S1E3 United We Stand

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

"Shuttles have departed, Sir" Zex called out.  She waited a moment to make sure they were completely clear.  Then she engaged warp.

"Climbing to max speed.  ETA is 7 minutes" the Deltan added.  She kept her eyes forward as now the crew was counting on her to safely guide them to their destination.

[Lek]

[Bridge]

"Shuttles have departed, Sir" Zex called out.  She waited a moment to make sure they were completely clear.  Then she engaged warp.

"Climbing to max speed.  ETA is 7 minutes" the Deltan added.  She kept her eyes forward as now the crew was counting on her to safely guide them to their destination.

[Shuttlecraft McNair]

Lek watched the Challenger go to warp and felt a twinge inside that he did not like at all.

"Whatever happens now is all on us. No calling Moogi to come bail us out if things go bad. I just wish I knew the rest of the away team better. Jackson's naivete terrifies me. The two Houmon Females may be excellent doctors, but can they protect themselves? I am reasonably confident in Commander Jyur, but I do not know Sevoc at all. At times like this, I wonder if I shouldn't have listened to Father and gone into business."

Lek sighed as the shuttle went to warp, bound for the Cardassian ship with an ETA of 30 minutes at the shuttle's best speed.

"Science vessel, my left lobe."

He muttered to no one as he watched the shuttle's control and waited to find out what would happen next. 

[Lizzie Vaughan]

LK shifted in her seat turning to face Vaughn. She gave careful thought to her next words. Story, really.

"My parents took a trip to Earth once. Mom brought back some blackberry trees...bushes. They have these thorns on them that stick ya if ya even get close to 'em. Well, if you're real careful, you can pick the berries without getting too scratched up." Turning back to gaze out the shuttle's view port, LK continued, "I figure Cardassians are like that. Watch for a barb or two in their speech and we're likely to figure out what they're really doing. I don't think it's science related, either."

Squinting at the console in front of her, checking for anomalies, LK spoke again. "The tips of the bush had soft thorns and was pretty safe to grab to hold the vines out of the way. We need to work our way into their 'medical database'" LK used her fingers to trace air quotes in the air. "As far in as we can. Past where they want us to be."

Reede nodded as if to agree with herself. "What do you think?" she finally asked.

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked back and Reede and nodded thoughtfully.

"I think I understand what your getting at. Since the Medical system will be connected to all the major systems of the ship, we may be able to use it as a back door? Hmm. I don't know about you but my computer skills do not extend to hacking! How about you?" She asked.

[Dylan Torngate]

[Bridge]

Dylan sat with a frown as the ship - finally - got underway. He made a mental note to run a series of drills and exercises about emergency response- their time was too slow.

As the Challenger approached, sensors got a better sweep of the vessels. One was a Dosi vessel which was listing dangerously in space with gasses spewing out of several holes in the hull. Scans matched it to a 24-person merchant ship, quick and agile. But not agile enough, apparently.

The space surrounding the ship was full of dangers. A squadron of three Jem'Haddar bug ships crawled the space in formation,  strafing the disabled ship and pounding it with tetryon beams.  Nearby, a rogue comet streaked, a class two that caused some minor sensor interference, and space debris were clustered in such as way that indicated something was out there, that forced ships to realspace or be destroyed.

Dylan stood and tugged his tunic down. "Tactical. Analysis. Ops, open a channel," he said, as he faced the viewer.

This is Lieutenant Commander Torngate of the Federation Starship Challenger. Stand down your attack. he said.

As he did so, one of the Jem'Haddar vessels broke off from the squad and came nose-to-nose with Challenger, as the other two locked tractor beams on the Dosi vessel.

This had just became a game of chicken... With the Challenger badly outmatched.

[Leela Kaz]

[Bridge]

Dylan sat with a frown as the ship - finally - got underway. He made a mental note to run a series of drills and exercises about emergency response- their time was too slow.

As the Challenger approached, sensors got a better sweep of the vessels. One was a Dosi vessel which was listing dangerously in space with gasses spewing out of several holes in the hull. Scans matched it to a 24-person merchant ship, quick and agile. But not agile enough, apparently.

The space surrounding the ship was full of dangers. A squadron of three Jem'Haddar bug ships crawled the space in formation,  strafing the disabled ship and pounding it with tetryon beams.  Nearby, a rogue comet streaked, a class two that caused some minor sensor interference, and space debris were clustered in such as way that indicated something was out there, that forced ships to realspace or be destroyed.

Dylan stood and tugged his tunic down. "Tactical. Analysis. Ops, open a channel," he said, as he faced the viewer.

This is Lieutenant Commander Torngate of the Federation Starship Challenger. Stand down your attack. he said.

As he did so, one of the Jem'Haddar vessels broke off from the squad and came nose-to-nose with Challenger, as the other two locked tractor beams on the Dosi vessel.

This had just became a game of chicken... With the Challenger badly outmatched.

[Bridge]

"Well this is certainly a blast from the past. I'll save my Jem'Haddar stories for another day, we're a bit preoccupied at the moment. But just know... It involves the Grand Negus and a few strippers." Leela said with a chuckle as she opened the channel. "Channel open sir, the stage is all yours." She commented. Humor was her coping mechanism and it was going into overdrive as they stared down these ships.

[Sevoc]

[Shuttlecraft McNair]

Martin nodded to Lek.  "Understood, sir," he answered.  Then, now apart from the Challenger, he took an opportunity to look around the shuttle.  Looking behind him, he saw someone he had seen around on the ship, but hadn't yet interacted with directly.  "Hey," he said, mildly startled.  He raised a hand in a half-wave, not wanting to bother the blue man by offering him his hand.  He looked rather straight-laced.  "Martin, Operations crewman," he said in way of introduction.

[Shuttlecraft McNair]

Sevoc looked up from his PADD.

"Greetings, crewman," he replied a little coldly, "you may refer to me as Lieutenant Sevoc or sir."

He expected a little bit more formality, but tried to not be too overbearing with it since it was clear that Martin was a fresh faced member of the crew.

He picked back up where he had paused and awaited the reply.

[LK Reede]

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked back and Reede and nodded thoughtfully.

"I think I understand what your getting at. Since the Medical system will be connected to all the major systems of the ship, we may be able to use it as a back door? Hmm. I don't know about you but my computer skills do not extend to hacking! How about you?" She asked.

LK looked at Vaughn with what she hoped was confidence. "I can work my way into the innards of just about any system. Might take me a while." Lt. Reede frowned and said, "I have no idea what we're going to be facing but I do know we can handle it."

Her console beeped and LK looked up. "Is that our destination?" In the distance was a Galor class ship. "It looks like our hospital ships. Sorta."

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

"Well this is certainly a blast from the past. I'll save my Jem'Haddar stories for another day, we're a bit preoccupied at the moment. But just know... It involves the Grand Negus and a few strippers." Leela said with a chuckle as she opened the channel. "Channel open sir, the stage is all yours." She commented. Humor was her coping mechanism and it was going into overdrive as they stared down these ships.

[Bridge]

As the other ship began to run toward them, Zex looked back t the Captain.  "Evasive maneuvers, Sir?" she asked.   Then she turned back to the view screen.

"Distance closing" the Deltan added.  She considered her options while she waited for a reply.  There were plenty open which was good.

[Lizzie Vaughan]

LK looked at Vaughn with what she hoped was confidence. "I can work my way into the innards of just about any system. Might take me a while." Lt. Reede frowned and said, "I have no idea what we're going to be facing but I do know we can handle it."

Her console beeped and LK looked up. "Is that our destination?" In the distance was a Galor class ship. "It looks like our hospital ships. Sorta."

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked out the cockpit window and saw a familiar looking Cardassian vessel.

"It had better not be. The distress call was from a science vessel. That is a warship!" She remarked, turning back to her console.

Deciding to proceed as per their original orders she opened up a channel.

=/\=Unidentified Cardassian vessel this is Federation shuttle Resnik. We are part of 3 ship rescue party. Please can you confirm the nature of emergency so we can confirm how best to assist you.

[Lek]

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked out the cockpit window and saw a familiar looking Cardassian vessel.

"It had better not be. The distress call was from a science vessel. That is a warship!" She remarked, turning back to her console.

Deciding to proceed as per their original orders she opened up a channel.

=/\=Unidentified Cardassian vessel this is Federation shuttle Resnik. We are part of 3 ship rescue party. Please can you confirm the nature of emergency so we can confirm how best to assist you.

[Shuttle McNair]

Lek hissed as his both heard Doctor Vaughn's transmission and saw the read out from the sensors.

"Feckless Cardassians! So much for optimism, I knew it wouldn't be a science ship. Look alive crewman, stand by weapons and shields! A Galor is a pig of a warship, so we at least have a chance to survive long enough to break contact. We may have to scatter, but two of us will survive if they are capable of pursuit. Two in three on the dabo table is a good bet, so I like our odds."

[Martin Jackson]

[Shuttlecraft McNair]

Sevoc looked up from his PADD.

"Greetings, crewman," he replied a little coldly, "you may refer to me as Lieutenant Sevoc or sir."

He expected a little bit more formality, but tried to not be too overbearing with it since it was clear that Martin was a fresh faced member of the crew.

He picked back up where he had paused and awaited the reply.

Martin was about to respond when Doctor Vaughn's transmission came on.  Then, Lek got the ship prepared for action.

[Shuttle McNair]

Lek hissed as his both heard Doctor Vaughn's transmission and saw the read out from the sensors.

"Feckless Cardassians! So much for optimism, I knew it wouldn't be a science ship. Look alive crewman, stand by weapons and shields! A Galor is a pig of a warship, so we at least have a chance to survive long enough to break contact. We may have to scatter, but two of us will survive if they are capable of pursuit. Two in three on the dabo table is a good bet, so I like our odds."

Obediently, Jackson prepared the weapons and shields, still hoping fervently that the crew would not have to use them.

[LK Reede]

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked out the cockpit window and saw a familiar looking Cardassian vessel.

"It had better not be. The distress call was from a science vessel. That is a warship!" She remarked, turning back to her console.

Deciding to proceed as per their original orders she opened up a channel.

=/\=Unidentified Cardassian vessel this is Federation shuttle Resnik. We are part of 3 ship rescue party. Please can you confirm the nature of emergency so we can confirm how best to assist you.

Comms remained silent. LK gave a puzzled look toward Vaughn.

"I'm going to play back the original communication. Maybe there's a message there we missed."

To any vessel in range, this is Gul Vanar of the Fifth Order. We're experiancing a massive computer and containment failure. Our warp core is near breach- we require assistance. We are an unarmed science vessel! Any ships in range, please respond...

LK listened carefully for the infliction in the voice that would give her an inkling of an underlying agenda. "Unarmed?" she asked. And said again, " Unarmed? Not likely. Even a shuttle has type IV phasers." Reede hesitated a second then said, "I vote we scan for weapons, get close enough to scan for problems then hail them again."

[Jettis Jyur]

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie looked out the cockpit window and saw a familiar looking Cardassian vessel.

"It had better not be. The distress call was from a science vessel. That is a warship!" She remarked, turning back to her console.

Deciding to proceed as per their original orders she opened up a channel.

=/\=Unidentified Cardassian vessel this is Federation shuttle Resnik. We are part of 3 ship rescue party. Please can you confirm the nature of emergency so we can confirm how best to assist you.

[Cardassian 'Science' Ship]

After a long wait of silence on the Cardassian's end, the channel finally came to life with a spark and burst of static.

"-Tain Zubet of the Gul Vanar to Shuttle Resnik! We apologize for the technical difficulties, our systems are failing! Our warp core is near to breach and we require assistance! Transporters are prepared to receive you."

With that, the communication cut out, leaving the decision to the three shuttles, who at this point had all arrived at the co-ordinates.

A moment later, the Scobee opened a channel to the other two ships, and the Commander's voice came through the line.

"Jyur here, I'll be the first to beam over and make sure everything is in order. Once I have the rest of you are clear to board as well. Jyur out."=/\=

As he cut that line as well, and confirmed his arrival with the Cardassian ship, moments later Jettis' lifesigns could be read aboard the Gul Vanar, leaving the Scobee empty and waiting as the two other shuttles got the go-ahead to board and meet the first officer.

[Lizzie Vaughan]

[Cardassian 'Science' Ship]

After a long wait of silence on the Cardassian's end, the channel finally came to life with a spark and burst of static.

"-Tain Zubet of the Gul Vanar to Shuttle Resnik! We apologize for the technical difficulties, our systems are failing! Our warp core is near to breach and we require assistance! Transporters are prepared to receive you."

With that, the communication cut out, leaving the decision to the three shuttles, who at this point had all arrived at the co-ordinates.

A moment later, the Scobee opened a channel to the other two ships, and the Commander's voice came through the line.

"Jyur here, I'll be the first to beam over and make sure everything is in order. Once I have the rest of you are clear to board as well. Jyur out."=/\=

As he cut that line as well, and confirmed his arrival with the Cardassian ship, moments later Jettis' lifesigns could be read aboard the Gul Vanar, leaving the Scobee empty and waiting as the two other shuttles got the go-ahead to board and meet the first officer.

Shuttle Resnik

Lizzie listened to first the Cardassian message and then Jyur's transmission. She turned to look at Reede.

"Not a good plan, going in blind and without sufficient backup. That monster could blow all three of our ships away if it wanted to." She said, indicating the vessel less than a mile away. "Still, orders are orders. Let's go." She said getting up and picking up her medical bag. She then had an idea, hopefully it would not be needed.

=/\=Computer, lock all systems for my activation only. Authorisation Vaughan Delta Two Nine Six Gamma Tango.

=/\=Acknowledged. The computer responded.

Initiate auto retrieval and return sequence. Countdown at 24 hours.

=/\=Acknowledged. The computer responded, displaying a red countdown clock that was counting down from 24 hours.

Lizzie got up and stood in the middle of the transporter pad and motioned to Reede to stand beside her.

=/\=Computer. Transport us to within 5 meters of Commander Jyur's location.

=/\=Acknowledged. Energising. The computer replied.

Lizzie took a deep breath as the transporter sequence initiated. Seconds later they were standing in what looked like the transporter room of a Cardassian vessel. She immediately looked at Jyur to confirm all was well.

[Dylan Torngate]

[Bridge]

As the two ships, one Federation and one Jem'Haddar stood off, the Challenger received a hail from the lead ships, audio only. But even without voice, it was clear who, or rather what species, was speaking. It was a Jem'Haddar soldier.

I am First Malika'tiz of the Dominon. You are interfering in matters of Dominion security. Make peace with your gods, for they shall see you soon. he said, before the channel was severed and the bug-ships began to fire, using the disabled ship as a shield.

"Tactical, Open Fire. Helm, get us around that ship..." Dylan ordered, as he himself looked at a panel near him. Somehow, the shields were being burnt out very quickly, for Dominion weapons.

"Find me a way to get that crew and cargo out of the firing line." he said, as the ship shook from two polaron blasts.

Challenger to Away Team, we've been engaged. We won't be able to support you... watch your back.