Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Commanding Officer) in Crossing the Klingon Border – Bridge

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Kul Valharra (Security Officer) in Crossing the Klingon Border – Bridge

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kastarak (First Officer / Navigation Officer) in Crossing the Klingon Border – Bridge
Posted by… suppressed (19) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Snip

“Then you, Kastarak, use your codes to delete your profile and Mr. Grey’s from the ships computer so they can’t look at the crew manifest and see that you’re part of the Chernov. If they ask about the other prisoners say that you killed them and spaced their bodies. Once w you all bring them down to me and “offer” me to them, and they accept, open my cell for and then you all stun or kill the other, but stun their Captain so we can take him prisoner.”

“Once that is going on Mr. Dawson will for upon the now, hopefully uncloaked Romulan ship and destroy it. But you can’t power up the weapons until you’re given the orders Mr. Dawson. I don’t want them to get wise to or plan or weary to it. Is that an ok of a plan? Frankly I’d like to capture the other ship and use it but I don’t see how at this time.”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

“Excuse me, Sir. Can we knock them out and then place them in stasis?” Pawl offered a suggestion. “And as for roughing you up as you humans put it, we could do that with some medical magic with makeup or prosthetics just unless you want the real approach??” As he focused his attention on the others. “this way if we lose power or a worse case they won’t die since the stasis units are on an independent system,” Pawl finished as he finished the idea. as he finished what he could from the engineering console. “I need to go to Engineering to finish making the adjustments I made to the systems hoping that will prevent any further detection from the Romulans or Klingons if that becomes an issue”. Pawl waited to hear what else might be said.

[[Lt_Jg ]] [[Pawl Batario]]
[[Chief_Engineer]] [[Uss_Chernov]]

“Good thinking Pawl. We need to do a quick medical magic. Don’t kill them, just knock them out....”. Chris just got another idea. “Ok. How about this. Work the medical magic on me. Then bring them down here to parade me around for them. Then give me to their Captain and ask to help you take me to their ship. Them once we are all on their ship, start stunning them and then we’ll have two ships and a bunch of Romulan prisoners. I’ll need a weapon that can be hidden on my person.”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

While Kastarak had been cautiously supportive of the captain’s plan, his latest comments made Kastarak a bit more weary.

“Captain, gentlemen, I must interject. Ethically, and, indeed, legally, it is hard to justify an offensive manoeuvre against the Vorta Vor. I can agree to a pretend-meeting with the senior crew of the Vorta Vor here on the Chernov, as it would allow us to be more safe and gather intelligence without the necessity of violence. Let’s circle back to plan the invitation of the Romulan captain and plan for our ‘cosplay’ so to speak, while allowing for the option of ‘knocking out’ if our cover is blown.”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Chris let out a breath. “Wise and logical as always. You’re right. We’re not here to start wars or take over ships. We’re here to rescue and need to be on that course. Play along with these Vorta Vor and let them be on their way. But see if there are any other of their ships in the sector. I’ll be in the Brig. Anthony else before I go get locked up?” He looked around.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Lt. Valharra looked at Lt. Dawson as if to ask if he wanted him to stay there at Tactical, or go with the Captain to the brig to help down there.
Lt. Valharra, Security Officer

“Yes, captain,” said Kastarak. “If this is to occur, then Mr Dawson and Mr Grey, and all other crew belonging to Federation non-Vulcan species, should join you in the brig, while we non-humans stay on the Bridge. Mr Batario is Betazoid, a species whose planetary government technically is neutral between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. He can stay as a guest. We’ll transfer Bridge control to the consoles in the Brig, so that you may monitor us during the meeting with the Vorta Vor crew.”

Kastarak looked around. “I propose therefore that I continue to play the captain of this ship, with Dr Symar and Mr Valharra by my side. Mr Batario will stay as ‘diplomatic attaché of Betazed’”.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

“Very well Commander. Keep bridge control with you and Mr. Grey. You might need it. I trust you and will do everything you say and react to you like your a traitor if you or any of you come down there. That goes for the rest of you as well. Which means if we have a chance to take back the ship and to do so it’s to hit you or any of you, we will do it. This needs to be believable. So come on lads. Let’s get put in the Brig.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

William stared at the discussion in disbelief until the Captain called them to action “Sir before we start an extremely risky false flag operation no one onboard is trained for with a mostly unarmed crew placed in a singular location. Can we take five minutes to consider the two other options available to us. Firstly discovering and blocking how they are tracking us rendering us invisible to their sensors, redirecting our flight and get across the border without incident. The second instead of a major operation”

He then added in a hushed tone “That we shouldn’t do without a contingent of Marines” He shook his head, his second vocal disagreement with senior officers was very draining for William “Why delay the attack, they obviously can’t detect where there are human presences on the ship nor can they risk an active scan. Set up an ambush on one of the hallways, take them out immediately, and don’t risk exposure. If we can’t discover their ship’s location when they’re off the ship having them onboard seems to high a risk”

CSO, 2O

Dawson was readying tactics for the captain’s plan when Commander Grey spoke up. Suddenly a new course took shape in his mind. “Sir,” Dawson said speaking up, “I think Commander Grey’s plan could well work. It would seem that the Voprta Vor is able to track us through the distortions created by the cloaking, but I believe these can be altered. If Lt. Battario can alter these signatures, then with an initial distraction, we should be able to slip away without the Vorta Vor even realizing we had. If my plan works, it might even be able to give you some breathing room with the empire.

“If we reconnect with the Vorta Vor, keep the transmission hazy, and tell them that the integration of the cloaking technology seems to be causing trouble with the “inferior” Federation technology. We then bring out a roughed-up Captain Taggart to show we’ve taken the ship. Then we begin to detect a problem before breaking off communications, and detonating a small explosion, which I believe Pawl and myself should be able to engineer. In the confusion of the explosion, we adjust our distortion fields to mask us from their sensors and make a getaway, leaving them to believe that the cloak’s integration caused the ship’s destruction. This would serve to not only get us out of the situation but also dissuade the Empire from attempting such an integration themselves while possibly convincing them that the captain is dead.”

Lt. Q Dawson, CWO

“Romulan Captains are never one to fall for ruses, but I’d say we could try anything once.”

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

OOC: Anything we can do to get going here?

-Kieron-

OOC: Yes, feel free to take the initiative and get the ball rolling. We’re a self-sim ship, so the storylines are done collaboratively in the absence of a GM. Sorry I’ve been away a few days.

Kastarak paused for a while. Then he looked around, trying to get the others’ attention.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “”Based on the collective input of the crew and the logical analysis of our current situation, we have formulated a strategic course of action that prioritizes our primary objective of escaping detection while minimizing potential conflict. The plan is as follows:
- Lt. Batario will modify the distortion signatures produced by our cloaking device to obfuscate our presence from the Vorta Vor’s sensor array.
- We shall initiate a deliberately degraded communication with the Vorta Vor, citing technical difficulties arising from the integration of Romulan cloaking technology with Federation systems.
- Captain Taggart will present himself in a state of apparent duress to create the illusion of a successful takeover of the Chernov.
- During the transmission, we will report a critical malfunction before terminating the communication abruptly.
- Lt. Dawson and Lt. Batario will orchestrate a controlled detonation to simulate a catastrophic systems failure.
- Utilizing the ensuing confusion, we will recalibrate our distortion fields to evade Romulan sensors and execute our departure.
- The intended outcome is to convince the Romulans of the Chernov’s destruction due to incompatible technology integration.

This strategy serves multiple purposes: it facilitates our escape, discourages further Romulan attempts at technology appropriation, and potentially provides diplomatic leverage for future interactions with the Romulan Empire. It is a logical approach that balances the need for deception with our ethical constraints against unnecessary violence or aggression. The probability of success, while not guaranteed, appears to be significantly higher than our previous proposals.”

Kastarak looked around again, seeking the captain’s eye contact.

“Captain? We need your assent to continue with this plan.”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Chris nodded. “Make it so. It is very logical. Now I need someone to rough me up to make it a believable duress. Don’t be shy just don’t kill me.”. He said as he chuckled.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

William raised an eyebrow “Well not me, I still can’t throw a decent punch without fracturing something” He said with a sigh, he was barely containing the adrenaline rush of having stopped his colleges from both inviting hostiles onto the ship and from blowing up a Romulan ship. Suddenly it didn’t seem so bad to have his position and rank.

CSO, 2O

Kastarak interjected. “For it to be believable, you need to fight back,” he said.

Kastarak then said to Taggart: “I will now hit you. It may hurt you considerably. You need to hit back. Do you consent?”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Chris took in a slow breath and let it out. “Give me a moment.” Then took another and looked up at Kastarak and punched with all his might at his friends face. He knew Kastarak could take it since Vulcans were a lot stronger and faster than humans. So it’s high chance the Chris could miss.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Kastarak hadn’t expected Taggart to make the first move (as Kastarak’s instructions were that he make the first move), and didn’t have time to react. As such, Kastarak’s nose was hit, and blue-green blood from his nose splashed across him, the floor, and over Taggart himself. Kastarak took two steps back. Kastarak felt his heart rate go faster, his blood pressure rise, and his chest tighten. Moreover, he felt also his muscles tensing. His face became hot – giving him a more greener hue than usual – and he noticed trembling sensations across his body. He realised his body reacted with anger, preparing him to punch back.

Kastarak leapt forward, walloping the captain with his two hands, using his body weight in an attempt to force the captain down to the floor. He wanted the captain to be bruised sufficiently in a way that a Romulan would. It had to look vicious – and it suited the feelings in Kastarak’s body. He was in a heat, so to speak.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

After Chris made contact and saw the look in Kastaraks eyes and at the point he knew f##ked up. Kastarak knocked Chris down hard onto the floor and although Chris tried to block the hits, most got through. This has to be believable and Chris needed to get beat down but he also had to land a few on the “Romulan” in front of him.

Chris tried to gran one of Kastaraks wrists and use the momentum to launch Kastarak off balance and move his left side to get out from under Kastarak and to get on top of him while trying hitting him in the chest and face.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Symar made sure to subtly keep an emergency medical kit to hand in order to heal both men once this facade was over.

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

While Taggart was on top of Kastarak, Kastarak cooled himself down a bit. He didn’t wish to injure the captain more than necessary, but thought, perhaps, it would be more believable if Taggart was just slightly more injured. He pushed the captain off him, attempting to injure him in the process by directing Taggart to the hard floor, avoiding the railing (Kastarak himself had earlier got a concussion from the railing).

Then he growled, “Enough!”

A second later, he was composed. “I believe this is sufficient. Captain, are you alright? Dr Symar – please assess his injuries. Do not treat unless necessary.”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Chris was indeed thrown but thankfully barely missed the railing. He rolled with it coming up in a crouch with his fists up getting ready to lunge when he heard Kastarak yell. He relaxed a bit and stood as tall as he could but with his chest and rib injuries he couldn’t stand straight.

Symar. Just make sure there’s no internal bleeding. The rest is fine and I can deal with it.”

Turning to Kastarak with a grin. “Well old friend. That was something. You sir are a very good fighter. When this is over I would like it if you thought me some new moves. Apparently I am a bit rusty at this.”. He said laughing.

“Certainly, captain,” Kastarak replied, using the sleeve of his Romulan uniform to dry off some blood from his nose. “You performed admirably, sir. You made a good strategic hit on the nose, but given the superior strength of both Vulcans and Romulans, I recommend you to avoid hand-to-hand combat with members of such species as far as possible. Had I used more of my strength and skill, you would not be standing now, sir.”

“I understand. Remember a few years back Grey and I went down to a planet occupied by Romulans....”. He stopped and snapped his fingers and winced in pain a bit. “That’s it!” Turning back to Kastarak. “When we were there we infiltrated a Romulan base and jacked into their main computer and downloaded a bunch of things! Now that we have the Romulan alphabet we can decipher those files and maybe find a way to find other cloaked Romulan ships!”

William cringed at the thought of that day, leading ground troops was so far beyond his duties that he was often surprised that he’d survived. He’d gotten the easier of the available assignments and still he’d barely survived, to date it was the only time he’d been wounded.

Turning to Grey. “Commander Grey. Remember that. We had a young Lieutenant with us and I forget his name but he was a hacker and programmer. The files are in my office in the safe on the South wall. The code is 06-20-79. Go and get it and give it to Pawl. Have him decode it and implement whatever he needs.”

The Science chief didn’t wait, he jogged to the Captain’s office to grab the files.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Running a medical tricorder over the CO, he sighed, “You certainly showed the Klingons you could fight Chris,” he said quietly.

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

Chris smirked and was about to reply when Kastarak cut him off.

“Decorum, doctor,” Kastarak called out. “We might be bloody, but on the bridge we still address the captain according to protocol. ‘Sir’ or ‘captain’.” After all, it was Kastarak’s job as first officer to ensure proper protocol on board.

“And what is the nature of the captain’s injuries? Any internal bleeding?” The inner doctor inside Kastarak came out. Now he was concerned about the captain.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Lt. Valharra stood at the Tactical station and watched the First Officer and Captain fighting.
Lt. Valharra, Security Officer

“Ok. Well you all have a surprise to plan for our guests. Kastarak has command of The Chernov. I’ll be in the Brig.”. With that Chris turned and went to the turbolift with the other humans on the Bridge.

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Willam returned with the files in hand and placed them in front of Pawl with a nod.

CSO, 2O