Candle In the Wind

Posted on Sun Jun 21st, 2020 @ 4:09am by Lieutenant Kalin Brennan-Griffin PhD & Captain Nycolas Temple & Commander Owen Nash & Cailus Griffin & Captain Tobias Rao & Emilie Temple
Edited on on Wed Jun 24th, 2020 @ 7:29am

Mission: New Moon Rising
Location: USS Pandora / USS Palatine
Timeline: After "Cold Blood"

ON:

== Bridge - Pandora ==

The Bridge of the Pandora hummed quietly as the crew awaited word from Major Halliwell's boarding party on the Talarian ship. In most cases, no news would be good news but in this situation, it was making Commander Temple all the more nervous. He didn't know what the Marines would find on Sevros' ship, but the early sensor logs had been enough to send the Talarian Ambassador into a deeply disturbed bout of B'Nar, the Talarian grieving ritual.

Owen kept an eye on the sensors as he monitored the boarding party over on the Talarian ship. However he was also keeping the sensors trained on the local area as well, in case there were any surprises in the local area.

At Tactical, Cailus' full attention was focused on overseeing the Marines, his eyes focused on the console with unblinking focus. It took considerable restraint to concentrate on the Marines' comns and the Talarian cruiser, however, and not keeping switching over to the long-range sensors. It was one thing to know that Nash and Shae were much, much better at running sensor sweeps than him; it was entirely another to actually trust them with that.

As the minutes ticked by in eerie silence, there came an alert on the Pandora's sensors.

"Mr Nash?" Nyx asked as he looked around, "What is it?"

Owen checked his sensors and could see the alert was triggered by another ship entering the local area. "Sir, there's another ship on a parallel course to us that's approaching our location...its a Federation Starship....The USS Palatine," he reported. No sooner has he reported this then a hailing frequency was opened. "We're being hailed by Captain Rao..."

"Well thank you, Mr. Nash, on screen," Nyx replied. Finally, some good news after what had been a stressful day.

== USS Palatine ==

As soon as the Palatine was within range of the Pandora, Tobias had ordered a hailing frequency opened straight away. The Palatine had been in hot pursuit for some time and the advantage of her Slipstream drive had meant that the distance had been covered a lot sooner than with a standard Warp drive. Tobias stood as the screen clicked to say the frequency was opened.

"This is Captain Tobias Rao of the USS Palatine...I'm looking for Captain Nyx," Tobias said, looking around the view of the Pandora offered to him.

"Now what time do you call this?" Nyx bellowed at the man as he stepped forward, "Thought your ship had slipstream drive, Captain Rao, and yet you're fashionably late to the party."

Tobias smiled and let out a bellylaugh that would rival a Klingon in any bar across the stars. "Very good Captain," he said, "Its often a good thing to turn up fashionably late...it adds to the heroic reputation that I uphold amongst many others," he explained.

Tobias stepped forward on the bridge to stand beside his helmsman Lt Mako. "Well I do have a few surprises for you Captain. As well as supplies and officers who seemed to have missed the Pandora' departure, I happen to have some very important and precious cargo on board for you," Tobias said.

He didn't mention the Nyx's over an open comm, but the look on Nycolas's face when it dawned on what he meant was clear.

A smile grew over Temple's grizzled face as he realized who the precious cargo could be. Slowly, it crossed his mind like a welcoming morning sun ending a long, dark night. This is why he hadn't been able to reach Emilie recently, as she was on her way here.

He could barely talk, his smile was so grand, "Well... I will uh be happy to recieve all new arrivals."

Rubbing his mawkish jaw, his mind snapped back to the mission at hand. "We are currently running an operation on the Talarian vessel, I have crew onboard searching for survivors and we need to keep a constant vigil on them. Perhaps we could send over our new personnel via shuttle?"

Tobias nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a plan to me," he said, "The last thing your Operations Chief will need is trying to keep a lock on your team as well as trying to beam over new officers and supplies. We'll send over a shuttle to you in the next 30 minutes," he offered to Nycolas.

Owen looked up as Captain Rao made his suggestion and look ed over at the Captain. "Sir, that would be a better idea...I can have the Shuttlebay prepped to receive the Palatine's shuttle if you're happy to proceed?" Owen asked.

"Yes!" Nyx replied very quickly.

== Shuttle Bay - USS Palatine ==

After a short wait, Emilie and Katrine stood patiently in line as a small group of crew boarded the shuttle. Katrine fidgeted quietly, a little sick of all the trips and moving about by now, so Emilie kissed her softly on the side of her head and whispered,

"We're going to see Daddy," she said with a smile.

Minutes later, the shuttle cruised out of the USS Palatine's rear launching bay, banked gently to the right and began her short trip towards the USS Pandora.

== Bridge - USS Pandora ==

The main screen of the Pandora remained fixed on the Talarian vessel, as running reports continued from the Major's operation. On Nyx's console, he also kept watch on the shuttle's voyage too. It was all going so peacefully and smoothly.

Breaking through the silence came a sudden alert from the ship's sensors. This one was not so friendly and no sooner had the notice come, the Palatine and Pandora were soon being approached by three hostile alien ships.

the Operations Console beeped for attention as three new ships entered the area occupied by the Federation Starships. He ran a thorough scan of the ships and realised what there were. "Captain! we have three Tzenkethi ships entering the area," he reported with a small amount of alarm in his voice. "They are coming in hot sir!"

After reporting the arrival of the Tzenkethi ships, Owen immediately checked the progress of the Palatine's shuttle and could see that they were just about to enter the Shuttlebay. He kept a weathered eye on the shuttle as he ran systems combat checks.

"They're warships, sir, top of the line Lemthu-class heavy cruisers," Cailus called out evenly after Nash, sounding almost machine-like as he calmly reported the incoming threat.

Nyx took a breath, "Mr Nash, open hailing freque-"

The Captain's instructions were suddenly interrupted as the Tzenkethi cruisers came into range and opened with a volley of phaser fire across the Pandora and Palatine, making it absolutely clear they weren't coming just to say hello. The ship rocked after a clear shot hit the Pandora's forward hull.

"I hate being interrupted," Nyx growled, "Red Alert! Return fire, Mr Griffin, target their weapons."

On the viewscreen, orange beams of angry fire slammed into two of the Tzenkethi cruisers, visibly straining their protective screens. "Direct hits," Cailus reported with an eerie monotone, his hands flying across his console as the Tzenkethi cruisers sped past the stationary Starfleet ships. "Minimal damage to both targets...they're coming about for another attack run."

"Mr Nash, get those Marines back onboard," Nyx continued, "They're sitting ducks out there and we may need to take evasive maneuvers."

Owen nodded as he got a complete lock on the away team and and sent a short burst message to them that warned of an emergency beam out taking place.

"I've got the away team back aboard Captain," he confirmed as they all registered safely inside Transporter Room Two.

"Thank you," Nyx sighed with relief.

Nyx was only grateful that the runabout was nearly safe and sound into the Pandora's shuttle bay. He dared to steal a look away from the main screen to the console by his chair and saw the shuttle banking around to make her docking run.

But as he watched, one of the Tzenkethi Cruisers came into view, having completed a pass across the Palatine and Nyx watched in horrifying slow motion as it detected the shuttle and turned to engage.

"Mr Griffin!" Nyx called out with rising panic. "Cruiser off the port side stern.... Stop them!"

Hearing the alarm in the captain's voice, and thinking of Aoife somewhere below-decks, Lieutenant Griffin become even colder and more ruthless.

"Firing," he called out, and this time, there was no holding back to just targeting weaponry. The Tzenkethi had thought they'd be relatively safe off the Pandora's aft quarter, and Griffin punished their mistake with a full spread of photon torpedoes. The first five torpedoes exploded harmlessly off the cruiser's shields, but the fifth penetrated them to impact the cruiser's armour, creating a huge hole more than twenty meters wide in their port side.

It should've been enough; such damage would've proved catastrophic to any Starfleet vessel. Somehow though, the stricken Tzenkethi found the strength to unleash another blast of disruptor fire...this time at the runabout.

== USS Palatine ==

As soon as the Tzenkethi ships arrived on the scene, Tobias checked to see if the runabout had left the ship and with a quick confirmation, he then ordered Lt Tolaris, his Tactical Officer to raise shields and bring the weapons online

"Shields up Captain," The female Vulcan officer confirmed. Tobias stepped back top the Conn to join Cmdr Raven.

"What are your orders Captain?" she asked, already knowing what his answer was going to be but waiting for some confirmation.

Tobias stroked his chin as he considered the situation. "First things first, defend that runabout at all costs until it docks with the Pandora...there's some bloody precious cargo on board," he ordered before looking at Mr Mako. "

"Helm, shadow the Runabout's course while they make their way to the Pandora. Tolaris, provide covering fire for the Pandora whilst we're on the move," he ordered.

Mako answered his call and moved the Palatine on a course underneath the Pandora as he tracked the runabout. As the Tzenkethi ship fired on the Pandora several times, he moved the Palatine closer to her aft section.

Tobias could see the course of the Tzenkethi ship and knew what it was going to do as it closed in the on the Aft of the Pandora's hull. He strode over to the Helm and joined Mako who was hard at work. "Get us between the Runabout and the Tzenkethi now!" he ordered. Mako fired a burst of full impulse through the Palatine's engines and aimed the ship in the space possible.

Mako and Rao held on to the Helm console as the Vesta Class starship rocked as she took the burst sent for the Runabout from the Tzenkethi. Staring forward, Tobias made his thoughts clear... "Tolaris! Remind them who they just attacked....with a strong presence of mind for good measure!" he ordered.

The Palatine's Tactical Officer unleased a full volley of phaser fire upon the Tzenkethi ship as the defended the Runabout. The damage was severe and enough to make the ship back off for now...which left two more to deal with.

"Mako, once the runabout has docked, bring us about and head for the other two ships...we're in a better position to hurt them than the Pandora is..."

== Shuttle ==

Emilie gripped onto Katrine tightly, pulling her little girl close to her body as protection. The pilots up front were talking quickly between them, mentioning different ships and one coming into range.

A panic spread through Emilie's body - close to the Pandora and yet in a moment, still too far away. Suddenly the shuttle was shadowed by the large looming appearance of the USS Palatine - the Vesta class coming into to protect the shuttle.

Hurriedly trying to get out of danger, the pilots hit the throttle and cruised the shuttle into the Pandora's awaiting docking bay, the runabout coming in rather quickly. Sparks flew as they scraped across the Pandora's bay floor, the runabout spinning dangerously as they attempted to regain control and stop.

Katrine let out a scared cry as they spun but all Emilie could do was hold on tight and wait for them to stop. After a few turns the shuttle finally came to a rocking halt, a stunned silence and relief falling over its passengers.

== Bridge - Pandora ==

With the Tzenkethi cruiser taking heavy damage from both the Palatine and Pandora, it started to drift aimlessly away from both ships - giving the battered shuttle enough time to make a rough but ultimately successful docking run into the Pandora.

Nyx let out a long-held breath as he looked across the Bridge to see Lieutenant Brennan standing at the Science station and gave her a nod.

"Lieutenant, can you see if the Marines were successful in their mission?" He asked. "Whatever logs they have may just solve this conflict."

"I can surely try," Shae replied with determination. "It would go faster if I had some help."

"I'll send Smith to help you," Temple added with a nod.

"Thank you, sir," Shae said, and turned her station over to another officer in Science teal; good, back to Astrometrics, where she worked best...

Meanwhile, the remaining two enemy Cruisers gave some distance from the Starfleet vessels as they circled around, silently negotiating a new tactic between them. But Nyx had other plans.

"Mr Griffin, about-face the Pandora and continue firing on the damaged Cruiser." He ordered coldly. "We cease firing only if they hail us."

"Aye sir, firing phasers." It was a somewhat ruthless tactix to bait the other Tzenkethi cruisers into engagement range preemptively, but the dour Security Chief pushed that thought far away as he pressed the controls that unleashed the Pandora's weapons into the vulnerable warship.

It was Nyx's first order to potentially destroy another vessel as Captain of his own ship. He couldn't think about the panic in the Tzenkethi cruiser, all the souls that could be lost. He could only hope they would call for mercy before foolishly sacrificing their lives.

He cleared his throat, "Mr Nash, have the Palatine follow our lead."

"Aye Captain," Owen responded as he sent across the Captain's message to Captain Rao on the Palatine.

== USS Palatine ==

At the Operations station, Lieutenant Commander Will Morgan received the call form the USS Pandora. "Captain, the Pandora has requested that we maintain fire on the damaged Tzenkethi cruiser," he reported back.

Tobias smiled as he realised the path that Nycolas was taking here. "Very well Commander," he acknowledged. looking over at the Tactical station, he nodded to Tolaris. "Lieutenant, concentrate fire on the damaged Tzenkethi cruiser....but be prepared to to lock weapons on the others, just in case they decide to move in..." he ordered.

The Palatine moved into position as she opened up her arsenal of Phasers and quantum Torpedoes on the damaged vessel. Each hit scored more and more damage and after several shots, the cruiser was beginning to list to one side. "Captain, I'm reading fluctuations from the Power Core of the Tzenkethi cruiser... they have systems shutting down and various spikes in energy through out the ship!" reported Morgan.

"How long before they lose Core Stability?" asked Rao.

"5 minutes, sir," Morgan reported. Tobias routed a message to Nyx on a private channel, direct to him: Its your call Nycolas, we stand by and support you.

== USS Pandora ==

The tactic had payed off, no sooner were the Tzenkethi reaching critical levels, there came an unsurprising hail from their lead ship.

"Cease fire and on screen," Nyx replied as he stood.

In front of them appeared a large, bulbous lizard man with brightly glowing skin, but a mean scowl upon his reptilian face.

"You have violated our borders!" Came his immediate cry.

Nyx sighed, having had more than enough of rude aliens for one day. "You attacked us, Captain, we are defending ourselves."

"You humans support the Talarian spies!" The Tzenkethi growled.

"We're just trying to find out what happened to their ship," Nyx replied calmly, "We have no intention of violating your borders or supporting espionage. We're conducting an investigation as a neutral party. If you'll allow us to continue our investigation, we'll be out of the area very soon."

The Tzenkethi Captain huffed loudly, his nostrils flaring widely, "You have one hour."

And with that, the screen went blank again and the Tzenkethi vessels gathered around their damaged ship, to rescue crew and make emergency repairs. It was a begrudging truce for now, but Nyx was keen to take it.

"We don't have long." Nyx spoke as he turned to look at the Bridge, "Let's find out what happened and get the hell out of here."

OFF