Sunday, December 31, 2017

The Thing board game: AWESOME!!!


I was lucky enough to be invited to play the new "The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31" board game at a friend's Holiday party. I will say this is one outstanding game! If you are a fan of this movie, you need this game. It really, really captures the tone and feel of the movie and the creators did a hell of a job in my opinion.

The re-playability of this game is great because you never know who is or when someone else will become a "Thing"!

The board, cards and figures are all really cool and you can identify each member of the team easily. A very important part of the game is interpersonal dialogue between all the players as the rounds are played. Proclaim your humanity, admit how you can help accomplish the missions as they come up without revealing just exactly how helpful (or not) you can be.

Once you get a flamethrower you can force a blood test on another player and make them reveal to you if they are human or NOT! But only you and that player know the truth!!! Can you then convince the others he/she needs to be torched!!! Or are you lying and hoping to get rid of another human...

My wife fooled us all and was chosen as the person to lead the escape team at the end phase of the game only to reveal to the other four survivors on the Helicopter that we were doomed and humanity had lost, she was the Thing!!!!

Great fun, movie quotes and dialogue were slung back and forth all night, we listened to the movie soundtrack in the background. I cannot wait to get a copy of this for myself and play again.

The only drawback I see is that it states you can play with 4-8 players. However to get the maximum paranoid effect from this you need no less than 6, and for greatest effect 8 players like we had!

Super cool game, go find one now!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Friday, December 29, 2017

Far Trek crew update III: Main Crew background fluff

Crew as of Ep. 04
From Left to Right:
Communications Officer Lt. Cmdr. - F'Riid Dossa
Navigation/Helm Lt. JG - Maxine "max" Holt
Chief Science & 1st Officer Cmdr. - Triarius - Andorian
Captain - Cade Grim
Security Chief  Lt. Cmdr. - Leonard Maple
Chief medical Officer Lt. Cmdr. - Salec - Vulcan

The Player of our Captain decided he wanted to switch out the figure he used for one that wore the Green Tunic. He wanted to do this to show that his character was more military oriented and we decided that the green tunic relates to time spent in the Federation Marine Corp.

Following are some short Character Bio's about each of the main players in our Far Trek game. We scoured the internet for live action photos or screenshots from STO (Star Trek Online) that we thought would be cool images for the Characters. Big thanks to all the folks out there that do awesome stuff with photoshop etc.!

Meet the Cast of Characters from Far Trek USS ARGO.

Captain Cade Grim:



Cade is the youngest son of Star Fleet Admiral Jonathon Grim, and has recently just received his appointment as Captain of the ARGO.  His career in Starfleet began in earnest when after graduating the academy he followed a strict military path and joined the MACO's. After a recent engagement involving high-ranking Star Fleet officials Cade was promoted from First Lieutenant  to Captain and transferred to take over the Argo from retiring Captain Theodore "Ted" Withrow. There were some who opposed his appointment to the Argo because of what happened on his last mission with the MACO's, however Commodore Stone fought to get Cade arguing that a very 'different' style of commander was needed for the ARGO and her unique crew.

Some might consider Captain Grim a bit of a loose cannon compared to his brother Pryce who commands the USS Enterprise, the pride of the Federation. Though for all his levity, Cade can and will become quite serious when the time calls for it.

 Cade enjoys a good Prank, and also creating specialty drinks for the replicator. He and Lt. JG Holt are responsible for making the signature drink of the ARGO called the "Louisiana Coconut". When off duty the Captain can be found enjoying a good book or practicing his marksmanship on the phaser range.

If you see the Captain in the hall, watch out. You might be the target of his next prank.


1st Officer Triarius:

Triarius was assigned to the Argo a little over three months ago when Vesara Tess was transferred by Starfleet Command. Since the secondary mission of the Argo consists of surveying and cataloging recently discovered star systems Commodore Stone considered the Andorians expertise in Planetary Sciences would be a good match. This is his first posting on a multi-species ship and he is finding the experience very interesting so far.

He is logical and strong-minded as many Andorians are, viewing humans as a tad flighty and erratic. Among humans, he relates to engineers, scientists, and doctors the best; these professionals can keep the worst of their emotions and irrational thoughts under control and are usually intellectually engaging.

Triarius strives to be a logical scientist and make rational evidence-based decisions. This is usually the best approach, but not always. The truth is what it is (Triarius can be blunt).
Rather than give direct orders, Triarius prefers to gather data and make an informed decision based on that data. This includes relying on the professional expertise of other crew members.

If you see Triarius in the halls remember, a simple nod of acknowledgement will do.


Chief Medical Officer Salec:

Chief Medical Officer Salec is the son of Federation Ambassador Spock and was born on Earth while the family was stationed there. He joined Starfleet and graduated first in his class, specializing in the Sciences taking after his father. In his early years as a Lieutenant he was on a mission where most of the landing party was killed, and giving into his mother’s plea, Salec moved into the field of medicine, to alleviate her worries. She believes her son will be "safer" as a Doctor, though we know this is not always the case.

Salec has three siblings – Marina, his sister who is half Vulcan, half human; a brother Senar who is more human than Vulcan; and a second brother, Michael Sarek, also more human than Vulcan. Salec, like his father is also telepathic though he needs to be able to touch another in order to communicate in this method.

The Doctor takes his duties onboard the Argo very seriously, and runs a very efficient department.

Since the appointment of Cade Grim to the Captaincy of the Argo Salec has seen his regimented life turned upside down. There has been no end to the illogical chaos that has ensued. The Argo has always been a ship full of unique personalities, but under the prior captain they were kept more in check.

If you see Dr. Salec in the hall, then you probably haven't reported for your physical.



Chief of Security Leonard Maple:

Leonard Maple was born on Earth and abandoned at at early age. Being an orphan with no guidance, he decided to find purpose through serving humanity in the Federation. His guarded nature led him to the security field during his tenure as a Starfleet cadet.

Leonard excelled at every task set before him by his superiors and has a very distinguished record. His constant commendations and promotions allowed him to move from posting to posting, never staying longer than a year or two on any base or ship.  Maple was eventually transferred from his most recent position as security chief of the U.S.S. Yamato to the U.S.S. Argo, filling the recently vacated role left by the retiring chief Thompson. As a new member of the crew, he is still attempting to fit in and integrate with the Argo crew. One of his first orders on the Argo was the establishment of a tactical security team of ten elite members called “The Maple Leafs” to deal with threats both on and off the Argo. Maple has a quiet, reserved exterior that makes him difficult to read among his crew mates. This disposition also makes it so that the crew sometimes do not realize he is there until he makes his presence known. His many years in security have caused him to be skeptical of others and to see possible threats where others see none

On occasion Chief Maple has been known to crack a smile and show he is not humorless. The Chief himself is responsible for the "nickname" given to ensign Ted, showing there is a lighter side to the man.

If you see Chief Maple in the hall, ask him about hand-cooked meals he is quite a chef!


Helm/Navigation Lt. JG Maxine Holt:

Maxine Holt or "Max" was born on the colony world Pandora I. Her mother is the head Doctor for the colony and her Father oversees all manual labor duties, ranging from unloading transports and supply ships to building the actual colony settlements themselves. Needless to say she had to find ways to entertain herself for hours on end. Life on a frontier planet can become tedious and Maxine would spend hours with the site library computer reading just about anything. Her favorite subjects were flight and technical manuals for any type of star-faring ship.

When not reading Maxine would run wild with the few other children of the colony. They spent a great amount of time exploring their new world as children do. As she entered her teen years the young woman took short missions with her parents piloting the colony shuttle from settlement to settlement when they would go on their rounds. Maxine would also invariably interrogate visiting pilots from freighters & transports that would bring supplies to Pandora I, about thier ships and other planets.

After graduating Starfeet academy Maxine was posted to the USS Argo under Captain Withrow. She had recently been promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade when Cade Grim came aboard. She quickly impressed the new Captain with her piloting and navigation skills on thier first mission to Tannos V.

Max, really "gets" the new Captain's sense of humor and he recently appointed her as his personal shuttle pilot. She and the Captain also collaborated on the creation of the "Louisiana Coconut" a special drink served only on the Argo.

In her downtime you can find Max either brushing up on star-charts and flight manuals, or relaxing in the recreation room drawing sketches of her fellow shipmates. It is known that she is a frequent accomplice in some of the Captain's more elaborate pranks.

If you see Maxine in the halls say hello, and talk about the stars.


Chief Communications Officer F'Riid Dossa

The youngest of his generation from a clan of artists that is quite large by most other races' standards, but for Caitians is still small. F'Riid had no real talent for art. In the shadow of his siblings and cousins artistic achievements, he became involved in smuggling rare art objects to try and please his family. This led to a confrontation between the Federation and an Orion smuggling ring. F'Riid was implicated , but his talent for the orion language, and his efforts during said conflict to try and mitigate hostilities (that mostly went unheard) earned him leniancy at sentancing, use his skills in language for the Federation, or face the full smuggling charges.

 He's been disowned by his clan after the incident above, despite the second chance the Federation offered. F'Riid excelled at cryptography/communications & translations at the academy, and found his knack with picking up languages secured him a good position in Starfleet.

Though F'Riid climbed the ranks from ensign to Lt. Commander he has yet to earn any actual commendations, but also has no formal reprimands. It's been rumored that he often does shady things wherever he is stationed, though no charges have ever been filed.

He has yet to serve in a single posting for more than a few months before a transfer request was put in, either by himself or one of his commanders. He recently took over as Chief Communications Officer of the Argo after the transfer of Tsun Capri.

If you see F'riid in the hall say hello in your native tongue!

Monday, December 11, 2017

Far Trek crew update II: NPC Ensign Ted

Episode  04 introduced some interesting background characters to our current game. Most notably are Ensign Ted and Chief Maple's hand-picked specialist team "The Maple Leafs".

Let's learn a little about them and how they make the USS Argo a special place!

Security Ensign Christopher Ted
Ensign Ted

Ensign Ted is good at his job. He handles most of the mundane administrative duties for the Security Dept. and reports directly to Chief Maple. Everyone in Security gets along with Ted he's a genuinely nice guy and helpful too. Ted's one drawback is that he is curious, like curiosity killed the cat curious. He has been known to touch buttons on the bridge while on guard duty. He once launched a survey probe directly into a star, and there was that time he caused all the internal refuse tubes to flush internally on deck 9. Some of the crew remark that if you let Ted operate the food dispenser in the lounge you never know what will come out!

Since coming aboard, Chief Maple see's untapped potential in Ensign Ted. And that's why he got that promotion after Lt. Ka'luth was disintegrated by a Klingon.

Ted misses Ka'luth, he liked the gruff old Tellarite. But Ted knows the life of a Red Shirt is a life of danger. Ted is ready to meet danger head on, and test any buttons that need pressing!

If you see Ted in the halls, stop and say hi!

P.S.
Ted likes hiking on alien planets for shore leave. It's okay to join him for that because there aren't any buttons around.


Far Trek Stats for Ensign Ted

Class: Red Shirt     Position: Security
ST 0  DX 0  IQ -1  CA +1

Skills: Administration +1, Athletics +1, Marksmanship +1, Unarmed Melee +1
Talents: Durable, Red Shirt**

**In the case of Ensign Ted, the RED SHIRT talent works slightly different. Instead of him being replaced Ted just shows back up in the next appropriate scene! "Ensign Ted, we thought you were dead!"
"Oh that, it hurt terribly but Dr. Salec says I'm okay now."
Should Ted get disintegrated or some other massively horrible thing happens then he's really dead, but that usually happens to the Red Shirt right next to Ted.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

FAR TREK Play Report: Star Date 2017.8.12

Episode 04

Episode 04 of our monthly Far Trek rpg group was a blast! This one is a Far Trek version of the Star Trek Adventures modules of the same name. Two of our players were out for this session, Comms Officer F'riid is on a well earned shore leave and Dr. Salec is an NPC for this episode.

Get your favorite snack, jump into that comfy chair and turn on your TV because it's time!

~Star Trek Theme Music~

Intro Scene:
The USS ARGO sits stationary in space near another federation ship. The camera zooms in and we see the crew on the Bridge going about their duties as the Captain makes an entry into his log.

ARGO Bridge
Captain's Log:
We have been diverted from our standard patrol of Quadrant 44 to rendezvous with the USS Ptolemy and pick up a Civilian Medical Team led by a Doctor Stoorer. They are to be taken to the Dourap system which lies dangerously close to the Klingon border, where a Tellarite colony is dealing with a severe case of d'kar fever. We are to provide staging and technical support as needed by the Doctors since the colony itself is not under direct Federation control or jurisdiction.
.
USS PTOLEMY
Comms Ensign:
"Captain, the Ptolemy is ready to beam over the Medical team and start the cargo transfers."

Capt. Grim:
"Tell them we are ready. Triarius, Chief Maple will you join me in the transporter room to greet our guests. Mr. Holt you have the Conn."

Lt. JG "max" Holt:
"Aye Captain."


Scene 1: Transporter Room


Guests arrive
[As technician completes the transporter procedure three humans appear aboard the Argo.]

Capt. Grim:
"Welcome aboard Dr. Stoorer, I'm Captain Grim. This is my First Officer Triarius and my Chief of Security Mr. Maple. We are looking forward to working with you and helping the colonists of Dourap II."

Dr. Stoorer:
"Thank you Captain, this is Dr. Holloway and Dr. Dirkowitz. I would like to get the rest of my team and our cargo aboard as soon as possible. You understand there is little time to waste. I need to be shown to your Sick Bay immediately."

Capt. Grim:
"The Chief and I will show you to Sick bay, my First Officer will oversee the transfer of your cargo from the Ptolemy."

Outside Transporter Room 1
[As the group leaves the transporter room the Captain asks Triarius to make sure the "cargo" is exactly what it is supposed to be.]


Scene 1a: Sick Bay
[On the way to Sick bay it becomes quickly apparent that Dr. Stoorer has little time for social niceties, as she reiterates the strict timetable by which the team must reach Dourap II and begin the distribution of the cure.]

Capt. Grim:
"Is there any danger of us contracting this disease doctor, how did the breakout occur?"

Dr. Dirkowitz:
Holding up his data-pad so both the Chief and Captain can see, "d'kar fever is a contagious and dangerous disease on Tellar Prime. It’s carried by insects and can be transmitted from person to person like the flu. It appears to have arrived on the colony via a shipment of luxury goods that wasn’t properly quarantined. Early stages are marked by a high fever and muscle weakness. In later stages, it attacks the lungs, compromising their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, thus suffocating the victim. It is easily treatable with the drug daronite. While primarily a threat to Tellarites, there are documented cases of the disease being transmitted to Humans and Deltans. Vulcans and Andorians appear to be immune to the disease due to the different base metals in their blood."

Chief Maple:
"This drug daronite, where will it come from?"

Dr. Holloway:
"The cargo being brought on board is the daronite, which we spent the last 72 hours synthesizing and prepping in hypos to be distributed quickly among the inhabitants. As of now the colony is still in the early phase of the outbreak and no fatalities have been reported." The young woman stops speaking as the party enters Sick Bay.

Sick Bay
[ Dr. Salec greets the medical staff and they begin to go over plans for staging and distribution once the colony is reached. The Captain and the Chief try their best to keep up with all the medical-babble but soon decide to leave the doctors to their jobs.]

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Scene 1b: Cargo bay 3
[The Cargo bay is abuzz with activity. Chief Engineer Zav and a technician oversee the the bulk cargo transporter and are beaming aboard the last of the CMT cargo boxes. Triarius and an Argo medical technician go over the manifest with two nurses from the Civilian Medical Team.]

Cargo bay 3
Triarius:
"All crates will be scanned and stowed according to SOP." The Andorian First Officer hands a data-pad back to the nurse.

CMT Nurse:
"Yes of course. This isn't the first time we've done this sort of thing. We have 200 cases each containing 90 hypos of daronite, plus our standard issue medical gear and pre-fab sterile huts." She continues to check off each case as they are opened inspected and resealed by herself and the Argo med-tech. "Nurse Hunsley and I, with the help of your team should be done stowing everything within the hour."

Triarius:
Nodding in acknowledgement to the female nurse, he turns to Zav. "When you have completed this task, send the manifest to my station Chief." The Andorian gives a final look over everything and turns to leave.

Chief Zav:
"Aye sir, we'll have this done in a jiff!" Turning to the technician the Tellarite grumbles, "He's going to take a bit o' gettin used too. I miss Tess, but things change."

[The crew goes about standard duties and gets ready to depart for the Dourap system. Chief Maple pays a visit to the remaining medical staff as they are stowing their gear in the quarters assigned to them. He makes a cursory measure of their overall attitude and finds them to be quite normal. Especially when one of the nurse staff seems to display an attraction to the Chief. Using this to his advantage the Chief chats the man up and comes away satisfied that the CMT is exactly what they appear to be.]

Scene 1c: Argo Bridge
[ On the bridge Triarius gets confirmation that the cargo is secure. Captain Grim has Maple assign guards to Cargo bay 3 to make sure no one goes in or out until arrival at Dourap II. Lt JG Holt reports that a course for their destination is laid in. The Argo bids farewell to the Ptolemy and heads off at warp 6 for the Dourap system.

  Captain Grim turns the Conn over to Triarius and retires to his ready room where spends time updating his logs.

  About an hour or so later the Captain requests that Dr. Stoorer meet him in his ready room. There is a bit of friction as the Doctor bristles at being pulled away from her work for the Captain's attempts at pleasantries again. Meanwhile on the bridge, Maple approaches Triarius.]

Maple & Triarius
Chief Maple:
"So Triarius, how are you finding the Argo?"

Triarius:
"I find the Argo an acceptable position for myself. What exactly do you want Chief?"

Chief Maple:
"Look, we are both newly assigned to the ship. I was just wondering how your were getting along. What do you think of the Captain?"

Triarius:
"I find the Captain to be competent, and I appreciate his direct approach. Chief, is this what humans refer to as 'small talk'?"

Chief Maple:
"Yes, I suppose that would be correct. I haven't worked directly with an Andorian before, this is new for me."

Triarius:
 "This is my first posting on a multi-species ship. It is 'new' for me as well. Perhaps...!!"

[Suddenly the ship lurches violently and alert klaxons begin to sound!]

 Intercom:
"Captain to the Bridge!"

Dr. Stoorer:
"What is happening, that wasn't normal was it?"

Captain Grim:
"No, that was not normal. I suggest you return to Sick Bay with Dr. Salec while I get to the Bridge!" As the Captain makes his way onto a turbo-lift he mutters. "This better not be ensign Ted again."*

[ The ship bucks and tilts wildly, and the crew is tossed about. Holt does her best to steady the ship but systems are shorting out and failing!]



Captain Grim:
Entering from the turbolift, "What is happening, Triarius status report!"

Triarius:
"The ship has been caught in a wormhole Captain!"

Captain Grim:
"Max drop us out of warp and level us out!"

out of control!

Lt JG 'max' Holt:
"Warp drive is not responding sir! I'm barely holding us steady, speed increasing warp 6.8!"

Chief Maple:
"Shields holding but power is dropping rapidly!"

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"Warp 7.5! helm is not responding!!"

Triarius:
"At this rate we will exceed maximum safety threshold in 90 seconds!"

Captain Grim:
"Zav, we have no control up here. What can you do?"

COMMERCIAL BREAK


[ The Argo careens wildly out of control in a warp space worm hole.]

Intercom:
"Captain, hold on! I'm going to attempt a manual warp drive shutdown."

Captain Grim:
"Zav, I don't care how you do it, just get us back to normal space!"

[ The lights go dark for a brief moment then space returns to normal as the warp drive goes offline. The crew quickly begin to assess their situation.]

Scene 2: Briefing Room deck 4

picking up the pieces
Chief Engineer Zav:
"Propulsion and guidance systems are offline. Subspace communications are out, as well as weapons. Our shields are functioning, though only at 45% capacity. Also 80% of the ship is without lights and internal systems due to an overload in the main power grid. Lastly, Life support and sensors appear to have come through unscathed. There's very little physical damage to the ship itself."

Dr. Salec:
From the Tri-vid monitor - "Injuries are numerous, consisting of lacerations and multiple reports of broken bones and concussions. Thankfully, I have no casualties to report. With the aid of Dr. Stoorer and her staff I can compensate for the lack power to our systems here."

Captain Grim:
"So far this isn't too bad. Things could have been a lot worse."

Triarius:
"Captain, Lt JG Holt and I have calculated our present position and course. After breaking free of the wormhole we have been travelling at warp 0.9 with no way to reduce speed or change our trajectory."

Captain Grim:
"And..."

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"While we were bouncing around in that wormhole, we were knocked 90 degrees and more than a few light years off course. Our current trajectory takes us directly into Klingon space. The Argo will drift across the border in approximately three hours."

Capt. Grim:
"It just got worse...."

[ At this point the crew had decide which repairs to the ship were most important and in what order they would be worked on. Everything couldn't be repaired before reaching the Klingon border so they opted to get propulsion, power systems, weapons and shields working as priority.]

Triarius: 
Captain, there is one more thing. A wormhole incident like the one we just encountered can only occur when a warp core goes out of balance.

Chief Engineer Zav:
"My warp core was in perfect balance, what are you trying to say!"

Chief Maple:
"Triarius is saying, this was sabotage." The chief activates the intercomm, "Security, I want Franklin & Benjamin posted at Sick bay right away, be sure the CMT members do not leave."

Triarius:
"Exactly, but to what end I cannot yet say."

Captain Grim:
"Salec, I need you to get the crew back to work as fast as you can. Zav, get working on the warp core. Triarius, I want you to oversee full power restoration, I want to know what happened to my ship. Maple, Holt you two are with me. We have some questions to ask of our guests."

Scene 2a. 
[In the turbo lift on the way to deck 7 and Sick bay.]


Chief Maple:
"Everything points to one or more members of Stoorers team being our culprit. Triarius is right though, what is the motive to sabotage the Argo?"

Capt. Grim:
"The mission to Dourap II perhaps. We could be dealing with a Klingon plant here. Keep us at Yellow Alert."

Lt JG Holt:
"Captain, what about the cargo. We should check on it."

[Just outside the turbolift on deck 7.]

Maple checks on the Cargo
Chief Maple:
"Ka'luth, I need a visual status on the cargo."

Cargo bay 3
Lt. Ka'luth:
"Chief, it looks like the cargo broke loose. I would say at least half has been destroyed. We have broken hypos all over the place."

Lt. Japard:
"Hey this vent cover has been broken open from the inside!"

Chief Maple:
" Japard, I want you to enter that vent and find out where the saboteur got in from, and if they are still in there. Get the rest of the team to help you."

[The security team springs into action checking the various jeffries tubes and repair access crawlspaces near the cargo bay.]

Player rolls high!
Scene 2b. 
[Meanwhile on deck 6 near engineering. Triarius oversees the first stage of repairs and also keeps an eye out for signs of sabotage. He eventually makes a discovery!]

Triarius:
"Yes, see how these conduits have been cross-connected. someone did this intentionally."

 Engineering Tech:
"But sir, it was total luck this only resulted in the damage we sustained. Whoever did this had no idea what they were actually messing with here. Why they could have blown the whole ship!"

Triarius:
"So we can conclude our intruder is no expert in starship technology. He or She is working with rudimentry knowledge and will therefore make a very obvious choice as their next target."

Scene 2c.
Sick Bay deck 7
Sick bay
[ Sick bay is swamped with activity as Salec oversees his staff in conjunction with Dr. Stoorers people. Security officers Franklin and Benjamin relate that none of the CMT members have left this deck since they arrived. The players question the civilian doctors and nurses and quickly discover that one of them; nurse Hunsley; has been missing for and undetermined amount of time, when a call for the Captain comes over the intercom.]

Intercom:
"Captain, long range scanners have picked up a Klingon D-7 waiting at the border point where we will drift across."

Captain Grim:
"Right, notify me of any changes in their activity." turning to Maple & Holt. "Max, I want you on the bridge. As soon as impulse power is restored adjust our course and keep us away from the Klingons as best you can. Maple, find Hunsley before he causes any further damage. I need to show Dr. Stoorer what has happened to her cargo."

Chief Maple:
Activates the intercom, "Security, I want two three man parties searching the ship for a lone member of the CMT. He may be armed, use stun if necessary."

Repairs

[ Many things are happening all across the ship at this moment. Repairs are being made, security teams begin to scour the ship. The main cast are going to do specific thing. All this is being played out cinematically.

Lt. Japard finishes his search of the vents and determines the saboteur entered them just after messing with the conduits on deck 6.]



Scene 2d.
Cargo Bay 3 deck 8
severe loss
Dr. Stoorer:
"I can't believe Hunsley would do this, it makes no sense. He is an exemplary nurse and has shown nothing but compassion for others since he joined the team."

Capt. Grim:
"Just how recently did he join your team Doctor?"

Dr. Stoorer:
" Kyle has been with us just a little over a month. The damage done here is terrible, many lives could be lost as a result even if we make it Dourap II before the outbreak worsens! I need to confer with Dr. Salec about synthesizing more daronite."

Capt. Grim:
"If your man causes any more damage to my ship, we might not be able to defend ourselves from the Klingons, much less synthesize more cure."

Dr. Stoorer:
"Klingons, sabotage! Captain what is going on here?"

Capt. Grim:
"That is precisely what I intend to discover Doctor!"

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Scene 3: Hide & Seek

[ At this point the priority repairs have been completed, and the Argo regains control of her weapon systems and Impulse engines. The power systems overload has also been repaired and the ship begins to come back to life with shields now operating at maximum. Captain Grim returns to the Bridge.]

Capt. Grim:
"Max, status report."

Lt JG 'max' Holt:
"I have adjusted our course for Dourap II, but without warp capability we cannot make our ETA for the medical emergency. Also the D-7 has been following us, but have so far stayed on their side of the border."

like a shark
Capt. Grim:
"No doubt they smell blood in the water. Has there been any sign of communications from the Klingon?"

NPC Comms:
"Sir our comms are still down, so I couldn't say. But they have been using long range scanners on us."

Capt. Grim:
"Now it's a waiting game."

Scene 3a.
Security Sweep/continuing repairs
Security sweeps the ship

[ Again, we enter a cinematic mode as the crew go about their business and the D-7 follows the Argo. The security teams report the searches are coming up clean which means the target is possibly being forced to hide on decks 6 or 7, as they have been working at checking the ship from above and below simultaneously.
Triarius has surmised that if the saboteur is a Klingon, he will need a tricorder to scan for his life-sign differences. Procuring one, the First Officer heads for Main Engineering. Maple also heads for engineering assuming this is where the intruder will make a final stand.

The warp core repair is finally able to begin in earnest at this point but will still take an hour to replace the damaged plasma injector, and another hour to restart.]



Scene 3b.
Engineering

[ Triarius has been scanning the repair teams looking for the intruder. This task has now left him with only the crew in main engineering to cover. He is in the midst of doing this when Chief Maple arrives.]

Chief Maple: "Anything?"
Hunsley makes a move

Triarius:
"So far nothing. All of our men are who they should be. But interference from the damage has been hampering my ability to conduct broad scans. I believe we need to rely on our physical senses and instincts to find him at this point."

Chief Maple:
"Agreed, there are too many access points for someone to get in here to be covered alone. You take the right side and I will take the left."

[ The Officers begin an intensive search of the area while leaving Chief Zav and his crew to their work. It is the superior hearing of the Andorian that alerts him to danger!]

Triarius:
"Maple, above you!" raising his phaser and firing!

Kyle Hunsley:
Just dodging the First Officers shot, he drops down from the upper engineering deck brandishing a type I phaser and aims at Maple! "I don't want to hurt anyone, just stop doing your repairs!" The young nurse fires at the Security Chief.

Chief Engineer Zav:
"Watch that phaser fire!!" as he and the repair team duck for cover.

Chief Maple:
"Thanks Triarius!" executing a perfect tumble roll, he is missed by the blast. The Chief takes aim with his own phaser and fires back!

Kyle Hunsley:
"I mean it, just back off...ahhh!!!" struck by the blue beam, the nurse seems to shrug off the stun effect but is clearly staggered. "This doesn't.. have to.. get worse, back off!"

Triarius:
"Perhaps heavy stun." adjusting the setting on his phaser, another shot catches the man full on and he drops.


Scene 3c.
The Brig


[ The Captain and his Officers question Hunsley once he regains consciousness. A tricorder scan revealed Hunsley to be jacked up on stims which explains his resistance to stunning. They uncover the fact that Hunsley has been put up to the sabotage of this mission at the behest of the Orion Syndicate. The young man owes them a large gambling debt from his many trips to Rigel IV.]

Hunsley:
"I was just supposed to make sure we didn't arrive on time and destroy the bulk of the daronite. I was given some very basic instructions on power systems, but I'm afraid I was never good with technical stuff. No one was supposed to get hurt."

Triarius:
"What of the hundreds of victims on Dourap II, will not your actions result in possible deaths there?"

Capt Grim:
"Kyle, you've endangered the lives of those colonists. Adults and children could die now because we may not be there in time!"

Hunsley:
"No, they won't. You see the Orions are going to be there when we don't arrive and supply the colony with daronite in exchange for exclusive trading rights. It has something to do with their proximity to the Klingon border. Or at least that's what I overheard."

Chief Maple:
"Allowing the Orions much easier access for smuggling, and less likely for us to hinder those actions since the Tellarite colony is outside of Federation control."

Hunsley:
"Captain, I was supposed to signal with a device I was given once the job was done. It was damaged when I sabotaged the ship initially. I don't know what the result of that may be..."

Intercom:
"Captain, the D-7 is crossing the border and heading to intercept us!"

Capt. Grim:
"We'll be right there," looking to his Officers. " Let's get to the bridge!"

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Scene 4: Shall we Dance?
[ On the bridge the crew take their stations as the D-7 closes in.] ~ dramatic music~

D-7 approaches
Lt JG "max" Holt:
"Captain, they are increasing speed and gaining on us."

Chief Maple:
"Even with our shields at full capacity they outgun us! We couldn't take more than a couple of direct hits before they tore us apart."

Triarius:
"They are scanning us. I would guess to assess our level capability after the sabotage. Is it possible this is who Hunsley was supposed to signal?"

Capt. Grim:
"We know there is an Orion/Klingon connection so the possibility is high." Capt. Grim looks to the Communications staion, "Are we up yet?"

Comms NPC:
"Yes sir, we have full communications restored."

Capt. Grim:
"Open a channel." Swiveling about in his chair to face the viewscreen. "Klingon vessel, this is Captain Grim of the USS Argo, we suffered damage from a warp malfunction and nearly crossed into your space due to circumstances beyond our control. The issue has been rectified and we are no danger of violating your space. Please respond."

Comms NPC:
"Nothing Captain, they heard us but are making no response."

Triarius:
"They are charging disruptors and attempting to get a lock on us!"

Capt Grim:
"Red Alert!" Grim taps the intercom button for Engineering, "Zav, I need warp power now. I can't outrun this Klingon without it!"

Chief Zav:
"We've just completed the plasma injector installation. But I need sixty minutes to re-balance the core and bring it online!"

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
Maxine turns to the Cade with a wide grin on her face, "Captain, permission to Hug the Donkey."

Capt. Grim:
Cade nods, "Permission granted!"

[ At this point we switched to Ship to Ship combat mode. Our Helmswoman was able to roll high enough against the enemy ship that even with weapons locked they could not score a hit! For two rounds the Argo was able to avoid the heavy disruptors of the D-7.
As round three began the Argo had gained initiative and Capt. Grim gave Helm the command to execute an Unorthodox Maneuver called the "Clingy Koala". The high maneuverability of the Argo allows the crew to get into a position directly behind and just below the rear of the D-7. So close in fact that the Klingons momentarily lose track of just where the Argo has gone!]

Ship to Ship Round 3
Lt JG 'max' Holt:
"Let's see what they think of this!"

Chief Maple:
"We have weapons lock for phasers and photon torpedos sir!"

Capt. Grim:
"Fire!"

Triarius:
Looking into his viewer. "We have penetrated their shields, phasers have damaged their warp nacell and photons have disabled a disruptor cannon. Level 3 damage to both areas."

Ship to Ship Round 4

[ The D-7 attempts get in position to fire on the Argo, 'Max' rolls and beats the Klingon Helmsman, keeping the Argo in "Clingy Koala" position. Even though the Klingons now know where they are, they cannot shake the crew of the Argo!]

Chief Maple:
"Weapons are still locked Captain!"

Capt Grim:
"Fire! Nobody messes with the Argo, especially Klingons!"

Triarius:
"They have sustained Level 2 damage to their communication array, and our photons have inflicted level 3 damage to the main life support systems."

Ship to Ship Round 5

[Finally the Klingons pull away from the Argo putting her at short range, but still behind them.]

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"I've lost Clingy Koala sir, but they still can't fire on us!"

Capt Grim:
"Chief, assemble a boarding party. I want to know what these Klingons were up too!"

Chief Maple:
"Aye sir, weapons are locked and ready." Maple taps the intercom at his station, "Lt. Ka'luth prep the Maple Leafs for boarding actions, meet me in transporter room 2!" The Security Chief leaves his station leaping to the turbo-lift while bellowing, "Maple Leafs Assemble!"

Capt. Grim:
"All weapons, Fire!"

Triarius:
"Another hit on their life support system, it is completely obliterated. The photons have crippled the impulse engines and their shields are failing!"

Capt. Grim:
"Comms tell the Klingons to prepare for boarding and we will aid any injured they may have."

Ship to Ship Round 6

[The D-7 gets initiative and is just able to use the last burst of maneuvering thrusters to point the ship straight down in front of the Argo and come to a full stop. In essence making themselves a wall that will be hard to avoid!]

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"Hang on!" the helmswoman is just able to avoid ramming directly into the disabled craft.

Capt. Grim:
'Fire, all weapons!"

Triarius:
"Direct hits on communications again, and the photons have taken out the shield generators. Transport can commence."

Capt. Grim:
"Alright Maple you are clear the shields are down! Max, keep us out of their firing arcs just in case."

Triarius:
"Captain scans show the D-7's warp core is going into overload, we need to stop Maple!"

Capt. Grim:
"Chief belay the order to board, the warp core is going critical. Try to beam aboard as many survivors as you can instead!"

Ship to Ship Round 7

[The Argo attempts to put as much space between themselves and the Klingon ship as they can before the warp core explodes!]

Capt. Grim:
"Get us as far away as you can Max!"

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"I'm on it sir!"

[Meanwhile in Transporter room 2]


Chief Maple:
"There's a lot of interference from the damage they've sustained, having trouble getting a lock. Ha, got one! Energizing now, set weapons to heavy stun men. These are Klingons we're dealing with!"

[ A single Klingon is brought aboard and even when faced with overwhelming odds the warrior lashes out with his disruptor!]

Klingon Warrior:
"Federation dogs!" a full blast hits Lt. Ka'luth, the Tellarite glows red and in a flash is gone!

Chief Maple:
"Lieutenant!" the Chief draws his own phaser, "Fire, take him down!"

[The lone Klingon drops under a hail of phaser fire! He is then quickly whisked away to the brig.]

Ship to Ship Round 8

Capt. Grim:
"How are we looking?"

Lt. JG 'max' Holt:
"We are at full impulse but I don't think we are far enough to not take a bit of a hit from this!"

Triarius:
"Our shields are at full capacity, we have a 75.348% chance to suffer minor damage at this range. There it goes!"

The D-7 explodes
Final Scene:

[The Argo is in orbit over Dourap II, on the planet below we see Dr. Salec and the medical staff helping Dr. Stoorer and the remaining members of the CMT aiding the colony. The scene then shifts to the Captain in his quarters staring intently into his desk view screen.]

Capt Grim:
"Thank you Commodore, I will see you when we drop off Hunsley." A chime sounds, and Cade looks up at his door. "Enter."

[He removes a disc and places it in his files as an unseen person enters his quarters. We are clearly able to see the disc is labeled "Lt. Commander Leonard Maple."]

Capt. Grim:
"I have a favor to ask, off the record."

THE END


Epilogue:

The Captain and the Chief were going to interrogate the lone Klingon captive, however he disintegrated himself just as the Captain entered the brig. He looked directly at Cade and cried "Tuq B'ol 'Oth!". It was determined that had it not been for the security force field, the device used would have disintegrated everyone within 10ft of the captive. The brig itself suffered extensive damage.

Captain Grim later talked with Commodore Stone in an effort to see that Kyle Hunsley received a lesser charge in exchange for his help and information on the Orion plot at Dourap II and the possible collusion with Klingon forces.

Triarius was able to determine that the D-7 they encountered was not a part of the standard Klingon Star Navy. The ship bore no insignia, and was running on outdated systems and using A.I systems to make up for a smaller crew complement. Further analysis reveals this D-7 to possibly have been an early prototype of the class.

The Argo had a funeral service for Lt. Ka'luth the Tellarite security Officer slain in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and six children.