Commander David Cody: From Storm Swirled Skies.... comes a Prometheus

[hoodsdavid]

((Bridge - USS Daedalus))

:: They all listened as the Gemini gave them the breakdown of the unfolding events. David and Elizabeth shared a unsettling concern. Electrostatic storms, on a global level, one shuttle blasted to smitherines, just over three hundred people below trapped, along with the Intelligence officer in charge along with members of the Gemini crew. David breathed a long breath, taking stock of the situation. oO It could be worse, Oo he admitted. Had those Klingon ships still been active, this might have ended up a two edged sword. ::

:: After a moment of contemplation, David surprised himself. ::

Cody: Alright, let's hear some recommendations, folks.

:: Elizabeth opened, then shut her mouth, as if uncertain to voice her opinion. The officer on Tactical, however, responded first. ::

Tactical: If E'dax here confirms, the best means of extraction is to take us in. Once clear of the storms, we should be able to beam them aboard.

:: Denton visibly shuddered before shooting a glance back at Tactical. ::

Denton: Flying through a storm like that, what do you think I am, Mozart? That's if the shields hold.

:: David held up a hand, stemming further contributions as he considered the idea before swiveling to the science station, where the Trill scientist, E'Dax, remained silent and impartial. ::

Cody: E'Dax, is it?

:: She nodded once. Two pips adorned her collar. ::

Cody: Lieutenant, I would welcome your opinion on this.

:: The Trill officer returned to her station a moment, studying something, before she swiveled back to face him, sober and serious. ::

E'Dax: Realistically, even if they had transporter buffers, it may not be enough to buffer the patterns from orbit. As far as the ship, our shields may or may not react with the electromagnetic properties of the atmosphere. However, Mr. Vist's suggestion taking the Daedalus below the storm is not without merit. Close enough, the planet's electrically charged atmosphere will not interfere with the Daedalus' shields.

:: David heard a condition in those words and voiced it. ::

Cody: I hear a but, Lt. E'dax. Let's have it.

::E'dax's eyes closed briefly, as if consulting before continuing her assessment. ::

E'Dax: Denton is correct. We have no way of knowing if the planet's atmosphere would interfere with our shields.

:: The turbolift doors opened to reveal a dark, auburn haired woman somewhere in her mid to late thirties with glistening green eyes step in. A pinched mouth and surprisingly round, kind eyes stopped just inside the bridge to take in the latest comment. ::

Greyson: Aya, softie, isn't it? It'd be a spit 'for some nasty 'ol storm took me ship out. I'ma thinkin' modulation of them shield frequencies should do ta trick.

:: David took one look at the engineering Chief and nearly laughed his ass off. oO Definite not one to cross, Oo he reminded himself, someone managing to keep a straight face as he leveled his attention on Greyson. ::

Cody: So you're of the opinion the Daedalus will be just fine diving below cloud level without interference from the transporters. ::

:: Greyson's huff conveyed her opinion on the matter. David shook his head and looked to Scythe, who studied the viewscreen in front of them. ::

Cody: Alright, Ms. Scythe... or is it Mrs. now?

Scythe: Bite your tongue, sir. ::struggling:: I can't see another way. We need to take the dive.

:: David pursed his lips as he folded his hands together. On principle, he agreed, although there were considerations. Technically, the USS Gemini had the right to make the descent as their people were involved. However, given the reports from the Gemini crew along with the scans they were getting here, debating the issue only delayed acting swiftly. ::

Cody: ::after a long moment:: Alright. Denton, find us a direct route. Shields are to kept modulated during the descent and ascent. I want round the clock monitoring, as I don't want to see the Daedalus grounded. Clear?

:: Despite a few groans, the message delivered. Greyson practically glowed as both Denton, E'Dax, and the tactical officer, Vist, looked unthrilled with the prospect. Still, what choice did they have? Some of the Gemini's crew were down there, yes. They were first on scene, at the same time, the outpost fell to Intel's jurisdiction. David squared his shoulders. It wouldn't be the first time he'd end up taking the brunt. ::

Vist: Rotating shield harmonics.

Denton: Course plotted. We're not going into the heart, sir. We'll descend on the outskirts and fly in.

:: Nodding, David could accept that. ::

Cody: Let's do it. Denton, take us down.

:: The helm officer muttered something too low for David to catch, but he shared the Ensign's worry. Not even he would chance a storm like that, if there wasn't a choice in the matter. ::


((Garridon V))

:: Darkness swirled, with the crackles of lightning and the booming echoes of thunder. The expanse of ocean covering most of the planet churned, with waves over a mile high threatening to engulf what little of the planetary surface existed. A swirling darkness offering very little light. ::

:: The dark shape of the Prometheus-Class Starfleet vessel broke from above, streaming out of the clouds to streak several feet underneath while the lightning burst, some of it striking the shields to explode in a bubble of electrical fire around the ship as it skimmed a few miles above the surface of the planet, streaking toward the collection of small islands within the equator of the planet. ::

((Bridge - USS Daedalus))

:: David waited, still in the chair while the crew danced around, solving small electrical problems on spot. Denton continued navigating to the outpost now up on the viewscreen, and coming closer. David studied the half-completed structure and curled his mouth into disgust. ::

Cody: On this planet? Were they nuts?

:: E'dax turned from her station. ::

E'Dax: I'm detecting about three hundred and ten lifeforms.

:: David opened a com. ::

Cody: =^= Transporter rooms, on deck. We have an en mass transport of several hundreds and I'd like to get this done in one pass. Beam them all directly to the flight deck and watch where your coordinates. =^=

:: Closing in, Denton punched in something on his station. ::

Denton: Slowing rate of flyby. I don't want to test the lightning.

:: A strike flashed before them, just off to the left. David narrowed his eyes. oO This is just too close for comfort. Oo ::

Cody: Steady... steady.

:: And then they were above the outpost, two miles up. ::

E'Dax: Directly above, Commander.

Cody: =^= Transporter rooms, engage! =^=



((Garridon V))

:: Across the board, the swift beams of the transporter beams locked on and swept the outpost staff and crew off planet as the Daedalus plodded across the skies of the compound. ::


((Bridge - USS Daedalus))

:: E'dax danced her nimble fingers across the console, avoiding Commander Cody's reflection. Dax seemed to have a great deal of fun tormenting her about it, although she felt too embarrassed to deal with it right then and there. So what? It wasn't every day she came across someone she found appealing. Within, Dax chuckled and suggested something that made her turn two shades red. She checked, making sure before forcing herself to turn around and address the Commander again. ::

E'Dax: Confirmed, Commander. We have them all.

:: David shot her a look and nodded before turning his attention to Denton. ::

Cody: Denton, get us out of here.

Denton: Already on it! Climbing to outer stratosphere. Three minutes.

:: David breathed a sigh of relief and stood up out of the chair, indicating Scythe. ::

Cody: Let's go reassure them they're out, and where they are. Let's get the Gemini crew back to their ship and find our Intelligence officer in charge.

:: Scythe nodded, standing up to join him as they made their way to the turbolift. David knew the feeling, having suddenly been beamed out without warning and not knowing what was going on. He shuddered, thinking of where that happened as they entered, letting the doors close. ::


((Flight Deck - USS Daedalus))

:: Doors open, David and Scythe stepped out onto a deck filled with what looked like civilians, with a spot or two of what might be actual officers within the Fleet. He didn't need his limited, new-found abilities to sense the mass confusion. ::

:: Scythe stepped up and brought a whistle to her lips, blowing it loud before the commotion died down and turned toward them. David glanced at her, crooked smile flashing. Effective little tool. He returned to the mass of people occupying his flight deck and tapped into the com systems. ::

Cody: Ladies and gentlemen. First, let us apologize. We determined there wasn't enough time to inform you, and rather than establish communications, decided the best course of action was to descend and beam all of you directly onto the ship. You are aboard the USS Daedlaus, a Prometheus-Class Starfleet vessel. We are currently ascending off planet, which based on what little I saw, I'm sure we're all glad to get off. ::indicating Scythe:: This is Lt.Cmdr. Elizabeth Scythe, the first officer of this vessel. I am Commander David Cody, temporarily commanding this vessel, although it is not my permanent command.

Anyone: [TAG]

Cody: We have been told there are members of the Gemini staff among you. The Gemini is in orbit and we will arrange to have you beamed back aboard your vessel in short order. ::eyes searching:: Where is the Intelligence officer in change of this outpost operation?

Anyone/Weston: [TAG]

:: David landed on the man, and smiled briefly. oO Don't we both know... Oo ::

Cody: I'm afraid we'll need to hold onto you for a bit, as we both know how Intelligence likes to be updated on a timely matter. ::sympathetic:: I'm afraid we're going to have to debrief you, Mr. Weston.

Weston: [TAG]


TBC...


Commander David Cody
(temporarily commanding)
USS Daedalus, NX-69510

"There is no great invention, from fire to flying, which has not been hailed as an insult to some god.”
― J.B.S. Haldane