S3:E7 Predator and Prey

[William Waring]

[Conference Room -USS Challenger]

Lek listened to the new first officer and did like his suggestion to use the cargo transporters, but some quick math told him even they wouldn't be enough.

"Sir, the cargo transporters are large with 96 pads each and as you said, we have three of them, but even adding them into the package, that will still only give us the ability to transport 400 at a time, which will take two cycles. That does reduce the time our shields will be down to just twenty seconds, which is much better than a minute, but even twenty seconds with shields down in combat is an eternity.

"However, your statement about beaming through the shields does have precedent. As with all Starfleet ships, the Challenger uses a high-energy sensor system, which cycles every 5.5 minutes, with a window of a fiftieth of a second, getting someone through that window is possible, but typically you are talking about an individual, not four hundred. In addition, having to wait for the shields to cycle means we'd have to stand by for another five point five minutes before we could rescue the remaining one hundred and you can be certain Leyton's forces just wouldn't sit around during that time.

"Our best bet would be to warp in suicidally close to our objective and drop our shields just before they cycle. Beam out the first four hundred, raise our shields, then when they cycle, beam out the remaining hundred.

"The timing on this plan would be astronomically tight and I'm not certain of its success, but it does answer the question of how to rescue five hundred people with shields down less than ten seconds with one ship."

[Conference Room -USS Challenger]

Kyle listened intently as Lek laid out his thoughts about the cargo transporters. He really missed being in Engineering. He too in every word. Lek's idea sounded solid but, as he said, they would also be doing  this while under attack. With so much on the line, Kyle was now all business.

"Mister Lek and I could run a few simulations in the holodeck, Commander." he said to Will. "Maybe something will come to us with the shields while we're at it."

If Will agreed, Kyle and Lek would retread to the holo and this would free up Will to head to the Bridge so the Captain could have her meeting with the Science department.

[Conference Room --> Bridge]

"Simple solution. Make the shields a non-factor" he said as if it were common sense "We do a suicide drop-in, extend the extends around the target vessel and beam from within the shields. Now the power drain would be quite extensive to keep the shields extended in conjunction with weapons and mass transporter usage. Perhaps it needs some thought..." he said, running his own series of calculations inside his head "But yes, run the simulations. Any viable solution whether it be shuttles, transporters, whatever. I don't care if we have to fire cannonballs due to lack of power, failure is not an option gentlemen. Okay... I would care... a little" he tugged down on his (vibrant) jacket and nodded "Dismissed gents. Oh and Lek, keep an eye on Kyle for me." he asked with a chuckle and a grin before departing to his place on the Bridge

[Bridge]

"So this is where the magic happens, is it? First time I got a proper look at it. Nice digs Skipper. Who at Command did you bribe to get this? I bet it was Dylan. It was, wasn't it?" he asked, not really expecting an answer "But yes, down to business! Shall we do the do and science the science? I left my Science to Standard Dictionary back in my quarters. Do you suppose I have time to run and get it?" he asked, obviously being over the top.   

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay]

[AS NPC Maggie York]

"Right I'll head down to Engineering and then the Cargo Bay and take 3 of the Security Crew with me once they show up.  I'll get set to replicating the blankets, bed rolls whatever.  I'll wait till they're here though or they will be gadding about all over the ship to find me!" Maggie chuckled. "Unless you prefer the Cargo Bay.  I think personally we're both going to be down there once we reach the Nebula, and possibly leave Chloe here to handle the Sickbay, we will have to see, I don't know what this might throw at us.  I don't want to pre-empt or panic just yet but at some point we might have to call in all the medical staff and rearrange the rota to accommodate that."

The CMO sighed.  "This is not a situation anyone can prepare totally for, we just have to prepare the best we can."

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 10 - corridor >> Sickbay]

Helga and her partner Thompson acknowledged the order with a double tag of their comm badge before booking off their current assignment - someone else would be assigned to roving - then headed to Sickbay.

Arriving they sought someone in charge. "The Captain ordered us to assist.  What do you need us to do?"

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Liv listened as Maggie made her choice as to what she would do next, as well as understanding why it was important to wait for their Security back up, before doing anything. Smiling as she chuckled, before Maggie asked if she wanted to go to the Cargo Bay and suggested that they might both find themselves down there when the reached the Nebula. Agreeing with her colleague about what they may have to do in regards to Chloe and the medical staff and how they could only prepare as much as they could, because of the uncertainty of the situation.

" Good plan, as we don't have a lot of time and I'll be heading down there as well to help out, once we have everything prepped here, but I agree, we both probably will end up staying there, depending on what happens and call everyone in" she replied, then added. " As for being prepared as much as we can, that's all we can do, until we arrive and find out what's waiting for us".

When the two security officers then entered and approached, Liv smiled as she addressed them. " I'm glad that you're both here and I need you to assist Dr York, in getting the Cargo Bay ready for those we'll be rescuing, once we reach the Nebula".

[Lek]

[Conference Room -USS Challenger]

Kyle listened intently as Lek laid out his thoughts about the cargo transporters. He really missed being in Engineering. He too in every word. Lek's idea sounded solid but, as he said, they would also be doing  this while under attack. With so much on the line, Kyle was now all business.

"Mister Lek and I could run a few simulations in the holodeck, Commander." he said to Will. "Maybe something will come to us with the shields while we're at it."

If Will agreed, Kyle and Lek would retread to the holo and this would free up Will to head to the Bridge so the Captain could have her meeting with the Science department.

[Conference Room --> Bridge]

"Simple solution. Make the shields a non-factor" he said as if it were common sense "We do a suicide drop-in, extend the extends around the target vessel and beam from within the shields. Now the power drain would be quite extensive to keep the shields extended in conjunction with weapons and mass transporter usage. Perhaps it needs some thought..." he said, running his own series of calculations inside his head "But yes, run the simulations. Any viable solution whether it be shuttles, transporters, whatever. I don't care if we have to fire cannonballs due to lack of power, failure is not an option gentlemen. Okay... I would care... a little" he tugged down on his (vibrant) jacket and nodded "Dismissed gents. Oh and Lek, keep an eye on Kyle for me." he asked with a chuckle and a grin before departing to his place on the Bridge

[Bridge]

"So this is where the magic happens, is it? First time I got a proper look at it. Nice digs Skipper. Who at Command did you bribe to get this? I bet it was Dylan. It was, wasn't it?" he asked, not really expecting an answer "But yes, down to business! Shall we do the do and science the science? I left my Science to Standard Dictionary back in my quarters. Do you suppose I have time to run and get it?" he asked, obviously being over the top.

[Conference Room --> Holodeck - USS Challenger]

As Lek didn't know the Commander well enough to be informal, he simply nodded and replied with the standard "Aye Sir" and followed Lieutenant Briggs to the holodeck. It was obvious that they were about to try something that had never been done before and Lek wasn't certain it was even possible. As the purpose of them running simulations was to see if the theory could work, Lek figured now was the time to voice his concerns.

"Lieutenant, when I made my suggestion, it was a response to is it possible to 'beam through shields'? The answer to that is technically yes, but as an operational plan with hundreds of lives at stake, I think we are asking the transporters and operators for too much. I hate the idea of dropping shields, but with the addition of the cargo transporters, we would only have to have them down for less that twenty seconds. I know that's not ideal, but the timing won't be so critical. If we were talking a dozen hostages, I'd be all for the 'through the shields' plan, but for five hundred, I think it's a transport too far."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

Lahr who was back on the Bridge after the brainstorming with Lek and the others, nodded.  "Aye, sir."  Lahr had the computer scan through the transporter and airlock logs looking for any discrepancies - any who might of left the ship and not returned but the computer logs confirmed all were aboard.  He double checked with a search of all comm badges.  All accounted for and showing enabled on the comm system.  Lastly he ran a check to see if any hadn't reported in to their shift but everyone meant to be on shift were.

"All are aboard, Captain." he announced then opened the comms to the station to begin the request for undocking.

A minute later, after running through the checks with the Ops personnel on the station, Lahr called out to the Captain.  "We have permission to disembark.  Docking clamps are being released in ... three .. two.. one...  We are released."

In the meanwhile Crewman Tim, who was standing guard just to the side of the turbolift attentively, fetched the cat from the Captain.  He looked embarrassed that it had somehow snuck on the bridge without his noticing.

Tim disappeared into the turbolift with the cat, while Lahr continued with his task.  Next he had to relayed to the Tal'Bath Challenger's route out of the system and destination - the Crimson Nebula.

[Bridge]

"Thank you Petty Officer, Crewman...Tim.  Sorry took me a moment to recollect your name Crewman, there are a lot of people on this ship!  Be gentle with him.  Sometimes he's a cute little brat, mostly when on the Bridge you can omit the 'cute' part!" the Captain chuckled referring to the cat.

"We still need a name for him.  I have been calling him Commodore Cat because of the imperious nature but, it's a bit of a mouthful!"

[Bridge]

"So this is where the magic happens, is it? First time I got a proper look at it. Nice digs Skipper. Who at Command did you bribe to get this? I bet it was Dylan. It was, wasn't it?" he asked, not really expecting an answer "But yes, down to business! Shall we do the do and science the science? I left my Science to Standard Dictionary back in my quarters. Do you suppose I have time to run and get it?" he asked, obviously being over the top.

The Captain raised her left eyebrow in a manner that Sukal would have found hard to emulate even with features favouring the arched brow.

"It is, Commander.  And no bribes to Admiral Torngate were necessary although it was he who initially requested my services as his First Officer.  Then when his posting and subsequently Admiral Kirok's too took them back to Headquarters, I was left in command, it was sort of thrust upon me, but this seat has most definitely got my 'groove' in it."  Ruth answered putting a little bit of a stern tone in her voice to remind Will that on the Bridge, now that they were getting underway, it was business.  And business meant non-formality for the most.

She didn't mind a bit of banter but referring to a Fleet Admiral as 'my Dylan' and the Bridge as 'nice digs' also even playfully suggesting that she'd accepted a bribe to get her position was something she seriously disapproved of.

Inwardly laughing however, she cut him a little slack.

"However, you'll not need your Science dictionary, I need you to keep this seat warm very briefly while I have my meeting with Sciences unless Lt. Briggs gets back before the boffins get here, then if you wish to you can sit in and I'll have them clarify anything that's a little too Science-y for you.  I never think twice about it myself since my background is, as you know, Science.  Did you sort anything about the transporting?" Ruth asked.

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

[/color]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Liv listened as Maggie made her choice as to what she would do next, as well as understanding why it was important to wait for their Security back up, before doing anything. Smiling as she chuckled, before Maggie asked if she wanted to go to the Cargo Bay and suggested that they might both find themselves down there when the reached the Nebula. Agreeing with her colleague about what they may have to do in regards to Chloe and the medical staff and how they could only prepare as much as they could, because of the uncertainty of the situation.

" Good plan, as we don't have a lot of time and I'll be heading down there as well to help out, once we have everything prepped here, but I agree, we both probably will end up staying there, depending on what happens and call everyone in" she replied, then added. " As for being prepared as much as we can, that's all we can do, until we arrive and find out what's waiting for us".

When the two security officers then entered and approached, Liv smiled as she addressed them. " I'm glad that you're both here and I need you to assist Dr York, in getting the Cargo Bay ready for those we'll be rescuing, once we reach the Nebula".

[Sickbay]

[AS NPC Dr. Maggie York, CMO]

"Brilliant, I'll go down with Crewman Tragnar and Thompson now and you can send down either of the others when they get here.  If you'll come with me, sorry to drag you around, but I thought it better to wait here for you than have you changing directing half way through.  Also I don't know if it's filtered through on the crew news yet that Dr. Briggs is now assistant CMO and taking lead on this evacuation procedure as far as the Medical department is concerned.  So I wasn't sure who she'd want to assign where." Maggie said with a smile.

Moving towards the turbolift she said to the Security pair "I'm sorry, this isn't a very interesting job, we're basically going to be getting the cargo bay turned into an evacuee centre, bed rolls, ration packs and the like.  If either of you have ideas as to what you think might be useful, please... speak up."

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

[/color]

"This seems a task for medical and engineering and us as one team," he shared.  Computer can give us a hologram play on this machine being used on a hologram character. And allow us see inside the machine and hologram character's brain,  he ordered the computer.

"I did not know your a grandmother. But I see the nebula like medicine see blood. When blood pumps through it is blue and when it reaches the air turns red. You have a good question but your question makes me wonder this mad man chose the Crimson Nebula. Not a great place to hide. Damn. I wish we have more time, but we need to work fast."

[Sciences]

[AS NPC CSO Lt. Cmdr. Evie Wardropper]

"I'm not sure we have time to run the simulations on ever species types before our meeting, as I think 30 mins has already gone by so we could perhaps..." the CSO pressed some buttons on an adjacent console and brought up the list of people that the device had been used on.

"I'm not going to work that out, hang on.  Computer, compile list by species, hybrid-species as sub section and percentages." she ordered.

Momentarily she got the answer.  "Right 65% human, 10% Martian, 5% Orion, 2% Bajoran, 3% Trill, 1% Vulcan, 1% Betazoid, 2% Romulan, 1% part-klingon ...hmm that might be interesting, and the other 10% made up of various hybrids.  I don't think we need to worry about the hybrids in terms of testing given that their brains would work in one or other of the hybrid species would.  I'm intrigued about this part klingon however.  You said in the notes that they'd tried on Klingons and that was proving difficult due to their cranial ridges, I see no Ferengis on this list, I suspect their um... distinctive ears saved them there."

She ran her finger across the columns for the data and found the name D'kloss Paltodho, Cadet.  "Computer, find records for Cadet D'kloss Paltodho, picture  please."  she was greeted with a beep

'Files corrupted, no formal starfleet picture could be found. One picture, informal found.' the computer reported.

"Show it..."  Evie was a grandmother and prepared for anything.

She raised her eyebrows slightly but made no comment almost daring Jasper to.

"Well that clears that up, her ridges are not very pronounced, that device would fit her head.  OK I think for now concentrate on the Humans since that is our largest percentage." the CSO ordered.

"As for the Crimson Nebula, I seem to recall it being a sort of double horseshoe shape if it's the one that I'm thinking of they are sort of..."  she used her hands to describe the shape.

"Hang on I think it was in one of the Science Journals from when I was perhaps 20 years old... yes I was young once.  I don't think there was much on it." the Lt. Cmdr did a search on her PADD for 'Crimson Nebula' in a now defunct Science publication.

"Ah here it is... ...the Nebula gets its reddish hue from large dust clouds similar in composition to that of the planet Mars, namely iron(III) oxide (nanophase Fe2O3) and the iron(III) oxide-hydroxide mineral goethite...' there's also an artist's impersonation of what I meant.  See what I mean about the double horseshoe.  I suspect Leyton knows a less dust dense way in or there's some pattern to the dust storms so it's like knowing the way across a marsh or a bog, and somewhere in the middle of it all is some centre only he and his gang know about." she concluded.

"I think that's most of our time up, should we go up to the Captain?" she asked.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A corridor outside Conference room]

Using wall console outside the conference room, Lahr queried the computer where to find Lieutenant Lek.   The Holodeck was where he was directed.   He headed there.

[Holodeck]
In the holodeck he found, Lek and Lieutenant Briggs.  "Hey... so we brainstorming, or have you come up with a plan already?"

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

[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Bridge - Ops station- 45 min later]

[Bridge]

"Thank you Petty Officer, Crewman...Tim.  Sorry took me a moment to recollect your name Crewman, there are a lot of people on this ship!  Be gentle with him.  Sometimes he's a cute little brat, mostly when on the Bridge you can omit the 'cute' part!" the Captain chuckled referring to the cat.

"We still need a name for him.  I have been calling him Commodore Cat because of the imperious nature but, it's a bit of a mouthful!"

Lahr didn't need to turn around to see Tim's shy and nervous glances uncertain on how to answer the Captain.

The young crewman Tim offered a barely heard "yes, ma'am".

Lahr shook his head at Tim's timid behavior.  It still baffled him - over a year later - as to why the man was in security.  He'd be better of in almost any other department .. security was so not him. But it wasn't Lahr's place to tell the guy what to do - not anymore anyways.  Lahr missed overseeing his security team.  Operations group were not quite as close-knit.  Lahr guessed it was the lack of that 'life and death' element.

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

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 7 - Sickbay]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Liv listened as Maggie made her choice as to what she would do next, as well as understanding why it was important to wait for their Security back up, before doing anything. Smiling as she chuckled, before Maggie asked if she wanted to go to the Cargo Bay and suggested that they might both find themselves down there when the reached the Nebula. Agreeing with her colleague about what they may have to do in regards to Chloe and the medical staff and how they could only prepare as much as they could, because of the uncertainty of the situation.

" Good plan, as we don't have a lot of time and I'll be heading down there as well to help out, once we have everything prepped here, but I agree, we both probably will end up staying there, depending on what happens and call everyone in" she replied, then added. " As for being prepared as much as we can, that's all we can do, until we arrive and find out what's waiting for us".

When the two security officers then entered and approached, Liv smiled as she addressed them. " I'm glad that you're both here and I need you to assist Dr York, in getting the Cargo Bay ready for those we'll be rescuing, once we reach the Nebula".

Helga nodded briskly to the doctor. "Of course, ma'am.  How many are we anticipating?"

[Sickbay]

[AS NPC Dr. Maggie York, CMO]

"Brilliant, I'll go down with Crewman Tragnar and Thompson now and you can send down either of the others when they get here.  If you'll come with me, sorry to drag you around, but I thought it better to wait here for you than have you changing directing half way through.  Also I don't know if it's filtered through on the crew news yet that Dr. Briggs is now assistant CMO and taking lead on this evacuation procedure as far as the Medical department is concerned.  So I wasn't sure who she'd want to assign where." Maggie said with a smile.

Moving towards the turbolift she said to the Security pair "I'm sorry, this isn't a very interesting job, we're basically going to be getting the cargo bay turned into an evacuee centre, bed rolls, ration packs and the like.  If either of you have ideas as to what you think might be useful, please... speak up."

Helga and her partner followed the doctor to the turbolift.  She listened to the doctor's comment and shook her head. "Things don't need to be interesting to be important.  Not to worry ma'am we'll get the cargo bay set up."  When encouraged to speak up about ideas Helga thought for a moment.  "Well, it might help if we knew who we are evacuating." The average security crewman wasn't privy to knowing what was discussed in meetings so Helga and her partner had no knowledge about who the ship was supposed to be preparing to rescue.  Just that where they were headed might be where Leyton was.  "What species are we likely to be bringing aboard?"  Being told to set up the cargo bay reminded her of the time the ship had to evacuate hundreds of Tholians.  That had not been fun.  "Are they Fleet? Civilian? Adults? Children? Entire families?  What we need and how we secure the area will be different depending who are evacuating."  Helga reasoned.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Bridge]

"Thank you Petty Officer, Crewman...Tim.  Sorry took me a moment to recollect your name Crewman, there are a lot of people on this ship!  Be gentle with him.  Sometimes he's a cute little brat, mostly when on the Bridge you can omit the 'cute' part!" the Captain chuckled referring to the cat.

"We still need a name for him.  I have been calling him Commodore Cat because of the imperious nature but, it's a bit of a mouthful!"
The Captain raised her left eyebrow in a manner that Sukal would have found hard to emulate even with features favouring the arched brow.

"It is, Commander.  And no bribes to Admiral Torngate were necessary although it was he who initially requested my services as his First Officer.  Then when his posting and subsequently Admiral Kirok's too took them back to Headquarters, I was left in command, it was sort of thrust upon me, but this seat has most definitely got my 'groove' in it."  Ruth answered putting a little bit of a stern tone in her voice to remind Will that on the Bridge, now that they were getting underway, it was business.  And business meant non-formality for the most.

She didn't mind a bit of banter but referring to a Fleet Admiral as 'my Dylan' and the Bridge as 'nice digs' also even playfully suggesting that she'd accepted a bribe to get her position was something she seriously disapproved of.

Inwardly laughing however, she cut him a little slack.

"However, you'll not need your Science dictionary, I need you to keep this seat warm very briefly while I have my meeting with Sciences unless Lt. Briggs gets back before the boffins get here, then if you wish to you can sit in and I'll have them clarify anything that's a little too Science-y for you.  I never think twice about it myself since my background is, as you know, Science.  Did you sort anything about the transporting?" Ruth asked.

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

[/color]

[Sickbay]

[AS NPC Dr. Maggie York, CMO]

"Brilliant, I'll go down with Crewman Tragnar and Thompson now and you can send down either of the others when they get here.  If you'll come with me, sorry to drag you around, but I thought it better to wait here for you than have you changing directing half way through.  Also I don't know if it's filtered through on the crew news yet that Dr. Briggs is now assistant CMO and taking lead on this evacuation procedure as far as the Medical department is concerned.  So I wasn't sure who she'd want to assign where." Maggie said with a smile.

Moving towards the turbolift she said to the Security pair "I'm sorry, this isn't a very interesting job, we're basically going to be getting the cargo bay turned into an evacuee centre, bed rolls, ration packs and the like.  If either of you have ideas as to what you think might be useful, please... speak up."

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

[/color]

[Sciences]

[AS NPC CSO Lt. Cmdr. Evie Wardropper]

"I'm not sure we have time to run the simulations on ever species types before our meeting, as I think 30 mins has already gone by so we could perhaps..." the CSO pressed some buttons on an adjacent console and brought up the list of people that the device had been used on.

"I'm not going to work that out, hang on.  Computer, compile list by species, hybrid-species as sub section and percentages." she ordered.

Momentarily she got the answer.  "Right 65% human, 10% Martian, 5% Orion, 2% Bajoran, 3% Trill, 1% Vulcan, 1% Betazoid, 2% Romulan, 1% part-klingon ...hmm that might be interesting, and the other 10% made up of various hybrids.  I don't think we need to worry about the hybrids in terms of testing given that their brains would work in one or other of the hybrid species would.  I'm intrigued about this part klingon however.  You said in the notes that they'd tried on Klingons and that was proving difficult due to their cranial ridges, I see no Ferengis on this list, I suspect their um... distinctive ears saved them there."

She ran her finger across the columns for the data and found the name D'kloss Paltodho, Cadet.  "Computer, find records for Cadet D'kloss Paltodho, picture  please."  she was greeted with a beep

'Files corrupted, no formal starfleet picture could be found. One picture, informal found.' the computer reported.

"Show it..."  Evie was a grandmother and prepared for anything.

"Wow-Za! She could stop a wild cat in his tracks," he shared. Then he gave up a manly cough covering his mouth.

She raised her eyebrows slightly but made no comment almost daring Jasper to.

"Well that clears that up, her ridges are not very pronounced, that device would fit her head.  OK I think for now concentrate on the Humans since that is our largest percentage." the CSO ordered.

"But we need more time. Or either way figure it out soon enough. I just wished we had more time," he crossed his arms.
[/quote]

"As for the Crimson Nebula, I seem to recall it being a sort of double horseshoe shape if it's the one that I'm thinking of they are sort of..."  she used her hands to describe the shape.

"Those two over lap. That seem to nagging my brain," he shared by pointing at it.

"Hang on I think it was in one of the Science Journals from when I was perhaps 20 years old... yes I was young once.  I don't think there was much on it." the Lt. Cmdr did a search on her PADD for 'Crimson Nebula' in a now defunct Science publication.

"Ah here it is... ...the Nebula gets its reddish hue from large dust clouds similar in composition to that of the planet Mars, namely iron(III) oxide (nanophase Fe2O3) and the iron(III) oxide-hydroxide mineral goethite...' there's also an artist's impersonation of what I meant.  See what I mean about the double horseshoe.  I suspect Leyton knows a less dust dense way in or there's some pattern to the dust storms so it's like knowing the way across a marsh or a bog, and somewhere in the middle of it all is some centre only he and his gang know about." she concluded.

"I think that's most of our time up, should we go up to the Captain?" she asked.
[/quote]

"We got not choice. Unless you want to hear from her," he smiled. "Your higher rank then me."

"I don't believe the time went by very fast," he replied.

[Lek]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A corridor outside Conference room]

Using wall console outside the conference room, Lahr queried the computer where to find Lieutenant Lek.   The Holodeck was where he was directed.   He headed there.

[Holodeck]
In the holodeck he found, Lek and Lieutenant Briggs.  "Hey... so we brainstorming, or have you come up with a plan already?"

[Holodeck - USS Challenger]

Lek looked up as the doors to the holodeck opened and nodded as Lahr joined them.

"Still in the planning stages. So far, our only two options are extremely dangerous, the only variable is who is in danger. The beaming through the shields keeps Challenger safe, but is suicidally dangerous for the hostages. The dropping the shields is much safer for the hostages, but suicidal for the Challenger. As I said, still planning."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 7 - Sickbay]

Helga nodded briskly to the doctor. "Of course, ma'am.  How many are we anticipating?"

Helga and her partner followed the doctor to the turbolift.  She listened to the doctor's comment and shook her head. "Things don't need to be interesting to be important.  Not to worry ma'am we'll get the cargo bay set up."  When encouraged to speak up about ideas Helga thought for a moment.  "Well, it might help if we knew who we are evacuating." The average security crewman wasn't privy to knowing what was discussed in meetings so Helga and her partner had no knowledge about who the ship was supposed to be preparing to rescue.  Just that where they were headed might be where Leyton was.  "What species are we likely to be bringing aboard?"  Being told to set up the cargo bay reminded her of the time the ship had to evacuate hundreds of Tholians.  That had not been fun.  "Are they Fleet? Civilian? Adults? Children? Entire families?  What we need and how we secure the area will be different depending who are evacuating."  Helga reasoned.

[Turbolift>Cargobay]

[AS NPC Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie nodded and sighed heavily.  "Fleet, mostly cadets, possibly some high ranking - I'm talking Lt. Commander and above - not families so far as I know.  Primarily kids... well younger adults, and depending on if they've been brainwashed or not yet, quite likely terrified and just wanting to go home."

The doctor continued. "The ones that are, or could have been, brainwashed may be ... difficult in that they'll be convinced that what they're doing and what Leyton is doing is absolutely right and won't be convinced otherwise until we get them de-brainwashed."

"I'm afraid the poor Counsellor is going to have a job and a half on his hands between the ones going crazy because we're taking them from their 'beloved leader' aka Leyton, and then when we 'cure' them they're going to be disillusioned, disorientated and so on, then you'll get the ones that are already somewhere in the Crimson Nebula...hopefully, we still don't know if they're actually there... who are sitting in a corner hugging their knees, rocking back and forth just wanting to go home to Mum.  I can't say I blame them.  I just hope for everyone's sakes that the Captain's sisters aren't amongst them, or those axes that are 'wall display' in the Ready Room?  Won't be on the wall any more is all I'll say.  As for numbers, been told to prep for 500+ that's why it's a logistical problem, for the transporters that is."

Reaching the Cargo Bay, she smiled.  "And thank you Crewman, you're quite right about not needing to be exciting to be important, tho I have to tell myself that when I'm cleaning up noxious spillages of the normally internal kind from the floor of Sickbay!" Maggie made vomiting motions and then grinned and pushed her sleeves up.  "Right, now.. first job someone needs to get ahold of Chief Lek and ask him if we can use the Engineering replicators... they're larger than your regular 'make a cup of tea' ones.  Any volunteer?!" she asked innocently.

"Crewman Thompson... I'm wondering how best to section up this Cargo Bay, we will need somewhere for those needing, I'll say 'non-mental' medical attention.  As in physical injuries, although not serious enough to beamed straight to sickbay.  Those needing say, minor cuts and abrasions seen to. Do we separate males and females, I think probably no... given the 'camping' nature this will take and the fact they are likely going to be suffering from major mental trauma, being with their friends for comfort is probably better. Hmmm..."

Maggie had an idea and floated it at the Security duo.  "Not immediately necessary we'll get the basics set up first but, what do you say about having some decks of cards, spare PADDs with games and novels on them and setting up something that would play movies at certain times of day.  Maybe some handicrafts.  I and I'm sure Dr. Briggs wouldn't want any of them on duty so they can't help out in their respective departments, so we're gonna have to keep them mentally stimulated or we're gonna have problems."

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

"Wow-Za! She could stop a wild cat in his tracks," he shared. Then he gave up a manly cough covering his mouth.
"But we need more time. Or either way figure it out soon enough. I just wished we had more time," he crossed his arms.

"Those two over lap. That seem to nagging my brain," he shared by pointing at it.

"We got not choice. Unless you want to hear from her," he smiled. "Your higher rank then me."

"I don't believe the time went by very fast," he replied.
[/quote]

[Sciences>Turbolift>Bridge]

[As NPC CSO Evie Wardropper]

Evie chuckled at Jasper's comment.  "You're a normal red-blooded... that is right isn't it, I don't want to be making presumptions, my anthropology is a little rusty atm, but the concept is the same either way... male and she is undoubtedly attractive.  Had you not made a reaction, I might've assumed that you possibly had interests in your own gender, not that that is a problem of course, but your reaction was not unsurprising Mr. Meltem!  And I may be your immediate boss, and yes hold a higher rank as you mentioned but we are two scientists.  The only thing I really have over you is a couple of extra bits of jewellery at my throat, more years and thus more experiences in that I may have seen more, done more and certainly more years and more grey hairs!  But you're a scientist, when it comes to Stellar Cartography, I might have the edge, your speciality... I'd defer to you.  What is your speciality?"

"As for time..." the CSO continued. "Not something that we have the luxury of at the moment!" she said stepping out onto the Bridge.

"Sciences reporting exactly 2 mins prior to agreed time Captain!" Evie said beaming.

[Bridge]

"Mr. Litt how long to the Crimson Nebula?" Ruth asked wanting a rough ETA for how long she had to get around everyone and get their plans still.

Just then the CSO and Ensign Meltem arrived... just a little before time.

"Mr. Waring, you have the Bridge. Perhaps you could think on the solution to the cat problem if you want something other than the tactical and transportation issues at hand to work on.  I seem to recall you liked your mind to be 'busy' and working on three things at once to be at your best!"[/colour] she gave him a small wink letting him know that she was still 'his' Ruth, just there were times she had to put the 'Captain hat' on.

"I'll be in my Ready Room if anyone needs me urgently.  Lt. Commander, Ensign if you'd follow me."

[Kyle Briggs]

[Holodeck - USS Challenger]

As Lek didn't know the Commander well enough to be informal, he simply nodded and replied with the standard "Aye Sir" and followed Lieutenant Briggs to the holodeck. It was obvious that they were about to try something that had never been done before and Lek wasn't certain it was even possible. As the purpose of them running simulations was to see if the theory could work, Lek figured now was the time to voice his concerns.

"Lieutenant, when I made my suggestion, it was a response to is it possible to 'beam through shields'? The answer to that is technically yes, but as an operational plan with hundreds of lives at stake, I think we are asking the transporters and operators for too much. I hate the idea of dropping shields, but with the addition of the cargo transporters, we would only have to have them down for less that twenty seconds. I know that's not ideal, but the timing won't be so critical. If we were talking a dozen hostages, I'd be all for the 'through the shields' plan, but for five hundred, I think it's a transport too far."

Kyle nodded toward the Engineer. "I completely understand, Lieutenant." he replied. "I'm not too keen on this whole "through the shields" thing myself. Hell. I don't even know how big this station is and if our shields would even extend that far."

His attention was drawn toward the doorway as it opened.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

In the holodeck he found, Lek and Lieutenant Briggs.  "Hey... so we brainstorming, or have you come up with a plan already?"

Lek looked up as the doors to the holodeck opened and nodded as Lahr joined them.

"Still in the planning stages. So far, our only two options are extremely dangerous, the only variable is who is in danger. The beaming through the shields keeps Challenger safe, but is suicidally dangerous for the hostages. The dropping the shields is much safer for the hostages, but suicidal for the Challenger. As I said, still planning."

"What he said." Kyle offered. "Have you heard anything about this science station we're headed for?" he asked the Ops Officer. He wasn't expecting much more then he already knew and had said. Science station equaled probably too big to encompass.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1]

[Holodeck - USS Challenger]

Lek looked up as the doors to the holodeck opened and nodded as Lahr joined them.

"Still in the planning stages. So far, our only two options are extremely dangerous, the only variable is who is in danger. The beaming through the shields keeps Challenger safe, but is suicidally dangerous for the hostages. The dropping the shields is much safer for the hostages, but suicidal for the Challenger. As I said, still planning."

[Holodeck - USS Challenger]

Kyle nodded toward the Engineer. "I completely understand, Lieutenant." he replied. "I'm not too keen on this whole "through the shields" thing myself. Hell. I don't even know how big this station is and if our shields would even extend that far."

His attention was drawn toward the doorway as it opened.

"What he said." Kyle offered. "Have you heard anything about this science station we're headed for?" he asked the Ops Officer. He wasn't expecting much more then he already knew and had said. Science station equaled probably too big to encompass.

Lahr's antenna twitched and he frowned as he walked over to where the two other men were conversing. "Are we even certain it is a station?  I had kind of thought in the nebula it was just gonna be other ships... any number of Leyton's ships hiding in there; or maybe planetoid with ships guarding it.  I don't know where the notion that there was another science station in the nebula.  But if I'm right and the cadets are on the ships.. then it's not just OUR shields we have to worry about... it's their as well.   It takes a helluva lot of firepower to bring down shields.. that means a lot of potential casualties among the folks we are trying to rescue.  It's a shame our friend who gave us the station codes.. didn't also have the remote access codes to Leyton's ships."

Lahr lifted his head to address the computer.  "Computer access navigational star charts for the spacial phenomenon called the Crimson Nebula, tie into the holodeck and display."

The stark whiteness of the holodeck disappeared and was replaced with the red glow and faint starlight of the Crimson Nebula.

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

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A Turbolift>>>Deck 12 Cargobay ]

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

"Are they Fleet? Civilian? Adults? Children? Entire families?  What we need and how we secure the area will be different depending who are evacuating."  Helga reasoned.

[Turbolift>Cargobay]

[AS NPC Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie nodded and sighed heavily.  "Fleet, mostly cadets, possibly some high ranking - I'm talking Lt. Commander and above - not families so far as I know.  Primarily kids... well younger adults, and depending on if they've been brainwashed or not yet, quite likely terrified and just wanting to go home."

The doctor continued. "The ones that are, or could have been, brainwashed may be ... difficult in that they'll be convinced that what they're doing and what Leyton is doing is absolutely right and won't be convinced otherwise until we get them de-brainwashed."

"I'm afraid the poor Counsellor is going to have a job and a half on his hands between the ones going crazy because we're taking them from their 'beloved leader' aka Leyton, and then when we 'cure' them they're going to be disillusioned, disorientated and so on, then you'll get the ones that are already somewhere in the Crimson Nebula...hopefully, we still don't know if they're actually there... who are sitting in a corner hugging their knees, rocking back and forth just wanting to go home to Mum.  I can't say I blame them.  I just hope for everyone's sakes that the Captain's sisters aren't amongst them, or those axes that are 'wall display' in the Ready Room?  Won't be on the wall any more is all I'll say.  As for numbers, been told to prep for 500+ that's why it's a logistical problem, for the transporters that is."

Reaching the Cargo Bay, she smiled.  "And thank you Crewman, you're quite right about not needing to be exciting to be important, tho I have to tell myself that when I'm cleaning up noxious spillages of the normally internal kind from the floor of Sickbay!" Maggie made vomiting motions and then grinned and pushed her sleeves up.  "Right, now.. first job someone needs to get ahold of Chief Lek and ask him if we can use the Engineering replicators... they're larger than your regular 'make a cup of tea' ones.  Any volunteer?!" she asked innocently.

"Crewman Thompson... I'm wondering how best to section up this Cargo Bay, we will need somewhere for those needing, I'll say 'non-mental' medical attention.  As in physical injuries, although not serious enough to beamed straight to sickbay.  Those needing say, minor cuts and abrasions seen to. Do we separate males and females, I think probably no... given the 'camping' nature this will take and the fact they are likely going to be suffering from major mental trauma, being with their friends for comfort is probably better. Hmmm..."

Maggie had an idea and floated it at the Security duo.  "Not immediately necessary we'll get the basics set up first but, what do you say about having some decks of cards, spare PADDs with games and novels on them and setting up something that would play movies at certain times of day.  Maybe some handicrafts.  I and I'm sure Dr. Briggs wouldn't want any of them on duty so they can't help out in their respective departments, so we're gonna have to keep them mentally stimulated or we're gonna have problems."

Helga had been quiet throughout most of Hrafn's explanation of who they were likely to be rescuing.  It appalled her that so many had been affected.

When Dr. York called on a volunteer to talk to Lek to secure access and use of Engineering's industrial replicator, Helga smiled and nodded.   "Yeah, I got that covered."

Then while York went on to direct Thompson on where to begin, Helga headed for the exit.  "Computer. Locate Lieutenant Lek."  This time she would surprise HIM at work.

"Lieutenant Lek is on Deck 6, in Holodeck One." Oh that was unexpected.

Helga supposed she could just comm call him but that wouldn't give her the opportunity of seeing him.

"Computer, who else is with Lt Lek in the Holodeck." she questioned as she stepped into the turbolift.. and annouced 'Deck Six'.

"Lieutenant Kyle Briggs and Petty officer first grade ShranLahr ch'Verret are in the Holodeck along with Lieutenant Lek."  Hmm.. Lek and Lahr she could understand if they were off duty... but Lt Briggs?!   She thought Lahr had a problem with him...  That was the rumor going around at any rate.

"Computer, what program is being run in Holodeck One."  She was baffled by what the three men could have in common to warrant a shared holodeck.

"Holodeck One is currently running a visual of the Crimson Nebula." Oh!  Helga bet she knew where the ship was headed currently.

The turbolift came to a stop and Helga stepped out and moved down the corridor until she was at the doors to Holodeck One.  Damn she should have stopped at the Mess Hall to grab Lek his favorite drink...  oh well...next time.

She chimed the door once before entering.  The view inside was amazing and Helga too a second to take it in.

"Sorry to interrupt, sirs. I need to speak to Lieutenant Lek for a moment."

Moving off to the side a little bit away from the others, Helga grinned to Lek showing her Klingon heritage with rows of sharp jagged teeth.  "My turn to drop in on you at work." she taunted.  "Dr. York has sent me to ask you if Medical can use the Engineering's industrial replicators.  We need them to prep the cargo bay for the evacuees we are anticipating. Is that okay?"

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

With Maggie leaving with two of the extra Security provided by both her husband and the Captain, Liv took a moment to look over the info she had contained on her PADD. Deciding that for now, she would stay in Sickbay to ensure that everything was prepared for any injured that would require more than just triage and minimal treatment.

" Okay everyone lets get everything ready, for our arrival at the nebula, I want all beds and treatment areas dealt with first as well as replicating extra supplies. Once we're done here, I'll also head down to the Cargo Bay and take any other supplies, that might be needed".

It wasn't long before she began to get affirmative responses from the team, which made her smile, before she headed for the main treatment area, stopping by the nurses station, to discuss shifts and issue an order to have those off duty to be on standby.

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Bridge · Helm] Before

Right after setting the coordinates to the destination, Litt stayed at the Helm waiting until the captain confirm that everyone was on board and they were good to go.

"Take her out Mr. Litt, Ward 4 once we're clear of the station, I think that will give us time enough to get things in place." the Captain said.

Once the Captain gave the order Litt takes the ship out and started to fly until they were at a good distance from the DS4.

"Entering warp in 3... 2... 1..." And he entered at warp 4 as ordered.

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

Now

The flight was really good, and the ship was responding very well... After a few hours, they were almost at their destination.

[Bridge]

"Mr. Litt how long to the Crimson Nebula?" Ruth asked wanting a rough ETA for how long she had to get around everyone and get their plans still.

Litt took a quick look at his panel and looked at the Captain.

"The ETA is about 1-hour Ma'am!" He said with conviction and then kept flying.

[Lek]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1]

Lahr's antenna twitched and he frowned as he walked over to where the two other men were conversing. "Are we even certain it is a station?  I had kind of thought in the nebula it was just gonna be other ships... any number of Leyton's ships hiding in there; or maybe planetoid with ships guarding it.  I don't know where the notion that there was another science station in the nebula.  But if I'm right and the cadets are on the ships.. then it's not just OUR shields we have to worry about... it's their as well.   It takes a helluva lot of firepower to bring down shields.. that means a lot of potential casualties among the folks we are trying to rescue.  It's a shame our friend who gave us the station codes.. didn't also have the remote access codes to Leyton's ships."

Lahr lifted his head to address the computer.  "Computer access navigational star charts for the spacial phenomenon called the Crimson Nebula, tie into the holodeck and display."

The stark whiteness of the holodeck disappeared and was replaced with the red glow and faint starlight of the Crimson Nebula.

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Lek's expression soured even more at Lahr's input and he sighed in irritation as he replied.

"I think the station idea came from briefing, but that part is immaterial. If we aren't going after a single target, then our task goes from difficult to impossible. We might figure out how to pull off a rescue from a single location, we do not have the means to beam 500 hostages from multiple mobile targets."

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A Turbolift>>>Deck 12 Cargobay ]

Helga had been quiet throughout most of Hrafn's explanation of who they were likely to be rescuing.  It appalled her that so many had been affected.

When Dr. York called on a volunteer to talk to Lek to secure access and use of Engineering's industrial replicator, Helga smiled and nodded.   "Yeah, I got that covered."

Then while York went on to direct Thompson on where to begin, Helga headed for the exit.  "Computer. Locate Lieutenant Lek."  This time she would surprise HIM at work.

"Lieutenant Lek is on Deck 6, in Holodeck One." Oh that was unexpected.

Helga supposed she could just comm call him but that wouldn't give her the opportunity of seeing him.

"Computer, who else is with Lt Lek in the Holodeck." she questioned as she stepped into the turbolift.. and annouced 'Deck Six'.

"Lieutenant Kyle Briggs and Petty officer first grade ShranLahr ch'Verret are in the Holodeck along with Lieutenant Lek."  Hmm.. Lek and Lahr she could understand if they were off duty... but Lt Briggs?!   She thought Lahr had a problem with him...  That was the rumor going around at any rate.

"Computer, what program is being run in Holodeck One."  She was baffled by what the three men could have in common to warrant a shared holodeck.

"Holodeck One is currently running a visual of the Crimson Nebula." Oh!  Helga bet she knew where the ship was headed currently.

The turbolift came to a stop and Helga stepped out and moved down the corridor until she was at the doors to Holodeck One.  Damn she should have stopped at the Mess Hall to grab Lek his favorite drink...  oh well...next time.

She chimed the door once before entering.  The view inside was amazing and Helga too a second to take it in.

"Sorry to interrupt, sirs. I need to speak to Lieutenant Lek for a moment."

Moving off to the side a little bit away from the others, Helga grinned to Lek showing her Klingon heritage with rows of sharp jagged teeth.  "My turn to drop in on you at work." she taunted.  "Dr. York has sent me to ask you if Medical can use the Engineering's industrial replicators.  We need them to prep the cargo bay for the evacuees we are anticipating. Is that okay?"

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Lek typically didn't like to be interrupted, but Helga was an exception to just about every rule he'd ever had. He listened to her request, but his reply was grim based on what he now knew.

"You can replicate whatever you feel is necessary, but it seems our task is now so difficult, all the logical preparations may be in vain as I have serious doubts we can do what we came here to do. Regardless, go ahead with getting the cargo bays ready in case we manage to figure something out."

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger - Ready room]

"Mr. Waring, you have the Bridge. Perhaps you could think on the solution to the cat problem if you want something other than the tactical and transportation issues at hand to work on.  I seem to recall you liked your mind to be 'busy' and working on three things at once to be at your best!"[/colour] she gave him a small wink letting him know that she was still 'his' Ruth, just there were times she had to put the 'Captain hat' on.

"I'll be in my Ready Room if anyone needs me urgently.  Lt. Commander, Ensign if you'd follow me."

Jasper came onto the bridge and was asked to join the Captain to the ready room. He saw the cat was still on the bridge. As he entered the Ready Room. He stood ready at attention.

As he was standing their he had the crimson nebula in his head. The two red clouds which seem to be together was just nagging at his little brilliant brain. He was not sure why?

[William Waring]

[Bridge]

"Mr. Litt how long to the Crimson Nebula?" Ruth asked wanting a rough ETA for how long she had to get around everyone and get their plans still.

Just then the CSO and Ensign Meltem arrived... just a little before time.

"Mr. Waring, you have the Bridge. Perhaps you could think on the solution to the cat problem if you want something other than the tactical and transportation issues at hand to work on.  I seem to recall you liked your mind to be 'busy' and working on three things at once to be at your best!"[/colour] she gave him a small wink letting him know that she was still 'his' Ruth, just there were times she had to put the 'Captain hat' on.

"I'll be in my Ready Room if anyone needs me urgently.  Lt. Commander, Ensign if you'd follow me."

[Bridge]

"Aye ma'am" Will said with a nod as he watched her depart the Bridge for her Ready Room. Will took his seat, careful to avoid any feline obstructions that may have found its way to his chair. All the things Ruth had mentioned, the transportation issue, tactical issues, and a feline solution all were issues that were currently under consideration of the various departments. The first two were under the consideration of their respective departments but the third was a topic of thought he could ponder as they closed the distance. Honestly, it was a relatively simple solution that could be solved with a stripped-down commbadge. Get rid of the long-range transceiver and strip out some of the auxiliary parts and you'd have yourself a nice little collar decoration that doubled as a tracker and 'permission slip' by which they could limit the feline's access to various parts of the ship. Now if he could be in a workshop he could create a working device....