Mission 3: "Time is of the Essence"

[Kelli Lauren]

"We could use someone at Engineering, if you're up to it, commander?"

Kelli turned and surveyed the bridge. The ship was in peak condition and the crew was ready to get back to Avalon. "Mr. Krenn, position us directly behind the Prodigal Son, and ensure that their quantum field is fully extended around us before signaling the go-ahead."

[Spock]

"Captain." he said acknowledging his presense as Spock stood near the engineering console monitoring the ships functions.

[James Krenn]

"Aye Sir!" James said, turning in his chair to face the helm. His hands darted across the controls - he had always preferred to pilot a starship manually in sublight. The Evolution banked quickly but graciously, and sped faster towards Earth. James tapped a few keys, and ran his hand up one of the meters, raising the Warp Speed to the Emergency Maximum level, then keyed the "Initialise" button.

"Maximum warp engaged, Captain!" he said, monitoring the warp field.

It was odd that after being transferred from the Home Fleet around Earth to Expansion Fleet that he was now on a mission back to Earth, he reflected.

[James Krenn]

James looped around one of the Heraani ships, causing a number of torpedoes previously chasing the Evolution to hit it instead. Sweat was starting to drip down his head now as he concentrated on piloting the ship.

[Techerakh]

"STOP!"

The resounding voice seemed to come from nowhere, and echoed through the entire deck. A robed alien shimmered into view, wielding two swirling blades of pure energy. The alien leaped at the Heraan that was about to execute Commander Lauren, and the two blades he carried ran the alien through cleanly.

Three companions appeared, and each held a single blade identical to that of their master. The four warriors cleared the immediate area of Heraan in a matter of moments, taking very little injury themselves.

The lead warrior helped Lauren up, and brought her back into the cover of the access junction.

"I apologize for our lack of punctuality," he said succinctly, removing his hood.

[Yaxara Grax]

Yaxara felt someone pulling her away, and she nodded her head at his question. She was alright. Even if she wasn't a true fighter, her temper was what got her through combat situations...and it did so very well. The Betazoid could still recall the huge, dead Herran she'd left on Deck 12. Nobody in their right mind would've believed she'd killed him.
Yaxara followed Malcolm, because he was right about that one-they had to head to the bridge. Not that he'd ever said that out loud, but he'd thought it. That was enough for a Betazoid. Most people hated when their minds were being read, though, so Yaxara had learned not to mention information acquired that way in front of the...'object', to say so. Now, however, she spoke;
"Good idea-We should head to the bridge and attempt to regain control...transport the Herrans off our ship."

[Malcolm]

OFF: Sorry all, i had some seriously bad events happen which required complete focus. The next month or so looks like its gonna be rocky, but it looks like ill be able to post at least once.

IC:

Malcolm checks the engineering diagnostics one last time before he heads to bed.

[Kelli Lauren]

(OFF: Is this seriously all I get? Come on, people, I'm trying to revive this ship here.)

-- Seven hours later --

"Captain, we are within hailing distance of Deep Space Five and the colony on Ivor Prime."

[Randall Sanchez]

(OFF: We'll start with Ensign, but Ensigns get promoted pretty fast. Unless you're Harry Kim...)

"By all means, Commander," Sanchez replied, tapping his communicator. "All hands, red alert!"

The captain sat back in his seat. "Helm, set a course for Earth, maximum warp!"

[Kelli Lauren]

"Captain, they are draining our port shields. We've got damage along the engineering hull. Krenn, can you get me a good torpedo pass?"

[Kelli Lauren]

Kelli fired one more shot, and then tried to move back to the next intersection, but as she left her cover, she was backhanded by one of the advancing Heraan. She tried to get back to her feet, but as soon as she did, she was pressed back to the deck by the large foot of her attacker.

Kelli said her final prayer as the end of the Heraan's plasma rifle warmed up.

[Malcolm]

Malcolm and Yaxara make it to the bridge. Malcolm runs to some controls and quickly scans the ship.

"Oh dear Deus, there's more, a lot more."

He turns and faces yaxara.

"Make your way to the transporter room, and we can see if we can coordinate getting them off the ship, alright?"

He tosses a phaser. "That way you don't have to use your body."

[Kelli Lauren]

Travel through slipspace was as monotonous as that of extended warp travel. Just a continual blue corridor, and the slight sway of the Gallifreyan cruiser ahead of them. Luckily for Lauren, her shift was over soon enough, and she retreated to her quarters.

Setting down at her table, Kelli pulled her notebook console closer and tapped a few keys. "First officer's personal log," she began, "stardate 61153.7. This is my first log entry as first officer of the Evolution, and I can't say I like the circumstances in which I got the job. Not only was the captain severely injured in the recent battle, but Commander Harf was reported as missing. No doubt the Heraan snagged him on their way off of the ship. I've heard stories about the Heraani detention cells. Most don't make it a week... pause recording."

She hung her head. "Q'apla, commander," Kelli said softly, a small tear forming in her eye. "Continue recording."

"I am sure Morga will go to Sto-vo-Kor with honor. No one was more deserving. In any case, I've been serving as acting captain ever since Randall was hurt, and I'd be more excited about command if it weren't for the fact that my captain and friend is still fighting for his life in Sickbay. What a way to start off a promotion, huh?"

Kelli paused for a moment, and hit a button on her console with passive frustration. The computer closed and saved the log, as the commander turned down the lights and climbed into bed.

[John Moore]

((I would be willing to create a new character to be stationed on this ship if it would help revive it somewhat.))

[Lois]

His eye turned to his controls as a quick noise sounded off. Looking up to give Keli a curious look he glanced at the display panel. Interestingly it was a message.