Rapid Descent - Part II

 Episode Name:  Rapid Descent - Part II

   Written By:  Starfleet

         Cast:  Devereaux, Duncan, Golden, Idisha, Starfleet, Stewart, Takamura

                and Turtledove.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Starfleet

     Aired On:  Mon Dec 09 12:29:47 2002

     Stardate:  52839.3

Time: Sun Dec 08 21:40:11 2002

Stardate: 52837.8

The turbolift comes to a jarring halt after Duncan had ordered it for rapid descent to the Primary Computer Core level, deep under London. The doors swish open into the end of a long, wide mahogany paneled hallway. The carpeting is a deep red color, and there are antique chairs spaced evenly down the hall. It looks less like a computer area and more like a Gentleman's Club. Double doors are at the other end of the hall, leading to the computer core itself. Hallways branch off, dead-ending at conference rooms, offices and research labs. Duncan leads the party to a conference room without incident, where the team is supposed to be giving their deposition as part of their cover story.

Raising an eyebrow at the plushness of the bowels of DTI, Golden also compares the disposition of the branching hallways to the map in his head that they have trained over time and time again; adding in the complications of the hallway furniture as he follows Duncan to the computer core.

Takamura steps off the turbolift, following behind the others. He keeps his eyes moving trying to take in all the tactical positions in the corridor and orienting himself.

Idisha exits the lift now and puts on his grumpy face. Engineering kit held to his side now like a precious object, he stalks more than walks at the heels of Takamura. Still, those looking at him closely will find his eyes dancing about taking in his surroundings.

Duncan approaches a mahogany door and opens it indicating that the others should pass through. "Here's where we'll be debriefing you. Please come in."

Turtledove walks down the hall behind Takamura, looking around quietly. She gives Duncan a quiet, reassuring smile as she follows the group into the conference room.

The conference room is just as lavish as the hallway. A dark wooden table of antiquity is in the center of the room, its surface covered with a piece of transparent aluminum to protect it from general use. High-back swivel chairs of a dark maroon leather surround it. Some plants are in the corners, and a great fireplace with a huge slab of carved wood as a mantel is against one wall, but no fire burns there. Across from the corner is the only thing that gives this away as a room in the 24th century, which is a standard LCARS interface large-screen display unit.

As soon as everyone is inside and the doors to the room close, Golden indicates with an easy to follow hand gesture to ask about surveillance in this room, while outloud Golden asks "So, how long is this going to take? You mentioned you had another appointment later. We don't want to run into that... how much longer was it until your other appointment Agent?"

Idisha doesn't relax just yet. Rather, he walks over to the 'fireplace' and waits for orders. His burden no less gripped, nor is his demeanor changed. If anything, he seems all the more tense the closer they get to the 'briefing'.

Duncan moves to the terminal and activates it giving pretty standard debriefing pre-amble while the computer is preparing the appropriate files, he quickly keys in a sequence and the terminal goes into standby mode awaiting input. "These rooms are security scanned on a daily basis so now that the computer is busy with its own devices, we've got the room to ourselves."At Golden's question, Duncan glances at his wrist. "We've approximately two hours and twenty five minutes.

Stewart heads for a chair with its back to the wall, away from the doors, on the opposite side as the fireplace. He gives the chair a cursory glance, but doesn't take a seat yet, instead standing beside it and listening as the higher-ups speak.

Takamura stands near a chair across from Stewart's. He places his hand on the back of it, leaning on the chair.

Turtledove takes a stand near Idisha, moving as quietly as ever. Her eyes scan the room curiously, checking out the decor, but otherwise she just seems to be waiting for orders.

Golden says, "I need you to have Bailey send Devereaux down here Mycroft, and have you pick him up from the lift and bring him here. With the changes in personnel movement flow that will be caused by your Director being here, we can't safely assume that the numbers are going to keep adding up from our projected intercept point. T'sal and Malloy are going to have to switch to the echelon III scenario to provide a fall back to cover your Director incase the Romulans intend anything towards him -- wasn't an issue if he wasn't on scene. That means we'll need Devereaux down here to help us hold the hardpoint. Sooner that happens the better, just have Bailey work in the Echelon III switch code by mentioning "After you're done here, I recommend a tour of the city, The Tower is quite intersting.""

Duncan nods "On it," and reaches for his compin as he makes his way through the mahogany door.

Idisha makes with the thumb twiddling. Or the PADD pushing that is. A quick and businesslike gesture puts his kit onto the table and opening it, he produces his PADD. A quick refresher while time passes it would seem. All of it written in Graalen and using kochek references just to be safe.

Golden says, "Alright, let's go over things with the changes. We don't know why Director Bennings is here beyond the obvious that he got us inside easier. We also don't know how many other temporally out of place operatives are already here and onsite. When the Breen attack starts on the systems and the alarms start going off, Stewart and Idisha will still go with the computer core operation as planned with a Stewart setting up a fire zone. Considering the furniture placement in the corridor and the angle of the offshoot passages we are going to set up a primary control point using either side of the intersection points for a cross fire control zone. With me so far?"

Takamura rests his other hand on the chair back and nods at Golden.

Turtledove watches Golden as he speaks, nodding at the end to indicate her understanding of the orders so far.

Golden says, "According to our layouts the computer core is a few doors down. Devereaux with Takamura will control the forward containment point down the shaft we just came down...Turtledove and I will go past the computer core position where Idisha and Stewart will be and control the approach from the other direction. As we practiced, Tak you and Devereaux will hold that placement until you have to fall back or T'sal and Malloy can deploy as sweepers behind you and you all can finish them off. If you have to fall back, do so like we rehearsed and fall back into Stewart and Idisha's section and help them hold that point. If possible Turtledove and I will catch them between your firing point and our own position to get another shot at crossfire containment. If they come from Turtledove and my side, we'll be following the same process. If they come from both sides, we'll both fall back as needed as Idisha takes care of the data security. We need to keep one avenue of egress as an option, T'sal and Malloy will be taking care of that if they can't ensure a sweep behind operation. Once we have passed the necessary time margin, we'll pull out with our prisoners after disintergrating any casulties then move to our extraction point. Any questions?"

The mahogany door opens quietly and Duncan comes walking through Devereaux following close behind.

Stewart lifts his hand, but waits until the door is closed behind Duncan. "Fire authorization is given on what basis? I assume any and all hostiles are considered viable?"

Takamura raises his hand. "What setting should we use first?"

Golden says, "Anybody who comes through here after the signal starts is a target. If they were supposed to be here according to our personnel movement data, they don't get disintergrated obviously but we do leave them here to be bombed. We start off at setting three because we want prisoners if we can help it."

So... they say it was drizzling up there huh? Well, that's only if ones out there for a short amount of time. As for Ethan, well, it's an entirely different story. The medium grey of his shoulders have become a dark charcoal colour, the rest of the uniform just as sopping wet. His hazel eyes reflect the weather outside, and just as dark - both on the outside and on the inside. Sweeping across the room, beads of rain water run down his face, some collecting just under his chin and falling to the ground, others following the contour of his neck, running down the back and slipping into his collar. Ensign Ethan Matthew Devereaux has arrived. Coming in just behind Duncan, Devereaux nods towards Golden and slips his Type-II out, adjusting the setting since he's in a more secure location rather than outdoors where unholstering ones sidearm could easily attract some attention.

Turtledove chews her lip thoughtfully, quietly processing the somewhat revised plan. She glances at Stewart and Tak as they ask their questions, but otherwise stands by quietly. No questions for her, apparently.

Thumb being dextrous and all that, Ethan adjusts the setting of his Type-II Hand Phaser to a heavy stun, knowing full well the orders to take prisoners if possible. Once the new setting has been established, the young and soaked Ensign slips the weapon back into its holster, moving to the right of the entrance and shifting to a stance of ease. His arms shift behind his back, water that was once trapped in his hair succumbing to gravity and making its way to the floor via his face. Devereaux just remains silent, no smile on his face, its all duty - cold duty.

Idisha gives a general nod to Golden and stuffs his PADD back into the kit before closing it up with concise motion. Slipping it back over a shoulder, he looks to Duncan. "Is anyone expected to be in the core? And will it set off the alarms if they are dealt with violently?" He indicates his phaser.

Golden says, "Glad you could join us Mister Devereaux, sorry your deployment point was off target, we'll discuss why that was that way later. Okay, while we have time, everybody get with your battle buddy and go over the floorplans and extraction paths again. Mycroft, why don't you ride with Idisha and Stewart -- it might make things easier."

Duncan nods to Golden and moves over to Idisha's and Stewart's respective flanks.

Idisha raises a white brow. "We're leaving now then?"

The wait. It comes at some point in every mission before the acknowledged inevitable. Though, this one has a curious interruption. It occurs about fifteen minutes before crunch time. Standing near the fireplace, where there was nobody standing before, is an old woman in a black Starfleet uniform. Her grey hair is pulled up in a tight, serious bun, and she wears four obsidian pips on her collar. She takes in the group with a turn of her head and gives a single, professional nod. She then turns and ddresses Golden in a confident, crisp tones. "Mr. Golden, Beta Unit has landed. Report your situation."

GAME: Turtledove spends a courage point.

Not hiding his surprise at the new arrival, Golden still has the presence of mind to warn off any sudden violent reactions from his fellow teammates with a sharp gesture of his hand and the words, "She's on our side." Focusing then on the older woman he says, "Our teams are in position and ready to move when the Breen attack starts on the system ma'am. In about a quarter of an hour."

<CONTEST> Turtledove (claiming advantage) contests her Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Idisha looks to his left and relfexively reaches for his phaser. A more examining focus is given to the woman as he sees she is an Admiral...but what she's doing here is anyone's guess. And certainly not his. His demeanor is obvious. He doesn't like surprises. Having a habit of squashing them by nature.

Takamura 's hand drops to the handle of his phaser instinctively, at the appearance of the older officer. He relaxes slightly when Golden gives the all clear signal.

All of the officers know who this woman is. Captain Sinclaire, aka Admiral Sinclaire. You've all seen profiles as security officers. Since cleared of all crimes, Captain Sinclaire has formerly been charged with kidnapping, tampering with the timeline, and a list of other egregious crimes like misuse of Starfleet property.

Stewart just watches the current situation, not making any sudden moves. He does, however, make some small, subtle moves towards his phaser. Just to be on the safe side. Just, you know, resting his hand on his hip. That's all. Nothing to be worried about.

At Sinclaire's appearance Duncan stands quickly to attention and simply waits.

<CONTEST> Takamura contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

. o O Golden thinks "I knew Duncan was in with her, I knew it! Sure, he never said it... but those occassional slips -- my instincts were right. Good thing I didn't turn her in when she visited no matter how many brownie points that would have earned me with Mount Olympus."

Turtledove, meanwhile, glances up as the Admiral speaks, regarding her first with surprised curiousity, then with... well quiet surprise and deep interest. She makes no movement for her phaser. Just stands by quietly, eyes focused squarely on Sinclaire.

Whoa! Doesn't anyone know how to knock around here? Or at least arrive with the whirling sound of a transporter beam? Head quickly snapping towards the direction of the unfamiliar voice, instinctively, Devereaux's right hand reaches for the grip of his phaser, fingers lacing around it and lifting it slightly out of the holster, stopping only once Golden has given the 'okay'. None the less, his eyes lace the black pips, curiosity playing his face as his eyes then land upon the womans face, recalling the individual from portfolios, but nothing more. Releasing his grip, the weapon slips deeper into it's comfortable home. Wet, but comfortable.

Stewart eventually matches Duncan's gesture, giving Sinclaire a left-handed salute as he stands at attention. Which of course, doesn't take his hand any further away from his phaser. He takes a moment or two to carefully study her, match the face to the earlier profile. He's clearly not comfortable with the constant surprises, but dealing with it.

Takamura straightens up and gives his full attention to the newcomer, eyeing her carefully.

Sinclaire steps into a parade rest and says, "Excellent work, Mr. Golden. Good luck. Good luck to you all." At this last bit her blue eyes, still sharp and clear despite her advanced age, scan across the crew. Her eyes stop on Tera Turtledove for a moment, and she gives the other woman a nod. "Sinclaire out." She takes a step back from where she is standing, and as she does so, she wavers, and fades. Perhaps some sort of holographic communications technology?

As soon as the elderly woman is gone Golden says immediately, "Before the questions start, don't. Keep your heads on the current mission, we can worry about your questions later. The other mission team taking care of the Breen. One more, go over your assignments. It's almost Go Time, everything is still on schedule and green."

Idisha purses his lips and makes an ill pleased smacking noise before nodding once. And only once. He seems to slip further into business mode. Joviality replaced with a ruthless efficiency.

Eh. Time Travel. Go figure. Once again, Ethan decides to not even bother attempting to figure it out, simply because he doesn't need to go into some weird seizure of confusion. Instead, he remains standing at ease, much drier now that so much time has gone by, a slight chill running its course through his body, but he'll worry about such things later. Devereaux simply remains at ease, waiting for orders to take up his position with Takamura - in the mean time, there isn't much to say or do.

Turtledove meets Sinclaire's eyes evenly, her curiousity and surprise mingling quietly with something else before the Admiral fades away. She turns her attention immediately to Golden as he speaks, although her expression remains somewhat unchanged, still indicating surprise and curiousity. She nods to Golden, acknowledging his order and then prepares for Go Time.

Takamura blinks as Sinclaire disappears as quickly as she appeared. This Timefleet stuff going to take some time to get used to. He walks over to Devereaux to prepare for their asignment.

Golden claps his hands once then gestures for them all to circle in to where he's standing, saying "Okay people, huddle up here." As the begin to do so he puts his arms each over one of the shoulders of the officers on either side of him. Once they are all together he says, "We've trained for this and you are ready. Remember that no plan maintains consistancy after encountering the enemy. We practiced possibilities, we were sure to miss some but you've got the right stuff to adjust to whatever comes down the pipe. The President has put his faith in us, I myself have complete faith in you. We're going to do this, we're going to do it by the numbers and we're all going to come out on the other side as real Time Cowboys. Fear is natural, but it's not going to get in our way. It keeps us alert and sharp but it's no obstacle. You are the best of the best. Believe that, because I do. Now, let's get out there and do it to it. Move out." With that he takes his arms off the shoulders beside them and gives them the most confident and morale boosting expression in his repetoire. Any doubts that he had before seem gone as thouroughly as the departing Sinclaire. It's Show Time.

"Giddy Up." The words solemn, very quiet and deep - definitely not like the typical Ethan Devereaux; however, the smallest of a grin touches the very corner of his lip, and well... there's a fire inside, but it is kept controlled... for the time being anyways. With this all said and done, Ethan lifts from the huddle and looks to Takamura, letting the senior officer lead the way.

GAME: Golden spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Golden (claiming advantage) contests his Command (Combat Leadership) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Idisha stretches his neck upon rising from the huddle, illiciting no pops from his cartilegous frame. Looking to Stewart, his demeanor is almost deadly. "Let's do this." The timeline is on the line and Idisha will hold the line with a determination that is unswerving in its course...not unlike a line.... That's a lot of lines... Good thing its not a play, or he might flub it.

Turtledove listens attentively to Golden's rah-rah speech, giving her complete attention, taking in each word with avid interest... and by the time he's finished, her eyes are shining with bright confidence and anticipation. She shows no fear. She is ready to do this.

The unit moves like a well oiled machine and disperses to their designated points.

Duncan stands up from the huddle, nods to Golden, and cant help feeling just a bit of a charge at his words.

Stewart listens to Golden's speech carefully, and just nods to Idisha. He's quiet at the moment, focussed, but he doesn't exactly look raring to go. He's definately tending towards a more fatalistic expression more than excited. And he lifts one hand up, resting it onto his phaser. "Let's get this done."

Takamura stands up from the huddle. Just like when he was playing hockey and kochek. His game faceis firmly in place. He nods first to Golden then gives a glance over to Devereaux.

Returning the glance, Ethan than looks to the doors in which they all entered through, awaiting his orders from Takamura like the good little (Who you callin' little?) soldier he is. Right hand reaching once more for the black ergonomic grip of his hand phaser, the Ensign is still void of his usual demeanour, having fallen off of him with the raindrops.

The corridors are almost empty. Golden and Turtledove arrive at their position with no trouble, as do Takamura and Devereaux.

As soon as they are to their choke control point, Golden quietly talk Tera through the process again of setting up their tricorder assists. With the Tricorders set to bio scan and interlinked with thier sidearms, the tricorders will ping when they have a Romulan biosign before the firing crystal of thier weapons. If the Tal Shaava knock out the lights, it will give them an opportunity to fire with reasonable accuracy despite the lack of illumination -- just like the practiced in the holodecks. Once the tricorders are set in place, he backs up and around the right side corner of thier containment point and flashes Tera a wink and a nod as he she takes position on the opposite corner.

Turtledove moves fluidly into position, half-smiling at the wink as she waits... her eyes, ears and other sense alert... waiting.

Takamura draws his phaser and checks the setting as he stalks off to set up his tricorder as Golden had shown them in the training exercises. Next, he takes his fring position in a side corridor with a clear shot at the turbolift. When he arrives, the large Asian kneels down taking cover around the corner of the corridor. Then, Tak looks over to Devereaux to make sure he is in position, giving him a nod once he does so.

Turning on the toe of his left foot, heel of his right, Ethan Devereaux moves with a certain calmness and fluidity that doesn't typically hover with him. His footfalls lack their characteristic heavy accent. Fingers gripping tightly, the Type-II is drawn with ease, just as if it were a natural part of his appendage. Left hand reaching for his tricorder, a sharp flick of his wrist unfolds the device and with a few deft movements of his thumb, it's tied into his sidearm. Moving to the far side of a sofa that runs along the corridor, Devereaux sets his tricorder in a position to give him optimal readings, but is still far enough back to be reliable for some time. Content, he tranquilly moves to a position on the opposite wall of Takamura, slipping around a corridor just a little further back than the one his partner has taken residence at. Dropping to one knee, he presses his right shoulder to the wood paneling, preparing for the coming onslaught. Without a word, and without any emotion... neutral, the Ensign is nothing like he is while off duty.

Duncan, Idisha and Stewart make their way toward the Computer Core. As the door opens leading to the primary control room, a blast of green disruptor energy lances out towards them from within the computer core itself. The Romulans have somehow transported directly into the core!

<CONTEST> Duncan (claiming advantage) contests his Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

<CONTEST> Duncan contests his Fitness skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Duncan is hit in the shoulder and spun around by the impact then falls to the floor eyes open and a lot of pain showing in them.

<CONTEST> Idisha contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Stewart contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Inside is a standard core, reaching up several stories in height. None of the upper levels can be seen from this position. A body of a DTI computer technician can be seen slumped over a console inside, a scorch mark in her back. One Romulan can be seen ducking behind the console for cover, as he had just fired at the doorway. The Romulan is dressed in black, but the points on his shoulders clearly distinguishes him as Romulan.

Idisha frowns. He needs that panel damnit. He also knows that one operative isn't the only one in the room. Likely they have some high ground and that bothers him. But rather than stew further, he does the most efficient thing on his mind. Shoot the Romulan before he gets behind it. Phaser slipping into his hand, he drops into a crouch and uses the door frame for cover.

Stewart's phaser comes quickly into his hand, and he fires at the Romulan, trying to either take him out, or at least pin him behind his cover for the moment. Firing from the hip. After he squeezes off the shot, however, he matches Idisha's gesture to fall to one knee behind the doorframe, for some measure of cover.

GAME: Idisha spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Idisha contests his Energy Weapon (Phaser) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

GAME: Stewart spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Stewart contests his Energy Weapon (Phaser) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Weapons fire, definitely Disrupter and phaser, and too close to be back at Takamura and Devereaux's firing position. His phaser bearing hand still covering his zone of control he raises his voice to a level intended to carry well down these corridors as Golden bellows "Secondary Protocol shift! Move! Move! Move!" Trusting them to follow their training, he doesn't even look to see if Tera is falling back, keeping his attention on the passage to the other Turbolift.

Turtledove's eyebrows twitch, surprise showing loud and clear in her eyes at the sound of phaser fire. She regards Golden intensely as he issues the Secondary Protocol shift. "Aye sir!", she responds. Without hesitation, she starts off down the corridor at a rapid sprint, weapon drawn, her training kicking in and finding her sticking to the wall as she moves, quietly and quickly, to backup her mates. Along the way, she taps her commpin. "Turtledove to Stewart. What's going on?" (Or, rather, I'm coming in to back you guys up, what are we up against and where do you want me?)

Takamura glances behind him when the weapons fire begins. Upon hearing Golden's command, he motions with his head for Devereaux to fall back. Then, he trains his gaze and phaser on the turbolift in front of him. He's not gonna let any Rommies sneak up on his teammates.

Giddy Up! Cowboy lifts from his position with immensely fluid and adapt movement, turning about one-hundred and eighty degrees as he lunges his upper body forward to increase his momentum, Ensign Devereaux takes to the rear upon hearing Golden's orders. He did not move when he overheard the weapons fire, for that is not within his sphere and realm to worry about, what is, is the turbolift and Takamura; however, situations change. His phaser was already at the ready, and being that Devereaux isn't in the mood to be shot today, he weaves close to furniture, taking cover at every opportunity and hesitating before breaking a perpendicular corridor - after all, they weren't even supposed to be within the Computer Core now were they? Within a few moments, Ethan is soon closing in, weapon at the ready to fire at the first chance he gets (Next pose probably).

Idisha's shot goes wild and he has to terminate it or risk the console. Stewart's shot is more steady, and the Romulan doesn't duck back down in time as Stewart's lance of phased energy strikes him in the shoulder and head. Poetic justice for the prone Agent Duncan. The Romulan collapses behind the console. A low curse in Romulan can be heard from the other side, but it is the voice of a woman. There are no further shots from inside the core. A low beeping, not part of standard Starfleet audio LCARS interface can be heard. Its pulse is steady. Turtledove and Devereaux come running up to join the other two Timefleet special operations officers to join them. Just as every adrenaline-induced nerve ending is on end, screaming for the victory in the silence of the moment, the planetary defense sirens go off.

Idisha slaps his combadge. "Escort wounded, one hostile down. Take high ground and be alert for hostiles." Looking to Stewart, he hefts his engineering kit. "Cover me." Bolting for the console, he dives and slides across the plating making use of his wet uniform fully intent on slamming into it in a not too deadly fashion.

Stewart follows Idisha's direction, following Idisha out a short distance to get a better view of the room. His phaser is out as he keeps his eyes peeled, looking for any heads that might pop up to take a shot at the engineer. He just steps over Duncan at the moment, leaving him to get up on his own, or else leaving him for the newcomers to deal with.

<CONTEST> Idisha contests his Athletics (Kochek) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

GAME: Stewart spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Stewart contests his Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Turtledove's expression is unchanged as she responds to her comm, "Roger that." She continues to head for the door to the computer core, intending to gain entry, catch a lift, and then take the high-ground as ordered by Idisha. In the meantime, however, when she arrives at the computer core doorway, she takes cover beside the door, sticking her head around to assess the safest route to a lift, and any stray Romulan body parts that need shooting.

<CONTEST> Stewart contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

No Regrets. No Remorse. Devereaux has seen combat on the front lines with the Jem'Hadar, and has watched friends and fellow personnel die fast, and die slow. Whatever emotion we are all born with that causes us to cringe, to sulk, to grieve, is void within this young individual. A shame, but one brought on by the universal situation. Romulans being allies matters not to Ethan, the fact the mission calls for them to be shot also matters not - even if it's only on a heavy stun. With all this, the Ensign begins to put on the breaks, slamming his side cautiously up against the frame of the door, hoping to quickly get off a shot to protect those inside. Someone needs to warn people to WAIT for COVER before running out and hoping to find a solution. Eyes quickly lancing towards Turtledove, the Ensign peeks around the corner and watches as Stewart takes a blast, but unable to return the favour. "We need to supply cover fire for Idisha." Stating this rather flatly, it's not even a suggestion of sorts, "As for Stewart, he should have waited for cover. All we can do is make sure he doesn't get shot again." Well... there is straight out and blunt for ya, "And once we have an opening, get another operative in there to fire upon those at elevated positions."

GAME: Turtledove spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Turtledove (claiming advantage) contests her Search skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Stewart makes it out only a short distance before a disruptor beam strikes his leg, burying itself in flesh and bone for a brief moment before Stewart goes sprawling, blood spurting. His knee is badly burned, and has gone, well, concave. As for Stewart, he's just laying there evidently in immense pain, screaming. His phaser's fallen to the ground, and he doesn't particularly seem to care at the moment.

Duncan rolls to the side of the door opposite Turtledove and makes his way slowly and painfully to his feet using his good arm to brace himself against the wall.

More phaser fire, someone is screaming. Screaming -- Stewart? No staus on the medical team, but they are to come down Takamura's pathway if at all. Golden springs around his corner in a low fastwalk to his tricorder -- setting the phaser two down beside his boot he flicks his sleeve so the phaser one lands in his palm. He extracts the microcable from the tricorder and inserts it into the access port of the smaller weapon then drawing upon his demolitions training he sets the phaser one up for a quick cycle overload to go off after a trigger from the recalibrated tricorder picking up a lifesign not from his team on it's adjusted bioscan setting. The booby trap in place to cover his position long enough for him to return to it and keep anyone surviving the explosion contained if need be, he picks the phaser II back up and backs away down the wall around the corner then heads with long lanky strides towards the computer core entrance.

<PROVE> Golden has the skill Demolitions at least at level 2.

Takamura ignores the screams of pain behind him. Right now, he needs to concentrate on his job. That means using his tricorder to scan for the presence of more Romulans. He doesn't take his eyes off the turbolift shaft except to look at the tricorder.

Idisha slides into the console as he intended, but he's stuck there, being pinned by the sniper. Stewart, conscious but involved with new levels of pain, is out in the open of the core's entry and a prime target for being sniped again. Golden has arrived on the scene coming in behind the wounded but functional Duncan and the Timefleet officers of Turtledove and Devereaux. One Romulan is known to be alive behind the console, another up on higher ground doing the sniping. A third is down behind the console, Stewart's initial mark. Things are going downhill. Rapidly.