Host SM_James says:
Summary: Claymore survived one round, but the Kethran aren't finished with them yet. Surprised by a subspace disruption beam, the crew has been placed on notice--reinforcements are inbound. Will lightning strike twice? Or has Claymore pulled out its last miracle?

Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "The Long Night"

Episode 10: "Past is Prologue" (12103.27)

=/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Standing back with her hands on her hips as she thinks through things.::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Sitting in the center chair, reading his PADD to review data from the previous encounter::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: Turns around and looks at the CO in 'the chair' :: CO: I have an idea... but I need to run it past the CSO for viability it could buy us some time if we're quick.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
*XO*: Could you please join me medlab two?  I have some information to pass on.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Sensors register multiple contacts inbound. Kethran base ships. Total: 3.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks up::  FCO:  If you think you're onto something, please speak with her – but we don't have much time.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::At tactical, glad he and the ship survived his fifteen minutes of fame in the center seat::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Captain, three Kethran base ships inbound.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::looks towards T’alin as Damrok addresses him, then back to Damrok before sort of glancing up::  *MO*: On my way.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::at the operations station on the bridge watching comms::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks to Davis and nods::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::rises from his seat and circles around the command seats towards the turbolift::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::on the bridge at science, her antennae and bushy eyebrows perk up at the mention of her position, gazing at the FCO with bewildered bloodshot eyes::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::enters the turbolift::  Turbolift: Med Lab 2.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO,CO:  Essentially if we can get Twilight and ourselves to use the dish to flood the area with the help of the Twilight with electromagnetic radiation.  Make it look like background cosmic radiation or blue/red shift. Switch to silent running: lower shields, sensor emissions, send off two shuttles squawking Claymore/Twilight transponders at warp we may get them to chase ghosts.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
:: Walks back to the space between the two bodies – looking between them again.::

Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Listens intently, then looks to Sheva, who seems a bit worse for wear...hopes that she's not taking the whole temporal funnel mishap too hard, but hasn't had a chance to speak to her::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::taps his leg sort of anxiously for some reason::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO,CO: I know we don't have cloak so this would be the next best thing.  If they jump into the system though...they'll see us so we need to be fast.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::exits the turbolift, scanning the labels on the doors to find his way::
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
@Twilight: Hail Claymore and prepare to transmit me.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Kethran ships split off, approaching the system from differing vectors.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::pulls out her PADD and starts making notations while leaning against the autopsy bed of Kethran #1.::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::switches her gaze between the FCO and the CO, then back at the FCO, and back to the CO with a shrug and a nod:: CO/FCO: It's...brilliant. I concur, but we don't have much time left.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
CO: Incoming message from the Twilight.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
OPS:  Put them through.  ::Thinks that with the holography, that is perhaps slightly more literal a statement than usual::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::after a left and right turn, he finds Med Lab 2 and enters it::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Looks up from her PADD.:: XO: Commander.  ::Then gives him a sideways glance.::  I hope you're not squeamish.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::feeds the incoming transmission to the bridge comms array.::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Krys appears in the counsellor's seat again, significantly more solidified than her last transmission.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
MO: Depends what we're talking about.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
TCO:  Captain.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
::Nods:: CO: Captain. We have an update. We have three Kethran base ships on their way. Pretty sure we've made them angry.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Points to the open dead bodies.:: XO: This type of squeamish.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
TCO:  Of that I have little doubt.  ::Shifts in his seat, angling to face her a bit more directly::  TCO:  What is your tactical assessment?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::glances in the direction Simmons is pointing, then looks back to her:: MO: What do you have?

FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: waits but readies to coordinate with the CAG to get a shuttle ready with Claymore transponder frequencies ::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Stifles a chuckle:: XO: Well, after opening both of these up, I've noticed several things.  First off, if you'll come over here... ::She steps aside slightly.::  Take a look at this and this.  ::Points to the heart on both of the creatures.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::moves in and looks, not visibly uncomfortable, although that says little of what isn't so visible::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO:  If this plan works with your approval it might buy us time to get into a better tactical :: cough :: hiding position.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
CO: If we could somehow keep the battles one-on-one, we'd have a chance. But if all three gang up on one of us - and there's really no way for us to prevent it, that I can see - then they can pick us off one-by-one with little trouble.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
TCO:  Our flight control officer has an idea that might help split them up.  He thinks we can use auxiliary craft emitting false signals to force our attackers into a choice.  What do you think the chances are that such a plan succeeds?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: These are much bigger than they should be for a creature of this size – as are the lungs.  But these.  ::She pointed to the liver in each:: Are much smaller than they should be for a creature of this size.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::quietly alerts the science deflector techs to ready the main deflector to emit EM interference in case the CO gives the okay::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::watches as Simmons prods at different parts of the dead creature, and finally looks at her::  MO: It's been a while since my last anatomy class. What's the takeaway?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: One more thing to show you, and I'll give you the takeaway.  ::Uses her laser scalpel on the skin of the Kethran.  She opens the skin and it starts to close on its own without any of her help::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Glances at him slightly pointedly.:: XO: Did you catch that?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::somewhat bewildered, he looks back at her::  MO: Yes – what the hell was that? 
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
MO: I thought this was...dead.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
::Considers briefly::CO: Definitely improves our chances. Maybe makes this an even shot, instead of sure doom. Unfortunately, they already know we're here – that's one favor their disruption beam did us – but if we're quick, we might have a shot.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: It is.  But it's still at least slightly capable of regeneration.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
FCO:  Mr. T'alin, you have point on this.  Make it happen.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
CO: We might also try stacking – Claymore within Twilight within Omega...then only "unfold" once the false signals are ready. Help sell the confusion.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: All three base ships move as a unit. All three will gain the system in six minutes.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: So bottom-lining it for you.  These creatures have been manufactured, not born.  We only killed these two by dumb blind luck.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks across to science::  CSO:  Ensign Hy'Qiin, you're with Mr. T'alin on this one.  We don't have much time.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO: Roger, Sir.  CSO: Coordinate with the Twilight to emulate red shift/blue shift emanations.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
MO: Manufactured, as in genetically engineered?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks back to Krys::  TCO:  Sounds reasonable.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
*CAG*: T'alin to CAG have a hot button mission OK’d by CO to buy us some time.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  Let me have it.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: More than that.  They aren't even grown as much as they are made.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
CO: Aye, sir. FCO: We only have six minutes, but I think that means we only have three to really make this work. The deflector is almost ready.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
TCO: We need Twilight to ready a shuttle with her transponder codes squawking.  That shuttle will accompany our shuttle at warp to draw the attackers off.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::Frowns::  MO: But they are living beings, yes?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: With regenerative powers, but yes.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
*CAG*: Ready a shuttle with Claymore transponders.  It will need to be able to remote autopilot to warp.  Straight trajectory pick a system don't care preferably far.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::nods, looking back at the creature for a moment, and then back at Simmons:  MO: Who would make something like this? And why?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  On it.  ::Immediately calls the deck chief and gets him to prep the shuttlepod that's on hot standby::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO: Let me know when the dish is ready.  TCO: Please let us know when Twilight is ready with dish and shuttle.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: Someone who likes a brutal type of power, perhaps?  But if they are made, and the facility can be found...maybe it can be destroyed, and the past can be saved?
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS:  We will need to immediately be ready to go to silent running, low energy output.  CTO:  Yes, that means no shields.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
FCO: Should only take a moment.   *Twilight*: Have you been monitoring?
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
FCO:  Yeah, I got that.  For the record, not a fan.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::eyes Simmons::  MO: Let's not get our hopes up.

Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
MO: But I wouldn't mind having the chance to blow that facility to kingdom come.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::nods to the FCO and watches the progress bar slowly fill up on her console screen...it's like waiting for a software update to complete, a dreadful reminder of Sheva's part-time computer service work before attending the Academy::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::looks at the FCO and nods.:: FCO: Rigging for zero emissions.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Looks back at him without blinking.:: XO: I've seen too much go wrong to hope too much, but the chance might be nice.  ::Slightly more quietly:: Especially after what they did.
Host SM_James says:
@<Twilight> TCO: I have. Shuttle modifications nearly complete. Deflector modifications online.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  Standby shuttle's ready for remote operation.  You want the controls, or do you want us to handle it?
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
<Computer> CSO: Deflector emitters charged.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
*CAG*: You can handle it.  We just want the Twilight’s shuttle to go the same direction.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::Signals main engineering that they are going dark::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::nods::  MO: In any event, I'll let the captain know, and we'll keep our eyes peeled for any signs of this sort of facility.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: I'm going to put these in stasis.  We don't know the full capacity of their regenerative abilities.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::nods:: MO: I think that's wise.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  Got it.  We'll sync them up.  ::Orders the doors open::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
CO/CSO: Charged particle discharge ready. That should provide significant localized EM interference.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
FCO: We're ready when you are.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
TCO: Claymore is ready. 
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO: On CO's order initiate radiation.
Host SM_James says:
@<Twilight> TCO: Omega signaling modifications complete. Our modifications complete, captain. ::the AI pauses, awkwardly:: I always feel as if I've detached from a piece of myself. I mean it regenerates shortly after, but for that nanosecond....
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Pulls the antigrav sled up to the side of the first biobed and tries to start maneuvering the body onto it.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
MO: I need to get back to the Bridge. Let me know if there's anything else that comes up.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
XO: Absolutely, Sir.

Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Nods once::  FCO:  All right, let's go.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::gives the creatures one last awkward look and makes his way out of the lab, retracing his original path back to the turbolift::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO, TCO: Do it. 
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
*CAG*: Launch shuttle
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Finally gets the body mostly onto the antigrav sled and starts pushing it back toward sickbay's morgue.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::has shut down power to all non-critical systems including hull lighting and holodecks. Almost all transmissions are shut down except for the communications line to the Twilight and the power feed to the deflector array::
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
*Twilight*: Let's do it.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  Shuttle away.  ::Sitting at the remote controls herself, looks up momentarily as she watches on the monitors as it departs::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
CO/FCO: Initiating particle burst...now!
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Claymore, Twilight and Omega fire deflectors. Shuttles are simultaneously launched, transponders active.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::enters the turbolift:: Turbolift: Bridge.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS, CTO: Good work.  Silent running now.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: One of the base ships breaks off, altering course.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Maneuvers the body and sled into one of her largest stasis chambers.::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: A second base ship launches a fleet of small craft.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
*CAG*: Jump her to warp.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: The third base ship ignores the shuttles entirely.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
<CAG_WC_Gawthorpe>  *FCO*:  Spinning up now.  ::Runs her hands over the controls::  Warp one and accelerating.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::returns to the Bridge, retracing his path there too until he returns to his station::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Pulls out the second antigrav sled and starts trying to maneuver the second body onto the sled.::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO: If we at least dupe them a little bit we should be trying to find a nice place to tactically retreat to.  
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Claymore's shuttle attracts base ship attention. Twilight's shuttle draws the attention of the fleet of small craft. Omega's shuttle is ignored entirely.

MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::It takes a lot of little shifts to get the creature onto-ish the antigrav sled and starts pushing it through the halls back to the morgue area of sickbay.::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::notices sensor power reduced significantly due to silent running...she's left with only minimal passive telemetry, and feedback from the deployed shuttles::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO/FCO:  Looks like we were at least partially successful.  We have two inbound base ships.  One ship and the small craft launched are chasing the shuttles.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
*Twilight*: Any good candidates for "tactical hiding spots"?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks to T'alin for a moment, then looks to Krys::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CSO: Is there any astronomical phenomenon in the area we might be able to take advantage of?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::This creature is heavier than the last one.  Even pushing the sled is harder...almost to sickbay::
Host SM_James says:
@<Twilight> TCO: Scans detect a class three nebula approximately 2.5 lightyears from here, Captain. It will shield us temporarily, but our two inbound targets would appreciate it if we perhaps decided to utilize it in the next two minutes.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::pulls up the charts on her console from the last sensor sweep::
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
FCO/CO: How's that?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Finally arrives in the morgue and slides the second body into the second stasis chamber.::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
TCO:  That will do.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO: Works for me...?  I'll use maneuvering thrusters as much as possible.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Claymore's shuttle reaches warp 1.5 before promptly exploding spectacularly.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
CO: Concurred, Sir. It's our only option for true concealment at this point.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Twilight's shuttle registers zero power readings.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
FCO:  Lay in the course and engage.  ::Sits back in his seat, feeling a bit like they're in a slowly unfolding game of three-dimensional chess...unfortunately, he is much happier observing matches than playing in them::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Heads back to the medlab to clean up her mess.::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: initiates action based on already set coordinates relayed from Twilight ::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: uses short bursts for forward inertia once heading is set ::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::wiggles the ear piece slightly, listening to the silence that is what the ship's passive sensors can hear right now::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Claymore and Twilight move off in the general direction of the nebula. Omega does not follow.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: engages warp once nacelles are charged ::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Unclear if they'll work in the nebula, but since we've engage warp, would you like to raise shields?
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CTO: At this point there's not tactical advantage to trying to keep them down.  We done went to warp.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  Yes, I think we're beyond the point at which we need concern ourselves with emissions.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Starts putting her tools away.::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Twilight and Claymore match speed, Omega remains behind. Sensors register the larger base ship maneuvering to engage the approaching Kethran.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.   ::Raises shields::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::begins attempting to scan the nebula to try to get some sense of whether their shields and weapons will work at all in the nebula::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::shifts power from batteries to cover the power difference as main power systems come back up.::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Gives Med lab 2 a good wiping down and recycles the towel.::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Omega opens fire on the base ships as the scene leaves sensor range. Nebula in three minutes.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::turns to Damrok::  CO: The sensors almost seem to be showing a shifting EM polarity across the nebula. This is going to wreak havoc on our defensive systems for sure.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
XO:  What about projectile weapons?  If we manual fire torpedoes, do we risk causing a reaction in the nebula matter?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO: Targeting systems are going to be impacted for sure. As far as weapons themselves, I'm not entirely sure; I wouldn't want to be there to find out if I could avoid it.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Nods::  XO:  Acknowledged.  ::Looks to helm::  FCO:  It looks as though we'll be relying on our ability to maneuver rather than fight.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Heads back to "her office" in Medlab 1.  It's time to get off her leg again.::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO: Understood.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::frowns to himself and cuts power to external comms:: Aloud: Incoming unauthorized computer access. Disabling off ship comms.
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: takes the Claymore more deeper into the nebula to hopefully hide their location ::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Half-frowns at Fong's report::

Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Both Claymore and Twilight gain the nebula. Sensors are reduced by 20%. Shields fluctuate. Targeting scanners go offline.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Krys flickers then cuts out as communications go offline at OPS's order.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Shields are fluctuating, sensors are limited.  Targeting down.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::narrows his eyes, as he notes the error responses on his screen:: Self: Not good.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  Does the nebula present a hazard if shields should fail?
CIV_LtCmdr_Raeyld says:
::Sits at an auxiliary desk in sickbay, finishing up some paperwork::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Not as in we go boom.  But, system issues will get much worse if shields do down.
Host SM_James says:
=/\= END MISSION =/\=

This is an official A Call to Duty © Transcript of Stardate 12103.27. This may not be reproduced in any way, shape, and/or form without express permission by its participants and/or official Star Trek: A Call to Duty Game Staff. Please visit our website at startrek.acalltoduty.com.

A Call to Duty © Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved A Call to Duty ©