Into the Dust

Picking up the Pieces

Post Count: 60

Field-testing the new Polaron torpedoes that were about to be rolled out across the Fleet, the USS Archimedes, captained by the recently joined Trill Coltan Kerr, suffered major damage to all systems. The USS Ranger, whist touring the galaxy on a mini-shakedown cruise after a system refit, intercepted her distress call and warped to the rescue.

Now the crew of the Archimedes are residing on the Ranger as the Nova class vessel is towed home, out of commission for the next three months.

How will the old crew integrate with the new on a new vessel and under the command of a new Captain? How will they now fare?

The Paulson Nebula

Post Count: 49

Starfleet Command have decided to utilise the Intrepid USS Ranger, and her newly united jigsaw crew, for her original intention: a scientific survey mission. Routine, exploratory and at the forefront of science, this mission will test not only the Ranger's newly updated sensor-refit but also the crew that now man her.

Their objective? To investigate the anomalous sensor readings Starbase 97 have faintly detected emanating from within the Paulson Nebula. Why the Ranger? Her scientific advancement and proximity make her the convenient choice. What will they find as they reach the edges of the interstellar gas cloud?

The Clarity of Informed Sight

Post Count: 54

The USS Ranger is on her way to the infamous Paulson Nebula where a now suspiciously acting Starbase 97 has detected anomalous readings emanating from within the gas cloud. She has picked up faint readings herself but without drawing nearer to the fringes of the nebula, the results aren't worthy of note.


Sliding the scan to the side, Lieutenant Commander McAdams pulled up the one she'd been studying for the last hour or so and frowned, running her hand quickly through her loose hair before she segregated her screen into the four smaller windows that allowed her to analyse multiple scans at a time. "I'm more concerned with this nebula, to be honest." Whether it was an intentional snub or not, Rose ignored Halliwell and directed her gaze towards the stern man currently leaning on her terminal. "Their Razors took some pretty clean snaps but the resolution is shot to pieces. Since I've got no reason to believe their guys had no idea how to work their equipment, it's a fair bet we're not looking at an environment that lends itself to picturesque precision. If we're going in, I'm going to need to figure out how to scan so that we don't get back a heap of fuzz. I also wouldn't mind trying to clear up a few of these scans, there are a couple of spots look like heat flares I'd kind of like to give a proper name to."


The Science and Security teams have pooled their resources and as the Intrepid class vessel trundles ever closer are attempting to clarify the information received from the scans.

What lies in wait for the Ranger and her crew as they forge forth towards the purple haze?

Stealth

Post Count: 120

Having peered through the murky veil of the Paulson Nebula, the USS Ranger trepidatiously glided through the gaseous cloud to where the sensor readings had directed them. Upon arrival at the coordinates, the QAR (a mercenary group with questionable allegiances), lay in wait, guarding one of their own disabled ships. Suddenly and maliciously the raider attacked with ferocity as the Intrepid class starship innocently drew nearer.


Elsie suddenly barked "Shields?" but the call came too late. As both Rose and T'mpest attempted to correct their disadvantage, the active QAR vessel released a single phaser shot that tore through the Ranger's hull. The shot shook the entire fifteen decked vessel and as it did so, a power surge bolted through the power conduits feeding the consoles of the bridge. A dull hum could be heard from behind the captain as the electrical force was accumulating in the panel, feeding to it more and more force as it remained unleashed. A sudden spark blew out the back consoles and readouts, the blast propelling her thin frame onto the console in front. Elsie pressed the palms of her hands down on the display, attempting to heave herself up. As she grappled to her feet, the bridge, according to Elsie, fell deafly silent and a brilliant white light raped her eyes. The explosion of the front console threw her backwards again and, losing consciousness, her limp body landed splayed onto the debris strewn floor.


Having successfully dispatched the antagonist, the Ranger and her captain, both battered, bruised but alive decide the next course of action they, as a crew, should take. Two separate away-missions and a solitary "escapee" of Starbase 97 force the officers of the Intrepid to face a siege from both fronts. What lies in wait back at the starbase and what will be revealed once Intelligence and Operations board the disabled vessel?