*A subspace transmission comes through the comms. It is from the U.S.S. Sentinel & Captain Greywarden. The squadron is on the move*
*Captain Greywarden can be seen sitting in his ready room, a stern but grateful face.*
"Good evenin. Ah am sending this to all active members 'o Mercury, 's well as some others aboard Outpost Argo. Ah am currently en route ta New Romulus ta meet with representatives there 'n pick up some crew members. Some 'o you have no doubt been waiti'n in earnest for Mercury ta deploy. I understand any frustration ya may have, and apologize fer any trouble it may have caused ya."
"That being said. Let's cut to tha chase."
"Here ya see tha Galaxy at this time. Ah have highlighted sections or "corridors" if ya will, that have tha heaviest traffic 'n aren't direct front line combat. As ya can see we have quite alot of ground ta cover. Currently mahself 'n the U.S.S. Hermes under Captain Umezawa are coordinating our patrols between Outpost Argo 'n New Romulus. Protecting tha systems here 's we can 'n improvin relations with our new allies."
"Tha U.S.S. Azorious under Commander Tolaria will be assisting with local system patrols around Outpost Argo 'n most o Eta Eridani proper ta keep things safe 'round home in light o tha increasi'n Klingon hostilities. Likelyhood is tha Azorious may need help though."
"This is where you come in. Ah need people ta patrol tha rest 'o tha routes. Ah need ah few people coveri'n the area from here ta DS9 's well as some ta help marshal space between Argo, The Gamma Orionis transwarp gate, 'n ESD. Some o these seem trivial in more homefront territory, but ah guarantee ya we have raiders n smugglers all over."
"With that 'n mind ah have one more distinct route that needs ah few good ships."
"This 's what we've been calli'n tha "Homefront" patrol. It's large 'n damn dangerous. M'self 'n the Sentinel will likely be moving ta that area soon as we conclude our business 'round new Romulus. Tha red on tha map indicated ah no-go zone fer us. Ah do not want Mercury ships in open war zones if we can do anythi'n about it at all. We will likely be by ourselves 'n we cannot afford ta lose ships 'r people ta frontline skirmishes. Tha rest o tha Homefront patrol is designed ta protect 'n monitor that most chaotic 'n preyed upon systems behind tha front lines. Make no mistake, should you elect ta take this patrol option, ya will spend most yer days at red alert most likely."
"Also... Outpost Argo bound staffing 'n supplies need ta be deployed 'n ready ta go fer any ships taking up ah patrol with this squadron. Chief Decker will assist any of ya with what he can ta get yer ships ready fer ah few weeks away from home."
"In closing ah want ta thank all of ya fer taking up this responsibility with me n protectin our civilians n families from harm. Please let me know what areas you would like ta assist with in response to this message 'n ah will give ya further instructions if needed. Greywarden out."
((( Basic breakdown of "corridors" would be "New Romulus Corridor" "DS9 Corridor" "ESD Corridor" "Alpha Centauri Corridor" . Main generic action / semi front line is "Homefront Patrols" Let me know what you guys are interested in. This is mainly facilitation for now. Flexing creative muscles and starting off slow. I may give more detail depending on what corridor or patrol people pick on a case by case basis, or I may just hand the reigns to you to decide how a week long patrol of say, Beta Ursae turned out. Let me know where you guys would like to go!))
(( Further explanation: Fleet members simply post on this thread as to what "Corridor" they may be interested in doing icly. I will respond with either some kind of icly orders for that region or ooc details like a certain mission or whatnot to run. Different regions have somewhat different "flavor" so to speak. This is in place for you guys to pick up and develop on.. and me to add a little direction or nudging to give some material to build from. The main Idea is for you guys to pick a region or patrol area and have a week or more if needed to write up some story.. AAR or whatever suits your style that you think would be relevant to whatever instructions you receive from the Sentinel. PLEASE ask any questions you may have about this setup. Or feedback for that matter to see what you guys would like to see. Thanks - Gideon ))
(( Please put Commander Dae down for the corridor that goes through Beta Ursae to DS9. If you fill up all the other slots, I wouldn't mind having a partner for this! ))
(( Please put the U.S.S. Moirai under Captain Evaric on the Tau Dewa through Regulus 'corridor'! Likewise, I wouldn't mind a partner if someone else wants in. ))
From: Captain Greywarden , U.S.S. Sentinel.
To: U.S.S. Sutherland
*message text is verbatim via dictation*
Ah apologize that this message comes to ya in text form. We've been on tha very edge o what our subspace comms allow us fer tha last week or so. Commander Dae ah'm quite please ta hear from ya after our brief meeti'n aboard Argo awhile back. Ah know ya have been working alot with people out towards DS9 and ah would like for ya ta make ah side trip or two while yer out there if possible.
We have been getting reports of increased True Way activity near tha minin' operations not too far from yer stompi'n grounds out there. Been getti'n reports detailing anything from smugglers poachin dilithium off tha established mines, ta outright attackin' mining transports before they c'n reach our core systems. Ah would appreciate it if ya could swing by tha area 'n assess if we're lookin at full scale True Way attacks or jus ah handful 'o smugglers 'n that like.
Ah hear Argo has some ties with one o tha minin' ops out that way. May be a good place ta start.
Ah appreciate yer assistance in this. Tha Sentinel is quite ah ways out from that neck 'o tha woods.
*end transmission*
From: Captain Greywarden , U.S.S. Sentinel.
To: U.S.S. Moirai
*message text is verbatim via dictation*
Pleased ta hear from ya Captain. Ah appreciate tha response 'n welcome any help we c'n get out 'ere. Tha Sentinel 'n tha Hermes have been pulled from our previous areas in Tau Dewa 'n could sure use someone ta fill that gap if ya feel up ta it.
Tha Sentinel did several runs from New Romulus ta Outpost Argo while we were in tha area. Biggest problem we had was what seemed ta be ah small cell 'o Tal Shiar makin trouble with hit 'n run tactics 'round tha Azure Nebula 'n surroundin regions. Got tha merchant travelin ta Khitomer 'n New Romulus quite skittish. Mah theory is they 'r usin tha nebula ta cover some sort of stagi'n area or just plain hiding in there. We spent tha better part 'o a week chasin them jus a step behind. Between their cloaking 'n tha distortions in tha nebula, it was 'bout as productive as tryi'n ta find ah pebble in tha forest. See if ya can nail em down any better than we did, 'n assess how many we may have operati'n outta that area if ya can. Ah will send tha Azorious ta support ya if needed ((npc)) . Don't go playin hero if ya figure out we 'r dealin with more than ah lil force o them snakes. They are sneaky as can be and got ah bite ta match when cornered.
Ah look forward ta anything ya may have ta shed some light on that situation. And as always, thanks fer yer help Captain.
((note* Dae feel free to wrap any story about the "Shroud" group into this if you feel compelled. Gideon would likely be ignorant of them and assume True Way involvement. Skyler, this could easily go either way you want from a small cell, to it being something as overt as Azure Nebula rescue. Whatever yall want to build!))
From: Captain Greywarden , U.S.S. Sentinel.
To: U.S.S. Bismark
*message text is verbatim via dictation*
Greetings to ya. Ah appreciate tha response ta our call ta arms. Captain Baker as ah haven't met ya in person ah am especially pleased ya have chosen ta help Mercury Squadron. To mah understanding of what files ah have on tha Bismark, she's been kept ta tha more core systems s'far since her commission. Ah need more ships fer tha Homefront systems but ah hesitate ta send ya out there with such a green crew with the exception of some 'o yer command staff. Bsides.. Fleet brass may get ah lil uppity with me sendi'n one 'o their NX registry ships out ta meet too much risk 'o damage. For tha time being ah need ya to move through tha core systems 'round the Regulus 'n Alphs Centauri sectors 'n check on our subspace comm satellites. We have been havin' more trouble communicati'n with everyone back there at home fer ah week or so 'n suspect sumthun may be wrong.
Please patrol tha Argo-ESD corridor 'n check on tha main booster subspace satellites we have in place there, 's well as checking on tha trader routes ta Argo. There shouldn't be much cause fer combat 's deep in our space but ah have concerns regarding tha satellites going down all 'o ah sudden like they did. Please let me know what ya find 'n keep me appraised o tha situation Captain.
Much thanks for yer support fer Mercury Squadron.
*end transmission*
(((OOC Robert there's alot of wiggle room here. I believe Shan posted a satellite mission on the foundry recently, as well as writing any free form approach you would like to take. There's room for staellites breaking down, enemies sabotaging them, or troubles with merchants trying to get to Argo unharmed. Work with it and take your time. This stuff is designed to be self paced and creative. -Gid)))
From: Captain Greywarden, U.S.S. Sentinel
TO: Memory Alpha Astrometrics and Physics divisions
*Message text verbatim via dictation*
*Receiving officer's note* We received this transmission via subspace a few hours ago. The signal strength was weak, and I had to do some serious filtering just to get it un garbled.
This is Captain Greywarden aboard tha U.S.S. Sentinel. Ah hope this message reaches you 'n yours. Were it not fer our experimental subspace broadcast and receiving pod ah'm certain we would be on our own here. Approximately five days ago we found ourselves chasin' ah small Elachi raiding party near tha Klingon border. We were right on their heels 'n managed ta disable ah few o their smaller ships. Problem started when we were about ta tractor 'n board tha lead ship. Bout tha time we got on top 'o her, they decided ta open up ah subspace tear 'n run fer home.
Tha Sentinel was caught behind her in tha wake 'n we ended up in their domain 's well. Tha ship resisted heavily 'n we had ta destroy it in tha process 'o tryin ta disable em. We've met some light resistance in here 'n are holding our own. What ah need from yall is anything ah may be able ta use ta get m'self 'n mah crew tha hell outta here. Ah have the Hermes tryi'n ta shadow us in regular space ta keep tabs on our relative position but at times it's sketchy at best.
Send ah message on broad spectrum on this channel 'n we will be listening. Until then we have been able ta maintain limited communication with some 'o our allies, 'n we are charti'n what we can. Ah anxiously await anything ya got in yer research that may help us ta get out of this subspace realm we've found ourselves in.
Mission After Action Report: USS Sutherland Sector Patrol, Beta Ursae Sector
We conducted a flight from the sector starting from its border with the Sirius sector and proceeding outward, away from Sol. We encountered three anomalous readings along our path. Near the Chapel system, which turned out to be space debris from an unknown ship.
We continued on and around the Elwing system we encountered a squadron of True Way loyal Jem'Hadar fighters. They were guarding a small orbital outpost. When we approached they attacked and we were forced to engage and destroy the ships. Following the destruction of the defensive squadron we were able to capture a middle-grade True Way Commander and returned him to Deep Space Nine, and the Starfleet authorities there.
With the primary patrol complete, I investigated a small report of a Ferengi ship conducting illegal trading in the void between planets. We did encounter a Ferengi vessel smuggling salvaged parts from a Bajoran civilian vessel. We recovered the parts, and gave the Ferengi a stern warning before sending them on their way. We are going to return the salvaged parts to Bajoran authorities and likely port over night in the Bajor system before heading for Outpost Argo tomorrow. Expected return to Argo is in two days.
From: Commander Thomson, XO, U.S.S. Bismarck
To: CO, U.S.S. Sentinel.
After Action Report
Enemy pirates engaged in Argelius Sector. One Orion Through-deck carrier, multiple frigates. All targets destroyed.
Commanding Officer of Starbase 114 found guilty of sending convoy information to Orion privateers. Commanding Officer of Starbase 114 relieved of duty and arrested.
Distress Call received from S.S. Lewicki. Under attack by Klingon B'Rel squadron. Bismarck approached under cloak. Transmitted surrender orders. No answer. Decloaked and opened fire with lance and main phaser array. All target's destroyed. Lewicki escorted to Starbase 39-Sierra.
From: Captain Greywarden, U.S.S. Sentinel
To: Commander Dae, U.S.S. Southerland
Text verbatim from dictation
Ah copy yer latest report Commander. Ah apologize fer not gettin back to ya sooner, but our communications have been sporadic out 'ere. Ah have been getti'n some reports of tha Breen stirri'n up activity in tha Zeta Andromeda and Orelius sectors in tha last few days. When ya get yerself all settled up from yer last go round ah would appreciate it if ya could take a look in on that for me. After tha fall o tha Cardassians ah few federation fringe colonies popped up out that way an ah'd like ta check on their well being when ya have ah moment from yer work with tha folk at DS9 if ya could.
*end transmission. Auto filtering required. Signal very weak*
((Robert I'm going to give you a little bit to settle up whatever you are brewing with the Armitage and carrier group stuff. When you have time let me know what your plans are for the group and if you want to employ any npc ships of captains under that umbrella please.)))
From: U.S.S. Moirai
To: Captain Greywarden, U.S.S. Sentinel
After Action Report
Surveillance of the assigned area revealed permeation of Tal Shiar activity, including the establishment of at least one small asteroid-ingrained base of operations.
Primary defensive capabilities of this 'base' had lain within its vehicular firepower: two to three warbirds; in contrast, the interior bases' defenses were deemed minimal.
A combat-equipped away team was deployed to subdue the base while the U.S.S. Moirai entered an intercept course on the warbirds' intended target. Complications arose when an offensive was launched, uncoordinated, by the Romulan Republic upon the selfsame base.
All individuals within the base were endangered when the structural integrity of the base was compromised by stray space munitions fire. As the away team determined that the Moirai would be unable to break combat to comply with recovery protocol, they issued a wide-spread automated S.O.S. in hopes of a rescue effort for all base occupants. The U.S.S. October, U.S.S. Geordi LaForge and the U.S.S. Destructor responded to the call, cleared the immediate area of any Tal Shiar space threat, and proceeded to evacuate a number of both Tal Shiar affiliated prisoners, Romulan Republic civilians and the away team. Two lives lost on the away team; survivor casualties minimal.
The rescued were delivered to Outpost Argo.
The U.S.S. Moirai successfully routed the warbirds into Romulan space, protecting the Tal Shiar target, and will remain on mission awaiting to-be-scheduled rendezvous of returning crew and security reinforcements.
From: Captain Greywarden, U.S.S. Sentinel
To: Mercury Squadron active ships. Transmitted all frequencies
*Video Shows Gideon in his ready room, garbed in MACO armor that has obviously seen combat*
"Greetings Mercury Squadron. Ah have been deep behind enemy lines fer tha last few weeks, playing cat n mouse with Elachi patrols in subspace. Due ta the help of Memory Alpha scientists 'n Captain Umezawa's , we have escaped our would be prison. Tha Sentinel 's on tha way ta Argo as we speak. We will be repair'n 'n resupplying on station fer ah bit and gatheri'n ourselves. Ta be honest we had ah rough ride against tha Elachi 'n we lost ah few 'o our friends ah regret ta say, but we have learned quite ah bit about this enemy duri'n our time in there."
"Ah appreciate every one 'o ya who have taken up routes with us, and are helpi'n ta protect tha frontiers 'o tha federation. Ah will be issuing further orders to any ships abroad in ah few days after tha Sentinel has had time ta repair 'n recoup."
"Thank ya friends... ah will speak with ya all soon."
*video feed end*
Mission After Action Report: Sector Patrol, Orellius System.
The USS Sutherland was assisted by the USS Resolute and the USS Tezzeret in a system patrol of the Orellius System when we received a communication from the Defari that one of their mining outposts in the Kelvani Belt had been attacked by the Breen. We immediately proceeded to the outpost. En route we received communication from the USS Kindred that they had also received the Defari distress call and had arrived in the system before us.
When we arrived we had to engage several waves of Breen attackers, but our small outfit was able to repel them. Only minor damage was sustained by the Tezzeret. The Kindred was also recovered with little damage. After the battle we discovered a Breen defector escape pod. It's possible the Breen were also chasing these defectors when they stumbled onto the Defari mining outpost.
We escorted the Kindred back to Deep Space Nine and turned over the Breen defectors there. We are departing from DS9, now, to conduct a sector patrol through the Beta Ursae sector block as well.
*Video message begins with Gideon sitting in what looks like one of the habitat ring quarters on Argo*
"Greeti'ns ta all of ya. Ah apologize fer mah noticeable absence in tha last few months. Tha Sentinel and mahself were quite ah ways out, and an unfortunate incident with an atmosphere flight 'n ah Hirgoen raider left our subspace comm.... ah bit damaged."
"Ah am sending this out ta all Mercury ships in range to let yall know ah will be around tha Outpost fer awhile and would appreciate meeti'n with any of ya who have tha time 'n are near enough ta drop by fer ah spell. Ah would like ta catch up with as many of ya as ah can while ah am here 'n get a real feel for how things are progress'n out there. Ah have seen some reports n such come through since ah have been back, but nuthun can take tha place of ah good Captain ta Captain talk, all face ta face like. Ah want ta know each of yer thoughts on our current status 's well 's anything ya can think of ta make us ah more effective unit. Please feel free ta contact me via subspace 's well if 'n ya can't make it by 's mahself 'n mah command crew take some time here aboard tha station."
"As always, thank ya all fer yer continued work 'n support for tha Squadron, and yer dedication to our cause."
