"Executive Fumble"
Previous Post: "Escape"
/\/\/\
Stardate: 60325.1355
Setting: SPHINX, Command Section
Waiting for Ens. Summers or Lt. Pravat to report back on their progress in rescuing the crew of the MERCURY the Romulan/Terran hybrid kept a close watch on the instruments of the SPHINX. Having disabled the outer most defences, the Marines had given the MCU a respite but the XO knew that other dangers were out there.
Sitting next to the Romulan/Terran hybrid the ANUBIS' CNS had also been watching the sensor readouts, Ens. Mei focussing instead on the probes and the VIPER. Keeping a watchful eye on those elements and their movement it made sense that it was the CNS who reported on the developing situation. "Sensors just picked up a launch; at least I think that it was a launch. The electromagnetic interference on this planet is making any sort of accurate sensor reading almost impossible."
Turning her attention to the console in front of the CNS, the XO tried her best to make sense of the information being displayed. "That interference is most likely one of the primary reasons why this world was selected for the prison. Even with us sitting almost on top of the compound our instruments can barely get any readings on it."
Turning over what little data the sensors had been able to gather, Ens. Mei pointed out to the facts as she had seen them and explained her reasoning. "There was a sudden increase in air displacement about two miles North-East of here. I believe that the displacement was too localized to be a natural phenomenon, not that there is any real way to be certain. I am sure that Lt. Cmdr. Maya would be able to find some sort of scientific explanation for it, but I did notice something that is supportive of my theory."
Looking at the CNS with puzzlement and a distinct look of annoyance brought upon by the Ensign's apparent adoption of the CSciO's rambling ways, the Romulan/Terran hybrid silently demanded for a point and case to the explanation that she had been given thus far.
Realizing that she had been combating her own nervousness through chatting the CNS rapidly corrected her error and gave the XO a more direct explanation. "Lt. Cmdr. Enaii has broken away from the fight and has taken VIPER 1 after whatever left the compound. I doubt that our ILO would have engaged in a pursuit if the displacement had been caused by any sort of natural phenomenon."
Nodding her agreement the XO quickly returned her attention to her instruments having realized one of the consequences of the departure of their air support. With the interceptor engaging the ground forces that had been sent out of the compound, the SPHINX and the officers therein had suddenly become a much more tempting target.
Having studied the layout of the terrain, which unfortunately had been flat sand for the most part, the XO decided to employ the safest possible course of action for the time being. Pointing at the screen, the Romulan/Terran hybrid relayed her plan to the only other officer onboard the SPHINX. "Back us up to that depression in the sand, it is not deep enough to hide us but it will give us added cover and improve the effectiveness of our holographic camouflage."
Following the orders as they had been given, the CNS waited until the SPHINX had arrived at the location indicated by the XO before making her inquiry as to the 'holographic camouflage' the Romulan/Terran hybrid had spoken of. Having been relatively new to the ANUBIS and not having had the time to review all of the mechanical specifications of each and every specialized vehicle the SCARAB-Class Cruiser had at its disposal, the news of this ability had come as a surprise. "Sorry about being so ignorant, but what exactly is this holographic camouflage you spoke of?"
Not at all looking surprised or upset by the question, the XO did her best to explain the protective system that had been incorporated into the SPHINX's design from the start. "The holographic camouflage system enables the SPHINX, as well as the BARRACUDA and LOCUS which are also equipped with this technology, to become nearly invisible when not moving. The holographic matrix uses the immediate surroundings to create an image that hides the vehicle. A sensor dampening field is also generated but given the electromagnetic interference of this planet I doubt that it will be all that necessary."
Liking the idea of being invisible, the CNS eased back into the co-pilot's chair as the XO engaged the system she had just spoken of. As a gentle hum filled the SPHINX followed by a dimming of the lights, indicating that the system had been working, Ens. Mei realised that there had been one major flaw to the plan set into motion by the Romulan/Terran hybrid. "Commander, we might be invisible, but what about our tracks? We *backed-up* to this location meaning that if someone wanted they could follow the tracks back to us."
Feeling like she had just failed an exam that a first year cadet should have had no problems passing, the Romulan/Terran hybrid let out a sad sigh before looking at the CNS. "Let's hope that whoever is out there is not *that* smart."
Knowing that they could not leave because of their team which was currently searching for the crew of the MERCURY, Ens. Mei silently shared in the hopes of the XO.
/\/\/\
/\/\/\
Serena Switt {serena1141@yahoo.com.au}
Lieutenant Commander Serenna 2005 post #354
Executive Officer
USS ANUBIS
