S4: E10 - Backwater

[Don Damien Addams]

Ocras frowned as he moved to his station. "I'm competent with manual targeting, but I wouldn't call myself gifted."

His fingers moved across the panel, and his frown deepened. The captain's comments made sense now that he could see all of the blank lines where sensor data should have been. At least the current mission parameters were still visible. Ocras began reading through the doc, making notes on his terminal about potential rescue or relay operations should the away team get into trouble.

[USS Challenger -Bridge]

"Glad not everything is automatic," Casey said. "We would be so screwed right now. We might as well put our space suits on with big paddles and paddle our way through space," he chuckled.

That would be neat and weird he thought  to himself.

However he was thinking about the long Viking boats or raid ships on rivers. He figured there were two people who would be good invites. Who could not refuse a cool adventure!

[Ocras Abisa]

[USS Challenger -Bridge]

"Glad not everything is automatic," Casey said. "We would be so screwed right now. We might as well put our space suits on with big paddles and paddle our way through space," he chuckled.

That would be neat and weird he thought  to himself.

However he was thinking about the long Viking boats or raid ships on rivers. He figured there were two people who would be good invites. Who could not refuse a cool adventure!

Ocras looked up at the ensign's comment. He grinned a small grin at the ensign. "Many pre-warp civilizations achieve interstellar voyages using light-sails. I must admit, though, I've never heard of a civilization that rowed across the stars."

He tapped a pattern on his panel, tying into the computers of the two shuttles orbiting low above the planet. The sensor readings were much less detailed than one would get from the Challenger's, but they were better than nothing. With the two shuttles, he could triangulate the position of most targets on the surface... at least those near the away team.

The Challenger's targeting system was not designed for this, but it was better than looking out the view screen and pointing.

[Jettis Jyur]

Ocras looked up at the ensign's comment. He grinned a small grin at the ensign. "Many pre-warp civilizations achieve interstellar voyages using light-sails. I must admit, though, I've never heard of a civilization that rowed across the stars."

He tapped a pattern on his panel, tying into the computers of the two shuttles orbiting low above the planet. The sensor readings were much less detailed than one would get from the Challenger's, but they were better than nothing. With the two shuttles, he could triangulate the position of most targets on the surface... at least those near the away team.

The Challenger's targeting system was not designed for this, but it was better than looking out the view screen and pointing.

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

People entering the bridge was just routine, so when someone else entered, Jettis did not bother raising his head. However, after a few moments of dialogue, his ears pricked up. The voice was familiar, something very very vague, from long ago. Furrowing his brow, he glanced over his shoulder, only to see a familiar face. Someone else who was once on the Challenger, a few years ago.

He was unsure if the man would actually recognize him, but he shot him a smile anyhow. "Welcome back, Ocras." Not wanting to further interrupt, he turned back towards his console, feigning being busy, when he was essentially watching the blinking 'Scan Error' on his screen.

[Ocras Abisa]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

People entering the bridge was just routine, so when someone else entered, Jettis did not bother raising his head. However, after a few moments of dialogue, his ears pricked up. The voice was familiar, something very very vague, from long ago. Furrowing his brow, he glanced over his shoulder, only to see a familiar face. Someone else who was once on the Challenger, a few years ago.

He was unsure if the man would actually recognize him, but he shot him a smile anyhow. "Welcome back, Ocras." Not wanting to further interrupt, he turned back towards his console, feigning being busy, when he was essentially watching the blinking 'Scan Error' on his screen.

[Bridge]

Ocras smiled back. His brief stint on the Challenger previously had been a whirlwind, but he had enjoyed a few conversations with Lt. Jyur. It felt good to be remembered and welcomed back. He briefly debated sending an empathic "hug" along with the smile. If he were home, on Betazed, or working with another Betzoid, he wouldn't even have questioned doing so... but non-telepathic species often have hard boundaries about what mental contact they will accept.

Noticing that Jettis appeared to be focusing on his work, Ocras made a mental note to ask the other officer to have tea when they next were off-duty at the same time.

For now, he returned to focusing on his work. He'd silenced the "scan error" warning, so it wasn't flashing anymore. He was running down the lists of security officers and crewmen, the armaments of the Challenger, and other resources that he'd need to be ready to use if called upon.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge]

Lahr smiled at the banter that Abisa's arrival prompted.  His antenna waving in a much happier display.  Even the science officer, Jyur, welcomed back the Betazoid.  All that was needed was Kyle and Ruth back on the bridge safe and sound and everything would be perfect... well, perfect if the Captain would allow him to lay down some good beats.   But in the absence of that, this was passable.

Lahr continued to listen in to the shuttle's relaying of information on the away team.   So far all seemed well.  The Andorian hoped it stayed that way. 

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Ruth could see multiple expressions race across the Klingon's face, incredulity,  rage, amusement, and then something she could not quite identify. He gave her a blistering gaze that might have melted titanium if it wasn't followed by a beaming smile.

"I like you Human, you have Klingon fire in your belly! Do you have a mate? No matter. I will kill him if you do and take you for myself. My question remains though, why are you here Earther?"

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Ruth chuckled.  "You'll find, there's more than one species or... maybe you'd call them sub-species, that have what you call 'Klingon fire'.  I'm a Viking, ancient human warriors which much like your own species,... while the men are brave warriors, it's the women who are the more dangerous!"

She elected not to mention Lahr, she was pretty sure he would fight to the death for her, but she preferred him very much alive, and if the Klingon didn't kill him the oppressive heat of this planet would finish him off.

"I'm not interested in mating with anyone currently (a small lie, she'd welcome being back in the environmentally controlled slightly cooler environment of her quarters with Lahr getting warm by other means, but... she dragged her brain back to the present) but should we have time later and you have a spare bat'leth I'd enjoy a bout of combat with you to prove my worth.  Don't worry, it was a KDF officer who taught me how to use a bat'leth and gave me mine and my d'k'tang.  I prefer axes however."

Arak

"I'm afraid my science officer is correct. Starfleet isn't in the business of forcing people to relocate."  Kyle replied as they took Valkra's vehicle to her father's compound.

Compound

They arrived at the compound in time for what apparently looked like a punishment session being carried out by Valkra's father. He immediately approached them and demanded their reason for intruding. Ruth gave him a little lip back which brought a smile to the male Klingon's lips as he repeated his question.

"Your daughter contacted us for assistance. It seems the natives are getting restless and she thinks you need to evacuate." Kyle told him honestly. "My ship has contacted me and there were some of them closing in on us at the administration building. I'm not sure if they followed us here or not so maybe we should get on with the discussion as I'm sure you are in no way in an evacuation mood."

Ruth, while still looking at the Klingon, jerked her head towards Kyle.  "As the Commander says.  I assume you either know enough Federation Standard to understand that without translators or your translators would have that sorted for you, if not, as you've discovered, I do speak tlhIngan Hol (Klingon language) but...(**sighs**) Qu'vatlh (a thousand things to do)!"

[Ian Galloway]

Ocras looked up at the ensign's comment. He grinned a small grin at the ensign. "Many pre-warp civilizations achieve interstellar voyages using light-sails. I must admit, though, I've never heard of a civilization that rowed across the stars."

He tapped a pattern on his panel, tying into the computers of the two shuttles orbiting low above the planet. The sensor readings were much less detailed than one would get from the Challenger's, but they were better than nothing. With the two shuttles, he could triangulate the position of most targets on the surface... at least those near the away team.

The Challenger's targeting system was not designed for this, but it was better than looking out the view screen and pointing.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]
As Ocras adjusted to the new sensor readings, the shuttle Jarvis relayed something important, a ship had dropped out of warp and was closing on Arak at full impulse. It took longer than usual to identify the approaching ship as Orion, but it was a large ship, sleek and well armed as was the Orion custom. Large enough to give the Challenger a good fight under normal conditions, but with her sensors down, the Orions actually had the upper hand at the moment. The Orions ignored the Challenger as the ship took up a geosynchronous orbit above the Kruze Compound on Arak, just 50,000 kilometers from the Federation ship, well within weapons range.

Arak

"I'm afraid my science officer is correct. Starfleet isn't in the business of forcing people to relocate."  Kyle replied as they took Valkra's vehicle to her father's compound.

Compound

They arrived at the compound in time for what apparently looked like a punishment session being carried out by Valkra's father. He immediately approached them and demanded their reason for intruding. Ruth gave him a little lip back which brought a smile to the male Klingon's lips as he repeated his question.

"Your daughter contacted us for assistance. It seems the natives are getting restless and she thinks you need to evacuate." Kyle told him honestly. "My ship has contacted me and there were some of them closing in on us at the administration building. I'm not sure if they followed us here or not so maybe we should get on with the discussion as I'm sure you are in no way in an evacuation mood."

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Ruth chuckled.  "You'll find, there's more than one species or... maybe you'd call them sub-species, that have what you call 'Klingon fire'.  I'm a Viking, ancient human warriors which much like your own species,... while the men are brave warriors, it's the women who are the more dangerous!"

She elected not to mention Lahr, she was pretty sure he would fight to the death for her, but she preferred him very much alive, and if the Klingon didn't kill him the oppressive heat of this planet would finish him off.

"I'm not interested in mating with anyone currently (a small lie, she'd welcome being back in the environmentally controlled slightly cooler environment of her quarters with Lahr getting warm by other means, but... she dragged her brain back to the present) but should we have time later and you have a spare bat'leth I'd enjoy a bout of combat with you to prove my worth.  Don't worry, it was a KDF officer who taught me how to use a bat'leth and gave me mine and my d'k'tang.  I prefer axes however."

Ruth, while still looking at the Klingon, jerked her head towards Kyle.  "As the Commander says.  I assume you either know enough Federation Standard to understand that without translators or your translators would have that sorted for you, if not, as you've discovered, I do speak tlhIngan Hol (Klingon language) but...(**sighs**) Qu'vatlh (a thousand things to do)!"

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Kruze's expression again danced between anger and amusement before he fixed Valkra with a withering gaze.

"You dared to go behind my back and call for help? I told you those savages are not a threat! We do not need to evacuate and you should know that!"

Before Kruze could continue or Valkra could reply, they were interrupted by the sound of a transporter and the arrival of three male Orions. At this point, Kruze broke off his argument with his daughter and greets the leader of the Orions in a gruff tone.

"You are late Bryent. Did you bring the heavy disruptors and barbed wire as I asked?"

The Orion wore a smirk as he took in the scene before him to include the away team before he replied.

"I will bring them next time. Tell me, who are your friends?"

"I suppose we can go inside and we can speak of such things over dinner."

Long used to being in command, Kruze headed toward the main door of his home without even looking to see if anyone was following.

[Ocras Abisa]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]
As Ocras adjusted to the new sensor readings, the shuttle Jarvis relayed something important, a ship had dropped out of warp and was closing on Arak at full impulse. It took longer than usual to identify the approaching ship as Orion, but it was a large ship, sleek and well armed as was the Orion custom. Large enough to give the Challenger a good fight under normal conditions, but with her sensors down, the Orions actually had the upper hand at the moment. The Orions ignored the Challenger as the ship took up a geosynchronous orbit above the Kruze Compound on Arak, just 50,000 kilometers from the Federation ship, well within weapons range.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ocras had read that the Orions stopped by this planet in the briefing, but he hadn't expected one this large while they were limping in the water. The sensors from the two shuttles relayed information back to the Challenger that gave Ocras a rough idea of the other ship's location.

He'd have to aim for the center mass. The shields would be strongest there, but the triangulation meant if he aimed for the flanks, there would a 20-35% chance he'd miss, even if the Orions didn't move. With the sensors down, he couldn't lock on target, but he prepared to manually aim. This might actually be a benefit for them. Most ships can tell when a target lock is fixed on them. This way, the Orions wouldn't be sure that the Challenger's weapons were targeting them.

"Captain, Orion vessel has taken up position above the away team. They are within range of our weapons, and I have a manual target ready." He dug into the Challenger's databases of ship schematics. When he found the file for Orion vessels, he selected the one that looked the most like the ship outside. A quick set of commands in the panel sent the file with the likely schematics highlighted to the other officers on the Bridge. Digital schematics would be better than nothing.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge]

Lahr also was receiving the scan data from the shuttles to his station, so as Abisa was announcing to the Captain about having manual targeting on the vessel - impressive -  Lahr was noting the transporter signal.

"The Orion ship just beam someone or something down to the planet...."  he waited for what seemed like an eternity but was actually only seconds for the shuttle to send on more information.   "Three Orion biosignals are now being seen at the compound that the Away Team is at."  Lahr called out.

The next few moments would tell if there would be hostilities or not. 

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ocras had read that the Orions stopped by this planet in the briefing, but he hadn't expected one this large while they were limping in the water. The sensors from the two shuttles relayed information back to the Challenger that gave Ocras a rough idea of the other ship's location.

He'd have to aim for the center mass. The shields would be strongest there, but the triangulation meant if he aimed for the flanks, there would a 20-35% chance he'd miss, even if the Orions didn't move. With the sensors down, he couldn't lock on target, but he prepared to manually aim. This might actually be a benefit for them. Most ships can tell when a target lock is fixed on them. This way, the Orions wouldn't be sure that the Challenger's weapons were targeting them.

"Captain, Orion vessel has taken up position above the away team. They are within range of our weapons, and I have a manual target ready." He dug into the Challenger's databases of ship schematics. When he found the file for Orion vessels, he selected the one that looked the most like the ship outside. A quick set of commands in the panel sent the file with the likely schematics highlighted to the other officers on the Bridge. Digital schematics would be better than nothing.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge]

Lahr also was receiving the scan data from the shuttles to his station, so as Abisa was announcing to the Captain about having manual targeting on the vessel - impressive -  Lahr was noting the transporter signal.

"The Orion ship just beam someone or something down to the planet...."  he waited for what seemed like an eternity but was actually only seconds for the shuttle to send on more information.   "Three Orion biosignals are now being seen at the compound that the Away Team is at."  Lahr called out.

The next few moments would tell if there would be hostilities or not.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's head snapped up at the report of a ship dropping out of warp, but when Lahr reported the transporter activity, his lips pressed together very hard and when he replied, he kept his tone civil.

"Well, at this point, no need ta inform the away team as that information has been overtaken by events they are more than bloody aware of."

Ian then tapped his combadge.

"Lieutenant Tharn, we've just had an Orion ship pop into the system and it's large enough ta give us a right proper buggerin' if'n that had been their intent. Given we're as bleedin' blind has a cave fish at the moment, we have ta be grateful that buggerin' us was nae their intent, at least for now.

"I am now goin' ta make this as clear as I can in Standard. I don't care what you have ta bypass, reroute, redesign, or reconfigure, but I want those bloody sensors back online. If'n you cannot accomplish this task, I will relieve you of duty and find someone who can. I want reports every five minutes until the sensors are workin' again and it would be in your best interest career wise that you not have ta report more than once. Galloway out."

Ian closed the channel and, outwardly, he remained calm, but internally, he was seething and his expression could probably melt tritanium if he wanted.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's head snapped up at the report of a ship dropping out of warp, but when Lahr reported the transporter activity, his lips pressed together very hard and when he replied, he kept his tone civil.

"Well, at this point, no need ta inform the away team as that information has been overtaken by events they are more than bloody aware of."

Ian then tapped his combadge.

"Lieutenant Tharn, we've just had an Orion ship pop into the system and it's large enough ta give us a right proper buggerin' if'n that had been their intent. Given we're as bleedin' blind has a cave fish at the moment, we have ta be grateful that buggerin' us was nae their intent, at least for now.

"I am now goin' ta make this as clear as I can in Standard. I don't care what you have ta bypass, reroute, redesign, or reconfigure, but I want those bloody sensors back online. If'n you cannot accomplish this task, I will relieve you of duty and find someone who can. I want reports every five minutes until the sensors are workin' again and it would be in your best interest career wise that you not have ta report more than once. Galloway out."

Ian closed the channel and, outwardly, he remained calm, but internally, he was seething and his expression could probably melt tritanium if he wanted.

[USS Challenger]

Casey grimaced on the color way of the Captain spoke. This was one of those moments Casey was known to speak when he was not meant to. "Sheesh, Captain watch out with your lid!" he exclaimed. "Gonna blow her high to kingdom come!"

[Kyle Briggs]

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Kruze's expression again danced between anger and amusement before he fixed Valkra with a withering gaze.

"You dared to go behind my back and call for help? I told you those savages are not a threat! We do not need to evacuate and you should know that!"

Before Kruze could continue or Valkra could reply, they were interrupted by the sound of a transporter and the arrival of three male Orions. At this point, Kruze broke off his argument with his daughter and greets the leader of the Orions in a gruff tone.

"You are late Bryent. Did you bring the heavy disruptors and barbed wire as I asked?"

The Orion wore a smirk as he took in the scene before him to include the away team before he replied.

"I will bring them next time. Tell me, who are your friends?"

"I suppose we can go inside and we can speak of such things over dinner."

Long used to being in command, Kruze headed toward the main door of his home without even looking to see if anyone was following.

It took Kyle a few seconds to realize what had just happened. And what had just happened did not make him happy. He wasted no time in following Kruze and his "guests" straight inside.

"Excuse me." he began. "We are here at your daughter's request for assistance. I need to know rather you want that assistance or not because we are in a very hostile environment down here and I will not keep my people exposed to it for any longer than necessary. I will have no issues returning to our ship while you and your cohorts here enjoy your dinner. We have more important things to do than wait on you."

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Another away mission, and Lisa was once again only informed of the team members. Two of them she cared very much about, the others she also hoped she wouldn't have to patch up. After hearing about how hot it was down on that planet, she was secretly glad she hadn't been asked to go. The fact that they were going after a Klingon, however, almost made her wish she had gone. After patching up the crew last mission she now was pretty certain having a doctor there to fix people as soon as they got hurt would be much more efficient. And those scuffles hadn't included Klingons. Sighing, Lisa popped a peppermint in her mouth to calm her anxious thoughts as sitting around was really making her restless. She hoped Kyle and Ruth would come back soon. 

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's head snapped up at the report of a ship dropping out of warp, but when Lahr reported the transporter activity, his lips pressed together very hard and when he replied, he kept his tone civil.

"Well, at this point, no need ta inform the away team as that information has been overtaken by events they are more than bloody aware of."

Ian then tapped his combadge.

"Lieutenant Tharn, we've just had an Orion ship pop into the system and it's large enough ta give us a right proper buggerin' if'n that had been their intent. Given we're as bleedin' blind has a cave fish at the moment, we have ta be grateful that buggerin' us was nae their intent, at least for now.

"I am now goin' ta make this as clear as I can in Standard. I don't care what you have ta bypass, reroute, redesign, or reconfigure, but I want those bloody sensors back online. If'n you cannot accomplish this task, I will relieve you of duty and find someone who can. I want reports every five minutes until the sensors are workin' again and it would be in your best interest career wise that you not have ta report more than once. Galloway out."

Ian closed the channel and, outwardly, he remained calm, but internally, he was seething and his expression could probably melt tritanium if he wanted.

[USS Challenger]

Casey grimaced on the color way of the Captain spoke. This was one of those moments Casey was known to speak when he was not meant to. "Sheesh, Captain watch out with your lid!" he exclaimed. "Gonna blow her high to kingdom come!"

That the Captain was overly frustrated with the sensor malfunction was abundantly clear when the Scot began using cuss words and threatening his staff.  Sure, they all knew the man was likely just venting, but still...  the crew down in Engineering didn't deserve that sort of treatment.

Concerned, Lahr sent in an anonymous tip down to the doctor that the Captain could possibly benefit from some angry management therapy sessions. The Andorian kind of hoped that the anonymous message might prompt the doctor to send up someone to the Bridge to assess the Captain's state.

To deal with the situation immediately, Lahr was about to suggest perhaps hailing the Orion vessel, when the Flight officer spoke up.  Lahr turned sharply to look to Ensign Cupid, risked a glance to the Captain then turned back to staring hard at his console bracing for another Galloway tirade.  His antenna were already drooping in pained anticipation.

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger]

Casey grimaced on the color way of the Captain spoke. This was one of those moments Casey was known to speak when he was not meant to. "Sheesh, Captain watch out with your lid!" he exclaimed. "Gonna blow her high to kingdom come!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's first instinct was to tell the impertinent ensign to keep his mouth shut, but instead he simply replied with an even tone.

"I will take your input under advisement Ensign."

Changing gears Ian addressed the new lieutenant at tactical.

"It seems the Orions aren't openly hostile, which does make sense, last thing they need is to draw the ire of Starfleet with such an overt act. However, one trusts an Orion's benevolence at their peril. Keep an eye on them Lieutenant as we see how this plays out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

It took Kyle a few seconds to realize what had just happened. And what had just happened did not make him happy. He wasted no time in following Kruze and his "guests" straight inside.

"Excuse me." he began. "We are here at your daughter's request for assistance. I need to know rather you want that assistance or not because we are in a very hostile environment down here and I will not keep my people exposed to it for any longer than necessary. I will have no issues returning to our ship while you and your cohorts here enjoy your dinner. We have more important things to do than wait on you."

[Kruze Compound - Arak]

Kruze gave Kyle a piercing stare before he laughed.

"I suppose it is an inconvenience that my home is too uncomfortable for an Earther. If you would refuse my hospitality, you are more than welcome to leave. However, if you do leave, it will only prove that Starfleet officers ares as soft and and weak as the rest of the Federation."

At this point Valkra interjected.

"Please Commander, you've come this far, surely you can stay for dinner."