"Cry Havok..." by Lieutenant Elaithin Jii, Security
with Lt. Heather Sanchez
with an unauthorized (momentary) appearance by Lt Cdr Savat
Damn them. Not again. They will not attack Bajor again! Jii thought,
fairly seething with anger. Sanchez had partnered herself with him, a
propisition he didn't mind in the least.
From his position, Elaithin noticed a squad of ten cardassians setting up
further down the hallway. Looking around, he noticed a plant alcove with a
tree going about ten feet up. There was one on the opposite side. Getting an
idea, he slung his phaser rifle over his shoulder, and positioned himself in
a sniper spot. "Heather, shimmy up that try and get into a sniper position."
"Roger."
Then he tapped his commbadge. "Elaithin to Savat."
["Savat here."] the Vulcan chief of security responded.
" 'Commander, we've got a group of about ten soldiers here in the North Wing.
Maybe more." he reported.
["Understood, Lieutenant. Hold them off."] the 'Commander ordered.
"Aye sir."
Jii looked over at Sanchez, who was already targeting the first Cardassian.
"Wait for it...." he said. Freeing a stun grenade, he lobbed it down the
hallway. Four Cardassians dropped. Four down.
"Fire!" he ordered.
Simultaneously, He and Sanchez started picking off Cardassians one by one.
One of the Cardassians return blasts shot the tree limb out from under
Elaithin, and he fell to the ground.
Finally, Heather pegged the last one, and dropped from her positions. "Ten
down." she said, helping the Bajoran up.
"Just a few hundred to go." he finished for her.
~Pat Weber
Cpt Victor Murdock, USS Miranda, http://ussmiranda.s5.com
- now a proud AES sim -
Cdr. Jon Westmoreland, 2nd Officer, USS Titanic
Lt. Elaithin Jii, Security, USS Galaxy
Ltjg Jon West, C/Sec, USS Pegasus
CMC Bill Mason, USS Bonhomme Richarde
"Say What"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy
Commander Thomas finished his conversation with Lt. Commander Jamson, impressed with his transformation, but still unconvinced it was real. He just got the impression that the wool was trying to be pulled over his eyes and everyone else around him.
Chris left Mr. Jamson to continue on his way. He had two important things tracking the 'commander first Mr. Sunder was following him from a distance and then the computer was monitoring his movements. If he did anything that was out of the ordinary, security and he would know about it in a moment.
He very much wanted to put the 'commander back in the brig pending a final review from both medical and counseling, but that would be going against the captain's orders. He would follow the captain's orders and wishes for the time being, but if he was given sufficient cause to change his view he would do so without hesitation.
Chris accepted the fact that Mr. Jamson had changed, but he didn't believe it was for the good. He suspected this was a farce of some sort designed to confusion and through off people. He wanted to believe it was true, but it wasn't true, the entire way he acted wasn't even remotely Jamson in nature.
Jamson was no saint and he wasn't a very actor at portraying some sort of revived saintly person. Chris would have some more answers once he updated the captain and then proceed with his next thought in the investigation. A more closer look at the necklace and stone hanging around Madame Kiye's neck.
Commander Thomas headed for the bridge and what was likely to be another extreme encounter with the captain.
“Hell March, Part 1”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Dog of War: USS Galaxy
Guest Starring
Ensign Astrid Salt (NPC) and
Ensign Gabrielle D’avenon (made up expendable NPC)
And Lt.Commander Savat (Exerts from “The Seven P’s of Combat”)
Nearly drooling over the vast selection of weapons that came out of the Embassy/Batcave, Ensign Corgan wasted little time selecting what he needed. He grabbed a Type 3-D phaser rifle, a Type 1 phaser to conceal in his pocket, an additional Type 2 phaser, some power packs and a few concussion grenades, he walked back to Savat to receive further orders.
"Everyone get your gear, and make certain your take a medicalkit as well. We will likely need them before this is over." Savat said.
A deafening explosion resounded throughout the compound. Plaster fell from the roof and rained on the security team’s heads. He knew they were close.
“I wish Cardassians would make up their minds.” James thought, “Are they friend or foe? After all we’ve done for them, liberating their homeworld and whatnot. I even crashed on Cardassia Prime after our ship got damaged in a skirmish during the invasion. This is how they thank us? That’s it, they are so going to bloody well pay!”
"I want everyone in teams of two’s and three’s." Savat ordered, "You have all been familiarized with the layout of this facility. Occupy the pre-determined choke points and prepare to defend this facility. As needed, fall back to secondary positions that restrict access to the lower levels. Back each other up and stay in communication whenever possible. If your position is in danger of being overrun, use the grenades to obstruct pursuit."
Everyone responded with a snappy “Aye Sir!” James calmly set the power levels of all his weapons to setting 7, a setting that was lethal enough to take down Cardassians with a great kick, while still conserving a fair amount of juice in the batteries.
"Sir, how did you know we would need all of this firepower?" Corgan asked.
"I did not know, Ensign." Savat replied. "However, as one of your twentieth century military leaders once said, there are seven "P's" acommander must live by. Prior Precise Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. A logical, if somewhat colorful colloquialism."
“Patton I guess.” Ensign Corgan guessed in his mind.
They all dispersed, leaving Ensign Corgan to gather a few more grenades, considering that this was going to be a busy day at work. Thoughts of Madam Kiye, her virulent religion and the well being of the “Word Drones” were banished out of his mind, and replaced by a business like attitude about their situation. After gathering his grenades, he looked for an area to protect.
There was one corridor that the other teams have barely protected yet. James saw two female officers walking toward the corridor, and he decided to join them.
“Astrid, Gabrielle! Mind if I tag along?” He asked.
“Sure thing, monsieur.” Gabrielle D’avenon answered, “We need the help.”
“Glad to hear it. Let’s move.” Astrid Salt added.
“Righty-o.” James replied, following the two women down the corridor at a light jog.
*** A few minutes later ***
“I got the last of the charges set!” Ensign D’avenon whispered as he concealed another grenade trap. All three members of the small hunter/killer party prepared the corridor for attack. Ensign Corgan and Ensign Salt toppled a large marble statue that resembled a young Captain Kirk to provide cover in the hallways. The area was strewn with traps and toppled furniture and statues, littering the hallways and making the area a crude obstacle course.
All in a few minutes.
“Good. Let’s take cover. I hear some of them coming!” Astrid hissed.
“10-4.” Ensign Corgan responded, going in a crouching position behind a fallen statue. He took sniper position, considering his great marksman skills.
Ensign Salt and Ensign D’avenon dived into cover, leveling their phaser rifles and looking through the scopes. Ensign Corgan heard the distant phaser fire, sounding mostly Cardassian in origin, coming closer and closer to their position. He then saw a streak of yellow light lance through the other hall, at a T intersection.
“They’re coming close.” He whispered.
Ensign Corgan set the phaser to automatic fire, a trick learned by the Jem’Hadar. Otherwise, it was the equivalent of fighting with pistols and muskets with their slow rate of fire. He peered through the scope, and set the sight to heat vision.
He saw another lance of light, followed by the scream of what sounded like another Cardassian soldier. A few red beams from the other side of the next hallway shot towards the Cardassians, only to have their yellow disruptor beams shoot back, silencing the phasers in the next hall.
“Wait for it…” He suggested.
He heard from the distance the orders that another Cardassian soldier was giving. It was distant, but enough to give them a clue.
“Jokan’s squad!” Said the unknown Cardassian leader, “Go forward. Hanok’s squad, follow my squad into this next corridor.”
“Shit” James cursed.
“Here they come…” D’avenon quivered.
“Don’t lose heart, my dear. We’ll do what we can.” Ensign Corgan tried to re-assure Ensign D’avenon.
The footsteps got closer to their position.
“Hide until they get here!” Salt ordered.
They all ducked down as Jokan squad walked straight forward through the hall, passing the defended corridor. The squad leader held an Cardassian tricorder and a phaser pistol, scanning the area.
“Nothing down this corridor, sir. You can advance here!” Jokan yelled.
“Good. Keep moving! We have those Federation dogs on the run! MOVE!” Another squad leader screamed. Jokan squad walked down the other hall.
“Thank the stars for a good scrambler.” D’avenon sighed.
“Shhhhh…” Corgan hissed.
It was then that Hanok squad and the mystery command squad made way. They turned the corner, the leader of the two squads scanning the area with their tricorders. The other members of the squads, numbering 20 in total, spearheaded the advance, watching carefully for traps and hidden men.
“Still nothing, sir!” Said a Cardassian squad leader to a grizzled old soldier, the other squad leader, “There’s something jamming our scans.”
“Dammit, Hanok! I told you to scan for electro-magnetic frequencies!” Screamed the old squad leader.
“I did, Kath, but I couldn’t find anything!” Hanok responded.
“Wait for it…” James peeped.
“Whatever, Hanok. Just watch the area for any traps. I highly doubt that our air strikes did this.” Kath mused.
“Cocky son of a bitch.” Ensign Corgan thought, “I think I’ll shoot him first.”
Ensign Corgan was calm and cool in the line of fire, waiting patiently as the Cardassians carefully picked their way through the corridor. Ensign D’avenon was nervous, letting out a shiver as she tightly gripped her phaser rifle. Ensign Salt, the most experienced of the whole group, patiently waited behind Captain Kirk’s big marbled head.
“Trip on something, you stupid spoon heads.” James silently screamed.
At the area of the two Cardassian attack squads, the young soldiers padded their way through. A especially green officer called Evek paced along, sweating while he scanned around with his phaser rifle. He was nervous, seeing his first ever action. He wanted desperately to prove himself to his superiors, since he missed the rest of the Dominion War. He wanted to prove that he was a worthy soldier in the Cardassian Union.
His pre-occupation about being a hero in the eyes of his more experienced comrades kept him distracted from razor thin tripwire covered by broken timber. He stepped on the dry lumber, cracking it in a loud step.
“You idiot! TAKE COVER!” Kath ordered. Most of the men dashed towards any cover they could find near the walls.
Meanwhile, Evek stared down at the area he stepped in.
He saw the near invisible trip wire bend from the weight of his foot.
“Oh no…” He uttered.
The nearest batch of grenades exploded beside the beleaguered Evek, sending him flying into the wall and maiming him and three other soldiers. Three more were knocked aside by the explosion as they crashed into the walls.
Then, a series of detonations surrounded the two squads, sending men flying and screaming. Pieces of marble and mortar sprayed the halls, creating deadly splinters that harmed the soldiers. Dust and debris showered the three Ensigns in concealment.
Then, the explosions stopped. Overall, five of the soldiers, including squad leader Hanok perished in the explosions. Six others were injured, trying to get up despite their wounds.
“NOW!” Ensign Corgan bellowed, popping out of his concealment from Captain Kirk’s chest. He raised his phaser rifle, aiming straight for squad leader Kath’s head. He pulled the trigger, letting the bright red beam of destructive energy dash towards the doomed Cardassian.
“May God have mercy on our souls…” James quoted in his head.
Written by Kahn Nilani and Counsellor Shinta
[takes place before Shinta's meeting with the commander]
Now that Shinta had permission to work part-time, she decided not to wait any longer, and to check on a couple of people right away. Nilani was one of the first on that list, so she went in search of the woman.
She finally found her at her apartment, Shinta chimed the door Bell. "Hello, do you mind some company?"
Nilani turned and smiled "No, please come in.... I heard about your birth, you are blessed to have a child. Please excuse my mess, I've been so busy with the Madame that I have had little time to clean up. Would you like a drink?"
Shinta was amazed at the change she saw. The last time they had met, Nilani had been suspicious off her, and had hardly wanted to talk. "I actually have two babies, so they keep me busy. you seem to be doing rather well, I am glad of that."
Nilani smiled "Yes the word has managed to do more to me than I could ever imagine." Nilani moved over and placed a mug of Bajoran coffee on the table in front of Shinta.
"Thank you, at least you know how to appreciate real coffee." She smiled. "I seem to have missed something, the word? What are you talking about. Remember I have been off-duty for some time now."
Nilani looked and smiled "The word is a religious belief that I have come to accept. It's brought peace and happiness into my life..... here!" Nilani picked up a padd and handed it to Shinta
"I am happy for you." Shinta did not really read the words, religion was not really her thing. "You sure looked a lot better. Karyn must be very happy to see you doing this well, your recovery means a lot to her." She handed the padd back.
"Well I havn't seen Kayrn since we arrived back from the away mission. I have been so flat out with the our guest, I... simply have forgotten most of the other things that I have had to do... And I stand at the crossroads of making a big decision. So what ever way goes, goes"
Somehow this did not sound right to Shinta it was a little to suddenly, and any seemed too happy, unnatural. "If I were you, I would make an appointment with Karyn, and tell her. You know you are doing well now, and I am very glad. But there will still be bad days, you do know that don't you?"
"Oh yes, I accept that... but faith manages!" she smiled and stood up "Now I am sorry to cut this short, but I have to get down to Bajor"."
"Yes of course"Shinta said, feeling uneasy. please stay in touch." She said in parting.
NRPG: This takes place just before "If You Know Jamson As I Know Jamson"
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Lt. Commander Michael Jamson
***Karyn's Office, USS Galaxy***
"He's out of his bloody mind!" shouted Karyn for the tenth time as she paced her office, her body shaking with rage. "Hell, Lee, Jamson and the Prophetess have bloody lost it!" She'd only just received the news Jamson had been released from the brig from Mike thirty seconds ago and she couldn't believe it. Then she heard the Prophetess was involved and she knew damn well something was up.
Jamson had attacked a Security Officer and was sent to the brig immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars, don't offer excuses... just go. Lee had been pissed, she knew. What Michael had done was worthy of a court martial whether or not there was a psychological explanation or not. At the very least she had expected Lee to keep him in the brig until they determined whether he posed a threat. Of that she was sure, but why had Lee let him go?
The Prophetess... Karyn knew something wasn't right the moment she met the woman and now it seemed general uneasiness had given way to downright suspicion. How had the prophetess managed to interfere with the operation of the ship with no one batting an eye? Michael was her responsibility and she refused to believe he had completely transformed because of a five minute sermon. His prejudices were too entrenched for things to go this way. As a matter of fact, her Cardassian like disguise from Decilia VII was going to be a turning point. She was going to test his emotional reactions. He might react hostilly, but Karyn was prepared for that. Seeing her like this was going to bother him, but it might open the door to talk about whatever had bothered him enough to attack without thought. Cardassians were the only thing she knew that could do that.
First she had some business to take care of. Tapping her badge, she said, "Mike I'm going to see Captain Price and Commander Thomas. Be right back."
["Karyn, Michael Jamson just got here. The Captain's note said urgent, do you want to make him wait?"]
Shaking her head in anger, "Dammit! Send him in. Guess I'll have to wait."
***
Karyn had her back to the door and when she heard the door swish open, she retorted, "If you wanted my counsel, you could have just called. Next time, do without attacking someone, it makes you look like a coward, not a Klingon warrior as you so proudly like to tell me you represent." Sarcastic banter was what Jamson respected, someone who gave as good as she got. Karyn was happy to oblige because it got him to open up. If he respected her, he could trust her.
"I am truely sorry if I give you the impression of a savage and violent person. I once believed power and strength comes through struggle, but after seeing the wonders of the Word, Karyn Dallas, no more. I see things in a different perspective." Jamson said calmly while standing up, holding a copy of the word in one of his hands. "I am certain that after hearing Madame Kiye in one of her glorious lectures of the Word, you'll be willing to hear more..." he looked into Karyns' eyes with hope that appeared to be sincere yet innocent, something he hadn't done before.
Nothing anyone had ever said had shocked her. She was a shrink, trained to hear the best and worst of people's lives. She spent years practicing total neutrality in her expressions, gestures and body language. When she was in the midst of a session, she was in control, in her 'zone' acting professionally at all times.
"Furthermore Counselor Dallas, I would like to apologize for my former behaviour in our joint sessions. I now know I was wrong for not trusting you, and I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your help and attempts to help me", he smiled "However, with the help of the Prophetess and the Word I believe I would not require any further help."
So when she felt the color drain from her face, her abdomen tighten with potential danger and the carefully crafted aire of control slip to the floor, she knew something was definitely wrong. All of them had some degree of predictablity and Jamson for all his emotional outbursts was definitely one of those. Years of therapy would be required for him, if ever, he were to get through everything that had happened to him.
*Grozit, something is wrong.* As she offered him the chair in front of her, she had the distinct impression she was going to lose control of the session no matter what she said. For the first time, the look in his eyes scared her.
The sparkling glass eyes of Jamson stared at the counsellor while Jamson spoke to her "And the peace, you must feel the peace and serenity the Word gives you, if you would only try and read some of the lines, I'm sure you'll understand!" Jamson offered his hand to Karyn.
Karyn did not return the gesture, suddenly fearing that whatever had a hold on Jamson was catching. Perhaps that was what this was, a virus, slowly eating away at the crew's free will, so that another agenda could take over. On the surface, it appeared this change was flowing through him, as believable as any other, but although this seemed a different man, both in body language and in thought, she refused to see the glassy eyes and fervor for an ancient religion as anything but enlightenment. No matter how hard she tried, Jamson just looked ill.
"Thanks, but I've found religion, " she answered drily. "Tell me, what is the Word's appeal? What makes it so special for you to think you've found peace after all the pain you've suffered and caused others." She was trying her best to play along, although it was beginning to raise the hair on the back of her neck. She was searching for anything to give her a clue about what was going on. She noticed he had only made a passing comment about his past transgressions.
Jamson grinned "It is understandable. I was once skeptical as well, not letting anyone get near, but after Madame Kiye showed me the way to enlightement by introducing me to the Word, I've found something I've lost a long time ago once again, my soul. It was the Prophetess and the Word who showed my the light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing is darker when you believe in the Word..."
"Words can't make one forget the past and a true person owns up to his mistakes without expecting to find solace or salvation in anyone but himself. Is this your scapegoat? Are you trying to gain immunity for what you've done?
"Oh Counsellor Dallas, if you could only understand the powers behind this book....your belief is enough to make things happen, but only if you truely believe in one religion, the Word. Nothing can be compared to it...forget whatever religions you'd encountered before! This is the real thing! Take this book, I insist!" Michael handed Dallas the copy he received earlier.
At this point, she felt she couldn't refuse the book, for she was sure he wouldn't say anything else until she did. She took the book and laid it beside her on the floor, afraid to have it near her, lest it be how this 'virus' was spreading. "A truly repentant man would confess his sins and his feelings to show his remorse. I want you to tell me about the day you attacked Sanchez in the holodeck, about what set you off and about what you did and how you felt as you were doing it. Only then will I believe you have achieved salvation and perhaps I will join you."
She hoped the last part would entice him. She had to know what he remembered and whether or not he was capable of tapping into those emotions, or if Madame Kiye was somehow manipulating those as well.
"Oh..." Jamson sighed with a grin "Must we speak of such horrible events in the dreadful past? There's a new age coming Counselor Dallas, and I assure you I regret all of my sins in the past. I'm looking towards the future....and what I can see, is...." Jamson stared at the thin air "Happiness....nothing but happiness, peace and harmony. You too will feel the same once you're committed to the wonderful ways of the Word..." he turned to her.
*You too can speak like a blathering idiot, otherwise known as a twentieth century evangelist on crack...all for the low, low price of your self-respect, credibility and individualism! But wait, there's more! If you act now, we'll take your sanity as well! Follow me, and I'll make sure you spend the rest of your days in a straight jacket and in a manic haze! Damn, I think this thing is screwing with my sarcasm impulses. It's getting harder and harder for me not to say this stuff outloud* Karyn pinched the bridge of her nose as hard as she could to focus. "Michael, how do you feel? You look ill."
"It is very simple to define my feelings...I live in pure joy, I feel no pain and have no worries. Remorse, regret and pity are my allies...and the other followers are my brothers and sisters! We all live in harmony! enjoying what life has to offer...it is a sensational feeling that no one seems to understand, other than the believers of the Word!"
It was clear she wasn't going to get through to him here. Did she have reason to suspect his conversion? Absolutely! There was no doubt in her mind no matter how much he wanted to believe that he had made this turnaround genuinely and of his choice, things weren't right and it smelled of a man losing his sanity at the bidding of another. Only he was too high to notice.
"Thank you, Michael, I think I've seen it all."
A few minutes later, Karyn was off to see the Captain and to give a very disturbing preliminary report.
Guest Starring
Kath was nervous for someone of his old age. It has been awhile since he has seen action, and it was nothing compared to the daring and ambition of this current plan. To him, the idea of storming a Federation Embassy, even with overwhelming odds, was foolhardy to say the least. However, he was ordered to take his squad in, and that he shall do.
He remembered the layout of this building, considering this building was one of the many posts that he served on during the occupation of Bajor. The embassy used to be a administration building he used to guard, and he knew the basic floor plan of the area. It was why he was chosen for the mission. It didn’t make him feel better about attacking.
“Jokan’s squad!” Ordered Kath, “Go forward. Hanok’s squad, follow my squad into this next corridor.”
He sent Hanok’s squad of men first. Hanok was a foolhardy young squad leader, with daring and ambition that reminded the old soldier of himself when he was young. Kath was beyond being young and stupid, so his squad stayed behind.
“I lived too long to die now.” Kath thought, “I only have a month before I can retire. If I get this done right, I can finally go back home to my lovely Jodara.”
“I’ll come home soon, my dear.” Kath said out loud.
Hanok’s squad rounded the corner and cautiously snaked through the corridor. Kath’s squad took the rear, following Hanok’s squad. The corridor was littered with broken furniture and collapsed statues of men unknown to him.
“How bizarre… I didn’t think the air strikes did this much damage.” Kath calculated, “Something’s wrong here.”
“Nothing down this corridor, sir. You can advance here!” Jokan yelled.
“Good. Keep moving! We have those Federation dogs on the run! MOVE!” Kath ordered.
“Still nothing, sir!” Said Hanok, scanning the corridor with his combat tricorder, “There’s something jamming our scans.”
“Dammit, Hanok! I told you to scan for electro-magnetic frequencies!” Kath snapped.
“I did, Kath, but I couldn’t find anything!” Hanok responded.
“Whatever, Hanok. Just watch the area for any traps. I highly doubt that our air strikes did this.” Kath mused.
Kath scanned the area with his eyes, considering the tricorders were not functional at the time. They inched closer towards a statue of what looked like Admiral James T. Kirk. Kath and his squad were only a dozen meters away from the toppled statue of the famous Starfleet captain. He watched carefully, suspecting something to go wrong…
Then he saw Evek, the squad’s youngest soldier, step on a strategically placed piece of hardwood. The wood crackled as Evek stepped on it. It partially revealed a string of translucent wire, leading to the walls. A sixth sense rose in Kath, knowing that now was the time to move out of the way!
“You idiot! TAKE COVER!” Kath ordered. Most of the men dashed towards any cover they could find near the walls.
“Oh no,” Evek gasped, looking down at the tugged tripwire.
It was too late. The explosions ringed in his ears and disoriented him. Plaster and wood shot at him, scoring his left cheek with a dozen cuts. The force of a nearby explosion flung him, sending him crashing on the hard stone floor.
He heard the barrage stop, being replaced by the ringing sound in his ears. His head spun, still dizzy from the series of explosions that banged all around him almost at once. Kath slowly raised himself up, readying his phaser. He looked around, noticing Hanok was killed, as well as Evek and three others. The rest of the squad tried to get re-organized.
What sounded like a great distance, Kath heard a human voice aggresively shout, “Now!” He wasn’t sure if anyone yelled anything, with the constant ringing in his ear.
He faced where he thought he heard a voice, seeing first two female Starfleet security officers pop out from behind the Admiral Kirk statue with rifles raised. Then, a third officer, a young male with a cold, dead stare, leveled his rifle straight for the old soldier.
Kath didn’t bother to raise his phaser pistol. He accepted the fate assigned to him. He was a tired old man who knew that his life would end this way. The only regret he thought of as the red beam of compressed lethal light came closer to him was that he was going to leave Jodara a widow, and his two sons fatherless.
The phaser beam struck home, hitting Kath between the eyes. Kath fell into a world of pain, if only for a short second. After that second, his conscience slipped into inky darkness, then death.
***Meanwhile, at the Kirk statue***
Ensign Corgan watched the old leader get struck down by his phaser bolt. The bolt struck the old man in the head, between the eyes where James intended to hit. The soldier slumped on the wall, slowly being lowering down until he tipped over to the side and hit the floor. Ensign Salt and Ensign D’avenon fired in unison, striking down two more soldiers before the rest of the squads took cover. Return fire in the form of angry yellow phaser beams scorched the marble of the Admiral Kirk statue and scattering in the halls. The fire was very disorganized since most of the soldiers were in a panic. Some of the older ones rallied the remainder of the two squads, three veterans gritting their teeth while while trying to give the same orders to the younger troops. Their fire was slightly more accurate and organized, pinning Ensign Salt after she struck down another soldier with a rifle shot.
James took another careful aim at one of the un-frightened soldiers and fired. The phaser beam burned a large hole in the soldier’s black rigid uniform and struck him in the chest. The slain soldier fell back, grasping the wound as his eyes widened from the shock and the pain. The Cardassian spasmed on the floor once, then stopped moving.
The other soldiers started to regain their composure as they found cover. More Cardassian phaser fire burst through the halls and struck dangerously close to Ensign Corgan. He ducked behind the statue to shield himself from the phaser bolts that came from the enemy. Ensign D’avenon dived down to avoid a phaser rifle shot that scorched her blonde hair. All three officers were pinned, unable to raise their head due to the overwhelming phaser fire.
“We have to retreat to the Spock statue.” Ensign Corgan suggested, “We still have the equivalent of a full squad on our ass.”
“I agree, but no further.” Ensign Salt stated as a rumble shook the halls and loosened some roof tiles that fell near their heads.
“Fine. Let’s go!” D’avenon yelled out with urgency.
The three officers crawled to a statue a few meters, resembling a very young Ambassador Spock. The phaser fire shot above their heads, accompanied by two sets of footsteps. The members of the honor guard went behind Spock’s statue. Ensign Corgan tapped his comm-badge.
“Ensign Corgan to Lt. Commander Savat,” He narrated, “Me, D’avenon and Salt are pinned in corridor 5-J, Statue of Heros. Meeting resistance from a full squad of Cardassian troops. Over.”
There was no response, not that he could blame Savat. He was probably too busy protecting Madam Kiye from the attack.
“I’m going to unpin us!” Salt declared, putting the rifle on her one arm, while with the other she was readying a grenade and tossing it over he shoulder. The grenade clicked and rolled across the floor, sending the Cardassians hunting for cover again. A loud ‘boom’ followed, scattering more debris.
“FIRE!” She screamed, dashing out of cover and firing wildly at any target of opportunity. D’avenon and Corgan followed suit, firing carefully controlled bursts in hopes to pin the remainder of the squad to the walls. One of Ensign Corgan’s shots scored a hit on the side of a Cardassian’s head, severly burning it and killing the soldier instantly. D’avenon struck a trooper in the chest with her shot and felled him in an instant. The dead soldier fell on dead comrade, probably struck from the grenade.
For a minute, it was a bloody shootout in the halls. The Cardassian soldiers fired back with only seven of their numbers left. Astrid Salt, grim and determined not to be overrun, kept firing her phaser rifle at any target she saw. D’avenon was breaking a sweat as she started to unravel. Her shots were getting more inaccurate as she started to lose control. Ensign Corgan was unafraid as he kept two of the soldiers at bay behind a nook in the wall. It was then that he noticed that there were only five other live soldiers in sight.
“Where are the others?” He asked as he fired his phaser, only to hear a click.
“Shit!” He thought, “Battery’s drained. I can’t reload here.”
He ducked behind the statue and he rapidly slung the rifle on his shoulder. He then whipped out two type 2 phasers from holsters on each side of him, one for each hand.
It was then that he heard some running from the Cardassian troops.
“Brace yourselves!” D’avenon warned.
As two of the Cardassians advanced towards their position, five others layed cover fire for their comrades. One of the phaser rifle shots hit D’avenon in the chest. Another one hit her in the shoulder, and then another shot scorched her stomach. She cried out in pain as she crashed to the ground.
Seeing Ensign D’avenon’s lifeless body falls to the floor drew up a rage in Ensign Corgan. He shot up, with both Type 2 phasers in his hand, and he pulled the triggers. The phaser pistols shot their beams of energy at the two charging soldiers, hitting them point black and striking them down on the spot.
Three more of the Cardassian soldiers ran up to the remaining honor guard and prepared for hand to hand combat. The last soldier tried to reload his phaser rifle with fumbling hands. Ensign Salt thrusted the butt end of her phaser rifle into a soldier’s gut, then sent the rifle butt swinging into the doubled over soldier’s jaw. The Cardassian soldier fell to the ground as Ensign Salt was struck in the face by a solid punch from another soldier. Then, the soldier wrestled her to the ground. Both combatants rolled on the floor, trying to gain the upper hand.
Meanwhile, James Corgan dropped the phaser on his left hand so that he could fight easier against the soldier facing him. Both officers locked their steely gaze onto each other, either knowing that this fight was all or nothing.
“You first.” The unknown Cardassian said as he cautiously circled the young Ensign.
“If you insist.” James responded sharply.
The Cardassian soldier punched at Ensign Corgan, only to have the officer grab the arm and execute a hip toss. The soldier was tossed onto a varnished wood table, one of the few pieces of furniture intact in the room. The table soon joined the fate of everything else in the room as the Cardassian’s backside smashed through the table. James went into a kickboxing fighting stance as the soldier struggled up. Ensign Corgan’s foot shot forward in a simple kick, aiming for the Cardassian’s extremities. His foot impacted deep into the Cardassian’s crotch with a satisfying smack. The adversary doubled over, grabbing his private parts to protect them from more punishment. Then, Ensign Corgan grabbed the Cardassian’s hair on the back of his head and slammed his face into a marble pillar. Teeth and blood flew from the other combatant’s mouth as he let the unconscious soldier go. The soldier groaned as he fell to the floor, splattering blood from his nose and mouth. Meanwhile, Ensign Astrid Salt let go a punishing barrage of punches to her opponent’s face as he managed to get on top of the soldier. The opponent, dazed from the punches, moaned and slipped into deep unconsciousness.
(NRPG: I watch way too much wrestling…)
From the corner of his eye, Ensign Corgan saw the last remaining soldier slap a power clip into his rifle. He leveled his phaser at Ensign Salt, who was still woozy from her fight.
“Watch out!” James warned his partner.
Ensign Corgan dashed into Ensign Salt, pushing her aside with his left arm. She hit the wall hard as the last soldier pulled the trigger on his phaser. The phaser beam stung severely as it cut into Ensign Corgan’s shoulder. Pain shot up from the wound and nearly blinded him in a sea of red. He rolled with the force of the shot, just as he was trained to do, and he fired his phaser at the Cardassian soldier. The soldier slumped against the wall, lifeless. James Corgan hit the floor with his wounded shoulder.
“BUGGER!” He spat out, gritting his teeth. The wound burned like hellfire in his mind. He labored his way up.
“Thanks, Corgan. You actually saved me.” Ensign Salt rasped.
“No problem. If you want to return the favor, could you help me fix this up?” James asked her.
“Sure… wait a second! I hear something.”
“Duck and reload.”
“Right.”
The two remaining officers took cover behind the Spock statue. James holstered his phaser and picked up the phaser he dropped. Astrid ejected a power pack from her phaser rifle and snapped a replacement inside.
“D’avenon…” Ensign Corgan grated, “She’s dead, isn’t she?”
“I think so, Corgan. She took some hard hits.” Astrid replied, crawling to Ensign D’avenon’s prone body. She checked her pulse as Ensign Corgan reloaded his rifle, saying, “She’s dead.”
The footsteps of another squad of Cardassian troops echoed in the corridor. They were running rapidly towards their position, yelling commands like seasoned pros. This time, there would be no element of surprise, no immediate assassination of the squad leaders and no escape.
“Are you ready?” James said, gasping for air and wincing from the pain in his shoulder.
“No, but thanks for asking.” Astrid responded, “On three. One… two…”
Ensign Salt’s countdown was cut short by return phaser fire. One of the Cardassian troops cried out in pain as they were shot down. Their squad leader shouted commands to fire “On the Bajorans!”
“Three!” She finished.
The two officers sprang up from the Spock statue that was dozens of meters away from the enemy squad. A small five man squad of Bajoran militia at the end of the corridor and the Cardassians had a firefight in the halls. Ensign Corgan placed the rifle on the statue while using his good arm to fire shots into the squad. Squeezing the trigger, James shot a Cardassians in the back, while Ensign Salt sweeped her rifle and shot down another soldier. The Bajorans finished off the Cardassian squad with brutal efficiency, expertly striking down the squad with deadly phaser fire. Jorial shot the last soldier in the chest, finishing the squad permanently.
Jorial wasted no time. He signaled the squad to go to the honor guard’s position. Jorial took lead, with his other officers tagging along. The Bajorans reach their position.
“Constable Konak. Great to see you.” Ensign Corgan greeted.
“Likewise Ensign Corgan,” Jorial responded, “But we have to move. There are two more squads coming, and we are all out of surprises. We have to retreat.”
“Makes sense to me,” Ensign Salt joined in, “But we can’t just let them pass.”
“We have to move, madam. We can’t defend this spot any longer, and your friend here is injured. Do you have a med kit?” Jorial asked.
“I put mine over there.” Ensign Corgan answered.
“Good.” Joriald said, “We can retreat further into the compound, closer to the delegation. There, we can get Corgan here healed up.”
“I wouldn’t mind that. This burns like hell. I can barely move it.” Ensign Corgan groaned, protesting to the pain.
“It’s worse than you think. I can actually see a little bit of bone.” Jorial said.
“Frag!” James cursed as he took a tissue regenerator from the medkit, “Let’s go already.”
“Move out, men.” Jorial ordered.
Ensign Corgan picked up his medkit and jogged with the others. The Bajorans and Starfleet security ran steadily down the hall, deeper into the compound. They turned another corner and left the corridor. Bombardment shook the area some more as they left, leaving 24 Cardassians casualties, 20 of them fatalities, and one Starfleet Ensign dead. The Hall of Hero’s was now the Hall of Blood.
Jessie rolled over in her bed and groaned as she looked at the time."Two o'clock! Gee i hate early shifts!" Jessie pushed her red hair out of her face and sat up in bed. Looking around her room she pushed her self out of bed and headed for the shower. She knew she wasn't due on the bridge till 0300hrs but she couldn't sleep much longer. She hit the shower jets and steped under the warm water. She had only been on board for the past couple of weeks and hated her shift with a passion in fact she hated it so much she would rather walk onto the bridge naked then do it! But it was what she was ordered to do. She washed herself and then steped out into the now steaming bathroom. She knew that she was one of a few female ensigns who didn't share a room. And she also knew that if she forgot her PHASER one more time... well Peter might just kill her. She hated the things and she hated the fact that if she didn't wear it he would tell the
commander on her and she didn't want the attention. She decided to keep her head down and butt up but so far with this irregular time table and half the crew gone on shore leave... it wasn't working.
BEEP!
Computer: Ensign Parry you are going to be late for your shift.
"Gee thanks for reminding me Computer!" She replied with sarcasm deep in her voice. She grabbed her uniform and got dressed. As she headed for the door she grabbed a copy of "The Word" 'may as well read it while im not busy' she thought as she tucked it into her uniform's pocket.
The doors opened at her approach and she exited her room.
Commander Thomas had taken steps to hopefully negate any potential threat Mr. Jamson might pose to the crew while he was on the lose and not under his own control. Chris had disagreed with the captain quite strongly and pushed it with him to the point of a conflict.
He'd agreed to speak with Mr. Jamson and see this miracle transformation that he'd supposable undergone with his encounter of Madame Kiye.
Chris had spoken with Madame Kiye on more then a few occasions, but none of them had lead him to fill compelled to join her little following or believe what she talks about, nor had he been undiplomatic to disrespect her. He knew that he could fooled by things, but this wasn't the time or the place.
He'd been involved in too many things to think for himself.
He walked down the corridor to find the 'commander.
Minutes later he found the missing 'commander walking towards 10-forward where Madame Kiye would soon be giving her sermon. This wasn't cool, there was going to be a lot of people there and that could create a uneasy situation.
"'Commander Jamson!" Commander Thomas called out to him. "Stop right there we need to talk."
Jamson turned slowly to Thomas and then smiled as if he just met an old friend "Hi, Commander. I was wondering when I would have to chance to enjoy your company. May I be of any assistance?". Holding his copy of the holy Word close to his heart, the eyes of the changed man sparkled like a pair of diamonds in the dark.
"About your recent transformation, your change of attitude since you spoke with Madame Kiye." Chris said coming to stand close to him, but just outside of his reach for the moment. He knew he was safe, even standing next to him.
Jamson smiled once more "Yes. Madame Kiye was more than kind to introduce me to the Word" he sighed and looked at his book with excitement "I've never experienced anything like it...I don't remember being to peaceful with myself before I started following the ways of the Word. You should try it Commander....".
"You feel at peace, just by reading this book." Chris said with a Vulcan style raised eyebrow. "
"I've recently heard from the Madame herself that you found comfort in her company, surely Commander Thomas, you must be a believer of some religion if you've been spending so much time with the Madame...".
"I have stopped her quarters to speak with her about policy, her needs and as a diplomat of the Federation and this ship. I would say that could be construed as enjoying her company. However I am a married man and she's way to old for me." Chris said. "I am many things 'commander, I am a Vulcan, a Klingon, a Romulan, a Human, a Delician now and many more things."
"Excellent! I knew you had it in you Commander! you shall not regret this...the Word is one of the true wonders of the Universe! belief is one of the few things that never change. It can bring hope, reward, inner strength and even power when used correctly. I am sure you will find this remarkable book to satisfy your needs...".
"When time permits I may indeed take a look at the book of the Word, but I am on duty at the moment 'commander." Commander Thomas said accepting the book for future reading and examination. "If you'll excuse me I should be heading to the bridge before I am missed."
Jamson nodded and continued on his marry way.
Commander Thomas carried the book towards the science lab. He wanted the book scanned into the computer and analyzed for anything that could help explain what was happening to Jamson and a several other crewmembers.
Commander Thomas felt the ship rock from an impact against the ship's hull. He needed to get to the bridge and find out what was happening. This wasn't good, something told him that when he got to the bridge he wasn't going to like what he saw.
The signs were there, the bridge had signaled red alert, he was needed on the bridge.
Chris stepped into the trubolift.
"Bridge." he said.
The trubolift started moving. He needed to know what was happening, he suspected that the ship was under attack, but by who. Who, of course who else would want to stop such a treaty between the Federation and the Decilian. The Cardassians.
"Computer who's attacking the ship?" Chris asked as he waited for the turbolift to bring him to the bridge.
"A Cardassian Galor Class warship." the computer said.
"Enhanced with Dominion Technology, no doubt." Chris said.
*** Bridge. ***
Commander Thomas stepped on the bridge and quickly discerned they were indeed under attack by a cardassian vessel. Chris joined Lieutenant Richeson at the tactical controls for the moment.
Chris punched the console for a few moments, then swung around to look and tap a few keys on back console. He wanted to confirm his suspicssions.
"Captain the ship is one of the few Cardassian ships that were still operational after the battle and had been enhanced by the Dominion weaponary." Commander Thomas said. "This act is a decleration of war by the Cardassians against the Federation."
"Lieutenant Richeson notify Starfleet of our current situation." Commander Thomas said.
"Aye commander."
"Captain I recommend we treat this attack as we would in fighting a Dominion warship." Commander Thomas said.
"Commander that's.." Captain Price started to say.
"They're firing again captain." Lt. Richeson said from tactical.
"Target their weapons and bridge, Return fire all weapons." Commander Thomas ordered, not waiting for the captain.
"Aye commander." Lt. Richeson said.
The Galaxy fired phaser keyed for their weapons banks, while a full spread of quantum torpedoes were launched, keyed the command section. Commander Thomas wasn't going to give them a chance to fire again, this would force them to rethink things.
"Helm evasive maneuvers pattern Theta two a." Chris ordered.
"Aye sir." the helm officer responded.
As the sounds of small weapons fire reverberated through the darkened hallways of the embassy compound, the Cardassians continued to advance along many fronts. Olcet moved forward cautiously as always. He had not survived to reach the rank of Glinn by being reckless and he did not intend to start now. He had twenty men under his command, broken down into five man squadrons, each lead by an experienced Kara or Glen. And while he, like most of his men, felt that their mission was ill-advised, he carried out his orders with his usual sense of duty and honor. With any luck, he would survive the day and perhaps bring himself one step closer to the rank of Gul.
"Durkain, Marced. Have your troops scout ahead down the eastern corridor." Olect ordered. "Hurst, hold your men in reserve." Olcet watched as the first and second squads advanced, phased disruptor rifles at the ready. The heavier weapons, concentrated in Hurst's squad, limited their mobility. With any luck, they would not see any of the fighting. Reports had marked enemy resistance as light, just a handful of Bajoran militia and a couple of Starfleet bodyguards. Certainly no match for trained Cardassian soldiers.
[Sir, picking up one lifesign thirty meters ahead. Stationary, no energy signatures.]
"Standard dispersed formation." Olect ordered. "Do not fire until you have identified the target."
Olcet signaled third squad to hold its position as he advanced along the eastern corridor towards first and second squad's position. He did not have long to wait for their update.
[Target secure, sir] Marced reported. [One civilian, unarmed. Appears to be Decilian. Target has surrendered, sir.]
"On my way!" Olcet replied, picking up his pace. He rounded the corner into one of the larger meeting halls, now abandoned with the exception of his men and the prisoner, who was sitting with his back to a wall, knees drawn up to his chest, looking terrified. The Decilian's mood seemed to brighten when he saw the rank insignia emblazoned on Olcet's armor.
"Thank the Word!" He said. "You have finally come!" The man forced himself to his feet, wincing as he stood. It was obvious that he was favoring one leg. Olcet was heartened to see that his men were maintaining their vigilance, in spite of the seeming lack of a threat. A good soldier never let his guard down.
"And you are?" Olcet asked.
"Second Assistant Minister of State Tavas, sir." He said, standing slightly taller as he recited his title. If it was supposed to impress Olcet, then it wasn't working. Tavas slumped his shoulders and leaned one hand against the wall as he spoke. "Please tell me you are here to take us away!"
Olect was a little surprised by the reception. "You seem happy to see us. I was lead to believe that your Prophetess was here voluntarily?"
"By the word, no!" Tavas replied. "Or at least I don't think so. They came in the middle of the night, transported us onto their ships. "I do not know why the Prophetess is saying these things, but I assure you, none of the others want anything to do with these Federation terrorists!"
Olect listened as the sounds of distant weapons fire increased, both within the embassy and without. Time was of the essence. "And where are the other members of the Decilian delegation?"
"When they ordered us down below into the shelter, I ran. They tired to kill me but their shots missed. But my leg... I was hit by debris and..."
"Yes, yes." Olcet said, impatiently. "Can you lead us to the shelter?"
"I think so." Tavas replied, nervously. "I was running so fast, I didn't stop until the pain became..."
"We'll worry about your pain later. Did you see any other Federation soldiers while you ran?"
"Oh, no." Tavas insisted. At least, not the way I went. Almost all of them went with our delegation. They were holding poor Madame Kiye at gunpoint, the monsters!" Tavas seemed on the verge of an emotional breakdown.
"You two!" Olcet ordered, gesturing towards a pair of low ranking D'jas. "Help the Decilian. Carry him if you need to!" The Cardassians supported Tavas on either side while making sure to keep a proper grip on their rifles with their free hands. Olcet would have drummed them out of the service had they done otherwise. He turned his glare on the cowering Decilian politician. "Now lead us!" He ordered. And the rest of you, stay alert!"
The two squads advanced slowly and cautiously, scanning the terrain in front of them as they went. Tavas was at the rear with his caretakers and Olcet, guiding the soldiers through the building, towards the interior of the compound. They stopped once to engage a small squad of Bajoran militia, but the locals were no match for the concentrated firepower of first and second squads. The Bajorans hastily retreated as soon as they suffered their first casualty. Olcet ordered third squad forward to pursue while first and second squads continued to follow Tavas's directions.
The hallway widened into a circular gallery with a domed roof. The roof had cracked from the initial assault by the stub fighters, its stained glass windows shattered. Beams of light streamed in from above, illuminating the dust in the air. The Cardassians could hear the roar of the air support as it circled above. At times, it drowned out the sound of their voices. The men of first and second spread out throughout the room, looking for targets but finding none. They warily eyed the balcony, expecting ambush, but meeting no resistance.
Olcet looked over towards Tavas. He wanted to keep moving. But Tavas and his escort had fallen behind. He spun around, ready to chastise his soldiers. He was just in time to see an amazing sight.
Gone was the cowering wounded politician. In his place, Olect saw a pair of cold and calculating eyes, and a pair of strong legs and even stronger arms. Tavas had clamped a hand on neck of each of his escorts. Olcet had no idea what Tavas had done, but he was just in time to see the soldier's eyes roll back into their sockets at they slumped to the floor. With seemingly practiced ease, the Decilian relieved one of the soldiers of his rifle as he fell, leveled it at Olcet and pressed the trigger.
Olect's reflexes kicked in at the last moment. It was almost enough to save him... Almost. He had his pistol drawn and halfway raised before the phased disruptor bolt burned a hole through his chest.
The remaining members of first and second squad spun and aimed at the sound, caught off guard by the sudden change of events. They managed to squeeze off two or three poorly aimed shots at the Decilian before he ducked back into the hallway and rounded a corner.
"Don't let him escape!" Glen Durkain shouted, swiftly assuming command. The soldiers moved to give chase, their attentions focused on the feeling prisoner. It was a fatal mistake, and one the enemy had carefully orchestrated.
Around the corner, the wolf in sheep's clothing sent out a telepathic signal to his second in command.
"Now, Lieutenant Ral." Savat ordered.
The disguised Vulcan stood flush against the wall as the corridor was illuminated by the explosions in the gallery. A cloud of dust and debris blew by, followed by a staggering Cardassian soldier, his hands covering his bleeding ears.
Savat leveled his weapon and efficiently shot him at point blank range. He then spun back around the corner, just as the shooting began. From the balcony above the gallery, Lieutenant Ral and Ensigns Smith and Mason lay down precise fire on the confused enemy below. To their credit, the Cardassians who were still standing began returning fire almost immediately. But their numerical advantage had been reduced by the ambush and they were still standing directly in the "kill box", the field of fire that Savat had lead them into posing as their guide. Three of the Cardassians had been dropped before the explosions had been triggered, including Olcet. Three more had been taken by the photon grenade detonations, including the wounded man Savat had just shot. Of the remaining four, two had already fallen to fire from the balcony, leaving only two of the original ten remaining. Both of these soldiers now had their backs to Savat as they sought shelter from the barrage above. His face expressionless, Savat shot each of them in turn.
The gallery quickly fell silent.
"All clear." Savat stated.
"What next?" Lexana Ral asked, as she checked the charge on her power cell.
"There are two more squads close by. You and Smith fall back to position beta and set more charges. Mason, you and I will offer limited resistance here, and then fall back to beta."
Ensign Heidi Mason looked over the ten fallen Cardassians and shook her head. "It almost doesn't seem fair."
"Fairness has little place in war, Ensign. Savat replied. "It is an ugly, brutish endeavor, but one into which we are currently forced. And until our circumstances change, we will continue to wage it in as unfair a manner as possible for the enemy."
*** ***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
***Karyn's quarters, USS Galaxy***
Since she had been working non-stop upon her return to the Galaxy, Shinta had insisted Karyn return to her quarters to a relax a bit, which basically meant going to her quarters to work. Normally, it didn't make any difference to Karyn where she worked, but this time even the friendly chatter that graced the counseling department during the short periods between appointments was too much of a distraction.
As her earlier conversation with Shinta had confirmed, they were hardpressed to find any reasonable explanation as to the sudden personality changes amongst the crew. Her session with Jamson had her completely baffled and looking over her notes in preparation for her final report to Price and Thomas, she felt even more so. What the prophetess hoped to gain from her manipulations, Karyn didn't know, but if the brig recordings from Thomas were any indication, it had something to with the amulet around the woman's neck.
As far as she knew, the science department was looking into the Stone of Tears, but as with much scientific research, definitive conclusions were rare, but as far as she was concerned she had her proof in Michael, Michala and Jamson.
She was anxious to meet with Kent Peterson, the new Chief Science Officer, about his latest findings but as usual, Karyn had other reasons to meet with the man as well. As a new department head, she was curious as to how he was adjusting. She'd observed both in her time on the bridge and the general buzz on ship that there was some tension between he and Chris Thomas.
Chris Thomas was a good man, but it seemed to Karyn he was trying a bit too hard at establishing himself as Executive Officer. Deiran Casey was a hard act to follow, and perhaps Chris was doing as much as he could to establish himself as the complete opposite of Deiran so that he could gain the crew's personal respect, something that Deiran could lose and gain so quickly that it was like watching the ball in a tennis match. Professional respect was something else entirely. Professional respect was what one had for someone who was a superior officer or who had an impressive track record. That, Deiran demanded and for the most part, it was what he got. With a few of the crew, he had managed to gain personal respect, herself among them, even if given the current circumstances, she was still working on maintaining it.
She had to admit that it had to be difficult coming in as a new XO to a mix of new and veteran crew, and current circumstances didn't exactly allow for him to be anything other than a mother hen (much like she was all the time), but his tendency for cool assessment and rigid personal distance, coupled with his authoritarian personality style, had the potential to inhibit his relationship with the crew. Perhaps playing the text book XO was a way to avoid having to reveal anything personal about himself, lest he feel it would compromise his position in the eyes of the crew. In either case, it was worth looking into, as she felt he was due to be evaluated since assuming the job of Executive Officer. She was purely concerned with adjustment and personal issues, things that could affect how well he and Lee gelled as a team. Lee's style was the polar opposite of Chris' and it seemed one of those things which frustrated Thomas greatly.
Karyn shrugged. She would set up an appoitment as soon as their diplomatic obligations had been met, as this time of high stress was not the best time to evaluate how one was settling into a new role. By its very nature, these sorts of missions required diplomacy, and cool objectivity. For now, she had to attend to her report of Lt. Commander Michael Jamson. It was a formality really, as she had already given her assessment to the Captain, but as was required, she prepared to give a formal report of her findings to be sent to the Captain, XO, CMO, and her respective superiors at Starfleet Medical.
"Computer, begin report, attach current stardate and add the following header: Psychological Evaluation of Lt. Commander Michael Jamson, Operations Officer, USS Galaxy, as reported by Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN, Chief Counselor of the USS Galaxy."
The computer beeped in acknowledgement and Karyn began her report.
"Captain Price and Commander Thomas, as per your request, I have spoken with Lt. Commander Jamson and performed a complete psychological evaluation. As I mentioned earlier, it is my belief that Michael Jamson has undergone rapid personality changes that are not consistent with his previous progress in psychotherapy. While I believe Michael truly believes he has changed for the better under the guidance of Madame Kiye, his behavior and demeanor have changed so suddenly after such brief exposure to the prophetess, that I can only conclude that whatever transformation has occured, it has not been done so knowingly or willingly.
After examining the brig recordings sent to me by Commander Thomas, I concur that it is likely the amulet worn by the prophetess is being used to manipulate subjects into believing in the Word. While I can't begin to speculate on how this amulet manipulates its subjects, I do know that those most swiftly affected were those crewmembers already trying to deal with trauma or equally difficult personal problems, suggesting whatever it is that is driving these changes has managed to zero in on those experiencing rapid changes in mood, possibly via a genetically engineered neurotransmitter.
Subjects exhibit an increased heart rate, rapid breathing and a glassy eyed gaze. I believe long and short term memories are intact, though when I inquired as to what Jamson remembered of his attack on Lt. Sanchez, he seemed to have some recollection of it, but immediately changed the topic of discussion, as if the details of those events were being blocked by someone or something. The only similarity I have managed to uncover is Bipolar Disorder, but rather than the rapid cycling from mania to depression, I have only witnessed what I consider to be intense, perhaps drug-induced mania. My preliminary scans do not yet support this early diagnosis and without further confirmation from the Medical Department, I am reluctant to suggest any form of treatment.
Given the information I have available to me at this time, I do not believe that Michael or the other subscribers to the Word pose any sort of danger to themselves or to the rest of the crew, but until we do have a definitive explanation, I and my staff will be keeping these crewmembers under discreet supervision. This report is subject to change pending a complete report by Science and Medical."
Satisfied that she had accurately summarized her findings, Karyn sent the report to the necessary representatives from the Galaxy and to Starfleet Medical.
Having just reflected on the boring nature of these routine duties, it was with great surprise that instead of being greeted by the standard affirmation beep of the computer, she was scared witless by the Red Alert klaxon. She was just about to take a sip of raktajeeno and upon hearing the klaxon had promptly spilled the thankfully luke warm beverage all over the front of her gray tunic.
"Grozit!!, damn, just bloody great!" Not wanting to waste time spreading the brown liquid around, Karyn grabbed her black and teal jacket and threw it on, practically warping her way to the bridge, while reviewing procedure for hostage negotiation in her head.
***Bridge, USS Galaxy***
Karyn was too relieved not to see Jamson with a knife to the Captain's throat to pay any attention to the looks she got as she sighed in relief that they were currently engaged in something as *normal* as combat. The hand over her heart must have looked pretty strange, but on the bright side, Karyn had expected much worse.
Of course, when she was able to focus, she realized that things could definitely be better. It seemed the Cardssians had discovered what they were up to and were prepared to die showing their disapproval. While Karyn was comfortable that the Galaxy would make it through, her concern was for those on the surface. Security had a job to do, but Michala and Nilani had been manipulated, would they die here, defending a cause they had not willingly agreed to defend?
*They probably won't make it* thought Karyn subconciously. Not realizing, she had voiced anything outloud, she was surprised to hear Commander Thomas address her. "How fast does that thing go?" he asked, pointing to her gravchair.
"I'm not sure, sir, I've never clocked it."
"I'm sure the prophetess prepared herself and her equipment for something like this."
Karyn nodded reassuringly, though she couldn't imagine herself, let alone the elderly prophetess trying to manuever through the chaos. She said a silent prayer as security was told they were on their own while the Galaxy dealt with the Merlot, suddenly feeling as though the prophetess had brought this upon them all.
The Captain's gut feelings about the presence of the Cardassian warship Melot had unfortunately been on target. The Galor class ship had launched a ground and air assault on the Federation Embassy on Bajor, and now was engaging the USS Galaxy in a fierce ship to ship battle.
Commander Thomas, who had just arrived on the bridge under the warble of the red alert klaxons, had pointed out that the Melot was one of the surviving ships the Cardassians had from the recent war, and that she was outfitted with Dominion weaponry modifications.
"They're firing again captain." Lt. Richeson declared from tactical.
"Target their weapons and bridge, Return fire all weapons." Commander Thomas ordered in immediate response while calling up a display on his First Officer's station.
"Aye commander." Lt. Richeson responded, activating the ship's weapon systems as ordered.
Phaser beams sang out from the Galaxy, accompanied by a spread of quantum torpedoes, that streaked for the Cardassian ship's command deck. The warship was quick to evade the incoming war heads, allowing them to streak by harmlessly away from Bajor and into space.
"Helm evasive maneuvers pattern Theta two-a." Chris ordered.
"Aye sir." the helm officer responded.
Lee watched the exchange as the Cardassian's returned fire with torpedoes of their own. Chris had anticipated it, and his escape route took the Galaxy well out of the path of the incoming missies. The General moved over to the Science station even as Commander Thomas was calling out orders to reload the Galaxy's tubes with another round of torpedoes.
Keying in some commands on the console of science station two, Lee looked at the readouts from the sensor pallet he'd just activated.
"They are coming about sir..." Richeson declared from tactical. "It looks like they are positioning to fire their forward weapons."
Thomas called out, "Execute maneuver Delta four-c. Prepare to fire forward weapons on my mark."
When the Cardassian swung around landing the Galaxy in her sights, another full spread of photon torpedoes came screaming the Galaxy's way. Commander Thomas' assigned maneuver had the ship rolling out of the way of the attack, and landing in perfect position to launch a counter strike. "Fire!" Chris called out.
"Firing weapons sir. It's a good thing the Cardies can't hit the broadside of a barn..." Tim responded as another servo of torpedoes headed to the Cardassian ship. Again most missed, but one rocked their forward shield hard when it exploded.
Captain Price studied the readouts of the monitor he was viewing. He didn't like what he saw at all.
"Helm, bring us to bearing 129 mark six..." Commander Thomas called out.
Standing and moving back to the command well, Captain Price ordered, "Belay that order Mister Gustavson. Bring us to bearing 339 mark 15 and engage at full impulse."
Commander Thomas glanced at the Captain with a questioning look on his face. He knew the General wasn't acting as himself lately. He'd been strange ever since Madame Kiye had started spreading her religion on board the Galaxy. He still strongly disagreed with Lee's decision to release Jamson from the brig. Now he wasn't sure what the Captain was doing... heading away from the Cardassian ship.
"You are running Captain?"
Lee shook his head without looking at Commander Thomas. The General's eyes were glued to the main view screen, watching how the Cardassian reacted. "No 'mate, just getting away from Bajor. The bastard hasn't been shooting at us with those torpedoes. He's been targeting the planet below with his 'stray shots.' I just want to get the ship into a position where any misses the Melot fires at the Galaxy won't hurt the cities of the planet below."
Chris gave a nod. In the intensity of the moment, he hadn't realized that Gul Apel was just toying with the Galaxy. Intentionally aiming his shots to where if the Galaxy did get out of the way in time, they would continue on course to Bajor and the cities below. It was an insidious thing to do. Something only someone very spiteful of the Bajora would even think of doing. This Gul Apel was obviously a very old-school Cardassian commander.
"We are pulling away Captain." Lieutenant Gustavson called out.
"When we come past, ready aft weapons and continue to target their weapons and propulsion systems 'mate."
"Aye Captain." Richeson responded.
****
*** Bridge, Cardassian warship Melot ***
The sagely wardog Apel sat at the command position of the Cardassian ship and looked at the blue-green planet of Bajor below; the back drop of the engagement against the Federation starship USS Galaxy. He was impressed that the humans had managed to raise their shields and weapons so quickly after their opening possum style assault. The Gul wasn't worried. To him it just added to the overall splendor of the engagement. After all, defeating a helpless enemy offers little challenge to the combat skills of a seasoned veteran like himself. But being in a game of chess with a worthy adversary,... that was something to look forward to!
"They have evaded our torpedoes commander." one of the crew members reported.
Gul Apel gave a slight grin. "So they have. A pity. Had they allowed themselves to be destroyed, I'm sure that the Chacarro providence wouldn't have been bombarded with our spread of photon torpedoes. And what it this I see? Is that the outline of the coast of Bacho below us? What a pity for the helpless Bajorans below, sunning on the white sands. If the Galaxy should choose to refuse to be destroyed this time, what ever will become of them?, hey Godek?"
"A dirty downright shame commander." the Cardassian pilot responded.
"Line us up and fire when the Federation ship is in position." Apel ordered.
"They are entering firing range commander."
Gul Apel grasped the arms of his chair, which looked more like a throne then the Captain's chair the way he sat in it so smugly. "Let's see if our adversary can die gallantly or if hundreds of Bajorans will find out their skin will get a little more tan then they imagined today. Shall we?"
"Certainly commander."
"Fire weapons..."
"Weapons away."
The Cardassians watched as the Galaxy class starship executed an impressive barrel roll, sliding out of the way of the incoming photon torpedo spread and setting herself up into a position to counter strike. Gul Apel clapped is hands together. "Bravo my human friends. What a technically brilliant maneuver! You are quite skilled at saving that ship of yours from danger. Too bad the poor Bajorans on Bacho beach will not be as lucky..." the older Cardassian stated as the orbital explosions from the impacting photon torpedoes could be seen riddling the surface of the Bajoran coastline.
"They are not returning fire commander... I do not understand?..."
"Let me explain it to you my friend. The Federation Captain has figured out what game it is we are playing here today, and has decided not to play by my rules any longer. Too bad really. I was so looking forward to leveling a few more of our Bajoran pet's cities before they caught on. But no matter. Like the cat that plays with the vole before killing it, our play time has ended. It's time to get down to business and seeing that this rodent is put out of it's misery. Bring us around pilot. Bearing 176 mark 345, point 9 light speed." Gul Apel ordered as the Melot turned and started pursuing the USS Galaxy away from the planet Bajor.
"Old Times"
**Bridge, USS Galaxy At the start of the battle**
This is what Tim lived for. All his life he had grown up, hating the Cardasians. He remembered how he felt during the Dominion War with the adrenaline rushing through his veins. Combat was what He loved.
Richeson tapped on the communications switch, "Richeson to tactical department, man battle stations. Ensign Lockhart, report to Battle Bridge for stand by." He paused. It was standard procedure red alert to have the battle bridge manned. He wished Lt. Von Earsnt was still on the ship though. 'Oh well...' he thought. ' Peter can handle himself if things get...rough.'
"The ship is turning to port Captain." Tim said while he floated the target lock with the Cardy ship.
"Stay with him, Mate' " Lee called from the Command Chair.
My pleasure Cap-in...." Tim replied with a hint of his Irish accent sticking out. It was obvious he was enjoying himself. He grinned ear to ear while he loaded the forward torpedo tubes. "Targeting their bridge, Sir." The Galaxy shook from another volley of fire.
Richeson returned fire with main phasers, not wanting to fire the torpedo's until ordered. This was, just like old times.
with exert from "A dirty downright shame" by Captain Price
Commander Thomas had in a way took command of the ship away from the captain in this battle between a Cardassian Galor Class warship and the Galaxy. He didn't plan on doing it intentionally, but his time in command of his own ship caused him to act this way.
The captain of course could at any time over ride his decision at any time and there would be no problem or objection on his part. He might ask why, but he wouldn't fight the captain unless he felt their was a reason to do so, but only a strong reason.
"You are running Captain?"
Lee shook his head without looking at Commander Thomas. The General's eyes were glued to the main view screen, watching how the Cardassian reacted. "No 'mate, just getting away from Bajor. The bastard hasn't been shooting at us with those torpedoes. He's been targeting the planet below with his 'stray shots.' I just want to get the ship into a position where any misses the Melot fires at the Galaxy won't hurt the cities of the planet below."
Chris gave a nod. In the intensity of the moment, he hadn't realized that Gul Apel was just toying with the Galaxy. Intentionally aiming his shots to where if the Galaxy did get out of the way in time, they would continue on course to Bajor and the cities below. It was an insidious thing to do. Something only someone very spiteful of the Bajora would even think of doing. This Gul Apel was obviously a very old-school Cardassian commander.
"A strategy worthy of the old style Romulans" Commander Thomas said to the captain.
Price nodded.
"When we come past, ready aft weapons and continue to target their weapons and propulsion systems 'mate."
"Aye Captain." Richeson responded.
"How far are way from Bajor?" Commander Thomas asked.
".3 light years and growing." the ops officer said.
"Is the Cardassian ship in pursuit?" Chris asked as he wondered if they'd just not remain in orbit and continue their attack on the planet uninhibited this way.
"They are in pursuit, commander." Lt. Richeson said.
Alright at least they were following them away from Bajor. "On Screen." Chris ordered as they saw the viewscreen show them the cardassian coming after them.
"Fire aft phasers." Chris order, "Continuos fire."
"Aye sir." the tactical officer said.
"Distance from Bajor."
".5 light years." the ops officer said.
Chris glanced at the captain, "The farther we get away from Bajor the longer it's going to take us to get back there and help the away team out." Chris said.
"I am away of that mate." Price said.
"Lt. Richeson, has Deep Space launched any ships?" Commander Thomas asked.
"Yes sir, they've dispatched two of the station's runabouts, but they're heading for the surface." Lt. Richeson said.
Chris suspected as much, the Cardassian ship would chose to attack when the Defiant wasn't docked at the station or close to Bajor. They were no fools, knowing the capabilities of that little ship.
"Lt. Richeson, how long before the Defiant can return?" Commander Thomas asked as the ship took a shot to her rear shields.
"It'll be after the battle's over, sir." Richeson said from tactical.
"Distance from Bajor." Chris said. They wanted to get away from the planet before resuming the battle.
"We're now .8 light years away." the operations officer said.
"Helm prepare to bring us to a heading of bearing of 331 mark 4 for 2 minutes and then bring us to a bearing of 202 mark 3 and roll the ship on my command." Commander Thomas said."Lt. Richeson, ready a full spread of torpedoes, targeting the length of their ship. Then as soon as they move to evade, fire a second round and phasers."
"Aye sir." Lt. Richeson said, preparing the tactical console for the orders.
"On my Mark." Chris said looking at the captain and then back to his console. Time was coming every close to when they'd been in position.
"Autumn Takes a Stand: Ever wondered how to get her mad?" By Ensign Autumn Jamieson, Medical Officer. Guest staring: Geoffry Harper <NPC> Walter Cooper <NPC> 15h00, Autumn walked into the Medical bay on her shift. Then into the officewhich she shared with the other doctors and towards her desk which was as cluttered as her quarters.All she knew was that half the crew was ill. Ill with religious fever that was. Geoffry Harper a civilian Doctor sat on her desk waiting for her. " Hey Geoffry. What can I do for you?" She asked tiredly He smiled and held out a book to her. She wanted to scream! She not only recognized that book as a copy of 'THE WORD' but she couldn't believe that Geoffry had been taken in by that, Woman! "Autumn you look so stressed my friend. And i have just the thing to calm you down." Autumn looked about for a spare hydrospray so she could paralyse this idiot. Finding none she was very temped to hit him over the head with the small statue on her desk." I am calm Geoffry, just because I don't chose to allow a woman with a charming smile and a load of bull, corrupt me into being someone I'm not, doesn't mean I'm stressed!" "Autumn, you really don't understand what Madame Kiye offers people....." Autumn's eyes narrowed at his words and she cut him off."Oh really. Well I can't say I want to. What I want is for you lot of crazy people with no lives to live and let live. In Other WORDS! Get off my desk, get out of this office and leave me in peace!Before I call Security and have you thrown out on you ass!" Autumn snarled the last command at him and stalked to wards her desk. It wasn't until she was able to see around him that she saw someone sitting there in her chair. 'Walter Cooper!' She thought crossly.'As if Geoffry wasn't enough!' "What are you doing in my seat Yeoman?" She snapped at his smiling face. "Waiting for you Ensign Jamieson, Geoffry and I both thought that you could use a bit of help with your understanding of The Word." He stood up and took her hand then pushed her down into the chair that he had just vacated. Autumn tugged her hand free of his and pushed her self out of it. She moved towards the yeoman and the man behind him. "Listen here you two dopes! I don't need you or anyone else from that crazy Cult telling me how to live and how to relax. And I don't want to be told about that crazy religion by you two!" She pointed towards the open door. "Now get out! I'm calling Security." Her other hand went towards the call button, that would have Security running to her aid. Walter looked where her hand was heading and flinched. " Come on Geoffry.There is no use talking to her. She will just have to live her entire life with chaos and never know what the Word can offer." Walter left the room, leaving Geoffry with a very mad Ensign. " Autumn." he said quietly " You still here?" She asked softly and deadly her eyes looking at the floor her left hand hovering over the call button. "I just want you to know that I'm going to leave this with you..." He placed the book down on her desk. "And if you have any questions about it call me... or better yet go to Madame Kiye, She'll be more then glad to help you control your anger." with that he turned on his heel and left the medical bay , missing Autumn's glare that could have melted led. Autumn slumped into her chair and looked at the book.' It might come in useful for a paper weight' she thought at first. 'But then again it might give me some insight into this crazy cult.' She picked it up and placed it in her bottom draw. She stood up and walked towards the head of department's office and entering the open door found it empty. "Merde!" She muttered. She turned and walked back to the office which she had just left. Sitting down in her chair she touched a switch and spoke. "Computer: Personal log Jamieson, Autumn Maeribeth." Computer: ready. " Continuation of personal log. Today I had a confrontation with two members of the medical department, It is growing more and more apparent to me that this religious fever ,that is sweeping the Galaxy is begining to become more powerful then first thought. I did manage to aquire via accident a copy of 'The Word'. It should come in usefull later on when i need more information about the cult." She paused to think. The she continued. " I am thinking of a number of people who arn't yet under the control of the madame kiye and am hopefull that they might be able to help. Close personal log Jamieson, Autumn Maeribeth Computer." Computer : Done " Computer what's on my agenda today?" autumn lent back in her chair and tried to losen her sholders. Computer: Incoming message for you Ensign Jamieson. " Transfer it to my personal PADD Computer" Computer: Done. What Autumn read made her head hurt.'man that's weird' she thought.' I had better get some help soon, for are we in some trouble' ****************************~ ^ ~*************************************
(Note..This story takes place before the Galaxy detects the Cardassian Gatlor (hee hee) class ship taking orbit.)
With Lt.(jg) Raven Darkstar, security and NPC Leo Streely, journalist - both of whom, oddly enough, apparently have fragile noses.
Location: Recycling vats, Deep in the bowels of the USS Galaxy.
"Dont take this the wrong way, but you look pretty good in rubber." Leo stated.
Raven could feel his heart rate jump and his blood pressure begin to spike.
"Leo...dont even start." he cautioned from behind the clear hard plastic brace he was forced to wear over his nose for the next few hours. Having his nose broken twice in such rapid succession ment he had to wear the protective device to ensure his bones mended properly.
He was even less thrilled by the next part of thier secret mission. He was standing in front of the access hatch of the protien vats for the replicators. He and Leo both were attired in large black rubber gloves and hip waders to protect them from the vile sludge that they would soon be hip deep in.
The large security officer reminded himself that by keeping the little reporter occupied, he was contributing to ensuring the success of the Galaxy's current mission. Unfortunatly that did little to comfort him as he peered into the vats.
A pugnent stench assailed his nose.
"This is ridiculous.' he muttered.
"No, its not. You really do look good in rubber. It makes you look more.."
"LEO, I DONT CARE WHAT I LOOK LIKE. I LOOK LIKE THE FRIGGIN PHANTOM OF THE OPERA WITH THIS DAMN MASK ON THANK YOU!!"
"Hey your not the only one who suffered an injury ya know!" Leo shot back, " I was attacked by electric fish, nearly drowned by a carnivorous plant, and to top it off, my nose was broken by my partner! And I just know you did that on purpose didn't you? Really, level with me." Leo said with his hands on his hips.
"And don't be such a baby about the mask. You only have to wear it for a few hours, ok?" he added.
"Would you like to wear the mask?"
"SEE!!! I knew you did it on purpose, didn't you!?!"
Raven said nothing. He just peered into the tanks. When this "Mission" is over, he would have to make sure Sierra got an upclose and personal look at these things.
Carefully he swung his legs into the vat. The last thing he wanted to do was end up head first into the sludge. He could feel the warmth of the liquified protien against his legs as he submerged to his thighs.
"All right Leo. Carefully and slowly ease yourself into..."
SPLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raven looked at the reporter with sludge trickling down his face, behind the plastic mask, and even into his mouth.
Leo sensing he was about to become a drowning victum, profusely apologised.
"I slipped! I slipped, ok? Not like that phony slip where you broke my nose, all right. It happens."
Raven just removed the mask and flung it across the tank. The liquid had become trapped behind it and he thought surely if he didn't get it off he would gag to death. He looked back at Leo who was standing there as if they were in the Risan Botanical Gardens instead of hip deep in what smelled like warbeast dung.
"Now don't you blame me if your nose doesn't heal right ok? You know your supposed...supposed to....what the hell are you looking at?" he asked.
"I just realized how unsetteling it is that we're standing in the middle of the worst smelling shit i have ever encountered and you don't seem to be bothered by the smell in the least."
"Hey we all lead different lives, ok?" Leo shrugged, then looked as if he were about to explain.
"I don't want to know , Leo. I just don't want to know. Let's just get over to the scrubbers." he said nodding to the steam filled machinery.
As they waded, Leo chimed in again.
"I've been thinking. You're ship security. Your duty is to keep the ship secure from potential threats. Cardassians are potential threats, yet you say you don't know anything about the Cardassians we saw with the Captain. I'm getting the sneaking suspicion, ok, that your not telling me everything and that something is going on."
"Leo, my focus has been on our mission." Raven answered.
"But surely you had at least been briefed. And what is the "Word" that I'm overhearing all the time?"
"This is the first I've heard of the word." Raven said honestly, trying to dodge the first half of Leo's inquiry.
Leo stopped and looked suspiciously at the Indian.
"Ya know, your either incredibly brilliant for the way that your decieving me about not knowing anything or your so inept at being a security officer that perhapse you should concider a department change. I KNOW something doesn't seem right here. I'll figure it out, dont you worry."
They stopped at the scrubber mechanisms. The fumes were overpowering.
"I just know that i know that Cardassian from somewhere too....I GOT IT! Emurul the famed chef! "
"What in the known universe made you associate this place with food?" Raven asked spreading his hands out.
Leo just seemed to ignore him as he continued talking to himself.
"No, i think Emurul died of food poisoning....maybe Professor Ganod, the archeologist....nah...i met him once and that one didn't seem eccentric enough.. hmmm...."
Raven pointed at one of the giant scrubbers and asked: "Does that look like a changeling to you?"
Leo paused from his thinking, looked up and shook his head.
"I don't think any changeling would hide out in here. If he accidently liquified, he'd be toast. I think we're beatin a dead horse on this one. Know what I mean?"
"Good enough for me. Let's get out of here." Raven said as he sloshed through the sludge and out the hatch.
They stripped off thier gear but still found themselves dripping in the goo thanks to Leo's graceful enterence. Raven had an idea.
"Lets go back to my apartment. I want to clean up and change clothes. It wouldn't hurt you either. You can use the replicator. And only the replicator. Touch nothing." he cautioned.
"Yeah Yeah. Ok. Rules one and two. I remember..I remember...hey, why don't we just go to my quarters instead , huh?" Leo nervously asked after remembering the condition he left Raven's bathroom in.
"Dont be absurd." Raven said as he walked down the hall.
*****In Ravens Apartment *****
"THIS IS ABSURD!" Raven yelled as he scanned his flooded bathroom. There was water on the floor...or more precicely, there was water covering the floor. His toilet was smashed with pieces of porcelin in the shower of all places! Towels stuck out of what was left of the toilet.
He picked up the broken toilet seat.
"I know he did this on purpose! I'll kill him." he said walking out into the living area where Leo was sitting and whistling as if nothing had happened. The computer started to relay Raven's messages.
"DIDN'T I TELL YOU TOUCH NOTHING?!?!" the irate Indian said.
"It was just one button, ok? How was I to know!"
**** MESSAGE 1 0f 2******
"Dear Lt. Darkstar"
I heard about the incident at sickbay, and while it made me laugh when I heard that the little pipsqueak Leo got shocked in the ass and nearly drowned, I do feel sort of sorry for you since you've had your nose broken by the worthless piece of skin. I also heard about your 'mission' finally. If you really want to keep that dimwitted loser away from the negotiations, why don't you just hospitalize him by poisoning him or beating the crap out of him? After all, I heard the Captain told you that you could do ANYTHING.
Ensign James Lionel Corgan
P.S. Stay away from 'The Word'. Not only does it get Leo too close to the story, it will also brainwash anybody willing to get in close enough contact with it. Stay away from it and Madam Kiye too!"
*****Message 2 of 2 *****
"Hey Raven"
Its Sierra. I was just wondering how you two are doing with your hunt. Give me a call, i have some important things to go over with ya. Oh, and have you seen Jim lately? Get back to me. Chiao.
*****End messages *****
Oh hell. - Raven thought as he looked over to see Leo looking as smug as ever. He was thinking about strangling him with the toilet seat when Leo finally spoke up.
"Negotiations. Brainwashing. Madam Kiye. The Captain's permission to do anything." he said, " Couple that with Cardassians strolling the hallways of this ship and Changelings suspected of being on board."
Leo leaned foreward.
"It seems like you have some 'splainin to do Lucy."
"All Hands to Battle - Part One"
******In Her Quarters before the Red Alert*******
Electra rested in her bed, soundly sleeping though dreaming uneasy dreams. She lay still though her dream self was chased by phantoms spouting truisms and clichés and surrounded by a halo of electro-magnetic force. She had spent hours analyzing and comparing the data from Ensign Corgan and she was had fallen into sleep just two hours before. Her rest was uneasy but it was recovering strength for her body and mind. Alas, this was not to last. The red alert klaxon sounded followed by those words, which would rob her of the needed sleep: "All hands to battle stations."
Electra shot up in bed and fell sideways, tangled in the covers. She fought her way free, and checked the chronometer, hoping she could return to sleep only to hear the computer's uncaring voice state her orders, "Ensign Reece report to the battle bridge." She sighed as she hurried to the closet and a fresh uniform. She swept her hair up into a quick ponytail and twisted it into a bun as she rushed out of her quarters.
***********On the Battle Bridge**************
Electra sat at OPS on the battle bridge, surrounded by strangers and checked the personnel roster for the main bridge. Her department head was manning OPS there. She relaxed, knowing she could count on his logical approach and turned to her instruments, monitoring the power flows of the star-drive section, as the main bridge monitored the main circuits and the saucer section. Electra particularly monitored the flows to the SIF, knowing that in a battle, the Galaxy would be making unusual maneuvers to escape the fire of the enemy. "Evasive patterns" were good in that they eluded phasers and other weapons fire, but bad for the ship's personnel if they were actually felt. Inertial dampeners offline during these maneuvers at warp speed or high impulse would squish the crew against the bulkheads like so much bloody mush. And Electra made sure to keep a close eye on the artificial gravity. It would not help the battle if the crew were floating around the bridge.
"Squad 1 report! Squad 2, report!" Glen Hurst, shouted into his communicator. Nothing. Two squads gone, in a matter of minutes. With Olcet, Durkain and Marced out of action, Hurst was now in command. Typically, his heavy weapons squad was held in reserve while the light infantry grabbed the glory. This mission should have been no different. They were storming an embassy, not confronting mechanized units or hardened gun emplacements. "Squad 3, report!"
[Squad three reporting.] Came the reply.
Hurst breathed a sigh of relief. "Status?"
[Olcet had us break off to engage a militia unit. We're mopping up now.]
"Squads 1 and 2 are down. Break off and converge on my position!"
[But Olcet...]
"Is dead or captured. So are Durkain and Marced. I have assumed command. Now get back here!"
[Understood]
Hurst walked amongst his squad mates, clapping them on the shoulders and giving them other signs of encouragement. Their simple operation had taken a nasty turn. "The enemy has drawn blood. Now it's our turn. Palek, Kavak. Power up the sleds. Zainok, dial your launcher for AP rounds. Gaiden, pick targets of opportunity as they present themselves."
The soldiers of Kara Hurst's heavy weapons squad nodded grimly as they ran a final weapons check. A minute later, the remnants of 3rd Squad arrived at the rally point. The four light infantry men would serve as forward scouts as they advanced further into the building. Hurst considered contacting the Gul and requesting additional backup, but decided it would be seen as a sign of weakness. If he could destroy the enemy on his own, he could be looking at a field promotion to Glen before the day was through.
"Alright, let's move out." He ordered.
*** ***
Savat looked over at Ensign Mason and placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Focus, Ensign." He said. "The enemy will come to us soon enough."
"That's what I am afraid of." She said, as she clutched her compression phaser rifle tightly.
"It's alright to be afraid." Savat said, reassuringly.
"Are you afraid, Sir?"
"No, I am not." He said.
The embassy compound shook, rattling the few windows that had yet to be shattered and sending bits of masonry tumbling to the floor. "What did they hit us with, sir?" Mason asked.
"Not us." Savat said, his jaw set. "The planet. Unless I am mistaken, that was an orbital strike, likely some one hundred miles or more away."
"My god! But that's a full fledged act of war!"
"Unfortunate but true." Savat replied. "Put it out of your mind and concentrate on our part in this exercise..." His voice trailed off and he cocked his head, listening keenly. "They're coming." He said, his voice a whisper. "Fire at targets as they present themselves."
The two officers braced themselves behind their makeshift barrier of overturned tables and fallen debris and waited.
The Cardassians were professionals. The first four man light infantry team rounded the corner, guns blazing, having used their sensors in advance to pinpoint the defender's position. Phased disruptor bolts slammed into their barricade, disintegrating wood and stone and melting metal. The two Starfleet officers returned the favor, their gyro-stabilized rifles providing accurate counter fire. They managed to drop one of the Cardassians in the first volley and sent the other three scampering for cover, of which there was little. Savat had seen to that when he chose the location for the barricade. The exchange continued for another three minutes, with each side taking snap shots while trying to maintain cover. Another Cardassian fell, prompting the remaining two to toss smoke grenades and retreat back around the corner.
"Be prepared." Savat warned, as he peered through the smoke. "They will come in greater force next time."
A slow and steady hum could be approaching through the smoke, growing steadily louder. Savat felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He activated his throat mike and contacted the rest of the team. "Ral, Smith. Get ready, we'll be falling back to position beta shortly."
"Sir, what is it?" Mason asked. "That sound.."
"Cardassian battle sleds." He said, grimly. "The enemy is not taking any more chances. "Do the best you can, but be prepared to fall back on my signal."
Through the smoke, they looked like a pair of gardeners pushing wheelbarrows. But the reality was far more lethal. The battle sleds glided along on anti gravity pylons, directed by their single man operators, twin disruptor ports jutting menacingly from the front of the carriage.
"Now!" Savat ordered. Their weapons spat forth phased energy in rapid bursts. The sleds were easy targets for the accurate rifles, but the shots dissipated inches before striking the target, their energy crackling along the surface of the sled's forward facing shields. The operators responded quickly, the twin barrels of the sleds firing in rapid sequence, tearing huge chunks out of the barricade. Savat and Mason ducked down, avoiding the fire. To the right of Savat's shoulder, a disruptor bolt pierced the defense, striking the floor next to him. Mason let out a cry as her cover was shattered and she was showered with heated bits of rock and metal. Savat readied a pair of flash bangs and tossed them over his shoulder towards the enemy. He covered his ears and closed his eyes as the grenades detonated, sending forth deafening sound and blinding light. Holding his rifle in one hand and dragging Mason with his other hand, he stayed low and retreated as rapidly as he could while shots whizzed by on either side like angry hornets. As soon as he was around a corner, he tossed Mason over his shoulder and broke into a run. He could hear the victory shouts of the enemy as, smelling victory, they pressed their advantage and started their pursuit.
"Inbound!" He said over his communicator. "Hold your fire."
He made it to the end of the corridor and through a set of double doors, which he quickly closed behind him. With a few more steps, he managed to vault the second barricade, where Lieutenant Ral and Ensign Smith knelt at the ready, preparing for the worst.
"How is she?" Ral asked.
Savat felt for a pulse, and was relieved to find one. "Alive but in serious condition." He replied. "But we do not have time for medical attention. The enemy is upon us."
The raven-haired telepath searched the eyes of her commander. "Do we stand a chance?"
"The odds do not favor us." Savat replied honestly. The enemy has deployed battle sleds."
"Damn!" She muttered. "We could use one of those ourselves."
The elder Vulcan cocked an eyebrow. "An excellent suggestion, Lieutenant. "And perhaps not entirely impossible. Here is what we will need to do..."
*** ***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
Helm, bring us to bearing 129 mark six..." Commander Thomas called out.
Standing and moving back to the command well, Captain Price ordered, "Belay that order Mister Gustavson. Bring us to bearing 339 mark 15 and engage at full impulse."
*Donar sake what kind of farce did I slide in now?* Lieutenant Gustavson thought *Out there one of the most dangerous Cadassian warships first playing wounded mother duck then missing one of the largest Federadion targets with almost every shot. In here two commanding officers ordering different directions?*
Captain Price, no doubt was the highest ranking officer on bridge so he was the one whose orders he had obey so he set the course the Captain ordered.
Soon after the Captain explained his reasons for overriding Commander Thomas orders several of the Cardassian photon torpedos hit Bajor. Ragnald grew angry.
Till now he never was involved in any battle against the Cardassian.
Again, the Galor Class warship fired at the Galaxy. This time, there was no spare target the warheads would hit if the Galaxy managed to evade - if HE managed to evade. Come on, tell me what to do someone deep inside hs mind shouted.
"Helm prepare to bring us to a heading of bearing of 331 mark 4 for 2 minutes and then bring us to a bearing of 202 mark 3 and roll the ship on my command." Commander Thomas said."Lt. Richeson, ready a full spread of torpedoes, targeting the length of their ship. Then as soon as they move to evade, fire a second round and phasers."
Lt Gustavson programmed the new course and sat back to wait for the time to go by.
Till now, the two giant vessel rather behaved like dogs barking at each other than two powerful warships involved in a battle. The spoonheads fired at the Galaxy in a manner every skilled Federation could easily evade and so did Commander Thomas. Now, his new orders would force the enemy into an evasive maneuver to set them right in front of the Galaxy`s torpedo tubes. - this time without the chance to evade.
“Fire!” ordered Commander Thomas.
Several bright points left the Galaxy heading for the target. As before the spoonheads managed to evade most of the incoming torpedos.
“Next move ...”, the XO ordered “Helm, engage!”
Again, Lt. Gustavson changed course to bring the giant vessel into a narrow port turn. Again, several torpedos left the Galaxy`s launchers. This time the target didn`t manage to shift out of the torpedos` flight path.
“Direct hit, port warp nacelle!” reported Lt. Richeson.
Obviously, some of the torpedos came through. After a bright explosion dark clouds of plasma came from the hit propulsion nacelle. How severe the enemy vessel`s propulsion wa damaged? Probably not even the spoonheads knew in this moment. Surely the damage was not severe enough to keep them from firing an other spread of torpedos.
“Incoming torpedos” reported Lt. Richeson.
The enemy seemed to have changed tactic, too. This time, the enemy relied on the usual human inability to think fully three dimensional.
Without waiting for orders, Lt. Gustavson applied a change azimuth, so most of the photon topedos missed the Galaxy.
Most of the torpedos?
Tbc
Guest Starring:
James tore off the sleeve of his shirt, then passed the tissue regenerator across his wounded shoulder, fusing muscle and skin together to create the illusion of fine health. All security majors had to take a Combat Medicine 101, while some others can take the Combat Medic 201 training. Ensign Corgan only took Combat Medicine 101, a skill that has time and time again proven itself handy.
Even if all he remembered at the moment was how to properly use the tissue regenerator without deforming his shoulder. It was easy, stay very very still.
The wound completely healed up, closing in and leaving nothing but a pink scar behind. He could have healed the scar, but he didn’t have time for it, and the battery on the tissue regenerator ran out.
“May I have a hypospray, please?” Ensign Corgan asked.
“Here,” Ensign Salt said, setting the hypospray to ‘painkiller’ and handing it over to her partner, “You’re pretty civil for someone who just got shot.”
“I’m always a contradiction.” James said, “I can be nice when I want to be, but I’ll stoop to brand new lows, such as kicking a Cardassian soldier in the testicles and smashing his face into a pillar of marble.”
“By the way, nice move.” She complimented.
“Thank you.” James replied.
He grabbed the hypospray and injected himself where the pink scar was placed. A soft hiss followed the pushing of the trigger, bringing instant relief to his burning shoulder. He tossed the hypospray back into the Med-kit, then he got up from his sitting position.
He took a minute to check out his surroundings. They were in one of the private bedrooms of the Federation Embassy. It was spacious and more luxurious than even his quarters. It even included a larger sonic shower and a replicator. There was plaster and debris scattered all over the area, due to the constant punishment from fighter-bombers and soldiers.
Inside with him was Ensign Astrid Salt, his partner for the duration of the crisis, as well as Constable Jorial and four deputies. The deputies posted watch over the adjacent hallway, training their Bajoran phaser rifles in a defensive position. Nearby phaser fire and the dying screams of men could be heard.
“We have to keep moving.” Ensign Corgan stated.
“Easier said than done,” said Jorial, “because the Cardassians have us blocked. We can’t reach the next hall unless we want to go into the middle of a crossfire.”
The gears grinded in Ensign Corgan’s head, trying to think up of a plan based on what they have seen before.
“It’s better that we made a stand here.” Jorial suggested.
James checked his grenade supply. There was only one left. Ensign Salt also had a grenade in her inventory.
“What about mouse holing?” Ensign Corgan asked.
“Mouse holing?” Jorial re-affirmed.
“Mouse holing.” James re-stated, “My grandfather described it to me once when he talked about an ancestor in the Canadian Army during World War 2. Blow away adjacent walls to outflank the enemy. It was used in Italy.”
“It could work.” One of the deputies approved.
Ensign Corgan walked over to the replicator and tore off the cover. He started to re-wire the system.
“Electronics 101, gotta love it.” He thought.
“What are you doing?” Ensign Salt asked.
“I gotta re-wire the damned thing so that I can replicate some items. This thing only replicates food. I need your grenades, some strong adhesive glue and a pair of socks.” James rattled off.
“What for?” Ensign Astrid salt asked again.
Then, Jorial stepped in. “Sticky bombs. Very inventive. He could have been a resistance fighter himself.”
The last of the re-wiring was complete. He closed the panel in place and issued some commands.
“Computer,” Ensign Corgan requested, “One small pail of Glucosilicate adhesive, and a pair of dress socks.”
The items materialized inside the replicator in a swirl of energy. Ensign Corgan snatched the two items away. He took the first grenade and set the timer for 10 seconds. He then ripped a small hole in one of the socks and stuffed the grenade in it. He made sure that the detonator switch poked out of the small hole. Then, he dipped the sock in the Glucosilicate adhesive, coating the grenade in the thick sticky goo.
“May I borrow your grenade, please?” James asked politely, referring to Ensign Salt.
“Here.” She said, tossing the grenade to Ensign Corgan. He grabbed it with his good hand and set the timer for ten seconds.
“Find some cover, because I have a plan!” He ordered.
“What is it?” Jorial demanded.
“If I blow out this wall over here,” James said, pointing towards the wall on the far corner of the room, “We will go in to corridor 6-J. Near the area that we go to on the second floor is a store room. Since the structural integrity of the building is weakened, I can blow out the ceiling enough to cause a cave in. The stuff in the store room should be able to block our path.”
“Not bad at all.” Jorial commented.
“Don’t praise me just yet, Sir. We might not have enough grenades to blow out the ceiling.”
“We have to try it.”
James re-thought his plan, thinking over the pros and cons. On the plus side, it could work and it would be one less place to defend, as well as a route to the ballroom where their last position was. On the other hand, the ceiling could not blow out and the Cardassians could cut them down with their phasers.
“Well, considering the alternatives…” He thought.
At the doorway, one of the deputies fired his phaser. In return, five other streaks of deadly light passed by.
“They are getting closer to our position!” The deputy yelled in urgency.
“Take cover everyone!” Ensign Corgan ordered as he re-set the grenade to five seconds. He tossed the grenade at the corner of the room, while everyone dived for cover. Five intense seconds followed.
5….
The deputy at the door gets hit with a stray shot. The shot hits him in the neck, charring the sides and killing him before he could fall on the floor. His phaser rifle spun towards the floor.
4…
James dived behind the bed, while Jorial and Astrid took cover in the bathroom.
3… 2…
The other deputies took cover wherever they could find it.
1… *BLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*
The photon grenade successfully blew out a large hole in the outer wall. Light from the adjacent corridor filtered into the room. It was a welcome sight for all those that wanted to escape.
“Move out!” Jorial commanded.
Jorial took point, being the first to run out and scan the halls. No Cardassians showed up, making corridor 6-J. Next, Ensign Salt ran out, her compression phaser rifle on standby as she scanned the halls. Then, Ensign Corgan, holding his “sticky bomb” with his good hand, steadily walked out.
“Sir!” One of the deputies yelled, “Battle sle… AAAAUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!”
A gatling force of phased disruptor fire tore through the room, scattering through the walls and tearing up the remaining deputies. The hail of phaser fire killed them all in an orgy of violence. The three remaining officers hit the ground and covered their ears while phaser bolts sped over them.
“Run like hell!” Jorial suggested.
All three officers got up from their laying position and bolted down the halls as fast as they could. Ensign Corgan tried to remember where the store room was over their heads. He studied the floor plans over and over again when he was an honor guard, and now he couldn’t figure out where he could put the sticky bomb. All he could do was guess, so he threw it over his head. The sticky bomb squished into place on the roof, the timer counting down.
“Take cover!” He warned, screaming it out!
A battle sled rounded the corner of corridor 6-J, shining menacingly and pointing it’s disruptor cannons dangerously at the threesome. The three officers rounded the corner, as the operator punched the speed button, dashing it forward and dangerously close to their area.
Then, it started.
It was a loud explosion on the rafters, meters in front of the battle sled. It shot out mortar and steel bulwark, shooting it around and making the deflector shields of the battle sled shimmer. A wooden beam cracked and splintered, then crashed down. Next came a chunk of the floor, followed by a crate. The crate didn’t fall completely down, but it got caught up in the jumble of debris.
“It didn’t work!” Astrid announced.
“No shit, you think?” Ensign Corgan retorted, then added, “DUCK AND COVER!”
The muzzled of the twin linked disruptor cannon blasted , blowing out a large chunk of the wall and hurdling more debris their way. The three officers huddled in cover, luckily far enough away from the deadly blasts.
“I have an idea! We need to fire at the roof! Weaken it some more!” Ensign Salt said through the noise of the explosions.
“Good idea. But how do we evade the tank?” Ensign Corgan asked.
“Easy, you guys fire on the battle sled, while I weaken the roof. Those are Type 3-D rifles, are they?” Jorial asked.
“Yea, why?” Ensign Salt replied with her own question.
“They can adapt to shielding frequencies, can’t they? Then use them!” Jorial explained.
Ensign Corgan thought the idea was risky, but who could argue with a former resistance fighter anyways? With that, he reset the frequency of his rifle to best harm the Cardassian force shields, put the rifle on full automatic mode, then reset the power to setting 11, then stoodby.
“Ready, Astrid?” James asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be…” Astrid stammered.
“Stiff upper lip, now.”
“Damned straight!”
“1… 2… 3…”
The two ensigns shot out of the corner, peppering the Cardassian battle sled with their phaser fire. Shots violently smashed into the shields, making it shimmer like translucent water. The shields started to fail, until one of Ensign Salt’s shots passed through. It reflected harmlessly off the armor with a shower of sparks. Then, Ensign Corgan’s shots adapted to the shield frequency, ricocheting off the armor and spraying more sparks everywhere. It was enough to make the Cardassian pilot duck his head down for cover, and react naturally by looking away when the stray shots hit the protective windshield, cracking it down the middle.
Jorial dashed out, leveling his rifle and aiming for the roof. Wasting no time, he pulled on the trigger and didn’t let go. The Bajoran phaser beam cut through the remainder of the wooden beam and sliced into the roof above. More debris started to shower down, then a crate, then another. More crates started to rapidly smash down like a dam releasing it’s waters. A great crash passed through the disintegrated roof, spilling it’s cargo on top of the front of the battle sled, right when it fired it’s disruptor.
The close proximity of the blast plowed through some of the debris, but it’s closeness also sealed the battle wagon’s fate. The barrels exploded, destroying the protective windshield and batting the pilot back with the sheer force of the blast. The pilot grossly smacked into a wall, falling dead as his neck was broken from the blast.
On the other side of the new wall, Jorial, James and Astrid panted from a short breath. James started to reload his rifle, then reset the setting to his preference.
“That was too close.” Ensign Salt said.
“We are in serious trouble,” Jorial gasped, catching some air before he could speak, “if they have battle sleds. We have to re-arm ourselves with some bigger weaponry. Come now, the armory should be close.”
“The ballroom is even closer.” Ensign Corgan suggested, “Savat was kind enough to arm us to the teeth there. We need some more grenades and a photon cannon. We also don’t have much time, so we gotta move it!”
The three officers bolted down the halls, towards the ballroom, ready to re-arm themselves for more action.
Lieutenant Navarre Shinta
Lieutenant Michael McDowell
*** Outside Counselor Shinta's personal office ***
Michael reluctantly rang the chime of Counselor Shinta's personal office. It was Monday at around 13.00 hours, the same time he always had his little 'chat' with her since he'd began taking counseling sessions for the psychological consequences of his memory loss. Another session...another conversation that would most likely result in only a boost of morale.
Shortly after the sound of the chime Michael heard the by now over familiar voice of Shinta inviting him in. "Come in. It's open."
Michael took a deep breath, did one last step forward and another session had begun. He mustered a smile. "Hi." That was all he said. Up until now he always managed to ask how she was doing, but now it was different. The last few weeks he'd began to think that he would never be his old self again and that he somehow had to live with the fact that he lost parts of his life. He was this far from giving up hope.
Shinta saw right away that he was in a bad mood, then she really could not blame him. "come in, have a seat, how has your week been?"
"Busy...but that's normal." Michael answered while he sat down on a comfortable couch. "It's not as hectic anymore as a while back though...when we were still at Ursid, and I'm glad for that. Sometimes it really got too crazy in Engineering when we pushed the ship to her limits."
She listened to him. "did anything you do bring back memories? Sometimes that is possible, something work related, however simple, can trigger a whole load off memories."
Michael shook his head. "Nothing, not even one tiny thing." He smiled nonchalantly when he continued. "Did really you expect something else?"
"It can still happen, you know. People get their memories back even after months or years. What you should do is try to focus on the future, not the past. If you do that, chances are the memories come back even easier. It takes away a lot of stress." Shinta knew this was not what he wanted to hear, but if the memories did not come back soon he was going to have to get on with this life.
"It's been months for me already and still I can't remember anything." Michael replied. "Can you imagine what it is like to know that you miss something in your life but don't know what it is?"
Michael saw Shinta was about to answer but before she could do so he continued. "Yes,...I know, we talked about that before. But if you do understand, than you know that I can't live with this for another few months...let stand one year. I just can't."
Shinta pondered for a moment, it was clear that his discomfort was so great that something had to be done. And it had to be done quickly. Normally she didn't like to force things, but for him it would be the best.
"Michael, I can suggest one thing if you really do not want to wait. Are you familiar with the vulcan healing techniques?"
"No, I can't say that I know much about that." Michael replied and wondered why she brought up the specific topic. "I only speak the Vulcan language, nothing more."
"A mind meld might be the solution for you. It is a little bit uncomfortable, I have been told, but not painful. And it might bring back your memories, there is a very high success rate. There is a small vulcan hospital on Bajor, if you want we could go there together. Karyn as well if you like. Getting your memory back so suddenly can be stressful, so I want to be there with you. You don't have to give your anwser right now, take your time and think about it."
"A mind meld? I didn't know that was also used as a healing technique." Michael said surprised. "But I know that Vulcans use strict codes regarding mind melds with non-Vulcans, especially in institutes like hospitals. They only do a mind meld when they think it's justified. I don't see that happening in my case."
"Don't be so sure, Michael. We might be able to pull it off. The quality of your life has lessened because of the memory loss, so it would be therapeutic to meld with you. I think I can make a vulcan doctor see the logic in that." she smiled. "So do you want me to try and set something up?"
Michael nodded reluctantly. Although he was fairly sure the Vulcan doctors wouldn't go through with mind meld he saw no real reason for stopping Shinta to try it anyway. "Alright, why not. Maybe I'm too pessimistic and they'll agree afterall. But I sincerely doubt it."
"Hey." Shinta said. "Try to look at the bright side, okay." She smiled. "Let's wait and see what they say."
"Rough Interruption"
["... sir, the main sensor array is losing power with the changes in EPS distribution. If it doesn't stabilize the flow, we could find ourselves with a few blown relays down here,"] the science officer at the other end of the communications channel reported.
Kent glanced over down at his terminal to see whether or not Engineering was rerouting energy from the main sensor array or if Operations had approved resource allocation that might be causing the problem. As unlikely as it sounded, it was a possibility, but it ended up not being the case.
The primary science station did seem to show a fluctuation in the power of the main sensor array, though nothing that would be easily noticed unless, like the scientist several decks below, it was something you were actually monitoring. All indications seemed to indicate that the lateral sensor array was not receiving enough power and effected the main sensor systems.
"Are you detecting a 0.19 percent variance at the moment?" the chief science officer asked as he watched the number change from 0.2 percent above normal to 0.17 percent below normal."
The Galaxy-class vessel took the full force of the Cardassian photon torpedo that slammed against her aft shields. On the Bridge the officers on duty could hear the muffed thud as the matter-antimatter container exploded on contact. Like so many others, the lieutenant commander held on to his console and a momentary bout of static could be heard on the other end of the communications channel.
["Aye, sir. It's not too bad right now, but I cannot guarantee that we'll keep the lateral sensor array if we get too many more poundings."]
Kent glanced over at the engineer manning the engineer station on the other end of the aft stations. Giving Peterson a nod, he began working on the problem to see if he could track down the systemic reasons for why the lateral sensor array was losing power.
"Engineering are working on it now, Lieutenant. Still, keep me informed."
["Will do. Charleston out."] the science officer said a few moments before closing the channel to the Bridge.
Meanwhile, working beside Kent, was Lieutenant Rose MacAllen who had assumed the position once Captain Price finished using it. Since arriving she was attempting to see whether or not she could find out what was happening down on the planet surface. Since the minutes after the initial attack on the Federation embassy, the crew of the Galaxy had only intermittent contact with the security team and the Decilian delegation.
"I still can't find them all 'Commander," Rose said as she worked furiously on the auxiliary science station. "I can confirm that the weapons fire does appear to be restricted to around the Federation embassy, both internal and external weapons fire, but no clear indication of where everyone is."
The Bridge shook again as a phaser shot scathed right across the forward section of the primary hull.
"Nothing at all?" Peterson asked.
"I have one group of officers pinned down by two Cardassian soldiers in the north wing of the complex," Rose said as he interpreted the lifesign readings one her console, "but I have only one Decilian lifesign nearby. Where everyone else is, I cannot say right now."
"Maybe the Cardassians are interfering with our ability to scan the embassy grounds," the lieutenant commander said as the two officers were jolted by another impact, "and this is really helping either," Kent added as they regained their composure. "It looks like they might be using a rotating EM pulse from the ground."
"It would explain why they just seemed to appear," Lieutenant MacAllen remarked, making an inference from what she learned after arriving on the Bridge. "The only way to get better readings would to be on the ground."
"Not a luxury we can afford I'm afraid," Peterson said as the Gaalxy-class vessel shot a few phaser blasts back at the Cardassian warship. The thirty-three year old tapped his console again. "See if you can cut through the interference by using a passive scan."
"It's not working," Rose said as she shook her head. "I'm getting another fluctuation in the lateral sensor array again," she added, reading the small message on her screen.
Kent received the same message. "I see it."
["Charleston to Peterson."] the science officer said, opening a channel from the main sensor control room.
"We just got the message Lieutenant," Kent said as he glanced back over at the engineering officer stationed on the Bridge.
"We having a few problems in that area, 'Commander," the engineer reported, "Stellar Cartography is down too."
"Did you catch that?"
["Aye sir."] Charleston replied. ["I'll see if I can reconfigure some of the isolinear chips. Maybe I can stabilize or at least reroute the lateral sensor array through some other, more stable, system."]
"I'll see if I can get some help down there to you. Peterson out." Reaching across his chest the chief scientist tapped his communicator, "Peterson to Quevvenson."
["Quevvenson here, sir ...."]
The Galaxy lurched once again under the attack from the Cardassian warship Melot. Now that both ships had put some distance between themselves and the planet Bajor, there was no longer the cat and mouse game going on of taking pot shots at the Galaxy, and if they missed, targets on the planet would be destroyed instead. So suddenly, the Cardassian's aim had become a lot more precise.
"Damage report!" Lee called out over the noise of the battle and the red alert klaxons.
Lieutenant Commander Surok answered the query evenly in a calm, Vulcan tone. "Shield strength is down to thirty seven percent. Damage reported on decks 5, 7, 11, and 19. Warp drive is off-line."
"He's banking for another pass Captain..." Lieutenant Richeson warned.
"Bring us around. Keep our forward shields facing him 'mate." the General ordered.
In the confusion, the turbolift doors opened and the visiting Cardassian Archeologist and his aid came stumbling out from the jolt of the ship being impacted by more phaser fire from the Melot.
Commander Thomas looked over and saw Professor Ganod and his assistant and knew it was not a good idea having the Archeologist on the bride during the battle. First, he and his assistant were civilian guests. And secondly, they were both decidedly Cardassian. Even in the 24th century it was hard suppressing cultural hatred during the heat of a battle.
"You shouldn't be up here Professor..." Commander Thomas called out.
Near the bridge, the security officer on duty, Ensign Smith, stepped forward to enforce the First Officers correct assertion.
Just then, another attack rocked the Galaxy, causing an over load of the odn conduit in the bulk head just behind the Ensign. The explosive discharge caused a rupture of the bulk head, sending sparks and shrapnel flying. The Ensign in gold was struck in the back and thrust forward from the explosion. Both Professor Ganod and his young aid cowered down to the deck, covering their heads from the explosion.
"Report..." The Captain called out, looking back at the damage and the downed crew member.
Commander Thomas moved to the entrance of the bridge and checked on Smith. He was unconscious, badly injured and burned from the overload, but he was still alive. "He needs a medic." Chris diagnosed while surveying the damage to the bulk head adjacent to the turbolift.
"System overloads on decks 1, 4, 14 and 29. Turbolift systems are off-line. Damage control parties have been dispatched. Shield strength holding at thirty two percent." Mr. Surok reported unemotionally from the Ops station.
"They are after the Stone." Ganod announced. Then pointing at Commander Thomas he added, "I warned your Captain this would happen. The Prophetess of Decilia can not be allowed to use the artifact for her own twisted purposes. We must get it before the Cardassians do and see that it is destroyed! Only then will the quadrant be safe."
Thomas looked at the Cardassian Archeologist quickly and with little regard for his rants. The ship was under attack, he didn't have time to argue over this. "Well, it looks like the turbolift is out for now. You and your aid are stuck here. Just stay back and stay out of the way Professor."
Grabbing the emergency medical kit, Chris took a hypo and injected Ensign Smith with it to help stabilize him for the time being. He knew the Ensign required medical attention, but it would have to wait for now. When he saw that Smith's signs had evened out, he handed the medical tricorder to Professor Ganod. "Take this and keep an eye on the Ensign's life signs. If he gets worse we may need to beam him out of here if the turbolift doesn't come online first."
The Cardassian Archeologist took the tricorder as if it was a foreign instrument as Commander Thomas thrust it into his hands before returning to the command well and his station. Looking at the Starfleet issue instrument, Ganod quickly delegated the task to his assistant, pointing and letting his small statured aid take on the chore. The Archeologist then proceeded to walk down into the command well to gain the Captain's ear.
"Prepare to fire phasers, targeting what's left of their warp nacelle 'mate."
"Aye sir. Locking phasers now." Tim called out from the tactical station.
"Stay with him Lieutenant." Lee called to Gustavson at the helm.
Ragnald glanced back and gave a nod. "Aye Captain." When he looked back, he could see Professor Ganod, the Cardassian Archeologist, standing near the Captain. Somehow it unsettled the Lieutenant to see a spoon-head on the bridge while the Melot, a Cardassian warship, attacked the Galaxy, Bajor and the Federation Embassy on the planet's surface. He couldn't help but feel in his gut that the Cardassian had something to do with this attack.
"They must be stopped Captain. If the Cardassians were to get their hands on the Stone of Tears, there is no telling what may happen..." Ganod warned.
Lee glanced over at the Professor and was rather annoyed to have him there. "You shouldn't be here 'mate. It isn't a safe place to be."
Turning, the Professor explained, "The turbolift has malfunctioned. I'm afraid we are stuck here for the time being Captain. But we are not important here. The only thing that matters is getting the Stone of Tears and seeing that it is destroyed. For that, you will need me as only I know the ritual that can render the powers of the artifact innate."
Lee pointed to the vacant Counselor's seat. "Just sit down Professor and be quiet. As you can see, the 'mates and I are quite busy at the moment..."
Taking a chair, Ganod nodded, "Yes, I am well aware of that Captain."
"We are entering optimal firing range Captain." Ragnald called back over his shoulder from the helm.
"Mister Richeson, let them have it 'mate." Lee ordered.
"Firing phasers Captain." Tim responded.
The shots sang out true from the Galaxy, scoring a direct hit on the already damaged warp engine of the Cardassian warship. In an explosion, the nacelle burst into a flash of light as the ship listed to one side with a bleeding stream of sparks trailing from the vacant spot where the warp propulsion unit once resided.
"Direct hit Captain!" Richeson declared proudly.
Ragnald clenched his fist slightly in self gratification. He'd rather see the whole Cardassian ship go up in a ball of flame, but if they could only destroy her a piece at a time, he was happy to take that too. The overtly "human" reaction caught the disapproving eyebrow of Mister Surok at Ops, but otherwise the Vulcan didn't say anything about it.
"Good work 'mate. Let's see if we can't follow that up with a couple of torpedo strikes."
"Ready forward photon torpedoes!" Commander Thomas called out.
"Armed and ready Commander." Richeson was quick to reply.
"Target center mass Lieutenant. Let's score some hits." The Captain ordered.
"Torpedoes locked on target Captain." Tim reported.
"Do it 'mate."
"Firing forward photon torpedoes..."
The warheads streaked away from the Galaxy and impacted with the Cardassian ship's shields, collapsing them in the massive explosion of a matter and anti-matter reaction. The Melot listed heavily under the impact, before her lateral stabilizers had a chance to compensate and correct her orientation.
"Bulls eye Captain! That has obliterated the Melot's shields." Richeson announced gleefully.
"Bonzer 'mate. Let's get their Captain on the screen and see how he feels about ending this madness by surrendering."
"Hailing now Captain." Richeson stated.
A moment later the main view screen wavered before the image of the interior of the Cardassian ship appeared. Turning in his command chair, Gul Apel didn't look pleased with the way things had turned out thus far.
"This is Captain Lee Price of the starship Galaxy. You've launched an unprovoked attack against the Federation and the citizens of Bajor. Stand down your weapons and prepare to surrender your ship and be taken into custody for your actions."
Gul Apel appeared haggard, but not necessarily beaten. With narrow eyes he assessed the white hared human whom he'd just engaged in ship to ship combat. ["Our attack was not unprovoked Captain. It is the Federation that has attempted to covertly violate an alliance between Decilia VII and the Cardassian Union. We are merely putting a stop to the Federation's subversion."]
"So to make your point you attack a Federation Embassy, invade Bajor with ground and air troops, and resort to orbital bombardment to make your point?" Captain Price spat back angrily.
Apel smiled slightly. ["I assure you Captain, it was your ship that was fired upon. The warheads that struck the planet were... an unfortunate accident. Had you allowed your ship to be destroyed as was intended, none of those cities would have been damaged."]
Standing, Captain Price was starting to grow short tempered with the Cardassian commander. "Be that as it may, our sensors detect that your shields have collapsed and your ship is heavily damaged. Call off this insane attack and surrender and I assure you that your men will be treated fairly at their trial over these acts of war against Bajor and the Federation."
Tapping his fingers together in a sort of steeply before his body, Gul Apel slowly nodded, ["I will admit you have surprised me with your vessels resiliency Captain, and it would appear, on the surface, that you have the upper hand. However I do not believe we have yet to be defeated."]
"Don't be a fool man. Your ship will be destroyed with all hands lost." Lee warned pointedly.
Standing, Professor Ganod over stepped his place as he interrupted, "Can't you see it's pointless expecting him to be reasonable Captain?! Destroy them while you still can!"
Captain Price was shocked and a bit startled at the outburst, looking over at the angry, impatient Archeologist. It was unimaginable that a Professor of Archeology, one that had spent his life work studying dead and dying civilizations, would be so quick to extinguish the lives of an entire starship compliment just to hurry things along. It seemed out of character for an Archeologist to act that way.
Before the Captain had a chance to respond, Gul Apel on the Melot reacted to the Professor's outburst over the open channel. He seemed both surprised and angry at seeing the Archeologist at the same time. ["I know who you are!..."] Apel pointed.
Lee glanced at the screen and then back at the Cardassian Archeologist. "This is Professor Ganod. A guest here on the Galaxy Gul Apel."
The normally talkative, intellectual Archeologist seemed almost embarrassed at his sudden outburst. Apologizing, he stated, "Forgive me Captain. I should not have said anything..."
The Captain watched while Ganod began to back away, as if suddenly wanting to exit the command well that he so skillfully maneuvered his way onto earlier against Commander Thomas' objections. But before the General could say anything, Gul Apel elaborated.
["That man has deceived you Captain Price. He is not the Professor of Archeology that he claims. Though Archeology is one of his many diverse interests."]
Lee glanced at Ganod and called out, "Stop right there 'mate." Then looking at the view screen, he asked, "What are you talking about?"
Pointing, as if fingering a ghost from his past, Apel stated, ["That man, Captain, is a former Chief Interrogator for the Cardassian Union. He is not Professor Ganod, but in fact, ex-Gul Madred. Whatever he has told you has most undoubtedly been a lie."]
Turning sharply, Captain Price looked at the Cardassian that stood beside him with realization for the first time. The name Gul Madred was known through the Federation as one of Cardassia's most brutal interrogation officers, who was known to have tortured over a thousand Starfleet officers in his career. Little was known of what happened to him over the last several years. He was assumed to have died during the Dominion war.
Commander Thomas reacted immediately upon hearing this news, by motioning to Lieutenant Richeson with a snap of his fingers. Tim removed his phaser and tossed it to the First Officer, who then pointed it at ex-Gul Madred, who was a wanted war criminal by the Federation.
"You lied to me 'mate?" Lee questioned.
Professor Ganod, that is ex-Gul Madred, nodded. "It is true I did deceive you Captain. But only about my true identity. The powers of the Stone of Tears are real. Your own research has shown this to be so! We can not allow my former government to obtain the artifact... we must see that it is destroyed!"
Smugly, Gul Apel leaned back. ["So you see Captain Price, you have been deceived. Even by this man standing besides you now. Can you be so sure that your position is just in this fight? Perhaps the Decilians have also deceived you in this treaty they have the Federation negotiating when they have no right to do so."]
Captain Price looked at the Cardassian warship commander and hesitated for a moment. It was a shock to learn that he and his crew had been fooled by this war criminal Madred into allowing him access and free reign on the Galaxy. He had even been allowed to give a lecture to the crew on archeology! And then there was the Prophetess and this religion she had been spreading throughout the ship. It was all very strange and confusing. Lee had to fight to remember that the Melot had launched an attack on a Federation Embassy, and had attacked the Galaxy and numerous cities on Bajor with photon torpedo strikes from space.
"That may or may not be so. But that doesn't justify or change your actions 'mate. The Melot attacked a Federation Embassy, Bajor and this starship. That is an act of war and one for which you will be held accountable for. One way or the other. So what is it going to be Gul Apel? Will you stand down and surrender your vessel or will you force us to destroy you?"
The Cardassian wardog smiled. ["Oh Captain, you do have much to learn about Cardassians and deception."]
"CAPTAIN! The Cardassian ship has reestablished shields and is powering up her weapons systems!" Richeson shouted from tactical.
"Fire all weapons. Escape route Decker-one-four!" the Captain shouted just as phasers and torpedoes began flying between the two starships.
"Rotating a Galaxy Class Ship"
Commander Thomas was directing this battle against the Cardassian Galor Class ship. In a way he knew the shoes he was trying to fill, those of the previous XO's that'd come before him. Which included none other then Captain Casey.
In a way he was trying to set himself apart form those predecessors who'd held this post before him. He wasn't trying to show off or be some pompess ass doing this job, but he was, no he had to establish himself as a the ships executive officer.
Right now that didn't matter, the only thing that mattered was wining this battle and getting the ship back to Bajor to help reinforce their troops on the surface. They would also have to help with the damage created by the battle between them and the Cardassian ship.
This was going to be an interesting battle with this Cardassian ship.
ensign Danok
Shinta was busy in her office, waiting for danok. She had booked a holo suite in fifteen minutes. Because she thought working with him with patients would be best to show him how to change his behavior.
In the mean time Danok was walking true the corridores again, with a freshly replicated uniform and the melted communicator had also been changed for a new one. It seemed to shine more than his old one. Danok didn't care. He was thinking of his EMH, the enginering tasks he had to do, a letter he wanted to write home and several other things when he realized it was 15:57. He had to go to the councelor.
Quickly he took a turbo lift, crawled true a few jeffries tubes becouze it was shorter and at exactly 16:00 he rang the office door bel. The doors opened and Danok entered. "Ensign Danok reporting as ordered." He simply said and stood motionless in front of Shinta's desk with his hands behind his back.
"Danok, good to see you, have a seat." Shinta said with a grin. "I have booked us a holosuite in ten minutes. I figured it would be easier to show you what I mean working with examples. Is there anything in particular you would like to bring up?" She asked.
Danok looked at the chair. "I prefer to stand." Then he took out the PADD he showed to the councelor earlier. "Most subjects I have been reading in the text are not relevant. For example chapter eight, small talk. Vulcans do not make small talk." Then he put the PADD on her desk and looked at the councelors face. "Am I correct in asuming you disagree with me ?"
"you are getting to know me, doctor." She said with a smile. "You know that small talk serves a purpose, therefore it is logical when dealing with humans. Small talk makes them feel at ease, and is therefor a usual tool, even for a vulcan doctor." She got to her feet. "Shell we go to the holo deck now?"
Danok walked next to Shinta as they went to the holodeck and was curious what she had in mind for him. On the way to the holodeck they stood in the eleveator. Danok was scilent and just stared at the counceler who was standing next to him. He ran over the text of the small talk from his PADD he had in his mind by now. "Warp efficiency has gone up one point zero eight percent this week." He said trying to make some small talk and failed in the attempt by chosing the wrong subject. The doors of the turbolist opened and soon they were standing at the doors of the holodeck.
"that was a nice attempt at small talk, doctor." Shinta said smiling. "But small talk works better when you find a topic that interests your patient too. Now I do not know anything about engines." She had recreated a hospital sitting on the deck. With a female human patient, who looked to be in great distress. "lesson one, I would like you to go to her, and calm her down."
Danok walked towards the woman holding a chair in a tight grip. He tought for a moment, asked the computer for a medi-corder and scanned the woman "Please madam let go of the chair. You are fine." The wonam just continued crying and suddenly grabbed Danok's leg. "Please help me, I'm so afraid oh docter please help me I can't go on like this." The woman cried out to
Danok.
Danok looked at Shinta who had a large smile on her face. Danok was at a loss. He took out a hypospray and sedated the woman who finally let go of his leg on rolled on the floor.
Shinta had a hard time from laughing out loud. Finally she managed to get the smile off her face. "That was not exactly a good start I am afraid, Dr. here let me show you how it is done." She came forward, but at that moment was thrown off her feet when the ship started to rock.
Danok tried to cath her but was just to late and Shinta fell on the floor. Almost at the same moment the holo program stopped running. Danok looked at Shinta and measured her with his medi-corder. "Seem you have suffered no physical damage. Danok to enginering." He said while tapping his combadge, no response. "Computer, what is going on ?" The computer responded. "Not enough data, please reframe the question." Danok wanted to walk to the door but another shiver made him fell too. He fell right on his previously burned hand and bit on his teeth to prevent losing his poker face. "Computer, activate personal EMH." He said while laying on the floor looking at Shita who had crawled up.
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency, oh my God Danok, we are under attack from ehhr Cardassians ? How can this be ?" The image distorted. "Danok, I'm losing my program. Help meeeeee....." with a hisss the EMH disappeared. Danok raised an eyebrow. "Good thing I have a backup of him." Danok whispered to Shinta. Then the ship made another strange roll and so did Shina and Danok.
"We have to get out of here!" Shinta shouted. "we have to find out what's going on, and if we can help." She tried to stay on her feet, but the ship was still rocking like mad.
"Please councelor, get a grip on your emotions." Danok said to Shinta. The ship had still not setteled down so Danok craweld to the door but they remained closed. "Computer, open doors." Nothing happened. Danok hoisted himself up in the arch next to the door and tried to manually overide the doors. "No use, the mechanism is blocked." He told Shinta. "Computer, is sickbay still intact ?" The computer beeped. "Unable to comply, internal sensors are offline."
Danok turned to Shinta. "We could try a site to site transport to sickbay. As a medical docter I have the clearance for that. However it is not without risk. We do not know what happend. The ship could be borded and therefore we could get be captured by enemy troops. Staying here however is not without risk either. The chanche that who ever opens the door is not a memeber of our crew is equally present. Councelor, you are the superiour officer please make your decision." Danok calmly said.
Shinta looked at him a little surprised, she had not panicked for a moment. In fact she felt in her element. "We are not going to transport, it is too risky. I for one am going to try to make it to security, to weapons locker.
If we are boarded, I'm going to fight. And I am going to to what I do best, killing cardassians." There was a dangerous gleam in her eyes now, but she was very calm.
Danok nodded. "As you wish. We must open the door then. Computer, create one bath'le, five point nine kilos, 102 cm long." Danok picked up the weapon and swung it a few times. Then with an enourmous force he planted it between the holodeck-doors and started to rock it. Slowly the doors opened.
Danok pushed the weapon further in the door and the crack became wider, the tip of the bath'le disappeared when it reached the corridor thus out the reach of the holodeck emitters.
Soon the crack was wide enough to Shinta and Danok to crawl true. Danok carefully looked in the corridore and picked up a pipe that broke off somwhere. "At least we already have one real weapon councelor." He offered the broken pipe to Shinta.
OK ." Shinta said, taking the point. "Follow me."
"CAPTAIN! The Cardassian ship has reestablished shields and is powering up her weapons systems!" Richeson shouted from tactical.
"Fire all weapons. Escape route Decker-one-four!" the Captain shouted just as phasers and torpedoes began flying between the two starships.
Commander Thomas was mad. "Security, watch this Ganod, Madred character, if he move shot him." Chris said. He wasn't going to give this man a chance to do anything right now. They had their hands full right now.
"Captain, Gul Apel used the time to reestablish their shields. We should've been certain that their ship was damaged and out for the count." Commander Thomas wispered to the captain. "But that's something for a later discussion."
Price didn't like being deceived, nor did he like the commander's observation, but he was right.
"The Melot is firing again."
"Evasive pattern omega two a." Commander Thomas ordered.
"We need to reinforce the shields and weapons." Chris said.
"Aye mate, but how?" Price said. "Lt. Richeson continue firing."
"Route power from the main warp grid." Chris said.
Price nodded.
"Commander Thomas to engineering, route power from the main warp grid to shields and weapons. We need that power." Commander Thomas said.
[Aye commander we're on.] Lt. Commander Suder said from engineering.
The ship was probably in better shape to do this now, then it was before they arrived. Chris had chatted with the chief engineer about the possibility of trouble. The trouble was one could never prepare enough to be ready for anything.
The question was could the ship survive long enough to defeat the enemy.
"Helm come to bearing 073 mark 2 by 5" Commander Thomas ordered.
"Fire phaser, and torpedoes." Chris said. "The entire ship is fair game."
"Aye sir." came the response from helm and tactical.
This time there could be no mistakes, they would have to stop the Merlot at any cost.
"Sir they're coming around for another volley." Lt. Richeson called from tactical.
"Helm evasive maneuvers." Chris said.
"Fire all weapons." Commander Thomas ordered.
The Galaxy came around to fire her weapons at the Merlot. Threads of energy exploded from the Galaxy's weapons array. Streaking across the dark night the threads struck the Cardassian vessel, on it's port side.
The photon torpedoes launched from the ship's forward launcher and streaked in search of the target. They were keyed to strike the Cardassian ship in it's forward section.
The Merlot in return fired it's energy weapons targeting the Galaxy's engineering section. However the helm officer had moved the ship before the Cardassian's were able to score a direct hit.
The battle was brilliant if you watched it from a far.
"Direct hit sir, they've lost life support in the several decks." Lt. Richeson said. "I am also detecting damage to their bridge section."
"Here they come again." the tactical officer said.
The Galaxy was struck once again by enemy fire. This time sending shivers down some of the officers spines as they realized how close the damage was to the bridge. There was now a big hole in the observation lounge.
"Damage." Captain Price called out.
"That last blast hit the observation lounge, it's exposed to space." Lt. Richeson called out.
"Captain I believe it's time to transfer our command situation." Commander Thomas said.
"Aye mate it is." Price said. The bridge was in imminent danger to being unusable if something happened.
"Everyone off the bridge now, regroup on the battle bridge and main engineering." Commander Thomas ordered.
"Captain Price to Main Engineering."
[Lt. Commander Sunder here, sir.]
"We're temporarily transferring bridge command to engineering, while we relocate to the battle bridge."
[Aye sir we were expecting as much, the observation lounge is gone and if the forcefield fail the bridge will be compromised.]
With that done Captain Price and Commander Thomas evacuated the bridge. They were the last to leave the bridge behind, soon they would be on the battle bridge. That's were they would have to put an end to this mess or lose everything.
--------
tbc....
"All Hands to Battle - Part Two"
Electra sat in the OPS chair on the battle bridge, monitoring and changing power flows from the star-drive section. The ship rocked under a volley from the attacking Cardassian ship and Electra grabbed her panel to stay in her seat. All around her, people were rushing about as if a mad Ferengi had declared a half-price sale.
Electra watched the power flows and saw that the sensors were going on and off-line. She concentrated on maintaining a power flow to them, knowing it would cause problems in the holodeck system and possibly with the turbolifts. When sensors were up, except for Stellar Cartography, which was not a necessary system in battle conditions, she then turned her attention to re-establishing power to the lift systems. Electra re-routed power from non-essential systems: such as replicators in non-occupied sections and transporters, unsafe to use under these conditions anyway; to re-initialize power flow in the turbolift system. Electra was monitoring the new flow she had established when another bad shockwave ran through the ship and she read emergency force fields in place.
As Electra checked the power drain made by these fields and re-routed where necessary, she heard the turbolift doors swish open. She turned her head and saw the main bridge crew entering the battle bridge. She realized that the main bridge must have been in danger and so they moved here. She prepared to rise from her seat, ready to take over as back up on the rear station when Lieutenant Commander Surok approached her position. She hoped that this battle would turn out well, as the main view screen showed the crippled Cardassian ship and her station showed the crippled USS Galaxy.
With Nurse Annalise Haldan - Peter's bit of stuff
Peter moved rapidly through the interior of the ship as hits caused the deck to lurch violently beneath him. He wasn't quite certain what to do, and was heading towards deck 38 at present. With Lt. Richeson on the bridge and Lt'. von Ernst as backup, no extra personel were needed at the moment. It was about now that Peter found tactical maybe wasn't the best choice possible.
"A ship to ship battle and I find myself heading towards security......" he muttered to himself.
=/\= "'Commander Jamson to Ensign Lockhart." suddenly broke over the comm. system. "Report to shuttle bay two immediately."
Peter tapped his badge as he swivelled around. "Aye sir. May I ask what for?"
=/\= "The prophetess needs us at this time." was the only reply Peter got before the channel closed. Peter knew he had to get to the shuttlebay, but didn't quite want to leave the ship yet without Annalise. He tapped his badge again.
"Ensign Lockhart to Nurse Annalise Haldan." he asked.
=/\= "Haldan here." came the brisk reply. "I'm kinda busy right now Peter." Peter could hear a scream in the background, suggesting that the Galaxy was taking casualties.
"'Commander Jamson has requested me in shuttlebay two. Madame Kiye needs us. Can you get away?" Peter asked quietly as he reached the turbolift and stepped inside.
After a short pause, the reply came back. "I'll see what I can do. Haldan out." and the comm. line closed.
The remainder of the journey was uneventful aside from the rocking of the deck beneath him. No one had time to glance at the tactical officer as he made his way into the shuttlebay.
**** Shuttlebay Two ****
Peter entered to see 'Commander Jamson waiting in the control room whilst Lieutenant' Marshall from counselling was pulling the stunned body of Ensign Chris Aaron out of sight.
"Did we have to stun him?" Peter asked. He liked Chris and seeing him out of it, even if it was necessary, didn't make him feel good about this.
"He would've attempted to stop us returning to Madame Kiye and spreading the Word." 'Commander Jamson called from above.
"Glad you could join us Ensign." Lieutenant' Marshall said. "We may need some tactical expertise to evade the Galaxy's sensors and weapons."
"What? Is Lieutenant Richeson joining us as well?" Peter said and burst out laughing at his joke.
Suddenly, Annalise burst in from the side doors carrying her medkit and Emma Marshall levelled a phaser at her. "It's okay! She's one of us." Peter said suddenly, then contemplated what exactly 'one of us' meant..... mutiny.... a court martial and probably prison for the rest of his days if this didn't work.
Annalise kissed his quickly before turning to address the 'Commander. "Are we all here sir? If so, can we leave anytime soon? It probably won't be long before someone comes to investigate."
"There's no problem here Nurse. After all, the assigned Security officer is still here. Ensign Lockhart, whilst the other officers are down on the planet, has been redrafted back into Security for the duration of the crises." Michael replied.
"Oh yeah......" Peter said and moved over to the doors, whilst 'Commander Jamson started operating the controls to the shuttlebay doors. It took merely thirty seconds before he was ready and no one entered the Bay during this time.
"Okay people. Let's go......" Jamson commanded as the four headed towards the nearest shuttlecraft.
Guest starring
(NRPG: Suggested music material: “Hurt” By NIN.)
Inside the ballroom, it was like hell broke loose. Since the crisis started, the ballroom became the makeshift armory and headquarters. Security officers filtered in and out rapidly like ants in a colony, carrying dead or re-arming themselves, or even just limping in, being the last survivor of their group. Ensign Salt and Ensign Corgan looked in the room with disbelief, seeing the wounded cry out in pain while medics frantically rushed in to heal their hurt comrades. Jorial walked away to check on some of his wounded friends from the militia, who looked poorly armed compared to the Starfleet security officers.
“She did this. I swear it.” Ensign Corgan declaired.
“Who?” Ensign Salt asked.
“That rotten she bitch Prophetess,” James said bitterly, “She started all of this. We are the expendable, and she has used us as such. She put Starfleet and us in danger, and we may even be in another goddamned war because of her. One thing for sure, once I see her again, she’ll have some explaining to do.”
“Do you really believe she did this?” Astrid asked.
“Hell yea. I saw it all happen before my very eyes.” James explained, “I saw the crowds grow day after day at Ten Forward, helpless damned sheep listening to her words. I saw those numbers grow over the weeks. Then, I found some weird assed scans in the area and near Jamson’s cell. Last but not least, I saw her fiddling with her pendant when Ambassador Ordos got converted. Coincidence?”
“I don’t think so.” Astrid answered.
They both walked up towards the walls, where the nifty James Bond-esque walls popped out to reveal a great supply of Starfleet’s deadliest weapons.
“You take the Photon Launcher,” Ensign Corgan requested, as he injected a hypospray into his partially healed shoulder wound, “I can barely lift anything more than my rifle with this f**ked up shoulder. Meanwhile, I’ll take some grenades.”
Both officers started to re-arm themselves for the threat ahead. They planned on being ready this time, because their last run in with a battle sled nearly cost them their lives. The photon launcher and the grenades would even up the odds.
Astrid pulled out an impressively large, shoulder mounted launcher and some explosive photon rounds. James continued to stuff grenades into his pocket and strap some to his bandolier. They then raided the power clip stash, taking whatever they could. After that, they left the wall, fully loaded and ready to take on anything. Jorial joined them while reloading his Bajoran phaser rifle, looking as grim and determined as ever. The whole group then headed away, ready to go hunt down some Battle Sleds.
That is, until Brightspot stopped them. She too was armed with the 3-d compression rifle, and she was re-arming at the other side of the room. Once she saw Ensign Corgan, she ran towards his makeshift group.
“Ensign Corgan.” Brightspot yelled happily from across the room, “Are you well?”
“As well as I’ll ever be!” He yelled back, pointing to his raw shoulder, “You should join us. We need help with the battle sleds, and we need a commanding officer.”
“I will assist you in any way possible.” Brightspot responded, her tail twitching in the air.
At that point, Brightspot made it to the motley group of security personnel. An experienced resistance fighter, a neurotic sharpshooter with a bad shoulder, a stubborn and bitter woman and the deadly Sivoan rounded out the group.
“What is your mission?” Brightspot asked.
Everyone was stopped by the question. They didn’t really have a mission, except to defend the compound at all costs.
“You know…” James stammered, “Same old, same old. Whack some spoonheads, make the place safe for all. Excetera, excetera.”
“This time, we have to go Battle Sled hunting.” Jorial added.
“That’s why we came back for a photon launcher.” Ensign Salt cut in.
Lt.Jg. Brightspot pondered this for a minute. She thought about it, letter her tail sway back and forth. She reset her phaser rifle, the said…
“Let’s go hunting!”
Commander Thomas and Captain Price arrived on the battle bridge moment's later. The battle had continued to rage without them, as engineering was handling the battle during their transfer from the main bridge to here.
"Captain Price to Commander Suder, we've reached the battle bridge." Price said tapping his combadge.
[Acknowledge captain. We'll be happy to have take this responsibility off our hands.] Lt. Commander Suder said from engineering.
Everyone was in their respected places, the captain took his chair. While Commander Thomas joined the chief tactical officer at his post. This was the only bad thing about the battle bridge one chair for the commanding officer and then chairs for those at stations.
"Computer transfer bridge operations to the battle bridge." Price ordered.
The computer acknowledged the order and transferred bridge function back to those who normally handle such orders.
The battle was still raging on out side. This wasn't going to be a quick kill.
[Commander we may have a new problem.] Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder came over Chris's combadge interrupting his orders. Captain Price quickly issued combat orders of his own, taking the ship in for another volley of torpedoes against the enemy ship.
"What is it Commander, we're a little busy up here." Chris said as he was annoyed about the timing of the interruption.
['Commander Jamson is the main shuttlebay, along with Ensign Lockhart and two other officers I don't recognize, they've stunned everyone down here. I hope that's all they've done to them. In any case they're boarding a runabout and probably going to try, orders.]
"Stop them if you can, follow them if you have to." Commander Thomas ordered.
[Aye sir, 'Commander Sunder out.]
Commander Thomas glanced at Price.
"The Cardassian ship, has just lost most of their propulsion systems, they will be dead in space captain with another shot or two." Lt. Richeson called out. "However they're continuing to fire upon us."
"Well this will make it easy to get out of their weapons fire." Commander Thomas said. "Helm keep us moving, don't them get a lock on us, Mr. Richeson, continue firing phases."
"Aye sir, firing phasers." Lt. Richeson said. "Direct hit"
The Galaxy scored another direct hit on the enemy ship it was crippled and one more blast would likely bring an end to this battle once and for all. Commander Thomas wished there was another way to do this, but they couldn't take chances and let the ship survive.
"Sir they're firing weapons."
One last time, a ditch effort to try and inflict as much damage as possible, knowing full well their time alive was over.
"Captain I am detecting an authorized shuttle launch in progress." the operations officer said.
"'Commander Jamson and company, Ursa must've been unable to stop them from getting away." Commander Thomas said.
"Possible mate, but they had a lead on him as well." Price said.
Commander Thomas looked at the Cardassian ship that was on the view screen, still firing it's weapons. "Over ride the shuttle launch." Chris ordered.
"Aye sir," the ops officer said.
"It's already to late, they've cleared the hanger doors." Lt. Richeson said.
"Tractor that shuttle back into the ship." Price ordered.
"No good sir, the last blast from Cardassian's nocked out our primary tractor beam and they're leaving in a runabout." Richeson said.
"Captain the Cardassian ship has regained momentum and they're coming around for another pass." the ops officer called.
"Damm those Cardassians." Commander Thomas said.
"They're firing phasers at the runabout, and torpedoes our way." Lt. Richeson said.
"Evasive maneuvers." Price ordered.
"Aye sir." the helm officer responded and keyed in a new flight path moving the ship around.
Commander Thomas was thinking about what to do next, "Let the runabout go, If Ursa's still alive he'll be the next to take a shuttle or runabout out of the hanger bay and take off in pursuit of them." Chris said.
Besides they'd run out of options to get the runabout back inside the ship, without lowering shields to transport them back into the ship. Which they couldn't quite risk just yet, the battle was still forcing them to take action to protect the ship.
Commander Thomas saw the Cardassian ship limping around for another chance to fire on the galaxy. "Helm ramming course." Chris ordered.
"What?" Price said.
"Trust me captain, Lt. Richeson prepare to fire photon torpedoes on my command. Helm break away as soon as we fire." Commander Thomas said. This was it time to bring the battle to end and get the Galaxy back to Bajor. Of course they were going to have repair the ship before anything else happened.
Commander Thomas watched as the distance between the ships closed. He wanted to wait for the last possible minute, "Divert all available power to the forward shields and the forward SIF." They would need the extra defense as the Cardassian vessel continued to fire. "Fire phasers disable their weapons." Chris said.
"Aye sir, firing phases." Lt. Richeson said.
The weapons array on the saucer section once again hummed and sparked with energy as it charged. Then the ship unleased two streams of phased energy streaking for the Merlot, seeking it out to do damage.
Commander Thomas watched as the distance closed to an every impossible distance.
"Fire!" Commander Thomas said.
The Galaxy fired it's latest volley of torpedoes and then broke away from the ramming course, veering off into the night. Leaving the Cardassians ship to ram the torpedoes.
----
tbc.......
***
"Holodeck shutdown in one minute."
John Drake twisted around to look back to where the voice had come from. That would be the direction of the arch. He looked up into the clear blue holodeck sky. It was a beautiful sight, hanging from the side of a mountain staring up into infinity. He took a hand from the rope holding him and wiped his forehead. The hand came away red. He could feel the blood dripping through his hair and back down for the long fall to the ground. He wondered how the computer would handle that. Dripping blood? Would it fall all the way to the ground of the simulation, or just land on the holodeck floor.
He wiped the hand on his thigh and tried to steady himself on the line. The rope went upward, but he couldn't see what it was doing beyond the outcropping twenty meters above him. He shifted his weight in the harness and his back throbbed again. He knew it hadn't been broken, but it hurt worse than anything in recent memory.
"Holodeck shutdown in one minute."
"Will you shut up," he snapped at the computer. "You've been saying that for the last ten minutes." He ground his teeth as a spear of pain flashed through his shoulder. The arm hung limp below him, useless. It was broken; he was certain of that.
Another rumble rolled through the holodeck. I hope we're winning, he thought. He knew the motions of the ship well enough to know they were involved in a space battle of some sort. He only wished there'd been more warning before that first shot.
Michala was down on the planet still. Even though they hadn't been seeing much of each other recently, he missed her. He wondered if she missed him at all, or if she was too busy with The Word to notice he wasn't around. The eerie feeling he got meeting Madame Kiye still hadn't left him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and hadn't gone down for hours. He couldn't deny she had charisma though.
Without Michala around, John had decided to go for an climb in the holodeck to keep himself occupied. He still hadn't given her an answer to leaving Starfleet and the Galaxy. He loved her, but could he really just pick up like that? And, the speed at which everything happened had become a constant irritant. He'd been climbing for an hour before he reached Craven's Falls--a treacherous bed of ice where many climbers turned back. John pressed on, and continued upward.
The face he was going up was more rock than ice. John preferred that. He slipped into the harness and started up. Coils of ropes began disappearing from his belt as he started up the path he'd chosen. He thought about free climbing it, but decided roping himself would be safer. Even if it was a holodeck. Besides, if he fell all the way down, he'd have to climb all the way back up.
John had just passed Kulin's Crop, an outcropping where most people stopped for food breaks. He used a grease pencil to increment the number of climbers served by one, and continued up. He was up seventy-five meters above the Crop when the first tremor hit. The entire mountain lurched and shook. A piton and hammer spiraled out away from the cliff. John grabbed for the rope as the mountain tried to buck him off. He missed.
The wall fell away as John's footing disintegrated beneath him. A snap below caught his attention. He looked down in time to see a piton dislodged from where he'd hammered it in. Shit, he thought.
John hit far on the edge of the Crop. Pain shot through his entire body as his shoulder absorbed most of the impact of his fall. The crunch and wave of nausea told him it was bad. His head tried to stop him sliding, but only served to leave a bloody trail as his body slipped over the edge.
Down he fell, a good fifty meters at least before the rope caught. His body snapped back hard as the harness stopped his descent. Pain. His back felt like someone had just pounded it with a sledge. Spikes of pain arced from his shoulder across his chest and down his side. John used his good arm to twist himself over so he didn't choke when he vomited up his breakfast. His body was on fire with pain.
"Holodeck shutdown in one minute."
John glanced back to where the arch would be as the computer interrupted his thoughts. Not very pleasant thoughts to have. A spreading fuzziness told him his consciousness was beginning to waver.
"Computer," he rasped, "end program."
"Program shutdown in progress," the computer replied. "Holodeck shutdown in one minute."
Darkness rimmed John's vision as he stared out to the upside down holographic horizon. He could cut himself loose, but didn't know if he would survive the fall. The safeties were still engaged, unfortunately acts of clumsiness weren't covered. Between his shoulder, back, and head, he wasn't about to trust holodeck technology.
"A fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time, Johnno."
"Battle Ground"
Shake after shake, the ship rumbled as if hungry for some good food. Only Ethan couldn't give the Galaxy what she wanted. He struggled to keep his balance as the ship rocked again, knocking several Engineers to the floor.
Ethan quickly ran over to the warp core's primary computer and began tapping in commands. The warp core had just been knocked off line, he had to make sure it was stabilized.
"Report!" Ethan shouted over another shudder of deck vibrations. One of the consoles nearby had earlier exploded and was now venting smoke which made communications in Engineering harder.
"There are system overloads on decks 1, 4, 14 and 29. The Turbolift systems are off-line. Shield's holding at thirty eight, make that thirty two percent." Cadet Jason yelled back from a nearby terminal.
"Commander Thomas to engineering, route power from the main warp grid to shields and weapons. We need that power." Commander Thomas said.
"Aye commander we're on." Suder replied tapping his communicator. He began rerouting power, but there wasn't much left. A large amont of the energy reserves had already been dumped into the shields and other primary systems, yet, he had to find power. Shutting down several systems on decks 4 and 14, he redirected the power to weapons and shields.
Ethan was nearly ready for something like this. He remembered his chat with Commander Thomas about trouble, they were both right, both expecting the worse.
Time seemed to pass as Ethan concentrated on keeping power up and running to all primary systems. Then his communicator beeped again.
"Captain Price to Main Engineering."
"Lt. Commander Suder here, sir." he replied coughing a little to keep the smoke out of his lungs.
"We're temporarily transferring bridge command to engineering, while we relocate to the battle bridge."
"Aye sir we were expecting as much, the observation lounge is gone and if the forcefield fail the bridge will be compromised." Ethan replied as he looked at the damage report screen. The ship had taken quite a pounding. "Alpha Command team, initiate procedure Command Transfer Zero-One!" Ethan snapped.
Several officers quickly jogged to their own stations and looked at the current situation. It was getting grim. The Senior Officers were nearly at the Battle Bridge, but the command team in Engineering was taking control of the situation until told otherwise.
"Locking all weapons on previously targeted systems." an Engineer called out.
"Thrusters and impulse systems still active, continuing pattern attack!" another Engineer shouted out.
Of course, the Engineers were young and weren't quite ready for this kind of situation. They needed more trainign first.
But they did their job and kept the ship together in time for the Senior Officers to reach the Battle Bridge.
"Captain Price to Commander Suder, we've reached the battle bridge." Price said tapping his combadge.
"Acknowledge captain. We'll be happy to have take this responsibility off our hands." Lt. Commander Suder replied wiping the sweat from his head. He strolled over to the main computer console and looked at the damage report. Systems were shutting down over the ship.
"'Commander T'Zaq, I want you on the Bridge! They'll need an experienced Engineer to co-ordinate with us!" Ethan said. But there was no reply. "'Commander?" he asked again.
Looking around Engineering, he saw that the Commander was workign with two Ensigns to repair a energy transfer conduit that had ruptured near the back of Engineering, he could only just see them through all the smoke.
"McDowell!" Ethan then snapped.
"Chief?" Michael replied. "You want me to go?" he asked.
"No, I need you here." Ethan said. He was thinking of who could go. He wanted to go but he belonged in Engineering. Michael was busy also trying to keep power running through the ship, that's why he wa sneeded there. T'Zaq was busy also.
"Lieutenant Odin, report to the Battle Bridge and co-ordinate efforts with us." Ethan said after tapping his communicator again. "Let's get that conduit sealed!" Ethan snapped after seeing that another energy conduit had overloaded venting smoke into the already smoky atmosphere in Engineering...
***Federation Embassy, Bajor***
"She's going into shock, sir!" Lexana Ral said, as she struggled to stabilize the convulsing body of Ensign Heidi Mason.
In the distance they could hear the approaching Cardassian troops, as they advanced behind their battle sleds. Savat had ordered Ensign Smith, the team's combat engineer, to blow the last of the charges he had rigged, showering the corridor with debris. But it had only slowed the heavy weapons squad temporarily. Still stinging from their earlier mauling at the hands of Starfleet, they were looking to return the favor and had the firepower to back it up.
Savat peered over their makeshift barricade, the last one in their line of defense. If it fell, the Cardassians would have straight path to the weapons cache in the ballroom and access to the lower level bunkers where the Federation Ambassadors were being sheltered. He turned and looked at the fallen Ensign, watching impassively as her body shuddered a final time and lay still. Ral looked up at the elder Vulcan, pain and anger written across her face. Part Betazoid and a talented telepath in her own right, Savat could only imagine what she had just gone through as her long time friend and fellow officer expired.
"She's gone." Savat said. "We need to focus on the task at hand. "Ensign Smith, what do you have left in your kit?"
"I'm out." He said ruefully. "I've already used every switch, detonator and timer I had in the last two skirmishes. I'll I've got left is my rifle."
Savat listened to the sounds of gunfire. The enemy would be on them in under a minute, with firepower easily surpassing their own. "Very well." He said. "If we are to prevail, further misdirection is called for." Savat dialed down the setting on his phaser rifle to three, enough to create a nasty scorch mark, or melt metal given an extended burst. He turned the weapon towards his chest and pressed the trigger. Ral and Smith looked on slack jawed as the front of his uniform was burned away and the skin on his chest blistered.
"Sir! What are you..." Smith called out. But Savat had already stopped and dialed the rifle back up to its highest setting.
"That should be sufficient." He said, wincing through the pain. "Lieutenant Ral, I am going to be entering the Rah-Tel-Pan. Do you know what that is?"
"I'm familiar with the Vulcan arts." She said. Comprehension began to dawn on her face. "You'll need me to signal you when it is time."
"That is correct." Savat stated. He reached down and slung the lifeless body of Ensign Mason over his shoulder. "Perhaps our comrade can continue to serve us honorably." He said, before moving past the barricade and down the hallway.
*** ***
"I've got life forms, thirty meters ahead." D'Jas Gaiden said as he checked his scanner.
"How many?" Glenn Hurst replied. Having cleared the debris, he was having 3rd and 4th squads advance slowly behind the cover of the battle sleds. Every so often, he had D'Jas Zainok launch a few anti personnel grenades ahead of them through the smoke, to soften up any defenders that might be hiding in ambush. They were close to their final objective, and resistance was getting lighter with every new corridor. Victory was surely at hand.
"Only two living. Both humanoid." Gaiden replied. Also some bodies."
"Don't be lulled by our numerical advantage." Hurst said. "We are on the enemy's ground. Palek, take the point with your sled. Shoot anything that moves. Kavak, space your sled ten meters behind Palek and be ready to move to a line abreast formation if the corridor widens. I do not want a gap in the forward shield cover!"
"Yes sir!" The two soldiers responded.
"The rest of you, I want a dispersed formation behind the sleds. Scan for explosives and energy signatures. I do not want to set off any more traps!"
Palek placed his arms in the control sleeves of the battle sled and squeezed the toggle. The wheelbarrow sized unit hummed to life and floated two feet off the ground on its anti gravity pylons as its forward facing shields activated, ionizing the air. The twenty fourth century version of the gattling gun, the battle sled was not a vehicle, but a tough, versatile squad automatic weapon, designed to operate in tight spaces both indoors and out. Its propulsion was the operator's own two legs as he walked the unit forward, with steering provided by the operator's arms and shoulders. Gyro-stabilized, armed with twin phase disruptor cannons and sporting forward facing shields that could withstand a compression phaser rifle on its highest setting, the battle sled was the perfect squad support device for clearing a building of armed insurgents.
The squad followed the curving corridor, with D'Jas Palek in the lead, meeting no resistance. Glenn Hurst ordered a pause as they came across the bodies. There were two of them, both burned and cut and sprawled on the ground like broken rag dolls.
"Gaiden, scan them again!" Hurst ordered.
The D'Jas stepped forward and ran a full scan. "One Human female, one Vulcan male. No life signs. No explosives. The only energy signatures I'm detecting are their discarded weapons."
"Good, keep moving to the next barricade." Hurst ordered. As he spoke, phaser fire erupted from up ahead as Ral and Smith opened up from down the hall, the golden beams of compressed phaser energy lancing through the smoke in the air. Their shots scored direct hits on the forward shields of Palek's sled, doing no harm. Palek braced the sled with his legs and shoulders, riding out the recoil from the impact with a smile on his face.
"Advance!" Hurst shouted. "Palek, I want suppression fire on that barricade!"
"Yes sir!" The soldier replied eagerly, as he pushed the floating war machine forward, laying down a barrage of disruptor fire that shredded half of the barricade in a matter of seconds. He stepped over the Starfleet corpses and pressed his attack, followed close behind by the second sled.
*** ***
Savat was deep within the Rah-Tel Pan, having reduced his pulse and respiration to nearly undetectable levels. He was, as far as all observers were concerned, a corpse. And with the phaser burns on his chest, and the dirt and blood he had liberally smeared on his body, he looked the part as well. It was not a state he could hold for long. In a matter of minutes, his blood PH would start to change, becoming more alkali, putting him at risk of toxic shock.
But a minute was all that he needed. In his trance, he was only vaguely aware of his surroundings. He heard the hum of the sleds. Felt the pressure against his skin as the backwash from the anti gravity pylons passed over him, first one sled then the other. Then, there was a voice in his head, a telepathic command of great urgency.
[Now Savat!] Ral's thoughts shouted to him.
To the infantry trailing the sled, it was as if the dead had suddenly sprung to life. There was confusion, and a moments hesitation. It was all that the veteran Vulcan officer needed. He rose, wraithlike, directly behind the second sled. His hand shot out and gripped the neck of the operator, snapping it to one side with the ancient Tal Shaya technique. Before the Cardassian could hit the ground, Savat had assumed control of the sled and pressed down hard on the firing button. Rapid fire disruptor bolts shot out, striking the operator of the first sled in the back. He was incinerated before he had time to realize he was in danger.
Savat began swinging the sled around one hundred and eighty degrees. But his reactions were still dulled from the Rah-Tel-Pan. He saw the infantry bringing their weapons to bear and realized that it would take him nearly half a second too long to complete his maneuver.
"Gun him down!" Glenn Hurst shouted after recovering from the shock of seeing the dead rise with a vengeance. His troops responded, but their fire was inaccurate. One shot managed to graze the target, who staggered for a moment, but did not fall. The second volley from the infantry came too late and bounced off of the shields of the sled. Hurst's eyes grew wide. "Fall back! Fall back!" He shouted in desperation.
Savat fought to stay on his feet , his sheer force of will keeping him from succumbing to the burning pain in his side. The moment the sled was facing the Cardassians, he held down the firing button and saturated the corridor with disruptor bolts. The trapped soldiers were cut down where they stood, in some cases vaporized completely by the roiling energy. In seconds, it was over, leaving only the smells of ionized air and burnt flesh in its wake.
Savat released the controls of the sled, which gently settled to the floor. Savat quickly followed, collapsing to his knees as he battled the agony from his wound. His instincts were to enter the Shantip, the healing trance, but he was still a commanding officer, with duties to perform. Seconds later, his surviving officers were at his side.
"Sir, you've been wounded!" Ral said.
"I am quite aware of my physiological predicament." Savat responded through clenched teeth. "If you could help me to my feet and administer a strong analgesic in the area of the wound, it would be greatly appreciated."
Ral put an arm around her chief and helped him up while Smith got a hypo from his medical kit. "What are your orders now, sir?" She asked.
"We must assume additional Cardassian reinforcements are on the way. We will commandeer the two battle sleds and fall back to the Ballroom."
For the first time since the battle began, Savat activated his communicator. It was time to check on the other teams. "All team leaders report in if you can." He ordered. The painkillers were starting to have an effect, enveloping him like a warm blanket. They would interfere with his reflexes and judgement, but it was better than going into shock. Still, it fell upon him to make certain the chain of command remained intact.
[Sanchez to Savat. Lieutenant Elaithin's been shot.]
"Understood, Lieutenant." Savat replied. "I am also wounded. You will assume command if I become incapacitated."
Corgan checked in next. His group had fared well, suffering only one casualty while dealing great harm to the enemy. He too had made his way back to the ballroom, after coming under fire from battle sleds. It seemed the time had come to make a final, concentrated stand. He gently broke away from Ral's arm and began staggering forward on his own.
"Ral, Smith. Get the sleds. The time has come for the Honor Guard to test its mettle."
*** ***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
Commander Thomas said. "Helm keep us moving, don't let them get a lock on us, Mr. Richeson, continue firing phases."
Lt. Gustavson set course to bring the Galaxy in a wide elliptic path right into the area shaded from the enemy vessel`s weapons by its own remaining warp nacelle
Commander Thomas looked at the Cardassian ship that was on the view screen, still firing its weapons.
This time most of the Merlot`s warheads missed the Galaxy. -Most of them, the remaining ones rocked the Galaxy once more.
"Minor damage on deck 10 and 11, transporter off-line" reported Surok still without showing any emotion.
"Such a waste." whispered Ragnald shaking his head. The former proud Cardassian warship filled the main screen 'bleeding' from several wounds. Ragnald felt something like sorrow. Not for her obstinate captain but for the vessel herself and her brave crew who obviously had no option than to blindly obey their 'better sink than surrender'-captain.
Commander Thomas saw the Cardassian ship limping around for another chance to fire on the galaxy. "Helm ramming course." Chris ordered.
"What?" Price said.
*What?* Ragnald thought forcing the Galaxy into a narrow starboard turn. *Did he really plan to destroy the Cardassian ship and of course the Galaxy, too by ramming them? Certainly not. Commander Thomas didn`t seem to be life sick and an almost destroyed Galor class vessel really was not worth the price*
"Trust me captain, Lt. Richeson prepare to fire photon torpedoes on my command. Helm break away as soon as we fire." Commander Thomas said. This was it time to bring the battle to an end and get the Galaxy back to Bajor. Of course they were going to have repair the ship before anything else happened.
Commander Thomas watched as the distance between the ships closed. He wanted to wait for the last possible minute, "Divert all available power to the forward shields and the forward SIF." They would need the extra defense as the Cardassian vessel continued to fire. "Fire phasers disable their weapons." Chris said.
"Aye sir, firing phases." Lt. Richeson said.
The weapons array on the saucer section once again hummed and sparked with energy as it charged. Then the ship unleased two streams of phased energy streaking for the Merlot, seeking it out to do damage. Commander Thomas watched as the distance closed to an every impossible distance.
"Fire!" Commander Thomas said.
The Galaxy fired it's latest volley of torpedoes and then broke away from the ramming course, veering off into the night. Leaving the Cardassians ship to ram the torpedoes.
"Strike!" shouted Richeson as the torpedoes hit the Merlot, this time heading for the intact warp nacelle.
Again, the Galor class warship listed and began to turn around. Sparks came from the propulsion unit. All over the ship the light flickered and faded away.
"They're searching for candles now!" joked Richeson "energy level down to zero. All I can detect are life signs of the crew.
Silence filled the bridge. Anybody watched the Cardassian Galor dinosaur dying.
"Temperature of warp core area is rising. I think we`re facing a big bang." stated Richeson.
"Bring us away, Lieutenant" ordered Commander Thomas "full impulse!"
"Aye sir" answered Ragnald.
Soon, the Merlot`s picture on the main screen was shrunken to the size of a needles head. Suddenly the screen changed color to a bright white that forced Ragnald to close his eyes. When he opened them, the main screen displayed the usual background image of small twinkling stars.
The Cardassian warship was gone.
***Ensign Grant-Wellington’s Quarters, USS Galaxy***
Sitting down in her recliner with a cup of hot chocolate and three PADDs, Heather made herself comfortable following her latest shift. This was her first mission since graduating from the academy as a Starfleet counsellor. Since racing along the corridors of Deep Space Nine several days ago, where she had being staying until boarding her first assignment, to board the departing USS Galaxy, her life had turned into sprial. She quickly had to settle in and make herself acquainted with areas of the great ship she would needed to be at certain times, as well as making herself aware of what the crew’s latest mission was. Never had she imagined that her first mission would mean confronting a crew being religiously converted into a cult following, while the ship headed for trouble with a Cardassian warship.
Taking a sip of her warm drink, Heather began purusing the first PADD, which contained details of potential Alpha shift clients. Earlier, she had met the medical crew and one science officer who normally worked the same shift as herself. They had seem like reasonably outgoing people, though Heather sense something odd about the science officer. She was wondering if the odd feeling was related to this religious cult sweeping the decks. Fortunately, she had not had the unpleasant experience of incountering the Madame Kiye the Chief Counsellor had warned her of. As far as Heather could figure out, those so far under the ‘spell’ of ‘The Word’ had the common link of experiencing a negative life experience. If she was right, then there was a strong possibility she could be another. Three and a half years ago, Heather’s husband was killed in a shuttlecraft accident, leaving her devastated and her future career in limbo. Luckily, she had some good friends at the academy who helped her pull through.
The second PADD contained details on protocols for ensign counsellors. Heather had being educated on the protocols in her final year and felt confident she could follow them without question. Just the PADD was a formality, but it did give her an idea of what to expect on a galaxy class starship. There were thousands of crew and civilians (families) on board, which meant that under red alert she could be expected to monitor a couple hundred people. The very thought made her shutter at its shear magnitude. As she went to scan the third, the lights dimmed to red and a shreaking klaxon yelled for her immediate attention. Caught off guard by the sudden alertness of the ship, Heather jumped and fell off her chair, falling flat on her face. Her cup of hot chocolate had gone flying and landed some paces away, its contents split all over the room.
Sighing at the split drink, but had no time to do anything about it, Heather got to her feet and hastly made her way out of her quarters, located on the bow plane of Deck 11 and headed straight for the first turbolift. As she stepped out into the corridor on Deck 12, something hit the ship’s shield, jolting it violently and slammed Heather heavily into a bulkhead. Uninjuried, she continued on, in a race to get to her battle station.
With parts from "Taking The Fight To The Battle Bridge"
*** Deck Eight, Battle Bridge***
['Commander Jamson is the main shuttlebay, along with Ensign Lockhart and two other officers I don't recognize, they've stunned everyone down here. I hope that's all they've done to them. In any case they're boarding a runabout and probably going to try, orders.]
Commander Sunder's voice boomed over the speakers. Damn that Lockhart. What the hell was he doing? Tim tried to lock out the controls but it was no use. He turned his attention back to the Cardassian Destroyer.
Commander Thomas saw the Cardassian ship limping around for another chance to fire on the galaxy. "Helm ramming course." Chris ordered.
"What?" Price said.
"Trust me captain, Lt. Richeson prepare to fire photon torpedoes on my command. Helm break away as soon as we fire." Commander Thomas said. This was it time to bring the battle to end and get the Galaxy back to Bajor. Of course they were going to have repair the ship before anything else happened.
Commander Thomas watched as the distance between the ships closed. He wanted to wait for the last possible minute, "Divert all available power to the forward shields and the forward SIF." They would need the extra defense as the Cardassian vessel continued to fire. "Fire phasers disable their weapons." Chris said.
"Aye sir, firing phases." Lt. Richeson said.
The weapons array on the saucer section once again hummed and sparked with energy as it charged. Then the ship unleashed two streams of phased energy streaking for the Merlot, seeking it out to do damage.
Commander Thomas watched as the distance closed to an every impossible distance.
"Fire!" Commander Thomas said
Tim tapped the fire control, sending four torpedoes streaking towards the Carrdie ship. The bridge crew watched them get closer and closer, until they impacted the forward hull. The massive explosion ripped open the hull in several places. Oxygen could be seen drizzling into space as a white gas.
"Massive damage to their structural integrity." Tim paused. The torpedoes may haven cracked their hull, but their weapons were still charged. "Incoming torpedo!" Richeson yelled above the klaxons. A second later, the ship shook again from the torpedo impact.
(Engineering to bridge, Auxiliary power is failing. Shields are collapsing.)
Captain Price adjusted his uniform and rested his arm across his command chair. "Target those hull fractures Mate'. Phasers for the bow of the ship, and lock the torpedoes on to the aft." Hopefully the impact of both parts of the hull simotansly would prove to much for the Cardasian hull.
"Aye Sir." Tim looked up at the Captain. "Weapons ready Captain." the CTO said. Again the Galaxy shook from another volley. Some minor systems were fluctuating on and offline. Not the worst hit of the day.
"Do it Tim." Lee said as he took his seat. The Galaxy's Phaser emitters fired as another barrage of photons were launched.
Richeson held his breathe. He thought about a poem he had heard while on Deep Space Nine. 'Cannon to the right of them. Cannon to the left of them. Volley and thunder.. Tim came back to reality, just in time to see the Spoon heads being engulfed in flames.
Andree wandered into the deck 12 observation lounge. There were several such lounges throughout the ship, with replicators, and tables, strictly self-service. Andree ordered a Chicken Ceasar salad from the replicator, and sat down, mired in his thoughts of this "Word" and questioning how so many people had been so taken by it.You
Shinta have been up and about for awhile now, and she decided that before she was going to do any more work she needed something from the mess. From the replicator she ordered a hot chocolate and a hamburger. Not the healthiest food, but right now she did not care. It was not very busy at the mess at this hour, habit make her study the people at the other tables. She noticed the doctor at the table next to hers, he was close enough so she could see what he was reading. The word, Shinta sighed, not another fanatic.
She cleared her throat. "Interresting is it?" She said, checking how far gone he was.
"No, paperwork actually, 'The Word' kind of creeps me out," Andree said, supressing a shidder
Shinta exhaled. "Am I glad to hear that, I was beginning to think half of the crew is affected by this. Your work with Michala, don't you? Have you talked to her lately? She has it real bad. Say do you know any others who are under the spell of this word?" she spoke quickly, like she did more often when she was nervous. Her talk with the commander had really shaken her.
Offering shinta the seat across from him, which she gladly took, Andree began, "Acctually I talked to her earlier today, and that's the reason why "The Word" has me so creeped out. It has absolutely nothing to warrant the way that so amny people have accepted it. I'm beginning to think that these Decillians may have some latent Psionic abilities."
"you think so? I have not seen any of them yet, so I don't know. Have you met the prophetes? Do you know of anything we can do , drugs we might use. I as a counselor am getting nowhere with them." She drank her chocolate, wiggling her feet in sheer frustration.
"Well, there are durgs that can shut down a Betazoid's telepathic abilities, but I don't know if they would be effective on Terrans or other races. I'll have to look into that. I'll let you know If I find anything. Have you seen any dramatic changes in any of your patients?" Andree said. He never discussed patients outside of sickbay, but he felt thet this was a situation that required him to do so for the greater good of everyone on board.
"as a matter of fact I have. And not only in patients. Have you as well?" She asked. "The commander has asked me to compile a list of those infected. We should do it soon, and protect those have not been infected yet."
"Michala is the only person I've seen who is 'gung ho' on 'The Word.' I havn't talked to many people lately because I've been busy setting up as ACMO, but now that that is done I will be watching much more carefully"
"I have seen two so far one of them is Michala. But I have heard rumors of there being many more. Will you keep me updated if you find somebody?" The finished her chocolate. "I had the to be going back to work."
"Right, Well, I've got a lot of work to do as well, I'll keep in touch with you, Lt...." Andree stumbled, realizing that he hadn't asked the Bajoran woman her name.
"Counselor Shinta," she offered
"Dr. Dothan," Andree responded in turn.
With a final wave, Shinta left to attend to other matters.
P.S. we should finish this before my holiday in two days time, I hope the adventure won't be over when I return in two weeks time, I have enjoyed working with you
"Receiving Orders"
=^=Peterson to Quevvenson.=^= came the call over the intercom. Wilhem sighed, and reached up and pressed his combadge.
"Quevvenson here, sir..."
=^=There is a problem with the lateral sensor array. Please assist Ens. Charleston in the endeavor to find the cause.=^=
"Yes, sir. I will get right on it. Quevvenson out." And he began the process to help Ens. Charleston out of his predicament. It was what was ordered, so he did it.
Guest Starring: Constable Jorial Konak, Lt.Jg
Unauthorized Communication from Lt.Commander Savat.
In appearance: Madam Kiye, Dr. Michala Lynn, Lt.Jg.
Hell. To James Corgan of the USS Galaxy, the Federation Embassy on Bajor was like a piece of Hell resurrected, created for the amusement of it’s deities, to watch the soldiers milling around it like army ants fight and die when pitted against each other. To him, the corridor 6-J they walked down was the straight road deeper into this hell, leading straight to Satan’s throne. It was a twisted and cruel piece of Ensign Corgan’s destiny. It tortured him as he trudged on, ignoring the dull pain on his shoulder from his partially healed phaser wound. He felt nervous, sick, like his stomach knotted whenever he felt the rumble of a battle sled’s cannon, or a phaser rifle shot accompanied by a scream, or when yet another fighter craft made a strafing pass. It all made him sick.
It was one thing to fight for his home, but to fight a needless skirmish because the Cardassians wanted
something petty once again. He knew that somehow or for some reason some sick minded Cardassian f**k decided to raid Bajor for one piss ant diplomat/dangerous cult leader.
The current situation put him in the mood to shoot something.
“I must admit guys,” Ensign Corgan said coldly, “I want to cut down as many of those scaly bastards as I can. Then, just then… those f**kjobs won’t needlessly bully another planet again. God, are they so stupid! You’d think after about two damned wars worth of getting their asses kicked would make them stop!”
“Cardassians were never the brightest lot.” Jorial agreed.
“Keep it down,” Brightspot commanded, “I hear others.”
“What others… ohhhh.” James said, remembering the Sivaons heightened hearing sense.
Closing her eyes, Brightspot leaned against the wall, listening in on what was coming up. Her eyebrow flexed in curiosity, her tail swished around and her ears twitched against the wall. Her eyes flashed open in shocked realization.
“Battle Sled…” Brightspot whispered, “Two of them… and a squad of ten soldiers. They are coming… this way! Hide!”
All four members of the hunter/killer squad hit the walls and hid behind the massive pillars. Jorial and James readied their grenades, with Jorial pulling out a grenade of an exotic make.
“Sensor scramber grenades. Bajoran make. They are quite handy.” Jorial explained.
“Score.” Ensign Corgan said as he set a photon grenade with his good arm.
Ensign Astrid Salt readied her Photon Launcher, placing the giant gun onto her shoulder. Brightspot helped her load the first round into the chamber. She opened a panel, put in a large clip of the softball sized rounds, and snapped it shut. Ensign Salt flipped open the targeting sight over he eye, then waited behind the pillar.
“On my order.” Brightspot growled softly.
“Yes sir.” Ensign Corgan responded.
“Yes sir.” Ensign Salt followed.
“Yes… ma’am.” Jorial whispered.
“Shhhh…” She demanded, “They are coming. They’ll be here in a minute.”
Jorial moved up a couple of pillars, while Ensign Corgan covers his advance by training his rifle in the direction of the soon to come attack. Then, James moved forward, while Jorial covered his advance. They both took cover behind the mammoth pillars. It was an old advancing trick that worked as well as the century it was made.
Then, just as if Constable Jorial has done this before, he set his scrambler grenade and tossed it in front of the group. It magnetically attached to a picture frame of the late Admiral Sulu, then opened up like a cocoon. It shot out small sensor spikes that scattered around the scrambler grenade, then it started to transmit as the sensor spikes attached to the walls and floor.
“Wait for the sled to come…” Brightspot peeped.
All four officers didn’t were as motionless as Ardavian Sloths. Even Ensign Corgan didn’t move, even though the nervousness of fighting was finally sinking in after all of this crisis.
“Dammit… show up… I’m waiting for you… and you’re waiting for me,” He thought, “So what are you waiting for?”
The long wait for the Cardassians to pass by proved to be a trial for Ensign Corgan. When he saw a problem, he tried to solve it head on, or tried to prevent it as well as he could. This time, the problem was nearly unstoppable. An endless sea of Cardassian troops, loyal, dedicated and determined to do some major damage to the embassay, just kept coming at a relentless pace. The Starfleet and Bajoran militia were having a hard time stemming the flow of invaders from the compound, and it was a fight that the Cardassians could win in a matter of hours. It was a problem that was way over Ensign Corgan’s head, and he didn’t know how to solve it, except by one other way.
That way was pure, brutal force directed at the Spoonheads themselves.
It was during that long pause of silence that Ensign Corgan made a pact with himself.
“Here’s the deal… me,” He thought, “How about I just gun down as many of these people as I can, help my friends blow the hell out of some battle sleds. Then when the Cardassians shoot me in a hail of phaser fire when I shield my friends from the killing blows, I’ll tell any other Starfleet survivor that they can give my medal of bravery to my sister on Earth. Sound’s good?”
“Hmmm, selfless I see. That’s a change.” Ensign Corgan’s conscious mocked him.
“Piss off. Now’s not the time.” James retorted.
“Here’s a better deal,” The conscious reasoned, “You leave your friends and run like hell, and when the Cardassians cut you down anyways, which will happen either way you go, you can tell any survivors to tell your sister that you are a pansy assed son of a bitch.”
“Not now!” Ensign Corgan shot at himself, “I’m in the middle of a god damned battle!”
“I know what’s best for you,” His conscious kept pleading, like a annoying mosquito buzzing around his ear, “and I know for a fact that option two has a slim chance of survival. I would take it.”
“But you’re not me.”
“I beg to differ.”
James Corgan took a time out to clear his head, to think of something that would make him focus on the job at hand. “Think, think!” He demanded from himself, trying to find a way to get rid of the things that bothered him at the moment. Then, he came up with a piece of advice that his friend Sotek once said. He recited it in his mind:
“If you are muddled in a sea of thoughts,” Advised Sotek, “Think of the task you are set to do at the moment.”
“I am, that’s what so freaking scary.” James reasoned, but he forced himself to recite Sotek’s advice again in his mind.
“Think of only the task,” He continued, remembering the soft but logical tone of Sotek, “and recite over and over again the steps you plan on taking during your job. Think of all scenarios, but don’t think about how they will fail. Think of how they can succeed.”
“Think of how they succeed.” Ensign Corgan recited quietly, “Think of how I will succeed…”
Plans started to formulate in Ensign Corgan’s head, based on the Cardassian tactics that he learned in school. Their squads were placed with five to ten men, sometimes more depending on the leader of the group. He visualized himself seeing ten Cardassian soldiers walk through corridor 7-J. Then, in his mind, came the Battle Sleds. Sometimes they hunted alone, but with a squad of ten men in front to protect the sled, there would be two of the dangerous hover sleds behind the next group.
“How do we attack?” He thought to himself.
James then visualized the attack. He knew Jorial would target the Cardassian soldiers, considering Bajoran phasers didn’t have the multi-frequency option. Brightspot would be in front of Ensign Salt, protecting the Photon Launcher from any stray shots. With Astrid being well protected by the others, she would take a few seconds to aim at the Battle Sled, then fire at one of them. It would be the one on Jame’s right side, since Astrid was hiding on the right side of the wall behind a massive pillar. After all that, there would be himself, carefully inching out of hiding, resting his rifle on the pillar’s base. He would be the team’s sniper, taking out targets of opportunity as they presented them. At first, he thought about taking out the team’s leader. It was a simple task because Cardassian squad leaders were easy to distinguish from the others by their more elaborate uniform. But then, he scratched that idea. He had tried it before a few hours earlier, killing an old Glint or some other person of a high rank. Even then, it was a well-placed ambush that caught a fairly green squad off balance. This time, it was against battle sleds and better trained troops. This time, they had to be more careful.
As he visualized how the battle sled exploded from the photon cannon, Lt.Jg. Brightspot signaled in battle hand language with her paw. Silently, she was trying to tell everyone that the squad was coming close. Ensign Corgan readied his rifle, ignoring the annoying pain in his shoulder, and he waited for the signal to attack. Meanwhile, Ensign Salt stayed in hiding, anticipating the action of coming out of concealment and blasting a battle sled to bits.
Rounding the corner was the forward scouts of the Cardassian battle squads. First, five of the men cautiously approached the area with their rifles sweeping the area. Then, four more of the troopers shot out to advance in front of the scouts. After that, a middle aged Cardassian the equivalent of a Sargeant, walked in waving a tricorder and shaking his head. He tapped the tricorder twice, then hit it harder. He tossed it aside in frustration and he waved toward the direction of where the squad came from. As if on cue, a Cardassian battle sled rounded the corner, it’s electro magnetic anti-grav pods on the bottom humming in unison and it’s twin disruptor cannons pointing menacingly towards the hall.
“Ready.” Brightspot signaled in Federation Standard Sign Language.
“Ready.” Ensign Corgan replied in the same hand gesture.
Astrid prepared the Photon Launcher, resting her finger on the trigger.
“Attack!” Lt. Srallansre signaled.
Out of the corner of the giant marble pillars, Ensign Corgan and Constable Jorial sprayed the area with automatic phaser fire. Ensign Corgan tried to take out the Glenn in the middle with his first shot, but the experienced soldier saw the move, and he dived to the floor.
“FIRE!” The Glenn ordered, pointing towards the group and indicating the battle sled. The sled’s pilot punched in a couple of buttons, raising a shimmering ionic shield. Everybody’s phaser shots bounced off pitifully as they hit.
“Astrid, NOW!” Brightspot commanded.
It was then that Ensign Salt peered out with her launcher. She ignored the heavy fire from the Cardassian phasers. Meanwhile, the other people in the group tried to draw fire. Ensign Corgan finally hit the Cardassian Glenn in the chest, a shower of sparks and smoking flesh and uniform shooting out of the wound. The Glenn hit the ground hard, screaming as he fell. Jorial bagged another soldier, while Brightspot pinned two more to one of the far pillars.
During all of this, the disruptor cannon charged up, forming the energy in it’s barrel. It would be enough to blow out the hall of any resistance. Ensign Salt got a lock-on to the battle sled, the gun’s computer sight glowing red and flashing. She pulled the trigger, sending a glowing ball of red energy streaking towards the beleaguered sled. The Cardassian piloting the sled saw the explosive round being shot from her Photon Launcher.
“TAKE COVER!” The pilot panicked.
It was the pilot’s last words. The photon round obliterated the relatively weak sheilding and turned the battle sled into a flying, burning wreck! Pilot and Battle Sled were smashed into the nearest wall in chunks of charred mechanical and body parts. The impending shockwave scattered the rest of the squad and even killed 3 others that were depending on the Battle Sled’s shielding to protect them. All the others covered the ears and hit the ground as the sled was destroyed. The Starfleet group took cover behind the pillars as dust and debris shot past them.
“Hand to hand, while they are still stunned!” Brightspot ordered.
Ensign Astrid Salt stayed behind to reload the Photon Launcher, while the other three rushed in to dispatch the remaining troops. Brightspot attacked with the ferocity of her feline decendants, grabbing one of the Spoonheads and mauling him in the face with a powerful swipe of her forepaw. The struck soldier fell to the ground as Brightspot leapt on him. She then used her strong paws to break his neck with one swift, efficient motion.
Jorial shot one of the soldiers point blank in the chest with his rifle, then he turned around to face another. The soldier charged and grappled with the old resistance leader, then the Cardassian kneed him in the stomach. The Cardassian was about to strike down Jorial with a axe handled punch to the back of the head, but Jorial tackled him to the ground by spearing his shoulder into the soldier’s gut. Both men fell on the floor, with Jorial rolling up on top of his adversary. He then punched with all of his fury, slamming his strong fists harder and harder into the Cardassian’s nose. The soldier fell into unconsciousness as blood flowed from his nose and mouth.
Ensign Corgan knew he would have a harder time with his opponent, considering his shoulder was partially wounded. First, James threw out a punch at the soldier, only to have it countered by a grab and a open palmed strike to his forehead. Ensign Corgan rolled with the impact, swinging his bad fist and clocking the soldier in the temple of the head. The soldier staggered back, allowing Ensign Corgan to release the grip the Cardassian had on him. Then, the soldier grabbed at him again, this time squeezing the wound the young Ensign had before. Instant pain shot through his shoulder, making Ensign Corgan wince and scream out.
“You…” He struggled to say, “son… of… a… BITCH!”
Ensign Corgan balled up his free arm into a fist, then struck the Cardassian in the head, giving him a black eye. The Cardassian staggered again, taking longer to recover. At least the soldier let go of Ensign Corgan’s wound, as it gave him time to kick the soldier in the stomach. The soldier smacked into the wall, turning his face to see Ensign Corgan again. As the soldier turned around, a fist barreled straight for his head.
The soldier saw only stars after that impact, then he fell over on the ground. He didn’t make a sound as he hit.
The remaining Starfleet and Bajoran officers caught their breath, panting from the exertion of the hand to hand fight. They walked over to their discarded weapons and picked them up, checking their power levels and settings.
In the next hall, they heard more footsteps. Ensign Salt instantly brought out her tricorder, as soon as Jorial shut off his scrambler grenade.
“More Cardassians?” Brightspot asked.
“No sir,” She responded, “Two Decilians, a Starfleet officer that looks like she’s four different species, and a Bajoran.” They’re ours!”
“We should link up with them. Follow me.” Brightspot commanded.
“Wait!” Astrid stopped everyone, reading more from her tricorder, “There is a squad of Cardassians closing in on their position! We have to hurry!”
“Double time! Let’s go!” Brightspot hollered.
All four members of the group started running down the hall, with Ensign Corgan taking over for tricorder control. Astrid was still in the back, being slowed down by the sluggish Photon Launcher.
“Turn right!” Ensign Corgan suggested.
All the group turned into another hall, rounding the corner in a clatter of footsteps. They saw a shaft of light coming from one of the halls. It was a window to the outside, right in front of them at the end of the hall, with two exits for them to see. With hope, Ensign Corgan ran forward. It was dozens of meters away, which would take an eternity to get to in battle. His tricorder read the first friendly group to the right exit, while the Cardassian squad, numbering 15, was on the left. Both were converging fast.
“To the upper floor!” James announced.
The small group turned to another corridor, leading to a flight of stairs. They climbed up the stairs in single file, then opened the door. The doorway to the roof provided some cover, and a great amount of view of most of the roof from where they stood.
“Stay here!” Brightspot said.
“We may be too late!” Ensign Corgan warned.
“Then ready phasers and prepare to come to their aid.” Lt. Srallansre ordered.
Ensign Corgan started to see spikes in his tricorder. He checked out the anomalous readings. They looked like the EM signals that he first found and got identified by Ensign Reece. The readings were coming from one of the Decilians in the group.
He then looked through his scope on his phaser rifle. The first of the friendly group wa
s seen in the distance. Dr. Michala Lynn and Lt. Kahn Nilani protected the front, holding their phaser rifled in a more relaxed method.
“What the hell is Michala doing here?” Ensign Corgan gasped, “A warzone is no place for an officer carrying a child. Is she nuts or something?”
Then came Madam Kiye and Madam Tarie. The Prophetess’s repulsor chair hummed to a stop when Michala and Kahn looked like they were afraid.
“I see them… shit! The Cardassians are on them!” Ensign Corgan hissed.
“Get ready!” Brightspot said.
“No!” Jorial cut in, “The Cardassians will try to take them hostage. They always try to take the women hostage. In that situation, we can’t attack without risking both our lives and theirs.”
“We can’t leave them!” Ensign Salt argued.
“Just wait for an opportunity.” Jorial suggested.
Ensign Corgan swung his phaser rifle around to the left. He spotted a 16 man group through his scope. They all had their rifles trained on the small group in front of them.
“Drop your weapons, and some of you may not have to die!” One of the Cardassians yelled from the distance.
“REPENT CARDASSIAN!” Yelled a gallant Madam Kiye, “All of you, harken to the Keeper of The Word!”
Madam Kiye keeped a vice grip on her pendant, and started her tell-tale fingering of it.
“She’s using her pendant.” Ensign Corgan recited, “Don’t tell me she can stop them with THAT!”
“Shhhh.” Jorial demanded.
"Do not fire upon us, for we are soldiers of the Word and our cause is just! Drop your weapons, lest ye be struck dead by the Word's power." Madam Kiye demanded, staring dangerously at the squad’s leader.
Some of the squad started dropping their rifles, followed by more of their comrades. In the end, even the leader dropped his rifle. Ensign Corgan could see the fear in his eyes, then amazement. Instantly, the Cardassian looked up to Madam Kiye in adoration.
“She’s brainwashing them.” Ensign Corgan whispered.
"How can you do this? What power has this Word over my men?" The Cardassian leader asked, looking up in amazement at Madam Kiye.
"The Word has power few have ever witnessed, simple male.” She said in discust, staring down at the insignificant soldier bowing down to her. She then looked at Michala and Kahn, motioning to them to step forward. She ordered, "Kill them all." “Don’t do it…” Brightspot pleaded to herself.
“No…” Ensign Corgan gasped.
It was too late. With a stare that could have frozen hell itself, Michala aimed her rifle and let loose a barrage of phaser bolts. She was able to cut down half of the squad, until Khan stepped in and started to open fire. Defenceless Cardassian soldiers screamed in agony as they were shot. Some of the soldiers tried to run away, but they couldn’t reach cover or their rifles before they too joined the companions in death.
“Oh my god…” James said, staring in disbelief as he witnessed the massacre.
“That was low, even against Cardassians.” Jorial agreed.
From the rifle scope, Ensign Corgan witnessed Khan drop down and break a Cardassian’s neck. Then, Michala started to mess around with a console. After a minute of jury rigging, Michala managed to operate the elevator. It swished open, and she signaled the others to come in. Everyone piled into the elevator, except for Madam Tarie.
“What happened to Tarie?” Ensign Corgan demanded.
“She’s gone. Headed the other direction.” Brightspot confirmed, “Towards the ballroom.”
As if on cue, everyone’s comm.-badge kicked in.
[This is Lt.Commander Savat to all teams. Prepare to rendezvous at the ballroom. All checkpoints are compromised. Over and out.]
Then, Jorial’s comm. Badge kicked in.
[All Bajoran Militia units, retreat to the Embassy Ballroom for further instructions.]
[Lt.Jg. Srallansre here.] She responded, [We are in stairway 18F. We are heading over to the Ballroom. Estimated time will be two minutes. Over and out.]
Ensign Corgan watched as Madam Kiye and her two loyal followers shut the elevator door. He wanted to go after her, considering the cold blooded act she made two Starfleet officers do. He wanted her to answer to her crimes.
“Ensign Corgan,” Brightspot snapped him to reality, “Are you coming.”
“Yes, sir.” He said. He pried his eye away from the scope, then descended down the stairway. All the time, he thought of what he saw. Cardassians were brought under war crime tribunals for less than that. James was fully aware that he witnessed a war crime, and he couldn’t help but think what could happen to his crewmates if they were charged.
The bitter massacre also left a foul taste in Jorial’s mouth. He always prided himself and his old resistance cell for not sinking to Cardassia’s brand new lows, and he has just seen the good guys become as cruel as the Cardassian’s themselves.
“Corgan,” Jorial said, grabbing his attention while they walked down the stairs, “Is this why you are so worried about The Word?”
“Yes,” He answered, “But I never thought she would do something like that…”
*** Federation Embassy, Bajor ***
It had taken the Doctor longer than expected to get clearance for his trip to the planet. Even with his patient in stasis, Jeral needed to move quickly for the benefit of the Kloss symbiont. Also the surgical procedure he needed to perform required delicate gear that the transporter would damage. So the Commander had to log a flight plan and get clearance to take the newly rebuilt shuttle Opaka.
Jeral had contacted 5 unjoined Trill before he found someone willing to become a host on such short notice. Even then Pural did not look too pleased. Under normal circumstances, joining was a blessed event for a Trill. But being joined to save a symbiont for medical reasons did not allow the host body time to prepare. Also whatever trauma the symbiont received would be transferred to the new host.
An hour before large numbers of Cardassians entered Bajoran space, Jeral had got permission to take the shuttle full of medical equipment down to the Embassy. The surgery went well, and was finished before the main power lines were cut.
*** The Power Lines go Down ***
Emergency power did not provide many thrills. Couple the attack with the fact that Cardassians were advancing in sufficient numbers to surround them, and it was understandable that the general anxiety level was high. Maas wished he had brought a councilor with him, but as the attack came without warning, he had no way to know he would need one. As luck would have it, a few councilors were at the negotiations, and they helped sooth people as much as possible given the circumstances.
Jeral consulted some of the Embassy staff. As he expected, most functions of the base were crippled when the main power capacitors were blown up.
"Can you make it appear that the ventilation system is off line?" He asked Agria, the Embassy's Andorian engineer.
The Andorian examined the control panel. "Most functions are already offline. It shouldn't be difficult to make other systems look damaged too. Do I sense the beginnings of a plan?"
"You do indeed Lieutenant. I plan to have people retreat into the Embassy's cargo docks. The area is large enough to hold all of the Federation citizens and our invited guests. Then I will flood the ventilation shafts for the entire complex with Anestine gas."
"But we will be knocked out by the gas ourselves. I fail to see how this will give us an advantage." The Andorian debated.
Jeral paused a moment to gather his thoughts. "The shuttle I arrived in is equipped for medical use. Its warp core can power a large quarantine field strong enough to block us from exposure to the gas. Then we go in with gas masks and round up the Cardassians for legal proceedings due to their acts of war. If all goes well, no lives on either side will be lost in this conflict."
Agria looked impressed. "I see. So switching the ventilation system off until the last minute is just a lure to give the Cardassians false confidence. A clever and decisive plan." she said with a smile.
"Well now we have a plan to defend ourselves. The only remaining step is to inform people on our side what we mean to do." The CMO said. "Computer, open an encrypted channel to Commander Savat.", Maas finished.
* Static *
Agria heard the noise and requested the computer boost the signal. None of her tricks work. Each response was more static.
The Trill was puzzled for a moment even with all of his lives of experience. Of course! The Cardassians must be using communication jammers to make the defense of the Embassy more difficult.
Jeral reviewed each of his former hosts/hostesses memories. There had to be some way of getting a message through the electronic blockade so his plan could save lives. This problem didn't have an obvious solution. It would take thought before the matter would be solved.
NRPG: Takes place just before "Under Attack" by Lt. Maxwell Shinta and thus, prior to Red Alert.
Lt. Maxwell Shinta
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
It had taken Shinta a while to calm down. Due to her past, she was so touchy when it came to achievements, but now she realized that she had not been fair to Karyn. And that while the chief meant so much to her, and had done so much for her. So she decided to go back and make things right again.
"Can I come in?" Shinta asked when she came to Karyn's quarters. "I am so sorry that I hurt you earlier, I have come to apologize."
Karyn smiled widely and move back to allow her entry. "Of course you can come in. There's really no need for you to apologize to me, I'm afraid I wasn't too tactful earlier. I know how much your job means to you and I should've clued into that. I was genuinely concerned about how you were going to handle all the responsibility and I was trying to find the right balance between practical department head and concerned friend, guess I overcompensated so I wouldn't be accused of favoritism, but I'm psychoanalizing things and I'm sure you didn't come here for that, I'm sorry, it's a nasty habit that's hard to turn off once you're 'technically' off-duty." Karyn and Shinta both laughed, as they were never really off-duty.
"Can I get you some tea or something? Nilani's over at Michala's and I could really use the company. I tell you, the two of them are really immersing themselves in the Word."
"Tea would be fine. Karyn, this business with the word worries me. Have you seen Michala or Nilani lately? They are not themselves. It is as if they are possessed. We have to do something about it. Have you ever experienced something like that in your career? Because I am at a loss. They just are not willing to listen right now." She sipped the tea.
Karyn set her tea down on her knee, her own grim expression replacing the earlier smile. She was glad she wasn't the only one concerned about the situation, but up until now she wasn't sure what she was going to do about it and whether she was overreacting, as she had a tough time with religion of any kind. It had been a part of her earlier upbringing with her Mom, but when she died, it wasn't a tradition her father chose to uphold. Church on Sundays interfered with his daily hangovers.
"I think that's the problem. I haven't seen them. They spend all their time with the prophetess and no time in counseling, claiming the Word is all they need to heal their troubles. I never completely trusted the prophetess to begin with, but with Michael Jamson, I knew something was wrong. The only thing that I can possibly compare it to is the manic states of those with manic depression, but even then, heredity is a strong factor, and though troubled lately, there is no evidence to suggest this. I was at a loss like you and then Chris Thomas sent me this." She moved over to her desk to activate her monitor.
The screen showed Jamson's encounter with Captain Price, followed by his encounter with the prophetess. The angry, distraught man from hours earlier in the first set had turned docile and repentant in the second set, all within an encounter that had lasted just over a minute. She paused the recording and put the two images in a split-screen view. "I know this man," she pointed to the left image, "but I don't know this one." she pointed to the image on the right.
"Notice anything special about the prophetess and her behavior?"
Shinta whistled. "That is amazing, I wish we could work wonders like that." She smiled, not meaning it. She studied the viewer intently. "I don't think she does anything with her body. Maybe her eyes, I would have to see her in person to be sure, there has to be something she uses. It can't be drugs." She looked at Karyn. "We have to do something, Karyn. I am already working on a list of those infected, but it will not be enough. You and I will have to work very closely together on this."
"I agree, and I think I know what the culprit is. Chris brought it to my attention actually, and had I not been so wrapped up in Jamson, I don't think I could have missed it." Karyn replayed the video and pointed out the gesture, "there. It's the way she strokes the amulet she wears. Chris thinks it has something to do with how are friends have been so easily swayed, and I agree. Unfortunately all we have are our own suspicions and the word of a visiting archeology professor, not enough to-"
The computer chimed in. "Lt. Maxwell, your session with Ensign Danok begins in five minutes."
Karyn shooed her with a smile. "Say no more. You and I can continue this later."
Little did they know there wasn't going to be a 'later.'
The Galaxy had taken a beating at the hands of the Cardassian ship the Melot. Things had gotten so bad, command operations had to be switched to the Auxiliary control of the Battle Bridge. Once control had been diverted there, a new problem popped up during the battle with the Cardassian ship. Lieutenant Commander Jamson and a few others from the crew had taken control of a runabout and were preparing to leave the ship.
Commander Thomas looked at the Cardassian ship that was on the view screen, still firing it's weapons. "Over ride the shuttle launch." Chris ordered.
"Aye sir," the ops officer said.
"It's already too late, they've cleared the hanger doors." Lt. Richeson said.
"Tractor that shuttle back into the ship." Price ordered.
"No good sir, the last blast from Cardassian's knocked out our primary tractor beam and they're leaving in a runabout." Richeson said.
"Where are they going?" Lee asked, getting Richeson to track their course.
"It looks like they are heading to the planet Captain." Richeson surmised.
The General gave a nod. "They are probably heading to the Embassy to help out the 'mates there. We can deal with their break in discipline later, after the battle is over."
"Captain the Cardassian ship has regained momentum and they're coming around for another pass." Mister Surok reported from ops.
"Damn those Cardassians!" Commander Thomas exclaimed.
The battle wouldn't last much longer. It had already raged on for nearly thirty minutes. It had been a grueling match, but ultimately, the Galaxy had triumphed.
"The Cardassian ship has been destroyed Captain." Tim was pleased to announce as the bright white flash faded from the view screen.
*Just what they deserved, the spoon headed bastards...* Gustavson thought with a wicked smile at the helm.
"Good work 'mates." Lee acknowledged. Glancing over at the Ops station, he asked,
"Damage report Mister Surok?"
The Vulcan Operations Manager double checked his station to convey the most accurate report possible to the Captain. "Propulsion systems are heavily damaged. Warp drive is off-line. Impulse is severely limited. Sub-space communications are out. Structural damage and overloaded relays reported throughout the ship. Containment fields and repair crews have been dispatched by engineering. Partial power has been rerouted to the turbolift systems, though access to deck one is still blocked. Transporter systems are also off-line." Surok reported methodically.
"Sounds like the ship is rather a mess 'mate."
"That would be an accurate, though somewhat vague description Captain." Surok agreed.
"Get Engineering to work on getting the transporters back online. Also have a crew dispatched to repair the turbolift on the main bridge. Work can begin on restoring full power to the Impulse and warp engines as well, but I want to get us back to Bajor and find out what happened at the Embassy. Now that the biggest threat is neutralized in the way of the Melot, we may be able to assist out 'mates back on Bajor." The Captain ordered.
"I will see that work begins at once Captain." Surok nodded.
"Lieutenant Gustavson, best speed back to Bajor 'mate."
Ragnald looked at his station console and stated, "That would be one eighth impulse Captain. It will take nearly an hour at that speed."
Lee didn't like the sound of that, but there was little that could be done about it with the damage the Galaxy had just taken. "Understood Lieutenant. Take us in."
"Aye sir."
Swiveling in the command chair, Lee glanced over at Commander Thomas who was standing by on the battle bridge. "See to it that Lieutenant Commander Suder's crew gets the key systems repaired as soon as possible. We will need the transporters to assist those down on the planet's surface."
"Will do Captain. What are we going to do about the Cardassians?" Chris asked pointing a thumb over where Counselor Dallas was keeping an eye on Gul Madred and his assistant.
"For now they will have to remain here until either the transporters are repaired or the turbolift to the main bridge is restored."
"And then Captain?" Thomas asked.
"And then Commander, we can keep them in the brig until we sort things out with the Decilians and this attack by the Cardassians. I don't know if this Madred had anything to do with the Cardassian attack or not, but he did deceive us by presenting himself as Professor Ganod, so it's better not to take any chances."
"Agreed sir." Chris nodded.
"The Other Side of the Story"
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
Lt. Eric Odin
Engineer
USS Galaxy
***Karyn's Office***
Karyn regarded the young man before her carefully. He didn't seem too happy
about being here, but he hadn't avoided her upon being asked to come in
either. He truly looked tormented, dark circles were under his eyes and he
appeared to have lost weight. Whether he had brought this upon himself or not, he
clearly hadn't prepared himself for what had happened and while Karyn had to be
concerned about every crewmember, she reminded herself that Eric may have
drugged and taken advantage of Michala and no amount of sympathy was going to
help her make that determination neutrally.
"Eric, do you know why I asked you to come here today?"
Eric looked to her feeling the worse he had in his entire life and answered
after taking a deep breath in and said,"I imagine it has something to do
with Michala and I's night together."
"Contrary to what you might be feeling now, I truly want to help everyone
involved. Before I can do that, I'd like to hear your side of the story, your
feelings regarding the situation. I can tell this has been difficult for
you, but I'm hoping that once these issues are put back into focus, you'll be
able to deal with them more effectively."
"Where would you like me to begin? It's fairly simple and straight to the
point." He wasn't lying nor was he giving off any such vibes. He knew the
story was short and to the point and was not sure why she wanted to know
about it, but was fine with telling her.
"Tell me about that night, what happened between you and Michala
according to what you remember. There was alcohol, correct?"
Michala had reacted badly to the stuff and thought Eric had gone
through the same, but surely with that much of a gap in her memory,
how much of that was what she wanted to believe and how much of
it could be 'I just don't want to remember'?
"Well she came in and we were chatting. then I asked if she'd like to share a
drink with me since I had just recieved a bottle of trillian wine which I had
never had. I asked if she wanted to and she said yes. We both drank down
the bottle in some odd way or another, and then somehow we ended up
kissing and then we had sex. I am not exactly sure how all those last
events played out. I just know we had sex, I don't truly remember much if at
all."He stated it plainly and with a confusing tone as well since he was
still struggling with memories. He then added,"We woke up and were both very
shocked and I felt horrible. I can't tell you how much sleep I've lost due
to the consequences."
Karyn listened quietly as Eric recounted events. She couldn't side
with either one, but it was Michala's words that frightend her: 'I don't
remember the event at all. The last thing I can remember is sitting at
the table talking. I have no idea how I got from there to his bed the
next morning.'
Was that what had happened to Anika? Karyn would never know
because Annika was gone, wasn't she? That led Karyn to wonder
why... She reminded herself Deiran was the first to bring up rape,
not Michala. Was Deiran capable of making an assumption based
on facts he didn't have? Absolutely. He would never accept Michala
was capable of making her own choices, and Michala had seemed
so confused at that point about what had taken place that it was
just as likely Deiran had assumed something that was easier to
swallow than 'this time I have to be Miran. How do I accept being
cheated on, rather than being the cheater?'
But Eric didn't know she knew about Annika. As far as he knew, she
was investigating a one night stand that had led to conception and how
they planned to go from here. All that truly existed was Michala's word
against Eric's regarding his encounter with Annika, so he was in the clear
if that's what he wanted, needed Karyn to believe. "Have you ever
experienced this before, this loss of memory?"
"No, I think it may of had something to do with that trillian alchohol. I'd
never had that kind before and it's stronger than anything I've ever had and
I normally don't drink a whole lot. I've done so on a few occassions, but not frequently." He hoped he was giving her what she was shooting for.
"On any of those other occasions where you've drunk alcohol, have you
ever ended up in bed with someone because of alcohol consumption?"
Yes, like I said on very few occasions I have. Once with Anika, but our
relationship was already a good length down the road by then."
So he didn't lie to her about sleeping with Anika after drinking, but if she
remembered correctly, Michala mentioned she'd heard from Anika they'd
gotten drunk the first time they met. It was heresay, but it still stuck in
the back of her mind to ask about later more directly.
"How was that time different from this time with Michala? How did you
feel afterwards?"
"Well, Anika and I loved each other and we were very happy afterwards, but
when I had sex with Michala I was disgusted with myself because I had ruined
my relationship with Anika as well as my friendship with Michala." He hoped
he
was getting everything acorss to her clearly.
"Eric, I'll be straight with you. I first got word of this situation because
Mike O'Grady backed out due to personal reasons. It seems there were questions in quite a
few people's minds, including Michala's, as to whether she'd been date raped. No one,
*especially* me takes those suspicions lightly, but that's what they are, suspicions.
I can't punish you based on suspicions and Michala at this point isn't prepared to file
formal charges, so I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm going to assume
you're going to avoid real alcohol from here on out? I don't like to treat fellow officers like
children, but I will place a provision against alcohol in your file if need be.
All your actions have consequences, and I believe you're learning and will continue to learn
that given the most important consequence of all. I don't want to hear the slightest hint of
something like this again. Things like this tend to follow people around and end careers."
Eric was both amazed and shocked anyone could have even accused him of date
rape. He would never do such a thing. He spoke up and said,"I've been
steering clear of alchohol ever since Michala and I had sex. I know that
there are too drastic of consequences when you mix two people alone and
alchohol. I want you to know that I would never date rape anybody, that just
isn't me."
"I appreciate your willingness to take care of your responsibilities, Eric, and
I hope you continue to steer clear of liquor, at least in amounts that you know
have the potential to affect your judgement. You've said that you're not a heavy
drinker, but after hearing you tell me that this has happened once before, I need
to be suspicious of what's driving your behavior. It's great that you and Anika chose
to date afterwards, but things could have just as easily gone another way.
Once you become a parent, things are going to change considerably. If there are things
you need to deal with, you need to confront them without the liquid courage," said
Karyn wryly as she hadn't always made the best judgements under the influence,
"besides hangover headaches hurt like hell."
"Speaking of consequences, how are you dealing with impending parenthood? Do
you still want to raise the child on your own?"
Eric thought for a moment and had been thinking about this for awhile. He
said,"I'm dealing with it as best as possable. It's a heavy burden, but I'll
do my best. I know it's a life-long commitment when dealing with a child,
but I want to be this child's father in more than the biological sense."
Karyn nodded. "How do you plan to do that, Eric? Have you spoken with
Michala? Do you think she wants to give you the baby to raise by yourself
as you originally thought?"
"I haven't had the chance to speak with her in awhile, but I plan to soon and
I am willing to do what we originally agreed upon."
"It's important that you don't view this as pennance, Eric. There were two of
you in the room that night and you'll both have to face what comes next. I'm
here to help you take a proactive approach, so that you don't have to take a
'wait and see' approach to this. As the baby's father, you have the right and
the obligation to make those wishes known while working with Michala and
doing what's best for the baby."
"I want what's bets for Michala and the baby. I need to talk with her to
find out exactly wha tthat is. We need to discuss it I suppose."
"I'd like to propose a joint meeting for you and Michala if you're
comfortable. It wouldn't be a formal session per se, but a meeting to discuss how the two of
you can contribute to the health of this child together. I would suggest that you read
up on pregnancy so you can get an idea of what Michala is going through.
Right now I think you'll find she's just as confused as you are, but if she sees that
you're taking positive steps to deal with the situation, she'll be more inclined to work with
you on it. This doesn't have to be so awkward, it'll just take some planning and
honesty on both sides."
"I would think you would know I try to be as honest as I can be with you and
msotg everyone I know."he was seeing that she wasn't sounding very objective.
"I'll get in touch with Michala and let you know what she decides. For now, I do
believe you have some homework to do. Feel free to use me as a resource too
if you need to. Both Nurse and Counselor Dallas are available day and night."
She smiled, "You'll just have to give me enough time to switch hats."
He smiled feeling better now that she had said this and said,"Thank you
Counselor. I will take you up on that. I will do my best to become moire
educated and as best equiped as possable. Thank you for this session."he
smiled fgenuinely to her.
"You're very welcome, you take care of yourself, Dad."
he sm,irked back at her and said,"You too Counselor." he walked out and
headed for his qyareters to begin research. "Motivations"
by the Prophetess, Madame Kiye
with the Inherent Mother, Tarie
*** Bajor, Federation Embassy, private chambers of the Prophetess of Decilia
VII. Minutes prior to the Invasion by Cardassian troops ***
"Prophetess?" Tarie said when a thought struck her. "I don't understand this
treaty negotiation. Why have you not simply used the Stone to get what you
want from the Federation?"
"These people," began the elderly matriarch, "don't have any idea what I
truly want from them." Madame Kiye closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.
"Tarie, do you remember the prophecy we discussed before this journey
started?"
"Yes, highness," replied Tarie. "It was Prophecies 8*50*1. The passage
begins 'Until the ninth cycle of the third moon. For that time, all that has
been shielded from the wind shall be in the open until a new wall is built.'
I know the moon-phase calendar, Madame. The ninth cycle begins very soon..."
Tarie appeared to ponder the line of prophecy. "But I don't understand it.
What does it mean?"
Madame Kiye turned her repulsor chair to face the window that opened out onto
a center courtyard of the embassy. A cherry-blossom tree stode alone in the
center of a stone garden, dropping pale pink petals all over the pebbles and
round stones arrayed in circular patterns.
"The line you quoted alludes to the Prophecies of Fire. The 'Wind' refers to
war," Madame Kiye explained. "Our world, through skillful manipulation of
the Cardassians by myself, and other despotic races that have visited our
world by earlier Prophetesses, has avoided war for centuries. By extension,
the Faithful worlds of the Septet have also avoided war. But that prophecy
you read indicates that soon, within days in fact, war will visit our worlds."
Tarie's eyes glistened as tears began to form in them. "War, highness? We
should be there, to protect the people!"
The Prophetess turned her head and regarded her successor. "Tarie, think!
WE are the leaders of our worlds. Have you gotten wind of such a threat?
There is no war brewing back home. Things are as peaceful today as they were
a year ago." Realization began to set in for the young lady set to inherit
the Throne of Decilia.
Madame Kiye continued. "Tarie, we lead seven worlds of believers. I cannot
be at each world constantly. There are doubters..." her tone dropped to a
lower range to add effect to her words. "Theologians study the Prophecies as
carefully as any Priestess. And they know, that according to the Prophecies
of Fire, and Prophecies 8*50*1, a great war will fill the skies of Decilia
and determine the fate of the Septet. It is quite clear and irrefutable."
"So, the faith of millions of believers could be jeopardized if the Prophecy
fails to materialize..." Tarie concluded. "And you're saying that the
Prophecy WILL NOT come true?"
"It will come true," the Prophetess declared. "And the result, a Federation
victory if we are fortunate, will benefit the Faithful and will benefit The
Word. This is a great opportunity, and by handling it correctly we will
ensure the safety and prosperity of the Faithfull for centuries to come!"
Tarie looked at the floor. "But at what cost, Majesty?"
Madame Kiye waved her hand. "Why, very little cost to us! When I'm through
here, StarFleet will send a small fleet of ships to 'liberate' our worlds!
No Decilian blood will spill. And YOU, Tarie: You will soon be Prophetess
and you will take the Word to all corners of the Federation, and beyond."
"But blood will spill! The blood of these brave women and men who have been
our hosts. The USS Galaxy will battle against the Cardassian battleships and
orbital stations that patrol our sector, all to validate a lie!" Tarie argued.
"It is not a lie, Inherent Mother. For the life of The Word, every Prophecy
written by each Prophetess has come true. The important thing is that the
prophecied events DO transpire. It is irrelevant that we must, occasionally,
spur the events ourselves," retorted Madame Kiye.
"Prophetess," begged Tarie, "There must be another way! Let the Federation
negotiators meet with the Cardassians! If you are there, you can use the
Stone of Tears to persuade everyone to have a peaceful resolution..."
The old woman growled, "This is not up for debate. You will understand the
necessity of what I do here. I will not use the Stone's power to convince
you. It is imperative that you decide for yourself that this is right. But
I am proceeding nevertheless."
She looked into Tarie's eyes and said, "Your love for the Human blinds you to
our great need. You must be sure about your feelings for young Drake
Tarsonis..."
Suddenly, the lights went out and the tiny, nearly imperceptible sounds of
the embassy faded away leaving everything for a moment in a frightening black
silence. Quickly, the red-toned emergency lighting came on in the private
chamber of Madame Kiye's temporary suite.
"Come, let us see Nilani. She may know what has happened..."
~Lori "You Could Have Just Called"
Chief Counselor/Nurse
Operations Officer
USS Galaxy “Hell March, Part 2”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Ensign Astrid Salt (NPC)
Ensign Gabrielle D’avenon (expendable NPC)
BEEP! "The Word According to Jamson"
by Commander Thomas
& Lt. Commander Jamson (relieved of duty)
USS Galaxy "Making it to the Bridge"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy NRPG: As this post will clarify, the Prophetess, along with Nilani and
Michala and Tarie, were not with the other delegates when the attack began.
They were in a set of private rooms near the negotiation chambers...
"Prophetess, do you trust us?"
by lieutenant Khan Nilani,
lieutenant Michala Lynn,
and Madame Kiye
with Tarie
*** The Prophetess's Temporary Suite on Bajor ***
Nilani was sitting in the private suite at the confrence, she had made the
recommendation to captain price that in the interest of the prophetesses
health it would be best suited to organise a room for the two nights that
they were left at the embassy.
She looked over to Michala and smiled - Nilani hated this waiting, it wasn't
that there was anything wrong, it was simply that she was nervious. She hated
politics but knew she was good at them, and knew that the Madame was able to
get what ever she needed.
Suddenly the power in the complex went off, Michala darted up as the backup
lights turned on as the room was filled in a dim red color from the backup
lights.
"Stay here!" Nilani spoke in a command as she moved out the door and down the
corridor, she turned into a small room where the embassy's small store of
weapons existed and pulled out a pulse phaser rifle and a handheld phaser she
checked the settings and headed back to the room.
Nilani entered and passed the hand held phaser to Michalla "Right.... We need
to get her off the planet, we need to get her back home.... I know she's fine
in her hover chair but we need to be a little quicker.. Don't worry, I know
what I am doing!"
Michala looked with puzzlement at the phasor. She had only been to the range
three times. She trusted Nilani though and followed her wordlessly.
They both walked into the other room where the Prophetess and the Inherent
Mother were moving toward the door. It was obvious that they had just been
engrossed in conversation and were a bit confused by the power outage.
Madame Kiye spread her hands and asked, "Nilani, Michala, what is going on?
Why are you armed?"
Nilani looked and spoke first "Madame, we must get you home..... you have
enemies here and the only people blunt enough to attack Bajor with a
federation starship in orbit is the Cardassians. We have to get you out of
here and we can do it, were ready... do you trust us?"
The old woman paused, clutching the Stone of Tears with her eyes closed.
"Yes... I do trust you my child. The Word will protect you in this endeavor.
Help is already on its way from the Galaxy, along with more of the Faithful.
But I will rely upon your skill to see us safely from this place!"
Michala nodded. All that mattered was that the Prophetess was safe. She
would sacrifice what ever it took for that.
"Inside the Kill Box"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168 "How Fast Can That Thing Go?"
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy "A dirty downright shame"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
Lt. Timothy Richeson
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy "A Strategy Worthy of a Romulan"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "The Left Chair"
by Lt Cmdr Surok
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***
The Cardassian Galor class ship had just launched transatmospheric fighter
craft to assault the Federation Embassy on Bajor. On the captain's orders,
lieutenant Richeson put the ship on Red Alert.
Many of the necessary system allocation tasks were predetermined for a Red
Alert situation. Non-essential systems were instantly down-graded to minimal
priority in the queues for power and computer access. Allocation matrices
switched to combat-system readiness to allow tactical to make immediate use
of full shields and weapon systems.
However, Red Alert is fairly generic as it is used for nearly any crisis
situation. The duty Operations officer is required to fine-tune the
facilities and resources of the Starship to meet the specific needs of each
unique situation.
Surok began making informed adjustments to systems allocations without
hesitation. He had already suspended three unnecessary subsystems before the
first barrage of Cardassian fire struck the Galaxy.
The battle had barely begun when commander Thomas burst onto the bridge and
took charge of the fight. Surok wondered as he worked if the captain would
chastise the XO immediately or wait until the battle was won.
Surok observed that an auxiliary science station on the bridge had activated
an array of sensor pallets. Since sufficient energy and computing power to
run the sensors was available, he didn't interrupt the request. Looking over
his shoulder, he noted that the science station was manned by captain Price.
*Interesting*
*** moments later ***
"How far are we from Bajor?" Commander Thomas asked.
".3 light years and growing," Surok replied. He was surprised at the
distance. He must have missed the order to increase speed to warp.
The Vulcan continued to monitor resource allocations and devised several
alternate plans for use in the event of a major shift in resource
availability. If the ship's primary or secondary computer were damaged, or
if warp power were taken offline, Surok was prepared to keep essential
systems online.
Life support had not suffered any significant damage, and all decks were
secure and unbreached. The captain had been very right to notice that the
Melot wasn't trying very hard to strike the Galaxy.
Surok checked his panel and noted that the Operations station on the battle
bridge was manned by ensign Reece. He had watched her work sufficiently to
know that she was diligently observing her instruments.
The Cardassian Gul, if he were at all like other Guls Surok had encountered,
would not hesitate to target the first deck of the USS Galaxy. Chris Thomas
had ordered tactical to fire on the Melot's bridge as well. The strategy was
sound, considering the shortage of skilled command officers in both military
organizations after the end of the Dominion War.
Commander Thomas called for updates on the range from Bajor as the chase
continued.
"Point five light years," Surok stated.
"We are now point eight light years away," he finally informed the commander.
Thomas rattled off another batch of instructions. The Galaxy's executive
officer showed his grasp of starship tactics again, asking helm for maneuvers
that were daring for a ship of the Galaxy's size. Having served at helm,
engineering, and tactical, Surok was confident that the Galaxy class ship
could take the stresses.
The crew of the Galaxy made ready to continue the fight.
"The Great changeling Hunt - 5"
Down in the Dumps
By Ensign Electra Reece
Operations Officer "Pinned Down"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland "ship to ship battle" part I
by Lt. Ragnald Gustavson
Till now he never even met a Cardassian soldier.
Till now he used to take the Cardassians as soldiers whose cruelties were just a result of the war they as well as the Federation were involved in.
Till now he thought there was something good in everyone.
He had to revise that.
“Prepare for impact!” shouted Lt. Richeson.
An instant later, the Galaxy was hit by the torpedo.
“Starboard upper shields down to 30%” reported Lt. Uhura. “Hell March, Part 3”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Honor Guard: USS Galaxy
Constable Jorial Konak, Bajoran Militia
Ensign Astrid Salt "On Three"
by Lt. Elaithin Jii,
with everyone's favorite: Lt. Heather Sanchez
OOC: In this post, Elaithin officially receives his orange parka.
IC:
["Team six, this is Team 4. Six, come in!"] came another security officer's
voice over the comm. There were so many people he didn't know in Security
these days. He'd been trying to familiarize himself...but then, he hadn't
exactly been back long. As he and Sanchez ducked incoming fire, Elaithin
went into a roll and lobbed his last photon grenade. Then the voice clicked,
and he responded. (The enemy fire had stopped, naturally. Betting blown to
hell - or wherever Cardassians get blown to - had a habit of doing that.)
"Lex, that you?" he asked, a tad out of breath.
["Yeah, Jii, it's me. Get your ass over to the western wing. We've got about
thirty spoonheads headed our way."] she said over the comm.
"Relax, kid. Cavalry's comin. Elaithin out." he said.
"Hey Jii." Sanchez started.
"Yeah?"
"Why'd you call Lex kid? She's older than you, dumbass." the smart-mouthed
officer noted.
"Old joke. You had to be there." he replied. "Hey Heather, you got a plan?"
"Nope. You?"
"Kill them before they kill us." was all the Bajoran replied, a grim smile on
his face.
Sanchez snorted. "Good plan, boy wonder."
"That's what they pay me for."
In all honesty, the young Bajoran wasn't real pleased. There seemed to be a
great cosmic injustice that the Cardassians would be attacking Bajor now.
After ten years, they'd almost restored their planet. And here the spoonheads
were, trying to take it away again.
No, there was definately something wrong with that.
As Elaithin and Sanchez apprached Team 4's position, he noted that Ral wasn't
kidding.
That was a hell of a lot of spoonheads.
"Sanchez, you got any photon grenades?"
"One."
"Pah wraiths." the Bajoran muttered. "Alright, go on three. Throw the
grenade, and start firing like crazy. " He tapped his commbadge. "Elaithin to
Ral."
["Yo"] was the reply on the comm.
"Begin firing when we do. If it got scales, shoot it. Elaithin out." he
ordered.
"Alright. On three."
"Wait!" Sanchez said. "On three or after three?"
"On three!" he replied in exasperation. You know, one, two, three, go!" he
explained.
And she went. Lobbing the photon grenade towards the battalion of
Cardassians, she started running over to Ral's position. Team 4 started
firing as well, each doing their best to take out the enemy.
"shit." Elaithin muttered, and followed suit.
Shifting his weight to the side, he began running across the courtyard in a
dogged pattern, lossing as many shots as possible. By his count, he took out
two, maybe three, Cardassians out.
Then it happened.
A shot got a little too close, tearing through the Bajoran's upper left
shoulder. He let out a cry of pain as the muscles just above his collar bone
vaporized. Jii fell over, his momentum carrying him to the others position.
"SHIT!" Sanchez yelled. "O'Hare, get that medpack over here, fucking now!"
the lieutenant yelled. O'Hare was prompt with it. She handed it to Sanchez,
and picked her rifle back up.
Teeth set in a grimace, Elaithin looked at Sanchez as Ral, Stone and O'Hare
continued to shoot it out with the remainder of the Cardassian Battalion.
"How bad?" he asked, trying his damndest not to feel the pain.
"You'll live, I think. It's a good thing that phasers cauterize the wounds,
so you're not going to bleed to death. We'll get you back up to the Galaxy,
and they'll rebuild your muscle tissue in no time." Sanchez replied.
"Oh." he said. "That's nice." Son of a pah wraith, he thought. Why is it
every time I go up against the damn Cardies, I get shot?
Sancez looked at the wound. The shot had clipped his upper shoulder, and he
was missing a two inch by two inch portion of tissue just above his left
collarbone. His left arm would be useless until he received mediacl
attention. If he could stay mobile at all.
And if he couldn't stay mobile, then they'd all be dead.
"Sanchez to 'Commander Savat. Commander, Lt. Elaithin's been shot...."
~Pat Weber
Cpt Victor Murdock, USS Miranda, http://ussmiranda.s5.com
- now a proud AES sim -
Cdr. Jon Westmoreland, 2nd Officer, USS Titanic
Lt. Elaithin Jii, Security, USS Galaxy
Ltjg Jon West, C/Sec, USS Pegasus
CMC Bill Mason, USS Bonhomme Richarde "Every Long Journey - Part II"
(Ast. Chief?) Counselor
Ast. Chief Engineer
USS Galaxy
Lt Eric Odin
Eric was working intently on recalbrating the internal sensors when suddenly
red alert was sounded and since it blared right in hsi ear his head shot up
and ended up knocking on the top of the console do to the fact he was leaning
inside of it."Ow!"he said as he pulled himself out while rubbing the top of
his head. He was glad he had finishing recalibrating just as that had
happened or he might of really messed up. He set the panel back on and
activated in and checked every function to make sure they were operating at
the correct efficency. To his satisfaction they were.
He would present the modifications to the captai nafter they left the system.
He had made out ways to modify nearly every system in a safe, but much more
useful manner. He wasn't even sure the captain would be happy to have the
report, but it was one thing about being an engineer and having lifetimes of
experiences with different ways of doing things from both sexes perspective.
He was enjoying himself for the first time in nearly three weeks. He had
made up the report for the captain and had read up on being a father in over
thirteen books while keeping up with his physical training. he had even
arranged for an arrangement of roses to be delivered to Counselor Dallas as a
thank you present. Things were truly beginning to look up. "Rocky Conditions."
By Lt. Commander Peterson "Deceptions abound"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "Under attack"
Lt. Navarre-Maxwell Shinta "The Battle Get's Worse"
by Commander Thomas
"Exit Stage Right"
by Madame Kiye
Lt Michala Lynn
and Lt Nilani Khan
with Lady Tarie
*** Federation Embassy, Bajor ***
The four women left the VIP temporary quarters with haste. The Prophetess
assured the others that 'commander Jamson was on his way with transportation
of some kind. They had to reach a place where they could wait for the Word's
most recent convert in safety.
Khan Nilani knew the way better than anyone, having studied the floorplans of
the complex carefully. She took up the vanguard of the party and headed for
a cargo platform she knew of that was somewhat secluded. It was on an upper
level of the complex, a place the Cardassian assault teams would have avoided
as indefensible. A landing platform large enough for a well-piloted runabout
was sunken into the roof area, out of sight from anywhere but above.
Nilani used her comm badge to monitor whatever communications were openly
broadcast to Galaxy crew, so she was aware of the Cardassian atmospheric
attack craft. Jamson would have to figure that problem out for himself, she
decided. When they reached the rooftop loading platform she knew they could
hide out-of-sight just inside the bay doors.
***
They turned the corner near the stairs that went upto the loading deck when
they were surrounded by Cardassian soliders. Nilani opened fire on the
Cardassians and found the path to the stairs was blocked.
She quickly ducked behind a corner and started firing. She looked to the
Prophetess and Michalla "We need to go that way, it's the only other way!"
She turned back around and fired another couple of shots "We have some 15
soliders out there.... there's no way we can get up via the stairs! We need
to fall back to the turbolift!"
She looked down a corridor "That way!" The old Decilian in her Hoverchair
followed without a moment's delay. She trusted Nilani's skill completely.
***
The small group advanced through more back halls and service corridors,
narrowly avoiding combat several times. It seemed that the assault force was
far from beaten by the small handful of Starfleet security and Bajoran
Militia.
The foursome came to an elevator. Nilani said, "I wanted to avoid using
these -- stairs are better in combat situations. But at this point, we're
nearly to the platform and I don't want to double back." She slapped the
call button beside the double doors.
The Prophetess smiled, "All will be well. The Word will keep us safe."
Michala and Nilani nodded together, reassured that their task was a holy one
and therefore protected. The elevator doors parted, revealing a large cargo
elevator. They entered through the small staff entrance, but the other end
of the lift bore enormous doors that opened the entire width of the elevator
car.
The small doors slid closed and the lift began its ascent. Nilani's
confidence quickly evaporated. "I'm liking this less and less," she
whispered. Michala reached out and touched her companion's shoulder, seeking
comfort as well as giving it. Madame Kiye simply closed her eyes, as if she
were meditating.
The lift stopped two levels up, a level too early. "Word protect us,"
whispered Michala.
Madame Kiye said, "Ladies, be calm. Lower your weapons and do not shoot
until I say..." All complied, including Tarie who wielded a type-1 phaser
borrowed from Nilani. Something was about to happen, but her Highness was
unafraid, so...
The huge doors parted, and so did the small ones at their backs. The parting
metal revealed at either end armored and heavily-armed Cardassian soldiers.
Sixteen gray-skinned warriors with triumph in their eyes. The only one not
aiming a weapon at the foursome stepped forward and declared, "I shall rise
to Glen, or higher, after this! Do you see, Matet? I told you the guerrila
tactics going on at ground level were a diversion. The prey is fleeing
through the roof..."
Outnumbered four-to-one, with no cover or concealment, the women were in dire
shape. Had their weapons been lifted, they would have been gunned down
immediately. Fortunately, they each followed Madame Kiye's instructions as
she gave them.
The leading soldier growled, "Drop your weapons and some of you," he glared
meaningfully at the only human-looking one, Michala, "may not have to die."
Madame Kiye raised her hands slowly from her lap. Her right hand paused at
breast level, and grasped the Stone of Tears hanging about her neck.
"Repent, Cardassian!" she hollered. "All of you, harken to the Keeper of
the Word!"
A silence broke out throughout the soldiers. They seemed to wait in
confusion for the old woman's next words. She continued, "Do not fire upon
us, for we are soldiers of the Word and our cause is just! Drop your
weapons, lest ye be struck dead by the Word's power."
Fifteen rifles clattered to the deck. The Cardassian men glanced down as if
in wonder that they had done as the old woman said. Greater confusion broke
out, but none made a move to reach for the guns again.
The squad leader looked at her in wonder. "How can you do this? What power
has this Word over my men?" His jaw hung slack with awe.
Madame Kiye, Keeper of the Word and ruler of Decilia and the Septet of
worlds, explained with finality. "The Word has power few have ever
witnessed, simple male." She turned to her companions. "Kill them all."
Michala did not even pause. Though she had avoided training programs and had
never been to the academy herself, her memories of such training were
suddenly very strong. She raised her phasor and began to fire. Without a
single shiver of disgust, she began to cut the defenseless warriors down..
one.. by.. one.
Nilani smiled at Michalla "I could of use you last year!" She opened fire
with the pulse rifle, bolts of phaser fire hitting the remaining people.
***
When the smoke finally cleared, the Prophetess moved her chair slowly among
the dead and dying gray-skinned warriors. She looked at each one coldly.
She flexed her hand as if it were sore from clutching the Stone.
Nilani moved through the dead Cardassians and noticed one was still alive -
she reached down and with a quick movement the Cardassians neck was broken.
Tarie, standing alone, began to cry quietly. Unaffected by the Stone of
Tears, she felt immense sadness at the carnage unleashed by Madame Kiye and
her 'Faithful'. She looked around and realized that no one watched her.
Silently, she slipped out of the room to find her love, Drake Tarsonis.
***
Michala turned to the elevator and ripped off the panel. She then stepped
out, and took to rifles from the floor outside the elevator. She reached in
and worked some wires and the elevator shuddered, and moved up once more.
The destination, the roof to meet their ride home.
"Well, you have a hidden tallent Michalla.... I am impressed!"
The Prophetess nodded in agreement. "You have both done well. You will be
rewarded for your faith." She looked at the vacant corner of the 'lift,
where Tarie should have been. Sadly, she turned away and set her mind to the
task at hand. Tarie would be dealt with... later.
Michala smiled at the Prophetess' words. The look on Michala's face was one
of contentment and peace. "I have my reward in your presence, prophetess."
The door opened and MIchala carefully peered out and then motioned the ladies
onto the roof to await their ride.
By Ensign Electra Reece
Operations Officer "Getting to shuttlebay two"
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
With an unauthorised use of Lieutenant Commander Michael Jamson
And Lieutenant (JG) Emma Marshall (Both NPC's) “Hell March, Part 4”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Honor Guard: USS Galaxy
Lt. Jg Brightspot to-Srallansre
Ensign Astrid Salt and
Constable Jorial Konak (NPC’s) "Taking the fight to the Battle Bridge"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "A Fine Mess"
by Ensign John Drake
Operations Officer, USS Galaxy Lt. Commander Ethan Suder
Chief Engineer "High Risk"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168 "Coup de grace"
by Lt. Ragnald Gustavson
with an excerpt from
"Taking the fight to the Battle Bridge" by Commander Thomas “Prima Missione – Part 1”
by Ensign Heather Grant-Wellington
Counsellor
USS Galaxy "Cannon to the Right of Them..."
Lt. Timothy Richeson
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy -----
Curiouser and Curiouser
-----
A JP starring:
-----
Counselor Navarre Shinta
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan
by, Ens. Wilhem Quevvenson,
Science Officer
-------------------------------- "Check Up"
Lt Eric Odin
Lt Navarre Shinta
Because of her pregnancy leave, it had been awhile since Shinta had talked
to Eric, after all he was her patient, and he was one of the first she
wanted to check on. So she went to his quarters to see if he was there.
Eric was reading a guide on parenting when Shinta arrived and was still
holding it in his hand when he opened the door and smiled and asked,"Hey
Shinta. What bring you to my humble abode?"
"I just wanted to see how you are? How are you holding up under all this?"
She asked quietly.
"Well as well as can be expected. I've gone through a few more counseling
sessions since we've last talked. I do believe I was accused of date raping
Michala. Overall the session was for the better though, I think."He
realized his error and said,"I'm sorry. Would you like to come in?"
"Which counselor did you see? and my first question should be would you
rather stay with her. In that case I will not ask you anymore." She said, it was
stupid of her that she had not thought of that sooner. She did follow him
inside his quarters.
He thought and said,"Just for this situation I'd like it if I can stick with
her, but on all other situations I'd like to stick with you if that's
alright?"
"That suits me fine." She had said relieved. "Do you want to wait until you
are finished with her, before we continue?" She did sit down however.
"I don't see any reason we have to stop,"he said as he sat down across from
her and asked,"How are the children?"
"At the moment, they're doing well. But I am a little bit worried about my
daughter, hope. Michala is working on it. So how are you? Do you have
yourself under better control now?" Shinta asked.
"Yes, much better. I am still training just as hard though, it's my release
from the day so to speak. Well just have hope that Hope will be good and if
you ever need to talk let me know okay?"
"As long as you do it within boundaries, it is OK give me. We all need a
way to let off steam. If you ever need a sparring partner let me know, though I am
terribly out of shape after the babies were born." Shinta smiled at him.
"And I greatly appreciate your offer of a talk, I will certainly keep that in mind."
"Oh, believe me it is definitely within boundaries and it would be fun to
have a sparring partner. I may take you up on that soon. May I come by and see
the babies as well?"He was seeing this as an opportunity for a good
friendship and he wasn't about to let it go.
"Yes, of course you may. They like seeing strangers." She smiled. "And I could
always use another baby sitter." She came to her feet. "I see you soon, OK?"
He smiled and said,"Ok, see you soon."He led her out and was glad to have
possable started a friendship and was amazed at how good he was beginning to
feel. He hadn't forgotten about the fact that he was a father now, but he
was getting some relief. “Hell March, Part 5”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Honor Guard, USS Galaxy
Brightspot to Srallansre and Ensign Astrid Salt.
Khan Nilani, Madam Tarie and a bunch of dead
Cardassian Soldiers! Battle Triage
by Commander Jeral Maas "Caught On Tape"
Assistant Chief Counselor
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy "Aftermath"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price