Captured - The Sale? PT2

Posted on Tue Mar 31st, 2020 @ 8:50am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Quinn [ADMIN NPC] & Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Commander Turak & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Ensign Lunara Hol & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Roger Moxton & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Private 1st Class Durak

Mission: Casperia Prime - A lesson in relaxation
Location: Various - Planet Side - Elysium
Timeline: Current
8270 words - 16.5 OF Standard Post Measure

IC

=/\=BRIDGE=/\=

"Launch Fighters. Cycle our shields and beam down the away team. I want tracking on that Warbird Commander Holmes and I want everyone ready for this massive fight." Lalor ordered as she moved away from the centre chair.

Glancing at Phoenix, Lia shook her head. "Due respect Captain, that might prove harder to achieve than you think. For some reason they seemed to have gone dark and static, I can't pick a single thing up. My best guess is, their sitting and waiting for the right moment". She continued to adjust her sensors on where the Romulan vessel had been, but her returns were blank.

=/\=TRANSPORTER ROOM=/\=

As Turak entered the transporter room he realized that he was the first one there and couldn't believe that he had travelled through the Elysium that quickly. As he entered, he gave a nod to the engineers on duty and started to check his gear. He was loaded for bear and wanted to make sure his equipment was in tip top shape. Once he was done, he realized that he had nothing else to do, so he checked every conceivable part of his weaponry again just to pass the time.

Gary entered next, He had a phaser on his hip and his cricket phaser stuck in his waistband. But he also had several unseen weapons secreted about his person. Gary Taylor was a dangerous man and whoever was behind the capture of the Elysium officers were about to find out to their regret. He saw Turak already there with his portable armory. "Mr. Turak, good to see you, you ready to get our people back?"

Just as Turak replaced the power cell in his rifle, he answered Commander Taylor, "Yes, Sir, I am. Do we have any updates on the situation on the ground?"

Lunara rushed into the transporter room wearing chest armor, a first aid kit slung from her shoulder and a phaser pistol attached to her hip. Various pouches dotted different points of her armor, containing spare phaser cells, transporter beacons, and other such necessities. "Requesting permission to join, sir!"

Anje walked in behind Hol, a phaser on her hip and a rifle over her shoulder seen by all; a secreted TR-110-K pistol hidden from view, she knew her aunt wanted Mishka dead and, given the opportunity, she would make that happen for her. She turned to Taylor, "Ready?"

Roger Moxton walked into the transporter room, he stopped in front of Gary. "Permission to join the away team sir, I don't think I'm needed or wanted here". He carried a phaser, and a rifle with a dirk tucked into his boot, standing there he cut a dangerous figure. His face showed grim determination, Roger knew he wasn't liked by this crew, but actions speak louder than words so this away team was the place to be.

Alicia walked into the transporter room, equipped and ready to go. She had her phaser, but if she didn't need to use it she wouldn't. She politely nodded to all present as she stood waiting.

Gary nodded at Moxton, "Permission granted Mr. Moxton and welcome. Next he looked at Anje. "I'm ready and it looks like you are as well Anje. Lets get out people back and everyone return safely."

"Very ready." Anje agreed, though this Moxton gave her the creepiest vibe...

A platoon of fully armored Marines, double timed it into the already packed transporter room. "Third Platoon reporting for duty," a Tholian Staff Sergeant replied. "Suggest we go in first to clear the way for you."

Gary looked at the marine sergeant. "Don't you think we can take care of ourselves Sergeant?" Then he held a hand up to ward off any protest. "Relax Sergeant, you and your platoon will get your chance to fight."

The Andorian simply nodded, not moving as he tapped a button on the side of his helmet and a reflective visor slid down in front of the face and sealed the suit, as the armor's tactical sensors relayed it's information onto the visor. Until told otherwise by Warrant Officer Man'darr or the Captain, Staff Sergeant Sohl would lead his platoon in an attack on the base while First Platoon boarded the Orion Ship and Second Platoon stayed behind to help secure the ship. "We're ready, Sir."

As the Marines started to step onto the transporter pad, Turak said to the Staff Sergeant, “you and your Marines might be on the ground first, but we’ll be right behind you Staff Sergeant. Good luck....”

Roger glanced over at Anje, "You don't like me, do you Envoy? You've never met me or talked to me, but you just don't like me". He gripped his rifle harder and swallowed, "If you have a problem with me, come and tell me. But please don't just write me off, and keep your dirty looks to yourself". He moved forwards and then stopped, he just wanted down onto the planet. Away from all the judging and condemnation.

"I have no opinion of you, Lt. Moxton." Anje replied, "Though your comments are contributing to one right now and it's not great. Thanks for your help though."

=/\= Havraha =/\=

Mishka sat and watched the unfolding scene, her crew strained at their stations wanting to join the fray against the Federation vessel. But she had forbidden any action against the Elysium, as the fighters launched she noted a Danube emerge. Its signature flooded her sensors, *Use the shuttle as bait for the mines, interesting solution* she thought. Her curiosity was further pricked when a fighter seemed to launch and roll belly up under the shuttle, *Now just what are you up to my friend?* was the thought that crossed her mind.

Imik had launched straight after the Danube, and remembering a little trick the Ojnas had used against the Tholians she rolled her fighter and tucked it up under the shuttle. The idea being, anything approaching the shuttle wouldn't see her until the very last moment, but she would have opened fire and destroyed the approaching enemy before being spotted. Imik needed the mines to attack the shuttle, not her fighter so by being under the belly of the shuttle it shielded her from their detection.

Jess launched with her wing. "Alright, switch com encryption to Level four encryption. I don't want the Romulans listening in." She waited until everyone had encrypted their signal. "It should be clear that the Romulans are up to something. I've ordered gamma and delta on standby with full loads. Keep on your toes people. Imik, start the diversionary op."

On hearing her name, Imik engaged the engines of the Danube. Her fighter followed under the shuttle, "I hear and comply leader". Both little ships arced towards the first field of mines, Imik tracked the mines as they began to close on her. "First mine field engaged leader, please proceed with caution".

"Confirmed. Pilots; We're beginning our run on the corsair. Close up and extend shields around the Marines. They must get aboard at all costs." Jess mentioned. "Elysium Actual, this is Valkyrie. We're engaged with the mines."

Aboard the runabout, the tightly packed Marines waited for the signal to deploy. Seated in a seat near the rear hatch, PFC Durak was nervous as he had never participated in a live ship boarding before other than on holodeck training programs. For the fifth time in three minutes, he checked the energy level in his pulse rifle to ensure it was full. He shrugged some in the Marine Assault Armor that was designed without a Cardassian in mind.

"We're closing in. ETA is one minute!" the pilot announced.

"One minute!" the Marines repeated as they shifted positions, doing last minute gear checks.

Imik had taken out one field of mines, now she targeted a second. So far neither the shuttle or her fighter had taken damage, but she knew that kind of good fortune wouldn't last. "Second mine field engaged leader, but I still advise caution when approaching the Elysium". She was now above the Federation vessel, and for the first time she saw how large it really was. But something caught the edge of her mind, an evil presence determined to extinguish that very vessel. That was when a mine hit the shuttle, the blast rocked both of the small ships. Imik pushed the disturbing thoughts out of her mind, she had to be aware of her mission and the required completion of that mission.

The explosion sent some Marines flying into one another as the lights in the troop area flickered. "What the hell was that?" PFC Durak cried out, looking up at the lights and then towards the pilot area but the door between the cockpit and the troop area was shut. Initially panic set in on why the door was closed but then remembered that it was standard procedure for the pilot to close the door in the event of a hull breach in either area, the other area would stay pressurized.

"Right, let's get ready to blow that damn door or cut through it, whatever's quickest." Rhodes ordered, anxious to get to the fight on the other side.


=/\=SURFACE=/\=

Staff Sergeant Sohl and his platoon materialized on the surface, just within the base as further transport within the base was impossible due to shielding. Sohl's antennae immediately began to twitch as it picked up several energy and bioelectric signatures. A moment later the air erupted in disruptor fire with one energy bolt hitting Sohl center mass in the chest, knocking him down. If not for the armor, he knew he would be dead as he got back up and began to return fire. "Lay down a suppressing fire! Weapons Squad, do your thing! First Squad, you're with me! Push forward!" The Marines of Weapons Squad opened up with their Heavy Automatic Phasers that ripped holes into the Orion positions as Marines of First Squad closed with the Orions. "Staff Sergeant Sohl to Commander Taylor, we are engaged with the Orions. Be advised the transport site is hot. Beam down at your discretion, Sir!" Sohl doubted that a hot transport site would keep the Commander away.


=/\= TRANSPORTER ROOM =/\=

Gary heard Sohl's report about the transport site being hot and that just made even more eager to get into the fight. "Turak, you and Anje are with me. We'll lend a hand to the Marines. Moxton, Kelea and Hol follow us down. Have your weapons ready to fire, we're going into a fight,"

Upon hearing the news, Turak switched his rifle to heavy stun and said, “ready to go, Sir.” He then took his place on the transporter pad in a kneeling position and his weapon at the ready.

Lunara muttered some foreign curses under her breath and drew her phaser, setting it to heavy stun. She'd still be more likely to use her medical bag this trip, but it didn't hurt to be ready to shoot.

Gary heard Hol's muttered curses but ignored them. "Good Mr. Turak." He replied to the security officer. Next he turned to Anje, "How's your throwing arm Anje?"

"It'll do the job." Anje smirked, "You just tell me what, when, and where."

"That's what I want to here." Gary answered with a grin. "Grab some grenades, some flash bangs as well as some white phosphorus. When we transport down toss them in the direction the incoming fire is coming from. The flash bangs will disrupt their sensors and blind them and the phosphorus will give some of them a terminal case of sunburn."

Alicia had been dreading the thought of going in hot but she said nothing. She dew her phaser and set it to
heavy stun ready to defend herself if she had to.

Itching to get down to the surface and help the Marines and save their people, Turak asks, "Commander Taylor, shouldn't we get down there and help?"

At that moment the transporter room doors opened and Heather walked in having made her excuses from Sickbay. She was fully geared up in Marine combat gear but with a medical emblem clear to see front and back of her gear. “Sergeant Heather Raines reporting for duty Commander. I’m not yet officially assigned to this ship but I’m a marine medic and nurse, I should be down there with the rest of the marines.

Gary looked up as Heather entered the transporter room and introduced herself. "We already have a combat medic Sergeant." He stated simply. He was about to refuse but the determination in Heather's eyes convinced him to allow her to join the team. "Hop up on the transporter Sergeant, you and Counselor Hol, stay behind the rest of us. Understand?"

“Aye Sir!” Heather nodded. “For reference Sir, I am a fully trained marine I can handle myself in a firefight.” She said it but her nerves were still somewhat on edge after her recent slavery. She gave Hol a nod and a smile as she stood alongside hoping she wouldn’t end up freezing up and becoming a liability.

"Hey." Lunara smiled back. She joined the team on the pad, bouncing a bit on her feet. She was a bit nervous - she hadn't beamed into a hot zone since her last time in Starfleet.

"Hey" Heather smiled. "You look as nervous as I am!." She smiled as she readied her phaser.

"It's been awhile since I did this last," she nodded. "Is it that obvious?"

"A little" Heather nodded. "But then I have an insight" she tapped her head. "I'm half Betazoid, I can sense you're emotions."

Moxton looked over towards Gary, "Commander, when do you think we'll beam down? I'm itching to get to grips with the Orions, and waiting here is getting boring". *Plus it's safer down there than up here*, he thought.

"Any minute Mr. Moxton and you'll get your wish." Gary nodded to Anje and Turak. "Alright, lets go and get our people."

Jess noticed four raiders take off from the corsair. "Alphas, we have incoming. They're going to try and delay us. Break and engage." She watched the raiders. "Vaii to Taylor. We have company, but it's nothing we can't deal with. I recommend beaming in after the marines engage the defenders in the bays. Alpha, I want the engines disabled on the Corsair. It must not escape into warp."

"We're preparing to beam down now Jess." Gary informed her. "The marines have already beamed down. You take of business upstairs and we'll do the same down here."

"Copy that, I hope we're keeping an eye on that warbird. I don't like it when Romulans play opossum and watch." Jess mentioned. "There' on our side of the border, perhaps we need to chase them off."

Arrianna came on. "I can track the warbird, but I don't have accurate readings to lock our targeting systems onto it. I'm attempting to use tachyon probes to force it out of cloak."

Gary nodded to Anje and Turak and Alicia, "We're beaming down now. Mr. Moxton, you Raines and Hol follow us down."


=/\=Havraha=/\=

"Riov, the Federation vessel is attempting to target us with tachyon radiation. Our cloak is holding for now, but continued attacks will cause it to fail". Mishka nodded as her Op's Officer confirmed what she already suspected, this Federation crew was well trained and determined to find her. "Helm, move the Havraha further away from the Star Fleet vessel. but keep our bow towards them. It's a small target, and our weapons will find things to destroy if we choose to fight". Her comment about keeping the weapons aimed at the Federation vessel, made some think an attack may take place. But Mishka's focus was on a small shuttle and fighter quietly taking her mines out one by one, something about the way the fighter was being handled led her to think the pilot wasn't a human.



=/\=SURFACE=/\=

On the surface, the Marines were starting to push the Orion defenders back with the air still heavy with phaser and disruptor fire. "Show them no mercy!" Sgt. Sohl ordered. He disposed these Orions, they kidnapped Starfleet personnel and above all, his CO--something he wouldn't allow them to live another day for. "Smoke out! And then close distance!" Sohl toseed the grenade as thick, heavy smoke quickly filled the area. The Marine's Visor screens in their helmets automatically switched to thermal imaging. Already Sohl was sprinting forward to the closest thermal image before the base's filtration system dissipated the smoke. He fired a burst of pulse phaser from his rifle that tore into the Orion's chest, dead before he hit the deck.

As he began to materialize Turak could hear the sounds of weapons being discharged and realized that he had been beamed to a location that was behind some large boulders and out of sight of the Orions. When he fully came to, he realized that he was in a perfect location to attack the right flank of the enemy. Without hesitation Turak began to lay down suppressive fire, heavily stunning three in his first volley. He then got on his communicator and notified Sgt. Sohl of his whereabouts. “Sgt, we can keep suppressing the Orion’s from here - do you have enough Marines to attack from the left flank?”

"More than enough, lieutenant," he boasted with a grin that was hid behind the helmet.

In a quick fashion, Turak replied, “Good, you take the left flank and front and we’ll flank them on the right.”

Moxton appeared just to the left of the Vulcan Turak, and quickly found cover as incoming fire flicked up dirt around his feet. "Lieutenant Turak, I can cover you from here, but I suspect you may have a plan. Care to share?" He waited for the Vulcan to reply, he noted the rest of the away team had now arrived.

Gary materialized and quickly surveyed the situation. The marines were doing a fine job of pushing the Orions back. He waited for Anje to materialize so he could give her instructions on where to throw her grenades.

Heather materialised not far behind Taylor, the site was a busy one but she soon got her bearings. She automatically glanced around the area for wounded, as medic they were her first priority. She kept her head down not wanting to become a casualty herself.

Anje shimmered back into existence on the planet's surface, turning to find Taylor, who no doubt had instructions for her.

"Anje! Get your arm limbered up and toss your grenades at the spots where the heaviest Orion fire is coming from. Lets knock them down a bit."

"Frank Baker or Willie Pete?" Anje asked, needing to know if the Commander wanted her to go with flashbangs or straight to white phosphorous, an ancient, nasty weapon that somehow hadn't gone out of style in over five centuries.

Gary gave her a feral grin, it was time to get serious. "Willie Peter." He replied he was done fooling around. They were going to get their people back. "Light their asses up."

"Right." Anje nodded, scanning the field for 'receivers' before uncorking a sixty meter bomb at an entrenched Orion position from whence they were raining heavy weapons fire on the Marines. The subsequent explosion made them move out in a hurry, damn the consequences.

Alicia and Lunara materialised just after Taylor's group, Alicia hadn't been sure what to expect but she was quick to get her bearings as they materialised in an ongoing hostile situation. "Ah hell, I hate materialising mid firefight!!" She looked at Lunara.

Gary turned and saw Hol and Alicia materialize and standing there like deer caught in headlights. "Kelea, Hol! Get behind us. You can't help anyone if you get shot."

Alicia was quick to take the hint, she didn't have a death wish. She did, however need some time to adjust her senses to the high levels of emotion. That and try to block the empathic waves that were threatening to crash in on her mind.

Replying to Moxton and ensuring that all others heard his plan, Turak said, "I think we should hold the line here in this area and wear down the Orions. The use of grenades would go a long way to making their numbers smaller. If the Marines attack from the front and left flanks, we should be able to have this area secure soon with few, if any, casualties." As he finished saying it, he saw an Orion soldiers sneaking up from behind Commander Taylor and immediately put down the threat. "I also suggest that we have someone watch our rear for security purposes."

Roger raised his hand, "I'll do that, if everyone agrees". He began to reposition his gear and pick another firing point, he knew he needed to cover a wide arc.

Gary nodded to Moxton. "Alright Mr. Moxton, your tasked with that," Gary answered.

As the plan started to fall into place, Turak and his team positioned themselves so that they would come at the Orions from the right side. Turak started to fire as he was able to spot their soldier, stunning one after another. He could also see that the Orions were becoming overwhelmed, with fire coming from all sides onto their position. Ensuring that everything was going according to plan, Turak radioed SGT Sohl, "how's everything going on your end, SGT?"

"Busy killing Orions, Sir," Sgt. Sohl responded before firing another three round burst into a charging Orion that fell dead at his feet. "They're starting to retreat into the base. Suggest we keep after them as to no give them time to breathe."

"Understood," Turak responded, "I suggest we start moving forward now - use whatever you can for cover and chase them to their base." After he said over the communicator, Turak looked at his own people and said, "We're going to move forward - half of you lay down cover while the other move out, then vice-versa until we get to their base."

Sgt. Sohl opened his comm to all Marines. "Alright, let's push forward Marines!" As they closed in onto the entrance his eyes caught sight of something that that sent fear up his spine. He caught the form of two heavy disruptor turrets deploying. "Turrets ahead! Weapons, hit them with the Isomagnetic disentegrators!" At that moment, only faintly heard the sound of the turrets firing with the immense heat, along with a white light, followed by brief blackness and pain. Blinking his eyes, he realized his face shield had been shattered and broken away as he stared at a blue sky. As he tried to move, pain shot through his body as he looked down and noticed he was covered in his blue blood with one leg partially gone. "Shit," he grimaced, as he looked around, trying to get his bearings. Next to him was another Marine--lifeless but one with a isomagnetic disentegrator next to him. He rolled over, grabbing the weapon and aimed it at the turret from the ground as he thumbed the weapon to max. "See you in hell assholes," he said, gritting his teeth and pressing the trigger, sending the round ripping into the turret in a giant explosion, taking out several nearby defenders. Seeing another projectile take out the other turret, strength left Sohl's boidy as he dropped the weapon and fell back to the ground. The sounds of the battle seemed distant now.

A shimmer appeared beside Taylor. The Q appeared. "What the hells are you lot doing?!?" She asked angrily.

Gary spun on her, "You have eyes, what's it look like? We're getting our people back!"

"oh posh. Next time just bloody well ask!" The Q replied. She raised her hand and flicked it. The Orions all fell down stunned.

Gary looked around as the sound of the battle suddenly stopped and the Orions were all suddenly on the ground stunned senseless. His gaze settled on Quinn as he awaited an answer.

As Turak was sighting down his phase rifle at another would-be victim of heavy stun, the Orion just fell to the ground. He looked around and listened - all he could hear was Star Fleet personnel. Then he saw it - or her - the Q talking to Commander Taylor. Turak made his way over and asked the Commander and ignored the Q "Sir, was this a result of the Q?" He paused and then asked, "shall we advance inside the base?"

Gary didn't answer right away he looked at Quinn to hear what she had to say.

"The base is clear." Quinn said in a sing song voice. "Come on already get in there and get them out so you can go home!"

Hearing that, Gary shifted his attention to Turak, "You heard the lady, Mr. Turak, the base is cleared. Lets get our people and go home but use caution nonetheless. We don't want any surprises."

Roger watched amazed as the Orion's suddenly dropped, "Commander Taylor, do you want me to remain here to provide cover? Or move out with a search team?"

Not needing any other excuse to get moving, Turak said as he moved to the front entrance, "everyone who's going in on me and keep an eye out for trouble." As they entered the main gate, he could see a number of small buildings. He noticed that at least one of the small buildings had a heavily guarded entrance (with Orions that were not presently awake all over the place) and bars on the windows. "That's got to be the building" he said, as the group headed in its direction. When they got to the door, it was locked. "Does anyone have explosives.....?"

Quinn had followed them in. She sighed "Starfleeters" she muttered and waved a hand. The doors vanished.

With the opposition now taking a nap, Anje felt safe to walk over to Quinn, embracing the beautiful ginger and kissing her hard, "Hey, baby, nice of you to pop by, but I was okay." She reassured her lover, "Still had plenty of grenades and I was putting them where they didn't want them." For emphasis she pointed to places where fires of her creation were currently burning, "See? I had it under control."

Corporal Sanders' face was beet red under the reflective face shield as she stared at that Q bitch from the kneeling position next to Sgt. Sohl's body. Once again, the Q were playing games with lives. She was close to Sgt. Sohl and now he was dead and for what? Nothing! All for this Q to come along and snap her fingers and stun everyone--she was at her wits end as she slapped her wrist comm to the ship. "Corporal Sanders to Elysium. We have a few wounded and one casualty to transport aboard the Elysium in case anyone cares," she reported sharply as she stared at Quinn.

The Q turned to Sanders. "I can revive him if you like" she said, her arms around Anje.

Corporal Sanders stood and approached the woman. "Bring him to life? Look at him! He nearly took a direct hit from a disruptor turret. He is missing a leg and the other is mangled beyond belief! He has all kinds of trauma and wounds. Can you tell me you can heal him completely?"

Quinn nodded. "I can." She paused "Shall I?"

Sanders was stunned for a moment. She knew Andorians, especially one such as Sohl craved battle and knew he would have had no regrets in going out the way he did...but she would miss him and going out like this? With this end result? No, it wasn't right, even for an Andorian, besides the detachment needed good fighters such as Sohl. "Then do it."

Quinn nodded, brushed her lips over Anje's forehead and moved to the side of the man. She reached out, touched his shoulder and concentrated. The body began to glow until the light was totally blinding.

When it faded, the man lay there, whole and coughing.

Anje was the first to Sohl, reaching out a hand, "On your feet, Leatherneck." She commanded, helping him back to the vertical plane, "No lying down on the job. Besides that, when we get back, there's a little blue girl needs more of her own people around, especially one who can teach her the native language."


=/\=Near the Corsair=/\=

Jess' wing engaged the raiders. The Betazoid pilot began elegantly dogfighting with the raiders. But the Orion's flying style was blatantly predictable. One of them began to tail her, but the Orion forgot the most basic understanding of how things behaved in space. Jess cut her throttle as the raider tailed her. Flipped one-eighty degrees, and unleashed her pulse phasers on the target. The Orion thought this was going to be an easy kill. Alpha wing's entire strategy was that of carefully laid traps. There was a tactic for trying to tail a fighter, there was a tactic for trying to attack the transports. Even if a raider tried to strafe one of the transports, the raider would get hit from above and would have to break off.

"Alpha three, they're trying to harass the transports." Just as one the raider tried to fire, a tractor beam pushed the raider off target and the shots missed. Once again, very unconventional tactics. Alpha three then did a high-g turn and released the tractor, disorienting the pilot, and the last thing the Orion saw was the torpedo heading straight for him.

"Two left pilots." Jess noted. "We're almost in range of the corsair. Alpha two and three, engage them in a drawn out dogfight. Alpha four, you're with me. We're going to flank the Corsair."

"Roger that." Jess broke off with Transport one from the formation and began to strafe the Corsair's starboard bays with pulse phaser and torpedo fire. Alpha four followed up with his own attack on the port side. The Corsair began trying to target the swift moving fighters. "Four, you will pass under, I will pass over, and you will follow up the attack on starboard, I want their weapons offline."

The two fighters passed over and under the corsair at high speed while disruptor blasts lanced out at the fighters. They came around and unleashed another strafing run on the corsair that took down their port and starboard shields.

"Marines, Go. Get into the bays." Jess replied.

Imik was having trouble with the second field, several Orion fighters had made it to her location. "Leader, Imik here. I have two or three Orion fighters intent on preventing me clearing the mines, can you send assistance in removing them". She jinked to one side as an Orion flashed past her starboard side, it almost forced her into the mine field. She opened fired on the mines and hit two of them, another two went off because of the concussion from the first pair. Imik didn't engage the Orion fighters, her mission was the mines and her Ojnas mentality focused her completely on that mission.

Jess made a hard turn as the marines landed and flew towards two mines that were not active. They began to follow Jess. "Arlight Consul, point your fighter directly towards mine and standby to break at my command. Make sure you grab those fighter's attention."

"I hear and comply Leader", Imik popped out from under the Danube, right in front of two of the three Orion fighters. She pushed her fighter to max speed, as the Orion's opened fire on her. The third Orion fighter spun round and joined the chase, "Imik to leader, I believe I have all three Orion fighters attention. I stand ready at your command". The distance between Jess and Imik rapidly closed, but the Ojnas obeyed her Leader and waited for the order.

"Alright, on my mark. Break hard to port. I have a little surprise for them following my fighter." Jess smirked as the distance dwindled. "Break now!!!" Both fighters broke in opposite directions, leaving the Orions trailing Imik hurdling towards mines. They couldn't pull up fast enough and hit the mines head on. Two of them were destroyed, and the last one attemped to flee. "It's all yours. Consul."

As soon as Jess told her the last Orion was hers, Imik's fighter flipped blindingly fast. It also spun on it's axis placing it right behind the Orion, Imik watched her enemy dodge left and right up and down. Suddenly Imik jinked starboard and fired, a blinding flash appeared in front of her but Imik's fighter now jinked port and missed the debris completely. "Permission to return to mine clearing duties leader", Imik knew her original job still required finishing.

"Granted, one thing Consul." Jess noted. "We need living pilots, not dead heroes. Finish the diversionary and get over to the Ely. I think that warbird is going to make it's move real soon, and if that warbird is whom I think it is, we're in for a real battle." Jess mentioned. "One more thing, and mark my words; this is why we do not use mines." Jess switched to a short range com with Imik. "Goddess-damned things don't know friend from foe. Now this is what I want you to do and listen carefully. I left the other three squadrons back at the Ely. I want a full scramble when Alpha tows the Corsair in range of the Ely." Jessica noted. "I want the Romulans to see clearly what's waiting for them if they decloak. Finish the diversionary, head back to the Ely, and give the rest of the commanders their orders. Copy?"

Imik listened as Jess spoke, but her comment about living pilots made no sense to her. She had done nothing unusual, in fact she had only performed basic cadet manoeuvres so far. "Have I erred Leader? For if I have, I do not know what I have done". Jess had told her to finish off the mines and report to the other Flight Leaders, and explain her plan to deal with both the Orion's and the Romulans. "You orders will be relayed verbatim Leader, do I join another flight when I am finish mine clearance. Or will I be placed back on board Elysium?"

"Get back out here Consul. I'll need my best pilots out here and you're it." Jess noted.

Imik smiled to herself, "I hear and obey leader, Imik out". Her fighter now arced back towards the mines and the Romulan Star Ship, with that vessels Captain watching her every move.

The lead transport opened fire as it closed in on the bay doors, blowing the doors apart as the transport entered the bay fast and came to a quick halt, a foot off the deck as the rear hatch opened and the Marines poured out, opening fire. PFC Durak moved with his squad as they engaged several Orion defenders.
Durak fell back on what Major Azhul had trained him and the other Marines on in a boarding--to move fast and not get bogged down, so he knew, as the other Marines that they had to get out of the bay as soon as possible.

The pilot of the transport closed the hatch as the last Marine exited. "Marines are aboard and engaged with the enemy," the Pilot reported as the armor on his transport absorbed several disruptor hits. His sensors told of a lot of Orions were coming from the main corridor. He wasn't about to sit by and not help. "Kendricks, target the main corridor and fire. Let's give the Marines some help," he told his co-pilot next to him.

The Runabout opened fire as it's phasers tore into the corridor, decimating the incoming Orion defenders and destroying several sections of the corridor in the process.

The Marines cheered as they finished off the defenders in the bay and made their way into the decimated corridor of the ship.

Resistance was sparse, but dogged, as they made their way towards the bridge. Rhodes was attacked by an Orion thug, but a quick uppercut blast from his rifle made the enemy's head explode in a shower of gore, "Okay, let's keep it moving. When we take the bridge I want someone to take tactical and open up on those damned Romulans."


<>

"Alright, split up! First and Second Squad proceed to the engineering section! Third Squad, lets hit the bridge!" a Marine lieutenant ordered.

"Oorah!" the Marines complied as they instantly split off into two groups before encountering a forcefield blocking each way. Not missing a beat, both groups disabled the forcefields with photon grenades.

Rhodes was near the lieutenant as they headed for the ship's bridge while Durak headed towards engineering with the other two squads.

"When we get to the bridge, I want to open fire on that Warbird." Rhodes informed the unknown Lieutenant, "If we can cripple them so they can't get away I know an Ambassador who's going to be passing out promotions like they're Halloween candy."

"Marines, this is Vaii. I'm having my fighters tow the Corsair in transporter range of the Ely. If they have what I think they have in their cargo holds, we're going to need all the medical and counseling personnel we have to sort out the physical and emotional trauma on that ship. You're all heroes this day, Marines. You've all gone above and beyond freeing these people, and your actions will be duly noted in my official report." Jess noted.

Aboard the ship, the Marines were too busy fighting the crew to respond. Upon entering engineering PFC Durak thrusted his Ka-Bar into an Orion's chest, puncturing the Orion's heart before firing a burst, hitting another Orion before being knocked back by a disruptor blast. As he regained his balance and composure, he was thankful for the armor as he returned fire. The other Marines poured in from multiple entrances, firing as several other engineers fell to the deck, dead.



Across the bridge, other Marine engaged the Bridge officers. Several seconds later, majority of the bridge crew were either dead or badly injured, including the captain. The lieutenant leveled his phaser at him. "Relinquish command or join your dead," he ordered in a stern tone.

The injured Orion captain studied the Marine lieutenant. Experience taught him to tell if a person was bluffing and that experience now told him that this lieutenant meant what he said.

"Very well," he said, pressing a comm button on his captain's chair. "Attention all hands, this is the Captain. You are to cease fire, lay down your arms and surrender to the Marines."

"Keep an eye on him," the lieutenant ordered, as he watched the Elysium grow in size as they were tractored in.


=/\=Havraha=/\=

As Imik executed her combat manoeuvre's, Mishka watched closely. "Op's, the fighter that just destroyed the Orion. Focus in on it, scan the pilot and relay the results to me". Her Op's Officer began scanning Imik's fighter, and after checking the results passed them on. "Results of the scans Riov, the pilot's readings are unknown at this time". Mishka now nodded in agreement, "I thought that would be the result, could we tractor that fighter into our shuttle bay?" The Op's Officer shook his head, "The fighter is to small and fast to ensure a stable lock, but we maybe able to lock a transporter on to the pilot and beam him out". Mishka looked at the Officer, "Do it, I want that pilot on this vessel".


=/\=Imik's Fighter=/\=

Imik could sense something, but she couldn't pin down quite what. Then she felt a transporter beam attach it's self to her, again with lightening speed she dropped her fighter down and then shot under the Elysium. "Leader, the Romulan vessel has just attempted to beam me out of my fighter, they may attempt to do so to other pilots. I would suggest extreme caution, as we have no defense against that attack".

Jess moved in formation with Imik and erected a dampening field around the Consul's fighter. She then opened a channel. "Romulan vessel. I guarantee you if you try that again, I will give the order to every fighter under my command to hunt you with tachyon sweeps and send that sorry ship of yours straight to the hell? I now have a dampening field around the consul's fighter. Any attempt in kidnapping will just piss me off, and you don't want me pissed off."

=/\=Havraha=/\=

Mishka listened to the Federation transmission, "Consul? What is that Star Fleet mongrel talking about?" Her Op's Officer responded, "The pilot we attempted to beam out, it appears he maybe a Consul of another species". Mishka now stood up and crossed to the op's desk, she looked at the read outs. "That pilot isn't Human, but just what is he?" She returned to her seat and looked at the two fighters, "One of those pilots is female, what if the pilot we're after is also female? Get the scumbag Orion spy up here, he might know what we're dealing with".

Moments later Thomas was on the bridge facing Mishka. He stood tall and proud as he faced her. "You sent for me Riov? How can I be of assistance to you?"

Taking Thomas over to the op's desk, Mishka pointed at the readings. "Do you know what species these belong to? And why that species would have a Consul flying a fighter for the Federation?" She turned to the viewscreen, "The pilot can perform remarkable manoeuvre's, I need to know what I am up against. And if this pilot is the only one which is lightly to attack this vessel?"

Thomas studied the readouts on the Ops panel. After looking at them, he straightened up and turned to Mishka. " I believe your looking at an individual from the Onjas Republic. A recently discovered race that has entered into a treaty with the Federation after a long war with the Tholians. I first learned of one on the USS Washington. It seems now there is another."

"Ojnas? Are they Humanoid?" She turned and watched Imik's fighter turn and swoop as she removed the mines, "Look how this Ojnas simply avoids the mines, as it is unaffected by their presence". Mishka now turned back to Thomas, "How do I contact these Ojnas? Would they join the Romulans against the Federation?"

Thomas nodded, "Yes. Onjas. They are humanoid, tripods if I remember correctly. They are a warrior race but have religious overtones as well. As for fighting with the Romulans...." He shrugged his shoulders, "Who knows? They have entered into a treaty with the Federation as I stated. As for contacting them, You would need to find a representative of the Republic to make your case. Kidnapping this one is not the way to make your case." He cautioned.

For once this Orion spy made sense to Mishka, "Cease any attempt at removing the pilot". She sat and thought about what Thomas had said, "Are they similar to Klingons? All honour and Kahless type of nonsense?"

Thomas didn't rush an answer, he knew Mishka wanted facts and not assumptions, guesses or hunches. "Very similar." He stated and went on "But without the this is a good day to die nonsense. They tend from the reports to be very pragmatic in their affairs. So, if you could appeal to that part of them as to why joining forcing forces with you er Romulans would be beneficial and worthwhile, you would have an important ally."

"Where is their home world? Could we get there undetected?" Already Mishka had formed a plan, these Ojnas would fill a gap in her arsenal. She looked at Thomas for answers, the Orion's had shot their bolt early and now the Federation would make them pay.

Before Thomas could answer there was a flash of light on the bridge of the warbird. A tall slim red haired woman appeared there. Her green gaze fixed on the Romulan female. "You are leaving Commander." She said coldly. "And if you know what is good for you, you will cut your losses and not bother the Elysium or her crew again."

As the new arrival was focused on Mishka, Thomas typed the Onjas coordinates on a PaDD and sent them Mishka's chair. Ekotsy. Onjas home planet deep in what was Tholian space. They have twin home worlds. They are two systems from Bajor. Like this, Bajor......Agephia System........Xuerev System.........Ekotsy System.

Glancing down, Mishka noted Thomas's intructions. She raised her head and looked at the red headed woman, "Do not presume to give me orders, if you care to look I have not interfered between the Orion's and the Federation. My weapons have not been fired, plus I have other things on my mind that do not involve the bloated pig called Elysium". She now looked at her helmsman, "Helm, set course for Deep Space Nine warp six". The bow of the Havraha began to swing away from the battle that was being fought before it, "Ready cloaking device". She stopped giving orders and looked back at the red head, "Do you intend to come with us? Or are you remaining with your Federation pets?"

"Oh they are not my pets." the female replied and she waved a hand and the data on the Onjas was wiped from the ships systems and all handheld devices. Then she calmly said "You are leaving however, but not for DS9." She waved her hand again and the ship seemed to shudder and then sop. Sensors screamed alarms as the ship registered the change in position. "Oh and I took your warp core. Have a nice day!" She blew Mishka a kiss and vanished. The Havraha was on the far side of known Romulan Space. And right next to an asteroid belt.

Standing up, Mishka walked towards Thomas. "You still retain your knowledge of these Ojnas?" Before he answered Mishka turned to the helm Officer, "Helm, heading 299.06 best speed for Beta Volantis. We have a repair yard there, installing a new warp core should take no more than 36 Tarim". She now returned her attention to Thomas, "You will write down the location of the Ojnas home world, in some fashion and present it to the helmsman in 48 Tarim".

Thomas didn't answer that question instead he had one of his own. "Am I restored as your XO with no more removing of me from my position? He waited to see what Mishka said, knowing she could easily lie and still have him removed. He just wanted to hear her say it.

Mishka spun to face Thomas, "Don't try my patience with sarcastic quips, you saw what happened to the Orion's and this ship. I can leave you at Beta Volantis, I'm sure you can secure passage on a ship eventually. But then you are Human, that might cause a few problems". She turned and went to her seat, "Your choice, do as your asked and told. And you will be allowed to remain onboard, task my patience and be left behind".

A smirk appeared on Thomas's face as if he knew a secret Mishka didn't. However he simply nodded and took his place at the XO's station.

--- ---


==Elysium Bridge==

"captain, reports from the surface, the Orions have stopped fighting."

"Good." Phoenix said grimly. "Medical prepare for incoming wounded."

Lia now double checked her sensors, "Captain, I can't explain it. But our Romulan friend has disappeared, completely".

Phoenix gave her a sharp look. "Thats strange." she said carefully.

There was a shimmer to her left and Phoenix took a breath as Quinn appeared.

"Quinn."

"Hi. Oh do not worry about the Romulan witch. I sent her far away and took her warp core off her." the Q said brezzily. "You should also be able to beam people out now."

Phoenix hit the comm. "Elysium to Taylor. Status."

On the surface, Gary heard the call come from the ship. He was still looking at the numerous Orion bodies lies about all stunned. "Taylor here Captain. The Orions have all been stunned senseless. The female Q did it. We should have no problems retrieving and beaming our people back to the ship."

"Beam them up. All prisoners to medical for treatment. Get every non Orion bio sign out of that immediate area!" Phoenix ordered her crew. "Helm, set course out of here once we have everyone on board. Commander Vaii, bring your birds home!"

"Aye Captain, we'll commence beaming the prisoners back to the ship immediately!" Gary looked at his people, "You heard the lady. Lets get in there and get our people out of here and back home."

Lia heard the word "Prisoners", and reacted straight away. =^="Holmes to De La Rosa, report to the Brig. Prisoners incoming".

In Sickbay, Fernando heard's Lia's order and replied. "At once commander." He then looked at Tallia and the others. "Parting is such sweet sorrow but my services are needed in the brig. Until later." He waved and left Sickbay heading for the brig.

---

Jess landed with Imik in the hanger bay and climbed out of her fighter. She tapped her combadge. "Vai to Lalor and Taylor. I need a moment with you and the Consul to relate a attempted kidnapping to you. Something is right about some details of this op."

OFF

OOC: Ok, everyone can just be back on the ship. Orions in the brig, crew in medical getting healed up. I am posting this.