The March of the 12th (Massive Fleet Participation Needed!)

[Shaker]

USS Eldridge
Arriving at Valhalla

Captain Alexander walked around the bridge while his officers directed the docking of the Eldridge to Valhalla. There wasn't much danger in a docking operation when you had experienced people performing the operations, but this was Lieutenant Reed's first time outside of a simulator. As a consequence, there were a few minor scratches along the hull near the starboard docking port.

A little shaken, Lt. Reed reported, "Docking complete, Captain. We have hard seal on all tubes to Valhalla and are ready to transfer supplies. Incoming transmission from Major Allen, sir."

"Not bad work Lieutenant. Just need a bit of practice with the timing of those brakes and you'll be a master of the dock in no time." The Captain patted Lt. Reed on the shoulder and faced the main view screen, "Put Major Allen on the viewer."

The screen shimmered and the image of a stocky looking, middle aged human with the beginnings of gray along the temples came into view. He nodded toward the camera, "Good evening, Captain Alexander. I am Major Allen. I and my company of MACOs have been assigned to the Eldridge and are awaiting permission to come aboard. I also hear you have a new toy for us to play with?"

Captain Alexander smiled at the reference, "We do, Major. It's an Orbital Insertion apparatus that one of my engineers developed in his spare time. We were able to build and install it in our shuttle bay on the way to our last stop. It's a bit cramped in the bay right now, but my first officer is taking command of the USS Salt Lake City and will be taking some of our shuttles for his own use.

"I'm looking forward to meeting your and your MACOs after they've had a chance to come aboard and get settled in. I would like to brief everyone about the Orbital Insertion Device and get their feedback. We have a high success rate with getting a pod to the surface of a planet, but it's not quite where I would like it. Perhaps y'all could help us raise that number to acceptable levels."

"Sir, am I to understand that you have made quarters available to these two hundred MACOs?" Major Allen replied, just a little perplexed.

"Of course, Major. We had to offload a lot of equipment and personnel at Starbase 39. We currently have little more than a skeleton crew to run the ship, plus a few replacements should things turn real bad. We have plenty of space for most to have their own bunks, but unfortunately we have to double and triple up some. I'd like to have the MACOs help our guys prepare for repelling boarders, and ours to help you be able to step in at a console should something terrible happen. A little interdependency would go a long way for both crews."

Major Allen stood silently in thought for a moment, "I definitely agree, Captain. I'll report in as soon as we are ready for the briefings. I'll begin the transfer of personnel now."

"Okay Major. Let me know if you hit any snags with the on-load. Alexander out." Captain Alexander tapped his combadge, "Captain to Commander Sylix, please report to the bridge."

The Captain walked over to the science station and addressed the Bolian there, "Drafia, would you mind searching the Valhalla databases to see if you can find anything that will help us get the success rate of the Skyjumper device? If you do, coordinate with engineering for implementation." "Aye, sir." Came the reply.

Captain Alexander crossed the bridge to his ready room, entered and sat down in the high-backed leather chair behind the mahogany desk. Commander Sylix entered the room shortly after, "Captain, I was about to beam over to the Salt Lake City when I received your message."

Aiden Alexander smiled at his first officer and stood up to make his way to the front of the desk. "Sylix, I need you to take three shuttles with you. We really don't have the room in our bay to accommodate them and I need the space. Besides, I think you'll find them useful in the engagement to come." Captain Alexander extended his hand, which the Vulcan grasped firmly and shook, "Good luck with the days ahead, Commander. When it's all over, you'll still have a place here as my XO. Lord knows we need you."

They ended the handshake and Sylix raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute, "I am only borrowing your ship, Captain. Live long and prosper." A moment later, Sylix strode out of the room and on his way down to the shuttle bay.

A few hours later...

Captain Alexander walked back onto the bridge, rubbing sleep out of his eyes with one hand and holding a cup of coffee in the other. "Report."

Lieutenant Reed, a young hawkish navigator descended from a long line of Reeds who served in Starfleet since it's inception, replied, "MACOs are all aboard, sir. Major Allen reported ten minutes ago that they have all been in their quarters to drop off their personal effects and are now assembling in the shuttle bay to hear from you. Supplies from Valhalla are transferred, personnel are all in assigned areas. We have a double compliment of quantum torpedoes and a second medical team has just arrived for the new sickbay."

"Very good, Lieutenant. Thanks for handling all that for me. I'm gonna head down and address the MACOs, how do I look?"

"Like shit, sir." Came the deadpan reply.

"Well the rest of the bridge looks the same." The Captain said while looking around. Addressing the whole bridge crew, he said, "Okay everyone, get some rack time. I want all of you well rested by the time we arrive at the system outskirts. Once there, we will hold a mission brief and then start the hard stuff." Captain Alexander entered the turbolift, finished his coffee, and made his way to the shuttle bay.

[Tavious]

En route to System RY8-894. ETA 2 hours.


Captain's Personal Log.
After receiving a subspace message from Starbase Valhalla we have altered course from the rally point to the system itself. As one of the fastest ships in the fleet we should arrive in-system before most of the fleet. We'll drop from warp on the outskirts of the system, scanning for cloaked vessels and disable any out riding ships. I have a small MACO force on-board trained in covert ops and they should be useful in the upcoming battle. The crew has shown tremendous resolve and dedication in their duties and they're to be commended. I know they're afraid, anyone who doesn't admit that is either foolish or doesn't know any better, but my crew while unsure of the upcoming battle carry on their duty in the finest traditions of the Fleet, and I am damned proud to serve with them. After this war is over I'm going to make sure we have Club 47 rented and throw the biggest party this side of the quadrant.

2 Hours Later:
"Sir, we're secured from warp and have arrived in the outer system." said Commander Talsian.

Val'Keer smiled. "Good, bring us to yellow alert and begin a passive sensor scan of the outlying system. Also send a coded message to Colonel Davis and let him know the Banshee is in system and awaiting orders."

Talsian complied and looked towards her Captain. "Message is away, initial scans show nothing, but we may have to go to active sensors."

Val smiled again. "No Tal, we'll wait and see what Angel has in store for us and I don't want to tip our hand to early." Despite the tension she felt she forced herself to relax. "Keep the passive scans going. We watch and wait, until more ships arrive that's all we can do."

[Forge04]

[OOC] This has gotta get going, if the TAC division doesn't want to play, I'm counting on Intel to come through with the space portions.

USS Tal'Afar - One hour from Poighet System.

Angel sat at the other end of the conference table, his former First Officer Cmdr. Varulal at the other. He had several of his company commanders in attendance, those that would be on the initial invasion force. As the briefing continued Angel went over his shopping list on his PADD.

They would need a medical, supply, engineering and intelligence attachments able to support 20,000 troops on each planet.

He looked up on the breifing progress.

Yes they were going to start on the most isolated mine facility, #4, which was over 50,000Km from the nearest enemy facility. They'd take that position, fortify it, then push out from it.

At his disposal were two thousand MACOs on his own vessel, and 38,000 warping into the system from roughly the same angle. They were to take Charlie first, with the other half supporting the space effort, then leave a quarter on Charlie while the rest converged on the nightmare that was Beta.

Mark looked up to see Maj. Relik summarize the MACO version of the Argo to the Starfleet officers.

"It's heavier, but with more firepower, protection, and boots on ground. Each of these rigs takes 8 people. Three in the cockpit: pilot, co-pilot and crewchief. Then the vehicle team, which is a driver, a TC, main rear gunner, and two side riflemen.

We'll be dropping in Type 9 shuttles, which as you all know are essentially retrofitted Type 7 shuttles, which will hold up to forty cramped MACOs.

Once we take out that inhibitor, it will be imperitive that remaining support personell beam down. We'll be taking casualties left and right, plus intel will need to be gathered and processed.

There will also be a ton of confused and scared Poighet as well. Gods forbid they become an issue."

Angel turned back to his PADD as he sent off his list to the fleet.

Almost time.

[Karadok]

USS Havana
Near Vulcan
Commander Karadok Lykos stood on the bridge of the Havana thinking he missed his medical ship but when an Admiral requests you test drive a new ship ( or anything for that matter you comply). The Nebula class was much bigger than his Olympic class and slower and clumsier. Karadok sighed thinking back to when he first saw the U.S.S. Kyra Magdalen ugly came to mind. After a few missions he came to love the gal she was maneuverable and while not heavily armed could at least defned herself while making a get away.

"Commander incoming priority message encrypted your eyes only," chimed ensign Albertine.

"Send patch through to my quarters, Etoura you have the bridge," and with that Karadok headed to the turbolift.

Before taking the message Karadok ordered a cup of Russian Smokey Tea from the replicator. Sitting down with his tea Karadok prepared for the worst.

"Computer play message."
The message played out. Upon the message ending Karadok started analyzing what this meant. Well they will need medical personal for sure we can't due much to defend ourselves in the Kyra Magdalen which will be what we will have to take since this ship isn't even armed yet and Admiral Quinn will surely want us to stop the test runs and get to System RY8-894 The computer chimed interrupting his thoughts.

"Go ahead."

"Commander incoming message from Admiral Quinn"

"Patch it through, and tell my officers I want to meet with them in the ready room in 30 minutes, and Etoura I want you in the ready room in 20 minutes oh and set course for ESD."

"Yes, Sir"

"Computer put on screen"

Admiral Quinn's face shimmered into focus on the screen

"Commander, I was hoping your crew would get some rest with the test runs but it looks like the Klinks have other ideas. I need to head back to ESD and pick up your ship. From here you will go directly to RY8-894 system. And one more thing I am assigning Captain Sakul with a small contingency of MACOs about 6 in all including the Captain to your ship as security in case the Klinks get in bright ideas of capturing a medical ship."

Karadok let out a low whistle," Captain huh well he recovered nicely after the incident on the Missouri. Yes sir Admiral. We are already on our way to ESD."

"Computer subspace message to Starbase Valhalla attention Captain Davis"

" The Kyra Magdalen hospital ship will be in route to RY8-894 within the next 4 hours. We stand ready to assist with any wounded. We do nut have much in the way of armament so will need to stay out of any direct combat. ETA 2 days. Will take up station at edge of system upon arrival."

With that Karadok headed off to brief his officers.

[Karadok]

Karadok Lykos looked over the faces of his command officers to watch their reactions to the briefing. Some of them he knew going all the back to his first real command that seemed a life time ago now. What he saw was uncertainty and a certain amount of trust.

Lt Takerra spoke first, " The Kyra Magdalen should be fully stocked since she was being supplied while we were out testing the Havana. Sir she is not a fighting ship though."

"Yes Lieutenant I know that. We had best hope we can stay out of the fray but they will need medical personal this is a massive undertaking involving the entire fleet."

"Sir there will most likely be refuges. I would suggest we partition part of the shuttle bay off and make it into temporary quarters for them. I also recommend we use one sickbay for these Poighet, and the rest for Starfleet personal."

"Sounds good Etoura ( he always called his number one by her last name never using the rank or number one he hated that designation. Besides she had been with him at Vega Colony.) 5 of 7 would you over see the modifications to the shuttle bay."

"Yes Sir"

"See all of you on the Kyra," and with that Commander Lykos left the meeting room and headed to a shuttle craft. It would have been easier to just beam aboard but he wanted to see how the repairs had gone.

-----------
Karadok caught his breath as the shuttle craft neared the Kyra Magdalen. She had become so beautiful to him that she really was his home. Anyone who has ever gone to sea could understand how he felt about her the love a Captain had for his ship and his crew which could not be explained to anyone who had never experienced it.

"I will try to get you back in one piece Kyra he said."

----------
U.S.S. Kyra Magdalen Enroute to RY8-894 Warp 13
Ready Room.

The Vulcan that resembled a Vulcan only because he had pointy ears and Karadok lightly clinked the glasses together.

"To the Missouri she was a fine a ship, and to the crew that flew her." Both said in unison.

" So you made Captain?" Karadok said to his companion.

" Yes, after Vega Colony. Look I never really got the chance to thank you after the trail..." Sakul stopped struggling with what to say next.

" Don't mention it. The man was incompetent and nearly got us all killed."

" Look at you in charge of a ship. I always knew you had greatness in you."

" More likely it has to do with the lack of officers."

" Don't sale yourself short. Anyways since the Indy is still being refitted I can't think of anywhere I would rather be."

"Well hopefully we wont see too much action. I know you want to but the ship just is not built for it."
--------

On the bridge the officers could here the laughter coming from the ready room. None of them knew who the Vulcan with the military cut hair and the scar across the face was the only knew the Commander and him went way back.

[liquidzoo]

U.S.S. Proteus, enroute to Hromi Cluster

"Aloani? Status report."

Kimara's first officer turned to face her.

"Conversion is 90% complete on the 2 new medical bays. We will be able to accommodate up to 500 critical injuries at a time, along with an additional 2000 or so minor injuries if we squeeze them in. That will leave us with one usable shuttle bay, and we have moved some of the crew around to give us a little more breathing room, though it has caused some double and triple bunking. The Proteus isn't as big as some of the Cruisers that are undoubtedly incoming, but we're also not a warship. We're a support ship, and we're ready to do our part."

"Captain," the calculated voice of Three of Seven broke in, "We have received word from Valhalla that we're to proceed directly to the RY8-894 system. We have also just gotten word that the U.S.S. Kyra Magdalen hospital ship under Commander Lykos has just left Earth enroute to rendezvous with the fleet."

"Excellent." Kimara nodded, "We'll need all the help we can get out there.

"Lt. Dar, set course directly to the RY8-894 system." She said to her Ferengi helmsman. "We'll probably want to come in around Delta cautiously and set up orbit around Charlie once it's secured."

"We can bombard the planet from orbit if we have to," Lt Commander Loz Braf broke in, "We don't have enough armament to take on very many ships at once, and you can bet that we'll be a target for the Klingons if they figure out we're a Medical vessel."

"Agreed." The deep voice of K'Konek cut in. "My people are proud, but not stupid. They will target any ship that appears to be a support ship first. I have been working with the Engineers and have strengthened our shields against disruptors an additional 10%. It's not much, but it might prove to be enough."

Kimara nodded. She knew they were flying straight into a hornet's nest and she didn't know if any of her friends would get out. Her thoughts went to her sister. She knew that Quinn had assigned her to be that buffoon's security chief and she wondered what kind of trouble he was getting into now.

She wouldn't have time to find out, though. There was too much at stake to lose focus.

"I'll be in my ready room, Aloani you have the bridge." She said curtly before leaving the bridge. She knew they weren't far out, and she supposed she should try to route a message to her sister; if only to say goodbye.

[Inry]

U.S.S. Admiral Kulakov

Inry sat in her chair on the bridge as they departed Valhalla. The crew seemed calm despite knowing they were going into combat. Inry had already forwarded they're designs of the hand-held targter to Colonel Davis and with luck they would be in position to begin providing support on the day of the assault. Pyr turned back from her console to Address her.

"Colonel, the escort ships Exeter and Ross, are falling into formation with us. They say they'll keep the Klingons off our back while we work." Inry nodded.

"Send my compliments to both of them Pyr, and tell them to be alert. Soon as there in formation go to warp, we've got a fleet to catchup to."

[Karadok]

U.S.S. Kyra Magdalen en-route to RY8-894
Captain's quarters

Karadok awake with a throbbing headache. Should have known better than to try and match drink for drink with a MACO... Man that blood-wine was good though

Karadok rubbed his temples and stepped into his sonic shower. After he had freshened up he headed to the bridge. I still can't believe that Captain Jonas is an Admiral...... What is that old earth saying about rising in a company being being inversely proportional to incompetence. Oh well I have more important things to do.


Comander Lykos stepped onto the bridge of the Kyra ( her crew often shortened the name to make it less of a mouth full) and saw Sakul standing there looking well rested and not like he had been up late drinking.

"Etoura report"

The Betazoid looked at her Commander with a look of concern but said nothing about his obvious agony. " The conversion of the shuttle bay is about 60% complete. Crews have been working non-stop the partition is up and some passable housing options in the form of crude huts are being put together. Sick Bays are well stocked and ready to go. ETA is 23 hours."

"Good. Patch through to the entire ship."

Attention this your acting Captain Lykos. We are heading into what could be a dangerous situation. The Klinks have gotten arrogant and decided to invade a system. We are going there to support the operation; however, it is very likely they will target us as a support ship. Therefor from here on out we will be in Yellow Alert and I want every one armed. Extra Security details will be posted around the Sick Bays so that the Doctors and Nurse can focus on their duties. I know you will make the 12th proud as you always do. The entire federation already owes you a debt of gratitude for your actions to this point. Let us endeavor to prove once again the 12th is the best fleet out there."

Yellow Alert Yellow Alert

Sakul turned to Karadok and as was his custom quoted some action earth person, " The die are cast."

Indeed they. Julius Ceaser I believe said that Thought Karadok and then his thoughts turned to his friends in the fleet wondering how many would not make it back to Starbase Valhalla.

[Forge04]

"Here we go."

Col. Davis stood on the bridge of the Tal'Afar in a position he was unaccustomed to.

At the back.

Out of the way.

Unimportant.

Angel smiled slightly as he thought of that.

On the viewscreen was the massive formation that was the 12th Fleet. Escorts were behind the front, bruising line of cruisers. The research vessels were behind them, ready to supplement the vessels taking the brunt of the KDF defenses.

The Tal'Afar was directly behind the secondary line, which was designed to eliminate the wounded and damaged vessels. The Tal'Afar and her MACOs were in place, ready to board and capture targets before their primary missions on the planet.

And as they watched, green and orange fire flew across the darkness of space. It impacted with suddenly shimmering bubbles of blue around the creatures that glided towards each other like two flocks of birds on a collision course.

Yet again Angel's personal mantra echoed in his mind as the ship rocked with the first impacts to the shields, the turbolift doors shutting as he went to join the Prowlers.

Here we go.

[Karadok]

U.S.S. Kyra Magdalen
Coming out of Warp.

As the Kyra Magdalen dropped out of warp and took up position at the back of the fleet Karadok let out a low whistle.
The assembled 12th fleet was truly an awe inspiring sight to see.

"Switch to Red Alert, and tell the sick bays to be ready." Karadok said calmly
"Let Col. Davis know we are here and ready to support in any way we can."

RED ALERT RED ALERT

Sakul and two of his men had taken up positions on the bridge they were armed to the teeth. It any Klinks trying to capture the ship would have a fight on there hands. The other four M.A.C.O.s had been paired off with security and stationed at various strategic locations around the ship.

All of a sudden Space light up like the 4th of July that Karadok had heard about in his Earth History classes.