Dagger of Freedom: Day of Smoke And Thunder
Episode Name: DoF - Day of Smoke and Thunder Written By: Fortunae Cast: Ashilav, Bela, Edwards, Savloo, Takamura, Tibbs and Va'tol. Produced By: Starfleet & Fortunae Directed By: Lace & Starfleet Aired On: Mon Oct 14 11:55:11 2002 Stardate: 52704.7
Time: Sun Oct 13 20:30:45 2002
Stardate: 52703.2
Edwards straightens in his seat, idly tugs on his uniform, and inquires, "All the checks checked, people?"
Va'tol says, "Conn systems checked, sir. Navigational systems operational. We are ready to proceed." he begins."
Savloo nods from his console, as he idly taps it to prepare.
Tibbs says, "Science is g-go. And s-such."
Ashilav opens her eyes from her quiet, personal prayer. "Engineering reports everything is ready to go, sir," she reports.
Takamura refreshes himself on the layout of the Tactical console, after spending most of his recent time in RRT training. Confident that he has everything is in order he responds, "Tactical on line, sir.
Edwards gives a satisfied nod and looks to the conn, ordering, "Take us out, Ensign."
Va'tol nods, moving his hands around the panel in order to take the ship off the station, one quarter of impulse.
Savloo glances idly towards the viewscreen as the ship begins to move, his smile dimming slightly but never completely leaving. Damn optimists.
Tibbs isn't twitching yet, which is a good sign. He is stooped over the sensors, however, tweaking everything just right.
Ashilav quietly monitors her engineering displays, occasionally glancing up at the viewscreen, which shows their departure.
Takamura watches the viewscreen, as he continues to ready the Tactical station.
USS Thomas Paine pulls away from Station 419 Upsilon, on its way to meet the rest of the Fleet for the Occan offensive. In the viewscreen, the station becomes smaller until it dissapears in a streak of light when the ship leaps to warp.
The main body of the Allied Fleet has gathered here in near approach to Occa Prime to rendezvous with the small attack group which liberated Fimdari, including the USS Accountability, the USS Indominable, and USS Thomas Paine. The objective is quite clear and straight forward - take and maintain Superiority of the Occan system from the Dominion, and provide close support cover for the planetary liberation that will be taking place. Before the mission begins, a communication comes in from Starfleet Headquarters at Dulcais Prime.
Admiral Whitehorse addresses the fleet. "Brave souls of the Dulcais Sector Alliance fleet, it is my *duty* to send you into danger this day -- into the den of our fierce and unrelenting enemy. It is my *proud* honor to do this, on *this* day as your victory and gallantry here will not only safeguard the concerns and citizens of our great star powers, but will liberate the innocent and subjugated citizens of Occa Prime from the Duranium Fist of the Dominion. You have trained for this, your resolve has been weighed and measured, and now, once again, we call upon you all to discharge your duties with the honor and valor that has become expected. The attack commences in two minutes, God Speed."
As the Thomas Paine maneuvers into it's position in the attack fleet, there is time for one last round of diagnostics, while the crew and ship readies itself for the upcoming attack.
Savloo nods a bit. "The fleet is on sensors, Sir."
Edwards leans forward, obviously eager, as he watches the viewscreen. "Make sure everything is in place and ready to go, people. Once we start, there's no turning back. We want to be ready." he states.
"Yes Sir.." Ensign Va'tol keeps the ship still, ready to move when ordered.
Savloo nods a bit. "The fleet is on sensors, Sir." He turns back to the console just behind him and taps it as well, working to keep the sensors working as effeciently as possible.
Tibbs shakes his head and murmurs quietly, "D-Duranium f-fist indeed." Under his breath, otherwise quiet as he has nothing to report.
A few chirps from her console, and Ashilav reports, "Engineering is still ready to go, sir."
Ensign Dora, manning the Mission Ops station, turns to Edwards. "Incoming message sir." She pauses, then continues. "From Commander Alice Martin on USS Accountability. Thomas Paine is ordered to join tactical attack wing with USS Accountablility, USS Little Big Horn, USS Teohuiticlan, USS Invernes, and USS Al-A'sadma. Attack vector coordinates being sent to Tactical and Helm."
Takamura taps some keys on his console then looks toward LCdr. Edwards. "Shields up and weapons systems on line, Sir"
Edwards listens to the report from Mission Ops. "You heard them, conn. Take us over there." he remarks.
Va'tol recieves the coordinates on his panel and begins calculating the warp speed.
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Space Sciences (Astrogation) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
As the Thomas Paine decelerates from Warp, according to the attack plan you continue on at maximum impulse and sweep under the plane using the moon Occa IVG as sensor cover. On the view screen you see the other vessels of your tactical wing breaking off along their own attack vectors until they are out of sight and all you see filling the top part of the view screen is the cratered surface of the moon as you pass under it, hugging the low orbital curve. As you emerge from beneath it, your target vessel looms into sight and sends a chill of dread through you, a Dominion Battleship eclipsing the curve of the gas giant - and beyond the gas giant you can see only a fraction of the Dominion Battle lines, a veritable wall of menace and might. But there is no time for that now. The enemy vessel before you is the largest you have ever seen, packing enough firepower to level a planet with ease. To your advantage, you along with the other five vessels are attacking from a multi-direction vector forcing it to split it's attention in different directions. The behemoth is neatly pinned alongside the gravity well of the Gas Giant, limiting it's maneuvering possibilities. The first stabbing purple blasts of the Polaron guns begin to reach for your vessel, the battle is on.
The eyes of the ultimate optimist widen to the point where he must shake his head to report. Savloo says, "The Dominion Fleet is on sensors, sir. What seems to be the command ship is . . . it's /massive/!"
Edwards clamps his hands down on his armrests. "Here we go. And we can see that, Mr. Savloo." he replies. "Science, do we know the weak spot for this type of vessel? Check the databanks. Tactical, while he does that, lock on target. If the Accountability hasn't given us a more specific target on the ship, use your discretion. Conn, keep us out of the line of fire."
Va'tol is able to maneuver the ship easily and reach the given coordinates, but nothing prepared him for *this*. Va'tol's eyes widen in a rare sign of astonishment from the Vulcan, seeing the size of the unknown Dominion Battleship on the visor, striking them. "Yes Sir.." On impulse, Va'tol begins moving the ship sideways, allowing Tactical a wider target.
<CONTEST> Takamura contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo hastily works on his console, bringing up library data as quickly as he can. "They've got a weapons lock, sir!" Then a shake of his head. "I don't think-- Those weapons systems are even stronger than in the Library, I think they may have updated the design . . ."
Tibbs looks up a moment later and reports in a crisp tone, "W-We don't ha-have anything in the d-databanks ab-about it."
Ashilav grabs hold of her console, grimacing slightly, as she prepares for the incoming polaron blasts to rock the ship. She keeps her eyes on her console, waiting for damage reports.
The ship slides to starboard, narrowly avoiding the poloron beams directed at it from the enemy battlship. In the background, the red alert klaxon sounds, reflecting the weapons lock. On the viewscreen, the other ships can be seen firing at the battleship, some shots going wide, others reflecting harmlessly off the Dominion ship's shields.
Takamura works at his his console grimacing. "Unable to get a lock, Sir."
<CONTEST> Takamura contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Edwards responds, "Try /harder/, Takamura." That said, he shakes his head, and orders, "Ashilav, Tibbs, try to find the weak spot on that vessel. And pray to any deities that you might believe in that there is one."
Va'tol continues manuvering the ship in an attempt to dodge the enemy's attacks, being barely able to avoid them.
<CONTEST> Ashilav contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Tibbs contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!
Savloo continues to look over sensors.
Tibbs shakes his head dispairingly, white knuckled on the console as he tries to pinpoint a weakness. "It's j-just n-not cl-clear. I c-can't find an-anything. I've n-never seen anything l-like it."
Ashilav offers up on the tail end of Tibbs' report, "Sir, I think I see a thin spot in the aft shields of that mammoth. Concentrated fire should bust it wide open, but if they're smart, they'll refocus after our first volley. We need to make it count on the first try."
Takamura's hands fly over the control panel deperately trying to get a lock. "Working on it, Sir."
GAME: Takamura spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Edwards grits his teeth momentarily. "We need to try. Ashilav, send tactical the sensor data. Takamura, when you get that lock, throw everything we have at that spot. Mission Ops, just in case, send that information to the other ships, too." he remarks, before glancing to Tibbs, "Can you try again?"
Va'tol has tried to keep himself controlled over the situation, but sometimes, not even one's skill or control gives you the edge. The Ensign's attempt to manuver the ship continues as he tries to stay close enough to give Tactical it's edge, and not get fried in the process.
Savloo glances up slightly. "Commander, the USS Teohuiticlan is taking heavy damage. I don't know how much longer they'll last . . ."
Tibbs nods ashenly, stooping over his console. "I'll d-do my best." He murmurs, sweat rolling off his brow as he regards his work with a bleak expression.
GAME: Tibbs spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Tibbs (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!
Ashilav's fingers fly on her console as she transfers her readings to the Tactical station. "Incoming data, Takamura," she calls out.
Takamura receives the information from Ashilav and taps the appropriate keys. "Target locked. Firing all phasers and torpedoes at their aft shields.
The ship dives in for the aformentioned aft section of the Battleship, bringing her forward weapons to bear. Phaser fire from the Paine splashes over the enemy's shields, while the torpedo impacts with enough force to do some damage. Close quarters are always dangerous however, and the ship rocks hard from the impact of poleron bursts from below.
As the Thomas Paine maneuvers around the giant Domion battleship, the other ships of the attack wing can be seen engaging the battleship from different angles. As the enemy ship looms into view again, the viewscreen and it's watchers are momentarily blinded by a brilliant flash of white light. A second later the view clears as the ship shakes slightly from the concussion of a nearby explosion: The explosion of the USS Teohuiticlan, as all that is now visible are sparkles and pieces of debris.
Edwards almost looks pleased when the phaser fire and torpedoes hit home. But the destruction of the Teohuiticlan puts a damper on his enthusiasm. After putting a death grip on his chair, to make sure he stays put as the ship shakes about, he asks "Ashilav, did they refocus? And did you get anything Tibbs?"
Va'tol looks away as the bright light almost blinds his view, and then turns to face the USS Teohuiticlan's misfortune. The Vulcan shakes lightly on his seat as the torpedo hits the ship, but doesn't take his hands from the black panel, making yet another maneuver to avoid the fire..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo's usually chipper voice sighs. "We've lost the Teohuiticlan, sir. All other vessels in our wing are reporting heavy hits."
Tibbs nearly loses his footing as the ship comes under fire, shaking his head. "All I c-can tell is th-that their sh-shields are w-weakened."
"Not just weakened," Ashilav replies, face illuminated from her close study of her console. Her voice brightens. "Sir, their aft shields did not refocus! And we have our damage reports coming in. Shields down to eighty percent."
Takamura steadies himself at his console. Then, hearing Ashilav's news let's loose another volley. "Firing again, Sir."
The ship comes around, dipping to avoid another round of incoming fire that overshoots by a narrow margin. Takamura's volley rings true, and the battleship's shields light up with phaser hits.
Edwards grins slightly when the shots hit home a second time. "Science, focus on keeping an eye on those shields. I want to know when the Jem'Hadar get a clue. Tac, keep exploiting it." he remarks. "You're doing a good job, people. Let's keep it up."
Va'tol looks between his panel and the screen rapidly. He makes an attempt to circle the enemy vessel, using the TP's speed and size to their advantage.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo glances up towards the viewscreen again. "Sir, the Accountability is taking heavy fire, she's already taken heavy damage and her shields are failing."
Tibbs nods with a grimace. "I'm o-on it." He murmurs, twitching visibly.
Indeed, at one side of the viewscreen, the Dominion battleship can be seen pounding away on the Accountability. Its managed to lock the ship with a tractor beam, holding it there for it's poloron beams to beat away at the ship's shields until they begin to fail.
Ashilav voices from the engineering section, "Commander Edwards, the enemy's shields are weakening as they are beginning to compensate due to their aft exposure. Enemy is suffering minor to moderate hull damage. We should switch up to keep them guessing."
Frustrated, Takamura says," I've lost the lock, sir Trying to regain it."
Edwards swears when he catches sight of what the Dominion is doing to the Accountability. "Can we hit their tractor beam and free up our people?" he inquires, "If we can, do it."
Va'tol listens to Edward's orders and brings the ship to a closer position to the tractor beam, even though he's still trying to avoid beams himself.
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo continually tries to scan both the ship and the rest of the vessels in the fleet, looking for weaknesses and statuses, respectfully.
Tibbs bites his lower lip in silence, switching a monitoring window to the accountability, wincing visibly. "Sh-She's looking pr-pretty bad."
"Initiating cyclic graviton pulse," Ashilav declares, fingers tapping away at her console. She glances up to Takamura, as it's up to him now.
Takamura taps the keys to redesignate the target. "Locked onto their tractor beam. Firing."
The ship looms in on the Dominion battleship, on a wild attempt to save the Accountability from sure destruction. Takamura's aim and lock are secure, and the graviton pulse lashes out, disabling the enemy tractor beam and damaging it's systems in the process. Free from the tractor beam and the cutting weapons of the enemy, USS Accountability rolls to Starboard quickly and out of the way.
On the viewscreen, the Dominion's weaponry lashes out at it's attackers, beams and torpedos reaching for the attacking ships. The USS Little Big Horn sweeps in close, unleashing a barrage of phaser fire against the battleship. Too close, the Starfleet vessel is unable to avoid the torpedo fired at close range, and it rips through the 'Horn's starboard nacelle support, sheering off that nacelle and sending the Little Big Horn careening with little control.
Edwards slams a fist down onto his armrest, again denied satisfaction. "Conn, Tac, let's slam them right in the nose. Get their attention away from the Accountability and Little Big Horn." he remarks, "Tibbs, get me an update on our enemy. How are they doing? Savloo, I want an update on the entire battle."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol goes from glad to worried in a brief moment, even though he doesn't show it. The Ensign nods at Edwards command and brings the ship even closer, trying to draw their attention, and hopping it'll work..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo nods and goes over the information outloud. "The fleet has taken heavy damage, sir. Little Big Horn is still flightworthy at impulse, but has sustained heavy casualties. The Al'A'sadma reports its shields at 20."
Tibbs says, "L-Looks like they've g-got one s-sore ass. Aft sh-shields are w-weakened and fr-from what I c-can tell, weapons back th-there too. Fore sh-shields and tractor beam al-also showing damage."
Takamura grunts. "Unable to reacquire their forward weapons, Sir."
The remaining vessels of the attack fleet can be seen on the viewscreen in the background, engaging the battlecruiser from opposing angles. The battlecruiser's weakening shields flare from another onslaught at Starboard from the Accountability, while a barrage of torpedos fired from the Inverness impacts against the ship's aft quarter. The Al-A'sadma veers in for a straffing run to port, beams from it's phasers tap-dancing across the battlecruiser's hull as it's port shields give way. The Al-A'sadma itself has taken heavy hits from the behemoth target. The Dominion ship is fighting for it's life, and strikes a retaliatary blow to the Al-A'sadma in the form of a concentrated poleron burst that cuts through that ship's non-functioning aft shields as it turns, blasting through the hull at the engineering level. Antimatter containment fails, the ship exploding in a brilliant flash of color, as the Al-A'sadma pays the ultimate price of defending the Federation with its life and the lives of its crew.
Edwards bites down on his tongue when the Al-A'sadma goes up in flames. When he has control of his emotions, he orders, "Reacquire, Takamura. Show them that they're going to pay for that, dearly."
Va'tol adds the bits and pieces of the Al-A'sadma's to the list of 'things to dodge'. "I might not be able to keep up for much longer, Sir.." he speaks out, which doesn't mean he'll be giving up..
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo winces as the ship blows. "We've lost Al-A'sadma."
Tibbs closes his eyes for a moment, adam's apple bobbing up and down. He doesn't say anything, but instead tries to stop his hands from shaking.
Ashilav slams her console with a balled fist at the Al-A'sadma's destruction, but says nothing, instead being dilligent in monitoring the Thomas Paine's systems.
Gritting his teeth, Takamura locks onto their forward weapons systems and fire pahsers and torpedoes.
Va'tol's efforts at the helm pay off. The Paine skims over and under the debris, bringing its weapons to bear on the battleships vulnerable forward port side. Phaser fire erupts from her forward banks, simulataneous with a round of torpedoes that crash into the enemy's hull. The Inverness sweeps in, unleashing three torpedos and a barrage of phaser fire into the Battlecruiser's starboard aft section, while the Accountability ambles in from below, it's phasers cutting into the belly of the huge Dominion ship. Explosions can be seen starting at the battleship's forward 'nose', and a chain reaction ripples through the ship. Time seems to hang suspended for a moment, and then the enemy ship blows apart in a huge explosion that leaves the Starfleet ships rocking from the shockwave.
Edwards holds onto his chair with one arm and reaches up with the other, shielding his eyes when the explosion flashes on the screen. When it's over, he drops his arm, and grins broadly, "I think they learned their lesson. Contact the Accountability and ask for orders, Mission Ops."
Va'tol finds an opportunity to take a deep breath after avoiding the debris from the Jem'Hadar vessel. He continues to look between the screen and the panel, trying to keep the ship stabilized..
Savloo smiles brightly and nods as he scans the area, grinning inwardly at the debris.
Takamura grabs his console as he turns his head away from the viewscreen. He smiles with satisfaction at the destruction of the Dominion ship.
With the destruction of the Dominion Battleship secured, the surviving members of the attack wing reform and move towards their next tactical engagement. Ensign Dora has contacted the Accountability, and automatically transfers the communication to the viewscreen.
Commander Martin appears onscreen and flashes a tight smile. "Good work Thomas Paine, but our work isn't finished. The 387th escort group has taken a pounding from the Dominion Fast Attack Fighters so we've been tapped to provide more cover for the invasion troops. Take a heading of 214 mark 5 and engage at will. Your wingman is the Inverness, but you have lead. Let's get the ground pounders some breathing room. Martin out.
Edwards remarks wryly, "No rest for the weary." Glancing to Va'tol, he orders, "Conn, set the course and get us moving." That said, he shifts in his seat a little, "Tactical, when we close in, hit the nearest target with everything we have."
"Yes Sir.." replies the ensign, calculating the course and setting the proper speed. Off they go.
Ashilav reports after the ship gets underway. "Shields at seventy eight percent after all's said and done, sir. Teams are working to get them bolstered before our next engagement, but they can't promise anything," she says.
Takamura says, "Aye, Sir. We'll teach them to mess with my Gro-po brothers."
The Thomas Paine and the Inverness pair off and adjust their heading to the given directions, racing toward their objective. In the viewscreen, the affects of the ongoing battle can be seen in the distance: beams of light of various hues flashing back and forth across the black of space, occasionally punctuated by dazzling short lived explosions as more warriors pay the final price. Soon the images of the troop carriers can be seen on the screen, along with several groups of three-vessel squadrons of Dominion attack fighters sweeping into the lines of the troop carriers, discharging their deadly volleys, then sweeping clear and arcing back up to come through again for another run. The more immediate threat howver, is the cluster of Siinogan vessels rising to intercept the Paine and the Iverness.
Edwards glowers at the screen, "Siinogan. I really hate bugs." Indicating the vessels of the viewscreen, he remarks, "Lock onto the lead Siinogan vessel, or the first one to come into range, and hit it hard."
GAME: Takamura spends a courage point.
Va'tol keeps a low speed, unless ordered otherwise, leaving the rest of the work to Tactical.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Savloo nods as he glances over the information. "I'm reading three ships, sir. Not nearly as strong as the other ships."
Ashilav braces herself for more fighting, bringing up new displays on her console.
Takamura says, "Attempting to lock on, Sir."
The Paine moves in to engage the Siinogans, neatly avoiding being hit by barrage of phaser fire. The lead Siinogan banks sharply to starboard, voiding Takamura's weapons lock.
Edwards grunts and shakes his head. "Tail that lead ship, Va'tol. Keep us on his back." he states, "Try again, Takamura. You can do it."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol maneuvers the Paine as it closes on the Siinogan vessels. As ordered Va'tol locks on the lead ship and increases the speed, trying to circle it..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo says, "THe Inverness is trailing close. It's following the other two Siinogans."
Takamura grunts some more. "Still acquiring."
On the screen, the lead Siinogan twists and turns, trying to shake the Thomas Paine from its tail. There's a flash of an explosion nearby, as the Inverness targets and destroys one of the other three Siinogans. The third banks hard and targets the Paine, letting loose a volley of phaser fire against the Paine's shields.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Savloo hrms. "The Inverness has destroyed one, and they're continuing on the third of the three vessels."
Edwards grits his teeth when the phaser fire hits the ship. "Damage report!" he calls out, as he forces his body to relax anew, "And destroy that ship, Tactical."
Va'tol shakes lightly at impact, sending the Paine upwards to avoid a second hit and then back downards, going after the Siinogan ship instead of running from it..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
"Shields at seventy three percent, starboard side weakening!" Ashilav calls out as she clings to her console for support. "Attempting to balance!"
<CONTEST> Ashilav contests her Shipboard Systems (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!
Takamura pounds his console. "I've got you now. Target locked. Firing full spread."
Thomas Paine closes on the lead ship, forward phaser banks lashing out to pound the Siinogan as it arcs down, trying to evade. The Siinogan explodes, followed by the third, thanks to the Inverness. But it isn't over yet. Even as the path clears and the troop convoy is just ahead, a trio of Dominon fighters converges. The Paine and the Inverness are in the heart of the battle lines now and drawing some of the fire from the troop carriers.
Edwards points to the Dominion vessels on the viewscreen, "Intercept those fighters, Mr. Va'tol. Takamura, first time's the charm this time, I hope. Take out the first one you can get."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Va'tol blinks. Great, more vessels to the party. The Vulcan turns the Paine and heads towards the enemy Siinogans..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Savloo says, "Sir, sensors show the entirety of both fleets in ehavy combat. Federation fighters and troop cariers are dropping all over the place.""
Tibbs says, "D-Doesn't seem an-anythin g like the b-battleship, at l-least. I'm h-hoping th-they can't concentrate their pol-polaron w-weapons like it, e-either. If th-they could, they would've pr-probably taken out the tr-transports already. I'll s-see if I can f-find anything to give us a w-way to take 'em out more q-quickly."
Ashilav's brow creases as she works her console. "Unable to compensate for our weakening shields, sir. The damage must be to the emitters themselves."
"Targeting the lead ship." Takamura says as he fires the phasers.
The ship moves in to engage the Dominion fighters head on. Takamura's targeting is true, and Paine's phasers light up the lead craft's shields and through, disabling it. But three on one are bad odds. The second fighter locks on to the ship's already weakened starboard side and blast through the shields, rocking the ship from the impact and resulting damage to the hull.
Edwards barely manages to keep from spilling out of his seat onto the floor. "Well get someone to fix the emitters!" he replies swiftly, "Tac, take out another fighter, before they take us out!" Once he rights himself, he stares at the viewscreen with grim determination and mutters, "Better us than the troops, I guess."
Va'tol resists the new impact, maneuvering the USS TP between the two remaining ships and then turning to the side.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
GAME: Ashilav spends a courage point.
Takamura steadies himself at his station as he returns fire on the second fighter.
Ashilav is half-thrown from her console, but she drags herself back up, braid coming apart. "Hull breach on deck two! Emergency force fields in place! Attempting to stretch our shields around to protect starboard!" Not having time to find her seat, the Andorian engineer works furiously.
<CONTEST> Ashilav (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
The Paine keeps going, diving in between the last two fighters and fixing on the second. The phasers lance out, hitting the Dominion fighter where it counts, the weaker aft shields, and it goes up in flames. The third fighter is seen attacking the Inverness, and another fighter zooms in to join it. Inverness explodes in a brilliant flash.
"Damnit!" Edwards slams a hand into his armrest in frustration. "Takamura, target the Dominion ship that just destroyed the Inverness and give them hell. Now."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol watches yet another Starfleet ship perish in the hands of the Dominion. He advances at the targeted ship, full speed..
Savloo gasps once more, moving his head away from the viewscreen so as to not look at it. "We've lost the Inverness." is repeated, although that much is obvious.
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Tibbs shakes his head, white as a sheet as he hunches over his sensor console.
Ashilav pounds her console in frustration again, mirroring Edwards' anger. She taps her combadge. "Ashilav to Engineering. Get the starboard shield emitters back online. I can't do anything from here." She tries not to pay attention to the viewscreen, instead focusing on damage reports.
Also frustrated, Takamura fails to acquire a target lock. "Shoot."
Va'tol is currently on the Conn seat as the USS TP's helmsman, trying his best to avoid the enemy torpedos and advance at the remaining Siinogan vessel, waiting Tactical to finish them off..
Edwards grips the command chair tightly and leans forward, his intent gaze on the viewscreen, as he watches the two Dominion fighters through the debris of the now fallen USS Inverness.
Ashilav is standing, not sitting, at the engineering console. She looks tousled and tossed, Starfleet braid coming apart. She's busy doing damage control on a hull rupture on deck two, as the starboard shields have collapsed and the other emitters can't compensate enough to provide any more coverage.
Takamura is holding on for dear life at the tactical station, trying to remove the Dominion fighters from the TP's sky.
Savloo is standing over the Astrometrical Sciences Control Console, giving scan reports about both the Federation Fleet's status, and the Dominion's vessels status.
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
<CONTEST> Ashilav (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
The two Dominion ships slide through the debris of the Inverness, their guns blazing at the Thomas Paine, when suddenly the Little Big Horn limps across the viewscreen, still missing a nacelle, drawing the fire of the Dominion and taking a beating in the process. The Paine is jostled by the intial fire and an unmanned terminal explodes, blows sparks across the bridge. Fire suppression comes online and a jet of foggy mist shoots from out of the panel that dissipates as it hits the floor.The shields, or the ones still up, drop another five percent. The shots that Takamura fire slide past the Dominion ships without harming them. The Little Big Horn pierces one of the Jem'Hadar with a barrage of phaser fire, and it goes up in a billowing ball of hot gas.
Edwards holds onto his seat tightly and mutters, upon seeing their phaser fire slip past the Dominion vessel, "That's not good..." Shaking his head, he orders, "Va'tol, try to bring us around the fighter, while keeping our port side to it. Takamura, hit their aft end if you can. If they're going to build shoddy ships with weak points, we'll exploit them."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol shakes his head, ignoring everything else but his commander's voice and the panel in front of him. Well, the explosion and the fog don't help, but despite the shaking and the blur in front of him, Va'tol puts to work all the 'cool under pressure' he was taught in Vulcan, focused on avoiding the enemy's fire. "Yes Sir.." And like Edwards requested, Va'tol makes a sudden turn to the ship in an attempt to circle it..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
"I can recalibrate the shields to about fifty percent all around, sir," Ashilav reports as something scrolls past her console, informing her. "It's tricky, but it won't leave us so unevenly protected."
Takamura rocks from the exploding panel behind him and fails to hit the Jem'Hadar ship.
Slam! Slam! The Thomas Paine rocks hard under the fire of the remaining Jem'Hadar vessel before it swoops around to prepare for another attack run. The Little Big Horn concentrates its fire on the remaining ship, but misses it. Shields drop ten percent on the port side.
<CONTEST> Edwards contests his Athletics skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Athletics skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Ashilav contests her Athletics skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Athletics skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
Edwards almost goes tumbling onto the ground, but luckily keeps his grip on his chair, "We really need seatbelts!" Shoving himself back in the chair, he orders, "Ashilav, if it'll still help, do it. Otherwise, let's try to pull off that maneuver right this time, people."
Va'tol has a sudden display of emotions as his face turns red. He seems angry indeed, but is able to control himself enough to stay seated and maneuver the Thomas Paine through hell, trying once more to circle the enemy vessel..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
GAME: Ashilav spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
GAME: Va'tol spends a courage point.
"Balancing shields," Ashilav yells from her post, falling to her knees and clutching at her console as she makes the necessary adjustments. "We can't take much more punishment on the starboard side, though, sir, or we might go up."
Takamura manages to remain at his station but loses track of the enemy.
The three ships entangle again with hot fire and cold death. The Thomas Paine is hit, but only by one phaser blast, and shields go down to 43 percent. The Dominion concentrates its fire upon the Little Big Horn, which is now barreling down on top of the remaining Dominion ship with all she's got. They both make a run past the Thomas Paine, the remaining Dominion fighter trying to catch up toward the troop convoy. The Accountability begins to move to intercept. Elsewhere in space, plumes of hot gas can be seen erupting as ships meet their fates.
Edwards comes up to his feet, unable to restrain his emotions this time, and barks, "Come on, people! The more we miss, the more people that die! Conn, get us to that fighter, and Tac, hit it!"
Va'tol takes a deep breath, closing his eyes quickly to regain his strenght and act his best. The ensign starts typing on his panel once more, running after the fighter while trying to dodge the blasts..
<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Ashilav (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
The lights dim briefly as the audible sound of the shields powering up higher. "Coaxing the shields higher, sir!" Ashilav reports, apparently having an argument with the plasma conduits.
Takamura finally gets a bead on the fighter. "This is for the Lil' Big Horn."
Phasers and torpedoes slice through the inky blackness of space, a package sent, with love, from the Thomas Paine to the heart of the last Dominion vessel. As the Jem'Hadar bug-ship explodes, it tears through two transport vessels, debris slicing through them like hot knives in cold butter, with thousands of souls lost in the desperate act. The Little Big Horn breaks pursuit of the Dominion ship in a bitter arc.
Edwards drops back into his chair and says simply, "Next time, let's be faster." That said, he swallows and remarks, "Conn, escort the remaining transports it. Tactical, see if the Accountability has any further orders for us."
Va'tol slowly calms down, nodding at the orders. "Yes Sir." He lays a hand on the panel, lowering his speed and turning 180 degrees allowing the others to follow..
Obviously saddened by the loss of more transports, Takamura handles the message from the Accountability. "Sir, We've been ordered to escort, then hold orbit. The Little Big Horn is badly damaged and come to a full stop."
Ashilav finally reclaims her chair and rights it, and sits, looking drained now that the current conflict has passed. Bittersweet victory.
Edwards looks to Va'tol at his station, "Do it." That said, he lapses into silence, and just watches the viewscreen quietly.
Va'tol nods, rising the speed to impulse and leaving the battlefield. He remains silent, seeming deep in his own thoughts once more.
Takamura looks at Edwards. "Sir, the Accountability reports that the planet's localized shields are still up. The convoy is beginning to unload."
Edwards reacts to that news, frowning and leaning forward, "Still up? I hope Poole isn't up to something crazy down there..."
The turbolift doors slide open and Bela waddles onto the bridge. The overpregnant Orion woman moves to a railing. "Well, there's one more angry Andorian for the pile," she says. "The shield grid is being held together with shoestrings, Captain Edwards. I hotwired the starboard shield generators into the EPS conduits, and Ashilav's not pleased."
Va'tol casts a glance over his shoulder from his position at the Conn seat and then settles his attention back on the route.
Edwards looks back toward Bela and allows a small smile, "Yeah, well, I would have been displeased if we had gone up in flames. So thank you, Ensign."
Takamura reviews the status of the ship's weapons systems.
Takamura says, "Sir, is there a way we can bombard the shield generator from orbit."
Takamura glances down at his console, then back to Edwards. "Shields are now at 52 percent. Phasers ready, torpedoes ready, sir."
Bela gives Edwards a brief smile. "Permission to sit on your bridge, Captain."
Edwards shakes his head at Takamura's question, "It'd be like tossing a pebble at the Great Wall of China." To Bela, he replies, "Permission granted."
"ETA, 10 minutes Sir.." says Va'tol.
Bela slips into the post at the engineering console. "Deck two is sealed up with some patch welding, but I'm not sure the airlock is going to fit again, sir."
Takamura goes to scratch his head and notices his bun has started to fall out. He quickly tries to put it back up.
Edwards considers that, "Well that's not good. That mean we'll be trapped on this boat?"
Bela replies, "EVA or transporters, sir." She configures her terminal to her personal specifications. "And I promise I'll try not to give birth today."
Edwards ahs, "That's right. Our fancy technology." At her promise, he chuckles a little, "Thank you. That's probably not something we want to get into out here."
Edwards ahs, "That's right. Our fancy technology." At her promise, he chuckles a little, "Thank you. That's probably not something we want to get into out here."
Takamura seems in deep thought, then says, "I wish I were down there with the RRT. I'd bet we'd have that shield down in no time."
Bela looks over to Takamura, "I wish I was nowhere else, myself. Giving the Dominion a big bloody nose is just what the Federation needed. And with the announcement of Damar forming a rebellion, this war is going nicely for the alliance."
Takamura sees a flashing on his console and glances down. "Captain, shields are up to sixty percent."
Edwards nods a little, "Don't worry, Takamura. Our people down there know what they're doing. And thank you."
Bela glances over towards Edwards. "Maybe this baby will be born in a time of peace, after all?"
Takamura says, "Sir, it's just that I'm used to getting my hands dirty."
Va'tol quirks a brow at his panel. "Sir, I detect a surge in the USS Little Big Horn's warp core! It is about to breech in approx. 2 minutes.." He starts checking the data one more time.
Takamura jerks his head up. "Can we beam them aboard?"
Bela glances back to Edwards. "The Thomas Paine does have that huge transporter pad..."
Edwards blinks, "Intercept and get them off of there. Now."
"Part of the convoy is near the ship, and since the transport and the shuttlecrafts are not an option.." He nods at Edwards command. "Yes sir.." The Ensign quickly turns the ship, not having time to waste..
"Aye Aye, sir," as Takamura prepares to recieve the Little Big Horn's crew.
GAME: Takamura spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
The transports start to scatter away from the Little Big Horn. Takamura can't seem to get a lock, there's too much coolant radiation. Her blown-off nacelle stump starts flashing ominously.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol can only stay out of the reach of the explosion, and wait for the worse.
"Can't you try using energy from the shields for a wider reach?" says the Ensign.
Ensign Va'tol, in this case.
Edwards grabs his chair, so he can resist the urge to jump up, "Please tell me you can do something."
Looking confused, Takamura desperately tries to divert power from shields.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Va'tol tries finding a different way to save those people himself, searching what he can on his panel..
Escape pods start to fire off of the Little Big Horn. The lights on her Nacelle stump flash brighter and brighter, until it rips down the pylon and into the soft underbelly of the ship. The warp core breeches, making a flash as blinding as the sun. A transport vessel is vaporized but others ride out the explosion with little problems. Two hundred hands lost as the Little Big Horn explodes, and hundreds more on the transport vessel go up with her. The Accountability slides up to the area to begin hunting for survivors in escape pods.
Edwards just shakes his head and remarks, "Scan for any nearby escape pods, Takamura."
Takamura slumps onto his control panel deeply distraught. "If I only had more experience."
Va'tol finds he's too late as the bright explosion fills the screen. He shakes his head, keeping the TP on hold, waiting for orders.
Bela gives what comfort she can to Takamura. "You did your best," she says before looking back at her screen.
Remembering his duties, Takamura straightens up and begins looking for survivors.
Takamura looks over to Bela. "Thanks, I'm not used to dealing with casualtiews on this scale."
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!
Bela whispers to herself, "Get used to wider ones."
The Accountability swings in, in front of the Thomas Paine. Lt. Commander Alice Martin appears on screen. "Paine, get up to the planet and start working on getting those troops landed on the surface. You're not doing much good back here."
Edwards fails to look bright and cheery after the curt orders. "Will do." he replies. "You heard her, Va'tol. Get us moving."
The Thomas Paine turns and heads back toward the blue marble that is Occa. The convoy has piled up, now, awaiting when they can invade the surface. Comm traffic among them is sporadic, but nervous.
Ensign Bela says, "We've got 65 percent shields. Ashilav is working miracles down there."
Crestfallen, Takamura says, "At least somebody is able to do their job right."
Edwards glances toward Takamura and comments, "Don't say stuff like that. It might not've been your best day, but we did take our a Dominion battle cruiser, two Dominion fighters and Siinogan ship thanks to you."
Bela glances over her shoulder, "And lived to tell the tale."
Takamura looks up at Edwards. "I guess you're right." He lets out a sigh.
Takamura says, "Things were a lot easier when I was an enlisted man."
"Occa is just below us, sir.." informs Ensign Va'tol as he puts a stop on the ship, shifting his gaze to the screen and the planet.
Takamura checks his panel for a staus report.
Edwards stands up from the command chair and... frowns, "Well now what? I guess Commander Martin didn't hear my pebble/Great Wall of China comparison."
Takamura says, "Sir, sensors show the localized shields are at 100 percent."
Bela's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant P'Trell to Ensign Bela."
Bela checks some readouts. "I have /no/ idea. We could probably weaken it some..."
Tapping her comm badge, Bela says, "Thomas Paine here."
From Bela's comm badge, P'Trell says, "We have four to beam up one seriously wounded."
Into her comm badge, Bela says, "Understood, stand by for beamout.."
Edwards swears under his breath. "What the hell are they doing down there?" he asks, perhaps rhetorically.
Edwards's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant JG Poole to Lt Commander Edwards."
Bela reaches up and taps her comm badge, ending transmission.
Edwards taps his comm badge, "Lt Commander Edwards here."
Va'tol makes a quick survey on the available shuttlecrafts, just in case everything else fails.
From Edwards's comm badge, Poole says, "Sir, we've secured a position inside the Energy Park, but we've yet to breech deep within the facility... we won't be able to successfully complete the mission until we do. Could you possibly beam me, Lt. Ghorev, Lt Laco and Ensign Medes, further within the complex? As close as possible to our objective? It'll be within the deep core area near my current position."
From Edwards's comm badge, Poole adds, "We've brought the local shields down."
Edwards makes his way over to the tactical console, taking up a position next to Takamura, and motions for him to get to it.
Into his comm badge, Edwards says, "We'll see what we can do. But you have to hurry, Gwen. Dakin's team called for an extraction and they have wounded."
From Edwards's comm badge, Poole says, "Absolutely understood, sir...... if you can get us close, it won't take long."
Somewhat comforted by Edwards' presence, Takamura tries to beam the away team closer to their objective.
<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporters) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
Va'tol hmmms, doubting these weapons of massive destruction would be of much help right now. He waits for orders, having nothing left to do but hope for success..
Edwards's comm badge ends its transmission.
Edwards watches Takamura successfully initiate the transport and smiles, "Good work."
Takamura smiles at his superior. "Thank You, sir."
The Convoys begin to press closer to the planet, guarded by the Thomas Paine and the USS Accountability. They begin to off-load the troops that will go face to face against the Jem'Hadar in the main assault. The Thomas Paine's mission is a success, and the Alpha Quadrant is one step closer to liberty.
Putting the earlier battle behind you, the remaining troop vessels begin taking high standard orbits to commence landing operations of the ground forces. The fighter screen sent by the fleet command takes up position to cover the transports and commence atmospheric strikes at orbital reaching weapons if need be. Across the girth of the surviving transport vessels, the Accountability holds a position parallel to the Thomas Paine. If it's condition is indicative, the Thomas Paine is going to needs some serious work on the external hull and a new paint job. Then a call comes up from the ground forces command, informing you that they are commencing their invasion and giving last thanks before plunging into another pit of hazard and mayhem. You have a moment to ponder their fortune when an incoming hail brings you back to the reality of your positions. "U.S.S. Thomas Paine, congratulations on being the first to reach Occa Prime. Maintain your position and provide planetary support operations until further notice. We believe that we have broken their spine now and they seem to be reforming for a withdraw from the system. Congratulations on a job well down, Whitehorse out."
Va'tol leans back against his seat and closes his eyes, glad the madness is over.
Takamura breathes a sigh of relief.
