Posted by Gamemaster Mischief Maker (Gamemaster) in Bridge- Main Sim, The Secrets of Kovrano

Posted by Captain Aaron Foley (Commanding Officer) in Bridge- Main Sim, The Secrets of Kovrano

Posted by Lieutenant Demil Lis (Chief Science Officer) in Bridge- Main Sim, The Secrets of Kovrano
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻

<snip>

With not visible signs of distress, at least physically Vincent relaxed knowing the senior officer and cadets would be able to manage the other casualty hot spots on the ship, so decided to remain on the bridge concerned at the conversations happening around him, why would the Orions attack? He thought to himself.

Pilar took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to gather her thoughts. The crew seemed uninjured, and that was a relief. But her mind was racing from the surprise attack. If the Orions had indeed acquired advanced cloaking or sensor scrambling technology, it could mean a significant shift in the balance of power.

She turned her attention to the status displays, her fingers tapping the console hard, as she read the damage reports and systems statuses. “Lieutenant Zunara and Lieutenant Lis, how is our cargo?”

=/\= “It appears unharmed, ma’am, I’ll have my people scan the contents after we assess our labs,” =/\= Demil replied.

Lieutenant Tor, I need a full report on the structural integrity of Deck 5. Prioritize repairs on life support and containment fields.”

Pilar’s eyes narrowed as she considered their options. “Captain, if the Orions are using cloaking technology, we need to adapt quickly. We can’t afford to be caught off guard again. If they hit us once, they’ll try it again. We need to be ready.”

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

“I know Commander, and we are sitting ducks here right now. But with the attack to our power systems, we can’t do anything until the systems reset.”

It was definitely up there when it came to worst case scenarios. There wasn’t much they could do except wait for the Orions to come back around.

“Priorities. Once systems get back online, we need to get moving again. Second, have Lieutenant Lis work on reviewing whatever sensor data we were able to gather. See if we can figure out how they were able to sneak up on us.”

Pilar nodded, acknowledging the captain’s orders and the reality of their situation. “We’ll be ready, Captain,” Pilar said. She turned to the CMO, after her eyes scanned each face on the bridge. “Lieutenant Yancey, continue coordinating with medical teams. We need to ensure everyone receives proper care.”

Then she gave Lis and Tor orders through comms, “Lieutenant Lis, since the cargo is fine, you can review senor data and see if we can determine how the Orions manage to catch us off guard, and Lieutenant Tor, coordinate getting the systems are back online, then make sure repairs on Deck 5 are underway afterwards.”

=/\= “Aye, Ma’am. On my way to the labs,” =/\= Demil replied.

=^=Foley to Zunara. Deploy security teams to all critical areas of the ship.=^=

“In the meantime Commander, we just have to hope that the Orions don’t swing back around on us.”

Capt Foley - CO

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Yancey, CMO
Jake Ridgley | Contact Me
Discord: MintyNarwhal
Time zone: GMT0 | UK

As the crew busied themselves with their tasks, Pilar wondered how had the Orions managed to evade their sensors so effectively? It was a puzzle they needed to solve, and quickly. Their survival on the next attack depended on it.

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

Aaron tapped his fingers, waiting impatiently for the systems to be restored. This was definitely the worst part, just sitting here waiting for the Orions to turn the corner and come back for them.

=^=Foley to Engineering. How are we looking Chief?=^=

Capt Foley - CO

Within minutes, Foley would recieve data informing him that several officers were now spreading themselves out in the critically damaged areas.

-Lieutenant Zunara: Chief of Security-

“Captain, we’ve got security teams spreading out to the damaged areas to support efforts,” the NE said from the tactical console.

“Thank you Ensign,” Aaron said slightly distracted. His eyes were still fixed on the viewscreen. He hated to micromanage his department heads, but he hated waiting in the unknowing even more. Especially at this moment when they were a sitting duck.

=^=Foley to Engineering. Chief, I need something here. How long until we can get shields back?=^=

Capt Foley - CO

“Let’s see,” she muttered under her breath, reviewing the latest sensor logs. The Orions’ ability to evade their sensors was as puzzling as it was dangerous. She needed to crack their stealth techniques to give the crew a fighting chance.

With the communications link still open, she overheard Lieutenant Zunara coordinating the security teams. Pilar appreciated the efficiency, but her mind was set on the more immediate threat. She pulled up the ship’s tactical data, comparing recent sensor readings against known Orion profiles. Something didn’t add up. They couldn’t be using cloaking technology; their energy signatures would have been picked up, at least faintly. What were they missing?

She toggled the intercom. =^=Lieutenant Lis, any ideas on the sensor anomalies? I’m seeing gaps where there shouldn’t be.=^=

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

Someone at ops turned around. “Captain, Sickbay is reporting minor injuries but also one critical case.”

~Mischief Maker

“What’s the critical case?” Pilar asked, “Will they live?” She glanced at the Captain, her look wondering if she should go to sickbay and assess the situation herself.

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

“Ensign Helbrin had an accident on the holodeck. Waiting for an update from Sickbay but she’s just been transported there.”

A proximity alert sounded, and a second later before anyone could even confirm what the alert was about, another Orion ship dropped out of warp in front of them. They wasted no time firing. The ship shook hard. “Direct hit! Deck 5 again. Shields at 80%” The ship shook again, even harder. “Damage to port nacel-” Another hit. “Direct hit to Deck 5, Power Distribution. We having power issues all over the ship. Shields are fluctuating. Sensors are… variable.”

~Mischief Maker

Pilar’s breath caught in her throat as the ship shuddered under the relentless barrage. Her grip tightened on the edge of the console, knuckles white against the surface. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” she shouted, her voice barely audible over the alarms. “Orions again?” She bit back harsher words.

=/\= “Working theory is either the array was damaged or, more likely, jammed somehow,” =/\= Demil replied to her question of a few moments ago, the usually perfectly calm and measured CSO’s voice tense and exhausted-sounding.
All she could hear was the chaos of crisis management. Pilar’s eyes darted to the status displays flickering with unsettling irregularity, indicators flashing red across the board. Shields fluctuating. Damage to port nacelle.
She turned to the Captain, trying to keep her voice steady despite the adrenaline running through her veins. “Captain, I need to get to Engineering. If we lose power control, we’re sitting ducks.”

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

“Go!” he shouted at Pilar without even turning. Aaron’s focus was fixed on the viewscreen.

“Helm, evasive maneuvers. Bring our starboard side around, protect our port nacelle. Return fire. Target their weapon systems and engines, I want to know why they are shooting at us!”

“Firing phasers… minimal impact. The Orions have damn robust shields.”

He wasn’t even sure what weapons they had, let alone how fast they could evade any further attacks. This was definitely a bad situation.

“Send a distress signal to any ships in the area, we need assistance.”

Capt Foley - CO

“Distress call sent!” another voice called out.

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

Vince stood on the bridge, his eyes scanning the medical reports streaming in on the console he had borrowed. The data was coming in fast, detailing injuries and conditions from the ongoing situation on Deck 5. The preliminary reports showed a mix of minor injuries and a few more serious cases that would require immediate attention. Vince’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the information, his mind quickly formulating a plan.

Pilar’s breath came in controlled bursts as she rushed toward the turbo-lift, the ship’s violent tremors matched the pounding in her chest. Her grip tightened on the railing as she pushed through the shuddering of the ship. The Orions were relentless in their attack, and she knew every second counted.

He glanced around the bridge, ensuring everything was in relative order. The crew was managing well, handling their stations with competence and composure. Satisfied that there were no major medical emergencies to address here, Vince made his decision. With a quick, decisive movement, he approached the XO, who was overseeing the bridge operations. “Commander, I’ll be heading to sickbay to assist with the situation on Deck 5,” Vince said, his tone quick but respectful.

The turbo-lift doors slid open just as the ship lurched from another hit. Pilar staggered but caught herself, bracing against the frame. She was about to step inside when she heard a familiar voice call out to her. She turned to see Vince striding toward her. He reached her just as she stepped into the lift and she quickly hit the override to hold the doors open.
“Dr. Yancey,” she said, her voice taut with the strain of their situation. Pilar nodded to his proposal to head to sickbay, “Understood. Make sure everyone gets the help they need,” she replied, “We’ve got critical damage in Engineering. I’m on my way down to help stabilize the core and the shields.”

Vince gave one final glance around the bridge before making his way to the turbolift. As the doors closed, he mentally prepared himself for the work ahead, ready to provide the necessary medical care and leadership in sickbay.

Lieutenant Yancey, CMO
Jake Ridgley | Contact Me
Discord: MintyNarwhal
Time zone: GMT0 | UK

As the lift stopped on the Engineering deck, she placed a hand on his shoulder and said. “Stay safe, Vince. Hopefully, this is all over soon.”

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)
=/\= “Bridge, they found a very small blind spot we didn’t even know about, I do not believe this was random,” Demil reported tersely. “They appear to be aiming to disable us, my recommendation is to lock down critical systems and data and prepare for boarding.” =/\=

=^=Plug that blind spot Lieutenant. I don’t want them sneaking up on us again.=^= Aaron said as he shifted in his seat as the Challenger started turning away from the Orions.

=/\= “Yes sir,” =/\= Demil replied, closing the channel.
The ship maneuvered away from the Orions, keeping their damaged nacelle facing away. The Challenger was a smaller ship, but only by a little, and it seemed like the Orion ship was designed for this sort of precision attack.

“Captain, the Orions are moving away… and they’re gone.” On the viewscreen, the Orion ship clearly went to warp.

~Mischief Maker

As Aaron watched the Orion ship jump to warp he wasn’t sure if he should be grateful that they left before inflicting more damage on the Challenger, or pissed that they would just hit and run. But for now they had a breather.

=^=Foley to Engineering. Commander give me some good news.=^=

Crosspost: =^=Captain, We’re doing everything we can down here, but we need a break from the bombardment. Can you shake them off our tail, even for a minute?=^=

=^=You just got your break X. But I’d recommend working fast, as it’s only a matter of time before they come back around.=^=

Crosspost:
=^=Acknowledged, Captain.=^=

Viveca had quietly joined the bridge. She had joined the ship back in space dock and was still learning the rhythms and foibles of the crew. She often found she learned best when observing people in action, keeping out of their way but within reach for when she could be called into action. Truthfully, she found people tended to notice her blond-haired frame wherever she went given her height, regardless of whether she wanted to be inconspicuous anyway.

She took over a nearby station to assess the situation while she listened for the Captain’s next move.

~Viveca Arlander~

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

A voice, speaking rather softly given the chaos, sounded from Foley’s commbadge. =/\=Aryal to the Captain. I’m with Cadet-=/\=

=/\= Conway, Sir =/\=

=/\=I’m with Cadet Conway on Deck 6, between Cargo Bay 1 and 2. We have an intruder and I’m pretty sure they are after our cargo. One person. I’m armed, but send backup.=/\= Of course, the captain knew more about their enigmatic lounge host than anyone on the ship.

~Demara, Lounge Host

And if the day could get any worse. =^=Understood Demara. Lay low, backup is on the way.=^=

=^=Bridge to Security. Intruder on Deck 6, between Cargo Bay 1 and 2. Cadet Conway and Demara are both there, they are reporting a single intruder. Keep it quiet, we don’t want them shooting any of our people.=^=

Capt Foley - CO

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

After a minute Aaron turned to look over at the operations NE.

“Any chance we have the power to put up containment fields around Deck 6? Try to limit the intruders movement to that deck? And start a scan of the rest of the ship, make sure we don’t have any other uninvited guests.”

Capt Foley - CO

The officer grimaced. “Possibly, but with power distribution being so variable I’m not sure we could ensure the integrity of any part of the field. We could engage emergency bulkheads. That would keep intruders from escaping that deck, but it would prevent anyone else there from getting out, as well as prevent help from getting in.”

~Mischief Maker

“And that could prove just as problematic… No, don’t close the bulkheads.”

Aaron sat back in his chair, where were the Orions, and what were they doing on his ship. He looked over at Viveca. “Thoughts on what they might be planning?”

Capt Foley - CO

=/\= Cadet Conway to the bridge. Apologies for the blatant breach of protocol, but I thought you should be aware that it appears our deck six intruders are making for cargo bay one =/\=

Cadet Zachariah Conway - Medical (crosspost)

=/\=Just one intruder, actually. And they slipped into the cargo bay. I heard the door close,=/\= Demara chimed in.

“They clearly want something, when it comes to Orions I’d say I agree with the earlier assessment that the thing they want is our cargo,” Viveca replied, “The better question is why they’d risk boarding us and their ship just went to warp. I’d watch our systems, make sure there’s nobody accessing them who shouldn’t be. This could be an attempt to take the ship. Why would the ship just up and leave their boarding party? Either the ship is coming back soon or they have plans to take this ship to meet up with them.”

~Viveca Arlander~

“Agreed. And based upon their past moves, I expect them to be back shortly. It feels as if they’ve been wearing us down slowly but surely. They know we’d most likely win in a head to head fight, but they are quicker. So jump in, hit us, and be gone before we can react.

“If it was me, a single operative, maybe 2, to verify that the cargo is actually on our ship. And if they have time, sabotage the ship as much as possible before the next attack run.”

=/\=Aaron, I’ve got the read on this. Let me do my thing. Back up is almost here, I promise I won’t do anything too crazy… this time,=/\= she said, her tone filled the sly smile likely on her face.

~Mischief Maker

Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe it wasn’t the best move letting Demara on the ship, but then again how could they have ever predicted this kind of scenario.

=^=You know you don’t always have to be the hero right?=^= he said with a breathy laugh. =^=Try not to put too many holes in my ship, and if it gets too dicey pull back and wait for backup. We have more then just you to think about these days.=^=

Crosspost:
=^=Captain, let us know when they appear again. I know it won’t do much but at least we will know where we are if or when they hit us again.=^=

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

=^=Acknowledged Commander. No promises on how much advanced notice I’ll be able to give though.=^=

Capt Foley - CO

=/\=I have a plan and trust me, Foley, I’m well area that this isn’t about me. Deck 6 out.=/\=

~Demara, Lounge Host

=/\= “The vulnerability is only exploitable at warp,” Demil reported. “I’m working to fix it, but I recommend being alert if we return to warp before I finish.” =/\=

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

Aaron let out a short snort. Right now he didn’t have warp engines, but the solution was to stay here as a target, instead of making a run for it. Great.

=^=Make it quick Mr. Lis. We’ve only got so many hits left that we can take, and I’d prefer to be a long ways away from here before the Orions come back around again.=^=

Capt Foley - CO
=/\= “Aye, sir,” =/\= Demil replied, and cut the channel.

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

Aaron hated this waiting, and he couldn’t still any longer. Finally having enough, his nerves finally getting to him, he stood up and started pacing in front of his seat on the bridge.

“Anything on sensors?”

Capt Foley - CO

The NE shook his head. “No, Sir. They either aren’t anywhere in range or are able to mask their signatures. But also, sensors are still really spotty. They seemed to know what they were doing by targeting Power Distribution.”

~Mischief Maker

“Orion Pirates usually do know a thing or two about hitting ships,” Viveca remarked, she wished for a moment she’d paid attention to the seventy million ramblings her ship designer father went off on as she was growing up, she listened just enough to pass her required engineering courses, but that was about it. Moving to a free console, she pulled up the data on hand for the attacks, “I’m going to use this time to review their past tactics. A good predictor of future actions is sometimes analyzing past actions,” She explained, it wasn’t much and she wasn’t sure what she could uncover, but it was something to do.

~Viveca Arlander~