CHAPTER 17
Supplemental
USS Rhode Island, Main Bridge
Near Maluria II
Captain Killian could feel the deck shudder as disruptor fire hit the shields. He began to reconsider his decision to stand up. The pirates in the Orion vessel didn’t waste anytime once the R.I. dropped out of warp. The raiders had skillfully engaged them well before they could get into transporter range of the planet.
The tactical overlay on the main viewer indicated their forward shields were now at 78%. He called out over the klaxons, “Mr. Veril, let them know we’re not as weak as we look.”
The Coridan replied back, “Aye sir. Returning fire.”
Killian was confidant. The Nova class was among the least impressive ships Starfleet had, tactically speaking. However, they were pretty much on par with the dated Orion destroyer. And he wasn’t about to let a bunch of pirates get the better of him.
He saw the beams of red energy hit their mark. The raider strafed away. “Target their aft side with a torpedo to soften up their shields,” he ordered.
“Target locked. Torpedo away.”
The screen showed the illuminated ball smack soundly into the pirate vessel.
Veril reported, “Hostile’s aft shields are down to 14%, Captain.”
“Good. Follow up with phaser fire. Disable their engines.” He put a hand on his helm officer, “Keep with ‘em, Ensign.”
The young Kasheetan female didn’t look up, “Yes sir, I’m doing my best.”
He gave her an additional pat, “If all else fails just do evasive pattern Kirk delta. It’s an oldie, but a goodie.”
She smirked slightly, “Aye sir.”
A voice from behind him, Veril, called out, “The Independence reports the freighter is safe and the pirates have fled. They’re requesting a status report from us.”
The silver-haired Killian looked back and sighed. “Well, I’m not going to give a false report. Give Captain Aurelia our current status.”
The gold-trimmed officer nodded and sent the reply.
Killian added as another tremor came, “I have a feeling I’ll be getting a call in a moment.”
The Coridan reported, “The pirate ship is now on our dorsal side. Could I get a quarter roll to port?”
“You hear that, Ensign?” said the Captain.
“Aye. Quarter roll to port. Engaging.”
“Starboard phasers firing… Two impacts. Their shields are holding.”
The Captain reminded them, “I want their engines out. Try to maneuver behind them, Ewngus.”
The helm officer replied, “Aye sir.”
“Sir,” called out Veril, “The Independence is hailing.”
He snickered under his breath, “That didn’t take long.” Killian ordered, “Route it to my monitor here.” He spun the display next to the captain’s seat so he could see it and activated it.
Captain Aurelia’s face was flushed, “What the hell is going on over there?”
The bridge shook again. Then, Killian said, “I don’t have time to go into it right now, Captain. Can I call you back later?” Then he ended the transmission.
Veril gave him an ominous look.
Killian looked back, “What? I’ll call her back later.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Main Bridge
1.4 Light-years away from the Maluria System
The bridge crew was in stunned silence.
Sintina’s fingernails gripped ever tighter to her armrest. She was more mad at herself than Killian. Getting them out here was an obvious ploy and she fell right for it. She jumped up and barked, “D’nas take us to the second planet. Maximum warp.”
“Aye ma’am,” he rejoined.
She spoke up, “Bridge to Engineering.”
“Lieutenant Jinal here.”
“Jinal, give me as much speed as you can possibly get.”
“Yes ma’am.”
She felt the ship slip into sub-space and the stars on the view screen morphed into streaks in the blackness. “How long?”
The Tamarian exchange officer consulted the computer, “At the current speed of warp 9.96, it will take about three hours to reach the planet, Captain.”
At hearing the estimate, she immediately regretted going only warp nine to get here. Kicking herself would have to wait. She rested a hand on the back of the captain’s seat for a moment. As if to redeem herself a bit, she stated, “Report the description of the Yridian-made ship to the Border Service and other authorities nearby. Maybe they’ll get lucky and run into them.”
Virak nodded, “Yes ma’am.” She added solidly, “Captain, what about the Bolian freighter?”
Sintina looked back as if to say ‘You would have to bring that up, wouldn’t you?’ The Vulcan’s eyes didn’t waver. It was a valid question. Finally, Aurelia replied, “I think they’ll be alright.”
It wasn’t the definitive answer the Vulcan was hoping for.
*****
Supplemental
Nausicaan Hi’ought ship Raiik
Near Maluria II
A display of knives from around the quadrant fell suddenly and violently from the bulkhead as the ship was rocked by another photon from the Starfleet vessel. They scattered on the metal deck causing added noise to the already loud bridge.
“Skikikan Maniv,” yelled the gunner. “Our aft defenses are gone!”
Maniv was already talking to Wi’jawk on a small viewer. He snapped at the gunner, “Bring us about, fool! Target their torpedo launchers!” He continued with Wi’jawk, “I don’t know how much longer we can hold this position. The Starfleet ship is more maneuverable and their shields are stronger.”
“We have been delayed,” said Wi’jawk. “We still need to activate the transport enhancers around the ore, so we can beam it up.”
The Raiik shook again. The battlemaster rejoined, “It won’t matter if we still have Starfleet on our ass!”
“It’s your job to destroy that ship!” barked Wi’jawk. “Can you do that or not?”
Maniv sat back. Another tremor. He looked at the tactical display. The weakest part of the Starfleet’s shield grid was the forward section. The greatest advantage of the Nova class was their photon torpedoes. His ship was only armed with Klingon-made disruptors. He would have to counter that advantage. Maniv thought for a moment. He looked into Wi’jawk’s eyes, “Yes, I can.” Then, he closed the channel.
*****
Supplemental
USS Rhode Island, Main Bridge
Near Maluria II
Captain Killian watched as his ship lanced out another phaser beam, which impacted on the rear hull of the pirate ship. Their impulse engines went dark and some debris flew off.
The confirmation came from Veril, “That did it. They’re drifting.” He chuckled, “The impact even knocked off two of their RCS thrusters.”
Killian grinned, “They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.” He ordered, “Full stop. Hail them again. They might be more talkative now.”
“Aye sir.” A moment passed. “They’re responding.”
A gruesome looking Nausicaan appeared on the screen. His face betrayed his annoyance.
The victorious captain began, “Might I assume you are the master of your vessel?”
The Nausicaan nodded slowly and introduced himself, “I am Shikikan Maniv of the Hi’ought Shogunate ship Raiik. And you are?” He looked off screen as if monitoring something.
“Captain Jason Killian of the USS Rhode Island.” He continued, “Well now that the introductions are out of the way, I require you to lower your shields, power down your weapons and prepare to be transported aboard my ship.” He added, “I hear our brigs are much better than the typical Nausicaan prison.”
Maniv didn’t respond immediately. He continued to look off screen.
Killian pressed him, “If you do not comply with my orders I will continue our attack and leave you in much worse shape than you are now.”
Maniv grinned and looked up. “I fear it is I that will leave you in worse shape, Starfleet.”
A great burst of energy came from the ventral side of the ship. It caused everyone on the bridge to be knocked to the ground.
Killian hit the carpeted deck with a thud. He was sure he sprained his wrist upon impact. He was about to get to his feet when another thunderous blow pushed him to the rear of the bridge. He saw the entire bridge crew seemingly fly to the aft stations. The lights went out. Even the displays were blank for a moment before the emergency power kicked in.
The captain found himself on the floor near the science station. Veril and another officer were nearby. Several groans some came. It was odd reassurance to him. At least they were still alive. He got himself to his elbow and began to stand. When he went to put pressure on his left leg, an intense, sharp pain throttled him. It must’ve been broken. “Report,” he called out.
Veril was the first to respond. “I’m alright.” Two others made similar remarks. One voice he didn’t hear was Ensign Ewngus.
“Where’s Ewngus?” asked someone.
Dark smoke was beginning to fill the room.
“Ensign,” yelled another.
Killian crawled along the deck to the tactical station and pulled himself up. The power was intermittent, but it was enough. He used his un-sprained hand to check the readings. The ventral side had taken massive damage. The main deflector was down, most of the shield emitters were burnt out, half of the phasers were gone, along with the forward torpedo launchers.
“How did they do this?” the captain asked himself.
Veril’s voice filled the bridge, “I found her.” His tone dropped, “She’s dead.”
END OF CHATER 17
Just saying...
Nausicaans, firefights, mysterious quasi-zombie colonists, Windslow kicking the crap out of himself... what's not to like?!
Whatever it was surprised the hell out of Killian and the R.I. crew. They don't have many options left.
's advocate.
