[18:06] *** Jester is now known as CRCO_Lora [18:06] ::goes to get his special Coro cookies:: [18:06] i will going now [18:06] ::wishes he had special Coro cookies:: [18:06] ::nudges Heiwa and Sonya toward the uniform closet:: [18:06] *** Sonya is now known as Cdtsi_Oswald [18:07] ::brushes the dirt off her uniform:: [18:07] *** Heiwa is now known as Mr_Dalton [18:07] ::Notices he still has his AEU uniform on:: OOPS! Wait just a minute... [18:07] LCARS, let's begin my last Coronado sim for a while... :/ * CoroLCARS 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= 12CRCO_Lora has called: ATTENTION ON DECK 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= [18:07] *** CoroLCARS changes topic to 'U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-97901 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= Sim in progress! ' [18:07] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +m [18:08] ::attn:: [18:08] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::attn:: [18:08] ::attn:: [18:08] ::attn:: [18:08] ::attn:: [18:08] ::attn:: [18:08] ::attn:: [18:09] ::ATTN:: [18:09] << is back>> [18:09] Welcome, everyone. :) As I'm sure all of you know, tonight will be my last night on Coronado (and indeed, simming), for at least the next few months. Officially, I'll be going on extended LOA. Unofficially, I fully expect to be back at some point. [18:09] *** EnTC_TPrax (EnTC_TPrax@Star6159.splitrock.net) has left #uss- coronado [18:09] *** EnTC_TPrax (EnTC_TPrax@Star6159.splitrock.net) has joined #uss- coronado [18:10] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v EnTC_TPrax [18:10] ::attn:: [18:10] <> [18:10] As a result, tonight's sim will be a bit short so that change of command can be handled, and I can answer any final questions anyone has. I really really hope everyone will stick with the sim. :) [18:10] As do I. :) [18:10] ::nods:: [18:10] I've put two years of my life into Coro, and I think that everyone has done a fabulous job with it, through thick and thin. :) [18:11] *** ObsTimdude (~Timmy@Star6223.splitrock.net) has joined #uss-coronado [18:11] ::clears his throat for attention from Lora:: [18:11] I want to take a second, very briefly, to send a special thank you to Sonya. :) Sonya has been with the Coronado since the ship's second sim, September 5, 1997. ;) [18:12] Yikes. Wow :) [18:12] <> [18:12] ::applauds Sonya:: [18:12] ::applauds:: Way to go Sonya. :) [18:12] ::snaps his heels together, turns, and salutes Sonya sharply:: Very well done, m'am. [18:12] ::blushes:: [18:12] ::applauds:: [18:12] has it been that long? [18:12] ::gives Oswald a bottle of Saurian Brandy:: [18:12] Believe it or not, yes. ;) [18:13] Keep the faith, folks. I want to come back and find Coronado still simming. I want to have to fight the new CO if I want to take her back over. I want to have to think about starting another sim instead. ;) [18:13] :;tries to remember why she missed the first sim:: [18:13] I was even simming at that point. :) [18:13] wasn't I mean. [18:13] Now then, let's get to tonight's briefing. :) [18:13] 12=Sim Briefing!= Please type "ack" after you've read it... [18:13] 12Stardate 239911.29: "Caravan to Antares" , Part 3, by Jester. [18:13] 12SUMMARY: A horrifying reminder of what we left behind. The long flight home. [18:13] 12Following a disastrous slipstream propulsion test, U.S.S. Coronado has found herself 87 years in the future! The year is 2486, and in this timeline, the Federation has been all but decimated by the Borg Collective. Fewer than 25 systems remain in the Federation, which spans a mere 700 light- years: a tiny fraction of its former self. [18:14] 12Because the Borg advance is likely to be unstoppable, the Federation has elected to evacuate the few systems they have remaining through an artificial wormhole, constructed around something called a "hypergate." Coronado was asked to scout the far side of the gate, which opens in the Gamma quadrant. While here, though, we haven't exactly found a warm welcome. [18:14] 12Though we have found a half-dozen class M planets, all of them have been rendered lifeless by a variety of means. We only have one clue as to what might have happened: a thousand-year-old image of an alien starship captured by a weather satellite once belonging to a race once living on one of the destroyed planets... [18:14] ack [18:14] ack [18:14] ack [18:14] ack [18:14] ack [18:14] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ack [18:14] ack [18:14] ack [18:15] We're picking up about a minute after last week. Lora had just called a staff conference in the wardroom (which would include everyone here, including Mr. Dalton). Any questions before we start? [18:15] ::raises hand:: [18:15] ::nods:: Yes, Ensign? [18:15] Not a question, but a comment. [18:15] Sir, I know I've only been on for two weeks, but I think you are one of the greatest CO's this fleet has and I am sure that the rest of the crew will agree with me that we will miss you. [18:15] Here here! [18:15] ::gives Ross a slight smile:: [18:15] I'm mad at Lora, so I won't agree out loud. ;) [18:15] Right on. [18:16] ::salutes Lora with the Vulcan hand gesture:: Live Logn and Prosper, Sir. [18:16] <> [18:16] ::chuckles:: Thank you, Ensign. Your hero-worship is noted, and you can assist the Major over there in building my shrine. ::winks:: [18:16] Shall we tie him to the Coropole before or after the sim, Commander? [18:16] LOL No, I don't think that'll be necessary. ;) Any other questions? [18:16] ::chuckles:: [18:16] Ah, one. [18:16] I'd also like to add that Commander Lora has been a very vocal part on the Science Council [18:17] What does the alien ship look like? [18:17] We'll be covering that one in conference. I doubt you'll be disappointed. ;) [18:17] ::smirks:: Uhoh. ;) [LTHL_Dejat SOUND] [18:17] !LTHL_Dejat coronado.mid 13< 6< 5< 4StarBase J22 Sound Autoget [18:17] What alien ship? [18:17] If there are no other questions, let's get going. :) [18:17] Sir, i'd like to say something, you are the best CO that i have ever had, i run several sims and have started emulating you in them and they have gone good now that i have done this, just wanted to say that. [18:18] * CRCO_Lora 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= 12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= SIM START =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= [18:18] ::walks into the wardroom with his report in hand:: [18:18] ::sits in the wardroom, sipping a mug of tea and waiting for the others to get settled:: [18:18] ::plops down into a seat, eyes on Bentall and Lora simultaneously:: [18:18] ::sits down at the conference table with a very large glass of water, still feeling woozy from the scorpian thing attack:: [18:18] ::sits in his assigned seat:: [18:18] 12=.\ction= Coronado continues her search pattern under the diligent hand of Ensign Kishrak. [18:18] ::enters behind TPrax, taking position at one corner of the table, remaining on his feet:: [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:19] ::comes into the room carrying a large serving platter covered with dishes, bottles, and a small covered dish:: [18:19] ::sits down in wardroom looking around:: [18:19] <^1LtCC_Halkins> FD> ::clears the rest of the Skorps out and begins to assess the damage:: [18:19] ::holding several PADDs, Ragarok walks in a plops down in the first available chair:: [18:19] ::looks around:: OK, who wants to start? Oh, and Major, get Lieutenant Halkins up here. I want his assessment of the robots you found, also. [18:19] I will sir [18:19] ::looks up at Dejat and tries to grin, but due to how he feels it comes out a grimace:: [18:20] ::gives Bentall a questioning look, his head tilted slightly to the side, then nods at the Commander:: Aye, sir. [18:20] ::nods at T'Prax:: Go ahead, Ensign. [18:20] ::begins to put plates down in front of people, starting with Lora:: [18:20] ::gulps down some more water:: [18:20] ::clasps his hands over his belly at leans back in the seat:: [18:20] <^1LtCC_Halkins> FD> ::looks down the checklist on the PADD and starts to compare the skimmer with how it should be and how it is now:: [18:20] ::looks up at Dalton and smiles, then turns back to T'Prax:: [18:21] ::follows Ragarok into the conference room and sits on the floor against the wall behind him:: [18:22] ::turns around and steps back to a corner of the conference lounge:: +taps+ Mr. Halkins, please report to the conference lounge with your assesment of the scorpion life-forms. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:22] <^1LtCC_Halkins> FD> +taps+ Yes sir, on my way [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:22] ::walks over to the wall console and taps a few buttons:: I will ask that everyone refrain from asking questions until I ahve completed my report, because I quite a bit of information. [18:23] ::looks at T'Prax, following his explanation:: [18:23] ::finishes handing out plates, then begins to hand out glasses:: [18:23] <^1LtCC_Halkins> *> ::heads to the tl:: Conference room. [18:23] ::goes to take another drink and finds his glass empty, quickly rises and replicates an entire pitcher of water and returns to his seat, pours a glass and drinks it down:: [18:23] ::glances down at his plate momentarily, then back to T'Prax, making no indication that he intends to eat:: [18:23] ::leans back, a faintly amused smile on his face:: Let's not make this too thorough, Ensign. I'd like to hear from the Science team, also. [18:24] ::turns back to the table and moves to the corner again, crossing his arms and watching T'Prax give his report:: [18:24] ::while in conference room sitting, gets up and goes to the replicator:: Coffee, Black ::it appears, he takes the mug and sits back down:: [18:24] ::looks around:: Science team! Oh! Me! ::shuts up and eagerly awaits Prax's report:: [18:24] ::takes the lid off of his plate and smells the food before dropping the lid back down and pushing the plate aside as waves of nausea flow through him:: [18:25] :;wonders how Ragarok can be so absent minded:: [18:25] ::finally sits down, having handed out everything, setting out the brandy and mineral water, and uncovering the dish to reveal egg rolls:: [18:25] ::pulls up the schematic of the Skorp and the "weather" satellite:: As you all know, this system was destroyed around 1,00 years ago. And it is my belief that this destruction stems from a war between two alien races. The Dru'apa and Xenthrites. What reasons for the war are unclear because most of the data from the satellite was destroyed, or too.. [18:25] ::nonchalantly:: You'll be billed, of course, Captain. [18:26] ::eyes Mr. Dalton and his cuisine, wondering whether or not the man has added any....exotic ingredients:: [18:26] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::steps out of the TL and enters the room, throwing a quick salute:: [18:26] ::chuckles and nods:: Of course. ::takes an eggroll and a couple of other items and sets them in front of him:: [18:26] badly damaged from Radioactive isotopes. ::enlarges the Skorp image:: This Skorp, or as I have come to call it Majorus Ironsidiferous, Appear to be quitesimilar to the Xenthrites. [18:26] ::tries to look attentive:: [18:26] ::blinks, then can't help but let a slight grin cross his face in amusment:: [18:27] ::grins at Ironside:: You'll be famous Major. [18:27] ::chuckels then shuts up quickly:: [18:27] ::smirks, but doesn't allow his attention to waver:: [18:27] ::glances over at Ironside, highly amused:: Named, no doubt, after the first person to shoot one. [18:27] ::quiets down and pays attention, taking time to drink his water now and then:: [18:28] ::takes a sip of his Coffee:: [18:28] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::moves to stand behind the major, careful not to draw attention away from the Ensign:: [18:28] ::blinking and looking at the plate in front of him:: [18:28] ::eats an egg roll, making loud noises as he crunches:: [18:29] ::pulls up a partial image of a Xenthrite, in the process reveal a bandaged hand, but continues his report:: Xenthrites are a type of evolved Arthropod, where as the Dru'apa are similar to Humans, except with a ridge that wraps around their skull. This appears to give them telepathic abilities. The Xenthrites are also telepathic, but of a kind... [18:29] ::looks at Dalton and wonders how he can eat so noisy:: [18:30] ::nods at T'Prax and glances over at tr'Ragarok:: So, it's safe to assume the image is of a... Xenthrite starship? [18:30] ::returns Halkin's salute and returns his attention to T'Prax:: [18:30] ...never before encountered. ::looks at his PADD:: There is much more information in the report, but I do not wish to take up the entire meeting. Any questions? [18:31] A very logical conclusion, Vulcan. [18:31] ::snorts softly:: I have no need for fame, Lieutenant... [18:31] ::is reminded why one must not drink so much water before a meeting but manages to retain control for the time being:: [18:31] ::shrugs:: I had no other way to name it. I would like to mention that Xenthrites are quite similar to Borg, without the Borg implants, and rather than assimilate they destroy. [18:31] ::turns:: Come come now, Major. One can never have too much power. And fame, while it has its disadvantages, also offers power. ::smiles, then returns his attention to T'Prax:: [18:31] ::begins to roll his eyes, but stops and decides to let a small smile crease his face:: I'll make note of this occasion in my log. [18:32] ::takes another sip of coffee:: do you have any more information about this telepathy? [18:32] ::begins eating the food in front of her, while listening:: [18:32] ANy other questions? [18:32] ::still staring at the food, not sure what to make of it:: [18:32] All I can say is if anyone of you come across those scorp things again. Run. Fast. The after affects are not pleasant. [18:32] Do they taste good under an alfredo sauce? [18:33] ::smiles sweetly:: [18:33] Ensign, would you mind showing us the ship? [18:33] ::gives Dalton an unamused glance and returns his attention to T'Prax:: Thank you, Ensign. [18:33] ::turns to Daltion:: The Skoprs? No, they contain Borg-like implants. Not very tasty [18:33] ::sits back down:: [18:33] ::stands up:: Actually, I have images of the ship. [18:34] ::turns to tr'Ragarok and nods:: Go ahead, Commander. [18:34] ::holding up several PADDs:: This Xenthrite ship, when magnified, appears to have several insectoid-like creatures crawling around the outside. [18:34] ::takes note of the image with some intrest:: [18:34] Each of these... creatures are brownish-green, about 3 meters long, and with 6 limbs. And they appear not to be affected by a vacuum. [18:34] ::clears his throat, giving trRagarok a look:: [18:34] 12=.\ction= The center table picks up the image on tr'Ragarok's PADD and reconstructs it as a holographic image, floating in the middle of the room. The image zooms on one of the creatures. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:34] ::gives Dejat a quick glance, never sure of the Lieutenant's true goal:: [18:34] ::nods:: Yes, strangely enough, Xenthrites are able to tell changes in a timeline. How, we don't know exactly. [18:34] Yes well, good thing I was around to help you, Mr. Bentall. Someone else seemed to be busy elsewhere ... [18:34] ::gives Barnes an accusatory look:: [18:34] ;:looks at the image and thinks:: [18:35] ::nods:: Bentall is correct, they extract water from the body. [18:35] Theat might explain the lack of animal life on any of the planets. [18:35] ::frowns at the holoimage:: Creepy. [18:35] ::checks to make sure hsi ntoes correspond with Ragarok's:: [18:35] Sentries? Or crew? [18:35] 12=Description= Sure enough, the creature is brown-green, six-legged, insectoid... altogether quite familiar-looking. [18:35] ::looks confusedly back at Dalton:: [18:35] ::nods at Dalton and goes back to viewing the image before them:: [18:35] ::whispers:: Killers... [18:36] I thought we were supposed to call them their official name now, Major. ::smiles:: [18:36] ::looks at Lora, says in a singsong tone:: I told you so ... [18:36] ::stands up slowly, approaching the hologram, shaking his head:: Close, Major. Pull up the image of the MJ-1043 alien for comparison. [18:36] Surprise surprise. So what does this mean? [18:36] ::sitting down, his work completed, then goes back to looking puzzled at his food, before poking an egg roll several times with his finger:: [18:37] <> [18:37] ::reaches down and types quickly on a panel on the conference lounge table, searching through the records and bringing up an image for comparison:: [18:37] Well, either the Traxati have a horrible memory, and cannot recall all the thousands of systems they have destroyed ... [18:37] Or they don't exactly wish for us to find a happy home. [18:37] <<> [18:37] ::takes another sip of coffee:: [18:38] ::wonders what the Traxati have to do with this:: [18:38] << am i lost too? :o >> [18:38] 12=.\ction= A second hologram appears -- the insectoid life-form that was in stasis in the MJ-1043 system. The lifeforms appear identical. The Xenthrites are apparently the "insect conquerors" of the Moltarr. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:38] ::reads over his notes to find anything he may have missed:: [18:38] ::suddenly gets an idea:: Captain...what if we introduced these fellows to the Borg? [18:39] ::turns:: Not the Traxati, Mr. Dalton. Apparently the race the Traxati were and are at war with. [18:39] ::begins to make the distinction, recalling upon his memory the image of the insectoid life form before he and three marines tore it into shreds with their plasma rifles:: [18:39] Sir, we were able to pull up a scan that the "weather" satellite made of the Xenthrite vessel. [18:39] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::looks at the hologram and thinks its the same as the ones he encountered on the Away mission:: [18:39] ::looks at Dejat:: We don't need the borg to be assimilating those people. We'd be in a bigger mess I think. [18:40] ::heads back for his chair, nodding:: I can't imagine what would be worse, either. Let's see the second image, Ensign. [18:40] ::looks at Bentall:: Actually, the Xenthrites and the Dru'apa are both immune to the Borg's assimilation process. [18:40] ::shakes head:: I meant the "Skorps." If they drain the water from a mammalian body, then the Borg...::raises both eyebrows at Bentall, waiting for him to fill in the rest on his own:: [18:40] ::mutely:: The Borg would adapt. [18:40] ::drops back into his chair:: As far as the Dru'apa know, or as far as we know? After all, we don't exactly have up-to-the-minute information about EITHER race. [18:40] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::suddenly recalls seeing a large appendage wave through the air once on the away mission.. remembers how it looked like a massive metallic claw, a Giant skorp amidst an ocean of smaller ones:: [18:41] ::pulls up the scanned image of the Xenthrite ship:: If this information was properly reconstructed, that Xenthrite vessel was in the Moltarr system and has visited the Delta Quadrant. [18:41] The one Xenthrite we've seen had been in stasis for three hundred years, and we've never encountered a Dru'apa. [18:41] *** Mr_Dalton has quit IRC (Ping timeout ) [18:41] ::turns to Ironside:: The Xenthrites and Dru'apa can adapt much more quickly then the Borg. [18:41] *** Mr_Dalton (heiwa@Star6265.pacificnet.net) has joined #uss-coronado [18:41] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Mr_Dalton [18:41] 12Computer recognizes Mr_Dalton. Authorization codes enabled. [18:42] ::musing to himself:: Which is worse, the disease or the cure... [18:42] ::shakes his head:: The Dru'apa were wiped out by the Skorps, or Majorus Ironsidiferous [18:42] 12=.\ction= The second image of the Xenthrite vessel hangs near the first. On this image, the picture of the insects themselves clinging to the outer hull is even more obvious. [18:42] ::narrows his eyes and leans closer to the image:: What are they doing? [18:42] But wouldn't introducing these things to the borg violate the Prime Directive? [18:42] ::looks at Barnes:: And your point is? [18:42] ::shakes his head:: That's speculation, Ensign. We don't - know that the skorps and the Xenthrite are related, unless I'm missing something., [18:42] The satellite wasn't close enough to get a detaile image. Even the Long Range scanners couldnt' determine much [18:42] Let's not make things worse by guessing. [18:43] ::nods:: Guessing is the worst thing we can do. [18:43] ::looks at T'Prax:: You said the ship had been to the Delta Quadrant. How do you know? [18:43] ::pulls up the image of the Skorp. Several similarities between the two beome appearnt when T'Prax superimposes tthe two images:: [18:44] ::looks at Dejat:: the entire Federation is built on the prime directive, we can't forget that just because were in the future. [18:44] ::waves one hand at the hologram:: Ensign, you're still speculating. For all we know, another race built the insect robots to resemble the Xenthrite. Even more so, there are six-legged insectoids all over the galaxy, including Earth AND Vulcan. [18:44] ::looks at Ironside:: the satellite was a spy satellite implanted by the Dru'apa to get an idea of who fellow travelers were. The satellite got a detailed plan of the ship's course over the last 10 decades. [18:44] ::looking up from his food:: So we know that super-bugs latched onto some old ships... what do we do now? [18:44] ::leans back:: They could track a vessel into the Delta quadrant but they couldn't stop a fusion missile bombardment? [18:45] ::looks at Ragarok:: Good question Professor. [18:45] <> [18:45] But what species would both have similar Borg-like implants. [18:45] *** Mr_Dalton has quit IRC (Ping timeout ) [18:45] *** Mr_Dalton (heiwa@Star6265.pacificnet.net) has joined #uss-coronado [18:45] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Mr_Dalton [18:45] ::started thinking:: Introduce some sort of advanced algorithim into their programming...hmm... [18:45] 12Computer recognizes Mr_Dalton. Authorization codes enabled. [18:46] ::still talking to himself, amidst the discussion:: Or some sort of electromagnetic disabler... [18:46] ::stands up:: People, let's calm down a bit. We're getting a little out of control here. [18:47] ::looks up:: What about an EMP? [18:47] ::puts his PADD down and starts fiddling with his bandaged arm:: [18:47] ::straightens and crosses his arms again, standing alongside the captain but still eyeing the image onscreen:: [18:47] All we know for the moment is that we have two insectoid species that appear to be completely identical, destroying two planets separated by... how many thousand light-years, Mr. Dejat? [18:47] ::looks up to Lora:: [18:47] At least 70,000, sir. [18:47] <^1LtCC_Halkins> EMP? Those are what I used to take Skorps out in Flight Deck. [18:48] ::looks up at the mention of EMP [18:48] s:: [18:48] On a much bigger scale Lieutenant. [18:48] ::begins mumbling something about planet-wide EMP fields:: [18:48] <^1LtCC_Halkins> It worked flawlessly, except for shutting down the skimmer.. [18:48] Sir, that might explain the radioactive isotopes found on the planet. [18:48] *** Mr_Dalton has quit IRC (Ping timeout ) [18:48] ::nods:: Until we know more, let's not speculate. ::turns to watch the EMP discussion for a bit:: [18:48] But Captain.... [18:48] ::looks at the Professor:: Is it possible Professor? On a planetary scale? [18:49] ::murmers:: The radioactive isotopes were the result of multiple multi-gigaton fission/fusion explosions. [18:49] We were in the Alpha Quadrant and were transported here nearly instantly through that Traxiti... thing . [18:49] *** Mr_Dalton (heiwa@Star6265.pacificnet.net) has joined #uss-coronado [18:49] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Mr_Dalton [18:49] 12Computer recognizes Mr_Dalton. Authorization codes enabled. [18:49] ::looking up, surprised someone listened to him:: With this ship, it's possible... [18:49] The distance is much more conceivable with a Traxati hypergate. [18:49] <> [18:49] << someone at my ISP is gonna get an earful after this sim is over >> [18:49] Maybe that's our only shot Captain. [18:49] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::recalls reading something..:: I read about a plot by Communist China to shut down Earth's computer network in the 21st century by use of EMP.. [18:50] But I have no idea what the side effects would be at this point without running more tests [18:50] ::crosses his arms:: Our only shot to do what, Lieutenant? [18:50] <^1LtCC_Halkins> If it was possible then, it could be achieved today as well. [18:50] ::nods at Dejat:: But there are other ways to accomplish the same goals, Lieutenant. Our own slipstream drive, for instance. [18:50] ::finishes his coffee and sits back listening to everyone argue:: [18:50] 12=.\ction= +taps+ Kishrak to Lora. Captain, Federation starships have started coming through the hypergate. We're being hailed by the Enterprise. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:50] ::raises an eyebrow:: [18:50] To kill of the skorps on any of the planets Major. [18:51] ::holds up both hands for silence, then:: +taps+ Patch it in here, Ensign. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:51] ::becomes silent and listens up:: [18:51] <^1LtCC_Halkins> Our ship's phaser arrays could be modified to fire EMPs, like I did with my rifle down in the FLight Deck. [18:51] ::shrugs slightly:: One planet is arid, completely devoid of water, one has a biogenetic virus on it, and the other is a radioactive wasteland. I don't see the point in using our time to get rid of the skorps. [18:51] ::listens intently, scratching his hurt arm:: [18:52] ::nods in agreement after a moment of thought:: [18:52] 12=.\ction= Captain Kile of the Enterprise appears in the holographic table, replacing the two images of the ship. "Captain, this is Enterprise, leading the first of the Thousand Ships. We're ready to receive your sensor readings whenever you're ready." Kile looks a bit nervous. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:52] ::wonders why Kile is looking nervous, chops it up to the situation:: [18:53] ::turns to Ragarok:: Commander, will you transmit all the data we've gathered so far? [18:53] ::notices Kile's nervousness, but doesn't do anything, except continually scratches his arm:: [18:53] ::stops his calculating:: Of course... although we have a saying back on Ch'Rihan... [18:53] "Don't kill the messenger" [18:53] *** Mr_Dalton has quit IRC (Ping timeout ) [18:54] ::looks up:: Captain, I'm afraid you're going to find that our news is not exactly happy. We've found evidence of a hostile species on this side of the galaxy. Transmitting specifications. [18:54] ::uploads his readings from several PADDs:: [18:54] ::mutes the audio himself and mutters:: He's not going to like this... [18:54] *** Mr_Dalton (heiwa@Star6265.pacificnet.net) has joined #uss-coronado [18:54] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Mr_Dalton [18:54] 12Computer recognizes Mr_Dalton. Authorization codes enabled. [18:54] ::quietly as an aside to the Captain:: I wonder how they'll react considering the similarities to the Traxati. [18:54] ::nods:: He isn't Captain but what choice do we have? [18:55] ::remains curiously silent:: [18:56] 12=.\ction= +taps+ Captain, this is Ensign Kishrak. Tactical is reporting that Federation ships are pouring through the gate, two or three at a time, only a few seconds between transits. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:56] ::tries to pay attention to what is going on, but even for a Vulcan he seems to be having a spot trouble and mutters to himself: Damned Klingon and Human physiology. [18:56] :: [18:56] ::snickers at the Vulcan's comment:: [18:56] ::gets a bad feeling:: Why do I get the feeling the Borg found our friends on the other side of the gate..... ::mostly to himself:: [18:56] ::looks around the room, somewhat concerned:: Let's adjourn for now, people. Back to the Bridge. ::turns and heads in that direction himself:: [18:57] They're sure in a hurry...I wonder if.....::growls:: the Borg. [18:57] ::hears TPras's comment and quietly chuckels:: [18:57] ::rises and heads out to the bridge, sits down at the engineering console:: [18:57] ::stands, watching everyone, then turns and makes his way for the bridge:: [18:57] ::stands up:: Commander, do you have a sec? [18:57] <> [18:57] ::holds, letting others pass him, and nods at tr'Ragarok:: What's on your mind, Commander? [18:57] ::gets up, sways just a bit, and then reports to his post at Tactical, releaving the Ens.:: [18:57] ::remains seated, looking at all the uneaten food:: [18:57] ::exits behind the Captain and quickly makes his way to the Mission Ops station, warming up the communications equipment:: [18:58] ::slips into the helm chair:: [18:58] Well... since we don't have a lot of time... I'll make this quick. I can't go home, and I need a place where I can perform my experiments. I wish to officially request asylum onboard the Coronado. [18:58] ::begins to clean up:: [18:58] <^1LtCC_Halkins> ::loses his thoughts for a moment and feels remotely threatened for a split second, as the calming sensation works at the back of his mind...:: [18:58] Captain: There are app. 200 ships on this side, and 100 pouring in through the gate every 3.2 minutes. [18:58] <^1LtCC_Halkins> <> [18:59] ::glances down at his panel:: Approximately 18 light years to the gate. [18:59] ::frowns:: There's an awful lot of communications activity between those ships. [18:59] ::nods at tr'Ragarok and smiles:: Granted, Commander. I'll see to the paperwork myself when we get home. [18:59] ::grins:: Thank you, sir. I'll get into proper uniform as soon as I can. [18:59] ::looks at the Major:: You thinking what I'm thinking Major. The borg? [18:59] ::nods:: For the moment, take the Science station. And welcome aboard. [19:00] I think the Federation's arrival has been hastened, yes. [19:00] ::tries a salute, but messes it up:: Aye, sir! ::exits the room:: [19:00] ::this could be bad. Very bad. [19:00] ::finishes cleaning up, then carries the entire tray out onto the bridge:: [19:00] ::heads for the Bridge proper, almost trotting:: Major, get Captain Kile back on the screen. Lieutenant Dejat, pick a likely slingshot candidate. I think we're going home. [19:00] Lets hope that the Traxati can close that hypergate before the Borg follow, if they're the reason the Federation is in such a rush. [19:00] ::nods:: Yes. Let's hope. [19:00] ::stands behind science, grinning like a madman for lack of a better term:: [19:00] ::nods, scans the nav sensors for a good star, and plots a course:: Course ready, Captain. [19:01] Aye sir...::quickly ceases the communications scanning and taps into the Enterprise's communication frequency, hailing the large vessel:: You're on, Commander. [19:01] ::gets up and walks out to bridge:: [19:01] ::walks up to Oswald and hands her a PADD:: [19:01] ::nods at Dejat, reaching the center of the Bridge:: Go, Mr. Dejat. +com+ Enterprise, this is Coronado. I'm afraid my Bridge crew is speculating that you have unwelcome visitors on the other side of the gate. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:02] Are these modifications of Commander Reckoning's equations accurate? [19:02] ::engages the new course, the stars altering trajectory for a moment:: [19:02] ::looks at Dejat:: Engineering is ready to roll with the slingshot Lieutenant. She's all yours. [19:02] ::watches the activity while out of the way:: [19:02] ::begins to scan to take data on the slingshot:: [19:02] ::smirks:: I'll be sure to take you up on that in its entirety, Mister Bentall. [19:02] ::prepares Tactical for the slingshot scan as well:: [19:02] ::grins and turns back to his console:: [19:03] 12=.\ction= The Kile hologram transfers into the Bridge, nodding wearily. "Confirm that, Coronado. We're reading seven Borg cubes on an intercept course with the gate. ETA 28 minutes. We're preparing to shut it down. We can't risk the Borg coming through." [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:03] ::shudders:: I hate it when I'm right about bad stuff. [19:03] ::begins buttoning down the ship for the slingshot manouevre, pausing briefly to let Kile's words hit him as he goes about his work:: [19:03] ::his vision blurs for a second then clears up:: [19:04] ::frowns:: Commander....the USS Silhouette is attempting to break into the conversation.... [19:04] +com+ Understood, Enterprise. Transmission should complete any moment. We're on our way out. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:05] ::sighs, clasping his hands behind his back:: Well, I guess I'm staying for the ride back home. [19:05] ::turns to Ironside, frowning, then waves one hand at the holographic tank:: Let's have it. [19:05] ::stands off to the side and watches everything since he has nothing to do in sickbay:: [19:05] ::heads back for his chair:: Mr. Dejat, Mr. Bentall, Mr. Ragarok, slingshot at your discretion. ::drops into his chair:: I can't even imagine what orders would be required. [19:05] *** Mr_Dalton is now known as LCdr_Dalton [19:05] ::minimizes the communication to the Enterprise, muting it and putting the USS Silhouette's bridge in the majority of the holotank:: [19:06] ::sits at the science II console on the bridge:: [19:06] ::smirks:: Aye, sir. ::enages the slingshot maneuver:: [19:06] ::steadies himself against the Tactical station, before being forced to sit down:: [19:06] ::appears on screen:: Captain Lora. Please listen to me, there isn't much time. [19:06] ::nods:: Aye Captain. ::looks at Dejat and Ragarok:: You've got the power gentlemen. Let me know if you need anything else. [19:06] You need to reinitialize the slipstream drive before you engage it. If you don't, the slipstream will fail halfway through your journey, stranding you 10 years from the Alpha Quadrant. [19:06] 12=Description= The CO of the Silhouette is apparently... an 86-year-older Mr. Dalton. [19:06] What the bloody hell?! [19:07] Mr_Dalton> ::drops the entire plate of glasses and dishes:: [19:07] ::looks at the image on the viewscreen then at Mr. Dalton:: What the hell? [19:07] ::notices the CO of the Silhouette and then looks at Mr. Dalton:: [19:07] ::looks down at the console:: Hmm... yes, from my understanding of slipstream, that would seem right. [19:07] ::hears the voice and is as equally surprised as Ironside sounds, but refuses to take his eyes from the console:: [19:07] :;looks at Mr Dalton:: you should really be more careful... [19:07] ::blinks and sits up, then nods, very slowly:: Thank you, Mr. Dalton. Understood. ::glances from one Mr. Dalton to the other:: Anything else? [19:07] ::makes sure the conversation is being logged, then looks back at the Holotank:: [19:07] ::begins thinking of the ramifications on Mr. Dalton, having seen his future self:: [19:07] ::rolls his eyes and whispers to himself "oh great, another one":: [19:08] No. My earlier self needs to learn his own life lessons. Safe journey home. [19:08] ::ends the transmission:: [19:08] ::starts the reinitialization of the slipstream without waiting to be told to:: Slipstream drive reinitializing Captain. [19:08] *** LCdr_Dalton is now known as Mr_Dalton [19:08] ::glances down at his console:: Speed increasing, Captain. [19:08] We are approaching the star. [19:08] ::harumphs:: How rude! [19:08] 892 starships are through the...gate. ::shaeks his head:: They are practically running themselves down to get through the gate sir. [19:08] ::starts in his chair, then quietly starts to laugh to himself:: Steady as she goes, Mr. Dejat. ::turns:: Mr. Ironside, Coronado's highest regards to the Thousand Ships. [19:09] ::nods as the drive comes back to full power and readiness:: Slipstream ready to roll Lieutenant Dejat. Have at her. [19:09] *** ObsSmudge (thesmudge@Star6655.dnvr.uswest.net) has joined #USS- Coronado [19:09] ::looks at Mr Dalton:: I thought that seeing you too will grow old might have at least caused you a heart attack... ::sighs as she turns back to her screens:: our loss.. [19:09] ::cuts both communications and starts shutting down non- essential systems, buttoning the ship up as tight as possible as he sends one last message to the Federation vessels:: Message away sir...::leans back in his chair and turns it to bring the increasing g-forces to bear in the right position:: [19:10] ::continues laughing quietly to himself:: Put the Starfleet emergency frequency on speakers all the way through. [19:10] ::braces himself on the panel:: Time travel method number 4... [19:10] ::sits down, looking at Oswald:: No, I'm okay. He ... er, me, the future me, isn't very forthcoming with answers htough. [19:10] ::sits tight in the Tactical station:: [19:10] ::turns his chair around to face the correct position so as to handle the g-forces:: [19:10] ::glances down at his console, eyes intense:: Maximum warp achieved, Captain. Stand by. Fifteen seconds. [19:10] ::reaches over and taps a few buttons:: Done....I hope you know what you're doing, Mr. Dejat, Mr. Ragarok. [19:10] ::yelling:: I never claimed I did! [19:10] ::mutters:: he'd probably tell you what you didn't want to know and you would probably kill him for it... [19:11] ::doesn't have a seat and is starting to get worried:: [19:11] DR Barnes: You can sit here with me at Tactical. [19:11] ::counts down:: Six....five....four....three....two....one....::slaps the console:: Breakaway speed! Hang on, here we go! ::grunts against the g-forces:: [19:11] ::looks at Oswald:: All I'm trying to get him to tell me is some small tidbit of information I can sell when we return to my time! I can't believe I have become so ... benevolent in the future. [19:11] ::shivers:: [19:11] ::glances at Ironside:: don't worry I know what _I'm_ doing.... [19:11] 12=.\ction= The SF emergency frequency begins piping through the speakers. "...reading a Borg cube incoming at 43 mark 25, speed sidestep 7. ::static:: It's opening fire! ::static:: All starbases, fire at will. ::static:: Lexington, get the Cirrus and the Dancer through, we're blowing the gate in 10..." [19:11] ::rocks and shakes in his chair while holding on:: [19:11] ::walks over and sits down beside TPrax:: thank you [19:12] ::thinks:: Ahh....hell..... [19:12] ::grins, feeling the g-forces build to his natural gravity:: [19:12] ::feels the G-froces increase as he is pushed into the seat:: You..are..welcome [19:12] ::mutters about Dalton:: maybe you developed a conscience... or a wife... [19:12] 12=.\ction= On the far side of the holographic tank, there is a red-white explosion, vaugely circular. Then Coro rockets around the star and the tank blanks out. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:12] ::grimaces:: Space-folding was much more pleasant... [19:12] My goodness ... I hope not ... [19:12] ::thinks about all the people who might not make it in the future fleet of 1000 federation ships:: [19:12] ::glances down at his console:: Braking thrusters have fired. ::shakes his head:: [19:12] ::bandage rips off due to the g-forces revealing a purplish green gash that runs the length of his forearm:: [19:12] ::suddenly feels weightless and disoriented:: [19:13] 12=.\ction= ...and then the jump is over. The SF emergency frequency is still there. "Starfleet frequency 109 is to be used for emergency purposes only. If you are in distress, please break into this transmission..." A set of instructions follows. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:13] ::blanks outL:: [19:13] !CoroLCARS jaunt.wav 13< 6< 5< 4StarBase J22 Sound Autoget [19:13] 12::produces 4StarBase J22 Sound Autoget from the replicator and hands it to 13< 6< 5<:: [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:13] ::shakes his head to clear it, and re-initializes his console, using the astrometric scanners to get a reading on the 'age' of the universe:: [19:13] *** ObsSmudge (thesmudge@Star6655.dnvr.uswest.net) has left #USS- Coronado [19:14] ::leans forward:: Report date and position. [19:14] ::groans but manages to swivel his chair back to facing the console:: Did we make it? ::checks on all systems... [19:14] ::begins checking his own console for the galactic "age":: [19:14]