<SM_James> Summary: Claymore's senior staff has been given 30 minutes to prepare to talked strategy. Or be talked strategy at - whichever. Now, they start making their way to Claymore's conference room if they're not already there. Meanwhile, Twelve Centuries remains alongside, and doctor Miran stays surprisingly out of the way, so far. A sign of things to come? ... Probably not.

<SM_James> Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Silent Scream"

<SM_James> Episode 7: "Where Devils May Tread" (12308.19)

<SM_James> =/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Exits the conference room, having learned a meeting is likely going to occur there soon, and she's not yet managed to sort through her paperwork enough to determine if she's a part of it. Carries her armful of PADDs across the bridge toward the XO's seat::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Sitting at SCI 1 on the bridge going over telemetry and watching the Breen ships as they come closer.::

<TAC_Lt Michelle Lindsey>  ::On the bridge continuing her research on Breen vessels.::

<SM_James> Scene: Claymore and Twelve Centuries hold position, but the new arrival aboard Claymore has lead to some speculation about the crew - the junior staff does love their theories.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::In Conference Room, reviewing engineering status on a PADD waiting for the meeting to start.:: Self: I missed a bit but seems they handled it well. Gonna have to hand out some thanks. ::Smiles.::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: Enters the conference room and makes her way toward Brax::  CEO: Were you able to talk with Simmons?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::exits the Ready Room and crosses the Bridge towards the Conference Room::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Settles in at her XO seat, and starts sorting through the PADDs, out of anyone's way::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Looks up.:: CTO: Oh hi. Not yet. Sorry. Trying to get back up to speed. And get my thoughts in order for talking to the Captain.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::passes Raeyld::  *Ship-wide*: Senior staff, report to the conference room.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances to Davis, then back to her PADDs as he walks off, and sighs as she overhears him. Did she lose track of sleep again? At least that answers that question... She pulls one particular PADD from the stack and stuff the rest into a storage compartment under her chair, before pushing herself back up to her feet::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  I checked on updates for the ships since the Breen Wars.  The Claymore is of course up to date, but other than the Honu, our shuttles would not do well.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks up from her console surprised by the summons.  Hands her console over to Tanis, grabs a PADD and heads for the conference room.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::exits the Bridge through the adjoining room, and then into the Conference Room itself::

<SM_James> ACTION: As Davis enters the conference room, the temperature drops 3 degrees.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shakes head.:: CTO: For insertion undetected? No, maybe a runabout. That's what you meant, right? The idea of sneaking into Breen space? Or as bait, similar analysis.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: a shiver goes through her and she frowns as she looks up at who came through the doors.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::doesn't notice the temperature change; he likes it cold anyway::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Walks in right after the CO, Setting her PADD down at a chair, she heads to the replicator to order herself some tea.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::takes his usual seat::

<SM_James> ACTION: Simmons's tea emerges from the replicator... and immediately freezes.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: takes her PADD and pulls up the info, then hands it to Brax.::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Feels the temperature shift and pulls up climate control readouts, then sees the PADD coming from the CTO. Sets the climate control aside and takes the PADD and reads it.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Stops in her tracks.  Uses her finger to tap the top of the solid tea.  Without moving her head, her eyes flit left and then right.  Finally turning to see if she can find Fong, she realizes he's not there.::  XO: There may be something wrong with the replicators.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::frowns slightly at the message from Cawney then heads for the conference room::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Frowns slightly, glancing over to Simmons as she starts toward the Conference Room door:: CSO: Oh?

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: Oh, right, yeah, Honu would be easiest to protect. Runabouts have a bit more power to work with also, same with Kanedas. Regular shuttles could be done...but I wouldn't suggest pushing it.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Hands the XO the cup of tea.:: XO: I didn't order frozen tea.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Her frown somehow deepens and curves:: CSO: Of course, because you aren't a crazy person. ::Stops suddenly, and shakes her head a bit:: CSO: I'm sorry, Lieutenant. That was inappropriate on my part. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks around the table to see if they more or less have everyone::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Resumes walking to the conference room:: CSO: For now, file a report with OPS to have them take a look at it. Which replicator?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CEO:  The Honu or sub commanders T'alins ship.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Turns back to the climate PADD.:: CTO: One second, something is off here. *Engineering*: I need a team to give a check to the climate control systems and Replicators on Deck 1.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods to himself::  ALL: Okay, let's convene here.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Raises an eyebrow at the XO uncertain of what she meant, but simply pointed toward the replicator from which she got the tea.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO/ CSO: Seems the climate control seems to be off a bit as well. Just called engineering teams to run a quick check in case it's hardware related.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: as she listens... so that is why it got chilly... slightly humorously to herself - not the captain.::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CTO: I don't know enough about the  sub commander's ship but I'll see if I can find anything about it.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::staggers in the jeffries tube, rolls around and starts back the other way his arm numb he begins to suspect something is wrong but that noise...::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CEO:  Thank you.  I appreciate it.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::slides into the conference room and takes a seat::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Leads the other last straggles into the Conference Room and settles in:: 

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: We're at--or maybe past--the point where we need to make some decisions about how to proceed. We sent the probe across the border and probably gleaned from that what we're going to get. If we want to know more, we're going to have to enter that area of space, it seems.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Heads back to the replicator to recycle her tea.  She can't drink it cold.  Afterwards makes her way to the seat she had claimed.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: We have whatever craft we normally have, we have Claymore of course, and perhaps we have an additional craft brought back by T'alin, if we can ever find him to ask about its use.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: Not interrupting, taps the message::  CEO:  Unfortunately, the Honu does not have clocking capabilities that the Romulan vessel does.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: I'm looking for suggestions about how to proceed.

<SM_James> ACTION: The temperature in the conference room returns to normal, and before Simmons's tea is recycled it somehow manages to actually get colder.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances about the room, taking in the occupants. Something itches at the back of her mind before she looks back up to Davis::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Glances back at CTO as eyes go wide. Silently mouths "cloak?"::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: looks at Brax::  CO:  You have one, possibly two vessels that could be used.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO: I have more than that, Lieutenant--with what's on the flight deck I have something of an armada. But how many, and how to use them, are the real questions at this point.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO/ALL: Are we just sending 1-2 manned ships, risks be damned? Is there another approach or approaches?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Does a double take on her cup as just before it dematerializes she thinks she hears a little clink and sees a small crack....brushes it off and tried to focus on the meeting.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sir....Doesn't Talin's ship have a cloak?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO: I was more leaning toward the ability to get in and out as well as to protect themselves.  Standard shuttles could not handle the Breen.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Realizes the chill is gone. Glances back at the PADD with one eye even though the idea of a cloak is dragging all of her attention that way.::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO:  While the "armada" are fighters, they will need to be modified to be stealthy and the number of crew is limited.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::moves along the tube, dropping out into the empty corridor, continuing at a run, sweat running down from his forehead as he staggers for breath.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CSO: Does it?

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: We might be able to protect a standard shuttle from the Breen, to a point, but I am not sure how confident we'd be in that. And the Kanedas aren't warp capable, so that greatly limits their use.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::frowns at the replicator wondering about it but they were really never her specialty she continues to listen to the experienced senior staff talk about how to break a bunch of treaties with an excited gleam in her eye::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO: Ideally, we could follow a particular lead into Breen space, rather than randomly scouting.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: thinking back to what Lindsey told her::  CSO: It decloaked before hailing us.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: Sensors said it wasn't there and then it was.  I think that's called a cloak.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::wonders why she's asking the question if that's what happened, but decides that's on the list of 927,291,041 questions that can wait until later to be pursued::  CSO: Then that would seem to be the leading contender, except that we're not supposed to be using cloaking devices and such.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: Wondes where their FCO was... obviously it would be helpful if he was here.::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> All: I've never had a chance to play with a cl...I mean see a cloak's operation close up. But that would be an amazing help. If Algeron allows it...

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: But Talin isn't technically Starfleet, Sir.
  
<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CSO: We are, though. And he is, for all intents and purposes, our agent, and that kind of hair-splitting typically doesn't go over so well with command.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: So, ideally, if we went that route...::pauses::...we would want to be quick and not be detected so I don't have to answer awkward questions that commanders don't typically like to answer from admirals.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: But if we're cloaked would we ever be found out?
 
<OPS_Fong> ::Turns, the right hand snapping up as he searches for a target then he staggers, his whole left side going numb as he collapses, falling against the bulkhead.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::hides a smile at Davis's/Simmons's think alike::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: Well, if detected, there is still a fair chance the Breen weapons work so discovery would be more a question of how closely they looked at the remains.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: So discovery would have more pressing problems for those involved than political incidents.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> ::pulls up some notes::  CO/CSO:  Some basics about the vessel... I am sure there are more.  It is warp capable, has a significant armament of disruptors and no problem of handling itself in a flight.  It has room for one pilot.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::looks along the hall, then scrambles at the hatch with one hand, dragging himself out of the passageway, leaving the hatch open only slightly as he turns to watch the cracked hatchway with his back against the JT wall::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::looks at Brax for a moment, and in that moment he sees all 4 months of her career flash by, none of which involves getting reamed by an admiral; he blinks:: 

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: What's the next best option, if T'alin's ship is deemed unfit or unavailable? Just for the sake of being prepared.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO: The Honu would be the top of my list.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO: How does it compare?

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> CO: We discussed sending a shuttle in with another round of debris and putting our people in stasis.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO:  It is fast and weapons heavy.  It has stealth, though it does not have cloaking ability... that annoying treaty part with the Romulans.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO: Complement?

<CEO_Ens_Brax> All: Are we looking to fight our way in and out? Am I being pessimistic thinking that if we're discovered not even the Claymore or the Twelve Centuries would have a real high chance of getting out. Depending on Breen persistence in eliminating the intruder, of course.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO: 84 Torpedoes, 3 fully powered phaser banks, double-layered shielding and a Starfleet issue pulse cannon.

<SM_James> ACTION: A small ways down the tube, to Fong's left, the child squats and watches.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::leans over and tries to vomit quietly, his hand releases the small device as he clenches his fist against his chest, trying to keep his eyes on the somehow dimming cracked hatchway.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO: How many can we send on it?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO:  It can comfortably take 5, 6 if we minimize the cargo.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::Almost opens her mouth to make a suggestion but remembers that she is just here till Fong shows up::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods, then turns back to Simmons::  CSO: I'm still a little wary about that idea--maybe it's just me but I don't care for the idea of sitting in the transporter buffer or something like that.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: quietly:: CEO:  Unless the Breen have done some major changes, which is possible, the Honu could get out.

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Nods:: CO: I can understand that, Sir.

<Child> ::curiously, watches as Fong goes through... whatever he's going through, staying quiet for the moment and largely unmoving::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::turns::  XO: Thoughts, Commander Raeyld?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: frowns as she looks at the professor.  Transporter buffers?::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::feels that light getting a bit further away as the sensation of being watched trickles through the distant and numbing pain::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Glances between Davis, then Tsela-Yokaze:: CTO: You said Dr. Miran had a theory. Something about...baiting out our telepaths? Would you and Ensign Brax explain that to the staff?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: blinks::  XO:  It was not... per say my theory or idea.  But it was Dr. Miran.  You might want to talk to her about that.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO: Doctor Miran's plan has the advantage of being bold. She is hoping to catch one of the raiders using herself as bait. Risky as you can get, but she thinks it is worth it.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: motions her head toward Brax::

<Child> ::reaches out a hand and very, very lightly, places it on Fong's shoulder:: OPS: ...No.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO: Not sure why, now that I think about it. Don't we have a half dozen prisoners we just took to Starbase 3? I didn't think to ask why those weren't usable for whatever she has planned.

<SM_James> ACTION: Old scars are slowly faded and removed as Fong's health is gradually restored, and his symptoms are essentially erased from existence.

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: frowns... good question.::

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Draws a slow breath:: CO: Given Dr. Miran's history working with...aberrant telepaths, I can see how she might be a good target for this group.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO: Some of them might even know Dr. Miran personally...and possibly have a grudge or a score to settle.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::considers this for a moment; also considers his conversation with Raeyld before::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: There is more to this, she is positive, she just does know what or have evidence.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: So, send her alone, if she's willing? With others?

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO: I'm not debating whether it would work to draw them out. I just ask if we can stop them from taking her. And if not, we give them a big piece to work with. I don't know much about her, not my field AT ALL. But a leader in her field going to the other side?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> CO: Not alone.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: She felt that the Claymore, and her crew, may prove detrimental to the plan. She realized that so far, in multiple encounters, they haven't grabbed one of us. Well, of the Claymore's telepaths. Not really us...

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Takes a breath:: CEO: Lieutenant Fong and I have both proven able to withstand the control of these telepaths.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  Okay.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO: That's the problem, Commander. Why we won't work. For some reason this ship seems...outside of their playing field. Like they can't or won't deal with us. Her words paraphrased and added to.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CEO: Yet they went after the Kingston while we were in range. So perhaps your separate ship idea, apart from the Claymore, but still on this side of the boarder, and with Claymore in range to provide support when needed.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ALL: I think Commander Raeyld and I need to have a conversation with Dr. Miran and get at this directly from her.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> All: Are we taking our visions, the ones from The Child presumably, as something to base our actions on? Even in the visions Claymore seems needed at some point in the coming battles. And that might mean we are needed BY THEM.

<Child> ::keeps her hand on the Ferengi's shoulder for a long moment, then slowly removes it:: Fong: ...No.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::opens his eyes as the pain falls away. Clarity flooding into a badly abused brain. Clarity and memory. Memory. The thing he'd been trying not to remember. Trying to forget. The reason the Ferengi had been trying and succeeding at breaking his perfect memory.::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CEO: I can't speak for anyone else, but, no.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::looks up at the child his eyes pleading his voice a whisper but clearer than it had been for weeks.:: Child: why not?

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CO/CEO: I think the visions are worth completing further analysis...perhaps with one individual taking point on the analysis. But until we further understand their meaning, we can't just...have Claymore sit on her hands while waiting for the apocalypse.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: There has to be a reason for them, though. Right? They are too...real. Too specific. I'm not an expert on visions and telepathy but I can usually put pieces together. And all these visions seem to fit the same story. If they are there to help us, can we just ignore them? Sir?

<Child> Fong: You must survive. You are a piece of the greater whole. As you go, so goes the greater whole. ::there's a small pause:: That cannot be.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::has been taking fiddle lessons so that she can play that while the apocalypse rains down around them next time::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> ::Shakes head.:: XO: I'm not sugg...CO/ XO: Sorry Sirs. I will do as asked. I just don't want to pass up a clue. Not wait for the visions but use them as another source. If that makes sense?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CEO: What is it you think you can take away from them and add to the rest of this puzzle?

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: simply listening at this point::

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::just sags somehow lower against the bulkhead. facing what is clearly a higher power with knowledge of past and future. What most people would call a god.:: Child: you are wrong. i'm not that important. i can't be.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: That there is a fight coming. Yes, I know we already expect that. But there are things we can expect, prepare for. Tactics, maybe even weapons. Potential targets...like Trill. I've only heard a few of the visions so my pieces are of a limited view.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Raises an eyebrow:: CEO/CO: Given Ensign Brax's passion for the topic, perhaps she'd be a good point person for gathering and analyzing all our visions, past and future?

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> XO: That's fine by me, but I think that needs to run parallel to what we're discussing right now--or just before this. That part I don't think we can wait on too much longer.

<Child> OPS: There is no right or wrong. There is only what is. The darkness is what is. To close the circle, you are needed. If the circle is broken... the darkness wins. ::the child pauses for a long moment, then, slightly more softly:: We cannot allow this to be what is.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO/ CO: I can do that. ::Gulps.:: But I'd need more data on the threat. I know you have given me permission to get information on the Kethran, but I need to know what happened first run in. Especially if the Kethran are working with these raiders. Which is...possible, but not easy to prove or disprove.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> Child: entropy always wins. space is darkness. ::he sighs, an expression of someone who can already tell they aren't going to get sleep until this person gets what they want:: Child: What do you need from me.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CEO: You can start with that.

<Child> OPS: I need nothing from you. You need to survive. ::pauses, then slightly more firmly:: You *all* need to survive. The circle must close, or yours shall be one loss among trillions.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> CTO/OPS2: Let's begin preparation to send the Honu in the meantime--I'd like to talk to Dr. Miran first but we can at least get the ball rolling.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> CEO: We can get you access to the records, but you'll need to analyze them yourself. If we had figured out a silver bullet against the Kethran, we'd be using it.

<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::notices she is being addressed and gives a short nod::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: simply nods and looks over at Deveraux::

<CEO_Ens_Brax> XO: Of course, Commander. I'm not looking for a quick fix, but hoping we can do things...better next time? Be more ready at least. And understand why they were so effective.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> XO/CEO: Perhaps Lieutenant Simmons can assist you in compiling and analyzing data on the visions.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::is beginning to realize that he is in better health than he has been since...he rubs the back of his head:: Child: can you tell me the nature of the circle?
 
<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Looks up from her PADD at hearing her name:: CO: I can do that.

<Child> ::shrugs up one tiny shoulder:: OPS: It has happened. It will happen. It is happening. It is the circle. In all of its rotations, it has never been broken. We know this. The darkness knows this. And yet the darkness tries. The circle... is the only means of containing the darkness. Forever.

<OPS_LtJg_Fong> ::already knowing that the child doesn't experience time in a normal way:: Child: How many lifespans are inside the circle?

<Child> OPS: A single of your lifespans, spanning hundreds of thousands of what you call years.

<CO_Cmdr_Davis> ::nods::  ALL: Alright, let's move forward. Commander Raeyld, if you don't mind wait here--we'll talk to Dr. Miran if we can. The rest of you are dismissed to move forward.

<XO_LtCmdr_Raeyld> ::Nods:: CO Got it.

<CEO_Ens_Brax> CO: Yes Sir. CO/ XO: Thank you sirs. ::Grabs the PADD she came in with and starts to pull up reports of the team looking into the Climate control systems and Replicator hardware as she walks out.::

<CSO_LtJg_Simmons> ::Upon hearing the CO's words, she stands and heads for the door of the conference room, wondering if a different replicator will have a different result as she really wants a glass of hot tea.::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: nods and stands::

<CTO_LtJg_Tsela-Yokaze> :: Walks over to Deveraux::

<SM_James> =/\= END MISSION =/\=