" Getting Crowded "
Previous Post: "What's Happening?"
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Stardate: 60298.1430
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Looking at the sensor readouts that were continuing to fill her console, the Romulan/Terran hybrid a growing discomfort take over her body. The ANUBIS was a highly armored ship well capable of taking care of itself should an all out battle erupt, but its tactical systems had not been fully tested, and not to the extent that might be required should all of the vessels currently in orbit of TOLAR IV or on approach found then out. Luckily it seemed that everyone’s attention was on the planet itself which meant that it would be the ILO who would have to primarily deal with this issue, not them.
Lt. Seth, the Sec/Tac officer, glanced at his tactical station with growing trepidation; things had gotten too crowded too quickly. “Confirmed, we have two Ferengi High-Marauder heavy cruiser class ships in orbit moving to the other side of the planet and a Cardassian Galor-Class Destroyer positioning itself for a geostationary orbit on this side. The Hirogen Venatic-Class Tracker will be in orbit of the planet in approximately 20 minutes along with an Orion High Warp Scout that has just entered our long-range sensors and which is also on course for TALOR IV.”
Sighing heavily at the news that the situation had become even more problematic than it had been only a few seconds ago, Capt. Simmons looked around at the members of his crew as he contemplated their next course of action. Following a few seconds of inward deliberation, the CO spoke, “Is there any signs that they have detected us?”
Answering the question that had been by designed meant for him, the Sec/Tac actually grinned as he spoke. “Negative sir, all of the ships’ sensors are directed to the planet. They are all searching for something, and they are searching hard and fast for it.”
The CsciO jumped in with her observation, not that it had been entirely needed since everyone knew why everyone had gathered to this particular world. “It seems that the news of the Mind Stone is no longer a secret and that it has attracted a great deal of attention. Judging by the way the Ferengi ships are conducting their scans, I would say that they have no clues whatsoever as to its probable location. The Cardassians on the other hand seem to have a good idea, their scans being much more targeted than those of the Ferengi.”
Having been monitoring the communications channels, it was the Romulan/Terran hibryd’s turn to offer more information to their CO. “The Cardassians are also being quite territorial about it, they have repeatedly warned the Ferengi to stay away and even threatened them of destroying their ships.”
The Sec/Tac officer chuckled. “Whoever is in command of that Galor-Class Destroyer is a little full of himself. Those two High-Marauder class heavy cruisers could easily take it down in a single combined salvo.”
Scanning her console for any updates on the situation, the Romulan/Terran hybrid added, “The Cardassians are playing mind games with the Ferengi. My guess is that they have no more an idea of where the artefact is than they do, but are making it appear as they do to support their threats. They know that they do not have the tactical advantage and are trying to keep the opposition guessing as to their true strengths.”
The holographic image of the XO appeared on the bridge, indicating that she had resumed her full duties in the IGC. [/\]If they are bluffing about them knowing where the Mind Stone is, they are putting up a good show of it. We just picked up three separate away teams beaming down to the planet. The Cardassians didn’t even try to camouflage their transporter signals. Looks like Enaii and Nikita will have some unwelcome company very soon.[/\]
Had the ANUBIS been with its full compliments of Marines, the CO would not have hesitated to send in reinforcements, but as it stood the MCO and the bulk of his troops were currently not available which had greatly reduced the number of options available to Capt. Simmons. “Enaii will have to take care of herself, right now the best thing we can do is monitor the situation and wait for an opportunity while hoping that things don’t get worse.”
Not missing a beat, Rawyvin jumped it. “Things just got worse, long-range sensors are picking up another Ferengi ship on course for TOLAR IV, this one is a freighter.”
The news of the new arrival sent the XO into a frantic sequence that was only partially visible through her holographic image. “Looks like the cavalry just arrived. The transponder signal of that freighter matches that of the CAPITAL VENTURE, it looks like our Marines have found their way home, now all we have to do is hope that they get here in time. The ship will be within transporter range of the planet in only 21 minutes.”
Having remained silent up until now, it was the CEO’s turn to comment. “21 minutes is a very long time to wait for reinforcements, even for Enaii.”
Surprised by the CEO’s apparent support of the ILO, the CO glanced back at the man before speaking. “All right, let’s try to find a way to help her. This ship is suppose to have the best equipment available and has the best crew onboard, there *has* to be something that we can do to give our people on the planet an advantage, regardless of how slight it might be.”
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Serena Switt {serena1141@yahoo.com.au}
Lieutenant Serenna
Chief of Operations / Second Officer
USS ANUBIS
