Host SM-Lyon says:
USS Seleya 10509.11

Burning Sky - Part 5

SUMMARY: The crew has found out who their opponent is... a man named Balthazar. And his file does not look like light bedtime reading. If they wanted to get out alive, they would need to know what he's looking for. The question is... what is it?

<<<<< Resume Mission >>>>>

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Slumped against the wall of the holding cell. ::
Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Blinks slightly as the information files blink out across the bridge view port. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Fiddles with the little, silver chain with the child’s charms on it, looking past the bulkhead at nothing. ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Still on the bridge looking at the viewscreen::

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
All: Well he sounds like a charming fellow.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::reads the information on the screen despite knowing all she needs to from A’an::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
XO: He's just a man. A crazy man. A brilliant man, perhaps, but a man nonetheless. :: Look's in the direction of  A'an's post. :: A man we can beat.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Nods in agreement to the XO's statement. ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
ALL: Get to your stations now, I want a systems report from all of you on the double!.

 XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CO: I'll help out Tac.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
*FCO*: That includes you. At your station... get up here.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
XO: Excellent. Damage report? When will the engines be ready?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CMO: Casualty figures?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Report to the brig. Escort Mr. A'an to his station.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
CO: Not too many, we've had 6 engineers come in with burns, but that was from the initial attack...

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Hears the Captain's order, sits for a few moments, then walks over to the force-field and waits for the security officer to drop it before heading to the TL. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Stops when the security officer holds him, waiting for the CNS. ::

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
:: Checks the Tac console. ::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
:: Nods and enters the Turbolift. ::  TL: Brig.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CMO: We're going to need all hands to the pumps when we make a run to get out of here. Can you have them ready to work?

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CO: Engines will be back online before the storm hits, we could also have a short jump to warp but that'll fry the engines and we'll be dead in the water.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
CO: They should be well on their way to recovery by now Sir, so yes.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
:: Enters the brig. :: Security: I've been ordered to escort Commander A’an to the bridge. 

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
XO: Engines are this ships first priority. Make that clear to all departments.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Gives the CNS a stoic look, then waits and follows her in silence. ::

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CO: Aye sir.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
:: Waits for the Security officer's nod and quietly leads A’an into the Turbolift. :: TL: Bridge.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Leans against the TL wall, crosses his arms and waits. ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Steps over to the side of the bridge. ::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
:: Waits patiently as the Turbolift eventually makes it to the bridge, entering and taking her seat as the doors open. ::

Host SM-Lyon says:
ACTION: Outside the nebula manages to hide the ship from her seekers, but for how long remains a mystery.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Walks slowly onto the bridge, heads over to the CO. :: CO:  Reporting as ordered, Captain.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Looks like hell. ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
*Duty MO*: Wilkins, this is Atreides, make sure that any engineers we have downstairs are ready for duty A.S.A.P., Atreides out.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Take your station. Co-ordinate engine repairs with engineering.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Moves over to the centre seat, looking around his bridge. ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: :: Taps a few buttons on his console, as a short tone sounds from it ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Nods, hesitates for a moment, then takes his seat at the Conn and slowly resumes his duties. ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
<MO_Wilkins> ::Blinks after hearing the CMO's message and goes about his duties, treating the last Engineer in sickbay::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: You now have access to all files on Balthazar. You're our best hope for figuring out how to act in a confrontation.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Over his shoulder. :: CO:  We run.  It’s that simple.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: Captain, I have to agree with Commander A’an.  With the technology Balthazar has we 're seriously outgunned and out maneuvered.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Nods. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
My intention is for us to run.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
ALL: But that doesn't mean it will work out that way. We need to be prepared for all eventualities.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: You have your orders. ::nods at her::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: Sir.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Shakes his head wearily. :: CO:  Permission to speak Captain. :: Waits, hoping he hasn’t pushed an already strained situation too far. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Feels his eyes wanting to role, not at all understanding of the FCO's lack of calm. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Go ahead.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Walks to stand in front of the CO. ::  CO:  Sir, I understand my...actions may have put you into a frame of mind to disregard anything I say, and for that, I'm sorry...

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO  ...But if you had live through what I have, what we have, you would understand.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Blinks, uncomfortable ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  I assume you read the file SI has on Captain Balthazar?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Lieutenant. I have read the file, including your own report. You'll get no argument from me that this person is a dangerous, scary and deranged person. But that's all he is, a person.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  No sir, he's more than that.  He stopped being a man when he decided to dedicate himself to murdering the Galaxy.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Your experiences with him are horrific, inhuman, but you must keep in perspective that underneath all of it, he's a just a madman. A mad - *man*. And a man we can beat.

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Makes her way to the bridge, her science training would come in handy. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: That's enough, Lieutenant. I'm in no mood for ghost stories.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
XO: How are the weapons systems coming?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Presses on, despite the Captains obvious growing ire. :: CO:  He's an idea now sir, all of those people on those ships will follow his orders, even if it means sacrificing themselves on a whim. :: Pauses. :: CO:  But... that’s not what I was trying to get at.  I believe if were going to survive, we need to find what he wants.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Looks around the bridge. ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Takes a seat at one of the free science stations to compose a message telling his staff to get ready for any casualties should the Seleya come under attack again. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  If nothing else, it could give us some leverage.  I don’t know much about him, but I know he doesn’t like to loose.

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CO: Weapons will be back online shortly sir, little duct tape here and there works wonders on the phasers.

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Steps off the TL with a few other cadets sent to see if they could help on the bridge. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  There has to be something on this ship, some person or something that he wants.  Whatever it is, we’re not going to find it unless we turn the Seleya upside down and pick over every last inch of her.

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Sees the XO and goes over to him, the CO still a deity in a cadet's eyes. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Do you agree with Mr. A'an's conclusions?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Is doing his best to maintain his composure. ::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: I do, sir.  He does want something he feels we have.  I still can't work out what it is, but, if you want my opinion, I believe it could be the Commander.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Turns around to look at the horde of cadets who just entered the bridge before finishing off his message. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Elaborate.

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Clears her throat, very softly of course:: XO: Sorry to interrupt, sir, but since the Captain is talking to Commander A'an, I thought it best to approach you.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: Well sir, from what I've read of the report here, Balthazar was intent on finding and removing all hints of survivors from Fret Jah colony.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: Maybe he's trying to track down the last remaining ones.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Shakes his head. :: CNS/CO:  I... I don’t think so...if that were the case, he could have come at any time.  There were a lot of times I and the others were more exposed than now.  Being as meticulous as he is, he wouldn’t waste such resources on someone like me.

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
:: Looks at the cadet. :: Cadet H: Understood, what can I do for you?

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Glances over her shoulder. :: XO: I'm Helga Holwood, and Commander Pool sent up here to see if you needed any assistance. Science, engineering... we might be cadets, but we do have some of the training.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
ALL: Besides, who cares if I die?  I don’t have any real political or social ties.  My death wouldn’t care a whole lot of weight.

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Cadet_H: We could use more help with the engines, other then that you could just double up with which ever department your strongest in.

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Smiles. :: XO: Most of us are engineering buffs... except me - I can help out in science.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: That's the problem with analyzing a mad man... he doesn't have to make sense.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS, FCO: Assuming that it is indeed Commander A'an that he wants... what can we do about it?

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Cadet_H: Well then Cadet Holwood, man your station. :: Darts his eyes to SCI 2. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO/CNS:  This all started on the way back from our milk run.  I know the cadets aren’t anything special, but maybe there's something we missed.

Host Cadet_H says:
XO: Very well, sir. :: Turns to the other cadets and gives them a quick run-down of the situation. Most head down to Main Engineering to help out there, but one or two stay. She walks over to SCI 2 and logs in. ::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: There are two options.  He's after the cadets or Commander A’an.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Computer: Last known positions of all reported survivors of the attack on Fret Jah colony.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Falls silent for a moment, then looks the CO in the eye. :: CO:  If I am who he wants, then give me to him.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Indeed. He seemed to target cadets last time too. Maybe they embody to him all of the things his daughter could have been.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: No. :: Calmly. ::

Host Cadet_H says:
<Computer> CNS: That information is not available. Records state they were taken into protective custody by SFI.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
:: Looks at Muir. :: CO: Captain, you may have clearance for this request.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
:: Nods at the Cadet sitting next to him. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: More confident. :: CO: Sir, I could head out in a shuttle, after we get the ships warp engines back online, even if it’s just for a short burst, it will be enough!  I could lead them off, provide a diversion...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Shrugs. ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Computer: What is the last known location of the colony survivors?

Host Cadet_H says:
<Computer>: CO: The location of the survivors of the Fhet Jah colony is not available. Permission from the head of SFI will be required for that information.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
CO: How about individual searches on the Starfleet personnel?

Host Cadet_H says:
:: Quietly monitors the approaching ion storm, making notes. ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Well, Captain Quari and Mari Cabra are instructors at the Academy, Norman Alfano is an engineer at Utopia Plenita... :: Pauses. ::  ...We never could figure out where the others were squirreled off too

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS, FCO: Work on it. Get back to me with some results. Also figure out what his motivations would be for going after the cadets.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Aye sir.  :: Turns to the CNS. ::  :: Whispers. :: CNS:  .....this isn’t going well.  We need to start searching the ship and personnel.  What were looking for is there, I'm sure of it.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Overhears. :: FCO: You have leave to follow any line of inquiry you see fit, Commander.

Host Cadet_H says:
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