USS Evolution Mission 14: The Last Flight

[Taurik]

Taurik materializes in the captain's ready room, to see Sanchez sitting behind his desk expectantly.

"Randall, I have known you for several years. I regard you as one of the most prestigious captains of Starfleet. I am eager to hear what could cause such an officer to betray his own people. You tell me you have a very good reason, and I want to believe you, but I can think of little that would justify your actions."

[Taurik]

"If there is nothing else, I suggest we set our plan into motion. I can be on the planet in a moment's notice."

[Bryan Hannah]

"You're right about that. But this crew needs you more than you know. You're like a father figure to everyone on this ship. We all followed you here, risking our careers to help you. I can't sit back and let you throw that away in a desperate attempt at heroism!"

Hannah swallowed, and continued somberly.

"Let me stay. I can enact whatever plan you had in store. Your child needs a father."

[Morga Harf]

Captain I feel it might due to warn anyone who might be considering this that it may be more than you can take on alone. It is likely to cost you your commission sir but any who go with you with yoyur recommendation that they joined you under protest may suffer reductions on rank. With that sir I am with you.

[Randall Sanchez]

*Some moments later, Burma materializes on the bridge.*
"Welcome aboard, Mr. Burma."
*He shakes hands with Burma.*
"It is good to meet you in person again. Now if you and captain Taurik could join me in my ready room..."
*Both follow Sanchez to his ready room, where they take a seat.*
"So, what plan do you propose?"

[Baphomet]

=A=VSS Kelata to All Starfleet Vessels=A=

"Any Federation shuttles able to fight, assistance in this conflict would be most appreciated.
The Loxian battle group is getting too close to what seems to be their target onboard a stricken Loxian Freighter.
Sensors indicate two female Loxians, one is in labor the other is seemingly a guard of some kind.
Captain Taurik and a Jem'Hadar are attempting to protect the Freighter.
It would be logical to begin attacking the Loxian Government troops now.

=A=Kelata Out=A=

[Taurik]

A message is recieved, and the comm system crackles to life.

"This is Captain Taurik of the U.S.S. Rivendell. Captain Sanchez, you are in violation of countless Starfleet regulations and laws, the Prime Directive among them, and you stand to be accused of treason if you do not cease your efforts immediately. I demand that you explain your actions."

[Randall Sanchez]

*Sanchez watched his tactical officer as she broke down, unsure how to console her.*
"Ms. Lauren, I assure you he will not die in vain. For his sacrifice, countless millions will be saved."

[Kelli Lauren]

Kelli looked at the commander through her teary eyes. She almost agreed with Harf, but she couldn't very well tell the first officer she wished he had died.

[Randall Sanchez]

"Helm, increase to maximum speed immediately! We HAVE to get to Loxius before the Rivendell catches up on us!"
*Then he turns to Lauren.*
"Is there any way we can shake them off our track? Mask our warp trail, or somehow hide ourselves from their sensors?"

OFF: I would have waited longer, but things were dead again here so I had to do something to bring some action.

[Kelli Lauren]

"The problem is, we don't know their shield frequency, and we couldn't get it without spending a good hour in their engineering bay. And even then, they have an AI that could easily detect the modifications and switch the shield frequency before the torpedo made contact."

[Kelli Lauren]

"Wait... sir? Aren't we heading back to Avalon? Care to explain what's going on, sir?"

[Taurik]

"Wait... I sense deception. We must leave at once, the Rivendell is still plotting against us. I had assumed they would follow my orders, but they now seek to arrest me as well."

Taurik looks to Sanchez. "As odd as it sounds, I suggest we leave them to their machinations for the time being. They do not know we have discovered their intent, and that gives us the advantage."

[Randall Sanchez]

=^= Sanchez to Burma =^=
Agreed. You can beam over when ready, we'll be waiting.
=^= Sanchez out =^=

"Lower the shields so Burma can beam in. Don't worry, we can trust him."
*Then he turns to Taurik.*
"I don't know what plan he'll suggest, but I want you to come with me to my ready room to discuss it with him."

[Kelli Lauren]

"Very good, make sure they--"

An urgent tone resonates from the Tactical console, and Kelli snaps to it. "Captain, the Loxian fleet has detected us! They're powering weapons!"