Arrival at Tarod IX

Posted on Sat May 18th, 2019 @ 7:29pm by Colonel Danny Lennox & Lieutenant Catherine Mclintock & Lieutenant David Hannigan & Lieutenant Karl Ballard & 1st Lieutenant Taz & Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Ermey & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & First Ramata`tar & Major General Thomas Jackson & Brigadier General David Hurd Sr & Captain Jack Solomon & Commander Hades,MD & Lieutenant Colonel Chuck McDaniel & Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD & Brigadier General Kaden Ross & Lieutenant JG Ilan Rol & 1st Lieutenant David Henry & 1st Lieutenant Klaus Gunther & Master Warrant Officer Gaius Aquila & Master Sergeant Charlton Gibbs & Master Sergeant Atlee Micklin & Staff Sergeant Sam Hopper & 1st Lieutenant Jericho Alexander & Ensign Sarah Ashley

4,989 words; about a 25 minute read

Mission: Episode 98 - A Raid on Peace
Location: Various Ships/Tarod IX
Timeline: MD1 1450hrs

ON:

The Saratoga, Ark Royal, Kearsarge, and Mercy dropped out of slipstream on the edge of the Tarod system and approach at full impulse, along with the transports.

The Fleet went to Red Alert as soon as the dropped out of slipstream, as planned. Also as planned, the Saratoga and Kearsarge launched their fighter squadrons, with about to head towards the planet, and one about to form CAPs.


USS Saratoga, Bridge

"Sensors are showing heavy damage to the Starfleet facilities on Tarod IX. I'm also picking up a ship in orbit, make that two ships. One Mogai Class cruiser and an older D7 style Battlecruiser. Both are powering up weapons and turning toward us." Hannigan reported from Intel.

Jackson sat in his seat, remembering that all plans tend to disappear at the first shot. "Have the Fleet form formation Delta 7. Have the Mercy hold back, along with the transports. We will not send those fighters to engage those two cruisers. Not yet anyway. Have them form up on our flanks, and the ships holding back. As soon as everyone is in position, the Ark Royal, Kearsarge, and we will have a chat with those two cruisers."


USS Ark Royal, Bridge

Once the Ark Royal dropped out of Slipstream, Jack ordered for Red Alert as agreed. He looked over at the helm. "Lt Young, maintain position within the fleet, Mr Ballard run a scan of the surrounding area, lets see what we're dealing with," he began.

Looking across to the Operations station, Jack continued with his orders. "Blackthorne, Quan, have the Operations & Engineering teams on standby. We'll be sending down a team to the surface once we get the go ahead," he ordered.

Chloe had maintained position with the fleet.

"Sensors show two Romulan Star Empire ships a escorting fighters. One Mogai Class cruiser and an older D7 style Battlecruiser. Both are powering up weapons and turning our way. Their Scorpion Class Attack Flyers are also moving toward." Ballard reported.

Quan nodded as Blackthorne replied, "Aye Commander."

Jack listened as Ballard ran off the types of vessels that they were about to face. "Very well. Mr Ballard, Raise Shields and bring the weapons systems online. I want to be ready for when our guests decide to say hello...but let them make the first move," he ordered.


USS Kearsarge

Aboard the Kearsarge, Hurd issued a rapid series of orders. "Move us into the path of the other ships, re-route all power to shields and weapons, and fire at will. Also get our fighters launched asap and inform our Marines we are fixing to go down and I will be there with them.

"Raise shields."

Gibbs set the power to the shields at 100 percent, as well as the phasers. All torpedo tubes indicated loaded. "The fighters launched as soon as we dropped out of slipstream. All tactical systems ready."

"Very good, Mr. Gibbs, pick your targets and fire at will".


USS Mercy, Bridge

The familiar jolt of stopping slipstream and then activating impulse took Hades. He tried to breath through it. It was a phenomenon he'd noticed earlier Slipstream travel while fast and gentle had a kick when it stopped and it was this kick that made him feel a bit ill. A few deep breath's and he was recovered.

"Sir....there are ships around the planet." His tactical officer said giving him a readout of the types. Hades sighed, "Shields up. Ready what little weapons we have. I don't want to be caught off guard. Hang back and let the big boys fight us through. We follow the Saratoga, Ark Royal, and Kearsarge They out gun us and they will punch a whole for us. Just be ready."

Tactical gave a nod. "Aye Sir."

Hades gave a nod to coms. "Open a ship wide."

"Open sir."

"This is Commander Hades. All personnel to battle stations. It's about to get bumpy. Engineering give me as much power to shields as possible. Prepare for wounded and for battle." The coms was cut. "Go to red alert." He turned to Helm. "Time for some fancy flying Mr. Capp."

Nathaniel did some fancy flying since he did a lot of fancy flying in flight simulators as he was doing some fancy flying he kept thinking about Marrying Chloe.

Andrea was nervous to say the least but concentrated on her work to keep herself from getting distracted. "I've diverted extra power to the shields in case it's needed Commander."

"Good." He was interrupted by coms when the message to hold back with the transports came in.

Hades acknowledged. He would hang back but they would get through, they always did. He'd use what he had and he hoped to God that Capp was quick. They needed quick. When he thought about it, his earlier protest about Rain being on the ship was tempered. She was a lot of things and one of them a good Engineer.

Andrea had only taken her eyes off the Ops console for two seconds when a warning flashed up on her console. She cursed to herself as she got up to double check the readout from the neighbouring engineering station. "Commander!" She looked towards Hades. "We've got a gap in the shields!" She tapped the console. "Looks like there's a blown relay, I've got an engineering team on the way there now but our aft section is completely open to damage!"

Hades white knuckled the chair. "Get those shields up. Capp Get us into position to compensate for the gap." He brought up the readouts on his console. "It's on starboard so turn to port. We can take more there."

"Aye Commander if were you I would advise the Ark Royal to follow us since they need to protect us from incoming attack "he told Commander Hades he turned the mercy to port very quickly.

Lightening flashed in Hades' eyes. He narrowed them. "I solicit opinions when required. Keep to your station."

He turned to Tactical. "T'Mira report."

Her hands flew over the controls and she looked up with a raised eyebrow. "Enemy has been fully engaged. They other ships are protecting us."

And in that lay the issue. He made a mental note to consult with T'Mira when he had a chance. She was bound for her new posting but she was Vulcan's pride and joy a tactical intell officer who was the best of the best. She had agreed to do this one favour for him before her shuttle would pick her up next month to take her to her new home.

Andrea checked with the engineering teams before turning back to Hades. “Commander, the Engineering team reports they’ve got a temporary fix in place but until they’re finished we’ll need to avoid any hits on the aft shielding.” She tapped her console. “I’m reading the aft shields at 60%.”

Hades gave a nod. "Mr. Capplet's give Engineering as much time as possible." The ship shook with another hit. "Hades to Engineering. How long will it take you to increase shields?"

Rain's melodic voice came forward, "I need five more minutes....and I need to take the torpedo bays offline. I need that extra power."

Hades resisted grinding his teeth. "You have two minutes and do it."

Just as he finished speaking a coms came in....



Specter Squadron

Klaus was prepared to lead the squadron planet side when his back seater, "Wizzard", interrupted him. "Hold on Frogger, change in orders. We are to cover the Fleet's flanks, and protect the rear ships. Looks the the big boys detected something." Klaus noticed the Fleet form a battle formation, with the Mercy and tranports falling back. He also noted from his display, that their shields were going up. =/\=Frogger to CAG, going to the left flank of the Fleet. Please advise.=/\=

" Roger that Frogger. Snoopy will retain present course and position." McDaniel replied.

As they awaited further orders, half of Specter Squadron took up a position on the Fleet's left, the other half stayed close to the ships holding back.

" Frogger watch for markers and intership commands for further intermix coordinates." McDaniel replied. In the old days coded text orders allowed for secure manuvers, a system McDaniel had preferred to com chatter. Three numbers or letter would represent the desired course change.


USS Mercy

In Sickbay, Dr Corrigan took a deep breath as the announcement was made. For the rest of the team, if nothing else, it was important to maintain an air of confidence. She had inwardly hoped that by the time they arrived, the threat had already disappeared into the ether, leaving them to tend to the sick and begin repairing the damage that had been done.

While she was no tactical expert she knew the Mercy was not designed for battle. She was a hospital ship and as such was not expected to deal with direct combat. Hopefully though, the rest of the convoy would save them from testing out just how much a beating the ship could take.

"Alright, everyone to your assigned posts. Cadet Winters, you stick with Franklin. Do whatever he needs you to do and he'll keep you out of trouble, understood?"

Looking a little green, the cadet nodded. "Understood."

Franklin looked up from the Nurse's station and waited to see if there was anything he could do. While he listened, Franklin spoke up and said, "Doctor, would you like me to go ahead and start getting the EMH's ready and online? Just in case we get a rush of patients early on?"

"Lets hold off for now," Carolyn said after a moment. "Until we are safely in orbit around the colony, I would rather wait unless we really need them. But make sure they are still ready to go."

Doctor McCaffery stepped up. "Doctor Corrigan my surgical team is ready."

"Thank you," Carolyn nodded.

Now all they could do was wait...


USS Kearsarge

Freya was standing ready with the rest of the marines, her fully packed medical backpack was weighing heavily on her back but she was going to need what she was carrying. The old projectile gun General Hurd had given her was also packed where she could reach it if need be, alongside her phaser. "They know we're here...." She looked at Hurd. "They're....inviting us to the surface!" She shook her head and sighed. "They say....we're all going to die."

Kaden walked out of the armory in his armor rifle in one hand his helmet in the other memorizing the plans he made on the trip for the initial landing and procedures. He set his helmet and rifle down and made one final check on his equipment even checking he properly sharpened his blade on the combat knife he took with him. As he placed the knife back in it’s sheath he noticed Freya seemed a bit on edge so took an opportunity to grab her helmet and walk over to her. “Nervous?”

Freya nodded as she looked at her husband. "Terrified!!" She took her helmet as he handed it to her. "They want us to go down there! They're just waiting for us and as far as they're concerned we're going down there to our slaughter."

Kaden could see she was terrified whatever it was she sensed he had no clue which is why at times he was glad he was Human or be in the same boat. Patting her on the shoulder he offered a smile hoping it help a little. “Don’t those light sensitive vampire wannabes get in your head they are just trying to do psychological warfare on you. Focus on your job with Braxton if things get dicey just remember your training don’t forget Braxton and you got each others backs.”

Henry and the rest of Alpha Company were already suited up, and ready to deploy. After checking with his platoon commanders. He found Captain Ross. "Sir, Alpha Company is ready, and aboard the Blackhawk Runabouts."

Kaden wanted to comfort Freya a little more but duty called with a sigh he turned to the Lieutenant. “Very good, Mr. Henry, I assume the General with be joining us shortly?” He asked.

"He should, unless some space action slows him down. But it is safe to assume he will be joining us, Sir." Henry responded.

Kaden was a little relieved to hear that the last thing he wanted was his men trying to impress the General and get killed. Even though Kaden respected General Jackson as the man was a legend to him he didn’t want some desk warrior getting in the way plus he wanted to meet the man on better terms when people were not trying to kill them. “Very well, I be there shortly just let me say a few things with Medic Ross.” He replied turning his focus back to his wife.

Freya looked towards her husband. "Kaden!... I'll do what you said. Don't worry I'll be fine. Just come back safe to me okay?" She didn't care who was watching as she took a moment to kiss her husband before moving away to where Braxton was standing. "Let's get this done!"

Kaden stood there letting the kiss his wife gave him linger for a bit Freya seemed to know how to properly motivate him. Hearing a snicker or two from some young flight deck crew behind him Kaden turned to them his brow creased. What was so funny about him and Freya having a small moment before heading into battle? The marine didn’t wish to ask as he brandishes his rifle in front of them making them realize it was not wise to anger a big dude with a gun. Stopping immediately they went back to work as Kaden heading for his transport.

Staff Sergeant Hopper also checked his squad leaders. After he was satisfied, he informed Gunny Ermney that Alpha Company was standing by.


USS Kearsarge, Bridge

On the Bridge, Hurd yelled, " Red Alert, intercept those ships and open fire at will" He defiantly stared at the enemy ships, daring them to fire on his ship. As an afterthought he yelled, Lauch all fighters and combat runabouts" "Re-Route all power to weapons and shields, move us in front of our ships and let the enemy have it!!!!! " As it had it Hurd had a Fleetwide channel open.

Gibbs counted down the distance to the targets. Both sides were still out of weapons range, for now.

Gypsy began to grind her teeth. The closer the enemy got the more her battle alert was up. She monitored ops and noted that all emerg teams were in place. The ship seemed to glide towards the enemy she felt the hum of the phasers as they deployed. A direct hit! "Nice!" She admired Hurd. She could already see he was a warrior. He wasn't bad to look at either. She focused on the display. "Sir w...All ops teams ready but we have a problem. It looks like the Mercy is having shield issues. We need to cover!"

"Move us into cover formation theta, continuous fire on all enemy ships, extend our shields around Mercy as soon as possible".

"Aye sir." Tass kicked off her shoes and socks as she laid in the course. She noted his look. "I can feel the ship better." She muttered. Tass Hay was one of a kind. She was one of the best pilots and she had a way of connecting with the ship as if it were human. A great pianist play the piano. Her piano was the ship. It functioned as an extension of her. "We're in range for shield extension."

"Extend shields now, then target the older battlecruiser with a full phaser and torpedo strikes and fire."

Tass curled her toes. "Sir...I have an idea. It's a bit of reckless flying but might help both us and the Mercy."

"Explain quickly", Hurd said

"The Mercy isn't powerful but she does have a some torpedoes and phasers. There is a weakness in the boggie main's shield so....if we can use our tractor beam to .... um tow the ship in a loop while she's trying to pull away from us when we disengage the shield she could be slingshot into the opposite direction. They would be confused as to why our ship is fighting our own tow enough to give a momentary pause. Especially if the Mercy sends them a mayday hail. They could warp during the slingshot and then warp back behind the enemy fleet fire all they got while we are firing at the same time and then they warp out and come back behind us." She was never good at explaining her somewhat crazy ideas but they had a way of working. She hoped he got the idea."

Thinking for a moment, Hurd said, I like your idea, inform Mercy and make it so". Standing up and heading to the turbolift, Hurd said, "First Ramata'tar you have the Bridge, I'm going to begin landing my troops". The doors shut quickly, be he heard two "Yes Sir's" so he knew his orders would be carried out.

Tass took to communicating to the Mercy what her idea was. She wondered if Hades would resist. He'd always thought of her ideas as crazy. While only a few moments it felt like an eternity until the reply came.

Ramata'tar stepped to the middle of the Bridge with his hands behind his back and watched the view screen.


USS Mercy

Hades listened to T'Mira relay the plan. He scrubbed a hand down his face. "You're kidding me right?" Then it hit him. "Tell me this isn't a Tass classic."

T'Mira's lips played a hit of a smile.

Hades looked at her. "Well can it work?"

She gave a nod.

Hades sighed, "Hail the Kearsarge Let them know we're ready. "Engineering this is Hades. We're trying a sling maneuver. They are going to..."

Rain's voice interrupted him. "Are ya determined to tare my ship apart! Alright. Give me one minute the shields are almost at full. Reminder we have phasers only."

The minute ticked by slowly but when they got the go ahead Hades took the chair. "Shields up to full. Fire a low beam at the Kearsarge just graze them make it look like the honeymoon is over."

T'Mira raised eyebrow. She shrugged and fired a small low shot. The Kearsarge's tractor engaged. "The loop manoeuver has begun."

"Hades to Mercy Brace yourselves. We're attempting a maneuver that is a little ....insane. Secure all that's not secured we're about to jump to warp at a high velocity with a lot of pull Damage control teams at ready. Sickbay strap in."

He got acknowledges as the got underway.

"We're picking up speed." T'Mira responded.

"When the Kearsarge signals get ready to warp. Start our thrusters and pull in the opposite direction of the tow."

The ship shook violently as they tried to break the tow.

Minutes ticked by. "Sir the enemy ships are...slowing fire. They are confused."

"Good. Communication send them a distress call now."

The Coms officer looked confused. "They are acknowledging...they can't be that stup....." Just as she was about to finish the enemy fired on the Kearsarge. "Sir we're getting a signal from the Kearsarge they are cutting tow.

"Prepare for warp two we need to get in behind the enemy ships. Help set course."

Nathaniel had set course to get behind the enemy ship " Commander we are behind the enemy ship"he said

"Nice job! Fire all phasers target their weapons and engines only on my mark." The seconds ticked by, "Now!"

T'Mira fired all she had. "Direct hits, two ships disabled. The rest are targeting us."

"Warp two get us back behind our ships!"
Nathaniel Got the Mercy back behind their ships" we back behind our ships Commander" Nathaniel said.

As they disengaged warp back in the safety behind their ships the ship gave a violent shudder. "Sir! Damages on decks three and seven. We're loosing shields again. Engineering is scrambling to patch and fix. Warp drive offline."

Hades sighed, "Signal our condition to the rest of the fleet tell them that's all we can do now. Let them take the lead We'll need a ship to extend shields. Get the landing parties ready." He sighed, "Hades to Corrigan. Get your field teams to the transporter room. We're waiting for the Kearsarge to give us the clear. Once we get that we'll start beaming down." He hoped the fight would end soon. At least they'd helped a little. It wasn't much but he didn't feel like a burden to the fleet.

"Engineering to Bridge. You broke my warp drive ya ninny!"

Despite the tension Hades smiled, "You'll fix it Rain. I have no doubt in your skills."

"Yes....well...fine." He looked around the bridge crew. "Reports."

'Looks like that shield relay blew again Commander" Andrea reported from Ops, "I'll get down there and lend a hand see if we can find what the problem is." She stood and quickly headed off the bridge.

In Sickbay, Dr Corrigan led the group of medics as they gathered field kits and left the remainder of the medical staff to tend to the members of the crew who had been injured during the fighting. They had four field teams to compliment the marine medics, two of which had surgeons as the lead. Another two teams were on standby but until then would remain aboard the ship to tend to those beamed aboard from the surface.


USS Ark Royal, Bridge

As the tactical situation grew clearer with the ships in orbit, Jack decided to make sure that the Ark Royal played its part in defending the other ships.

"Lt Young, make sure that we stay ahead of the Mercy, in a defensive position. I don't want the Reman forces to split us up and get an opening on any of the other ships as a target, he explained.

Chloe made sure that the Ark Royal stayed ahead of the mercy in a defensive position since the USS Mercy was a Medical Ship.

"Mr Ballard, keep our weapons at hot standby. I want to be sure that we're ready in case the Remans make a move," Jack finished.

"Understood sir. Weapons ready." Ballard narrowed his eyes as the looked at the view screen.


USS Satatoga

Jackson noticed the Kearsarge vector out of formation, to get into a good launch point for his marines.

=/\=Saratoga to Ark Royal, we are increasing speed to engage those cruisers before the Kearsarge gets into their weapons range=/\=

=/\=Ark Royal to Saratoga understood. We're on standby to provide support where needed, give the word and we'll move into position=/\= Jack responded, knowing that the Ambassador class starship was more than ready to get into the fight.

=/\=Saratoga to CAG, sent whatever squadron that was to cover the landing force in. The Kearsarge will have enough to worry about when she conducts her landing=/\=

=/\=Acknowledged Saratoga. 3rd squad is covering that. Were holding our on with the enemy. I will join them when I get my path cleared.=/\= McDaniel replied.

"Lieutenant Taz, full impulse. Tactical, you are weapons free as soon as we are in range."

Jackson looked at the Ops station. "Mr. Hannigan, keep an eye out for more company. "

"Yes sir." Hannigan replied. He looked over at the view screen for a moment before fixing his eyes back on his console.


Specter Squadron

Watching the capital ships increase speed, he knew that they would be ordered in soon. He elected to take his squadron high, to be in a better position to go in. "Frogger to Alpha Section, Reach for Heaven, Beta Section, guard the Mercy". Half of his fighters followed his lead, and climbed up high above the advancing elements of the Fleet. The other half of his squadron stayed with the Mercy.

=/\=Frogger to CAG, standing by=/\=

=/\= Roger that. Delta Squad will take the point .Echo squad take Pattern Charley and proceed. Frogger what's your eta to our check point? Snoopy and Delta Squad have taken fire again..engaging target..,." McDaniel replied.


USS Kearsarge

Making his way down to the hangerbay, Hurd had first stopped off at his quarters. Getting into his personal arms locker, he grabbed his Phaser Rifle, 4 spare power cells, his .45, a half dozen magazines, His M-4, 7 Magazines for it, and his knife. Stowing the ammo away in his vest, he holstered the .45, slung the M-4 over his back, grabbed the phaser rifle and left. A few minutes later he lumbered in the very busy, very hectic hangerbay and bellowed, " Are we ready to go kick some Reman ass Marines?"

Freya looked nervously towards Hurd but she answered as confidently as the rest of the marines.

It had been a long time since Braxton was suited up. He stood ready. He watched Hurd enter the hangar bay. He listed as Hurd's voice echoed through the bay. "Ready sir!" He shouted with the chorus of Marines.

Kaden watched the General enter carrying some rather interesting assortment of weapons he figured he ask later but gave the General a salute as he approached him. “Captain Ross, Ready on your orders, Sir.”

"Very Good Captain", Hurd said smiling. " Board your men, I'll join you shortly"

Kaden jumped up on a cargo container to get proper view of his men. “Alright boys and girls this is it...we are about to go face off a enemy that I am certain knows we are coming that thinks the Federation is just a bunch of push overs. I say they are wrong they was wrong before when they face off against our ancestors like my great great grandfather MACO General Olsen Ross, Captain John Archer, Thy'lek Shran, and the great Colonel Balthazar Edison. When the Romulans and their allies tried to divide us but we stood strong united as one and drove them back in defeat. Now once more an enemy hopes to break us I will not let that happen I will not dishonor the legacy many in the past fought and died for to protect,” Looking at each of his marines he placed his arms behind his back. “I know I have yet to know you all and I am sorry that this has forced all of us to meet under these circumstances. But I promise you all this I will do my hardest get all of you back home alive. I am reminded of a story I once read of the Roman General Gnaeus Domitius Corbuloa man of honor, valor, allegiance! General Corbulo was to take his own life in the name of the Roman Empire. Corbulo did not hesitate nor question he loyally obeyed, screaming 'Axios!' as he fell upon his own sword. Axios: I... am... worthy. In a way I suppose these Remans are asking you do the same to force you all to fall on your swords and follow me into battle so I ask you will you follow me?”

Freya smiled as she watched her husband, he made her proud she just needed faith that he'd come back to her unharmed.

There was roars of support from the Marines which surprised Kaden as he didn’t think his little speech did anything but apparently it did. “Very Good, mount up let’s show these Reman bastards who they are messing with!” He jumped off the containers but was bumped into by a young Marine.

“Oh sorry, Sir!” He said.

Kaden merely offered him a smile it was stressful enough for everyone last he wanted was to have this young fellow worry about making him mad. “It’s okay, Lance Corporal...”

“Vesker, Sir”

Kaden nodded and motioned to the shuttle. “Right, well don’t you worry about anything but focusing on your job and getting out alive.”

Vesker offered him a smile back. “I intend to, Sir, I got a girl back on 400 waiting for me with a surprise.” He replied as he placed his helmet on and jumped on the shuttle.

Tapping his combadge, Hurd said, "Hurd to General Jackson permission to begin landing operations".


Braxton stood off to the side helping a new Marine with his equipment. "Thanks Braxton."

Braxton gave a nod "No problem." They joined the larger group waiting for Jackson's OK."

Freya stuck close to Braxton, she would do her job in the field without thinking about it but right now she felt safer next to Braxton. She’d been told at the briefing to speak up when needed and now seemed the appropriate time.
“Listen up!” She raised her voice. “They’re waiting for us and they will take advantage of you telepathically! I want you to all run something around in your heads....your favourite song, favourite poem, anything! Just let them read that!!”

Braxton stayed silent. He liked her enthusiasm but he knew, from personal experience, that if I Reman wanted in your mind he'd get in. He'd found tricks to keep them contained but they only worked for those that were telepathic. The Remans were.... a different kind of telepath. They had a way of snaking into the mind. It was an experience that Braxton would care to forget but the memory of it kept him vigilant. He was locked and ready. This was by no means going to be easy. He said a silent prayer to the Betazoid and Vulcan universal spirits or deities...whatever one wanted to call them. It was time to kick some behind. It was time to save those that needed them.


tbc...

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