Host SM_James says:
Summary: Outnumbered and outgunned, Claymore only had one real option – outfox. Now, having put some distance between them and their troubles, and possibly being down an ally, time is running out and Claymore is no closer to home, civilization, and an end to this 800-year-long nightmare. Can they find a path back through time? Or will their next meeting with the present-day enemy be Claymore's last stand?

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

Episode 10: "Do or Die" (12104.03)

=/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Seated in the center chair on the bridge, waiting intently::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::At the main communications array, moving one of the data lines away from the possibly infected device::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Exits the turbolift onto deck four, medkit under her arm.::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::at science station on the bridge, studying the nebula composition and attempting to compensate for the natural sensor interference::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::At the tactical console::  CO:  Ten torpedoes rigged as mines, Captain.  You can specify proximity detonation or manual control.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::on the bridge at operations looking over the power grid status screen::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Heads along to sickbay and as she approaches, the doors open for her to enter.::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS2: Pretty soupy, yeah? 
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  Very good.  You have full discretion regarding their placement.  FCO:  Mr. T'alin, set a pattern to allow us to scatter these torpedoes.  ::Sits back in the seat, folding his left leg over his right::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::pacing in front of the door towards the conference room::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Heading into sickbay, stows her medkit and realizes that she left her coffee sitting on the biobed.  Picks it up and realizes that it's not yet completely cold – just tepid.::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
CO: Aye, Sir.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS5_PO1_K'Roll> ::on the flight deck working on rigging a shuttle's comms into the ship's internal comms::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
FCO:  Keep track of where we deploy, T’alin...would be bad to drive back over them.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::looks over at the helmsman and smiles slightly::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Drinks the tepid coffee just for the caffeine effect.::

FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
:: lays in waypoint courses for good mine dispersal along x, y, and z axes, base-star battle-side interior::
Host SM_James says:
Info: Twilight has come in alongside Claymore, posture somewhat protective.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Leans back against the biobed sipping the caffeine and standing to keep herself awake.::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::Lays in the waypoints provided by the helm and begins mine deployment, with proximity detonation enabled.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::looks up from her PADD in the sickbay, glancing around to see who was available.::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Capt... you might let Twilight know to avoid the mines we're dropping.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::arrives on the bridge and finds his way to mission operations::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
OPS2:  Deveraux, please let Twilight know what we're doing.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::nods to Davis::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS5_PO1_K'Roll> *OPS2*: K'Roll to Deveraux. I'm showing a green connection on my end...we should be good to use the bypass for the moment.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::looks at K'han, but he's somewhere else right now; he turns back towards Damrok as he addresses Deveraux::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Finishes off the last of the coffee and walks over to deposit the mug back into the replicator.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux>::nods:: CO: We should be able to connect on audio only with uh... ::She checks the board:: with the Twilight. Hailing them now, Sir.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Grabs a nearby PADD and starts going over the duty roster...trying to figure out who she hasn't met yet.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::his pacing returns him right next to his station::
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
::steps out of the office and into the main part of sickbay, looking around::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> COM: Twilight: Claymore to Twilight. Be advised that we are engaging minelaying operations.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::feels more than a touch confused by the mines and the approach; he brings up a number of sensor readouts to try and orient himself::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Upon seeing movement, looks up from her PADD::  CMO: Would you like me to go over the Kethran autopsy with you, since you've been indisposed?
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::looks up as someone walks past her towards the replicator. She listens to the CMO and MO's conversation::

CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::is on edge, stirring nervous in her seat, the stress slowly getting the better of her, still wondering why she heard a voice in her quarters before the last attack:: Self: ::whispers:: Am I losing my sanity? ::looks down at her hands, and sees them trembling::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::finally sits back down, glancing at Damrok::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Feels the glance in his periphery and glances toward Davis::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Rests his hands on his armrests::  XO:  Any thoughts?
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::compresses a list of mine points from helm and tactical into a data packet and then forwards that to the Twilight::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::leans back::  CO: Nothing more than unbridled anxiety, I fear.
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: That would be wonderful. If you have a moment, I'm happy to talk to you whenever.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: Whenever you're able.  I'm happy to walk you through it.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
@COM: Claymore: Acknowledged, Claymore. Can you transmit your map?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Nods slightly::  XO:  Unnerving, without a doubt.  All of it.  ::Takes a cursory glance around the bridge::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO: Well... ::pauses for a moment, wondering if he should be more diplomatic, or at least choosy with his words, but he settles on no:: ...if nothing else, we can try to cause another temporal anomaly. 
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS2:  What kind of music do you listen to?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Smiles, blinking a few times::  XO:  I suppose that couldn't go all that much worse than it did the first try.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::nods and attaches the compressed data pack then sends it:: COM: Twilight: TCO: Datapack attached.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks to Davis, not quite sure whether he was being facetious just from tone::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::barely manages to stifle a grin::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::without breaking from her professional comms voice:: FCO: I only listen to improv Denobulan metal anymore.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Heads over to the replicator and orders another coffee double cream::
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: Wonderful, shall we step into my office?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Allows a muted chuckle and turns his head back to face the viewscreen::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS2: Huh... :: thinks :: isn't that atonal?
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: Quietly enters the bridge and walks over to auxiliary::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Looks over her shoulder.:: CMO: Absolutely.  ::Turns around and follows the CMO back into the office.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS5_PO1_K'Roll> ::checks over the comms channel carefully looking for evidence of data coming in from another source.::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::Nods::  TO:  Good to have you back on the bridge, Rain.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::watches the MO and CMO go away again and frowns slightly she really wanted to talk to someone about her medical file but...she supposes she can wait.::
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
CTO:  I completed the general check.  Nothing out of place or missing... nothing out of the ordinary :: pauses and lifts a brow::  You know what I mean.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Captain...  getting an intermittent contact on long range sensors...  shows up, fades out, then comes back.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::looks up as Tsela-Yokaze arrives on the bridge, then glances down at the console again, which has no fewer than four simulations running::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  Any sense of the identification?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::half-turns towards Hawk::
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: looks over the data::
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS2: Improving atonal isn't easy takes a ton of skill.  You have a favorite band?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::To sit or to stand...decides to stand so that she doesn't fall asleep again.::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Working on confirming identity, but plotting the blip, it looks like they're following us.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::watches the scrolling of the simulation that is analyzing their last encounter, looking for patterns::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::examines the CTO's sensor readings::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Nods::  CSO:  Ensign, is there any possibility we can further refine these readings?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: You ready for this?  ::Raises an eyebrow.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::perks up at Damrok's comments and looks at Sheva::
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
::follows Simmons into her office and shuts the door:: MO: Probably not. How bad is it?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: Bad...
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::still in professional operations mode:: FCO: I've been listening to a few lately. The Florian Crooners are worth listening to.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
CO: We can try narrowing the sensor bands, but at this distance, it's very unlikely to have any effect in this nebula.
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
::Stevens sits on a chair next to Simmons: MO: Lay it on me.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Takes a long sip of her coffee.::  CMO: Let's start with the fact that they regenerate – IF you can cut through their – almost exoskeleton.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::looks at Sheva::  CSO: Sorry Ensign, I missed the first part of this. What are you trying to refine exactly?
FCO_ULN_T’alin says:
OPS2: Florian Crooners... I'll have to note that.  
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: IF?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CSO:  I thought as much, but do what you can.  SOO:  Mister K'han, if you can lend any assistance, by all means.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: Listens as she checks status of various instruments.  As she lights on the shields, the computer informs her they are at full status, but currently down.  With a lifted brow she looks over at Sky::
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: You can't actually cut through the exoskeleton.  If you can get through it, then they regenerate.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::removes the last of the plugs from the comms array and nods to the Bynar pair as they leave.  Keeping their own network out of the vicinity of the array.:: CS: Ok, So I guess we are doing this.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> CO: Yes, Sir.  ::looks at Sheva again::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
SOO: Focusing the sensor arrays to get a better picture of Lieutenant Hawk's contact.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: It took a bone saw to cut through their “skin” if you want to call it that.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<CS_Ens_Tamiti> ::looks at the much shorter Ferengi.:: OPS: Of course, Sir.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::scrolls through two of the analyses to find the triangulation measure; he sends this to Sheva's console::
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: hearing a bleep, she turns and looks down.  Her questioning look turns to a frown as she reads the shields as being full and up, not down.  For a moment she stares at the screen::  CTO:  You think there are shield spirits?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::stands up and approaches Sheva's console::  CSO: I don't know if this will help, but one of the simulations I've been running has been trying to predict movements based on triangulated measures – distances and directions between at least three data points, etc.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::Grins::  TO:  Yep...  that's why you have a job!
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::brings up the computer screen showing the status of the comms array as he brings a few parts of it carefully online.::
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: sighs::  CTO:  I cannot decide if they love me or hate me.  :: reaches over and lightly taps the console.  As nothing happens, she shrugs and continues going over the readings.::

CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
TO:  I hear you...  that's why you are working the shields and I shoot stuff.  ::grins at her, then turns back to his console::
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: That's...concerning. I'm assuming phasers are not effective, then?
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: The array slowly starts to cycle online at Fong's urging, preliminary status check screens flickering past as subroutines are tested.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
CTO:  Did you ever consider they are sending a message that they want YOUR special touch?
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: Not at all.  Also, they are grown, not born.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::stands again::
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::looks over the data and wishes she had more time to give it careful peer review:: SOO: Sounds very promising ::thinks that's an understatement:: Let's try it. Take the lead. I'll support you with the calculations.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: fields a question from security::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> CSO: I'm wondering if we can use some of this to create sort of like a 'predictive filter' for the sensors. ::shrugs::  Like I said, I don't know if it does any good, but we have this data.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  The mystery pings are getting closer.  Still no positive ID, but we're starting to see a power signature.  Sensors show the power signature as extremely small.
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: Grown? As in...a lab?
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
TO:  Nope.  Not once.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Stands and turns to face tactical::  CTO:  Could you further elaborate on "extremely small"?
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Twilight alters course to move away from Claymore, heading to intercept tactical's pings.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::scans for the encryption trying to figure out where it is, what language it is in, or any hint about the corruption he saw earlier::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
::Frowns::  CO:  No detail yet...  just that the power signature is very small...  much smaller than I'd expect from a base ship, for example.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: That's my conjecture.  When I was digging around inside – everything – while not where they are supposed to be are all in the exact same spots, the exact same measurements apart from one another.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: wry humor in her voice::  CTO:  Perhaps you should.  :: makes a note to check on another new ensign in tactical::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  I see.  Perhaps it's one of their auxiliary craft?

Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO/CTO: Or they can mask or manipulate these signatures.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::Looks over her console scanning over the power settings, specifically checking power settings to shields.::
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Possibly.  Not enough detail on the signature yet, but the size is about right.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
::starts tapping away vigorously at her console:: SOO: I'm drawing inspiration from what you just said. Starfleet has a database of predictive algorithms we can use. We just have to modify the existing data to work with your method of triangulation. CO: Captain, we may have a way to get a better read on contacts in this nebula.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Also, Twilight is altering course to intercept.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::turns towards Damrok, but then quickly back to Sheva's console and the library she mentioned::
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  Understood.  Let's assume they've got that managed.  ::Turns instead toward science::  CSO:  Glad to hear it.  Keep me apprised.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
::Takes another long sip of her coffee.::
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze says:
:: Everything in standard working order, she sits back::
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
@COM: Claymore: Claymore, we're moving to intercept the Admiral's shuttle.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> COM: Twilight: Acknowledged.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> CO: The Twilight reports that they are moving to intercept the Admiral's shuttle.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
OPS2:  Acknowl– ::Twitches:: –what?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::looks at Deveraux and then back to Damrok::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::considers for a moment just repeating herself:: CO: The Twilight apparently moved off to intercept the admiral's shuttle, Sir.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO: What's that about?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks to Davis::  XO:  I was about to ask you.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
OPS2:  Please inquire what they mean by "the Admiral's shuttle."
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
::Stevens gets up and paces around the room:: MO: This certainly isn't great. I've seen firsthand what kind of damage they can inflict.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: We can't kill them by normal means or by any abnormal means that I can contrive.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO: I hope the admiral isn't running for dear life from something.

OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> COM: Twilight: TCO: Claymore to Twilight, requesting elaboration on meaning of “admiral's shuttle.”
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
XO:  As do I.  And that he would be in a shuttle to do it.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze_ says:
:: runs a general scan of the area::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> CSO: Anything yet?
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
@::Frowns slightly:: COM: Claymore: OPS2: The shuttle from Omega containing Admiral Xchden.
TO_Ens_Tsela-Yokaze_ says:
CTO:  I am not reading anything other than the shuttle... nothing artificial that is.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
TO:  Understood.  Can you confirm the number of people in the shuttle?
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::feels like she's just repeating things:: CO: They say it is a shuttle from the Omega with Admiral Xchden onboard.
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: Any kinds of powerful cognitive or psionic abilities?
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
::Looks to Davis again, not really wanting to say it out loud, but doesn't think there's any other conclusion::  XO:  Do you think we lost Omega?
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: The comms array continues its bootup sequence. Displays ready for input. Flickers. Then denies access. Fong stares at a blank screen.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::in a lower voice, concerned::  CO: That's my fear.
MO_Ens_Simmons says:
CMO: Nothing that I can know for sure.  It would be just a guess, and not a good one at that.
CTO_Lt_Hawk says:
CO:  Does the Twilight KNOW it's the Admiral in that shuttle or are they assuming?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
CO/CTO: Also a good question.
CSO_Ens_Sheva says:
SOO: Predictive algorithm is rough, but this is the best I can do in a short time. Let's try a test just aft of the Admiral's shuttle coordinates.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
CTO:  I would hope they've thought to consider that, but... OPS2:  Deveraux, ask whether they have confirmation that the admiral is aboard.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::nods, figuring this is as good a time as any, given the background chatter on the bridge right now::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::nods to himself and reaches down cutting off power into the communications array:: CS: Looks like we are going to have to reinstall base systems and work up from there.   Hopefully the system isn't corrupted on a hardware level.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::moves towards Deveraux's console, not wanting to hover but also feeling particularly anxious with this latest news::

OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> COM: Twilight: Claymore requests that Twilight verifies the Admiral's identity and presence on the shuttle.
Host TCO_Capt_Krys says:
@COM: Claymore: OPS2: Yeah, we've verified...but we're working on cross-verification. We'll let you know.
CMO_LtJG_Stevens says:
MO: Thank you, Simmons. I'll make sure we get this passed along. I really appreciate your hard work. It means a lot to me.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> CO: Twilight says they've verified and are working on cross-verification...Sir.  If you want the comm channel....
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
OPS2: Route it to my station, Ensign. I can manage it while we work this out.
Host CO_Cmdr_Damrok says:
OPS2:  Understood.  ::Nods to Davis::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::feeds the comm channel to the XO's station and then goes back to verifying the integrity of the channel::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::moves back to his chair and station, feeling he has something simple and tangible to do now, and thus a little more sense of purpose::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Twilight exits the nebula, shields at full as she comes in clear view of the shuttle, which is on final approach. Intercept in three minutes. Claymore's sensors begin to have difficulty maintaining a lock on Twilight.

=/\= END MISSION =/\=

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