Lighting the Horizon I

 Episode Name:  Lighting the Horizon I

   Written By:  Spider

         Cast:  Bright, Caeli, Cristobal, Cross, Donavon, Dovoro, 
                Ender, Ghorev, Haven, Javits, Kismet, Medes, 
                Mulwray, Nilee, Spider, Takamura and Townsend.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Spider

     Aired On:  Sun Jun 06 10:49:34 2004

     Stardate:  54147

Time: Fri May 28 20:05:35 2004

Stardate: 54126.3

Spider goes home.

Spider has left.

Ghorev sips at a mug of something steaming, then leans back in the command chair. "Mister Donavon, has Station Flight Deck Control given us the go-ahead to clear moorings?"

Donavon has long since re-familiarized herself with the console. Odd that Donavon-Harris is here instead of Harris. Guess the flying bug nabbed the wife, too. "Flight Deck Control has given us the green, sir. Proceeding to undock upon your command."

Cross stands in the back of the bridge, taking a looking at the mission ops console before tapping away at his PADD. He double checks to make sure that they have everything before they depart the station. With everything he sees, they look ready to go.

Javits glances back to Ghorev from his station, "Engineering diagnostics complete, sir. All systems are green. Core nominal. Impulse and warp drive are at your disposal."

Townsend's station finish its diagnostics, he brings up several screens, and prepares his station for departure. He smirks, giving him a stern look, as he waits for his turn at flight check.

Cristobal taps his panel, running through the systems, "No power conduits from the station to the Paine remain active. We're running entirely on our own power now."

"Tactical is green and all systems at your command, sir," rumbles Mulwray from his station.

Ghorev nods. "Mister Cristobal, advise all hands that we're going to clear moorings in five minutes, then see if Lieutenant Havaris can clear up the last minute business there. If not, we're going to have to depart without him."

Cristobal replies, "Acknowledged." He taps at his console, sending messages to the flight deck crew.

. o O Javits thinks "Not that he couldn't transport aboard immediately after."

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Bright steps out of the turbolift.

Bright has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

. o O Donavon thinks "My first non-sim flight out. A lot of faith is put into me today. Hope I don't mess up."

As the Bridge continues their final prep, Cross steps away from the standing console, shifting his way back in the direction of the turbolift. He pauses close to the door as he checks over the sensor calibrations that they had worked on.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Haven steps out of the turbolift.

Haven has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Ghorev says, "Alright," after a long inhalation of breath. "Flight Control, you have the go to launch."

"Aye, Aye, sir," announces Donavon upon tapping at the helm. Impulse power is activated to undock the Thomas Paine from the Station.

The terminal chirrups. "Lieutenant JG Dovoro to Bridge."

Ghorev taps the com terminal. "Bridge. Go ahead, Mister Dovoro."

Mulwray bends over his console as if he were in prayer, gazing down upon an altar - litten up with the glow of the displays and his eyes fixed upon them with grim vigilance. He'll just wait to see if something horrible comes along, thanks.

Over the terminal, Dovoro says, "I'm the last officer aboard, and it looks like we're ready to go. I'll finish up preflight preparations here and head to the bridge shortly."

Into the com terminal, Ghorev says, "Thank you, Lieutenant. We'll see you shortly."

Ghorev taps the com terminal and terminates transmission.

Ghorev looks to Cristobal. "I'll take that as confirmation that Lieutenant Havaris can't make it. When Lieutenant Dovoro arrives to relieve you, Mister Cristobal, you may claim second chair."

Cristobal glances back towards Ghorev and chuckles. "Aye sir. I was just about to report a confirmation from the Lieutenant that he would have to remain on-station."

Javits glances back towards the main viewer with a vibrant smile, then quickly turns his attention back to his duties.

. o O Javits feels near bursting with anticipation and excitement.

Ghorev says, "Flight Control, how long until we're at safe distance from the station to jump to warp?"

. o O Javits thinks "I might never wish to Captain a ship, but I'll certainly never tire of this, particularly since we're about to engage in the practical side of research and development. Just wish I'd been able to be a more active part of the theoretical side."

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Takamura steps out of the turbolift.

Takamura has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

"Give or take ten minutes, sir," answers Donavon who pays special heed to the Paine's flight pattern.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Dovoro steps out of the turbolift.

Dovoro has arrived.

Nilee steps out of the turbolift.

Nilee has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Ender steps out of the turbolift.

Ender has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Ghorev leans back in the Big Chair. "Ten minutes should be enough." He taps the console in the armrest of his chair. "Attention, all hands...."

Cristobal glances up at Dovoro's arrival and nods, standing and heading for a chair near the center of the Bridge.

Cristobal stands and leaves Ops.

Cristobal sits down at Command.

Medes remains to the side of the bridge, tapping at her PADD and squinting idly at her calculations. She looks up at Ghorev when he begins to speak to, well, all hands. Of which she is one, coincidentally.

Mulwray touches the pad beside the turbolift door.

Mulwray summons the turbolift.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Haven remains where she's at near the back, med pack anchored between her booted feet. When Ghorev calls for attention, her gaze shifts in that direction, her hands finding the small of her back to fold there.

Javits turns away from the engineering station to face Ghorev, looking to the man with a calmly anticipatory expression.

Cross walks over to stand beside Medes to compare notes, offering up his PADD with the latest information that he had. He looks up towards the Commander as he calls for all hands, waiting to see what he has to say.

Caeli stands with his Type III across his chest, perhaps a meter to Medes' side, looking for all the world like a big blue sentinel. He, too, looks towards the Andorian as he commences his speech.

Takamura steps onto the bridge with his Type IIIc with grenade launcher slung over his shoulder and a PADD in his hand, arriving as ordered. He gazes around the crew gathered for familiar faces and stands at the rear of the bridge at parade rest. When Ghorev keys the intercom, he turns his attention to the Andorian.

Dovoro crosses the bridge and seats herself in the recently vacated Ops position, quickly pulling the console into place

Mulwray is content to loom over his console, scrying out possible evils. He diverts his attention from this search to listen to the Commander, of course - but he never quite manages to look away from the displays.

Bright shifts from foot to foot, hands clasped neatly behind her, and waits alertly.

Townsend sits tapping at his terminal, he turns around every so often paying attention to the commander, and his station.

Steady as she goes, Donavon eases the Paine out far enough to prep for warp while solemnly examining her readouts. All the while she attentively listens to the Commander on deck.

Ender exits the turbolift just as Ghorev begins to address all hands. He steps just inside the bridge, attentive and to the side of the turbolift doors, near Takamura, and listens in an at-ease position. He scans the assembled though, and notes Medes' location with a short nod before returning his full attention to Ghorev.

Ghorev briefs all hands via the station intercom. "At this time, I can reveal a few more details of our mission. As most of you know, a team of science and engineering officers from the station, under my direct supervision, assembled a weapon with which we hope we can deliver the final hammerblow to the Iconian 'Eater of Worlds'." A pause. "Some of you were on the last mission in which we managed to hurt that strange obelisk, and remember how much damage it caused to the fleet before our improvised gambit wounded it. Our final product in this exercise in engineering was based on our makeshift tactics at the time, and we feel it will allow multiple waves of ships to fire seriously damaging blows on the artifact, and bring it down. But before we do that, of course, we have to test it. Hence our mission tonight. Our target ... is an asteroid we call 'the Final Menagerie'. A lost relic of a dead civilization, and a dangerous one, which has served its purpose, given Starfleet what it can of knowledge in exploration. and will eventually bring damage to inhabited space unless we intercept and destroy it." He pauses, clearly intending to continue.

. o O Takamura thinks "Well, this will be interesting. If it works I'll get to give the Iconians some payback for what they did to me."

. o O Bright thinks "'Final Menagerie'. Who names these things? Oh. I shouldn't think that. What if it was some kind of testing facility where they spliced beings together or something? That would be horrible. Now I feel bad. Except I'll be helping to destroy it, which is good. Yes. Okay, we're good."

. o O Donavon winces inwardly at remembering the devistation the Iconians could and have caused. She re-focuses her efforts into this mission.

Ghorev continues: "The asteroid in question is inhabited, after a fashion, by automated defense systems of highly advanced technology. There is no way that we know of to turn those defense systems off. And no personnel aboard with whom we can reason. Officers from Station 419-Upsilon have been aboard the asteroid before, and we have lost men to those defense systems. Lieutenant Nilee will give more details to the ground team, as they prepare to depart, as he himself was a participant in one such earlier foray. Suffice it to say that even though our current ground team will not penetrate the asteroid, but merely plant graviton field generators on its surface to 'paint' the target for our weapons test, there may still be danger." A pause. "We know, however, that we cannot risk an asteroid-sized vessel with savage automated defenses, no sentient conscience, and no failsafes that we can activate to foray further into Federation space. After seeking consultation with Starfleet's Judge Advocate General, and with the Admiral in Chief of Science and Exploration, Admiral Whitehorse has received the go-ahead to authorize this weapons test. I say this so that you all understand that we in Starfleet do not lightly destroy the ruins of advanced civilizations on a whim. We do it judiciously, with serious forethought, when there is no other choice, and when the alternative is an unacceptable risk of danger to inhabited Federation space. Still, we do this with great regret. And if this weapon test is successful, we will return to station for a very brief layover before launching against the Eater of Worlds. Those of you who believe in little rituals of luck or blessing, your good wishes are appreciated. Captain out."

Cristobal nods from time-to-time as Ghorev speaks. After his closing remarks, he crosses himself briefly before peering at the readouts on his armwrest console.

Cross remains quiet during the announcement over the PA. As he hears the location of the practice target, He blinks in surprise, slightly lowering his PADD as he looks at the Andorian. He looks over to Medes and smirks slightly. Nilee wasn't the only one who was on that piece of rock. He shivers slightly for some reasons before going back to concentrate upon his work.

Caeli slings his rifle over his shoulder, and nods once, evidently content. He certainly doesn't voice any objections.

Takamura nods as he listens to Ghorev's words. Once the main briefing is over, the large Asian closes his eyes and bows his head for a moment.

. o O Cross remembers the Alien bioweapons that lurked within the corridors of the Asteroid. He shivers slightly from the memory.

Javits listens attentively as Ghorev speaks, concentrating intently on the Andorian's face. As soon as the final two words are spoken, he turns back to the engineering station and resumes his duties, ensuring that the ship is as prepared as possible for what lies ahead.

Certainly, for a moment you could have knocked over Mr. Mulwray there with some form of feather or another - his being at the tactical console he's more than a bit aware of the role he might end up playing in the test, himself - but the surprise only registers on his face for a moment before being swallowed up by a stony wave of resolution. Right, then. No fooling around.

Bright looks pensive; that's probably not unusual, though. She stays where she is, though occasionally she glances over at the science stations.

Townsend cocks his head a bit and looks very thoughtful, he turns around for a second to keep an eye on his panel, then turns again to face the commander.

Nilee purses his lips as he silently listens to Ghorev's announcement. His hands rest comfortably behind his back, and his stance is set a little wide, he doesn't say anything, but it's clear that the announcement isn't something that particularly rubs him the right way. Regardless, whatever it is in the announcement that unsettled him, he doesn't mention it, just offers a simple nod in acknowledgment, even though Ghorev probably can't see him.

. o O Javits thinks "Engineering standing by, sir."

Donavon taps at Cons, calmly ensuring the Paine's course runs smooth. Not even the threat of impending DOOM can shake this one. "Bringing us to bear at thirty two mark forty. Course plotted and laid in." Attention is divided with a split glance to the main viewscreen, then back to the console. "Ready to engage maximum warp at your signal, sir."

Ender only listens attentively and shows no visible reaction to what the Andorian has to say. After all, he wasn't there and he's the greenhorn noob. When Ghorev finishes the briefing, Ender simply nods and remains at-ease, eyes shifting from Takamura over to Medes as if waiting for a cue.

Ghorev says, "Consider this the signal, then, Mister Donavon." He leans forward. "Best speed to the Final Menagerie Asteroid. Away Team, finish your equipping, and report to the Transporter Bay. Lieutenant Nilee will continue briefing you on what he can recall about the asteroid's possible defenses."

Cross's thoughts are broken when he hears the words Away Team." He nods to himself, tapping off the PADD as he heads for the turbolift. "Cross your fingers, everyone." He says before he disappears into the lift.

Cross touches the pad beside the turbolift door.

Cross summons the turbolift.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Cross boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Cross has left.

Caeli nods at that, and makes for the turbolift, to be lifted in a turbo fashion.

Caeli boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Caeli has left.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Ender nods and turns to follow.

Nilee nods his head quickly to Ghorev and then turns and heads back for the turbolift to proceed wit hthe mission.

"Maximum Warp engaged, sir," announces Donavon crisply just as the throttle opens up on the Paine. Eyes stay glued to the console, verifying that the flight pattern remains clear.

"Maximum warp engaged, sir," states Donavon clearly just as the Thomas Paine's throttle opens up. She focuses her attention on ensuring this course runs smoothly.

Ghorev, as the team departs, turns back to the others. "Remember that once the Away Team sets up the gravity field generators, it will create a triangulated field of heavy gravity, akin to an event horizon." His gaze falls on Ops, and Tactical, in turn. "This will cause a scattering effect on any sensor activity to that area, so we're going to be homing in for both regular and tactical sensors on the distortion itself, rather than trying to penetrate it. Understood?"

"Understood, sir," says Lieutenant Mulwray, grouping controls with one hand whilst the other hovers over the sensor keys.

Javits responds with a crisp, clipped, "Aye, sir." From his station, following it up with, "Engineering systems green, core nominal."

. o O Cristobal thinks "Hrm. I'm assuming it'll become apparent whether or not the XO has to actually do anything later. It was going to be Kusto though, so probably not."

Townsend states to the Commander, acknowledging the order, "Aye Sir, Science is nominal, and ready for go."

. o O Donavon thinks "Heavy gravity equates to a stronger pull. Must compensate for that."

Dovoro just gives a simple "Aye, sir," as she continues to work from her console.

Cristobal offers a nod to the Commander from his chair, focusing his gaze on the viewscreen for the moment.

Javits sits down at Engineering.

Ghorev, after making those orders, catches sight of the large RRT officer en route to the lift. "Mister Takamura, I'm afraid we're going to need you at Mission Ops on this one. Let Lieutenant Cross take the Away Team. Now that he's newly transferred to your team, he could use the experience with heavy groundwork, and I'd rather have someone with your monitoring skills here on the bridge."

Donavon lightly snorts though it could sound like a tiny cough - a tickle in the throat. Nothing to see from Donavon; she sticks to flying the ship.

. o O Donavon thinks "That's for certain"

Takamura pauses as the Commander addresses him, looking at him slightly confused. "Aye aye, sir." Shrugging his shoulders, he walks over to the Mission Ops station, turning it on. While it is warming up, he rests his rifle against the console. After he settles in, he makes contact with the away team.

Cristobal arches an eyebrow in the direction of the Conn.

Takamura sits down at Mission Ops.

Donavon directs a slowly rising grin towards Mission Ops and nods acknowledgement to her teammate.

Dovoro sits down at Ops.

Mulwray, for his part, is just absorbed with his role. Man on the watchtower, looking out into the night. Waiting for the wolves to wander by.

Ghorev settles back into the chair. "Mister Dovoro, if the test is successful, you're going to do a subspace sweep for the transponder signal of the nearest Sovereign-class ship. If you find it, confirm that it's USS Little Big Horn, Admiral Graves' flagship, and if so, send immediate word to the Admiral that we've got a successful test. File Ghorev-Alpha-Horizon-Two, with lockdown password 'Far Side of the Sky', is to be sent directly to the Admiral, for immediate dissemination to the Allied fleet, and all forces are to start replicating these weapons immediately." A pause. "If the test is a failure, of course, we'll keep that to ourselves while we recalculate. In the meanwhile, advise the Admiral that we're on our way to the rendezvous point with the target."

Cristobal glances briefly around the bridge, making a quick appraisal of the bridge crew before turning his attention to the console on his chair's armrest.

"Aye, sir," Dovoro affirms once more, sending out the necessary communique while recording Ghorev's other orders for later.

Ghorev turns to Cristobal. "I had promised Kusto the right to give the final launch order when the time comes. He and his teams shed enough blood on that asteroid that I felt he deserved it. Do you want to claim that for him?"

Cristobal nods at Ghorev and says, "Seems fair enough. His department's XO, and if my guess as to when this was is right, I would have been in Security at the time, same as him, albeit probably still on the Marin."

Ghorev says, "This was more recent than that, actually, but I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture." He turns his head. "Mister Townsend."

Takamura grins over at Mulwray after he makes sure all systems are green for the away team.

Townsend snaps to attention at the sound of his name, "Aye Sir." He states awaiting orders.

Mulwray isn't looking up, but he smiles as Tak looks his wa. One might smell conspiracy! The smile is swiftly put down, however, as he falls back into the liquid crystal panels of the displays, back upon the watchtower.

Ghorev says, "You filed a request with my Yeoman for an appointment regarding Irdosia." His brow furrows some, in thought. "While we're waiting to make rendezvous with the target, tell me more about your plan, why it's necessary, and why it's worth even the slightest risk of a Prime Directive disaster."

Donavon's interest is peeked enough to permit a minor distraction from the helm. She shifts a glance to Sciences, lips purse together in intriguement, before she swiftly pays heed to the readouts. Stil, she listens.

Javits manages a brief inquisitive glance over in Townsend's direction, but otherwise continues with his duties.

Townsend half turns in his seat so he can see both his panel and the Commander, "Sir, after conferring with Miss Sedona, who was handling the Planetary Sciences workload, we both concurred that a planet such as Irdosia holds the potential for being a good control variable as far as an M class world in this system is concerned. At first I replied that Dulcais Prime could offer us the same opportunities, but then she and I compared formulae and it was determined that Dulcais has too much subspace traffic to give a pure sample." He states, giving some background and catching his breath.

Takamura turns his head towards his old classmate briefly, then back to his console. He's not going to let the away team get into touble. At least not on his watch.

Ghorev says, "Control variable for .... what, Lieutenant, precisely? It's been over fifteen years since my basic planetology and vulcanology courses, but I still remember enough to follow you if you explain slowly."

Townsend stops his arguement for a moment to explain, "Well Sir, the system itself offers pieces of data that fit together like a puzzle. If we can get an unspoiled control sample, i.e. one that hasn't been unnaturally altered by humanoids, we can determine certain variables when the system was merely stardust. This control is a stable and chartable value that we can use in trending to check the environmental impact, and variations of other M class planets in system... We would of course do this for the other classed planets as well, but that doesn't involve Irdosia Prime at all." He then waits to see if more depth is needed before continuing.

Javits continues to scrutinize the engineering console, occasionally glancing from one display to the other, though it's fairly obvious that he's listening to the conversation.

. o O Cristobal thinks "Trial by public humiliation for an untested hypothesis /is/ an honored tradition in the sciences. And I'm no geologist myself, but it seems there's a distinct lack of a purposeful experiment in Townsend's description."

. o O Javits thinks "Sounds interesting, though I'd still like to see Miss Sedona's work in order to gain a better understanding of her studies, this despite the fact that I'd probably have a very tenuous grasp if at all. It's good to broaden one's horizons by a proper manner."

Cristobal offers, "Lieutenant, I think what the Commander is asking is, what are you hoping to learn from this unspoiled control sample. I'd also add my own question as to why Irdosia must be used, and not a Class M planet that isn't populated by a sentient species."

"Reaching visual range of the Final Menagerie in T-Minus 2 minutes, sir." Donavon gradually preps to disengage warp while verifying the final destination is cleared.

Mulwray steels up at Donavon's call, eyeing the console, then Takamura, then his console again. Preparing.

Ghorev gives Cristobal's assertion a nod, and then says "Thank you, Mister Donavon. Verify the final approach path. Ops and Tactical, scan the approach path once it's verified. Give Mister Takamura some data to feed to the team for their arrival."

"Aye, sir," rumbles Lieutenant Mulwray. His console beeps in the wake of probing fingers.

Takamura taps away at his console, waiting for the information to be transferred to him.

"Aye, sir," states Donavon who raps out the scans for the approach path. An incoming message has her smiling brightly, but she sticks to her work.

Townsend looks to Cristobal, "Well Sir, we intend on discerning the evolutionary progress of the planet, we also can monitor radiation and other microparticle levels on habitable worlds by trending the unspoiled samples of Irdosia against them. Some of the measurements and questions about evolution in this sector of the galaxy could be answered to a certain degree of accuracy that a planet like Dulcais would not give us due to its constant bombardment by spacegoing traffic. As to why Irdosia Prime. Irdosia is firstly protected, and thus does not have any spacegoing traffic in its system. Secondly Irdosia must be chosen as it is the only M class world in this particular region of the sector. To choose another planet would alter formulae that has very small tolerances. Another planet would give a greater delta error than one that was chosen from the particular star dust cluster this region came from. Irdosia is only one key in the grand formula, I have a sample from Fimdari, and will be requesting samples from other worlds as well. I can clarify this further if need be, Sir" Townsend states, his yorkshire accent rolling several of his words.

<CONTEST> Takamura contests his Shipboard Systems (Mission Ops) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

. o O Javits thinks "Could always use properly configured class seven probes for that."

Townsend adds, "Furthermore, we can also set a platform to continuously monitor the environment of Irdosia, via remote. Thus limiting any further interaction, save for routine maintenance, in the future. This would allow us to protect the Irdosians from possible external threats or drastic unforseen environmental changes."

Ghorev says, "So you're speaking of a general environmental survey? You *do* realize, of course, Lieutenant, that, first of all, the Jem'hadar have already interfered significantly in Irdosia's development, and secondly, the planet is a huge source of dicosilium, which means that regular scans can disturb the environment by creating a tachyon feedback loop." His furrowed brow becomes a full frown. "More than three years ago, Lieutenant Commander Poole almost reduced the planet to cinders that way. My first field command was a follow-up away mission to fix that damage."

Javits glances back to Ghorev, then to Townsend, before speaking up with a firm, confident tone, "A properly configured class seven probe or two could fill the data gathering role," With a glance back to Ghorev, he concludes with, "Sir."

Cristobal glances at Javits and Townsend and says, "A good discussion for another time, Lieutenants..."

. o O Javits thinks "I'd love to read that AAR. Perhaps leaving it alone would be the best approach to Irdosia. Definitely best left to another time and place."

Takamura furrows his brow a bit as he reads his monitors. Speaking softly into the headset he's wearing, he says, "Takamura to away team. I'm detecting poor telemetry data on Haven and Ender. Please check their EVA suits to make sure they are adjusted properly."

Ghorev says, "Indeed. Once we've got the test complete, however, I think we can have a discussion about this on the flight path back. I'd appreciate input from *everyone* on the bridge." A flicker of a smile. "You're my team, people. I'll weigh your opinions until it's decision time. *Speaking* of which ... Mister Donavon, are we in transporter range?"

Townsend nods to the Commander, and returns to his station.

Javits nods firmly to Ghorev as he returns his attention to the engineering console, "Yes, sir. Engineering steady as she goes."

"Flight approach pattern is green. We should be within transporter range...now, sir," says Donavon without pause.

Ghorev says, "Lieutenant Takamura, as soon as the team is ready, their side of the operation is a go."

Takamura's com badge chirrups. "Lieutenant Haven to Lieutenant JG Takamura."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Go ahead"

Takamura taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG Takamura here."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Go ahead."

Over Takamura's com badge, Haven says, "Damn glad to have you back, Lieutenant. Working on the problem now. Thanks for the heads up."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "You're welcome. Lieutenant Cross, we are within transporter range. As soon as your team is ready you may begin your operations."

Ghorev says, "Ops, Tactical, is the way clear?"

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

Over Takamura's com badge, Ender reponds a bit after Haven, "Thank you also, Lieutenant. Adjustments have been made." And then Cross comes across. "Acknowledged."

Takamura's com badge clicks as Haven drops off channel. The channel closes.

"Active energy signatures all over the asteroid, sir," says Mulwray from his tactical altar, scrying out the particulars as commanded. "Power systems are still active and the defenses are up. The away party does not sem to be in a threat-zone, however. No shield activity detected." A beat. "Shall I attempt to plot a safe path toward the target zones, sir?"

. o O Cristobal thinks "Yes Mister Mulwray. As you can see we're a bit shorthanded, so please, fly the ship while you're manning tactical..."

Ghorev says, "Not necessary, Lieutenant. But if you can find any egress points that might open up to disgorge defenses, keep an eye on those, and a firing lock on the one nearest the Away Team. Remember that the probe will be launched from our torpedo launcher, so you're looking at phasers only for now."

Takamura's com badge chirrups. "Lieutenant Cross to Lieutenant JG Takamura."

Takamura taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG Takamura here."

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "Lieutenant, We're ready to go. Energize."

Takamura looks over to Ghorev. "The away team is ready for transport, sir."

Mulwray grunts affirmative to Ghorev's orders. "Tracking possible egress points, sir. Phasers at ready." Again his eyes are plastered to the console, reflecting the colored controls like stars.

"Matching course and speed to the asteroid as we move in." Donavon taps onto her console, pulling the Paine alongside the asteroid on autopilot.

Ghorev nods once, twice, three times to the overlapping reports. He motions to Takamura. "It's a go, Lieutenant."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Energizing."

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "We're on the surface, we're getting ready to deploy the first generator now."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Acknowledged."

Donavon sits back a little easier while maintaining a careful eye on the helm's sensors.

GAME: Mulwray spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Courage) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

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

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

"Sir." This from Mulwray. "I've got life signs moving toward the surface toward the away team in three minutes. Permission to deal with them?" You can almost feel the nerve-pulses collecting behind the actuating nerves in his trigger finger.

. o O Javits thinks "Life signs. I thought this rock was full of machines and nothing else."

Donavon sits up a little straighter, moving in closer to her console. Ground activity is afoot.

. o O Javits thinks "How about you scan those targets before attacking them."

Dovoro glances up with a puzzled expression on her face. "Sir, I'm picking up three..." She glances down at the console before looking up again. "...maybe four complex life signs. But they..." One more look down to be sure, and then back up with a shake of her head. "The computer apparently knows what they are, but... they're classified. It won't tell me."

Javits glances back towards Mulwray, then to Ghorev with a curiously concerned expression, but otherwise proceeds with his duties.

Donavon nibbles on her bottom lip, eyes shifting to Takamura for a split second, then back down to her console.

Ghorev frowns. "Don't bother, Mister Dovoro. We're fairly sure what they are. Just keep tracking them. Both of you. Firing solution if they breach surface and aren't too close that you risk hitting the ground team." A pause. "Status of the ground team?"

. o O Javits thinks "Well that can't be good at all. Does the computer class them as a threat or not?"

Mulwray is already dialing firing patterns into the tactical console. He'll not fire without an order, but he's damned sure going to be ready. Those are friends down there.

Cristobal notes, "If we fire on the asteroid, we could activate its defenses, potentially endangering the Away team," in the grand tradition of bridge officers chiming in with important tidbits of information.

Takamura looks around at the reporting officers, then to Ghorev. "I'll appise them of the situation and find out, sir."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Lieutenant Cross, we're detecting four complex lifesigns heading in your direction. What is your status?"

Ghorev says, "Indeed," to Cristobal. "There's that. We'll likely have to trust the Away Team to do their own gunning on this, and hope that point to point surface fire won't trigger the same reaction."

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "Visual is difficult down here, but I think I spotted something. I do not have confirmation."

GAME: Mulwray spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Mulwray contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

Donavon shifts a glance to Ops and Tactical - waiting on scan results - then forces attention onto her systems.

Ghorev says, "Have they set up the first device yet?"

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Lieutenant, have you set up any of the devices yet?"

GAME: Dovoro spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Dovoro (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

Townsend starts tapping at his console, he frowns attempting to use the science sensors to scan the asteroid.

GAME: Townsend spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Townsend (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

Dovoro blinks a few times and lowers her head to look at the console more closely. "*Damn* it. They're gone. I'll see if I can find them again." Blue fingers fly over the display as her silver eyes narrow in frustration.

Townsend sighs, tapping the screen, but apparently not getting any indications of the signatures from the asteroid.

Donavon reacts to the Andorian cursing with a high eyebrow arch. She considers a thought, peering back down to her console while tapping quietly at it.

Ghorev frowns at the lack of response from the ground team, leans forward some in his seat.

"Aye," agrees Mulwray grimly, frowning at his console. "They're gone - sir, if we strafe the area with a low-powered particle beam from the deflector, we might be able to force the creatures to show up as disruptions in the energy trail. Shall I attempt it?"

Takamura glances over to the sensor operators as they express exasperation, then returns to his console waiting to hear from the ground team.

Ghorev says, "Not until they actually prove a threat," with a shake of his head. "Until then, I'd rather not risk activating a full-blown security alert down there by training *anything* but sensors on that hunk of rock."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Thomas Paine to Away Team. Please respond. Have you set up any of the devices?"

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "We have one generator in place. Number two is being set up now. Be sure to get a lock on Mister Nilee and Caeli. They are moving to track the movement we've detected."

"Sir, I *know* I can pull these things back up," Dovoro replies, "I just need a second to do it." She doesn't look up once, keeping her eyes on the display.

Ghorev says, "Keep trying, then, Lieutenant."

"Sir, I *know* I can pull these things back up," Dovoro replies, "I just need a second to do it." She doesn't look up once, keeping her eyes on the display.

Mulwray does as well, his other option as of yet not quite feasible - leaning over the console he again attempts to assist the Andorian officer in her scanning, training tactical sensors in synch with the ship's primary sensor system.

Takamura turns toward Ghorev. "Sir, they are working in getting the second generator in place. And are requesting to get a lock on Nilee and Caeli."

Ghorev says, "Your best judgement will suffice," to Takamura. "You don't want to lose those men any more than I do."

<CONTEST> Dovoro (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

Donavon taps more on her console, prepped to react for the high gravity.

Takamura taps away at his console as he tries to maintain a lock on all his lambs.

Donavon smirks at a readout and responds by tapping again on her console.

"Got 'em!" Dovoro cries out triumphantly, sitting up a bit at her console. "I've located those things by training the sensors on the gravitational field that generator is putting out, and I'm isolating the effects their mass is having on the field, since we can track the away team well enough to tell which forms are being made by the Away Team, and which ones are being made by those... things. I might be able to increase the precision of the process enough to target them." And her fingers continue to move over the screen.

Dovoro adds quickly, "It looks like... they're moving *around* the away team. Not towards them."

Ghorev hrms. "Flanking maneuver?" he gives Cristobal a quick look, as if to ask whether the XO concurs.

Cristobal glances at the sensor readings from Ops on the wrist-console of his chair. He nods and says, "It seems likelier than my other guess, that they're all circling with laser-torches in an effort to cut the entire portion of the surface that our away team is occupying off from the main body."

Ghorev says, "It'd have to be some pretty powerful torches, honestly. The hull's pretty thick. That's why we're testing an antimatter bomb on it."

Takamura smiles as he hears Dovoro's success. Maintaining the watch over his flock, he continues to tap at his console.

Donavon swivels her seat about to peer over at Ops and Tactical. She raises an eyebrow, slides a glance to Command, over to Takamura, then back to her console. More tapping occurs.

Mulwray sits down at Tactical.

<CONTEST> Mulwray contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

<PROVE> Donavon has the merit of Bold at 1.

<CONTEST> Donavon (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Succeeds!

Ghorev flexes and unflexes his fingers now, eagerly awaiting further word.

Donavon has certainly been watching the interactions between Ops and Tactical. Not one for waiting things out while an Away Team needs their help, she boldly works on assisting Mulwray with those scans. "From what I'm picking up and pending if what Lt. Dovoro says is true, there should be a second mass shadow created for each of them when the second generator comes on, the way two arcs of light will cause the same object to cast two different shadows. We could aim at the intersection of the shadows - in theory." She pauses, then adds, "And if this does occur."

"Triangulate their location," Dovoro nods, affirming the response from Donavon. "Or, at the very least, clear up these readings a little bit."

Javits look back towards Ghorev with a concerned frown, "Sir, once all three of those generators go active, we'll be dealing with some rather substantial subspace interference. It should have minimal effect on flight control at this distance, but sensors, transporters, and communications will suffer distortion. During the encounter with the Eater of Worlds, did you happen upon a method to stabilize these particular systems? I can try to do so, but an arrow in the right direction would be of considerable assistance."

Ghorev nods. "The graviton pulses themselves, frankly, Lieutenant," to Javits. "We 'cleared a path'. This should be slightly weaker in form, you may just be able to boost gain. The trick is not frying out the arrays with the increased throughput."

Javits nods slowly with a studious frown as he turns his attention back to the engineering console, "Yes, sir. I'll certainly try, though it may require a few moments to run the calculations."

Ghorev says, "We seem to have at least that, at the moment."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Lieutenant Cross, what is your situation?"

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "Mister Nilee is tracking multiple objects, you might be able to access his tricorder data. Mister Haven seems to have found...something where we need to plant the second generator. We are trying to id it now. I'm already ordering the third one placed while we wait."

GAME: Takamura spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Mission Ops) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Donavon taps onto her console, while briefly gazing over the crew and back to her readouts.

Takamura glances over to Ghorev. "Sir, the first generator is in place and they are putting the other two in place now." He taps away at his console. "I'm also linking Nilee's readings with those we've gotten from the ship's sensors." After comparing the readings, he continues. "It seems he is tracking the hostiles in the same way as Mr. Dovoro."

Ghorev says, "You see that, Lieutenant Dovoro, you should have been a science officer." He rises from the Big Chair, pacing in the command well now. "Any moment now, people. Stay ready."

Cristobal makes a shushing noise at Ghorev.

"I've been told that just about every department has said that at some time or another," Dovoro grins over at Ghorev.

Donavon pops her knuckles before setting fingers back onto her console.

Javits looks up from his console with a mild frown of concentration, turning towards Dovoro, "Lieutenant Dovoro, I'll be boosting power for transporters, sensors, and communications in a few moments, once the ground team activates their second generator. Be prepared to compensate for the additional power flow. Reducing auxiliary systems to standby and rerouting power to the aforementioned systems."

Ghorev nods at Dovoro. "All Department Heads are poachers. They can't help it. Trust me. I know."

"All well and good, but Lieutenant Laco can do his own headhunting, Commander," Cristobal gripes playfully.

Donavon chuckles lightly at the banter.

Dovoro eyes Javits with a raised eyebrow, before exhaling sharply and looking down at her console. "Aye."

Takamura grins to himself as he concentrates on his own console. Things are about to get more complicated for him.

Ghorev says, "Mister Laco's not yet assertive enough to act on the instinct. I have to help him out." A wry grin as the humor dissolves some of the tension. "Fortunately, the syndrome hasn't progressed to the point where junior officers are traded and horded like collectible coins. Although I once proposed it. Nobody took me seriously. Except Commander Edwards. Although he might have just been humoring me." He locks his hands behind his back as he stops pacing now, pausing in his stride to watch over the Bridge. "Come *on*, Mister Cross, don't keep us waiting too much longer...."

"And to think, all that talent going to waste on a quartermaster," Dovoro chuckles softly under her breath, antennae twitching in amusement as she watches her console.

Cristobal arches an eyebrow at Dovoro. To Ghorev, he notes, "/Someone/ didn't get the departmental memo." A pause, "Although that could be because Lieutenant Havaris forgot to write one." He grins at Dovoro, "Am I right Systems Manager?"

Ghorev says, "Memo, indeed. But nevermind that." He steps forward, coming to rest behind the Flight Control and Ops consoles, looking at things over the shoulders of Donavon and Dovoro. "Prepare for the increased poewr output from Lieutenant Javits."

Donavon silently watches the systems power, mostly hers, being re-routed. "Aye, sir."

Dovoro raises a platinum eyebrow in surprise. "I hadn't heard, sir," she smirks, "although I imagine he might have wanted to tell me in person." She shrugs slightly and looks back at her console.

Cristobal says, "Well that's what he gets for missing away missions, isn't it?"

Ghorev looks towards Takamura. "Status?"

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Away Team, what is your status?"

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross pauses momentarily before he response. "Still working on setting up the generators, Paine. Can you scan our area for Ferengi signatures? We might have have stumble across some hull plating."

Ghorev says, "Feren---what?"

"I'm on it," Dovoro replies immediately, her silver eyes darting over her console as quickly as her blue fingers.

Cristobal blinks, exclaiming, "The hell?" He glances at Dovoro as she works.

<CONTEST> Dovoro (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Javits' head whips around at the mention of Ferengi, his expression dubiously inquisitive. With a silent, dismissive shrug, he turns back to his own concerns.

Donavon blinks momentarily, curiously peering over to Tak - Ferengi? With a shrug, she resettles on her work.

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Stand by. We're scanning now."

Townsend's brow furroughs at the mention of Ferengi, he looks quite upset at them being brought up.

Takamura stares at his console as he hears the report of possible Ferengi being present.

. o O Townsend thinks "Bloody Ferengi, what in the hell are they doing here!"

GAME: Cristobal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Dovoro hisses under her breath as she continues to work. "Nothing... no Ferengi signatures at all..." She shakes her head. "It might be that the gravitational fields are interfering with the sensors. I think I can punch through it, but doing that would force me to stop following our friends down there. Do you want me to try it?"

. o O Townsend intense anger at the though that Ferengi may once again be out to jeapordize another mission of his.

Ghorev says, "No. The defenses are more important. Any Ferengi down there are, frankly, on their own."

Donavon pipes in, "I can try, sir, so that Lt. Dovoro can continue tracking the team."

GAME: Mulwray spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Ghorev says, "Go ahead, Mister Donavon. But one pass only. We can't afford to be chasing shadows."

Cristobal glances at his own console in response to Dovoro's negative report. He shakes his head as he too finds nothing.

"Gravimetric resolution still too low to target," comes Mulwray's voice from Tactical, growing more and more stony. Someone, it appears, is starting to get irritable.

<CONTEST> Donavon (claiming advantage) contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

. o O Javits thinks "Come on, Michael. Get that second generator in place and online."

"Aye, sir. One pass only." Donavon concentrates her efforts into this scan, gnawing on her bottom lip during the working process. "I've completed a slightly wider search compared to the tighter ones. I'm reading a weak Dopterian power signature - closely related to Ferengi since they both have similiar technology, but this..isn't the same. I'm picking up a small gravitic clamp, 15-20 meters from Lt. JG Bright. This is the type you'd use to board an enemy ship or drilling a high metallic ore asteroid. And there are some minor 'scorch marks' on the far side of the clamp away from the Away Team."

Takamura relays the information to the Away Team.

Ghorev frowns. "So a Dopterian miner is trying, or has tried, to claim jump this asteroid? Wonderful. Any sign of him?"

"...bad luck for them," says Mulwray grimly.

. o O Javits thinks "So the 'Final Menagerie' has had visitors besides Starfleet. Given the fact that this is a massive weapons system, I'd like to see someone try."

Cristobal ventures, "I'm guessing that scorch mark is the sign of him."

Dovoro sits up straight. "And there goes the second generator."

GAME: Javits spends a courage point.

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "What you are reading is a gravitic clamp about 15-20 meters from Lt. Bright. It's used to board a ship or drill metallic core."

<CONTEST> Javits contests his Systems Engineering (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Javits nods at the announcement of the second generator's activation, noting it on his own console, "Stand by for that power boost, Mister Dovoro."

. o O Javits thinks "Thank you, Mister Cross. Now to see if my little fix attempt works."

Dovoro blinks a few times. "And there we go. Number three."

Donavon flicks a look up to Tactical, slide over to Mission Ops and down to her console.

Takamura says, "I confirm. All three generators are online.""

Javits smiles tightly as he taps several glowing symbols on his console, "There's your power, Mister Dovoro. Commander, core is operating at red alert mode levels, eighty percent and holding steady. All systems nominal. Damage control teams are standing by."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Away Team, we confirm all generators are online. What is your situation?"

. o O Javits thinks "Engineering officer needs a pint."

. o O Javits thinks "And I'll have one, once we're all back safely aboard the station. Just hold steady, ship."

Over Takamura's com badge, Cross says, "Paine, We just planted the last one. Lieutenant Nilee just reported that there were signs of Dopterian DNA, but the generators are down. I suggest we call back the team now."

Takamura looks over to Ghorev. "Sir, the away team is ready for transport."

Ghorev says, "Yes. Now. Reel them in."

Takamura nods to the Andorian in Charge. "Aye aye. Locking on to them now."

<CONTEST> Takamura (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Mission Ops) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Ghorev sits back down in the command chair, waiting for the all-clear signal from the transporter bay.

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "We have you locked and are beginning transport."

Kismet has arrived.

GAME: Kismet is joining this location.

And with that report the big Asian shepherd gathers his flock back to the fold.

Nilee has arrived.

Ghorev says, "As soon as we have the go-ahead from the transporter room, Mister Donavon, make one looping pass around the asteroid." He rubs his chin. "Mister Mulwray, Lieutenant Cristobal will have the honors of ordering the firing of the ordinance."

Haven has arrived.

"Aye, sir," responds Donavon.

"Acknowledged," chimes Mulwray, just the tiniest hint of relief in his voice.

Caeli has arrived.

Ender has arrived.

Dovoro frowns just a bit. "Sir, there was a bit of a power spike during the transport."

Ghorev says, "Have we got them all?"

Ghorev gives Caeli his Type II Phaser.

Cross has arrived.

Haven gives Caeli her Type II Phaser.

Takamura reports "The away team is all aboard, sir."

Javits glances up at Dovoro's report, then turns back to his console, "Confirmed. The transporter safeties automatically compensated for it."

Takamura taps his com badge and terminates transmission.

Cross's com badge clicks as Takamura drops off channel. The channel closes.

Cross resets his com badge.

Donavon waits for the signal before setting off to loop around the asteroid. At the confirmation, she sets off on the flight course.

Ghorev says, "...oh, and, Mister Donavon?"

Cristobal nods and sits up in his chair. He says, "Mister Dovoro, confirm that the gravitic field is active."

Donavon looks back over her shoulder to Ghorev, "Yes, sir?"

Dovoro raises an eyebrow at Cristobal. "Yes... the *gravitational* field is active, sir."

Ghorev says, "As soon as the command to launch is executed, break away and pull us back as far as you can. If this thing works, there'll be a matter-antimatter explosion of considerable size," -- oh, yeah, that -- "and I'd feel awfully silly hailing the Admiral and saying 'Yes, it worked, now can I please have a tow back to base? Thanks so much.'"

Now that the team is safely back aboard, Javits can't help but crack a smile at Ghorev's statement, shaking his head as he continues to monitor systems performance.

Cristobal raises the index finger on his right hand, pointing it upward. "Mister Mulwray, confirm that the weapon is loaded, and that you have a lock on the field."

Ghorev crosses over Cristobal's command with one of his own: "Mister Javits, with that in mind, shut down some of the non-essentials and give us more power for the shields."

"Aye, sir. Making the necessary adjustments to the flight pattern." Donavon swivels back around, attempting to calculate how far back the ship needs to be, then considers - as far as possible.

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Javits responds with a crisp, "Aye, sir. Transporters powering down to standby. Rerouting additional power to shields, impulse drive, and sensors."

Haven makes her way back to the bridge for the final light show.

Takamura begins shutting down his comms and other monitors linked to the away team. Glancing over to Mulwray, he gives the man a supportive smile.

. o O Javits thinks "Good to see everyone back aboard safely. Now the real test begins."

Now, what with everyone on board and pulling back, all eyes are on Jim. And what happens? When everyone looks at him and he prepares to do something almightily brilliant?

The console buzzes.

"...interference has dropped lock," Jim intones, now so cool you can store a side of beef in him. "I'll need another pass. Asteroid defenses are beginning to come online and producing interference."

Cristobal opens his mouth and raises his arm a few centimeters. After Mulwray's negative answer, however, he does not say what he was going to say. He turns around and says flatly, "Keep trying Mister Mulwray."

. o O Cristobal thinks "Um, we just practically created a singularity for you to target. How can you not lock that?"

Ghorev says, "Flight Control, one more pass around the asteroid, if you please."

. o O Javits thinks "Hmm, see if I can reroute just a little something more to sensors, maybe refine that beam a hair as well."

Donavon pipes an "Aye, sir," and steers the Paine once more 'round the asteroid.

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Well, that seemed to have done the trick. "Target locked," Jim says coldly, sounding now about as soulful as the plastic which he's prodding to get the whole thing working. "And the probe is loaded. Awaiting order to fire."

Right. Take two. Cristobal's index finger points upward, and he raises the arm a few centimeters above his chair's armwrest. "Mister Mulwray," he orders, pointing to the viewscreen, "Fire."

<CONTEST> Mulwray (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Proving that there is some degree of justice in the universe, the mass-drivers fire and the probe goes flying - a happy little orb of golden light whistling off straight on for the asteroid. A perfect shot. And, well. Jim's lower intestine calls off its plans to leap up and throttle his brain.

Indeed, there is a streak of speed from the probe which, yes, slams right into the approximate center of the high-gravity field, rather than being thrown off-course by the 'spin' of the gravitons. At the last moment, however, telemetry data on the side screen shows that the probe, before *touching* the asteroid ... starts to disintegrate, spectacularly. At first, it's that moment of breath-holding before certain failure, but that's the beauty of it, really ... just before the probe completely disintegrates, it works as planned, the gravitic shear that tears it apart also tearing the magnetic containment field off the antimatter pod it contains. And it is *that* which impacts the asteroid. Oh, if only there was atmosphere for a loud kaboom, but there is not. Still, it is a *big* flash of light which fills the viewscreen, Old School Style, and when it clears, rubble and debris are seen in streaks, and then fade out as they move further away from 'Space Zero'.

Ghorev, after a long moment, invokes the Captain's Prerogative to speak first. "Well, now, yes, I call that a success." It is a subdued kind of joy, but clear.

Cristobal nods and says, "I suppose it would be possible for the debris to be even smaller, but I think we needn't qualify the success with such."

Takamura lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he watches the plan come to its fruitful end. Closing his eyes, he bows his head slightly. Then he looks over to Mulwray with a wide grin.

Haven's gaze is pulled from the viewscreen as she does a silent count of bodies. Live bodies, thank you. For a long moment her gaze rests on Tak then she gives a short nod. "All hands on board and one less threat out there.." she comments softly "I'd call that a success, Sir."

Javits turns to watch the weapons test unfold, with an occasional glance out of the corner of his eye at his console, blinking back the brilliance before the viewscreen's filters block out the glare. Having taken a deep breath as the modified probe left the launcher, he releases it upon impact.

. o O Townsend thinks "At least I wasn't frozen this time!"

The Andorian operations officer doesn't say anything, but there's an expression of satisfaction in her silver eyes.

Jim, for his part, doesn't so much look relieved as he does impossibly grim and stony (as he tends to do). "Target has been eliminated," he announces as well - again, followng tendencies by stating the obvious. Indeed. Not very relieved at all on the surface, is he?

His innards, however, are quite pleased. Specifically his brain, who at this very moment is eyeing his small intestine (who just a moment ago was quite ready to leap up and commit homicide in order to save you all from his ineptitude). It shall, indeed, have to punish it for its rebellious leanings later - no doubt with the aftereffects of the consumption of a very large amount of alcohol and greasy food.

. o O Dovoro thinks "Of course we were successful. *I* was here. And Javits wasn't in charge."

Townsend looks pleased at the success of the mission, he nods, then he returns to keeping his eyes on his station, you never know what can happen next. He taps the screen in front of him, waiting to dock at the station.

Donavon expels a relieved breath; she got them out in time. Nervousness washes away to awe. While keeping the flight path on an opposite course from the asteroid, she takes a quick moment to gaze upon the flash of light. A tiny grin upturns - a success.

Ghorev seems to look inordinately pleased. "Mister Dovoro, in addition to the message to Admiral Graves, advise Admiral Whitehorse that the Final Menagerie is no more, that Operation: Lighting the Horizon was an unqualified success, and that we await further orders to regroup with the fleet as soon as we've let off some crew at Four-One-Nine." A pause. "And ... Mister Donavon? Take us home." Another pause. "Best speed." And with that, the Andorian Commander leans back in his seat, letting a bit of weariness overtake him. It's been a *long* week...

. o O Javits thinks "Now was that a plain old photon torpedo or was it quantum in nature? After all, it's a question of yields, by which a quantum torpedo bests even the most efficient photon torpedo design by twice the theoretical yield."

Javits stands and leaves Engineering.

Cristobal has left.

Takamura adjusts his rifle on his shoulder as he begins to head for the turbolift. As he gets close to Medes, he hands her the PADD with the equipment checklists.

Medes hands the PADD back to Takamura as her combadge goes off, summoning her to Engineering for a minor emergency.