What now?

Posted on Fri Dec 24th, 2021 @ 12:33pm by Captain Maia Sterling & Ambassador Amanda Blake & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Rick Gibbs & Captain Karyn Somers

Mission: The Riixian Insurection
Location: Starship Leto
Timeline: 239411.15

Captains Log Stardate 239411.15

"All away teams have beamed back from the Caliphate ships, all databases have been stripped from them as well as technology to increase, enhance and focus Betazed psionic energy. Two of the three teams met fierce resistance, fortunately, there were no casualties. We captured twenty-four Caliphate members. When examined they all had some type of device a kind of psionic neural implant inside their heads. Even now Lieutenant Doherty, Dr Hendon and Dr Samantha Blake are working to define the capabilities of the Caliphate technology, reverse engineer it and come up with a way to enhance our defensive and offensive capabilities. On a darker note, Marine commander Captain Gorebets, Lt Alessa Herria and Lieutenant Jace Wynn have been found dead in their quarters, their heads exploded from their bodies during a psionic attack. I want it noted that they died in the line of duty."

"The starship Hood informs me they should be underway in 2 hours. Damage control teams have restored partial main power systems and enhanced their shields and navigation. Work on their engines proceeds. So far it has been determined that the Caliphate with their devices can generate illusions, perform psycho telekinetic attacks and have the power to link their minds to geometrically increase the power of their attacks. The Caliphate we captured don't seem to have any remorse for their actions. Commander Toran's family has been captured by the Caliphate and taken to an unknown destination. Commander Toran assures me she can feel them. Not being psionically gifted I have to take her word for it. The ship is on yellow alert. I have ordered the removal of the implants from the Caliphate members as well as instructed our medical staff to use a neural inhibitor which will eliminate their ability to use their telepathic powers at all. I have cleared this course of action with the ambassador's and they assured me it was a prudent course of action."

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[ON]

- Bridge -

Maia sat in the centere seat on the bridge, while there was no dedicated viewscreen on a Norway class starship, the Leto was equipped with the latest in holographic displays. right now the display centered on the USS Hood even as she was being repaired by her crew and damage control teams from the Leto. Once almost completely red the ship was systematically being repaired and once repaired the display would turn green.

Robert sat at the medical station and checked the console. As Chief Medical Officer he was expected to do some bridge time. So here he was plus he needed a few hours away from sickbay.

"Mr. Gibbs Status report," The Captain asked.

"I don't even know why they are bothering to be honest." Rick tilted his head a little bit. "Not even numbers are going to help. Their tactics are sloppy already."

Those ships didn't have the firepower of warships, more like raiders, but with the caliphate technology, they were able to do a lot of damage and cause both of the Federation starships a lot of damage to equipment and personnel. Maia thought.

Ignorance was always a tactical disadvantage. She was proud of her crew for adapting, and adapting quickly to the changing circumstances. The Hood and the Leto came pretty close to being destroyed.

"Security alert one" Maia ordered.

Brannon replied," Aye Captain, Security Alert One implemented.

Brannon was checking all sensors as she looked for some answers. She did not like how the ill-prepared ships were able to do this damage to such heavily armed warships like the Hood and Leto. She was reviewing her sensor data of the conflict to try and get some answers. She wanted to be ready the next time. if we had to fight again.

"There is, however....another theory to be honest..." Gibbs glanced up.

"Do tell Mr Gibbs?" the Captain asked.

Gibbs glanced up a moment. "We go old school. Like really old school. Everyone tends to think on the high level of things the more technology advances. Sometimes, the best thing is what has worked in the past. If we alter all of the systems or at least say weapons, and defensive ones. To certain frequencies, I remember a hundred years ago, or that can be found in the database. They won't know how to deal with it."

Interesting research, but I think they chose the frequencies they have because it works with Betazoid minds. That is a good angle though perhaps there is a range of frequencies that we can use to shore up our defences." Maia said.

=/\= Bridge to Engineering, How are the repairs to the Hood proceeding=/\=

=/\= We're about two-fifths of the way their captain, =/\= Jamie replied, looking over her to-do list of repairs. =/\=You can get her back to base safely, but let's not have too many surprises on the way. I'd like a nice stint in drydock to be safe. =/\=

Jamie had spent a good portion of the last three days working straight through, mostly due to the lack of staff to spare, but she was reaching her limits.

Brannon replied, "Captain, I have been reviewing all sensor logs of the attack on the Leto and Hood. It appears the Caliphate weapon can be used to enhance the weapons on a ship if it is tied into the weapons systems. This causes the weapons system to be more damaging and also more powerful. I sent some information to Engineering so they can adapt our shields and any other Federation ship shield to protect them better against an attack by other Caliphate weapons systems as well."

"What do you think of our chances on the next encounter?" Maia asked for her tactical opinion?"

Brannon replied, "With these changes made we will be a more deadly adversary to them and will also be able to defeat them with far less damage from the fight. I also sent some enhancements for our weapons to allow us to defeat the Caliphate ships more easily. I suspect they will throw everything at us including the kitchen sink when we get there. They will know they need to stop us or they will lose all chances of continuing to exist as a threat Captain.

"If I may..." Gibbs glanced a moment, "That's not exactly what I meant. I meant if we turn ours down and to those old now unused ones, it might make a difference."

A red light flashed on Roberts console. A message flashed up telling him he was needed in Sickbay.

“ I have to return to sickbay. Permission to leave the Bridge?” He asked

"Granted" sterling replied.

Brannon turned around again, Captain, I have adjusted our sensor in weapons to a different frequency and It should allow us to detect any Caliphate ship coming close to us. I was able to get some information downloaded from the computer mainframe I had or Engineer to copy. This should give us a better chance and also a possible advantage if another Caliphate ship appears.

I also learned that the Caliphate has named the Leto as a top priority in their defences to survive. And I also have learned I am personally a top target to be stopped any way necessary by the Caliphate. I have taken the necessary security precautions to protect myself without it stopping me from performing my duties.

The sensors started blaring as another caliphate ship came out of warp.

"Red Alert, All hands to battle stations," Maia said.

Brannon replied, " The ship is a medium-size Betazed battleship, Their weapons are up and locked Gibbs lock on the ship's guidance systems and also the weapons systems. I want to take this ship if possible. But if not we will destroy it. Also Captain this ship has what appears to be another one of the weapons systems on it. It is also the source of the current people having headaches. I have adjusted the shield harmonics to try to lessen the effect."

Ensign Davis from Engineering came by the security station. "LT Brannon, I have the information to detect any handheld weapons hidden on the Leto. Here are the locations they are in now."

Brannon replied, thanks, She sent the locations to LT Somers, "LT Somers go get all these weapons at the locations I am sending you. Send anyone that interferes to the Brig. Also, anyone having one goes to the Brig As well. There are 7 weapons you are looking for."

Tapping her Commbadge =/\= Affirmative Lieutenant, mobilizing now, Somers out =/\= With that, she gathered the Rifles together and had their head to the given locations to take control of the weapons, she made sure the Rifles knew to send any troublemakers to the brig. With acknowledging nods the Rifles split into teams of three and moved out.

"Hail them" Maia ordered.

"This is Captain Maia Sterling the the Federation Starship USS Leto to incoming Betazoid ship. What are your intentions?" Maia said.

Captain the ship is hailing.

A woman appeared on the screen.

"This is Captain Tiavra Ivata of the Betazoid warship Ichelor. We were sent by the Betazed ruling house to assist and transport and Caliphate prisoners you might be holding and then to escort you to Betazed. Our intentions are peaceful." Captain Ivata said.

Maia looked over at Brannon to confirm Ivata's words.

Brannon motioned to the Captain to mute the audio so she could speak. I am showing signs it has a caliphate weapon. But when I read her thoughts she does not seem to be giving off the readings that other Caliphates operatives have been showing before. I think we may be in the true offer of an escort. I suggest we be on alert till we are sure they are legitimate> I received a message 4 days ago that did say we were being sent an escort but have not received information of the ship name or Captain. I sent you a copy of the report when I got it. The code word the ship will give is is Spock, if they are our escort."

"Understood, thank you Lieutenant. Bring back the audio." Maia said.

"Captain Ivata, come along side and if you like beam aboard. We are here until the USS hood can get underway, which unfortunately wont be for another hour." Maia said.

"Understood Captain Sterling, I send my coordinates to your transporter chief."

"Understood we will beam you aboard at your next signal. Leto out."

"Lt Brannon, Commander Toran, Mr Ryan accompany me to the transporter room." Maia said.

"Stand by battle station, Security alert 1." Maia ordered.

---Transporter room one----

Captain Ivata beamed aboard with three of her officers.

"Welcome aboard the Starship Leto, I am Captain Maia Sterling,
This is my First officer Commander Toran and my second officer Commander Blake and my Chief of Security, Lieutenant Brannon". Maia said by way of introduction.

"I am Captain Ivata, my executive officer Tamal, and my Security Chief Imara she said coming off the platform.

"Captain Ivata, Our ship detected Caliphate weaponry onboard your ship tied into your weapons. Is that now standard for Betazoid ships?" Maia asked.


Ivata looked almost embarrassed.

"Captain Sterling when dealing with a foe like this one learns to fight fire with fire. or one learns to live with the pain of having your friends heads literally explode without warning." Ivata said.

"Yes unfortunately We have suffered the same experience," Maia replied.

"Captain Sterling we have come to take the prisoners off your hands".

"Yes, of course. Lieutenant Brannon will take you to the brig and help you process them out. they have all been stripped of their telepathic powers temporarily and have had their caliphate chips removed." Maia informed her.

Ivata nodded.

"Lt Brannon escorts them to the brig and release the prisoners into her hands," Sterling ordered.

Brannon replied, "Aye Captain", They go to the turbo lift and in a few minutes exit on the deck. "Our brings are very secure and almost escape-proof. We use this part of the ship in case of trouble. There are no secure parts of the ship here to be damaged if they escaped. And no access to the shuttle bays to let them off the ship. Here we are."

I look at Hoda and smile, "You are being sent to a Betazed ship to be taken back to Betazed to stand charges, They may not treat you as nice as we did. This one is especially dangerous, She kidnapped me and was captured when the Leto crew broke me out. Captain, watch her closely she can shapeshift.

Brannon looked at the guards on duty, " All Betazed prisoners are being transferred to the control of the Betazed ship and Captain Ivata's control. Captain Sterling's order."

"I will keep her in check, Lieutenant" Ivata said placing a tracker/tracer on her. Then each of her cohorts in order.

"Ivata to Ichelor beam the prisoners to the brig."

"Aye Captain." came the response.

All the caliphate prisoners beamed back to the Betazoid ship, they were no longer Leto's responsibility.

"They will be placed in cold storage until their trials, "Ivata said.

"Very good Captain, I can now be at least less worried about the prisoners and more about the defence of our ship and Betazed. How are things going on Betazed right now we have not heard for a few days. Since communications with Betazed is slow sometimes?

"Betazed is now debating the merits of their membership in the Federation. It doesn't seem to be going well as Anti Federation
faction seems o be gaining ground." Ivata replied.

"I am going to be taking my mother's position on the Betazed council. You see when I was a small child they were killed by members of the Caliphate. My parents were once members of the Caliphate but left because they did not like what the Caliphate was doing. I plan to take my mother's place for the vote. I am Harvi Belbre. I was hidden away by some people from Earth as my foster parents till I was able to be able to protect myself." Brannon said.

"I joined Star Fleet and trained as a Security Officer and have been in Security at various assignments. I came here as the Chief of Security. My foster parents told me everything when I graduated from Star Fleet Academy." Brannon continued.

"So you're what all this fuss is about. We wondered why the Caliphate had concentrated so many resources to attacking this ship and the Hood. I wish you luck Lieutenant." Captain Ivata said.

[End]
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A post by:

Captain Maia Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lt Angelina Brannon
Chief of Security/ Tactical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant JG Rick Gibbs
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Jamie Dougherty
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916