Sheridan Mission 04: "Pawns on the Pirateboard"

Stardate 02073.17

Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

The Sheridan received her mission orders in person from Captain Jones of Star Fleet Intelligence. I had never enjoyed dealing with SFI since it usually meant problems for me, and more importantly my crew; this meeting proved to be just as enjoyable.

There have been a growing number of attacks by space pirates over the past few months. Their prey has primarily been shipping freighters and small outposts. It seems that I’ve become something of an expert on space pirates, from my involvement with them from the White Star incident to the Dragon Cartel, and most recently the Privateer. I had a feeling that was why were selected for this mission. Our orders were to proceed to the Typhon Sector to locate these pirates. We were to assume to the role of deserters from the fleet due to the actions of the former president Morran using Star Fleet vessels to blockade member planets and prevent the from leaving the federation. Once we had successfully infiltrated the pirate fleet, we were to bring them down from the inside.

I had my doubts about the assignment considering we were given three days to prepare and be on location in the Typhon sector. I felt that we should have had more time to prepare for an undercover assignment, but that was out of the question. In preparation, I ordered the hull to be scoured to reinforce our cover story that we were fired upon while leaving. The “U.S.S.” was also burned from the hull.

Prior to leaving star base, there was an explosion in Sickbay that killed Dr. Shypoken, but was apparently intended to kill LCdr Princip. The murder, Lieutenant Adaro, was located by security after a brief confrontation and is now awaiting his trial. More on this can be found at JAG case file B-3567-888-12: The United Federation of Planets vs. Lieutenant Adaro.

Upon suggestion of Commander Ralston, the entire senior staff will dress in off duty clothing and be armed. He felt this would help our image as deserters. The effect seemed to work in one way or another.

The pirates found us. As we entered the Typhon Sector, they sprang a trap of their own. In response to a failed negotiation attempt by Commander Ralston, Captain Winters of the Sword, who was the leader of their fleet, ordered the Anvil to give us a good raking, reducing our shields to 10%. No other demands were made except that we turn the ship around and exit the system. At this point, part of me wanted to agree. We were outgunned for certain. Their fleet consisted of 3 ships, the Hammer, a frigate, the Anvil, a Romulan warbird, and the Sword, a light cruiser, the flagship of the fleet.

Negotiations between Captain Winters and myself begun. I informed him that were renegades from the Federation and that we were seeking a new fleet. Winters “asked” to send over his CEO, COS and an armed security detachment to help with the shield repairs since our CEO, LCdr Desmarais had been injured and was unconscious in sickbay. I felt that this was clearly an attempt to take over the Sheridan by force. An armed security team in engineering with a chief engineer would be disastrous.

In rebuttal to the Captain’s threat of forcibly sending over a boarding party, I’ve informed the Winters of a modification I ordered LCdr Desmarais to make to the Warp Core Containment field systems prior to his “unfortunate accident.” The modification is a jury-rig override that allows for a warp core over load and loss of core containment at my command, or without my command if I failed to speak a certain key word.

No such modification exists aboard the Sheridan nor would I ever allow one of that nature to be made. Lieutenant Commander had been injured, but recovered successfully. He adopted the alias of a junior security officer for the remainder of the mission so as to not interfere with the plan. It was my attempt to use this as a way to maintain command of the Sheridan as I believed Winters would replace me with one of his officers. So far as Winters knew, only LCdr Desmarais and myself knew the code. I also made it known that I arranged for LCdr. Desmarais’s “accident” as a way to safe guard the code, which is of course another lie. I could only hope Winters bought the bluff. If he did, I never knew.

Winters accepted us into the fleet on the condition that we pass his test and that the crew be divided up after the test between the 4 ships. The test was a raid on a federation freighter. The target was the U.S.S. Coleman, a supply frigate. Commander Ralston led the team. The freighter itself was trap. SFI had a trap waiting for us, no doubt put in place by Captain Jones, though my inquiry into this after the fact was stonewalled as I “didn’t need to know.” The away team fought the freighter crew and the security attachment of SFI without any loss of life to my knowledge.

Just after the Coleman’s shields were disabled, the U.S.S. Avenger jumped into the system. She hailed us, and I was surprised to see Minister Jones in her center chair. He ordered us to stand down and do our duty. It was my belief that he intended us to turn on the pirates and take them down.

I ordered Midshipman Percival to find a way to transmit a message undetected to the Avenger advising them of the Anvil’s cloaked presence and advised they with drawl, which he did using unidirectional burst or Morris code from the deflector dish. It appeared that the Minister agreed as they withdrew under fire from the Sword

Upon the successful completion of the raid, the orders were transferred from Winters that we had passed and were to make preparations for crew transfer. Needless to say, I was not in the least pleased with this, however, it appeared that we have been given the chance to bring them down. In a classic starship situation against the pirates, it is extremely unlikely that we could have prevailed against the three, large, heavily armed vessels. This gave us a chance to take them down from inside.

I devised a plan which allowed us to make the most of the situation. Each crew member that was transferred to another ship was given a PADD containing their mission details as well a box containing several carbodine grenades, a micro-subspace transceiver, and a specialized PADD. Their orders were to do their best to fit in with the crew. The specialized PADD allowed crew members to discretely stay in touch with each other. It would vibrate when a message was received. The carbodine grenades, which were developed by LCdr Desmarais, could pass scanners relatively undetected. They were to be placed in sensitive areas around the ship and detonated via PADD or timer to cause confusion when to order to take the pirates down was given.

As Commander Ralston had been transferred off the Sheridan my new FO was a romulan named Vendek. He was a shrewd man who allowed nothing to escape his gaze. He was an effective officer and had he not been a pirate, I would have attempted to persuade him to join Star Fleet.

Over the course of several months we participated in numerous raids against federation supply ships. I am not at liberty to discuss them. A detailed list of the operations we participated in can be found in SFI File number AB33458-98.

Finally the day to act came. I was called to a meeting on the Sword. It was a briefing for the next stage of their operation. He was intent on take not one, but several planets along the federation boarder. He wanted to form his own civilization and live as they choose and not conform to a corrupt Federation. While it was an admirable goal, I took an oath to protect the Federation. This could not be allowed to stand.

The target is Koar, an O-class planet, in the rim-ward section of the Typhon expanse. The Anvil would enter the system cloaked, along with the Sheridan. The Sheridan would pose as a Star Fleet vessel making a security sweep through the system. She would have into tow a disabled frigate hulk, which had been converted into a camouflaged weapons platform. We were unable to identify the frigate for notification purposes.

Once the Anvil as in place, she would bombard the planet’s defensive satellites, and then recloak. At this point, The Sword and Hammer would lead in the small cobble of support craft they had assembled. They would serve as landing vessels for the supplies. As 96% of the surface is covered with water, the population would be low. Once they had taken over and dug in, it would be very defendable. Fortunately, things never got that far.

Upon making my way to the transporter room, I found Winters waiting for me carrying to sabers. After a few chafing words, the scene around me faded and I found myself on the deck a pirate ship, which was fitting in many ways. Seeing that there was no way off the ship without going through Winters, which was going to be challenging at bests and quite deadly at worst, I sent the message via the PADD to the crew to being our insurrection. LCdr Desmaris was also instructed to get a message to Captain Jones on a priority channel.

The fight with Captain Winters lasted for what seemed like hours, but was no more than minutes, and one thing was certain, he was winning. Moments after the grenades detonated, I was enveloped by a transporter beam just as Winter’s sword moved through my side. I should have escaped with out a scratch however, Winter’s swords were composed of a unique material that interferes with the Annular Confinement Beam of transports. In short, it caused the tissue in my side to undergo a phasic shift. This resulted in my near death due to blood loss.

The crew performed their duties admirably. They took very few casualties, with no fatalities in the mutiny. Captain Jones received our message and arrived with U.S.S. Avenger, U.S.S. Berlin, and U.S.S. Fletcher to assist in the mop up of the pirate fleet. Captain Winters was found in the holodeck, with his sword piercing his heart. He had apparently committed suicide to avoid being taken prisoner. Not a single shot was fired against Koar. After a few days on site ensure things were taken care of, the Sheridan returned to Star Base Bravo for some much needed R&R

Captain's Logs

Capt Quill Dramar

Stardate 02066.16

Stardate 02066.16

The Sheridan has received her orders. This time, they come directly from the mouth of Star Fleet Intelligence. It would be our luck to draw this assignment. I have a feeling that it has to do with my experience with space pirates. Our assignment is to travel to the typhon sector where we will attempt to make contact with a group of pirates who have been preying on Federation ships and outposts in the region. We are to infiltrate this group under the guise of deserters and at the appropriate moment, we will bring down their organization. It would be lovely to have a peaceful mission of exploration every now and again.

The mission has already gotten on to a rocky start. Dr. Shypoken has died. He was in a blast at sickbay which was apparently meant for Dr. Princip. The perpetrator, one Lt. Adaro, has been captured, and is being transferred to SBA for safe holding until his trial. LCdr Mara Meagher has transferred aboard the ship as a “strategic advisor” under the authority of SFI.

Commander Ralston had several good ideas for the mission. First off, all senior staff members will be dressing in non-regulation uniforms, and be armed. Prior leaving SBA, SFI saw it fit to score the hull with phaser fire. They even went so far as to burn U.S.S. off of the hull. All I can hope is that I don’t loose any more crewman before this mission is through.

Stardate 02067.7

Stardate 02067.7

LCdr Desmarais has been taken to sickbay after collapsing in engineering and experiencing convulsions. I’ve yet to receive word on his condition.

I met with Francis La’Boe, a civilian who has apparently been stuck aboard the Sheridan due to a mix up by Star Fleet. He received medical treatment and assisted with the damage caused in sickbay. In addition to this, he saw fit to create a holographic version of the late Dr. Shypoken to honor his memory, replacing the standard EMH.

I’m still not certain what to make of the hologram or even if I should allow it to remain. This is a matter I will have to think over carefully. For the time being, Mr. La’Boe has requested to assist us in whatever way he can. He believes his knowledge of space pirates will help in this situation. I am a bit skeptical at the moment, but I’m will to see what he can, assuming that he doesn’t interfere with our operation.

I have just been informed that we have entered the typhon sector. Thus far, we have yet to encounter any pirate vessels.

Stardate 02057.18

Stardate 02057.18

It would appear that the pirates we were seeking have found us and sprung a bit of a trap of their own. In response to a failed negotiation attempt by Commander Ralston, Captain Winter of the Sword, ordered another ships to give us a good raking, reducing our shields to 10%. To my knowledge no demands other than that we turn our ship around and exit the system have been made. At this point, I’m starting to find myself agreeing with them.

Stardate 02068.01

Stardate 02068.01

Things have begun to heat up in our negotiations. Winters has “asked” that he be allowed to send over his CEO, COS, and an armed security detail to help with the repairs to the shield generators. This is clearly an attempt to take over the ship, which is something I cannot allow if we are to complete our mission.

In rebuttal to the Captain’s threat of forcibly sending over a boarding party, I’ve informed the Captain of a modification I ordered LCdr Desmarais to make to the Warp Core Containment field systems prior to his unfortunate accident. The modification is a jury-rig override that allows for a warp core over load and loss of core containment at my command, or without my command if I fail to speak a certain key word.

No such modification exists aboard the Sheridan nor would I ever allow such one to be made. However, Captain Winters doesn’t know that. I’m attempting to use this as a way to maintain command of the Sheridan as I believe I will be replaced with one of his officers. So far as Winters knows, only LCdr Desmarais and myself know the code. I’ve also made it known that I arranged for LCdr. Desmarais accident as a way to safe guard the code, which is of course another lie. I can only hope that Winters buys my bluff.

End Log

Stardate 02068.16

Stardate 02068.16

I am uncertain as to whether or not Captain Winter’s bought the bluff. For the mean time it appears that he is going to allow us to join his fleet, provided we pass the test that is. He has beamed over his CEO, COS, and several other crewmembers to assist in the repairs to the Sheridan. Once our shields are restored the crew apart from engineering will be divided amongst the Hammer, Sword, and the Anvil. I am not happy with this in the least.

To make matters worse, Winter’s has a Romulan Warbird in his fleet, completed with a Romulan crew.

The exact nature of the test has not been revealed, but I have been informed that I will select 3 security officers to help capture a Federation frigate which will be traveling in a nearby sector. According to Winters, the fate of my crew depends on how well they fare.

Tactical analysis of the situation is less than promising.

End Log

Stardate 0906.01

Stardate 0906.01

Repairs are to the Sheridan have commenced by the hands of Captain Winter’s crew. Winter has beamed aboard the Sheridan to conduct the raid briefing. I was glad to see that he came without a weapon, not that it mattered given the ship's current tactical state.

Once the rest of Winters officers and my security detail arrives, we can begin the briefing and find out what exactly Winter has instore for my crew.

End Log

Stardate 0209.26

Stardate 0209.26

I’m pleased to report Mr. Desmarais has awakened from his coma. Dr. Princip expects him to make a full recovery. He has no knowledge of the fake request made to him make the alterations to the warp containment field, which works to our advantage. For the mean time, Dr. Princip and Midshipman Ephor are putting together a disguise for Mr. Desmarais to wear so that he may effectively move around the ship without suspicion.

The raid on the federation freighter Coleman has begun. We are in the process of disabling her shields so that the away team my beam over and take the cargo list. I can only hope that all goes according to plan and there are no casulties.

Stardate 020610.12

Stardate 020610.12

Just after the Coleman’s shields were disabled, the U.S.S. Avenger. She hailed us, and I was surprised to see Minister Jones in her center chair. He ordered us to stand down and do our duty. It was my belief that he intended us to turn on the pirates and take them down.

I ordered Midshipman Percival to find a way to transmit a message undetected to the Avenger advising them of the Anvil’s presence as advised they with drawl, which he did using unidirectional burst or Morris code from the deflector dish. It appeared that the Minister agreed as they withdrew under fire from the Sword.

Orders from the Sword for the crew shuffle have been transmitted have been attached to this log for further reference.

End Log

Stardate 020611.09

Stardate 020611.09

We have been pressed into a strict time table for the crew exchange. Needless to say, I am not in the least pleased with this, however, it does appear that we have been given the chance to bring them down. In a classic starship situation against the pirates, it is extremely unlikely that we could prevail against the three, large, heavily armed vessels. This gives us a chance to take them down from inside.

I have devised a plan which will allow us to make the most of the situation. Each crew member that will be transferred to another ship will be given a PADD containing their mission details as well a box containing several carbodine grenades, a micro-subspace transceiver, and a specialized PADD. The briefing will start momentarily.

End Log

Stardate 020611.20

Stardate 020611.20

The meeting has been completed and the assignments distributed. Needless to say the crew is nervous about their assignments. They are being placed in a dangerous situation and asked for a very hard task.

I have faith in them. I’m off to a meeting with Commander Ralston before the crew swap happens in the next hour.

End Log

Crew Logs

LCdr Desmaris

Stardate 20610.10

LCdr Desmaris, Stardate 20610.10

TOP SECRET

FOR CAPTAIN DRAMAR’S EYES ONLY

Science Experiment Report – Reference: MLC0610-OCL Suplemental

Stardate 020610.18 Lt[jg] Rovaris Rann, Xenobiologist, recording:

Begin encrypted entry

Captain,

You’ll find that the information enclosed in this supplemental has nothing to do with the OCS experiment referenced above but I thought it was the best way to conceal the specs data of the device Science and Engineering departments designed undercover.

Please find hereafter the specifications for the carbrodine grenade hoping that this could help the Sheridan and all her crew to find the safer way to go back home… • • •

Carbrodine grenade/mine

The principle of this weapon is based on the natural explosive reaction occurring when mixing Carbronide and Infernite together.

Overall description:

This device can vary in shape and size depending on the destruction power to achieve. Hereafter we will introduce the standard design for the Carbrodine grenade type.

The Carbrodine grenade looks like two half orbs jointed around a thermo-resistor strip. A small programmable switch – used to start the time-delayed ignition sequence – is mounted in the middle of the sphere. The overall aspect of the grenade is shown on the following illustration.

internal design:

The carbronide grenade is basically composed by:

- An infernite capsule, located in the upper half-orb, as the container for the previously mentioned chemical.

- A Carbrodine socket, located in the lower half-orb which is a piece of carbrodine mineral worked and shaped as a recipient for the Infernite capsule.

- A dividing membrane made of plasma in solid state which separates the two reactants.

- A solid plasma envelope surrounding the overall orb designed to increase the destruction power of the grenade when ignited and as a lure for the scanners readings as the envelope makes difficult for the inner components to be clearly detected.

Note: Because of the mineral and plasma structure of this design conventional scanners won’t raise any alarms on detection until it is too late.

Operation details:

1- Select the time before ignition by turning the ignition switch clockwise. (default is 10 sec for grenade type.) 2- Press the switch to start the time-delayed ignition. 3- Place/throw the mine/grenade on a suitable location (warning: overheated spots can produce malfunctions)

Once the switch is pressed the thermo-resistor strip will heat the solid plasma membrane which will gradually melt. (The plasma envelope will liquefy as well but on a lower rate) The time of the process – related with the intensity of the current flowing in the strip – is driven by the time delay set through the ignition switch. Once the plasma membrane has melted down, the infernite capsule will fall and make contact with the carbrodine recipient which will produce the explosion. The ignition will brutally dissolve the already liquefied plasma envelope and this will increase the power of the explosion.

Final note:

As said before, the design of this weapon can vary in shape and size to suit with a determined purpose. (ie. instantaneous ignition for a mine, bigger size for larger damages, etc…)

The device can be equipped with remote control ignition but as well as for bigger device it would be easier for scanners to detect it. • • •

End report.

Mid James Walker

Stardate 20610.19

Mid. James Walker, Stardate 20610.19

This is my first personal log in Star Fleet. And also my first log on the Sheridan. She's a magnificent ship, fast, strong and she handles great. I have had the opportunity to both fly her and shoot her weapons.

WHAT A WEEK. I got on the ship and assigned to tactical. It's what I majored in in the Academy. Luckly another tactical midshipman joined the crew. His name is Arthur Dodge. So far I think we worked well together. I have to put it to him, He's a hell of a pilot.

In our first mission we had to infiltrate Pirate Space and disguise ourselves as pirates. I had to change out of uniform. I think it is ironic that one of the main things they tought us at the academy was to honor the uniform. I have yet to wear it. The best part was I was given command of the bridge, even though it was for only a few hours.

We still don't have a Chief Tactical Officer. If we do I have yet to meet him. So far Commander Ralston has told me to report to him for any assistance. I'm off to have a nice meal and drink in Ten Forward.

End Log

FO Cdr Cortwin Ralston

Stardate 20610.24

Commander Cortwin James Ralston Stardate 20610.24

First Officer's Log Having returned to my Vessel for a short while after the Raid against my own peoples, I finally have the time to reflect on things.

While these Pirates are rough and overworked, they are good people. I wish I could have a few for the Sheridan Crew. Strong, obedient, powerful and adaptable, I have rarely seen so many of this type since Crunch time in the last year of the Acadamy. Beautiful people too. Lacking a true unified culture but each one magnificient to speak with.

It has been too long that I have even set eyes on Commander Longland, and even longer spoken with my previous partner, James Everett. I am glad for some time to do personal business for a while, as I need to release some frustrations. I will be in the Holodeck for some time with my Rocketboots, and cooking a good meal, or three.

Winning the trust of these Pirates is not an easy task, though they also seek friends and new people to work with. We are like Children to them, and they make that Horribly felt. the superiority complexed that many of them have are crushing to the spirit. Thankfully they have enough cheap spirits to go around to let their guard down fromtime to time, while being social.

End Log.

Mid Arthur Dodge

Stardate 20611.28

Midshipman Arthur Dodge, Stardate 20611.28

I've been away from the Sheridan a few weeks now. In the crew swap with the pirates, I was assigned to the Sword's bridge. She's a real piece of work, lemme tell ya.

Everything has been upgraded, and even though you would expect the programming to follow suit, I find myself still trying to cope with what feels like a hodge-podge of systems. I seriously admire whatever tactical officer had this seat last for finding his way around.

Our mission seems to be going according to plan. I won't go into it much except to say that I found places to hide all my "gifts". Commander Ralston is aboard the Sword as well, and he has me trying to come up with a diversion for when the time comes, but I'm afraid nothing I'll think of will live up to the flourish with which he seems to attempt everything he approaches. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I expect the signal to execute won't be many more days away now, and I'll be back aboard the Sheridan, at a console I'm used to and all my stuff back....and not having to worry about if I'm going to get caught by these pirates.

Won't that be nice...

End Log

Stardate 20704.03

Lieutenant[JG] Arthur Dodge, Stardate 20704.03

Been a while since my last log, I guess, and a lot has happened. First, our mission against the pirates was a success. I ended up having to direct the Sword into a planet's gravity well as a distraction before we beamed off.

After a few days of down time, we docked with Star Base Bravo and had a party, and we brought on a few new recruits as well. Unfortunately, our time was cut short and we're back in space.That's not really a bad thing. But after spending all those weeks with a bunch of pirates I was looking forward to a break, I guess. But I got something better it turns out.

First day back on the bridge, Captain Dramar started handing out promotions. One of them was a new recruit named th'Terik. I guess he was quite the cadet, because he just came aboard and he's already an ensign now. Then, after a bit of dramaticism, the Captain promoted James and me to Lieutenant[JG] for our work undercover with the pirates. How incredible is that?

Anyway, there's not much else to say so I'll wrap up here before I start my next shift. I've got to write a letter home before too long.

End Log.