Expansion Fleet - Avalon Archive

(OFF: The runabout is already docked on the Skytoucher, and that's how Balkazar got onboard... anyway, I said I shot the tactical hull. I didn't aim for a specific system, that would be too hard in a nebula like this. The gasses confuse the targetting scanners and cloud vision, so firing phasers in here is about like throwing a rock in an almost pitch-dark place.)

(Edited by Taurik at 9:56 pm on Oct. 2, 2004)

"I have every confidence in Captain Skon's abilities to negotiate with Mr. Vakin. If he ordered you to stand down, that is what you will do."

(OFF: This is supposed to be a special side-plot for Skon and Love, we can't go messing that up until it's time.)

"Dammit! Woman, have you no sense at all?! Why would you take warp engines offline?!"

Love smiles with renewed interest.

"Oh yes Vakin, I managed to loosen myself while you were away, disconnected the warp engines for the vessel you weren't supposed to be on still, and rebound myself incase you returned. Quite the intellectual one you are. Don't you realize we're under attack?"

"Yes, I realized that quite easily, thank you very much!"

"Then you can't simply infer that their attack caused the engines to give?!"

"W-....yo-.....*grumbles*.....SHUT UP WOMAN! ......Engaging pulse engines...."

"-oh? reporting to the invisible man seated in the captain's chair?"

"ONE MORE WORD, ONE MORE!"

*Love smirks, sinking back into the seat.*

*Vakin engages the impulse engines, coming around on the Rivendell's left flank. Two quantum torpedoes, aimed at life support and shield generators are fired just as the now hostile vessel disappears into a pastel shrouding.*

Excellent

=A= Skon to Rivendell =A=

Captain Taurik, thank you for your assistance. If it hadn't been for the actions of you and your crew, the Skytoucher might have been lost. All of us owe you our thanks. Please inform our crew that they can begin beaming back over as soon as they are ready. Once again, I deeply appreciate what you have done for us. Perhaps we shall be able to return the favor one day. Live long and prosper.

=A= Skon out =A=

=A= Skon to Vorak -- secure channel -- =A=

Admiral, Commander Rasmain has made an important discovery. I will give you a full report when I return...but...the device we captured on our last mission is, indeed, Loxian in origin. It is a spy device and it transmits our movements to the Loxian Government. We have isolated it for the moment, but it is logical to assume that the Loxians know that we captured Vakin and Varnek...as well as their secret device...and they will certainly send a fleet to recapture their "property." Avalon should be vigilant. Here is Commander Rasmain's full report.

*Skon transmits the data that Rasmain has gathered.*

=A= Skon out =A=

(Edited by Skon at 9:30 pm on Oct. 14, 2004)

Very well, Vakin. You win. I shall contact my crew.

=A= Skon to all =A=

Restore all ship's systems immediately and abandon ship. Mr. Vakin will not be moved by diplomacy, and we cannot risk the life of an innocent civilian.

=A= Skon out =A=

Vakin, my crew will comply. In a moment, the panel at your side will begin working...I only tell you this because I would not want you to be startled and accidentally shoot Ms. Love. Once that panel lights up, the ship is under your control.

*Skon tenses as he watches Vakin look over to the control panel.*

OFF: *blinks* well...I suppose it was a good try, but I honestly don't have anything to say to that...

*balkazar to Nofftz*

Im sorry if i seem to be over throwing your rule but please report to security station alpha.....and a beam onto the bridge thing wont work........it will get my security team killed and thats a risk im not going to take.

*Balkazar to taurik*

There may be a way to help us out.........I need you to find a way to get threw the sheilds and get Black here asap........I just figured out a way to retake the bridge..........

I need you to try and find a way of how you can alter the eviroment controls to release sleeping gas onto the bridge......It should knock out vakin and miss love......

*balkazar out*

*balkazar turns to his security teams and tells them to guard the turbo lifts*.......*heads into a quiet place in the security offices and sits down art the computer console in my office at alpha security station to try and figure out how I can take out vakin quickly without him knowing of the danger to himself.....and hopefully he will not injure miss love when he figuers it out.........*

OFF**Pretty much I am going to take some time to figure out if i can make a loxian sleepy as heck so I can beam onto teh bridge without him knowing it and take him back into custody..

OFF: Nice picture, Vakin. He reminds me of Freddy Kruger... Where's Freddy? Hihi, he's not home...

understood.

OFF**Miss love my remarks about you and skon were only meant in a joking way.......I meant no offense......So please accept my apologies.....It was only to try and relieve the tension from this alredy tense predicament

ON**

*Balkazar to skon*

Sir......Whats your orders ?........Ive had security stand down...

OFF: lol. I deserved that one. Where do I materialize?

*Skon materializes in a dark place. He cannot see. But the temperature seems adequate. He stumbles around and knocks over some things. His senses begin to adjust to the darkness. He sees a panel of lights. He presses one, and doors open. He walks carefully out of the doors and tries to determine where he is.*

(Edited by Skon at 11:00 pm on Sep. 23, 2004)

OFF:Don't take this personally: You're a nuisance, exasperation, and an eyesore. A commendable officer keeps their opinion to themselves unless asked for it. (The rest of you weren't going to be a spoon, so I thought I'd say it...)

Vakin: Here is what's going to happen, without complications: All systems on this vessel are going to be reactivated. Everyone will leave the ship...You will not follow. Once I'm satisfied that I'm far enough, I'll disappear! Make it happen, Captain. And make haste, I'm growing impatient.

OFF: Apprentice, an apt title, think you? I think not. But it's not oft my opinion is held in high regard. *shrugs*

OFF2: And yes, we're a few minutes now, say seven, from the nebula.

"I tell you, Love, how my plan shall work, see. You will pilot the Skytoucher into the vastness of the Expansion Nebula. I shall then take my leave in one of those convenient runabouts and be gone forever. Oh yes, I still have friends that would harbor me. They would give their lives for me, I warrant you. Then you'll await the arrival of the officers currently aiding in your rescue."

*Love feels testy and attempts to provoke his temper.*

"Oh? True friends you claim? As loyal as the friends you had in your gov't?"

*Vakin lashes out in rage, locking eyes with her in fury as she stares emotionlessly (quite like a vulcan, actually) back.*

"I won't tolerate your sass, WOMAN! On my planet you'd be killed for saying such things! I failed my mission because of your revered SKON! I-"

"-And to that I owe him my thanks!"

*Love is whipped with the pistol he holds. She breathes heavily, glaring at him as one with putrid hate, but yet a subtle smile tugging at her lips.*

Captain Taurik materializes in Security Station Alpha. He looks at the one in charge there.

"I would like a report, please."

"Negative, commander. Captain Skon has requested the help of a Loxian called Varnek, but to no avail. All Varnek appears to be able to talk about is 'The Burma', and he also injured the captain, I believe. I do not believe that this attempt to gain the activation code, will be succesfull."

OFF: Nofftz, good idea, but post it on the Rivendell, since you're there...At this point, only the few people who are left on the Skytoucher should be posting here.

OFF: Rasmain's internet connection will be scant for the next 9 days, his provider is trying to cut him off (bandwidth issues), so he may not be able to post much, or at all, for the rest of this month. By the beginning of next month he should definitely be back. This also goes for his other characters Hedford, Montrell, Jarron, ...

Jesse Walks through the door into security station alpha. Alright let get going.  Mr. Balkazar prepare a security team. If something goes wrong I want to be able to get to the bridge. But that is a last resort.

<Nofftz to Taurik> We are ready and have drop the sheilds.

<Nofftz Out>

(Edited by Jesse Nofftz at 2:13 am on Sep. 15, 2004)

OFF**I might have tugged that story line a tad

ON**

*the rivendell splits into 3 different ships and one of the sections catches up to the skytoucher........

The skytoucher jolts as phaser fire is shot at the ship.....Sparks fly around the engines room as it starts to shut off....the skytoucher begins to loose power and sits in the nebula.....not moving.....

then on the veiw screen Love sees what looks to be part of the rivendell fly over in front and turns to come about for another attack run......*

OFF**This time I may go for weapons or the shields matrix....Im not sure......If we are to do this the way Rasmain wants on the story Ill give more time for the the original plan to work and fire on teh weapons systems or something like that........I dont know.......but ill give more time for the original plan to work........

OFF: No, I realize you're trying; no need for apologies...It's just been a LONG week.

"Hmm...a Vulcan's word. Often trusted, but not in this instance. No,..."

*He rubs a stout hand along the contours of her slender neck, his grin growing all the wider.*

"No...Love will come with me. I call her, now, my little insurance buddy."

*Loves slowly builds with rage inside as he continues to gently rub along her neck. She locks eyes with the brave Vulcan for a long moment.*

In a stern voice: "Now, Captain. Your blonde will not be harmed. No, even the likes of me could not do such a thing...unless kept unsatisfied long."

OFF**I woulda said the space station But a black hole works just as well.....Altho I dont like the black hole thing Balkazar likes skon to much to send him to a black hole....how about a runabout that is near a black hole? oe even better On the rivendell or th estation lol

OFF**Vakin that ID scares the living daylights out of me.....it reminds me of andromeda and the magog

ON**

*After fiddleing a little bit with teh door of the bridge....Balkazar and Rasmain with the security detail enters the bridge and sees Miss love on the ground*

*balkazar feels her pulse and senses that her pulse is slowly diminishing*

Rasmain what you wish to do ?........

Computer locate Vakin

Computer: Vakin is in the shuttle bay

OFF**Now We go from there ........Balkazar is somewhat confused as to what to do until Rasmain posts

*watches at rasmain and skon enters the bridge*

How miss love doing capt?

*hears what skon speaks about being under attack*

*whispers as he passes bye*

Yes sir.....I know this......Its part of the job desciption to be on top of things at all times.......What of the device we were studying back at avalon?

Oh capt we are within communications range now.....Opening channel....channel opened sir......

Love lies still on the bed, still unconscious. The hologram injects the antidote into Love's neck. The pinky finger on her right hand begins to twitch lightly. As her eyelids slowly part, she hears:

"...wmm brmmm Vemm nnm Vnmk herrmm. And soon, we may be facing an entire Loxian fleet again, as we did some time ago in the Dark Passage... As soon as we clear this nebula and comm systems are restored, we have to contact Avalon Station about this impending danger!"

EMH: She's coming around.

Love looks up, three figures blurred beyond recognition.

EMH: The poison has done damage to neuro pathways, so she may be disoriented or slow in speech for a few days.

*The EMH leans over her, holding each of her eyes open at a time a checking them for light response.*

EMH: Do you know what your name is?

*Paris looks around, her clarity in sight returning ever so gradually. She doesn't answer.

EMH: Do you know what day it is?

*Paris then looks to the hologram, wide-eyed and apparently disoriented.*

"Doctor, please allow me my peace of mind in knowing that pugnacious, phlegmatic, pompous skid is in custody and my rescue was a success..."

She breathes uneasy, and she suffers from an obvious headache.

EMH: Amazing, it seems her...sharp tongue hasn't been impared. *He smiles*

OFF**Vorak What are we supposed to do with the device ?........We as characters dont know what it is there for how can we use it to retake the bridge ? and get the ship back ?..........Im curious on these is all?

"I doubt there is anything we can do internally. Our only other option is to fire on the Skytoucher from the Rivendell, and that is extremely dangerous while inside the docking bay. I believe we must now place Skon's fate in his own hands."

OFF**YEAH!~!! im posting with the correct character :P

ON**

Capt we are within transporter range now........

*Unknown to the others, Skon had slipped through the docking bay doors just before Vakin closed them. He works his way into a Jeffries tube and crawls toward the bridge, avoiding security barriers and slipping through emergency access tubes. He pauses and taps his com badge. *

=A= Skon to Nofftz =A=

I am attempting to gain access to the bridge. Once there, I will distract Vakin and try to free Ms. Love. After that, I shall probably be a prisoner. Whatever happens, you cannot give up the Skytoucher. No matter what. Good luck.

=A= Skon out =A=

*Skon reaches an access panel and crawls onto the bridge. He stands and stares at Vakin.*

Stand down, Mr. Vakin. This plan cannot possibly succeed. Even were you to take the ship, you wouldn't get far before the Rivendell or the Lothlorian blew the Skytoucher out of space. You cannot win.

Unless, of course, I were with you. I could order them to let us go. Besides, it's me you want, after all. I'm the one who foiled your plans. Let Ms. Love go and I promise you safe passage away from Avalon.

(Edited by Skon at 11:50 pm on Sep. 12, 2004)

*heads to rasmains Quarters Beeps in.......Walks in Shakes rasmain up*

Sir mind getting up........You may want to get up since skon is on teh bridge with vakin the person that we were transporting and it would be nice if youd get up and like tell me what i am supposed to do..........As is my men are holding and they wont hold for long..........So mind getting up now ?

No disrespect intended Sir but we sorta need you on Alpha security station.........If you dont mind.........We are in a somewhat hostile place right now and hes trapped on teh bridge

OFF: EMH Sent her to the infirmary aboard the Avalon.

OFF: Balkazar, you need to learn to stay within the boundries of the set storyline and REALITY (well...Star Trek reality, in any case)...you know what? Nevermind. I was scolded for doing this before...I'll shut up.

*Vakin continues to pilot the ship with ease as the alarms sound. Love herself is quite startled...*

"What is that? Who is onboard?"

"What? how is that possible? I had shields up; they may know the frequency of this shield, but even here transportation is impossible. No vessel could have broken through...I knew Rasmain had others with him! They'll not take me alive!..."

"Shut up, Woman!"

Vakin rises from his seat in a frantic manner, as though trying to remember something.

"Where could it be? Think, Vakin...when you were discovered...what happened to it? Obviously it was taken off of you if you were arrested...but they'd think it nothing more than a kit for grooming...perhaps..."

Vakin flashes back to that day, fighting the Loxian leader in the runabout...later seeing Skon in the Infirmary...Skon checking Vakin's pockets for any clue as to what the device (which he knew nothing of) was used for.

"Yes! He had taken it! I bet the dense Vulcan stashed it somewhere's in his ready room!"

"Stashed what?"

Vakin happily darts over and enters Skon's ready room.

"Pompous imbecile...I'll be d*mned were I ever bound to such a man. Pray me be not so lucky as to end up with such a 'brilliant' man as Vakin."

Vakin returns with his 'special grooming kit'.

"I do believe you'll marvel this technology, Miss Love. It is a Loxian chemical specifically designed for humanoids such as Klingons, Vulcans, and yes, even Terrans, my Dear. It is a poison, see...it scrambles some of the chemical workings in the head...causing an...incurable coma, generally speaking. Without treatment, it results in death. The mind simply ceases. I'm going to shoot you with this..."

"Hey! Don-"

The poison is shot into her right arm, causing her last words to be slurred; she passes out.

"...will be my ticket out of here."

Vakin proceeds to the turbolift with his pistol in one hand, and the antidote in the other.

"Hangar."

"That would be a logical conclusion indeed, commander. But may I point out to you, that the ship has now cleared docking, and is setting a direct course for the Expansion Nebula. This nebula is known to block sensors and subspace communications. If the ship enters this nebula, my link from the station to this ship will be severed, and I will not be able to assist you any longer."

OFF: Ok here's the plan. From what I have read, the Doctor found a Loxian device (though it's not known yet that it's Loxian technology, I believe) that you all quarantined (end of previous mission). It was supposed to get destroyed, but the order was never carried out for as far as I can see - and then Vakin came on the ship. Now wouldn't it be better to include this "device" in the storyline again, perhaps even use it against Vakin to take the ship back, somehow? I'm sure you can come up with some original ideas on that one. This way, the device will be more explained in the storyline too, and the "investigation" to that device could be rounded up one way or the other.

OFF: ok, let's assume this was the finale of the mission. Well done, everyone. The idea now is that the ships return to Avalon Station, and as soon as they are clear from the Expansion Nebula, the Skytoucher crew can beam over to their ship again asap. Then repairs can begin on the ships (especially Skytoucher, who had most of the beating, but the Rivendell got some damage to deal with too).
As for the Skytoucher, the only thing to round up is that Skon uses the cure on Paris, and whatever romance thereafter they may have planned. VERY important, however, is that Rasmain has to tell Skon some very important news. Skon will then contact Avalon station (admiral Vorak himself who is then in ops) to inform the admiral of this news.

*Rasmain looks up in surprise.*
"Eh... what? Oh, Hermes! I'm glad you are here... too, now. It looks like something happened on the Skytoucher, while I was asleep. The computer refuses to help me, or respond to my questions, if I don't ask them while on the bridge. And what the bridge concerns, it's clear that there is no getting near there. Can you tell me what the current crew complement of the Skytoucher is?"

(OFF:  But the shuttle cannot enter the shuttlebay without the shuttlebays doors being opened.  Unless they fire on them...but they would have to be close enough to assure that they hit them...targeting sensors dont' work in nebulas...and after entering the shields their shields have to stay on the same frequency to stay inside...so if Vakin fired on the shuttle and got anywhere near it...the weapon is going to pass right through....not to mention if you fired on the ship Vakin is going to know.)

OFF:any idea when Ill get my ID?

*Balkazar is over at the small armory locker thats in security station alpha getting ready to storm the bridge when he sees Tuarik Capt of the Rivendell materialize*

*walks up to Taurik*

Im in charge here....Well lets see....Sheilds down....Propulsion down........We were getting ready to storm the bridge.....But you showed up so thats off.....Ummm We got a message from skon to stand down But I dont think thats a good choice on our parts....

Umm And I tried to raise Rasmain but it seems hes still asleep.........And as far as i know thats all thats happening besides my men are in position and we need to take vakin out of the picture..........

No offense sir....but storming is bad However there is no transporter dampening field over the bridge so you can beam Vakin off the bridge if you would like.........And then transport him to one of your holding cells until he can be dealth with for his treachery.........Its just a thought sir......

*contacts med baY*

Send a medical team to Security station beta........We may need one..........Out*

All of that could be arranged, Mr. Vakin. But you would have to give up Ms. Love, first. After all, she is the only other variable in this equation. Let her go, and I will ensure your passage to wherever you wish.

*Rasmain is still attempting to input commands into the alien device, but can't manage to get anything out of it.*
"Thanks for lifting up my spirit here, Hermes. I know well enough what's at stake, and I can't get the darned thing to work! Any progress on getting that activation code yet?"

OFF: Let's assume that the ship starts moving out of dock now. However, there is no known wormhole anywhere in these sectors. If I were Vakin, I would move the ship into the nearby Expansion Nebula. There, sensors are nearly blind, and it would be pretty hard to track down the Skytoucher, once in there. I'll just assume you move the ship to the nebula, so you may want to modify your post to change that detail

*Rasmain continued to work on the alien device, attempting to figure out how it is operated.*
"From what I can tell, this is some sort of system that is connected to a ship's computer. It seems like some kind of communication device, so you can establish subspace commlinks without the main computer noticing it."

(OFF: That's not always true. If a shuttle modulates it's shields correctly, and moves slow enough, it can get the shields to ignore it. It works the same way as the weapons do. Like in ST: Generations, Lursa and B'Etor had the Enterprise's shield modulation, and calibrated their weapons to bypas the shields.)

OOC**Yes lets just get on with the story please.......and as far as knowing the skytouchers Fequency its Balkazars Job to know that information.....Since he is the one usually at tactical ........

Right now Balkazar and Nofftz is aboard the runabout keeping best track of the skytoucher as possible....Yes Nofftz is at helm and he is in command however Hes not posting there fore until he does im SOMEWHAT! in charge........Besides I dont think Nofftz would make a very good cheif of security with his brashness towards Kill everything in sight and get himself killed Tactic all to well but thats just my opinion now isnt it ?

Now lets get on with the story!!!!! We can fix it as it goes.......Try and put it into the story instead of halting it all the time..........and i say this With the utmost respect.........

ON**

*Balkazar and skons shuttle flies past the skytouchers shields with a few well placed phaser fire to weaken it.....

They fly threw and hitch up to the docking port ((Pick which one and we are there))......*Skon transports over and he leads the way up the jefferies tubes as Balkazar and his security officers split up into different tubes to secure the ship again*

*turns to Lucas*

Head the security forces to secure engineering and the armory......also secure the deck engineering is on........

*turns to the other security officers and start breaking them up to secure other parts of the ship*

*turns back to skon*

Here capt..........Ill try and hook up with Rasmain.........good luck sir........

*keeps walking threw a jefferies tube with a few other security officers and meet up with rasmain*

*commander rasmain we are on the ship and im heading to sickbay to set up a command post there......Balkazar out*

OFF**

Now mind we go from here without any more interruptions please........

"I suggest we leave the ship as soon as possible."

Taurik leaves the Security Station destined for the airlock.

=^= Vorak to Skon =^=
This is crucial information indeed, and this discovery may give us time to prepare for a likely assault of the Loxian government. Thank you, captain. Your orders are to dock as soon as you arrive, and begin immediate repairs. If the Loxian fleet is on its way indeed, we will need every ship in the sector.
=^= Vorak out =^=

OFF: ok, this storyline is completed now. Let's assume we arrive at Avalon Station now and begin repairs

*At that moment, the Skytoucher goes full thrusters in reverse, away from the three Rivendell parts... and on the viewscreen, the only indication of the ship they have, nebula gas fills the empty area between the Rivendell and the Skytoucher, fading the captured ship from view. Soon, the ship is no longer visible...*
"What is going on?"
*Rasmain feels the ship going suddenly in reverse, and slight turbulence can be felt. He winces as he makes a wrong movement with his injured knee, but ignores it and continues to work on the Loxian device's controls.*
"Why is it blocking me out of transporter control? If I could transport Vakin right into the brig, all this would be over in an instant."
*He taps a few more buttons, but still gets a denying tone.*
"Either the transporters are down, or aren't letting me access them... Did Vakin put a curse on this ship, or what?"

Rivendell to Captain Taurik.

Scans of hte skytoucher indicate that such a suggestion would be unwise.  Bridge control fuctions are fully with Mr Vakins grasp.  Any attempt to access bridge control systems including video will result in him being notified.

*After a short while, Rasmain had managed to figure out all the controls of the alien device.*
"Ok, I think I got the hang of it now. I should be able to control the ship's functions from here without Vakin noticing a thing."
*Suddenly, he sees a small red light flashing, and he takes a closer look.*
"Hmm... what does that stand for? Communications rerouting... activated... transmitting to coordinates... hmm... Oh no, that's not good. But no time to deal with that now, I'll discuss this with the captain when all this is over. I have a ship to recapture first."
*He taps a few controls on the device.*
"Computer, locate Vakin and Paris Love. Are they still on the bridge?"
Computer: "Negative. Only Paris Love is on the bridge. Vakin is currently in docking bay 1."
*Rasmain grumbles in aggrivation.*
"He's trying to make his escape with a shuttle... Clever, a shuttle is smaller and more maneuvrable. It would be far more difficult to detect or trace him, let alone stop him. I can't let that happen!"
*He shakes his head as he taps the consoles again, while mumbling to himself.*
"Sorry, Paris Love, I know that you're waiting for someone to rescue you from that bridge, but I can't let Vakin escape. As long as he's free, he's a danger."
*Then he notices something else on the device's controls.*
"He initiated a 600 seconds countdown for the shields to be lowered... Only three minutes remain. Computer, override command and cancel countdown."
Computer: "Countdown cancelled. Shields are activated."
*At that moment, the EMH runs up to Rasmain.*
EMH: "Mr. Rasmain, what in the name of Socrates is going on? Where is everybody?"
"Sorry, doc, I really don't have the time now. The ship is captured by a Loxian, and I'm about to take back what is ours."
EMH: "Captured? How can this be? The ship's security systems could never have--"
*Rasmain sighs in annoyance.*
"Computer, deactivate EMH."
EMH: "What!? You can't--"
*The holographic doctor disappears instantly. Then, Rasmain turns his attention back to the controls, tapping some buttons to make sure that the shields cannot be lowered from any other location on the ship.*
"There we are. Now let's beam him right into the brig!"
*He taps some more buttons, but gets a denying tone.*
"Darn it! He's smarter than I anticipated! He got into one of the shuttles and raised its shields. I can't beam through them! Fine, I'll have to go get him myself!"
*Rasmain leaves sickbay, runs through the corridors as fast as he can, picks up a phaser rifle along the way, until he arrives at docking bay 1 at last. The massive doors opens and reveals a shuttle, active and ready to depart. Instantly, Rasmain aims his phaser rifle, targetting the shield emitters of the shuttle, and fires.*
"I know you're in there, Vakin. Come out and fight me like a man!"

OFF: Ok, here's the idea next. Vakin can't get the shields down, and he's got Rasmain at his hand. He has no other option but to postpone his escape and get out of his shuttle again, for two reasons: to incapacitate Rasmain, and to get the shields back down. However, when he and Rasmain engage into a fight, the ship will rock back and forth as the Rivendell opens fire (warning shots). Rasmain will be caught of guard and be knocked unconscious. Vakin will realise that there's no time to get the shields down and escape with the shuttle, so he heads back to the bridge (at least, there he has a captive he can threaten to kill still...) and decides to open fire on the Rivendell (for as much as he can, seeing that the nebula renders sensors, targetting scanners and long range transporters entirely blind or dead). Next could follow a nice battle scene between the Skytoucher and Rivendell, similar to the "Wrath of Khan" scenes.

"Rivendell to Skytoucher.  I say again you are surrounded.  Release Miss. Love and stand down

Off:  Hold the phone.   A few little problems with that Vakin.  
1.  We were told that we couldn't target any specific subsystem inside of the Nebula and the targeting sensors of the Rivendell are more advanced that those on the skytoucher.  
2.   If it is the same kind of nebula as in Star trek 2.  and we are still moving trying to find you which we would be then it would be highly unlikely that you could move around and then right back to be behind us, expecially without sensors.  Also the runabout / that you don't really know about / would follow you a heck of a lot easier then the Rivendell.

Also Balkazar, Mr Nofitz is flying the runabout with you.

On:  Freeman to Balkazar.  Have you been able to determin the shield frequency of the Skytoucher?

=A= Freeman to Taurik =A=  
The Runabout is hovering with the Skytoucher and should prove to be of some help in locating it.  Request instructions.  

Mr.Black How are repairs coming. I want  sheilds and weapons up as fast as you can get them. They are to be your number one prority.

"Mr. Nofftz, if we intervene, we could be in fact inciting Vakin to hurt Mr. Skon or Ms. Love. If you see it prudent, try to set up a video feed from the bridge, and be prepared to flood the bridge with high-potency anesthezine sedatives."

*A shuttle from Avalon glides into the area...Skon concentrates as he pilots...his instruments aren't working properly. There are huge energy emissions in the area, but he has difficulty pinpointing the battle. The nebula is a tough place to navigate. He turns the shuttle and narrowly misses the runnabout, which is currently firing on the Skytoucher.*

=A= Skon to Runnabout =A=

This is Captain Skon, to whomever is in command. What is the status of the battle? My sensors are almost useless.

=A= Skon out =A=

OFF: Agreed. Mr. Balkazar, let's say that you haven't docked yet. Do your thing with your shuttle, and don't be surprised if you're joined by another shuttle from Avalon.

Off: A blackhole

"A little maneuver I learned some time ago..."

Vakin alters the direction the vessel is facing and engages thrusters in full, proceeding to a different depth than that of the Rivendell. The Skytoucher now lurks in the pastel shrouds. The Rivendell is in the dark now, no sensors, and no sight of him. (Dramatic music: Bum Bum Bump!) The Skytoucher is piloted to gradually emerge from underneathe the Rivendell. Vakin allows Love a 'look at me!' kind of sneer.

"Hmm...I don't believe they'll be needing their life support..."

(from viewing the front of the 1/3 Rivendell, you see the Skytoucher slowly rise behind it....like Jaws, or something....*Jaws theme song*)

Vakin targets with all available weapons, finding the target all too easy. In a burst of power the Rivendell is fired upon, catching them off-guard.

OFF**.....Luke Hi ..........Right now the ship is deserted except for vakin and miss love right now im aboard the rivendell hopefully......so lets just say you were following me there as one of the security officers aboard when we were abouit to storm the bridge you were one of the officers I asked to be part of my force......:).....Just for some fun with things

If its alright with vorak if things worked out that way.....And you were here while the hostage situation was going on....

*Rasmain cries out in pain, as he is hit in his knee, and falls down on the floor. He tries to gather his strength to pick up his own phaser rifle again and fire at Vakin, but Vakin has already left the docking bay.*
"Vakin!!!!"
*He yells in frustration, but the Loxian man is too far away to hear him, by now. Rasmain struggles to get back up.*
"I need to... treat this wound... in sickbay... before I faint..."
*He taps his commbadge.*
"Computer, beam me over to sickbay."
*Rasmain dematerialises from the docking bay.*

OFF: Ok, so Rasmain isn't unconscious then. But let's keep him in the background for a moment, and focus on the battle scene to come. This should be nice. Don't worry, I'll have Rasmain reappear at one point.

Off:  No I don't mean to argue, Just trying to make sense of what your doing.  

Ok so about the right ontop of a vessel thing.   How can you target life support?  
Balkazar is on a runabout following you.  He kind of self launched himself out into space.  I am on the third part of the Rivendell.  

OFF: Ok, here's the short story. Vakin first planted that device on the Skytoucher during the last mission. It seemed to help him scan the Skytoucher's systems and transmit codes and whatnot to the Loxian fleet and generally sabotage the ship.

But recently, the device has started to emit ridiculous ammounts of radiation, and Nofftz and Black sealed it down in a powerful forcefield. At this point, we don't know what this thing is, but it clearly is powerful and could be out to some use.

As for me, I guess I'm still in transporter limbo. Hope I don't end up in that black hole...

OFF**Finaly was able to get on so bear with me ........

Alright....Balkazar is the security and tactical officer aboard the skytoucher there for he has the security codes to bypass anything on the skytoucher including the sheilds..........Now There is always some sorta external docking port on the ships as a way to escape if needed and there is one near the bridge.......The shuttle is supposed to try and sneak past the shields which Balkazar can do without Vakin knowing....Sorta to catch him off guard.....That was the plan .......so in a way i can bye pass the shields and get aboard the ship

now im comfused as to what you wish me to do .......Because am I supposed to cont. to go on threw the jefferies tube ? or what ?

OFF**DOH!......Well ya think next time i could be the rescue the damsel lol hehehe :)Alright I dont know how to modify so ill make a whole new post and start from there

ON**

*the shuttle with the security forces nears the skytoucher without vakin knowing....Once they get close enough the runabout fires weapons onto the shields...Does a few passes of firing at specific places on the shields and notices the shields begininng to weaken*

OFF**Ill stop there so Skon can post with his shuttle Arent i so nice

The plan now is to wait for skon to show up but also for him to come threw the shield with me in the shuttle then i dock the skytoucher and skon transports to my runabout so he can get on

Of course the fire power i used against the shields would of course have vakin notice i think

OFF: The activation code is &*^%HD#() but I wait to post with Hermes to tell Rasmain, until Vakin and/or Paris Love post first again, to establish the fact that the ship is about to enter the nebula any moment now. The idea is that Rasmain gets the activation code only moments before his connection with Hermes breaks down because of the nebula. So make it exciting

*Balkazar materializes aboard the skytoucher in security station Alpha*

*taps his comm badge and contacts raismen and taurik*

Sir we got a hostage situation here get to security room alpha and be fully alert sir

Capt of the Rivendell Im aboard the skytoucher with my security force Beam over as many security officers as you can........Ill be needding them to restrict his access to teh vital areas of the ship.......Security room Alpha will be the main HQ for the time being........Send over what help you may.........We may have to storm the bridge with beam in's and set the phasers to stun to take care of this situation as quickly as possible.......Balkazar out*

OFF: Interesting indeed.

*Skon watches as the Skytoucher disappears. He attempts to follow it, but the nebula makes it almost impossible. He attempts to communicate.*

=A= ...on...to...unabout... =A=

I...close....toucher....attempt... commun.......

=A= ...n...out  =A=

=A= ...on...to...Ras... =A=

....read me?......status? ... control ... oxian device?

=A= .................=A=

(Edited by Skon at 10:20 pm on Oct. 6, 2004)

Oh btw Rasmain sir....Miss PAris Love is also one of the prisoners.

*The device suddenly makes a particular sound, to Rasmain's surprise. He taps the controls to find it why, and discovers that someone on the ship is trying to contact him.*
"At last! The cavalry comes to the rescue!"
*He taps some more controls in an attempt to respond to the communication.*
"This is commander Rasmain, can you read me? I am currently in sickbay, and I could use a hand taking over control of the ship's functions here. Vakin is still on the bridge, with the hostage. Respond if you receive this message."

OFF: Balkazar, keep in mind that you couldn't know Rasmain's exact location on the ship. It would have been more logical to set up a command center in engineering. Now that Rasmain has informed you of his location, you can decide it is better to go to sickbay where Rasmain is, instead of engineering. We need to keep the story credible. As for communications, they are possible in short-range only, meaning:
you can communicate normally with anyone aboard the same ship or shuttle you are on. Communication with other ships and shuttles is only possible if they are very nearby, and even then with static. The further the distance, the more static, up to the point where communication is impossible. Anyway, now would be a good time to make the "final move" in retaking the ship.

*Suddenly, the device makes a strange alert sound.*
"Hmm... something's wrong with this thing..."
*Before Rasmain can finish his sentence, the ship's alert claxons begin to blaze on all decks.*
Computer: "Intruder alert. Intruder alert. Intruder alert."
*Rasmain looks up in surprise.*
"How did that happen? The ship's systems must see Balkazar's and Skon's presence as intruders. But that doesn't make sense, the device should follow my command sequences, unless..."
*Rasmain attempts to access other controls on the device.*
"Unless the device has been fooling me all this time! That's it! It is designed to be operated by a Loxian, and some sort of intelligent program detects if the device's operator is Loxian or not. If not, it only pretends to respond, and... Oh no!"

OFF: This should give Vakin warning that people have come aboard, and give him time to prepare his final escape (maybe binding the bomb on Paris Love, my idea, for example). This post will also be another indication that the Loxian device EVENTUALLY needs to be destroyed.

*Skon hears the alert alarms. There is no more time. The team has been discovered. *

Mr. Balkazar, find Mr. Rasmain and gain control of the ship. I shall be on the bridge.

*Skon turns to run for the bridge...

(Edited by Skon at 11:48 pm on Oct. 8, 2004)

Runs into sickbay, im here doc, anything to do?

*Nods slowly, unaware of the Vulcan's true intentions.*

"Ms. Love,..." as the panel lights up, "would you be so kind as to transport the Captain off of the ship and activate shields?"

Love finds his sarcastic politeness unbearable, but she does what he asks with a grim face as he keeps his pistol to her neck and a tight grip on her shoulder. Skon disappeares with the glow of the transporters.

OFF: I don't know why Skon had such a weird look, but whatever he had planned, Love just got it instead!

*At that moment, the holographic person reappears.*
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency."
*He looks at Rasmain, who realises that the link with Hermes was severed now, and the EMH program itself was working again. The Skytoucher had entered the nebula...*

*Rasmain hears the warning of the Rivendell over the intercom too, as he is attempting to tend his leg wound in sickbay.*
"Bah, I can't find the right dermo-generator. I guess I should have payed more attention in medical classes, after all. Oh well. Computer, activate EMH."
EMH: "Please state the nature of the medical emergency. Oh, it's you again."
"Yes, it's me, doc. And the medical emergency is my leg. I was hit there with a phaser rifle."
EMH: "Oh, so now that you need me, you know where to find me again, hmm? But when I'm not needed, they just deactivate me. When will people finally understand that we holographic doctors have feelings too."
*He shakes his head, as he takes the right dermo-generator and starts tending Rasmain's wound.*
"Hurry up, doc, I have to stop Vakin as soon as possible, before any more people get hurt."
EMH: "No can do, commander. Your leg is severely hurt. You should be glad you didn't vaporize at all. Can't release you from sickbay until you're better again."
"Doctor, I don't have time to get 'better again'. Fix my leg, so I can get going again!"
EMH: "Sorry, commander, doctor's orders. You know I can releave you of command."
*Rasmain looks up at the EMH, as he starts to get really annoyed.*
"And you know I can deactivate you any time I want."
*The EMH rolls his eyes and sighs.*
"Very well. This should do for now. But be careful with that leg, and as soon as all this is over, come to see me again."
*Rasmain jumps off the biobed again.*
"Will do, doc. Thanks. Now I have to get back to work!"
*The ship shakes violently, and Rasmain assumes that the Rivendell has opened fire again. He knows there are lives at stake, and if he wants to save them, he will have to act quick. He rushes toward the Loxian device, and starts working on its controls again.*
"There has to be a way to stop Vakin..."

OFF: It's the guy from the horror film Leprechaun. This little dude hunts you down for his gold. You guys should rent it. *snickers* nearly everyone finds the picture creepy, Brandon wasn't going to upload them yesterday, rather wait til today, but he didn't want the creepy picture on his computer.

Well........I need weapons and shields......But of course we also need the rest of the ship repaired.........I think we should get some ppl from avalon station........Ill request to have some transffered over to help with repairs.........

OFF: remember that in this nebula, its simply not possible to have a direct hit each time. Your sensors are blind, you can only fire at best guess. There are bound to be several shots missing, let alone have precise shots hit the particular spots on the ship you intended to fire on. As for now, let Vakin get out of his shuttle first, and struggle with Rasmain, until the ship gets another shock from firepower. Also remember, if you want to make this "final battle" anything interesting, don't just take out the ship's main functions. Allow it a chance to fight back still (Kirk couldn't defeat Khan all that easily either). Give Vakin a chance to make his final stand, and show that he's not going to give up all that easily. The Rivendell is supposed to sweat a little first. Besides, if you manage to get the shields of the Skytoucher down, you risk destroying the ship, and the idea is NOT to destroy it (because Love is on there, and because you don't want the ship to be lost), nor heavily damage it - if it can be helped, of course. Also transporters from ship to ship won't work.

OFF: there's one technical detail regarding the shuttle. A shuttle can't enter a ship or dock with it, if the ship's shields are up. In this case, the shields are up indeed. Perhaps Balkazar could keep his shuttle near the Skytoucher unseen, until the moment comes that the Skytoucher loses its shields?

*Skon is just leaving, but he pauses as he sees Vakin enter the shuttlebay. He instructs his men to allow Vakin to pass.*

What have you done to her?

OFF: Wait....did I read that incorrectly, or did he just climb into a jeffery, through the shields and hull, onto a moving vessel? Balkazar, let's keep reality a factor, please.

*The vessel quakes violently as they're struck. Love sits wobbling in her chair, a pleasant smirk now on her face.*

"Oh, wise guys, eh?"

*Vakin brings the Skytoucher to an immediate hault, causing the runabout and third of the Rivendell to pass him up. Engaging the engines again, he follows them closely, firing with all primary phasers, aiming at their life support once more.*

OFF2: You guys never responded to my torpedoes...and you're doing auto-hits. Wouldn't describing an attack and then telling where it's aimed be more sportsman-like? I could type something like 'direct hit to life support, causing it to fail.' Where does that leave you? I had also described the Skytoucher disappearing into one of the Nebulas, you hadn't mentioned anything of following it, etc.

*Hermes keeps fading in and out of appearance, his voice deforming.*
"The activvvattionnn codeeee issss...."
*He gets close to entirely disappearing, as the last seconds count down until the ship has fully entered the nebula.*
"Theeee cooodeee iss.... &*^%HD#(). I repeeattt...."
*His voice trails off as his matrix destabilizes even further.*

OFF**Yeah im mr speedy Speedy Conzolous the Fastest mouse in all M'exico

ON*

*patrolls around the bridge making sure everything is ship shape and pilots the skytoucher to avalon station*

Balkazar to the Capt*

We should be at avalon within 2 hours.........Out*

OFF**When your redy to be docked at avalon just post it lol

*In the Skytoucher's sickbay, tensions are building up...*
"Commander, we are only 43 seconds away from entering the Expansion Nebula. I believe we are running out of time."
*Suddenly, the holomatrix begins to destabilize, and Hermes' appearance slowly begins to fade, then returns again.*
"The particles of the nebula already begin to interfere with the interlink. I am sorry I could not help you more then..."
*Suddenly, Hermes frowns.*
"Wait, I believe captain Skon has retrieved the activation code!"
*At that moment, his holomatrix begins to stabilize again, but worse this time.*

*At that moment, Rasmain was already taking out the device out of the storage room, after deactivating the forcefields around it. He places it on a desk.*
"THIS... is the problem. If I can get this thing to work, and figure out how to control it, I may be able to retake the ship from Vakin."

OFF: Please don't incapacitate Rasmain right away. On the bridge, no notification is made of his presence and what he's doing, so Vakin and Love can't know what is going on.

OFF: Wait...did he say romance? What kind of Vulcan do you take him for?

"Three? Are you sure about that? And who are they?"

"Understood Sir"

*Commander Rasmain and Captain Skon walk towards the turbolift and enter*

"Deck 7" *And the computer replied. The doors closed and the lift began to move*

OFF: Continue at Avalon Station.

OFF: I suppose that makes me...forsaken...

*Balkazar and a security force in a runabout heads towards the skytoucher in hopes vakin doesnt see us so the runabout flies low and comes up underneath the skytoucher and accesses the closest hatch near the bridge

*opens up the hatch and the security team gets inside and Balkazar heads them up the Jefferies tubes since he knows the way better*

OFF**Alright Rasmain....Illeave at that until you do your thing with the struggle ........So hurry up and get threw the struggle

*Rasmain looked closer and observed the object.*
"You're right, indeed! Thanks, Hermes, I would never have been able to figure that out without you. This is a rerouter component, the perfect tool to capture a ship without anyone knowing. With this tool, one could control all bridge functions, while on the bridge they wouldn't have the slightest clue, thinking everything's normal because of the fake results the computer is generating."
*Suddenly, Rasmain looks up and listens attentfully.*
"Do you hear that too, Hermes? The ship's engines have been engaged, the ship is moving!"

Being on the Rivendell was hard for the young officer. Sitting on the bridge of the Rivendell watching his ship was a scary thought. He wanted to do something but what.

<Nofftz to Balkazar>

Assemble all the Skytouchers senoir officers in the messhall immedialtley. I need to hold a meeting. With Rasmain on the ship this is very delicate. I would rather become captain by earning it then through the death of my senoir officers.

<Nofftz Out>

*Skon raises an eyebrow and sends the message to the bridge.*

Very well, Vakin. Now, the vial, if you please.

OFF: lol at your code. Good thing Skon didn't actually ever guarantee you safe passage. Watch your back

(Edited by Skon at 10:14 pm on Oct. 10, 2004)

OFF: I'm kinda waiting for Vakin and Love to post. Even though they are totally unaware of Rasmain's presence, surely Vakin must have SOMETHING in mind. After all, he's intending to escape, so surely he doesn't stick around here for longer then necessary.

Off:  The Rivendell is is 3 different pieces.   The first one to arrive was the 3rd section which disabled the Skytouchers engines for the moment.

On:  Rivendell to Skytoucher.  This is Commander Freeman you are surrounded.  Release Miss. Love and stand down.

*Rasmain loads the helm controls to his ops station, since the helm officer has yet to beam back to the ship.*
"Preparing docking procedures now, captain."

OFF**Uhhhh Vakin or the person whos playing Vakin........Umm please tell me which david you went when you said ((I leave you alone for two days)) thing

Because ya see The person Behind Balkazar........His name is Also David .......So please tell me which one you meant lol

off: was referring to the master DAvid, not the apprentice

*Rasmain opens his tricorder and scans Paris Love. The tricorder makes an alarming sound.*
"She seems to be in a state of a beginning mental breakdown, her neural activity and brain circuitry pattern is deteriorating fast. I'm not a doctor, but to me it looks like the Darnay's disease, a deadly ailment that attacks the brain and nervous system of its victims... although it looks more like an actual virus causing neural depletion, the complete loss of electrochemical energy of a humanoid brain, resulting in... the death of the victim."
*Rasmain turns to Balkazar.*
"We need to transport her to sickbay immediately, I think she doesn't have much longer, before we can reverse the process. And I don't exactly have a cortical or neural stimulator at hand, here. Besides, as I said, I'm no doctor, so let's hope the EMH can help."
*He turns to one of the consoles, but when he taps the controls, they give a denying tone.*
"Vakin locked us out of the controls, it may take some time before we can get control back over the ship's functions. I can't get transporters to respond!"

"They think they've got me pinned, that I'll simply surrender. Are they in for quite the shock. I'll show them; they'll regret ever meeting...The Vakin..."

Love rolls her eyes then peers over with a scornful facade.

"Is it that difficult to have your egotistical, absurd ramblings kept to yourself? Must I bear the agony of the rantings of an obvious sad man?"

"I think you mean mad man.."

"No, I mean SAD MAN. You're-"

SMACK!!!

"See! I'm learning; I can sense the oncoming of your sass. I'll stop it before it begins! Now sit tight, you'll enjoy this, I'm sure."

Vakin engages the thrusters once more, in a retreatin manner, pulling back into the maze of the nebula quickly.

Captain Taurik, We need to do something. We can't just stand around doing nothing. The captains life is in danger.

*Commander Rasmain was in his quarters, trying to relax after the party in Celtic Corner. Suddenly his rest was interrupted by the loud voice on the comm-system. He hadn't heared the message cleary so he grabbs his combadge from the table besides his bed and touches it.*

           =A= Commander Rasmain to the bridge =A=
"What is going on? Is there an emergency? If not, then please think about the rest that certain people would like to have. So please, don't use the entire system again and let ,for example "me" rest!"
                             =A= Rasmain out =A=

*Rasmain dropped his combadge at the table and went back to bed*

OOC:  Well I didnt mean to come off as bossy!......Sheeesh........I didnt know i had that effect! GOSH!........:).......Vakin and Skon lost for words! DARN!!!!!!!!!! ........alright ill stop doing whatever im doing

Oh and as far as skon doing this saving the day thing alone...........It was sorta my idea for that one but i sent 2 security officers with him so technically hes not alone

ON**

Yes sir......*heads threw the jefferies tubes and orders men to start securiing the ship and heads to sickbay*

*exists the jefferies tube in sickbay and finds rasmain fiddling with the loxian device*

Sir.....*hands him a phaser incase he doesnt have one*.......Ive ordered my men to secure the ship as best as possible under the circumstances....And we have been ordered bye the capt to assist him asap........So i suggest we get going......

Computer locate capt. Skon, Vakin, and miss love........

OFF**This is where ill leave where everyone is up to either skon to post or vakin to post since i dont know exactly where everyone is at.......

Also Lucas you were in charge of securing engineering and the armory so your there........wasnt sure where to put you so dont kill me .........Ummmmm And i think that covers it

OFF: this is Vorak playing Rasmain until he returns. I think we need to get this mission going. If I am not mistaken, Taurik and a security team tried to retake the Skytoucher, but failed when it turned out that Vakin held Love hostage and threatened to kill her. Skon ordered everyone to abandon ship, and then was beamed to... somewhere, too. The Skytoucher is empty now, except for Vakin and Paris Love, right? And I also figure that the Skytoucher's shields are up now, after Vakin ordered Love to raise them. So let's get the show on the road now.

OFF2: Welcome Lucas Bailey. The ship is hijacked by Vakin at the moment, and it appears that all the crew has been ordered to abandon the ship, so you are all on the Rivendell now. Except someone they forgot to wake up...

*Rasmain wakes up from a deep, peaceful sleep. He stretches his arms and legs, and sits up.*
"Whoa, I haven't slept this well for a long time!"
*Then he checks the time indicator next to his bed.*
"What?! Is it that late yet? I should have been on duty shift already on the bridge! Darn, the captain won't be happy about me being late... knowing how punctual Vulcans can be!"
*Rasmain jumps out of his bed and jumps into his uniform, as fast as he can. Then he leaves his quarters, and sees that the corridor seems deserted. He taps his commbadge.*
"Rasmain to captain Skon.*
*The communicator gives a denying tone.*
"Rasmain to Skon, respond!"
*He keeps getting a denying tone. Rasmain starts to sense that something seems to be wrong.*
"Computer, locate the captain."
Computer: "The captain is not on board the Skytoucher."
*Rasmain looks up in surprise.*
"Not on board the Skytoucher? Who is in command then?"
Computer: "No Starfleet officers are in command of the ship."
"What?! No Starfleet officers?"
*He runs to the nearest wall computer panel and taps the controls, to get a ship's status overview. He quickly notices that the ship apparently has its shields raised. When Rasmain attempts to access more of the ship's controls, his access is denied, and he quickly finds out that all access is rerouted to the bridge only... and that section appears to be heavily restricted and secured with forcefields.*
"This can't be good. Computer, what is the current crew complement on the ship?"
Computer: "That information is restricted. All commands are accepted from the bridge only."
"By who's authority?"
Computer: "That information is restricted. All commands are accepted from the bridge only."
"Alright, alright, I get the picture already!"
*Without hesitation, Rasmain makes haste toward engineering, carefully avoiding the turbolifts as to make sure his presence on the ship is not detected. After some time of crawling through the Jeffries tubes, he reaches engineering, which appears to be entirely deserted as well. He tries to access a control panel there, but appears to be blocked out of all command controls just the same.*
"Fine, then we'll do it the hard way."
*He opens a hatch under the panel, and messes with the controls and cables there.*
"Computer, connect with Avalon Station's A.I. system Hermes. Reroute communications link to this panel only."
*The computer does not reply, but Rasmain keeps working on the wires.*

*Rasmain rolls his eyes.*
"No kidding. I wouldn't have come to that conclusion without the help of a computer! But however this... Vakin managed to capture the Skytoucher and get everyone to abandon ship, clearly they forgot about me. Maybe that can be an advantage. The question is... how?"
*Suddenly, Rasmain remembers that he had read a report from the doctor, regarding an unknown device that had been discovered. It was speculated to be of Loxian design, and perhaps even placed there by Vakin himself. The device was carefully being stored in sickbay... Perhaps if the device was still there, he could try to figure out how it works, and use it to overcome Vakin...*
"Hermes, relink with the computer circuit in sickbay. I know there is a computer circuit there remotely separated from the rest of the ship, so that in case of emergencies or heavy damage, sickbay's equipment would still be functional. That way, they won't notice any activity on the bridge."
*Instantly, Rasmain crawls back into one of the Jeffries tubes, and heads for sickbay.*

"Hermes! Stay with me! I need that activation code, tell me before it's too late! Hermes!"
*Rasmain runs toward a console next to where Hermes is standing, hoping to boost up the signal, but there wouldn't be much time.*
"Only 28 seconds..."

OFF: See my post in "Mission Planning." I'll try to keep up with the story, but I don't know if I'll be posting for the next few days. Love, I'll try to catch up with you on Avalon. Not trying to "forsake" anyone.

OFF: Some events are taking place first before we can get to the next stage of the story. In preparation, I will close this topic and create a new mission topic. Please check the new topic.

OFF**I didnt read the part where you entered the nebula.....I apologize for my lack of reading skills

(OFF: Remember: The Rivendell, being a Prometheus class ship, can separate into 3 self-sufficient vessels. So for now it's not just "the Rivendell", since there are, in a way, three Rivendells.)

<Nofftz to Balkazar>

The Captain has been taken hostage. Do not enter the bridge. That is an order.

<Nofftz Out>

<Nofftz to Taurik>

Captain Skon has been taken hostage. I am in command of the vessel. An engineer is working on droping the sheilds. Should be done in a minute. I have ordered know one to enter the bridge. I can't order your men but I urge you to stay off the bridge. Conatct me when the sheilds are dropped.

<Nofftz Out>

*Balkazar was working at tactical to make sure that an hi jacking like this doesnt occure again and make some minor security imp. and to get a routine for security officers to follow in case of boarding in case it happens and to get a routine of drills ready*

*he sees the vulcan appear on the bridge*

Tpol.....Welcome to the skytoucher........You wouldnt know anything about repairs would you ?

*Balkazar to engineering*

I need you to send someone up here to the bridge Tactical is going somewhat Fritzoid on me.......*a zaps shocks Balkazar.......Giving him a type 1 burn*

Well....Err.....I think i should get that looked at later *smiles at the vulcan and goes back to work*

*Balkazar to sickbay*

Need you to send a medic up here I burnt myself and i aint leaving

*few minutes later a medic arrives and takes care of the burn and exits to go on his rounds*

Well....Lets try not having that happen shall we

OFF**Im posting 2x a day now instead of 50 .........So time to catch up UGH!

ON**

*receives the communications from skon and sends another to skon*

Capt.......good to hear your still alive sir.....im aboard and slightly in charge.......The battle is going less then expected but i believe with a few more shots we should be inside the shield.....Once its down Follow us in and transport over.........Balkazar out*

*The skytoucher heads down into the blackness.....The 2 runabouts try and keep on the skytouchers tail as much as possible and is lost in the blackness......Soon they find there way out and starts to try and find the skytoucher and 1/3 of the Rivendell........*few minutes pass when they see  out the window a flash of light and thinks to themselves that must be it and heads towards where the flash of light came from........Upon getting closer Balkazar and the security forces witness the skytoucher firing on one of the rivendells..........

The 2 runabouts get closer to the skytoucher and fires a phaser to weaken the ships shield completely and byepasses the skytouchers shield to the point that the 2 runabouts flies clean threw..........The runabout that Balkazar is on Docks with the skytoucher..........

*Balkazar to skon*

Transport over now..........

OFF: Hmm...Me neither. I tried a post to indicate that communications are difficult in the nebula...but I guess that didn't work...Thought we might have some drama...but apparently, I'm now safely aboard the Skytoucher. Guess I'd better put on my super-suit and act like I can save the day all by myself.

ON: *Skon emerges...unexpectedly...from his shuttle. He is inside the Skytoucher's primary shuttle bay.*

Fascinating, I had no idea I was aboard the ship.

Mr. Balkazar, establish communications with Commander Rasmain immediately. I need to know our situation before I decide what to do. And tell your men to stand down and await further orders.

(Edited by Skon at 10:27 pm on Oct. 7, 2004)

"I am an artificial intelligence and fully integrated computer system. Yes, I am definitely sure. The three people currently on board the Skytoucher are Paris Love, a Loxian named Vakin, and commander Rasmain. Oh dear, it would appear that it looks like the ship has been captured by non-Starfleet personnel, Mr. Rasmain."

(Edited by Hermes at 11:57 pm on Sep. 25, 2004)

OFF: Just a thought, but before you guys storm the bridge, you might want to do something crazy like try to wake Rasmain up and let him know what's going on. He is, after all, the First Officer...

"At current speed, 12 minutes and 36 seconds. While my communication link is still active, I will ask captain Skon for advice about the activation code of the device."

OFF: Let's make it exciting. Allow the ship to actually reach and enter the nebula. Hermes will disconnect from the ship, and the EMH program itself will take over the hologram again. We haven't had much storylines about the infamed nebula itself yet, so this is a perfect opportunity. As for the activation code of the device... Vakin indeed does not know about the device, because it was Varnek who had placed it, while being in the sickbay himself (when the Loxian exiles were transported from their destroyed asteroid base in the previous mission). So, now would be a convenient time for Skon to run into Varnek (after Hermes informs Skon about the needed activation code) who could end up helping him out with the activation code (in return that he can behold the Burma again). So Skon may want to check the Ops forum on Avalon Station (Starfleet HQ) board. Meanwhile, Vakin should keep the ship heading for the nebula. Remember, Vakin, that this nebula is your ultimate way to escape. In there, it's very difficult to find you, and the nebula is so vast that even an entire fleet couldn't surround it without leaving gaps open. You could depart from the vast, large nebula anywhere and nobody ever knows where you went off to - that is your escape plan all along.

*sees Nofftz walk in*

Yes sir......*motions for a couple of security leaders to get there squads ready and orders them to move into position near the bridge doors but dont enter*

Sir.....Redy.......*heads to the door as the security teams move into there perspective positions*.....*hands Nofftz a phaser* Sir you may need this..........

*motions for a team to get there rifles and move to the other doors to the bridge and hold there positions*

Lets go..........We got a situation to resolve.........

=A= Skon to Vorak =A=

Understood, Admiral, I shall report to you as soon as we are docked.

=A= Skon out=A=

Very good, Commander. I have informed the station that we are arriving.

(Edited by Skon at 1:54 am on Oct. 16, 2004)

Vakin bounds Love's arms to the chair, her ankles as well.  He inputs commands at the console before Love. A countdown initiates in which the shields will deactivate in 600 seconds. Then, in a rather hasty manner, he enters the turbolift.

"Docking Bay." (As the doors are shutting) "A pleasure working with you, Ms. Love. "

He nods his head in a mocking manner, accompanying it with a sordid smirk.

Just as the ship is submerging into the pastel workings of the nebula, Vakin steps into the Docking Bay.

"Hermes, thank you!"
*He runs back to the device, and inserts the activation code &*^%HD#(). Instantly, the device lights up in response, and all controls become available to Rasmain. He checks the radiation with his tricorder, and sees that the device stopped emitting that particular radiation. Now, Rasmain knew for sure that he had succeeded.*
"It worked! It worked! Hermes, it worked!"
*He turns around to face the holographic appearance of Hermes, but he is no longer there...*
"Hermes?"

Vakin boards the Skytoucher, dragging along a blonde as his hostage, holding a phaser to her neck as he does so. Emerging from the turbolift to the bridge, he fires his phaser on two officers going about their duties. One is hit directly between the eyes and killed instantly, the other is shot in the chest and dies slowly. He throws Love into a seat at a console.*

"Open a channel to the entire ship."

*Love stares at him with a scowl, doing nothing. Vakin whips her with the pistol.*

"NOW!!!"

*Love does this quickly, now bleeding from the side of her head.*

"Attention any aboard the USS Skytoucher, you are ordered to leave the ship immediately. Any who fail to do so will be cause to a Miss Love's death."

Black exits the ship. Picking up a phase rifle from a fallen man he heads to alert other officers.

=/\= Acknowledged, Commander. Rivendell out. =/\=

OFF: a Loxian virus, should have thought of that. Loxians are known to be able to design deadly virusses, as they did in the very first mission where Loxians appeared, a few years back. Very good

*Rasmain jumps up when Balkazar enters sickbay, half expecting an ambush from Vakin.*
"Mr. Balkazar, you have no idea how good it is to see you! This Loxian device has tricked me! When I managed to get control over it, through the activation code, it would do exactly as I said. But apparently, some intelligent program has been able to figure out, after some time, that I'm not Loxian, and a failsafe system must have taken over, only pretending to act out my command inputs, while ship control was restored to the bridge... That's why Vakin was able to pilot the ship, and I couldn't manage to beam him off the bridge!
*He accepts the phaser from Balkazar, and follows him out of sickbay.*
"Mr. Balkazar, when this is over, we have to destroy that device. And there's something else I need to speak directly to the captain about as soon as possible!"

A message comes through from the Rivendell, unbeknownst to Vakin and Love.

=/\= Taurik to Balkazar. The Skytoucher has raised it's shields, and we cannot beam through them. Your Lt. Commander Black is here, trying to help us lower the shields remotely. Maintain your current position and 'lay low'. Taurik out =/\=

OFF: Geez, I leave David alone for TWO days and he's already talking to himself. Stable mind, that one has.

OFF2: I couldn't tell you the first thing about charting or names of quadrants...so bear with me...perhaps one of you may recommend a worm hole location?

"Ingenious! You're ingenious, Vakin! You've managed to escape from a top security station with one woman alone? Amazing!..."

*As his egotistical ramblings continue, and his attention is diverted to himself...Love inputs final coordinates for the *** wormhole in *** sector. (And David forgive me, but this way Love knows someone is here to save her!) The console notes an unauthorized access into the main computer from the medical facilities. She stares with a smile for a moment before erasing the good news from the screen.*

"Generations will talk of Vakin, the mastermind! Not only overcoming his own betraying people, but the powerful Starfleet as well! HA!"

OFF: Balkazar, at this moment, Nofftz is in command of the Skytoucher, and he and Taurik both outrank you. You can give them your ideas, but they have the authority to make the final decisions. If they decide against your recommendations, it is your duty to obey their orders...not to order them around

Captain Taurik, This is a very complicated situation. The Captain could be injured or even killed at any time. We need to take action Imeadiatley. It could cost the captain's life if we don't. I reccomend we attempt to beam Vakin to a high security cell directly from the bridge.

Balkazar to rivendell*

Lets get out of here asap......You lead.....Ill pilot us out of the nebula.......Balkazar out*

*with the 3 sections of the rivendell in lead and the skytoucher following they leave the nebula*

OFF**I take it we are heading back to the station....??

OFF: I know, Vakin. It would be a shame to lose such a worthy adversary at this point...but...

ON: *Skon watches as the shuttle leaves the Skytoucher. He looks...almost...angry.*

We shall meet again, Mr. Vakin.

=A= Skon to Rasmain =A=

Where is Ms. Love? I have the antidote to whatever poison Vakin gave her. Beam me to her position immediately.

=A= Skon out =A=

Alright...Lets just assume that We have gotten back someone hails the station then we dock again........And we start repairs .......Then I can try and come up with a way to make the skytoucher a little bit more secure so something like this doesnt happen again since its Balkazars job to do that

*Balkazar was in his office at Alpha station when a security guard came in and with an engineer in tow and the engineer tells Balkazar that he can disarm the sheilds*

*balkazar and the engineer comes out of the office and tells 4 officers to get phase pistols and rifles and take this young enigneer to engineering and take out the shields!........*

OFF: I'm not interested in turing this into an "off" forum, but I would like to clarify a couple of points.

First, Nofftz has been here quite a bit longer than you have, which is one reason he's in the position he's in. He has a history of being a good poster and he knows what he's doing. As for Rasmain, he's asleep...when he wakes up...maybe he'll handle the situation all by himself.

Second, Nofftz gave you a direct order not to try to take the bridge. He then attempted to contact Capt. Taurik. Once they speak, and confer with you, if they decide to take the bridge...then, okay. But let them play their parts, please. And you can play yours. I'm not trying to slam you, but please give other people a chance, too. Your ideas don't always win out...and neither do mine. That's the way the game is played

ON: So, Vakin, what do you say? Surrender Ms. Love and take me instead.

Welcome, Ms. Tpol. Please take the science station and provide a damage report to Mr. Black, our Chief Engineer. There is much repair work that needs doing.

=A= Skon to Vorak =A=
We have docked, sir. Mr. Rasmain and myself shall report to your office as soon as possible.
=A= Skon out=A=

Commander Rasmain, let's go. Mr. Nofftz, you have the bridge. Feel free to arrange shore leave to the station for the crew, but keep me updated on the status of repairs. I fear that we may be under attack soon.

OFF: Anyone who stays on the ship should post here. Anyone who goes to Avalon should post over there. Go for shore leave, if you want, but the repairs need to be made quickly...there's trouble coming.

(Edited by Skon at 12:39 am on Oct. 18, 2004)

*As several engineers work at a damaged console an transporter pulse appears infornt of the view screen which quickly forms into a young Vulcan female.She amoves across to the Captain and hands him a padd.*

OFF:Im still waiting for an ID, any idea how long it will be.

2Scince officer T'pol reporting in as ordered, I am currently on an exchange assignment from the Vulcan high command."

(Edited by Tpol at 8:12 pm on Oct. 17, 2004)

<Nofftz to Engineering>

Could you use a hand down there?

<Nofftz Out>

A phaser beam fires from the Rivendell's port ventral phaser array, and rakes along the Skytoucher's tactical hull (the triangular dish on the top of the ship).

<Nofftz To Balkazar>

Post security teams at every turbolift. And try to drop those shields. Form a team and meet me in the transporter room ASAP. We are going to try to find a way to beam onto theb bridge.

<Nofftz Out>

<Nofftz to Taurik>

Sir, I am Lt. Commander Nofftz. I am Cheif Operations/Second officer. I was in command of the Skytoucher when Vakin started this incedient. I may not specialize in security but I know quite a bit about Strategic Operations.   I would like your permission to try to retake the bridge.

<Nofftz Out>

Very well Taurik....for now Permission to be on the rivendell.....Since im sure the rivendell will be sent to retrieve the skytoucher if it does get abandoned....

*balkazar to skon*

We are moving out and off the ship and power has been restored to the bridge and all systems.....

Balkazar out*

"Captain, it is good to see you again! It appears I must have... fallen asleep while the ship was being hijacked, and not hear my commbadge go off. Either way, the ship is back under control. We've got quite some damage to repair, though nothing too bad. But there's something important I must tell you."
*He looks around, making sure nobody else is nearby, and then points out the Loxian device in the doctor's office.*
"The device over there, it is Loxian. It was designed to take over control of the ship without anyone on the bridge noticing. It's an intelligent device, but... we must destroy it as soon as possible. As soon as the device detects that you're not Loxian, it will stop working for you, and fool you by making you think it's still working for you. But that's not the worst problem... during the short time I was able to access the device, I noticed that the device constantly transmitted some sort of signal. I pinpointed the destination it was targetted at, and... guess, it's the Loxian homeworld. I fear that the Loxian government is now aware that we brought Vakin and Varnek here. And soon, we may be facing an entire Loxian fleet again, as we did some time ago in the Dark Passage... As soon as we clear this nebula and comm systems are restored, we have to contact Avalon Station about this impending danger!"

OFF: ugh...he wants to argue. Alright:

Firstly, the Skytoucher simply went to a different depth than the three Rivendells. And he had said he had learned this maneuver some time ago, so naturally we can assume he is experienced with it. With the Rivendells pursuing him, they'd naturally follow him into the clouds. He simply changes depths until the ships pass by, then slowly return to the same level, following in their 'blind spot'. It's not a matter of sensors, but rather timing it right.

And again, no sensors needed, if you're right ontop of a vessel, it cannot be that difficult to manually target a specific area.

Lastly: Is Balkazar even in a Runabout? I finally read the Rivendell posts, I thought he was simply in a third of the Rivendell...and obviously he's piloting the ship...or thinks he is, if he had lost track of the Skytoucher, that's his own doing.

Either I misread, or you're both confused...

*On the bridge, Rasmain takes the ops station for now.*
"The Rivendell is succesfully pulling us out of the nebula. We are clear now."
*He puts a picture of the Rivendell on screen, as it tows the Skytoucher with a tractor beam, back to Avalon station.*
"Communications with the station should be fully restored now."

OFF: Skon, when you warn the station over the comm channel, post it also in the Starfleet HQ Station Ops forum, in the topic "arrival of Kha'Var" because that's where Vorak is currently is at ops, so he can receive it himself.

OFF: *burps* ooh...so....full.....burrito, cereal, and two corndogs....I'm one of the few women that actually eats. *nods*...well...that isn't a blimp.

"Ah, you guarantee my passage? The word of a Vulcan cannot be taken lightly. Inform your commander that the verbal activation phrase to regain control of the ship is: 'Skon plays with himself at night.' Have him lower shields and open hangar door 3."

Vakin sneers devilishly.

*Suddenly, a friendly computer voice resounds.*
"Hello, commander Rasmain. This is the A.I. program Hermes, how can I be of service?"

*A little later, a hole opens in an entirely empty sickbay, and Rasmain crawls out. He looks carefully around to make sure nobody is there, then seals the doors.*
"Computer, activate EMH."
EMH: "Please state the nature of the medical emergency."
"Hello, doc. I know we haven't used you much yet, but I need your holomatrix now to download the Hermes A.I. into your program. I need his assistance in checking out a particular device, and it's easier to see a physical appearance, than just a voice.
EMH: "What? But you can't..."
"Hermes, access the EMH subroutines."

OFF: *grumbles* It's always changing something with you! And knocked unconcious? perhaps simply immobilized?

Vakin boards the small ship, charting a course through the Nebula as the countdown continues. He engages shields and charges weapons, but is quite perplexed when the countdown's cancellation is announced. In a fit of fury he grabs his rifle, lowers the shields, and steps out from the runabout.

"I'm going to kill that annoying woman, I swear it! How dare she interfere with my master plan?!"

As he thinks to himself in rage, he starts out of the hanger. A phaser is fired and hits the ground near his feet, a warning shot.

Rasmain: "Go no further, Vakin!" He holds a phaser centered on him.

"You!"

Suddenly, the Rivendell (which I believe is whole!) fires on the ship's newly repaired (which Morrow is going to be pissed about) engines. The vessel trembles, causing the men to be thrown off balance. Vakin recovers first and fires his rifle quite accurately, wounding Rasmain in his left knee. He darts off towards the bridge!

"How is it possible that he's here? Perhaps they've managed to come aboard? No, no. This will be a flawless escape!"

He enters the bridge. Love is yet bound to the chair, her countenance that of hope as she spins to see who it is, which hastily subsides as she sees Vakin.

Love: "Oh, you. Superb."

"Change of plans, my dearest!"

He feels his side pockets for his knife, only remembering he had come from court and had but his gun.

"Seems I have nothing to release you with, M'dear."

He takes a seat next to her. Tapping away at the console, he begins to look frustrated.

"I cannot reactivate the countdown, or lower the shields for that matter! Dammit, woman, what did you do?"

<Nofftz to Balkazar>

Set phasers for stun. Standby.

<Nofftz Out>

       =A= Admiral Montrell to Miss Love =A=
"Miss Love, would you please report in at OPS. Your presence is requested and I will be with your shortly to discuss certain plans."

                     =A= Montrell out =A=

OFF: He has manifested in a happy place. Enough said.

OFF: Ok, this mission is more or less completed now. Only repairs need to be done now, and Paris Love needs to be tended to. A new mission involving a Loxian battle will soon present itself. Meanwhile, could all Skytoucher crew please beam back to the Skytoucher, if they haven't yet?

OFF: for those who aren't aware of what this "device" is about, you could read the sickbay topic in this forum, more toward the last recent pages of that topic. Just assume the device wasn't destroyed, because you never got around to it.

=^= Rasmain to Skon. We just beamed Ms. Love to sickbay, so the EMH could treat her. I will transport you there now, captain. Rasmain out =^=

*He taps some controls and beams Skon over to sickbay.*
"Mr. Balkazar, I will attend to sickbay, I have something important to discuss with the captain and it can't wait. You have the bridge."
*Rasmain leaves the bridge and heads for sickbay.*

Very well, Vakin. It seems that you have won this round. Give me the vial and you may depart the ship.

OFF: lol Actually I liked the "vile" pun, even if it was unintended. It was pretty funny.

*Balkazar to nofftz*

Yes sir....I tried to wake Rasmain but hes not up yet and hes not answering his combadge.....Ill get a man to transporter roooms and get my men into position.......

Balkazar out*

"Indeed so, commander. The ship is currently leaving the station's docking ports at full impulse power."

OFF**Thats true I know this...And i aint trying to cause any problems but until Nofftz or Rasmain Walks threw the doors to this security station.....Im somewhat in charge until they do......Im not trying to take over there rank or nothing.....Thats not the idea behind my character:) Balkazar follows orders unto death But there not exactly where Balkazar is at!.........

But I believe Taurik Out ranks Nofftz anyways ......Besides Nofftz hasnt been here long hes been assigned as being in charge yes but im trying to do what a normal security officer would do in a hostage situation .....SO Until Taurik or Nofftz or even Rasmain walks threw either Alpha security station or contacts me personally.....I dont know whats going on **AND I TOTALLY! LOST TRUST OF THOUGHT THERE*

How about this....Nofftz or taurik walks threw the door then this thing of me being on a incharge and inlarge thing will end and i will take there orders so far all im doing is staying put and im doing what taurik said and is trying to drop the sheilds which has been dropped ..........So,..........Im only doing my securioty duties and ordering ppl to make sure no one leaves the brigde ...........Make sense ?

=/\= Taurik to Nofftz. I would not suggest it. Most of the Skytoucher's crew is off the ship, and Mr. Vakin has control of most of the primary systems. We are working on getting the prefix codes to lower the shields, please stand by and await further instructions. =/\=

*The holographic doctor's appearance vanishes for a moment, then reappears.*
"Please state the nature of the technical emergency."
*The holographic appearance of Hermes smiles.*
"I must say, being embodied suits me rather well. So, commander Rasmain, I believe you requested my assistance with a problem?"

OFF: What kind of Vulcan indeed

OFF2: Slow down Balkazar, we still have a little business to take care of before we get back to the station. We'll be there soon...

ON: *Skon materializes in sickbay and hands the antidote.*

Computer, activate EMH.

EMH: Please state the nature of the med...

Skon: Ms. Love has been poisoned. Here is the antidote. Keep me updated as to her status.

EMH: Hmph. No one ever lets me finish a sentence. Oh well, to work.

*Skon watches the EMH go about his duties and turns as he hears Rasmain enter the sickbay.*

Commander, it is good to finally see you again. What is the status of the ship?

Settle down Jesse......And Orpheus is right sir...Vakin controls the bridge so it would be unwise to access anything.....

Unless we do it without his knowledge......Ask Orpheus if it would be possible to access the bridge controls like Enviromental controls without notifying vakin to our intent......It may work in that way ?

And Jesse....I want skon back too but we must treat lightly.....Taurik is right we mustnt invade the bridge because what will it accomplish in the end ?........Skon shot or even dead.....Vakin shoots down one of my men and possibly kill them.....and whats worse Miss Love being killed.....ITs a bad call to even attempt such a thing...........Why dont we just wait for right now alright Jesse?

OFF: have I missed something or has everyone just stopped posting?

OFF: Could we continue the actual storyline now? I await Vakin to perform the Khan Maneuvre

*Hermes, appearing as the EMH hologram of the ship, bows over the device to take a closer look.*
"That is indeed what it does, if you ask me."
*Suddenly, he looks up.*
"Oh, captain Skon said hello to you."
*Then he goes back to concentrating on the device.*
"I think it can do more than just act as communication device... Do you see this part here? It looks like a rerouter system to me... I believe that with this device, you can actually input computer commands and have the computer carry them out... but the confirmation codes the computer sends back, either over a console or by voice, are tracked down by this device, and stopped. Even more, it can reroute command codes from any other place in the station, and be stopped here... In fact, commander, if my analysis is right, this device is meant to be used for hijacking ships."

OFF: I thought I had posted, but I didn't check to see if it went through (seems the password is different for this division)

Ok...

"That's quite the enticing offer, Skon, but it won't fool me!"

With that he takes a handful of hair and holds the pistol to her neck.

"Move towards the door; and I'd highly suggest you order the others to leave..."

*He smirks and bends over, inhaling the girl's sweet aroma.*

"Would be such an ill fate for such a beautiful woman, don't you agree, Captain?"

OFF: Loss of words...interesting assumption. Yet I'll retain my restraint.

And yes, I thought poison was a better choice...I don't believe Loxians are fans of blowing people to bits, rather keeping the body nice for mourners (can't have an open coffin if they have to be scraped off of the walls like gum under a desk.)

Vakin, in a hasty, yet controlled manner, plainly walks before the security guards near his desired runabout. He holds the antidote pressed against his bare arm.

"You'd be well advised to get out of my way, gentlemen, unless you desire Miss Love to be lost to you. I'm sure your superior officers wouldn't be too happy with that..."

*He smirks slightly*

"Since Ms. Love is Mr. Vakin's prisoner, it is logical to assume he is threatening her somehow. If he is in physical contact with her, she will also be transported to the brig. I doubt Mr. Vakin will have much motivation to keep her alive in that case."

OFF: Balkazar, just do as follows. Modify your last in-game post, stating that your shuttle is heading toward the Skytoucher (as unseen as possible), and that you fire on a particular spot on the ship, to get the shields to weaken there so you can easier enter and dock the ship. So basically, change your post to some shuttle-to-ship firepower action.
We will continue the story now, assuming that you haven't boarded the Skytoucher yet. Skon's shuttle will then soon appear to join you in your efforts.
Keep in mind in future posts, that the idea is that Skon is the one who will personally end up rescuing the "damsel in distress" Paris Love. And once you and Skon are indeed on the ship, you and Rasmain will be busy securing other parts of the ship.

A message comes in on the audio comm system on the bridge.

=/\= U.S.S. Rivendell to U.S.S. Skytoucher. Mr. Vakin, you will not be allowed to hijack a Federation starship. We have phasers locked on you, and if you do not surrender the vessel in 10 seconds, you will be fired upon. I await your response. =/\=

OFF: basically, the "shield frequency" is a repeating count, where there is a moment the shields will not stop anything from passing through, but this is only a very brief moment. If you KNOW that shield frequency, you can fire your weapons at the exact right moment, to have them get right through the shields and impact on the ship. It's happened in Generations, and on Voyager too. The only thing you need to know, is the shield frequency, which is of course secure knowledge.

Even though the Rivendell, being a Starfleet vessel too, could probably figure out the shield frequency on remote, there is still one problem: the shield is "inactive", so to say, for a fraction of a second or less. Never time enough for a shuttle to push itself through, let alone dock.
I'd suggest to return to the point where Balkazar's shuttle is nearing the Skytoucher. There, he can perform some short-range firepower action (surely Balkazar will enjoy doing that, being a tac/sec officer) to weaken the ship's shields (the closer, the more accurate your firebeams are - and a shuttle can get alot closer than an entire starship, even if it's split in 3 pieces). When shields are finally down, the Skytoucher can be boarded by Balkazar and his security team.
Just keep in mind, Rasmain was the one who raised the shields again, to stop Vakin from taking a shuttle and leave the ship to escape. From the moment shields are down again, Vakin can still escape in a shuttle. And once he's out there in a shuttle, there's virtually no way to trace him in this dense nebula.

"Oh! Skon! How pleasant to see you. I must thank you for my ticket out of here...see, it was you who harbored the poison I've recently injected into our lovely Miss Love."

*Vakin holds up a fragile vile.*

"The only chemical means of repairing her mind for lightyears, Skon. The chemical is exposed to the atmosphere we breathe, and it's molecular composition changes, becoming useless...I imagine your men have taken the bridge by now, they've discovered Love, unconscious. Here's the terms, I will give you the antidote for my free passage out of here."

OFF: Like the ID?

OFF: No, the point is to keep the Vulcan honor, despite the nagging of your officers, and let him leave in the ship. There was no part saying you can't follow him in the runabout. But ultimately, he will escape.

Vakin slowly strides towards Skon, vial in hand, as familiar mechanical sounds are made by shuttle bay doors opening. With a half chuckle, he slaps the antidote into Skon's extended hand. Then backs away slowly.

"Leave. Now."

Vakin puts up his hands in surrender and hastily makes for the runabout. He boards it and takes seat at the primary helm console. Punching in commands, thrusters are engaged and the Runabout shoots out of the large opening. It remains in sight until it submerges into the pastel nebula.

OFF: bye-bye.

Dont worry I know vaguely of whats going on but i told Vorak the situation and he says other things must happen first then the evolution then something will happen here.....Ill send vorak another email asking him whats taking so long altho I know i said i needed a break but this is ridiculously long break lol

=/\= Thank you, Captain. Rivendell out. =/\=

*T'pol goes to the science station and works her console for a few meoments, soon an image of the ship appears showing several hi-lighted ares.*

"Damage report, We have EMP relayas down across decks 3 to 12, we also have no power on deck 5, 6 and 11. Warp drive is offline , there is also a secondery power console down on deck 16 section 12.
Weapons and shields have limited power and long range sensors are offline."

OFF: Interesting story line...

<Nofftz to Balkazar>

Is Rasmain up yet? I could really use him down here. But if I don't here from him of Taurik in a while I have no choice but to have you storm the bridge. The Captain could be in danger.

<Nofftz Out>

"Lt. Lucas Bailey II reporting sir, I'm the new security assistant...."

OFF: Hey david....(balkazar)

OFF: David Bluebird, what are you doing on the Skytoucher? There is nobody on board except Rasmain, Love and Vakin. You are likely on board the USS Rivendell right now, along with the rest of the Skytoucher crew, until the ship is retaken

"There are currently three humanoids on board the Skytoucher, commander Rasmain."

"One is glad to be of service."
*Hermes reroutes his communication link to sickbay's internal circuitry.*

*Skon fingers the phaser in his pocket and stares at Vakin.*

Vakin, even if you take a suttle, you cannot hope to escape from the nebula. The Evolution will surely track you down. And, even if you do get away, where will you go? You cannot return to Loxius. They will kill you for failing your mission. It would be much easier on you if you simply gave me the vial and surrendered. Perhaps you could even join the new Loxian colony on Vontak Nor...

OFF: Yeah, that's a great ID. Somehow, I get the feeling that Vakin won't reason with me lol

"I have my escape plotted; need not trouble your little mind, Vulcan. You will allow me to leave...or sadly, Miss Love will suffer a sudden...mental breakdown..."

Vakin sneers as he whimpers, wiping a non-existent tear from his cheek, then booming with laughter at his own pathetic pun. He holds the VIAL! (Skon, I acually missed a typo, can you believe it? Pfft! My mind is going to mush) in a taunting manner.

"I await your answer, Skon."

"Then time is running out, indeed!"
*Rasmain sits back and takes a deep breath.*
"But what can I do? If I try to stop Vakin by force, I risk the fact he'll kill the hostage. This device would be the perfect solution, but without the activation code I can't get it to work and it's useless! I NEED that activation code!"
*Rasmain slams his fist on the desk, in frustration.*
"Hermes, how much time before the ship reaches the nebula?"

*Meanwhile, in sickbay...*
"Commander, may I remind you that we are only 6 minutes and 47 seconds away from the Expansion Nebula, at current speed? I fear time is running out."

"Great, just great! Now I'm stuck here on a captured ship, and there's nothing I can do."
*He holds his tricorder at the device.*
"I think this device is programmed with some form of intelligence. My tricorder is picking up radiation emitted from that thing, probably a security system."
*He heads toward the doctor's equipment, picks out a hypospray, fills it with a liquid, and injects himself.*
"That should protect me from the radiation for some time. Luckily I remember my medical classes from the academy still."
*Then he looks at the holographic projection of Hermes.*
"What are you looking at? You don't need an injection, you're a hologram!"
*He smiles as he shakes his head, but when he turns his attention back to the device, his smile fades into a concerned frown again.*
"If only all things were so simple."

*Contacts Nofftz*

Sir holding position and i found an engineer to go and drop the shields.....

*few minutes of silence and then Nofftz Hears Balkazars voice again*

Shields dropped........He aint going no where........There working on disabling the propulsion now........Balkazar out*

I do agree, indeed, Vakin. I do not wish one hair on Ms. Love's head to be harmed. She is a very...remarkable...woman. But I cannot simply hand my ship to you. I can order my men to stand down, but I cannot leave the bridge until I am assured of Ms. Love's safety...and the ship's.

=A= Skon to Crew =A=

If you are contemplating any action at this point, stand down and move away. This is a very delicate situation. If one variable were removed, it might be easier, but at this moment we are entirely at the mercy of Mr. Vakin. Please leave the ship immediately.

=A= Skon out =A=

OFF: Not sure if I'll be around for the next couple days. I'm supposed to go out of town, but we're apt to get some flooding from what's left of Hurricane Ivan, so I might be here...assuming we have electricity...Anyway, if I don't post for a couple days, that's why.

OFF: The Skytoucher is only using thrusters by diverting all available energy to it, since all other engines (impulse) are damaged. But that is enough to move the ship out of sight in this dense nebula. The more distant the ship is from the Rivendell, the more difficult communications becomes because of the nebula gasses interference. Therefeore, Balkazar's nor Skon's shuttle could contact any Rivendell part, if they keep following the Skytoucher.
Now you have to imagine yourself in the situation where no computer equipment will help you. Only what you see on the screen, and that only shows what is right in front of you. The Skytoucher was in front of you, so you could see what you were up against. Then, the Skytoucher moved out of sight, and you no longer knew where it went. As soon as the ship went out of sight, it ducked lower (beneath the range of your viewscreen) and moved forward again, while remaining "below" your ships. You don't know the Skytoucher is coming onto you, but the Skytoucher knows where you are. When the Skytoucher is almost right in front of you, though still below, and you have no clue still, it suddenly moves upward again. This way, the Skytoucher is able to reach your ship at a very close range, and the closer the distance, the more powerful, effective and destructive its weapons will be... and also, more effective to target manually. That's the whole day behind this, it's a maneuvre. So now that's out of the way, let's continue with this mission and round it up. Maybe now would be a good time for Balkazar and Skon to find a way to slip on board the Skytoucher.

Hmmm...This is news indeed, Mr. Rasmain. I suggest that we seal the device in a level 5 containment field for now. We may have to destroy it, but it could also prove to be a valuable source of information. In the meantime, we have to get to the bridge at once.

*Skon turns as he hears the EMH's comment.*

Indeed Doctor, I believe that it would take a far more potent poison to affect that part of her anatomy. *Skon also...almost...smiles.*

Ms. Love, it is good to see that you were not seriously harmed. We have a difficult situation to deal with, and I must return to the bridge, but I will keep up with your progress. It is good to have you back with us.

Mr. Rasmain, let's go.

*Rasmain and Skon return to the bridge.*

Report, Mr. Balkazar. When can we beam the crew back aboard? We also need to contact Avalon at once. Are we in communications range?

*Skon lowers his voice so that only Balkazar can hear, and tells him about Rasmain's discovery.*

...So you see, we could fall under attack at any moment.

(Edited by Skon at 9:33 pm on Oct. 13, 2004)

*Balkazar starts to want to protest against this but sees his Tauriks eyes its no point*

*Balkazar to all security officers at Security station Beta*

Stand down.....Thats an order......Do not storm the bridge..........STAND DOWN!

Balkazar out*

I dont think this is right sir but its as you order

OFF**Side plot eh ?...........So love and skon are going to be havcing a romantic intertwining experience lol.....Alright....I figured that from earlier posts but im down with that time to watch Little house on the praire

"Full impulse power to undock? Vakin is definitely in a hurry... which means we don't have much time, if we want to stop him before it's too late."
*He turns his attention back to the device, and pushes some buttons. Each time, it gives a denying tone.*
"Hmm... strange, the device won't let me operate it. It is asking for an activation code, and without it I can't use it. Apparently Vakin must have had the time to shut it down, after he tried to leave the Skytoucher in the midst of the Loxian battle."
*Rasmain frowns as he begins a train of thoughts.*
"In fact, it's curious... when Vakin captured this ship, he surely must have remembered placing this device here. Why hasn't he come back for it and take it with him to the bridge, to prevent anything from happening such as what I am trying to do now... Unless... unless Vakin wasn't the one who planted it here!"

*Balkazar to Nottz*

My men arent moving in I thanks for letting me know the status of our capt But please Allow me to do my job of protecting this ship and getting vakin back..........I was in charge of him and i will continue to be in charge.........I mean no disrespect sir But its my job as security not command........Your more skilled at commanding and tactics.....But im more skilled in tactics and security of this ship So let me do my job!..........Skon is in my charge so allow me to portect him and this ship.....in my own way.....It will be dealth with asap.......just get to security room alpha asap........

Balkazar out*

Balkazar to Taurik*

Sheilds have been dropped begin sending over your teams But allow me to be in charge of them.....I dont mean to over ride your authority but I knowe this ship like the back of my hand so allow me the dignity to do my job and live up to what I risk my life for.......Please.......

Balkazar out*

*balkazar goes into his office and contemplates on how hes going to deal with teh situation of vakin.......*

*thinks that he could use deadly force but that would cause more problems hmmmmmmmmWhat should i do!*

*balkazar to rasmain and nottz*

Ill be needing you in alpha station asap........

OFF**LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Skon plays withimself at night! LOL..........Too funny Vakin ......LOL.....Oh thats too funny..........

ON**

*Skon sends the activation code to the bridge*

*Balkazar and rasmian recieves it and enters the code while we try not to bust up........The computer gives a acknowledge sound and systems are back up and running..........Soon Miss love is transported to sickbay and activates the EMH*

OFF**Sorry i post for ya Jerry ((Skon))........:)

*Rasmain watches how Paris Love is beamed away from the bridge. Then, something on the viewscreen draws his attention as he sees a small shuttle depart from the Skytoucher.*
"Vakin managed to escape!"
*He hurries over to the controls, and attempts to get a lock on the shuttle, to either beam Vakin back, or fire on his shuttle to stop him from escaping further. But the nebula gasses prevent Rasmain to get a lock on the shuttle either way, and by the time he gets close, the shuttle has vanished within the vast clouds of the nebula. Instantly, Rasmain taps a button to open a commlink with the Rivendell.*

=^= U.S.S. Skytoucher to U.S.S. Rivendell =^=
The Loxian Vakin has managed to escape in a shuttle. He's beyond our reach now. But he has not taken his hostage with him, she's in sickbay now. Hold your fire, the Skytoucher is back under our control.
=^= Rasmain out =^=