102314.1
CAPT Vel, L
LOCATION Interstellar Space, Beta Quadrant
MISSION Respond to request for assistance from biological research vessel. Locate Probe.
OUTCOME Remnants of probe located. Jellyfish monitored. Attack by drone swarm repelled with minor-moderate damage. Ongoing Investigation.
KEY PERSONNEL
- Captain Lunya Vel
- Commander Matthew Flynn
- Commander Ruke Warner
- Lieutenant Commander T’Evoryn
- Lieutenant Commander Jeiliscia Valusia
- Lieutenant Commander Ansha Wind-People
- Lieutenant Lalaa Drush
- Lieutenant Junior Grade Oolop
- Ensign Walker Avaline
- Ensign Weldon Edwards
NARRATIVE On above listed stardate, USS Hornet responded to a request for assistance transmission from the biological research vessel SS Naturalist. They stated that their monitoring beacon in a swarm of Stellar Cnidarians had gone offline. They feared that they were out of range to reach it in time. USS Hornet and USS Roosevelt were nearest vessels and both responded.
Upon arrival at the given location, a rather beautiful swarm of cnidarians was spotted, varying in size and multiple colors. Bridge crew and off duty crew were invited to watch and observe the animals in their natural environment and in swarm setting. Not wanting to bring either starships closer in fear of upsetting the creatures, USS Hornet launched the shutte Spitfire to get closer pictures and attempt to locate the beacon. It was at this time that the Roosevelt reported finding a small debris field with components and metals that match the composition of the Naturalist’s probe.
It was at this point that all ships came under attack. Spitfire reported and warned USS Hornet of twenty five incoming projectiles. Shields and point defense weapons were raised with the point defense weapons intercepting twenty one of twenty five projectiles. The remaining four struck Hornet’s starboard side shields causing minor internal damage. Once this occured, an attempt was made to recall Spitfire back to Hornet, but the shuttle reported being under attack by a drone swarm. Contact was lost with Spitfire at this time, with both crewmembers KIA. Sensors at this time reported at least two hundred drones inbound for the Hornet, her combat space patrol fighters and the Roosevelt. Communications interlink between Roosevelt and Hornet was lost at this time due to communications jamming in effect in the area.
Hornet began evasive maneuvers in an attempt to not have to engage offensive weapons, due to the fast that no large target was noted in the area. At this point no control ship or control signal had been located. Hornet proceeded to maintain defensive fire against the drone swarms, as fighters from the 106th were the first to scramble before a fire in the starboard side hangar halted all launch operations. Gato and Thrasher were not deployed due to the risk to the escort ships being able to defend themselves.
During this time, the 106th took catastrophic losses, losing seven of twelve deployed Valkyries, including squadron XO. All seven fighters were destroyed in a manner that did not allow their pilots to eject or emergency transport out. The drone “fighters” were making collision attacks against the deployed Valkyries, Hornet and attempt collision attacks against Roosevelt. Due to Roosevelt’s superior maneuverability it is not known if she sustained anything beyond minor damage. During this time Hornet took several penetrating strikes from drone impacts, one striking the upper port nacelle and damaging it and other strikes into the hull of the ship.
A sensor sweep performed by tactical and operations crew members located a signal coming from the area of the Jellyfish swarm. What was believed to be a drone carrier was located in the swarm of the jellyfish. Using highly maneuverable and modified torpedoes. a volley was fired into the cnidarian swarm, missing all creatures and striking the drone carrier as it attempted to escape. Damage to the drone carrier was terminal, as the ship was broken in two by torpedo impacts. At that moment all attacking drones ceased operations. Fighters from the 255th Fighter Squadron were launch to perform “clean up” operations and destroy all non-operational drones after the battle. Worker Bees and Shuttles were launched to collect debris. A sensor sweep of the area revealed no lifesigns in the area of the drone carrier and no biological remains to suggest a deceased crew.
Damage listed as follows: Damage to port upper nacelle, ship limited to warp 7 currently. Starboard Hangar inoperational. Minor hull breaches to decks 10, 33, 37, 38, 40, 45.
Casualties listed as follows: 22 KIA, 39 WIA, 7 WIA returned to active duty.
Investigation into the materials used and age of the materials (400+ years) being conducted. Investigation is ongoing
RECOMMENDATION Recommend analysis of metals recovered from drones and drone carrier. Maintain protection of any large interstellar species from possible drone ship engagement. Unknown if these drone ships are elsewhere or if this was an oddity from a fargone era.
RECOGNITION Entire crew of USS Hornet and 106th Fighter Squadron performed above and beyond the call of duty in what turned out to be a very unorthodox engagement. USS Roosevelt performed her duties admirably
OOCIf anyone wants some follow up to this, please message me!