USS Sharikahr Mission #362
Space, the final frontier...These are the adventures of the USS Sharikahr in her continuing mission to bring peace where conflicts may arise, to explore new worlds untouched by the eyes of men, and to brave the darkness of the last vast, unknown.
With the end of neutrino night, the crew has finally decided a course of action to save the planet. They will try to use their most resistant ships to pull the plug that has been accumulating debris on the moon's vent.
By using the tractor beam the Sharikahr hopes to heat through friction the sides of the plug, and let the immense pressure push the plug from inside, once the rock has been liquefied by friction.
All the ships assigned to this task are being prepared and only essential personnel will remain aboard because of the huge risks.
In the meanwhile on the planet, the XO is daring enough to enter an unstable set of caves to save the lives of the kids lost there.
Lots of things may happen in the next hour, just wait and see.

Star Trek, A Call To Duty,
Is proud to present
The USS Sharikahr
In:
“The Tenaris Mission: Arc 2 -The Discovery, Scene 5”. Stardate 10902.22
Starring:

Christopher D. as Captain Savar Dickinson, CO
Anne B. as Commander Millicent Arinoch, XO
Gina H. as Commander Gina Hembrook, CEO
James H as Lieutenant JG Donavin Arinoch, CTO

Produced and Directed by:

Enrico T.

= /\ = /\ = Begin Mission, 7 days 11 hours to the explosion = /\ = /\ =

@ACTION: The entrance into the caves is at the base of a gorge between to high peaks, partially hidden by the verdant vegetation, a few boulders, recently fallen, cover the entrance of the cave.

CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
::In Main Engineering at the Master Systems Display monitoring systems and doing last minute diagnostics and checks::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::seated at his station, glaring coolly at the right side of his display, whereupon the coordinates of the surface teams are laid out::
Host Enrico says:
<OPS_Cha'ts: CO: Ships that are part of the operations are reporting they are ready to begin and deploy. All non essential personnel have been evacuated to the other ships of the fleet.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
OPS: Excellent.  Signal the fleet to assume primary positions.  Coordination to science's control.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::sizing up the entrance and the task ahead:: TO: Can we phaser those boulders out of the way without further destabilizing the cave?
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>CO: All telemetry links established sir, we should reach the moon and take positions.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
:: Seated at Flight Control checking systems.::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
@<TO_LtJG_Loral>::examines their situation for a few minutes, then nods:: XO: If we keep the beam to a minimal setting, we shouldn't do any damage to the cave walls, sir.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: Captain, all vessels reporting they have the modifications online and ready to go. My people are all in place to assist as needed on the other vessels.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
A-FCO: Assume our position.  *CEO*: Excellent work, Commander.  Archimedes: Begin when ready.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::keeps an eye on their sensors while the operation is underway, but also keeps one on the situation developing on the planet::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Looks over her shoulder at the CTO.:: CTO: Just another routine mission eh?
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>: A-FCO: I am sending you the coordinates, the Sharikahr will take position in the center of the Fleet, with the Minerva at her right.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
::Makes certain the shields, engines, inertial dampers, and structural integrity are all fully ready and prioritized for the upcoming mission::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::looks up at the familiar voice, blinks a couple times, then smiles ever so slightly:: A-FCO: Remind me to catch you up when we're not playing hero. ::smirks a little:: Can you still hold your scotch?
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: Let's get to it then ::signals the team to begin clearing the entrance:: Once this is clear, we'll proceed carefully. We can't afford to risk more lives.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
Archimedes: Right-O.  ::Enters the Coordinates and checks the Orbit status.::

@ACTION: The XO's team start shooting at the boulders vaporizing them. shortly the entrance is clear of any debris.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Obtains the scans and sensor data required for the very low stationary orbit around the moon.::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::instinctively readies her weapon, and motions her team to move in, ahead of the XO::
Host Enrico says:
<OPS_Cha'ts>: CO: Fleet reports they are moving to their positions.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::Enters the cave with her tricorder out, scanning for the children's exact position::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Remains seated in the command chair - from here out, they shouldn't expect quick results, but a carefully planned delicate operation ::

@ACTION: The XO's team can clearly hear the noise of water. A small brook runs alongside the cave, which for the moment seems large and roomy, if a tad humid.

A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
CTO: Yes catching up will indeed be nice.  We shall save the alcohol for when we are off duty.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::makes very slight adjustments to the tactical sensors, keeping an eye out just in case::
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*A-FCO*: Flight, other than the tractor beams and shields you have priority, we have the engines, structural integrity, and inertial dampers all at maximum, so you are ready to turn and burn if you need too.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Looks about the Bridge, finding it slightly emptier with only the skeleton crew aboard ::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::smirks again and throws a wink at Amber:: A-FCO: Not even up here half an hour and you're ruining my fun. Millicent will love you. ::looks away, and hides a faintly teasing smile::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
*CEO*: Aye Aye Chief.  ::Turns to the CO.:: CO: Captain, I'm ready to move into position on your order.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
A-FCO: The order has been given, Lieutenant Commander.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
::Puts the Bridge chatter on speakers so she can stay at the MSD and monitor both systems and what is going on "upstairs" at the same time::
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::moves forward, cursing that the tricorder isn't picking up anything yet, luckily they already knew the approximate position from the ship scans::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Nods and moves the USS Sharikahr into position.::

@ACTION: A flock of flying mammals, similar to Earth's bats flies outside the cave disturbed by the XO arrival.

A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
CTO: I can't wait to see "The Family" again.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::ducks and swings her arms:: Self: Yuk!
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
A-FCO: Half of them aren't aboard... the kids are staying with Falor while we take care of this. ::pauses, realizing belatedly she wasn't here for the divorce:: I'll fill you in.

ACTION: The main screen shows the far side of large moon which is definitively more ragged than Earth's moon and still shaken by quakes.

A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Receives confirmation that all ships are in position and ready to begin.::  CO: Captain everyone is in position we are ready.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
All: Let us begin.  OPS: Signal the fleet on our prearranged coordination signal.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
@<TO_LtJG_Loral> ::watches the XO with a touch of amusement:: XO: Perfectly harmless, sir. They're more likely to run from you than at you.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: Doesn't make them any less freaky.
Host Enrico says:
<SO_Archimedes>: ALL: Our main problem is to assign the proper areas to each ship so that the entire set of tractor beams pull evenly along the surface of the plug. But thanks to the indefatigable engineers we are ready to begin.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
CTO: Uh huh.  ::Wonders to herself how much she'll be able to fill everyone in on her life the last few years, especially her husband Logan who doesn't even know she's back home.::
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
::continues to move forward toward the coordinates, quickly and carefully::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Uses appropriate Algorithm to ration the power needed to maintain the ships position and reserves enough for escape should it become necessary.::

ACTION: Once they receive their commands every ship in the small task force emits their tractor beam on the assigned area. Briefly everyone on board feels the Sharikahr jar slightly as she begins to pull against the moon. Then the inertial dampeners compensate and everything returns to normal.

CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::just nods:: XO: Still, nothing to be all that concerned about, really. Larger problems around here would likely be cave snakes.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::gives the TO a look::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
All: And now we wait.....
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @XO: I mean, really. You should have a look at some of those repo... ::is stopped mid-sentence by the look:: I guess you did.

@ACTION: The XO Team keeps on moving, slowly descending deeper into the mountain, the cave become smaller as they go.

Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Pulls up a tactical schematic on his armchair's console and observes quietly ::
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
::takes deep breathes, she' not normally claustrophobic, but there's a little more of her than usual to squeeze through::
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>: CO: I got nothing on sensors yet, but I guess it is going to be like watching paint dry.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
::Monitors system performance and the telemetry as it comes in::

@ACTION: The XO's Team suddenly enter a huge cave, with a ceiling over 100 feet high and hundreds of feet long...the whole surface is covered in stalagmites and stalactites.

Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
Archimedes: Indeed.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: Everything is reading nominal down here Captain. So far it's going just like the simulations predicted.
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes> ALL: I register a slight rise of the temperature along the designated fault lines in the rock. I need more time to see if the effect continues. But in two hours we should have enough data to see if we are succeeding.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
*CEO*: I suppose we should be thankful for that.  Although the procedure will take hours, the initial lock-on was one of the key steps.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::breathes a little easier:: TO: So, the trick once we reach these kids is going to be getting them out from under the rocks without destabilizing the cavern further.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Leans back in her chair and puts her feet on the edge of the console and settles in for a long shift.::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
@<TO_LtJG_Loral> ::sweeps the cave area with both her eyes and her tricorder:: XO: Doable, but not easily. I'd recommend someone keep a transporter lock on us. A good one.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: Aye Sir. I'll have my people continue to monitor things on all the ships and will give you notice if anything changes.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::looks at the cave appreciating its beauty as she listens::

= /\ = /\ = TIME JUMP: 2 hours pass, the task force continues the tugging war while the XO's team is going deeper in the cave system = /\ = /\ =

A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Stiffles a yawn.:: All: I'm gonna order a Coffee anybody else want one?

@ACTION: The XO's away team is very close to the last known location of the kids. However they find that a huge rockslide has blocked the path. A large pool has been created where the rock has fallen during the last quake. The water level is slowly growing.

CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
A-FCO: If I have any more coffee today I'll be not quite sleeping on the couch tonight.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: We can set up transport enhancers. Without them a signal can't through all the rock.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Standing at the rear auxiliary science display, monitoring the progress ::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::gets up to stretch his legs slightly while he keeps an eye on things::
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::nods, then looks ahead:: XO: This is going to take some doing...
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Flags a Yeoman over and orders an Iced Mocha with a double shot of espresso.::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
Archimedes: Our efforts are not having the necessary effects.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Double checks the status of their orbit.::
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>::curses:: CO: I know. Darn it. I think that pressure on the plug must be increased. The rock density in certain pockets is more than we expected.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: Things are running a bit warmer than usual from the prolonged use down here Captain, but we are still within operational limits and I'm keeping ahead of things.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: What do you suggest. I think phasers are our best bet again?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
*CEO*: Do we have the ability to supplement the coolant flow?  Our efforts are not being as effective as necessary.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
SO: Take power from weapons as needed. ::unlocks the system in question as he speaks:: If that moon goes boom they're not gonna be entirely too helpful anyway.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
CO: At the two hour mark our orbit remains stable Captain.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: You could try using the phasers to pre-score the edges of the plug and give the systems a bit of a break Captain. By giving the rock a line to break on it will relieve the stress quite a bit.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
*CEO*: I fear that would create too rapid of a release... and potentially detonate the material.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::The Yeoman brings her, her drink in a Spill proof mug.::  Yeoman: I'm not my husband you know.
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::gives instructions to set up a portable field generator to help keep the cave walls structurally sound while they are phasering::
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes> CO: If we just keep the phasers very focused and only in the first 50 miles, they could help. But it increases our risk. It's a trade off Captain.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> ::continues her examination, then after a moment, shakes her head:: XO: It's risky. Right now, that debris is keeping the forming pool away from them.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
Archimedes: Do we have any other options?
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: Captain, we could also split the plug up into sections with the phasers like a pie, and each ship could pull its own section.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
<Yeoman>A-FCO: Uh, um, I know that ma'am but the kitchen heard it was for Cartwright, they thought it was your husband not you.  They didn't know you were back.  I'm sorry, I can change it if you wish?  ::Looks embarrassed.::
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
<phasers>
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: We could start with a small hole, let the water drain first.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::listens in to the exchange from his station on the bridge, nodding:: CO: Captain, I believe I should be able to recalibrate the phasers to accomplish that without too much difficulty.
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes> CO: In order to melt the rock must reach 1300 degrees of temperature. In order to do this every ship has to increase engine input to 1/8 impulse to increase the pressure and the friction..
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
Yeoman: No that will not be necessary actually seems like a safe thing to do.  ::Turns to the CTO.:: CTO: Cheers!
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
Archimedes: If we increase our impulse output, how long would it take to indicate success or failure?
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::just gives Amber a confused look, laughing slightly:: A-FCO: Good to have you back, Amber. Even if Logan won't let you out of his sight when he sees you.
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>: CO: One moment, sir:: inputs some data in the system:: If every ship is able to do it and maintain such pressure we should know in nine hours.
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: I can probably keep the engines operating in safe limits for that long Captain, but I don't know about the tractor beams. They weren't designed to handle shearing stress like this for an extended period.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
*CEO*: You are telling me "we don't have nine hours"?
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Smiles.:: CTO: Yeah Thanks.  Something tells me he's not going to let me out of our quarters for a few days.  He has no idea I'm back.  ::Her facial expression becomes one of sadness.:: I'm not sure if I'm ready for that again yet.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Takes a drink of her beverage and nurses it while reviewing her monitor and thinking about the past.::
CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: I'm saying I can't absolutely guarantee the modified tractors will hold up for 9 hours Sir, and that's on the Starfleet ships. Some of the civilian ships don't have systems as robust as ours. I picked the 8 best ships of what we had.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
Archimedes: Nine more hours?
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::ponders for a moment, then nods:: XO: That might work. With the assistance from the field generator, we might just manage to keep the cave roof from becoming the cave floor.
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes>: A-FCO: or more.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
Archimedes: Ugh!
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@TO: Well, Lt, my husband tells me your a crack shot. ::gestures to the blockage:: The generator is running already.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
Archimedes/*CEO*: It appears that our vessels would not last that long.  If there was some way to swap in and out additional support ships, it might be feasible.  For now, I suggest we increase speed and determine progress after two hours.  If necessary, we will then determine appropriate phaser strikes.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
::nods a few times as he listens to the mission related conversation, occasionally looking over in Amber's direction but not saying anything as yet::
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes> A-FCO: I hear you. CO: Then I think we should all increase engines power and go to 1/8 impulse.
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::tries not to blush at the complement, and readies to fire at a particular spot in the blockage, before doing so::
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
::Works on an new Algorithm for maintaining the orbit longer with the same amount of power.::

@ACTION: The TO starts to create a little hole to drain the water away. The rocks, when hit by the phaser heat up and vaporize…leaving a non dangerous amount of steam in the air. Temperature in the cave rises slowly.

CEO_Cmdr_Hembrook says:
*CO*: I'll have my people set up the environmental controls in the compartments containing the tractor beams to just above freezing Captain, that should increase the cooling ability and let them hold out a bit longer.
A-FCO_LtCmdr_Haynes-Cartwright says:
Archimedes: Wouldn't that disrupt the moon's stability by moving with a tractor beam engaged on it?
CTO_Ltjg_Arinoch says:
<TO_LtJG_Loral> @::lines up, and fires a second, shorter burst, to very slightly increase the leackage point but not by much::
XO_Cmdr_Arinoch says:
@::observes the TO's progress approvingly::
Host Enrico says:
<Archimedes> A-FCO: With just 8 ships, we are not powerful enough to significantly move the moon. If we used every ship on the fleet we'd incur that risk.

= /\ = /\ = End Mission, 7 days 8 hours to the explosion = /\ = /\ =
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