From alton.reich@snet.net Sun Jun 7 11:33:30 1998 Date: Mon, 04 May 1998 06:11:31 -0400 From: Alton and Elizabeth Reich To: distribution:@snet.net; (see end of body) Subject: USS YAMATO: Initial Survey Newsgroups: alt.starfleet.rpg [MD: 7.0500 - Bridge] The doors of the turbolift swished open and Isaac stepped out on to the bridge. LT Driver glanced over his shoulder at CAPT Stern and stood. "You're up early, Sir," Driver said as he approached. "I got an early start this morning, LT. What's our status?" "All systems are functioning normally. We will arrive at the Burrakis system at about 0600." "Ok, LT, you have the bridge, I'll be in my ready room." Isaac walked into his ready room and over to the replicator. He stiffled a yawn and rubbed at his eyes with his hand. Dr. Mara had not yet told him that he wasn't getting enough sleep, but he knew it, altough would never admit it. "Coffee, black, and a muffin." Isaac though for a moment, "Blueberry." The familiar hum of a transporter beam emanated from the replicator and his breakfast appeared on the shelf. He picked up the mug and plate and walked over to his desk. He sipped the steaming coffee gingerly and swivled his chair around. Isaac looked out the window at the shimmering bubble that surrounded the YAMATO. Without the sophistocated sensor filtering software that generated the image on the main view screen, there was no way to see beyond the small region of space that was captured within the phase cloaking device's envelope. Isaac took another sip of the steaming coffee. "Computer, begin recording. Captain's log, FMD 7.0510, CAPT Isaac Stern recording. We are currently approaching the Burrakis system at warp 6. The phase cloaking device is functioning normally. The installation took less than the initial 12 hour estimate, but I would have expected nothing less from an engineer of LT Wolfe's caliber. His expertice with this device on the HOOD has proven invaluable. "LT Wolfe stressed that the device is not perfect in masking our presence. While it affords almost perfect concealment at impulse and low warp speeds, there is some chance we will be detected at higher velocities. LT Bal and LT Stephens have evaluated the data on the Dalriada that we currently have and believe that even if the Dalriada can detect us, they have no weapons capable of phase matching the cloaking device and being able to attack us. "Our first task upon reaching Burrakis will be to determine the extent of the Dalriadan presence in the system. If the opportunity arrises, we will harass the Dalriada as much as possible. We have not yet been able to develop a way to get personnel on to Burrakis, however, I will evaluate any possibility that develops. "Long range sensor performance is limited by the phase cloaking device, But we have detected several ship already around the edges of the system. LT Wolfe and LT Stephens agree that sensor performance will improve once we decrease our speed. "On a more personal level, I wonder what has motivated the Dalriada to bring us to this point. Despite the presence of ships like the PROMETHEUS in the fleet, our mission has primarily been one of exploration and peaceful contact. We are prepared to go to war, but I still find myself wondering, over what?" "Computer, end recording." The computer beeped and Isaac sat for a moment more looking out the window at the shifting colors. He picked up the mug and deposited it back on the replicator pad before straightening his uniform and heading for the bridge. Isaac walked from his ready room back to the bridge. CMDR Connor saw him approach and slid out of the center seat to his own position on the Captain's right. Isaac sat in his own chair and asked, "What have we got, CMDR?" "Long range sensors are indicating the presence of several ships around the perimeter of the system. We're too far from the system still to get clear readings from further in, but there appear to be groups of ships in several locations. I would suggest that we begin our surveys with them." "Agreed, XO. LT M'gan, set a course for the nearest cluster of ships, and reduce speed to warp 2 once we're past the pickets." "Aye, Sir. Setting course 282 mark 32. We will reach the pickets in less than 10 minutes." The turbo lift doors swished open and Dr. Mara walked on to the bridge. She walked down th port side of the horseshoe and stood hext to CAPT Stern. "Good morning CAPT," she asked peering into his eyes, "How much sleep have you been getting lately?" "Not nearly enough," Isaac admitted. List looked at him curiously for a moment, "I'm surprised to hear you say that, Sir." "Why is that Doctor, it's the truth." "I always thought that the weight of the 4th pip on a Captain's neck caused all brain function to stop. I'm happy to see you're still aware of the world around you." "Dr. Mara, I'm well aware of my limitations, and I haven't quite gotten there yet," Isaac said. "I'm glad to hear that. Try not to exceed your limitations, Sir." "Yes, Dr." Lisa stepped over to Alex and whispered something that Isaac couldn't quite make out. "LT D'Artgnan how many Dalriadan ships have we detected so far?" Isaac asked. "There are 8 vessles as pickets. 6 are around 500,000 tons displacement, but the other 2 are smaller, on the order of half that size," Brenan replied. "Potential targets, Sir?" Alex asked. "That's what I'm thinking, XO. The phase cloak would give us an advantage over an isolated ship. I think we should complete our primary mission of surveying before indulging." "Captain, I'm detecting another ship that just broke orbit around the 6th planet and is headin this way," LT Stephens reported. "On screen," Isaac ordered, "Any indications that we've been detected?" Isaac asked as he watched the sleek cigar shape come toward them. "That thing is huge," Alex breathed. "I don't think we've been detected, Sir," Cassandra said. Under her breath she added, "I think." "XO, I've got an idea." "Yes Captain?" "What if we cruise right through her? Since we're out of phase we should be able to do just that, and get a good look at what's inside," Isaac suggested. "It's possible, in theory." "Now's not the time for theory, though. Opinions people?" Timeline: MD: 7.0500 Isaac reaches bridge and records log entry Alton MD: 7.0545 YAMATO begins detecting ships within Burrakis System Alton NRPG: This was a crazy idea that came to me on the plane. Since the YAMATO is out of phase, we can go through things like planets and, well, other ships. What do your characters think about the idea? Kris: I'd like you to write up the actuall cruising through post, since Cassandra is the science type. If you want me to look through it first, let me know. In system we're going to find: DN 5, CA 5, CL 10, DD 25, FF 2 The outer perimeted defenses consist of patrols of one of the smaller ships. The Dalriada will beef up their perimeter defenses after we destroy a few of the lighter ships. The YAMATO can pack a heck of a punch under the right conditions. Karen: I'll make you some wounded this time around so the good Dr. will have something to do. I think that's it for now. Respectfully submitted, CAPT Isaac Stern CO - USS YAMATO (NCC-1705-E) Alton Reich -- Alton & Elizabeth Reich alton.reich@snet.net "Dreams are sometimes catching / Desire goes to my head / Love responds to your invitation / Love responds to imagination / Respond, Vibrate, Feed Back, Resonate" -- Rush, Chain Lightning %%% overflow headers %%% To: Josh Young , jyoung@eaze.net, Pat Schumacher , Les Chappelle , Janis Hill , Vicke Denniston , vicden1@yahoo.com, Kristine Berg , Karen Fainges , Alexs Thompson , Jim Littleton , Jeffrey Jenkins , Jeffery Trock , George Harmon %%% end overflow headers %%%