S3:E9 All Bad Things Come To An End

[Olivia Briggs]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Following the conversation with Ruth, the hugs that had been exchanged and breakfast with her husband. Liv had agreed to go with him to the Bridge once the call had come through, knowing that Maggie could handle things in Sickbay for the time being. Besides Kyle had been right given the change in her role and plus this also gave her the opportunity to remain close to him and observe what was going on first hand.

So as the doors opened and she stepped out, the joint CMO took a moment to take in her surroundings, the bridge already a hive of activity as Ruth, Lahr and Kali spoke all spoke and orders were given and answered. She also noticed the look Kyle had given the Captain, understanding that he had least wanted to remain at Tactical for now, as she found a seat at one of the auxiliary consoles, preferring to be out of the way, but near enough, for when she was needed.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger - 0620]

Kyle and Liv finished their breakfast and headed out of the Mess Hall just as Ruth had called all Senior Officers to the Bridge. Being as Maggie had pretty much given Medical over, Kyle asked Liv if she wanted to him to the Bridge.

The doors parted and Kyle stepped out and turned toward his station before pausing. He looked down at the center of the Bridge and the XO chair. Having caught the Captain's attention, he looked form her to the First Officer's seat then back to her and the Sec/Tac station silently beckoning for permission to go there. At least for the time being to make preparations and to check over everything. He knew he would eventually have to take the chair but if they had some time, he wanted to use it wisely.

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

The Captain's questioning look after a quick glance towards Reyes was rather easy to interpret.  He knew Kyle and Will used to throw similar glances back and forth in regards to him not that long ago when they were trying to find proof of him sabotage.  It was kinda nice to have it directed toward someone else.

But in truth, the Captain had nothing to worry about - at least when it came to Operations.  Lahr planned on making good use of Reyes' experience to help with the Ops load during the battle.  Her experience in Engineering would help with ensuring the power distribution was directed where it needed to go most.  He also had her in charges of monitoring the sensors leaving him freed up to work the comms, tractors and be back-up for the transporters as needed.  For the first time, Lahr was feeling like he actually had support in his position.

In the last battle that he'd been at Ops for Lt Cmdr Sukal had been busy with being First Officer that Lahr didn't have assistance at Ops.. and he'd been more than a little overwhelmed.   Things would run smoother this time.  Which Lahr hoped would translate into the whole mission running smoothly.

"Aye, ma'am".  Lahr opened an encrypted comm to all allies forces.

"This is your final boarding call! Please have your passport and ticket at the ready." The Andorian joked before continuing on in a more sincere tone "But seriously folks, report in your readiness.  We head out on Captain Sigurdsdottir's order."

Ip Man and Wing Chun were the first to call in.  Lahr listened to the call on his ear bud and reported out to the Captain and Lt. Briggs.

"Ip man and Wing Chun are arriving in position and report full readiness Captain."  As the Andorian reported this, he called up on the main viewer in the lower right hand corner the a 2-D visual of the 3-D holographic map that he had up during the meeting.  He 'turned green' the ships representing Ip Man and Wing Chun.

One by one the other ships called in.  And one by one Lahr had them 'turned green' on the map in position until everyone was ready.

"Captain, the fleet is in position."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Following the conversation with Ruth, the hugs that had been exchanged and breakfast with her husband. Liv had agreed to go with him to the Bridge once the call had come through, knowing that Maggie could handle things in Sickbay for the time being. Besides Kyle had been right given the change in her role and plus this also gave her the opportunity to remain close to him and observe what was going on first hand.

So as the doors opened and she stepped out, the joint CMO took a moment to take in her surroundings, the bridge already a hive of activity as Ruth, Lahr and Kali spoke all spoke and orders were given and answered. She also noticed the look Kyle had given the Captain, understanding that he had least wanted to remain at Tactical for now, as she found a seat at one of the auxiliary consoles, preferring to be out of the way, but near enough, for when she was needed.

[USS [Challenger] - Bridge]

Ruth looked around the Bridge and smiled, the smile extending to PO Reyes too, she seemed settled in Ops and she and Lahr seemed to be working together well, it was like a well oiled machine there and with Grelek down in the transporter room, all was well in that department.

A nod to Kyle was enough for both of them to know that she appreciated him on Tactical, he could still see everything up there.

"Mr. Briggs, if you need a wing man up there I think Crewman Gohun could use the experience, but your department, I'm just mentally making plans in my head here regarding who I have on the Bridge and their experience.  Dr. Briggs welcome, you are welcome to sit in your husband's seat for now if you wish!" she joked.

"So we have Security and Tactical, Medical, Ops very well represented and I know if a console goes on the frizz we have Petty Officer Reyes there who can fix it in a jiffy doubling for Ops and Engineering... very useful, Lt. Cmdr Wardropper at Sciences... and we're just waiting on Mr. Dradis and Chief Lek although I'm happy to do what needs to be done with Lek down in Engineering.  Dr. York is I assume holding down the fort also known as Sickbay for now?  Obviously when we get in the thick of it, you'll be better down there.  It's just when we arrive at our destination, which we can do more quickly now... I am going to offer an ultimatum.  I think we will need to..."

The Captain stopped as the red alert klaxxon blared suddenly...

"Ops, report... what the hell is out there?"

[Kali Reyes]

[USS [Challenger] - Bridge]

Ruth looked around the Bridge and smiled, the smile extending to PO Reyes too, she seemed settled in Ops and she and Lahr seemed to be working together well, it was like a well oiled machine there and with Grelek down in the transporter room, all was well in that department.

A nod to Kyle was enough for both of them to know that she appreciated him on Tactical, he could still see everything up there.

"Mr. Briggs, if you need a wing man up there I think Crewman Gohun could use the experience, but your department, I'm just mentally making plans in my head here regarding who I have on the Bridge and their experience.  Dr. Briggs welcome, you are welcome to sit in your husband's seat for now if you wish!" she joked.

"So we have Security and Tactical, Medical, Ops very well represented and I know if a console goes on the frizz we have Petty Officer Reyes there who can fix it in a jiffy doubling for Ops and Engineering... very useful, Lt. Cmdr Wardropper at Sciences... and we're just waiting on Mr. Dradis and Chief Lek although I'm happy to do what needs to be done with Lek down in Engineering.  Dr. York is I assume holding down the fort also known as Sickbay for now?  Obviously when we get in the thick of it, you'll be better down there.  It's just when we arrive at our destination, which we can do more quickly now... I am going to offer an ultimatum.  I think we will need to..."

The Captain stopped as the red alert klaxxon blared suddenly...

"Ops, report... what the hell is out there?"

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

As the klaxxon sounded, Kali turned from the results of damage control prep to pluck at the sensors. "Incoming Nova-class cruiser."

She only blinked once and found a handful of hostile markers littering the screen now. "Five small crafts following, looks like flyers. Nova-class identified as The Redeemer." They had just arrived, giving Kali some time to try and get a scan on them.

There were two tags that floated beside the cruiser was much too big to be flyers. She almost swore when she added, "Two Akira-class ships flanking The Redeemer, Captain. It's the Poseidon and Kumari-E-" Her voice was suddenly sharp and loud. "Captain, enemy phasers locked on the Challenger!"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

As the klaxxon sounded, Kali turned from the results of damage control prep to pluck at the sensors. "Incoming Nova-class cruiser."

She only blinked once and found a handful of hostile markers littering the screen now. "Five small crafts following, looks like flyers. Nova-class identified as The Redeemer." They had just arrived, giving Kali some time to try and get a scan on them.

There were two tags that floated beside the cruiser was much too big to be flyers. She almost swore when she added, "Two Akira-class ships flanking The Redeemer, Captain. It's the Poseidon and Kumari-E-" Her voice was suddenly sharp and loud. "Captain, enemy phasers locked on the Challenger!"

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Ruth, Arya, Katya, Evie Wardropper - CSO

"Ó fjandinn!! Shields up, On Screen!" cursed Ruth in her natural tongue, and yelling orders, just as her twin sisters came onto the Bridge and gave each other a look to say 'Well if she's swearing that badly already then the brown smelly stuff got in the air circulation again'.

Arya slipped in beside Lt. Commander Wardropper and Katya went to stand beside Kyle.

"Can I help Lieutenant?"  she was aware they hadn't asked permission to come onto the bridge but their sister seemed a little otherwise occupied at the time.

Ruth nodded her approval at them anyhow since they were both acting like cadets should and she wanted them where she could see them especially now.

"Check with the Ip Man and Wing Chun, Tactical..." a momentary panic set in.  "Lock on to multiple targets, liaise with our allies for targets so we get maximum coverage for our payload.  Reyes... well I don't need to tell you what to do... you're doing it! And excellently.  Helm, prepare to take evasive action." the Captain said decisively.

"Looks like my 'Oh by the way Admiral, we're here...' might have been a little pre-empted.  Doctor, you can stay here if you wish but you might feel more at home in Sickbay." Ruth said to her friend, mindful that she would be worried about Kyle.

"Sciences, get me any warp trails of anything not ours in the area."

"Aye Ma'am..." Evie and Arya responded in unison, gave each other a polite but friendly grin at how synchronised they were but got on with the job in hand.

"I have a horrible feeling things are going to get messy, Mr. ch'Verret, call on any allies that aren't otherwise currently engaged... for some reason I feel someone may have got ahold of our battleplans and forewarned the enemy, our other ships might be tied up.  If anyone can redirect to this location, please get them to do so, perhaps our cloaked allies could help out...." the Captain said realising that they were going to be rather outnumbered even with the Ip Man and Wing Chun....

[Lek]

[USS [Challenger] - Bridge]

Ruth looked around the Bridge and smiled, the smile extending to PO Reyes too, she seemed settled in Ops and she and Lahr seemed to be working together well, it was like a well oiled machine there and with Grelek down in the transporter room, all was well in that department.

A nod to Kyle was enough for both of them to know that she appreciated him on Tactical, he could still see everything up there.

"Mr. Briggs, if you need a wing man up there I think Crewman Gohun could use the experience, but your department, I'm just mentally making plans in my head here regarding who I have on the Bridge and their experience.  Dr. Briggs welcome, you are welcome to sit in your husband's seat for now if you wish!" she joked.

"So we have Security and Tactical, Medical, Ops very well represented and I know if a console goes on the frizz we have Petty Officer Reyes there who can fix it in a jiffy doubling for Ops and Engineering... very useful, Lt. Cmdr Wardropper at Sciences... and we're just waiting on Mr. Dradis and Chief Lek although I'm happy to do what needs to be done with Lek down in Engineering.  Dr. York is I assume holding down the fort also known as Sickbay for now?  Obviously when we get in the thick of it, you'll be better down there.  It's just when we arrive at our destination, which we can do more quickly now... I am going to offer an ultimatum.  I think we will need to..."

The Captain stopped as the red alert klaxxon blared suddenly...

"Ops, report... what the hell is out there?"

[Engineering -USS Challenger]

Lek listened with half an ear to the feed from the bridge and perked up when he heard his name and he replied instantly.

"Engineering to Captain. All systems nominal. Point of Impact shielding ready on order. Operation Brain Freeze ready throughout the fleet on order."

[Kyle Briggs]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Kyle returned Ruth's slight nod with on of his own, then stepped over to Tactical. He'd no sooner turned to the station when all hell broke loose. He had agreed with the Captain about having Gohun on the Bridge but he didn't get the chance to call for him yet. He quickly checked the weapons and shields. The shields had come up on their own when red alert sounded and they were reading good. Weapons showed phasers and photon torpedoes at the ready. He took a quick second to send a message for Crewman Gohun to report to the Bridge.

Hearing Ops call out the names of the incoming vessels, he quickly called up the ship specs. A Nova and two Akiras. He didn't think the Nova would be too much of an issue. He knew it took forty five seconds of charging the shield emitters for the shields to be brought back to full strength and that this task would require the shields of the ship to be offline during that charge. If he could coordinate with another ship, one could get the shields down and the other could take it out.

The two Akiras were another story. Those were some badass ships. Kyle remembered that a couple of them had been destroyed during the Dominion War but it had been with orbital weapon platforms. He'd kill for a few of those. But they did have their weaknesses. They would need to get a ship to play bait while another came in behind the Akiras and too out their rear torps. This would do a a fair amount of damage to the Akira's overall hull integrity. Then they could stay behind behind them without the threat of being hit by a spread of quantums.
Then they would just keep firing until shields are down and start picking off sub systems.

Piece of cake. Kyle thought as he shared this info with Ops to send out to the Fleet.

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Litt's Quarter · 0550]
As Litt and Dradis.

Litt was trying to calm down and relax listening to some classic music when someone asked to go inside his quarter. He stopped the music and allowed. Right after, it was Chief Dradis coming inside.

"Morning Chief... I was just relaxing a little bit here..." Litt said smiled at Dradis.

"I hope that you slept well, kid... You are taking the Helm today."

"Wh... What?" That notice has taken Litt by surprise.

"Between you and me... You are younger... Needing more flight ours... And I think you have better reflexes than myself... I'm getting old, son." Dradis said without any ceremony. "And our captain needs the best at this moment, and right now, the best option is you."

Litt just nodded his head. "Aye sir... Thanks for the opportunity... I'll give my best and make you proud." As in a magic act Litt was no longer so afraid with that battle, Dradis believed in him.

Dradis smiled at Litt and left the quarter right away. "I'll be in the shuttleblay"

Attention all hands, This is Captain Sigurdsdottir.  We are at the brink of war, so I wanted to say a few words before this begins.  Captain Hecate, Praetor Aedile, and Ambassador Gril'ka's ships are as we speak scouting the Black Cluster for intel and his base, they will report back inside the next 2 hours.  Good luck everyone, could all senior staff or their representatives please report to the Bridge, there's something we need to do together!  Sigurdsdottir out. 

When Litt gets the call he finished everything that he was doing and went straight to the Bridge.

[USS Challenger · Helm · Bridge · 0555]

Litt entered the Bridge saluting everyone and quickly assuming his seat at the Helm. 'Let's get it...'

"Helm take us out at impulse speed on heading 327.982 until we are on the edge of the nebula.  We're going to creep in there slowly until I have intel from all ships.  Mr ch'Verret put out a fleet...our allies... wide call for readiness and report please, once we have that and our senior staff here, we can put ourselves in the line of fire so to speak.  While I don't think Leyton's allies will exactly give us a chance to have pause to think about it, please also remind in your message about the rules of engagement.  We shall not fire until fired upon, but by the same token we won't let him or them escape.  However, I want to be in a position to state our intentions, and also... we have to take Leyton alive if possible.  Death is too nice and quick for him, he needs to answer for his crimes."

"Aye ma'am..." Litt started to put the coordinates on the screen. "Leaving in 3... 2... 1..." And he took out the vessel in impulse speed.

Everything was looking good until the red alert poped in. Some enemy vessels were approaching the Challenger and almost everyone was getting a little nervous.

"[...]Helm, prepare to take evasive action." the Captain said decisively.

Litt started to make some plans in his head trying to remember all evasive maneuvers that could be useful in that situation.

"At your command ma'am..." He said to the captain waiting to her orders.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ruth acknowledged those present and joked about Liv taking the XO's chair for the moment, the joint CMO appreciated the lighthearted nature of the response. However before she could answer or confirm about Maggie, any further conversation would have to wait as the red alert began to sound.

Orders then took precedence as the crew reacted to the new situation and Liv knew that she had a choice of either remaining where she was or going to Sickbay, before Ruth suggested as much. This left Liv feeling momentarily torn over what to do, especially with Kyle and already having to say goodbye to Elijah. That was when sense took over and she knew that she was better off in Sickbay where she could be of more use, knowing that her husband would need to focus on the battle and his duty, rather than have any distractions.

With the crew responding to what had been said, Liv got up from the auxiliary station and then addressed Ruth.

" I'll be in Sickbay Captain as that's where I'll be of more use" she said as she moved towards the turbolift and stopped by Kyle's console.

" Stay safe, I'll see you after this".

She wished that she could say more, but simply couldn't, looking at him long enough to convey everything she was feeling, before leaving the Bridge.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

 Acting CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

As the klaxxon sounded, Kali turned from the results of damage control prep to pluck at the sensors. "Incoming Nova-class cruiser."

She only blinked once and found a handful of hostile markers littering the screen now. "Five small crafts following, looks like flyers. Nova-class identified as The Redeemer." They had just arrived, giving Kali some time to try and get a scan on them.

There were two tags that floated beside the cruiser was much too big to be flyers. She almost swore when she added, "Two Akira-class ships flanking The Redeemer, Captain. It's the Poseidon and Kumari-E-" Her voice was suddenly sharp and loud. "Captain, enemy phasers locked on the Challenger!"

Lahr sucked in a breath in surprise.  Roozh! Had Leyton somehow been leaked their plans!? If so... who? And did they have other orders to sabotage the battle more?  Lahr's antenna writhed.

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"Ó fjandinn!! Shields up, On Screen!" cursed Ruth in her natural tongue, and yelling orders, just as her twin sisters came onto the Bridge and gave each other a look to say 'Well if she's swearing that badly already then the brown smelly stuff got in the air circulation again'.

"Check with the Ip Man and Wing Chun, Tactical..." a momentary panic set in.  "Lock on to multiple targets, liaise with our allies for targets so we get maximum coverage for our payload.  Reyes... well I don't need to tell you what to do... you're doing it! And excellently.  Helm, prepare to take evasive action." the Captain said decisively.

The Captain's order for evasive couldn't have come at a better time.  No sooner had Flight started their evasive pattern than the Redeemers phasers lanced out.  Challenger was jarred when the tail-end of their shields were clipped as Litt arced the ship away.

"Looks like my 'Oh by the way Admiral, we're here...' might have been a little pre-empted.  Doctor, you can stay here if you wish but you might feel more at home in Sickbay." Ruth said to her friend, mindful that she would be worried about Kyle.

"Sciences, get me any warp trails of anything not ours in the area."

"I have a horrible feeling things are going to get messy, Mr. ch'Verret, call on any allies that aren't otherwise currently engaged... for some reason I feel someone may have got ahold of our battleplans and forewarned the enemy, our other ships might be tied up.  If anyone can redirect to this location, please get them to do so, perhaps our cloaked allies could help out...." the Captain said realising that they were going to be rather outnumbered even with the Ip Man and Wing Chun....

"Yes, ma'am!" At the Captain's order to call for assistance, Lahr's hands flew over his console and sent out a warning to all allied ships that Leyton's forces had set up an ambush for them and likely all the allies in advance of their own plans. He then went on to pass along the Captain request for aid.  "The Captain is calling on any ship that can redirect to assist us to do so...the Mistress of Magic especially."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Kyle returned Ruth's slight nod with on of his own, then stepped over to Tactical. He'd no sooner turned to the station when all hell broke loose. He had agreed with the Captain about having Gohun on the Bridge but he didn't get the chance to call for him yet. He quickly checked the weapons and shields. The shields had come up on their own when red alert sounded and they were reading good. Weapons showed phasers and photon torpedoes at the ready. He took a quick second to send a message for Crewman Gohun to report to the Bridge.

Hearing Ops call out the names of the incoming vessels, he quickly called up the ship specs. A Nova and two Akiras. He didn't think the Nova would be too much of an issue. He knew it took forty five seconds of charging the shield emitters for the shields to be brought back to full strength and that this task would require the shields of the ship to be offline during that charge. If he could coordinate with another ship, one could get the shields down and the other could take it out.

The two Akiras were another story. Those were some badass ships. Kyle remembered that a couple of them had been destroyed during the Dominion War but it had been with orbital weapon platforms. He'd kill for a few of those. But they did have their weaknesses. They would need to get a ship to play bait while another came in behind the Akiras and too out their rear torps. This would do a a fair amount of damage to the Akira's overall hull integrity. Then they could stay behind behind them without the threat of being hit by a spread of quantums.
Then they would just keep firing until shields are down and start picking off sub systems.

Piece of cake. Kyle thought as he shared this info with Ops to send out to the Fleet.

Lahr's message had just gone out when a set of tactical plans was sent to his Comms console from Briggs but attentioned to all Allied ships.  Obviously the Lieutenant wanted this info shared widely.  Lahr quickly obliged, forwarding on the plans with a request to have each ship acknowledge receipt.

Even as he did this the ship shook, this time more violently from another phaser impact to the shields.  Lahr was glad that Challenger had the benefit of the Point of Impact shielding.   Unfortunately, Ip Man and Wing Chun didn't and they were getting hammered by the Akiras.  The only good thing about the situation was that the Akiras hadn't gotten a lock on either of the Federation ships with their torpedos... but it wouldn't take long for their targeting computer to compensate for the evasive patterns in use. 

[Sukal]

USS IP MAN
NPC:  Captain Kamiko Shibata

"Captain, enemy ships have been detected on intercept course.  Looks like the REDEEMER and her escorts don't want us here.  I read the two rogue Akiras present flanking her much like we are for CHALLENGER.  Five Deltas flying point in spear formation and advancing," came the report from her XO at Tactical:  Commander Vuong Dao.  "The rest of our fleet has arrived and in position.  ASGARD and PANDORA are coming in on either side of us and WING CHUN.  EINSTEIN, ARKANSAS, and BELFAST are making a wedge under CHALLENGER with PHOBOS and DEIMOS for flanks.  Enemy firing range in thirty-seven seconds."

There was no need to sound battle stations as everyone was already present for the upcoming firefight, but the klaxon alarm was sounded all the same from Yellow to Red.

"Let us see what Ruth has in store for them.  Even with that overpowered Nova out there - Leyton is outnumbered badly, but he will likely have reinforcements on the way.  Remember, people, keep those Akiras off of CHALLENGER and our larger ships," the Captain reminded them of their role in the battle soon to come.

It wasn't long before phasers started lancing out at the CHALLENGER, but the reply was instantaneous from her escorts.  The two Akiras flew in unison right directly at the rogue Akiras, and forced them to break formation.  The moment they did - the ASGARD came right in to attack the REDEEMER with her entire arsenal.  PANDORA split into three separate attack craft, and began harassing the five rogue Deltas with a frenzy rarely seen by Federation starships.  Three of the Deltas vanished in flashes of explosions, and a fourth went spinning right into the bridge of the POESIDON causing another massive explosion.  BELFAST and her escorts began surrounding Leyton's forces, and prepared to receive any further enemy reinforcements...setting a perimeter facing their port sides towards the REDEEMER and their starboards towards open space for any new enemy forces.

But, Leyton's new Nova took the punishment from the new Luna-class far better than any such starship should have been able to.  It was almost like the new Nova-class was more than capable of taking the phaser hits - though the two quantum torpedoes seemed to hurt the small cruiser better.  The third torpedo missed completely.  The battle was clearly joined!!!

[Nathan Ryder]

[Sickbay]

As much as no battle like this would ever have perfect timing, Nathan thought this one just might come close as he had just finished setting up two extra cots in his office when the klaxons rang. After ensuring he had both his field med kit, and the phaser he preferred to carry 'just in case', the Counselor stepped out of his office. This was the first battle in which his position was so far removed from the fighting that Nathan was nervous.

Most of his battle experience was planet side, and since the ships themselves were on the front lines there was not much he could do other than to be here in Sickbay and wait until he was needed. Which was his absolute least favorite thing to do in these situations. Even Ryder's patience had its limits.

"Computer, acknowledge Red Alert and dampen alarm," Nathan instructed as he stepped into the main room of the Sickbay. As the sound of the alarm softened, the lights still pulsing red, he said to no one in particular, "No sense in us all getting migraines. Everyone ready for this?"

[Lek]

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek was shouting orders as fast and his eyes could take in information, his brain process it, and his mouth could spit out the words. There was a distinct smell of char in the air as circuits overheated from the heavy loads being required of them.

He'd brought the second warp core and the point of impact shields online as soon as the red alert sounded and the pair of systems had already saved their collective bacon. However, multi-ship attacks did present a possible weakness. The entire idea of his invention was, the shields reacted to incoming fire and shifted power from the non-engaged sides of the ship to the area about to be hit. In theory, the shields could surge to as much as 300%, but a bit over 200% was more common. While the system worked brilliantly in one on one engagements, when there were multiple attackers, there was always the possibility that if the attackers timed their attacks just right, one ship would hit an area that had already transferred power to another area and slice right through the momentarily weakened shields. Although the system was fully automated, when in a multi-ship furball like this fight had already turned into, Lek had to closely monitor the system to keep the shields balanced enough to prevent shield leakage from a lucky hit. Thus for Lek, the battle was an exhausting affair as he played a deadly guessing game with the ships firing on the Challenger. It consumed him, it was his all, fortunately, Gianetti knew this and was keeping everything else running while Lek concentrated.

"Just phasers so far Giancarlo, things will get unruly when those Akiras start firing quantums."

Lek just hoped the captain would activate Operation Brainfreeze before he guessed wrong.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Engineering -USS Challenger]

Lek listened with half an ear to the feed from the bridge and perked up when he heard his name and he replied instantly.

"Engineering to Captain. All systems nominal. Point of Impact shielding ready on order. Operation Brain Freeze ready throughout the fleet on order."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

[Ruth, Hecate, Capt. Carla Nall - Phobos, Captain T'shulol - Deimos, Aedile, Gril'ka]
The Captain chuckled, it was the most mirth she'd allow herself.    If it's even half as brilliant as some of your other hare-brained schemes, Chief it'll be brilliant.  she said while gritting her teeth against the incoming attacks.  She'd chipped teeth before being thrown across a Bridge, she was trying to prevent that now.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Kyle returned Ruth's slight nod with on of his own, then stepped over to Tactical. He'd no sooner turned to the station when all hell broke loose. He had agreed with the Captain about having Gohun on the Bridge but he didn't get the chance to call for him yet. He quickly checked the weapons and shields. The shields had come up on their own when red alert sounded and they were reading good. Weapons showed phasers and photon torpedoes at the ready. He took a quick second to send a message for Crewman Gohun to report to the Bridge.

Hearing Ops call out the names of the incoming vessels, he quickly called up the ship specs. A Nova and two Akiras. He didn't think the Nova would be too much of an issue. He knew it took forty five seconds of charging the shield emitters for the shields to be brought back to full strength and that this task would require the shields of the ship to be offline during that charge. If he could coordinate with another ship, one could get the shields down and the other could take it out.

The two Akiras were another story. Those were some badass ships. Kyle remembered that a couple of them had been destroyed during the Dominion War but it had been with orbital weapon platforms. He'd kill for a few of those. But they did have their weaknesses. They would need to get a ship to play bait while another came in behind the Akiras and too out their rear torps. This would do a a fair amount of damage to the Akira's overall hull integrity. Then they could stay behind behind them without the threat of being hit by a spread of quantums.
Then they would just keep firing until shields are down and start picking off sub systems.

Piece of cake. Kyle thought as he shared this info with Ops to send out to the Fleet.

The Captain shot a grateful look at Kyle as she saw what he was doing, of all the people she could have on Tactical there was only one other person she thought might do as well and a pang of memory flashed across her brow.  Mondo il'Nari... her 'Battle Butler'.  But Kyle knew what he was doing and had loads of experience so she was happy to let him handle this.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ruth acknowledged those present and joked about Liv taking the XO's chair for the moment, the joint CMO appreciated the lighthearted nature of the response. However before she could answer or confirm about Maggie, any further conversation would have to wait as the red alert began to sound.

Orders then took precedence as the crew reacted to the new situation and Liv knew that she had a choice of either remaining where she was or going to Sickbay, before Ruth suggested as much. This left Liv feeling momentarily torn over what to do, especially with Kyle and already having to say goodbye to Elijah. That was when sense took over and she knew that she was better off in Sickbay where she could be of more use, knowing that her husband would need to focus on the battle and his duty, rather than have any distractions.

With the crew responding to what had been said, Liv got up from the auxiliary station and then addressed Ruth.

" I'll be in Sickbay Captain as that's where I'll be of more use" she said as she moved towards the turbolift and stopped by Kyle's console.

" Stay safe, I'll see you after this".

She wished that she could say more, but simply couldn't, looking at him long enough to convey everything she was feeling, before leaving the Bridge.

Nodding at Olivia as she left, Ruth couldn't help thinking she wished that Will was here, just to give her a little husbandly reassurance.  She was going to have to dig into her well of stubborn Viking-ness to weather this one through but with her crew she would get through.

Acting CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]

Lahr sucked in a breath in surprise.  Roozh! Had Leyton somehow been leaked their plans!? If so... who? And did they have other orders to sabotage the battle more?  Lahr's antenna writhed.

The Captain's order for evasive couldn't have come at a better time.  No sooner had Flight started their evasive pattern than the Redeemers phasers lanced out.  Challenger was jarred when the tail-end of their shields were clipped as Litt arced the ship away.

"Yes, ma'am!" At the Captain's order to call for assistance, Lahr's hands flew over his console and sent out a warning to all allied ships that Leyton's forces had set up an ambush for them and likely all the allies in advance of their own plans. He then went on to pass along the Captain request for aid.  "The Captain is calling on any ship that can redirect to assist us to do so...the Mistress of Magic especially."

Lahr's message had just gone out when a set of tactical plans was sent to his Comms console from Briggs but attentioned to all Allied ships.  Obviously the Lieutenant wanted this info shared widely.  Lahr quickly obliged, forwarding on the plans with a request to have each ship acknowledge receipt.

Even as he did this the ship shook, this time more violently from another phaser impact to the shields.  Lahr was glad that Challenger had the benefit of the Point of Impact shielding.   Unfortunately, Ip Man and Wing Chun didn't and they were getting hammered by the Akiras.  The only good thing about the situation was that the Akiras hadn't gotten a lock on either of the Federation ships with their torpedos... but it wouldn't take long for their targeting computer to compensate for the evasive patterns in use.

[USS Challenger · Litt's Quarter · 0550]
As Litt and Dradis.

Litt was trying to calm down and relax listening to some classic music when someone asked to go inside his quarter. He stopped the music and allowed. Right after, it was Chief Dradis coming inside.

"Morning Chief... I was just relaxing a little bit here..." Litt said smiled at Dradis.

"I hope that you slept well, kid... You are taking the Helm today."

"Wh... What?" That notice has taken Litt by surprise.

"Between you and me... You are younger... Needing more flight ours... And I think you have better reflexes than myself... I'm getting old, son." Dradis said without any ceremony. "And our captain needs the best at this moment, and right now, the best option is you."

Litt just nodded his head. "Aye sir... Thanks for the opportunity... I'll give my best and make you proud." As in a magic act Litt was no longer so afraid with that battle, Dradis believed in him.

Dradis smiled at Litt and left the quarter right away. "I'll be in the shuttleblay"

When Litt gets the call he finished everything that he was doing and went straight to the Bridge.

[USS Challenger · Helm · Bridge · 0555]

Litt entered the Bridge saluting everyone and quickly assuming his seat at the Helm. 'Let's get it...'

"Aye ma'am..." Litt started to put the coordinates on the screen. "Leaving in 3... 2... 1..." And he took out the vessel in impulse speed.

Everything was looking good until the red alert poped in. Some enemy vessels were approaching the Challenger and almost everyone was getting a little nervous.

Litt started to make some plans in his head trying to remember all evasive maneuvers that could be useful in that situation.

"At your command ma'am..." He said to the captain waiting to her orders.

USS IP MAN
NPC:  Captain Kamiko Shibata

"Captain, enemy ships have been detected on intercept course.  Looks like the REDEEMER and her escorts don't want us here.  I read the two rogue Akiras present flanking her much like we are for CHALLENGER.  Five Deltas flying point in spear formation and advancing," came the report from her XO at Tactical:  Commander Vuong Dao.  "The rest of our fleet has arrived and in position.  ASGARD and PANDORA are coming in on either side of us and WING CHUN.  EINSTEIN, ARKANSAS, and BELFAST are making a wedge under CHALLENGER with PHOBOS and DEIMOS for flanks.  Enemy firing range in thirty-seven seconds."

There was no need to sound battle stations as everyone was already present for the upcoming firefight, but the klaxon alarm was sounded all the same from Yellow to Red.

"Let us see what Ruth has in store for them.  Even with that overpowered Nova out there - Leyton is outnumbered badly, but he will likely have reinforcements on the way.  Remember, people, keep those Akiras off of CHALLENGER and our larger ships," the Captain reminded them of their role in the battle soon to come.

It wasn't long before phasers started lancing out at the CHALLENGER, but the reply was instantaneous from her escorts.  The two Akiras flew in unison right directly at the rogue Akiras, and forced them to break formation.  The moment they did - the ASGARD came right in to attack the REDEEMER with her entire arsenal.  PANDORA split into three separate attack craft, and began harassing the five rogue Deltas with a frenzy rarely seen by Federation starships.  Three of the Deltas vanished in flashes of explosions, and a fourth went spinning right into the bridge of the POSEIDON causing another massive explosion.  BELFAST and her escorts began surrounding Leyton's forces, and prepared to receive any further enemy reinforcements...setting a perimeter facing their port sides towards the REDEEMER and their starboards towards open space for any new enemy forces.

But, Leyton's new Nova took the punishment from the new Luna-class far better than any such starship should have been able to.  It was almost like the new Nova-class was more than capable of taking the phaser hits - though the two quantum torpedoes seemed to hurt the small cruiser better.  The third torpedo missed completely.  The battle was clearly joined!!!

"From what I'm seeing we're just bouncing off the Redeemer..." Ruth said as the Challenger was rocked with incoming fire.  "But least our friends have got rid of those gnats...  Mr. Litt..." she thought quickly, "Run evasive pattern Paris Delta-4... and stay behind our Akiras if you can."

Someone call for a Mistress of Magic...?  A welcome voice came through the comms  I'm here off the port  and above  the Ip Man, still cloaked, I passed Aedile on the way here I'm faster, but she'll be here in about 10 minutes, Mr. Briggs who would you like me to tackle first, who's causing you the most hassle?

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek was shouting orders as fast and his eyes could take in information, his brain process it, and his mouth could spit out the words. There was a distinct smell of char in the air as circuits overheated from the heavy loads being required of them.

He'd brought the second warp core and the point of impact shields online as soon as the red alert sounded and the pair of systems had already saved their collective bacon. However, multi-ship attacks did present a possible weakness. The entire idea of his invention was, the shields reacted to incoming fire and shifted power from the non-engaged sides of the ship to the area about to be hit. In theory, the shields could surge to as much as 300%, but a bit over 200% was more common. While the system worked brilliantly in one on one engagements, when there were multiple attackers, there was always the possibility that if the attackers timed their attacks just right, one ship would hit an area that had already transferred power to another area and slice right through the momentarily weakened shields. Although the system was fully automated, when in a multi-ship furball like this fight had already turned into, Lek had to closely monitor the system to keep the shields balanced enough to prevent shield leakage from a lucky hit. Thus for Lek, the battle was an exhausting affair as he played a deadly guessing game with the ships firing on the Challenger. It consumed him, it was his all, fortunately, Gianetti knew this and was keeping everything else running while Lek concentrated.

"Just phasers so far Giancarlo, things will get unruly when those Akiras start firing quantums."

Lek just hoped the captain would activate Operation Brainfreeze before he guessed wrong.

It started looking as if the ships with Leyton were intent only on attacking the Challenger's allies, when they couldn't directly hit the Challenger itself.

While as much protection was being given it was only a matter of time before the Challenger was taking too many hits.

Lek, is this a one time use thing?  I need to know so I can better estimate when to use it, it will be last resort.

"How are our shields holding?" the Captain asked, wondering just how many hits they could take.

Phobos to Challenger we're under fire from what appears to be 3 Tholian... repeat THOLIAN Hunters, I'm not sure we've got the fire power to take them out....

This is the Deimos, we've just spotted a Cardassian Hideki Class, I don't know if they....

The explosion sound from the other end was almost deafening.

"Tholians??Lahr... try to hail the Deimos... but I fear..." The Captain didn't need to say what she feared, she was sure it showed all over her face.  They'd just lost their first ship.  "And confirm with the Phobos, ask for a visual feed if possible."

Aedile to Challenger, we're currently taking on the USS Falcon and are under fire...

IKS Nih'Jev to Challenger we're about 2 mins from your current location, Quap'la!

Reports kept flooding in, she realised that there were more ships out there and just how far was Leyton's reach... Tholians?!

[Lek]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Captain chuckled, it was the most mirth she'd allow herself.    If it's even half as brilliant as some of your other hare-brained schemes, Chief it'll be brilliant.  she said while gritting her teeth against the incoming attacks.  She'd chipped teeth before being thrown across a Bridge, she was trying to prevent that now.

While as much protection was being given it was only a matter of time before the Challenger was taking too many hits.

Lek, is this a one time use thing?  I need to know so I can better estimate when to use it, it will be last resort.

"How are our shields holding?" the Captain asked, wondering just how many hits they could take.

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek grimaced as those were all legitimate questions, for which he didn't have any answers. The entire plan was theoretical, but it was a solid theory, just not yet proven.

"I wouldn't bank on it working twice and it won't work for long when you do activate it. The jamming will scramble the signals from the Thought Makers and, at the very least, it will cause confusion and a brief interruption of thought processes. Enough to give every ship in the fleet a chance to do something unopposed. If we get really lucky, it will free some of those taken against their will and they will be able to act against Leyton's true believers. Either will cause chaos in his fleet."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

Acting CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]

[Engineering -USS Challenger]

Lek listened with half an ear to the feed from the bridge and perked up when he heard his name and he replied instantly.

"Engineering to Captain. All systems nominal. Point of Impact shielding ready on order. Operation Brain Freeze ready throughout the fleet on order."

In the midst of the Captain's opening speech, just prior to Leyton springing his ambush, Lahr had wondered, 'What was Operation Brain Freeze?'

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

[Ruth, Hecate, Capt. Carla Nall - Phobos, Captain T'shulol - Deimos, Aedile, Gril'ka]

The Captain chuckled, it was the most mirth she'd allow herself.    If it's even half as brilliant as some of your other hare-brained schemes, Chief it'll be brilliant.  she said while gritting her teeth against the incoming attacks.  She'd chipped teeth before being thrown across a Bridge, she was trying to prevent that now.
..

"From what I'm seeing we're just bouncing off the Redeemer..." Ruth said as the Challenger was rocked with incoming fire.  "But least our friends have got rid of those gnats...  Mr. Litt..." she thought quickly, "Run evasive pattern Paris Delta-4... and stay behind our Akiras if you can."

Someone call for a Mistress of Magic...?  A welcome voice came through the comms  I'm here off the port  and above  the Ip Man, still cloaked, I passed Aedile on the way here I'm faster, but she'll be here in about 10 minutes, Mr. Briggs who would you like me to tackle first, who's causing you the most hassle?

It started looking as if the ships with Leyton were intent only on attacking the Challenger's allies, when they couldn't directly hit the Challenger itself.

While as much protection was being given it was only a matter of time before the Challenger was taking too many hits.

Lek, is this a one time use thing?  I need to know so I can better estimate when to use it, it will be last resort.

As the battle became pitched, with the Ip Man and Wing Chun engaged joining the fray, Lahr was so glad for Reyes presence at Ops with him.   She was the one keeping everything flowing smoothly, ensuring the Challenger's shields and phasers had the power they needed, while he played Comms Operator.

However it didn't take long for Hecate to answer, informing the Captain of her position at their flank.  Lahr didn't want to feel the slight surge of relief at hearing the Romulan's call back.   She was with them now sure... but when things not bad, would she turn on them to side with Leyton?  Or worse, abandon them the minute she took out Leyton.

When the Captain questioned Lek about using something - Lahr wasn't sure what she was talking about.   Though his mind recalled the earlier Operation Brain Freeze comment.   Did the Captain and Lek have a plan that hadn't been discussed at the  Allies meeting?   If so, then it was something that Leyton might not know about!

Lahr intended to keep it that way.  If they had a spy among the allies then Lahr needed to be sure Leyton was not informed about this Operation Brain Freeze.  The Andorian, with a quick couple of taps to his comms console, had all engineering transmissions encrypted.   And only the bridge comm was given the encryption key.   To anyone else listening in - it would sound like Lek was speaking gibberish.

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek grimaced as those were all legitimate questions, for which he didn't have any answers. The entire plan was theoretical, but it was a solid theory, just not yet proven.

"I wouldn't bank on it working twice and it won't work for long when you do activate it. The jamming will scramble the signals from the Thought Makers and, at the very least, it will cause confusion and a brief interruption of thought processes. Enough to give every ship in the fleet a chance to do something unopposed. If we get really lucky, it will free some of those taken against their will and they will be able to act against Leyton's true believers. Either will cause chaos in his fleet."

Lahr had the encryption up just in time to prevent Lek's response from being picked up by any 'Ally' listening in.

"How are our shields holding?" the Captain asked, wondering just how many hits they could take.

Phobos to Challenger we're under fire from what appears to be 3 Tholian... repeat THOLIAN Hunters, I'm not sure we've got the fire power to take them out....

This is the Deimos, we've just spotted a Cardassian Hideki Class, I don't know if they....

The explosion sound from the other end was almost deafening.

"Tholians??Lahr... try to hail the Deimos... but I fear..." The Captain didn't need to say what she feared, she was sure it showed all over her face.  They'd just lost their first ship.  "And confirm with the Phobos, ask for a visual feed if possible."

Aedile to Challenger, we're currently taking on the USS Falcon and are under fire...

IKS Nih'Jev to Challenger we're about 2 mins from your current location, Quap'la!

Reports kept flooding in, she realised that there were more ships out there and just how far was Leyton's reach... Tholians?!

Lahr's surprise at the discovery about the Tholian's and Cardassian's working in league with Leyton's side was a bit overwhelming.   Weren't these the very enemy that Leyton spoke of when he accused the civilian Federation government being too weak for not using military force against the enemy?    How then did he justify using them to his own cause?   Or were they also being brain-washed?

It took a second for the Captain's command to filter through his surprise.

With antenna writhing, Lahr attempted to reconnect to the Deimos... but the comms were definitely down.  Lahr prayed it was just a well-placed shot to the communications array, but when he managed to connect to the Phobos and they sent a visual while still in the midst of their own outnumbered battle, Lahr's blood ran cold.  The wreckage was barely recognizable as a ship much less the Deimos.