Castle Perilous, Part I

Anomaly TrekMUX Episode (#01-021)

Ward Room - Level 1 - Station 419 - [IC]

One long wall of the rectangular-shaped ward room is nothing but viewports, large rectangular slabs of transparent aluminum sloping up and inward. The wall curves a bit, and it gives one a resplendent view of the blackness of space. The room is dominated by a large table which is constructed out of a dark green marble with intricate yellow veins. A replicator station is recessed into the wall near the doors, which are in the center of wall opposite the windows. On the port wall is a large viewscreen and computer terminal. The room is illuminated relatively dimly, to provide the the best view for both the stars and the anomaly.

The anomaly can be seen flashing its blue-white streaks of light via one of the transparent aluminum viewports.

Gwen enters the room at a slow pace, slight purple circles under her eyes. Obviously she was awaken from her sleep shift, though not by too much... her on duty hours weren't that far. Despite being awaken early she looks pretty bright-eyed and alert, not to mention her uniform lacks any wrinkles.

A minute or so after the Second Officer, Jade steps through the doorway. He slows, arms folding over his chest, as he glances around the almost empty room, brows rising. There's something slightly tense in his expression, a rapid movement to his eyes, that suggests he's not expecting a social gathering. Still, silently, he moves further into the room and towards one of the chairs.

Gwen moves from her position just inside the door, then heads to one of the chairs as well. One a seat or two down from Jade, of course. "Good..." she starts, then thinks about what the station time is.... "Evening, Ensign."

Jade glances over his shoulder, surprised as the voice appears over his shoulder; clearly he didn't see Poole as he entered. "I love the way that saying has endured, even in space..." Alex deposits himself in his seat, smiling slightly. "Regardless, good evening, sir. You have any idea what all of this is about?"

"I don't, Alex... But whatever it is, I'd bet dimes to dollars that it's about Wendy." Gwen replies, stretching her arms and legs to limber up before sitting in the seat.

Holliday steps into the room severl minutes later. Those who know his usual duty shift know this is a couple hours before he usually gets 'into the office'. He seems alert and awake enough though his neatly combed hair and relatively unrumpled appearance perhaps indicate he has only recently made himself presentable. He gives a slight nod to the others, and unspeaking, goes to the replicator. "Coffee, black, sweet."

The replicator activates and in a moment, Holliday has his order.

Holliday takes a drink of his Coffee.

Jade's face shifts slightly at the reply, as his expression shifts from free to maintained. His eyes dart down, his smile lessening slightly, and when he looks back to Poole, his demeanour is far more neutral. A shrug of his eyebrows, and he nods, "Well, I suppose... that it's about time." He scratches his forehead with a forefinger, then glances over to Holliday as his replicator order breaks Alex's chain of thought.

Holliday now looks over the rim of his cup. "Mornin'." he says in a fairly neutral tone. "I'd say we beat the sun up this morning, if there was a sun around to judge by."

"Good evening, Doctor." Gwen looks over to Holliday with a slight smirk, then says, "You drink your coffee black?"

Jade remains quite silent for now; his gaze has drifted to the Anomaly, where it lingers.

Whitehorse comes into the ward room, the doors sliding shut behind him with a hiss.

Whitehorse has arrived.

Montero comes into the ward room, the doors sliding shut behind her with a hiss.

Montero has arrived.

Holliday chuckles. "See what I mean? Nothing for the biological clock to set to.. Evenin', Gwen." He regards the mug a moment. "Usually, yes." He makes a face. "I'd been experimenting with cream in an attempt to subdue the stuff that comes out of the replicator when you ask for coffee, but I've about given up.."

Gwen starts to chuckle, then let's it die off abruptly as she sees Whitehorse enter. Though not completely aware of it, she straightens up in her seat and stares straight ahead.

Whitehorse steps into the ward room, his expression calm, but serious. He moves across the room, all business, and settles down at the head of the table. At his heels is Commander Montero. He sets his datapadd down on the table before him, then clears his throat, looking toward those assembled.

In contrast, Jade continues to sit slightly slumped in his seat, jaw supported by an upturned palm, leaning forward. His eyes and attention are not on the door and those who might come through it, but the bright point in space outside. It is not until the two JAGs arrive at the table that Alex straightens, sits back.

Holliday gathers the medkit he brought in with him, and his coffee cup, moving to find a seat. Once settled, he raises his brows slightly, looking to Whitehorse.

Montero nods curtly to those assembled her and takes a place at the table, consulting a PADD before her. She too looks to Whitehorse, though her expression is less curious.. just waiting for him to begin now.

Gwen notices the look between Montero and Whitehorse, and settles her gaze on the latter... waiting for him to speak.

Whitehorse's voice is dichotomous - it is firm, yet gentle at the same time. It bespeaks of control, a quiet calm, like a silent thunderhead in the distance. "Three weeks ago, as I am sure you are aware, former Admiral Winnifred Sinclaire abducted Ensign Tyler from this station. Today, we are launching a rescue effort to retrieve her. I know you must feel that this has taken Starfleet a long time coming in its decisions regarding this matter, however, extreme caution must be displayed due to the delicate temporal nature of the events in question."

Jade shifts in his chair, and swallows. His hands fidget for a moment before clasping together on his lap. A slow drawn breath, a glance once more to the Anomaly, and he looks over to the Admiral.

Gwen nods, though it isn't quite clear whether she's agreeing with him or just acknowledging that she's listening. She leans forward ever so slightly, then clasps her hands in front on her on the table.

Holliday looks like he might be about to say something, then perhaps decides it's not productive and remains silent, watching Whitehorse and Montero.

Montero continues to consult the PADD, awaiting some recognition from the Admiral before disclosing anything on her own.

Whitehorse says "Before Commander Balin left the station for Betazed, he left a detailed plan concerning the mission. Starfleet has reviewed, and approved his plan. Commander Montero will be coordinating efforts from the station for the actual mission. Lt. Poole, you will command the mission. Doctor Holliday will be medical for the away team. There will be three security teams of four accompanying the mission."

This time Gwen nods clearly in acknowledgement, murmuring, "Yes, sir...." then going silent again to wait for more information.

Jade's eyebrows rise slightly, and his mouth opens, a breath already drawn before the consideration of what's about to be said hits him. He shifts, leans slightly forward, still wordless; obviously his role is on his mind, but, for now, like Poole he allows the Admiral to continue uninterrupted.

Montero nods in acknowlegement of her role in this, though she still does not speak.

Holliday emits a low whistle.. Three teams of four?

Whitehorse stands up and moves beside the viewscreen. He taps several keys on his PADD, and looks to the screen as an image of the station, the projected path of the alternate USS Aegis, and the 'current' USS Aegis. He gestures to the screen. "Our Aegis will be moved out of harms way. We do not want a disruption to our artifact. The station will then create a high intensity dechyon pulse toward the anomaly, which will generate interference enough to knock out the alternate Aegis' systems, including their null space cloaking device. However, it will render the station virtually useless as well. As our systems go down, our Aegis will return to the nest to protect it."

Jade's lips purse, and he exhales nasally, refocusing and absorbing the plan. The forefinger and thumb of his right hand rub slowly together.

Holliday looks to Jade, perhaps wondering what part this man will play in all of this. "And I suppose there's a contingency for ..inserting an away team or three onto the alternate Aegis about then." It's not really a question- more a hesitant statement.

Gwen's eyes widen slightly as she spots the obvious danger in that plan, however she doesn't comment on it... rather, she focusses her attention on memorizing the basic details of the plan so far.

Whitehorse says quietly "Your orders are to rescue Ensign Tyler. You will take a runabout, which will be stored in our Aegis, to the alternate Aegis. There are five other security contengincies working to establish control of the alternate USS Aegis, and bring Admiral Sinclaire to justice. Some of them will be with you until you arrive on the station." He brings up the deckplans of the Aegis. "This is our Aegis. If theirs isn't modified internally, Sickbay is located here." He gestures to the point on the screen. "Ensign Jade has said in his reports that Ensign Tyler should be located there. However, we cannot guarantee that she has not been moved. Your priority is to find her and extract her."

Montero remains quiet, perhaps rechecking some calculations or other details on the PADD display. Something of her manner indicates she's accutely paying attention, despite her contrary appearance.

Jade's finger and thumb pump quickly together, and his foot takes up a noiseless tapping as he sits. A nod, to no one in particular, in reply to the orders and specifics, but still Alex keeps his lips sealed. For now.

Whitehorse pages: There's something flashing on your PADD.

This time Gwen speaks up, "I assume weapons will be set to stun?" She's just verifying, "And... if Admiral Sinclaire tries to stop us?"

Holliday smiles ruefully, "Like most operations, it sounds simple enough it theory.." If he had anything further to say, it is cut short as he notices something come up on the PADD display before him and pauses to consult it.

Whitehorse nods to Poole. "Heavy stun, Lt. You should expect heavy resistance. If Sinclaire is willing to throw away 40 years worth of insinuating herself into our timeline just to kidnap her past self, you can expect she will want to keep her."

"Sir?" Jade finally interjects, so hot on the feels of Whitehorse's answer that his question sounds like something quite pent up. "Can I ask what my role will be on this mission? I'm not a Security Officer."

"Understood, Admiral." Gwen lays back in her seat again, her hands drifting to her lap. She's got her questions answered.

Whitehorse looks to Ensign Jade. "Your role, Mr. Jade, will be advising Commander Montero here on the station."

Holliday looks up again, his face grave, then he shakes his head, sighs. "Ok. I guess the only thing I'd ask is what do we do when we're ready to ..'close'?

Perhaps rather brusquely, Jade extends a hand and starts to wave it, almost dismissive of Holliday's question. "Uh, sir? I..." He actually pauses, blinks, as if unable to find the words. "Admiral, officially requesting that you reconsider your decision to keep me on station, sir, for good reasons."

Whitehorse states, "Ensign, our intelligence says that a future 'you' is on board that Aegis. You should avoid interaction, and that is the basis for my decision."

"With respect, Admiral, I supplied that intelligence, and with a serious caveat; it is -entirely- possible that Sinclaire was simply telling me that to dissuade me from going to the alternate Aegis." Jade shifts, leaning forward. His eyes are alive, his tone and expression fluid. "Granted, it's possible she was telling the truth, but that possibility is insufficient grounds to take the risk of my absence."

Whitehorse asks, "Risk, Ensign?"

Gwen waits for Whitehorse to respond to Jade, but coughs to signal that she'd like to speak to him.

"Firstly, I have more personal experience with Ensign Tyler than anyone else on the mission. Secondly, I have more experience with Admiral Sinclaire, in the context we now know her in - if anyone could even distract her, it'd be me." Jade counts off on his fingers, speaking quite firmly, if without anger in his inflections. "If I'm not there, it may compromise the safety of Ensign Tyler and the team."

"Not-withstanding the risk of possibly meeting your future self... what kind of experience do you have on away teams? In these kinds of missions... Are you combat trained?" Gwen looks to Jade, then stops in the middle of another question to look down at her beeping PADD... Her eyes goes wide.

Montero watches the exchange impassively.

Holliday looks to Poole and nods.

Jade neglected to bring his PADD, so leans slightly over to look at Poole's, even in the middle of his diatribe, to look for the reason behind the sudden change in mood. And swallows, brows rising, looks up. Sits back, silently, exhaling slowly, eyes down.

Montero looks to the station officers now and speaks. Her tone is nearly emotionless. "Your station commander, Commander Balin is on leave of absence to Betazed, yes? I understand how you could be concerned regarding this development. However, must I remind you of the vital importance of the current situation as well? You being Starfleet officers, I trust you will not allow this to interfere with your duties."

Whitehorse nods, stepping forward toward the table again. "We have a job to do. We cannot afford an emotional distraction."

"Absolutely, sir. We will succeed in our mission..." Gwen says, without any waver of doubt in her voice. "For Tyler, Balin... for ourselves, and for the Federation."

"And regarding that mission, Admiral..." Jade's eyes are still down; his tone is quiet, even, his expression a maintained one of calmness, after the news. "I've been training solidly on the Holodecks since... since the Commander... promised I would be on the away mission. I've been there at -every- stage of this insane story's development... respectfully, I -should- be over there."

Holliday nods slowly, his face still clouded. "Of course. 'Never get emotionally involved in a case'.." He mutters, then, "Actually, the Dominion may regret their choice of targets with the Commander there and all." He chuckles darkly.

Whitehorse looks at Jade and regards him for a long moment. Then looks to Poole, then to Montero. "I leave it to you to decide as mission commanders."

Montero gestures impartially to Poole. "Well?"

Jade turns his head slowly to evenly, steadily regard Poole, face tilted slightly forward. The hazel of his eyes seek hers.

Gwen snaps her gaze to Montero, drawn out of a light reverie. She nods, then looks to Jade as if analyzing him. After a moment, she says, "We should take him..... But he'll need to stay close to me, and away from any of the heaviest fighting, unless it's impossible."

Holliday regards Jade, raising a hand to his chin and then smoothing a moustache with a fingertip.

Poole locks her eyes on Jade's, "And I expect you to fight hard, ensign."

Whitehorse nods once. "Then are there any questions?"

"So Measure still for Measure, Lieutenant." Jade murmurs, quietly, with a nod. "I know what's at stake well indeed, and I won't let any of you down." His eyes slide around the room of officers, and he sits back, visibly more relaxed. And shakes his head once in reply to the Admiral's question.

Montero considers, "I do not think we can make any garuantee as to anyone's safety or the situation you may find yourself in on this mission, Lt. Poole. Looking at the roster for this mission, several of the team have little combat experience." She frowns, closes her eyes, considers, opens them again to look at Jade. "However, your training in mission ops is also.. non-standard. Perhaps you would be of more use to Lt. Poole than to me." Looks to Poole as well. "I must say to both of you however, in my assesment your life would be in the Lt's hands."

Holliday looks to Whitehorse, "Ah.. Well, assuming we get to the 'extract' Tyler part.. Then what? I'm guessing there won't be a regular shuttlebus to catch to get home."

Gwen nods to Montero, then glances at Jade again. Her look is one of absolute seriousness, this is definately not the time for joviality. She doesn't speak, rather then waits to hear if there is any more from Montero or Whitehorse.

Montero nods, looks to Whitehorse for confirmation on this decision. She ratifies the mission rosters, then looks back to Jade. "Very well. I've transfered you to Alpha team under Lt. Poole."

Jade nods, once, soberly, to Montero, then looks to the Admiral once more for his reply to the Doctor's question.

Whitehorse looks toward Holldiay. "Two security teams will stand by the Cape Fear in the alternate Aegis' shuttlebay for your return trip. There will also be the Fox there as well, and our USS Aegis to help subdue the alternate."

"Sir, can I ask if any further conclusions have been reached regarding the potential effects of allowing the two artifacts to communicate by lowering the nullspace field?" Jade enquires, after a momentary pause to digest the new details of the plan. He sits, one elbow on the table, other arm by his side, leaning forward.

Holliday nods. "Roundway trip then. Well, I'll be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs.." He says, then adds a moment later, somewhat lamely, "I don't guess I had any further questions, sir."

Whitehorse says "The dechyon pulse, according to Ensign Tyler's research, will render the alternate's Aegis 'stunned', Ensign. They won't be communicating at all."

"Will that affect the artifact too?" Alex adds, brows rising.

Holliday consults his PADD, calling up the effects of dechyons on humans and other common federation sapients.

Whitehorse says "Then if there are no further questions, our Aegis leaves in one hour exactly."

Jade draws a breath, straightens, folding his arms over his chest and looking towards the Anomaly once more, nodding. It snags his attention.

Whitehorse looks about the room, the gravity of the mission before the crew written across his features.

Whitehorse says "Then you are dismissed."

Montero speaks now, as the group assembles to depart. "One more thing, people."

Jade pauses as he rises in response to the dismissal, and looks over to Montero.

Gwen let's out a deep breath she'd been holding, then stands... As Montero speaks, she straightens up and listens.

Montero says, "Good hunting. And Mr. Jade... Keep your head down."

"I've survived six years in more Empires and territories than you can imagine, with my head down." Jade answers, neutrally, soberly, then shrugs his eyebrows. "That's an order I can take, sir." Then a glance from Montero to Poole. "And thankyou."

A grim smile lights on Lt. Poole's face, and she looks from Montero to Jade. "Just stick close to me, Ensign." With that she's on her way out to collect something from her quarters.

Holliday stands, medkit in one hand, coffee cup in the other. He tips the cup back, swallowing, and then sets empty cup in the replicators recyling slot.. "Wouldn't want to doze off.." he remarks, and steps towards the door.

Montero stands as well, turns to adress Whitehorse. "I will assemble my people in Ops and stand ready then." She too steps towards the door, turning as if on a parade ground..

Jade completes his rise, nods, then turns and steps briskly towards the door, arms swinging by his side.

Corridor - Level 1 - Station 419 - [IC]

This short, wide corridor runs between the Ward Room and Operations. The corridor is shaped like a tall, narrow hexagon, with soft white light dimly illuminating it from thin strips where the ceiling meets the walls. The ceiling has large dark blue-grey panels. Footsteps echo metallically through the passage as the boots strike the dark grey metal floor.

As he steps from the Ward Room, Jade raises a hand, calls over to Poole, "Lieutenant!"

Gwen isn't walking quickly, just steadily. She stops when Jade calls for her, turning slightly. "Yes?"

"Sir, I... uh, first, thankyou." Jade slows, pulls up to a stop just beside Poole. "I know you wouldn't have allowed me to accompany you if it was a plain bad idea, but still... thankyou. You know what this means."

"I don't need your thanks, Alex..." Gwen's expression softens slightly, "I know how much you want to see Tyler... I know how worried you are..." She pauses for a breath, then says, "I just hope it doesn't cost you your life."

"Well, frankly, we're together on that." Jade murmurs in reply, lips actually pulling into a slight smirk, though there's a sincere gravity in his eyes and tone. Then: "It might help in avoiding such a fate if... uh... if I were armed. I don't actually have a Phaser." He shifts at that, offers a slightly embarrassed smile.

Holliday steps from the Ward Room after having disposed of the coffee cup. He looks between the others and quirks his mouth.

You say "I'm not sure that carrying a phaser is much proof against being shot. Just the opposite, some might say..""

"We weren't going to just send you into battle-zone without a weapon..." Gwen smirks at the man, "I'm sure we'll be receiving some equipment before the mission begins."

Jade glances between the Doctor and Poole. "Uh..." The syllable lasts a few moments. "Well, yeah, I think I'd rather be kitted and run the risk. Anyway, I'm sorry, I'm holding us up..." Seems slightly nervous as he raises a hand, gestures towards the turbolift and begins to step towards it.

Gwen stays where she is, a smile on her lips. She beckons to the Doctor, "After you, Doc."

Holliday summons the turbolift.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

You say "After you my dear alphonse."

Gwen chuckles and enters.

Jade enters the turbolift.

Turbolift - Station 419 - [IC]

This is a standard turbolift, circular, and able to hold about ten people comfortably. The floor covered with a blue-grey industrial carpeting that runs from one gunmetal grey wall to the other. A small access panel is recessed beside the metal doors.

"I need to make a short stop in my quarters, gentlemen... I'll meet you on the Aegis." Gwen says, standing just to the side of the entry-way.

Jade mmmms? leaning against the rear wall with his arms folded over his chest, one leg crossing the other, looking over to Poole, then catches up with what he's heard, nods. "Understood. Uh, sir."

Holliday nods, chuckles. "Why do I get the feeling you're not going to powder your nose, Lt? Anyone else need anything?"

You say "Deck two, then."

The computer confirms entry with a chime and the turbolift starts to move toward Level 2.

"I'm going to pray." Gwen says calmly. "And to pick up a good-luck charm."

The doors slide open at Level 2.

You say "To each his own then. We'll see you shortly."

Jade doesn't respond to Poole's statement, but watches her as she leaves with almost a soft expression.

The doors slide closed.

Holliday looks to Jade after the lift doors close. "Odds on Lt. Poole's 'good luck charm' having a trigger?"

You say "Deck 8."

The computer confirms entry with a chime and the turbolift starts to move toward Level 8.

Shuttlebay - USS Aegis - [IC]

The most obvious attribute of the shuttlebay is its sheer extreme size, probably capable of holding one hundred attack fighters, or around seventy-five Danube runabouts, although the Aegis' carries a much smaller compliment of craft: Perhaps two runabouts and ten or so utility shuttles of various types. Really two shuttlebays, each quite large in itself, and joined together back to back, the shuttlebay section extends front to back through the whole length of the Aegis' saucer section. At either end, three sets of large docking bay doors can be seen. The unique arrangement of the shuttlebays allows for a large number of launch and landing operations to be carried out simultaniously. On the Aegis, this area serves double duty as a cargo hold, and different areas of the 'bay can be sectioned off and converted to other functions in short order as well.

Holliday's ..lounging around the shuttlebay near the 'Fear. Over one shoulder is slung a cylindrical container emblazoned with the SF Medical caudecus. A tricorder is fastened at his hip, and he consults a PADD, probably reviewing the mission briefing.

Jade is actually wandering - slowly, vaguely, as one inspecting the walls and roof of a cathedral - near the Cape Fear. Hands clasped behind his back, he's looking at the bay of the ship as if it merits intense interest.

Gwen enters the cargo bay from one of the side corridors, a small satchel attached to a utility belt around her waist. Also on the belt is her tricorder and phaser. She looks rather calm for someone about to go into a life or death situation.

Holliday looks up as she crosses the shuttle bay. "Sir." He smiles a little. "Finished with your burnt offerings, or does that come later?" Then, "I wasn't aware you were religious or superstitious.. I guess I should inquire how devout you are before I poke fun.."

Jade's attention is drawn away, and to Holliday and Poole as the former speaks. His face bears the expression of one fully distracted by other thoughts, slightly blank. Alex's hands find their way to his belt - the tricorder and phaser there, and the latter certainly receiving a little worried attention. Then he looks back to the bay around him, the Cape nearby, but with one ear cocked for Poole's response.

Gwen smiles, though she doesn't respond until she's close. "I'm a believer in God, Doctor..... And I thought if there was any chance at all to get his help, that I should take it." She pats her satchel once for good measure, "And no, that didn't involve burnt offerings or dancing around naked in my underwear."

Holliday chuckles. "Depending on the deity that might be good way to get his attention, one way or another... Well, like they say at a church potluck dinner, 'God helps those that help themselves..'"

Jade seems to finish his visual survey of this part of the ship's innards and steps over to the rear of the Cape Fear, placing his back against the Runabout and sliding down it into a half-sit, half-crouch.

"I'm inclined to believe you on that one, Doctor." Gwen takes a deep breath, "For the most part, the praying was just to clear my mind, Doctor..... I didn't have enough time for a good workout, or a game of tennis."

You say "How's the 'wagon, Mr. Jade? Good for another 20-thousand lightyears?" He asks offhandedly, then nods to Poole, chuckles. "Endorphins and gods.. Well, I'll take whatever I can get." He smiles, "I imagine you'll get a chance to burn off any excess energy soon enough.."

The Fox, as well as half a dozen other Runabouts brought in from various positions in the sector, sit nearby, their crews assembling as well. More people start filling the shuttlebay as the security details start to arrive. A Lt. JG by the name of Keith Oberlin, makes his way toward Lt. Poole. "Sir, I'm reporting as ordered. Junior Lt. Oberlin." His hair is blonde in a balding crew-cut, and he appears to be in his early thirties. "I'm leading this set of security teams."

Jade's gaze still shifts occasionally from place to place in the bay. Now in a fully sitting position, elbows on his knees, he pushes upwards as Oberlin arrives, walks slowly over towards Holliday. As he nears, and quietly, "I wouldn't know about the ship, Doctor. This is actually the first Starfleet vessel larger than a shuttle I've ever been on."

Oberlin's men are a rugged bunch - stocky, burly but rather young guys that arrived with the delivery of the Aegis from Utopia Planetia. They're armed to the teeth - phaser rifles, and backpacks slung over their shoulders holding who-knows-what. Several concussion grenades hang off their belts, among other gear.

"Alright.... Let's load them up, Lt." Gwen responds to Oberlin, she nods to him, then looks behind him to the other men. "Let's try and do this with zero fatalities.... And if when we get back, drinks are on me."

Holliday chuckles, nods. "Well, consider this a crash course.. But not too much of a crash course I hope." He looks to Oberlin's bunch, whisles softly. "Looks like you're packing enough ordinance for the lot of us, Lt."

"They do know we're going up against Starfleet personnel, don't they?" Jade murmurs under his breath, regarding the mobile arsenal before him with well concealed concern. He stands just to the side of the Doctor, arms crossed on his chest.

Oberlin nods curtly. "Aye, sir." He turns to his men. "All right, dirtbags! You heard the lady! Get on the bus! Move it! Move it! I don't have all day!" His men chant, "Sir, yes sir!" then start filing methodically into the runabout. None of them look as if they mind the way he is speaking to them.

Gwen waits until all the men are in before she turns to look at Holliday and Jade. "Well.... they are certainly disciplined." She smiles, then again stops and motions to the shuttle entry. "After you, sirs."

Holliday looks to Jade, quirks his mouth. "I hope so. I'm hoping they're overprepared.." He looks on as the security team loads into the runabout. "Since they look ready for just about anything.." He chuckles darkly.

Holliday nods to Poole and steps thru the hatch..

Flight Deck - USS Cape Fear - [IC]

The flight deck is rather spacious, consisting of a separate cockpit and services bay. The cockpit is dominated by a large horseshoe shaped console bank of standard design. A pair of comfortably padded dark grey chairs sit before the main flight controls, with a pair of matching chairs situated before the extended aft arms of the console bank. A pair of large, sloping rectangular viewports take up much of the forward area, providing a wide angle of visibility. A pair of wide, elliptical viewports on each side extend visibility further. A bulkhead partition, just aft of the boarding hatches, separates the flight deck from a services bay. Access to the bay is provided via a narrow open hatchway, through which the aft corridor hatch can be seen. Within the bay, the narrow central walkway is flanked to port by a square transporter pad and a cozy galley to starboard. Although the lighting is sufficient, the muted blue-grey walls and medium grey carpeted deck serve to soften it, creating a calming effect.

Jade has arrived.

Poole has arrived.

Holliday observes the security teams making their way into the aft section, which has no doubt been modified for this mission to handle troop transport and rapid deploment.. He looks about for a seat.. "Well, who's driving?"

Ghorev has arrived.

Jade follows Holliday closely, just moving with the other man's lead - at least he's done this before - searches for a seat. He tries not to spend too much time looking at the assorted phaser rifles, ordinance and other weapons carried by the security teams. "Well... not me, Doctor, if you want us out of the bay in one piece..." He glances up as Ghorev enters, nods to the Engineer.

Poole's comm badge chirrups. "Commander Montero to Lieutenant Poole," says a voice over it.

Poole taps her comm badge. "Lieutenant Poole here."

Over Poole's comm badge, Montero says, "Status, Lt?"

Lt JG Oberlin escorts his well-armed 'security' unit to the back.

Poole says into her comm badge, "Teams are boarding shuttles now, stowing gear, and preparing themselves for the ride in."

Gwen moves on past the men after she enters, heading all the way up to the pilot and co-pilot's seat. She takes the pilot's seat, running some pre-flight checks.

Over Poole's comm badge, Montero says, "Very good, Lt. I will continue to monitor the mission status here in Ops. However, once we initate the 'pulse, all communications will be out for an inderterminate period."

Poole says into her comm badge, "Understood, Commander."

Over Poole's comm badge, Montero says, "Very good. Ops out."

Poole says into her comm badge, "Poole, out."

Poole terminates the comm by tapping her comm badge.

"Admiral Whitehorse to Lt. Poole," chirrups Poole's comm badge.

Ghorev nods quietly to the others as he enters the fore of the Runabout. He waits for Jade and the doctor to take their own seats before grabbing a console for himself. First come, first serve, after all.

Gwen finishes her checks and taps her badge. "Lt. Poole, here."

Holliday steps to take a seat next to Poole. "Well, I'll volunteer to read the map and tune the radio?" He says, before sitting down. He nods to Ghorev. "Chief."

"We are nearing the destination coordinates," states Whitehorse. He is referring to the 'safe point' for the Aegis - where the dechyon pulse won't interfere with the ship's systems or the artifact. "Stand by to launch. We will then proceed at warp six back to the station. Whitehorse out."

Holliday absently checks the contents of the medkit: Standard field medic pack, complimented with a few personally selected items. Satisfied with the compliment therein, he slips a couple small pieces of equipment into his uniform pockets, he closes the container and relatches it.

Jade shifts in his seat, pressing back into the side of the bay a little harder, hugging his chest. Under his breath, "Cast off, and sitting well in order, smite the sounding furrows..." He swallows, looks around the security teams for a moment, then reaches down to triple check his equipment.

Gwen keeps her hands on the console, but she takes a nice long look over her shoulder. After a few moments, she looks to Holliday next to her and says, "Glad you sat next to me, Doc.... With all that coffee in you, your liable to step on some toes."

Ghorev takes a seat at one of the rear consoles, and pulls up his engineering display. "I've run so many diagnostics today I can still see the numbers in my head, but all systems read a go, Lieutenant."

Oberlin steps toward the cockpit. "All of my men are ready, sir, and await your orders," he says to Poole. He sits down at the remaining station and pulls up a display.

Thru the forward viewscreen, one can see flight crews scrambling about the bay, and some pre-launch light cycles have begun to flash..

Holliday looks to Ghorev, "Got your warpaint on, Chief?" He looks to Poole, and raises a hand, holding it level and quite steady before him. "Save me a dance then, Lt."

"Excellent... I guess now it's up to the Aegis to give us the go ahead." Gwen says, almost sounding impatient, if one could sound impatient about going into a dangerous situation.

The chronometers count down the moments as the Aegis slowly begins to coast to a stop. Even before it has stopped, the order comes in to commence launch sequence, and the runabouts in front of the Cape Fear start to file out of the shuttlebay one by one, out-accellerating the Aegis and into the blackness of space.

Ghorev lets a half-smile flick across one side of his mouth as he looks up at Holliday. "I left my chaka in my quarters, actually. As misguided as Aegis-Two's crew may be, I'd rather not slice anyone in half today." As the acceleration begins, he adds, "The night is young, however."

Gwen brings up the Cape Fear's manuevering thrusters and starts heading out of the bay. "I'll hold you to that, Doctor... a dance in the Neutral Zone after this is over." She grins, then accelerates until she's out of the Aegis.

Jade just draws a slow, slow breath, head tilted to watch events outside the Runabout, through the main screen. Despite the banter between the others, he is quite reserved, silent, and focused; though his eyes carry a distance of thoughtfullness.

Holliday chuckles. "Well, so long as you'll.. 'hold me to that'.. Lt."

Accolon has arrived.

Raioth has arrived.

Jade is sitting in the bay area, rather than the 'cockpit' with the other officers, but has taken the seat nearest to the bulkhead divide. Quite silent, motionless, though withdrawn into the seat, his eyes lie on the main viewscreen.

Poole's piloting the runabout, which has just passed thru the shuttle bay doors on it's way to...? Holliday's at the co-pilot station.. Ghorev monitors engineering from one of the secondary stations, security officer Jr-Lt. Oberlin sits at the other station, and Jade has .. a jump seat? Several heavily armed security teams wait in the modified aft section of the runabout..

Accolon sits, waiting, glancing from person to person. He wears a serious expression, perhaps seems pretty tense.

Raioth walks over and stands next to Jade. He glances over toward him, smiling and giving the man a nod.

The runabouts, eight all told, converge into a diamond slot formation. At T-5 minutes, the dechyon pulse detonates. Sensors confirm that a dechyon pulse was initiated at the designated coordinates.

Holliday answers Ghorev. "The night -is- young chief. I hope we make it home before midnight.." He says darkly, "Did you pack your glass slipper, Mr. Jade?"

Ghorev makes an exhalation as a reply to the doctor, and looks down to check his console now that the burst is fired.

Jade glances up at Raioth, shrugs his eyebrows, offering a slightly weak smile. "Must have slipped my mind, Doc... but I hear the Fairy Godmother lets you plea bargain..." Said without looking to Holliday, and in a slightly sober tone, oddly. Then, to Raioth, "You're.. fully recovered now?"

Raioth asks, "Did it work?" He nods absently to Jade, as he looks out the viewscreen.

"T minus four minutes," states Oberlin.

Jade taps his feet on the deck to a slightly random rhythym, and refolds his arms.

Holliday nods, "Yeah, but have you ever tried to land a pumpkin?" He comments. His attention doesn't seem to be wavering from the screen and displays in front of him..

Ghorev adds, his voice low, "Nothing yet... " He exhales something low, thereafter, probably a prayer or a curse.

The chonometer flips to T-3:00 and counting...

"T-minus one minute," says Oberlin.

Holliday makes a try at whistling the head melody of Coltrane's 'Countdown', though it's likely not recognizable. "Warp systems initialized, Lt."

Gwen smiles gently, then says, "Computer, prepare music selection... Flight of the Valkyries, by Wagner. Start playing when warp engines go online." She looks over to Holliday with a grin.

Raioth turns to Jade and says, "Do you have a phaser with you this time?" a little chidingly. He glances toward the man's belt.

Holliday begins to chuckle. "Ok, Tyler. Surf's up, it seems.."

Ghorev says, to nobody in particular, "May we all ride out together as we rode in, and may we remember always what we do this day."

Jade's brows rise slightly and he tilts his head to study Poole for a moment, almost incredulous, then glances over his shoulder to Raioth. Smiles faintly. "Happily, I made sure I was better equiped this time. For your sake and mine." His tone is distracted, though, and he seems to catch Holliday's comment.

Raioth pats Jade's shoulder confidently. He smiles at Ghorev's words, nodding a respect to the man.

"Here we go...." Gwen stands by for warp engine engage.

Accolon glances upward at the music, seeming slightly distracted by it.

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Holliday braces himself for the jump to warp..

Ghorev runs another scan, fingers tapping at the console. "I'm picking up a reaction to the pulse, Sir. A ripple of dechyons, as if from interference ..... Narrowing down....." His head snaps up. "O

Jade shifts back into his seat again, hugging his chest and closing his eyes as his head tilts back and onto the rest. "Are we nearly there yet?" he murmurs, under his breath, glances towards the viewscreen as Ghorev speaks, and narrows his eyes.

Adrenaline or nerves must have sharpened Holliday's ears, as he says, "Not far now."

Ghorev's head snaps up. "I've got Aegis, Sir, 117 degrees mark 4.2 off of the base's topmost pylon. It's fuzzy, too much for a lock of any kind, but she's visible."

Gwen signals to the other runabouts to set a course and engage engines... then she engages the Cape Fear's engines.

T-0.. And the diamond-slot pattern shoots off with streaks of light through the viewport, warp six toward the station.

You say "Quite the enchanted citadel.. Everyone girt their thews."

Jade's brows rise at that. Monotone, to Holliday: "I don't get the reference." His eyes are fixed on the viewscreen.

Accolon glances toward Holliday, blinking a couple of times. Probably didn't understand at all either. Apparently he's none too concerned either. He keeps his attention on the happenings of the mission soon after.

Holliday answers them without looking away from the console. "Fairytales. The island from the mist, sirs. Appears but once a year in the sunset of midsummers eve or similar.. Speaking of which.." He checks the displays for any interceptors or other obstacles.

Sensors are able to start making a clearer picture of the situation. All of the station's systems are offline - it is totally, eerily dark, like a piece of dull obsidian on black velvet. Sitting nearby, in the coordinates marked by Ghorev, is the USS-Aegis, with one marked difference to the one you are flying escort to at the moment - the outer hull is much closer to black in color, and it lacks any markings whatsoever. It is bristling with a much heavier payload than 'our' Aegis - approximately twice the weapons capacity is tucked into its belly. And it's power systems are not out. They appear to be at about 27%. Their shields are down, they have several weapons systems at the ready.

Accolon whisltes through his teeth and says, "Well, Leiutenant Poole, let's hope it's us '7' and bad guys '0' this time too." He glances between Poole and Ghorev, probably wondering what they plan to do.

You say "..There are usually Guardians. Alt-Aegis' shields are down. They still have some weapons capabilities..""

The Dark-Aegis hasn't moved - apparently their sensors are off line and have not detected the approach of the task fleet.

Ghorev adds, "And online, too. Is a volley of microtorpedos in order, to disable?"

Ghorev says "Or are we sure we can get out of here before they manage to spot us?"

"Shields up, let's approach the cargo bay...." Gwen says, "If we let them know we are here blatantly we'll have a more difficult time of it."

Jade takes in a breath at the comment about weapons, looks forehead crumpled to Ghorev as he makes his suggestion. For a fourth time, he checks his gear, and once more begins tapping his toe tunelessly on the deck.

Ghorev says "Aye, sir. Holding fire." He checks his own sidearm. And then the PADD. And then adds, "Preparing to route Cape Fear's engineering controls to PADD for emergency beamout as necessary, once we're in."

The 'current' Aegis swings in wide, thumping the darker twin sister ship several times with two volleys of glowing orange photon torpedos. The diamond slot breaks formation, turns toward the shuttle bay. "Fox to Task Fleet. Those shuttle bay doors are closed. We're going to have to punch our way in."

Holliday nods, chuckles. "What, no valet parking? I forgot my invitation anyway.. I guess we'll have to 'gatecrash'."

"Alright..... Let's punch through then." Gwen orders, looking back to Ghorev and Accolon. "Estimates on how much it would take to destroy those cargo bay doors?"

Ghorev says "Without shields? A single full-sized torpedo would punch a hole for single file. A small volley of these little ones should do the same. Perhaps a coordinated volley with two of the other Runabouts would open her fully up at the bay seams."

Ghorev says "The larger the hole, however, the more integrity they'll have to maintain. It won't be pretty, Lieutenant."

Jade's eyes now flit over the sister ship as the other officers discuss tactics. "God... will you look at that ship?" He leans forward, steadying himself as he tries to get a more central view of the alternate Aegis. "It's a dark echo. What an evil looking thing."

Accolon glances back toward Jade, unenthusiastically reflecting his sentiments.

"Let's try and open her up enough to get all the runabouts in." Gwen signals to the other ships, ordering each to fire a torpedo..... coordinating the launch to make a wide (but not all the way to the seams) hole.

The Dark Aegis takes notice of her twin, turns, and starts to fire wildly. Their weapons tracking systems are offline as well, it seems. But the fireworks it manages to unleash is impressive - one of the torpedos it unleashes punches a hole through one of the other runabouts, and it explodes in a bright flash of light, sending debris tumbling through the cosmos at high velocities.

Holliday hmms. "Mr. Jade, could you check the equipment list and see what we have in the way of environmental gear? And see if you can find some lights."

Ghorev growls at the firepower display. "Locking microtorpedo tubes on, Sir. Awaiting signal."

<CONTEST> Poole contests her Vehicle Operations (Shuttlecraft) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Jade nods. "Aye, sir." He levers himself from his seat and steps towards one of the consoles in the main bay area, begins accessing.

You had better come up with a new plan. One of those torpedos slices through the port nacelle of the Cape Fear, despite Poole's best attempt to dodge it. The ship rocks hard and the Cape Fear is on a collision course with the Dark Aegis.

Holliday says "How tight can you focus the deflector, Chief?"

Oberlin shouts, "What the hell kind of torpedo is that? It just ate through our shields!"

Raioth topples against nearby security officer's, trying to manage to stay on his feet. He holds out his arms after the rocking, trying to keep things steady.

Jade almost bowls backwards as the nacelle is hit, but holds onto the console and rights himself.

Gwen grits her teeth, "God in Heaven...." She holds onto the console as the ship rocks, "The port nacelle is out.... I can't regain control... collision course with the future Aegis."

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Ghorev says "Can't get a lock...."

A disruptor blasts against the shields in another wild shot by the future Aegis, knocking the shields down to /two/ percent.

Ghorev tries, though. Half out of his seat from the impact, he works his console like a madman, trying .... well, *something*, for sure.

Accolon bangs his head on the side of the wall with the impact, catching him off guard. He holds his head with his hand, face a mask of pain.

Gwen tries to use the manuevering thrusters to gain some semblance of control back. "Come on, damn you."

Holliday's kept from bouncing around too much by the fact that he's seated.. "As I said, girt your thews, gentlemen.. I don't know, Obie, but I don't think I want a closer look at it just now." He glances to the cabin, then back to his console, trying to plot their probable course.. "If she hasn't seen us, I hate to think what would happen if she does.."

The current-time Aegis swings around again, unleashing a larger volley this time - the orange torpedos splatting against the darker ship's hull in a firestorm.

Jade forgets studying the display of the console for now, and hangs on grimly, eyes on the viewscreen, wide and staring.

<GAME> Poole spends a courage point.

<GAME> Ghorev spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Poole (claiming advantage) contests her Vehicle Operations (Shuttlecraft) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

 The action pauses, the screen fades to black, and then the following phrase burns in:

TO BE CONTINUED...