Back To The Fold
Episode Name: Back to the Fold Written By: Raijin Cast: Ashilav, Dakin, Kentoz, Raijin and Spect. Produced By: Starfleet Directed By: Raijin Aired On: Sat Sep 07 22:53:38 2002 Stardate: 52617
Time: Sat Sep 07 20:23:03 2002
Stardate: 52616.7
Kentoz sits at the ops station, running over docking paths and the like.
Ashilav is fast at work at her engineering station, doing routine checklists and being observant of the data usually contained therein.
Dakin, having just arrived, heads towards the security station and logs in to check on his people's tasks and movements for the day.
Ashilav glances up, spotting Dakin, and offers him a slight smile. "Salutations, Lieutenant. Will you be joining us this shift?"
Kentoz glances from his station and says to Dakin, "Sir? I'm receiving a subspace signal coming from the Romulan/Federation border. It is distorted, but I can isolate it."
Dakin looks over towards Ashilav with a smile. "One can only do rounds on the Mall level so long, Ensign..." At Kentoz's report, his expression sobers. "Let's hear it, Mr. Kentoz, however you can manage."
Kentoz taps away at his console. The screen in front of the commander's chair blinks to life, showing what looks to be a battle-torn bridge of a ship. On the screen is a human with long blond hair and a beard. He wears a dirty looking jumpsuit and resembles a very rustic looking trader. A small line of blood runs across his forehead and down the side of his face. The screen constantly flickers with static as lights flash red in the background. "This is the first officer of the SS Kris. We...been attacked by an unknown...and are highly damaged. The captain has been...We have wounded and need medical...as well as repairs to...Request permission for emergency docking."
Dakin's brow creases. "This is Lt. Dakin Rann of Federation Station 419. Permission granted. Our medical and damage control personnel will be standing by. Cut your engines before berth and we'll tractor you in."
"Understood. Kris out." The signal blinks out. Kentoz looks up from his station and informs Dakin, "They will be arriving in a few minutes, sir.
Dakin nods. "Scan their ship to verify their account and notify the transporter room to transport the wounded to the infirmary once they've touched down." He then reaches for his combadge.
Dakin taps his comm badge, "Lieutenant Dakin to Lieutenant Clough."
Over Dakin's comm badge, someone says, "Callie here, Rann. Go ahead."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "We have a damaged freighter coming in
hot, Callie. You'll be receiving wounded very shortly. Scramble your
staff."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough's frown is as audible in her voice as it must
be on her face. "I'll get them moving, then. Do we have an estimate of how
many wounded? And possible races?"
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Standby, Callie. We're doing sensor
sweeps now, I'll ask to modify for that."
Ashilav's fingers bring up the sensor control panel, and she does a quick
scan of the vessel. "Sir, SS Kris verified. She's a registered independent
trade ship, apparently a Ferengi transport configuration that's seen some
modification of older Starfleet weaponry. Should I identify life forms,
sir?"
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough says, "Thanks, Rann. Let me know when
you find out. Callie out."
Dakin nods to Ashilav. "Do it."
Dakin's comm badge ends its transmission.
"Scans coming back, sir," Ashilav says, leaning forward in her seat
to study her readings. "Mostly human, several Orions, one Nausicaan, one
Flaxian. I can't be more specific on the numbers without a more detailed
scan."
Dakin nods and reaches for his combadge once again, saying to Ashilav.
"All I needed, Ensign, thanks."
Dakin taps his comm badge, "Lieutenant Dakin to Lieutenant Clough."
Over Dakin's comm badge, someone says, "Callie here. Go ahead."
The Kris warps in system, and she isn't a pretty sight. Plasma trails from
several points along the hull where she took some heavy damage. The ship comes
in at half-impulse until it reaches transporter range at which point it shuts
down it's engines.
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Species confirmed, Callie. Mostly
human, with a number of Orions, and one each Nausicaan and Flaxian. They've just
arrived, Callie. Stand by to receive. Dakin out."
Dakin reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.
Dakin says, "Kentoz, clear some room in the docking bay for them and
notify our DC teams to get ready." Another tap of the combadge. "Dakin
to transporter room. Scan the incoming vessel for any less-than-nominal life
readings and beam them directly to the infirmary."
The transporter room confirms their instructions with Dakin as Kentoz
continues to tap along his console.
Ashilav still seems to be studying sensor data, fingertips coaxing the
console to reveal the information she's looking for. "She's quite crippled,
Lieutenant. Her propulsion and warp core seem to be intact, and I do not predict
there will be any problems repairing her. Heavy damage to shields; I'll wager
they'll need a complete overhaul. Hull and weapon damage... can't quite parse
out any lingering energy signatures. I'll keep working on it, though."
Dakin nods. "Good, Ashilav. We have to labor under the assumption
whatever attacked them is still out there."
Ashilav nods slightly, the glow from her console illuminating her face.
"Yes, sir." And then goes back to reviewing sensor logs.
"Sir, we transporting the wounded now," Dakin's badge intones.
Kentoz looks down at his console and says, "Damage control teams standing
by upon docking. I'm pulling them in now." The plasma stops pouring out of
the Kris as Kentoz tows her in with the tractor beam.
Dakin nods. "Acknowledged," he says in response to the transporter
operator. Then to all involved, "Good work, everyone."
Kentoz nods lightly and glances back at his console.
Ashilav glances up towards Dakin, smiling slightly, then sobers and looks
back down to her console, still at work.
Dakin heads back up to the security console and returns to his previous task.
"Very interesting damage to this craft," Ashilav muses to herself.
"Very thorough. I'm surprised something Ferengi-made stood up to that level
of punishment. Odd how there's no Ferengi crew."
Dakin nods. "The captain must've won it in a tongo game or something.
Still, you do have a point, Ensign. Did you get any strange readings as far as
hull composition went?"
Kentoz shrugs and says with a slight smile, "Maybe it's just a salvage
craft? Those refits look rather sloppy. The Merchant Marines wouldn't put up
with something like that."
"Sensor readings clearing up, now," Ashilav says. Her antennae perk
forward slightly as she reads something off of her console. Fingers slide up and
over as she brings another program online, and white brows knit into a frown.
"There are Romulan energy signatures from the scoring on this vessel,
Lieutenant. Romulan plasma torpedos, I'm certain of it." She glances up,
frown softening into a facial expression of worry.
"Speak of the devil," Kentoz states using a human euphamism. "Romulan
warbird warping in from the Neutral Zone. She's also damaged but not as badly.
We're being hailed."
Dakin frowns. "On screen, Ensign." He heads back down to the
command section of the room.
A Romulan captain appears on the screen, his own bridge looking rather
damaged. A trail of green blood runs down his cheek bone and he looks to be in a
very sour mood. "Federation Station 419, I am Captain Zushal of the RSN
Kelchen'por. We were escorting a convoy when attacked by a number of ships,
including the ship you currently have docked with you. We demand the release of
her captain and officers. The crewmen you may leave to your discretion."
Ashilav glances over towards Dakin, waiting for the order.
Dakin says, "This is Lt. Dakin Rann, Captain. At present, all crew
aboard that vessel are in no shape to travel and are being tended to by our
medical staff. You're free to berth here and, once they've been treated, we can
discuss extradition then."
The captain raises a brow and clenches a fist before saying through gritted
teeth, "Very well. We will continue our repairs and medically tend to our
own needs while docked at your station, so you will not have provide any
assistance. Do be certain that the Kris is not permitted to leave docking until
we get what we want. Kelchen'por out." The screen blinks out.
Dakin turns to Ashilav. "Scan the warbird's damage. Compare it with the
weapons fitted to the Kris. And hurry."
"Exactly what I was thinking, sir," Ashilav says as she begins
scanning the Kelchen'por. A few heartbeats pass before she states, with a
shocked look on her face, "Sir, the Romulan warbird's weapon systems are
completely destroyed. Only moderate damage on the hull, and minor damage to
nacelles. There is no way outdated Starfleet equipment like that could've casued
that level of damage."
Dakin frowns. "Great. I was afraid we were going to have a mystery on
our hands. Can you get a reading on what kind of weaponry COULD have caused that
kind of damage?"
Spect heads out of Operations and into the main corridor.
Spect has left.
"No, sir, I can't tell that," Ashilav says, frowning at her
console. "The best I can tell is that there are phased energy and photonic
residue on the Romulan ship, but as I said, there's no way the Kris could've
caused that amount of damage..."
Dakin nods. "And the Kris isn't carrying any weapons not listed on their
registry?"
Ashilav double-checks, tapping at her console. "The phasers are
registered, but the torpedo launcher is not."
Dakin nods. "All right, notify me when the Kelchen'por berths, and get
me Captain Zushal on the comm once they have."
Dakin's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant Clough to
Lieutenant Dakin."
Tapping his comm badge, Dakin says, "Dakin here."
Kentoz says, "Aye aye, sir."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough's voice is slightly strained, but a good deal
easier than it was when she last spoke, "What's the status, Rann? /Who/ are
we dealing with? As a guess, I'd assume Syndicate, judging by the second
officer's nervousness about being tracked and his intense desire to leave
quickly."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Can you get somewhere by yourself,
Callie?"
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough's response is quick and easy, "Already
done, Rann. I wouldn't mention the belief that they may be with the Syndicate
otherwise. Mr. Collings mentioned that they were attacked too quickly to
identify their attackers, and ran away seeking assistance. Their captain,
apparently, is dead."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "We've got more problems than that,
Callie. It's not the Syndicate, it's the Romulans. We have an incoming Warbird
claiming our guests attacked their ship. Thing is, the damage they've
sustained's too extensive for that Ferengi-maded hunk of junk to inflict."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough considers, then asks, "They have no
hidden weapons on board that you've detected? Is it possible they dropped the
weapons after the attack?" She sighs, "Something is /definitely/ wrong
here, Rann. What do you suggest? I can draw out their healing a bit longer, or
speed it up and get them off the ship. The Orion is in surgery now with
Haven."
Kentoz looks up and says, "The Romulans are docked, sir."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Only an outdated photon torpedo
launcher. Draw it out if you can, Callie. I'm not releasing anyone till I know
what's going on here. They've just arrived. I'll get back to you. Dakin
out."
Dakin reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.
Dakin nods to Kentoz. "Open a channel, Mr. Kentoz."
Kentoz makes a few taps at his console and the Romulan Captain appears on
screen. "You have considered our terms, Lieutenant?"
Dakin nods. "We need a few more questions answered beforehand, Captain.
Understand no fingers are being pointed here nor any doubt of veracity on
anyone's part. That said, our inspection of the Kris reveals that a ship of that
minimal a level of tactical offense couldn't have dealt your vessel the level of
damage you sustained. Are you positive the Kris was the only vessel involved in
this skirmish?"
The Captain crosses his arms and says, "Not the only ship, Lieutenant.
Just the only one that fled in this direction. We had another warbird cloaked
with us to hide our offensive capability. Nonetheless, it was a difficult
battle. There was one science vessle that blocked our sensors and communications
systems, two warships, and two freighters that had been refitted with stronger
weapons. All ships were bastardized hybrids like the Kris."
Dakin nods. "Right. Well, once we've gotten everything hammered out on
our end, we'll get everything verified and done to everyone's satisfaction. By
the way, as an aside, the Kris' captain didn't survive."
The captain smirks and says coldly, "Good. My only regret is that he had
to die so quickly. I would have enjoyed interrogating him."
Dakin nods. "I'm... sure. Anyway, we'll keep you informed. 419
out." He looks to Kentoz to cut the channel.
Kentoz cuts the channel only to glance up and say, "Sir, we are being
hailed by the Kris."
Dakin sighs. "When it rains... put it through, Kentoz."
Ashilav looks up, looking from Dakin, to Kentoz, and back to the Lieutenant.
The face of the first officer comes on screen. Smiling, he says, "We're
thankful for your assistance, Lieutenant. I informed the damage control team
that the shield repairs will not be necessary as we will be rejoining the
caravan as soon as possible and having a complete overhaul once we reach our
destination. Gotta get that cargo through, you know."
Dakin nods. "Of course. Tell me, do you have any idea what the Romulan
warbird that just docked might be doing here?"
The First Officer's face freezes and he looks quite nervous. "R-romulan
warbird? I'm sorry, we dropped our sensors after shutting down the primary power
systems. Had no idea one was out there. They're allies with you guys now,
right?"
Dakin nods. "That's correct. They've made some rather interesting
claims, as a matter of fact. You wouldn't have any ideas about that, would
you?"
The first officer gulps and says, "Look, it was an accident! After the
attack, we blindly fled in one direction. Turned out it was in to Romulan space.
They told us to beat it and sent a few warning shots for good measure. We
returned fire and got the hell out of there. We...we official request asylum
from the Romulans. Me, the ship, and her entire crew."
Dakin nods. "We'll give it some thought. Meantime, don't go anywhere.
Dakin out." Another cut-off look to Kentoz.
Kentoz closes the com and whistles. "Quite a mess we have, sir."
Dakin's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant Clough to
Lieutenant Dakin."
Ashilav shakes her head. "Sir, I would suggest that before we offer
asylum to these traders, we examine logs provided from both ships. It would help
us adjudicate. That is, of course, if we have any grounds. If it happened in
Romulan space, we've got no jurisdiction."
Dakin nods and says to Ashilav, "The crew of the Kris is hiding
something... check the crew manifest of the Kris and cross-reference with the
Federation criminal database. I want to know if these gentlemen have had any
other..." He sighs. "Hold on..."
Tapping his comm badge, Dakin says, "Give me some good news, Callie. I
could use some."
Ashilav gets to work while Dakin answers the hail.
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough says, "Actually, I was only going to ask
if you wished us to hold Mr. Collings. He believes himself well enough to leave
both against medical advice and without his crew. A containment field would be
an easy end to the situation."
GAME: Ashilav spends a courage point.
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Do it, Callie. And get some of my
people there in case there's any sort of trouble."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough says, "I'll give an update shortly, Rann.
Callie out."
Dakin's comm badge ends its transmission.
Ashilav makes a low trilling sound, and then says, "Sir, look at
this." She taps her conole, and on the main viewer pops up the facial
profile of the Kris' first officer. It matches to the list of suspected
affiliates of the Orion Syndicate. "He is going by a different name, sir.
We are dealing with criminals, sir."
Dakin nods to Ashilav and taps his combadge. "Dakin to security.
Dispatch teams to the docking bay and the infirmary and takes the Kris' crew
into custody. use one of the cargo bays for detention space if there's no room
in the brig."
Security responds with the typical, "Aye aye, sir," and the compin
goes silent.
Dakin taps his comm badge, "Lieutenant Dakin to Lieutenant Clough."
Over Dakin's comm badge, someone says, "If you're calling to tell me to
let them all go, please give me time to fix Mr. Collings' broken nose."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Negative on that, Doctor. Keep them
there as best you can."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough's frown is clear in her voice again,
"Then would you mind telling your staff /not/ to override my containment
fields?"
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Sorry, I meant to say until my people
get there. They're being taken into custody. Drop the fields."
From Dakin's comm badge, Clough isn't entirely pleased, but does not
disagree. "A little forewarning next time, Rann. We nearly had a pile-up
trying to keep Mr. Collings from reaching the doors before the field was in
place." As she speaks, she begins to sound at least mildly amused.
"That should clear out about two - three when Mr. Collings' nose has been
repaired. The other four remain under our care. We should be able to get one
more out in an hour or so, but we've still got three who will certainly be
overnighters."
Into his comm badge, Dakin says, "Carry on then, Callie. Dakin
out."
Dakin reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.
Dakin heads up towards the exit doors. "Ashilav, Kentoz, nice job on
this. Keep me apprised on things, I'm going to go somewhere to file the report
on this."
Kentoz says, "Aye aye, sir."
"Sir," Ashilav says, turning in her seat. "Would it be prudent
to examine the Kris thoroughly, since her crew will be here for a while?"
Dakin nods to Ashilav as he exits. "Agreed. Have Engineering go over it
bow to stern. Any surprises, I want them known about."
Ashilav nods quickly. "Aye, sir."
Dakin nods to the two ensigns and makes his way out.
Dakin heads out of Operations and into the main corridor.
Dakin has left.
