Now the rescue... hopefully

Posted on Thu Apr 1st, 2021 @ 5:19am by Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Ensign Olivia (Carter) Voight & Lieutenant JG Siora Carberos & Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford & Master Sergeant Kieran Fredericks & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Gunnery Sergeant Luxa Gami [Naxea]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 1: No Exit
Location: Various
Timeline: MD2 - 04h00
3189 words - 6.4 OF Standard Post Measure

The runabout chosen was smaller than the one previously used by their now missing away team But then, it was only going to be a short trip.

The plan was simple.

The team would halo drop through the net to the planet from the Runabout, while Elysium gave cover, secure a landing zone, and set up transport enhancers. They would then locate the away team and signal the Elysium who would swoop in, beam them out and jump to QSD asap.

So the group was summoned to assemble in shuttlebay 2.

After the events on the bridge, Damien wasn't sure what was going to happen next. All he knew was, there was tension on the ship. The atmosphere had changed, and he knew that something was going to happen. From what he gathered, there were members of the crew on the planet below, and something had to be done to get them out.

So, when he received the order to report to the shuttlebay, he made sure that he was ready. He wasn't going to let anyone down. So it was, when he arrived, he reported straight to the senior Officer.

In the shuttlebay was Naxea's most trusted and best trained Marines, fully geared with some sporting Isomagnetic disintegrators as well as rifles, grenades, and heavy assault weapons.

Naxea was donned in her Assault armor with an Orbital Jump Kit attached that consisted of mostly Diburnium plates designed to help absorb and deflect heat away from the wearer that she would encounter when entering the atmosphere. Naxea's armor was designed to do the rest in keeping her cool during the decent. Also attached to her back was a chute module that contained her parachute. Across her chest was her Pulse Rifle normal loadout. She watched the security ensign enter, looking a bit confused. 'Great...Lia better be sure about him,' she thought as she approached the ensign. "Ensign! Are you comfortable doing an orbital dive?"

Damien snapped to attention as the Marine CO approached him, saluting her as he did. At the mention of the orbital dive, something flickered across his face and stirred a feeling inside him. Fear? No. It wasn't that. He'd trained for this before. No, this was more like apprehension. Doing a dive in the simulators was one thing, but to do it for real? That was something else entirely. "Yes ma'am!" He quickly said. "If it helps get our people back, I'll do anything." He refused to let fear grip him like it nearly did on the bridge. This was real life. And there were people counting on him to do his job.

Naxea let out a sigh. She admired the man's bravery despite his lack of experience. "Very well, ensign. Just remember your training in the simulations and follow the steps and you will be fine. Get suited up in a orbital diving outfit and grab a weapon. Armor would be recommended as well."

He nodded. "Yes Ma'am. Understood." He said, snapping off a quick salute, before walking to where the equipment was being handed out, and started getting himself suited up.

Olivia headed towards the Shuttlebay where she was to meet up with the others that would be on this away mission to help rescue their crew that was down on the planet. She hoped that things would go smoothly for them and that everyone would come back without any major injuries.

Having been relieved of helm duties on the bridge, Imik now read her PaDD with the mission parameters on it. She it appeared would pilot the shuttle, so these Humans could jump out in something called a HALO. The statement confused her, why leave the shuttle at all? She was Ojnas, and if these aliens were Tholian then she would be able to find a way through their shield. She also noted she had a navigator, the Chief of Security. An un-needed addition, but no doubt the Humans thought otherwise.

Naxea strolled over to the group of Marines that comprised of First Platoon, along with Master Sergeant Fredericks. She was satisfied to see that they appeared to all be ready to deploy. "Listen up. Check each other's gear and then start loading into the shuttle."

"Aye Ma'am," the Marines called out before Naxea approached Top Fredericks. "Ready to go, Top?" she asked with a grin.

"I'm Recon, ma'am. I'm always ready. " Fredericks replied, returning the grin. He was liking the Colonel. She was tough and hardcore.

Naxea smiled at the man. "Outstanding, Top."

After speaking with Fredericks, Naxea made her way to the side of the shuttle, away from others. She leaned against the craft and closed her eyes. "Please be ok, S'hib," she said softly to herself.

From inside the Shuttle Imik heard Naxea's plea, she wanted to go to the other woman but protocols forbid it. So instead she sent calming thoughts towards Naxea, while she continued to prep the shuttle for take off.

Lia entered the bay and wandered over to Naxea, "Praying for success? Or perhaps for S'hib?" She knew the pair were romantically involved, but she also knew the Marine Colonel would do her job to the best of her ability.

Naxea looked up at Lia as the woman approached. "I don't pray. My so-called 'Gods' abandoned my people long ago--so screw the Gods. I'm just hoping the Away Team is ok," she said. "If they're not..." she continued as anger began to swell up inside her, replacing the worriedness that had been there before.

Olivia walked into the shuttle bay and headed over towards the shuttle. Spotted the Colonel, Olivia stopped not to far away from her. "Anything special you need me to handle once we get planetside?," Olivia asked.

Sensing the anger, Lia placed her hand on Naxea's arm. "S'hib's got his head screwed on, if anyone can keep that away team together and alive. It's him, you know that". She then moved into the shuttle and face to face with the Ojnas pilot, "I've plotted a course to avoid our enemy fleet, with luck they won't spot us until the last moment."

Imik took Lia's PaDD and looked at her plot, "It will assist us with this mission, but as a fighter pilot I fail to see why I was requested". She finished her preflight checks then moved on to the small amount of cargo, ensuring it was secure and evenly loaded.

"I think the XO wanted the best, you it appears fit that requirement. You could have refused, this is a voluntary mission after all". Lia watched as the Ojnas moved around the shuttle, it was like watching a coiled spring.

Imik now stopped and looked straight at Lia, "I am Ojnas, I do not refuse an order. If I have been requested, then I will complete the mission".

Naxea looked at Olivia. "Yes, you'll be in charge of carrying and setting up the transporter enhancers once we locate the Away Team."

Olivia nodded slightly. "Will do," Olivia replied. "Once I get those set up, I will stand by to check the away team is alright once we get them back with us where they belong."

"Sounds good, lieutenant," she replied.

Siora felt rushed into getting ready. She had been on the lower bridge collating data on the planet, atmospheric information, drop zone suitability, data on the sensor net. That and she had to get dressed into her jump suit. She had only done this once before and it was for recreational purposes.

"Apologies for being last in." Siora said as she entered the shuttle. "I was just collecting data on the sensor net." she said as she walked to the front of the shuttle to upload the data.

It would show gaps in their sensor net, they fluctuated, moved from place to place but there were times where it remained constant for a short period. Enough for a team to slip through via Orbital jumping.

Imik now emerged from the shuttle and approached Naxea, "Sha-Rathshu, I am thinking of depressurizing before we leave the shuttle bay. That way we can simply lower the rear ramp, and not wait to possibly be detected. Will this cause any problems with your team or support staff?" She then held up an EVA suit, "Both myself and my navigator will wear these, so only radio communication will be available".

Naxea nodded at the woman. "Good thinking. I think we're all here. We should be ready to leave in five minutes." She watched as First Platoon began to file into the rear of the shuttle.

The Ojnas pilot now put on her EVA suit, and made her way to the cockpit. "Lift off on 5 minuets, ensure all loose equipment is stowed correctly". She turned to Lia and pointed to the other set of controls, "Watch me so you may take over in an emergency, you are trained to fly this shuttle?"

Lia simply nodded in response, yes she could at a pinch fly this thing. But there was no way in this universe, she could match the skill of the Ojnas pilot. Adjusting her suit she made ready, counting down in her head and waiting for that blast of escaping atmosphere as the pilot depressurized the shuttle.

Naxea watched as the rest of the team finished loading onto the shuttle. She followed and watched as the team began to get seated. Activating the comm to the team and pilots through her suit, Naxea stood by the ramp. "Alright, listen up. Make sure your suit is sealed and on internal air supply as the shuttle will be depressurized upon launch to allow for a faster deployment. Being fast is key to the success of this jump. There isn't any room for hesitation. The jump order will be myself followed by First Platoon, Lieutenant Yershna followed by Ensigns Kade and Blackford, then Lieutenant Carberos, with Lieutenant Voight bringing up the rear as she will be carrying the transporter enhancers. The jump path is programmed into your helmets' HUDs. We will be falling at an accelerated rate using the tracking body position, meaning keeping your arms and legs together, falling head first once we pass through into the atmosphere. We will be deploying chutes at 1500 feet instead of the normal 2000. Once on the ground, recover your chute as quickly as possible and form up. Any questions?"

By now, Damien was fully suited up and running the last few checks on his equipment and armour. He was familiar with all of it, having studied it all during his time at the Academy, and having used it during his simulations. Which did very little to alleviate the accelerated heart rate he was currently experiencing. 'Don't worry.' He thought to himself. 'Just relax, and remember the simulations. It'll all be fine.' When the MCO's voice came through the comms, he quickly straightened up and listened to his orders, glancing around at the rest of the assembled crew.

"Two minuets to lift off Sha-Rathshu, ensure everyone is aboard". Imik then turned to Lia, "Prepare for launch, we have much to do". She then began to make ready, her hands quickly danced over the console as the shuttle came alive to drop its precious cargo. "Shuttle Freedom Express ready for take off", Imik now waited for the response from shuttle control.

Naxea took her position next to the ramp as it began to close. She closed her eyes, going over the next steps in her head as she clenched and unclenched her fists--an action that helped to keep her calm. She looked at her Marines from First Platoon.

"Colonel!" a Marine called out.

Naxea opened her eyes to look at a Lance Corporal who had his hand raised. "What is it Lance Corporal?"

"What if we encounter the unknowns on the surface, ma'am?"

Naxea sat forward, looking at the Lance Corporal. "If any action is witnessed that is deemed hostile to us or the Away Team then we will do what we do best. Show them no mercy and make them regret the day they ever opposed us."

"Oorah!" the Marines cried in unison.

"Whoa! Hold it !" Gary shouted as the ramp began to swing shut. "Got one more passenger for this little shindig."

"Commander?" Naxea questioned, tilting her head slightly as she watched the ship's XO board the shuttle. "You weren't scheduled to depart with us. Why the change?"

Gary smiled at Naxea. "Relax Colonel, this is still your mission. Thought you could use an extra hand and someone has to watch over Lia." His smile grew broader.

"I know the feeling, Sir. Welcome aboard," Naxea replied, grinning as she felt obligated to watch over S'hib and do her best to keep him out of trouble. Come to think of it, this was the second time she had to come to his rescue. 'I'm gonna kill him,' she thought.

"Thank you Colonel." Gary replied gratefully as he moved to the cockpit where Imik and Lia sat. "Hello Imik." Then turning to Lia, "You didn't think I was going to let you go off by yourself did you? No telling how much trouble you'd get into." He teased.

Imik turned and dipped her head, "Sha-Rathshu, you are joining us? Welcome to my bridge, please secure yourself for take off".

Hearing Gary's voice, Lia turned to see him arrive in the cockpit. "Can't see me having any fun can you?" She laughed as she replied, "Still it's nice to have you join us, are you staying or leaping out of this perfectly servicable space craft like all the rest?"

"I am staying Imik." Gary answered as he sat at one of seats behind the pilot and co-pilot seats.

To Lia, he said, "Just don't want you to have all the fun. You have to share. As for staying or leaping out, haven't decided yet."

=^="Shuttle Freedom Express, you are clear to launch"=^=. With permission given, Imik lifted the shuttle up and headed for the bay door's. "All personnel prepare for decompression", the Ojnas pilot announced the next stage of departure. She checked the shuttle's controls and status, then as it slipped out of the Elysium she decompressed the entire vessel. "Decompression complete, gravity reduced to one third of normal". Imik now took the first part of Lia's course, and slowly the shuttle dipped down and then accelerated fast for the sensor net.

Naxea felt the lightness in her body and movements as the gravity was lowered. Her internal air supply was running normally from her HUD in her helmet. She ran one final test over the shielding that would protect her during entry into the planet's atmosphere. The internal temperature regulator as operational as well. The trip would be short, she knew as she sat, body tense and ready to go at the 'Go' signal.

Reaching the first way point, Imik turned the shuttle directly for the shield. Checking the sensor readings on her scanners and matching the information from Siora, she now pushed the shuttle to it's limits to get to the location given in time. "Pilot to Sha-Rathshu, prepare your troops for their HALO. Door will open in three minutes, and you can jump in five minutes". She glanced over at Lia, "Are you ok?"

Lia again simply nodded, the very idea of people leaping out made her feel ill. But she had a job to do and so she got on with it, using the scanners she made sure the shuttle hadn't been detected and it was safe to proceed. "Scanners show we're clear and green Naxea, get you people in place we're coming up on the jump co-ords".

"Alright, in position!" Naxea said turning to the others, standing, giving them the stand signal. Turning towards the ramp, the locks disengaged and the ramp lowered. Before her was Quell'ish. All seemed peaceful at this moment, which she was sure would change soon. A nearby panel soon glowed green. "Go, go, go!" she ordered as she ran off the ramp first, her momentum carrying her away from the shuttle. The HUD in her helmet switched instantly to jump mode as it projected the jump path to the surface. Off to her right in the distance, she could see the unknown ships in orbit--barely, but they were there however. 'See you soon, S'hib,' she thought.

Almost as soon as the last Marine cleared the tailgate, Imik had banked the shuttle hard over and began to close the ramp. She jinked the shuttle to help throw off any scanners which may have picked her up, flying more as a fighter pilot than a shuttle pilot she headed back to the Elysium. =^=Freedom Express shuttle returning to Elysium, open shuttle bay doors"=^=, Imik broke radio silence as the Elysium came back into view. The flight may have been short, but at least it had been a success for her part.

=^="Shuttle bay doors open, your cleared to land"=^=, the reply she wanted to hear came back to her. Lining up on the markers, Imik flew the shuttle into the bay and lightly touched down in the same spot she had left from. Opening the rear ramp she began to do her after flight checks, she hoped the Marines had been as lucky as she had been.

Soon Naxea's HUD informed her of the rising heat of the suit as she began to pass into the upper atmosphere. Soon, the shielding on her jump suit was glowing red from the friction as her armor's internal cooling system worked to keep her cool. Externally, her suit's temperature was beginning to surpass 1400 degrees Celsius. Two minutes later, the heat dissipated as she entered the atmosphere.

Damien waited for the last Marine to jump, before taking a deep breath, muttering a silent prayer, and jumped out the shuttle, keeping an eye on his suits HUD, the read-outs letting him know that, along with the rising heat, his heart rate was also on the rise. No surprise there. Jumping out of a shuttle wasn't something that was on his everyday list.

Naxea was now surpassing 482 kph as she passed through the clouds of Quell'ish. In her HUD, she was losing altitude fast as she passed 15000 feet. Off in the distance, her HUD picked up various unknown vehicles and lifeforms. She then picked up several know lifeforms in a cavern. 'Gotcha,' she thought as she continued to fall. She now passed 5000 feet as her hand hovered near the chute release panel on her upper left chest, beginning the countdown in her mind. She now passed 2000 feet. 'Gonna be rough,' she thought as the HUD flashed with 1500 feet. Slapping the chute release, the chute deployed, jerking her up violently, instantly beginning to slow her descent.

Damien kept an eye on his HUD as he rapidly descended through the atmosphere. 5000 feet. Nearly time. 2000 feet. His hand flexed slightly as it lay on the handle. It took everything in his power not to pull the chute like he'd been taught. 1500 feet. Now! He hit the chute release, feeling his body jerk as the chute unwrapped, slowing him down.