Lt. Haukea-Willow: Project Hail Mary.
Aly Drolet
((Capricalian Patrol Vessel Theirr, Capricalian System, Former Romulan Empire Space))
Darkness blanketed them both inside and outside of the Theirr, making it difficult, as expected, to observe the movements of the Orion vessel without the aid of radar and various other sensors. One could only imagine how the larger craft circled over them, scanning the shrapnel of their shelter.
Likewise, despite sound’s inability to transmit beyond their enclosed space, Haukea subconsciously slowed her breathing, attempting to make as little noise as possible, lest she attract the enemy, meditating in the peace.
Continuing to meditate, Haukea closed her eyes beneath her standard issue helmet listening to the ambient sounds of sh’Sonora providing repairs to the cloaking device. While having partaken in several engineering courses herself, Haukea was basic at best, wondering how the Andorian was able to navigate the internal wiring while the entire space around them was pitch black.
Eventually, after what subconsciously appeared as the passage of five minutes, the security officer spoke.
Willow: Anyone got a good internal sense of time? Wishful thinking we could have had a Vulcan with us. Anyway, after what collectively feels like 20-30 minutes have passed we can activate emergency power, keep it minimal and assess the situation, perhaps get out of the sector and back on our way to Capricalia.
Wethern: Head for a bar and wait for this to blow over?
sh’Sonora: After a day like this? I could go for a ch’Aniri Blue, Sir. Or several.
Yet, despite the joking, partially from her end, Haukea could understand the hesitation present in the other officers. As an officer herself, she understood both sides of the situation. While there was logic in an evacuation, equal effort was sustained when attempting to attract the vessel in a bait and switch method. Reasonably, the more effective method was in fact entirely illogical for a set of rule following officers.
Wethern: Just say for a hypothetical that the other vessel doesn't move on, they have enough supplies to last several days. We would struggle more than a few hours in the suits. We should probably think of a backup plan....just hypothetically.
sh’Sonora: Well, about that, we have more time than we think, Sir. Sure, that pirate vessel has a lot more endurance than us, but do you know who has even less? ::She points out to open space.:: O2 scrubbers run on minimal power, which extends our EVA suit’s endurance considerably. The pilot who ejected doesn’t have that luxury. The other fighter craft is a single seater, so they won’t be able to pull a retrieval. Eventually our pirate vessel has to before the pilot runs out of oxygen. Which means they have to get in transporter range, drop their shields, and leave themselves vulnerable.
Willow: The riskiest move is going to be performed by those that have the greatest amount to lose. We should restrain ourselves from following suit unless absolutely necessary.
The good doctor provided a barely visible incline to his head. On the other hand, as a minder to personal safety and security, the chief, aware of the personal risk versus the immediate reward, had voiced her opinion - and would continue to do so. Additionally, the Risian, throughout their whole survey of the Capricalian system had been extremely mindful of the damage that could be inflicted to the Theirr - should they engage in direct contact with other vessels, such as the present Orions chasing them - reminding her of Fairhug's direct order, to avoid conflict at all possible and only engage as a last resort. As of yet they had barely managed to avoid disobedience.
Wethern: That is a good point. Is there any way we could blind their sensors, make a quick escape? Do we play a longer game and beam aboard if they appear and infiltrate the ship?
sh’Sonora: That’s a tough one, Sir. We could blind and run, but they could match us in speed and beat us in endurance. Not sure if we can reach help in time before they frag us. We could also infiltrate, but we’re still looking at the equivalent crew of a Bird of Prey. That might be a lot to handle… unless we can disable most of the crew… hmmmm…
Willow: Despite the risk in initiating a chase, we have to be mindful of the risk versus reward. Fairghug had originally warned us against engaging in unnecessary combat. I believe we are reaching the point of engagement where it would be better to enact a hit and run.
sh’Sonora: Sir, did you bring photonic grenades?
The security chief had brought a whole arsenal of weapons, tactical gear thrice fold, several hand phasers, her trusty phaser rifle, combat tricorders, the provided defence systems of the Theirr and her own combative skill. Yet, no photonic grenades due to inaccessibility during ship combat.
Willow: Due to limited space and combat as a last resort, I forwent them.
sh’Sonora: Okay, so get this. The Orions drop their shields to pick up their pilot, right? If we can get close enough we can go right into their projected shield bubble and magnetically clamp onto their hull. Too close to shoot, nav shields will be too weak to repel us, then we can crank the power and do what we want. Including… transport over some numerical equalizers before they board us.
Willow: Despite Corey, ::She eyed the doctor with a friendly scowl, current flashes of previous adventures far from her conscious mind:: and Ross having melded into an historical anomaly, I agree with his solution.
In response Corey laughed with such intensity it split the sides of Haukea’s mouth with the force of her own smile.
Wethern: You are right, maybe I have been spending too much time with Ross.
sh’Sonora: Hey, if I ever proposed this crazy stunt to my tactical professor back at the academy he would fail me on the spot. Still, beats being killed or captured, right?
Willow: Engsign, I don’t mean to dismiss it out right. However, taking into account risk versus reward, we are at a tactically indisposed position that would produce significant damage, or risk to our persons by entering near the Theirr. I do not see the reason to enter close combat at this particular time.
sh’Sonora/Wethern: Response
Willow: It would do well to keep our hideout, attempting to regain our tactical advantage once we reignite the engines. Once we blind the Orion vessel, disabling their electronic systems - an EMP will suffice - we can attempt to establish communication and have them stand down.
sh’Sonora/Wethern: Response
Opening hailing frequencies would likely produce merely static, the Orion vessel declining both to respond and stand down. Nevertheless, one had to give it a sustained effort before agreeing to significantly more risky combat oriented routes.
Willow: I will only appeal to more direct, close quarters methods once all other avenues have been exhausted. A last hail mary if you will.
sh’Sonora/Wethern: Response
Lt. Haukea-Willow
Chief of Security - Crisis Response
Starbase 118 Ops
M239512BG0
Ad Astra Per Aspera/To The Stars With Difficulty - Una Chin-Riley
