Captain Karrod Niac - Never Give Up, Never Surrender
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Karrod Niac
Sep 15, 2024, 5:35:50 PM9/15/24
to USS Ronin – StarBase 118 Star Trek PBEM RPG
((Bridge, Deck 3, U.S.S. Ronin, Approximately Twenty Minutes After the Explosion))
Limping through space and trailing escaping atmosphere the Ronin closed the distance to the superweapon ship, their phasers reaching out like the twelfth round jabs of an exhausted boxer. Through the helm controls Karrod could feel the ship dragging itself forward and focused on the frantic work of keeping them from exploding from overloaded systems or a deadly collision with the clouds of debris now surrounding everything.
Carpenter: Filling 'em fulla daylight, boss!
Sims: RESPONSE
The short range sensors blatted in confusion as the Excalibur swooped across the Alliance line of fire.
Niac: Excalibur's power readings have gotten very....weird.
Not for the first time Sencha stirred deep within Niac and scolded Karrod for his lackluster scientific literacy.
Carpenter: Chief Alieth wants to try ANOTHER web? An "anti-Web"?!
Tucker:::eyebrows lifted in shock:: Is she out of her Vulcan mind? I don’t think we’ve got the juice to activate another beam, and even if we did, we’d blow the deflector.
Pulling the data packet across to the helm Karrod read it quickly but felt like Sencha was forcing herself forward into his consciousness, parsing and translating the data.
Sims: RESPONSE
Niac: If I'm reading this right Chief it looks like they're overloading their s-wave reactor. If they fire now, at this range, we'll lose both ships and the station.
Carpenter: Then we use it all. We funnel everything, and I mean EVERYTHING into the deflector pulse to match the Khitomer's. Weapons, shields, life support, the core, we push it all out with the Kitty's chronoton and into their stupid slimy, crystalline faces. We already have the counterwave formula, if we just-
Carpenter: Now or never, sir. If we don't push them back now...we won't at all.
The maw of the weapon ship angled towards them and began crackling with the twisting, eye rending black lightning once again. The Ronin was down to their final roll of the dice.
Niac: Chief, Mr. Sims, transfer all remaining power into the deflector dish. Including life support.
Sims: RESPONSE
There was a moment of pause and Karrod turned to their battered Chief Engineer.
Tucker: You sure, sir?
Niac: I'm sure I'm sick of seeing that ship in my sky, Chief.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: ::nodding at the captain:: Aye sir. Cutting all life support and diverting it to the deflector. I’ve also diverted the warp core into the deflector; the beam will blow out the deflector…if anyone cares….
Their phaser fire ebbed as the impulse drive failed and for a moment they simply hung in space relative to the massive Alliance super-weapon. All grew very still on the bridge as the distant whine of capacitors rang through the frame of the bridge.
Niac: Standby deflector pulse. If we live through this one you've all got the day off tomorrow. If we don't I'll expect you on duty bright and early.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Karrod surrendered the inert helm controls and stood, slowly dragging himself back towards the Captains chair and sitting heavily. Whatever Doctor Beck had given him was wearing off and the accumulated pain and exhaustion from his injuries was making him light headed but, in this final moment, there was no where else he wanted to be. All around him the Ronin seemed to draw in a breath and brace itself.
Tucker: Alright, I’ve got a massive power spike, and I need to get rid of it before we explode. Would you like me to release that energy skipper?
Karrod smiled back towards his officers...and friends. They'd given him more than he ever could've asked for, had pushed themselves and the ship beyond destruction to snatch victory from the jaws of certain defeat...and in this moment all he wanted was for them to survive the next few moments.
Niac: One last miracle, Chief.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
The comm system crackled to life and Karrod wondered if he was imagining the notes of anger he could hear in that placid Vulcan tone.
Alieth: =/\= To all Lattice Alliance ships and forces; we are targeting your flagship with a unique countermeasure we have developed against your weapons technology. Not only that, but this ship, and soon all Federation ships in the area, will be immune to your technology thanks to information provided by an informant recovered from your facilities. We urge you to withdraw from Sector Alpha 113 as quickly as possible. =/\=
Tucker: One deflector beam coming right up!
Karrod's hands wrapped around the armrest of the Chair as the ships lights flickered and died, the viewscreen the only system still bathing the bridge in any form of light. The Alliance gunship fired, the crackling malestorm of exotic energy erupting like lightning stolen from some mythical underworld only to collide with the Ronin's flickering deflector pulse. Karrod's breath caught in his chest as the beam lost cohesion for a moment, the ships power finally spent, but the Excalibur's beam joined their and turned both into a eye watering explosion of light. The s-wave was consumed and began feeding back along the length of the weapon ship, consuming itself in one last burst of arcane fury. The ship split apart across its long axis a second before their reactor finally breached.
And then the shockwave came for the Ronin.
There were no shields to protect them this time. The inertial dampeners had long since been crippled and barely stopped them all from becoming high velocity paste as the ship was slapped aside from the tumbling debris of the superweapon. Panels already dislodged by the battering the ship had absorbed tore loose from their mounts and slammed into the deck, wrecking consoles and chairs and very nearly impaling Karrod through the shoulder. Somehow he kept his seat as the ship bucked and lurched. Several long, nauseating moments later the ship stopped rocking and Karrod let out a breath. He tried to stand but some new pain in his ribcage kept him pinned to the Captain's chair for the moment. Instead he called out and hoped.
Niac: Let's not do that again....::He coughed painfully and was certain he'd picked up a few broken ribs::...everyone report...if you can't just stay still till we can get to you....
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: We’re venting atmo on several decks, and life support is all but depleted because of that. On the bright side, communications are up and running, and Commander Carpenter, you’re free to contact Excalibur at your leisure.
In spite of everything Karrod snorted a laugh at their Chief engineers surprisingly casual tone.
Niac: Please send the Commodore my compliments, Lt. Cmdr. Carpenter. I'd invite her over for dinner but...well...::he gestured around::...might take us a little while to find the good plates.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
The ever affable engineer not only got the comm system functional but even the viewscreen crackled to life. The jagged image reminded him of a cracked holodisplay he'd owned during his Academy days but Karrod wasn't exactly in a position to complain about it.
Nicholotti: =/\= Response =/\=
Niac: =/\= Commodore...on behalf of the Ronin...welcome to the Alpha Isles. Most of our systems are down...can you confirm the field is clear? =/\=
Tucker: =/\= Can the give us a helping hand? We’re going to have to start holding our breath very soon. =/\=
As if on cue the computer chimed with a warning.
Computer: Warning life support offline, five minutes of oxygen left.
Karrod patted the arm of the Captain's chair with enormous fondness and pitched his voice low.
Niac: I know, I know...it's ok. You can rest now.
The image on the screen widened and Karrod smiled openly as both Lt. Cmdr. Alieth and Mr. Raedai came into the visual field. Apparently the Excalibur had found his wayward away team and, to his eyes, they both appeared safe and healthy.
Alieth: =/\= Gentlemen, I am pleased to see you all again in one piece... more or less. =/\=
Niac: =/\= Don't worry Lt. Cmdr, most of the bleeding is internal. That's where the blood is supposed to be. I take it that your reconnaissance mission was a success? =/\=
Nicholotti/Raedai/Khitomer: =/\=Response=/\=
Alieth: =/\= In fact, Captain, not only did we find information on how to shield our ships from Sencha Radiation, but we rescued an old acquaintance of yours. =/\=
Karrod's face twisted up in confusion.
Niac: =/\= An acquaintance? =/\=
Alieth: =/\= The Salix symbiote is on board under the care of Lieutenant Lorana and Ensign Syrex. They has stated that they will only talk to Sencha... although I assume that you will be the next best option, if you are able to rock a skant like she used to do. =/\=
Karrod could see the secret smile on Alieth's lips but the name Salix hit Niac like a thunderbolt and suddenly Sencha was front and center in his mind, all but screaming through his senses.
Niac: =/\= Salix?! Sencha thought he died in the same accident that killed her! I can't...::Karrod shook his head and tried to regain control as Sencha roiled within::...we'll discuss this later. Excalibur, we're down to three minutes of emergency life support...if you can't get that power transfer setup I'm ordering the crew into the escape pods. Second time today actually...wonder if that ever happened before. =/\=
Nicholotti/Raedai: =/\=Response=/\=
Niac: =/\= Understood, the Ronin is standing by. And...thank you...all of you. =/\=
The comm channel snapped closed in a cloud of digital fuzz and the viewscreen returned to a view of the outside space. The ship was in a slow tumble but they'd rolled around lazily and were now facing back towards the still standing Deep Space Thirty Three. Space between them was littered with debris and twisted slag that used to be vital starship components but the station, hull marred by gouges and weapon scoring, shone like a torch in the dark.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Still distracted by Sencha raving within his mind Karrod barely heard the Chief pounding away on his barely functional engineering console before the man stood and made for the turbolift.
Tucker: Captain, I need to head to engineering to see this power swap. And if you don’t mind, I’ll take Ensign Sims with me.
Nodding as the two men left their powerless stations Karrod gestured towards the viewscreen.
Niac: By all means Chief. Going to be tough to enjoy that day off tomorrow if we can't breathe. Mr. Sims...I know you haven't been with us for long but after your performance today I'm certain you're right where you're supposed to be. Well done son. Very well done.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: Let’s go, rookie, we’ve got a power transfer to oversee.
Sims: RESPONSE
Karrod felt too exhausted to even chuckle as the two departed the shattered, quiet bridge. The reality that they'd survived...that the battle was over and the day was won...still hadn't entirely settled into his mind. Instead he turned towards his remaining senior staff member and offered a slow, weary smile.
Niac: You know Kirsty...it occurs to me your shift ended hours ago. What do you think would be adequate compensation for this egregious oversight?
Carpenter: Response
Karrod chuckled once and clutched at his ribs, pain and exhausted humor colliding.
Niac: Well I did tell Captain Shayne we'd meet for a drink on the station when this was all over. Be rude to cancel now. In fact, I'd say the honor of the ship may be at stake.
Carpenter: Response
Karrod smiled and gestured towards the viewscreen where the Khitomer, finally back under her own power, was slowly angling towards the station.
Niac: No rush Commander, seems like we've got all the time in the world.
Karrod could feel himself sagging into the Captain's chair as his injuries and exhaustion finally took hold but he kept his eyes fixed on the viewscreen as the Excalibur drew close and began hauling them back towards the station. And to whatever tomorrow would bring.
[Tags/End Act 3 for Karrod!]
((OOC: Congratulations everyone, that's a wrap for our big blockbuster joint mission with the Khitomer! The cost was high but the day is saved! Please begin wrapping up your act three scenes over the next few days and keep an eye out for a special coda from the command teams on both ships. We'll also be going to a very special location for shoreleave so keep an eye out for an OOC with some details! Fantastic mission everyone and a sincere thanks to our friends on the Khitomer and special guest Commodore Nicholotti!))
================================
Captain Karrod Niac
Commanding Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
V239509GT0
Limping through space and trailing escaping atmosphere the Ronin closed the distance to the superweapon ship, their phasers reaching out like the twelfth round jabs of an exhausted boxer. Through the helm controls Karrod could feel the ship dragging itself forward and focused on the frantic work of keeping them from exploding from overloaded systems or a deadly collision with the clouds of debris now surrounding everything.
Carpenter: Filling 'em fulla daylight, boss!
Sims: RESPONSE
The short range sensors blatted in confusion as the Excalibur swooped across the Alliance line of fire.
Niac: Excalibur's power readings have gotten very....weird.
Not for the first time Sencha stirred deep within Niac and scolded Karrod for his lackluster scientific literacy.
Carpenter: Chief Alieth wants to try ANOTHER web? An "anti-Web"?!
Tucker:::eyebrows lifted in shock:: Is she out of her Vulcan mind? I don’t think we’ve got the juice to activate another beam, and even if we did, we’d blow the deflector.
Pulling the data packet across to the helm Karrod read it quickly but felt like Sencha was forcing herself forward into his consciousness, parsing and translating the data.
Sims: RESPONSE
Niac: If I'm reading this right Chief it looks like they're overloading their s-wave reactor. If they fire now, at this range, we'll lose both ships and the station.
Carpenter: Then we use it all. We funnel everything, and I mean EVERYTHING into the deflector pulse to match the Khitomer's. Weapons, shields, life support, the core, we push it all out with the Kitty's chronoton and into their stupid slimy, crystalline faces. We already have the counterwave formula, if we just-
Carpenter: Now or never, sir. If we don't push them back now...we won't at all.
The maw of the weapon ship angled towards them and began crackling with the twisting, eye rending black lightning once again. The Ronin was down to their final roll of the dice.
Niac: Chief, Mr. Sims, transfer all remaining power into the deflector dish. Including life support.
Sims: RESPONSE
There was a moment of pause and Karrod turned to their battered Chief Engineer.
Tucker: You sure, sir?
Niac: I'm sure I'm sick of seeing that ship in my sky, Chief.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: ::nodding at the captain:: Aye sir. Cutting all life support and diverting it to the deflector. I’ve also diverted the warp core into the deflector; the beam will blow out the deflector…if anyone cares….
Their phaser fire ebbed as the impulse drive failed and for a moment they simply hung in space relative to the massive Alliance super-weapon. All grew very still on the bridge as the distant whine of capacitors rang through the frame of the bridge.
Niac: Standby deflector pulse. If we live through this one you've all got the day off tomorrow. If we don't I'll expect you on duty bright and early.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Karrod surrendered the inert helm controls and stood, slowly dragging himself back towards the Captains chair and sitting heavily. Whatever Doctor Beck had given him was wearing off and the accumulated pain and exhaustion from his injuries was making him light headed but, in this final moment, there was no where else he wanted to be. All around him the Ronin seemed to draw in a breath and brace itself.
Tucker: Alright, I’ve got a massive power spike, and I need to get rid of it before we explode. Would you like me to release that energy skipper?
Karrod smiled back towards his officers...and friends. They'd given him more than he ever could've asked for, had pushed themselves and the ship beyond destruction to snatch victory from the jaws of certain defeat...and in this moment all he wanted was for them to survive the next few moments.
Niac: One last miracle, Chief.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
The comm system crackled to life and Karrod wondered if he was imagining the notes of anger he could hear in that placid Vulcan tone.
Alieth: =/\= To all Lattice Alliance ships and forces; we are targeting your flagship with a unique countermeasure we have developed against your weapons technology. Not only that, but this ship, and soon all Federation ships in the area, will be immune to your technology thanks to information provided by an informant recovered from your facilities. We urge you to withdraw from Sector Alpha 113 as quickly as possible. =/\=
Tucker: One deflector beam coming right up!
Karrod's hands wrapped around the armrest of the Chair as the ships lights flickered and died, the viewscreen the only system still bathing the bridge in any form of light. The Alliance gunship fired, the crackling malestorm of exotic energy erupting like lightning stolen from some mythical underworld only to collide with the Ronin's flickering deflector pulse. Karrod's breath caught in his chest as the beam lost cohesion for a moment, the ships power finally spent, but the Excalibur's beam joined their and turned both into a eye watering explosion of light. The s-wave was consumed and began feeding back along the length of the weapon ship, consuming itself in one last burst of arcane fury. The ship split apart across its long axis a second before their reactor finally breached.
And then the shockwave came for the Ronin.
There were no shields to protect them this time. The inertial dampeners had long since been crippled and barely stopped them all from becoming high velocity paste as the ship was slapped aside from the tumbling debris of the superweapon. Panels already dislodged by the battering the ship had absorbed tore loose from their mounts and slammed into the deck, wrecking consoles and chairs and very nearly impaling Karrod through the shoulder. Somehow he kept his seat as the ship bucked and lurched. Several long, nauseating moments later the ship stopped rocking and Karrod let out a breath. He tried to stand but some new pain in his ribcage kept him pinned to the Captain's chair for the moment. Instead he called out and hoped.
Niac: Let's not do that again....::He coughed painfully and was certain he'd picked up a few broken ribs::...everyone report...if you can't just stay still till we can get to you....
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: We’re venting atmo on several decks, and life support is all but depleted because of that. On the bright side, communications are up and running, and Commander Carpenter, you’re free to contact Excalibur at your leisure.
In spite of everything Karrod snorted a laugh at their Chief engineers surprisingly casual tone.
Niac: Please send the Commodore my compliments, Lt. Cmdr. Carpenter. I'd invite her over for dinner but...well...::he gestured around::...might take us a little while to find the good plates.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
The ever affable engineer not only got the comm system functional but even the viewscreen crackled to life. The jagged image reminded him of a cracked holodisplay he'd owned during his Academy days but Karrod wasn't exactly in a position to complain about it.
Nicholotti: =/\= Response =/\=
Niac: =/\= Commodore...on behalf of the Ronin...welcome to the Alpha Isles. Most of our systems are down...can you confirm the field is clear? =/\=
Tucker: =/\= Can the give us a helping hand? We’re going to have to start holding our breath very soon. =/\=
As if on cue the computer chimed with a warning.
Computer: Warning life support offline, five minutes of oxygen left.
Karrod patted the arm of the Captain's chair with enormous fondness and pitched his voice low.
Niac: I know, I know...it's ok. You can rest now.
The image on the screen widened and Karrod smiled openly as both Lt. Cmdr. Alieth and Mr. Raedai came into the visual field. Apparently the Excalibur had found his wayward away team and, to his eyes, they both appeared safe and healthy.
Alieth: =/\= Gentlemen, I am pleased to see you all again in one piece... more or less. =/\=
Niac: =/\= Don't worry Lt. Cmdr, most of the bleeding is internal. That's where the blood is supposed to be. I take it that your reconnaissance mission was a success? =/\=
Nicholotti/Raedai/Khitomer: =/\=Response=/\=
Alieth: =/\= In fact, Captain, not only did we find information on how to shield our ships from Sencha Radiation, but we rescued an old acquaintance of yours. =/\=
Karrod's face twisted up in confusion.
Niac: =/\= An acquaintance? =/\=
Alieth: =/\= The Salix symbiote is on board under the care of Lieutenant Lorana and Ensign Syrex. They has stated that they will only talk to Sencha... although I assume that you will be the next best option, if you are able to rock a skant like she used to do. =/\=
Karrod could see the secret smile on Alieth's lips but the name Salix hit Niac like a thunderbolt and suddenly Sencha was front and center in his mind, all but screaming through his senses.
Niac: =/\= Salix?! Sencha thought he died in the same accident that killed her! I can't...::Karrod shook his head and tried to regain control as Sencha roiled within::...we'll discuss this later. Excalibur, we're down to three minutes of emergency life support...if you can't get that power transfer setup I'm ordering the crew into the escape pods. Second time today actually...wonder if that ever happened before. =/\=
Nicholotti/Raedai: =/\=Response=/\=
Niac: =/\= Understood, the Ronin is standing by. And...thank you...all of you. =/\=
The comm channel snapped closed in a cloud of digital fuzz and the viewscreen returned to a view of the outside space. The ship was in a slow tumble but they'd rolled around lazily and were now facing back towards the still standing Deep Space Thirty Three. Space between them was littered with debris and twisted slag that used to be vital starship components but the station, hull marred by gouges and weapon scoring, shone like a torch in the dark.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Still distracted by Sencha raving within his mind Karrod barely heard the Chief pounding away on his barely functional engineering console before the man stood and made for the turbolift.
Tucker: Captain, I need to head to engineering to see this power swap. And if you don’t mind, I’ll take Ensign Sims with me.
Nodding as the two men left their powerless stations Karrod gestured towards the viewscreen.
Niac: By all means Chief. Going to be tough to enjoy that day off tomorrow if we can't breathe. Mr. Sims...I know you haven't been with us for long but after your performance today I'm certain you're right where you're supposed to be. Well done son. Very well done.
Carpenter/Sims: RESPONSE
Tucker: Let’s go, rookie, we’ve got a power transfer to oversee.
Sims: RESPONSE
Karrod felt too exhausted to even chuckle as the two departed the shattered, quiet bridge. The reality that they'd survived...that the battle was over and the day was won...still hadn't entirely settled into his mind. Instead he turned towards his remaining senior staff member and offered a slow, weary smile.
Niac: You know Kirsty...it occurs to me your shift ended hours ago. What do you think would be adequate compensation for this egregious oversight?
Carpenter: Response
Karrod chuckled once and clutched at his ribs, pain and exhausted humor colliding.
Niac: Well I did tell Captain Shayne we'd meet for a drink on the station when this was all over. Be rude to cancel now. In fact, I'd say the honor of the ship may be at stake.
Carpenter: Response
Karrod smiled and gestured towards the viewscreen where the Khitomer, finally back under her own power, was slowly angling towards the station.
Niac: No rush Commander, seems like we've got all the time in the world.
Karrod could feel himself sagging into the Captain's chair as his injuries and exhaustion finally took hold but he kept his eyes fixed on the viewscreen as the Excalibur drew close and began hauling them back towards the station. And to whatever tomorrow would bring.
[Tags/End Act 3 for Karrod!]
((OOC: Congratulations everyone, that's a wrap for our big blockbuster joint mission with the Khitomer! The cost was high but the day is saved! Please begin wrapping up your act three scenes over the next few days and keep an eye out for a special coda from the command teams on both ships. We'll also be going to a very special location for shoreleave so keep an eye out for an OOC with some details! Fantastic mission everyone and a sincere thanks to our friends on the Khitomer and special guest Commodore Nicholotti!))
================================
Captain Karrod Niac
Commanding Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
V239509GT0
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