Dark Territory: Fall Out
- Thread starter DarKush
- Start date
Re: Part Two: Trial By Fire
Medical ships are supposed to be wimpy--yeah, right. Meharry has claws--as the Alashain found out.
Very, very well done. Jasmine is definitely rising to the challenge.
Medical ships are supposed to be wimpy--yeah, right. Meharry has claws--as the Alashain found out.
Very, very well done. Jasmine is definitely rising to the challenge.
Re: Part Two: Trial By Fire
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
Captain Nandali Kojo had used the element of surprise to her advantage. She had raced to the detention cell first, intent of freeing her crewmates no matter how many Alshain she had to take on. When the Alshain had removed her from the cell to participate in their little gladiatorial games, Kojo had memorized the route they had taken. She used her recall now to guide her.
Thankfully she encountered no resistance. It was apparent that the base was half occupied. Kojo didn’t know when the other ship or vessels might return, nor did she know how much time she would have before the Alshain realized she had excused herself from their mourning.
She worked her finger around the trigger of the bulky exciser, made for a paw three times her hand size. But Kojo prided herself on her ability to master any weapon. Even Fight Master Strond had been in awe of her adaptability. That was why she was one of the few Sovereign Guard chosen for advanced studies on Qo’noS. There she met Kojo, the love of her life. She wished he were here now.
The two of them, naked, bloody, running through the frigid, rocky corridor, prepared to deal death to all who deserved it. The more she thought about it, the more Nandali came to realize that Kojo was with her after all. She grinned at the idea, imagining Kojo’s shade at her side, fighting the demons of her failure at her back while she pressed on towards redemption.
Kojo barreled into the detention area, firing in a wild sweep, but careful to avoid the jail cell packed with what remained of her crew. The two Alshain on duty at a makeshift desk died quickly. Nandali couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. She thrived on challenges. Her mate once said she was more Klingon than real Klingons.
Assistant Chief Engineer Sara Chang’s smile was cut short when Nandali pointed at the dead Alshain guards. Wisps of smoke were still circling their corpses. “Get their weapons,” she ordered. Chang and a very battered Meleek-Zar did as she commanded.
The crew gathered around Kojo, a mélange of fear and determination written across their faces and evident in their body language. The captain decided to cut right to the point, before the fear overwhelmed the determination. “The Valour is here and we’re going to retake it.”
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“How could she, could they, move so fast?” Syot Visla R’Vott asked, impressed with her counterpart.
“I am uncertain,” Kveld Tiung said, futilely sweeping a sensor device over the empty cell. R’Vott regretted that she hadn’t installed a sensor net for the entire planetoid. Tracking non-Alshain bio-signatures would’ve been easy as breathing. Of course she hadn’t anticipated any prison breaks, and there wouldn’t have been if the Paladins had been able to restrain their blood lust. A bloodlust she had enabled.
She wondered if her people had truly abandoned the decadent ways that had reduced their empire to a laughingstock. Exarch Jedalla had assured them that the old ways were gone, as dead as the Son’a would be. However, many Son’s still drew breath, the Alshain war machine had been easily turned back by a handful of Starfleet ships, and the Paladins-the paragons of the Exarchate’s military prowess-concerned themselves more with games than rebounding from their recent defeat. Redemption drove R’Vott’s every actions, it was her entertainment, her sex, even her food.
She had invested everything in Jedalla’s dream. But in moments of despair, tiny fissures of doubt had been to bore holes into her faith. What if Jedalla was wrong? What if the Alshain were not destined to rule the Beta and Alpha Quadrants? What if Greater Alshain hadn’t been as vast as some offworld scholars claimed?
R’Vott was ashamed to say that she didn’t know the answers to those questions. But what she did know was that Captain Kojo and her crew would be captured or dead by the time Exarch Jedalla arrived.
“There can only be one place she’s going to,” R’Vott said, after a half-minute’s thought. “She’s going to her ship.” She turned to the kveld. “Inform the Paladins to meet us in the launch bay.”
****
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
Captain Nandali Kojo had used the element of surprise to her advantage. She had raced to the detention cell first, intent of freeing her crewmates no matter how many Alshain she had to take on. When the Alshain had removed her from the cell to participate in their little gladiatorial games, Kojo had memorized the route they had taken. She used her recall now to guide her.
Thankfully she encountered no resistance. It was apparent that the base was half occupied. Kojo didn’t know when the other ship or vessels might return, nor did she know how much time she would have before the Alshain realized she had excused herself from their mourning.
She worked her finger around the trigger of the bulky exciser, made for a paw three times her hand size. But Kojo prided herself on her ability to master any weapon. Even Fight Master Strond had been in awe of her adaptability. That was why she was one of the few Sovereign Guard chosen for advanced studies on Qo’noS. There she met Kojo, the love of her life. She wished he were here now.
The two of them, naked, bloody, running through the frigid, rocky corridor, prepared to deal death to all who deserved it. The more she thought about it, the more Nandali came to realize that Kojo was with her after all. She grinned at the idea, imagining Kojo’s shade at her side, fighting the demons of her failure at her back while she pressed on towards redemption.
Kojo barreled into the detention area, firing in a wild sweep, but careful to avoid the jail cell packed with what remained of her crew. The two Alshain on duty at a makeshift desk died quickly. Nandali couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. She thrived on challenges. Her mate once said she was more Klingon than real Klingons.
Assistant Chief Engineer Sara Chang’s smile was cut short when Nandali pointed at the dead Alshain guards. Wisps of smoke were still circling their corpses. “Get their weapons,” she ordered. Chang and a very battered Meleek-Zar did as she commanded.
The crew gathered around Kojo, a mélange of fear and determination written across their faces and evident in their body language. The captain decided to cut right to the point, before the fear overwhelmed the determination. “The Valour is here and we’re going to retake it.”
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“How could she, could they, move so fast?” Syot Visla R’Vott asked, impressed with her counterpart.
“I am uncertain,” Kveld Tiung said, futilely sweeping a sensor device over the empty cell. R’Vott regretted that she hadn’t installed a sensor net for the entire planetoid. Tracking non-Alshain bio-signatures would’ve been easy as breathing. Of course she hadn’t anticipated any prison breaks, and there wouldn’t have been if the Paladins had been able to restrain their blood lust. A bloodlust she had enabled.
She wondered if her people had truly abandoned the decadent ways that had reduced their empire to a laughingstock. Exarch Jedalla had assured them that the old ways were gone, as dead as the Son’a would be. However, many Son’s still drew breath, the Alshain war machine had been easily turned back by a handful of Starfleet ships, and the Paladins-the paragons of the Exarchate’s military prowess-concerned themselves more with games than rebounding from their recent defeat. Redemption drove R’Vott’s every actions, it was her entertainment, her sex, even her food.
She had invested everything in Jedalla’s dream. But in moments of despair, tiny fissures of doubt had been to bore holes into her faith. What if Jedalla was wrong? What if the Alshain were not destined to rule the Beta and Alpha Quadrants? What if Greater Alshain hadn’t been as vast as some offworld scholars claimed?
R’Vott was ashamed to say that she didn’t know the answers to those questions. But what she did know was that Captain Kojo and her crew would be captured or dead by the time Exarch Jedalla arrived.
“There can only be one place she’s going to,” R’Vott said, after a half-minute’s thought. “She’s going to her ship.” She turned to the kveld. “Inform the Paladins to meet us in the launch bay.”
****
Re: Part Two: Trial By Fire
****
Peerage Leadership Academy
Alshain Proper
Dauphin Jang O’Jinn’s eyes were glued to the monitor. His heart swelled with pride at the image of his foremother, now atop a tank, her frail fist pumping in the air as she urged the crowd to storm the gates of the Governance Arcology.
He longed to be with her, among his people, preparing for his father’s return. But he remained in his living module at the Academy, guarded by warriors sent by the traitor C’Oemnm. What Jang wouldn’t give to slice the old rakuun’s throat. Hopefully he would have his chance soon enough, if Managa didn’t get to him first. The image of the stately Dowager laying into C’Oemnm made Jang chuckle.
“There is nothing to laugh about,” Y’era Sharrl N’Soto said. The appealing warrior was only a few turns older than Jang. He perked up whenever she came on duty. And he was certain the feeling wasn’t mutual. Jang had finally figured out how to use that to his advantage. “A lot of our people could die today,” the young woman replied, trying to add gravity to her voice.
“Yes, hopefully all of the traitors will perish and order can be restored,” Jang spoke freely, without fear of reprisal. The foolish C’Oemnm had ordered the warriors not to harm him. However, he was certain that might change when his father arrived. But he planned to be free by then, at Sharrl’s doing. “But you know I won’t see that glorious day,” he piled on the regret.
“Why would you say such a thing?” N’Soto asked, a troubled look on her face. “Not that I want the ‘traitors’ removed.” She added quickly, nervously looking around for recording devices. Once again, the inept C’Oemnm had ordered the Unguis not to plant any.
However, Jang had checked his module thoroughly anyway. Even under his father, the Unguis could barely be restrained. With a weakling like C’Oemnm in charge of the Exarchate, the Unguis had free reign.
He gazed deeply into Sharrl’s amber colored eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to remove the small lump that had formed whenever he recalled how beautiful her eyes were. Jang chided himself for losing focus and pressed ahead. “Be honest with me Sharrl N’Soto,” he said. “Your captain has orders to kill me if my father returns.”
“No,” the Y’era shook her head strongly. “No. Of course not. Chairman C’Oemnm was very explicit in his orders. You are not to be harmed.”
“Of course,” Jang replied, his tone disbelieving. He turned from the guard and walked to the large floor-to-length window in the room. He gazed down at the lush garden below. The tranquil scene was so at odds with the turmoil sweeping through the capital city that it reminded him how disconnected the Peerage was from the common people. Even his father’s reforms had done little to tie all Alshain together.
Though Jang was dauphin, eldest son of the Exarch, he was not guaranteed succession to the throne. Only the most qualified or visionary candidate was chosen by the reigning Exarch to sit upon the Crimson Throne.
Jang intended for that person to be him. His escape would go a long way towards proving his resourcefulness to his father. He placed his head against the cool plastiglass, as if overburdened.
“I know C’Oemnm’s order,” he said. “But how can you be sure that C’Oemnm will remain in power much longer? With each hour, the failure of his coup becomes more apparent. The Committee is filled with ambitious pirafins. Do you even know if C’Oemnm still holds power?” He paused, glancing back at Sharrl. The Y’era was fidgeting.
“You don’t,” he said, placing his forehead back against the wall. “Or even if he does, he might change his mind. What might pacify or scare the crowd than the blood of the dauphin? The most logical choice to succeed the Exarch? It could be a powerful statement to show the people who the real power was in the Exarchate. If a father can’t prevent the death of his children many would not see him worthy to sit on the throne.”
“No,” Sharrl said more softly, “No. The Committee wouldn’t do that. They couldn’t.”
He turned to gaze at her again, sadness in his eyes. “Who ever would’ve thought that a coup could’ve happened…until it did? Or that a cabal of usurpers would remove both the Exarch and the Peerage from their traditional leadership roles?”
Y’era N’Soto pondered that. “No…I guess not.”
“No one could,” Jang said sympathetically. “But the rules, the traditions that have bound all Alshain for centuries no longer apply. Anything is possible now because of what C’Oemnm has done. None of us are safe.”
“You mustn’t be so bleak Dauphin,” Sharrl protested.
“What choice do I have?” He asked. Jang walked to the woman and grasp her by the arms. She didn’t protest. “I have none. I’m to sit here and wait until I am executed.” He paused, smiling. “But don’t think I don’t appreciate the company.”
“The captain won’t let that happen,” N’Soto protested.
“He is just one warrior,” Jang said.
“I won’t let that happen.” Sharrl declared. Determination flared like a furnace from the woman’s gaze. Jang’s resistance melted from the heat, and he felt a pang of guilt for his machinations.
“There is something you can do to prevent it,” Jang said.
“What?” N’Soto asked suspiciously.
“Turn around,” he commanded.
“No,” N’Soto pulled away from him. Her hand went to the stun baton on her hip. “I have my orders.”
“I know about Sept N’Saba,” Jang remarked. “Following orders is not your kin’s strong suit. Your elder cousin Seb is the most recent embarrassment to our species. I also knew you wanted to pursue a career in art at the Lyceum, but your clan’s loss in standing as a result forced you to turn to the Guard to rebuild your families’ cachet.”
“How do you know that?” Sharrl’s voice was a mix of wonderment and suspicion.
“I make it my business to know things…about people I care about.”
Sharrl laughed. “I almost believed you…until you said that.” N’Soto pulled her baton. Jang took an unconscious step back. “Why would the scion of Sept O’Jinn care about the extended clan of lowly Sept N’Saba…unless there was something in it for you?”
“You’re right,” Jang said. “I learned everything I could about you and all of the guards. There is something in it for me. But there’s also something in it for you, or could be.”
“What do you mean?” N’Soto asked.
“I can restore Sept N’Saba’s glory, and by extension Sept N’Soto’s.” Jang declared.
Y’era N’Soto couldn’t hold back a louder peal of laughter. “And how in the heavens could you do that? You might be dauphin, but you’re still Unblooded.”
“That is only a matter of time,” Jang pushed back his shame. “And you know that my word, my reputation counts more than that of your entire clan.”
N’Soto said nothing in response. The dauphin knew she couldn’t. “What do you want me to do?” She finally asked. Jang smiled.
“Now you’re thinking,” he said. “This coup was doomed from the start. Once my father returns, I’ll insure that the fortunes of your clan rise back to their once lofty heights. You have my word.”
N’Soto looked at him, a regrettable hardness seeping into her eyes. “So, that was what all this was about?”
“What else could it be about?” Jang asked, hating himself for asking the question. He wanted more, but there were more pressing concerns. Plus, her disgraced clan was far beneath his.
“I see,” N’Soto said. She handed him the baton and turned around. Jang hefted the lightweight weapon. He was more impressed with Sharrl than he had ever been. She knew exactly what to do, and had already figured out his plan and an excuse for herself. He was going to suggest that she let him stun her so she could claim he overpowered her.
The dauphin activated the baton, its phased energy crackling in his ears. He held it aloft. But hesitated when N’Soto’s slender shoulders slumped. The woman seemed to crumble before his eyes, and there was something about her capitulation that stoked a deep outrage in him.
He turned off the baton. N’Soto turned around, her face a hive of confusion. “What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Nothing,” he said, handing her back the baton. “You’re coming with me.”
****
****
Peerage Leadership Academy
Alshain Proper
Dauphin Jang O’Jinn’s eyes were glued to the monitor. His heart swelled with pride at the image of his foremother, now atop a tank, her frail fist pumping in the air as she urged the crowd to storm the gates of the Governance Arcology.
He longed to be with her, among his people, preparing for his father’s return. But he remained in his living module at the Academy, guarded by warriors sent by the traitor C’Oemnm. What Jang wouldn’t give to slice the old rakuun’s throat. Hopefully he would have his chance soon enough, if Managa didn’t get to him first. The image of the stately Dowager laying into C’Oemnm made Jang chuckle.
“There is nothing to laugh about,” Y’era Sharrl N’Soto said. The appealing warrior was only a few turns older than Jang. He perked up whenever she came on duty. And he was certain the feeling wasn’t mutual. Jang had finally figured out how to use that to his advantage. “A lot of our people could die today,” the young woman replied, trying to add gravity to her voice.
“Yes, hopefully all of the traitors will perish and order can be restored,” Jang spoke freely, without fear of reprisal. The foolish C’Oemnm had ordered the warriors not to harm him. However, he was certain that might change when his father arrived. But he planned to be free by then, at Sharrl’s doing. “But you know I won’t see that glorious day,” he piled on the regret.
“Why would you say such a thing?” N’Soto asked, a troubled look on her face. “Not that I want the ‘traitors’ removed.” She added quickly, nervously looking around for recording devices. Once again, the inept C’Oemnm had ordered the Unguis not to plant any.
However, Jang had checked his module thoroughly anyway. Even under his father, the Unguis could barely be restrained. With a weakling like C’Oemnm in charge of the Exarchate, the Unguis had free reign.
He gazed deeply into Sharrl’s amber colored eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to remove the small lump that had formed whenever he recalled how beautiful her eyes were. Jang chided himself for losing focus and pressed ahead. “Be honest with me Sharrl N’Soto,” he said. “Your captain has orders to kill me if my father returns.”
“No,” the Y’era shook her head strongly. “No. Of course not. Chairman C’Oemnm was very explicit in his orders. You are not to be harmed.”
“Of course,” Jang replied, his tone disbelieving. He turned from the guard and walked to the large floor-to-length window in the room. He gazed down at the lush garden below. The tranquil scene was so at odds with the turmoil sweeping through the capital city that it reminded him how disconnected the Peerage was from the common people. Even his father’s reforms had done little to tie all Alshain together.
Though Jang was dauphin, eldest son of the Exarch, he was not guaranteed succession to the throne. Only the most qualified or visionary candidate was chosen by the reigning Exarch to sit upon the Crimson Throne.
Jang intended for that person to be him. His escape would go a long way towards proving his resourcefulness to his father. He placed his head against the cool plastiglass, as if overburdened.
“I know C’Oemnm’s order,” he said. “But how can you be sure that C’Oemnm will remain in power much longer? With each hour, the failure of his coup becomes more apparent. The Committee is filled with ambitious pirafins. Do you even know if C’Oemnm still holds power?” He paused, glancing back at Sharrl. The Y’era was fidgeting.
“You don’t,” he said, placing his forehead back against the wall. “Or even if he does, he might change his mind. What might pacify or scare the crowd than the blood of the dauphin? The most logical choice to succeed the Exarch? It could be a powerful statement to show the people who the real power was in the Exarchate. If a father can’t prevent the death of his children many would not see him worthy to sit on the throne.”
“No,” Sharrl said more softly, “No. The Committee wouldn’t do that. They couldn’t.”
He turned to gaze at her again, sadness in his eyes. “Who ever would’ve thought that a coup could’ve happened…until it did? Or that a cabal of usurpers would remove both the Exarch and the Peerage from their traditional leadership roles?”
Y’era N’Soto pondered that. “No…I guess not.”
“No one could,” Jang said sympathetically. “But the rules, the traditions that have bound all Alshain for centuries no longer apply. Anything is possible now because of what C’Oemnm has done. None of us are safe.”
“You mustn’t be so bleak Dauphin,” Sharrl protested.
“What choice do I have?” He asked. Jang walked to the woman and grasp her by the arms. She didn’t protest. “I have none. I’m to sit here and wait until I am executed.” He paused, smiling. “But don’t think I don’t appreciate the company.”
“The captain won’t let that happen,” N’Soto protested.
“He is just one warrior,” Jang said.
“I won’t let that happen.” Sharrl declared. Determination flared like a furnace from the woman’s gaze. Jang’s resistance melted from the heat, and he felt a pang of guilt for his machinations.
“There is something you can do to prevent it,” Jang said.
“What?” N’Soto asked suspiciously.
“Turn around,” he commanded.
“No,” N’Soto pulled away from him. Her hand went to the stun baton on her hip. “I have my orders.”
“I know about Sept N’Saba,” Jang remarked. “Following orders is not your kin’s strong suit. Your elder cousin Seb is the most recent embarrassment to our species. I also knew you wanted to pursue a career in art at the Lyceum, but your clan’s loss in standing as a result forced you to turn to the Guard to rebuild your families’ cachet.”
“How do you know that?” Sharrl’s voice was a mix of wonderment and suspicion.
“I make it my business to know things…about people I care about.”
Sharrl laughed. “I almost believed you…until you said that.” N’Soto pulled her baton. Jang took an unconscious step back. “Why would the scion of Sept O’Jinn care about the extended clan of lowly Sept N’Saba…unless there was something in it for you?”
“You’re right,” Jang said. “I learned everything I could about you and all of the guards. There is something in it for me. But there’s also something in it for you, or could be.”
“What do you mean?” N’Soto asked.
“I can restore Sept N’Saba’s glory, and by extension Sept N’Soto’s.” Jang declared.
Y’era N’Soto couldn’t hold back a louder peal of laughter. “And how in the heavens could you do that? You might be dauphin, but you’re still Unblooded.”
“That is only a matter of time,” Jang pushed back his shame. “And you know that my word, my reputation counts more than that of your entire clan.”
N’Soto said nothing in response. The dauphin knew she couldn’t. “What do you want me to do?” She finally asked. Jang smiled.
“Now you’re thinking,” he said. “This coup was doomed from the start. Once my father returns, I’ll insure that the fortunes of your clan rise back to their once lofty heights. You have my word.”
N’Soto looked at him, a regrettable hardness seeping into her eyes. “So, that was what all this was about?”
“What else could it be about?” Jang asked, hating himself for asking the question. He wanted more, but there were more pressing concerns. Plus, her disgraced clan was far beneath his.
“I see,” N’Soto said. She handed him the baton and turned around. Jang hefted the lightweight weapon. He was more impressed with Sharrl than he had ever been. She knew exactly what to do, and had already figured out his plan and an excuse for herself. He was going to suggest that she let him stun her so she could claim he overpowered her.
The dauphin activated the baton, its phased energy crackling in his ears. He held it aloft. But hesitated when N’Soto’s slender shoulders slumped. The woman seemed to crumble before his eyes, and there was something about her capitulation that stoked a deep outrage in him.
He turned off the baton. N’Soto turned around, her face a hive of confusion. “What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Nothing,” he said, handing her back the baton. “You’re coming with me.”
****
Re: Part Two: Trial By Fire
****
USS Gibraltar
Sector 443
“Captain, we’re picking up something on long range sensors,” Lt. Olivia Juneau reported. “It’s a Starfleet message buoy. Registered to the USS Meharry. ”
“Message buoy?” Captain Sandhurst asked, concern etched on his features. “Let’s hear it.”
Seconds later, the image of a harried Caitian female appeared on the main viewer. “I am Captain M’Bira of the Starfleet medical ship Meharry. The Meharry has taken heavy fire from a cloaked Alshain warship, though we were able to destroy the enemy vessel and beam over two dozen prisoners onboard. Our subspace communications net is just one of the many systems currently inoperable. We are heading back to Yashkl’in IV where we can attend to our wounded and attempt to re-contact Starfleet Command. In the event that we don’t make it, I’ve left this buoy. Please insure that Starfleet Command learns of the Alshain’s aggression. And of that more of their vessels might be equipped with cloaking technology.” The message repeated. After watching it a second time, Donald ordered Juneau to turn it off.
“Impressive,” Lt. Pava Lar’ragos said. “I can’t wait to meet this Captain M’Bira. For a med ship to have taken on and defeated an Alshain warship, with a cloak, is pretty damn impressive.”
“Yes it is,” Donald agreed. He had served on the medical ship Imhotep early in his career and he knew how comparatively lighter armed med ships were than standard exploration vessels. “But let’s make sure the lady lives so we all can both hear the tale.”
“Another cloaked Alshain ship,” Lt. Commander Pell Ojana pondered aloud, her concern matching Donald’s. “I thought we captured the only one they had.”
“You thought wrong,” Commander Ramirez replied, adding quickly. “We all did.” The addition didn’t spare Liana a frosty glare from the Bajoran.
“Perhaps the Alshain had more Klingon allies that we smoked out,” Lt. Pava Lar’ragos offered. “Or they could have new allies.”
“Like the Romulans,” Sandhurst said. “They’re still claiming that Starfleet manipulated the recent Benzite referendum that kept Benzar in the Federation.”
“Sounds like hogwash to me,” Lightner replied. After Sandhurst loudly cleared his throat, the young man apologized.
“Ensign you’d be surprised to learn that maybe the Romulans have a point,” Lar’ragos said. “We’re not angels.”
“True,” Sandhurst replied. “But we’re not as devilish as the Romulans.”
“Speak for yourself,” Lar’ragos quipped, though Sandhurst couldn’t laugh after witnessing some of Pava’s recent actions. He merely nodded.
“So noted,” the captain said. “Helm, best speed to Yashk’lin IV.”
****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
“Why wasn’t I informed of this sooner?” Chairman Orthlin C’Oemnm shivered with a cold rage.
“W-Why s-sir?” The nervous messenger’s voice stuttered so violently that he had could barely speak. “The-there was n-no one…lef-left to is-issue the a-alert.”
“So, you’re saying that the dauphin merely walked out of his confined quarters and the security detachment assigned to him let him?” Nez G’Nesh asked calmly, clearly trying to reassure the frightened young man.
“I-I-I am s-say-saying that th-the detachment lef-left with h-him,” the man finally got out. The young officer bounded out of the committee chamber’s after C’Oemnm dismissed him.
“This is perfect,” T’Riav threw up his hands. “Absolutely splendid! Not only is that old crone now leading the mob outside our gates, the dauphin has escaped custody with his jailers accompanying him.”
“This is the will of the gods,” Canonarch Tropar, head of the Alshain ecclesiastical Synod intoned with grave solemnity. C’Oemnm had the wizened, balding priest teleported into the arcology to seek his council and urge him to convince the mob to disperse. So far Tropar had been long on advice, but short on the defusing action that C’Oemnm needed most. “The gods seek order in all things.”
“So even the gods are against us now?” T’Riav’s tone was half-mocking. “Well, they’ve got a long line ahead of them.”
“You’re not helping Rulf,” G’Nesh admonished.
“He’s merely speaking the truth,” Boree L’Bek said. “C’Oemnm, this gambit is at an end.”
“What do you mean?” Phalin K’Phrey asked.
“Yes Boree,” Orthlin was both shocked and thrilled by the dangerous edge in his voice. “What do you mean?”
The portly woman stood up, crossing her arms over her plump bosom. “If you don’t act to stop this madness now, Sept L’Bek will no longer support this committee.”
“Where will you go,” C’Oemnm asked, flicking a hand at the monitors. “To them? You’re a traitor to those people remember? They’ll never accept you. We’re all in this together.”
“With the proper amount of bribes and promotions they’ll accept me again soon enough,” L’Bek said.
C’Oemnm sighed. “What kind of action do you propose?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” T’Riav gasped. “Order the guards to fire on the rabble!”
“No you fool,” L’Bek sneered. “I have something else in mind.”
“And that would be?” C’Oemnm asked, his patience already gone.
“Who does that mob hate worse than us?” L’Bek asked.
C’Oemnm shrugged. “That I would like to know.”
“The Federation,” K’Phrey said excitedly. L’Bek nodded with approval.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“So?” C’Oemnm asked. “They think we’re Federation tools.”
“Perhaps it’s time we changed that perception,” L’Bek said.
“And how would we do that?” C’Oemnm challenged.
“We destroy the Federation Embassy,” L’Bek answered. K’Phrey instantly nodded in agreement, and T’Riav pounded the table, a joyous howl ripping from his lips.
C’Oemnm was appalled. “We usurped Jedalla to prevent a war with the Federation. What you’re proposing will put us right back on that course.”
“No, it won’t,” L’Bek promised. “The Federation is weak. The only reason they defeated us was because of their slightly advanced technology and our weakened hearts. I tell you that too many problems beset the Federation for them to go to war over the loss of one embassy.”
“You don’t know the humans as well as you think you do,” C’Oemnm warned. “It was I that worked closely with them during the Dominion War. They have far more resolve and tenacity than you give them credit for. And they also have a terrific bloodlust, though they try to hide it.”
“More proof of their unworthiness,” K’Phrey sniffed.
“Or perhaps it’s proof of their cunning,” C’Oemnm countered. “Think about it. How did the humans become the dominant group in the Federation despite the fact that the Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, and many other Federation members were space worthy species decades or centuries before them? Also, how did the humans hold their own against the Xindi, Romulans, Klingons, and the Borg? Even we fell before the Klingons,” he said with disgust. “These humans aren’t to be trifled with lightly.”
“Of course they aren’t,” L’Bek said. “That’s why we can manufacture evidence that the mob or some rogue elements loyal to Jedalla destroyed the embassy.”
“Plus its destruction might distract the mob long enough to allow us to get some ships aloft to douse them with axonol,” K’Phrey offered. “When they awaken, at least one of their objects of hate will be removed.”
“Which means they can focus on us exclusively,” C’Oemnm said.
“No, they’ll know it was us,” L’Bek said. “However the Federation won’t.”
“We can’t keep information like that on planet bound,” C’Oemnm protested.
“We can if you declare martial law,” T’Riav said, his eyes gleaming.
“No,” Orthlin shook his head, reality spiraling out of control, “Martial law hasn’t been declared in decades. Not since Pula the Regrettable.”
“Spare us the history lesson,” L’Bek remarked. “We’ll tell the people that Jedalla was in collusion with the Federation and that we’ve excised both cancers from our midst. By declaring martial law we can force the military to decide. Many of them are defecting now merely because Jedalla is acting while we’re standing still. Once we act, once you act Orthlin, many of them will return.”
“And what of the Federation?” He had never sounded so weak in his life. “How can you convince them that it wasn’t us that destroyed their Embassy?”
L’Bek smiled, “They’ll have to believe us, because the Federation won’t act without conclusive proof, which we will provide tying them to Jedalla. With Starfleet hunting for Jedalla, he’ll have no time to stage a countercoup. And by the time he does, or even if he does, we’ll be ready for him.”
“The Enterprise is on its way here,” G’Nesh said. C’Oemnm was thankful at least one of the committee members saw how threadbare L’Bek’s plan was. “Will this ‘evidence’ be ready for them by then?”
“The Enterprise will never make it here,” L’Bek said confidently.
“Do you mean to destroy it as well?” C’Oemnm asked incredulously. “We tried that already, and you see where it got us.”
“Yes,” T’Riav nodded with glee. “It got us control of the Exarchate.”
“The Enterprise will never make it to Alshain Proper because it has been detained,” L’Bek answered, ignoring T’Riav’s gloating. “Even if it decided to fight its way through the Origin Sector Fleet there would be no Federation citizens left for them to evacuate.”
“Has been detained?” Orthlin asked, his hackles rising. “Boree what have you done?”
“I’ve merely instructed Fleet Control to deny any Federation Starship into the origin sector without express authorization from the entire committee.”
“You can’t do that!” C’Oemnm thundered. “Who gave you the right to countermand my orders?”
“I had every right!” L’Bek hissed. “This is a committee, where the majority rules. Both K’Phrey and T’Riav supported my plan. G’Nesh abstained.”
“So, you all knew of this plan and discussed it without me?” C’Oemnm asked, more hurt than he should’ve been. “Even you Nez didn’t think you could trust me with this information?” G’Nesh wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Searching for a lifeline, Orthlin looked to the strangely quiet Canonarch. “What say you Tropar of L’Bek’s perfidious plan?” The ancient priest clutched his staff and slowly pulled himself out of his chair. He closed his eyes and raised his head, whispering unintelligible words as if he were conversing with the gods themselves. He shivered, his heavy, simple gray robe flapping loosely on his frail body. When he opened his eyes again, his sonorous voice had dropped an octave.
“The gods find much value in Lady L’Bek’s plan,” the old man replied. “The Synod will support it.”
“This is madness,” C’Oemnm replied.
“This is the will of the gods,” Tropar admonished. “You would be wise not to defy them.”
“Or us,” T’Riav warned.
C’Oemnm sank back down into his seat, wishing there was someone worthy enough to abdicate these burdens too, but he realized he didn’t hate anyone that much…even T’Riav. “Fine! Let it be done.”
****
****
USS Gibraltar
Sector 443
“Captain, we’re picking up something on long range sensors,” Lt. Olivia Juneau reported. “It’s a Starfleet message buoy. Registered to the USS Meharry. ”
“Message buoy?” Captain Sandhurst asked, concern etched on his features. “Let’s hear it.”
Seconds later, the image of a harried Caitian female appeared on the main viewer. “I am Captain M’Bira of the Starfleet medical ship Meharry. The Meharry has taken heavy fire from a cloaked Alshain warship, though we were able to destroy the enemy vessel and beam over two dozen prisoners onboard. Our subspace communications net is just one of the many systems currently inoperable. We are heading back to Yashkl’in IV where we can attend to our wounded and attempt to re-contact Starfleet Command. In the event that we don’t make it, I’ve left this buoy. Please insure that Starfleet Command learns of the Alshain’s aggression. And of that more of their vessels might be equipped with cloaking technology.” The message repeated. After watching it a second time, Donald ordered Juneau to turn it off.
“Impressive,” Lt. Pava Lar’ragos said. “I can’t wait to meet this Captain M’Bira. For a med ship to have taken on and defeated an Alshain warship, with a cloak, is pretty damn impressive.”
“Yes it is,” Donald agreed. He had served on the medical ship Imhotep early in his career and he knew how comparatively lighter armed med ships were than standard exploration vessels. “But let’s make sure the lady lives so we all can both hear the tale.”
“Another cloaked Alshain ship,” Lt. Commander Pell Ojana pondered aloud, her concern matching Donald’s. “I thought we captured the only one they had.”
“You thought wrong,” Commander Ramirez replied, adding quickly. “We all did.” The addition didn’t spare Liana a frosty glare from the Bajoran.
“Perhaps the Alshain had more Klingon allies that we smoked out,” Lt. Pava Lar’ragos offered. “Or they could have new allies.”
“Like the Romulans,” Sandhurst said. “They’re still claiming that Starfleet manipulated the recent Benzite referendum that kept Benzar in the Federation.”
“Sounds like hogwash to me,” Lightner replied. After Sandhurst loudly cleared his throat, the young man apologized.
“Ensign you’d be surprised to learn that maybe the Romulans have a point,” Lar’ragos said. “We’re not angels.”
“True,” Sandhurst replied. “But we’re not as devilish as the Romulans.”
“Speak for yourself,” Lar’ragos quipped, though Sandhurst couldn’t laugh after witnessing some of Pava’s recent actions. He merely nodded.
“So noted,” the captain said. “Helm, best speed to Yashk’lin IV.”
****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
“Why wasn’t I informed of this sooner?” Chairman Orthlin C’Oemnm shivered with a cold rage.
“W-Why s-sir?” The nervous messenger’s voice stuttered so violently that he had could barely speak. “The-there was n-no one…lef-left to is-issue the a-alert.”
“So, you’re saying that the dauphin merely walked out of his confined quarters and the security detachment assigned to him let him?” Nez G’Nesh asked calmly, clearly trying to reassure the frightened young man.
“I-I-I am s-say-saying that th-the detachment lef-left with h-him,” the man finally got out. The young officer bounded out of the committee chamber’s after C’Oemnm dismissed him.
“This is perfect,” T’Riav threw up his hands. “Absolutely splendid! Not only is that old crone now leading the mob outside our gates, the dauphin has escaped custody with his jailers accompanying him.”
“This is the will of the gods,” Canonarch Tropar, head of the Alshain ecclesiastical Synod intoned with grave solemnity. C’Oemnm had the wizened, balding priest teleported into the arcology to seek his council and urge him to convince the mob to disperse. So far Tropar had been long on advice, but short on the defusing action that C’Oemnm needed most. “The gods seek order in all things.”
“So even the gods are against us now?” T’Riav’s tone was half-mocking. “Well, they’ve got a long line ahead of them.”
“You’re not helping Rulf,” G’Nesh admonished.
“He’s merely speaking the truth,” Boree L’Bek said. “C’Oemnm, this gambit is at an end.”
“What do you mean?” Phalin K’Phrey asked.
“Yes Boree,” Orthlin was both shocked and thrilled by the dangerous edge in his voice. “What do you mean?”
The portly woman stood up, crossing her arms over her plump bosom. “If you don’t act to stop this madness now, Sept L’Bek will no longer support this committee.”
“Where will you go,” C’Oemnm asked, flicking a hand at the monitors. “To them? You’re a traitor to those people remember? They’ll never accept you. We’re all in this together.”
“With the proper amount of bribes and promotions they’ll accept me again soon enough,” L’Bek said.
C’Oemnm sighed. “What kind of action do you propose?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” T’Riav gasped. “Order the guards to fire on the rabble!”
“No you fool,” L’Bek sneered. “I have something else in mind.”
“And that would be?” C’Oemnm asked, his patience already gone.
“Who does that mob hate worse than us?” L’Bek asked.
C’Oemnm shrugged. “That I would like to know.”
“The Federation,” K’Phrey said excitedly. L’Bek nodded with approval.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“So?” C’Oemnm asked. “They think we’re Federation tools.”
“Perhaps it’s time we changed that perception,” L’Bek said.
“And how would we do that?” C’Oemnm challenged.
“We destroy the Federation Embassy,” L’Bek answered. K’Phrey instantly nodded in agreement, and T’Riav pounded the table, a joyous howl ripping from his lips.
C’Oemnm was appalled. “We usurped Jedalla to prevent a war with the Federation. What you’re proposing will put us right back on that course.”
“No, it won’t,” L’Bek promised. “The Federation is weak. The only reason they defeated us was because of their slightly advanced technology and our weakened hearts. I tell you that too many problems beset the Federation for them to go to war over the loss of one embassy.”
“You don’t know the humans as well as you think you do,” C’Oemnm warned. “It was I that worked closely with them during the Dominion War. They have far more resolve and tenacity than you give them credit for. And they also have a terrific bloodlust, though they try to hide it.”
“More proof of their unworthiness,” K’Phrey sniffed.
“Or perhaps it’s proof of their cunning,” C’Oemnm countered. “Think about it. How did the humans become the dominant group in the Federation despite the fact that the Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, and many other Federation members were space worthy species decades or centuries before them? Also, how did the humans hold their own against the Xindi, Romulans, Klingons, and the Borg? Even we fell before the Klingons,” he said with disgust. “These humans aren’t to be trifled with lightly.”
“Of course they aren’t,” L’Bek said. “That’s why we can manufacture evidence that the mob or some rogue elements loyal to Jedalla destroyed the embassy.”
“Plus its destruction might distract the mob long enough to allow us to get some ships aloft to douse them with axonol,” K’Phrey offered. “When they awaken, at least one of their objects of hate will be removed.”
“Which means they can focus on us exclusively,” C’Oemnm said.
“No, they’ll know it was us,” L’Bek said. “However the Federation won’t.”
“We can’t keep information like that on planet bound,” C’Oemnm protested.
“We can if you declare martial law,” T’Riav said, his eyes gleaming.
“No,” Orthlin shook his head, reality spiraling out of control, “Martial law hasn’t been declared in decades. Not since Pula the Regrettable.”
“Spare us the history lesson,” L’Bek remarked. “We’ll tell the people that Jedalla was in collusion with the Federation and that we’ve excised both cancers from our midst. By declaring martial law we can force the military to decide. Many of them are defecting now merely because Jedalla is acting while we’re standing still. Once we act, once you act Orthlin, many of them will return.”
“And what of the Federation?” He had never sounded so weak in his life. “How can you convince them that it wasn’t us that destroyed their Embassy?”
L’Bek smiled, “They’ll have to believe us, because the Federation won’t act without conclusive proof, which we will provide tying them to Jedalla. With Starfleet hunting for Jedalla, he’ll have no time to stage a countercoup. And by the time he does, or even if he does, we’ll be ready for him.”
“The Enterprise is on its way here,” G’Nesh said. C’Oemnm was thankful at least one of the committee members saw how threadbare L’Bek’s plan was. “Will this ‘evidence’ be ready for them by then?”
“The Enterprise will never make it here,” L’Bek said confidently.
“Do you mean to destroy it as well?” C’Oemnm asked incredulously. “We tried that already, and you see where it got us.”
“Yes,” T’Riav nodded with glee. “It got us control of the Exarchate.”
“The Enterprise will never make it to Alshain Proper because it has been detained,” L’Bek answered, ignoring T’Riav’s gloating. “Even if it decided to fight its way through the Origin Sector Fleet there would be no Federation citizens left for them to evacuate.”
“Has been detained?” Orthlin asked, his hackles rising. “Boree what have you done?”
“I’ve merely instructed Fleet Control to deny any Federation Starship into the origin sector without express authorization from the entire committee.”
“You can’t do that!” C’Oemnm thundered. “Who gave you the right to countermand my orders?”
“I had every right!” L’Bek hissed. “This is a committee, where the majority rules. Both K’Phrey and T’Riav supported my plan. G’Nesh abstained.”
“So, you all knew of this plan and discussed it without me?” C’Oemnm asked, more hurt than he should’ve been. “Even you Nez didn’t think you could trust me with this information?” G’Nesh wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Searching for a lifeline, Orthlin looked to the strangely quiet Canonarch. “What say you Tropar of L’Bek’s perfidious plan?” The ancient priest clutched his staff and slowly pulled himself out of his chair. He closed his eyes and raised his head, whispering unintelligible words as if he were conversing with the gods themselves. He shivered, his heavy, simple gray robe flapping loosely on his frail body. When he opened his eyes again, his sonorous voice had dropped an octave.
“The gods find much value in Lady L’Bek’s plan,” the old man replied. “The Synod will support it.”
“This is madness,” C’Oemnm replied.
“This is the will of the gods,” Tropar admonished. “You would be wise not to defy them.”
“Or us,” T’Riav warned.
C’Oemnm sank back down into his seat, wishing there was someone worthy enough to abdicate these burdens too, but he realized he didn’t hate anyone that much…even T’Riav. “Fine! Let it be done.”
****
Part Three: The Great Unraveling
*****
Part Three: The Great Unraveling
USS Enterprise-E
Hazar-Shual System
(Alshain Origin Sector)
“We’re receiving a long-range hail,” Lt. Commander Data said, “Starfleet transponder signal.”
“Who is it?” Riker asked, leaning forward in the captain’s chair. The Executive Officer had relieved Captain Picard after his formidable commander had been ordered to rest by the equally formidable Doctor Crusher. Riker’s own fatigue vanished with Data’s revelation.
“It’s the USS Independence sir,” Data replied.
“Independence,” Riker rubbed his bearded chin. “I’m not too familiar with her. That’s one of the Courageous-class ships correct Mr. Data?”
Data looked back at him, his golden eyes gleaming as the android processed information. “Yes, the Independence is one of two Courageous class ships currently in service. The Courageous is a variant of the Defiant class. The pathfinder ship, USS Courageous, NCC-79421 was commissioned in 2375. The Independence, NCC-76950 also was commissioned in…”
“That’s enough Data,” Riker said, annoyance creeping into his voice. “Just answer the hail.” Deanna’s light snickering prompted a look and a weary smile from Riker. “Our luck might turn after all.”
For interminable hours the Enterprise had been encircled by a squadron of Alshain warships, which prevented them from venturing to Alshain Proper and completing their mission to evacuate the Federation Embassy in the midst of the unrest sweeping over the planet.
In response, the captain had Riker add an additional duty shift, and ordered that the bridge be manned by at least one senior staff officer at all times. Since Data didn’t sleep, he had chosen to remain on the bridge for all shifts in addition to his scheduled time in the center seat.
When Captain Picard wasn’t on the bridge, he had been in his ready room, updating Starfleet Command of the stand off and requesting new orders. So far, Command had told the Enterprise to stay put.
The situation on Alshain Proper was volatile and delicate Picard had paraphrased Command’s response. The captain had been ordered to merely maintain position and await new orders. That commandment hadn’t set right with the captain or any of the crew.
The thought of sitting around while a Federation Embassy might be threatened or attacked galled Riker, but they had their orders. The arrival of the Independence was a definite, welcome wrinkle.
Data replied, “Independence captain requesting onscreen communication.”
“Of course,” Riker said, before tapping his compin. “Riker to Captain Picard.” Riker winced at the tired sound of the captain’s voice. He knew Picard was exhausted and hated waking him up, but he knew Picard would want to be on the bridge to receive the Independence’s message.
“Mr. Riker, contact Lt. Commander N’Saba as well.” Riker frowned at the captain’s request. The testy, snobbish Alshain wasn’t Riker’s cup of tea. When he wasn’t arguing with someone, he was looking down on them. The commander wondered how Alshain even got into Starfleet and actually was promoted along the way. He didn’t see how anyone could work with the lupanoid. Riker squared his shoulders.
“Aye sir,” he told Picard. After the captain reiterated he was on his way, Riker contacted N’Saba. Standing up from his seat, the commander turned his attention back to Data. “Mr. Data, patch the Independence through.”
Seconds later, an attractive, dark haired woman appeared on the viewer. She smirked. “Commander Riker, how the hell are you? It’s been too long.” Riker felt a curious mental tug from Troi, and noticed an equally curious glance from Data, but he ignored them both.
Riker awkwardly grinned. He had spent his last night on the Hood with Aurelia. At the time the young woman had been the ship’s Helm Officer. He hadn’t spoken to her since. He had meant to, but first the Farpoint mission, then reuniting with Deanna, and so many other things had gotten in the way that the days had quickly turned into years.
Seeing her again, it reminded him of how callous his actions might have seemed to her. “I heard you had made captain, but I thought you were skipper on the Midas?” It also didn’t lessen his awkwardness that Sintina, a woman he had mentored, was now a superior officer.
The Independence captain smiled, flicking a dismissive hand at the screen. “Long story. Perhaps we can catch up later. I’m longing to hear about all those wonderful missions on the Big E.” She said huskily, winking. Riker tugged at his collar, his face breaking out in splotches of red. Behind him Troi snickered.
“Later…later is good,” the commander said weakly. He had never been more thankful when he heard the whoosh of the turbolift doors. Riker looked toward them, and tersely nodded at his lifeline.
Captain Picard strode through the turbolift doors and down into the command well. Lt. Commander N’Saba followed him. “Captain Aurelia,” he smiled tightly, nodding in respect. She nodded in return.
“Captain Picard, we heard you were in a bit of a bind out here and we came to even the odds.”
“Captain Aurelia,” Picard replied. “Your assistance is welcomed; however this is a very delicate situation.” The smile slowly left the young woman’s face.
“What are you implying Captain?” Aurelia’s voice was tinged with suspicion.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I only wanted to make you aware of how precarious this situation is. We must do everything in our power to prevent this tense situation from escalating into something far worse.”
“I take it you don’t approve of some of my recent actions?” Aurelia remarked, her dark eyes flashing with anger. Riker glanced back at Deanna. The empathic counselor had a troubled look on her face.
“I’ll have you know Captain,” Aurelia’s voice had risen slightly, “that Independence had been assigned to protect the Embassy during your jaunt into the Briar Patch. The fact that the planet’s still habitable is a good indicator that I’m not as loose a cannon as some might believe.”
“I am not one of those people,” Picard said, a twinge of exasperation in his normally assured voice. Riker empathized with the man. Between N’Saba, the Alshain blockade, and Captain Aurelia, this mission was getting more head ache inducing by the second.
“If a war starts here today, you can be assured that I won’t be the one starting it,” Aurelia replied. “And I don’t think the Alshain will try us with the firepower this ship’s packing. They’re not as dumb as they look.” The woman paused, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Lt. Commander N’Saba. “Present company accepted,” the woman added.
N’Saba bowed, “Captain, I like you,” he said. Of course he would, Riker frowned. Both of them didn’t know when to keep their mouths shut.
“Captain, we’re getting another hail. This one from Sutahr B’Har.”
“Split the screen Mr. Data,” Picard ordered. The main viewer split with Captain Aurelia on the right and a fuming Sutahr B’Har on the left.
“How dare you challenge my orders, or Alshain sovereignty,” the sutahr snapped. “I will not let this provocation go unpunished.” Before the Enterprise captain could reply, B’Har severed the link. The captain glanced at N’Saba. The larger Alshain shrugged.
“Now, you can understand why I left her,” he said.
“Captain, four Alshain warships are leaving the blockade. They are on an intercept course for the Independence.”
“I told you I wouldn’t pick a fight Captain,” Aurelia said, “but I will finish one.” She turned off her screen. Riker restrained himself from breaking his hand on the nearest bulkhead. Things were escalating despite their best efforts to accommodate the Alshain and walk the tightrope required more of the Federation flagship than any Starfleet vessel. But at the moment, he wished he was on the Independence. At least they were taking action.
“Onscreen,” Picard sounded aggravated as well, but Riker knew for different reasons, “Magnify.” The dagger like Independence had already activated shields and began evasive maneuvers. Three Huntress light assault cruisers and one Hunter-class heavy assault ship sped away from the circle around the Enterprise-E to engage the other Federation vessel.
“We have to do something sir,” Riker said.
“I know,” the captain replied. “I won’t allow another Starfleet vessel to come under fire. Issue a cease and desist warning to both Sutahr B’Har and those warships.”
N’Saba harrumphed. Folding his arms over his broad chest, the lupine Science Officer said, “It’s too late for that captain. Both my people and it appears some of yours as well want war and nothing will stop them from pursuing it. Why not just sit back and enjoy the show?”
“To do nothing and allow a war to ignite here is anathema to everything I believe in,” Picard replied. Picard took his seat, tugging on his black and gray uniform. “Mr. Daniels,” he informed the Tactical Officer, “charge our phaser banks, and ready the photon torpedoes.”
“Shouldn’t we go to red alert?” Riker asked. “Or raise shields?”
“That would be too much of a tip-off,” Picard replied. “B’Har is itching for a fight, but she wants us to make the first move so that we can be the aggressor. Those ships rushing to the Independence are a feint, nothing more than provocateurs.”
“Captain Picard, I’m impressed,” N’Saba said, his tone actually genuine. “You’ve figured my beloved’s plan out rather quickly.”
Picard frowned. “Captain Aurelia’s exuberance is going to play right into their hands unless I do something to prevent it.” The captain turned slightly in his chair to address Data. “Mr. Data, relay the Independence’s prefix code to my terminal.”
“Aye sir,” Data’s fingers flew across his console. “Done.” He said half-a-second later. Picard couldn’t help but smile again at the android’s amazing abilities.
“Time to take the wind out of Captain Aurelia’s sails,” he grimly remarked.
*****
*****
Part Three: The Great Unraveling
USS Enterprise-E
Hazar-Shual System
(Alshain Origin Sector)
“We’re receiving a long-range hail,” Lt. Commander Data said, “Starfleet transponder signal.”
“Who is it?” Riker asked, leaning forward in the captain’s chair. The Executive Officer had relieved Captain Picard after his formidable commander had been ordered to rest by the equally formidable Doctor Crusher. Riker’s own fatigue vanished with Data’s revelation.
“It’s the USS Independence sir,” Data replied.
“Independence,” Riker rubbed his bearded chin. “I’m not too familiar with her. That’s one of the Courageous-class ships correct Mr. Data?”
Data looked back at him, his golden eyes gleaming as the android processed information. “Yes, the Independence is one of two Courageous class ships currently in service. The Courageous is a variant of the Defiant class. The pathfinder ship, USS Courageous, NCC-79421 was commissioned in 2375. The Independence, NCC-76950 also was commissioned in…”
“That’s enough Data,” Riker said, annoyance creeping into his voice. “Just answer the hail.” Deanna’s light snickering prompted a look and a weary smile from Riker. “Our luck might turn after all.”
For interminable hours the Enterprise had been encircled by a squadron of Alshain warships, which prevented them from venturing to Alshain Proper and completing their mission to evacuate the Federation Embassy in the midst of the unrest sweeping over the planet.
In response, the captain had Riker add an additional duty shift, and ordered that the bridge be manned by at least one senior staff officer at all times. Since Data didn’t sleep, he had chosen to remain on the bridge for all shifts in addition to his scheduled time in the center seat.
When Captain Picard wasn’t on the bridge, he had been in his ready room, updating Starfleet Command of the stand off and requesting new orders. So far, Command had told the Enterprise to stay put.
The situation on Alshain Proper was volatile and delicate Picard had paraphrased Command’s response. The captain had been ordered to merely maintain position and await new orders. That commandment hadn’t set right with the captain or any of the crew.
The thought of sitting around while a Federation Embassy might be threatened or attacked galled Riker, but they had their orders. The arrival of the Independence was a definite, welcome wrinkle.
Data replied, “Independence captain requesting onscreen communication.”
“Of course,” Riker said, before tapping his compin. “Riker to Captain Picard.” Riker winced at the tired sound of the captain’s voice. He knew Picard was exhausted and hated waking him up, but he knew Picard would want to be on the bridge to receive the Independence’s message.
“Mr. Riker, contact Lt. Commander N’Saba as well.” Riker frowned at the captain’s request. The testy, snobbish Alshain wasn’t Riker’s cup of tea. When he wasn’t arguing with someone, he was looking down on them. The commander wondered how Alshain even got into Starfleet and actually was promoted along the way. He didn’t see how anyone could work with the lupanoid. Riker squared his shoulders.
“Aye sir,” he told Picard. After the captain reiterated he was on his way, Riker contacted N’Saba. Standing up from his seat, the commander turned his attention back to Data. “Mr. Data, patch the Independence through.”
Seconds later, an attractive, dark haired woman appeared on the viewer. She smirked. “Commander Riker, how the hell are you? It’s been too long.” Riker felt a curious mental tug from Troi, and noticed an equally curious glance from Data, but he ignored them both.
Riker awkwardly grinned. He had spent his last night on the Hood with Aurelia. At the time the young woman had been the ship’s Helm Officer. He hadn’t spoken to her since. He had meant to, but first the Farpoint mission, then reuniting with Deanna, and so many other things had gotten in the way that the days had quickly turned into years.
Seeing her again, it reminded him of how callous his actions might have seemed to her. “I heard you had made captain, but I thought you were skipper on the Midas?” It also didn’t lessen his awkwardness that Sintina, a woman he had mentored, was now a superior officer.
The Independence captain smiled, flicking a dismissive hand at the screen. “Long story. Perhaps we can catch up later. I’m longing to hear about all those wonderful missions on the Big E.” She said huskily, winking. Riker tugged at his collar, his face breaking out in splotches of red. Behind him Troi snickered.
“Later…later is good,” the commander said weakly. He had never been more thankful when he heard the whoosh of the turbolift doors. Riker looked toward them, and tersely nodded at his lifeline.
Captain Picard strode through the turbolift doors and down into the command well. Lt. Commander N’Saba followed him. “Captain Aurelia,” he smiled tightly, nodding in respect. She nodded in return.
“Captain Picard, we heard you were in a bit of a bind out here and we came to even the odds.”
“Captain Aurelia,” Picard replied. “Your assistance is welcomed; however this is a very delicate situation.” The smile slowly left the young woman’s face.
“What are you implying Captain?” Aurelia’s voice was tinged with suspicion.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I only wanted to make you aware of how precarious this situation is. We must do everything in our power to prevent this tense situation from escalating into something far worse.”
“I take it you don’t approve of some of my recent actions?” Aurelia remarked, her dark eyes flashing with anger. Riker glanced back at Deanna. The empathic counselor had a troubled look on her face.
“I’ll have you know Captain,” Aurelia’s voice had risen slightly, “that Independence had been assigned to protect the Embassy during your jaunt into the Briar Patch. The fact that the planet’s still habitable is a good indicator that I’m not as loose a cannon as some might believe.”
“I am not one of those people,” Picard said, a twinge of exasperation in his normally assured voice. Riker empathized with the man. Between N’Saba, the Alshain blockade, and Captain Aurelia, this mission was getting more head ache inducing by the second.
“If a war starts here today, you can be assured that I won’t be the one starting it,” Aurelia replied. “And I don’t think the Alshain will try us with the firepower this ship’s packing. They’re not as dumb as they look.” The woman paused, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Lt. Commander N’Saba. “Present company accepted,” the woman added.
N’Saba bowed, “Captain, I like you,” he said. Of course he would, Riker frowned. Both of them didn’t know when to keep their mouths shut.
“Captain, we’re getting another hail. This one from Sutahr B’Har.”
“Split the screen Mr. Data,” Picard ordered. The main viewer split with Captain Aurelia on the right and a fuming Sutahr B’Har on the left.
“How dare you challenge my orders, or Alshain sovereignty,” the sutahr snapped. “I will not let this provocation go unpunished.” Before the Enterprise captain could reply, B’Har severed the link. The captain glanced at N’Saba. The larger Alshain shrugged.
“Now, you can understand why I left her,” he said.
“Captain, four Alshain warships are leaving the blockade. They are on an intercept course for the Independence.”
“I told you I wouldn’t pick a fight Captain,” Aurelia said, “but I will finish one.” She turned off her screen. Riker restrained himself from breaking his hand on the nearest bulkhead. Things were escalating despite their best efforts to accommodate the Alshain and walk the tightrope required more of the Federation flagship than any Starfleet vessel. But at the moment, he wished he was on the Independence. At least they were taking action.
“Onscreen,” Picard sounded aggravated as well, but Riker knew for different reasons, “Magnify.” The dagger like Independence had already activated shields and began evasive maneuvers. Three Huntress light assault cruisers and one Hunter-class heavy assault ship sped away from the circle around the Enterprise-E to engage the other Federation vessel.
“We have to do something sir,” Riker said.
“I know,” the captain replied. “I won’t allow another Starfleet vessel to come under fire. Issue a cease and desist warning to both Sutahr B’Har and those warships.”
N’Saba harrumphed. Folding his arms over his broad chest, the lupine Science Officer said, “It’s too late for that captain. Both my people and it appears some of yours as well want war and nothing will stop them from pursuing it. Why not just sit back and enjoy the show?”
“To do nothing and allow a war to ignite here is anathema to everything I believe in,” Picard replied. Picard took his seat, tugging on his black and gray uniform. “Mr. Daniels,” he informed the Tactical Officer, “charge our phaser banks, and ready the photon torpedoes.”
“Shouldn’t we go to red alert?” Riker asked. “Or raise shields?”
“That would be too much of a tip-off,” Picard replied. “B’Har is itching for a fight, but she wants us to make the first move so that we can be the aggressor. Those ships rushing to the Independence are a feint, nothing more than provocateurs.”
“Captain Picard, I’m impressed,” N’Saba said, his tone actually genuine. “You’ve figured my beloved’s plan out rather quickly.”
Picard frowned. “Captain Aurelia’s exuberance is going to play right into their hands unless I do something to prevent it.” The captain turned slightly in his chair to address Data. “Mr. Data, relay the Independence’s prefix code to my terminal.”
“Aye sir,” Data’s fingers flew across his console. “Done.” He said half-a-second later. Picard couldn’t help but smile again at the android’s amazing abilities.
“Time to take the wind out of Captain Aurelia’s sails,” he grimly remarked.
*****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“What the hell just happened?” Captain Sintina Aurelia asked, pounding her fists against her armrests.
“We’ve lost shields, weapons, even propulsion,” Lt. Commander Ethan Windslow replied, with an uncustomary strain in his voice.
“It appears that the Enterprise has used our prefix code to gain possession of the ship,” Science Officer Tang Zian said without looking up from his console. The captain ordered the man to find a way to regain control of the ship before glancing back at the hologrid screen that had replaced the main viewer. The Alshain ships were still coming.
“How long until they are in firing range?” the captain asked.
“Thirty seconds,” grated Lt. Commander Karim Bin Nadal at the Tactical console. The man looked as frustrated as Aurelia felt.
“Get Picard back on the line,” she snapped. The Enterprise captain appeared seconds later.
“I apologize…” the cultured man began, but Sintina cut him off.
“What the hell are you doing Picard? Are you trying to make it easy for them to kill us? Would you sacrifice fellow Starfleet officers just to secure a shaky peace with these bastards?”
“That is not my…” Picard began again, but Aurelia would have none of it.
“Return full control of my ship to me now!” She demanded.
“Ten seconds,” Bin Nadal intoned. The Alshain warships continued charging forward. The captain was certain that she could start to see the forward gun ports on them. Commander Windslow sat up in his seat, preparing to face the assault as stoic and dignified as possible. Sintina wasn’t so dignified.
“Come and get it you bastards!” She yelled at the screen.
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Well, that was the easy part Number One,” Picard remarked with a sigh and wry smile.
“You call that easy?” Riker replied with a lopsided grin.
“Comparatively to what I have to do next…yes, that was fairly easy.” The captain said, glancing at the screen. The Alshain ships continued advancing on the defenseless Independence like a rabid pack.
They had to be aware by now that the ship was defenseless but that didn’t slow them down one second. It didn’t make them reassess what potential trick the Independence had up their sleeves.
The Alshain Starforce seemed so determined to remedy grievances that they put reason on the shelf. It didn’t augur well for the fate of the recent ceasefire between the Federation and the Exarchate.
“What do you plan to do sir?” Riker asked.
Picard leaned back in his seat, and tugged his uniform’s tunic. “Mr. Daniels, full phaser sweep, with our aft launchers. Target those ships advancing on the Independence, engines and weapons only.”
“What about B’Har, do you think she’ll stand for that?” N’Saba carped.
“You tell us,” Riker couldn’t constrain his annoyance any longer. “You’re the Alshain authority after all….and her husband.” The Science Officer snarled in response.
“That’s enough Number One,” Picard said. “And to answer your question, I don’t know Mr. N’Saba. But I couldn’t sit idly by and allow a fellow vessel to be destroyed, especially one that I took away its ability to fight or run away from. Perhaps, B’Har will see some honor in my decision to defend my comrades no matter the cost.”
“Hmmm,” N’Saba said. “Maybe. Hui was always one for dramatic gestures. The sutahr believes in moldy old concepts like ‘honor’, ‘duty’, and some of that other social control blather. Can you believe she actually liked Klingon opera and even attempted to drag me to see one or two of them?” N’Saba smiled wistfully. “If this works, then I’ll be doubly impressed by you captain.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better reward,” Picard dryly remarked.
****
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“What the hell just happened?” Captain Sintina Aurelia asked, pounding her fists against her armrests.
“We’ve lost shields, weapons, even propulsion,” Lt. Commander Ethan Windslow replied, with an uncustomary strain in his voice.
“It appears that the Enterprise has used our prefix code to gain possession of the ship,” Science Officer Tang Zian said without looking up from his console. The captain ordered the man to find a way to regain control of the ship before glancing back at the hologrid screen that had replaced the main viewer. The Alshain ships were still coming.
“How long until they are in firing range?” the captain asked.
“Thirty seconds,” grated Lt. Commander Karim Bin Nadal at the Tactical console. The man looked as frustrated as Aurelia felt.
“Get Picard back on the line,” she snapped. The Enterprise captain appeared seconds later.
“I apologize…” the cultured man began, but Sintina cut him off.
“What the hell are you doing Picard? Are you trying to make it easy for them to kill us? Would you sacrifice fellow Starfleet officers just to secure a shaky peace with these bastards?”
“That is not my…” Picard began again, but Aurelia would have none of it.
“Return full control of my ship to me now!” She demanded.
“Ten seconds,” Bin Nadal intoned. The Alshain warships continued charging forward. The captain was certain that she could start to see the forward gun ports on them. Commander Windslow sat up in his seat, preparing to face the assault as stoic and dignified as possible. Sintina wasn’t so dignified.
“Come and get it you bastards!” She yelled at the screen.
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Well, that was the easy part Number One,” Picard remarked with a sigh and wry smile.
“You call that easy?” Riker replied with a lopsided grin.
“Comparatively to what I have to do next…yes, that was fairly easy.” The captain said, glancing at the screen. The Alshain ships continued advancing on the defenseless Independence like a rabid pack.
They had to be aware by now that the ship was defenseless but that didn’t slow them down one second. It didn’t make them reassess what potential trick the Independence had up their sleeves.
The Alshain Starforce seemed so determined to remedy grievances that they put reason on the shelf. It didn’t augur well for the fate of the recent ceasefire between the Federation and the Exarchate.
“What do you plan to do sir?” Riker asked.
Picard leaned back in his seat, and tugged his uniform’s tunic. “Mr. Daniels, full phaser sweep, with our aft launchers. Target those ships advancing on the Independence, engines and weapons only.”
“What about B’Har, do you think she’ll stand for that?” N’Saba carped.
“You tell us,” Riker couldn’t constrain his annoyance any longer. “You’re the Alshain authority after all….and her husband.” The Science Officer snarled in response.
“That’s enough Number One,” Picard said. “And to answer your question, I don’t know Mr. N’Saba. But I couldn’t sit idly by and allow a fellow vessel to be destroyed, especially one that I took away its ability to fight or run away from. Perhaps, B’Har will see some honor in my decision to defend my comrades no matter the cost.”
“Hmmm,” N’Saba said. “Maybe. Hui was always one for dramatic gestures. The sutahr believes in moldy old concepts like ‘honor’, ‘duty’, and some of that other social control blather. Can you believe she actually liked Klingon opera and even attempted to drag me to see one or two of them?” N’Saba smiled wistfully. “If this works, then I’ll be doubly impressed by you captain.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better reward,” Picard dryly remarked.
****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
****
SFS Tchono
Alshain Predator-class destroyer
Sutahr Hui B’Har was stunned. She hadn’t believed that Picard was bold enough to attempt such a stroke, but the evidence before her eyes, confirmed by her officers’ readouts reinforced it.
The four Alshain warships she had sent to engage the Independence were now drifting towards it, their propulsion systems knocked off line by surgical shooting from the Enterprise.
“They’ve fired on our vessels,” Syot Waya U’Wais stated the obvious. “They’ve abrogated the ceasefire,” the young woman added with glee. “Shall I order their destruction now sutahr?”
“Inform the blockade to power its weapons,” Hui said absently. Picard’s actions were foolhardy, but noble in a sense. She hated destroying his vessel after such a display of knowing self-sacrifice. But she had the excuse for war that she needed and her superiors demanded. “For mercies sake, we will make it quick.”
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Captain, the Alshain ships are powering their weapons arrays,” Lt. Daniels at Tactical remarked. Data turned around his seat a half-second later, nodding in confirmation.
“I guess my wife isn’t feeling too sentimental today,” N’Saba quipped.
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“We’ll I’ll be,” Captain Aurelia gasped in relief at the site of the Alshain ships hanging in front of them, now as impotent as her ship courtesy of Captain Picard. “Picard’s got a pair after all,” she said aloud, to no one in particular. “Get him back on the horn.”
“Captain, the remaining Alshain warships are powering their weapons. At such close range, the Enterprise won’t stand a chance with such directed firepower aimed at them,” Lt. Commander Bin Nadal remarked.
“Is there something, anything we can do?” Aurelia asked.
“Not until Enterprise releases control of our ship,” Lt. Commander Windslow grated.
“Damn,” Sintina softly cursed. More loudly, she said, “Karim, hail Enterprise.”
“Captain, I think our luck has just changed,” Lt. Tang turned around in his seat, a huge grin on his face. “Our prefix code has been released.”
“We’re back in business then?” Aurelia asked.
“Yes ma’am,” Tang replied.
“Excellent,” the captain said. “Let’s do what we came here for then.”
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
“Sutahr!” The sensors officer growled. “Sutahr, the Independence is operational again and it’s headed toward us, full impulse!”
“So, they were playing some type of game all along eh?” B’Har hissed. “Perhaps one of N’Saba’s feints? He knows how I value honor and sacrifice, so the gark devised a little scenario to arouse my sentimentality. He’ll pay for that. They all will!”
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“Which ship do I target first captain?” Bin Nadal asked.
“The big one,” Aurelia said casually, feeling more at home in the heat of battle than she had a right to be, especially after the last several months. “The command vessel.”
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
“Incoming,” the sensors officer crowed. “Incoming!”
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
The starship’s forward phasers slammed into the Predator-class ship, aimed at its weapons array. The shields around the large vessel crackled as it absorbed Indy’s first volley.
“Pour it on!” Aurelia encouraged. “Let’s give the Enterprise a fighting chance!”
*****
****
SFS Tchono
Alshain Predator-class destroyer
Sutahr Hui B’Har was stunned. She hadn’t believed that Picard was bold enough to attempt such a stroke, but the evidence before her eyes, confirmed by her officers’ readouts reinforced it.
The four Alshain warships she had sent to engage the Independence were now drifting towards it, their propulsion systems knocked off line by surgical shooting from the Enterprise.
“They’ve fired on our vessels,” Syot Waya U’Wais stated the obvious. “They’ve abrogated the ceasefire,” the young woman added with glee. “Shall I order their destruction now sutahr?”
“Inform the blockade to power its weapons,” Hui said absently. Picard’s actions were foolhardy, but noble in a sense. She hated destroying his vessel after such a display of knowing self-sacrifice. But she had the excuse for war that she needed and her superiors demanded. “For mercies sake, we will make it quick.”
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Captain, the Alshain ships are powering their weapons arrays,” Lt. Daniels at Tactical remarked. Data turned around his seat a half-second later, nodding in confirmation.
“I guess my wife isn’t feeling too sentimental today,” N’Saba quipped.
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“We’ll I’ll be,” Captain Aurelia gasped in relief at the site of the Alshain ships hanging in front of them, now as impotent as her ship courtesy of Captain Picard. “Picard’s got a pair after all,” she said aloud, to no one in particular. “Get him back on the horn.”
“Captain, the remaining Alshain warships are powering their weapons. At such close range, the Enterprise won’t stand a chance with such directed firepower aimed at them,” Lt. Commander Bin Nadal remarked.
“Is there something, anything we can do?” Aurelia asked.
“Not until Enterprise releases control of our ship,” Lt. Commander Windslow grated.
“Damn,” Sintina softly cursed. More loudly, she said, “Karim, hail Enterprise.”
“Captain, I think our luck has just changed,” Lt. Tang turned around in his seat, a huge grin on his face. “Our prefix code has been released.”
“We’re back in business then?” Aurelia asked.
“Yes ma’am,” Tang replied.
“Excellent,” the captain said. “Let’s do what we came here for then.”
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
“Sutahr!” The sensors officer growled. “Sutahr, the Independence is operational again and it’s headed toward us, full impulse!”
“So, they were playing some type of game all along eh?” B’Har hissed. “Perhaps one of N’Saba’s feints? He knows how I value honor and sacrifice, so the gark devised a little scenario to arouse my sentimentality. He’ll pay for that. They all will!”
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“Which ship do I target first captain?” Bin Nadal asked.
“The big one,” Aurelia said casually, feeling more at home in the heat of battle than she had a right to be, especially after the last several months. “The command vessel.”
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
“Incoming,” the sensors officer crowed. “Incoming!”
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
The starship’s forward phasers slammed into the Predator-class ship, aimed at its weapons array. The shields around the large vessel crackled as it absorbed Indy’s first volley.
“Pour it on!” Aurelia encouraged. “Let’s give the Enterprise a fighting chance!”
*****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Perhaps there’s something to be said for youth and exuberance after all Number One,” Picard said, impressed with the Independence’s quick reaction time. “Red alert, evasive maneuvers!”
The sleek-Sovereign class ship powered to life, jetting forward, clipping the Alshain ship immediately in front of it. The Enterprise counted on its superior shields to withstand the contact. They did. The Alshain ship’s shields buckled as the E left a large cleft in the Hunter-class destroyer’s hull. Before the ship could restore its shields, the Enterprise took advantage, disabling the ship’s weapons and propulsion.
The Starfleet vessel swung around to face the remaining ships. The Predator, the most powerful ship in the blockade was engaging the Independence. Despite the Independence’s small size, it boasted some of the most advanced weapons and defensive systems in the Fleet. That left two operational Alshain warships. Unfortunately, the commanders of those vessels had overcome their initial shock and were bearing down on the E.
“Helm, employ the Glover Loop,” Picard commanded.
“Aye sir,” Lt. Kell Perim promptly replied, turning back briefly to smirk at the captain. The Enterprise dove under the incoming fusillade, over, and emerging behind the three Alshain vessels. Picard clutched his armrests, but maintained his composure.
The structural integrity field stuttered under the strain, and he could hear the ship creaking as the SIF kept it from flying apart. The Glover Loop required speed to overcome the immense pressures placed on any ship’s hull and SIF that attempted it.
During her time onboard, Kell had exhibited the piloting skills necessary to pull it off. However, it felt like it was an eternity before the Enterprise arrived back in almost the same spot it had left. The Alshain ships had already flown past them. “Mr. Daniels, fire aft torpedoes, full spread.”
The weathered Daniels smiled. “Aye sir,” he said with a glint of awe. All of the torpedoes connected, spinning the Alshain vessels through space. “Direct hits on both warships.”
“Good work Lt. Perim, and everyone else as well,” Picard said proudly. Perim blushed.
“The Alshain won’t be bothering us for a few minutes at least,” Riker observed as he continued watching the spinning ships.
“Hopefully that’ll give us the time we need to get Sutahr B’Har to see reason,” Picard replied.
“Don’t count on it,” N’Saba riposted.
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“You just couldn’t say no to Admiral Khamba could you?” Lt. Commander Bin Nadal remarked as he ducked a swinging, sparking cable that had been unloosed from the ceiling by another barrage from the Alshain battle cruiser’s exciser cannons.
“You know me, the perennial suck up,” Aurelia quipped.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate time to be bantering,” Lt. Commander Windslow griped. “That Predator is ripping into us!”
The Indy’s maneuverability, superior shielding, and heavy armament had kept the ship from being destroyed thus far, but each hit by the Alshain slowed the ship. Eventually, the constant barrage from the battle cruiser’s heavy weapons would punch a hole through, and then the Independence would be at their mercy.
Sintina understood Windslow’s desire for a quick knockout, but she also knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition to facing a relatively superior-armed ship, the cruiser’s commander was wilier than the other Alshain they had bested a few minutes ago. At the moment, she wasn’t giving Indy much of a chance to get under her defenses to inflict damage.
Aurelia nodded. “Then can you think of a better time for gallows humor than when we might face the gallows?” Windslow shook his head in frustration before returning his attention back to his console.
The dance between the Indy and the battle cruiser continued for several more tense minutes, neither landing a decisive blow. “Captain, the Enterprise is hailing us!” Lt. Tang called out.
“Onscreen,” she ordered. Captain Picard gazed at her with a weary half-smile.
“Need some assistance Captain Aurelia?”
“Not really, but be my guest.” The man frowned before disabling the link. The viewscreen switched to an image of the Enterprise attacking the Predator from the rear. Sintina ordered the Indy to lay it on from the front. Sandwiched between the two ships, the intense energy volleys set off a kaleidoscopic array of colors as the cruisers shields finally folded.
Aurelia forced herself not to pump her fist in the air. She did have to maintain some decorum after all. She was the captain.
*****
*****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
“Perhaps there’s something to be said for youth and exuberance after all Number One,” Picard said, impressed with the Independence’s quick reaction time. “Red alert, evasive maneuvers!”
The sleek-Sovereign class ship powered to life, jetting forward, clipping the Alshain ship immediately in front of it. The Enterprise counted on its superior shields to withstand the contact. They did. The Alshain ship’s shields buckled as the E left a large cleft in the Hunter-class destroyer’s hull. Before the ship could restore its shields, the Enterprise took advantage, disabling the ship’s weapons and propulsion.
The Starfleet vessel swung around to face the remaining ships. The Predator, the most powerful ship in the blockade was engaging the Independence. Despite the Independence’s small size, it boasted some of the most advanced weapons and defensive systems in the Fleet. That left two operational Alshain warships. Unfortunately, the commanders of those vessels had overcome their initial shock and were bearing down on the E.
“Helm, employ the Glover Loop,” Picard commanded.
“Aye sir,” Lt. Kell Perim promptly replied, turning back briefly to smirk at the captain. The Enterprise dove under the incoming fusillade, over, and emerging behind the three Alshain vessels. Picard clutched his armrests, but maintained his composure.
The structural integrity field stuttered under the strain, and he could hear the ship creaking as the SIF kept it from flying apart. The Glover Loop required speed to overcome the immense pressures placed on any ship’s hull and SIF that attempted it.
During her time onboard, Kell had exhibited the piloting skills necessary to pull it off. However, it felt like it was an eternity before the Enterprise arrived back in almost the same spot it had left. The Alshain ships had already flown past them. “Mr. Daniels, fire aft torpedoes, full spread.”
The weathered Daniels smiled. “Aye sir,” he said with a glint of awe. All of the torpedoes connected, spinning the Alshain vessels through space. “Direct hits on both warships.”
“Good work Lt. Perim, and everyone else as well,” Picard said proudly. Perim blushed.
“The Alshain won’t be bothering us for a few minutes at least,” Riker observed as he continued watching the spinning ships.
“Hopefully that’ll give us the time we need to get Sutahr B’Har to see reason,” Picard replied.
“Don’t count on it,” N’Saba riposted.
*****
USS Independence
(Main Bridge)
“You just couldn’t say no to Admiral Khamba could you?” Lt. Commander Bin Nadal remarked as he ducked a swinging, sparking cable that had been unloosed from the ceiling by another barrage from the Alshain battle cruiser’s exciser cannons.
“You know me, the perennial suck up,” Aurelia quipped.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate time to be bantering,” Lt. Commander Windslow griped. “That Predator is ripping into us!”
The Indy’s maneuverability, superior shielding, and heavy armament had kept the ship from being destroyed thus far, but each hit by the Alshain slowed the ship. Eventually, the constant barrage from the battle cruiser’s heavy weapons would punch a hole through, and then the Independence would be at their mercy.
Sintina understood Windslow’s desire for a quick knockout, but she also knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition to facing a relatively superior-armed ship, the cruiser’s commander was wilier than the other Alshain they had bested a few minutes ago. At the moment, she wasn’t giving Indy much of a chance to get under her defenses to inflict damage.
Aurelia nodded. “Then can you think of a better time for gallows humor than when we might face the gallows?” Windslow shook his head in frustration before returning his attention back to his console.
The dance between the Indy and the battle cruiser continued for several more tense minutes, neither landing a decisive blow. “Captain, the Enterprise is hailing us!” Lt. Tang called out.
“Onscreen,” she ordered. Captain Picard gazed at her with a weary half-smile.
“Need some assistance Captain Aurelia?”
“Not really, but be my guest.” The man frowned before disabling the link. The viewscreen switched to an image of the Enterprise attacking the Predator from the rear. Sintina ordered the Indy to lay it on from the front. Sandwiched between the two ships, the intense energy volleys set off a kaleidoscopic array of colors as the cruisers shields finally folded.
Aurelia forced herself not to pump her fist in the air. She did have to maintain some decorum after all. She was the captain.
*****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
Thanks again Dnoth and Dave,
Dnoth: "Fall Out" did flow very well for me as I wrote so it's good that it's also flowing for at least one person reading it
. Really, I've had a lot of fun writing this one. "Fall Out" and "Valley of Peace" were the easiest novel-length stories that I've written. They both seemed to have written themselves. And you and Gibraltar's idea to use the Independence added greatly to the fun.
Dave,
I like how M'Bira overcame the Alshain assault while the badass Kojo wasn't so lucky. Not intended, but I think it worked out rather nicely. I also wanted to use "FO" to flesh out Jasmine a little bit, so I'm glad that it seems to be working, at least for you.
Thanks again Dnoth and Dave,
Dnoth: "Fall Out" did flow very well for me as I wrote so it's good that it's also flowing for at least one person reading it
. Really, I've had a lot of fun writing this one. "Fall Out" and "Valley of Peace" were the easiest novel-length stories that I've written. They both seemed to have written themselves. And you and Gibraltar's idea to use the Independence added greatly to the fun.Dave,
I like how M'Bira overcame the Alshain assault while the badass Kojo wasn't so lucky. Not intended, but I think it worked out rather nicely. I also wanted to use "FO" to flesh out Jasmine a little bit, so I'm glad that it seems to be working, at least for you.
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
Well, Aurelia certainly made a definitive first impression with Picard.
Yeah, that could have gone better.
Wonderful stuff here, from the canon characters to your inclusion of the other fanfic crews and N’Saba’s discomfort with facing off against his wife. Talk about your awkward situations!
Well, Aurelia certainly made a definitive first impression with Picard.
Yeah, that could have gone better.
Wonderful stuff here, from the canon characters to your inclusion of the other fanfic crews and N’Saba’s discomfort with facing off against his wife. Talk about your awkward situations!
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
Her pride hurt worse than the gash running down her leg. Sutahr Hui B’Har would’ve rather destroyed her ship than answer Picard’s summons. However, the combined assault by the Starfleet vessels had disabled her auto-destruct mechanism.
“Picard I’m in no mood to talk, just destroy us and get it over with,” B’Har replied, masking her trepidation with a bored tone.
“I don’t want to destroy your ship Sutahr B’Har,” the human replied.
“Then you wish to discuss the terms of capitulation,” B’Har snarled. “I’ll never surrender to you!”
“Believe me, I’ve told him so,” Lt. Commander N’Saba said. He was standing beside Picard, his unnatural blue eyes glaring spookily across the void at her. “This is about your survival.”
“Survival means nothing if it’s under someone’s heel,” B’Har replied.
“Well, that’s your decision to make,” she heard a female voice issue from the viewer’s built-in translator. The screen split between Picard and Captain Aurelia of the Independence. For a brief second, B’Har noticed the flash of annoyance on the older captain’s face. She smiled.
The female captain misunderstood her gesture, “Nice to meet you too…Captain Aurelia, Starship Ind…”
“I know who you are,” B’Har interrupted. “Your ship previously defiled our Origin Sector, sent by Starfleet as a show of force,” the vulpine snorted. “And it appears Starfleet Command has unsheathed you again.”
“Something like that,” Aurelia offered.
“Sutahr all we wish to do is complete our mission,” Picard said. “If we truly had malicious intent we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”
“Yeah, you’d be scrap metal,” Aurelia added. Picard’s frown grew more pronounced. But the man smartly did nothing to correct his younger counterpart, which would’ve shown division among them, a telling indication of something B’Har could perhaps exploit.
“We have our orders,” Picard said. “And I intend to carry them out. Lives might be at stake.”
“I also have my orders,” B’Har replied. “I know lives are at stake.”
“Perhaps both sides could dial back a moment,” N’Saba uncharacteristically offered. “Maybe we should recheck with our respective governments to see if any new orders have been issued.”
“If so, Starfleet Command would’ve informed us,” Picard said, a curious expression on his face. “I don’t see how….”
“Excuse me captain,” N’Saba interrupted, “but the Alshain don’t employ the same communication protocols. How about you give Sutahr B’Har time to consult with her superiors?”
Picard failed to mask his anger completely. “That sounds… feasible. One hour,” he said, staring hard into the screen. “And then we’re venturing to Alshain Proper regardless.”
****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
Captain Aurelia now occupied the viewer alone. Captain Picard turned to the Alshain Science Officer. “Mr. N’Saba, your rank insubordination is unacceptable!”
“Captain,” the lupine said smoothly. “I assure you that this time no disrespect was intended. Sutahr B’Har needs to save face. I knew she would need time to figure out a way to accept the inevitable with a modicum of her dignity intact. To lose face is the greatest fear of any member of the Alshain nobility.”
“Or you could’ve just given her and the rest of the Alshain squadron another hour to regroup and take us on again,” Aurelia challenged. Picard turned to the Independence captain.
“You and I will talk later Captain Aurelia; I wanted you to remain online so that I could tell you so without Sutahr B’Har hearing it.”
“We can talk now,” Aurelia rejoined. But Picard nodded.
“Later,” he said again, his voice hardening.
“Fine,” Aurelia shrugged. “In the meantime, we’ll be repairing our vessel and keeping an eye on the rest of the Alshain squadron.”
After Aurelia had signed off, the captain refocused on N’Saba. “Mr. N’Saba I brought you along for your insight. I hope I didn’t make a mistake.”
“So do I captain,” N’Saba remarked. “So do I.”
*****
*****
SFS Tchono
(Main Bridge)
Her pride hurt worse than the gash running down her leg. Sutahr Hui B’Har would’ve rather destroyed her ship than answer Picard’s summons. However, the combined assault by the Starfleet vessels had disabled her auto-destruct mechanism.
“Picard I’m in no mood to talk, just destroy us and get it over with,” B’Har replied, masking her trepidation with a bored tone.
“I don’t want to destroy your ship Sutahr B’Har,” the human replied.
“Then you wish to discuss the terms of capitulation,” B’Har snarled. “I’ll never surrender to you!”
“Believe me, I’ve told him so,” Lt. Commander N’Saba said. He was standing beside Picard, his unnatural blue eyes glaring spookily across the void at her. “This is about your survival.”
“Survival means nothing if it’s under someone’s heel,” B’Har replied.
“Well, that’s your decision to make,” she heard a female voice issue from the viewer’s built-in translator. The screen split between Picard and Captain Aurelia of the Independence. For a brief second, B’Har noticed the flash of annoyance on the older captain’s face. She smiled.
The female captain misunderstood her gesture, “Nice to meet you too…Captain Aurelia, Starship Ind…”
“I know who you are,” B’Har interrupted. “Your ship previously defiled our Origin Sector, sent by Starfleet as a show of force,” the vulpine snorted. “And it appears Starfleet Command has unsheathed you again.”
“Something like that,” Aurelia offered.
“Sutahr all we wish to do is complete our mission,” Picard said. “If we truly had malicious intent we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”
“Yeah, you’d be scrap metal,” Aurelia added. Picard’s frown grew more pronounced. But the man smartly did nothing to correct his younger counterpart, which would’ve shown division among them, a telling indication of something B’Har could perhaps exploit.
“We have our orders,” Picard said. “And I intend to carry them out. Lives might be at stake.”
“I also have my orders,” B’Har replied. “I know lives are at stake.”
“Perhaps both sides could dial back a moment,” N’Saba uncharacteristically offered. “Maybe we should recheck with our respective governments to see if any new orders have been issued.”
“If so, Starfleet Command would’ve informed us,” Picard said, a curious expression on his face. “I don’t see how….”
“Excuse me captain,” N’Saba interrupted, “but the Alshain don’t employ the same communication protocols. How about you give Sutahr B’Har time to consult with her superiors?”
Picard failed to mask his anger completely. “That sounds… feasible. One hour,” he said, staring hard into the screen. “And then we’re venturing to Alshain Proper regardless.”
****
USS Enterprise-E
(Main Bridge)
Captain Aurelia now occupied the viewer alone. Captain Picard turned to the Alshain Science Officer. “Mr. N’Saba, your rank insubordination is unacceptable!”
“Captain,” the lupine said smoothly. “I assure you that this time no disrespect was intended. Sutahr B’Har needs to save face. I knew she would need time to figure out a way to accept the inevitable with a modicum of her dignity intact. To lose face is the greatest fear of any member of the Alshain nobility.”
“Or you could’ve just given her and the rest of the Alshain squadron another hour to regroup and take us on again,” Aurelia challenged. Picard turned to the Independence captain.
“You and I will talk later Captain Aurelia; I wanted you to remain online so that I could tell you so without Sutahr B’Har hearing it.”
“We can talk now,” Aurelia rejoined. But Picard nodded.
“Later,” he said again, his voice hardening.
“Fine,” Aurelia shrugged. “In the meantime, we’ll be repairing our vessel and keeping an eye on the rest of the Alshain squadron.”
After Aurelia had signed off, the captain refocused on N’Saba. “Mr. N’Saba I brought you along for your insight. I hope I didn’t make a mistake.”
“So do I captain,” N’Saba remarked. “So do I.”
*****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
*****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
The network of air vents carved into the rock of the planetoid only went so far, forcing the Valour crew to exit them before they reached the spaceport. Captain Nandali Kojo dropped first into the darkened storage room, Security Guard Westin following.
Together they helped pulled down Lt. Meleek-Zar. The Skorr had incurred the most injuries among them. His wings were hanging onto his back by mere tendons, his uniform matted with blood from their near severing. Kojo was impressed that she heard nary a whisper of protest from the avian officer though.
The Kriosian captain paused from their mission to ramble through the storage room for some type of medicine. After a few minutes Lt. Chang found a few ampoules of painkillers, and Westin found a hypo. Kojo applied the hypo to Meleek-Zar’s neck. He sighed with relief.
“What do we do now?” Chang whispered. Unfortunately the Alshain didn’t have a terminal in the room that they could access to give them a layout of the half-constructed base. Kojo had been going off of memory and instinct.
“We take the Valour,” Kojo said confidently.
“Captain…I am certain that you don’t know the present location of the Valour,” Stell, a Vulcan Petty Officer replied. “The chances of our recapture increase significantly if we amble about attempting to find the ship. I am certain that Alshain search parties are currently pursuing us now.” Kojo frowned at the Vulcan, but held her tongue.
“Stell does have a point,” Chang said more gently. “We’re bound to run into a search party sooner or later. Our luck has been too good thus far.”
Nandali noted. “You’re right,” she admitted. “That’s why I will go alone and find the launch area. You will remain here, and wait until I return for you.”
“With all due respect,” Westin replied. “Captain, I don’t think it’s wise for you to go out there alone.” The muscular young man was one of the Valour’s newest additions. He had just missed serving in the war by a hair and he was chomping at the bit for action.
“It worked pretty well the first time,” Kojo huffed, reigning in her anger. She had dismissed Commander Bolden’s suggestions and look where it had gotten them.
Though she was infinitely confident in her own abilities, she was still wise enough to know she wasn’t infallible. “All right…,” she said slowly, unused to reversing course. “Westin you’re with me. Chang you’re in charge until I-we-get back.”
Westin grinned. “Captain, you won’t regret this.”
“For your sake Mr. Westin, I better not.”
****
Unnamed Planetoid 443
(Launch Bay)
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“That’s not my concern,” Nardin sin Phalzan regretted the decisions of his superiors with each passing day. “I will not alter my schedule. My betters expect the Valour to be delivered to her in a week. They are not persons one wisely keeps waiting.” He met Sutahr R’Vott at eye level, something he couldn’t do with a male Alshain.
She had pulled him from his final diagnostic check on the Defiant-class ship’s systems to pester him about the escape of the ship’s former crew. The two had been arguing for nearly thirty minutes, the ring of Alshain warriors that had accompanied R’Vott whipping their heads between them and the launch bay’s entrance. Nardin had ordered his engineering team to remain onboard the ship and finish their inspection.
The sutahr’s lips curled back, revealing sharpened incisors. But Nardin was not afraid. He knew that the rebel Alshain didn’t stand a chance unless they could rebuild their forces in the haven the Domain was providing for them. “I have issued a security lockdown for the entire base. Until the prisoners are captured, no one leaves or enters this base.” R’Vott’s tone was as unyielding as duranium.
“I repeat, that has very little to do with us.” Nardin laughed. “It’s not like they could gain access to the Valour. First of all they would have to get through your capable soldiers, and then they would have to contend with my engineering crew presently onboard the starship. Granted, they are not warriors, but they are Phalkerians.”
Now it was R’Vott’s turn to laugh. “It’s obvious you’ve never dealt with a warrior like this Kojo before. Even I don’t know what to expect from her.”
“Why don’t you continue pondering her next move while I get back to work,” Nardin offered. “The sooner we leave this accursed rock, the sooner it will cut off one avenue of escape for the brigands.”
R’Vott pondered that, scratching her muzzle in thought. “I must admit…I hadn’t thought of that before.”
Nardin bowed. “I aim to serve.”
“Fine,” R’Vott said. “Finish your inspections and leave immediately.”
“I’m glad you see reason Sutahr, it was a pleasure doing business with you.” But R’Vott had already turned from the man, leading her soldiers out of the launch bay. Good riddance, Nardin sniffed before he stepped back through the Valour’s open hatch.
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
Nadfar Rog smelled his prey before he saw them. He loped along the rocky floor, on all fours, his paladins behind him. They had all succumbed to the rage and grief of Tarwez’s lost. Rending the flesh of Kojo and her crew would sate that despair and also cement him as their new leader.
So, instead of ordering his troops to slow down so he could assess the situation and prepare a proper trap, Rog rushed ahead, convinced that ferocity and strength were all that were required.
He took the corner, the smell of blood and flesh strong in his nostrils. Rog came up quickly, one of his men plowing into him. They fell in a tangle onto the floor. A tattered uniform and a bloodied loin cloth lay on the ground in front of him.
Rog pushed the man off, grabbing the clothing. The Kriosian had duped him again. He bellowed with rage before driving his snout into the clothing, their odor implanted on his olfactory senses now. He promised Garrm himself Kojo wouldn’t dupe him again.
They were close by; Rog not only could still smell them. He could feel them. Rog ordered his men to search the row of rooms along each corridor. “The time for subterfuge is almost over Captain! Soon we’ll meet face to face!”
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“And I promised you that you wouldn’t regret this,” Westin smiled, “but the one with little regret right now is me,” the man said, on Kojo’s heels, her toned, bronze naked buttocks swishing in front of him.
“Mr. Westin, I assure you that I would be more than you could handle,” Nandali glanced back, with a feral grin. “Perhaps after we secure the Valour…” Before joining Starfleet Kojo’s primary experience had been serving aboard her husband’s ship. Klingons weren’t as prudish about sexual relationships with subordinates.
Though Kojo found little time, and very few potential suitors that intrigued her, this most recent brush with death was stirring long-forgotten fires. Plus, the broad-shouldered, russet-haired Westin certainly looked durable enough and adequately appealing stripped to his under garments.
“Wow…hmm…,” the young man stammered. “I expected a citation for that comment, not an invitation.” Kojo glanced back again. The man’s face was now as red as his hair. She laughed.
“I’m not your typical Starfleet captain,” she replied.
“No ma’am, you’re definitely not.” Westin said, a jocular grin plastering over his awkwardness.
The flirtation ended after the Alshain’s threat reverberated through the walls. “They found our little package sooner than I thought,” Westin said.
Kojo shook her head. “I anticipated as much. The Alshain are natural predators, with enhanced olfactory and auditory senses, in addition to speed and strength. If you wish to continue living don’t underestimate them again.”
“I won’t sir,” Westin said tightly.
“Good,” Kojo said, searching the dim halls in front of her for any potential surprises. Though her natural senses were far inferior, Nandali had a well honed sense of smell. And she smelled the creature coming from an access corridor to the left.
She put up a hand, and Westin stopped. Kojo leaned against a wall, Westin behind her. She handed her disruptor to him. Kojo had made Chang keep the other exciser in case any Alshain attempted to enter the storage room. Nandali flexed her stiff fingers. She preferred working with her hands whenever possible.
The Alshain shuffled by them, so engrossed in the datapad he was carrying that he didn’t catch their scent until it was too late. Kojo swept kicked the man’s tree-like legs from beneath him, biting back a scream of pain as she jumped on top of him, her hands wrapping around the startled man’s throat. Westin shoved the disruptor in his face.
“Answer only when spoken to or you die,” Nandali hissed. “Do you understand?” The canid gurgled, his eyes glazing over. Kojo eased up slightly. She repeated her threat. He nodded slowly.
“Where is the launch bay?” Westin asked, overeager. Kojo scowled at him.
“I’ll ask the questions Mr. Westin,” she snapped. The young man quickly lowered his head.
“Sorry sir.” Turning back to the frightened Alshain, Kojo asked. “Where is your control center?”
“Why do we need to know that?” Westin blurted, before being silenced by another withering gaze.
“You know you’re talking yourself right out of a great experience,” Kojo remarked before returning her attention to the Alshain. “Where is the control center?” After the man told her she cuffed him on the head, and searched his body for weapons. All she found was an ornate knife that appeared for more ceremonial than practical use. Kojo pocketed it anyway.
“Let’s go,” she told Westin.
“Sir, hopefully you won’t be angered by this, but I don’t understand your line of reasoning,” the security guard ventured, scratching his head with the butt of the disruptor.
“You will,” was all Kojo offered before she headed down the corridor.
****
*****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
The network of air vents carved into the rock of the planetoid only went so far, forcing the Valour crew to exit them before they reached the spaceport. Captain Nandali Kojo dropped first into the darkened storage room, Security Guard Westin following.
Together they helped pulled down Lt. Meleek-Zar. The Skorr had incurred the most injuries among them. His wings were hanging onto his back by mere tendons, his uniform matted with blood from their near severing. Kojo was impressed that she heard nary a whisper of protest from the avian officer though.
The Kriosian captain paused from their mission to ramble through the storage room for some type of medicine. After a few minutes Lt. Chang found a few ampoules of painkillers, and Westin found a hypo. Kojo applied the hypo to Meleek-Zar’s neck. He sighed with relief.
“What do we do now?” Chang whispered. Unfortunately the Alshain didn’t have a terminal in the room that they could access to give them a layout of the half-constructed base. Kojo had been going off of memory and instinct.
“We take the Valour,” Kojo said confidently.
“Captain…I am certain that you don’t know the present location of the Valour,” Stell, a Vulcan Petty Officer replied. “The chances of our recapture increase significantly if we amble about attempting to find the ship. I am certain that Alshain search parties are currently pursuing us now.” Kojo frowned at the Vulcan, but held her tongue.
“Stell does have a point,” Chang said more gently. “We’re bound to run into a search party sooner or later. Our luck has been too good thus far.”
Nandali noted. “You’re right,” she admitted. “That’s why I will go alone and find the launch area. You will remain here, and wait until I return for you.”
“With all due respect,” Westin replied. “Captain, I don’t think it’s wise for you to go out there alone.” The muscular young man was one of the Valour’s newest additions. He had just missed serving in the war by a hair and he was chomping at the bit for action.
“It worked pretty well the first time,” Kojo huffed, reigning in her anger. She had dismissed Commander Bolden’s suggestions and look where it had gotten them.
Though she was infinitely confident in her own abilities, she was still wise enough to know she wasn’t infallible. “All right…,” she said slowly, unused to reversing course. “Westin you’re with me. Chang you’re in charge until I-we-get back.”
Westin grinned. “Captain, you won’t regret this.”
“For your sake Mr. Westin, I better not.”
****
Unnamed Planetoid 443
(Launch Bay)
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“That’s not my concern,” Nardin sin Phalzan regretted the decisions of his superiors with each passing day. “I will not alter my schedule. My betters expect the Valour to be delivered to her in a week. They are not persons one wisely keeps waiting.” He met Sutahr R’Vott at eye level, something he couldn’t do with a male Alshain.
She had pulled him from his final diagnostic check on the Defiant-class ship’s systems to pester him about the escape of the ship’s former crew. The two had been arguing for nearly thirty minutes, the ring of Alshain warriors that had accompanied R’Vott whipping their heads between them and the launch bay’s entrance. Nardin had ordered his engineering team to remain onboard the ship and finish their inspection.
The sutahr’s lips curled back, revealing sharpened incisors. But Nardin was not afraid. He knew that the rebel Alshain didn’t stand a chance unless they could rebuild their forces in the haven the Domain was providing for them. “I have issued a security lockdown for the entire base. Until the prisoners are captured, no one leaves or enters this base.” R’Vott’s tone was as unyielding as duranium.
“I repeat, that has very little to do with us.” Nardin laughed. “It’s not like they could gain access to the Valour. First of all they would have to get through your capable soldiers, and then they would have to contend with my engineering crew presently onboard the starship. Granted, they are not warriors, but they are Phalkerians.”
Now it was R’Vott’s turn to laugh. “It’s obvious you’ve never dealt with a warrior like this Kojo before. Even I don’t know what to expect from her.”
“Why don’t you continue pondering her next move while I get back to work,” Nardin offered. “The sooner we leave this accursed rock, the sooner it will cut off one avenue of escape for the brigands.”
R’Vott pondered that, scratching her muzzle in thought. “I must admit…I hadn’t thought of that before.”
Nardin bowed. “I aim to serve.”
“Fine,” R’Vott said. “Finish your inspections and leave immediately.”
“I’m glad you see reason Sutahr, it was a pleasure doing business with you.” But R’Vott had already turned from the man, leading her soldiers out of the launch bay. Good riddance, Nardin sniffed before he stepped back through the Valour’s open hatch.
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
Nadfar Rog smelled his prey before he saw them. He loped along the rocky floor, on all fours, his paladins behind him. They had all succumbed to the rage and grief of Tarwez’s lost. Rending the flesh of Kojo and her crew would sate that despair and also cement him as their new leader.
So, instead of ordering his troops to slow down so he could assess the situation and prepare a proper trap, Rog rushed ahead, convinced that ferocity and strength were all that were required.
He took the corner, the smell of blood and flesh strong in his nostrils. Rog came up quickly, one of his men plowing into him. They fell in a tangle onto the floor. A tattered uniform and a bloodied loin cloth lay on the ground in front of him.
Rog pushed the man off, grabbing the clothing. The Kriosian had duped him again. He bellowed with rage before driving his snout into the clothing, their odor implanted on his olfactory senses now. He promised Garrm himself Kojo wouldn’t dupe him again.
They were close by; Rog not only could still smell them. He could feel them. Rog ordered his men to search the row of rooms along each corridor. “The time for subterfuge is almost over Captain! Soon we’ll meet face to face!”
****
Unnamed Planetoid
Somewhere in Sector 443…
“And I promised you that you wouldn’t regret this,” Westin smiled, “but the one with little regret right now is me,” the man said, on Kojo’s heels, her toned, bronze naked buttocks swishing in front of him.
“Mr. Westin, I assure you that I would be more than you could handle,” Nandali glanced back, with a feral grin. “Perhaps after we secure the Valour…” Before joining Starfleet Kojo’s primary experience had been serving aboard her husband’s ship. Klingons weren’t as prudish about sexual relationships with subordinates.
Though Kojo found little time, and very few potential suitors that intrigued her, this most recent brush with death was stirring long-forgotten fires. Plus, the broad-shouldered, russet-haired Westin certainly looked durable enough and adequately appealing stripped to his under garments.
“Wow…hmm…,” the young man stammered. “I expected a citation for that comment, not an invitation.” Kojo glanced back again. The man’s face was now as red as his hair. She laughed.
“I’m not your typical Starfleet captain,” she replied.
“No ma’am, you’re definitely not.” Westin said, a jocular grin plastering over his awkwardness.
The flirtation ended after the Alshain’s threat reverberated through the walls. “They found our little package sooner than I thought,” Westin said.
Kojo shook her head. “I anticipated as much. The Alshain are natural predators, with enhanced olfactory and auditory senses, in addition to speed and strength. If you wish to continue living don’t underestimate them again.”
“I won’t sir,” Westin said tightly.
“Good,” Kojo said, searching the dim halls in front of her for any potential surprises. Though her natural senses were far inferior, Nandali had a well honed sense of smell. And she smelled the creature coming from an access corridor to the left.
She put up a hand, and Westin stopped. Kojo leaned against a wall, Westin behind her. She handed her disruptor to him. Kojo had made Chang keep the other exciser in case any Alshain attempted to enter the storage room. Nandali flexed her stiff fingers. She preferred working with her hands whenever possible.
The Alshain shuffled by them, so engrossed in the datapad he was carrying that he didn’t catch their scent until it was too late. Kojo swept kicked the man’s tree-like legs from beneath him, biting back a scream of pain as she jumped on top of him, her hands wrapping around the startled man’s throat. Westin shoved the disruptor in his face.
“Answer only when spoken to or you die,” Nandali hissed. “Do you understand?” The canid gurgled, his eyes glazing over. Kojo eased up slightly. She repeated her threat. He nodded slowly.
“Where is the launch bay?” Westin asked, overeager. Kojo scowled at him.
“I’ll ask the questions Mr. Westin,” she snapped. The young man quickly lowered his head.
“Sorry sir.” Turning back to the frightened Alshain, Kojo asked. “Where is your control center?”
“Why do we need to know that?” Westin blurted, before being silenced by another withering gaze.
“You know you’re talking yourself right out of a great experience,” Kojo remarked before returning her attention to the Alshain. “Where is the control center?” After the man told her she cuffed him on the head, and searched his body for weapons. All she found was an ornate knife that appeared for more ceremonial than practical use. Kojo pocketed it anyway.
“Let’s go,” she told Westin.
“Sir, hopefully you won’t be angered by this, but I don’t understand your line of reasoning,” the security guard ventured, scratching his head with the butt of the disruptor.
“You will,” was all Kojo offered before she headed down the corridor.
****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
****
Federation Embassy
(Ambassador’s Office)
Alshain Proper
Ambassador Depek sat in solitude, trying to make sense of the chaos surging around him. “It’s happening all over again,” he mumbled to himself. “Another world tearing itself apart just like Xindus.” After alternating centuries of warfare and peace, his people were still divided, with the reptilians and insectoids choosing not to join the Federation.
The aquatics, arboreals, and primates had accepted Federation membership and had benefited from it. They had chosen to trust the humans, something that the reptilians and insectoids had never been able to do. His estranged brethren currently struggled, eking out an existence in the former Delphic Expanse, surrounded by their more prosperous brothers. It pained him that wounded pride could chain millions of people, millions of his kind, in misery.
Depek had hoped he could use his talents on Alshain Proper to prevent a similar fate from befalling the Alshain. But the Coordinating Committee was too in love with power and intrigue, and the Alshain people were too desirous of a place in the sun, not knowing how scorching proximity to the sun could be. But they would soon find out.
Depek’s door bell chimed. “Enter,” he said after a few seconds. The door slid open to reveal Femi Gado, his able assistant. The sprightly ebon-skinned human poked her head in the door. “Ambassador, we have a priority one message coming in.”
Depek smiled. “So, the Enterprise arrived here without incident? That’s good news.”
“No,” the young woman frowned. “It’s the Starship Defiant.”
“Defiant?” Depek was already out of his chair. “What is the Defiant doing here?” He asked as he dashed around his desk and into the small communications center. A human female, with admiral’s pips was on the main viewer.
“Ambassador,” she nodded. “I’m Admiral Monica Covey, commander of Deep Space Nine.”
“Ah…” Depek smiled. “Admiral Covey, I’ve heard a lot about you. It is a pleasure to meet you. But I am curious as to why I wasn’t informed about this change in plan.”
“Because there isn’t a change in plan sir,” Covey said. “I came of my own volition.”
“What happened to the Enterprise?” Depek asked, troubled. Covey frowned.
“I’m not sure sir, though I do have a good guess.”
“If I recall, you are something of the Alshain expert,” Depek remarked. Covey nodded.
“You could say that I suppose. So, right now I need you listen to me and follow my instructions explicitly.”
“We are at your disposal Admiral.” Depek said.
The woman smiled, “Thank you for making this easy. Please lower transport nullifier.” Depek nodded at the Dopterian technician at the security console. Seconds later, several beams of sparkling golden light appeared in the center of the room.
A dark-skinned man with facial scars and dreadlocks, a strapping Andorian, and two lesser ranked officers resolved from the transporter. The two officers carried long bags slung over their backs.
The charcoal-colored man quickly stepped toward Depek. “I’m Lt. Commander Tristan Curbeam,” he said, a musical lilt to his voice. “You’re to come with us immediately sir.”
Depek instinctively reared back, and Gado stepped between him and the eager man. “Just a tad bit eager are you?” She admonished Curbeam. The man repeated his order.
“What the Commander is trying to say,” the Andorian spoke up, “Is that you all are in grave danger the longer you stay here.”
Depek took his eyes away from the fierce human to glance at the Andorian. “Young man what are you talking about? That mob outside screaming for our heads can’t penetrate these walls. Believe me they’ve tried.”
“That’s not what the admiral is concerned about,” a hard edge now crept into the Andorian’s voice. He nodded at the other two officers. They immediately sat their bags down and pulled out long, pulsing rods. They placed the rods around the room.
“What are you doing?” Gado asked suspiciously.
“Transporter enhancers,” the Andorian said. “They’ll strengthen our transporter signals in the event the Alshain employ scramblers.”
“The mob doesn’t have the ability to that.”
“Believe it or not, it’s not the mob we’re worried about.” The Andorian said. Curbeam’s compin chirped. He tapped it.
“Do you and Mr. Faltyne have everything in order?” Covey asked.
“Yes sir,” Curbeam crisply replied, glancing at the Andorian, and nodding appreciatively.
“Excellent,” Covey said. “Prepare to beam up on my mark.”
“Wait!” Depek yelled. “There are four hundred people in the Embassy. You can’t leave them!”
“And we won’t,” Covey promised. “But you’re our first priority. Mr. Curbeam, proceed.”
The transporter effect stole Depek’s next words.
****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
Chairman Orthlin C’Oemnm’s laughter rattled the walls. “I told you not to underestimate the humans!” One of the monitors in the room had switched to wedge-shaped silver blue starship in orbit above Alshain Proper. “In your haste to block Picard, you sent our entire Fleet away, allowing Covey to waltz right in. Forgot that one Federation ship possessed a cloak eh?”
“Scramble the Howlers,” spittle flew from T’Riav’s mouth. “Raze the embassy and swat that starship out of the sky!”
C’Oemnm leaned back in his seat and decided to enjoy the show.
*****
USS Defiant
Alshain Proper
“Uh Admiral,” Science Officer Okala Lahn squeaked. “We’ve got company.”
“On screen,” Admiral Monica Covey remarked, gripping her armrest as a swarm of interceptors rose from the lush planet’s surface. “Damn, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.”
*****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
“Activate the planetary defense grid,” Boree L’Bek said, the coldness in her voice freezing Orthlin’s joy. “This changes nothing. So, a few of them escaped. They’ll still be none the wiser.” She tapped several commands into her desk terminal.
“A second squadron of Howlers has been dispatched to the Embassy. Once they’ve flattened it, they will swoop around and neutralize the crowd.”
“The day will still be ours,” T’Riav crowed.
“We’ll see,” C’Oemnm glumly remarked. “We’ll see.”
*****
USS Defiant
Alshain Proper
“Ensign Hetis, evasive maneuvers,” Covey commanded. She hadn’t been in combat since the closing months of the Dominion War. Monica hoped she hadn’t lost a step or two in the intervening months. The more agile Howlers matched the Defiant move for move, yet they hadn’t begun firing.
Perhaps we can avoid bloodshed today after all, Covey thought.
“I’m getting a massive power reading from the surface,” Lahn said, her voice choking. “It’s the Federation Embassy admiral…it’s gone.”
“What?” Covey was disbelieving. “What do you mean gone?”
“It appears to have been destroyed,” Lahn said. “The planetary defense shield now over the planet is blocking my ability to determine exactly how.”
“Oh, I’ve got a few good ideas about that,” Covey said through clenched teeth, “and I know who to go to for answers. Power up the weapons banks.”
*****
****
Federation Embassy
(Ambassador’s Office)
Alshain Proper
Ambassador Depek sat in solitude, trying to make sense of the chaos surging around him. “It’s happening all over again,” he mumbled to himself. “Another world tearing itself apart just like Xindus.” After alternating centuries of warfare and peace, his people were still divided, with the reptilians and insectoids choosing not to join the Federation.
The aquatics, arboreals, and primates had accepted Federation membership and had benefited from it. They had chosen to trust the humans, something that the reptilians and insectoids had never been able to do. His estranged brethren currently struggled, eking out an existence in the former Delphic Expanse, surrounded by their more prosperous brothers. It pained him that wounded pride could chain millions of people, millions of his kind, in misery.
Depek had hoped he could use his talents on Alshain Proper to prevent a similar fate from befalling the Alshain. But the Coordinating Committee was too in love with power and intrigue, and the Alshain people were too desirous of a place in the sun, not knowing how scorching proximity to the sun could be. But they would soon find out.
Depek’s door bell chimed. “Enter,” he said after a few seconds. The door slid open to reveal Femi Gado, his able assistant. The sprightly ebon-skinned human poked her head in the door. “Ambassador, we have a priority one message coming in.”
Depek smiled. “So, the Enterprise arrived here without incident? That’s good news.”
“No,” the young woman frowned. “It’s the Starship Defiant.”
“Defiant?” Depek was already out of his chair. “What is the Defiant doing here?” He asked as he dashed around his desk and into the small communications center. A human female, with admiral’s pips was on the main viewer.
“Ambassador,” she nodded. “I’m Admiral Monica Covey, commander of Deep Space Nine.”
“Ah…” Depek smiled. “Admiral Covey, I’ve heard a lot about you. It is a pleasure to meet you. But I am curious as to why I wasn’t informed about this change in plan.”
“Because there isn’t a change in plan sir,” Covey said. “I came of my own volition.”
“What happened to the Enterprise?” Depek asked, troubled. Covey frowned.
“I’m not sure sir, though I do have a good guess.”
“If I recall, you are something of the Alshain expert,” Depek remarked. Covey nodded.
“You could say that I suppose. So, right now I need you listen to me and follow my instructions explicitly.”
“We are at your disposal Admiral.” Depek said.
The woman smiled, “Thank you for making this easy. Please lower transport nullifier.” Depek nodded at the Dopterian technician at the security console. Seconds later, several beams of sparkling golden light appeared in the center of the room.
A dark-skinned man with facial scars and dreadlocks, a strapping Andorian, and two lesser ranked officers resolved from the transporter. The two officers carried long bags slung over their backs.
The charcoal-colored man quickly stepped toward Depek. “I’m Lt. Commander Tristan Curbeam,” he said, a musical lilt to his voice. “You’re to come with us immediately sir.”
Depek instinctively reared back, and Gado stepped between him and the eager man. “Just a tad bit eager are you?” She admonished Curbeam. The man repeated his order.
“What the Commander is trying to say,” the Andorian spoke up, “Is that you all are in grave danger the longer you stay here.”
Depek took his eyes away from the fierce human to glance at the Andorian. “Young man what are you talking about? That mob outside screaming for our heads can’t penetrate these walls. Believe me they’ve tried.”
“That’s not what the admiral is concerned about,” a hard edge now crept into the Andorian’s voice. He nodded at the other two officers. They immediately sat their bags down and pulled out long, pulsing rods. They placed the rods around the room.
“What are you doing?” Gado asked suspiciously.
“Transporter enhancers,” the Andorian said. “They’ll strengthen our transporter signals in the event the Alshain employ scramblers.”
“The mob doesn’t have the ability to that.”
“Believe it or not, it’s not the mob we’re worried about.” The Andorian said. Curbeam’s compin chirped. He tapped it.
“Do you and Mr. Faltyne have everything in order?” Covey asked.
“Yes sir,” Curbeam crisply replied, glancing at the Andorian, and nodding appreciatively.
“Excellent,” Covey said. “Prepare to beam up on my mark.”
“Wait!” Depek yelled. “There are four hundred people in the Embassy. You can’t leave them!”
“And we won’t,” Covey promised. “But you’re our first priority. Mr. Curbeam, proceed.”
The transporter effect stole Depek’s next words.
****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
Chairman Orthlin C’Oemnm’s laughter rattled the walls. “I told you not to underestimate the humans!” One of the monitors in the room had switched to wedge-shaped silver blue starship in orbit above Alshain Proper. “In your haste to block Picard, you sent our entire Fleet away, allowing Covey to waltz right in. Forgot that one Federation ship possessed a cloak eh?”
“Scramble the Howlers,” spittle flew from T’Riav’s mouth. “Raze the embassy and swat that starship out of the sky!”
C’Oemnm leaned back in his seat and decided to enjoy the show.
*****
USS Defiant
Alshain Proper
“Uh Admiral,” Science Officer Okala Lahn squeaked. “We’ve got company.”
“On screen,” Admiral Monica Covey remarked, gripping her armrest as a swarm of interceptors rose from the lush planet’s surface. “Damn, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.”
*****
Ministry of State, Central Ministries Complex Arcology
Alshain Proper
“Activate the planetary defense grid,” Boree L’Bek said, the coldness in her voice freezing Orthlin’s joy. “This changes nothing. So, a few of them escaped. They’ll still be none the wiser.” She tapped several commands into her desk terminal.
“A second squadron of Howlers has been dispatched to the Embassy. Once they’ve flattened it, they will swoop around and neutralize the crowd.”
“The day will still be ours,” T’Riav crowed.
“We’ll see,” C’Oemnm glumly remarked. “We’ll see.”
*****
USS Defiant
Alshain Proper
“Ensign Hetis, evasive maneuvers,” Covey commanded. She hadn’t been in combat since the closing months of the Dominion War. Monica hoped she hadn’t lost a step or two in the intervening months. The more agile Howlers matched the Defiant move for move, yet they hadn’t begun firing.
Perhaps we can avoid bloodshed today after all, Covey thought.
“I’m getting a massive power reading from the surface,” Lahn said, her voice choking. “It’s the Federation Embassy admiral…it’s gone.”
“What?” Covey was disbelieving. “What do you mean gone?”
“It appears to have been destroyed,” Lahn said. “The planetary defense shield now over the planet is blocking my ability to determine exactly how.”
“Oh, I’ve got a few good ideas about that,” Covey said through clenched teeth, “and I know who to go to for answers. Power up the weapons banks.”
*****
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
I don't think we've seen Covey in action before, I'm looking forward to it.
I love Kojo, you've done very well describing her character...and her attributes.
I can't wait to see what thrashing Picard has in mind for Aurelia! That's gonna be great.
I don't think we've seen Covey in action before, I'm looking forward to it.
I love Kojo, you've done very well describing her character...and her attributes.
I can't wait to see what thrashing Picard has in mind for Aurelia! That's gonna be great.
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
As usual I am a bit behind here (You do write fast) and won't be able to comment on the most recent posts.
But I just wanted to point out how relieved I was that the Meharry survived (so far). You do have the tendency to get rid of likable characters rather quickly. Hey, it aint called Dark Territory for nothing, right?
I continue to enjoy the complicated interplays of Alshain and your dynamic storyline. Even though I have to admit that keeping up with all the alien names is challenging. Again, nothing new for a DT story.
I liked the way you wrote the Enterprise/Independence encounter but do not agree with either Picard or Aurelia's actions here. Ok we all know that she's a hothead but Picard should have been able to order her to stand down. Clearly he has superiority in that situation. Then to use the Indy's command codes to shut her down in face of an enemy attack I found a tad unconscionable. What if Enterprise had not been able to neutralize the Alshain ships in time? Picard would have been responsible (indirectly) for the death of Starfleet personnel. All this didn't quite sit right with me. Apologies for my bluntness.
Nevertheless it was very well written and hasn't dampened my enthusiasm at all. I will be reading the next installment very shortly. And I'm looking forward to it.
As usual I am a bit behind here (You do write fast) and won't be able to comment on the most recent posts.
But I just wanted to point out how relieved I was that the Meharry survived (so far). You do have the tendency to get rid of likable characters rather quickly. Hey, it aint called Dark Territory for nothing, right?
I continue to enjoy the complicated interplays of Alshain and your dynamic storyline. Even though I have to admit that keeping up with all the alien names is challenging. Again, nothing new for a DT story.
I liked the way you wrote the Enterprise/Independence encounter but do not agree with either Picard or Aurelia's actions here. Ok we all know that she's a hothead but Picard should have been able to order her to stand down. Clearly he has superiority in that situation. Then to use the Indy's command codes to shut her down in face of an enemy attack I found a tad unconscionable. What if Enterprise had not been able to neutralize the Alshain ships in time? Picard would have been responsible (indirectly) for the death of Starfleet personnel. All this didn't quite sit right with me. Apologies for my bluntness.
Nevertheless it was very well written and hasn't dampened my enthusiasm at all. I will be reading the next installment very shortly. And I'm looking forward to it.
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
The Alshain are coming across as a very detailed, three dimensional society in these stories. Aurelia is a hothead, isn't she? As for Kojo, what I like here is that she learned a valuable lesson from her earlier defeat--no matter how much she hated to admit it to herself.
The Alshain are showing us very clearly here their evolutionary origins as pack animals--they're following their alphas as they pursue what they think is easy prey. Of course if the alphas don't deliver...
The Alshain are coming across as a very detailed, three dimensional society in these stories. Aurelia is a hothead, isn't she? As for Kojo, what I like here is that she learned a valuable lesson from her earlier defeat--no matter how much she hated to admit it to herself.
The Alshain are showing us very clearly here their evolutionary origins as pack animals--they're following their alphas as they pursue what they think is easy prey. Of course if the alphas don't deliver...
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
Another terrific installment. I love the mutual enmity between Picard and Aurelia. The two are polar opposites, the cautious, seasoned old hand vs. the young, ambitious, risk-taking hot head. Like CeJay, I think Picard’s use of the Indy’s prefix code was alarming, but Sintina really didn’t give Jean-Luc much choice in the matter. Granted, Picard could have given her the chance to prove she could be trusted in a tense situation, but there was too much at stake here to risk it all on her questionable restraint.
Now, I’m aware of another starship captain who butted heads with Picard recently, but at least he kept a civil tongue and showed a modicum of respect. I have to say Aurelia’s complete and utter lack of diplomacy is rather refreshing, and I enjoyed watching Picard squirm every time she opened her mouth.
The characters here are all well drawn, believable, and are acting according to a wide variety of goals. This promises to be one hell of a showdown, and I’m hanging on to this wild ride by my fingernails!
Another terrific installment. I love the mutual enmity between Picard and Aurelia. The two are polar opposites, the cautious, seasoned old hand vs. the young, ambitious, risk-taking hot head. Like CeJay, I think Picard’s use of the Indy’s prefix code was alarming, but Sintina really didn’t give Jean-Luc much choice in the matter. Granted, Picard could have given her the chance to prove she could be trusted in a tense situation, but there was too much at stake here to risk it all on her questionable restraint.
Now, I’m aware of another starship captain who butted heads with Picard recently, but at least he kept a civil tongue and showed a modicum of respect. I have to say Aurelia’s complete and utter lack of diplomacy is rather refreshing, and I enjoyed watching Picard squirm every time she opened her mouth.
The characters here are all well drawn, believable, and are acting according to a wide variety of goals. This promises to be one hell of a showdown, and I’m hanging on to this wild ride by my fingernails!
Re: Part Three: The Great Unraveling
I continue to be impressed by both the intricate development of the Alshain, and the seamless use of both FanFic characters from other Expanded Universe stories, and also of Canon characters.
These are elements that anyone writing fan fiction should strive for, and you have captured them..
I continue to be impressed by both the intricate development of the Alshain, and the seamless use of both FanFic characters from other Expanded Universe stories, and also of Canon characters.
These are elements that anyone writing fan fiction should strive for, and you have captured them..
Similar threads
