Host Brett says:
Summary: The Delphyne moves slowly through the asteroid field, attempting to hide from the Jem’Hadar Cruiser that is almost upon them.  While the field distorts sensor reading, providing natural cover, there is no guarantee that they will not be seen.

Host Brett says:
"All that is necessary for Evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

Host Brett says:
<<<Resume Mission - "The Last Dragon - Part 4">>>>

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: on the bridge at tactical ::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::on the bridge:: CTO: Status of the Jem'Hadar cruiser.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::sits in her office, composing another letter of encouragement for the department heads::

OPS_Keach says:
::At the helm::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: In Main Engineering, working on the warp core, trying to the warp drive up and running as quickly as possible. ::

SO_So`Quon says:
::is at science II, having just finished the Llewellyn PADD message:: Self: As my will, so mote it be?

TO_Re`Volos says:
::still on patrol around the Del::

CTO_K`Vas says:
::Checks the tactical :: CO: Unknown captain.  The asteroid field is inhibiting the sensors.  But if its speed was consistent it should be near

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: How far are we into the asteroid field?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::urges the chiefs to keep the men busy, as her mate had suggested.  And for the elder crewmen to talk up the younger, greener ones::

OPS_Keach says:
::stares at his console looking for the corresponding information::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Use the probe that Cmdr Tarrez-Hunter hid and see if that can find the cruiser.  Be careful not to be seen.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: Status on warp capabilities?

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: begins to maneuver the probe out and scan for the incoming ship :: CO: Aye captain

OPS_Keach says:
CO: We are quite a ways in. I don't know how big the field is though

SO_So`Quon says:
::shakes his head, pondering the cryptic line he decoded, then moves on to the data file retrieved from other Delphyne::

SO_So`Quon says:
::wants to ask the captain if she is good with riddles and innuendo, but figures that now isn't a good time for that::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Hold position here, Ensign.  Plot a course to that M class planet and be prepared to engage at full impulse.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* I estimate repairs to be completed and the warp drive started in one hour, captain. I'm completing final matrix alignment now.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: Excellent work, Cmdr.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Aye Captain ::slows engine speed and plots a course::

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: his console beeps:: CO:  The Jem'Hadar cruiser is at the edge of the field, it has just dropped out of warp.

SO_So`Quon says:
::blinks at the data entries:: Self: Makes no sense. ::runs it through the decryption filters again::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* Thank you, captain. If I could change the laws of physics I could get the warp drive online faster but... well, some things are just immutable.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Course plotted standing by.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Keep an eye on them...when they are completely in the field and their sensors are diminished tell me.

CMO_Hunter says:
::finishes the last notation to the autopsy reports, sets the PADD down with a sigh and rubs his eyes::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::sits back in her chair:: All: Now we wait.

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Understood captain  :: watches the Jem'Hadar carefully ::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::finishes and sends the message, then pulls up her schedule of appointments::

Host Brett says:
Action: The probe detects a sensor sweep.  The Jem’Hadar are searching...

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Sweeps tricorder over crystal matrix one more time. ::

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: moves the probe into hiding::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Power down everything that you can and still maintain full control.

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Captain the enemy is doing a sensor sweep of the area

SO_So`Quon says:
::sees that the processing is gonna be awhile, then returns his focus to the probe data::

OPS_Keach says:
::begins to reduce power to most systems on the ship::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: We need to go into grey mode.  Are we capable of doing so?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::no one has asked for a scheduled time as she thought would be the case since they are under alert with the current situation::

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Captain I have recalled the probe, it is a dual edged sword.  They cannot see the probe, but we cannot see them

SO_So`Quon says:
::feels his cold blood run even colder as he eyes the blips and sensor sweep waves on his monitor:: Self: To be hunted like animals...

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Understood.  Leave it hidden for now.

Host Brett says:
Action: The big cruiser moves slowly into the asteroids, like a tiger hunting for its prey.  It's sensors probe everywhere...seeking...most bounce from the metallic rocks, rendering the scans useless.  But still it searches.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Have you cut the running lights and transponder codes?

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Yes Ma'am, they are all down ::double checks his station to make sure::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* Affirmative, captain.  ::sound of something falling to the ground::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*/OPS: Take us into grey mode, gentlemen.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::grabs a medkit and heads up to the bridge, deciding to work from her chair there::

Host Brett says:
INFO: Aboard the Delphyne, the last traces of the Jem’Hadar disappear from your passive scanners.  Now both ships are blind to each other, moving like knife fighters in a darkened room.

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: reduces power on weapons systems for grey mode :: CO: Captain I am reducing power to weapons systems

OPS_Keach says:
::Nods and hits the proper commands::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Keys sequence into nearby console. ::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO*/*OPS*: Gray mode engaged, everything is operational.

OPS_Keach says:
::Monitors ships operations::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::Dog crawls out from under the chair and puts her head on K'Beth's knee.  K'Beth scratches behind Dog's ears as they wait:: SO: Were you able to translate that file?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::enters the bridge and moves quietly to her chair, bringing up the latest scans and logs to review::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
Ens_Fixit: Please monitor the ship's Gray Mode while I finish the installing the dilithium crystals. If there's any fluctuation, let me know immediately!

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: watches the tactical display and external hull cameras trying to get a glimpse of the enemy ::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
<Ens_Fixit>: Aye, sir.

SO_So`Quon says:
::shakes his head:: CO: No, ma'am. The computer is unable to decipher it.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: How long has it been since the Jem'Hadar ship fully entered the field?

TO_Re`Volos says:
::looks around quickly as the lights dim, indicating that the Del has gone into Grey Mode::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::finds she is doing pretty well blocking the tension of the situation the crew is putting out, despite the presence of the Jem'Hadar ship::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Adjusts work light to allow him to see in the otherwise dim lighting of Gray Mode. ::

OPS_Keach says:
CO: I'd say five minutes Ma'am

SO_So`Quon says:
::takes his eyes away from the sensor scope, and notices Ariel on the bridge, his expression blank::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Let them move further in for another five minutes and then take us to the planet full impulse.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Understood, I am ready

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Have shields and weapons ready.

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Standing by

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::watches the chronometer as the minutes tick by.  Stands up, sending Dog scuttling back under the chair:: OPS: Take us out now, Ensign.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Aye, ::initiates thrusters to prepare for impulse::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Completes warp drive assembly, starts final diagnostic. ::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
SO: Stay on the passive sensors only.  Keep an eye out for anything that indicates the Jem'Hadar saw us.

Host Brett says:
Action: Slowly the Delphyne moves through the asteroids.  Several smaller ones bounce off the hull, sending loud reverberations through the quiet hallways.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO*: Captain, we'll be ready to cold start the warp drive soon.

SO_So`Quon says:
CO: Aye, captain. ::keeps it on passive control and goes back to his scope::

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: watches and waits ::

Host Brett says:
Action: The Delphyne comes to the edge of the asteroid field.  Ahead is open space and the planets of the system.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: Inform me when we can before you start it.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
SO: Status on the sensors?

SO_So`Quon says:
CO: We've cleared the asteroid field. They still haven't detected us.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::sits up and watches, not thinking open space is a good place to be::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: ETA until we reach the far side of that planet?

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* Aye, captain. We'll be ready shortly.

OPS_Keach says:
::is watching his console still and reads the info he has:: CO: At full impulse, fifteen minutes Ma'am

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Understood, steady as she goes.

OPS_Keach says:
::nods at the CO and continues to monitor systems::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
SO: Don't take your eyes off of those sensors.

SO_So`Quon says:
::thinks: I don't intend to::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Put the aft camera on the viewscreen.

Host Brett says:
Action: The Excelsior heads out into the exposed blackness of empty space, leaving behind the cover of the asteroid field.  It is a race to see if they will reach the blind side of the planet before the Jem‘Hadar ship reaches their side of the asteroids and detects them.

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: puts the images on the screen :: CO Aye captain

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::paces slowly in front of her chair as they make a run for it, watching the viewscreen::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO*: Captain, we're ready. Just waiting for your signal. Then we've 30 minutes while the warp drive warms up and comes online.

Host Brett says:
Action: Suddenly, the asteroid field is lit up by cyan beams of light.  Several explosions send pieces of rock in all directions.  On the viewscreen, the image of a battered Federation warp nacelle can be seen flying off into space.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: Activate it in grey mode, Cmdr.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* Understood, captain.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::stares at the viewscreen in surprise and turns to the captain::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CNS: A fitting end for that Delphyne.  Better that than to lie desolate and abandoned forever. Let's hope they think the readings they got were from her and not us.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: ETA until the far side of the planet?

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Begins the cold warp startup sequence, carefully monitoring the process while in grey mode.::

CNS_Jakiel says:
CO:  I hope so, but it is a little unnerving for it to be destroyed with the other crew.  Although, they may have just saved us.

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: nods in agreement with the captain's words ::

OPS_Keach says:
CO: We should be there in 5 minutes and 32 seconds

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Captain I could move the probe to the other side of the field, draw their attention away from the Delphyne

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Watches the matter/antimatter injection coils come online and begin to start the mix. ::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Hold off, Lt.  If they think the probe was a left over from the other Del we don't want to tip them off.

Host Brett says:
Action: The viewer shows several asteroids within the field shifting, as something massive pushes them aside.

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Aye captain

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::sees the viewscreen:: SO: Status on the sensors...can you tell how soon they will break out of the asteroid field?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: ETA until we reach the far side of the planet?

SO_So`Quon says:
CO: They'll be upon us shortly, captain.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
SO: Define shortly, Ensign.

SO_So`Quon says:
CO: A couple of minutes at the most.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Captain, we should be nearing the planet soon

Host Brett says:
Action: The metal prow of the mighty cruiser comes into view, shoving aside several asteroids like an icebreaker.  As the Del races around the planet, the last images of the Jem’Hadar show it emerging from the field.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Bring us to all stop behind the planet.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Yes Ma'am. ::waits till the ship is behind the planet to initiate all stop::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::listens to the back and forth ideas and discussion, hoping whatever is decided works::

OPS_Keach says:
CO: All stop Captain, we are behind the planet

Host CO_K`Beth says:
SO: Any indication that they saw us?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: Keep a passive tactical sensor scan of the area.  Let's make certain he doesn't have any friends around here.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Engages final warp drive procedure. ::

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Aye captain

SO_So`Quon says:
::his red eyes are like that of an eagle's looking through his scope towards the enemy ships:: CO: From what I can see, no they haven't.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::nods:: All: Excellent job people....we just may have squeaked out of this one.  But we can't relax just yet.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::relaxes to hear Quon's response to the captain::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CNS: Counsellor, can you help Ensign So'Quon run through the files we received from the other Del and see if there are any coordinates of a wormhole.

CNS_Jakiel says:
CO:  Yes, ma'am.  I would be very glad to.  ::Is happy to have something to keep her mind occupied.  Gets up to move to Science Two::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Ensign....see if you can find a course to Breen space that takes us away from any inhabited systems.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Aye Captain

SO_So`Quon says:
::sees the CNS sit next to him, very glad to have her close by:: CNS: Hello, Counselor. ::smiles warmly at her::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::nods and smiles to Quon:: SO:  Alright, let's see if we can get something figured out here, shall we?

Host Brett says:
Action: Time passes slowly.  Every eye strains to catch a glimpse of the Jem’Hadar Cruiser rounding the planet, the harbinger of the destruction of another Delphyne.

OPS_Keach says:
::searches his sector maps for a course to plot but can't seem to find one::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Runs final diagnostic on warp drive. ::

SO_So`Quon says:
::punches up the data for Ariel on her part of the console:: CNS: If you can make any sense of that gibberish, I would say you'd be deserving of a medal. ::looks back to his scope and keys in some cartography notes::

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: watches the passive sensors and external cameras ::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::is slowly walking around the bridge waiting for answers and watching the viewscreen::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::takes a look at the file::  SO: This looks like only a bunch of gibberish.  Maybe it's been encrypted?  The computer may be able to decode it, but then if it's just corrupted that wouldn't work.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Any luck on the course?

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Captain, Breen space is all the way across the galaxy from here, A course not intersecting any inhabited worlds will take the better part of three months

SO_So`Quon says:
CNS: I tried all the decryption algorithms available. It must be a uniquely developed proprietary language they used for some unknown reason.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Shall I plot  a course anyway?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Yes....and keep that one on hold.  Then plot the quickest route with the least amount of interaction.  Tell me how long that would take.

Host Brett says:
Action: Passive sensors detect the spatial distortion of a ship going to warp from somewhere near the asteroid field.

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Okay Captain, I will look ::checks the maps again::

CNS_Jakiel says:
SO:  I'm not the computer expert.  If you still have those algorithms, shall we run it on my data from the computer?

SO_So`Quon says:
::looks over the data again tapping his forefinger on some of the symbols he overlooked last time:: CNS: Do you see those symbols? Check out line 126 grid 10. There's Tengwar symbols scattered amidst the code....

CTO_K`Vas says:
CO: Captain I am detecting a spatial distortion.  A ship has gone to warp from near the asteroid field

OPS_Keach says:
CO: Well, it should be about a month for the least interaction

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO*: Captain, warp drive is operational. We will be limited to our speed but we can engage the drive when you're ready.

SO_So`Quon says:
CNS: There they are again. Actually, now that I look at it, those symbols are all over the file.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: And if we cut straight through?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::brings up the specified line and looks it over.  Has the computer compare to Tengwar::  SO:  I see it.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: Excellent work, Cmdr.  What is the status on the other repairs?

OPS_Keach says:
CO: If we run straight through, we'd be getting a lot of interaction, don't you want to avoid all that Ma'am?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
OPS: Yes Ensign…but I still want to know the time it would take.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::shakes her head::  SO:  I'm not sure what that would signify...  ::looks at him puzzled::

OPS_Keach says:
CO: In that case three weeks. But.... we'll pass near Earth

SO_So`Quon says:
CNS: How good is your math, Ariel? I think we can devise new algorithms for these symbols.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
*CO* Other repairs are unchanged as of this point. We've come as far as we can with the SIF without a major rehaul and the Inertia Dampers are still damaged.

CTO_K`Vas says:
:: stands ready for battle.::

CNS_Jakiel says:
SO:  Actually pretty good.  I'll try to do my best.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
*CEO*: I think that you and your people did much more than can be expected, Cmdr.  Well done.

Host Brett says:
<<<<Pause>>>>