SUMMARY:  The Tal War has reached the Badlands.  What will they find?  What is this the Cardassians are speaking of?  Buried within the data the Cardassians sent is an indication that there maybe an Iconian gateway involved. If so, how does the crew find out who is the culprit?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin - Through Door Number 1............Part >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: stands on the bridge, watching as flares of yellows and oranges errupt in cyclonic funnels ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::sat at flight control::
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::sat in sickbay::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: sitting at her console, monitoring ships systems ::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
FCO: Steady as she goes, Lieutenant....
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
XO: Steady as she goes, aye Commander. ::holds the course steady::

ACTION:  Plasma streams errupt all around the Tal War.  Some coming precariously close to the ship.  Couple singe marks mark the outside.

XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: Increase power to the navigational and shield matrix....
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::makes small course corrections to maneuver round the plasma storms::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: begins to quickly tap at her console :: XO:  Aye Sir, working on it.
SO_Soleth says:
XO: Plasma flares are beginning to increase as we get deeper into the area, Commander.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: feels the bumpy ride :: Self:  These chairs need seat belts.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
SO: Understood, Ensign. :: looks back at the Vulcan now occupying the Science console :: Keep a look out for whatever's out there.
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::holds on to his desk as the ship shudders::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::grabs his console as the ship rocks a bit and taps frantically to correct it::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
OPS: Can you boost any more power to inertial dampeners?
EO_Poltes says:
*FCO* Poltes to bridge. The impulse engines are holding at eighty-three percent. That's the best I can give you.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: still tapping at her console :: FCO:  I'm working on it Lt.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
*EO*: It'll have to do, see if you can hold it there.
EO_Poltes says:
*FCO* Understood.

ACTION:  A flare nips the port nacelle knocking the ship sideways.  The ship sits sideways for a second the flips back upright.

FCO_Lt_Foster says:
All: Whoa... that was close. ::alters course a little::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: feels the deck jostle beneath him, fighting to stand upright ::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: shakes her head :: FCO:  Too close.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: looks over to the FCO, giving a jerk of his head :: FCO: It wouldn't bother me if you didn't do that again....
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::looks about in alarm::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
OPS/XO: Believe me I fully intend to avoid it in future.

ACTION:  Sickbay begins to receive calls.

EO_Poltes says:
:: hears an alarm go off, running through engineering :: EO: Doris, get up their and increase that emitter field! Hank, I need flow regulation in the port nacelle!
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: continues to tap at her console :: XO:  Rerouting power from non-essential systems Sir.  Inertial dampeners stabilized.
SO_Soleth says:
XO: Commander, sensor pallet seven is showing increased fluctuation in the data nodes. I am shutting it down and rerouting to sensor palette five.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::alters the view from the navigational sensors to show energy buildup rather than picture and uses it to avoid the storms::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
FCO: How much further until we get out the other side?
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
:;starts reacting as injured crewmen come in::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: looks at the damage reports coming in, knowing that an injured list isn't far behind ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
XO: Just checking now... we should clear the storms in about 20 minutes Commander.
Gortez says:
:: steps through the doors of sickbay, his mustard yellow tunic blackened, and cradling his arm ::
Gul_Mar says:
@COM:TalWar:  Tal War this is Gul Mar, we have reached the rendez vous point.  Your ETA?
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
XO:  Minor damage to the hull and interior.  Slight plasma leak in the port nacelle.  Repair crews dispatched.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
COM: Mar: This is Commander Trelan. We should reach you in approximately twenty minutes.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: Good. Maybe we can get out of this soup before more damage is done.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
*CMO* How are you down there Doctor?  Any casualties?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::alters course to avoid a plasma discharge then compensates to bring the ship back on course to the RV::
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
*OPS* We've got a few, sir.  Dealing with them the noo.
Gortez says:
:: moves to a biobed, collapsing onto the floor and slipping into unconsciousness before being able to get on it ::
Gul_Mar says:
@COM:XO:  Understood.  ::Tries to send a picture of what he is seeing.::  There is a structure here that I've never seen before.  We have never come across it within the Badlands.  It looks like it's just been dumped here.  It's strategically placed between two plasma streams.  If those streams move, it's incinerated.
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::looks at Gortez::  Ridge: Nurse!  ::runs over::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
*CMO* Anything serious?  Do you need extra help?
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
*CMO* No, thanks.  But Ah'll let ye know.
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::gets Gortez onto the biobed::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
COM: Mar: We'll see if we can avoid that from happening....
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
*CMO* Alright Doctor.  Bridge out.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
XO:  Only minor injuries Sir.
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::scans Gortez::  Ridge: 10ccs Morphenolog
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
SO: Can you get a bead on what he's talking about?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::sends a message to the OPS console... "how are you holding up?"::
Gul_Mar says:
@COM:XO:  I'll see you when you get here then.  Hmmmmm there is something you should know.  Another Child was taken, this time a female.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: notices the incoming information and attempts to retrieve it ::
SO_Soleth says:
XO: I will attempt to extend out sensor range, though it will be difficult to ascertain how accurate it will be.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::avoids another discharge before turning sharply to avoid another::
CMO_Ens_Cameron says:
::injects Gortez::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
Self: Dagva.... COM: Mar: Understood. Thank you for the information.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
XO:  Sir, I have the image from the Cardassians
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: Let's see it.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: nods and puts the picture up on the screen ::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: looks in awe at the sheer size and architecture of the Iconian Gateway ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::Gapes at the picture on the screen::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: types back to the FCO "I'm fine, just fly the ship through this stuff."  Looks over and smiles to take the sting out of her words ::

ACTION:  A distress call comes across the Ops Station.

SO_Soleth says:
XO: Sir, I am attempting to theorize if we will be able to move the gateway from the storms, but there is little evidence to determine if we will be able to. It has never been attempted before.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::receives the message from OPS and turns his full attention to navigating round the plasma storms::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
SO: Do the best you can, Ensign. We don't want that thing becoming atomized dust before we find out what the hell's going on.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: looks at the flashing light on her console and puts her finger up to the earpiece in her ear :; XO:  Sir, we are receiving a distress call from the Riman.  It's been hit.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
FCO: Can we increase speed?
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: Begin setting up the parameters. I want to grab that thing with the tractor beam as we pass and move it from the field.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: We won't have time to stop and smell the roses on this one.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
XO: I'll check... ::taps his com-badge:: *EO*: Poltes I need more juice out of the impulse engines and I need it now.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
XO:  Sir, we are barely within sensor range......there is alot of screaming and yelling going on.  They are seriously in trouble Sir.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
XO: Commander we can increase speed but it's highly dangerous.
EO_Poltes says:
*FCO* We are having a bit of a problem with the port nacelle from that last shocker. You'll have to give me a minute to see if I can regulate the flow from the other one.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: looks at the incoming sensor readings :; XO:  Sir, their starboard nacelle is gone.  It looks like they are dead in space.  Attempting to get energy readings now.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: readies the tractor beam ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
*EO*: Clock's ticking Poltes.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
*EO* Trelan to Poltes. You don't have a minute. Increase output to ninety percent.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::alters course slightly to cut a little closer to the storms:: All: Hold on tight folks, it's about to get bumpy!
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
ALL: Looks like we need to forget about the gate.... Get a lock on the Riman....
EO_Poltes says:
*FCO* You have ninety percent, Lieutenant!

ACTION:  The Fluffy dice fall to the floor.

OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: nods :: XO:  Aye Sir.  I'll attempt it as soon as we are within range.  Preparing alternate contingency, setting up transporter lock on life signs as well.
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: nods ::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: fingers fly furiously across the console ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::increases speed to match power output::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Walks onto the bridge:: XO: Report.  What's our status?
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
CO: Getting a bit singed, Captain... :: looks to the FCO :: FCO: Push it, William... we need to save the Riman....
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Rubs a sore spot on her head, from when she had been knocked out whilst in the ready room::
Gul_Mar says:
@COM:XO:  Commander we won't survive much longer.  Please hurry.  We've got injured!  ::Gul Mar is panicking::  Get my people off this ship!
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
XO: I'm working on it commander. ::narrowly avoids a plasma discharge and heads straight for the tail end of another one::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
XO: How much closer do we need to be before we can transport?
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
COM: Mar: Take a deep breath, Mar. We're almost there. We are going to lock on and drag you from the field. Standby....
Gul_Mar says:
@::Voice high::  COM:XO:  No can do, the ship will fall apart!... the SIF is almost gone!
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
CO: We should be almost within range....
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
OPS: Report, Lieutenant.... :: keeping his voice calm and even ::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
XO: Have we got anybody working on collecting the information from the Riman computers?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::fingers fly over the flight console as he deftly maneuvers the Tal-War past further plasma discharges::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
XO:  I'm trying Sir!
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Moves to the chair next to Trelan, and taps panels on the arm panel::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: looks over his shoulder :: CO: With all due respect, Captain.... I'm a little busy at the moment....

ACTION:  A floundering Riman can now be seen on the view screen.  Fires can be seen.. several decks have been breached.  Another plasma stream is dangerously close.

OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: taps out a message for her officers down in the OPS office :: CO:  I have two people working on it Captain.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
CO: Don't worry Trelan, I'm on it...You continue doing what you are doing
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
*EO*: I need full power to shields and SIF right now!
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Smiles gratefully at Telgar::  OPS: Thanks you Lt, I'm still feeling a little woozy from the knock.  Glad to know I can trust my crew fully :: Smiles even wider::
EO_Poltes says:
:: runs his fingers frantically over his console :: *FCO* We're pushing safety levels now, sir!
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Attempting transporter locks now.  :: looks at the readings :: This isn't going to be a walk in the park Sir.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Energizing.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: We all need a challenge occasionally Lt.  I know you can do this
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:; looks at message coming from OPS office :; CO:  We are downloading what we can Captain.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::Avoids another discharge and flies the ship directly at the Riman::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: I just don't want to lose the information we came for.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO: I don't know how much we will be able to get Sir.  The transporters and computer link aren't stable here.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
OPS: I'm doing a flyby on the Riman but I'm not gonna slow down for a second... you think you can grab everyone?
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Starts to feel a little sick with the throbbing head, and the swerving because of the plasma storm::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
FCO:  I don't know.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Energizing.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Get who you can
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::heads for a point directly in front of the Riman at high impulse::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  I'm trying Sir.  :; fingers still flying over the console ::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: steps over behind the FCO, watching in silence ::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
*CMO* Doctor, We have possible casualties.  I am transporting them to cargo bay 1.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  I've got some of them Sir.  I'll get as many as I can.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
Outloud:  Energizing.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::actually feels the Tal getting closer to the Riman as he concentrates on his goal::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Nods at Telgar, whilst keeping an eye on how many life signs were being transported over::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: continues to get locks and energizes a quickly as she can ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::swoops in within a few kilometers of the Riman and executed a high speed turn to take the Tal away from the Riman, the approaching plasma stream and the storms in general::

ACTION:  Several injured Cardassians have been beamed aboard including Gul Mar.  As the Tal War reaches the Riman, it blows... knocking the Tal War back barely missing some of the streams.

CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
XO: Commander, do we have any security with the Cardassians?  ::Stands up and makes a move towards the door, in preparation to go and secure them herself::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: makes the final transport and is thrown from her chair ::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::flies over his console and hits the floor:: All: OOF!
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
CO: Have teams dispatched, now. They should be there.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Calls over her shoulder::  XO: I'll get down there and wait for them   ::Gets into the Turbolift::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::fights his way back to his chair::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: hits her head and just lays there trying to get her bearings ::

ACTION:  As the excitement on the Tal War increases.  The Iconian Gateway Opens and several people come through.  They brace the storms as if they were walking in the park.

FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::struggles to regain control of the ship::
XO_Cmdr_Trelan says:
:: thinks his security detail better keep an eye on the Captain ::

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>