Episode 0: The Rescue at Xerxes 4

Thyran enters the shuttle and engages the exhaust fans in order to clear the cabin of the smoke.

"Let me give this rerouting a try..."

Thyran is able to clear the smoke somewhat, and starts rewiring. Meanwhile, the ion storm is picking up overhead.

Shortly after, Thyran clicks the last conduits in place, and replaces the access panels. The shuttle's engines power on and the scientists start shuffling in. It's a tight fit, but you manage to get everyone into the shutte.

Seeing the Vulcan appears to be preoccupied with something, Nadim wanders up to the console to see if he can help plot a course out of this. "I was an avid player of video games as a child -- this isn't too dissimilar from Vortex Piloting III. The Badlands expansion content was particularly challenging..."

Having plotted a course, you are now ready to departure.

Nadim settles into the co-pilot's seat and says brightly to the smoked Ensign Phenna, "I'll sit here and see how I can help out. Perhaps I can ensure the power flow to the attitude thrusters remains consistent and reinforce where necessary to give you greater control." He starts poking at the controls.

Phenna nods at Ensign Patil.

The help is appreciated. Let's get out of here.

The shuttle powers up, and with a few smooth touches at the control panel by Phenna it lifts off towards the bright night sky. By now most of the night sky is aflame with ionized plasma, but with Nadim's safe route out, Phenna's fancy flying and some help from the shields you are able to get through. After some very intense minutes of close misses and heavy buffeting you emerge from the stormy atmosphere of Xerxes IV.

The shuttle's life support systems are heavily strained by the amount of passengers, and the cabin is stuffy and uncomfortable. Luckily, the trip to Naendra Station is less than a day away, so there is some hope to get there before it all breaks down. Just in case, you hail the station and let them know you are coming. The closest ship is still half a day away, so there is little hope of relief if something does break down. Nadim and Sevek work hard to balance the life support systems to keep it within acceptable parameters, and just as the emergency life support reserves near the redline the station show up on scanners.

The shuttle limps into a shuttlebay and put's down heavily even with Phenna's light touch. You suspect that the shuttle will need a major retrofitting before it is workable again. As you open the shuttle doors you are greeted by the stations medical personnel that take care of the survivors, as well as the station commander.

You recieve high praise for actions well above your status as Stafleet ensigns. You all recieve commendations for rescuing the science team, curing the devolution and retrieving the important speciments that may well save thousands of lives in the future. A most impressive first mission for someone just out of the Academy!