The main turbolift doors opened onto the bridge dispatching a small detachment of security crewmen - each man and woman, per Grahm's orders, wore a phaser II on their belt. They spread out and took up positions that were both out of the way of all bridge staff, but close enough to provide support once the Klingons appeared.
Townshend pushed a button, "Transporter room, commence beaming of the Klingon bridge crew to the Columbia."
It took a moment as the ship's computer tied into the sensor system and locked onto all targets within the D6's bridge and then there was a crackle, a hum, and then energy began to shimmer in six spots on the bridge. Each shimmer restructured itself into a member of the Klingon command crew and it took only a moment for each of them to realize what had happened.
"TREACHERY!" Vrang yelled and his hand went down to his belt where was holstered his disruptor. Beside him, Vrang's XO reached out and grabbed one of the Columbia's security team and literally lifted and threw the man across the bridge. The crewman hit the deck in a crumple near Townshend - he did not get up.
As the other Klingons went for their weapons, phasers also were drawn.
[OOC:] Darkan, or somebody will need to do something to calm the situation down before it gets to weapon fire. You will have 1 full round to perform any type of action (s) to sate the Klinks.
With his hands up to show that he was not armed, not a threat, Darkan approached the Klingon who spoke. "Captain Vrang, I am Darkan. I apologize for the abrupt exit from your ship but we couldn't communicate with you and there is no time to wait for your ship to be repaired at the moment. There is an unidentified incoming vessel that is only a few minutes out and we're going to have to work together if it turns out to be the fake Federation ship. Regardless of what it really is... Vrang, we're here to help."
Persuade - (4+3)+4=11
OOC: I guess if they haven't by now, they should perform a Recognition test to see if the -4 Species Emnity penalty applies.
[OOC:] Recognition test for Vrang to have heard of Darkan TN 20
Intellect +1, Knowledge affinity +1, Misc +2*
Roll(2d6)+4: 6,2,+4 Total:12 FAILED
Opposed Savvy test against Persuade TN 11
Savvy +1, Hostile and unfriendly +7
Roll(2d6)+7: 5,5,+7 Total:17 SUCCESS
Vrang and his shipmates are not hearing any persuasive arguments right now... they are to hot headed.
We will go into melee rounds now as disruptors and phasers are brought to the ready. I need an initiative roll from Stonn and Darkan before I continue with the post...
Initiative:
Darkan - 12
Klingons - 11 (not good [< )
Stonn - 10
Grahm - 10
Tam - 8
Columbia Security crewman - 6
Townshend - 5
Darkan made his plea to the Klingon commander but it fell on deaf ears, so enraged was Vrang and his fellow crewmen. Disruptors were drawn and the bridge of the Columbia became a battlefield.
OOC: Stonn Initiatiave Roll:
Roll(2d6)+2: 6,2,+2 Total:10
He could hardly believe it would come to this.
Stonn used the moment to flip a switch on his board, paging security to the bridge immediately.
He hoped that the bridge crew could last long enough for them to get here...
Initiative - (6+4)+2=12
OOC: I guess its a good thing he didn't recognize Darkan LOL Does Darkan have any options for weapons like phasers?
[OOC:] Great initiative roll Matt! That was needed... ;D
As far as weapons for the bridge staff... there is a weapons locker over by Grahm but only your six Red shirts currently on the bridge are armed (with Phaser II's), but one of them was just tossed and is crumpled on the deck by Townshend - his weapon is on his belt.
This thread is considered Round 1, and you have the first action - you have the full extent of the Columbia's internal environmental system at your command, but you have no phaser within reach.
Good Luck! :|
Ah, hell! thought Darkan. Things are never easy, are they?
Flipping the comm switch and diving for the phaser of the downed crewman (OOC: Alas the poor redshirt), Darkan barks out a command, "Transporter room, beam the Klingons to the brig without their weapons and flood it with anethesize gas, now!!"
Dodge - (5+4)+2=11
[OOC:] By ordering the transporter teams to be part of this round, I need to roll initiative for them.
Roll(2d6)+2: 5,3,+2 Total:10
Second, the intraship beaming that you have ordered in the past Matt I did not require tests for, due to the situation not being critical. In this case it is, and the TN for success is a 20. I will grant your Command 2 bonus of +2 to their Sys Ops test along with their normal skill rank and modifiers.
Unfortunately, the Klingons go before the transporter crew... unless I let them use a Courage to score a higher initiative. ':}
I think that relations would be irreparable if it came to phaser and disruptor fire - and the loss of fellow crewmen. Then again, I want this to be fun and challenging for you guys, so I think I am going to sleep on this decision and type the results in the morning. If you have any OOC thoughts, feel free to chime in. ;)
Just so you know, I am ruling that three Klinks, including Vrang, have disruptors on them; the remaining three are only carrying a D'k Tahg (Klink 3-bladed knife).
Hearing the urgency in his captain's voice, the transporter crewman and his superior commence an immediate re-beam of the Klingons to the brig. The computer was already locked onto Vrang and his crewmen and so it only took moments to re-energize.
On the bridge, Vrang drew forth his disruptor and aimed it towards Darkan as the Columbia's captain dodged to the left to grab for the unmoving security guard's phaser. Surprise crossed the Klingon's face as his body and weapon began to dematerialize.
Grahm and Tam, who had been in motion since the arrival of their 'guests' moved to the prone crewman. Tam could see by his body position that the man's back was not laying naturally - he worried about paralysis or something worse.
The tension quickly dissipated as the Klingons disappeared.
[OOC:] I have extended the transporter crew a Courage point to use and thus they exceed the Klink initiative - having just beamed the Klingons in and having their lock-on plays into this rapid response.
Sys Ops test to beam Klinks to brig TN 20
Sys Ops +5, Specialty +2, Command bonus +2, Lock On +3
Roll(2d6)+12: 3,6,+12 Total:21 SUCCESS
Vrang looked around, his weapon extended and pointing at a grey wall. He lowered his arm as he realized they had been transported again and then looked up as he heard a hiss - they were being gassed. He yelled out for his crewmen to hold their breath.
The Security guards outside watched for some time and were quite surprised at how long it took for the Klingons to finally succumb to the anesthezine- their redundant secondary biology keeping them cognizant longer than any human could last. Finally there was no more movement and the team entered to quickly search the Klingons and remove all weapons that could be found.
Darkan's comm panel lit on his chair and he hit the button. An unknown voice spoke, "Captain, we have the Klingons secured and they are beginning to stir already. It took a lot of anesthezine to subdue them - I can't believe that they are moving arleady. Jones out."
"Never a dull moment," grunted Darkan as he got to his feet. "Stonn, you have the bridge. Grahm, you're with me. As soon as we know who that incoming ship is, let me know." As soon as he is inside the turbolift and the door shuts, he slumps in relief against the wall of the lift.
Everyone on the bridge just stared as their captain entered the turbolift, each still a bit stunned with adrenaline still coursing their systems. The beeps and hums of the ship and its consoles were the only sounds that could be heard for that eternal few seconds, but then Stonn spoke to his subordinate, "Mr. Marshall, keep me advised on the approaching vessel and get me more information of the Gr'Toth's condition."
Townshend spoke next, "Mr. Stonn, the Gr'Toth crew are now realizing that their captain and bridge staff are gone... it sounds like chaos is beginning to ensue."
Business went back to normal on the Columbia's bridge. Tam looked to Townshend, "Jess, can you call for some assistance for me?"
Without a word, Jess paged the medical department, "Medical team to the bridge to assist Dr. Tam; a stretcher will be needed."
Darkan and Grahm exited the turbolift on deck seven and went left down the passageway. Moments later, they entered the brig and a security crewman conducted them to where the Klingons were being held. The two officers looked into the cell and saw the six captives sitting about on the stainless steel benches. Vrang looked up and saw Darkan and he stood up to walk over and stand before the force-field door. He crossed his arms and spread his feet and stared with a bitter glare at the Columbia's captain.
"I wonder now who has allied with whom in this little attack on our sovereign space? The Federation, Romulans and one of our lower houses? Why? To stage a coup and topple the strength of the Klingon Empire! Perfect ruse... inviting us to Earth and sending your wily diplomats!"
Stonn replied to Townsend, "Please send: Your crew is in no danger from this vessel. Your commander will speak to you shortly. We will endeavor to assist with damage control; please assess damage to defensive systems and impulse assembly and advise. Columbia out."
He mentioned to the bridge, "We will make no mention of the Romulan intruder unless it is absolutely necessary. The Klingons will surely be more trusting of their own commander."
If the Klingons would be trusting of the captain, that is, he thought...
Jess stood and walked to Stonn. She had no desire to embarrass the Vulcan - if they could be - but...
"Mr. Stonn," she said softly, "the D6 has no way of receiving any communications. They can broadcast only."
"Mr. Ramos," the engineer turned to take the PADD that was handed to him. The report showed that the shields were back to 100% and the damage caused by he and his staff to re-route power had also been rectified. The bridge, too, had been taken care of and the burnt panels replaced.
He smiled at his staffs' efficiency.
"Vrang, if you're now willing to listen instead of fight, open your ears. The inbound ship is still unknown, presenting a threat to the both of us. Your communications were down and we are in need of consulting with you and your crew -- that is why I had you beamed over." He disengages the forcefield (though I'm sure the security guards behind him are prepared). "You are not our prisoners nor do we backstab our allies. If you are willing take counsel with us, be my guest and we can send a your crew back and even an engineering crew of my own to assist in your repairs; otherwise, I will escort you to the transporter and we can go our separate ways. What say you, faithful warrior of the Klingon Empire?"
Persuade - (6+6)+6+1+4=22
[OOC:] Nice roll Matt... way to soothe the savage beast. ;)
Vrang looked at the open cell door and then to Darkan. Why should he trust this human anymore? Yet... Darkan had appeared to show honor in each move.
"So, you say that we are free to go? What of my ship? Did you not fire upon us while we were beginning to discuss our options?" Already Vrang was beginning to disbelieve that there was any attack, but he had to see the human tell him – he had to look into his eyes as he did.
"Yes you are free to go if you so wish. We made no attack on your vessel. The nacelle blew off your ship due to your battle damage, wreaking further havoc upon it. If you wish to see it with your own eyes, I can make the sensor information readily available. But captain, we have decisions to make and fast. We still don't know who's out there and your ship won't make a jump to warp without help. You ship could regain some functionality in the time we have left, but it will be limited. Face it, we are in this together. Without you, your Empire could be ripped apart with civil war as well as drawing the Federation into a conflict as well. Without us, you can't get the truth out as well as fend off that fake ship from preying on the innocent."
Vrang side glanced to his XO. The Klingon officer gave a nod that displayed the two were in some sort of agreement. Looking back at Darkan, Vrang agreed, "I will see this data you offer... you must understand that any alliance built here must be based on trust and honor. It is through your honorable acts thus far that we are willing to continue this dialogue, but in these times trust is hard earned. I also request that my bridge staff be sent back to my ship to continue the work necessary to get my ship operational."
Quote from: tomcat on Sep 19, 2007, 10:22 AM
Jess stood and walked to Stonn. She had no desire to embarrass the Vulcan - if they could be - but...
"Mr. Stonn," she said softly, "the D6 has no way of receiving any communications. They can broadcast only."
OOC: Duh. Way to go, me. :(
"Then, Ms. Townsend, please translate to Klingon and send via running-light Morse. It is imperative that we contact the Klingon vessel and relay what is happening."
Stonn knew that such communication was unusual, but when standard methods of communications were down, one had to attempt to use other options.
[OOC:] It actually works very well for a Vulcan, who would have known that but still run down every logical option to communicate to the Kilingons - and would seem semi-condescending with the instructions because of the lack of emotion. (D
An unbidden memory of his father popped into his head. Son, honor without trust is like a pie without the filling: it's nothing but an empty shell, just hollow words. The Klingon captain gives him an inquisitive look, "There is wisdom in what you speak," says Vrang. Darkan didn't realize he said anything aloud. "Mr. Grahm, will escort the Klingon bridge crew to the transporter room and provide them with a copy of our sensor logs about their accident for independent analysis and Captain Vrang will join us on the bridge. I would like to send over an engineering crew of mine to facilliate communication between our ships until repairs are complete, if that is alright by you, captain?"
Again there was a silent conference between captain and XO - both nodded and Vrang spoke, "This is my second in command, Korris; he will stay with me here while the rest of my crew are returned to the Gr'Toth. You are welcome to send a engineer team over, but I assure you that my own crew are quite capable of handling our ship."
With that approval, Grahm went to a comm panel and broadcasted ship-wide, "Mr. Ramos, prepare a team to accompany the Klingons back to their ship and offer any aid that they can."
In Engineering, Ramos looked at Lt. Zantz and both had a look of shock on their faces. "What a crazy universe," thought the Chief Engineer.
The groups in the brig separated and Darkan led Vrang to the turbolift and he and his guests took it to the Bridge. Grahm escorted his charges to the transporter room where the Klingons were immediately beamed back to their ship with instructions that the engineering team would be following.
On the Bridge, Townshend worked diligently to transmit via Morse code to the Klingon ship, but as yet had had no response. The turbolift doors suddenly opened and out stepped Darkan with two Klingons.
Seeing his crew tense, a few even reaching for phasers, Darkan held up a hand. "At ease everyone. Our little misunderstanding is resolved." Even with his reassurance, the bridge lightened up but only just a little. "Senior staff to the conference room post haste." Darkan escorted his guests to the conference room, making the "tour" of the bridge as long as it took to move between those two points with minimal delay. Offerng the Klingons seats, he took his own at the table's head and awaited the arrival of the rest of the senior staff.
Columbia's senior staff quickly congregated in the briefing room, save for Mr. Pushkin whose burns were still being treated. Within five minutes, Darkan was able to call his meeting to order.
Korvona once again read through the handful of reports that she still held. One was from her engineering staff that were concerned about a multitude of irregularities in the ship they had built. Romulan technology was advanced, but in their designs - trying to squeeze their engineering into a Federation style mock-up was causing havoc. The ship could barely maintain a warp field and so she was able to get to warp factor 4 at the most. Worst of all, the ships systems were not rigged well and so departmental communications were quite choppy. The ship's main computer core would lose contact with different systems at times and cause a rush of panic.
The Romulan Delegate shook her head. They had not been able to test this beast! Oh well, it's purpose was mainly as a smoking gun, to use Earthling jargon that she had learned from the few smugglers that crossed into their space. Besides, it was up to the Klingons of the Chak-ruth house to do the fighting. Still, she wanted to partake in a little bit of the fun.
Her second report was that of the final communications she had received from the two B'rels. They had reported a venerable D6 closing on the Neutral Zone very near to where her ship had been moored in spacedock. Now she had lost communication with those B'rels although the mock-up's sensors were picking up a ship - apparently it was stationary. Perhaps the B'rels had destroyed the D6 and left the hulk hanging there in space, and then moved on. Maybe they had destroyed each other.
Korvona and her ship would check it out.
OOC: I apologize for the silence, I had a last-minute business trip and net wasn't working for me.
"Status reports? Any news of the incoming ship?" Darkan asks, looking about the table to his officers, Stonn first.
"The ship is still headed in this direction, and it's warp field is still unstable. It is reasonable to assume that the vessel is the Constitution-class mock-up, and therefore, it is imperative that we have both vessels as ready as possible to repel it within hours."
Darkan nods. "We'll come back to that. So Mr. Ramos, where do we stand and have you status from our away team?"
Grahm sat quietly while waiting for Ramos to respond to the captain, but the Tactical Officer was very uncomfortble due to the Klingon presence. It was not because there were Klingons on board the Columbia, and that they were considered allies - it was because the tactical situation would soon need be discussed. Grahm was not sure that he wanted to reveal the new technology that the Federation starship possessed and the upcoming battle would certainly be a factor.
The Tactical Officer would wait to see what Darkan would ask and then reply accordingly.
"Getting the report now, sir," Ramos said while looking at a small pad in his hand. "Our team just beamed over, and they've been informed that the Klingon engineers don't feel our help is required."
He scanned the pad quickly and continued.
"The Gr'toth (he said the name clumsily) cannot go to warp; one nacelle is too badly damaged. Power can be restored with bypasses within roughly 40 minutes, which will allow the vessel some movement and, potentially, some weapons usage, but it'll be dicey. I wouldn't expect miracles, sir - the ship needs more than an engineering team, it needs a drydock."
To Ramos' comments Vrang boldly replied, "The Gr'Toth will fight any invading force or internal threat! That I promise you! Klingons are warriors and we will fight to the death if necessary. Now, what is your plan Darkan... words here grow old and I have a ship to ready for another fight! Be quick so I may beam back to my vessel."
Townshend interjected, "Commander Vrang, no disrespect but it may be wiser that you remain aboard the Columbia. You are the only Klingon of authority that can attest to the potential coup of the Chak-ruth. Your death aboard your ship, though admirable amongst your folk, may be a foolish loss in the greater picture. The Columbia, at this time appears a much safer place."
Stonn, already thinking the same thing, could only appreciate the young communication officer more for her logical insight.
Vrang's voice boomed, "SAFE! KLINGON'S DO NOT SEEK SAFETY IN WAR! WE CONFRONT IT AND FIGHT!"
"Vrang if one doesn't know the condition of his weapon, he sets himself up for failure. I agree that it would be safer for you on board our ship, but, Ms. Townshend, Klingon or Human, a captain is first aboard his ship and the last off. Captain, if you will consent to make an encoded message to your superiors with the help of my comm officer, I think that should suffice if you or your ship doesn't survive. If need be, I'll deliver it myself. As for a battle plan, if your cloaking device is operational we will have a significant advantage."
Quote from: tomcat on Oct 04, 2007, 08:19 AM
Vrang's voice boomed, "SAFE! KLINGON'S DO NOT SEEK SAFETY IN WAR! WE CONFRONT IT AND FIGHT!"
"Then, Captain," Ramos said to Darkan, "with all due respect to our guests here, we're going to need to keep ourselves in front of their ship and bear the brunt of any combat."
Ramos winced, knowing that the Klingon wouldn't appreciate it. But Townshend was right - Vrang needed to live - and Ramos didn't think the Klingon vessel was truly up to the task.
Stonn considered the engineer's suggestion and made another of his own. "Sir, there may be...
challenges if combat becomes necessary; but it may also become possible to draw the mock-up away from the Gr'toth."
As the officers talked, Lt. Marshal's voice came over the intercom, "Captain Darkan, Marshal here... sensor readings have the inbound vessel at approximately 35 minutes away flight-time. We are picking up sensor sweeps from the inbound, so far we do not think they have tracked us yet."
OOC: Is there an answer to the condition of the Klingon's cloaking device?
[OOC:] OOOPS! Sorry about that, I meant to answer that for you.
"It is not our way to reveal secrets of the Empire, but at this moment, things are critical," said Vrang quietly. "The D6 generation of our ships were never fitted with cloaking devices... the new technology was installed on the new D7's that came online soon after trade was started with the Romulans. We have never seen any need to upgrade the older vessels as they serve back of the line purposes."
It could be heard in Vrang's voice a bit of embarrassment, not so much that his ship was not technologically advanced, moreso that he was relegated a captain of a forgotten class of vessel.
A tidbit of intelligence, no doubt noted by everyone at the table, but now wasn't the time to ponder such things. "One option down, with others remaining. Our vessels are in such close proximity that they probably only detect one ship at this time. The plan I have is risky and I only see it two steps ahead of our visitors once they arrive. The Columbia will be moved close to your ship yet diametrically opposite of the inbound course of the vessel and go silent while your ship, Vrang, appears helpless and in disarray. If the incoming ship is the Romulan vessel, then it is here to destroy you ship. The instant they appear to fire, we will envelop your ship with our shields and then maneuver around so that both ships can give it all we've got. Getting your shields and weapons online should be the primary focus with a second on your maneuverability; anytime we can get the vessel between pincers, all the better. My engineers, with your permission captain, will remain on your vessel to assist in any capacity. For any of us to come out this, we need both ships able to stand as tall as possible. Time is pressing, everyone, so poke holes and fill them fast."
Grahm still felt a bit uncomfortable answering with the Klingon presence, "It sounds like a good plan sir, though I am concerned about using our shields to defend the D6. Doing so makes one attack from our enemy effective against both of our ships. It seems wiser to me to press the engineering department on making sure the Gr'Toth's shields are back up."
Vrang responded, "My people will see to my ship, although your engineering staff is welcome to stay aboard and assist. Anyway, the plan you present is sound and we shall have it as the back up option. The first option is for me to get back aboard the Gr'Toth and see that my systems are back up and functional... if I fail in this, be prepared to put your plan in motion upon the Romulan's arrival. Now, let me see to this communique for my government."
"Yes, of course, we will do what we have to. If no one has anything else, you have your orders... to your stations."
This is it.
With Darkan's order, Townshend pushed a button on her console, "RED ALERT! RED ALERT! ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS!"
The Columbia crew again went into motion, each individual working as a whole to make the ship the most effective and deadly thing in space. Townshend gave a nod to Captain Vrang, "Captain, if you will come with me. I will take the encoded message from you and your XO and then show you to the transporter room."
The rest of the senior staff were up and on their way back to their stations. Ramos made a quick call to his assistant chief engineer whose present location was on the beat up D6.
"Torrence here," said the voice. "Yea commander... it's a bit of a mess over here. We are just standing around for the most part... not sure if it's 'cause the Klingons don't want to reveal any of their technology, or if there's not much need for our help. Anyway, we have ran about 50 meters of light-guage TFC to patch the power grid - not sure how long that stuff will hold. It's already reading high Kelvin so we shall see what happens."
The engineer paused a minute as he listened to someone explaining something, then he came back on, "The power from Impulse and the Warp core is now available. The Gr'Toth is going to have limited maneuverability and her weapons appear to be coming back online. We are concentrating our efforts on the shield grid - hope to have about 50% within the hour. I will report soon, Torrence out."
Ramos made the call to Darkan to keep his captain apprised.
[OOC:] More to come after a movie with my wife! ;)
"Tell them they have half that time, Mr. Ramos, and that I'll be addressing them momentarily when Captain Vrang returns to his ship."
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Oct 15, 2007, 05:29 PM
"Tell them they have half that time, Mr. Ramos, and that I'll be addressing them momentarily when Captain Vrang returns to his ship."
"Yes, sir," Ramos replied, though he knew that the intractable Klingons and the state of their ship would make anything his team could try difficult. "I hope we're not expecting miracles."
He worried for his team; stuck on a dangerously vulnerable (and erstwhile enemy) vessel and desperately wished that their lives didn't have to be put at risk in this manner.
"Away Team, this is Captain Darkan. We are preparing for battle between both ships but I am extending your post aboard the Klingon vessel. I believe it necessary that both ships be given a fighting chance for survival and with you there, that ship has a better chance of survival. Mr. Torrence, I will be placing you and your team, albeit temporarily, under the direct command of Captain Vrang. Follow his orders as if they were from me but I will not grudge you to question them if they seem improper according to your training. Do your best and make us proud."