[21:03:08] <SM_James> Summary: Claymore's away team is deposited on a freighter, dead in space. The corridor in which they materialize is busy, but not chaotic. Tense, but not stressed. Determination is almost palpable, but not desperation. They're living events, but those events are past. And on Claymore, the remaining crew works at identifying just precisely what those events are. Was the attack on the 

[21:03:09] <SM_James> CTO's own freighter a warning, or did Claymore just step in it?

[21:03:09] <SM_James> Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Balance of Power"

[21:03:09] <SM_James> Episode 5: "Signs of Imbalance" (12210.08)

[21:03:19] <SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

[21:04:29] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::Looks around the corridor, attempting to orient himself to the factory blueprint that Cawney had sent::

[21:04:43] @<SM_James> Scene: Even in the corridor, evidence a-plenty exists that the freighter's various systems took a pounding. Exposed conduit showing burned out circuitry, scarring on the hull where weapons fire didn't pass through.

[21:05:54] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::At Sci 1 trying to tease out what happened here while keeping a close eye on LRS and SRS.:;

[21:06:10] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Pulling out a Tricorder, trying to stay with Commander Raeyld while seeing if the Tricorder can tell what the ship's crew is running from.::

[21:06:22] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::not pacing, but not exactly rooted to a spot on the Bridge either; he's had a few moments at least to consider what he just set in motion and it isn't exactly agreeing with him::

[21:06:26] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Has simply trusted her innate sense of direction on an entirely unfamiliar vessel, and "taken the lead" by pointing the crew one direction down the large hall that seems most likely to contain people standing still and knowing what's going on:: CEO: Any signs of failing breach forcefields?  SEC: Any signs of hostile forces?  CMO: Life signs?

[21:07:36] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Runs a scan for different kinds of temporal anomalies as they've encountered those a lot lately.::

[21:08:16] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::on the bridge at operations, monitoring the away team's location::

[21:08:36] <MOPS_LtJg_Gulash> ::arrives on the Bridge and sets up shop at Mission Operations without any fanfare--not that he really ever demands or needs much fanfare anyway::

[21:08:57] <Xi'Bray> ::Still waiting in the TR in case they are needed.::

[21:10:12] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shakes head.:: aXO: Ship looks beat, but stable.  Once we get a bead on what's going on I'd like to get a look at their power systems to ensure they keep their rigged repairs functional, Sir. When it is deemed safe, obviously.

[21:10:31] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks the tricorder's positioning of them, its internal mapping software, the 'compass' that just points to the Claymore's transponder, and the sensor feed from the Claymore, using a PADD and Tricorder to look at the info::

[21:11:31] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CEO: Can you get a sense of in which direction the engines are?

[21:11:45] @<Sec PO2 Amara Adebowale> aXO: Not that we see... ::weapon in hand with Abara keeps close to the group.::

[21:12:21] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::While waiting on the temporal scans, starts running various astrometric anomalous scans . . . gravimetric distortions. . .::

[21:13:11] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Switches to a PADD and pulls a basic ship diagram from Starfleet records.:: aXO: Shouldn't be too hard, checking now.

[21:14:11] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::shifts about, briefly looking towards Science before turning inward again::

[21:14:43] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Not yet getting the sense they're under any imminent danger, she slows the group's pace to a brisk walk, still in the same direction her instincts say might lead to the bridge:: OPS: How are coms?

[21:15:40] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks the signal from the Claymore as well, opening another tab on his PADD::

[21:15:41] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Doesn't even see the CO's look as her eyes are glued to her readouts.::

[21:15:51] %<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze>  :: The area was sort of a quiet space for the crew.  It was small.  Ironically, it had a few old fashion text books and a few paintings... the paintings probably from one of the crew.  But most importantly, it had a window that looked out into space and it had silence.::

[21:16:33] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> aCO: Area is still clear beyond the freighter.

[21:16:49] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> aXO: Communication channel still showing good.

[21:17:03] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Nods.:: aXO: Found it, Commander. One level down, and a couple meters behind. Looks like the lower level is half engines, half freight. Should be easy to get there, unless they had to jury rig a repair that blocks it.

[21:18:09] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> OPS: Excellent. Can you pinpoint the origin of the signal we originally spoke with? CEO: Once we find someone in charge, we'll get you connected with their repair crews for an evaluation.

[21:18:33] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> SEC: Got it. Continue to keep an eye out. I...I don't quite like this.

[21:18:51] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::almost misses this, but stops and looks back to Toltecatl Atzin::   Tac: Thank you Petty Officer. Keep at it--and if anything you're scanning or seeing seems interesting or importing, connect with Lieutenant Simmons and share. I'm not sure what we're looking for or what we'll find yet, so anything might be important.

[21:19:01] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> aXO: They should be in the vicinity of the bridge.  Unless they moved over the last few minutes.

[21:19:04] @<SM_James> Info: The bridge entry is approximately 50 feet away.

[21:19:15] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Nods as she starts getting something from her sensors, not that it's incredibly helpful, but it's a start.::

[21:19:15] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::moves towards Operations::

[21:19:40] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Gestures in the direction they're headed:: OPS: This way?

[21:19:46] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::looks over her console, trying to look extra busy as the captain approaches.

[21:20:18] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> aXO: Understood, Commander. Would be rude to just jump in and start taking their ship apart without an invite.

[21:20:18] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: So I do have something interesting.

[21:20:23] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::checks his maps:: aXO: About fifteen meters.

[21:20:53] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Allows herself a small smile:: CEO: At least while they're all still conscious.  OPS: Great, let's go.

[21:20:55] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::draws up to Cawney's right::  OPS3: Chief, they are likely going to work on this, but if the away team can get ahold of the ship's sensor logs, flight plans--really anything, that might prove useful for us.

[21:21:05] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks up towards Simmons::  CSO: What is it?

[21:21:36] @<SM_James> ACTION: A row of lights in the corridor suddenly blink on. They flicker slightly, then stabilize.

[21:21:44] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: This was actually the work of several ships in tandem.  At least three, but maybe four, and this happened around 18 hours ago.

[21:23:02] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Picks up the pace down the corridor toward the freighter's bridge::

[21:23:30] @<SM_James> ACTION: As the lights stabilize, the away team reaches - and, given the lack of a closed/secured entrance, is granted extraordinarily easy access to--the bridge.

[21:23:37] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::swallows, in an awkward way despite having the hunch that this was more than a one-on-one engagement; he straightens up for a second, able to keep his back off the bulkhead to the right of Operations::  CSO: Can we ascertain whose ships? Or at least whether the three or four vessels are of the same type?

[21:23:52] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Keeps up with the aXO as best as possible.::

[21:24:44] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Makes remarkable speed despite her short stature, and similarly in despite of it, feels the need to duck slightly while stepping onto the freighter's bridge, looking for their contact person:: Bridge: We're here from the Claymore.

[21:24:46] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: nods::

[21:24:47] <OPS3_CPO_Cawney> ::nods:: aCO: I'll have someone standby to skim the logs, sir.

[21:24:48] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Different type of vessels, but with eighteen hour old warp signatures and the weapons signatures degraded so much, I can't tell you which kinds.

[21:25:14] <MOPS_LtJg_Gulash>  ::monitors away team locations and communications, the former done visually on his screen::

[21:25:26] @<Sec PO2 Amara Adebowale>  & <Sec PO1 Imari Abara> :: one on each side of the entrance, eyes quickly taking in the scene.::

[21:25:43] @<SM_James> Scene: Several personnel appear to be manning stations, though those stations seem to be in various states of functioning - it might be best to say some of those personnel manning stations are doing more repairing them than working them.

[21:26:02] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::steps into the bridge behind the XO, and moves to the right, intentionally spreading the group out::

[21:26:15] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, disappointed but always the likely answer to the question given the time frame::  CSO/Tac: We'll have to see if the away team can lift sensor logs or other details from the freighter and fill in some blanks for us.

[21:27:20] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks up without raising her head - since she wears glasses, she is looking at him over her glasses:: CO: That's going to be our most sure source of information, assuming they are willing to share it.

[21:27:31] @<SM_James> ACTION: One of the crew, the one - the only one, at the minute - closest to the command center, seems to respond to Raeyld's callout. HE quickly turns, eyes sharp, and scans the group before approaching. The look of him would seem to indicate that he has not been mobile for long.

[21:28:23] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Catches this motion and offers her hand as the crewmember approaches:: Person: Do--  ::Winces:: Commander Raeyld, USS Claymore. How can we help?

[21:28:50] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Stays a half step back, letting the Senior Officers make contact. Links PADD to Claymore sensors to try and start triaging repairs a bit while Commander Raeyld sorts out the situation.::

[21:29:09] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin>  :: sends a note to the away team for the sensor logs.::

[21:30:32] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::hears a ping and furrows his brow then sends his tricorder's sensor log back to the Tactical officer::

[21:31:44] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: lifts a brow... that was fast.  Looks thought what Fong sent her and lightly chuckles::

[21:32:21] @<Ileus> ::pauses a respectful distance before the AXO and her team, takes the offered hand and shakes once, firmly:: aXO: Max Ileus, commander. Ship's first mate and apparently acting captain, until we figure out where the real one's hiding. ...You were speaking with me a few moments ago.

[21:32:46] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: Updates her request to Fong for the ships sensor logs::

[21:33:15] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shrugs and makes a note of the request, then sets up an active link between Tricorder and the Claymore.::

[21:33:16] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods to Simmons::  CSO/Tac: Someone had said something about this being similar to the attack on Tsela-Yokaze's ship--or the vessel she's currently on. Do we have anything we else we know that links these two incidents?

[21:33:29] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Returns the level of firmness, as she studied, and nods once, letting the "hiding" comment pass for now:: Ileus: We were glad to hear from you. With your permission, I'd like to send Ensign Brax to liaise with your chief engineer to coordinate our repair crews in getting you functional again, and Doctor Stevens can help with your injured.

[21:33:31] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> CSO/Tac: Or did I miss that at some point?

[21:33:53] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Pauses a moment, looking him up and down once, just perceptibly:: Ileus: ...including you, at some point.

[21:34:27] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: I'm not sure, Sir, but I can do some digging.

[21:34:29] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::moves back towards the middle of the Bridge::

[21:34:34] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin>  CSO: Lieutenant Fong sent me what he has of the ships damage and blueprints.  It could be run through sensors to get an idea of what happened and when.

[21:35:11] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Pulls up LCARS and starts a computer analysis on the attack and the attack on the ship that the CTO is on.::

[21:35:16] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Tac/CSO: Let's do that--and then see if the two of you can compare that to whatever information we have on the other incident.

[21:35:23] @<Ileus> aXO: Caught me. ::offers a very faint smile:: We'd appreciate the help, commander Raeyld. Engineering's on the lower level. ::he pauses a moment, then shakes his head slightly:: I aught probably warn you. IT's a mess. Bastards took the engines out first by looks of it.

[21:35:24] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> aCO:  I did sir.  From the CTO's last update, things were quiet and the ship was ... still on course.

[21:35:42] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> Atzin: Send it over and I'll run it through.

[21:36:25] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Smiles a bit, then gives Brax "The Nod":: CEO: See to it, Ensign.

[21:36:29] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: Sends the data from OPS::

[21:37:08] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Ileus: Understood, Sir. And don't sweat the mess, unexpected company can't expect a clean house.  aXO: On it. Bandage or full repair job?

[21:37:09] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Aye, Sir.  We'll see what we can find.

[21:37:17] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> :;pauses:: Tac: Well, okay, but I mean data from the attack--not necessarily its current status.

[21:37:18] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::glances at the message and shrugs slightly:: aXO/Ileus: Claymore is requesting the Providence's sensor logs.

[21:37:37] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Can't help but smile a little, as the engineer is somewhat speaking her language:: CEO: Let's start with stabilizing the patient, then you can plan for full recovery.

[21:38:24] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> aXO: Excellent, starting with the power systems and working out from there. Permission to bring the repair team over?

[21:38:35] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CEO: Permission granted.  ::Looks back to Ileus:: Ileus: If you have a moment, I'd like to hear all about what happened straight from you. But before that, is it all right if our operations officer, Lieutenant Fong, has access to your logs? Our crew back on the ship is eager to analyze them for clues about the attack to help them secure the area.

[21:39:08] @<Sec PO2 Amara Adebowale>  :: moves to follow the CEO::

[21:39:38] @<Ileus> ::glances sidelong at Fong, then nods and gestures toward the console at the captain's chair:: OPS: That station should be functional enough to give you what you need. Probably the only one that still is. Help yourself.

[21:39:48] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods approvingly to Adebowale as she waits to hear back from Ileus::

[21:40:18] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Turns back the way we came to find the engine room.:: *Xi'Bray*: We are clear to repair. Bring the team over when ready. I'm starting with the power systems, once you all are here we'll spread everyone out to maximize. Stabilization first, then make is right.

[21:40:50] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: just lifts a brow as she waits for the data from Fong.::

[21:40:54] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::Nods and moves to the console beside the captain's chair.  Standing beside the chair he starts accessing the sensor logs::

[21:41:28] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::pauses at the base of the step between the CO's chair and the helm station::

[21:42:37] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Adebowale: Thanks for the backup.:: Works down the corridor, turns onto a lift and heads down to Engineering with Adebowale.::

[21:42:54] <Xi’Bray> *CEO*: Aye.  We'll be over in a minute,  ::Motions to the team to take their place on the transporter pad.:: *CEO*: Are we beaming into engineering or somewhere else?

[21:43:29] @<Ileus> ::watches as Claymore's crew splits off to do as they're told:: aXO: Where would you like me to start, commander?

[21:43:45] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Waits a moment to see if Fong need anything, gestures for another security officer to keep an eye on the Lieutenant, and looks back to Ileus:: Ileus: Wherever you think is best, Captain.

[21:43:51] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> *Xi'Bray*: Engineering is best. We can distribute from there. Ship seems stable, so my EVA request may have been overkill.

[21:44:51] <CSO_LtJg_Simmons> *CEO*: Well we can ditch the suits if they become too cumbersome while we're over there.

[21:45:05] <MOPS_Ltjg_Gulash>  ::glances over the console towards the rest of the Bridge for a moment, which seems to be reflecting what passes as 'normal' for the Claymore Bridge::

[21:45:24] <Xi’Bray> ::Once everyone from her team is on the pad, she looks to the transporter chief and nods:: Chief: Energize.

[21:45:29] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> aCO:  There were differences between the two hits.  But then they were not the same ships given the CTO is almost a month away from here.  This attack was more successful?  They could have learned from the other instance?  For that matter, there could be more freighters out there in a similar situation...

[21:45:35] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Mentally curses herself in ancient invectives for not having her medkit around to see to Ileus's wounds herself while Stevens is seeing to the rest of the crew...but settled in to hear Ileus's tale instead::

[21:45:55] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: as that thought pops into her head, she begins a search of the data base for freighter incidents over the past 6 months.::

[21:46:08] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Exits the lift into Engineering and looks about for someone from the crew.:: All: Ensign Brax from the USS Claymore, here to help. Who's in charge here?

[21:47:08] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, although this doesn't yet address the question of why -this- freighter had been attacked and why -that- freighter had been attacked; so far, the only obvious thing was that Claymore personnel were either in the vicinity or on one of the ships, but that seemed a rather tenuous connection at this point given the data they had::

[21:47:37] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::reads through the data as he feeds it back to the Claymore,::

[21:48:05] @<Sec PO2 Amara Adebowale>  :: making sure the area is secure, stays relatively close to the CEO but out of her way.::

[21:48:40] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::looks up for the 'captain':: Ileus: Sir, could you answer a question for me?

[21:48:58] @<Ileus> aXO: We're on our run from Ykari 6 to Deep Space 3. IT's our usual run, takes about 3 weeks on average. We get about to sector 96 and make our usual status call.

[21:49:14] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns back towards Tactical 1:: Tac: If you haven't already, let's file a report of this attack with Starfleet--and then see if there are any similar reports nearby. At least, in Federation space--maybe out here it will be hard to find something like that, but perhaps there's a pattern or some incidents closer to Deep Space 3.

[21:50:11] @<Ileus> ::pauses, looks over at the Ferengi:: OPS: I can do my best, lieutenant

[21:50:59] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Steps back from Ileus a moment as Fong engages him, and seizes the interruption to tap her combadge and call in:: *aCO*: Raeyld to Davis.

[21:51:30] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::brings up the point in the log where the chase began:: Ileus: What prompted your decision to run?

[21:51:51] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::pauses, then turns back towards the viewscreen out of habit:: *aXO*: Go ahead.

[21:52:14] <Xi'Bray> ::Materializes with her engineering team in Providence's main engineering.  Immediately looks around for the CEO.::

[21:52:31] <Tac PO2 Toltecatl Atzin> :: looks over at the incoming sensor data from Fong::

[21:53:19] @<Freighter Engineer> CEO: Thanks for the help, we're stretched thin, any help would be appreciated.

[21:53:22] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *aCO*: Just a check-in. Ensign Brax is meeting with their engineering team to coordinate repairs, starting with stabilizing critical systems. Doctor Stevens is seeing to the wounded. Lieutenant Fong is accessing logs and will be sending them over shortly. In the meantime, we're getting a better account of events from the ship's acting captain.

[21:54:14] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> *aXO*: We'll review the logs and other data--do you have any indication yet who was responsible for the attack? We're getting data that suggests 3-4 vessels may have been involved.

[21:54:24] @<Ileus> OPS: Our cargo is considered a priority to DS3, lieutenant. Which makes it a priority to just about anyone else. The captain ordered we tag those ships, then get the hell out of there. So we tagged and ran, per protocol.

[21:55:07] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> Xi'Bray: I'll handle power generation and distribution, can you take structural integrity fields and forcefields? Rest of the team can split engine work, with one person on the freighter's computer.

[21:55:15] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Continues to listen in on Fong's conversation while maintaining her own quietly:: *aCO*: Not yet. We've just begun questioning. I'll notify you as soon as we have any suspicions.

[21:56:05] <aCO_Cmdr_Davis> ::sighs, slightly--hopefully not perceptibly:: *aXO*: Understood. Let me know if you need anything.

[21:56:26] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::nodded more to himself:: Ileus: Very prudent. Just trying to get a feel for the situation.  Do you have a cargo manifest available?

[21:56:45] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Moves to take a look at the nearest engineering console to ensure nothing is about to collapse outside of the assigned list, then starts patching up the power distribution systems.::

[21:57:38] @<Xi’Bray> CEO: Easy enough.  Jerick, Dewbra, and Plenn, you work on the engine.  Uibre, you get to the computer and see if there's anything there.  ::Heads to another console in ME and starts going through the different issues with SIF and FF.::

[21:57:59] @<aXO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> *aCO*: Will do. Raeyld out.  ::Continues to simply listen in to the answers as Fong asks some insightful questions, letting her eyes wander the bridge in the meantime::

[21:58:34] @<Ileus> ::looks very briefly like he might wabble slightly, but seems to take advantage of this and steps just a touch to the right, placing a hand on a scored bulkhead - stability, both figuratively and literally, achieved:: OPS: Of course. Standard Starfleet security override should get you complete access. IF that fails, I didn't hit it hard enough.

[22:01:07] @<CEO_Ens_Brax> *Main Engineering*: Going to be sending over parts needs shortly. When and if we move from "patch up" over to "fix it right" we may need a few Sphinx pods for external repairs.

[22:01:16] <OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::nods and pulls the manifest:: aXO: I'm feeding the sensor data back to the Claymore at the moment.

[22:03:21] @<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::continues:: aXO: We are showing four ships in the attack, Cardassian, Ferengi, Federation, and a Civilian freighter.

[22:04:27] <Ileus> =/\= END MISSION =/\=