21:00:29] <SM_James> Summary: Claymore receives their new orders, and preparations for departure begin immediately. Meanwhile, our wayward CTO has a mystery to pick at. Who attacked an unarmed freighter who, okay sure, wasn't supposed to be in the area? Space never felt so close.

[21:00:30] <SM_James> Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Balance of Power"

[21:00:30] <SM_James> Episode 3: "Standard Operating Procedure" (12209.24)

[21:02:36] <SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

[21:03:14] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::Steps back into the bridge, brushing off his uniform slightly and takes over for Mister Litoll::

[21:03:23] <SM_James> Scene: It's early into alpha shift, and as instructed, prelaunch preparations are well underway by all departments.

[21:03:30] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Riding the turbolift to the bridge, tugging once more at the collar of her uniform, the red ring around her neck somehow even more constricting than usual::

[21:04:21] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: In the engineering area on the freighter at a work desk::

[21:04:31] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::On Bridge, at Engineering Council, configuring Bridge access to the new, wargame settings while also double checking ship systems are still in the green.::

[21:04:55] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::already at the XO station; though whether that's out of habit or fear is anyone's guess::

[21:05:09] <CPO Talya Singh>  :: On the bridge, standard review of the system.::

[21:05:19] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::On the bridge at SCI 1.  Not that she hasn't been there before, but this is the first 'official' feeling time that she's had on the bridge.::

[21:05:40] <Sec PO3 Jinhai Lu> :: In engineering, roaming around with two of his team mates.::

[21:06:09] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: relieving Chief Veni at helm :: 

[21:06:16] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::scratches at his beard as he re-reads his briefing for the 49th time::

[21:06:18] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Checking the database on the system like the aCO asked for.::

[21:06:32] %<SM_James> Scene: All around the freighter, including engineering, activity remains high as repair and damage control efforts kick into gear. Or rather, resume their previously kicked gear. Sleep is a thing, after all.

[21:07:15] <CEO_Ens_Brax> aCO: Captain? If you have a minute, I have an idea that might help in the exercise. Might help, mind you.

[21:07:30] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::enters the bridge and walks purposefully to the Captain, even if he's in the wrong chair and everyone - and her as well - feel somewhat out of place::

[21:07:38] <CPO Talya Singh>  :: finishes the basics and looks up.::  CSO: Lieutenant Simmons.  When you have something, let me know.

[21:08:01] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks up, looking distracted and feeling that way too::  CEO: What'd you have in mind, Ensign?

[21:08:24] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::stands as Iza also approaches::

[21:08:48] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: Ignoring everything around them, she quietly opens a pouch with tools for delicate calibrations of equipment.::

[21:08:55] <CEO_Ens_Brax> aCO: First, let me preface this with an old saying on Trill. When you have a "good idea" it falls into one of two categories. One, something new and never thought of before. And Two, far more common, something tried and failed but not spectacularly enough to come to your attention.

[21:09:05] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps out onto the bridge, looking around....spots Davis at the XO's seat...and walks over toward the command center::

[21:09:06] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::closes her mouth as Brax spoke up first, and smiles as she nods at Davis::

[21:09:43] <CEO_Ens_Brax> aCO: But I was thinking, what if we, for lack of a better term, overwhelmed the Europa's sensors? Try to give ourselves a few seconds of "blind-spot"?

[21:09:50] <CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: Makes note of the counselor before turning to look back at Simmons.::

[21:10:19] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::smiles at the expression a little, it breaking some of the glacial ice he feels around himself right now with this whole situation::  CEO: How would you propose we do that?

[21:10:40] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Starts looking over the sector.  Debris fields, asteroid fields, nebula.  This is going to be hell on steroids....Looks up in time to see Singh looking at her.::

[21:11:25] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Sees the counselor heading toward Davis, and deflects her path a bit to take her around the command center, and toward Operations instead, approaching Fong::

[21:11:26] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks the departure time and flight schedule, forwarding it to helm so they are on the same page.::

[21:12:11] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> Singh:  Well, we've got debris fields, asteroid fields and a nebula rolled into one.

[21:12:19] <CEO_Ens_Brax> aCO: Well, each ship has codes built into their sensor signals that let the ship know "this is a reading you should pay attention to" when it hits the sensor back on the ship. What if we read their sensor code, built up a lot of "copies" to make the Europa's computer sort through a lot of garbage? It could effectively blind them.

[21:12:48] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS: Lieutenant...has our admiral come aboard yet?

[21:13:48] <HFI_CW3_Veni> :: finishes briefing T'alin, ignores the elephant in the conversation:: FCO: Well looks like you've got this in hand :: nods at the flight schedule flashing on console ::

[21:13:56] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::follows Raeyld's movements with the corner of her eyes while there's talk about how to win the wargames::

[21:14:03] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  CEO: Honestly, we're looking for any advantage we can develop here. ::pauses, seeing Iza--as well as Raeyld in the background::  I want you to bounce this idea off of Lieutenant Fong and see if we can build up a process to do this.

[21:14:22] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks the shipboard status:: aXO: Not yet, schedule says she will head our way in about 10

[21:14:23] <CPO Talya Singh> :: nods and turns to pull up the sensor data on a small screen.::  CSO: When you are finished... I will put it up on the main screen so we all have a general visual of it all.

[21:14:27] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> HFI: Thanks Chief.  I do.  

[21:14:46] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CEO: He may have some ideas on how to leverage that kind of approach.

[21:14:50] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> CEO: If I may? You wish to make sure the Europa can't do this ... thing you want to do, to us.

[21:14:51] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> Singh: Sounds good.  Let me look through the cartography and I will shoot it your way.

[21:15:02] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Smiles but then tries to keep a straight face.:: aCO: Yes, yes Sir. Thank you for considering it.

[21:15:29] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: As she worked, she made herself breath.  She realized she was being more cautious then usual.  Probably due to the fact replacement of specialty items would not be easy.::

[21:15:42] <HFI_CW3_Veni> FCO: Great, if that's all.  I have to go prep for M'irl's next checkride.  We're doing acrobatics today.

[21:15:45] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods at Iza's suggestion; closing off one avenue of attack or disruption would surely be a benefit for them::

[21:16:05] <CEO_Ens_Brax> CNS: Well, that is a side of this idea I hadn't considered yet, but I was hoping to do it to them, honestly. We could put up defenses against it. Which is another way this could go wrong.

[21:16:20] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> HCI: She'll love that... artificial gravity seems to have fun with Caitian balance in unusual attitudes.

[21:16:39] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> CEO: I wouldn't know, I don't know one end of a hyperspanner to the other ::shrugs:: But, still.

[21:16:42] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Finishes off collating the various regions and their potential issues and send the info to the Tactical Officer for her to disseminate as she sees fit.::  Singh: Coming your way.

[21:16:43] <HFI_CW3_Veni> FCO: Yep, should be a blast.  If I could only get her mouth to stop working.

[21:16:47] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CEO/CNS: Perhaps those two things go together in the process: The attack, but also the defense for this approach.

[21:17:07] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: lets out a small chuckle ::

[21:17:19] <CPO Talya Singh> :: continues to work the console, everything placed in a familiar pattern she preferred.::

[21:17:57] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::feels like chuckling but that surely is because someone is::

[21:17:58] <CPO Talya Singh> CSO:  I have it.  Creating an overlay now.

[21:18:01] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::still going through pre launch checks, speaking over his shoulder:: CEO: How are you planning on generating the sensor noise?

[21:18:09] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS: Got it, thank you. If... ::Pauses a moment:: ...if you think of something, let me know. ::Sees Brax approaching and offers a quick smile and nod her direction:: CEO: Ensign.  ::Starts toward Davis::

[21:20:05] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sees Raeyld coming, but really, he just can't feel any more awkward right now than he already does--this having nothing to do with anyone else here::

[21:20:05] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  ::finished, she closes the box and carefully places each tool back into its little space. Standing up, she places the tricorder on her side belt before taking the tools and heading for the engineer she borrowed them from.::

[21:20:05] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> aCO: I'm sure I can accompany Ensign Brax until she kicks me out. Did you need anything else, sir?

[21:20:33] <HFI_CW3_Veni> :: nods, the older Orion , still lookin like she's a fly 20's turns and heads for the lift ::

[21:20:46] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CNS: Yes, Lieutenant, a couple things.  ::pauses, briefly trying to recall the last time he spoke with a counselor that wasn't command or court-required::  

[21:21:39] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CNS: Given the abruptness of this change, I'm a little concerned with how that's going to go over with the crew--and, frankly, how I'm going to deal with all of this myself.

[21:22:01] <CPO Talya Singh> :: After a moment, she looks up and over toward Davis.:: aCO:  The overlay of the area for the screen is ready.

[21:22:51] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Well, we have a bunch of sensor pallets and probe components in ship stores. If we hard wire a bunch of those through the Navigational deflector, record their scans for a few seconds to get their ID codes, then copy them into the sensor parts and flood subspace with them.

[21:23:10] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Pauses near Davis, waiting for an appropriate lull in the conversation::

[21:23:57] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::nods pensively:: aCO: That's understandable. I can offer you what I know, and what I feel... which is usually what everyone else is feeling ::turns to smile at Raeyld:: aXO: Shall we sit for a minute?

[21:24:48] <SM_James> ACTION: OPS is informed by DS3 that the admiral is enroute, only a moment before security is informed that she is requesting boarding clearance.

[21:24:49] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: Having returned to the tools with a heartfelt thank you, she makes her way to her temporary lab... the kitchen.::

[21:25:03] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods assuredly::  CNS: I'd like to find a time very soon, if we can.  ::looks at Raeyld, then back to Iza::

[21:25:04] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::considers:: CEO: Given the...density of the area we are flying into I don't think taking navigational deflector offline is the best idea. We could rout it to.... sorry.

[21:25:18] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Smiles briefly to Iza:: CNS: I'd like that. But, uh... ::Seizes the moment:: aCO: With your permission, I'll go see the admiral gets safely aboard.  ::Glances back to Iza a moment::

[21:25:37] <CPO Talya Singh> :: Does a check on the request and individual.  Then gives clearance for boarding.::

[21:25:43] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods to Raeyld::

[21:25:44] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> aXO: Admiral McKenzy is in ro...at the arilock

[21:26:23] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::To Iza:: CNS: Would you like to come along? Perhaps we could walk, instead of sit?   ::Nods to Fong:: OPS: Thank you, Lieutenant.

[21:27:20] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::bites her lower lip to avoid smiling:: aXO: I thought you wished to postpone talking to me indeterminately, and we'd pretend I don't notice. Sure, let's go meet the Admiral.

[21:27:40] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: kinda going through the motions at the moment.  He knows he's very tactically savy and could possibly help with what's coming, but is it really that important. ::

[21:27:48] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks between the two of them, for the briefest of moments interested in the backstory of Iza's remark::

[21:27:49] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::glances at Davis:: aXO: Just rest assured this crew has your back, sir.

[21:28:02] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Starts zooming in on the asteroid field.  Takes note of the bigger asteriods and any particular qualities that they might be able to use to their advantage.::

[21:28:45] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::turns back to the problem:: CEO: If we want to overwhelm their computer we could just rig the probes we have in stores to transmit or broadcast uncalibrated sensor data on subspace.

[21:28:51] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Smiles, almost ingratiatingly for a moment, but quickly remembers to tone it down, into something merely pleasant:: CNS: Let's go then. I doubt the Admiral will have much patience at the air lock.

[21:29:39] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Probes would work. I thought we could direct it past the Navigational array but using probes would be far simpler. To set up and implement during the operation.

[21:29:47] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::nods and starts for the lift, then stops:: aXO: I don't know which airlock.

[21:29:57] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns around, finding himself now awkward and alone on the Bridge; he drifts over towards Science::

[21:30:06] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: At her make-shift area, she begins a scan of the residue they had collected from the damage::

[21:31:30] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::approaches Simmons::  CSO: Finding anything worth noting, Lieutenant?

[21:31:35] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Waves a hand toward the turbolift, walking in and turning to face Iza:: CNS: I've got it. ::Pulls a PADD from her pocket::

[21:32:24] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: All we'd need is a way to set the probes with the correct codes so the Europa sensors think they belong, but that's like a 2 second job in the battle, max.

[21:32:28] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> CEO: The Claymore has a pretty advanced electronic warfare kit.  Europa's should be similar. I'd say once we are underway run some holo-simulations to check how much traffic we would need.

[21:33:21] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> aXO: That's great. I would have taken you anywhere. I felt I knew perfectly where to go ::wrinkles her nose::

[21:33:30] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks up:: aCO: Well we've got a number of decent sized asteroids  in the belt.  Some several kilometers across.   There are a bunch of medium sized ones, and tons of  smaller ones that should disintegrate when the hit the shields.

[21:34:26] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> aCO: I haven't even begun looking at the debris fields or the nebula yet.

[21:34:43] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::probably should be relieved by this report, but part of him was hoping there was some crazy epic anomaly in the area that would wreak havoc on everyone and everything::  CSO: Okay, so early on yet.

[21:34:47] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Yes, I will do that. Fairly straight forward defense for this attack would be to randomize our codes the way our Phasers and Shields do automatically. Would take some coordination, but should be effective. If it didn't bog down the computer with the extra processing too much.

[21:34:51] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Her eyes twitch slightly above the bridge of her nose and her head tilts slightly, but she orders the turbolift to the appropriate airlock and watches the doors slide closed:: CNS: So, what can I do for you, Counselor?

[21:35:07] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Half grins.:: aCO: Yes, Sir.  You could say that.

[21:36:15] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: getting the base set, she makes her way to the control center of the freighter.::

[21:36:22] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Do we know yet how long we have before the games begin?

[21:36:23] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: lost in thought, hears electronic warfare stuffs and pops out:: CEO/OPS: You know who might be able to help a little bit is Ms. Priax.  She's pretty darn good with that stuff.

[21:36:28] @<ADM_McKenzy> ::more out of respect for Claymore's crew than protocol, waits just outside the airlock for her escorts, having left sector command other chief of staff temporarily::

[21:36:56] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> aXO: Well, it's not that I need you to do anything in particular. But I'm supposed to have a chat with all of the bridge crew and ::her eyes meet Raeyld's:: you don't look forward to it. Is it something to do with me in particular, or the situation in general?

[21:37:04] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> CEO: In my experience, if we suddenly started getting an overwhelming number of transmissions from friendly probes I'd kill communications.  As I understand it we will need to maintain communications to track 'hits', so that option is off the table.

[21:37:29] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CSO: Feed what you get to Tactical and we'll piece it together as we go along--Tactical sounded like they were having a look at that region of space, too.

[21:37:37] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: waiting at the airlock for the command staff or however is meeting the admiral::

[21:37:51] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> CEO: You'll want to ask helm about that, he'll have a better idea once we clear dock.

[21:38:02] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks back across the Bridge::  CPO: Sorry to keep you waiting--let's put that visual on screen for a moment.

[21:38:45] <CEO_Ens_Brax> FCO: Thank you, I'll check with her. OPS: It's not the comms we'll be going after the sensors. Hoping we can cause a bit of a "blind-spot" to give us a few seconds to pull off a move if needed.

[21:39:35] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CEO: Yeah, just make sure it doesn't monkey around with ours or at least give us a heads up.  She’s one of yours.

[21:39:46] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::pauses and tilts his head:: CEO: Explain your idea again, I'm missing something.

[21:39:54] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Shakes her head slightly, staring past the closed doors for a moment:: CNS: Really just that..I was eager to have an excuse off the bridge. ::Takes a beat and a breath, then looks back to Iza with a small smile:: Afterall, I did invite you along.

[21:40:08] <CPO Talya Singh>  ::Looks up with a lifted brow but says nothing as she makes adjustments.::

[21:40:35] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> aCO: Sir?  When you have a minute, I found something interesting.

[21:41:05] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: OK, we use our sensors to figure out what codes they are tagging their scans with. The ones that let their computer and sensors not get overwhelmed by every sensor on every ship near them. Then we replicate that code in our scanners, or probes as you suggested, and overwhelm their sensors processing systems.

[21:41:39] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::doubles back towards Simmons::  CSO: What is it?

[21:41:57] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: arriving at the command area, she nods a greeting and makes her way over to what amounted to the tactical console.  There she hooks up her tricorder for more sensor readings.::

[21:42:25] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> aXO: I appreciate it. I don't get to see Admirals up close so often ::smirks:: Do you feel unsettled? Everyone has the past few days. It will get better.

[21:43:11] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> aCO: So some of the asteroids have an interesting metallic alloy that will easily play with sensors.  So once we're in the area, I could easily pinpoint which ones.  It'll just take some fancy flying by the FCO to get us close to them.  Now granted that will also mess with our sensors.  I'll do my best to find a work around, but I thought you should know.

[21:43:44] <ADM_McKenzy> ACTION: The turbolift arrives without incident at the requested airlock. And with all passengers intact, even.

[21:44:18] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> aXO: Of course, right now I actually feel impatient and I don't like to wait, but in fact I never mind, so it's someone else ::glances at the security officer and guesses it's not her either::

[21:44:42] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::with his back towards the bulkhead, he leans slightly as he crosses his arms, thinking::  CSO: I wonder if these asteroids could be put into play with Ensign Brax's idea even--just to give us a few extra seconds where Europa can't get a good sensor lock on us, and free us up to do some damage.

[21:45:11] <FCO_SubLT_T`alin> CSO: Fancy flying ehh.

[21:45:25] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: nods to Raeyld and the counselor.::

[21:45:29] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, more to himself than anything, liking at least one of these ideas::  CSO: Coordinate with Sub-Lieutenant T'alin and let's see if we can develop a few maneuvers, once we plot out the locations of these asteroids enough to do so.

[21:46:21] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> FCO: Well, only some people can pull something like that off.  Maybe we should get Lawrence up here?  ::Amusement in her voice.::

[21:46:42] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> aCO: We might be able to use that.

[21:47:38] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> aCO: Will do, Sir.  FCO: We get to coordinate.  ::Smirk::

[21:47:47] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  FCO/CSO: Any ideas we can muster here are in play. The word is this is going to be a challenge.

[21:47:56] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: Finished, she runs the information through her database.  While that is in process, she pulls up the flight plans she had asked for,::

[21:48:35] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> :;drifts back towards the center of the Bridge, not necessarily avoiding the two of them but also not wanting to let the stink of command linger there for too long::

[21:48:41] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Brows flicker once, then solidify:: CNS: Sometimes.   ::Brow softens as the doors slide open, and she smiles warmly:: The admiral awaits.  ::Steps out of the turbolift and toward the airlock, looking for the admiral::

[21:48:46] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CSO: I see what you did there.  And yes, she'd be able to.  CSO/XO: Well Sir.  The way I see it.  It's us, and them.  And I am better than them.  Not worried.

[21:49:02] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::bounces a bit on her toes, overskirt rustling and curls bouncing as she clasps her hands:: Sec PO1: Is the Admiral here?

[21:49:43] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> CNS:  Yesm ma'am.  She is politely waiting.

[21:50:27] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara>  :: nods toward the entry way.::

[21:50:52] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::mutters "and impatiently" at Abara as she lets her hands fall to her side in order to stand straighter::

[21:50:58] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::nods and considers it:: CEO: Sorry, right. Might as well have the probes transmit the data back at the Europa and hit their comms while we are at it. We will want to get underway shortly. How is your departure checklist?

[21:52:07] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: quietly::  OK... so, everything looks normal.  :: swishes her fingers across the screen for the next one.::  OK... as I thought, the freighter is not officially listed on this flight path... not surprising given the situation.

[21:53:25] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Ship is ready for departure, and the modifications for the Wargames will be done shortly. Actually was up here to input the process on the Bridge.

[21:53:32] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::moves towards the FCO's station, studying the diagram on the screen::

[21:54:58] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: With a swipe she brings up the last data set. As she reads through it, she frowns.::  Capt Cyrna:  Captain... :: looks over her shoulder::  If I can have a moment?

[21:55:03] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Walks up to the Admiral and attends:: ADM: Admiral.

[21:56:44] <ADM_McKenzy> ::her eyes take in first Raeyld, then Iza, then the security officer, all 3 of whom are quickly assessed before Raeyld gets a nod:: aXO: Commander. How go the launch preparations?

[21:57:12] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze>  :: at the sound of a small ping, she looks down at her tricorder.  She schools her face.::

[21:57:29] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Phaser and Torpedo prep is mostly going through the communication systems. Just need to double check the settings at each input, and teams are already starting through the checklists.

[21:57:42] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Feels a small tickle in the back of her brain:: ADM: On schedule. Would you like to proceed to the bridge or stop by your quarters?

[21:58:19] %<Capt_Cyrna> ::turns to head for the chief tactical officer:: CTO: Lieutenant. How may I assist?

[21:58:37] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns back and approaches the CO's chair, looking towards Tactical::  CPO: Any thoughts on engaging Europa? On the off-chance you are an expert on Starfleet-to-Starfleet vessel combat?

[21:58:37] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: As the group moves, he steps in behind them.::

[21:59:42] <ADM_McKenzy> aXO: The bridge will be fine, commander. Once you've seen one guest quarters, you've seen them all. ::smiles just slightly:: If we're ready, then let's have it.

[22:00:05] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze> Capt Cyrna: Some info.  As expected, our flight path is not registered.  No one should know we are here.  For the next three days, there are no ships listed to be in this area or path.

[22:01:31] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::exchanges a knowing glance with Abara, as if the word "impatient" was etched on her forehead::

[22:01:42] %<Capt_Cyrna> CTO: This is not a heavily trafficked region of space. Likely due to the... increased competition to which we were introduced previously.

[22:01:49] <CPO Talya Singh> ::wryly::  aCO:  As is my counterpart.  There is nothing more challenging then fighting against someone who knows all the standard moves.  And like myself, they will try to throw in something off the wall.

[22:01:54] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: snarky tone:: ALL: As if Starfleet vessels are state-of-the-art...

[22:02:43] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances between the security officer and the counselor, and pivots slightly, waving back toward the turbolift:: ADM: Then right this way, Admiral.

[22:03:00] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::smiles a little, knowing part of the challenge here is avoiding a situation where you out-think or over-think yourself::  CPO: Yes, I'm wondering how we might do that to them, too.

[22:03:21] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::offers Raeyld a discreet thumbs up as she falls into step behind her and the Admiral::

[22:04:04] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::looks over at the helmsman:: FCO: I heard a rumor the other day about where the Romulans got their first cloaking devices.  I heard that they bought them from the Ferengi.

[22:04:32] <ADM_McKenzy> ::falls in step easily beside Raeyld, and enroute, decides she really needs to do this getting off the station thing more often::

[22:04:51] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze> Capt Cryna: So in fact, we really have nothing to rely on officially.  Then there is another... issue.  The signature of the  weapons that fired on this ship were Federation.  And not old weapons either... these are new,,, in that they only recently came out.

[22:05:36] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Goes back into entering the codes for putting the ship's weapons into "Wargame Mode".::

[22:05:47] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Leads the way into the turbolift, mentally preparing her next reason to leave the bridge::

[22:06:01] <CPO Talya Singh> aCO: By waiting.  Let them make the first move.  Keep the shields at maximum.  Once they start, I will have an idea of which... path, if you will, to follow.

[22:06:02] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> OPS: That's why they call that a rumor, but the first one was a huge power hog. But made for fun tactics.

[22:06:39] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: quietly just follows::

[22:06:40] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods in an understanding way--although that does sound a lot like, "I'll do stuff when they do stuff...and stuff."::

[22:08:34] %<Capt_Cyrna> ::considers this for a long moment:: CTO: I am uncertain as to the precise significance, to this vessel, of that information. Are you able to enlighten me?

[22:09:01] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> ALL: Looking forward to getting this done and over with.  Europa should be an easy mop up.  What are we waiting on?

[22:09:40] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  FCO: Admiral McKenzy, to be precise. 

[22:10:11] <ADM_McKenzy> ::steps over to the opposite side of the lift, as though to allow Raeyld her space but also, really, to allow herself the few moments to get used to being shipside again... yeah, way too long::

[22:10:25] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: nods :: ALL: Ahh the Flag rank lobotomy.   Think they're the dollar waiting on the dime when it's really the other way around...

[22:10:30] <CPO Talya Singh> :: lifts a brow at Davis as well as a slight smile as she continues altering the overlay::

[22:10:38] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Takes her place in the turbolift, waits for the others to do so as well, then orders the bridge::

[22:11:00] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checking through systems status:: aCO: Do you know if the flight wing will be taking part in the war game?

[22:11:36] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> aCO: ahh yeah I had the same question...

[22:11:43] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks to Fong::  OPS/FCO: I don't see why it wouldn't. I haven't received a specific directive forbidding its use, so, to me, they are fair game.

[22:12:32] <ADM_McKenzy> ACTION: The lift arrives without issue on deck 1, depositing acting XO, admiral, counsellor and security escort.

[22:12:38] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Concentrates harder on entering the code to avoid checking in on this "debate". Then sees an opening.:: CO/ OPS/ FCO: Could be what we use the sensor blackout for, to launch them. Assuming the blackout works, of course.

[22:12:54] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela_Yokaze> Capt Cyrna:  The basic thing it means, is we are not in any condition to go against whoever they were.  We were lucky this last time... I think.  They knew exactly where to hit us.  But then the question is, why did they run?  Obviously they were not after your freight.  Maybe they were trying to stall us?  But who is they?  :: talking more to herself at the moment.::

[22:13:06] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> OPS/aCO: Nothing wrong with giving a couple of the fighters the Claymores IFF code, on top of the probes AND the asteroids... 

[22:13:24] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns and nods at Brax, then catches sight of the turbolift opening::

[22:13:54] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::follows the senior officers out of the lift and stalls to a side, considering the Admiral is probably going to need her place, one she isn't used to sitting on yet::

[22:14:01] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: Admiral on the Bridge

[22:14:06] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CEO: that makes a lot of sense.  Sensor blackout, then they're tracking the wrong claymore.

[22:14:21] <CPO Talya Singh> :: straightens up::

[22:14:26] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Comes to attention.  Doctors never had to do this::

[22:14:34] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps out onto the bridge and to the other wise of the turbolift doors, across from Iza, similarly keeping her distance from the command center for the time being::

[22:14:40] <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: takes his place near the entrance.::

[22:14:56] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Turns to the Turbolift and comes to attention, throwing up a salute; unsure if it is protocol or not.::

[22:15:03] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: pokes at the screen a few more times before looking up... gets up slowly ::

[22:15:24] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::comes to what passes as attention these days::

[22:16:07] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::having seen the admiral on the bridge before he presses his hand to his ear checking traffic status, he catches sight of the CO coming to attention out of the corner of his eye and gives an almost invisible sigh before standing and shambling to attention::

[22:16:18] <ADM_McKenzy> ::just shakes her head, looking mildly amused:: All: I never understood that rule. At ease. ::dips a nod toward the command center:: Commander.

[22:16:57] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Goes back to her scans.::

[22:17:06] <CPO Talya Singh> :: returns to her work::

[22:17:07] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: at ease it is, as easily as it took her to get to the bridge all of forever...::

[22:17:09] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::moves more towards the center::  ADM: Welcome aboard, Admiral.

[22:17:19] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: continues back to what they were planning ::

[22:17:27] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::turns and resumes preparing for power change and systems handover::

[22:17:56] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nervously turns back to her station, minimizing the coding to give a final check to ship's systems and ensuring the ship is ready to resume under its own power.::

[22:19:19] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Begins a mental countdown::

[22:19:23] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::steals a glance at the aXO, then ambles towards the Engineering station and Ensign Brax::

[22:19:38] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CSO: Give me the asteroid with the most mass with that element...

[22:19:45] <ADM_McKenzy> ::moves further onto the bridge, pausing just beyond the command center and not looking to steal anyone's seat just yet:: aCO: Thank you, commander Davis. Is the Claymore launch ready?

[22:20:00] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> FCO: I can, but it will be in a different position once we get there, unless that doesn't matter.

[22:20:15] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  ADM: It is.

[22:21:02] <CEO_Ens_Brax> OPS: Engines ready to take over power needs. Fusion reactors fully powered up, Matter/ Antimatter reactors primed and ready to fire up to full.

[22:21:13] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CSO: We can calculate that with the other bodies of mass. :: winks :: CSO: Computers...and a great Science officer...

[22:21:20] <@ADM_McKenzy> aCO: Then at your convenience, let's get underway.

[22:22:03] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CEO/OPS: You guys hearing what we're putting down right?  

[22:22:28] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Chuckles::  FCO: Requested info coming your way.

[22:22:38] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::looks interested at the console, careful not to get into Brax's way::

[22:22:43] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::just stares at the FCO, waiting for the word to be given::

[22:22:46] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Does a quick headcount of the bridge crew::

[22:22:51] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns forward::  FCO: Sub-Lieutenant T'alin, request permission to depart. Once received, retract all moorings.

[22:23:22] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> aCO: Aye sir.  OPS: Clearance request.

[22:23:23] <CEO_Ens_Brax> FCO: I believe so, should help with the idea. ::Really hopes it works now after all this discussion.::

[22:25:01] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::presses the single button that transmits the request for departure clearance he recorded twenty four minutes ago::

[22:25:39] <ADM_McKenzy> ACTION: Clearance is granted by sector command directly, and not by DS3 operations.

[22:25:48] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::is certain this will work out fantastically, but of course it's someone projecting their feelings on her, for the console is most probably displaying information in some kind of obscure runic alphabet she's yet to discover::

[22:25:53] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::sits back, waiting for the response:: FCO: Clearance granted.

[22:26:09] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sits down, somewhat awkwardly, in the CO's chair::

[22:27:00] <ADM_McKenzy> ::just watches as Davis sits, and manages - somehow - to keep the smile off her face, before her attention shifts to observing the ship's overall launch progress::

[22:27:08] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> CEO: yep cool ideas Brax.  OPS: Thank you.  :: fingers dance on console, moves to collective :: aCO: We are free of the station clamps and under our own power.

[22:28:38] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> FCO: Maneuvering thrusters. Take us back 500 km from the station.

[22:28:51] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks that the automated power transfer didn't miss any sections.::

[22:28:55] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> aCO: Maneuvering thrusters.  Taking us out.

[22:28:57] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Waits::

[22:29:21] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::her attention shifts towards the flight console, now that one she does understand at least::

[22:29:23] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::waits; it's not patient, and it's not comfortable, but time does seem to pass--maybe?::

[22:29:47] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Watches the engine condition as they come to life. Smiles, seeing this happen for the first time on this ship.::

[22:29:49] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> Claymore: one more time girl.  We got this.  Europa may be younger, but she doesn't have your beauty. 

[22:30:02] <ADM_McKenzy> ACTION: Claymore reaches the station's outer marker.

[22:30:04] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::checks the orders, one last time:;

[22:30:07] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Finally approaches the command center once more:: aCO: Now that we're getting underway, I'd like to check in with Doctor Stevens and sickbay. Unless you have anything further...?

[22:30:36] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: loves his ship with a little junk in the trunk ::

[22:30:38] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::ignores her::  FCO: Set a heading 341 mark 274, Sub-Lieutenant. Warp Factor 7.

[22:30:46] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::exhales::  FCO: Engage.

[22:31:15] <FCO_SubLT_T’alin> :: brings claymore about and hits it ::

[22:32:12] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::Really wants to correct the sub-lieutenant about the relative age of the Europa and Claymore's space frames.  He decides not to and just lets the other man be wrong.  Fong thinks he has grown::

[22:32:32] <CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Smiles as the engines come to life, feeling the ship "sing". This is what it was all about.::

[22:32:52] %<Capt_Cyrna> CTO: The tactic is indeed quite unusual. The pattern appears to consistently be to overpower their target's shields, remove anything of value, and then leave the area before a reaction can be mustered.

[22:32:59] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns and nods to Raeyld::

[22:33:16] <CNS_LtJG_Iza> ::looks at the screen, deliberately ignoring Raeyld's next escape and embraces the feelings of anticipation and wonder::

[22:33:26] <aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods back, and exits into the turbolift::

[22:34:42] <ADM_McKenzy> ACTION: Claymore's warp engines engage, and in seconds, DS3 and the events that transpired therein are but a memory. And now, the games begin.

[22:34:51] <ADM_McKenzy> =/\= END MISSION =/\=