sore to be doing that anymore.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::not entirely satisfied with that answer but assumes it is the best she will get.:: COM: King: Very well.  We are of course in need of aid and supplies for repair. ::hopes they will help out::
CE_Lingn says:
@::continues to move closer::
Host King_Skroth says:
%::Looks off screen for a moment, then looks back::  COM: Olympus: You could say that.  ::Consults a readout::  Your ship still has warp power, and your structural integrity field is sufficient to maintain you until you are out of our space.  ::Looks right at the Admiral, CO, and XO::
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: This is a direct order from the ruler of a foreign power.  You are to recover your runabout, and your Combat Engineer will remain with me to face a Honor Quest.. you are hereby ordered to leave our space as soon as possible.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::eyes widen::  COM: King: What for?
XO_Mrlr says:
::her ears prick forward at that last bit.  Quietly:: CO: Ma'am...we can't leave a member of our team behind.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods her agreement to the XO::
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: For his actions.  I give you my word he will not be killed... immediately.  He must face his trials for his actions.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Narrows his gaze at that last remark, still looking at the screen ::

ACTION: The runabout is now within visual range of the Olympus.

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::doesn't mask her confusion::  COM: King: What actions?
CE_Lingn says:
@::starts docking procedure with the Olympus and sends a message to flight control::
Host King_Skroth says:
%::Looks at the XO::  COM: Olympus: For the death of four loyalists.
XO_Mrlr says:
COM: Skroth: Please...I did not get a chance to explain to my commanding officer what happened ::turns to the CO:: CO: Ma'am...the CE set a charge that killed four loyalists  He was under my supervision at the time.  the responsibility is mine. ::her ears go flat against her head::
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: I am offering you a way to keep your soldier instead of having him face a death squad.  I suggest you accept.
CE_Lingn says:
@COM: Olympus: I am docking. ::docks::
XO_Mrlr says:
::turns to face the viewscreen:: COM: Skroth: Then I will stay here with him.  He was my responsibility...I am as much to blame.
CE_Lingn says:
::grabs his gear::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::looks at her XO for a brief moment and then turns to face the King grimly:: COM :King: The responsibility is mine.  He is a member of my team.  King Skroth, we will comply with your demands but I would request as his Commanding officer to remain with him.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
XO: No you will remain on the ship.
CE_Lingn says:
::gets out of the runabout and heads for the bridge::
XO_Mrlr says:
CO: With all due respect....the choice isn't yours ma'am.  You have a duty to return to Starfleet with the rest of the team.  You cannot shirk that responsibility.
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: He must stand alone.  It is our way.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Notices a docking request from the CE's runabout :: CO: ::Flatly:: Ens Lingn's shuttle has docked the Main bay, Commander.
CE_Lingn says:
::arrives on the bridge::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::notices the CE::  CE: Ensign, front and center.
CE_Lingn says:
CO: Yes ma'am
CE_Lingn says:
::goes front and center::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Checks the progress of the damage control and medical teams ::
Host Adm_Wolfe says:
::Has been quiet, allowing the CO to command her team::
Host Adm_Wolfe says:
::But does not look pleased at this news::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
CE: You stand accused of killing 4 loyalist.  What say you?
CE_Lingn says:
::stands tall::
CE_Lingn says:
CO: Guilty.
SO_Blade says:
::flinches ::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Watches the command circle with a neutral expression ::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::signals the IO to mute the comm::
CE_Lingn says:
CO: But I am prepared to face the charges.
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Complies ::
CE_Lingn says:
CO: It was my fault and I must regain my honor.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::motions the CE to be quiet::
CE_Lingn says:
::Stands quiet::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
Admiral: We came here with a mission to stop a war from occurring between the Skree and the Federation.  If we do not comply with the demands I fear we will be doing exactly that.  I believe that SF, even though it against everything I believe as a person, would order us to comply.
Host Adm_Wolfe says:
CO: We are in their space, and must accept their terms.
XO_Mrlr says:
::quietly:: CO: Ma'am...I think you should know that the four loyalists he killed were the King's friends...I don't think it will go well for him. :;doesn't even look at the CE standing at attention in front of the CO::
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods and motions for the IO to unmute it::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Hits a key :: CO: Channel open.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
XO: We all must one day account for our actions.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
COM: King:  We will comply.
CE_Lingn says:
::stands ready with his gear::
XO_Mrlr says:
::shrugs:: CO; I couldn't agree more. ::turns and faces the viewscreen again without looking at the CE::
Host King_Skroth says:
%COM: Olympus: Very well.  When he has completed his trial, he will be returned to Arcadia Station
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::a part of her dies with those 3 words::

ACTION: The CE disappears from the Bridge, and reappears on the King's Bridge.  The ship's communication's channel closes, and the ship cloaks.

Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
::nods and motions the IO to close comm::
XO_Mrlr says:
::wonders in exactly what condition he will be returned but doesn't bother to ask::
IO_Revell-Francis says:
:: Closes the channel silently ::
CE_Lingn says:
%King: I am ready to regain my honor, Sir.
Host CO_Tarrez_Hunter says:
All: Let's go home

<<<<<End Prism Xi>>>>>