Ensign T’Fearne - What Phaser Setting Does it Take to Light Up a Tholian?
Teayl Thorn
(( OOC: follow on from Ensign Cecil Valo - Smashing Pumpkins ))
((Warrior Sports, Promenade, Commercial Sector, Beta Module))
As the three crew members—Raga, Osiris, and T’Fearne—set up the Forward Operating Post on the promenade, they are joined by additional Ronin security personnel Solana and Rork, as well as the newly assigned Ensign Valo.
T’Fearne acknowledged her returning crewmates with a nod. She had taken Solana’s measure in the torpedo bay and was reassured by her presence on this mission. She regarded the newcomers with a curious glance. Noting one at least shared her glittering obsidian gaze indicating a Betazoid and the other was clearly Bajoran.
Raga: Good, you’re all here. ::He whistled softly to draw the attention of those in the room and tapped an icon on the LCARs for the primary console in the room, opening a line to all Security personnel and a single fighter outside the station:: =/\= This is Raga, I regret to inform you all that our little ploy to bait the Lattice Alliance hasn’t gone as planned. The Ronin and Khitomer engaged them, but it’s safe to assume what they engaged was a decoy of their own. The Lattice Alliance is on its way here, now and it’s clear they left a while ago. Less than an hour you said, Major? =/\=
The Vulcanoin tensed slightly at the Commander’s whistle, anticipating a flare-up of her earache. However, whatever Beck had done seemed to have alleviated the issue. As the gravity of Raga's words sank in, she felt a cold, hard lump settle in her stomach at the display showing readings of the trouble heading their way. She allowed a neutral expression to shield her face, choosing to focus on logic not instinct in this moment.
Singh: =/\= Response =/\=
Kiran: Response
Raga: =/\= Thank you Major. Get your people back here on the double and plan your defense based on the new data. Until our ships can return, you and your pilots are the only thing keeping them outside. =/\=
Singh: =/\= Response =/\=
Raga: =/\= Good, all teams if you haven’t finished your assigned tasks then double your efforts and get to your positions. Raga out. =/\= ::He looked to those in front of him:: Solana, you’re on quick response with Epsilon squad. Osiris, grab Bekka and T’Van, you three are on overwatch.
Solana and Osiris nodded briskly and darted off to complete their assignments.
Kiran: Response
Valo: What can we do sir?
Raga: Easy. You four are with me. We’re Seiuri Squad. We’ll hold the FOP but also are a quick response force if needs be. ::He gestured to the back wall lined with temporary weapon racks:: Ensign Valo, take your pick.
T’Fearne noted Raga's choice of Type 204 SOSAR, modified with a grenade launcher. He clearly meant business.
Valo: A 33 feels appropriate. ::A barely perceptible smile:: Besides, they are especially suited to combat in tight quarters. They were instrumental in the retaking of DS17. Plus, the stock is really great for smashing…::He looked up and shifted self-consciously.:: Um, pumpkins?
T’Fearne::: Giving the Betazoid a Vulcazoid eyebrow rise at the comment:: Here are the spare power packs. :: Stepping over to him and opening a supply case of rifle power cells and passing spares to the Bajoran and Raga::
Kiran: Response
Raga: The Sheliak and Tholians are both silicon based lifeforms. Heavy stun won’t have as much of an effect on them as they would on us. So, be sure to set your weapons to setting six. To that end, be damned careful what you shoot at. We’re going to have a hard enough time not losing anyone as is without friendly fire. Understood?
Valo: Aye sir.
Kiran: Response
T’Fearne: Acknowledged Commander.
The gym-turned-armoury was filled with a series of sharp clipping, snicking and the whine of power packs as the gear was adjusted.
Adjusting her Phaser Rifle to the flesh-peeling setting, T’Fearne methodically checked her gear. Her long fingers ensured her phaser rifle was in optimal condition. She wondered what a setting six disruption would do to a Tholian or Sheliak. Noting that her personal Aquilla phaser couldn’t be adjusted to setting six, she swapped it for a Type 2 phaser with a pistol grip, which her thigh holster could accommodate.
Raga: Good. Questions or concerns? ::He looked to the two Ensigns:: Chief Kiran and I have been through this a few times together and separately, we know what to expect, so now's the time to show your fears and worries so we can temper them with experience and hope.
Valo: I’m sorry to admit this sir, but I’m feeling a bit unprepared for the battle at hand. ::He looked to the group as a whole.:: Who exactly are we dealing with and what sort of combat tactics are they likely to employ?
T’Fearne::: To Raga:: On that note, given what you mentioned about their tactics, if they breach the station, they won’t be aiming to stun or take prisoners. What are our protocols for dealing with prisoners in this scenario?
Kiran: Response
Raga: Response
The Vulcazoid, accustomed to violence from her childhood during the tumultuous Dominion occupation of Betazed, was well aware that Starfleet’s peacetime protocols required capturing prisoners for proper authorities and opting for a strategic retreat rather than escalating tensions. However, she also recognized that they were on the frontier of wild space, potentially facing the onset of a significant conflict. Sometimes, standing firm against a bully was necessary.
Valo: Commander, if the plan is to destroy this station as a last resort, and both supporting vessels are unavailable for evacuation…
He paused, grimacing, the implications left unsaid.
T’Fearne::: Holding a PADD that she had been running scenarios:: Could we take some of their ships if we needed to? Lure them aboard the station into a trap, take their vessels?
Raga/Kiran/Valo: Response
T’Fearne::: Giving a slight shrug:: My other ideas are a bit more far-fetched, consisting of moving the station somehow or transporting a few teams onto the enemy ships. Get everyone off station, blow it up as they arrive to confuse their fleet so our vessels can escape.
Raga/Kiran/Valo: Response
T’Fearne hesitated before asking a follow-up question, organising her thoughts about a growing suspicion.
If the incoming contact is significant and the Lattice Alliance ships arrive within the hour, it would be illogical to assume a coincidence that at the same time, we launched a ruse, they acted against DS33.
Raga/Kiran/Valo: Response
[Tags, TBC]
Ensign T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14