Yeager SC Mission 04: "Repossessed"
Captain's Logs
Captain Joseph Valiant
Stardate 20704.04
Captain Joseph E. Valiant recording:
After a brief several hour stay-over at Starbase Charlie, the Yeager is currently underway complying with its next set of orders. Our orders, which were personally delivered by Commodore Wueste while we were at Starbase Charlie, are to investigate if recent sensor readings can in fact be the abandoned station Sierra 18. Because of its proximity to the Cardasian, Cardasian DMZ, Tholian, and Klingon borders and seeing how the station has been abandoned since Stardate 20211.14, a special task force of Marines under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bateson has been assigned for this mission just in case a hostile force has taken over the station which could or couldn’t still exist. Additionally because of his familiarity with the elements of this mission, Commodore Wueste has been assigned to accompany us for this mission as a mission specialist.
It’s my hopes that mine, Commodore Wueste’s, and Lieutenant Colonel Bateson’s skills and knowledge will not be required, but seeing where this station was and possibly currently is located and the date and the length of time the station has been evacuated, I’m left to fear the worst. As a precautionary I’m making this ship battle ready for even Starfleet’s most hostile enemies.
End log.
Stardate 20704.23
Captain Joseph E. Valiant recording:
After nine days at high warp, the Yeager has arrived at its destination. Because of the looming possibility of a Borg threat in the area, I immediately ordered the ship to red alert; while there was no sign of a threat, I still opted to proceed with extreme caution.
Initial scans revealed no sign of the station, debris, or the like indicating anything about the station, but rather several anomalies of which the ships powerful sensors could not scan into. These anomalies were not mentioned in any previous Starfleet report and thus unlikely to be a natural phenomenon; they appeared to be intentional sensor masks.
As we conducted our scans of the area a freighter along with a fighter escort entered the system. This seemed rather peculiar because this system wasn’t apart of any trade routes. Because of that and the fact they hadn’t detected us yet, I chose to observe the situation rather than rush in; it was my thinking that if this freighter with a fighter escort no less, was off course by so much and wasn’t projecting a distress call, that they had intended to arrive at this location. With that in mind it seemed very likely this freighter was somehow connected to the cause of the spatial anomalies in the area. So before wasting time, power, and resources to investigate each individual anomaly, the Yeager did what it was designed to do, watch from a distance.
Sure enough, the answer was given to us, for the most part anyway. The freighter set a course for one of the spatial anomalies and entered. This singled us down to one particular anomaly rather than several to investigate which could have taken hours to do.
Currently the Yeager is devising a way to launch a probe into the anomaly without it being detected. To some this may seem a bit over cautious, but considering the possibility that, while now apparently unlikely but still yet to be ruled out, there may be a Borg presence in this system or that some other hostile force could be using this system for an unknown purpose, I feel proceeding with caution is the best course of action for now.
End log.
Stardate 20707.08
Captain Joseph E. Valiant recording:
The last few hours have tested this crew and Marine unit dispatched to us through and through. Despite the overwhelming odds on both ends, the Marine unit on the station outnumbered, and the security teams on the Yeager caught unaware, both teams have managed to do their jobs; the marines have secured the station, and the ships security teams have defended the ship from a takeover. This, however, doesn’t mean that everything went perfectly smoothly. The Yeager has been nearly disabled, and the station isn’t much better off. Worst yet, a former Starfleet Captain and Commanding Officer and a former friend of mine, Luke Johnson, seems to be the one in charge of all this. If that is the case then we must be at our best continuously. While I dislike, and no longer respect the man as a person, I will give him credit for being a bright, intelligent individual skilled at tactical planning. His skills and knowledge of Starfleet protocol may prove disadvantageous to us in our mission of securing the station and system. We’ve lost the element of surprise, the ability to retreat, the ability to contact Starfleet for assistance, and the fact of superior technology and fire power. Now the only way to win, the only way to survive is to outthink our opponent, to outthink an opponent as knowledgeable, if not more so, in Starfleet protocol and tactics as we are.
While our mission to secure the station and system remains, it seems another element has been added to this mission, to capture Johnson. Johnson has been a thorn in mine and this ships side since day one. He’s betrayed Starfleet all to fuel his own ego, and he will be caught and brought to justice; I will not allow him to get away this time.
On another note, I must release my crew from the responsibly of following my orders that are intended to pursue Luke Johnson. While circumstances are dictating this course of action, it still does not remove the fact that I will be disobeying a direct order from a superior; an order to remove myself from any situation involving the Starfleet renegade Luke Johnson.
End log.
Stardate 20707.20
Captain Joseph E. Valiant recording:
With the Yeager in the condition it’s in and only being able to reach a speed just above half impulse, the Yeager is still in pursuit of Johnson on his nearly completely disabled antiquated ship.
Additionally, with the dampening field that was once operational on the station down communications with the Marine boarding party has been established. As per Lieutenant Colonel Bateson’s request, the Yeager has sent a boarding party of eight security officers over to the station.
End log.
Stardate 20709.15
Captain Joseph E. Valiant recording:
After a short chase, the Yeager successfully caught up with the enemy vessel, and because of excellent team work, we were able to disable the ship’s life support. The enemy ships captain, the Starfleet renegade Luke Johnson, in an attempt to save his crew from being captured issued an evacuation order and intentionally remained behind to pilot his ship off into an opposite direction knowing the Yeager would pursue. As expected the Yeager did pursue, and once in transporter range beamed Johnson to the brig. Soon after the Yeager gave chase to as many escape pods as time would allow.
Once beaming as many prisoners from the escape pods as possible, the Yeager returned back to the station to give the boarding party assistance. It took a while to secure, but the task was eventually accomplished.
Currently, the Yeager crew is attempting repairs to the Yeager, and are assessing the overall condition of Space Station Sierra 18 to determine if it is of any use to Starfleet.
End log.
Commander Alexis Tregelen
Stardate 20705.03
Commander Alexis Tregelen recording:
After launching the probe to investigate the anomaly that we had discovered at the co-ordinates of Sierra 18 it was discovered that these anomalies were in fact used to hide the station from most sensors. With the station discovered it was decided that Captain Valiant along with Ensign Kaiser would pilot two shuttles full of marines to the station to assess the threat level. Commodore Wueste used his command codes to unlock secure files on a sensor cloak that could be used on the shuttles so that they would be unseen by the station, unfortunately they seemed to fail as the shuttles got closer. This lead to the station activating its defences which included a number of ships that swiftly attacked the two shuttles. With destruction imminent I ordered the Yeager to enter the distortion field and assist the shuttles. We easily dispatched the forces but we were left crippled by the station as they utilized what seemed like a Breen energy dampening weapon.
Shortly after that we were rammed by at least two shuttle and boarded. I left Lieutenant Commander Archer in charge of the bridge while myself and Lieutenant Commander Barrett made our way to the security office to find the security chief. After a quick discussion there we were informed that she was in the shuttlebay so made our way to that location. Finding both Lieutenant Commander Matthews and Commodore Wueste we split up and all took a key location. Receiving a distressing comm message from the transporter room that was where I headed. Scanning the room we located two occupants, one on the transporter pad so I devised a plan to energise the transporters effectively neutralising one of the occupants.
End Log.
Crew Logs
Engineering
ENG - Lt[JG] Julia Nielson
Stardate 20708.22
Personal Log - Stardate 20708.22
Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Nielson recording:
You know it’s just been “one of those days”. Things were so quiet and relaxed en route to or current mission: I got to spend time with Gabe, got to know our new Chief Engineer better, we got some work done making a few problematic systems more efficient. And then we get to our destination and suddenly all hell breaks loose at once. It certainly makes one up their expectations for what a normal day ought to be. But then, I always did enjoy a good challenge.
The day started out with the Yeager arriving at and investigating Space Station Sierra 18. I’m sure at the time the possibility of it being the Borg crossed everyone’s mind on the bridge. It wasn’t the Borg after all. But little did I know that that would lead to almost all of the Yeager’s systems going offline… how many times now, I can’t even keep track.
I think the worst of it is the feeling that I’ve hit a wall with the biggest challenge yet: our warp core is offline, and there is no way we can even do a temporary fix to it. Our shields have suffered irreparable damage as well, but it seems as if all hostilities from other ships has ceased for the time being.
On a more personal front, my good friend Ebony Liora unfortunately had complications with her pregnancy. Medical called me and asked if I would carry the baby for Ebs. I said yes. While I had never planned having children this early in my life, let alone carry someone else’s for them, there was no way I could say no. It was a life or death choice, and there was no way I was going to let Ebony or her baby die. My only regret is retrospect is that I didn’t have the time to tell Gabe before I went through it. I’ve always been a fairly independent person, so making decisions that will impact not only myself but him as well is something that I need to learn to include him in.
When he came to Engineering to lend a hand, I think he realised the difference despite not having said anything. I can only hope that when I do tell him he’s okay with it…… I don’t think I can do this on my own.
We’ve just been ordered to Sierra 18 to repair their small ship repair facility in the hopes that it will make repairing the Yeager easier.
Another challenge faces us, but I’m ready to jump in with both feet.
End Log.
Marine
MARCO - LtCol Will Bateson
Stardate 20704.11
Begin Recording, Stardate 20704.11
And so begins yet another chapter in this career of mine. I guess you could call it that, although at many times it feels more like some game I'm meerly a pawn of. However, I'm taking what I've been given, or left for myself, and have moved forward.
I won't lie, when General Rixx reassigned me to Marine Special Forces, Tiger Force no less, I was elated. So far it has proved to be a successful venture. I was able to select each member of my team personally. With some strings I was able to pull, I believe I could quite possibly have the best strike team in the Corps, although some might feel it remains to be seen.
My first official assignment as Commanding Officer, Strike Team Tiger-36 has been an interesting one, without a doubt! I have been ordered to take my team on board the USS Yeager to search for what, if anything remains of the abandoned Federation Space Station Sierra-18.
The only irritants thus far, professionally, have been minor friction with Captain Valiant, Yeager's CO, and Commodore Wesute, a mission specialist SFSOCOM sent along to show they don't trust me to handle things myself...or at least the fleeters there don't. Regardless, I'm the Commander on the ground, even Captain Valiant has made that clear, so it shouldn't matter.
The Commodore hasn't acted overtly power-hungry or stepped on any toes, so far he's been alright. Truth be told, I think the Captain and the Commodore have had more friction between them than ether have with me, evidently its something from the history they share. I just hope it doesn't get in my way.
I ran a final exam simulation for the team, which would also certify some of the younger Marines who were still lacking to qualify fully for Tiger. Everyone did very well, I was pleased. 1st Lt Kara Thrace, fell from a substantial height after a critical hit during the simulation and messed up her leg quite badly. The doctors placed her on light duty, so she'll have to sit the mission out. From what I know of the extremely fit, athletic, apt, and talented young officer, she's not happy about it one bit.
Personally, I have had little trouble resuming the role of a Marine Officer. While I do miss wearing the command-red of a Starship, although I wouldn't tell many that freely, it feels good to be where I established myself in the first place. I do wonder how the Drake is holding up, I have no doubt Commander Phoenix is doing a fine job.
As it would turn out, I was not a total stranger to the Yeager's crew. Her Chief Science Officer turned out to be none other than Lieutenant Commander Archer, formerly of the Gettysburg. To my delight, I also discovered Yeager's Chief Engineer is Lieutenant Commander Aiyana Baldwin, also of the Gettysburg.
It was good to see them both again, especially Aiyana. I always had a desire to get to know her better. She recently agreed to have dinner with me. I look forward to it, when it happens that is...
Which of course brings me to my closing. I truly feel if I do not find a way to get the thoughts of the past out of my head I am going to be in long term trouble emotionally. I've had enough, I just wish I could convince my mind of the same thing.
End Log.
Medical
MED - Ensign Callum Hicks
Stardate 20704.25
Begin recording – Medical Officer Ensign Callum Hicks Personal Log – Stardate 20704.25.
There is an air of mysticism aboard the Yeager. It feels frustrating to know that the ship is on Red Alert but also knowing that we sit motionless in space with no updates from the bridge. A moment ago I stepped into the corridor outside sickbay. Everything was so quiet, to the point that it was unnerving. A few crewmembers stopped on their way past and asked if I knew what was happening, but I am just as in the dark as they are. The only noise is the drone of the ships systems and coupled with the constant flashing redness makes things feel quite uneasy. Someone had heard mention of Borg but I suspect that is just a simple case of the usual scaremongering that always seems to happen.
Despite this I did make a check with the ships computer on the location of the command team and a full status on their life signs. Everything appears ok. Whatever is happening up there seems daunting, however, and the whole ship appears to be in limbo.
Sickbay has been quiet with the last patient being 1Lt Thrace. Her recovery went well and she had worked well with her physio sessions in holodeck. I would have liked it if she had slightly more time before returning to duty but can understand her eagerness to get back to work.
My recent promotion has been a welcome one. I often feel that joining Starfleet at such a late age, alienates me somewhat from other crewmembers who have been in Starfleet most of their adult lives. My promotion shows to me that at least people know I am here and I now feel more of a part of the crew.
Following 1Lt Thrace’s discharge, I have spent the majority of my time readying sickbay for any eventuality with all hyposprays charged and all storage areas stocked to the hilt. If this mission sees any action then I don’t want to be caught ‘fumbling’ in an emergency. The mere presence of marines on this mission makes me feel we could be busy in the near future.
I have also used some of the time getting to know the ship. I noticed on the deck plans that there is a counsellor’s office but also the absence of any designated ship’s counsellor. When missions like this are looming, a ship’s counsellor might find themselves busy. Psychology being one of the areas I specialised in at SFM, I sometimes wonder if I might get called upon in the absence of any official counsellor.
Ebs has seemed somewhat distant lately also. Her pregnancy has obviously affected her in a big way – as pregnancies always do – but I feel she is also dealing with something deeper. As well as a great DH she has also become a good friend here on the Yeager, and my concern for her grows. I only hope that she sees me, or at least someone, as being close enough to talk to. In situations like these it is vital to have someone you can be vulnerable with. I may mention this to Brad next time I see him as he has known Ebs a lot longer than me.
In the meantime I await any reports on the current mission, eagerly wanting to know our status and any possibilities of casualties.
End Log.
Stardate 20708.01
Medical Officer Ensign Callum Hicks Personal Log – Stardate 20708.01.
Things have certainly been strange here lately. The current mission has us down on staff with a large contingent assigned to the away team over on the space station. Sick bay is now unusable with a lot of systems offline following phaser fire from intruders.
A temporary treatment area has been established in main eningeering, but it is far from ideal. Dr Liora is absent from duty following her recent pregnancy and transference of the baby to Julia. With very little activity for sickbay staff I have instructed Bandra and Brad to get some rest while they can.
Meanwhile, I have ensured that all equipment we could possibly transfer is now down in engineering, so in the event of receiving any casualties we should be able to cope efficiently.
Being down here alone is having an adverse affect on me, however and my mind has been working overtime. I have a feeling of foreboding regarding the current mission.
I look forward to getting back to some degree of normality.
End log.
Stardate 20709.05
Medical Officer Ensign Callum Hicks - Personal Log stardate 20709.05
It's been an odd day on the USS Yeager. The temporary treatment area has had to be transferred from main engineering to ten forward due to a sudden influx of casualties and the ensuing lack of room. Due to working in abnormal conditions, I have found myself getting increasingly tense.
I am well aware that it some time now since I have had some decent rest, only grabbing a few minutes of sleep in the seats in ten forward earlier. All casualties have been treated but due to the severity of their injuries in cases, I can only assume that the situation over on the space station has been hostile. I am therefore, suspecting that more people will need treatment.
Only one of the casualties, so far, has regained consciousness and with the remainder of medical staff off duty or elsewhere, I have found myself feeling somewhat alone in my work.
My body aches from lack of sleep and coupled with my awkward sleeping position earlier, my muscles crave some relaxation therapy.
The dim lighting in ten forward at the moment and the quietness due to lack of personnel is quite disconcerting and I long to be back in a sick bay with a decent compliment of staff. However, I fear that it may be some time before this happens as sickbay is still a derelict ruin of it's former self.
With the abscence of Dr Liora, I continue to run the medical department to the best of my abilities, but deep down I crave the company and interaction with my crewmates under less formal circumstances.
I can only hope that some progress is being made over on the station and that things will improve shortly.
End Log.
MED - Mid Jaden Hawk
Stardate 20709.16
Medical Officer Jaden Hawk Personal Log Stardate 207090.16
This is my first day aboard the USS Yeager, my first starship assignment. If nothing else, it will be a memorable one.
After arriving aboard, I was ordered to report to Ensign Hicks in 10 Forward. Once there I found it had been transformed into a temporary sick bay. I had barley enough time to report in with Dr. Hicks when a severely wounded marine was transported over to us from Space Station Sierra 18. It was Lt. Cox. I had never met him before, but I will probably never forget his name.
Despite all of Dr. Hicks and my efforts, Lt. Cox died. As a doctor, I know that I will lose patients. But, my first one, on my first day; I can only hope this is not a bad omen.
As for the ship and crew; Dr. Hicks is really the only Yeager crewmember that I have spent anytime with. After getting things settled in 10 Forward, he invited me to dinner in his quarters. The food was good and we got to know each other a little.
He is a good doctor and I like him; and look forward to getting better acquainted with him. As for the rest of the crew, I haven't met them. Everyone is busy right now securing the Space Station from the pirates. Hopefully, there will not be any more injuries to deal with.
I really haven’t had a chance to explore the ship. It took a pretty good beating, but seems to be holding up well. I’ll try to stay out of everyone’s way right now, but when things settle down, I will get to know the layout better.
I guess that I better send my Grandparents a message. They were upset and didn’t understand why I had to leave so quickly after graduation.
End Log.
Science
CSO - LCdr Gabriel Archer
Stardate 20702.17
Chief Science Officer Log, Stardate, 20702.17
This is my first log as the Yeager's Chief Science Officer. The transfer from the Gettysburg was quick but smooth. Just when I thought that my career was about to end, Captain Joseph Valiant offered me the job to be his CSO, and I was very happy and honored to accept the post.
The Yeager is a lot smaller than the Gettysburg. Never the less, the scout ship has one of the fleet's strongest and most advanced sensor systems. It is indeed a Science officer's dream come true. In my experience as a Starfleet officer, I've learned that any ship is only as good as its crew. So far, I had the opportunity of meeting many of the Yeager's crew, and it is clear that this is one elite unite, hand picked and trained by Valiant himself to preform at its best. I noticed that the crew is mostly made of veteran enlisted and very professional officers. This can explain the Yeager surviving missions and battles that clearly out classed this ship.
The Science department on the Yeager is , naturally, on of the fleet's best. Its enough to say that Commander Tregelen, now the ship's first officer, used to run this department. I could feel my science officers expectations of me to step up to his level of Excellency and continue the legacy that he started. This is no easy task, but I do enjoy the challenge this new post is presenting. After all, the challenges that we face, our failures and success is what makes our lives worth living.
The Yeager is currently docked at Starbase Charlie, and we are awaiting orders to get on with our next mission. No one knows where that will take us, but it must be something very sensitive since starfleet wanted to give the orders to Captain Valiant in person. A most unusual practice, that indicates the seriousness of the situation. I trust that whatever the mission might turn out to be, this fine ship and crew will be up for the task.
On a personal note, I am now officially in a relationship. It was not part of the plan at all. But then again, fate have a funny way of changing one's plans. Truth to be said, fate has been smiling down on me, as I was meant to meet the fabulous Julia Nielson, a junior engineer here on the Yeager. Julia and I share many interests, especially our passion for 20th century books, real books, not the electronic ones, but we also connect on a different level. Its something magical, with all my years as a scientist I still find it hard to explain with words alone. Maybe when human consciousness will evolve further, there will be a way to explain that kind of connection, but for now, I will describe it as a Utopian dream of a sort, a merging of two souls...
I am looking forward to finishing this report and meeting Julia for dinner tonight.
End Log.
Stardate 20708.30
Chief Science Officer Log, Stardate, 20708.30
The word is spreading around that Space Station Sierra 18 is in now in our hands. The Yeager is docked in the station's repair facility as Engineering and Science teams are trying to get the systems back on line. To be blunt, the ship is in a very bad shape. The battle damage taken was intense and it stretched the Columbus classed scout to the limits of its minimal combat capabilities.
Personally, I question the decision of sending such a light armored and armed starship on this dangerous mission. I can easily imagine a Battlecruiser coming in and taking the station with little to no effort, and with minimal loss of life. Never the less, it seems that the mission was a success, at the cost of many lives, but a success.
I am eager to inspect the station's Science Labs. I will be pleasantly surprised if the pirates have kept them in good condition, but I am keeping my hope low on the matter, and expecting the worse.
On more personal note, I felt something unusual about Julia today. Her face seemed more full than usual, I never was the person to care for that, but I couldn't help but notice that she had gained a significant amount of weight. It is rather odd that I haven't noticed this before, and I have no idea if I should mention anything about it or not. I would challenge her to work out with me, but I am afraid that she would be offended by the suggestion. This is a very sensitive issue, and I think I will have to talk to ship's consoler for advise...
End Log.
Stardate 20709.29
Chief Science Officer Log, Stardate, 20709.29
Its official! The Yeager's crew has been reassigned to Space Station Sierra 18. The Captain called a staff meeting informing us of the changes and now we are about to announce it to the rest of the crew. My relatively short time on this ship reminded me of what a well trained crew can accomplish with minimal resources available, and exceeds all expectation by performing above the call of duty. The ship itself may be leaving us, but its soul will live on in the the new crew of Space Station Sierra 18.
The Yeager's legacy will ever be a fascinating tale to be told across the universe, a story of courage and hope in face of overwhelming odds, a voyage of heroism, sacrifice and victory!
End Log.
