Decker's Due I

 Episode Name:  Decker's Due I

   Written By:  Eidolon

         Cast:  Annova, Avery, Caeli, Dakin, Doomsday Machine, 
                Eidolon, Fitzel, Foster, Krylow, Leres, Nilee 
                and Prochazka.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Eidolon

     Aired On:  Sat Jan 22 01:40:00 2005

     Stardate:  54698.2

Time: Fri Jan 21 20:19:33 2005

Stardate: 54697.6

Mount Selaya, Vulcan -- 2500 BCE.

The sands of the Forge burn a brilliant white in the light cast by 40 Eridani A, cast out in all directions are far as the eye can see from the base of Mount Selaya. The heat would be stifling to the man, were he not a Vulcan.

Clad in dark armor, he stalks the hallways of the mountain temple. The cruel edge of his lirpa gleams in the light which filters in through the ventilation shafts cut through the rock. His hair flows about his ears, cut free from its warrior's tail as a result of the morning's events.

Another man, dressed in the simple robes of a cleric, leaps from the shadows, brandishing a Rod of Kel. "Do not make me do this," he begs of the dark stranger in the tongue of Gol, his hand shaking.

"Do not fear, brother," the stranger calmly replies. "You will not have to use your weapon." His lirpa flashes in the darkness.

The cleric's body falls to the ground.

His head follows a moment later.

Above, at the summit of the peak, another struggle is underway. A young Vulcan girl is held against an older, although still extremely young, Vulcan's hand. "You will be mine, T'Peia..." the man whispers harshly.

Nearby, another Vulcan in a set of armor fit for a king watches with grim satisfaction. He is getting what he desires in this moment. "ShirKahr is mine," he whispers into the wind, waving the guards away from the girl.

The young lady takes a step away from her new mate, their bond slowly gaining strength in her mind. Calmly, she turns to the king. "For my mother, my land, and my people," she tells him icily before she quite literally darts off the edge of the tower and plunges to her doom.

Seconds later, her new mate screams in agony and falls to his knees.

Sulen, lord of Khir'Ahl, hears the end of his line in that scream.

This is as it was.

This is the Time of the Beginning.

Thousands of light years away, an ancient hatred culminates in a split second of fury.

The Doomsday Machine, a miles-long weapon of immense power, consumes the third planet of the Dalenek'a system. Three billion people are snuffed out in an instant.

Its primary task completed, the machine cruises on into the void, seeking more planets to consume on its never-ending quest for vengence.

USS Constellation, NCC-1071 -- 2267.

"Gentlemen, I suggest you beam me aboard." Jim Kirk's frown deepens as the maw of the Doomsday Machine looms ever closer on the screen. Rigged to explode by Montgomery Scott, the crippled Constellation is little more than a ticking time bomb at this point, headed for destruction.

Aboard the Enterprise, Spock watches the viewscreen with his usual placid detachment. "Mister Scott," is directed at the intercom panel in the armrest of the chair, and gets an answer of colorful Gaellic cursing that would make even the most hardened of sailors blush.

The Constellation disappears into the Machine.

Fire erupts from its maw.

Spock ticks an eyebrow upward.

"I've got him, sarr!" Scott exclaims over the intercom. Once again, James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise beat the odds and the unbeatable. Another mission goes down into history and grows into legend. The stars continue on their dance, tugged along by the strings of gravity.

Babies are born. Old legends give way for new.

USS Thomas Paine, NCC-65530-C -- 2378.

The Thomas Paine drops from warp, gliding close to the inert remains of the Doomsday Machine before drifting to a stop. A new adventure begins.

Dakin looks out at the viewscreen, almost in awe of the shape looming before them. "Prophets guide us." It's pretty much all he can say at this point.

Avery would have to agree, if she believed in prophets. She doesn't say anything, but takes in the sight.

Eidolon has left.

Eidolon has arrived.

GAME: Eidolon is joining this location.

Nilee stands to the left of the main science station, turning to take in the sight of the wreckage, he remains silent, hands carefully folded together behind his back.

Leres is tucked out of the way but her eyes open wide as she sees the wreckage. She shakes her head. She doesn't speak. She's speechless.

Given he doesn't have a console a briefing yet, Krylow just remains quiet from the out of the way bridge location he's found. Eyes narrow a little as he watches screen.

Prochazka simply mutters something to himself, as he keeps his eyes on the shape out there, as he stands at his station. He goes quiet after having muttered whatever it was he muttered.

"So that's the thing that took the self-destruction of an old Constellation-class to deactivate," Foster mutters to himself, feeling way too close to the thing despite the intervening space and the solid walls of the relatively tiny Brilliant-class vessel.

Annova, seated at Mission Ops, blinks, looking from her control panels, up to the view screen. Her mouth opens slightly, then closes, the tight line of brow clenching. "Waiting orders, Commander," she observes, her voice a little husky with anxiety.

Fitzel glances up from her console to grab a brief look, then pauses at the sight. "Wowww..." is her barely breathed comment.

. o O Fitzel thinks, "Okay, maybe this isn't an adventure, but it certainly is /neat/!"

. o O Annova feels dread and worry.

A trio of scientists at the rear of bridge talk animatedly amongst themselves before one, a massive Tellarite, steps forward. "It's -beautiful-, isn't it?" he asks, awe in his voice.

Dakin swivels the command chair a quarter-turn in the scientists' direction. Bemusedly, he replies, "I don't know if I'd consider something that was devouring star systems the way I would my mother's hasperat beautiful, Doctor." He swivels it back to forward position. "Mr. Prochazka, sensor scans, please. Mr. Foster, once radiological safety's been established, assume parallel course at 20,000 kilometers."

Avery casts a glance at the Tellarite before looking towards the formidable machine, as if trying to find any hint of the beauty he sees.

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

Nilee shoots a glance towards the other scientists, whose group Galen has decided not to join. He looks between the Tellarite and the viewscreen momentarily, and then adds to the side, "No device with the amount of blood this one had on its hull, would I consider beautiful. Although, its technology is intriguing."

Leres gives a look to Krylow quickly before looking back to the object. "It's impressive that's for certain. Still, beautiful might be a bit more than I'd be willing to go." She shakes her head again. "Awesome. Mysterious. Beautiful? I'm just not sure."

Krylow glances to Leres and frowns while shaking his head. "There's noting beautiful about it. Not a single thing. I'll give it impressive, but that's it. Its a killing machine."

Glancing over his shoulder at the Tellarite, Prochazka shrugs a little, "If you only consider the looks of it, in some weird way, maybe," he offers. He then nods at Dakin's orders, "Aye, sir." He activates the sensors, and studies the output for a few moments. "Detecting no energy emissions, sir. The device seems completely inert." He waits for the next piece of input, before adding, "Radiation levels consistant with this area of space."

Foster nods, fingers brushing almost absently over the helm controls, as he ignores the scientists and all the other comments brought on by their comments. He's all business right now. "Aye, aye, sir. Parallel course at 20,000 KM, laid in, engaging." A few seconds go by as the planet-destroying device nears, and then he adds, "20,000 KM, mark. Matching drifting course and speed."

Annova keeps her attention on the panel, or at least tries to, her dark eyes continually drawn to the hungry ghost of legends filling the viewscreen. She suppresses a shudder, turning back to the mission ops panel with a quiet outwash of breath.

"Commander Dakin," the Tellarite (who happens to go by the name of Bartuc) grumbles, "We should not delay. There is so much to learn, and so little time."

His two friends, a Grazerite by the name of Inaya'Jornesh, and a Benzite named Meltorn, nod in agreement. All three pointedly ignore Nilee, Krylow, and all the other naysayers, except for a whuff of consternation from Bartuc.

Dakin nods. "We agree on that score, Doctor. Well, this is your study subject. How do you wish to proceed?" He masks any fear of whatever response Bartuc's trio may offer.

Avery lets out a soft breath as she studies what she can see of the machine on the screen. "Too much haste is never a good thing."

Nilee falls silent again, eyes staring at the viewscreen in silence, trying to tear its secrets away with only his eyes.

Leres watches in silence now too. There's only the occasionally flicker of a glance toward the Tellarite waiting for him to speak.

As Leres falls quiet, so too does Krylow. He crosses his arms over his chest and waits and watches for the time being.

Prochazka keeps silent, looking from the instruments in front of him, to the viewscreen and back.

Foster remains at station, occasionally glancing up at the screen and the dead death dealer beyond. Impassive.

. o O Foster radiates nothing but a cold calmness that is all too common when he is in a duty situation. Ice.

. o O Krylow thinks, "Impressive. Beautiful. Whatever. Why are we out here, Commander? You could at least give us something to do, instead of standing around waiting. I hate having my hands tied."

Breaking the silence, Ens. Annova asks, "Are we here to simply study this phenomenon or is ...there more...involved interaction...planned?" She chooses her words carefully, addressing the Tellarite with due respect.

Fitzel glances round toward the scientists briefly, then sits back to keep one eye on her console, one on the viewscreen.

"We should beam over immediately. I believe your Mister Suslov and Mister Caeli have been preparing our equipment in the transporter room," the Tellarite mutters before he heads toward the lift. "We will meet your away team there."

His tag alongs do what they're best at -- they fall into step, and all three vanish off the bridge in the turbolift.

. o O Annova thinks, "They're going to beam -over- to it? The Four!"

Dakin frowns. "Well, this has a promising beginning." Note the sarcasm. "Lt. Nilee and Ensigns Krylow and Leres, you three are with me. Lt. Avery, you have the bridge until our return." He rises from his seat and heads for the same turbolift that spirited the scientists away. "Ensign Annova, notify the transporter room to keep a lock on us and the scientists and have us hauled out at the first sign of trouble. It took a warp-core explosion to stop this thing once. I'm taking no chances."

Avery rises from the engineering station. "Aye aye, sir."

Avery stands and leaves Engineering.

Annova nods, a faint smile, "Aye, sir. Good luck."

Nilee tilts his head in Dakin's direction as he starts to issue orders, he nods his head, "Aye, sir." He steps away from the science station and heads for the turbolift slowly, waiting to fall in line with the rest.

Dakin stands and leaves Command.

Leres gives a nod to the order from Dakin and prepares to go. "Aye, sir."

Krylow uncrosses his arms and nods to Dakin. "Aye, aye," he says, looking almost relieved. Probably relieved to be doing something other than standing around.

Annova notifies the transport room to expect the away team. She relays the instructions, "Keep a good lock on the away team. It's possible, even probable, that they'll need to be quickly evacuated."

Prochazka looks over at the ones who get to go on the little field trip, offering them a half-smile and a nod, before he looks back to his instruments.

Dakin touches the pad beside the turbolift door.

Dakin summons the turbolift.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Dakin boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Dakin has left.

Krylow boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Krylow has left.

Leres boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Leres has left.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Avery takes her place at command once Dakin and the away team leave the bridge.

Avery sits down at Command.

Nilee touches the pad beside the turbolift door.

Nilee summons the turbolift.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Nilee boards the turbolift as the double doors slide open.

Nilee has left.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Muttering something under his breath again, Prochazka keeps on looking from instruments to screen, before glancing around the bridge, momentarily.

Foster settles back in his seat at the helm, letting it run itself for now. Unless something comes up, it will maintain parallel course and speed without overriding control.

Annova's dark eyes study the hulking evil that floats menacingly in the viewscreen. Another glance at her control panel, she adjusts her earpiece. "The away team has beamed over. Safe and secure so far. " She provides a reassuring smile to her bridge companions.

Fitzel continues to keep an eye on her responsibilities, though once Dakin has left, she's brave enough to remark aloud, "Those scientists had a... interesting viewpoint on that thing." It's the most diplomatic way she can find to state it. Automatically she returns Annova's smile with a grin.

GAME: Prochazka spends a courage point.

Avery shakes her head slightly at mention of the scientists. "They..concern me a bit. Mister Prochazka, keep an eye out for any strange readings, or signs of activity from that machine."

. o O Annova thinks, "A man jumped off a building and at each window bar, fifty stories going down, he cried, no problme so far."

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

Prochazka nods, as he keeps on looking at the sensors. "Everything seems all right so far," he replies, glancing momentarily at the viewscreen. "No change."

Annova fools around absently with her ear piece. She eyes the looming world-eater now, thoughtfully. "They certainly were excited. I wonder what they're really after. Sure didn't want to talk about it. "

Fitzel looks back and forth between Avery and Annova, looking a little relieved at their assessments. "Good. I mean, I'm glad I ain't just being paranoid."

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

Avery mms thoughtfully, "I can understand scientists being eager to explore and examine something of this nature, but as long as it doesn't get in the way of caution." She keeps her eyes on the machine, as if that alone could uncover any secrets it may have.

"It's part of what makes us scientists," Prochazka points out as he looks back to the sensors, studying them for a few moments, and shakes his head, but not saying anything, right now.

Annova continues looking at the screen, "I'm not a scientist. I'm a student of sentient nature, of people's aims, views, their motivations. What puzzles me is, why weren't they afraid? That's kind of...interesting, you know?"

Fitzel glances toward Annova, and blushes a little. "Maybe cause it's an adventure for 'em." Her gaze returns to the screen, fingers dancing along the edge of her console for lack of anything else to do.

On the screen, there's a slight flicker of light from within the machine's maw, just barely visible.

GAME: Fitzel spends a courage point.

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

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

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Intellect skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

GAME: Avery spends a courage point.

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

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

. o O Fitzel thinks, "It was more than interesting. They were... well, kinda rude to Commander Dakin. Talked down to him, even. You'd they they- Eh?"

Avery says, "People's motivations. So what are your theories as to the motivation of the people that created something as distructive as that? What could drive them so..." She stops as the light catches her attention. "What was that? Any readings on that light Mister Prochazka?"

<CONTEST> Prochazka (claiming advantage) contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Looking to the sensors instead of other things, Prochazka blinks. "Dampening field coming online. Already very strong, it seems. Looks like the wild beast has started to wake up." He looks up quickly.

Foster snaps his attention back forward (now there's a strange phrase) and begins to check his station. "Bringing engines to full standby. Helm ready."

"Transporter room, maintain lock on the away team, things may be happening there. Be ready," Ens. Annova reminds them. She looks back up at the viewscreen. "We have a good lock. Comms are open here. We'll be ready," she comments to her bridge companions. "My theory about what built that? Hate. Hate and arrogance."

Fitzel comes out of a thoughtful reverie as she, too, sees the light, and she sits forward a bit, peering at the screen. "Uh oh," is her soft murmur as she hears Prochazka. Fingers dance more purposefully now, as she makes sure her station is as alerted as it can be on non-alert status.

Avery frowns slightly, "Mister Annova, open communications to the away team."

. o O Krylow thinks, "A marvel. Right. Let's hope this marvel doesn't, oh, try and eat us. Or the nearest planet."

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Prochazka keeps on looking back to his sensors, frowning a bit. He then mutters something angrily under his breath, for a few moments.

Annova mutters a Betazoid curse, "Excuse me, Commander, I'm having difficulty opening a channel..."

Foster remains at his station, industrious but unmoving. Whatever happens, he's ready.

Fitzel glances toward Annova, then to Prochazka. "What, exactly, is it dampening?" she murmurs in his direction.

There's a definite shimmer of light inside the belly of the beast, one that remains persistant... and starts to build in strength.

Avery frowns, not liking the difficulty or the light, but nods approval to Fitzel's question. "Do we still have a transporter lock on them?"

Prochazka frowns a little. "Well, it looks like it's dampening our communications with the away team?" he offers, glancing once in a while at the screen, but most of the time at the sensors, now.

"We have a lock, yes, but if we beam them up, they'll most likely get scrambled," Annova says, touching the earpiece, apparently getting this information from the transport room.

Fitzel nods at Prochazka's comment, and quietly moves her hands on her console, trying to help Annova with the comms problem.

The glow comes to its full level, almost equal to the light of a star at close range. The Machine slowly starts to turn, woken completely from its slumber.

. o O Krylow thinks, "Thanks Commander Obvious. You didn't need to tell me that."

Avery says, "Go to yellow alert. Mister Foster, keep parallel with it, I'd rather not be in front of it. Any ideas on how to get past that field and get our team back without scrambling them?"

Avery says, "Computer, yellow alert."

The computer buzzes twice. "Permission denied," it states in the cool, feminine voice.

Doomsday Machine says, "Computer, yellow alert."

The computer buzzes twice. "Permission denied," it states in the cool, feminine voice.

The yellow alert lights flash.

Foster says, "Computer, yellow alert."

The computer acknowledges Foster with a bleep.

The yellow alert lights flash throughout the ship.

Prochazka continues studying the sensors, for the moment. "When the wild beasts awake," he mutters to himself, as he ponders. "If we only knew more about the layout of the thing..." he ponders aloud.

GAME: Fitzel spends a courage point.

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

Foster considers, fingers brushing over the controls to keep parallel with the Doomsday Machine. "If Lieutenant Prochazka can get a source on that field, Ensign Fitzel might be able to target it. Short of that, recommend, firstly, preparing a buoy in case we don't make it out of this. Which I would really prefer we do." He adds, offhandedly, "I have a mission to Fimdari coming up next week, after all."

Annova says in Betazoid, "Hell, Bloody Hell, shit to all bloody hell."

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

Fitzel frowns a bit as her assistance efforts come to naught, then she's rapidly distracted by the yellow alert. "Weapons on full standby, sir; one torpedo armed," she reports. "Shields on standby. Tactical sensors active."

The Machine continues its slow, graceful turn for a long moment before it starts to move forward.

. o O Fitzel thinks, "This is so Not Good. What the heck did they do over ther... The scientists. Oh man. Who /are/ they?"

Avery says, "Lt Foster, where is it headed? Mister Annova, send out that buoy. Lt Prochazka and Mr Fitzel, attempt Lt Foster's suggestion."

<CONTEST> Foster contests his Space Sciences (Astrogation) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

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

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

"Calculating," Foster says, fingers brushing over the helm controls. Ahead, the viewscreen splits, one side still showing the Doomsday Machine, the other showing it's projected course. "The course of the Doomsday Machine, should it maintain this course, will take it straight through the Rigel system. At that machine's best known speed, it'll be there in six hours." He turns in his seat. "Lieutenant, the Rigel system is home to over fifteen billion people. There is no possible way to evacuate that many people, not even if we had every ship in all of the Federation, Romulan, Klingon, and Cardassian fleets combined."

Prochazka nods, "Aye," he replies, studying the sensors as he works on finding the information. "There," he says. "About the two mile mark of the beast. That large reactor." He then grimaces a little, at the mention of Fimdari, "Cold, at this part of year," he mutters, under his breath.

"The buoy is away, Commander, " Annova reports, concentrating closely on her assignment.

Fitzel works her console. "About? Could you send me those coordinates, please, Lieutenant?" she aims politely in Prochazka's direction.

. o O Nilee thinks, "Why is it I always seem drawn to the away missions that involve weapons of mass destruction? First the Menagerie now this..."

The monster on the viewscreen starts to accelerate, moving slowly as if shaking the sleep off.

Avery sounds a little grim after Foster's pronouncement of direction and population. "Lt Foster, keep pace with it. Mister Annova, attempt to contact the away team again."

Prochazka nods, "Of course," he replies, working quickly to report the coordinates over. "There..." he says, grimacing, as he looks to the monstrous thing out there.

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

"We're still not able to raise the away team, Commander," Ensign Annova admits with considerable frustration, though she keeps working the problem. "I'm trying to send them something... "

<CONTEST> Fitzel contests her Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Rhia taps a few touchpads, then says for Avery, "Weapons locked, sir. Should I bring them all up to full power?"

<CONTEST> Doomsday Machine contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs Foster's Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill and Fails!

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

The Machine suddenly starts to turn, clearly attempting to turn into the path of the Paine and perhaps even intercept it.

. o O Annova thinks, "Eep!"

Avery probably doesn't need to say it, but she does, "Lt Foster, keep us from getting in front of that thing." She eyes the hull of the machine and says, "Full power, Mr Fitzel."

Prochazka keeps on studying both the other thing on the viewscreen, and his sensors, glancing quickly from one to the other, at the moment.

Annova continues trying to work on comms, though it's not getting any better. She checks in with the transporter room team to make sure that the lock on the away team is still functional.

. o O Caeli idly wonders if the man has ever seen a Bolian before. 2280s... 2322... nope. He hasn't.

Fitzel brings up the weapons to full hot, her expression grim. "Recommend phasers before using the torpedoes, sir. Don't wanna rattle the away team any more than necessary." Or kill them, which would /definitely/ shake them up a bit.

<CONTEST> Doomsday Machine contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs Foster's Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

The Machine continues on its course to intercept the Paine, gaining speed and becoming more nimble by the moment.

Avery trusts Foster to do his job of keeping them away, "I agree Mr Fitzel. I'd rather get them back in one piece. Mr Annova, talk to the transporter crew, and see if they can think of any way to beam them back without scrambling them, should we not be able to get that field down."

Prochazka continues looking at the sensors, to see if there's any change, now.

Foster's fingers are moving faster and faster now, the way the Doomsday Machine keeps turning obviously becoming more difficult to handle. You wouldn't think something that measures its size in the MILES would be that difficult to dodge, but it seems to be. Or, at least, Foster is showing a lot more concentration than he was a few minutes ago. "I'm not certain that targeting from out here, even at full phaser and torpedoes, will dent its hull. However, while it's targeting us, it's NOT going after the Rigel colony. Recommend firing and, if we don't do any damage, choose a course away from it. See if it will follow us. It's currently coming up to half-impulse now, and it has to slow slightly to turn, so making it go in circles or spheres will keep it slow. However, if that thing comes fully awake, we're in for it. It's maximum known speed is warp factor 7. Maximum rated speed for this vessel is warp 9.2. If we can get it to follow us, we can probably get away from it, but it would probably be back to resume whatever its mission is."

Annova nods, "Aye, sir, I'll encourage them to get creative. " She rubs the back of her neck, talking quietly over the com link to the transport team, her voice a quiet lulling background noise. "Comms continue to be a problem, " she says after a moment, "And though it is tempting to believe the worst, it is not entirely logical. There are many factors that would make communications problematic. The fact that its changed course toward us could also have multiple meanings. " She shows clear signs of having been trained by Vulcans or dedicated optimists. "I concur that changing course to see if it follows would be recommended."

"Lieutenant Prochazka," Rhia says with a quick glance toward him, "Can you get me more target coordinates? That thing's engines or navigational systems would be good." She glances toward Foster. "He's got a point there."

<CONTEST> Doomsday Machine contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs Foster's Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

The Machine continues to become more nimble, and more adept at following the Paine. It's absolutely amazing, considering its sheer size.

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

Avery glances towards tactical and guesses she has to be a bit more clear. "Fire whenever ready, Mr Fitzel." She then adds, "I, too, would rather it follow us than go to Rigel, so keep in mind an unpopulated direction to head, Lt Foster, should we need to. We can always tease it a bit if we need, to keep it more interested in us. However, didn't that thing have some sort of weapon? Mr Annova, continue to try to contact the away team."

Prochazka nods, "Working on it," he replies to Fitzel, as he does some more scanning. "Coordinates incoming," he offers, punching the last few instruments to send them over.

Foster says, "Computer, red alert"

The computer acknowledges Foster with a bleep.

The red alert klaxon sounds throughout the ship.

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Impossible and Fails!

"Still no response, sir. " Annova admits. She's trying hard, concentrating on her control panel to the exclusion of all else.

Fitzel doesn't fire without a direct order to do so, nope nope nope. Glancing to check one final time on her targetting locks now, she fires off a phaser bank at the big meanie. Er, machine. And then sets immediately on working the scientist's new coordinates into her targeting calculations. "Thank you, sir."

Those in front of Foster (not that there are any, since Helm is usually forward) will probably notice beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Course chosen and laid in," he says, *sounding* perfectly calm even as his hands blur. "Reading no damage on the Doomsday Machine from full phaser barrage. Taking us to Warp 1." And the screen blurs with the view that normally appears during warp travel. "C'mon, baby. Follow me. C'mon. Follow me." He adds, "Plotting return course in case we need to go distract it again. Recommend full phaser and torpedo barrage in case we need to get its attention." Not that he wants it.

. o O Foster thinks, "Not that I want it!"

As the Paine leaps away, the Machine just -stops-, and the glow starts to diminish.

Avery says, "Wait on that Lt. Foster. Keep us beside it for now, perhaps the away team has solved the problem. LT Prochazka, can you get any readings? Is the field still there?"

Checking the sensors once more, Prochazka blinks, "According to the sensors," he begins, pausing to double-check said sensors. "The thing seems to be shutting down its power again..."

Foster's hands slow slightly, as the new course is laid in. Moments later, the Paine is back in the same space as the Doomsday Machine, but further out. "40,000 kilometers to Doomsday Machine." He adds, "That's the extreme range of the Paine's transporters."

Annova tilts her head, "Still trying to acquire a comm fix on the away team, Commander. " Her fingers speed over the touchpads with some hesitation. She's working hard at this, concentrating.

Fitzel's brow furrows at Foster's report on the results of her barrage, almost in indignation at the uncooperative target, then she glances up toward the viewscreen at Avery's comment to the pilot, and an eyebrow quirks. "Did the Paine's proximity wake it up somehow?" she wonders in a murmur.

<CONTEST> Annova contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Dramatically Succeeds!

The Machine's light and energy continues to fade away, and it sits still on the screen.

Avery says, "Mr Annova, any contact with the away team? Lt Foster, keep ready to head off if it moves again."

Prochazka continues to keep an eye on his sensors, a bit thoughtfully.

Foster's hands hover. They do nothing else, his concentration absolute.

"We have contact, Commander, Transmitting now," Annova replies.
The transmission is voiced over bridge's acoustical systems, "Thomas Paine, this is Commander Dakin. One of the scientists is dead due to an accident. We're on the bridge and have taken fire from automated defense systems, and we've encountered a pair of lifeforms on board. One a squid-like creature... one human. Acknowledge please."

Fitzel glances a bit sideways as an alert shows up on her board, and she blinks. "Sir," she calls toward Avery, "We're getting a linkup from a tricorder on that... thing. It's uploading a boatload of computer data to us."

Avery nods to Annova, looking startled at the report from the machine. She also acknowledges Fitzel's information with a nod before speaking up, "Commander Dakin, Lt Avery here. The machine powered up and started to move after setting up a dampening field. It has stopped and looks like it is powering down. Do you want us to beam you back?"

Prochazka blinks as he listens, expression going very much interested at the mention of the computer data.

"Negative on that just yet, Lieutenant. Stand by. Dakin out." The acoustical systems mute as the connection is placed on stand by setting. Annova murmurs to the transport team to keep the lock on all parties.

Fitzel sits back a little, watching things progress, her gaze somber. Scientists may be weird, but they don't deserve to be /dead/.

Avery lets out a soft breath, but doesn't relax. "We may be standing by, but I want everyone to remain alert." She can't help but wonder, a murmur that quite likely doesn't carry far enough away for the others to hear, "A human and a squid?"

. o O Krylow thinks, "First they want to shoot it, not we need to heal it. Doesn't anyone remember it was trying to eat us?"

"Damoening field is coming offline," Prochazka reports, as he keeps on watching the sensors carefully.

Annova continues monitoring comms.

The glow from the Machine finally dies out completely, and it returns to being as inert as it was when they arrived.

Avery doesn't trust the thing even if it is powered down. It woke up once already, after all. She nods to Prochazka's information, "Good to hear, but keep an eye on it." She looks thoughtful as she watches the inert machine.

Prochazka nods, "Of course," he replies, as he keeps his eyes on the sensors.

Annova watches the view screen for a long moment, then returns to focusing her attention on comms.

Fitzel continues her alertness silently.

Avery glances over towards tactical, "Mr Fitzel, is that data still being transmitted?"

Prochazka keeps mostly silent, studying the sensors, as he mutters something under his breath.

"Perhaps we should take a look at the data, Commander," suggests Ensign Annova.

"Yes, sir," Rhia answers the engineer after a split second look toward the screen monitoring the data upload.

"Incoming Transmission from the Away Team," Annova announces.
The bridge's acoustical system transmits: Dakin to Thomas Paine. We're standing ready for transport. One additional human bio-sign in addition to original beam-in count. Energize when ready.

Avery arches a brow at the transmission, "Aye sir." She redirects her attention, "Mr Annova, have them beamed back."

"Aye, sir," Annova transmits the request. "Transport, please energize."

Eidolon has left.

Eidolon has arrived.

GAME: Eidolon is joining this location.

. o O Fitzel thinks, "The squid's staying behind?"

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

The transporter room acknowledges Annova's message.

Dakin steps out of the turbolift.

Dakin has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Caeli steps out of the turbolift.

Caeli has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Avery stands and leaves Command.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Krylow steps out of the turbolift.

Krylow has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

The turbolift doors slide open with a hiss.

Leres steps out of the turbolift.

Leres has arrived.

The turbolift doors slide closed.

Dakin steps out of the turbolift, looking somewhat crestfallen, as he stares out at the viewscreen, past the assembled bridge crew, at the doomsday weapon. "Status, Lt. Avery?" he says with a minimum of emotion.

Caeli follows Dakin onto the bridge, silent, staying near to the Commander's side.

Avery doesn't hesitate to relinquish the command spot, but neither does she flee from it. "Currently at red alert, sir." As if that wasn't obvious. "The machine still looks to be powered down, and the Thomas Paine is in good order." She looks him over, taking in his apparent mood.

Leres follows behind Dakin and Caeli. She waits near the lift to see if Avery resumes her former position before taking the seat at engineering. She instead looks out at the Doomsday Machine and shakes her head, just as she did before. "It doesn't seem nearly so awesome now. Not really. Still interesting, but definitely not beautiful."

Krylow comes onto the bridge with the others. He doesn't bother to check the machine, but rather gances around at the crew. After taking them in, he seems satisfied to take up a standing position out of the way.

Foster remains sitting at the Helm, the distant Doomsday Machine still visible on the screen. He watches complacently, but watchfully.

Annova sits at mission ops, sitting back in her chair, fingers interlaced in her lap. A little line of worry between her eyebrows has deepened, and she continues to study the ancient leviathan that lurks 40,000 kilometers away. Perhaps staring into its menacing orifice will keep it at bay somehow. Her mood is solemn.

. o O Dakin is awash with regret at the moment.

Fitzel keeps an eye on her sensors and the big bad machine, remaining alert until given a darn good reason not to be.

Dakin sighs and tugs down the hem of his jacket. "Mr. Foster, set a course back to Four One Nine. Warp 5." A pause. "We have an ally to welcome home... and a missed opportunity to regret. Engage, Mr. Foster." He turns for the turbolift. "Resume bridge watch, Lt. Avery. I'll be in my cabin if I'm needed."

Avery nods, unable to keep the curosity from her expression. "Aye aye, sir."