<SM_ChrisD> MISSION PROLOGUE: The crew of the Delphyne has found plans and rumors of a Dominion vessel with mysterious powers over space and time.  With no idea if the ship is actually there, but with nothing else better to go off of - what else could the crew do?

<SM_ChrisD> There's no idea if the ship will be at the last known coordinates, but hopes are high for once.  The crew continue to disappear, but a ship that can control the foundations of space and time may be able to rescue them... or keep them gone forever.

<SM_ChrisD> <<<<Resume USS Delphyne 10408.30>>>>

<CMO_T`Rel> ::leaves sickbay to head up to the bridge::

<CO_Mash`ev> OPS: Please have the senior staff meet me in the briefing room.

<FCO_Dent> ::sitting on the bridge of the Delphyne, wondering each moment whether this mission isn't getting more and more futile::  

<CTO_Tek> ::On the bridge::

<CMO_T`Rel> ::arrives on the bridge to hear Mash'ev say there was to be a meeting::

<OPS_Kevlar> CO: Aye Sir ::sends out the memo to have all senior staff report to the briefing room::

<CO_Mash`ev> OPS: Thank you, Mr. Kevlar.

<CTO_Tek> ::sees the "You got Mail" light blink and reads the mail::

<SO_So`Quon> ::is on the bridge sifting through sensor data from the recent battle with the Breen ship when he hears the meeting called::

<CMO_T`Rel> ::walks into the briefing room::

<FCO_Dent> ::calls up a replacement helm officer so he can attend the meeting, and leaves his post for the briefing room::  

<SO_So`Quon> ::sighs as he checks the status of shields, hoping the static field effect will continue to hold and remain stable::

<CTO_Tek> ::turns over the tactical station to an crew men that got more pimples then So'Qoun got face ridges::

<CO_Mash`ev> :: Walks into the briefing room, looks around at who is there and who is missing. ::

<OPS_Kevlar> ::enters the briefing room and takes a seat::

<CTO_Tek> ::heads for the briefing room::

<SO_So`Quon> ::slowly rises from his seat and heads over to the briefing room, grimly looking towards where Ariel had sat none too long ago::

<FCO_Dent> ::sits down at the table, looking for all the world like he hasn't a clue what's going on::  

<CTO_Tek> ::enters the room, and get a feeling they all playing an old earth game called "Musical Chairs" as he see all the acting senior officers scramble for chairs::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: Let the record show that EO Knight is excused. He's working on keeping the ship's Grey Mode under control.

<SO_So`Quon> ::takes his seat at the table, gazing aimlessly out into the passing stars through the view port in the room::

<CTO_Tek> ::finds a vacant seat and sits down, hopefully before the music ends::

<CMO_T`Rel> ::sits down::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: We're getting closer to our coordinates. We need to be thinking about where we're headed and what we're going to do when we get there.

<SO_So`Quon> ::folds his arms and looks down at his reflection in the polished table surface, starting to feel a hint of fatigue from lack of rest lately, his red eyes looking more irritated than ever::

<CMO_T`Rel> ::looks over at the former CEO now acting Captain, listening with rapt attention, although her face is very neutral::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: We've been through a lot, more than any of us ever thought we'd have to go through when we joined Starfleet.

<CTO_Tek> ::Those not agree with that, the Breen attack on earth was worse, barely worse but it was worse, of course this little adventure was not yet over....::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: We're close, very close, to getting out this. I'm open to any ideas you might have, no matter how far fetched.

<CO_Mash`ev> All: We don't know what we're facing so we have to keep ourselves open but we can certainly make some educated guesses.

<CTO_Tek> CO: What our game plan?

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: When we arrive... what is our current plan? If we are to destroy the ship, how do we prevent this future from happening and how do we get back to our proper time?

<SO_So`Quon> ::puts a hand up to his face, massaging the ridge of bone over where his temples would be if he were human::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: In all likelihood, we're going to find that we're going to be vastly outnumbered. I don't know how to plan for that since I can't guess by how much.

<CTO_Tek> all: I gather we need the ship to get back? Are we even planning on going back?

<FCO_Dent> CO: Those kind of odds will mean we have one shot, and only one.  

<CMO_T`Rel> ::wonders the same as the CTO::

<CMO_T`Rel> ::agrees with the FCO::

<CO_Mash`ev> FCO: I believe that will be the case.

<SO_So`Quon> ::folds his arms again, keeping his head facing downwards, and closes his eyes listening to the others and letting his mind surge with random thoughts::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: We should be ready for several different scenarios, we may have to change ideas in mid-stream.

<FCO_Dent> CO: I'm having a hard time understanding the temporal aspect of all this...what are we going to have to accomplish to ensure this doesn't all repeat?  

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Is your intent to return us to our proper time?

<CTO_Tek> all; I think our number one objective should be to make sure we destroy that ship and any the technology she carries

<CO_Mash`ev> FCO/CMO: I'm trying to follow the plans that were laid out before... before the captain disappeared. We're going to be returning with the plans that we found.

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: What was that plan? Do you know?

<CTO_Tek> CO: What plans?

<CO_Mash`ev> CMO: No, I do not. They were formulating a plan when they disappeared.

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: If it was the simple destruction of the ship... how are we to prevent this from happening in our future?

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Then perhaps we should formulate our own goals and come up with a plan based upon the information we presently have.

<FCO_Dent> CTO: If the plan is to destroy the ship in the past, then is it necessary to destroy it in this future as well?  I would think we simply need to use it to get back to our proper time.  

<SO_So`Quon> ::without looking or opening his eyes:: ALL: Destroying the ship would accomplish nothing...

<CTO_Tek> FCO: if we use just to return to the past, what to stop the Dominion?

<CO_Mash`ev> All: Their plan, as I was able to determine, was to use their technology to go back to our proper time. Armed with the knowledge of this wormhole technology, we were going to stop this future from happening.

<CMO_T`Rel> ::agrees with the SO:: All: Yes. We need to destroy it at the time in which it first came online.

<FCO_Dent> ::nods to the Captain as he explains it to answer the CTO's question::  CTO: That would be how.  

<CTO_Tek> CO: Perhaps we should secure the ship, use it to head back to time, and then destroy it

<SO_So`Quon> ::nods:: CMO: Exactly.... ALL: And the way to do that is to capture their technology.

<FCO_Dent> CTO: What would leaving the Delphyne here do as far as corrupting the space-time continuum?  

<CTO_Tek> All: I am not saying leaving the Delphyne here

<CO_Mash`ev> All: Personally, I think we need to destroy their ship.. to keep them from going back further in time. I'd like to say that we could do this without them but I don't see how.

<CTO_Tek> All: I am saying that either one or a small handful of us remain, to destroy the wormhole vessel after the del has return, that way the dominion can not go back to prevent the del

<SO_So`Quon> ::looks up at the CO intently:: CO: If I may, sir...?

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Without who? The Breen?

<CMO_T`Rel> ::turns to look at the SO::

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: Certainly, So`Quon.

<SO_So`Quon> CO: You say you were up for far fetched ideas, yes? Well, we have all the data on their time ship....we could, in theory, replicate it.

<CMO_T`Rel> ::almost furrows her brow but is far too Vulcan to let the concern show on her face:: SO: Where would we get the resources or the time?

<SO_So`Quon> CO: Of course, that would take too long, so there is an alternative to accomplishing what has to be done, which could fail as well, even destroy us in the process...

<SO_So`Quon> ALL: Time warp....under the Delphyne's own power, or another vessel's, using the gravity of a suitable star to slingshot us to a pre-calculated time coordinate...

<CMO_T`Rel> SO: Slingshot around a star?

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: Those are options we need to consider.

<FCO_Dent> SO: In a starship this big!?  That's suicide.  

<SO_So`Quon> ::shrugs:: CO: But I digress....I do not have proper coordinates...yet.

<CTO_Tek> CO: I still think our best bet is to capture the Dominion ship.  While Mr. So'Qoun figures out how to use it to return to the Delphyne home.  I and my men rig the dominion vessel to explode.  I and any other volunteers, remain on board the science ship.  active the device, send the del home and then destroy the ship

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: Wait, how will we get you out in time?

<SO_So`Quon> FCO: Perhaps....or maybe use a Dominion vessel, but even so.... ::sighs, thinking the CTO may actually be right::

<CTO_Tek> CO: I will not I will Die when I destroy the dominion ship

<FCO_Dent> CO: Captain, getting everyone out in one piece is going to be an impossible goal...we shouldn't even try going down that road.  

<CTO_Tek> CO: It is a fate I believe the Prophets had in store for me when I was assigned the Delphyne

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Transporting at warp... through a wormhole... you'd need some kind of miracle worker at OPS to pull that off.

<CO_Mash`ev> :: Feels the burden of command, knowing he may have to ask for volunteers to stay behind. ::

<CTO_Tek> CO: I expect what I must do, to ensure my home world lives

<SO_So`Quon> CO: Mr. Tek is right, sir. Preventing this future from happening may thrust us into a paradox that leave the 'sacrificed' crew members alive in which none of this ever happens.

<CMO_T`Rel> ::raises an eyebrow as that is a kinky consideration from a scientific point of view::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: I must be open to all suggestions, even those that involve leaving someone behind. I'd like to avoid that if at all possible.

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: A timed detonation could leave us room to beam people off before we depart.

<SO_So`Quon> ::notices the intrigue masterfully hidden in the Vulcan's curious face:: CMO: The only interest time probably has in this situation is to right itself when mortal forces attempt to disrupt its proper flow. We will have to help time make things right.

<CTO_Tek> CO: I believe it the will of the Prophets

<CTO_Tek> CMO: Yes but it could also fail, the needs of the many out weight the needs of the one

<CMO_T`Rel> ::nods agreeing with the SO::

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: That may be, but we needn't rush headfirst into it if there are other options.

<CMO_T`Rel> CTO: Indeed. I agree. However, I was merely pointing out options... which our Captain desired to know. It is up to him to determine the course of action. ::inclines her head politely::

<CTO_Tek> CO: You yourself said we may get only one chance.  Should we squander that once chance, because we afraid to lose one person to save billions?

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: Have you been able to learn how their wormhole device works? If not, do you believe you could?

<SO_So`Quon> CO: I have all the info in our databanks on the time ship. Sir, with enough time at the proper controls, I could manipulate their device to work for us.

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: You'll have to show at least 6 volunteers how to use it. We can't take any chances that only one person knows how to get us home.

<CTO_Tek> CO: I gather I should begin running training drills to take the Breen vessel using the holodeck and the data we recovered?

<SO_So`Quon> ::looks at the CTO:: CO: Agreed. But getting to our objective is one thing. It will be heavily guarded no doubt. And even when we do procure it, the Dominion will put up a stiff resistance on either getting it back or destroying it if they must.

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: I agree. I doubt we'll be so lucky that they'll be cocky enough to leave it lightly guarded.

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: We need to be ready for anything they might have. Anything!

<SO_So`Quon> ALL/Self: If only there was some way to bring ourselves close to them without detection. Something better than Grey Mode. Some way to mask ourselves and surprise them....

<SO_So`Quon> ::beams a red-eyed glance at the Bajoran CTO for answers::

<FCO_Dent> SO: Gee, can you build us a Romulan Cloaking Device?  ::sarcastically::  

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: I've been thinking about that. I don't know if we'll be lucky enough to sneak up on them.

<CTO_Tek> All: We have the data from our encounter with the Breen scout vessel, I am sure we could rig something up to make it appear as if we that vessel

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: Good. That's good.

<SO_So`Quon> ::smiles very wryly:: FCO: With no Federation in this timeline, there is no Treaty of Algeron to prohibit such development. If I had the materials, I know we could build one....

<CTO_Tek> all: We know from the data that damaged ships were often sent back to the past to be repair and rejoined the battle.  We could send a message saying we damaged in battle

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: See what you can do about making us look less Federation and more Breen.

<SO_So`Quon> CTO: That's assuming the Dominion have an interest in making use of captured Starfleet vessels from the past.

<CO_Mash`ev> SO/FCO: Believe me, I've considered it. If I knew where a Romulan ship was nearby I'd be very tempted to go find it and salvage the Cloaking Device.

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Does the data we retrieved from the other Delphyne say how well guarded they thought the ship was?

<CTO_Tek> SO: No you are mistake my friend. they will think we are one of there vessels damaged in a battle with the Delphyne.  Seeking to go back in time to be repair and ready to do battle again in the present

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: I do imagine that the ship as it is coming online will be extremely guarded... however we will have the element of surprise then.

<SO_So`Quon> CTO: Indeed? So how do you intend to trick our clever enemies, hm?

<CO_Mash`ev> CMO: I'll have to re-read the log to know for sure. I don't believe they knew.

<CMO_T`Rel> ::nods::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: My opinion is that we'll have surprise and that we'll have one chance to make this work. They're going to be all over us as soon as they figure out that we're a crippled Federation ship.

<CTO_Tek> So'Qoun: We will make the del look like the Breen vessel we recently destroyed

<CMO_T`Rel> All: Let those who hope, hope that random chance is favorable for us.

<CTO_Tek> All: I believe the Prophets are with us, and will guide us along the proper path

<SO_So`Quon> ::stifles an amused reptilian hiss in his throat at Tek's words:: CTO: I see....an illusory sensor ghosting technique. I'm sorry I doubted you, sir. A fine idea with plenty of risk involved.

<CO_Mash`ev> CTO: See what you can do disguise us and make our signature appear to be Breen. Communications can be damaged, as well.

<CO_Mash`ev> SO: Figure out how to operate their wormhole and show at least 6 volunteers.

<CO_Mash`ev> FCO: Continue to keep us out of sight.

<SO_So`Quon> ::nods:: CO: Yes, sir.

<CO_Mash`ev> All: I want to see some results and I want to see them ASAP.

<CTO_Tek> CO: the volunteers should all be willing to die in the present, after the ship has return home

<FCO_Dent> CO: Easier said than done...the closer we get.  

<CO_Mash`ev> FCO: Understood, Mr. Dent.

<CO_Mash`ev> All: This isn't going to be easy. But we can do it.

<CO_Mash`ev> All: I have faith in all of you. You've gotten us this far.

<SO_So`Quon> ::not quite liking the CTO's prospect of death, no matter the quirks of temporal paradoxes::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: Send me your reports as soon as you have something.

<CMO_T`Rel> ::nods and stands up, preparing to leave the briefing room::

<CO_Mash`ev> All: I have nothing more to add. Dismissed.

<CMO_T`Rel> CO: Yes, Sir.

<SM_ChrisD> <<<<<Pause Mission>>>>>