Star Trek: Artemis

Melanie McKnight gazed out the window of the shuttlecraft, watching the planet steadily grow larger as she approached. The planet had been nothing more than a red sphere amid the blackness of space for some time, though Melanie could now see faint evidence of cities and lakes, a ship or two in orbit. But she wasn't heading to Mars. Melanie was destined for the shipyard above the second moon.

"We're cleared for docking, Captain."

Melanie had not been in space for two weeks. She wasn't sure if it had been two weeks of vacation or two weeks of torture. She was happy to stretch her legs again, as it were. Not that there was much room to stretch anything in the cramped little shuttle.

"There she is, Captain."

Who was this Captain? There were only two people in the shuttlecraft. The pilot and...

"Captain?"

"Right! Sorry!" Melanie blushed, actually blushed, as she realized the pilot had been speaking to her the whole time. Well she had only been promoted two weeks ago, and she had spent most of the time since at home on Earth, far from Starfleet Command and anyone else who would be calling her Captain from now on. She supposed she'd have to get used to that.

"Isn't she something?" the pilot asked.

Melanie focused on the ship looming over the shuttlecraft with a critical eye. At least what she could see of the ship from this distance.

Melanie agreed with the pilot's assessment. "Very impressive," she said. "She doesn't look any different from other Galaxy class ships I've seen."

"Well, she's yours. That makes her different, doesn't it?" the pilot said.

Melanie smiled. There was that, but from the specs she had studied, there was a lot more to this ship than the captain assigned to it.

"Fly over the saucer for me, would you?" Melanie said.

The pilot was clearly not expecting this turn of events. "But we're scheduled to dock," he said.

"Just a quick once over. I want to see something. It won't take long."

Biting his lip, the pilot manipulated the controls before him. The shuttlecraft nosed upwards and glided over the edge of the starship. Melanie rose from her seat to read the name emblazoned on the hull of her first command.

U.S.S. ARTEMIS

NX-3835

Nice. Very nice. Melanie had worked long and hard for this moment. This is what she had wanted since the first day she entered the Academy. Was it really twenty-five years ago? Her own ship. Her own crew. Finally hers.

The pilot's interruption pulled Melanie from her thoughts. "Umm, we're being hailed by the shipyard."

"It's alright. Proceed with docking, pilot."

"Yes, Captain. And Captain? Welcome to your new home."

"Captain on deck!"

A ceremonial whistle blew and two rows of crewmen snapped to salute. The officer who had announced Melanie's arrival dropped all pretence of formality and wrapped her arms around the Captain in a tight hug. "Lieutenant Nova reporting for duty, sir!"

Melanie embraced the shorter, dark haired woman of about thirty. "Haley! Good to see you again," Melanie said with a smile.

"It's only been two weeks, Mel," Haley Nova replied.

"All settled in?" Melanie asked.

Haley nodded. "It's a heck of a ship, Mel."

"And the crew's all onboard?"

"Everyone except your new first officer."

"Right. We'll pick him up in a few days."

"Do you have any idea what our orders are?" Haley asked.

"We'll take a run out near the Neutral Zone to test the engines and some of the new equipment. We'll do a shakedown on the weapons systems after we rendezvous with Commander Acheron," Melanie replied. "Are we on schedule to leave space dock?"

"Affirmative. We launch this thing in just over four hours. Of course, Chief Reyna insists it'll be at least another four days to get the ship flying."

"Don't tell me we have problems already," Melanie groaned.

Haley shook her head. "No, she's just been inspecting every centimeter of the engines personally. If she hasn't laid eyes on it, it's not ready to go."

"Alright. We'll stop by engineering right after you give me a tour of the bridge."

"Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain Melanie McKnight. Authorization beta three gamma black."

"Authorization confirmed. Command of U.S.S. Artemis now under Captain McKnight."

With the ship officially hers, Melanie followed Haley on a tour of the bridge. With the exception of the two women, the command centre was empty, but would be staffed shortly before launch.

Melanie inspected the consoles and various stations with a keen eye and restrained excitement. Her ready room was smaller than her former captain had had on her previous ship, the Intrepid class Frejya. Melanie thought this ready room was much cozier. Perhaps she would move the desk to give herself a view out the window, or let a cat make itself at home in the corner. Melanie liked cats, but it might not do to have a cat escape onto the bridge whenever someone came to call on her.

"What do you know about the ship?" Haley asked as she entered to turbolift with Melanie.

"Engineering," Melanie said. The door hissed shut and a soft whirring sound accompanied the lift's decent through the ship. "Construction began during the Dominion War. Starfleet wanted a more powerful battle ship, but without time to start from scratch with a whole new design, they intended to modify the existing Galaxy class. She was only 75% complete when the war ended. The project was mothballed until some of the brass, including Admiral Janeway, ordered the ship completed."

"The average Galaxy class ship has a compliment of about a thousand, officers, crew, families, and other civilians included. The Artemis has a maximum capacity of 650," Haley said.

The turbolift doors slid open and Melanie led Haley down the corridor. "Several decks were gutted to make room for the new weapons systems. The Artemis is a combat ship, pure and simple. I don't know why Starfleet is giving me command of a combat ship," said the captain.

"The Federation has its enemies. We have an obligation to defend our people."

"We are on a peaceful mission of exploration, not war."

Melanie stopped as Haley glared into her eyes. "I'm all for exploration. That's why I joined Starfleet in the first place. But when someone decides to step on our toes, this ship will put them back in their place. And I will make them pay."

Melanie watched the normally quiet, demure Lieutenant lose her cool and remained silent as she gave her time to calm down. She had worked with Haley on the Frejya. Their friendship, and Haley's talent as a scientist, were only some of the reasons Melanie had brought Haley with her to the Artemis. Melanie was aware the young woman had a vicious violent streak, and had witnessed first hand the decimation Haley had done to Jem'Hadar ground troops long after the bulk of their unit succumbed to exhaustion.

"So what can you tell me about my chief engineer?" Melanie asked as if Haley's outburst simply had not occurred. If nothing else, changing the topic saved her friend embarrassment.

"Chief Reyna?" replied Haley. "She came aboard the same day I did. She's as tough as nails and a little rough around the edges."

"She survived the Cardassian occupation, and was an active member of the Dominion resistance. I'd expect she would be."

"I kind of like her though. Only I don't think she's used her quarters yet. She's been crawling through every conduit and Jeffrey's tube on the ship. I think she even sleeps among the engines," Haley said.

Engineering was a whirlwind of activity with technicians running checks and diagnostics at several stations. It wasn't difficult to know who was in charge. Chief Reyna issued orders and assisted everyone requesting help.

"Captain on deck," Haley shouted.

"As you were," Melanie said as engineers looked up from their consoles. "Chief Reyna."

"Captain McKnight. It's good to meet you," Reyna said as she joined Melanie and Haley.

"That uniform is hardly regulation, Chief," Melanie said.

Reyna's eyes were hard and defiant. They matched the short, wild hair the color of jade, the hard lines of her face. "It's more comfortable this way," she replied.

Reyna had torn the sleeves off her uniform. Her toned arms glistened with grime and sweat and were covered with tattoos. Melanie recognized some of the Bajoran iconography of the tattoos, though she wasn't familiar with their meaning in Bajoran culture.

"I understand you've been climbing all over the ship. Are the specs not to your satisfaction?" Melanie asked. Reyna's lack of respect for her Starfleet uniform threatened to put her in a bad mood.

"With all due respect, Captain, no. Do the specs mention the loose bolts in the plasma manifold on deck seven? No. Do the specs tell you the optical conduit casing in the port nacelle was corroding due to shoddy prep work when the ship was mothballed? No. Do the specs-"

Melanie raised a hand to cut Reyna off. "You've ordered the repairs to these systems?" she asked.

"Of course not!" said Reyna. "I fixed them myself."

Melanie tipped her head in a subtle nod and turned on her heel. "Carry on, Chief. We launch in three hours."

Melanie sat in the captain's chair with her fingers steepled and stared at the image of Mars displayed on the viewscreen. Twice she nearly got up to pace the bridge. Twice she forced herself to stay put where she was. It wouldn't do to make the crew think she was nervous.

Yet for all her anticipation, Melanie jumped when the tactical officer spoke behind her.

"We're being hailed, Captain."

Melanie cleared her throat. "Put in through, Lieutenant."

"Shipyards to Artemis. You are cleared for departure."

"Understood, shipyards," Melanie replied.

"Safe journeys, Captain."

"Ensign Styles, forward thrusters only," Melanie ordered. "Haley, bring long range sensors online."

"Forward thrusters," the ensign confirmed. "Speed two hundred meters per second and increasing."

"Sensors online, Mel," Haley said.

"Take us out of orbit, Ensign," Melanie said. "Lay in a course three zero mark five. One quarter impulse."

"Course laid in, Captain."

"Engage."

The Artemis eased away from Mars at one-quarter light speed. "How are those sensors, Haley?" Melanie asked.

"Readings are coming in clear as a bell. All the planets are where they're supposed to be," Haley replied.

"Very good. Bring warp engines online. Increase velocity to warp one," said Melanie.

"Speed is now warp one," Ensign Styles said after punching the command into his console.

"Warp field stable," Haley reported.

"McKnight to Engineering. How are those engines, Chief?" asked Melanie.

"Top of the line, Captain," Reyna replied, stressing the last word. "I stake my reputation on them. I doubt they'll even need maintenance for two thousand light years."

Melanie smirked. Cocky. She liked that. She'd have to improve the Chief's attitude towards her, but she was confident that would work itself out in time.

"Increase to warp two," Melanie said.

"Warp two," confirmed the ensign.

"We'll be passing Neptune in thirty seconds, Mel," Haley said.

"On screen," Melanie replied.

The star field on screen changed to a view of Neptune and the research station orbiting high above the surface. As soon as the planet fell behind the Artemis, Melanie settled back in her chair with a grin on her face. "Lay in a course for the Romulan Neutral Zone. Maximum warp."

"C-captain?" Ensign Styles stuttered.

To his credit, Haley turned her seat around to face the Captain. "Shouldn't we ease her into those speeds, Melanie?"

Melanie gave her friend a playful smile. "What's the good of having my own ship if I can't see what she'll do? Maximum warp."

Ensign Styles nervously tapped in the command, let his finger hover over the button to execute the order, and closed his eyes.

Melanie laughed as the Artemis shot forward like a streak through space. She could almost hear Reyna cursing her name.

Melanie could have stayed on the bridge of her new ship all day, but after two hours of monitoring ship's systems and watching endless stars streak by on the viewscreen, she was forced to concede to the pile of paperwork that awaited on her desk. She had long ago ordered speed reduced to a more manageable warp five. The Artemis wouldn't reach the Neutral Zone for another fourteen hours.

"You have the bridge Haley," Melanie said as she got out of her chair. "I'll be in my ready room if you need me."

"Understood," said Haley. Before Melanie reached her ready room, Haley said, "Was it all you hoped for Captain?"

Melanie smiled and winked at Haley. "Much, much better."

Inside her ready room, Melanie filed the usual Captain's log, reviewed the various reports on ship performance that were already coming in, and contacted Admiral Zhang at the shipyards to fill him in on status of the Artemis thus far. Some time later, she lounged on her couch looking over the ship's roster on the data PADD held in her hand. She had no idea when she would be able to meet everyone. That would likely take weeks. There was one profile that had caught her attention while she was still on Earth, and upon seeing the name again, her curiosity was peeked. "Computer, locate Ensign Soltara," she said.

"Ensign Soltara is in holodeck three," the computer replied.

Five minutes later, Melanie stood outside the holodeck. She didn't recognize the program that was running, but it appeared to be some sort of training exercise. The doors opened at her command.

Melanie found herself on a perfect recreation of the Artemis bridge. At the centre of activity, sitting in the captain's chair - her chair - was a youthful young woman with pointed ears. To Melanie, she looked like a kid, no more than nine or ten years old. The girl's hairstyle, long sleek black hair pulled into triple pigtails, didn't help her look any more mature. However Melanie knew looks could be deceiving.

Melanie had little time to assess her surroundings. The moment she stepped into the holodeck, red alert klaxons sounded all around her. "Intruder alert," the computer said.

Melanie was about to tap her communicator, to ask the bridge, the real bridge that is, how an intruder had gotten aboard her ship. The girl in the fake captain's chair saved her the trouble. "What? Location," the girl said.

"Main bridge," the computer replied.

The girl looked around. "Oh. Captain," she said upon seeing Melanie. "Computer, freeze program." She immediately hopped out of the chair.

The klaxons abruptly ceased, as did any movement from the holographic crew. The frozen image on the viewscreen depicted a heated moment of battle among several ships.

"Expecting trouble are you?" Melanie asked with a smile.

The girl stood calmly before her with her hands clasped behind her back. "I've been working on several battle tactics, Captain. I thought it would be logical to adapt them for the Artemis," the Vulcan Ensign replied.

Melanie walked around the Ensign and sat in the recreation of her command chair. "I've read your file. I don't think I've met a Vulcan so focused on command. One might even say you're ambitious."

"Focused, Captain," Soltara replied. She remained standing before Melanie. With the captain seated, they were closer to eye level with one another.

"I don't think I've met a Vulcan so young, either," Melanie added.

"I'm twenty-two," Soltara said.

"The youngest Vulcan to graduate from the Academy nonetheless."

"Most of my people attend university on Vulcan before joining Starfleet."

"But not you?"

"I did not see the logic in delaying my application," said Soltara.

Melanie smiled and shifted in her chair. "I've reviewed your test scores. You survived the Kobayashi Maru scenario longer than anyone in decades. Nearly two hours, I believe?"

"One hour, fifty-three minutes, twenty-six point seven seconds, Captain," Soltara replied immediately.

Melanie fought back a laugh. "Some of the tactics you used during the test seemed, forgive me, illogical."

Soltara raised an eyebrow. "I have determined, Captain, that during battle it is often logical to be unpredictable. Vulcan raids during the Dominion War often failed when the Jem'Hadar resorted to suicide runs. My people had difficulty countering battle tactics that were so wildly illogical. The Jem'Hadar suffered appalling loses during battle, but they proved the element of surprise can throw the enemy off his game."

"Are you saying you use instinct in your battle scenarios?" Melanie asked.

"Certainly not, Captain!" Soltara replied. "I make highly logical decisions that, on the surface, appear unpredictable."

"One of your Vulcan professors at the Academy seems to believe your logic is flawed," said Melanie.

Soltara didn't back down from the criticism. "Professor Sp'ting and I did not always see eye to eye. I highly value his opinion, but my logic is not flawed."

"Well then," Melanie said, rising from her chair, "If you want to appear unpredictable to the crew of the Artemis, I suggest you try laughing at my jokes."

"Captain," Soltara replied, "We've just met. I see no reason for you to insult me. If you'll excuse me, I believe I am scheduled for my physical."

Melanie fought an urge to giggle. She had worked with plenty of Vulcans in the past, and she still wasn't sure if Soltara was brushing her off, or being logically punctual.

The moment Soltara stepped into sickbay she was assaulted by loud, screaming music and boisterous singing. There were several individuals already in the room, most of them nurses undertaking various research projects or drawing up reports. Soltara found the doctor - a young man not yet thirty with long, messy blond hair wearing a white lab coat over his Starfleet uniform - attending an ensign she had briefly met when she had boarded the Artemis. The ensign seemed to be less impressed with the music than she was. The doctor was lending his voice to the recording while he worked.

"Everything appears to be in order, Ensign," the doctor said. "I'll see you again in six months."

The ensign thanked the doctor and nodded to Soltara before escaping the cacophony in sickbay.

"Doctor Langley," said Soltara.

"Ah! Ensign Soltara." The doctor beamed as he approached her. "Right on time for your physical. I've been looking forward to meeting my Vulcan."

"Your Vulcan?" Soltara asked with a raised eyebrow.

A small desk near the examination table was cluttered with data PADDs, empty test tubes, and a collection of small model starships. Doctor Langley rummaged through the mess and replied, "Correct. I have three Bolians, five Bajorans, two Trill, two El-Aurians, five.. no six Argosians, four Efrosians, five Yeovils, not to mention nearly six hundred humans, but you're my only Vulcan, Tara."

"Soltara," said the Vulcan.

"And one of only twenty-three children I'll be taking care of."

Soltara raised the other eyebrow. "I am not a child," she said.

"Here's your file," Langley said without any indication he had heard the woman. PADDs clattered to the floor as he pulled one from the bottom of the pile. "Have you experienced Pon Farr?" he asked.

"Why?" Soltara asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other and attempting not to look uncomfortable with the question.

Doctor Langley tapped on his data PADD. "Have you?"

Soltara clenched her jaw and shifted her gaze to the wall. "I have not yet experienced Pon Farr, no, Doctor," she said.

Langley smiled at the ensign. "That confirms it, doesn't it. Your previous medicals indicate you are a juvenile Vulcan girl," he said.

Soltara returned her attention to the doctor. "Human's place far too much emphasis on physical maturity." She picked up one of the fallen starships and held it between her thumb and index finger. "I'd suggest there is a child among us, and it's not me."

Far from being insulted, Doctor Langley laughed and patted the examination table at his side. "Have a seat."

"Can we lower the volume on the Klingon opera?" Soltara asked as she climbed onto the bed.

"Of course," Langley replied. "I had nearly forgotten about those Vulcan ears. Computer, reduce music volume by thirty decibels."

"Forty decibels," said Soltara.

Langley opened his tricorder and ran the scanner over the ensign. "You are familiar with Klingon opera, are you?" he asked.

"I do not have intimate knowledge of Klingon music, no," Soltara said. "Is that Makang or Talak?"

"Talak. The third act of his great epic on the Tribble Wars." The doctor pressed a hypo against Soltara's arm and extracted a sample of her blood. He placed the sample into a medical reader and glanced over the results. "Your levels all appear normal," Langley said. "For a young Vulcan girl," he added.

"Do you have everything you need, doctor?" Soltara asked.

Langley scrolled through the information displayed on the PADD. "Just a few more readings to take and number of questions about your medical history. We'll be done in twenty minutes or so. You're going to be an interesting patient, Tara."

Soltara rolled her eyes and suppressed a sigh. The doctor hummed along to the opera music in the background while he ran a medical scanner over her head.

"Ensign Soltara, take the ship to grid J5, one half impulse," Melanie said.

"Aye, Captain. One half impulse."

Melanie watched Soltara execute her command with an appreciative eye. Her ship and crew both seemed to be working well. The Artemis had been in the vicinity of the Neutral Zone for nearly two hours. In that time, Soltara had navigated through a dense asteroid belt to test the ship's response time to frequent course changes, Haley had measured stress factors on several systems with the ship in close proximity to a star, and long range sensors had been tweaked to record data readings on a distant nebula. Thus far, all systems had been functioning well within normal established parameters. Perfect for a ship fresh off the line.

Melanie settled back in her chair and studied her checklist of tests to perform. "Haley, prepare a class three probe. Let's take some readings on the gravitational effects of the fourth planet's-"

"Melanie!" Haley shouted, interrupting the captain. "Romulan Warbird decloaking off the starboard bow! Her disrupters are armed!"

"Red alert. Raise shields!" Melanie ordered. "Get my weapons online. Open a hailing frequency."

"Frequency open."

"This is Captain Melanie McKnight of the Federation starship Artemis. Lower your weapons immediately."

The viewscreen flickered. Through the static a Romulan woman could barely be seen. The speakers hissed and popped as she spoke. "Federation vessel... retreat... under attack."

"Clear that up, will you?" Melanie said. "Romulan ship, you are in Federation space. Power down your weapons."

"Static's on their end," Haley said.

"Romulan ship, do you require assistance?" Melanie asked cautiously.

The viewscreen sputtered and the fuzzy image of the Romulan command centre was replaced with a view of the Warbird hanging in space.

"Did they cut us off?" Melanie asked.

"It may not have been intentional. Sensors indicate their comm system is... Mel, I'm reading six more ships approaching our coordinates at high warp."

"Damn. More Romulans?"

There was a brief pause as Haley refocused her sensors. Then: "Negative Mel. They're Breen!"

Melanie jumped into action. "Put us between the Breen and the Romulan ship. Where the hell are my weapons?"

"Phaser banks are charged and ready, Captain. Quantum torpedoes coming online."

"The Breen are dropping out of warp in battle formation, Captain," tactical reported from behind Melanie.

"Target all weapons on the lead ship," Melanie said. She waited a few heartbeats and ordered, "Fire!"

Phaser fire and a spread of quantum torpedoes lanced from the Artemis. The forward Breen ship's shields flared, vanished, and the vessel exploded in a spectacular fireball. The Artemis rocked under the concentrated firepower of the five remaining Breen ships as they zoomed above and below the ship.

"Direct hit. Heavy damage to shields," Haley reported.

"Bring us about, Ensign. Attack pattern beta. Haley, what's the nearest Federation ship?"

"That would be the Aphrodite, three hours away at maximum warp," Haley replied.

"The Warbird is firing on the Breen, Captain," said Soltara.

Melanie gripped the arms of her chair as the Artemis lurched once again under enemy attack. The Federation ship returned fire, but the Breen were ready for battle and the Artemis did little more than nominal damage to the shields of a single Breen.

"Shields at 63 percent, Captain," tactical reported.

"The Breen are regrouping for another run, Mel. Romulan ship moving to intercept," Haley added.

"Bring us about, Soltara," Melanie said. "Let's help them out."

The Breen ships broke into two groups for a strafing run at the Artemis and the Warbird. Three ships launched an attack at the Artemis. Melanie ordered return fire while the Artemis lurched around her.

"Minor damage to one ship, Captain. Forward shields down to 40 percent."

"Compensate," Melanie said. "Divert power from back up systems. What's the status of the Romulan ship?"

Haley brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. "Their shields are low, but their weapons are fully charged. I think they did some damage to the Breen on that last exchange."

"Confirmed, Captain," the tactical officer said. "One of the Breen ships has veered off. Their weapons systems are offline."

"We'll leave them be for now," Melanie said. "Engage attack pattern McKnight gamma. Let's see if we can pick another one off."

As the Breen ships approached for attack, the Artemis rolled to starboard and launched a concentrated volley of quantum torpedoes at a single enemy vessel. The Romulan commander joined the action and pinned the Breen ship down with heavy disrupter fire. Plasma was soon visibly leaking from the Breen engines.

"Heavy damage to the Breen. She's listing," said Haley. "Incoming torpedoes!"

Haley fell from her chair as three Breen ships attacked the Artemis, rocking the ship. Somewhere behind Melanie a console exploded, and her tactical officer was thrown clear over the railing, barely missing her head as he crashed to the floor.

"Shields failing, Captain," Soltara reported far too calmly.

"Return fire!" Melanie shouted, though it was already far too late. The Breen had passed the Artemis, continued their attack on the Romulan ship with equal success, and were quickly out of range.

"Engineering, report," Melanie ordered.

"Give me a minute here, Captain," Chief Reyna replied over the comm.

"I don't have a minute!" The viewscreen showed her the Breen were far from finished with their business.

"I've got a minor coolant leak but you've still got engines," Reyna said curtly. "I'll have more power to the shields in a second if you don't ask where I'm getting it."

"Understood. Keep it up, Chief," Melanie said. To her bridge crew she ordered, "Lock quantum torpedoes on the forward Breen ship. Fire!"

After another brief exchange of weapons that tossed Federation, Breen, and Romulan ships about, Haley yelled, "Hull breach on deck seven!"

"On the bright side," Soltara added, "Shields are back to 20 percent."

Melanie shook her head and smirked at the irony of the situation. She had dreamed all her life of the day she would command a ship of her own, and now that she was sitting in her own captain's chair, with a crew of her own, she was quite likely about to see her dreams die in a confrontation with the Breen. "Looks like the Kobayashi Maru for real, Ensign," she said.

Soltara lifted an eyebrow. "The Kobayashi Maru is designed for failure, Captain. I admit we are outnumbered, outgunned, and I estimate only an 8.774 percent chance of our surviving the battle, but I would not say we are in an impossible situation. Besides, one cadet beat the Kobayashi Maru."

"James Kirk," Melanie said with a chuckle. "But he cheated. He reprogrammed the test so he would win."

"A common misconception, Captain," Soltara replied. "Captain Kirk reprogrammed the Kobayashi Maru so he could win, not would. He did not guarantee himself victory. He evened the odds."

By Melanie's calculation it was just the Artemis and the Warbird against five Breen ships. One Breen ship was still listing, and another, temporarily, with no weapons. That left her outnumbered three to two with both the Federation and Romulan ships in far less than ideal condition.

Still, she could even the odds.

"Ensign Soltara," said Captain McKnight, "Please take command of the battle bridge. All hands, prepare for saucer separation in one minute."

Under a minute later Soltara entered the command centre of the star drive. At her heels were a fellow ensign and a junior lieutenant to handle the helm and tactical. Soltara settled into the command chair. "Prepare to reverse thrusters upon separation. Give the Captain some room," the Vulcan ordered.

"Bring saucer engines online," Melanie said. "Commence saucer separation."

Locking clamps disengaged and thrusters guided the saucer away from the star drive. By the time the Breen regrouped, they had two Federation targets instead of one.

"Captain McKnight to Ensign Soltara. Stay close. Engage battle pattern delta." To Haley, who had taken over for the fallen tactical officer, Melanie said, "Starfleet wants to give me a war ship, let's see what she can do. Deploy torpedo turrets."

On the surface of the saucer, six hatches retracted, three on the top, three at the bottom, and from where crew quarters would normally be located on a Galaxy class ship rose a series of photon torpedo turrets. The Breen quickly discovered the Artemis could be a veritable fortress when it wanted to be. Melanie discovered the Artemis still had a few bugs to work out. One turret failed to fire, but five turrets and phaser fire from two separate pieces of ship was enough to break the Breen formation.

"Lock weapons on the lead Breen ship. Fire quantum torpedoes," Soltara said in a calm voice.

The ship shook under Breen fire. "Direct hit on the port side," the lieutenant at tactical reported.

"Shake him off, Soltara," Melanie's voice said over the comm system. "Stay on this ship with me." Soltara watched the saucer spray photon torpedoes at Captain McKnight's target. Soltara issued orders to add her weapons to the Captain's while evading the Breen harassing the star drive. A quick glance at her readouts told Soltara the Romulan ship was barely holding it's own one on one.

Melanie and Soltara continued to work in tandem, attacking the one ship and ignoring the second attempting to draw them part. Before long a third ship joined the attack on the Artemis.

"I see the Breen weapons are back online," Soltara said. "Change course to one one five mark two zero. Lock phasers on the ship that's been on our tail."

"The Captain told us to stick with the saucer," the helm officer replied.

"That was an order," Soltara said. "Change course, fire phasers."

"Understood, Ensign."

"Captain, Ensign Soltara is breaking formation. She's targeting the other ships."

"About time," Melanie said. "Fire photons. Veer off and coordinate with the Warbird. Let's give the Romulans a hand."

"Direct hit. We take many more like that and we won't have any shields left."

Soltara studied the two Breen ships teaming up on her. "Make a run straight through them. Drop phaser mines as soon as we fly by."

The Artemis lurched and rolled as she exchanged fire with the Breen. A hatch flew open in the rear of the ship and several mines drifted amongst the Breen. Caught by surprise with phasers firing from the mines all around them, one of the Breen ships exploded in a fiery spectacle.

The remaining ship, perhaps bent on revenge, chased down the Artemis and unloaded its arsenal. Soltara squeezed the arms of her chair to remain seated.

"Shields failing, Ensign!"

"Bring us about," Soltara ordered. "Divert all power to the forward shields. Take it from life support if you have to. Leave me the warp engines. On my mark, engage the Picard Maneuver."

"You'll blow up the ship!"

"I don't think so." Soltara watched the Artemis line up the Breen ship on the viewscreen. "Steady." In her head she calculated distances, velocities, energy released with the explosion of a typical quantum torpedo, major stress areas of a Galaxy class starship, known weak points of a Breen hull. "Now. Maximum warp. Fire quantum torpedoes."

The engines burned for a fraction of a second, propelling the Artemis into the path of the Breen ship at several hundred times the speed of light. The Breen had no time to react to the barrage of torpedoes launched at point blank range. The Artemis had no time to react to the energy unleashed by the exploding Breen.

When Soltara picked herself off the floor her left eye was swollen shut and half her face was warm and sticky. Her command seat had been ripped from the floor and several consoles were utterly destroyed. Power fluctuated in the stations that did remain.

"What the pah'wraith are you doing to my ship, you green blooded Vulcan?" Chief Reyna yelled over the conn.

"Keeping this crew alive, you red blooded Bajoran," Soltara replied. She leaned unsteadily against the remains of her chair and surveyed the situation on the battle bridge. She appeared to be the only person left conscious, and she wasn't sure she wasn't about to take an unscheduled nap. Her head was pounding.

"Ensign Soltara to sickbay. Medical emergency on the battle bridge."

Concern was evident in Doctor Langley's voice. "I'm on my way, Tara."

"The Romulan ship is cloaking, Captain."

"What?"

"Are they leaving?" Haley asked.

"Damn it. I have no idea," Melanie replied. "Status of the Breen."

"The two Breen ships are closing in, Mel," Haley replied.

"Fire photons as soon as they're in range."

The Artemis crashed and shuddered as the attack heated up once again.

"That's it, Mel. We've depleted our torpedoes," Haley said. "The Breen have us pinned down."

Melanie leaned into the arm of her chair as a massive explosion rolled and rocked the Artemis. "Report!" She yelled.

"They've blown out a turret. Hull breach on decks four through six. Emergency force fields are in place."

"Where the hell is Soltara?" Melanie asked.

"The star drive's dead in space," Haley reported. "Mel! Warbird decloaking to port! Disrupters firing!"

Melanie watched the Breen ship suddenly finding itself between Federation and Romulan ships explode under concentrated Romulan disrupter fire.

"Lock phasers on the other Breen ship! Fire!" Melanie ordered.

Phasers lanced from the Artemis. The Warbird moved to cut off the Breen's escape route. Outgunned two to one, the Breen's shields soon buckled and the ship blew to pieces.

"We're being hailed by the Warbird," Haley said before anyone had time to even think about relaxing.

"Put it through," Melanie replied.

The viewscreen shifted to an image of the Romulan bridge. The place was a mess, the Romulan woman up front and centre completely disheveled. Melanie realized as she brushed hair from her eyes that she probably looked no better.

"This is Commander V'Kara of the Warbird Screaming Eagle. On behalf of my crew I'd like to thank you for your assistance," said the Romulan.

"Melanie McKnight, Captain of the Artemis," Melanie replied. "May we offer you medical assistance?"

"I could ask you the same thing," the Romulan said with a smile. "Three Romulan ships will be here within the hour. I can arrange an escort to a Federation starbase if you'd like."

"That's very generous, Commander, thank you."

"Captain McKnight, I make a point of having a drink with my comrades after battle," V'Kara said.

"Allow me to at least invite you and your senior staff to my ship," Melanie replied.

V'Kara laughed. "I'll bring the ale."

"Romulan Ale is still illegal in the Federation," said Melanie with a smirk.

"Then I suggest you and your crew finish the bottle before you reach starbase."

"There's one Breen ship out there, Commander," Melanie said. "Our sensors show their engines are still down and life support is failing."

"We intend to make prisoners of the crew and claim their ship, Captain," V'Kara replied.

Melanie nodded. She wasn't about to question the Romulan's intentions. "Very well, Commander. That'll give me time to retrieve the rest of my ship."

Soltara rang the chime outside the captain's door. Her head was swimming and a patch covered her left eye.

"Enter," said Captain McKnight.

Soltara entered the room to find Captain McKnight leaning back in a chair and Lieutenant Nova face down on the couch. "We will rendezvous with the Aphrodite in thirty minutes, Captain," Soltara reported as she clasped her hands behind her back.

"Thank you, Ensign." Melanie groaned and placed a hand to her head as she sat up. "You didn't have to come all the way down here to tell me that."

"No, Captain. I also came to apologize."

"Apologize for what?" Melanie asked.

"My actions were responsible for causing a great deal of damage to your ship," Soltara said. "I am ready to accept your disciplinary action."

Melanie hid the smile she didn't want Soltara to see just yet. "I read the logs. The Picard Maneuver? That was a bit risky don't you think?"

Soltara met Melanie's gaze and replied coolly. "I calculated an 83.256 percent chance the ship would remain intact. However I did underestimate the extent of damage the Artemis would take.

"I'd say you did very well on your first command, Ensign. You probably noticed I did a bit of damage to the saucer as well."

"Yes, Captain," Soltara replied.

Now Melanie did smile. "You may want to stay out of Chief Reyna's way for a few days, though. I don't think she's pleased with either of us."

"Perhaps I could offer her a hand with repairs," said Soltara.

"Give her a day or two to cool down first," Melanie replied.

The conversation was interrupted as Haley shifted on the couch and vomited into a strategically placed pail.

"Do you require medical assistance, Lieutenant Nova?" Soltara asked.

Melanie replied for the Lieutenant. "I'm afraid Haley's feeling the effects of the Romulan Ale."

"I can sympathize," said Soltara.

"So can I," Melanie muttered under her breath. Louder: "I'd like to see you on the bridge when we pick up the Commander, Ensign."

"Yes, Captain."

"Dismissed, Ensign."

Soltara turned around, bumped into the doorway as the door hissed open, and stumbled into the corridor. She hoped Captain McKnight would assume her moment of clumsiness was the result of being temporarily blind in one eye, and came to the conclusion that Romulan Ale was banned in the Federation for a very logical reason.

"It has been a pleasure serving with you, sir." Commander A.J. Acheron extended his hand over the desk. The grey-haired Captain rose from his chair with a smile, clasped the offered hand, and gave it a hearty shake.

"The pleasure has been mine," said Captain Jones.

"I hope your new first officer won't give you any trouble," Acheron said.

"You've been telling her all my secrets, haven't you."

Acheron smirked. "Only the interesting ones."

A beeping sound preceded an announcement from the bridge. "We're approaching rendezvous coordinates, Captain."

Jones waved a hand. "After you, Commander."

Acheron led the way onto the bridge. "On screen, Lieutenant," he said. The screen flickered. Acheron pulled to a halt. "What the devil?"

The ship waiting for them in space was a mess. Phaser fire charred the hull with black streaks, several decks were without power, a section was missing from the saucer section where a turret had once been, the port nacelle was leaking plasma, and two Romulan Warbirds flanked the vessel.

"What do you suppose happened here?" Captain Jones asked, stepping up beside Acheron.

"We're being hailed," an ensign announced.

"Put it through," Jones replied.

If the ship was a mess, the image that appeared on the screen following the order was a disaster. The young, and Acheron emphasized young, Vulcan at the helm had a patch over her left eye, bandages on her cheek, and green blood dried along her hairline. The Lieutenant at the science station was disheveled and appeared to be hung over. Pieces of equipment lay scattered all over the place. In the middle of the entire scene was a redheaded woman in her forties looking quite serene with a smile on her face.

"This is Captain Melanie McKnight of the starship Artemis," said the redhead.

"Captain Jones," Jones replied simply. "Captain, can we be of assistance?"

"That's alright, Captain. I'm just here to pick up my first officer. Although if he could pack three power converters-"

A console behind Captain McKnight exploded in a shower of sparks, followed by someone yelling, "By the Prophets!"

"-Four power converters," McKnight amended without missing a beat, "with his luggage, it would be most appreciated."

"I'm ready to come aboard at any time, Captain," Acheron said.

"Great. We'll beam you over right away."

The Lieutenant looked up from her console. "Transporters are offline, Mel," said the woman with a groan.

McKnight kept right on smiling. "Oh yes. We can send a shuttle to pick you up."

"Why don't we beam the Commander to the Artemis," Jones said. "And I'll send over a repair team as well."

"Thank you, Captain Jones. That's very generous. May I offer you a tour of what's left?"

"Ah, no. Some other time, perhaps," Jones replied uneasily.

"Very well. I look forward to seeing you onboard, Commander. Artemis out."

The viewscreen shifted back to an image of the battle-damaged ship. Commander Acheron gave Captain Jones a look that smelled of fear, wondering just what he had gotten himself into this time.