Arriving on Scene

Posted on Thu Feb 26th, 2015 @ 2:10am by Lieutenant Nick Archer & Colonel Danny Lennox & Captain L'Verrem & Major General Thomas Jackson & Commander Jonathan Coleman & Commander Tressa Brislan & Lieutenant Colonel Jillian "Phoenix" Sullivan & Captain Jack Solomon & Lieutenant Nuala Takabe & Lieutenant Zhao Quan & Lieutenant Ariel Gilmore & Ensign Sarah Ashley & Master Warrant Officer Gaius Aquila & Lieutenant Catherine Mclintock & Lieutenant JG Dye Heron & Lieutenant JG Thy'kor Shrok & Ensign Brandy Ragen & Ensign Manuel Vega & Chief Warrant Officer Xelonul Blackthorne & Sergeant Major Jo Ann Worth & Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Ermey & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & Sergeant George Ann Worth

3,512 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Mission 87 - Disaster
Location: Various, Relief Force Ships and Hunster III
Timeline: MD2 0830hrs, Following 'In Route to Hunter III'

ON:

In space, just outside of the Hunster system, the ships of the Starbase 400 relief force dropped out of warp and moved in toward Hunster III. Orbiting the planet was the USS Cuba, an old Miranda class vessel that had been sent from DS14 earlier with emergency supplies.


USS Ark Royal

Jack looked down at the Ops panel as the sensors beeped for attention. A quick confirmation showed they were arriving at their destination. Jack stood up from the Operations Station on the bridge and he moved the centre of the command deck as the Ark Royal approached Hunster III. He tapped his combadge as he took in the images on the viewscreen before him.

=/\= "Lieutenant Solomon to the Captain, please come to the Bridge," Jack requested. He didn't like what he saw before him and hoped that the relief force had turned up in time.

He looked around the Bridge as everyone worked at their stations, monitoring the situation.

Coleman tapped his combadge and said, "On my way. All senior staff to your duty stations."

Coleman got up and left his ready room and headed to the bridge. Once the doors opened and let him onto the bridge, he looked to the viewscreen and saw the horrors of Hunter III. He wasn't liking what he saw.

"All stations, report." Coleman said as he took his seat in the command chair.

Zhao looked around the Engineering Office. He had never been the highest ranking engineer before, so this was a good first. He briefly thought back to his meeting with Captain Clifford on the bridge of the USS Princeton.

The comm system interrupted his reverie, so he sat down and listened to the Captains message, then picked up his padd outlining the work carried out while he was away from engineering. He couldn't really describe it as being off duty because he finished work a little over 8 hours earlier, got something to eat and got some sleep. He quickly scanned the padd nobody else was speaking so he tapped his comm badge,

"Quan to Captain. We have finished the work upgrading the transporter buffers and replaced the power couplings to the main transporter module. We still need to run a full power test, but if we haven't time the simulations are good, so we could work off them, sir."

"Don't worry too much about simulations right now. We're about to see how they test in real life. Just make sure that they don't randomly go out anytime in the next few hours." Coleman said, after pressing his combadge.

Jack checked the Ops panel before returning to Coleman's side. "The Science team has priority over the Sensor Array whilst we're in orbit, I felt it best for them to be able to determine the situation before we take action...although from the looks of things we may have to take some action anyway," Jack advised him. "The Venator has taken up a patrol orbit just in case leaving ourselves and the Saratoga to begin Transporting if necessary. The Mercy is on Medical Standby as well," he further reported.

Coleman got up and walked over to the science station and motioned for Jack to follow him. He leaned over the shoulder of Captain L'Verrem and asked, "How bad does it look, Captain?"

Jack joined Coleman and L'Verrem at the Science station

"I have linked our sensors with the Venator's to increase their range and sensitivity to gravimetric distortions. If a strange object is in the area, we will now be able to detect it. The science team has also developed a predictive model of the seismic disturbances on the surface. The model predicts the next seismic event should occur within the next hour with a magnitude of 7.5. And last for six minutes. If an engineering team assembles a seismic stabilizer at the colony site, it should protect it. However, the stabilizer range is short, so anything outside the immediate area will suffer the full effects of the quake," L'Verrem replied with a slight purr in his voice.

Jack understood the situation and the short term fix that the seismic stabiliser offered. "Sir, we should still consider transporting up any survivors as well as putting this option into play. The Seismic Stabiliser offers a small longevity whilst we can begin evacuating the population," he explained to both Coleman and L'Verrem.

"Indeed, Lt. Jack Solomon. We should begin transports with all due haste. However, we will quickly reach our life support capacity. With the Admiral's permission, we should retrieve an asteroid from the system's belt and hollow it out to use as a life pod for the remaining colonists. It could be equipped with power and life support equipment and then we could tow it back to the nearest starbase if the need to leave the system occurs," L'Verrem said.

Coleman scratched the slight stubble that was growing on his face, in the days since the group had left Starbase 400. He looked at the two senior officers before him and asked, "How long would the stabilizers work and helping the planet stay safe? Could it give us enough time to possibly find the object and find a way to destroy it?"

L'Verrem tapped several commands into his workstation and the display now showed a graph with an exponential curve ascending on it.
"This is the current prediction for seismic events," The Caitian stated.
He then tapped in several more commands. Ten dots appeared along the line's trajectory, following it closely.

"These points are data collected from sensors. So far, the model is accurate. If this trend continues, the planet will eventually break up. Based on this projection, we will have no more than three days before we could no longer control the stability of the planet," he said. His tail whipped back and forth once at the end, as if to emphasize the direness of the situation.
He slowly blinked, then said "The rest of the science team is in contact with the Vulcan Science Academy and are working on the best way to deflect or destroy the object. There is still time, but no more than three days."

Coleman nodded, knowing what sort of timeline they were looking at now. Coleman pat L'Verrem on the back and said, "Good work. Keep an eye on it and let us know if anything were to change. Mister Solomon, my ready room."

Jack nodded as he followed Coleman in to his ready room. As they walked in, Jack spoke up. "Captain... Whats on your mind?" He asked, taking in the situation L'Verrem had explained.

Coleman looked out the viewport in the Ready Room of the Ark Royal, down to the planet that was becoming ever more unstable with every possible minute. With the report from Captain L'Verrem, he knew that they only had a few days to find the cause of the seismic activity on the planet and destroy it and even that could still cause the planet to possibly break up.

He looked back at Solomon and said, "Contact Starbase 400 with all the information, apprise them of our situation and tell Admiral Bremer that I wish to speak to him personally about everything. I also want you to work with L'Verrem and the Venator crew. They would be to be able to tow the asteroid that L'Verrem talked about, just in case we can't find the object and destroy it. Have them bring it to the planet and prepare to help us hollow it out and make it habitable. Tell Colonel Jackson to prepare the colonists for the worst. And Jack, good luck."

Takabe waited for a response from the Vulcan Science Academy. The Vulcans kept insisting that the easiest way to handle the situation was a mass evacuation while Takabe had to explain to them these colonists might resist leaving and wanted ways to save the colony. The Vulcans found it illogical and one made a caustic remark about Takabe in his native Vulcan, unaware that she spoke the language fluently.


USS Saratoga

T'Lyn was already on the bridge, "Sir we have arrived your orders?" T'Lyn asked looking at Jackson waiting for orders.

Jackson looked at the Main Viewer, and could tell right away, that this was going to be a long day. "Major, have ground force suit up, and placed on stand by. Advice Major Sullivan that she can commence her CAPs. This ship is now on Yellow Alert."

The alert klaxton sounded when he finished his sentence.

"When we get the word to deploy, we are sticking to the template for now. Alpha and Bravo Companies will land along with an attached Armor platoon each, and one MARSOC team. Charlie Company will remain onboard with the rest of the Armor as a Reserve."

T'Lyn went to work getting the ground forces all suited up and ready for when she was given the word. This would be it, no training but the real thing and she hoped that her team were ready for anything that would test them if they were to go down to the planet.

"Major T'Lyn to Colonel Jackson, the ground team is ready at your orders sir." T'Lyn replied over the comm.

"Stand by Major." The Colonel looked at the Ops Officer. "Signal the Ark Royal. Advise them that the Marine ground team is standing by."

"Yes Sir," the officer responded, as he sent the signal to the Ark Royal.


USS Venator

The Prometheus class USS Venator didn't enter orbit of Hunster II like the other vessels in the relief force did, instead she backed off, back into the solar system, patrolling.

Archer thought for a moment before giving orders. "Mister LaBaron, set a standard patrol pattern that'll take us to the edge of the system. Miss Nechayve, run long and short range sensor sweeps. Look for anything that shouldn't be here, ships, probes, debris."

Archer leaned back in the Command Chair and took a deep breath.


USS Ark Royal

Coleman was conferring with Captain L'Verrem when an Ensign manning the communication station leaned over and said, "Commander, we are receiving confirmation that the Marines are ready to beam down and wish to know when they can, What should I tell them?"

Coleman finished up with L'Verrem and said, "Let them know to start beaming down immediately. We need to know what the situation down on the planet is and whether or not we need to start evacuating the planet's population. Open a channel to Colonel Jackson."

Down in Engineering Zhao stood looking at the readouts. The engineering crew had done everything possible to prepare the ship for what it may have to do, but the only way to see if it was enough was to try it. To use an old adage, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and pretty soon they would be eating pudding or getting indigestion big time. He turned away from the panel and looked across at his second Lt Wooldridge. "Time to bring everything online, I think Lt."

"Aye, Aye sir", replied Wooldridge, moving to the command console. "LT?" he said looking at Quan; "when will we know what squads beam down first? My team's raring to go."

Quan shook his head "I have no idea, sorry. I expect the marines will be first down to secure the landing site. " He turned towards Wooldridge, " Keep an ear out for the comm, and let me know when you get the call. Once it all starts it will go off quickly"

He turned back to the console watching the power levels rise as the energiser was brought up to full power.


USS Saratoga

"Colonel. Ark Royal is signaling to commence operations."

Jackson too a deep breath, and activated the comm. "Major T'Lyn, you may commence Landing Operations. Remember that we have two settlements, so I need you to deploy one Company to each. After they establish their perimeters, you can evaluate the situation. Good luck, and be safe."

She nodded to herself then looked at her team, "Well this is it." T'Lyn stated.

Lennox, Ermey, and Agtx were among the first group to beam down. They were lightly armed since this was a recovery Op and not combat, but once they looked around the settlement they couldn’t tell the difference…the level of destruction looked like it could have been a war zone.

There was already a triage area set up under a few tents while a handful of people were walking around trying to care of injured. The Colony and settlements were still new, so there were few major buildings built...and most of them were heavily damaged or destroyed from the quake. Most of the structures were simple wood and brick or original prefabricated that were the original buildings that had been set up. People were trying to clean up, but without heavy equipment and a shortage of manpower, it was tough.

Lennox looked around, then back to T’Lyn for orders.

She looked around then back at her team, "lets survey and see if there is anything we can do. We need to have an idea whether we can save this place or save them from the planet." T'Lyn started. Lennox, Ermey, Agtx and myself will take teams and split in different directions to survey the area. We will meet back here once we are finished with what you find. Then we can relay what we find to the Colonel and the rest." T'Lyn stated, she looked at them. "Any questions?" T'Lyn asked looking at them.

"No Ma'am." Lennox replied. He tapped his commbadge, “Lennox to Task Force, we're ready for the Engineering teams to beam down.”

After a few moments, he divided the Marines into groups and headed off to the right with his. After about sixty meters, they came upon one of the small power relay stations. There was an older man trying to work on repairs, but it was clear he was having very little success. It was obvious he was tired and one of his hands was bloody with a cloth bandage on it.

“Sergeant Worth, see if you can treat his wounds.” Lennox ordered, then looked at her sister, “Sergeant Major, contact the Mercy. Advise Doctor Brislan of the situation down here. Let her know these people need everything, medical supplies, food, blankets. I’ll see if I can get one of the Engineers that’s beaming down to help repair this power relay.” He took a few steps back and waved for one of the newly arrived Engineer to come over, then he tapped his commbadge again, “Lennox to Saratoga, Colonel would it be possible to get a few of those prefabricated, emergency, shelters beamed down. It’s going to get cold tonight.”

"That won't be a problem. Saratoga has quite a few disaster kits put together, each one includes a shelter, combat rations, Med Kits, and a small energizer. We'll beam them down as soon as we get them on the transporter pads."

Fifteen minutes passed before the first disaster kits started to materialize on location, along with some Medics from Charlie Company.

Once the kits started to arrive, and Lennox had several Marines come over to get the kits and put them to use. The Marine Captain then directed the newly arrived Marine Medics to the few triage tents that the Colonists had set up.

"Gunny, once the Engineer gets that power relay back on line, lets get some heavy equipment and antigravs in here and start clearing some of his debris." Lennox said to Ermey.

Aquila's MARSOC Team beamed down with the first group of Marines to reach the surface. They immediately commenced a patrol into the first settlement. Giaus and his team watched in awe the destruction that was visited on the settlement. There was barely a structure left standing. Bodies littered the landscape.

"Sergeant, record all of this." The Sergeant nodded at the order, and pulled out his tricorder. Based on what the team observed so far, a record would be needed to justify an order to evacuate the colony.

The scenery did not improve after patrolling for over an hour. Giaus signaled the team to form a perimeter, and take a break.

"Aquilla to Major T'Lynn, we haven't passed any structures that are still standing. We've encountered dozens of injured, and dead colonists so far. We treated the wounded, and directed survivors toward the aide station. Will continue patrol until further ordered."

She was getting the same thing where she was, "It isn't looking good from where I am at as well." She stated then opened the comm to all of the team leaders. "Lennox, Emry, Agtx and Aquilla meet me at the meeting place in 20 minutes to discuss further action. Have your teams stay to help the people. We might need to discuss further action as the situation here doesn't look good." T'Lyn stated.

"Message received. Aquila out."

"Copy that, Lennox out."

Gaius looked at his team. "We are heading back to the CP. Since we are not tactical for now, we will move by standard traveling. Any questions?"

There were none. The team oriented themselves toward the direction of the Command Post, and moved rapidly in three wedge formations.


USS Saratoga

"Sir, Ark Royal is opening a channel to us."

"On screen."

When the channel was open, he looked at Jackson and asked, "Are your teams ready to beam down to the planet and help to assess the situation Colonel?"

"Commander, Alpha Company is already on the ground, with a MARSOC Team. Bravo Company is in the process of beaming now. I have an additional company, an armoured element, and a second MARSOC Team on QRF Standby. Major Phoenix should have the CAPS and evac pilots operating around now. As soon as Major T'Lyn reports, I will relay you their findings. Any additional orders?"

Coleman shock his head and said, "Just remember Colonel, we are here to determine whether the planet can be saved. Otherwise, we begin sweeping them up."

"Understood. Saratoga out."

Jax was hoping an evac would not be needed, but he mentally prepared himself for the worse. Hopefully, the colonists were receptive to an evacuation if it came down to it.

Back on the Ark Royal, Commander Coleman was also mentally preparing to see how this all turned out. He was in command of the mission and quite a few peoples' lives were in his hands. He knew that he couldn't mess anything up or some of the worst possible scenarios could come true.

"CAP aint showin' anythin' hostile yet," Phoenix chimed over the audio. "Doesn' mean all's well. I'll extend the search grid and see if my squadron finds anythin' of note."


USS Venator

Aboard the Venator, Archer was pacing around the Bridge. All was quiet as the Prometheus class ship patrolled the solar system. Nothing out of the ordinary had appeared on sensors. He’s much rather be down on the planet helping the victims, but he understood his job. He really didn’t suspect the Krazzle or anyone else showing up, especially since that meant they would have to pass through Starfleet’s sensor nets and detection grid along the border. After a few minutes, he sat back in his chair as the Venator proceeded to the next set of coordinates in the patrol route.

Archer watched Phoenix's squadron on sensors for a moment and he was starting to get an odd feeling, as if things were a little too quiet.


USS Mercy

Sarah felt the ship slow, at least she fancied she did. It may have been the knowledge that they were about to arrive at their position that made her think she felt it.

She knew the Mercy's position was quite a bit behind the line of the fighting ships but she wasn't sure exactly where. She wasn't a pilot, nor command staff so she didn't really need to know right now. "What you do need to know Sarah," speaking to herself, "is that everything is ready to minister to the needs of the sick and injured." She smiled at her self-admonition. She had checked and rechecked the supplies they were ready to go. All they needed were patients, and honestly Sarah hoped they would have few. She paused and listened as the comm came to life announcing they had arrived and to prepare for triage. Sarah's spine shivered and she moved forward. Her section had come alive as people prepared to receive their patients.

The first teams had shuttled ahead and had been treating patients for almost fourteen hours; fresh teams were lined up outside the transporter rooms ready to relieve them.

Tressa was making the rounds of the various departments. Critical patients had begun to arrive and beds were filling quickly. She took a deep breath as she moved towards the receiving area for the first teams; she wanted to hear what was happening planet-side before it became scuttlebutt.


tbc...

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