Ensign Jenna Jacques

Starbase 299

Stardate 9911.27

   Jenna slept in again, for the third day in a row. Life in transit was

beginning to make her lazy, and she was unimpressed by herself. She resolved 

to do _something_ with her day, if nothing else, at least find this Betazoid

lad who'd not returned her calls yet.

   Cleaning herself up and ordering a large breakfast from the replicator,

Jenna got the computer to track Veruna down. She wandered down to the

holodeck and approached his door. She sighed: she hated these things. A poor

substitute for real experience, she thought, and she'd seen too many waste

too many hours in them when they could have been out making real friends. 

    And also many people's fantasies were depressingly lewd. She requested

entry, and the computer replied, "I am sorry, Ensign Jacques, this is a

private deck and Lt. Veruna has requested not to be disturbed."

   Jenna sighed; "another lewd one," she thought, and bypassed the security

lock.  The door slid open, and Jenna's eyes widened as they took on the

jungle paradise scene before her, the handsome toga-wearing Betazoid and

dozens of fawning women, all holograms (she hoped).

   "Well," said Blaine Veruna, "if you've come to join the party you're

over-dressed," and raised his glass in toast to Jenna.

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Starbase 299

Stardate 9911.29

   "And if you haven't, please do join us.  These ladies are experts at

giving pleasure, such as a good back massage or playing beautiful music on

many different exotic instruments.  You must forgive this scene if it appears

inappropriate.  Its just the way I remember it on Betazed, before the

occupation, of course." Explains Blaine hastily.

"If you need to speak officially to me, then I can come back to this at a

later time.  Computer, End Program!"

   Instantly all of the scenery, including the half dozen "ladies", fades

out, to be replaced by the familiar grid of an inactive holodeck.  Lt.

Veruna, still clad in his toga strides out of the holdeck doors & saves his

program, so he can resume it later.   

   "How can I be of service to you ensign?" As he extends his hands in the

customary human greeting.  After shaking her hand, he motions his new

acquaintance to the nearest replicator cafe on the starbase, to order

sparkling fresh cold water for himself & whatever the lady wants as well.

=============================================================

Ensign Jenna Jacques

Starbase 299

Stardate 9911.29

   After the shock of her initial view of Veruna, she'd found him to be a

nice enough guy, maybe a little more light-hearted than she was used to, but

nice nonetheless. "Perhaps a pattern," she thought to herself, "I always like

these medical types..."

   Back in her transit quarters she relaxed in a comfortable silk kimono, and

the lively strains of the ancient Terran composer Dizzy Gillespie played

across her room, calming her. The wait for the Fearless had been a nervous

one for her: worrying about the first impression she'd make (which she knew

would last) taking up too much of her ample free time. She was anxious to get

onto the ship, get into work, show what

she could do, and see what she could learn. Base staff couldn't or wouldn't

tell her when the Fearless would show up, security and all that... she

accepted it as a

part of working with cutting-edge technology, but still it grated sometimes.

  "Shuttle Bay 12 to Ensign Jacques," her comm badge sqwawked. She tapped it

with her olive-skinned hand, "Ensign Jacques."

   "Report to the bay in twenty minutes ready for your new posting."

   "Foul winds of Titan!" she cried and leapt up, bashing all her gear into

her duffel bag. There was barely time to get into uniform... Ruffled before

the commander again... well, the Chief Engineer would be the one she'd really

need to impress, and she understood this one was a Romulan. About them she

didn't know too much, hopefully work would matter more to him than looks or

regulations.

=============================================================

Lt. Commander Sholek

USS Fearless

Stardate 9911.29

    Sholek glanced at the new crew roster. Another Shadow Ops member was

assigned to Engineering, Ensign Jenna Jacques.

    He began to assign the new engineering crew to different duty shifts,

making sure that there was a decent mix of new crew working with those

who have experience with the Fearless.

    Glancing over the sensor records, Sholek tried to determine if there

was a way to defend them from phased weapons. The best way would be to

randomly pick the phase variance of the phased cloak.

============================================================

USS Fearless

Approaching Starbase 299

Stardate 9911.30

   Fearless was about 30 minutes from arrival at Starbase 299 when the ship

received an important transmission for Commander Michael Dyer. He took the

transmission in the ship's conference room, so he could be afforded some

privacy.

    When he activated the conference room monitor, the face of Admiral

Richard Jellico appeared. The white haired admiral offered Dyer his usual

stern faced greetings, followed with a slight nod.

    "Admiral," Dyer said. "It's good to see you again."

    "Likewise, commander," Jellico said. "I understand you are about to

arrive at Starbase 299?"

    Dyer nodded, "Yes sir. Are you there?"

    "No. I'm out on the Chintaka Front with the USS Integrity," the admiral

said. "However, my former ship, the USS Cairo, is docked at Starbase 299. I

ordered her there after I heard Fearless would be docking at the base."

    "I see," Dyer said cautiously. It had been a few months since Jellico

offered him command of the Cairo and he'd refused. Michael wouldn't help but

wonder what was going on now.

    "When you passed on command of the Cairo, we offered her to Captain Grak

of the USS Massada. He accepted, but before he could transfer he was killed

when Massada was destroyed at the Battle of Hatar V. Since then my former XO,

Commander Sam Langley has been commanding the Cairo, but to be honest Mike

he's not good captain material," Jellico said bluntly. "I need someone who

can make the tough decisions. Someone who can sit in that chair and call the

shots. I still think you'd make a damn good captain."

    "Thank you sir," Dyer said. "Are you offering me the Cairo again?"

    Jellico smiled faintly. "Of course I am. But don't expect me to offer it

again, Mike. She's a fine ship and I have other prospects for a new captain

if you turn it down again."

    "Can I take some time to think it over?" Dyer asked.

    "Certainly. Take a couple of days," Jellico said. "Let me know what you

decide. I can have your promotion processed in a matter of hours and can

transfer command...just say the words."

    Dyer nodded and smiled, "Thank you again, admiral. I'll give it some

thought."

    Jellico nodded and ended the transmission without another word.

END TRANSMISSION

Commander Michael Dyer

Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.01

    Fearless docked at Starbase 299 without incident.  Some of the crew disembarked, and the new Operatives had come on board.  Two hours had passed before Michael Dyer sat down at the desk in his quarters.  He keyed some commands into the desktop console and before too long, the Shadow Operations logo was replaced by the image of Admiral Edward Jellico.

    "Mike! I wasn't expecting to hear from you this soon. I take you've come to a decision." The Admiral's smile was wavering as he was having trouble reading the commander's face.

    "I have Admiral.  I have given things a lot of thought, actually, ever since the first time you offered me command.  I will accept your offer and assume command of the USS Cairo."

    "Excellent! She has a fine crew Mike. But as I said earlier, we need to move fast.  I have a mission for you and the Cairo.  Can you have her ready to depart in 24 hours?"

    "I suppose so sir.  I haven't even set foot on her, but I'm sure the crew can pull together and get us out of port."

    "That's great news.  Contact me once you leave Starbase 299.  Jellico out." With that the transmission was cut.

    Dyer had already discussed his decision with Captain Sortha.  He had really grown to respect the Captain.  His ability to gain the loyalty of the officers under his command was astounding to Dyer.  He would take great lessons from the Gorn.  He spent the next couple of hours gathering up his personal effects in a couple of cargo conatiners.

============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Starbase 299 Shuttle Bay

Stardate 9912.02

   Standing at the observation deck and gazing out at not one but two Federation starships, the USS Cairo, having arrived a few hours ago, and the other, The USS Fearless, pulling in to docking orbit as he watched.  Both were magnificent ships, but he was relived to see the Fearless, for station life was not to his tastes, too non-mobile.

   All he had to wait for now was final docking procedures before he could

board the Fearless and present himself to it's captain and crew.  This would

be his first real ship assignment, so he was understandably excited to get onboard her.  So excited, that he almost did notice Ensign Jacques come rushing in the shuttle bay carrying a duffle bag, looking out of breath and disheveled.  Smiling and thinking to himself "I hope she takes a moment to  straighten her uniform, she looks a mess".

=============================================================

Ensign M'orta

Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.02

    M'orta hurried to the observation lounge anxious to view the Fearless as it approached. He quickly gave his uniform a once over to make sure nothing was out of place. "Hot chocolate", he spoke into the replicator. He picked up his beverage and took a seat one one of the long benches which overlooked the massive window and starfield beyond.

       He anxiously sat trying to read a book he had purchased in an antique shop recently but was unable to do so. The excitement  was almost more than he could bare. He placed the book back into his suitcase. He sipped off the hot chocolate and stood to stretch his legs and nearly dumped the hot liquid over an unsuspecting commander who spoke to him.

   After breaking from attention he noticed that he had spilt his drink down the front of his shirt. He raced to the latrine to clean himself off when the loudspeaker announced the arrival of the Fearless.

        So now nervous,a bit excited with a large chocolate stain on the front of his uniform he raced carrying his baggage towards the docking bays to the ship. Hopefully nothing else would go wrong...

=============================================================

USS Fearless

Docking with Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.03

    Sortha looked around the bridge as the crew began to filter out into the turbolifts, leaving a skeleton crew behind. They were home once again...at least a lot closer to home than Xerkos IV had been.

    Limited shore leave priviledges had been granted to the entire crew while they were at Starbase 299. But considering they were at war, there was no telling when that leave time would end.

    Sortha was pondering the departure of his first officer, Commander Michael Dyer, when one of the bridge crew notified the huge Gorn of an incoming transmission from Admiral Sorvek. Sortha had it routed to the main viewer.

    "Hello, admiral," Sortha said.

    "Greetings, captain. You've reached Starbase 299?" the Vulcan asked.

    "Yes. We docked lesss than 10 minutessss ago," Sortha hissed.

    "I just got word that Commander Dyer has accepted command of the Cairo," Sorvek said. "I take it he will be leaving shortly?"

    Sortha nodded, "Yes. USS Cairo isss here and awaiting him."

    "Sortha, have you given thought to a new first officer yet?" Sorvek asked.

    "It really issss too ssssoon. I just found out Dyer was leaving less than 10 hours ago," Sortha admitted. "Tyrian Summersss hass the experience and has served the longest. And Thoraz Brynaziir isss a fine officer, but he isss jussst starting to learn command ssskillsss as security chief. I am undecided?"

    "Would you entertain the prospect of an outside candidate?" Sorvek asked.

    "Yesss," the Gorn said. "You have sssomeone in mind?"

    Sorvek nodded, "I'll transmit his personnel file to you. He's just come off a solo assignment and is about 27 hours from your current position. If you find him acceptable I can have him there in a less than two days.

    "Also, I've managed to send you a new helmsman. Ensign M'orta should be with Ensign Jacques and Lt. Veruna on Starbase 299. They have orders to report to you when Fearless arrives.

    "Very well, I will expect them ssshortly," Sortha said. "Any word on when we're shipping out again?"

   "No...but don't get too comfortable. We've got Dominion forces on the run across the war zone, but this thing is far from over yet," Sorvek said. "Get some rest, I'll send you that profile. Get back to me when you've given it some thought. Sorvek out."

Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.03

   Thoraz was astounded to hear that Commander Dyer was leaving.  Quickly

Thoraz set to work arranging an honor guard to pipe the Commander off the

Fearless.

   Later, at the airdock ....

   As Commander Dyer approached, Thoraz brought the Honor guard to attention.

Dyer was surprised to see the Honor Guard.  Before disembarking, he turned

to Thoraz, "Thoraz, thank you for the send off.  It has been a pleasure

serving with you, despite some unfortunate times.  Goodbye."

   "Goodbye Captain, and good luck."  Thoraz replied and then watched the

former commander leave. 

    On his way back to the Security Office Thoraz wondered who would come

aboard to replace Dyer.  He knew there were new SO crew coming aboard from

Starbase 299, was one the new commander? 

   He decided to check the Crew Roster again once he got to his office. No

one ranked higher than lieutenant appeared among the roster of new crew

members. Brynaziir shrugged and figured a transfer must be in the works.

=============================================================

Captain Sortha

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.03

   Sortha had mulled over the background file on the recommended replacement

for first officer. While he wouldn't have minded having a promotion from

within, Sortha could not deny the experience of the candidate Sorvek was

suggesting.

   He decided to accept. The Gorn transmitted his approval to Admiral Sorvek

within hours after Dyer had left for the Cairo and then went about

considering a replacement for the departing Tyrian Summers.

   On other personnel notes, he'd received notification that Starfleet

Medical had not been able to approve Lt. T'Reija for a return to duty, so she

would likely miss the next mission. Ensign Lanek Rol was also leaving

Fearless, to be the helmsman of the USS MacArthur.

   His crew was disappearing left and right, Sortha thought. Fortunately they

had three new crew members on board, and his new first officer would arrive

within the next couple days.

   WIth so many new faces, Sortha knew there would be some adjustment among

the crew...but hopefully not too much.

=============================================================

Captain Michael Dyer

USS Cairo

Stardate 9912.03

 A total of five hours after Admiral Jellico contacted him, Dyer was

walking onto the bridge of the Cairo.  A young Lt. Commander got up out of

the center seat and approached Dyer, no sporting four pips on his collar.

 "By order of Starfleet Command in hereby take command of the USS Cairo,

Stardate 9912.01" Dyer said, handing the Junior Officer the PADD he was

carrying with his orders.

 "Computer. Transfer Command of USS Cairo and all command codes to Captain

Michael Dyer, by order of Starfleet, authorization, Taylor Alpha-Two." The

Lieutenant Commander spoke as if to the air.

    "Acknowledged!" Replied the computer.

    "I relieve you sir," said Dyer.

    "I stand relieved." The young officer left the bridge.  He was off to a

new assignment on a different ship.

    Dyer turned to the officer at the Ops station, "Give a ship-wide

channel."

    "Aye sir.  Channel Open."

    "This is Captain Michael Dyer.  Effective this hour I have taken Command

of the Cairo by order of Starfleet, and Admiral Jellico.  Your former CO has

requested we depart this station in 24 hours.  I know you will all do your

best to nurse-maid me through this period as I get to know you all and this

fine ship. Dyer out!" Turning to the Ops officer again, "Lieutenant...?"

    "Johnson sir."

    "Lieutenant Johnson, I'm counting on you to make the necessary resource

allocations to see that we leave on time."

    "You can count on me sir.  We're nearly ready now.  Just a few minor

technicalities." The Lt. seemed confident.

    "Excellent.  I'll be in my ready rrom." Dyer strolled off the bridge to

his new office.

<...minutes later>

    The door chimed, just as Captain Dyer was ready to post a message to his

mother at Earth Station McKinley. "Come!" He commanded.

    The door opened to admit Tyrian Summers.  "You wanted to see me Captain?"

    "Yes I did Tyrian.  Thanks for coming over." Dyer shut down the

terminal.  His mother could wait.  He picked up a PADD instead.

    "Nice ship." Tyrian said, still puzzled why the former XO of the

Fearless requested this audience.

    "It is that.  I haven't been around her much yet, but from what I've

seen, she'll hold up.  No phased cloak or anything fancy, but a good solid

ship none the less." Dyer walked over to the replicator and ordered a cup of

coffee.  "Can I get you anything?"

    "No thanks.  I'm fine." Tyrian was starting to show his impatience.  He

had a Tactical Department to run over on the Fearless. No time for visting

with friends.

    "I'll get right to the point Tyrian." Dyer began.

    "About time." Tyrian muttered.

    "You and I haven't exactly gotten along famously since I came on board

the Fearless.  You are arrogant and headstrong.  And I find you rather

impetuous and solitary. I on the other hand, would prefer to sometimes err

on the side of caution, the two personalities are at odds.  In spite of all

of this, and our past history, I think you are one hell of an officer.  I

want you to be my Executive Officer."

    "Sir...I have a job." Tyrian was kind of surprised, and it showed.

    "I know you do.  I have spoken to both Admiral Sorvek and Captain

Sortha.  Both men would fight to keep you in Shadow Ops, however, they also

both feel that you are ready for this jump.  Unfortunately, politics

surrounding such jobs in Shadow Ops, means that another person will come in

to the job on Fearless.  Just like I did.  They both support this transfer.

All we need is your decision." Dyer was confident that Tyrian would except

the offer, but he was having trouble decyphering the look on his face.

    "What about our personality conflicts?" Tyrian asked the obvious

question that Dyer had given a lot of thought to.

    "Well, the way I see it is...we see things in totally different ways.

Which is a good scenario for a CO/XO relationship.  You challenge my

decisions in the proper way, and I take them into consideration.  As long as

you don't have a problem following my orders even if you don't agree with

them 100-percent we will work very well together." Dyer saw Tyrian's face

change.

    He knew the officer would accept.

    "I accept.  Effective when?"

    Dyer told him, "We leave in..." Looking at his chronometer. "...22.5

hours.  Report to the Bridge for duty on time for that.  The current crew

can handle the preparations."

    The two men talked for a few more minutes before Tyrian returned to

Fearless to gather his things.  Dyer began to reflect on hs time in Shadow O

perations, the friends he made, and the things he has seen.  One chapter

ends as another begins.

=============================================================Ensign Jenna

Jacques

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.06

   Jenna was now settled into her new quarters. This was a testing time for

her, she suspected every new posting would have a time like this, the first

few days when both your professional and personal abilities were being

judged. She could feel the staff

wishing for old crewmates, wishing they'd not been posted elsewhere. People

always want the familiar, she thought.

  The meeting with the Captain had been mercifully brief. She'd never met a

Gorn before, and while his appearance didn't frighten her, she was taken

aback by

his size, and didn't know how to read his alien face.

   He'd looked her up and down, but what he thought, whether he noticed that

her uniform wasn't perfectly pressed, she didn't know. He'd asked her a

little of

her history, and she answered honestly and briefly, and was disappointed when

her nervous jokes fell flat, though for all she knew that blank expression on

his face was Gorn for raucous laughter.

  She found outside Ensign M'orta, a large coffee stain on his shirt, looking

apprehensive.

   "The Captain wants you next..."

   He looked appealing at her, then down at his shirt. Jenna realised she had

her duffle bag with her, "Hang on a minute," she said, opened it and shuffled

through

its contents, pulling out a neatly folded dress shirt,

   "This one I kept from the Academy, it was too large for me..."

   M'orta looked around at the Bridge crew, should he swap shirts in front of

all off them? Sweat shone on his ridges as he pondered...

   "Better decide quick... I'll see you in the bar afterwards?" Jenna said

   He quickly nodded.

   "Okay, introductions later, then."

=============================================================

Ensign M'orta

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.06

  M'orta nearly tripped over his gaping mouth as the turbolift doors opened

onto the Fearless's bridge. He had come on board long enough to change his

uniform and quickly stow his gear. He quickly scanned the bridge and walked

towards Captain Sortha.

  He stood at attention not moving a single iota. "Sir, I am Ensign M'orta.

Please allow me to tell you what an honor it is to serve on this ship. I

assure you that I will not dissapoint you", he said proudly.He saw great

power in the Gorn Captain. He was obviously a warrior. One for whom he would

gladly serve and die if necessary if it meant hurting the Dominion and their

Cardassian lackies.

   Upon his dismissal he stood and studied his new station. He couldnt wait

to get behind the wheel and see what the ship was capable of. He left the

bridge with an excited spring in his step. He took a quick perimeter walk

around the deck near his quaters.Passing the holodeck he decided to go inside

for a workout program until his shift began.

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Sutaras Colony

Stardate 9912.06

   Ian MacLeod was awakened from a deep slumber by the barking of his dog. He

rubbed his eyes and climbed out of bed, only then noticing that his dog was

barking because of the chime sounding from the computer station on the desk.

   "Bloody hell," he muttered. "Lights." The computer responded by turning on

the lights in the room. McLeod walked over to the desk and tapped the respond

key. A moment later the screen blinked and the image of Starfleet's Shadow

Operations division appeared.

   MacLeod moved in front of the screen as he entered his personal access

code and the image dissolved into the face of Admiral Sorvek.

   "Ian, I trust you are well?" the Vulcan admiral said.

   "Admiral...have you any idea what the time is here?" McLeod asked.

   "I apologize. I have news regarding your permanent reactivation," Sorvek

announced. "Captain Sortha has given his approval. You will be his first

officer aboard the Fearless."

   MacLeod nodded, "When do I report?"

   "There's a transport leaving Sutaras for Starbase 299 in the

morning...0930 hours your time. It will arrive at the starbase about 30 hours

later," Sorvek said. "Can you be on it?"

   "Of course," MacLeod said, grumbling a little.

   "Commander, are you alright with this assignment?" Sorvek asked.

   "Yes. It will do nicely. Just don't ask me to command a ship again,

please. I'm no bloody captain," MacLeod muttered, his Scottish accent

slipping through a little as he spoke. "I would have been content as a

lieutenant on any of your Shadow Operations ships."

   Sorvek shook his head, "I told you I could not accept a request like that.

That would be a waste of experience. You retired from Starfleet Intelligence

a commander, you will return as one."

   "As I see it, the Federation can use help in the trenches however it gets

it," MacLeod grinned. "I never liked command, you know that. I was always

more effective in the field."

   "At 62 years of age, you are too old to resume that kind of active duty,

Ian," Sorvek said. "If you were a 62-year old Vulcan, I would not have a

problem assigning you as the point operative on any assignment...but you are

human."

   "Thank you for reminding me, admiral," MacLeod said with a smile.

   "But, no need to become emotional, you will have your share of combat

duty," Sorvek said. "You will lead most of the Away Missions...though Captain

Sortha is known for occasionally joining his troops. You may find yourself in

command of the ship from time to time."

   MacLeod smirked, "Wonderful. So this Sortha, he's a Gorn, eh?"

   "Yes. He came to us through an exchange program with the Gorn, and later

transferred here permanently. He is an excellent officer."

   "I've never served with a Gorn. I look forward to the experience," MacLeod

said. "Alright admiral, you've twisted my arm. I'll be leaving here first

thing in the morning. But I would have been happy just being a lieutenant."

   "You and I both know you would not have been as...happy...as you claim,"

Sorvek said without expression. "Welcome back, commander."

   "Thank you for letting me back in, admiral," Ian said. "MacLeod out."

   Ian MacLeod ran his fingers through his white, cropped hair and switched

off the computer terminal. He yawned and looked down at his dog, Monty. The

7-year-old English Setter whined slightly and turned his head to one side.

   "Well, you old bugger, looks like we're off to Starbase 299," MacLeod

said. "I wonder how this Captain Sortha feels about having dogs on board his

ship?"

   Monty turned his head the other way and barked.

   "Guess we'll find out," the Scot said. "If the admiral calls back, don't

wake me this time."

   The dog barked again as MacLeod turned off the lights and crawled back

into bed.

   "I wonder how I'm going to explain to Steve that his old man is returning

to Starfleet," MacLeod said to himself as he pulled his covers up and stared

at  the ceiling. "I'm sure he'll be pleased."

   "You did what?" Steven MacLeod barked into the comm-terminal in front of

him on his desk at the Daystrom Institute. "Are you out of your mind?"

   Ian MacLeod, his white hair and salt-and-pepper beard both neatly trimmed,

also now wearing his grey and black Starfleet uniform, sat on the other end

of the transmission, staring back at his son.

   "Actually, I rather wondered if Starfleet was out of its mind for taking

me back," MacLeod said with his devilish grin. "I'm not getting any younger,

you know."

   "That's my point, dad. I thought you were done with this hopping around

the galaxy, killing people, thing that you do," Steven ranted. Then his eyes

narrowed into a glare, "This is where you've been the past few months? You

haven't been vacationing on Risa, have you?"

   MacLeod looked around and sought the right response. "Well, no son, not

actually. I was in training for some of that time, and I've been in the

field."

   "This is the war you waited for your entire career, isn't it? The

Cardassian War was just for territory...this is the big one," Steven scoffed.

   "Your damn right...the outcome of this war will determine if you and I are

free to make our own choices in life, or if we'll bloody well have them made

for us in the Gamma Quadrant," MacLeod snapped back. "Do you know how many

have died so far in this war, son?"

   Steven frowned and nodded, "I've seen the figures dad...I know. But I

don't want you to be one of them. You've done your part for the

Federation....let someone else do it now."

   "Better me than you...or my grandson when he's older. You solve the

galaxy's scientific problems with your research position there at the

Daystrom Institute. I solve the problems that have to be dealt with in other

ways," MacLeod explained. "I'd rather it were me, than you or Kyle."

   "I had just hoped that now that you were retired, I'd see more of you,"

Steven said. "All those years you spent in Intelligence. I never knew where

you were, I lived with relatives most of that time...only saw you when you

were on leave. I just hoped we could get caught up."

   "We will, son," MacLeod grinned. "As soon as I win this war for them."

   "You old fool," Steven scolded his dad, shaking his head and laughing. "I

can't believe you're back in. Tell me you are at least commanding a ship or

something?"

   "You know how I feel about command," MacLeod scoffed. "I told them I

wanted to be a lieutenant."

   "You're wearing a commander's pips," his son remarked.

   "They didn't agree," he smiled. "I will be in the field some. Doing what,

I can't really say. You know how it goes boy."

    "Yeah, all secretive, as usual," the young man replied. "When will I see

you again?"

   "As soon as I can make it back to Earth, I promise I'll see you, Mary and

Kyle," MacLeod said. "I'm sorry, I know you don't like violence son. I don't

blame you considering what happened to your mother. But this is something I

have to do."

   Steven nodded. "Watch your back out there, dad."

   "I plan to, boy," MacLeod said softly. "Take care."

   Steven MacLeod smiled at his dad, then ended the transmission.

   Ian MacLeod stood up and stepped away from the subspace transmitter on the

transport USS Icarus. He stepped out of the confined cubicle and headed back

to the passenger lounge.

   When he arrived he sat down with a group of young Starfleet officers,

mostly men, and looked around.

   "So, commander, you were going to tell us about Setlek," one young ensign

said excitedly. "You were there right, fighting the Cardies?"

   "I was there," MacLeod confirmed. "Worst bloody fighting I saw during the

whole war. I killed at least 18 Cardassians myself that day."

   MacLeod was about to continue when a young woman from the transport's

civilian wait staff approached him and smiled, "Another synthale, commander."

   "You must be mistaken lass," MacLeod said, exuding the charm he'd always

been known for. "Never touch the stuff."

   She smiled at him and started to walk away when he motioned for her to

come back, "I will have a glass of Romulan Ale, if you have some."

   "Romulan Ale? You know that stuff is prohibited in the Federation,

commander," she said. She then leaned in closely. "But I do know where the

bartender keeps a bottle of Saurian Brandy, vintage 2359."

   MacLeod nodded and gazed into the young woman's sparkling blue eyes. "Well

then, if you wouldn't mind, I'll take a glass....on the rocks."

   "I'm off duty in one hour," the young woman said slyly. "Would you like to

share the bottle...alone?"

   MacLeod smiled, "That would inded be the highlight of this trip, my dear.

I'll see you in an hour."

   The girl smiled and headed back to the bar. MacLeod turned back to his new

found friends, all of whom were staring at him in disbelief, and he said,

"Now, where was I?"

END TRANSMISSION

Ensign Chas'naH

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.07

    She was doing her best to maintain her self control, but it wasn't easy.

Thoraz had come back to her quarters with her after her shift had ended, and

they both knew what typically happened when they were alone together. Except

this time she had decided to not be in the mood. She had made a promise to

herself that she would not lay with him again until she knew for certain

whether he loved her or not, and even though it was hard, she was sticking by

it.

    "So," Thoraz said, gently stroking her hair, "What should we do while

we're at the station?"

    Chas'naH purred softly, closing her eyes. She could let him do this

safely at least.  "I thought we could rent a holodeck..perhaps run a few

programs..."

    Thoraz smiled at her. "More battle simulations?"

    She laughed. "Maybe one..but I have another idea as well, that will be

much more..relaxing."

    Thoraz grinned. "Oh? Sounds great." he moved in and kissed her. She let

him, but when he tried to press closer she drew away.

    "You will see." She wasn't entirely sure her idea was a good one,

considering it would probably just get him more in the mood..but perhaps it

would loosen him up a bit, and he would talk a little more freely about his

feelings for her. "When shall we go?"

=============================================================

Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

USS Fearless / Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.08

  "Thoraz to Captain Sortha." he said tapping his comm badge.

  "Go ahead Commander."

  "Captain, may I have a word with you?"

  "Of coursse.  Come to my Ready Room."

  Thoraz left the Security office and headed to the Bridge. He pressed the

chime outside the captain's ready room and waited for the Gorn to respond.

  "Enter."

  Thoraz entered the ready room, "Captain, could I speak to you about

something, off the record?"

   "Of course," SOrtha said.

   "Sir, it's about me and Chas. We have planned some R&R time on the

Station.  I was intending to propose to her in the Klingon manner.I thought

it important to discuss this matter with you first, Sir. I don't forsee this

causing  problems in my ability to perform my duties, Sir."

   Thoraz waited for Sortha's reaction.

   Sortha was quiet a moment as he pondered this development. "Sssee that it

doesn't, commander. Dissssmisssed...and good luck."

Later, ...

   Thoraz went to pick up Chas for their R&R on the station.

  "Hi Chas." he said when he arrived at her quarters.  "Ready?"

  "Yes."

  "I have a special holo I'd like to run first, if you don't mind." Chas was

puzzled, but consented.

   The holodeck program began as a standard Klingon battle sim, but soon it

changed into that of the Klingon mating ritual.

=============================================================

Ensign Chas'naH

Holodeck Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.08

    Chas'naH stared at Thoraz in disbelief. "Do you know what this is?"

    "Yes." He stepped forward and took hold of her hand, grasping it firmly.

"I claim you as my mate." he announced firmly.

    Chas'naH was totally blown away. She had not expected this. Not at all.

She had not even been sure he would ever say he loved her, and now he was

claiming her? She was speechless.

    "Chas'naH..I love you." Thoraz said. "I was wrong not to tell you sooner.

And i have done you wrong by sharing your bed and not making you my mate. By

Klingon tradition I should have claimed you the first night we were together."

    Chas'naH nodded, still unable to speak. The notion he spoke of was old

fashioned and no longer a hard and fast rule in Klingon culture, but she

found it terribly romantic nonethless. When was the last time she had even

cared about romance? TolagH, of course. After his death she had never thought

she would care for any other man in that way. She had shared her body with

others, many times, but no one had ever shared her heart.

    Thoraz's grip on her hand came tighter. With his other hand he held up a

mek'leth. He released her hand and slit his palm. "jIH dok!" he said in a

firm, loud voice.

    Chas'naH's eyes widened. Now? they were going to oath right NOW? She

suddenly felt overwhelmed. But this was right. She knew it was. This was

meant to be done in private, between the male and female. She wouldn't have

wanted some retched ceremony with the whole crew watching anyway.

    All these thoughts went through her head in an instant..then she was

taking the mek'leth from him. In a single swift movement she slit her palm.

    "maj dok!" She replied in a loud if somewhat shaky voice.

    Their hands joined again, the blood from the cuts mingling, dripping onto

the ground. Their hands locked tighter, until there seemed no beginning or

end between the two. Thoraz's hand was now beginning to bleed in other places

as well, as Chas'naH's nails dug into his flesh and drew blood. But his grip

never faltered. The pain was exquisite for both of them. Chas'naH felt her

knees go weak.

    Thoraz sensed her about to collapse and his arm went about her waist. He

pulled her close to him, still holding her hand. She looked deeply into his

eyes and drew him into a passionate kiss.

    He returned the kiss with equal passion, and they lowered to the floor...

=============================================================

Captain Sortha

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.08

    Sortha had finally met all of his replacement crew that had come aboard

to replace the transfers and the losses, mostly in the security away teams,

that had occurred during the last mission.   Sortha had a particularly bad

taste in his mouth about those casualties seeing that they had died in what

could better be termed a police operation or perhaps even a small

insurrection. 

    What a waste he thought, when they could have been used against the more

serious enemy, the Dominion.   

    Lieutenant Blaine Veruna had seemed capable enough, although it was too

early to tell.  He'd see how he dealt with a combat triage situation.   He

also might prove to be a good friend to Commander Brynaziir, with both of

them being Betazoid.  

   Ensign Jenna Jacques had also seemed solid, although Sortha thought her

jokes were not funny.  He hadn't reacted at all to them, he didn't fully

understand human humor yet, at least he had recognized them as jokes. 

Several years ago, he might not have realized she had been joking.

  Ensign M'orta possessed Klingon blood, which was fine with Sortha.  He

liked most Klingons, finding them simple and usually straightforward....well

usually.  

  He hadn't met this Commander MacLeod but he had read his service

record.  It was impressive...for a human Sortha thought.   Finishing up with

his new crew configuration, Sortha posted it.  

Captain: Captain Sortha

First Officer: Commander Ian MacLeod

Second Officer/Security Chief: Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

Chief Engineer: Lt. Commander Sholek

Tactical Officer: Lt. T'Reija

Chief Medical: Lt. Blaine Veruna

Assistant Security Chief:  Ensign Chas'naH

Assistant Engineer: Ensign Jenna Jacques

Helmsman: Ensign M'orta

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Starbase 299

Stardate 9912.09

   MacLeod walked through the station's concourse area. Starfleet officers of

all shapes and sizes milled about, some enjoying a little R&R and some on

their way to awaiting ships.

   Ian carried his travel bag, the rest of his belongings were en route --

including his dog. He hoped everything arrived before Fearless had to pull

out of port and leave again.

   After making his way into the docking area, he quickly found the berth USS

Fearless was docked. MacLeod made his way through the docking gantry and

arrived at the airlock, which was guarded by two Fearless security officers.

   "Good morning, gentlemen," MacLeod smiled.

   "Can we help you, commander?" on ensign asked.

   "I'm here reporting for duty," MacLeod said. He handed the young officers

a padd containing his orders. The ensign checked them out and verified them

with the computer, then smiled.

   "Welcome aboard, sir," the ensign said. "Captain Sortha is expecting you."

   "Thank you, son," MacLeod said. They opened the airlock and Ian stepped

through into the ship. As the airlock door closed, he heard one of the young

officers say to the other, "Wow...he's old."

   MacLeod smirked. He imagined he'd been getting a lot of that. Officers

usually thought of their first officers as dashing young men and women, on

the fast track to success and highly ambitious.

   "Wait until they get a load of me," he whispered to himself. He had no

name to make for himself, no desire to command the ship, no plans to make

something of himself. He was there to lead the Shadow Ops team and to be

second in command of the Fearless, nothing more.

   He found his way through the winding corridors and eventually ended up on

a turbolift to the bridge.

   When the lift stopped and the doors opened, he stepped out onto the

bridge. Only three officers were at work on the bridge, considering the fact

the ship was docked. A young officer walked over and smiled at him.

   "You must be Commander MacLeod?" the officer said.

   "Last time I checked," Ian replied, a slight grin.

   "I'm Ensign Carmichael. Captain Sortha is in his ready room," he said,

motioning to a nearby door.

   Ian nodded, "Thank you."

   He walked over to the door and sounded the chime. A moment later a deep,

hissing voice replied, "Enter."

   MacLeod stepped through the door and found the dimly lit ready room very

hot and stuffy. Behind a very large desk was a very large Gorn in a

custom-designed uniform. This Captain Sortha was huge...a brutish looking

creature standing more than seven feet in height.

   "Can I help you?" Sortha asked, looking up at the commander.

   "Commander Ian MacLeod, reporting for duty as ordered, sir," he said,

snapping to attention.

   Sortha looked at him a moment. "Welcome aboard, commander. Your trip

wassss uneventful?"

   MacLeod remembered his time spent with Marta, a young stewardess board the

transport. He smiled slightly. "Yes, it was a very pleasant trip."

   "Have a sssseat, commander," Sortha said. MacLeod set his bag on the floor

and sat down in the chair across from the Gorn. "Your record isss,

impressssive. I am ssssurprisssed you do not have a command of your own."

   "If Admiral Sorvek would have had his way I would, but I'm happy to be

here as your first officer, captain," MacLeod said.

   "It sssssaysss here you asked to come out of retirement?" Sortha asked.

"Why issss that? You fulfilled your obligationssss to the Federation years

ago."

   "As long as people are dying at the hands of the Dominion, I am still

needed, captain," MacLeod explained. "If you are concerned about my age..."

   "Not at all. My father was more than 100 when he died," Sortha said. "He

was strong and battle ready even in his advanced years. Your medical reports

show you are fit...more ssso than some men half your age."

   MacLeod smiled, "I have not been idle during my retirement years...and I

completed Shadow Ops training with flying colors."

   Sortha nodded, "I see that. With the exception of two officers, I have

lost most of my senior crew to promotions and transfers. I need someone who

isss ssseasoned. There are three new officers among the crew, two of them

ensigns. They will need guidance."

   "I will provide it, sir. I have spent a number of years training young

officers while I served in the Ghost unit. I will have them in shape in no

time."

   "So the Ghosts really did exissst?" Sortha asked.

   "You've heard of them?" MacLeod asked.

   "Yesss. Their exploits are legendary. My father told stories about how

they once worked with the Gorn on a mission against the Romulans, many years

ago," Sortha said.

   "They were a fine unit...but as I understand Shadow Operations is a fine

successor to their legacy," MacLeod smiled.

   Sortha nodded. "Here is a crew roster and all the current duty station

assignments. Mossst of our sssecurity team isss being replaced due to losses

on our last misssion, Commander Brynaziir is overseeing the integtration of

new officers. We're also seeing some transfers in and out among all other

departments."

   "I'll coordinate those transitions with the department heads," MacLeod

confirmed. "When everyone is settled in, I'd like to begin daily

holosimulation drills with the Shadow Ops team."

   "You may proceed," Sortha said. "Is there anything else?"

   "Yes," MacLeod said, rather sheepishly. "I have a personal request. I have

a dog...an English Setter...he's among my belongings. I was hoping, if you

wouldn't object, that I may bring him aboard Fearless. I will observe all

Starfleet protocols on the keeping of pets."

   Sortha looked at MacLeod, semi-surprised, and considered the request...

END TRANSMISSION

Captain Sortha

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.10

"Yes," MacLeod said, rather sheepishly. "I have a personal request. I have a

dog...an English Setter...he's among my belongings. I was hoping, if you

wouldn't object, that I may bring him aboard Fearless. I will observe all

Starfleet protocols on the keeping of pets."

    Sortha looked at MacLeod, semi-surprised, and considered the request...

after several seconds he replied.  "It isss an unusual requesst, but I try to

accomodate the dining peculiarities of my crew....do they taste good?  

Sortha asked straight faced.

    MacLeod displayed a look of surprise on his face and one corner of his

mouth turned down into a slight scowl.  "No, I don't want to eat the bloody

thing, I want to keep it as a pet...a pet is a..."   By then Sortha was

hissing in amusement, and MacLeod's face broke into a grin that could be seen

through his salt and pepper beard.  

    "Nice to ssee you can ssstill be ssurprissed Commander.  Sssss Ssssss

Ssssss.  Of coursse you may keep him on board." Sortha replied.   "Glad to

have you on board."

    "It's nice to be back on board something" MacLeod replied.    

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.11

   For a reptillian beastie, Captain Sortha was quite amicable, MacLeod

thought as he headed to his quarters. Although he had to think Sortha could

be very menacing if placed in a foul mood.

   As first officer, MacLeod decided he wasn't going to let that happen. It

was better to keep the Gorn happy.

   He arrived in the quarters that had recently been vacated by Commander

Dyer. There he found two ensigns for ship's maintenance bringing in the last

of his belongings. One of the two young human males was maneuvering the

anti-grav sled which carried the transport cage containing Monty.

    The English Setter barked upon seeing MacLeod approach. The two ensigns

saw him coming too and snapped to attention.

    "At ease, ensigns," MacLeod said uncomfortably. "I hate it when junior

officers stand at attention. Makes me feel important or something."

    The two men grinned.

    "I hope the captain is OK with the dog, sir," a young asian ensign said,

his eyes wide.

    "It took some convincing, but he finally gave in," MacLeod said. "Thank

you for fetching my things from Starbase 299. Your names are?"

    "I'm Ensign Bobby Wu, he's Ensign Dan Leary."

    "Pleasure to meet you both," MacLeod said. "Now, gentlemen, if you'll

excuse me, I have a lot of unpacking to do."

    The two men nodded, turned and left.

    Alone, MacLeod let Monty out of his cage and then he went to wrok

unpacking his things. A short time later, when he took a break from his work,

MacLeod tapped his comm-badge.

    "Commander MacLeod to all Shadow Ops officers," he said. "I would like to

meet with all of you tomorrow morning at 0700 hours in holodeck 2. We'll take

a little time to get to know each other, then we'll begin what will be a

regular morning training simulation on the holodeck. Everyone is expected to

be there....MacLeod out."

END TRANSMISSION

Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.29

Personal Log

  There have be many changes lately aboard the Fearless.  There are a lot of

new Shadow Ops faces.  I have only one real close friendship left - Chas. 

Sholek is a friend, but we're not close.  The Captain is, well, the Captain. 

I truly admire the man.  End log.

  Thoraz set down the PADD and meandered about their new quarters.  Chas was

running her team through sims and Thoraz had a few hours left before he had

to go back on duty.  "Computer, where is Captain Sortha?"

  <Captain Sortha is in the Ready Room>

  "Commander Brynaziir to Captain Sortha."

  "Go ahead Commander."

  "Could I see you for about an important matter?"

  "Come to my Ready Room.  Sortha out."

  "Yes Sir."

   Thoraz grabbed another PADD and headed for the Bridge.  He left a quick

note for Chas in case she returned before he did.  Thoraz entered the bridge

and headed directly for the Captain's Ready Room.

   At the door, he sounded the chime and the captain soon replied, "Come."

   "Captain, I would like to discuss something with you. Sir."

   "Have a seat Commander."

   Thoraz sat at the desk and put his PADD down on it.  "Captain, I have been

going over the requirements for Advance Command.  I feel that since I am now

second officer, it is my duty to gain the necessary skills for my duties and

Security Chief and second officer.  This PADD contains all the information

the computer has on the training program and requirements."

   Thoraz paused to see the captain's reaction.

=============================================================

Captain Sortha

USS Fearless

Stardate 9912.30

  "Very good" the Gorn rumbled.  "It is the correct time to begin ssuch

training" Sortha rumbled on.   "Although not asss good ass actual training at

Sstarfleet Command, the Sstarfleet Advanced Command Holossim Sseries iss

sstill highly rated.  I ssuggest you sstart there.   When you feel you are

ready to take the command proficiency test, required for promotion to full

Commander, let me know.  I can adminisster the tesst on Fearless.  Then when

a possition openss up, you will be ready to assume it."   Sortha paused for

several seconds.  "During timess of war, thesse possitionss open up

frequently.  Ssome officerss make the misstake of taking a transsfer for a

quick command and end up placing themsselvess and their new crewmatess in a

dangerouss position.   Jusst make ssure that YOU feel ready and are

confident.  That iss the mosst important thing.   I believe that Commander

MacLeod will have a lot of hard earned experience to passs onto you.  But

remember, that you are your own officer.  You can take the teaching that your

ssuperior officerss give you, but,  like your sspecial telepathic abilities,

you mussst incorporate those things into your own perssonal sstyle." 

   Sortha looked away for a second, and Thoraz almost thought he saw the big

Gorn change color.  Usually Sortha didn't speak at this length.   Was that a

Gorn blush?   Sortha turned back, his own usual stoic self, "that iss all

Lieutenant Commander, dismissed."   

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

USS Fearless

Sickbay

Stardate 9912.30

   "What better way to meet all of the Shadow Operation crewmembers than to

have them all come in for physicals.  I must thank the commander later," 

thought Blaine.  He started keying in the requests into the computer to

notify all the Shadow Ops members on board and let them choose a time to come

 in for their check-ups.  "Might as well make this easy for them, huh."

   First on the list was Commander MacLeod.  "Greetings Commander, I wish to

thank you for this unthought of method to meet all of the shadow ops team." 

   "Well your welcome lieutenant, just don't forget to give them their

physicals, OK."

  The commander smiled as he was suiting back up after he was done with his.

  "Oh, I won't sir." replied Blaine.

   Next up was Lt. Commander Brynaziir.  "Hello sir, you and  I must train

some more using our racial talents, I felt you from across the fight when you

slipped into your fighting stance during this morning's training exercise,

very intriguing."  "We shall see Lt." was the reply.

   Later in the day was Ensign Chas'naH.  "sorry for the lateness of the hour

doctor, I just got off duty."  "No problem ensign, this will only take about

20 minutes."  After completing the physical, Chas'naH hesitantly asks "Um,

sir, could I ask you to do some extra work along the lines of a DNA workup?"

  "Sure ensign, but I'm not set up to do a full workup at the moment, it

could take a few days." came Blaine reply.  "Can I ask why you want this work

done, for purely professional reasons of course."  "I just want the

information, thats all."  "Ok ensign, I'll take the sample now and get back

to you when the results get in."  "Thanks Doctor.

   As Chas'naH was leaving, Ensign Jacques comes waltzing into sickbay, "Not

to

late for a checkup is it Doc..  Oh, hi Ensign Chas'naH, how are you this

evening."  Chas'naH just looks at Blaine, then hurriedly leaves the room. 

   "I see you making friends & influencing people already Ensign, want to let

me in on your secret?" Blaine quips.  Jenna just rolls her eyes and sighs. 

   "Lets get this over with alright, I'm suddenly really tired."

   Right before his shift was to start, Lumone Nege casually strides in

drinking whatever it is that Trill drink in the morning to get going,

immediately followed be Lt. Commander Sholek, the Chief Engineer.  "so far,

so good," thought Blaine, "almost done for the day."

   Just as that thought was leaving his head, M'orta comes strolling in. 

   "Well, I see my wayward patient has returned.  Would you mind explaining

to me why you just felt compelled to leave of your own accord Mister?" 

   "Well, there was nobody here to tell me not to leave, so I left." came the

reply. 

   "You must have timed that perfectly, because usually there is always

someone

on duty just for that very reason, I guess I may have to post security to

keep my patients in their beds until a doctor says they can leave.  OK, let's

get your physical over with so you can be declared fit or unfit for duty,

just to make you think before you act in the future in these kind of

situations, ya stupid oaf," lectures Doctor Veruna.  Then mumbling to himself

"Thinks he's qualified to diagnose ailments does he, well we'll see."

   At that moment, Captain Sortha comes into sickbay for his physical.  "Ah,

just the commanding officer I wanted to see right now.  I would like you to

meet the newest member of my medically qualified staff, Doctor M'orta.  He

almost gets himself killed in the holodeck, then left sickbay to report for

duty, without being released by another, more qualified doctor.  So, I'll

leave his fate in your capable hands, Sir."  With that said, Blaine finishes

his day getting angry glares from M'orta, whenever Sortha isn't looking, of

course.  He then turns in for some much needed sleep.

============================================================

USS Fearless

At the Rendezvous

Stardate 0001.01

   The Fearless had pulled alongside the USS Acropolis and Captain Wainwright

had beamed aboard. He was a Starfleet Intelligence officer and his ship was

assigned to border patrol spy duty against the Dominion.

   Wainwright was led to the conference room by Commander MacLeod. There were

brief introductions and then he was seated as the briefing began.

   "Part of the reason Fearless was selected for the mission I am about to

brief you on is the fact this ship and some of the crew members were involved

two years ago in foiling a Dominion plot to overthrow the Romulan

government," the captain said.

   Sortha snarled. "Yesss. Myself, Brynaziir and Sholek were here for that

misssion. There were a group of Romulan conspirators involved in that plot.

They tried to get a Shadow Ops team to assassinate the Romulan praetor

(emperor) by feeding us false info that the praetor was actually a

Changeling. Fearlesss wasss sent to stop that Shadow Opsss team before they

could trigger a war between the Federation and Romulan Empire. At the sssame

time we exposssed the plot to seize power through corrupt Romulan military

and politicans."

   Wainwright nodded at Shorta's explanation,  "There was a purge of suspects

involved in the plot in the months that followed. Scores of Romulan traitors

were rounded up, tried and executed. Among the accused was a Romulan

strategist and military advisor to the Romulan senate, a General Tal'ok."

    A holographic image of an older Romulan in a Tal Shiar uniform appeared

hovering above the center of the table.

   "I know of this Tal'ok," Sholek said. "He is a boyhood friend of the

praetor."

   "Yes. Tal'ok was accused of being one of the conspirators. He was tried,

but the Empire lacked evidence and through the support of the praetor, who

would not believe his friend was a traitor, Tal'ok was freed," Wainwright

said. "He ended up overseeing the execution of all of the remaining coup

suspects as an example of his loyality to the praetor. After that he went on

to be one of the key Romulan strategists in the Dominion War. He has

collaborated with his Federation and Klingon counterparts since the Romulans

entered the war, and was responsible for some rather ingenious strategy in

the battles of Keylaran and Proxima.

   "His ability as a strategist has been praised by even the Klingons and he

was moved to some of the highest level strategy sessions we've had, but

shortly thereafter, tides changed against us in several key battles. We lost

some battles we should have won, and on more than one occasion Dominion

targets were not where they were supposed to be when our forces arrived,"

Wainwright said. "Security for both Starfleet and the Klingons began to

suspect there was a traitor in our midst.

   "Finally, Starfleet Intelligence caught wind that the Tal Shiar was again

investigating Tal'ok's ties to the conspirators from two years ago," he said.

"When they tried to recall him to Romulus last week for questioning, he

suddenly disappeared...and this was at a time we had just finished planning a

new campaign we are only days away from carrying out."

   "So what happened to this Tal'ok?" MacLeod asked.

   Wainwright activated a holographic star chart which hovered in the air

above the middle of the table. It showed a region of space near the

Cardassian border.

   "His scout ship was reported to be en route to Cardassia. A Tal Shiar ship

went after him and there was a battle. The Romulans reported he had been

killed. However, just two days ago we discovered he'd actually escaped during

that battle and rendezvoused with a small Dominion squadron here...on the

other side of the Devolan Nebula," Wainwright said, indicating a nebula on

the holographic projection.

   "Tal'ok abandoned his scout and boarded a Dominion ship, presumably with

members of his crew, and the four ship squadron made for Dominion space. They

were headed off here, 25 light years from the border of Cardassian space, in

Sector 340, by a Starfleet task force. We decided to intervene before Tal'ok

could tell all of our secrets to the Dominion, after the Romulans blundered.

   "There was a battle. And though we won, we were not completely successful.

The Dominion ship Tal'ok was aboard was the only ship to survive the combat.

It crashed landed on this planet," a holographic image of a white planet

appeared. "Corinthas VI. It is an uninhabited ice world. Our lone surviving

ship tried to intercept them before they crashed, but were unable.

   "Our remaining ship was forced to return to Federation space after nearly

being destroyed. They report the Dominion ship crashed in this section of

Corinthas VI," he said as a section of the holograhic planet was enlarged.

"Attempts to scan the wreckage or transport survivors out were dampened by

the planet's upper atmosphere, which is highly charged with ionic energy.

Random ionic storms on the surface of the planet also made transport

impossible.

   "Your mission will be to go to Corinthas VI to find and either capture or

kill General Tal'ok. This will require a team to go to the surface of the

planet, by shuttle or other means. We've determined using transporters will

be ineffective due to this ionic energy. Sensors will also be unable to

penetrate this interference," Wainwright said. "Based on multi-phasic scans,

Starfleet engineers also believe your phased cloak could be rendered usless

if it comes in contact with the sphere of ionic energy, which also seems to

effect the layers of subspace around the planet. We advise you not to use the

phased cloak within one million kilometers of the planet."

   "Why are we being sent on what amounts to a search and capture mission?"

Sortha asked.

   "The Dominion has dispatched retreval teams of its own," the captain said.

"You should arrive before they do...but only by about six hours. We felt a

special forces unit would fair better against Jem'Hadar ground forces. Also

because your orders are to kill Tal'ok if you are unable to capture him. An

average Starfleet team might have a problem with such an order...Shadow

Operations will not.

   "Tal'ok, if he is alive, will likely know the Dominion is coming to rescue

him...he will undoubtably fight hard to avoid capture.

   "The planet is an ice world. Temperatures during the day are about -20c

degrees. At night, they drop as low as -80c degrees," Wainwright reported.

"This should keep them close to the wreckage of the ship...we hope."

   MacLeod sighed, "Guess we'll have to dress warm."

   "Any questions?" the Starfleet Intelligence officer asked, looking around

the room....

END TRANSMISSION

Subject: SO: Fearless/Corinthas
FROM THE GM: The first entry here is from last time, but it sets the stage for the second entry so I included it.

 

Ensign M'orTa w/ Lt. Blaine Veruna

USS Fearless

Stardate 0001.25

   "Lt. Should I any time lose control during the reactivation you must deactivate me. Also have a security detail on stand by." M'orTa said without feeling.

   M'orTa simply waited. Should the re-activation go badly their was a possibility that his link with the Collective would rejoin and the Borg would be alerted to his whereabouts.

   This was irrelevant. Only the success of his teammates mattered and one very particular one most of all.

   He grinned as he thought of Jenna.

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna w/ Ensign M'orTa

USS Fearless

Stardate 0001.26

  "Not to worry Ensign, after reviewing the medical logs on the working of Borg implants, I think we're shielded enough here behind this containment field I've set up, that we won't have any of those kinds of problems." Replied Lt. Veruna.

  After several minutes of work, Veruna "There we go, I've re-activated your personal shields & tactical targeting systems, which I believe is more than enough to "improve" our mission success rate.  We'll discuss later with the Captain how long these implants should remain activated"

  "Thank you, sir, I'll see you in the morning in the shuttle bay," came the young ensign's reply.

=============================================================

Ensign Jenna Jacques

USS Fearless

Stardate 0001.29

  Jenna woke early the morning of the mission after a night without much sleep. The thought of her first real mission coming up both excited and scared her.

   Really it was all a surprise to her, having to go into the field: she'd joined as an engineer, and gone into Shadow Ops to get at the latest technology. Of course she'd been told all about being a field agent, but it hadn't really sunk in until that first holosim with MacLeod.

  She didn't fear death too much, but she did fear letting the rest of the team down. She didn't want anyone else to come back shorter a head because she'd stood around stunned while alien freaks blew them to bits.

  At 0630 she was getting ready, towelling herself off after a shower, when the door comm chimed. She said, "enter," without thinking, and stared in surprise at the tripled-raced helmsman, M'Orta.

   "Saturn's rusty rings, but you're an early caller," she said. M'Orta smiled and held up a pair of steaming mugs.

   "Did I ever tell you about my foster parents?" he asked, "they introduced me to... I guess you'd call it coffee, but it's a bit stronger than that. Excellent for waking you up for a mission like this." His eyes wandered appreciatively up and down Jenna's towelled and chunky but fit figure. She saw his look and remembered her semi-naked state, blushing.

   "Yes, um, okay, I'll just get dressed." She rushed to her bathroom.

   "No hurry!" M'Orta called after her with an unseen wink.

=============================================================

USS Fearless

Approaching Corinthas system

Stardate 0001.29

   "Captain on the bridge," the morning ops officer reported as Sortha stepped off the turbolift and lumbered onto the bridge.

   "At easssse," Sortha hissed. "Report."

   "Sir, we just entered sensor range of Corinthas VI," the young officer at ops reported.

   "On ssscreen," Sortha said as he sat in his chair. The image of a white sphere appeared on the screen...the typical image of an ice planet. Sortha shivered just thinking about how cold it was there. "Any sign of activity in the system?"

   "No. No other ships on sensors," the officer said. "No sign of recent ion trails."

   "Inform the away team to move to the shuttlesss," Sortha said. "We're ready to get this operation underway."

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

USS Fearless

Stardate 0001.29

  MacLeod awoke early and took the opportunity to get in a walk with Monty, his dog. He took the English Setter to Holodeck 2 and ran his morning walk program. He let the dog run and enjoy himself in what appeared to be a pretty realisitic facsimilie of the Scottish countryside where MacLeod had taken the dog numerous times on Earth.

  After getting in his morning run, the commander took Monty back to their quarters and got started with his preparations. He dressed in a black commando uniform and then gathered up his own personal gear, including a dirk knife issued to his great-great-great-great grandfather by the British Special Air Service.

  Angus Michael MacLeod had been a captain in the SAS back in the late 1980s. He was the first MacLeod known to have served in the special forces. The dirk had been handed down through the generations and ended up in Ian's possession when he entered Starfleet. It was an old but reliable blade.

  MacLeod placed the dirk in a special sheath that fastened to the waistband of his pants. He then gathered his stuff and headed out the door. As he left, Monty barked at him and he stopped and looked back at the dog.

  "Try not to make a mess," MacLeod told the dog in a scolding tone. "And don't drink out of the toliet...I left you plenty of food and water in your dish."

   Monty growled and MacLeod smiled at him. He then turned and left, sealing the door behind him.

   MacLeod arrived in the hangar bay and found both stealth shuttles prepped and on the deck, ready for launch. The team was gathering around the two small ships, their gear in hand. The heavier gear was piled up on some anti-grav units and were parked outside the two ships.

   "Who's ready to go hunting Romulan?" MacLeod asked as he approached. All but Sholek smiled and the commander paused and gave the engineer a sort of embarrassed grin. "Sorry ommander...no offense."

   "None taken," Sholek replied, his face emotionless.

   A Romulan in Starfleet...who would have figured?

   "Alright everyone. Get your gear stowed on the shuttles," MacLeod said loudly. "Then get suited up. The weather down there is cold...VERY cold. You don't want to lose any fingers, toes or facial features to frostbite...so bundle up."

   They then proceed to load their gear and within minutes the ships were ready for departure. MacLeod tapped his comm-badge and hailed the bridge.

   "Captain, this is MacLeod. We're ready to launch," Ian reported. "Standing by for you to give the word."

END TRANSMISSION

Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

USS Majestic wreckage

Stardate 0003.21

   "Commander, if i may?"

   "Go ahead."

   "I have an idea", Thoraz aimed his phaser point blank at the General.

   "General, please remove your clothing, now."

   "You must be joking," T'alok sneered.

   "I will shoot, and at this range even stun will hurt.  Sholek, think you

can impersonate the general long enough for us to take out the Jem'hadar?"

=============================================================

Lt. Commander Sholek

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0003.21

    "I believe I may be able to temporarily fool the Jem'Hadar," replied

Sholek. " While I do not believe that this is a wise course of action, I can

see no other alternative."

=============================================================

Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

USS Majestic wreckage

Stardate 0003.21

   "Commander, if we use the shuttle transporters we should be able to

simultaneously beam in.  A few of us in indigenous clothing will 'escort' the

'General' back down to make sure no one else is killed.  I will take

responsibility for this if you approve, sir."

===========================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

At the Majestic wreck site

Stardate 0003.21

    T'alok laughed. "You Starfleet people are truely stupid. I cannot believe

my people are so ignorant that they agreed to form an alliance with you."

    MacLeod backhanded the snickering Romulan without hestitating and turned

back to Thoraz as T'alok stumbled backwards and was seized by two security

officers. He struggled against the security guards holding him, angrily

trying to get at MacLeod for striking him.

    "I see where you're going with this, Thoraz?" MacLeod said, glancing at

Sholek. "You sure he'll pass for the good general?"

    "I think so," Brynaziir contended.

    MacLeod paused to consider the plan a moment....

============================================================

Lieutenant Blaine Veruna

USS Majestic wreckage

Stardate 0003.21

   Blaine piped in, "I volunteer to accompany Thoraz down.  I also suggest we

scan for dampening fields to ascertain whether our phaser rifles will be

effective down there.  If not, we should be prepared to take out our 

TR-116's and TR-120's to handle this situation.  I would like to try to do a

wide angle heavy stun beam to try and knock out everyone in the command

center first, then if that doesn't work, we'll have to do this the old 

fashioned way."

=============================================================

Ensign Lumone Nege

USS Majestic

Stardate 0003.21

   "Sir, I have a better idea." Nege stepped forward.  He pulled out his

phaser and aimed it at Tal'ok.  He fired once and Tal'ok fell to the floor. 

Everyone stepped forward, shocked, except MacLeod.  His brow almost sunk into

his eyes as Nege expected him to start shouting many,many, obscenities. 

Although, they did not have time. 

   Nege went to work on Tal'ok's face.  Nege produced a small metallic object

and started scanning Tal'ok's head.  Nege looked down thoughtfully.  He

punched Tal'ok

in the face.  A little line of green blood ran from his botton lip.

   Everyone looked up, stunned.  Nege looked up, "For effect." Nege went on

scanning Tal'ok's head.  This went on for several minutes.

    When Nege finished, he added some settings to his disguiser.  He

activated it and turned around, bearing Tal'ok's face, (bloodied lip and all)

instead of his own.  MacLeod smiled.  "Commander, care to be a hostage?" 

Everyone looked at each other.  Thoraz wasted no time and started stripping

Tal'ok of his clothes.  Nege then pulled out his three hunter probes and

handed them to Sholek. 

   "Do you think you can configure those to only target Jem'Hadar?  The

Romulan lifted one eyebrow and started studying the probes. 

   "Well sir, we can tell the Jem'Hadar that their message hit home.  I have

three hunter probes, given that they work.  We could hide a phaser on you and

on me. Along with Tal'ok's own phaser that leaves us with four Jem'Hadar to

deal with.  Do you have any ideas on how to deal with them?"

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

USS Majestic wrecksite

Stardate 0003.23

   MacLeod wanted to throttle Nege for what he'd done. Stunning T'alok and

commandeering the mission was extremely out of line. But there was no time

for such course of action now. The Trill had a good idea that was no more

risky than Brynaziir's plan.

   "Alright," MacLeod grumbled. "Since ENSIGN Nege has decided what our

course of action will be, we'll use his plan. Someone get the clothing off

that bloody Romulan and give them to Nege.

   "Nege, disguised as T'alok, will beam down with Brynaziir seemingly as his

hostage. Ensign, you'll be carry an extra phaser or two under those Vulcan

robes," MacLeod said. "We'll beam a set of hunter probes programmed to track

and kill Jem'Hadar. When the Jem'Hadar see T'alok returning to them, they'll

be taken off guard. After our T'alok lookalike makes his apperance, the

hunter probes will attack. While that is happening, the rest of us will

transport down to a location outside the scattering field. M'Orta and Jacques

will use the TR-116's to see through the buildings and find the Jem'Hadar.

You can lay down sniper fire using the TR-116's while the rest of use movein

on foot. Hopefully by then it will be just a mop up situation.

   "Brynaziir and Nege. You two will likely be at the source of the

scattering field when you find out where the Jem'Hadar are holding the

hostages. Try and knock the scattering field out when the shooting starts,"

MacLeod said. "We'll have the transporter here, and the on the shuttles

standing by to beam the hostages out.

   "Before we go down, we'll use the transporters sensors to scan down there

to make sure they aren't employing a dampening field or anything that will

cripple our enegry weapons.

   "Alright, let's move. I want us down there within five minutes," MacLeod

said. As the team began to move about in preparation, the Scot stepped up

next to Nege who was donning the Vulcan robes and he leaned in close to the

Trill.

    "If you ever pull another stunt like that, boy, it will be the last time

you ever participate in an away team mission," MacLeod hissed in his ear.

    Nege went to say something and MacLeod shook his head, "Not now. You and

I will talk when we get back to Fearless. Now get ready, cause you're going

into the middle of the fray down there."

END TRANSMISSION

Captain Sortha

Bridge, USS Fearless 

Stardate 0003.24

    Sortha was becoming increasingly agitated.  The three large Breen ships

had not deviated from their flight path toward the planet.   "Any word from

the planet?" Sortha asked.

   "No sir, all we've had for the past 10 minutes is static.  I haven't been

 able to get through" Masterson replied.

    Sortha looked at the tactical display on the viewscreen.  The Breen

 ships would be within weapons range in only minutes now.  Although there

hadn't been hostilities with the Breen before, Sortha couldn't think of any

reason why those Breen ships should be heading for the desolate planet.  It

could be that they were captured Breen ships crewed by the Cardassians or

Dominion in an effort to trick him, Sortha's suspicious reptilian mind

reasoned.  After hundreds of years warfare against the sneaky Romulans the

Gorn were suspicious of just about everything.  Right now, Sortha's inner

alarm bells were going off loudly, very loudly. 

   "Open a channel" Sortha snarled.

   "Channel open sir" Masterson replied.

   "Breen sshipss, you are encroaching upon a hosstile war zone.  Leave the

area immediately or you may be inadvertently fired upon."

   "No response sir" Masterson replied.

    Alright Sortha thought to himself, the enigmatic Breen, or whatever they

were, were really starting to annoy him.    

    "Breen vesssselss, if you do not leave thisss planetary ssysstem you will

be conssidered hosstile forcess and we will react accordingly." Sortha

hissed.  Turning to Masterson, Sortha ordered him "transsmit over all known

frequenciess and all languagess."

   After a minute had gone by with no deviation in the Breen's trajectory,

Sortha looked at Masterson, who slowly shook his head.  

    "Move our position to 1135mark45" Sortha ordered  "Red Alert. All handss

to Battle sstationss, repeat all handss to battle sstationss!"  Around the

bridge of Fearless the crew prepped the vessel for combat.  Down in the

torpedo room, torpedoes were energized, and locked and loaded.   In the

phaser rooms, the phaser capacitors charged to full power. 

   Throughout the ship defense crews and damage control parties rushed to

their stations.  As Sortha settled into his chair for the coming conflict,

everyone on the ship was completely unaware of the Breen attack on Earth and

the new Breen weaponry.... 

=============================================================

Breen command ship

Nearing Corinthas VI

Stardate 0003.24

   The Breen commander, L’dar Tohlak, stood on the bridge of his ship flanked

by a Vorta named Daeloo. After hearing the second transmission from the

unknown source, Daeloo sighed and keyed some info into a padd he held.

   Tohlak said something to the Vorta in a garbled electronic gibberish which

Daeloo appeared to understand.

   “According to our database, there is a 90 percent likelihood that was a

Gorn speaking,” the arrogant little Vorta said. “The source of the

transmission hasn’t been confirmed, but since nothing is showing on sensors,

let’s speculate there is a cloaked ship out there.”

   Tohlak nodded and said something in his electronically masked voice.

Daeloo smiled, “Our intelligence information indicates a cloaked ship, most

likely Federation, with a Gorn commanding, can only be the USS Fearless.

Shadow Operations.”

   The Breen said something else and the Vorta nodded, “Yes, L’dar. The one

with the phased cloaking device. Maintain course. Let’s see what our

reptillian friend decides to do. He wasn’t expecting a Breen ship and mostly

likely he doesn’t know about the attack on Earth yet. If he decides to

decloak and face us...he will be in for a big surprise.”

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Corinthas: Majestic Wreck

Stardate 0003.24

 Lt. Veruna beamed down with the other snipers outside the command center

with unslung TR-116's at the ready, waiting for Thoraz's mental signal to

start subduing/eliminating the Jem'Hadar to safeguard the safety of the

hostages. 

 In the meantime, Blaine scanned the interior of the center with the rifles

sights, noting the numbers and positions of all the Jem'Hadar in the area. 

He also loosened his mek'leth, in case any Jem'Hadar made their way outside

the center and/or the TR-116 failed to operate correctly.  He also prepped

his TR-120 as a precaution.  Then, in a moment of inspiration, he used his 

anti-grav boots to gain access to the roof of the center.  From this 

position he could gain access with the TR-116 to hit the Jem'Hadar while

minimizing hitting anyone else in the room.

============================================================

Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

Corinthas: Majestic Wreck

Stardate 0003.24

   "Commander, we're ready." Thoraz called.  "Before we beam down I will

establish a telepathic link with Veruna.  I have my mekleth under my clothes.

 Commander Duggan, anything we should know before we go in?"

   Duggan shook his head wearily. The events of the day were taking their

toll on all the bewildered survivors of the 20 year old wreck.

   Thoraz motioned to Commander MacLeod to step away from everyone else.

   Thoraz whispered "What should I consider as priority, the hostages down

there or us, sir."

   MacLeod furroughed his brow. This would be a tough call.

   “They’re Federation citizens and many of them are Starfleet officers,”

MacLeod said. “They’ve been through hell. I’d like to see us get them out of

here in one piece. But I do not want to see the team sacrificed. If things

get bad down there, try to minimize hostage casualities...but bring an end to

it.”

   "Ready for transport."

   Thoraz, dressed as one of the Majestic crew and 'Talok' beamed down.

 As they rematerialized they saw a group of people and the Jem'hadar.

 Everyone looked over when they heard the sound of a transporter.  Thoraz

stepped forward, holding a phaser on 'Talok'.  "OK, we'll trade.  The Romulan

for our people.  Send them topside.  I'll wait until they have all been

transported out." 

   Thoraz hoped this gamble would work.  Unseen he had his free hand,

which appeared to be holding the general from behind, ready to grab his

mekleth in case the energy weapons didn't work.

=============================================================

Majestic survivor camp

Command center

Stardate 0003.26

   Brynaziir and a diguised Lumone Nege had beamed into what appeared to be a

makeshift command center comprised of some old cargo containers with computer

consoles and chairs brought down from the Majestic.

   They were facing four Jem’Hadar in the command center. The Dominion

soldiers stood with their weapons trained on the two Shadow Ops officers,

while five hostages were huddled on the floor to the back of the room, tied

up and beaten into compliance.

   The Jem’Hadar First stepped toward Nege and Brynaziir and he nervously

eyed both men. Thoraz had fought Jem’Hadar before and he could see, and sense

telepathically, that something was wrong with these Jem’Hadar.

   “General,” the First said. “We are sworn to protect and serve you as if

you were a Vorta. What are your wishes?”   “Release the hostages,” Nege

said, purposely making his voice raspy as if he’d been injured to make a

voice identification by the Dominion soliders less likely.

   The First turned to the others and they looked back at their superior with

tension and unease.

   “General...you have the Vorta’s unlocking device for the White container,

correct?” the First asked, fidgeting with the trigger on his weapon.

   Brynaziir responded quickly so Nege wouldn’t have to talk, “The other

hostages...where are they?”

   “Safe...unless we order our comrades to slay them,” one of the other

Jem’Hadar barked, tensing up with his rifle.

   The First glared at Brynaziir, “Give us the general now.”

   Outside the makeshift underground camp, which was illuminated by lighting

arrays the survivors had slung from the ceiling of the underground cavern,

the rest of the team was moving into their positions.

   Using the TR-116s, the snipers were able to find the rest of the hostages.

They were in a side cavern off the main camp site which appeared to be used

as a meeting hall. The hostages were seated in rows of chairs, while they

were guarded by four Jem’Hadar. The remaining two Jem’Hadar were patrolling

the main area of the camp, waiting for signs of a Federation betrayal.

   Now, everyone would wait to see what happened....

END TRANSMISSION

Subject: SO: Fearless/First Strike
FROM THE GM: Slight change to Veruna's post. MacLeod is not up above, he'll be leading the effort to free the hostages in the cave.

 

Captain Sortha

Bridge, USS Fearless

Stardate 0003.28

    Sortha looked at the advancing Breen vessels.  They had not responded to hails and they were quickly coming into weapons range of the planet Sortha's landing party occupied.  That made the big Gorn anxious.  "Any word from the landing party?" Sortha demanded for the third time in as many minutes. 

    "No Sir, silence." Masterson replied.

    "Sssssss nobody ssemss to be talking" Sortha growled looking at the advancing Breen ships that had refused his hails.  If this was Gorn space and a Gorn ship, Sortha would attack the intruders immediately, assuming that their silence was a declaration of hostility, but this was Starfleet and Starfleet had rules.  Sortha couldn't risk opening fire on neutral party ships and run the risk of creating an interstellar incident that could potentially end up with the Breen on the side of the Dominion.   Sortha racked his reptilian brain for a course of action somewhere between an outright attack on the Breen vessels and just letting them waltz into the system.   

   "Helm take us within transporter range of the planet" Sortha ordered.  Quickly Fearless moved within range of the planet.   "Prepare to drop cloak and beam up something from the planet surface approximately the mass of the landing party.  It doesn't matter if we get a good lock or not" Sortha ordered.  "Then launch a photon torpedo at coordinates" Sortha checked the last known coordinates of the landing party"twenty kilometers from this position" he continued, indicating the landing parties last known

coordinates. 

    "Aye aye sir" the bridge rang out as officers prepared to execute Sortha's orders.  

   "Now." Sortha said calmly watching the Breen vessels approaching ever closer, but still outside of weapons range.  Fearless shimmered into existence and immediately engaged her transporters as she launched a photon torpedo into the planet.  It exploded on the surface, not only throwing up large chunks of debris but also exacerbating the ionic interference around that local area.   All sensor readings from the planet abrubtly dropped to zero as a result.  

   "Helm course 180 mark 00" Sortha ordered.  "Send to Starfleet high priority, we have recovered General Talok and landing party, surviving JemHadar destroyed by planetary bombardment."   Then looking at the helm officer Sortha ordered, "Engage warp 8.0.   Keep an eye on our Breen friendss" Sortha added, "If they get closer, increase speed."     

Bridge, Breen Flagship

    "Inconvenient" the Vorta impassively stated as he and the surrounding Breen watched Fearless decloak close to the planet and then leave the system at high warp.  "It appears a pursuit is in order" the Vorta calmly said, "you will note however that the vessel was USS Fearless, I was correct in my deductions."

   The Breen squawked back their incomprehensible language at the Vorta, who actually could understand what the Breen were saying.  "Yes, we've had dealings with this Gorn before.  Send our vessels on these courses, they triangulate to head off Fearless before it reaches Federation space.   All it will take is for one of our vessels to come into weapons range."

  The Vorta indicated a set of coordinates on a panel to the Breen captain who rasped a series of orders to its crew.  Quickly the Breen vessels jumped into pursuit.

Bridge, USS Fearless

    "Sir, they are pursuing.  They are setting a course that will prevent us from reaching Federation space.   It appears." Masterson scrutinized his tactical display, "it appears they will be successful." He displayed a schematic on the main viewscreen. 

    Sortha hissed looking at the diagram.  "How soon before one of them comes within weapons range?" Sortha asked.

    "At our present course and speed, approximately thirty minutes." Masterson replied. 

    "Very well, we'll let them close for twenty five minutes and then change course" Sortha stated.  If we engage the lead intercepting vessel, how much time will we have before the other vessels can close to assist?" Sortha demanded.

    Masterson ran some more calculations, "approximately four minutes thirty seconds give or take ten seconds sir" Masterson replied.

      Good, Sortha thought to himself, more than enough time to dispatch an enemy vessel and make good his escape.   But the Breen must know that, he thought, why would they allow one of their ships to go up against Fearless alone for that amount of time?  It was an obvious tactical error on the Breen's part" Sortha reasoned.  He also reasoned, "that in his experience obvious tactical errors usually turned out to be traps."

Breen Bridge

    "He's proceeding on course" the Vorta commented.  "He isn't running scared, he's confident that when our lead vessel cuts him off, he'll be able to deal with you, my friend" the Vorta said to the hovering Breen.  "His misplaced confidence will soon be rewarded" the Vorta said with a mocking sigh.

Bridge USS Fearless

    "Sir they are almost within weapons range" Masterson stated as the red and blue blips on the screen converged. 

    "Change course to 0010 mark 30" Sortha ordered.  That would give them an extra ten minutes before contact, and Sortha wanted to give MacLeod plenty of time to deal with Talok on the planet.  He also wanted to get back to the planet before the Jem Hadar vessels were scheduled to arrive. 

Bridge, Breen Vessel

    "He suspects something" the Vorta announced as Fearless changed course.  "Change our trajectories to close in on him, he's heading away from Federation space.  "Increase our speed to maximum plus ten percent into the red zone" the Vorta calmly ordered.  The Breen ships surged ahead.

Bridge, USS Fearless

    "They sseem to be highly interested in usss" Sortha said watching the Breen vessels venting excess plasma as they flogged their engines to reach Fearless.  "Go sublight, .5 impulse and Recloak us" Sortha ordered.  Change course to 175 mark 00.   Fearless recloaked as the Breen vessels closed in, dropping to impulse and beginning intensive scans for Fearless.   "Take uss acrosss the bow of that lead vessel, maximum impulse.  Deploy mines directly across his path and immediately change course to 90 mark negative ten, warp 9.9" Sortha ordered.  "We're heading back for our landing party before they

get more vissitorss" Sortha ordered.   Fearless stealthily changed course to run across the course of the oncoming Breen vessels.  As Fearless sped by, she dropped a string of powerful gravimetric mines out of her MD bays.  Quickly changing course she snapped to warp heading back for Corinthas at warp 9.9. 

Bridge, Breen vessels

    "Triangulate search" the Vorta said as the Breen vessels closed with each other and began sweeping the area with sensor scans.  He'll unphase directly behind one of these Breen vessels and unload a barrage of overloaded photon torpedoes and phaser fire into it destroying it completely the Vorta reasoned.  That was the expected tactical doctrine he expected from the Gorn captain of the Fearless according to his calculations.  The Vorta smiled to itself.  It had made sure that the obvious ship to attack had not been the one he was on.   There was a seventy eight percent probability the Gorn would do as expected, and then the surviving two Breen vessels, or even one should be able to disable  it with their new weaponry.  Acceptable losses for the recovery of general Talok the Vorta reasoned.

   Suddenly the Vorta detected a large phase variance and a slight ripple crossed the main viewscreen as a string of gravimetric mines appeared dead ahead of the oncoming Breen vessels.  "All stop!" the Vorta shouted, displaying emotion for the first time that day.   But it was too late, the hard charging Breen vessels surged into the recently laid series of mines and triggered the proximity detonators. 

  Unfortunate, the Vorta thought as the Breen vessels were rocked by the powerful explosions of the mines.   The lead vessel took the brunt of the damage, suffering mine explosion after mine explosion until its shields collapsed and it suffered  critical internal damage.  It exploded in a fiery explosion.  The Vorta's vessel was disabled, while the third vessel suffered enough damage to render it tactically unfit for battle.  The Vorta made note to add this ploy to the Dominion's database on the USS Fearless.   

   Fearless sped back to Corinthas at maximum warp. 

=============================================================

Ensign Lumone Nege

Majestic Survivor camp

Command Center

Stardate 0003.28

   Nege stood there with his hands raised.  He began to speak in his mind, so Thoraz and Veruna could (telepathically) hear.  "Lt. Commander, this first is going to KNOW that I am not Tal'ok if I tell him to release the hostages again.  Besides we need to get the other Jem'hdar together in one place.  We could take them out easier if we had them in one location.

  "I have an idea.  Allow me to take you hostage.  It would make it more believeable for them to follow me.  I will slip you a phaser when the time is right.  I'll tell them the Federation is going to attack the camp, and order them to establish a defensive  perimeter.  We'll be behind them.  The doctor can attack the camp.  We will have the best advantage.

 (Please realize this also means I'm going to have to hit you.  I don't want to take the chance of the Jem'hadar trying to kill you). 

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Majestic Survivor camp - Command Center

StarDate 0003.28

  Blaine thought to the Lt. Commander, "Thoraz, Nege's plan is plausible, we should get the Jem' hadar in the same general area.  The other snipers and I can then pick them off quickly.  We need to do this ASAP, we only have a few more minutes before enemy ships arrive and mess up our mission.  Plus, I'm sure Ensign Chas'naH is getting anxious waiting up top witht he prisoner, as well."

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Corinthas VI, underground cavern

Stardate 0003.30

   MacLeod and Sholek made their way stealthly through the various caverns leading from the beam-in location, through a large encampment area the survivors had built over the years, and up to a side cavern where they had learned some four Jem'Hadar we're holding a majority of the hostages.

   The two officers had removed their outer winter clothing due to the surprising heat down in the cavern system. The geothermal heat source made things a toasty temperature on an otherwise cold, desolate planet.

   They knelt behind a series of stalagtites and from their vantage point could see the cavern in question branching off the from the huge, open cavern which housed the main part of the camp.

   MacLeod marvelled at the overhead lighting system constructed by the survivors. They had truly done an incredible job of staying alive here on this ice planet all these years.

   He just hoped no more of them would have to lose their lives before they could be rescused.

   "There it is," MacLeod whispered, pointing to the cave.

   "Tricorder readings confirm more than 12 non-Jem'Hadar are inside that cave, guarded by four Jem'Hadar," Sholek reported, checking his tricorder. "Two are standing just inside the cave entrance, about three meters in. The others are to the back of the cave with the Majestic hostages."

   MacLeod nodded. "Engage cloak suits. Let's get in as close as we can. We have to be ready to move when the hunter probes attack."

   "Commander," he turned to the Romulan beside him. "I want those Jem'Hadar to die swiftly, before they can harm the hostages."

   Sholek nodded.

   They engaged their cloak suits and then they moved out. MacLeod and Sholek moved to either side of the cave entrance and stood ready. Not long after they took up positon, the probes came streaking through the cave complex, and flew into the cave and attacked.

   Simultaneously, both operatives moved. MacLeod raised his LM-75 and charged forward. By the time they cleared the entrance to the cave, the two Jem'Hadar standing guard there were dead, victims of the attacking probes.

   The two officers charged another 20 meters down into the cave. Far ahead of them they could hear the hunter probes firing, and people screaming. As they moved closer there was the sound of weapons fire and as they made it into the main body of the cave, they found the two remaining Jem'Hadar successfully destroying the last hunter probe. One soldier had been wounded, but it wasn't a life threatening injury.

   Just then, Sholek and MacLeod appeared and opened fire. The Jem'Hadar died before they knew what had hit them, leaving the Majestic hostages alive and unscathed.

   MacLeod turned to Sholek and smiled, "Good work commander. Now let's hope Brynaziir and Nege are just as successful."

END TRANSMISSION

Ensign Lumone Nege

Majestic Command Center

Stardate 00004.02

 The three men stood there for a brief moment of uneasy silence.  It was

apparent that the First was tensed from the early feelings of withdrawl.

  Suddenly, the cavern shook with the after-effect of some kind of explosion.

  Everyone was momentarily startled.  As Thoraz looked up, Nege took his

opportunity.  He immediately grabbed the hand that held Thoraz's phaser.

  Nege pulled his other arm back and delivered a reverse elbow strike to

Thoraz's jaw.  His head rocked back as Nege delivered a knee strike to

Thoraz's midsection.  Thoraz crumpled over, and Nege easily took the phaser

from him.  Nege had the phaser trained on Thoraz and calmly said,

 "Drop the knife."  Thoraz complied.  Then, the first came charging at

 the Lt. Commander, as if to strike him.  Nege grabbed the First before

 he could reach Thoraz.  He struck him clear across the face with the back of

his hand and screamed, "YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS I ORDER YOU TO!!!! IS

THAT CLEAR!!!" 

 The First's eyes glared at Nege, as if to kill him.  Nege shot back the same

glare.  The First's eyes lowered, "As you wish, sir." 

 Nege looked at the First and said, "Besides, I have use of him."  Nege

looked up and said to the First as well as the remainder of the other

Jem'Hadar.  The Federation dogs are mounting their attack as we speak.

 I have seen their plans.  We do not have time to administer the White now. 

They will be here in under a minute.  Nege turned to the First,

 "Our escort will be here shortly.  Can your soldiers hold out until then?

 The First replied,  "I think we can, but we must hurry."  Nege looked at the

First's eyes.  They actually looked scared.  It seemed as if he was using all

of his faculties to keep himself together.  Thoraz noticed it too.

 Nege nodded, "Understood, all we need to do is to hold out until they arrive

then...For now, gather all our forces and the hostages and bring them here. 

This is where we will make our stand.  Nege turned to the Betazoid.  He

walked up to him and put the phaser up to his nose.  Thoraz felt the phaser

being slipped into his pocket as Nege said, "This is for choking me you

federation scum.  Nege punched Thoraz again in the jaw.  The First grabbed

the Lt. Commander and roughly pulled him away.

  Their eyes stayed locked on each other.  As Nege thought in his mind.

  "Lt. Commander, how long do you think it will be before the Jem'Hadar go

crazy.."  The First started barking orders and one Jem'Hadar ran off to

gather the rest as several other Jem'hdar started moving the hostages.

  So far so good.  

  As they approached the  command center They could hear phaser fire erupt

from the other cavern.  The first turned to Tal'ok with a look of rage.  Nege

was scared to the bone.  He had never seen a Jem'hadar, much less an enraged

one.  Nege looked back with an emotionless face and said, "It has started. 

Put the hostages in front of us.  We will use them as a shield."  The

Jem'hdar complied.  Nege noticed they all looked jittery and not focused,

almost uncontrollable.  They REALLY did not have much time before the Jem'dar

went insane.  And there was no telling when that would happen.  Whatever,

they were going to do, it had to be soon.

=============================================================

Lt. Commander Throaz Brynaziir

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.02

Thoraz didn't have to scan the Jem'hadar.  He had faced them enough times.

They could snap at any moment.  Thoraz wasn't at all crazy about having them

behind the hostages.  He send a telepathic transmission to Veruna telling

what was happening and the state of the Jem'hadar

=============================================================

Majestic Survivor Camp

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.02

   First Rohkatargin halted the entire group and suddenly thrust his rifle

into the back of one of the hostages, an older man who wore the rank insignia

of a lieutenant.

   "You are not T'alok!" the First barked. "Your voice and behavior is not

that of the individual we know as General T'alok. Both of you surrender at

once or these Starfleet people will die."

   The other three Jem'Hadar stopped and looked uncertainly between First

Rohkatargin and Nege. All of them tensed their grip on their weapons.

   Things did not look good at all

(FROM THE GM: Nege and Brynaziir, you guys can do whatever you want to

resolve this situation.)

============================================================

Lt. Commander Sholek

Corinthas VI, underground cavern

Stardate 0004.02

    "Commander," Sholek said to MacLeod, "I suggest we move the Majestic

crew outside the dampening field and evacuate them, ASAP just in case

Brynaziir and Nege were not successful."

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.02

   MacLeod nodded to Sholek. "OK, people. We've got to move and get out of

here as quickly as possible. Your comrades are waiting above at the wreck

site. We're from the Starfleet ship USS Fearless...and we're going to take

you all home."

   Some the surviviors cheered, others just nodded as the reality began to

settle in, but all of them moved, joining Sholek and MacLeod as htye made

there way from the cavern.

   Four of the most able survivors picked up dropped Jem'Hadar weapons and

took up positions protecting the older, unarmed people.

   As they moved out of the cavern and back toward the beam in site, Sholek

checked his tricorder and turned to MacLeod. "Sir, those two  Jem'Hadar who

were on roving patrol must have cloaked...I cannot detect them."

   "Lovely," MacLeod muttered. "Keep a look out...we don't need any

unexpected company down here. We're two minutes from reaching the beam out

site...let's go."

 END TRANSMISSION 

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Majestic Main Cavern Complex - Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.03

  Blaine sub-vocally signaled the other snipers to take out the other three

Jem'Hadar as he targeted the First and fired two rounds off, one through his

chest cavity and one through his cranium.

  Quickly taking an assessment of the situation after the surface explosions

rocked the cavern complex, the quickness with which the First saw through

Nege's disguise took him by surprise.

  Signaling the commander to hurry out of the side cavern and take up a

defensive position in the command center.

  "To damn and beyond on those remaining Jem'Hadar."  Blaine remarked to no

one in particular as he moved to care for the struckdown Majestic crewman.

=============================================================

Ensign Lumone Nege

Majestic Command Center

Stardate 0004.04

  Nege stood there face to face with a Jem'hadar who had his rifle pushed

into the back of the one of the Majestic personnel.  The First screamed

again at Nege. 

  At that moment, Nege saw the phaser blast pierce the Jem'hadar's skull.  He

was dead standing up.  Nege didn't blink for an instant.  He did not even

feel like himself.  He started firing unmercifully at the other Jem'hadar. 

He felt like he was someone else watching what was going on.  The Jem'hdar

never had a chance.  Phaser fire came from

the end of the cavern with deadly precision.  Phaser fire was also coming

from next to him. 

  Nege knew that Brynaziir had started firing.  Nege just kept firing.  The

surprised Jem'hdar tried to rally back.  But it looked like each Jem'hadar

was being hit from at least two seperate phaser blasts each.  They fell

slowly like little dolls. 

  When the firing stopped, Nege looked around.  He went to the Majestic crew

to see if anyone was hurt.  There was some injury, but no fatalities.  Nege

turned around and saw the assault team come out.  They were led by the

doctor, who was running over to see to the wounded.  Nege noticed some of the

Majestic people looking at him with disbelief and he realized he still had

his holographic disguiser engaged.  He deactivated it and heard the

Majestic's people chimed in their understanding.  Nege looked at Thoraz, and

said,

  "Are you ok, Lt. Commander?...

=============================================================

Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.04

  Thoraz had begun firing after the First went down, but the snipers hit

their marks.

  "I'm fine Ensign.  But the lieutenant there was hit by the First as he went

down.  Probably reflex.  'Thoraz to Veruna.  We have a man down.'  Now,

Ensign, get the rest of these people out of here. I'll wait for the Doctor to

arrive."

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Corinthas VI, caves

Stardate 0004.05

   MacLeod and Sholek led the Majestic hostages toward the beam out location.

They were almost there when Sholek motioned for them to stop.

  “I heard something over there,” the Romulan whispered, motioning toward an

outcropping of rocks.

  MacLeod thumbed off the safety of his LM-75 and looked around cautiously.

Suddenly, a Jem’Hadar materialized out of nowhere and opened fire with an

energy weapon, gunning down one of the armed Majestic hostages.

  Sholek spun and fired, killing the Jem’Hadar cold in his tracks. It was too

late for the dead Majestic survivors, however, as his lifeless body slumped

to the ground.

  No sooner had Sholek fired and another figure materialzed next to MacLeod.

It was another cloaked Jem’Hadar. The rabid looking soldier snarled and tried

to decapitate MacLeod with his sword-like weapon.

  The commander ducked and rammed an elbow into the soldier’s gut. He

staggered a bit, then came at MacLeod again. Ian sidestepped the attack and

seized the Jem’Hadar’s arm, which he wrenched upward. With his other hand he

rammed a fist into the nerve cluster in the Jem’Hadar’s armpit, but grimaced

when he realized it didn’t affect the soldier.

   Damned alien physiology.

   The Jem’Hadar backhanded MacLeod and sent the commander reeling backwards.

Sholek turned and fired at him and missed, but one of the beligered Majestic

survivors fired and killed the Jem’Hadar.

   “Are you alright, commander?” the Romulan asked, helping MacLeod to his

feet.

   “Remind me to read up on Jem’Hadar biology when we get back to the ship,”

Ian scoffed. “Bloody beasts.”

   He picked up his weapon and motioned for the survivors to move out. He

frowned sadly when he saw an older woman crying on her hands and knees over

the slain body of the man who’d been killed.

  MacLeod extended a hand down to her, “I’m sorry about your loss...but we

have to go.”

  “I can’t leave his body here,” she cried.

  “We can’t bring him,” Ian told her softly. “But when this is over I promise

you we’ll beam him out of here.”

  The woman kissed the fallen man on his cheek and took MacLeod’s hand. He

helped her up and then he knelt and placed an isolinear tag in the man’s

shirt. With that they would later be able to recover the body for proper

burial.

  With his hand on the woman’s back, MacLeod led her from the cavern and to

the beam out site where they were all soon transported to the surface.

  Once they were there, MacLeod tapped his comm-badge. “MacLeod to Fearless.

We are going to require transport out of here, ASAP. Transport for the team

and approximately 80 Federation citizens.”

   “WHAT!?” Sortha’s voice responded over the encoded channel. “Repeat that,

Away Team.”

   “Eighty people, sir. That is eight-zero,” MacLeod said.  “We’ve found

survivors of a 20-year old Starfleet crash here, captain. And we have Tal’ok

in custody.”

   “The ssshuttless are en route. They ssshould touch down in about two

minutesss,” Sortha said. “You’ll need to sset up transport enhancersss from

the shuttless sssso we can beam through the ionic interference.”

   “Understood,” MacLeod said. “We’ll have a beam out location ready in five

minutes.”

   “Affirmative,” Sortha replied. “As sssoon as the ssshuttless are finished,

have them get back here so we can get out of here.”

   “Trouble sir?” MacLeod asked.

   “There will be if we don’t get everyone up here and depart right away,”

Sortha said.

   “Got it,” MacLeod said. “Away Team out.”

  The commander turned and looked around as the rest of team and survivors

were beamed out of the caverns.

   Ian then looked around at the group,  “Jacques and Sholek, meet the

shuttles when they land. Get all of the transporter enhancers off the

shuttles and set them up outside as quickly as possible,” MacLeod said.

“M’Orta and Nege, you’ll handle the prisoner. Thoraz and Cha’naH, you’ll

oversee the organization and orderly assembly of the Majestic survivors. Get

them ready in groups for transport. Veruna, continue tending to your wounded.

   “OK people...let’s move. We’ve got to get out of here and fast,” the

commander added.

END TRANSMISSION

FROM: Admiral Sorvek, Shadow Operations Command

TO: Ensign Xavier Desalin

SUBJECT: Orders

Stardate 0004.10

   Ensign Desalin, you have been assigned to serve aboard the USS Fearless as

science officer. Fearless will be arriving at Starbase 299 within the week.

You will report to Starbase 299 and board the ship as soon as possible. Your

commanding officer will be Captain Sortha.

   Good luck on your new assignment. And, Live Long and Prosper.

Admiral Sorvek

============================================================

FROM: Admiral Sorvek, Shadow Operations Command

TO: Lt. T'Reija

SUBJECT: Orders

Stardate 0004.10

   Lt. T'Reija, welcome back to Shadow Operations. I trust you are well after

your extended leave. USS Fearless will be docking at Starbase 299 within the

week. You can return to your duties there as soon as possible.

   Again, welcome back. And Live Long and Prosper.

Admiral Sorvek

END TRANSMISSION

Ensign Lumone Nege

Corinthas VI - Rendevous point

Stardate 0004.11

   Nege stood there as M'orta placed security cuffs on Tal'ok.  He had his

phaser ready at the first attempt that Tal'ok might make.  He hoped, no, he

prayed that Tal'ok would try something.  Tal'ok never left Nege's sight.  It

was because of this monster that two innocent people are dead.

  Thoraz and Chas'naH started assembling the Majestic people into groups to

be ready for transport.  The shuttles had just touched down.  Sholek and

Jenna scrambled to get the transporter beacons ready.  The doctor tended some

of those he could treat quickly.  Nege held his demeanor with an

expressionless face.  He wasn't sure what his actual reason was.

  He did not know if doing so as to not give Tal'ok the satisfaction, or if

he was making fun of Romulan smugness.  Either way, he matched Tal'ok's

stare.  M'orta stood motionless next to Nege with his phaser ready.  Nege

wondered how he was taking this.  Then, a comm signal came over the sub-vocal

communicator, "Fearless to away team, this is the captain.  We have company. 

Commander, don't forget "procedure".  Give us an ETA on when we can pick you

up?"  

=============================================================

Lt. Blaine Veruna

Corinthas VI, Majestic Surface Crash Site

Stardate 0004.11

   "Aye Commander," replied Blaine as he unslung his medical kit and gave the

 wounded a once over to ascertain who was the worst off.  Deciding that

nobody was seriously wounded, he helped the wounded line up for priority

beam-out straight to sickbay, once the beam-outs commenced.

  Once onboard the Fearless, he oversaw the treatment to the more serious

cases, then left the lesser cases to the rest of the medical crew andwent 

down the hallway to his quarters to take off the winter-gear and stow the

excess equipment from the mission.

   From his desk comp while he changed clothes, he accessed the ships general

log to find out what had gone on while the away team was on the mission for 

the last few hours.  "Breen" he spat in disgust.  "'Never trust a Breen!' so 

they say."

  After studying the aggressive nature with which the Breen ships had chased

the Fearless, he finally concluded that they were after the General and the

only way that they could know he was here was if they were working for the

Dominion.

  After finishing changing clothes and checking on sickbay to make sure

everything was OK, he headed up to the bridge to see how things were going

from there.

=============================================================

Commander Ian MacLeod

Corinthas VI

Stardate 0004.11

   MacLeod and Commander Duggan from the Majestic watched as the last of the

survivors either loaded aboard the shuttles are were beamed out of the

pattern enhancers set up on the surface.

   A man in a fur coat approached and Duggan stood at attention.

   "Commander Ian MacLeod, this is our captain, James Fletcher," Duggan said

proudly.

   "Captain Fletcher, it is a pleasure to meet one of the people who helped

keep this crew alive all these years," MacLeod said, shaking his hand.

   "The pleasure is mine, commander. I can't believe we put stock in what

that Romulan told us. I guess it had been so long since we'd had contact with

the Federation, we were ready to accept the first news we heard," Fletcher

said, embarrassed. "I still can't believe we're going home."

   "I wish you were going home to better times," MacLeod offered. "This has

been a bloody war, captain."

   Fletcher nodded, "We left during a war...we'll deal with a war for our

homecoming."

   MacLeod smiled, then motioned to the transport enhancers, "After you,

captain."

   The three officers stepped into the circle formed by the enhancers and

MacLeod signaled for beamout. "Fearless...energize."

   After they beamed out, one of the security officers still on the surface

grabbed up the enhancers and ran to the last awaiting shuttle. As soon as he

was aboard the door closed behind him and the ship blasted skyward.

   As the shuttle disappeared into the clouds, behind it on the surface the

cold, loney wreckage of the USS Majestic was a little bit more desolate than

it had ever been.

=============================================================

Captain Sortha

USS Fearless

Stardate 0004.11

   The shuttles, packed full of survivors, had just returned to Fearless.  As

Sortha sat on the bridge looking at the list of people recovered he wondered

if this job could get any stranger. 

   They had however in addition to the long lost Federation crew, been able

to recover General Talok.  

   Sortha ordered course set for Starbase 299, the closest Federation

starbase, and Fearless left the system.

   Once they were away from the Breen ships, they accessed the Federation

database and received all of the messages and data transfers that were

pending while they were maintaining communications silence.

   It was only then they learned about what had happened. The Breen had

entered the war and had attacked Starfleet Command on Earth. They also

learned about the new Breen weapon...and Sortha realized how fortunate they'd

been not to engage the Breen ships directly.

   It would take about 24 hours to reach Starbase 299, giving the team time

to relax and the Majestic survivors could catch up on the last 20 years.

END TRANSMISSION