Santiago:
After
the Captain's order to go into warp Santiago looked about and prepared
to leave the Bridge. "Excuse me,Commander Riker, what does the bridge staff
usually do off duty? It seems logical the XO should know."
(response
Riker)
Riker:
"Well,
Mr. Santiago, there are quite a few things one could do onboard. The ship
has the Holodecks, there's the gym, studying or reading in the observation
decks, and I do believe that their is a lounge on board. 10 forward I think
it's called. I, myself, am heading down there. Would you care to join me?"
Looking
around the bridge. "Anyone else like to join me?"
Troi:
My
back to Will I allow myself a small smile. Where else would he go torelax?
I needed to get back to my office and certainly didn't need to spendsocial
time with Will Riker. Not yet... I ignore his statement as if Ihadn't heard.
Of course he would no better, but perhaps he would read it asindifference.
Picard:
Hello,
Paris, and welcome aboard the USS Enterprice, NCC-1701D. We havejust assembled
our crew and survived a challanging mission at Farpointstation... I am
your Captain, Jean-Luc Picard...
Santiago:
"'Ten
Forward' it does sound of interest, I will join you."
A
short time later in Ten Forward, they sit to place their orders. "What
did you think of what happened on the Bridge? The Captain agreed it was
nothing, what will the rumor mill make out of it?"
(response
Riker)
Riker:
"Luckly
it was contained on the bridge and the senior staff shouldn't be prone
to rumor starting. The Captain is a fair man but I wouldn't suggest that
you push him like that again."
Santiago:
"Good,
and I hope it remains an isolated incident. After all that happened I was
just at the end of my rope, I suppose one thing I need to work on is adding
length to that rope." At that time their orders arrive, to them it appears
to be dinner considering the time they got off shift. Santiago turns his
attention to his soup for a time. "Speaking of rumors do you have any idea
of our next assignment?"
(response
Riker)
Riker:
Taking
a sip of the Talaxian ale that is placed before me. "As far as our next
mission, I haven't heard anything. The incident at Farpoint has probally
thrown things off."
Santiago:
"True,
I suppose we shall just have to wait to see what the future holds. I read
from your file, don't worry I just read what is public to get a general
feel for my coworkers, that you come from Alaska. That is some wonderfully
country, but too cold for my taste, that would make you Canadian correct?"
Riker:
"I'm
not really Canadian per-say. Alaska and Canada are pretty much the same,
at least governed the same. It would be like what the Europeans did in
the early 21st century, combining all of the small countries into one big
country with one government." Taking a sip.
"The
United States and Canada did the same thing. Your name sounds Spanish.
I'm I close?"
Troi:
Tasha
Yar:
Geordi:
B.J
Pierce:
Guinan
and B.J:
Riker:
Santaigo:
Troi:
Riker:
Troi:
Riker:
Troi:
Riker:
Troi:
Guinan:
Riker:
Guinan:
Troi:
Riker:
Santiago:
Picard:
Santiago:
Guinan:
Troi:
Picard:
Santiago:
Riker:
Dr.
Crusher:
Troi:
Picard:
Dr.Crusher:
Picard:
Santiago:
Guinan:
Troi:
Tasha:
Tymen:
Picard:
Yar:
Troi:
Dr.
Crusher:
Data:
Santiago:
Riker:
Yar:
Santiago:
Yar:
Dr.
Crusher:
Guinan:
Yar:
Riker:
Guinan:
Tasha:
Tymen:
Picard:
Dr.
Crusher:
Santiago:
Dr.
Crusher:
Tasha:
Worf:
Santiago:
Dr.
Crusher:
Santiago:
Dr.
Crusher:
Tymen:
Worf:
Dr.
Crusher:
Tymen:
Riker:
I
tap my comm badge. "Lt. Worf, Do a scan of the entire ship. All systems
at all levels. If you find more bombs, dispose of them. Riker out."
Picard:
Worf:
Yar:
Santiago:
Yar:
B.J:
Worf:
Santiago:
Riker:
Although
I wasn't personally invited by the chief science officer, I thought that
it would be advantagious for me to attend the little meeting. After all,
I am the First Officer and the operations onboard this ship are one of
my responsiblities.
Dr.
Crusher:
Yar:
Dr.
Crusher:
Santiago:
Dr.
Crusher:
Yar:
Tymen:
Worf:
Santiago:
Ro:
Picard:
B.J:
Riker:
Picard:
Data:
Troi:
Tymen:
Yar:
Riker:
"Aye,
sir. I was on my way to engineering to see what's going on down there"
Picard:
Riker:
"Understood.
Captain, I had a thought. The action that is taking place on the bridge
might be a dirversion. They might be going to the battle bridge. If they
take that, we might be in trouble. I'll take a team and investigate."
Santiago:
Yar:
I
glanced at Santiago then back at the man I could truly say I hated.
Grayson
Darringer:
Santiago:
Grayson
Darringer:
Yar:
Santiago:
Tymen:
Grayson
Darringer:
Santiago:
He
was defeated, and in his mind he knew he shouldn't even have tried. Trying
to recover a bit of his dignity Santiago simple watched as they walked
out. He looked over his captors and then to the other crew members still
laying on the deck, trying to gage the capabilities of the two holding
him as well as when the other crew members might come to. His two defeats
in such short order had convinced him to not try jumping into a fight again,
at least not without a plan first.
Beverly
Crusher:
Grayson
Darringer:
Ro:
"
That is not entirely true, the first officer has that clearence as well."
Dr.
Crusher:
Tasha
Yar:
Picard:
Tymen:
Yar:
Geordi:
Data:
Santiago:
Santiago
rubbed his hands which still ached slightly. "Worf and Kirby, go to the
armoury and secure it also get phaser rifles and concussion grenades. Mr.
Laforge, proceed to a transporter room, secure it and await orders. I will
see what is happening on the Bridge. Understood?"
Picard:
Riker:
Picard:
Troi:
Picard:
Data:
Picard:
Data:
Riker:
"Yes,
perhaps we can obtain an element of surprise if You were to beam my team
and I to the bridge." I prepare myself for battle.
Picard:
Data:
"
It seems then that all the main areas of the ship are now secure. We just
need to make sure the ship is fully flushed out. How many rebels were involved
in the attack, do we know yet? "
Santiago:
Riker:
I
was about to say energize as the news of the bridge being re-taken was
announced.
Picard:
Riker:
Troi:
Riker:
Troi:
Dr.
Crusher:
Data:
Yar:
Data:
Santiago:
Yar:
Tymen:
Unknown:
Picard:
"I
don't think that will be necessary. I have control of the battle bridgeand
Commander Riker and Data are leading our own security teams to ensure there
are no further traitors aboard."
Troi:
Unknown:
Yar:
Unknown:
Yar:
Picard:
Santiago:
"Very
well sir, will you be beaming Dr. Crusher back aboard soon?" After receiveing
a response Santiago closes the channel.
Troi:
Santiago:
Picard:
Data:
Santiago:
Picard:
Unknown:
Santiago:
"The
closest ship besides 'Enterprise' is the 'Saint Just'." He brings up ship
information on the vessel. "It would be helpful with medical aid and supplies,
but it doesn't have the capability to evacuate the crew."
Yar:
Picard:
Geordi:
Picard:
Santiago:
"Message
to 'Saint Just' has been transmitted sir. Shall we request the Montgomery
accompany us, or at least send Dr. Crusher back over?"
Data:
Geordi:
Yar:
Yar:
Picard:
Dr.
Crusher:
Santiago:
When
the magnificent ship again moved to warp, and the Montgomery fell in behind,
their was little for a science officer to actually do.
Unknown:
Picard:
Santiago:
Beverly:
B.J:
Troi:
Yancey
Phillips:
Data:
Tasha:
Yancey
Phillips:
Yar:
Keith:
USS
Montgomery:
Yar:
Yancey
Phillips:
Santiago:
Data:
Picard:
Yar:
Beverly:
Tymen:
Picard:
Yancey:
Yar:
Santiago:
Yar:
Tymen:
I
thought back to the conversation earlier that day outside sickbay. Looking
into her eyes was hypnotic. She was definitely something special. I could
hardly remember what I said to her, but it went something like...
Yan:
Santiago:
Picard:
Yar:
Picard:
B.J:
B.J's
looks down for a second but then, smiles brightly at him. " It's a long
story, with parts that hurt..but... I'd love to have dinner with you. That,
and I have a program as well. We could make it a regular vacation.Your
place..mine..or ten forward..I'm sure my new friend Guinan the bartender
would love to cook us dinner...I hope you like chocolate."
Geordi:
"Consider
it done, Captain," I turned the Enterprise only slightly, but slowly as
the Romulan warbirds jumped to warp and disappeared.
Yancey:
Picard:
Yar:
Yan:
I
excuse myself from the bridge, but stop short of returning to my office.
The files can wait... I stop at one of the holadecks and pull up a program
on Betazed. I smile at the familiar surroundings as I let myself believe
for a brief moment that I'm back home. I toss a small stone into a stream
and head down a grassy path that I know will lead to the edge of the Jalara
Jungle. A thousand memories come rushing back, some not so pleasant, others
some of the best of my life.. What was I doing? This is insane... I have
to put that time out of my mind. It is the past, over, gone. I turn away
from the jungle and head up a hill, towards a spot my father used to take
me when I was a little girl. He'd pack a picnic and tell me about Earth,
promising to take me
there someday. He had never gotten the cance to do that, but I had taken
his stories with me when I went myself, to attend Star Fleet Acadamy, following
in the footsteps of the two men who had meant the most to me in my life
- my father, and William T Riker...
My
duty shift was over, but I wasn't tired. I needed to expend some of the
nervous energy that had built up over the last two days at Farpoint Station.
We were heading out into space, waiting for our next assignment, and I
needed to exercise. I went to the phaser range for some target practice
followed by a rigorous workout in the ship's gym. I chatted with some of
the crew I met there, they all seemed to be Starfleet's finest. Each had
their own story of their special success in some field or another. Frankly,
I found myself bored by the group of overachievers. To me, no one seemed
more interesting than the first officer, William T. Riker, or as his friends
called him, Will. He is definitely someone I want to know more about.
My
love life was danker than the lower levels of a Cardassian prison. From
Connie O'Reilly and Elasia Cortez in high school to Tammara Holland and
TeLisa Kevel at the academy, my track record with women was nothing to
be proud of. I had promised myself that with my assignment aboard the Enterprise,
all that would change. I simply had to find the right woman and that involved
dating, lots and lots of dating. Without a doubt, the Enterprise had dozens
of beautiful woman aboard. Perhaps, with a little luck, I could find my
future wife among them.
The
situation on the bridge had been diffused and they had all gone elsewhere.
She excused herself from the bridge. B.J couldn't quite remember
what to do now. In year off from starfleet, following the death of her
father, she had pushed all of her starfleet experience to the back of her
mind. She had family matter to take care of after all, a devistated
family, her own feelings, and a whole host of other things. Now back in
starfleet she was feeling a little strange. She decided to talk to the
counsellor later, right now she knew there were holodecks on board and
she needed a little relaxation.
She
always carried the program wherever she went. She doubted she could stand
being in space without it. As she put it into the holodeck
and activated it, she took a deep breath and let it out in a contented
sigh.
B.J
had always been a nature person. She loved it. She especially
loved water. She had read of how earth cats always disliked water, and
couldn't figure out why. Water was heaven. Right now she was
surrounded by a haven of water, trees, sand and beauty. When she wanted
to the climate would change to other places from her homeworld, among them
a rainforest, a snowy hiking trail, a lake, and a quaint old time town
somwhere in her planet's distant past. Right now though she
just wanted to sit on the beach, talk to her holographic friends and relax.
Santiago or anyone else would contant her if they needed her.
She fingered the dolphin charm around her neck, underneath her uniform
and stare at the marine pool where a few smiling dolphins were swiming
back and forth. A waiter brought her an apple juice, and a
ham sandwich. Someone started playing some soft flute music. She closed
her eyes and sighed.
She
was on her way to ten forward, but for some reason Guinan found herself
in front of a holodeck. There was someone in there, and she
didn't know the person but she got a feeling she should stop in there and
say hello. She beeped for entrance and a low musical voice
bade her to enter.
The
doors opened to a luxurious resort and a beautiful beach. Dolphins swam
in a pool in teh middle of the restort. Light music was playing. The air
smelled of flowers, and the ocean breeze. The sun was setting.
Sitting
on a padded bench, was a young Caitian woman whom guinan assumed was a
new ensign. Her hair was long and bluish black, her fur was white, and
her eyes were mismatched, one green one blue. She smiled a
Guinan and motioned for her to talk a seat. " Welcome to paradise" she
guestured to the lanscape around her. " My paradise." Guinan
noticed she was drinking apple juice and eating a ham sandwich.
" My name Is guinan. I run ten forward."she held out her hand.
" Blair Jiselle Pierce. B.J to everybody but my closest frends." B.J gently
shook Guinan's hand with a feline grin. " I have a feeling
we're going to be friends..Blair." Guinan said strait forward.
"Well
I could use a few friends here Guinan. Things are going to be tough for
me untill I can get back into the groove." B.J said, Guinan's calling her
Blair strangely didn't bother her. Only three people had called her that.
Her mother, father..and her long dead Fiance. She guessed now that that
left one person calling her Blair. Two with guinan. " The groove?"
" Um..I've been out of starfleet for awhile." B.J felt a strange sense
of comfort around guinan. Maybe this was the person she could talk to about
her problems. " My...a....father died. I took a leave of absense
from starfleet and went home to take care of things. I just got back into
starfleet when they assigned me to farpoint and you know the rest." Guinan
just nodded,listening.
"
So all this is kind of strange for me." B.J sighed. She seemed to notice
something.." you..uh..want something to eat..drink?" " No thank
you." " Oh. Okay." B.J shrugged.
Guinan
just looked at her.
"
I..a.. I keep this program with me wherever I go. It's got at least ten
diffrent places from my homeworld. I couldn't get through space without
it." B.J contiued. " Your homsick" It wasn't a question. "
yeah..kinda. I was just home though.. and I hated it, not the planet but
the reason I was there. Now that I'm back in starfleet.. well.."
" Your missing it and your father. Missing what your world reprsents" Guinan
finished. B.J nodded surprised. " Exactly. I don't eat much. I try to be
my normal self..but it's just so hard" She guestured to the sandwich by
her with one bite out of it.
Guinan
stood. " Computer save program and close." As the scene dissappeared
and was replaced by teh grid B.J looked confused. " What?"
" Come to ten forward. I'll get you some lunch and we can talk some more."
B.J though for a minute. Humm. Maybe Guinan was right. She would be better
served talkign to someone than moping in teh holodeck. She
took her program chip from teh computer, re-attached it to a long chain
around her neck and put back under her uniform. " Okay. Guinan,
lead the way."
The
doors to Ten forward swished open and guinan entered gracefully, her long
purple outfit swishign around her ancles as she walked. Behind
her came B.J looking around in interest. Guinan dismissed a
bartender and took over. She made B.J sit on a stool as she did a quick
clean sweep of the bar. " What do you want to eat Blair?"
" Mom fixed me a steak before I left. A steak and a baked potato.."
" Good choice. Apple Juice I assume?" " Yes." B.J nodded.
Guinan punched it into the replicator and while it was forming, she looked
at B.J. " I'll let you eat, and then I'm going to introduce
you to all the members of the crew I know."
"
I already know Santiago my superior officer.." she pointed across teh room.
" You need to get to know more people than that. This crew is a family,
your a part of this family now. After this we'll go find Geordi and Data.
You'll like Geordi, everybody likes Geordi." B.J sighed. "
Yes sir" she mock saluted. " Don't sir me..I'm not starfleet.
eat." she put the food in front of her and watched her.
"My
life? Not much to speak of. I guess you could say it was pretty typical
until I got into Starfleet. At that point I just learn as much as I could.
Mostly studying starship tactics, weapon systems, leadership, and administration.
I’ve had some small unit tactical training as well. Other than that, not
much.”
"It
was good to talk, but I'm sure we both have other things we must see too,
I bid you good bye."
Santiago
stood and moved to the bar, after placing his bowl in the replicator he
left. He walked to a turbolift "Deck 13" he spoke crisply.
Walking
down a hall on deck 13 he found the door he wanted and entered, it was
a room bare with only a replicator a bench and another door at the other
end. After replicating a wetsuit and changing he stepped through the other
door to meet the ships dolphins.
After
my virtual walk on Betazed I feel much calmer, more relaxed. I decide to
see what else the ship has to offer and find myself at Ten Forward. I purposly
divert my eyes from the first officer, pretending not to see him. As if
I'd need to see him to know he was there... I walk over to the bar, smiling
at the dark skinned woman and the young officer I'd met earlier. I don't
want to interrupt their conversation so I wait patiently to place my
order.
When
Santiago left I looked around the lounge. Then I saw her walk in, still
as attractive as ever. She walked to the bar and seemed to be waiting to
order or something. I know that I should put the past behind me but what
the heck. I stood from the table I was sitting at and started to walk towards
her.
“How
have you been Deanna?”
I
smile as I turn to him. "Hello, Will. How have I been? In general or for
the last two days?" I joke, referring to the strange events of our first
mission.
“My
first thought would be in general but, under the circumstances of the past
few days, I should ask ‘how are you?’”
"I'm
alright. I managed to avoid any physicalinjuries when the station was attacked
and the stress levels of the crew seem to be dropping." Now if I could
do something about my own... All my training and I was still unable to
control my quickening pulse.
“That
was quite an ordeal. I’m happy that you didn’t get hurt.”
"I
just hope it was the worst of what we willencounter." I inform Will and
turn as the womanbehind the bar approaches. We hadn't met but the familiarity
of her greeting seemed right. I smiled inunderstanding, sensing something
of the mysteriousbeing beneath the normal appearance. To the rest of the
crew she would seem like an average human, just asI would, but there was
definatly more to her. "I wasconsidering something sweet..." I answer.
"Will?"
Guinan
watched Deanna Troi and Will talk with a slight smile. She
could tell there was something going on there. She looked to B.J who was
enjoying her food, seeing she was occupied for the moment she turned to
them. " Will, Deanna.... can I get you something?"
I
wait for Deanna to order and then place mine.
"I'll
have a re-fill of Talaxian Ale please." Placing my empty glass on the bar.
Guinan
smiles as she takes Will's glass.
"
Something sweet as in something Chocolate? Hold that thought." she gets
will his refill and hands it to him. " Here you go Commander.
Now counselor..If it's choclate you have in mind I have the pefect solution
to your sweet tooth." Guinan folds her hands on the bar.
"I
wouldn't be human if I didn't like chocolate..." I smile, looking forward
to whatever she prepared.
Watching,
also, to see what is produced.
After
his swim and talk with these members of the crew Santiago felt refreshed
and ready to deal with other matters. Heading for his quarters he soon
had what was needed, and set out for the other part of his journey.
Arriving
at the Captain's quarters he pressed the chime. "May I come in sir?"
I
look up from my paper copy of a Shakesphere play and sigh. So much for
afew minutes of peace. "Come..." I call out and lay the book aside.
Santiago
enters with his package and looks around admiring the quarters.
"I
thought a peace offering would be appropriate." He then hands the package
to Picard. "Would a Kipling do, he was one of my favorites."
"
It may look simple but belive me it's very good" Guinan warns.
She goes to the replicator and comes back with a plate brimming with large
brown squares of something covered in chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.
" Kind of like human pastry, with chocolate batter, chocolate chips in
the batter, smotherd by a rich chocolate sause and topped off with powdered
sugar to offset all of that chocolate" she grinned placing the plate in
front of Troi. The new science officer, the Caitian B.J leaned
over and grinned. " Wow, that's alot of Chocolate"
I
stare at it a moment and slowly a big grin spreads across my face. "It
sounds deadly.. Where's a fork?"
I
start to say a peace offering isn't necessary, butas I slide the brown
wrapping from the package I'mamazed at what I'm holding in my hand. The
book is innear mint condition. "Where did you find this?"
"I
took several of my Academy breaks in India, and I found this book in a
small bungalow I was lent for one of my stays." I looked down at the book
on the table. "Shakespeare, old for my taste I prefer 1800's and on for
Terra and some older for other worlds. Did you know before Surak Vulcan
had some very good literature, the loss of that is the one thing I fault
him for."
"It
looks too sweet for me. Ladies if you will excuse, I'm going to get some
sleep. Deanna, it's nice seeing you again. We should get together later."
With
that I smile, nod to the ladies, and head for my quarters to try to get
some rest after a series of ruff days.
Beverly
walked to the captain's quarters wondering why she was stood up bythe captain,
but that didn't matter, she would try to be professional this time. Wesley
in on the ship and she doesn't need to hurt his feelings.
Beverly
is going to the captain to ask if she could borrow cargo bay 2 forthe art
class she is teaching and later a play that she will be directing.
She
stops at the door, hesitates, and then walks in
[respond]
I
watch him leave with a carefully controlled look of disinterest and thenturn
back to Guinin and my chocolate.
I
nod at Santiago, "Yes, I had..." I stop when the door opens without so
much as a chime. How impertinant! When I see it's Beverly I keep from saying
anything about it. I would address the problem in private... "Dr Crusher,
was there something you needed?"
She
walks fully in, then.... "We have an emergency Captain. Deck 13 sections
Alpha and Beta just suddenly vented a gas that the computers don't register
and I don't have enough medical supplies to care for the wounded. "
"What
sort of injuries?" I ask, immediatly concerned. Was this gas poisoned?
"Santiago, get some of your men to run an analysis and see if we can find
out what this is. Doctor, have comms send out a call to theclosest starships
asking for medical supply relief."
"I
was on deck 13 a short while ago and didn't see anything that would indicate
a problem, but I will look into it."
He
taps his commbadge. "Lt. Pierce, get a small science team and proceed to
Deck 13, we have somekind of gas leak according to the doctor and I want
you to get a sample."
"
Goodbye commander."
Guinan
nodds after him. Then turns back to the counselor and B.J.
" Blair grab a fork over there will you." B.J nodds and reaches over the
bar to grabb a fork. She hands it to the counselor. " Here
you go Counselor. Hey Guinan that looks good. Can you fix me one or two..
not that many..but I'm ready for desert" Guinan nodds, " I'd
be happy to spread the chocolate. Tell your friends it's a desert I'd like
to get around. And somebody help me come up with a name.. I just haven't
thought of one."
I
smile as I accept the fork and take a bite of the gooey concoction. "Oh..Guinan,
this is incredible!"
The
gas leak on deck 13 was suspicious. Although the Enterprise was still being
shook down, such an accident should not have happened to a new ship. I
felt the need to conduct an investigation.
"Yar,
to security. Send a team to deck 13. I'll meet you there."
The
environmental controls had effectively evacuated all the poisonous air
on deck 13, all casualties had been taken to sickbay, and those who had
been evacuated were returning to their quarters as I met my security team
near the ruptured gas line. Several engineers were swarming around the
conduit ready to repair what appeared to be a simple structural failure.
I approached an ensign who appeared to be in charge of repairs.
"Lieutenant,
I am lieutenant Yar, chief of security," I introduced myself extending
a hand to the stranger.
"Oh,
yes, hello, Lt. Yar. I'm Ensign Tymen. What can I do for you?" the young
bajoran asked, seeming to be distracted by the information on his tricorder.
"Well,
that was going to be my question to you. Are there any security matters
that need to be taken care of here?" I surveyed the open panel then continued,
"After all, this is a new ship and structural failures should not be happening
at this point." I then peered over his shoulder at the information displayed
on the tricorder.
"Nothing
appears out of the ordinary. The pressure in the line simply built up to
a point where stress fractures ruptured," he handed me the tricorder looking
satisfied with his assessment.
"Yes,
it appears that way," I punched a few buttons and scanned the rupture again.
The information that appeared was curious. Within the sharpnel projected
into the bulkhead during the rupture, there were traces of an explosive
compound usually undetectable by standard scans. I erased the information
from the tricorder and handed it back to the ensign.
"Thank
you, Ensign Tymen," I turned, motioned to my two security officers, and
walked down the corridor toward the turbolift. As my team and I stepped
inside, I tapped my comm badge, "Captain, this is Lieutenant Yar. We have
a problem."
The
blond security officer walked away with her security team flanking her.
How odd, I thought as I attempted to punch up the information she had collected
after resetting the tricorder, but the information was gone. Was there
something I missed? If so, why didn't she say anything? My mind swirled
with questions, but she did outrank me and it wasn't my place to
question her authority.
I
turned back to my duty quickly forgetting Lt. Yar's visit.
I
frowned. Lt Yar was not one to report a problem without being certain ofher
pronouncement. "Meet me in the conference room, LT. Should I call the senior
officers together?"
"Yes,
sir," I confirmed. The senior officers, although still strangers to me,
were the only ones who could be trusted. This situation was potentially
a serious one. There was a very real possibility that the gas rupture was
sabotage. The explosive elements I found were ones used by several rebel
groups, the foremost being the Maquis. Although the anti-Cardassian group
had been somewhat quiet for nearly a decade, their tactics were widely
studied in Starfleet.
The
Enterprise was in a vulnerable position with its newness of crew and its
depleted medical supplies. The Maquis took advantage of vulnerability,
in fact, they thrived on it. I increased my pace.
"All senior officers report immediatly to the conference room. Repeat..
All senior officers report immediatly to the conference room."
I
sigh and put the fork down, my chocolate delight barely touched. "I guessthat
would be me. Save it for me, Guinan!" I smile as I head out of TenForward.
I wonder what's going on....
Doctor
Crusher was in Sickbay taking care of the wounded. "Alyssa, take care of
this cut. Use a microsuture." Alyssa does as she is told.
Doctor
Crusher leaves Sickbay and heads to the turbolift on the aft of the deck.
She steps in and orders the computer to go to deck 1. She arrives, steps
out, looks around and goes into the conference lounge.
"Doctor",
acknowledges the Captain. "Captain", she acknowleges back and then she
sits waiting.....
Data
was in his quarters developing new dietary supplements for his cat spot,
a feline he had adopted recently.
=^=
All
Senior Officers to the conference lounge =^=
Leaving
his experiments on hold he made his way coolly to meet his fellow officers.
He
had not left the Captain's quarters so it was easy to fall into step behind
Picard as they headed for the Bridge. The few bits of information he had
so far running through his mind looking for connections. As he enters the
conference lounge he takes the chair reserved for the science officer,
and awaits the start of the meeting.
I
just make it to the doors of my quarters and hear the hail. 'Man they don't
issue much sleep on this ship do they.' I say to myself. I straighten up
my uniform and head back to the bridge.
Once
on the bridge, I head for the ready room. "Captain, what's going on?" I
ask.
I
cleared my throat as the last of the senior officers entered the conference
room and sat down.
"Captain
Picard has called this meeting at my request," I began, "As most of you
are aware, there was a gas leak on deck 13 due to a rupture in one of the
gas lines running through that deck. At first glance, the rupture appeared
to be due to a stress fracture. However, I scanned the shrapnel from the
rupture and found residual traces of a highly volatile explosive."
I
activated the large viewscreen at the end of the room. The data I had collected
from the tricorder was displayed, "The two compounds used are found in
several of our ships systems and are harmless unless mixed. When they come
into contact with one another, the explosion can be quite great," I switched
the viewscreen's display to show the affected area on deck 13 and
a simulation of the
explosion.
"The
explosion on deck 13 was small, in fact, there was barely enough of the
compounds for the tricorder to pick up on." I continued, "I don't believe
the rupture was an accident. I think someone planted an explosion." I turned
to the group for their response.
"There
are no vital ships systems on deck 13. Why there?" asked the dark skinned
helmsman.
I
shrugged, "My guess would be that this was a warning of things to come.
Start out small, make things look like accidents or ship's failures, then
move onto bigger things," I paused taking a breath before continuing, "What
I'm about to say next may be jumping to conclusions, but I feel it needs
to be said....these two compounds have frequently been used in their terrorists
attacks on Cardassia by a rebel faction known as the Maquis."
"May
I cut in Lt.?" Santiago stands and moves to the display. "On Deck 13 we
have shuttlebays 2 and 3, cetacean ops, cargo bays, Docking latches, and
crew quarters. Any of these would be a good target." He turns to Yar. "Why
would an anti-Cardassian group want to harm the Federation, the latest
information I have is that we are still at war with Cardassia."
"The
Maquis are only one possibility. Whoever has done this may want the finger
to point at that group, but who else would want to sabotage us?" I asked
looking at each of the senior officers in turn.
"Captain,
those compounds are only found in the Alpha Cepataris System. I suggest
we go to that system."
After
Guinan had put the counselor's food away for later she cleaned up the bar
and then cleaned up the rest of ten forward. Blair had left
to the site of the gas leak. Guinan briefly wondered about
who would sabatoge the enterprise but knew the crew would find out who
did it. She listened to a few crewmen's problems, gave advise
and more food then cleaned her bar again. She'd developed a
habit of keeping things clean, plus she was waiting. Waiting for something..she
wasn't sure what..but she knew it was coming.
"The
Maquis are the likely suspects which means that the Bajoran crew members
are suspects. Counselor, are there any other crew members that psych profiles
suggest that they may be Maquis sympathizers? We may be looking at more
than one saboteur."
"Captain,
didn't you recently request that a Ltjg Ro Laren report as tactical officer?
If I remember correctly, didn't she have a shaky past?"
B.J
had finished analizing the gas and had sent it to Santiago's personal computer
to go over himself. She decided that untill she was called again she would
go back to ten forward and talk to Guinan.
Walking
back she happened to pass a doorway to an empty room and her
senses went haywaire. Ten seconds later something exploided
and she was thrown backwards. Only her feline relflexes saved her from
being killed, she went with the explosing flipping in mid air and hitting
the bulkhead at the other end of the hall with her back instead of her
head. She slid down to the floor and passed out.
Guinan
felt the explosion in ten forward and istantly knew somethign was wrong.
She ran for the door and down the hall. " Guinan to all senior
officers! We've got another explosion not far from ten forward." as she
reached the section she saw the emergency force fields had gone up automatically
and that the bulkehad across from the explosion was about to go. B.J was
trapped in there and from the looks of it seriously injured.
" Lt. Pierce is trapped!" she said into her comm badge. Medical team to
outside ten forward!"
The
ship trembled almost imperceptibly, but I wasn't the only one of the senior
officers to notice. Almost immediately, the tactical officer on duty called.
"Lt.
Yar, there has been another explosion. Deck 10, Forward section,"
Ensign Curry reported.
"Dispatch
a security team, Ensign. I'm on my way."
Ten
Forward sounded like a nice place to be. After leaving engineering, I decided
to take a the long way around as to explore more of the ship. As I walked
the corridor near Ten Forward I saw an officer standing with her tricorder.
The woman was feline, probably Caitian, and quite beautiful, I noticed.
She folded the tricorder back into its compact size then started to walk
away. I opened my mouth to get her attention when something happened. My
clouded perception told me that THAT something was an explosion. Violently
flying backward, my head slammed into a bulkhead causing the world to turn
dark.
The
ship shudders and I exchange glances with several of the senior officers.
Immediatly duel reports are posted from Guinan and another crew member.
I leave my seat, knowing the others will follow and immediatly head off
to see what is happening with my personnel.
I
stand up from my seat and tap my comm badge. =^=Crusher to Sickbay, Casualties?=^=
Santiago
stood quickly and followed the Captain. Arriving on deck ten he headed
for Pierce, and was forced to stop at the force field running his tricorder
over her from a distance he got basic reading, one of which showed her
slowly regaining consciousness.
With
some probing back into his memory he resurrected his Caitan and began to
speak, hoping his Terran accent wouldn't be noticed. "Relax, can you understand
me? You where injured in an explosion, but you will be fine. Can I do anything
to help you?"
Crusher
followed Santiago and then quickly pulled him over to her. "I would like
you to convince to captain to go to Alpha Ceptarus. Would you do thatfor
me?"
I
arrived on deck 10 amongst extreme confusion. The enviornmental controls
were not working properly which caused the air to fill with smoke. Several
members of the crew crowded around casualties in the corridor while others
fled from 10 forward.
I
pulled my tricorder from its holster scanning the area. There was minimal
structural damage, but the smoke was acrid and thick. I turned, scanning
the entire corridor including the deck and bulkheads. What I found made
me panic.
I
turned to my team saying, "We've got to get these people out of here. There's
an undetinated explosive device behind this bulkhead." I motioned to the
approximate location of the bomb.
Nurse
Ogawa rushed past me racing to a fallen crew member. Noticing her, I said,
"Nurse, we have to evacuate this area. There's another bomb. Use the transporter
to evacuate the wounded."
The
woman nodded her acknowledgement then rushed on.
"Sir,
Lt. Yar reports that another explosive has been found on deck 10. Evacuation
of that deck is commencing," I reported to the commanding bridge officer,
"I am attempting to lock onto the explosive and beam it into space."
Crusher
followed Santiago and then quickly pulled him over to her. "I would like
you to convince to captain to go to Alpha Ceptarus. Would you do that for
me?"
"Why
do you want to go? What do you know about the system?"
"It
is the only system in Federation Space that has the two chemicals to make
the caustic gas we witnessed earlier."
When
Picard is free Santiago approaches him. "Excuse me Captain, Doctor Crusher
expressed an interest in going to the Alpha Ceptarus system. According
to her it is the only area in Federation space where this gas is produced."
He
proceeds to call up a file on his tricorder. "It is a single planet system,
a gas giant, but the planet has several moons that can support life due
to the amount of heat the planet itself produces. The system also has two
asteroid belts, they cover the area on both sides of the planet, which
means an approach would have to be from above or below. That is all the
information I have on
it so far, Starfleet hasn't done much work in that area of space."
Walking
up beside Santiago, Crusher interjects. "But I have."
My
head throbbed as I slowly awoke in sickbay. A couple of nurses hoovered
over me. One monitored my status on a machine and the other passed a tricorder
over me.
I
cleared my throat and asked, "What happened?"
The
dark haired nurse smiled warmly despite the situation, "You are going to
be fine, Ensign. You have a concussion, but we're going to take care of
that."
She
placed a device on my forehead and walked away. The other nurse circled
my bed and tapped at the machine monitoring my condition. "Nurse, what
happened down there, I mean I know there was an explosion. What caused
it?" I asked.
The
male nursed touched my shoulder, "Just relax, Ensign. You need to be still
while we heal you."
Damn,
why weren't they answering my questions? "The Caitian woman...is she okay?
Why won't anyone answer me?" I cried out.
The
dark haired nurse reentered the room followed by the Chief Security Officer
and one of her staff.
"Lt.
Yar, will you please tell me what happened?" I begged.
Tasha
Yar stared at me coldly, eyeing me up and down, "I was hoping that maybe
you could tell me, Ensign Tymen."
"Sir,
the explosive has been successfully beamed off our starboard bow and detonated."
Doctor
Crusher Enters Sickbay and Alyssa tells her what happened. Crushergoes
over to him. "Mr Haim, how are you feeling?"
I
huffed, "Doctor, I'm Bajoran. My sir name is Tymen..." I pause realizing
that I should not have spoken to the doctor in such a tone, "I apologize
Doctor, it's just that no one will tell me what is happening. I'm being
treated like....a criminal."
<"Sir,
the explosive has been successfully beamed off our starboard bow and detonated.">
"I
am familiar with the area but I see no point and proceeeding there at the
moment. Perhaps the gases were initially produced there but with the Ferengi
about it is very unlikely that they were purchased there."
As
i sat at science station 2, the voice of the first officer breaks over
my comm badge, "Lt. Worf, Do a scan of the entire ship. All systems at
all levels. If you find more bombs, dispose of them."
"Acknowledged,"
I say.
"Riker
out."
Ignoring
the Bajoran's outburst, I say, "Ensign, as soon as you are feeling better,
we need to speak to you about what happened on deck 10. We have reason
to believe that the Maquis are responsible for the recent explosions..."
I didn't get to finish.
"...and
because I'm Bajoran, I'm suspect?" the anger was apparent in his voice.
"We
haven't ruled out anyone yet. We are launching a full investigation into
both events. You and Lt. Pierce are the nearest thing to witnesses that
we have." I explain. The young man did not look satisfied.
His
lips trembled as he said, "I will answer your questions, Lt. Yar. I have
nothing to hide," he then looked away in disgust. I exchange glances with
Dr. Crusher and frown.
I
tap my badge. "This is the Chief Science Officer, if anymore bombs are
found would someone disarm them and send them to a science lab?"
Tymen
Haim’s hostility was understandable. God knows what attrocities he had
witnessed or endured on Bajor during the occupation, and now he was being
punished for alledgedly being part of a group that sought to even the score
with the Cardassians. Unfortunately, ALL the Bajoran crew members were
prime suspects, but something in my gut told me that the young ensign was
innocent. After all, he was injured and could have been killed in the bombing.
At any rate, there were other Bajoran crew members aboard, and all would
be questioned.
I
called a meeting of my security officers to brief them on what was happening.
surely by now rumors were spreading ship wide about the probable maquis
bombing. That meant that whoever was responsible for these attacks also
knew that we were after them. I just hoped that the Maquis did not step
up their attacks.
I
exited the turbolift and walked into the meeting room where my officers
were waiting. I wasted no time in getting to the point.
“As
many of you probably have heard, the recent explosions have been deemed
terrorist attacks by the Maquis,” a grumble erupted in the group, but quickly
subsided, “Now, what this means is that we will be increasing security
in all vital areas of the ship. We will be working double shifts or triple
shifts until these terrorists are found. Is that clear?” My question was
met with nods of acknoweldgement.
“Good.
Let’s get to work.”
Darkness
for a little while and then light slowly filters into her eyes. B.J feels
control returing to her body, feels herself coming awake. She opens her
eyes and sits up on her elbows groaning. Pain in her ribs and her leg makes
her grit her teeth. In the background she hears Ensyn Tymen
ask where she is, and then hears Yar's response. Oooh boy..
she knows where this is going.. Tymen is a Bajoran. Sabatoge.. Maquis...
B.J lets out a dry laugh. " I thought human prejudice went out with the
dark ages." She says looking at Yar and Tymen. Then grimaces again as her
ribs shif. " Ouch." she lays back down. A nurse
comes over to her and runs a tricorder over her. " Lay down Lt...and don't
move or you'll make it worse" B.J sighs. " I can tell you what's
broken. I can also tell you what I smelled and felt around that Bomb's
location. Whoever was there..it wasn't Bajoran unless they were changing
their scent in some way." she guestures in the air with a hand.
" I can't quite pin what it was right now..but it wasn't Bajoran"
"Lt.
Commander Santiago, I have beamed the remains of the second bomb to science
lab 1. It is waiting for your analysis."
Santiago
recieved the message and immediatly went to the science lab, to
discover a team already
at work around it. Several hours later they had some results.
"Captain
Picard, the chief engineer, and Dr. Crusher please report to
science lab 1."
After
they arrive he begins the report. "The explosive compound was made of a
mutation of dilithium. The bomb casing, and the reason I called the doctor,
is made of cellular material and is already starting to break down.
The timer and other mechanical parts are from several species amoung them
Federation, Gorn, and Romulan components. As far as I can tell most of
these materials can either be self made or are available on the open market."
<"Captain
Picard, the chief engineer, and Dr. Crusher please report to
science lab 1.">
"Mr.
Santiago, I believe I can acertain If this bomb came from any of those
places."
I
had interviewed dozens of crew members, delved into the past of nearly
a hundred, and turned up absolutely nothing. The Maquis were crafty. That
was indisputable. The rebel group was able to outmaneuver the best of Starfleet
which was commendable if not embarassing. In my opinion, the Maquis' cause
was just, but there tactics were reprehensible. Two crew members were seriously
injured in their last attack, and my fear was that someone would end up
dead before this whole thing was over. What I needed was a clue...a lead...something
to give me an upper hand...
My
shift on the bridge was about to begin, so I showered, changed, and left
my quarters. I walked onto the bridge, received an update from the Lieutenant
on duty, then did a standard sweep of the area outside and inside the ship.
Everything appeared normal. Appeareances can be deceiving I would soon
learn.
The
event started when Lt. LaForge reported the Enterprise suddenly dropping
out of warp for no reason. "Sir, I have no helm control," he said.
I
began a sensor sweep of engineering when my control panel went dark. One
by one each of the bridge stations began to fail. "Sir, the tactical station
in out too." I reported.
As
the lights suddenly went dark, I reflexively pulled my phaser from its
holster. There was cries of fear and scuffling and in the next moment,
strong hands were on my shoulders...
[Beverly
takes the bomb and goes to sickbay.]
Beverly:
"Alyssa, help me analyze this casing please."
Alyssa:
"Yes, Doctor."
[Alyssa
takes the disarmed bomb and takes it to an adjoining room and Beverly follows.
Alyssa sets it down.]
Alyssa:
"Computer scan the bomb's shell and perform a type G analysis on the cells."
**Performing
analysis.**
**analysis
done**
Beverly:
"Computer, what is the origin of the celular matter?"
**Analysis
Results show that it is Bajoran.**
Alyssa:
"Doctor?!"
Beverly:
"I know. I better take this to Santiago."
Later
she takes the bomb and information to Santiago
Santiago
took the information and quickly looked it over. "This seems to support
the Maquis theory. I suggest you inform Lt. Yar."
::taps
comm badge:: =^= Lt Yar, please report to sick bay___"
I
heard Beverly Crusher's voice break over my comm badge, "Beverly!" I yelped
before the communicator was snatched from my chest. Unable to see in the
pitch black darkness, I swung my fist blindly. I missed. My outstreched
arm was grabbed and before I knew it, I was flat on my back on the deck
with someone's knee in my throat. I struggled for leverage, for a grip
of my attacker's clothing, for my phaser which I had lost, but my assailant
was incredibly strong. Around me, I could hear similar struggles going
on with others of the bridge crew.
"Don't
make this harder than it has to be, Tasha," said the voice of whoever had
me pinned to the carpeted deck. He met every attempt of escape I made with
a counter move, and more disturbingly the man seemed familiar. The tone
of his voice suggested he knew me more intimately than any of the Enterprise
crew possibly could.
"Who
are you?" I asked, my voice straining as was every muscle in my body.
"You'll
find out soon, Tasha. Now you must sleep," at that point, a hypo was placed
against my neck and I slipped quickly into unconsciousness.
We've
come out of warp. Any engineer worth his salt could tell when a starship
dropped to impulse, and the Enterprise had definitely done just that. Why
had we dropped out of warp? We were heading into deep space parsecs from
any inhabited planet. I sat up in my boibed and attempted to stand. My
endeavor was met with a searing flash of pain throughout my entire being.
I gripped the side of the bed waiting for the pain and accompanying dizziness
to pass. Stumbling out into the main area of sickbay, I noticed the enchanting
form of the Caitian woman lying motionless on one of the beds. I approached
her, compelled by her incredible beauty
and the overall etherealness
of her being.
It
occurred to me I didn't know this lovely creature's name, "Lieutenant."
I touched her gently and waited for her to awake.
Darkness,
panic, voices, pressure on my shoulder, nothing.
After
finishing the last report on the bomb Santiago entered the nearest turbolift
and as at opened on the Bridge he saw only darkness. His puzzlement was
quickly replaced by surprise as an arm reached in and tried to pull him
out. Working with his attacker he advanced and caught his assailant off
balance, that and a low kick had his opponent on the deck. As he leaned
closer to examine the man Santiago fell into unconsciousness, forgetting
the first rule of combat 'watch your back'. "So far so good, only one real
piece of opposition and we hold the Bridge of the Federation flagship."
A
crackle comes over the ships intercom.
"Good
evening, this is the person who controls the Enterprise. Yes, go ahead
and run your engineering diagnostics. You will find that your controls
are useless. Terribly sorry for not asking for permission to borrow the
ship, but I'm sure that you all understand. So if you all will just sit
back and enjoy the ride, this will all be over soon. Oh I almost forgot,
I am holding several of your senior officers. It would be a shame to waste
such good resources. End transmission."
In
my ready room I feel the ship drop oout of warp, an slight almost unoticible
change but something no one who had spent as many years in space as I had
could miss. I lay my book aside and stand, about to make my way to the
bridge when the lights go out. I frown and head in the direction of the
door, just as it is starting to open I hear conflict on the bridge and
step
back. Walking into the
unknown situation would be foolish, particularly if my ship was being overtaken
by terrorists. I quickly gave the computer an emergency code to lock down
navigation, leaving us suspended in space, then sent an emergenmcy call
to all starships before paging my first officer on a private frequency.
"Picard to Riker, acknowlede at once."
B.J
hears the voice of the Bajoran Ensign and opens her eyes to sit up. She
feels better now, still in some pain but she knows the doctors will take
care of it. " Call me B.J" she groans pullig herself to her
elbows. Then she notices the man's handsome face. " I thought I was the
only one playing test dummy for exploding bombs." she smiles coyly at him.
<"Picard
to Riker, acknowlede at once.">
"Riker
here. Sir, we've dropped out of warp. What's going on?"
"The
power on the bridge is out as well and I havereason to believe the crew
is under attack. Dispatchtwo security groups to the bridge immediatly with
infrared glasses. What is your current position?"
Data
realizes something is very wrong, not only have the lights gone out but
there is a violent struggle behind him. Not knowing who is responsible
he locks out the computer with amazing speed and encrypts it . Now only
he can allow control of the ship. Next, gain control again and restore
order.
Hands
try to overcome him but he easily disables his attackers. As an android
he has considerable resilience and strength. Data brings the emergency
lighting on line...... it will be interesting to see the face of the enemy.
The crew is naturally
upset by the explosions and the subsaquent investigation. Everyone is too
new to suddenly be faced with something that undermines so completly their
beginning levels of trust. That combined with the other stresses they were
just getting over has made everyone jumpy. That in turn is starting to
get to me. I really have to take some time to focus on relaxation and sorting
my own feelings out of the jumbled waves of emotions I am being constantly
battered with at the moment. Perhaps that's why I'm not feeling so well...
Ever since that bomb went off... I should probably go to sickcall, but
they are so busy right now, still treating the station injuries and now
the bomb victims. No, I won't go in yet. I just need a little rest...
"B.J.,"
I said her name and smiled despite the pain that still assaulted my brain.
"What a lovely name for such a beauty as you." What was I saying?! I had
never been so forward! I composed myself and continued, "Uhhhh...B.J.,
I apologize. I...I believe the ship has dropped out of warp. I think something
may be wrong."
Drifting
into consciousness and then out again, I tried to organize my thoughts
to the point where I could make sense of what had happened. Slowly, I began
understand where I was and how I got there. My hands were bound as were
my feet. My communicator was gone and I was lying on the deck of....the
observation room. Several of the bridge crew lay near me still unconscious.
I struggled to sit up while searching for a way to escape. We weren't being
guarded by the Maquis or whoever had taken the Enterprise. Unusual. I struggled,
but as I shifted my wrists the binding became tighter.
I
startled when the doors of the exit to the bridge opened suddenly admitting
a Vulcan, two Bajorans, and....oh God...it couldn't be him. "Grayson!"
The
man's handsome mouth spread into a smile, "Hello, Tasha. It's been a long
time."
<"The
power on the bridge is out as well and I have reason to believe the crew
is under attack. Dispatch two security groups to the bridge immediatly
with infrared glasses. What is your current position?">
Going
to a near-by computer console. I type a code to the security tower to dispatch
two security teams to the bridge informing them to take proper nightvision
equipment.
"Be
careful, Number One. They may have infeltratedmore of the ship. I've already
shut down navigationcontrols. Wait.. Something's happening on the bridge...
I believe emergency lighting was activated..."
<"Be
careful, Number One. They may have infeltrated more of the ship. I've already
shut down navigation controls. Wait.. Something's happening on the bridge...
I believe emergency lighting wasactivated...">
With
that I call a security team and head for the battle bridge, hoping that
we're not too late.
<I
startled when the doors of the exit to the bridge opened suddenly admitting
a Vulcan, two Bajorans, and....oh God...it couldn't be him. "Grayson!">
As
Santiago awoke he heard the name Yar called and recognized some importance
in it. "Could you tell me who this Grayson person is Lt., and why he wants
to steal a starship?"
<"Could
you tell me who this Grayson person is Lt., and why he wants to steal a
starship?">
"Grayson
Darringer is my ex-husband, sir..."
Regarding
my former wife with distain, I smiled, "Ex being the operative word, Lt.
Commander. At any rate, I need someone's help in overriding the navigation
lockout someone of your crew has so expertly accomplished during our takeover.
Who, dear Tasha, has the skills to do that?"
"All
of this is a lovers quarrel? If you wanted to speak with the Lt. you could
have used a comm. channel, no reason to steal the ship she serves on."
Santiago
gets to his feet and moves his bond hands in front of him. He turns to
the Vulcan and switches to that language. "For what logical reason do you
assist in this?"
"I
assure you, Lt. Commander, that my EX-wife being aboard the Enterprise
is incidental. As for my Vulcan associate, his decision to join the Maquis
was the most logical decision he or any of us has ever made." I walked
toward the smart-mouthed science officer staring at him with pity, "Your
android Second officer is giving us some difficulties as well. Does he
have an off button?" I asked. None of the pitiful Starfleet idiots was
forth coming with an answer, "Very well, a phaser set at 9 or 10 should
disable him, if not destroy him."
"Grayson!"
Tasha screamed out. The fear and anger in her face gave me pleasure.
"So,
are you ready to help me override the navigation lockout?"
When he threatened Data,
my body ached with rememberence. I had seen all he was capable of, and
killing Data would not be a struggle of conscious for him.
"I'll
help you, damn it," I cried out, "Leave Data and the others alone," Grayson
approached me pulling me to my feet.
As
I freed my legs and arms, I looked at the Bajoran woman who was part of
our crew. She looked so smug, so sure of what she was doing. How could
she know the type of monster her leader was? "Why, Lieutenant? Why are
you doing this? Your name is Ro Laren, isn't it? You don't know what you've
done."
Grayson
grabbed a handful of my shortly cropped hair yanking my head back violently,
"Don't talk to her. In fact, don't talk to anyone," his voice was low and
frightening in its tone. He pushed me toward the entrance to the bridge.
Seeing
what is happening to Tasha, and what is about to happen to the ship, Santiago
makes a choice. Already on his feet, but choices of attack limited, he
runs at Grayson trying to knock him down. Staying low so hopefully any
phaser shots will start at the wrong height.
My
head spun and I began to sweat perfusely. I was obviously too weak to be
standing, but I had to make sure that nothing was wrong. I tapped my communicator,
"Ensign Tymen to bridge. Please respond."
I
waited for someone to answer.
The
Lt. Commander was more of an idiot than I had suspected. His body slammed
into mine sending me against the bulkhead. Instantly, my well trained aids
were on him, restraining him nearly instantly. I looked to Tasha and saw
the indecision in her eyes. She was on the verge of making a move, but
had decided against it after witnessing the science officer being swiftly
subdued.
"I
should kill you for that, Lt. Commander. One more outburst like that one
and I will."
Grayson
raged. He pushed me from the tactical station causing me to stumble and
fall. He punched several buttons his face contorted in anger.
"Damn.
Only the captain has that clearance. That means he knows we are here. Let
us see if we can find out where our friend, the Captain, is," after several
seconds he said, "The lockout was done here on the bridge," he paused,
"...in the ready room."
<"I
should kill you for that, Lt. Commander. One more outburst like that one
and I will.">
Subject:
Beverly's Discovery
[Location:
Science Lab]
Tasha
was cut off in mid sentence. Santiago left and Beverly was in the science
lab. She wondered if Tasha was in trouble. She went over to the comm. panel
and tapped it.
=^=
Crusher to Yar=^=
Silence....
=^=Crusher
to Yar, please respond.=^=
Sigh.
Thinking:
Tasha isn't answering. Something must be wrong.
Beverly
sits down and says... "Computer, why was Tasha's transmission cut off."
**Unknown**
"Computer,"
rolling the chair under the computer terminal Beverly continues. "display
sensor logs of the Bridge for the last 20 minutes."
**ACCESS
DENIED! Computer command functions have been terminated.**
"By
Whom?"
**Unknown.**
"Computer,
why wouldn't you know? You should have a log of who shut down command functions.
Why would a person erase or hide the log of command lockouts?"
**In
such instances that a ship is taken over by an intruder or intruders the
person who locked the command functions could truncate or burry the log
in computer files.**
Thinking:
If the Enterprise was taken over, the Captain and Commander would be in
hiding. I must act fast.
Beverly
gets up and reaches for the wall access panel where phasers are kept. She
takes one and walks out of the Science Lab. She walks to the Turbolift.
Thinking:
Damn, I forgot! The Turbolift won't work. I cannot get to the Bridge. It's
10 decks up, but I can get to the Shuttle Bay.
Just
about that time she gets into heavy fire. She ducks and then fires. She
misses. She manages to get to a Jeffries Tube access panel. She tears it
off, shuts it, and hurries down Jeffries Tube 11-A2-T5.
[Time
Passes]
She
finally gets to the deck where Shuttle Bay 1 is. She emerges and carefully
walks into the bay. Thankfully no one was in the bay. She gets into a nearby
shuttle, starts it up and thinks: I hope I remember how to fly this thing.
She
decides that she will have to break down the doors and she does so. She
pilots the Shuttle 2 kilometers away from the ship and turns everything
off except communications.
"Computer,
open a channel to StarFleet Command."
**Bleep**
"To
all who can hear this, the Enterprise has been taken over by intruders.
Please help."
She
cuts off communication. Then....
"Computer
scan the Bridge of the Enterprise and tell me who is on it."
**Santiago,
Yar, and Picard. Tow unknown persons are also on the Bridge.**
"Computer,
do these two unknown persons have a communicator the is not dependent on
the Enterprise's computer to operate?"
**Affirmative.**
"Good.
Open a channel to them."
A
channel is open and Beverly appears on the main view screen. She doesn't
see anyone but talks as if she does.
"Welcome
to the Enterprise intruders."
[RESPOND]
I
approached the ready room with my phaser set for heavy stun. I ordered
Ro and Seleres to take positions on either side of the door while I took
the middle position. If the Captain was in there, he was going to wish
he'd never tried to interfere with my plans to take the Enterprise. I signaled,
ready to force open the door when the viewscreen came alive and the face
of a red headed woman appeared.
"Welcome
to the Enterprise, intruders."
"What
the hell? Where is that transmission coming from?" I demanded.
"A
shuttle...off our port side," Maldonado, one of my Enterprise operatives,
reported.
"Destroy
it!" I ordered.Without hesitation, Maldonado fired phasers.
<"Damn.
Only the captain has that clearance. That means he knows we are here. Let
us see if we can find out where our friend, the Captain, is,">
[onboard
the shuttle]
**Warning
phasers have been fired at the shuttle!**
"Damage
Report?! Raise Shields!"
**Damage
to left antenna aray.**
"Warp
5, out of here."
I
rushed the man Grayson called Maldonado knocking him away from the
tactical station, but not before he got a shot off at Beverly’s shuttle.
On the viewscreen, the shuttle took a direct hit spiraling
from the blast.
“Stop
her!” Grayson yelled.
Maldonado
rolled down the sloping deck and I rushed to the tactical console activating
the abandon ship call. Grayson charged toward me snatching one of
the phaser rifles from one of his henchmen. I was certain he would
vaporize me as he neared. Instead he cancelled the abandon ship order,
aimed the phaser rifle and fired on the tactical station. The resulting
explosions and sparks lasted several seconds. His nostrils
flared, He turned to me, “I am going to kill your Captain and then I’m
going to kill you.”
He
turned back toward the ready room.
Staying
in the ready room would be foolish. So would openly confronting the enemy.
I had to get out... Quickly I accessed a control panel, removing plates
from the wall to give myself an opening into the ships interior. Let's
hope all that time studing the ship's layout pays off... I cover the opening
in the bulklhead behind me and make my way through the ship carefully.
Where would be the best place to go to form a counterattack? The battle
bridge? A transporter room?
As
abruptly as the abandon ship call started, it ended. Something was definitely
wrong.
"B.J.,
we have to leave. We are vulnerable here."
Maldonado
grabbed me his fingers squeezing my throat slightly.
"Do
that again, and I'll snap your neck," he hissed.
He
held me as Grayson and the others stormed the ready room. I feared for
Captain Picard's life.
"He's
gone," Grayson charged out of the ready room, "This is out of control.
Bradley
and Covington, I want you to flood all decks with anestizine gas, get to
engineering and secure it. Ro, you and Seleres find Captain Picard OR the
First Officer and bring him here. Maldonado, Jaiven and I will handle Mr.
Android and the rest of the bridge crew. This mission is taking too long
and we don't have much time left."
"Time
left for what? What are you planning?" I didn't expect him to answer my
question.
He
looked at me smiling wickedly.
The
Klingon grunted and groaned as he struggled to free himself.
"Worf,
these bindings are too strong even for a Klingon. We are prisoners." I
relented.
"Klingons,"
he rumbled, "do not make good prisoners."
I
nearly laughed despite our situation. A few more minutes of struggle and
Worf's hands were free.
"Worf,
you did it! Hurry, I don't know if we have much time," Worf freed Santiago,
Ensign Kirby and finally me.
I
rushed to the console, finding that all access routes to the bridge were
cut off, "The jeffries tubes are the only way out, and you are senior officer
here. What are your orders?" I turned to Santiago and waited.
Data
noting that his two guards are momentarily distracted by the consternation
in the captains ready room, takes his chance [ only needing a fraction
of a second] and disarms them with a swift kick and arm swing .... both
are knocked unconscious as they hit bulkheads. Grabbing the phaser rifles
he is in time to vaporize the three terrorists as they exit the ready room.
Now for the rest of them !!!
Data
tosses a phaser rifle to Santiago " lets now take care of those in the
observation lounge and free the others."
<I
rushed to the console, finding that all access routes to the bridge were
cut off, "The jeffries tubes are the only way out, and you are senior officer
here. What are your orders?" I turned to Santiago and waited.>
Santiago
walks out onto the Bridge in time to see the last terrorist on the Bridge
being vaporized, and to catch the rifle thrown at him by Data. "The others
are already free and I sent them to secure the armoury and a transporter
room. Are their any other intruders aboard, or have we won the day?"
I
drop down into the transporter room and work quickly. Someone locked out
computer control so I use my Captain's override to restore it to this room
only. "Computer, locate any unauthorized persons aboard the ship."
**Working**
comes the voice of the computer as I lock the transporter on the signals
of Counselor Troi, Commander Riker, Data, and Lt LeForge. It was time to
assemble a reactive force, and I would need their help and advise. I punch
in the keys and watch as figures begin to materialize on the transporter
pad...
I
see the Captain as I materialize. "Captain, we are in control of the battle
bridge and, in essence, the ship. All computer protocols are locked out,
only you and I can change that. I have security crews dispatched in engineering,
medical, and the armory. I, also, have a team standing by in the battle
bridge to retake the main bridge. I was about to lead that effort."
I
smile, impressed I was able to remember the transporter controls andhadn't
zapped my crew into outer space. "Should I send you there now? I'lltake
Troi and Le Forge to the battle bridge..."
Suddenly
finding myself removed from my quarters and standing in atransporter room
was more disconsorting than the surging emotions of thecrew over the last
few days. Combined with my not feeling so well to beginwith it makes my
head swim. I reach out for the bulkhead as son as Imaterialize.
"Counselor,
are you alright?" I ask, noticing her unsteady step.
"
Captain we just retook the main bridge, Grayson, Ro, Maldonado, Jaiven
and Seleres are dead.Bradley
and Covington are both unconscious. Santiago and Tasha are both still there
in control."
"Ro?"
I ask, looking at him quizically. Please say she was defending the
ship.. I think.
**OOC:
Note that Ro is a principle character and can not be killed without the
player's consent.**
whoops
sorry ...... ok she is unconscious John [ Data ]
<"Ro?"
I ask, looking at him quizzically. Please say she was defending the
ship.. I think.>
"No
sir" replied Data "she was with Grayson and the others."
<"Should
I send you there now? I'll take Troi and Le Forge to the battle bridge...">
"I'll
send Worf with you. He's always ready for battle and should come up fighting.
Ready?"
<"Santiago and Tasha
are both still there in control for our side.">
Santiago
stood looking down at Bradley, Covington, and Ro. "Lt. Yar, please confine
these three until we can place them in the brig." Moving to the Captain's
chair he sat and began mentally composing a log entry for this incident.
After
Yar completes the securing of the prisoners. "Lt. Yar, do you have any
other relatives I should be aware of?"
<"I'll
send Worf with you. He's always ready for battle and should come up fighting.
Ready?">
"Captain,
it appears that we can stand down from this offensive. However, my team
and I will do a sweep of the ship and see if we can find more conspirtors."
"Good
idea, Number One. I'll still proceed with a skelaton crew to the battle
bridge as a precaution. Can you escort the Counselr to sickbay? She doesn't
look well..."
"Be
careful sir," I say handing him a phaser and unshouldering my rifle.
"Counsoler,
if you would please follow me." With that my team and I start to escort
the counslor to sik-bay, the easier of the two task ahead.
Travel
through the corridors of the ship is cautious and quiet. The trip to sick-bay
is uneventful.
Outside
of sick-bay. "Deanna, are you going to be alright? There is a security
team here so you should be safe. If anything happens, call me."
I
check my gear and prepare for the sweeping of the ship. I give a reassuring
look to Deanna and order my taem to move out.
"Be
careful, Will..." I say softly as he starts to walk away.
I
look over my shoulder, and send her my "I'll do my best" smile.
I
force myself to turn away, trying to block my own feelings the way I did
those of others. It wasn't working... I walk into the busy sickbay and
feel terrible. These people needed medical attention far worse than I did.
If it had not been the Captain's orders I would have walked out. Then again..
He had only told Will to escort me here. He never said I had to see
the doctor.. I turn
to walk back out...
Beverly
comes upon a starfleet ship and hails it. A nervous Lt. answers the hail.
"Starship
Montgomery here. Identify yourself please."
Beverly
Notices that the person in charge is a lt. and inquires why he is in charge.
He tells her that they are on the first voyage. She orders him to tractor
her shuttle and bring it aboard. Time passes, she gets to the Bridge and
takes command. She orders helm to go to the Enterprise's location. She
arrives and hails the Enterprise.
=^=Beverly
to Enterprise, Status?=^=
[RESPOND]
<Picard
: "Good idea, Number One. I'll still proceed with a skeleton crew to the
battle bridge as a precaution......">
"Am
I to accompany you to the battle bridge sir, or do you want another scouting
party ? "
"Lt.
Yar, do you have any other relatives I should be aware of?" Santaigo asked.
I
didn't answer him. I couldn't. Inside I was still trembling from witnessing
Grayson and the other's demise. Grayson Darringer was pure evil, I knew
that as surely as I knew my name, but to see him die in such a way disturbed
me. We were Starfleet and simply vaporizing people wasn't our way. Data
had just killed 4 people without one single emotion. I knew he wasn't capable
of emotion, but I was and I would not forget what he did. Motioning to
the turbolift, I escorted the prisoners to the brig.
"
Captain I know you will want an explanation of why I vaporized those terrorists.
I did not want to kill them, but I did not have time to adjust the phaser
rifle settings after disarming those threatening me and then stopping the
next attack from Grayson and co. They were going to kill me and I think
in the circumstances I did the right thing for ship and crew. You know
how precious life in all its forms is to me"
Santiago
watched Tasha leave with the prisoners, and then noticed a communication
incoming. It was Dr. Crusher on the Montgomery asking about our status.
"On
screen." He gave the order, then sheepishly realizing that not only was
he the only one on the Bridge but that the tactical station was in ruins,
he pressed the proper control on the arm of the Captains chair. On the
screen appeared a harried Dr. Crusher, and a man Santiago recognized.
Santiago:"Aleksandr
Federov, I see you finally have your own command."
Alek:"Yes
sir she's small, but she's mine. I was headed for a research assignment
when the Dr. here ordered me off course. What's going on sir?"
Santiago:
"Our ship was temporarily taken over by some terrorist, four are dead and
three are headed for the brig."
Alek:
"Sounds like an exiting time, this is your first mission on this ship isn't
it?
Santiago: "Yes this
is my first assignment to this ship, but its already starting to get interesting.
I'll tell you all about it over Vodka later, if you could loan me some
security teams."
Alek:
"Why Santi?"
Santiago:
"We think there could still be terrorist aboard, have your teams ready
and when our Captain gives the go you can send them over. Enterprise out."
He
opens a channel to Captain Picard. "Captain, Dr. Crusher has returned with
the starship Montgomery. I have the captain of the Montgomery standing
by with security teams, all you have to do is ask for them."
I
stood in the brig staring at Ro and the other Starfleet officers who had
betrayed us, the uniform, our ship. I was disgusted. Aligning themselves
with someone like Grayson Darringer was a mistake, but I suppose a rebel
group could not afford to be selective about their membership.
Grayson
Darringer, my tormenter, was now dead...vaporized. I felt tears force themselves
to my eyes. I strode quickly from the brig and toward my quarters. For
so many years, I wanted Grayson dead for all the things hehad done to me
during and following our brief marriage. However, in my wildest dreams,
I never thought he would meet his end like this.
I
wanted him brought to justice and maybe rehabilitated. Now, he would never
be able to right all the wrongs he had done. I had once seen something
good in him, but that something died very quickly as did he.
My
vision blurred as the tears started. I ran into my quarters, threw myself
across the bed, and cried harder then I ever had in my life.
Led
back to my biobed my a most friendly nurse, I felt relief that the Maquis
situation had ended with no casulaties, at least on our side. Reports were
that 4 of the saboteurs were dead, three were in the brig, and an investigation
had been launched to seek out others who may have been involved.
I
wondered if I was still a suspect. One of the nurses spoke about Lt. Ro,
one of the other Bajoran crewmembers. The nurse said that Ro Laren was
a trader to Starfleet and was now housed in the brig. I couldn't believe
it.I didn't know her, but I had met her. She was feisty, but not someone
who could betray Starfleet. Perhaps I had misjudged her.
The
Maquis were a pariah to all peace loving Bajorans. The Maquis brought suspicion
and accusation to all Bajorans as the events following the bombings demonstrated.
I loathed the Maquis, but inside, somewhere deep in my mind, I agreed with
everything they did. I hated the Cardassians with as much or more passion
than any Maquis, however, I trusted in the Prophets to
see that the Cardassians
and all those who collaborated with them during the occupation, were served
justice.
"Ensign
Tymen, we're releasing you, but you must wear this pain suppresive device
for the next 26 hours," the nurse placed the circular, blinking device
on my temple.
"Thank
you, nurse," and with those words, I left sickbay.
Grayson
and the others had failed. The android was the problem. He
had to be dealt with first before the ship could be taken. I would
make sure that our second offensive did not fail. We needed the ship
to fulfill our plans and nothing or no one was going to stand in our way.
The second wave was about to begin.
<"Captain,
Dr. Crusher has returned with the starship Montgomery. I have the captain
of the Montgomerystanding by with security teams, all you have to do is
ask for them.">
I
pass the sight of the first explosion on my way back to my quarters. What
could lead someone to such senseless violence? As I pass by a wave of dizziness
rushes over me and I stumble. Perhaps I should have stayed in sickbay after
all...
"The
Betazoid is stronger than I expected. It is difficult to continue to block
her perceptions." the man with black eyes said as he concentrated.
"Only
a little longer, Mr. Rai. My plan is coming together nicely." In the darkness
of our stolen Romulan ship, I sank into my chair and waited.
After
crying and sleeping several hours, I awoke feeling somewhat better. I dressed
and left my quarters. The engineering team was scheduled to replace the
tactical console today, so I was working at a remote station set up in
engineering. My security personnel were working around the clock with Commander
Riker to seek out more terrorists, so scheduling was tight.
As
I entered the main area of engineering, I recognized the young Bajoran
man I had interrogated after the second bombing. He wore some sort of device
on his temple. He turned making eye contact with me. I nodded and he returned
it.
With
relief, I went to my console and logged in.
The
Montgomery...small, but definitely a ship we could use. The ship's unexpected
arrival changed my plans slightly, but we were sure to have the resources
to overtake both ships. I turned to John Bryce, my second in command, "Prepare
for the signal."
My
console chirped. I immediately contacted the bridge.
"Sir,
we're receiving a distress call from a nearby Federation ship. They have
received heavy damage from some sort of warp core problem and are going
down on a class L planet in a nearby solar system. They are requesting
our assistance."
"I'm
on my way to the bridge now. Chart a course for intercept. How long will
it take us to get there?"
<"I
don't think that will be necessary. I have control of the battle bridge
and Commander Riker and Data are leading our own security teams to ensure
there are no further traitors aboard.">
I
walk unsteadily, leaning against the bulkhead for support. I stop to rest
and decide perhaps I should call for assistance. "Counselor Troi to..."
That's all I manage to say before the ship spins out of control and I collapse
on the deck, everything going black.
As
the Captain arrived on the bridge Santiago stood from the Captain's chair
and moved to the science station. Waiting at the station was a short message
telling what was going on and the computers suggestions of the appropriate
information.
"Sir,
a class L planet has a surface of silicate and water, an oxidizing atmosphere,
and is geologically inactive. Except for having no geological activity
it should be easily survivable."
He
then called up information on the system itself. "The planet itself is
the inner most of a 10 planet system. The system is gas giants and small
planetiods, as well as an outer asteroid belt. The planet they will crash
on is in the early stages of developement and has not moved past the protorganism
stage."
I
bring the information up on my own display as I take the command chair,
"Do we have an ETA yet?"
Data
: =^=Data to Captain Picard.=^=
Picard
: =^=Picard here.=^=
Data
: =^=We have rounded up another six rebels
sir, everything seeming in order now, I'm on my way back to the bridge.
However there is something important that you should be aware of ; Before
he died, Grayson was urging haste in the takeover saying there was not
much time left. I would summarize that something else will be occurring
soon, a rendezvous or something else may have been intended. We should
remain on guard and maybe raise our shields. =^=
Santiago
looked at the Captain then turned back to his display and input the request.
"The fastest we could arrive would be a day and a half sir."
"Are
there any ships that could respond faster?"
"Come
on. Go save that ship, Enterprise. My plan depends on you going to that
planet."
<"Are
there any ships that could respond faster?">
"Are
there any other ships that can get there faster?" Picard asked.
"There
are no other ships within sensor range, sir," I responded.
The
distressed ship was on the perimeter of our long range sensors. Details
about the ship, its crew, and its situation were sketchy.
"Captain,
from what I can tell, the ship has entered the atmosphere. They have stopped
transmitting their distress call."
Send
them an emergency message for rendavous and proceed at maximum warp.
"Sir,
at warp 9.9 we could be there in 3 hours. The hull may not take it, though."
I
smile, "Let's see how much she can take. Keep an eye on her, Lt. If there
are any problems you have my authority to take the appropriate action."
<
Send them an emergency message for rendavous.>
Data
arrives and takes his position at Ops. He scans his display and then turns
to look at Picard.
"
Captain are you sure we shouldn't at least raise the shields just in case
? Although not human, I have a 'gut feeling' as you would express it, that
this Maquis episode is not yet over. Do you remember the intelligence report
we received ten days ago that referred to a Romulan Warbird being stolen
and disappearing ? ....considering our experience today, it is possible
that that was the Maquis also, part of a larger scheme. I would suggest
we exert extra caution for a while."
"Let's
see how much she can take..." Picard said.
Those
words are music to any pilot's ears.
"Course
laid in. On your mark, sir."
"I
would suggest we exert extra caution for a while." I heard the android
Lt. Commander say.
"I
agree with Data, sir. The Maquis are likely to have more than one trick
up their sleeve."
"According
to registry data, Captain, the St. Just has a compliment of nearly 300.
We may need the Montgomery's help."
Lt
Yar, transmit a request for the Montgomery to accompany us to the crash
site for medical assistance. Raise shields. And Lt. LeForge? Engage..."
I smile.
"Captain,
would you like me to stay in command of the Montgomery?"
<Lt
Yar, transmit a request for the Montgomery to accompany us to the crash
site for medical assistance. Raise shields. And Lt. LeForge? Engage...">
"Captain
do you have any orders for me, or should I prepare the science department
to give medical assistance?"
The
Enterprise's warp engines engaged and she disappeared in a blur of light.
"Mr.
Bryce, let's follow them, maximum warp," I commanded and he obeyed.
"The
Montgomery is slower than the Enterprise. The Enterprise will arrive more
than an hour before the Mongtomery does," Bryce reported.
"I
know, John. That's not important. When the Montgomery arrives at that planet,
we'll have the Enterprise under our control."
John
smiled as did I. When we were selected as Grayson's backup team, we figured
on not seeing any action. Grayson had never failed to complete a mission
until this one. On top of failing to take the Enterprise, that arrogant
SOB had gotten him and half his team killed. I was sad really. Although
something about Grayson disturbed me, he was the only person in the
Maquis I had ever completely
trusted. Now the bastard was dead.
He
wasn't the first person I'd seen die for the cause, and he was sure not
to be the last. It was best I forgot about Grayson Darringer...but how
could I. In a twisted way, I loved the man. We were lovers for a brief
time, but Grayson had ended that. I'd seen him with lots of other women
in our group. He was extremely attractive, and quite charming when he wanted
to be. He also could be frighteningly demonic. I hated that about him.
We
were the Maquis. We weren't evil. We fought evil, namely the Cardassians
who embodied everything we hated. Unfortunately, we had to use any means
necessary to battle them. If only Starfleet would help us, then we could
end all the useless bloodshed. That would never happen, and so we go on.
"Yes,
Dr. At least until we reach the planet." I turn off the view screenas we
jump into warp. I turn as Santiago speaks, "There won't be much to dountil
we get there. With Dr Crusher gone medical may need some assistancein preparation.
They had their hands full with our own wounded..."
"Very
well sir." He heads for sickbay, ordering most of the science staff to
either report there or listen in over a comm channel.
"We
will be facing severe trauma, heat stroke, possible radiation due to the
warp core breach, and minor injuries." He holds up some belt pouches. "These
contain, a hypo spray, five shots of stimulent, five of a sedative, five
of a antiradiation drug, and a dermal regenorator. This pouch is not a
substitute for sickbay, but it may keep someone alive until they can reach
one." He begins to hand
out the pouches.
[Location:
U.S.S. Montgomery]
Beverly:
"Mr Trapitz, half impulse away from the Enterprise."
Trapitz:
"Aye, Sir!"
[time
passes]
Beverly:
"Maximum Warp to the planet, Mr Trapitz. Lt D'vroux, you have the Bridge.
I'll be in the Ready Room."
Beverly
walks into the ready room and sits down.
As
abruptly as the abandon ship call started, it ended. Something
was definitely wrong.
<"B.J.,
we have to leave. We are vulnerable here.">
<"Ensign
Tymen, we're releasing you, but you must wear this pain suppresive
device for the next 26 hours," the nurse placed the circular, blinking
device on my temple. "Thank you, nurse," and with those words, I left sickbay.>
B.J
was healed and she quickly followed Ensign Tymen. " Thank you
for the compliment eariler." she says with a smile. " So..what does one
do on a starship with all this trouble... i've kinda been out of touch
with starfleet for awhile."
I
wake up on a gurney inside an empty shuttlebay that seems to have been
converted into some sort of sickbay extension. My head is throbbing...
I start to sit up but a young nurse gently pushes me back, telling me to
'take it easy' and that 'everything was going to be
just fine.' Easy for
her to say. Her head didn't feel like it might explode. I do as I'm told
and try to focus on the breathing and relaxation techniques I'd been taught
from an early age.
"We're
approaching the planet. The Enterprise is in orbit, and it appears they
are attempting to scan the planet's surface," John reported.
"Good
that should keep them busy for a few minutes," I punched at the Romulan's
convoluded control padd to prepare for execution of my plan. "Team one,
prepare to beam over to the Enterprise on my mark."
"Yancey,"
John suddenly screamed, "there are two Romulan warbirds moving in this
direction at warp 6! I believe they are scanning us!"
"What?!"
I checked my controls and he was right. "Damn!" I cursed.
"Yancey,
they'll destroy us if they find us. Romulans don't take prisoners," he
cried.
"Stay
calm, John. Maybe they haven't seen us. Let's wait and see what they do."
As
the Enterprise orbited the planet below, Data tried scanning for lifeforms.
"Captain I'm not picking up any humanoid lifeforms on the planet below
at all.... pause .... mmm...but I'm glad we still have our shields up,
we have two Romulan warbirds approaching the planet at warp 6 ".
"Captain,
the St. Just is not showing up at all on our sensors. I'm getting the feeling
this may have been a trick. Recommend we leave this solar system."
"Nosheum,
can you surmise if the Romulans know we're here?" I asked my telephathic
compatriot.
Nosheum
Rai focused for a moment on the crew of the Romulan ships. His head began
to nod slowly then more vigourously, "Yes, and they are going to attack
us!"
I
scanned the two warbirds, "Sir, they're charging their weapons." How I
wish I was on the bridge.
I'm
having some trouble receiving messages. I seem to be receiving about every
3rd email sent to the list, so I've started reading them from egroups.
If my posts seem somewhat out of order, I apologize.
[The
Montgomery comes out of the darkness, accelerates to Warp and hails the
romulan vessels they don't answer and charge their weapons. The Montgomery
fires upon them.]
"What
the hell is Doctor Crusher doing?" I said to myself and then tapped my
comm panel, "Captain, Dr. Crusher has fired on the romulan ships."
One
of the warbirds took a direct hit by the Montgomery. So much for Starfleet
diplomacy. Hopefully the warbirds would be drawn into a confrontation with
the Starfleet vessels and we could escape. I was beginning to think that
taking the Enterprise would have to wait.
The
lead Romulan ship fired back at the Montgomery, shot a warning shot across
the bow of the Enterprise, and then focused its fire on us. Our ship rocked
violently causing Nosheum to fall to the deck.
"Direct
hit, Yancey, we're losing our cloak." John worked furiously at the helm
and tactical controls to no avail. We became visible instantaneously.
"Damn
it. This wasn't supposed to happen. John, get us out of here!" I ordered
moving up beside him.
The
ship shook again and again from the relentless blasts from the warbirds.
I thought the shaking wouldn't end. John's console overloaded, exploding,
knocking him out of his chair and me to the floor. I lost consciousness
briefly.
"They
won't stop until we're destroyed. Yancey, ask the Enterprise for help,"
Nosheum begged. The clung to his chair bleeding from a cut on his forehead.
Another
hit then another. The bridge was filling with smoke. John lay on the deck
his body grotesquely contorted and his face and chest burned. He was surely
dead. I looked from John to Nosheum as I struggled to stand on the shakey
deck.
"Enterprise.
This is Yancey Phillips of the Maquis requesting your help."
Santiago
rushed to the Bridge after hearing from the acting science officer. "Sir
two Romulan vessels are approaching and the Montgomery just fired on them."
"Thank you Lt. you are relieved." Santiago took his station and was quickly
updated on the current state of affairs.
"Captain,
might I suggest using the prefix codes for the Montgomery to disable it,
and then contacting the Romulans. I would also respectable suggest relieving
Dr. Crusher of command of the Montgomery."
"Captain,
a third Romulan Warbird decloaking and being engaged in battle by the other
two. May I suggest we distance ourselves and order the Montgomery to do
the same ? "
Ignoring
the many requests from my crew (why was a science officer giving me battle
advice in the first place?) and angered by Dr Crusher's obvious infraction
of Star Fleet protocol, I stand to me feet. "Open a channel to all
vessels! This is Captain Picard of the USS Enterprise. USS
Montgomery, cease and desist attacks on Romulan War vessels. Retreat
immediatly to closest space station. Romulan Captains, the ship you
are attacking is manned by fugitives wanted by the Federation for acts
of terrorism. Request you cease attacks. We will transport
the crew to our brigs so that you may reclaim your ship. Surely this
is more acceptable than destroying the ship?" I await their response.
"Captain,
the Maquis are hailing us requesting our help. We are also receiving a
transmission from the Romulans," knowing he'd want to hear the communication,
I piped it through.
"Federation
starships, the warbird has been stolen from the Romulan Empire and we are
under orders to destroy the ship and everyone aboard. Leave this space
immediately or we will fire upon you as well."
[Beverly-Bridge
of Montgomery]
Beverly:
"You heard the Captain, conn, stand down."
Conn:
"Aye, Sir!"
Beverly:
"Tactical, hail the Enterprise."
Tactical:
"Aye, aye! .... Channel Open."
Beverly:
=^=
U.S.S. Montgomery to U.S.S. Enterprise, we have found evidence on board
the Romulan ships that they are carrying Prionates, a biochemical compound
that is able to annhilate whole planets.
=^=
Picard:
=^=
Doctor, I suggest you drop your shields and beam over to the Enterprise.
Doctor, until further notice you are relieved of duty. =^=
[Beverly
looks at the captain with a look that cuts through him like a hot knife
goes through butter.]
Beverly:
=^=
Captain! If you scan their ships you will find what I have said is true.
=^=
Picard:
=^=
Unacceptable. You have violated many regulations of commanding a starship.
Doctor, you have given me no choice... =^=
[picard
turns to yar and makes a slashing motion.
Yar:
"Channel closed."
Picard:
[turns to Counselor Troi] "Counselor?"
Troi:
"I believe that she is telling the truth as she knows it. The Romulans
are... edgy at best."
Picard:
"Nevertheless, I will deal with this my way. Lt Yar, transmit the prefix
codes to the Montgomery."
Yar:
"Aye,Sir!"
[time
passes]
[Location:
U.S.S. Montgomery Bridge]
Tactical:
"Sir, the Enterprise is transmitting prefix codes to disable the Montgomery."
Beverly:
"Understood. Computer, change the Montogomery's prefix code. Authorization,
Beverly Alpha 7-3."
**Authorization
Accepted. Prefix code query?**
Beverly:
"Change prefix code to 394596678-12-1345679."
**
Prefix code changed **
[thinking:
Good]
Beverly:
"Shields up. Warp 9.9999 to intercept the Romulan ships."
[REPLY]
There
simply wasn't a ship down there. The atmosphere gave our sensors some trouble,
but not enough to where we couldnt' have detected a ship or at least debris.
I checked the last known location of the ship on the Starfleet star charts
and it was no where near the Bolaris system. The St. Just SOS was a ruse
to get us to this planet. No doubt another Maquis trick.
"We
do not wish to start a conflict here. The personson that ship are wanted
by the Federation on chargesof terrorism. You may do what you like with
yourship, but I will take my attackers to face charges." I say, facing
the Romulan on the viewscreen.
The
assault stopped, at least for the time being. I went to Nosheum who had
lost quite alot of blood from the wound on his forehead.
"Yancey
to medical. I need someone up here now!" I held Nosheum trying to comfort
him.
"Enterprise,
this is Yancey Phillips of the Maquis requesting asylum and medical attention
for my crew. Please help us!" I begged.
"There
is no conflict between us, Enterprise, but the ship and its crew will be
destroyed. Now leave this solar system at once." the transmission terminated.
"Captain,
there are 26 people aboard the warbird. We can't let them be killed," I
cried. I had seen my share of death. I couldn't stand any more.
"If
I may interject those 26 people are criminals in both the eyes of the Romulans
and the Federation, what is wrong with letting the Romulans deal with them?"
Before
I could control myself I said, "Those are lives over there, Santiago, criminal
or not! They don't deserve to die like that!" thank goodness I wasn't on
the bridge. I may have attacked the science officer.
<B.J was healed and
she quickly followed Ensign Tymen. " Thank you for the compliment eariler."
she says with a smile. " So..what does one do on a starship with all this
trouble... i've kinda been out of touch with starfleet for awhile.">
"Out
of touch with Starfleet? I'd love to hear that story, B.J., perhaps over
dinner tomorrow night? As for things to do on a starship, the holodeck
is a new addition, I could show you some of my programs after dinner."
Still
no response from the Enterprise. What were they waiting for? Starfleet
as a bunch of softies, yet they left us on this damaged ship dying. We
were hit by another volley of phasers from the Romulans which took out
our shields, propulsion, and life support. In Romulan, the computer called
for evacuation of the ship. Luckily, I knew the language--my great grandmother
was half Romulan.
I
lifted Nosheum gently and walked him toward the escape pod. At least in
escape pods, we would be a smaller target. The Romulans were intent on
destroying the warbird with us in it and they wouldn't stop until that
mission was completed.
I
lay Nosheum in one of the seats in the cramped quarters of the escape pod.
He drifted in and out of consciousness and mumbled about the Counselor
of the Enterprise. He was obviously delirious. I went back to the bridge
to grab a weapon when the doors to the bridge opened allowing Taryn Klauss
and Ozren Maort to enter.
"Almighty
Rogo!," Ozren cried, "Is John dead?"
"Yes,
I'm afraid so," I answered as I searched the rubble for one of the lost
photon rifles.
"What
are you doing? You're abandoning ship?" Taryn asked, her large brown eyes
blinked in disbelief.
"That
repeating message over the comm is an abandon ship call. The ship is about
to explode, if the Romulans don't blast it to hell first. Get in the escape
pod," I ordered.
"Emania
and the others..." Ozren protested.
I
turned on him, my voice shrill and certain, "Get in the escape pod now
or die."
Ozren
flinched, but he and Taryn obeyed. They filed into the escape pod as I
found the photon rifle. I jumped into the small pod, locked the hatch,
and jetisoned the pod into space.
As
Santiago sat thinking of an appropriate response to Yar, it suddenly became
a moot point. "Lt. Yar, as I'm sure your sensors will confirm the report
of mine that the warbird was just destroyed, are you detecting any lifeboats?"
~Maybe
now the Romulans will leave us alone, they got what they came for.~
I
too had seen enough senseless death. Star Fleet hadprocedures and I was
disturbed that my senior scienceofficer would so readily dismiss them.
I turn to him,boiling inside, but visabbly calm, "Mr. Santiago, I donot
believe your presence on the bridge is required atthis time..." With that
dismissal I page theMontgomery and recall my orders to retreat. I mightneed
their support if anyone did manage to escape theship before it was destroyed...
"Are we picking upany escape pods?"
"Yes,
sir. There are 2 escape pods. The Romulan ships are retreating as well.
Maybe they didn't detect them."
"Can
you move the Enterprise between the pods and theRomulan vessels without
alerting the Romulans to thepods presence?"
<"Out of touch with
Starfleet? I'd love to hear that story, B.J., perhaps
over dinner tomorrow night? As for things to do on a
starship, the holodeck is a new addition, I could show you some of my
programs after dinner." >
<"Can
you move the Enterprise between the pods and the Romulan vessels without
alerting the Romulans to the pods presence?">
"Captain,
there are 8 life signs aboard those pods. Should we beam them aboard?"
Tasha asked from her remote station in engineering.
We
floated as I tried to learn the layout of the unusual Romulan computer
console aboard the escape pod.
Taryn,
having medical experience, attended Nosheum who seemed better.
Ozren
sat quietly watching me work.
"I'm
not certain, but I believe the warbirds are moving off. If we don't get
out of this, the worst place we'll end up is in a Starfleet reform camp."
I said as I worked.
"Are
there any other pods, Yancey? Did Emania die?" Ozren asked.
I
stared coldly at him. Making romantic connections, at least long terms
ones, was a mistake in the Maquis. We lost people all the time which only
caused hurt. Ozren had made that mistake with Emania and now he was paying
the price.
"No,
Ozren. There are no other pods," I lied. I had detected one other pod which
was severely crippled and was being drawn into the planet's atmosphere.
I deemed it best no to give Ozren hope.
"Well,
Nosheum will survive. I've given him a blood regenerator. He'll be weak
for awhile, but he'll recover." Taryn moved back to her chair and returned
her medical equipment to the kit she had escaped with from the warbird.
"Will
the Enterprise take us aboard, Yancey?" Ozren asked. He seemed lost and
childlike despite his age. "I don't know, Oz. I just don't know."
I
watch the view screen and see one of the pods heading into the planets
atmosphere, "Yes, fet them out of there now!"
I
tapped my comm badge, "Transporter room 2, this is Yar. Beam the Maquis
survivors aboard, but keep them in transporter stasis until I get a team
up there."
"Acknowledged."
The
transporter beam locked onto me. "About time," I thought as I sat still
and waited. We were kept in transport several moments and when we materialized
on the transporter pad, several security officers had phasers trained on
us.
To
the Captain of the ship the blond security officer said, "We have them,
sir," then to us she said, "You are under arrest for crimes against the
Federation." The blond security officer took me by the arm.
"Yes,
I know, but some of my associates need medical attention. Please take them
to sickbay," I asked her, I attempted to look defeated and frightened.
She
considered me then Nosheum for a moment, "He is the only one who needs
immediate attention. I will escort him to sickbay. K'Lara, please take
the others to the brig."
I
felt relief. We were safe for the moment. We could have easily been dead
at the hands of the merciless Romulans now. We would be fed, bathed, and
given fresh clothing. Next, they would arrange for our transport to a nearby
Federation prison no doubt. My goal was to escape before that could happen.