S12 - M4: The Delta Quadrant Vultures

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

Vincent observed Kimball's thumbs up and chuckled. "For a former Borg, you are an interesting fellow, Mr. Kimball." He gave the Borg a smile as he remained at the station. "Commander, I'll stay here and monitor the comm traffic just in case they try to jam us again." He reported to Nevir.

He had other screens monitoring critical systems, including the warp core. A plasma leak could seriously ruin his day. Other data included damage control actions which there were many as well as power output. The need to bypass corrupted conduits had already been done more than once. The Engineer expected, if the battle continued for any length of time, he wouldn't be getting any sleep for the foreseeable future.

[Bridge]

EQ pulled his hand back and laid it on the console.  He smiled in response to the compliment.  "Thanks, Declan.  I'm sure we are gonna be great friends.  Good work, by the way" he replied sincerely.

[Bridge]

For the first time since they came to this planet, Nevir actually let go a smile.  Nodding without looking back, he responding to the engineer.  "Take the primary Engineering station.  You earned it. Keep a monitor on the complex core, we've already shut down the alpha core after that first hit.  Mr. Kimball, see if we can extend that comm link to the surface."

There was no response, but Nevir surmised that they had been jamming all communications, and right now the shuttles were still unable to respond... but from what Kimball and Vincent said, they should be able to hear us.  "Keep the comm channel open, they might not be able to respond yet."

"Mr. Wu, if you can hear us, we've been able to adapt your Borg solution to restore our communications. That last fighter seems to be the leader, and I would imagine they have the most experience with their Borg upgrades.  I have one last trick up our sleeves, and I need you to keep them focused for a couple minutes while I prepare the deflector dish.  On my signal, we'll need you and your shuttles to break off.  If you can't respond, that's alright, just stay on guard."

"Mr. Vincent, Kimball, prepare the dish for a graviton pulse.  A ship that size should prove unable to resist that."

[Bridge]

Then the liberated Borg turned his attention back to the XO.  "Aye, Sir.  Working to extent comm systems back to the planet.  It will take a minute.  But I'll get it done as fast as I can" EQ said.  Intending to get to the second command after he finished the first.

[Demlion Riverbank V]

[planet side]

The Vorta had a plan. He wished he could tell the Admiral. His plan was that he had super hearing. If he could sneak and hide from the alien merchants. He would be able to spy on them. If he can hear himself sneak he will feel they can hear him but he was super quiet when he needed to be. His species could do that but they never had pulled it off.

When the opportunity came to be. He would share that to the Admiral. Because he could scout out. Or possible save the crew member who could possible be in danger.

[Fala Awen]

[Planet, Abandoned City]

Awen gritted her teeth as she listened to the Talaxian carrying on about how the Discovery had arrived unprepared. Of course, he wasn't entirely wrong, but she certainly wasn't going to admit that. She herself had been following orders and besides, it all seemed to be a moot point now.

Hearing the Talaxian leader surprised her. Perhaps he was trying to show Kirok that he had things under control. Maybe it was innocent...or maybe he had an ulterior motive. Regardless, it seemed that her new 'friends' would have to escort her back unharmed. That much was a relief, though the Bajoran had to admit she was a bit disappointed she wouldn't get to explore the city further.

"This... this is Foreman Eividx from the Western Excavation Salvage Operation.  We had a slight incident, we caught this Federation officer in the excavation zone.  By herself.  She nearly harmed herself in a dangerous area.  We can have an escort bring her back, but its better than Starfleet getting hurt and requiring assistance."

Awen glared at Eividix; he was outright lying. She hadn't nearly harmed herself nor had there been an incident. Something to straighten out later. Hopefully Kirok would realize that she wouldn't have gone off and caused an incident or gone into a dangerous area, but perhaps he didn't know her well enough yet.

"It would appear that the Head Merchant has changed his plans.  Let's go, I'll take you back, Ms. Federation." he said, leading her on.  He shook his head as they started back.  "You lucked out this time... but next time, watch out before you step into a... dangerous... area."

Begrudgingly, Awen allowed Eividix to lead her back to where the others were. She was still running scans on the area, but she couldn't risk checking her tricorder at this point. Awen considered what exactly to say to him. It would probably be better if she simply remained quiet, but she just couldn't help herself. "It wasn't just luck. I've been trained to deal with various situations. And that area was far from dangerous, from what I saw....unless there's something about that abandoned city that I don't know. I don't suppose you'd care to share?"

Her dark eyes glanced over at him, her serious expression intact. It was doubtful that he would reveal anything useful, but it was worth a try at least. The journey back to the others wouldn't take that long, unless the Talaxian decided to try some other kind of deceit. Of course, he had been asked to bring her back unharmed, so that would limit what he could do...in theory.

OFF: Tag Tekin

[Declan Vincent]

[Bridge]

EQ pulled his hand back and laid it on the console.  He smiled in response to the compliment.  "Thanks, Declan.  I'm sure we are gonna be great friends.  Good work, by the way" he replied sincerely.

[Bridge]

Vincent smirked. "That file of yours made it happen so we can pat each other on the back later if we survive this." He thumbed behind him toward the view screen with the Talaxian ships. "Maybe you'll appreciate this but I have some Romulan Ale that needs to breathe.."

[Bridge]

For the first time since they came to this planet, Nevir actually let go a smile.  Nodding without looking back, he responding to the engineer.  "Take the primary Engineering station.  You earned it. Keep a monitor on the complex core, we've already shut down the alpha core after that first hit.  Mr. Kimball, see if we can extend that comm link to the surface."

There was no response, but Nevir surmised that they had been jamming all communications, and right now the shuttles were still unable to respond... but from what Kimball and Vincent said, they should be able to hear us.  "Keep the comm channel open, they might not be able to respond yet."

"Mr. Wu, if you can hear us, we've been able to adapt your Borg solution to restore our communications. That last fighter seems to be the leader, and I would imagine they have the most experience with their Borg upgrades.  I have one last trick up our sleeves, and I need you to keep them focused for a couple minutes while I prepare the deflector dish.  On my signal, we'll need you and your shuttles to break off.  If you can't respond, that's alright, just stay on guard."

"Mr. Vincent, Kimball, prepare the dish for a graviton pulse.  A ship that size should prove unable to resist that."

"Aye Sir." Vincent responded to the XO's order and moved to the the big chair...Not the Captain's chair, but the engineering station here on the Bridge. It offered more data than the previous station and could do more than monitor the warp core if it came to that. He had the complex core , plasma containment and other critical infrastructure all showing current information. The engineer certainly didn't want the core going anywhere near the red and have to take it offline. It wouldn't just affect warp drive but over all power which would rely on the auxiliary batteries. "Monitoring the core, Commander, still within the perimeters but I can't guarantee  it won't become unstable with all these Talaxian hits." He reported to Nevir.

Then the liberated Borg turned his attention back to the XO.  "Aye, Sir.  Working to extent comm systems back to the planet.  It will take a minute.  But I'll get it done as fast as I can" EQ said.  Intending to get to the second command after he finished the first.

Vincent listened to Kimball. "I can divert warp power to the dish - as long as the core holds and it better damn well - Mr. Kimball, if you give me a few minutes you can do your magic." He watched the readings from the core and if concern was a stallion, it would be galloping to high heaven by now.

[LK Reede]

[Sickbay]

Between blunt force trauma and plasma burns, the little shipboard hospital was packed.

LK leaned over to allow a nurse to swab her forehead of the sweat that beaded there. The patient was lightly sedated, still aware and just about ready to get back to work.

"Just about finished, ensign. Try not to break any other bones for a while, okay?"

"I'm security, doctor. It's just part of the job." His glance at his arm -now straighten out- showed a willingness to return to the bridge.

LK nodded, laid the protoplaser on the instrument tray then pulled the Osteotractors aside. "Looks like you're ready to go." A slight smile came to her lips. Just enough to indicate she was joking. "I don't want to see you back here again, ensign Briggs."

[Kirok]

[Planet]

[NPC - Geefix]

"I apologize in advance for my people, Admiral.  They are typically more well behaved than this.  Especially around important buyers such as yourself" he said.

[Planet]

"It's understandable" Kirok said, playing the role of the diplomat.  "But you understand my hesitation to continue our talks.  Until my crew mate has been returned at least" he said.

[planet side]

The Vorta had a plan. He wished he could tell the Admiral. His plan was that he had super hearing. If he could sneak and hide from the alien merchants. He would be able to spy on them. If he can hear himself sneak he will feel they can hear him but he was super quiet when he needed to be. His species could do that but they never had pulled it off.

When the opportunity came to be. He would share that to the Admiral. Because he could scout out. Or possible save the crew member who could possible be in danger.

[Planet]

Kirok noticed movement from at his side.  It was the Votra doctor.  "What is it, Dr. Riverbank" Kirok asked softly.

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

Vincent smirked. "That file of yours made it happen so we can pat each other on the back later if we survive this." He thumbed behind him toward the view screen with the Talaxian ships. "Maybe you'll appreciate this but I have some Romulan Ale that needs to breathe.."

"Aye Sir." Vincent responded to the XO's order and moved to the the big chair...Not the Captain's chair, but the engineering station here on the Bridge. It offered more data than the previous station and could do more than monitor the warp core if it came to that. He had the complex core , plasma containment and other critical infrastructure all showing current information. The engineer certainly didn't want the core going anywhere near the red and have to take it offline. It wouldn't just affect warp drive but over all power which would rely on the auxiliary batteries. "Monitoring the core, Commander, still within the perimeters but I can't guarantee  it won't become unstable with all these Talaxian hits." He reported to Nevir.

Vincent listened to Kimball. "I can divert warp power to the dish - as long as the core holds and it better damn well - Mr. Kimball, if you give me a few minutes you can do your magic." He watched the readings from the core and if concern was a stallion, it would be galloping to high heaven by now.

[Bridge]

"Don't thank me so quickly.  That file was originally created by Mr. Wu.  I was just the guy who remembered it was there.  So, he should get a taste to that ale.  If we survive this" EQ replied.

Kimball poised his finger over his board.  "Just say the word.  I'm ready to go" he said.

[Lennox Ainsley]

[Bridge]

"Don't thank me so quickly.  That file was originally created by Mr. Wu.  I was just the guy who remembered it was there.  So, he should get a taste to that ale.  If we survive this" EQ replied.

Kimball poised his finger over his board.  "Just say the word.  I'm ready to go" he said.

[Bridge]

There had been so much going on around him; and Lennox had to admit being partially useless during the battle - or so he had thought. He glanced over at EQ and to the person named Declan, his brow raising at the mention of alcohol but decided not to intervene.

"Anythin' I can 'elp wit'?"

[Demlion Riverbank V]

[Planet]

"It's understandable" Kirok said, playing the role of the diplomat.  "But you understand my hesitation to continue our talks.  Until my crew mate has been returned at least" he said.

[Planet]

Kirok noticed movement from at his side.  It was the Votra doctor.  "What is it, Dr. Riverbank" Kirok asked softly.

[planet side]

As a Vorta he understand how good ears could be by other races. He understand that special trained inviduals could read lips. So he moved up near Kirok. The Vorta had gave Geefix a warm smile. It was a big smile which the Vorta was thinking. You can't fool me. "Excuse me, I need to share something to the Admiral."

Then he turned his back slightly facing toward the Taxlian. The Vorta had whispered. "Sir, I have really good ears that allow me to hear what is being said, and I can attempt to sneak off to aid anyone. It is your call," he shared. The Vorta would share if Geefix was lying.

[Alexander Wu]

"Mr. Wu, if you can hear us, we've been able to adapt your Borg solution to restore our communications. That last fighter seems to be the leader, and I would imagine they have the most experience with their Borg upgrades.  I have one last trick up our sleeves, and I need you to keep them focused for a couple minutes while I prepare the deflector dish.  On my signal, we'll need you and your shuttles to break off.  If you can't respond, that's alright, just stay on guard."

[Shuttlecraft Stockwin]

"Okay, let's give Tekin his distraction..." Alex pushed the throttle open, sending the nimble little shuttle bursting forward to overtake the remaining enemy ship. "Tabernac, this is a really dumb idea..." He muttered as they willingly turned from hunter to prey. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, the cutting beams flew uncomfortably close to Stockwin's hull, their left dorsal edge getting singed badly from a near-miss.

"Anytime now, Tekin." Alex commented to noone in particular as they dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged through the lattice of deadly green tendrils.

[Declan Vincent]

"Don't thank me so quickly.  That file was originally created by Mr. Wu.  I was just the guy who remembered it was there.  So, he should get a taste to that ale.  If we survive this" EQ replied.

Kimball poised his finger over his board.  "Just say the word.  I'm ready to go" he said.

[Bridge]

Vincent chuckled. "Would the lieutenant commander not just confiscate the ale as officer prerogative?" He jest, referring to Wu. His fingers danced over the console. "Just a moment, Kimball my boy, power is streaming to the dish but with the alpha core offline, have to nurse it a long since the complex core has to carry all the weight..."

[Bridge]

There had been so much going on around him; and Lennox had to admit being partially useless during the battle - or so he had thought. He glanced over at EQ and to the person named Declan, his brow raising at the mention of alcohol but decided not to intervene.

"Anythin' I can 'elp wit'?"

Vincent turned his head, glancing at Ainsley's rate insignia on his collar. "Petty Officer, we are about to fire off a graviton pulse if we can get the power..." He stared at the power output indicator.."Finally...Kimball, you have sufficient power for your needs.." The engineer stroked the interface as if the ship itself was alive and needed to be pampered for a job well done less the fates itself unleash a very poor omen.

"A little French emperor once said 'victory belongs to the most persevering'. I hope he's right." He stated as he waited for the graviton pulse to be initiated.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Bridge]

Vincent smirked. "That file of yours made it happen so we can pat each other on the back later if we survive this." He thumbed behind him toward the view screen with the Talaxian ships. "Maybe you'll appreciate this but I have some Romulan Ale that needs to breathe.."

"Aye Sir." Vincent responded to the XO's order and moved to the the big chair...Not the Captain's chair, but the engineering station here on the Bridge. It offered more data than the previous station and could do more than monitor the warp core if it came to that. He had the complex core , plasma containment and other critical infrastructure all showing current information. The engineer certainly didn't want the core going anywhere near the red and have to take it offline. It wouldn't just affect warp drive but over all power which would rely on the auxiliary batteries. "Monitoring the core, Commander, still within the perimeters but I can't guarantee  it won't become unstable with all these Talaxian hits." He reported to Nevir.

Vincent listened to Kimball. "I can divert warp power to the dish - as long as the core holds and it better damn well - Mr. Kimball, if you give me a few minutes you can do your magic." He watched the readings from the core and if concern was a stallion, it would be galloping to high heaven by now.

[Bridge]

Nevir nodded, with a smirk on his face.  "No point in leaving it powering only three nacelles. Divert the power, the stronger the pulse, the better." he said, as he watched the bridge prepare the pulse.  On screen, Alex seemed to have gotten the message, as the shuttles were moving frantically around the Talaxian ship, narrowing avoiding shots and keeping the ship's attention away from the Discovery.

[Bridge]

"Don't thank me so quickly.  That file was originally created by Mr. Wu.  I was just the guy who remembered it was there.  So, he should get a taste to that ale.  If we survive this" EQ replied.

Kimball poised his finger over his board.  "Just say the word.  I'm ready to go" he said.

[Bridge]

There had been so much going on around him; and Lennox had to admit being partially useless during the battle - or so he had thought. He glanced over at EQ and to the person named Declan, his brow raising at the mention of alcohol but decided not to intervene.

"Anythin' I can 'elp wit'?"

"Mr Ainsley, target their weapons, fire after we hit them with the pulse." he said, as he watched the action in front of him.  He remained silent for only a moment, before nodding.

"Mr. Kimball... activate the graviton pulse."

[Tekin Nevir]

[Planet, Abandoned City]

Awen gritted her teeth as she listened to the Talaxian carrying on about how the Discovery had arrived unprepared. Of course, he wasn't entirely wrong, but she certainly wasn't going to admit that. She herself had been following orders and besides, it all seemed to be a moot point now.

Hearing the Talaxian leader surprised her. Perhaps he was trying to show Kirok that he had things under control. Maybe it was innocent...or maybe he had an ulterior motive. Regardless, it seemed that her new 'friends' would have to escort her back unharmed. That much was a relief, though the Bajoran had to admit she was a bit disappointed she wouldn't get to explore the city further.

Awen glared at Eividix; he was outright lying. She hadn't nearly harmed herself nor had there been an incident. Something to straighten out later. Hopefully Kirok would realize that she wouldn't have gone off and caused an incident or gone into a dangerous area, but perhaps he didn't know her well enough yet.

Begrudgingly, Awen allowed Eividix to lead her back to where the others were. She was still running scans on the area, but she couldn't risk checking her tricorder at this point. Awen considered what exactly to say to him. It would probably be better if she simply remained quiet, but she just couldn't help herself. "It wasn't just luck. I've been trained to deal with various situations. And that area was far from dangerous, from what I saw....unless there's something about that abandoned city that I don't know. I don't suppose you'd care to share?"

Her dark eyes glanced over at him, her serious expression intact. It was doubtful that he would reveal anything useful, but it was worth a try at least. The journey back to the others wouldn't take that long, unless the Talaxian decided to try some other kind of deceit. Of course, he had been asked to bring her back unharmed, so that would limit what he could do...in theory.

OFF: Tag Tekin

[Eividx, Abandoned city]

The Talaxian smirked as the two started back towards the Foreman.  Miss Federation was trying, he had to give her credit for that.  He shook his head as they moved, the gun pointed down but not put away.

"That location is an excavation zone, and we're setting it up for a major operation.  That's all you need to know.  Geefix is aware of what's there, trust me." he said, walking down the semi-busy streets.

He kept silent after that, glancing up towards the sky.  Right now, they should be almost done with their latest... haul.

[Kirok]

[planet side]

As a Vorta he understand how good ears could be by other races. He understand that special trained inviduals could read lips. So he moved up near Kirok. The Vorta had gave Geefix a warm smile. It was a big smile which the Vorta was thinking. You can't fool me. "Excuse me, I need to share something to the Admiral."

Then he turned his back slightly facing toward the Taxlian. The Vorta had whispered. "Sir, I have really good ears that allow me to hear what is being said, and I can attempt to sneak off to aid anyone. It is your call," he shared. The Vorta would share if Geefix was lying.

[Planet]

Kirok offered the Vorta a nod.  Then he followed the man's movement.  Noticing that he had turned his back to their host.

His left eyebrow arched slightly.  The man's gifts never ceased to amaze him.  Perhaps it would come in useful.

"I rarely like to separate the Away Team.  Especially when one of them has found trouble.  But should you wish to run ahead and meet with them, I could see fit to dismissing you.  Especially if you can help make sure she returns safely" Kirok said, speaking of Ms. Fala.

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

Vincent chuckled. "Would the lieutenant commander not just confiscate the ale as officer prerogative?" He jest, referring to Wu. His fingers danced over the console. "Just a moment, Kimball my boy, power is streaming to the dish but with the alpha core offline, have to nurse it a long since the complex core has to carry all the weight..."

Vincent turned his head, glancing at Ainsley's rate insignia on his collar. "Petty Officer, we are about to fire off a graviton pulse if we can get the power..." He stared at the power output indicator.."Finally...Kimball, you have sufficient power for your needs.." The engineer stroked the interface as if the ship itself was alive and needed to be pampered for a job well done less the fates itself unleash a very poor omen.

"A little French emperor once said 'victory belongs to the most persevering'. I hope he's right." He stated as he waited for the graviton pulse to be initiated.

[Bridge]

"Nope.  Mr. Wu wouldn't do that.  He was enlisted at one point.  He is super cool.  You're gonna like him" EQ said when he looked up.

[Bridge]

Nevir nodded, with a smirk on his face.  "No point in leaving it powering only three nacelles. Divert the power, the stronger the pulse, the better." he said, as he watched the bridge prepare the pulse.  On screen, Alex seemed to have gotten the message, as the shuttles were moving frantically around the Talaxian ship, narrowing avoiding shots and keeping the ship's attention away from the Discovery.

"Mr Ainsley, target their weapons, fire after we hit them with the pulse." he said, as he watched the action in front of him.  He remained silent for only a moment, before nodding.

"Mr. Kimball... activate the graviton pulse."

[Bridge]

"Aye, Sir.  I'm getting right to it" EQ said.  He had just completed the first order the man had given him.

So he stared clacking buttons.  Pulled up the graviton pulse.  "Firing, Sir" he called out.