Tales of the USS Bluefin – 6: “Crossroads”
- Thread starter TheLoneRedshirt
- Start date
Oh, T'Ser's a riverboat gambler--nerves (and balls) of steel.
D'Souza should have just given Inga the drugs...
And yes, in many ways, the Horace Greeley and her crew is actually a far more dangerous threat to Starfleet than Romulan or Alshain chicanery as it reveals a rot within the service itself. One or two corrupt officers is one thing--but a whole ship that's corrupt--there's problems in River City.
D'Souza should have just given Inga the drugs...
And yes, in many ways, the Horace Greeley and her crew is actually a far more dangerous threat to Starfleet than Romulan or Alshain chicanery as it reveals a rot within the service itself. One or two corrupt officers is one thing--but a whole ship that's corrupt--there's problems in River City.
Chapter Fourteen
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola struggled to keep up with Solly as they ran through the forest, away from the Elix compound. His side was on fire, he was having difficulty breathing, and a dull ringing had begun between his ears. He kept pushing forward, knowing that the entire security force of the Elix clan would soon be on their heels.
He stumbled over a tree root, sprawling in the cool, matted leaves and rough kraani cones that littered the forest floor. The pain flared in his side like a hot poker, causing him to grind his teeth against the pain.
"Sir? Sir! We've got to keep moving! We're still several klicks from the beam-out zone. We're still under the shield dome here!" said Brin.
Akinola nodded, coughed and spat bright red blood on the ground. Solly frowned, realizing that the captain probably had internal injuries. Without a word, the Orion scooped up Akinola like a child, and began running once again. Akinola tried to protest, but his consciousness faded and he gave in, mercifully, to the black.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Sector 10488
Captain Margaret Gunderson absently brushed a lock of wavy brown hair behind an ear as she perused a report from engineering on a Padd. Satisfied with what she read, she pressed her thumb to the screen, adding her electonic signature, and handed it to the waiting ensign.
Captain Gunderson was an attractive woman in her mid fifties who hailed from the upper midwest of north America on Earth. She commanded the haz-mat/fire suppression cutter, USS Adair, a refit Soyuz-class ship named for the 20th century fire fighter, Paul N. "Red" Adair. Next to Joseph Akinola, she was the most senior of active Border Service cutter commanders.
"Captain? Incoming message from Star Station Echo. It's Admiral Bateson," announced Lt. Commander Ewoltun, the Ops officer.
"On screen, please," replied Gunderson. She smiled at the image of her boss and friend, Morgan Bateson. "Admiral, it's good to see a familiar face! I hope you're about to order us back home to the Borderlands."
Bateson's face lacked it's characteristic humor. "I'm afraid not, Marge. The Bluefin is missing. She never reported to Point Station Gamma and they haven't responded to our hails."
A chill came over Gunderson, but she set her emotions aside. "What do you want us to do, Admiral?"
"Begin search protocols. I'm transmitting the last known course and heading to give you a starting point." He paused, "Marge, it's probably just a technical glitch. There's no indication of anything wrong." Both of them recognized the hollowness of that statement. Akinola was a veteran commander. He'd find a way to make a rendezvous, technical problems or not.
"We'll find them, Admiral - I promise you that." said Gunderson with more confidence than she felt.
Bateson offered a weak smile. "That's what I'm counting on, Captain. Bateson out."
Gunderson released a pent-up breath. "Mr. Jubartu, input the coordinates and give us a starting point. Mr. Coen, get us moving - maximum warp!"
Joseph, what have you gotten yourself into?she thought to herself.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Horace Greeley
Rincassa system
Lt. Krasder was in a state of shock as collision alarms blared. That cutter had actually rammed them! He was dumbstruck - surely, it must have been an accident. He slowly became aware that members of the bridge crew were trying to gain his attention. He slumped back into the command chair, ignoring them. This was just too much for him to process!
He slapped his comm badge. The Captain had warned him not to bother her unless it was urgent. Well, this certainly seemed to qualify! "Krasder to Captain deSouza!"
There was no response. Puzzled, he was about to slap his comm badge again, when a noise on the bridge caught his attention. It grew in intensity and several columns of light formed and coalesced into seven armed, armored and dangerous looking Border Service crewmen. One of them, wearing the rank of CPO on his collar, pointed a phaser carbine in Krasder's direction.
"Border Service! Everybody, STAND DOWN, and you will not be hurt," the chief bellowed. "We are taking this vessel and placing this crew under arrest. Any resistance will be met with force!"
One of the Greeley's bridge crew, with more guts than good sense, pulled a phaser from under a console, only to catch a heavy stun charge for his effort. The crewman crumpled to the floor.
"Anyone else want some?" growled Chief Deryx.
* * *
USS Bluefin
Transporter Room one
Dr. Castille ran a medical tri-corder over Commander Jack Bane's unconscious form and grimaced. "Ventricular tachycardia, massive thoracic trauma, respiration shallow . . ." He glanced up at the transporter operator. "Beam us directly to sick bay - Now!"
Castille and Jack Bane disappeard as the transporter effect faded. Corpsmen Sanders and Rice tended to the others.
"How is she?" asked Strauss, indicating Captain deSouza.
"Unconscious, but her vital signs are strong. She has some head trauma - possibly a concussion. Did she hit her head?" asked Sanders.
Strauss didn't want to admit that she had closed her eyes when the phaser discharged, so she was grateful when Nigel answered. "Yeah, when Jack plowed into her, she went down pretty hard." Nigel picked up the now-useless Type one phaser off the transporter pad.
Strauss felt her comm-badge vibrate. "Strauss, go ahead."
The relief in T'Ser's voice was evident. "Captain, are you alright?"
"We're both fine, commander. But Nigel's brother was shot with a phaser. Dr. Castille just beamed him to sickbay. We have Captain deSouza, who's unconscious but stable. What's our status?"
"We've beamed over three armed boarding parties. Deryx has secured the bridge and engineering is also under control. Apparently we caught them off-guard. I've ordered the round-up of their senior officers and put in our brig."
Strauss closed her eyes in relief. "Thanks, T'Ser. I owe you, big time!"
"Yes, you do. T'Ser out."
Relief gave way to disgust as she looked at the still form of Captain deSouza.
"And you call yourself a captain, little girl?" Strauss muttered, sarcastically.
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
After running three kilometers carrying Captain Akinola, Solly stopped to rest and to check out the captain.
He eased Akinola onto the ground, then grabbed the duffel bag he had recovered during their run through the woods. He found the first-aid kit and pulled out a small smart-hypo. Brin placed it against Akinola's neck. There was a pause as a tiny scanner read the captain's vital signs, before there came a hiss of injected stimulants, pain-killers, tri-ox and healing agents.
Akinola's eyes fluttered open. He attempted to sit up, but the pain caught him and he collapsed back down.
"Easy, Skipper! Give that stuff a minute to work." He pulled out a water bottle and gave Akinola a few swallows, which the Captain took, gratefully.
"Sit-rep, Senior Chief," rasped Akinola.
Brin checked the combat scanner on his fore arm. "We've got a fair lead on our pursuers, Captain. I've got about a dozen armed goons showing roughly 1500 meters to our six. They're not moving very fast, probably because a couple of 'em tripped some mines I'd planted." Brin said this with a grin of satisfaction.
As if on cue, a muffled KRUMPH echoed through the woods. Several startled avian creatures took flight in a flurry of dark feathers.
"Make that three," continued Brin, his grin widening to display menacing gold fangs. He pulled the Klingon Infantry rifle out of the bag, unfolding the stock and ramping up the power settings to full disrupt mode. "Feeling any better?"
"I've felt worse," said Akinola. He gingerly got to a sitting position. The pain had abated and the buzzing in his head was gone. He felt a curious detachment, almost euphoric in nature. "Whatever you gave me seems to be working. Let's move while I still can."
"Aye, sir." Solly helped Akinola to his feet and helped support him as they pressed on to their destination.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Conducting SAR-OPs in Cardassian Occupied Territory
Captain Gunderson sat in her Ready Room, drinking hot cocoa and trying not to think dark thoughts. She attempted to complete an after-action report of their recent rescue operation involving a Bajoran freighter with a nasty chemical leak. Her gaze was drawn, however, to a holo-pic of a certain cutter captain with his arm around a younger Captain Gunderson.
How long ago was that Christmas party? she wondered. Fifteen year? Eighteen? It had been right after she had received her fourth pip, so it had to be eighteen.
She and Akinola had been an "item" in those days. Though their relationship had not developed into anything permanent, she still held a special place in her heart for him. She was pretty sure that he still had strong feelings for her as well. She sighed, and tried to focus on her report. The beep of her terminal's communicator broke her train of thought.
"Yes?" she answered. The face of a young Andorian officer appeared on her screen.
"Captain? We believe that we've picked up the Bluefin's warp signature. It appears that they headed for the Rincassa star system," replied Ensign Werissh.
Gunderson frowned. "I'm not familiar with that system."
"It's well off any established shipping lanes. We show a Type-E star, four uninhabited planets. No stations or outposts."
"Very well," replied Captain Gunderson. "Alter course to the Rincassa system. Maintain current speed and begin hailing at fifteen minute intervals."
"Acknowledged. Captain, you realize that a Type-E star will render long-range communications inoperative. If they're in that system, they won't be able to send or receive."
"Try anyway, Werissh. Maybe we'll get lucky." Or maybe they will. She thought, silently.
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola struggled to keep up with Solly as they ran through the forest, away from the Elix compound. His side was on fire, he was having difficulty breathing, and a dull ringing had begun between his ears. He kept pushing forward, knowing that the entire security force of the Elix clan would soon be on their heels.
He stumbled over a tree root, sprawling in the cool, matted leaves and rough kraani cones that littered the forest floor. The pain flared in his side like a hot poker, causing him to grind his teeth against the pain.
"Sir? Sir! We've got to keep moving! We're still several klicks from the beam-out zone. We're still under the shield dome here!" said Brin.
Akinola nodded, coughed and spat bright red blood on the ground. Solly frowned, realizing that the captain probably had internal injuries. Without a word, the Orion scooped up Akinola like a child, and began running once again. Akinola tried to protest, but his consciousness faded and he gave in, mercifully, to the black.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Sector 10488
Captain Margaret Gunderson absently brushed a lock of wavy brown hair behind an ear as she perused a report from engineering on a Padd. Satisfied with what she read, she pressed her thumb to the screen, adding her electonic signature, and handed it to the waiting ensign.
Captain Gunderson was an attractive woman in her mid fifties who hailed from the upper midwest of north America on Earth. She commanded the haz-mat/fire suppression cutter, USS Adair, a refit Soyuz-class ship named for the 20th century fire fighter, Paul N. "Red" Adair. Next to Joseph Akinola, she was the most senior of active Border Service cutter commanders.
"Captain? Incoming message from Star Station Echo. It's Admiral Bateson," announced Lt. Commander Ewoltun, the Ops officer.
"On screen, please," replied Gunderson. She smiled at the image of her boss and friend, Morgan Bateson. "Admiral, it's good to see a familiar face! I hope you're about to order us back home to the Borderlands."
Bateson's face lacked it's characteristic humor. "I'm afraid not, Marge. The Bluefin is missing. She never reported to Point Station Gamma and they haven't responded to our hails."
A chill came over Gunderson, but she set her emotions aside. "What do you want us to do, Admiral?"
"Begin search protocols. I'm transmitting the last known course and heading to give you a starting point." He paused, "Marge, it's probably just a technical glitch. There's no indication of anything wrong." Both of them recognized the hollowness of that statement. Akinola was a veteran commander. He'd find a way to make a rendezvous, technical problems or not.
"We'll find them, Admiral - I promise you that." said Gunderson with more confidence than she felt.
Bateson offered a weak smile. "That's what I'm counting on, Captain. Bateson out."
Gunderson released a pent-up breath. "Mr. Jubartu, input the coordinates and give us a starting point. Mr. Coen, get us moving - maximum warp!"
Joseph, what have you gotten yourself into?she thought to herself.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Horace Greeley
Rincassa system
Lt. Krasder was in a state of shock as collision alarms blared. That cutter had actually rammed them! He was dumbstruck - surely, it must have been an accident. He slowly became aware that members of the bridge crew were trying to gain his attention. He slumped back into the command chair, ignoring them. This was just too much for him to process!
He slapped his comm badge. The Captain had warned him not to bother her unless it was urgent. Well, this certainly seemed to qualify! "Krasder to Captain deSouza!"
There was no response. Puzzled, he was about to slap his comm badge again, when a noise on the bridge caught his attention. It grew in intensity and several columns of light formed and coalesced into seven armed, armored and dangerous looking Border Service crewmen. One of them, wearing the rank of CPO on his collar, pointed a phaser carbine in Krasder's direction.
"Border Service! Everybody, STAND DOWN, and you will not be hurt," the chief bellowed. "We are taking this vessel and placing this crew under arrest. Any resistance will be met with force!"
One of the Greeley's bridge crew, with more guts than good sense, pulled a phaser from under a console, only to catch a heavy stun charge for his effort. The crewman crumpled to the floor.
"Anyone else want some?" growled Chief Deryx.
* * *
USS Bluefin
Transporter Room one
Dr. Castille ran a medical tri-corder over Commander Jack Bane's unconscious form and grimaced. "Ventricular tachycardia, massive thoracic trauma, respiration shallow . . ." He glanced up at the transporter operator. "Beam us directly to sick bay - Now!"
Castille and Jack Bane disappeard as the transporter effect faded. Corpsmen Sanders and Rice tended to the others.
"How is she?" asked Strauss, indicating Captain deSouza.
"Unconscious, but her vital signs are strong. She has some head trauma - possibly a concussion. Did she hit her head?" asked Sanders.
Strauss didn't want to admit that she had closed her eyes when the phaser discharged, so she was grateful when Nigel answered. "Yeah, when Jack plowed into her, she went down pretty hard." Nigel picked up the now-useless Type one phaser off the transporter pad.
Strauss felt her comm-badge vibrate. "Strauss, go ahead."
The relief in T'Ser's voice was evident. "Captain, are you alright?"
"We're both fine, commander. But Nigel's brother was shot with a phaser. Dr. Castille just beamed him to sickbay. We have Captain deSouza, who's unconscious but stable. What's our status?"
"We've beamed over three armed boarding parties. Deryx has secured the bridge and engineering is also under control. Apparently we caught them off-guard. I've ordered the round-up of their senior officers and put in our brig."
Strauss closed her eyes in relief. "Thanks, T'Ser. I owe you, big time!"
"Yes, you do. T'Ser out."
Relief gave way to disgust as she looked at the still form of Captain deSouza.
"And you call yourself a captain, little girl?" Strauss muttered, sarcastically.
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
After running three kilometers carrying Captain Akinola, Solly stopped to rest and to check out the captain.
He eased Akinola onto the ground, then grabbed the duffel bag he had recovered during their run through the woods. He found the first-aid kit and pulled out a small smart-hypo. Brin placed it against Akinola's neck. There was a pause as a tiny scanner read the captain's vital signs, before there came a hiss of injected stimulants, pain-killers, tri-ox and healing agents.
Akinola's eyes fluttered open. He attempted to sit up, but the pain caught him and he collapsed back down.
"Easy, Skipper! Give that stuff a minute to work." He pulled out a water bottle and gave Akinola a few swallows, which the Captain took, gratefully.
"Sit-rep, Senior Chief," rasped Akinola.
Brin checked the combat scanner on his fore arm. "We've got a fair lead on our pursuers, Captain. I've got about a dozen armed goons showing roughly 1500 meters to our six. They're not moving very fast, probably because a couple of 'em tripped some mines I'd planted." Brin said this with a grin of satisfaction.
As if on cue, a muffled KRUMPH echoed through the woods. Several startled avian creatures took flight in a flurry of dark feathers.
"Make that three," continued Brin, his grin widening to display menacing gold fangs. He pulled the Klingon Infantry rifle out of the bag, unfolding the stock and ramping up the power settings to full disrupt mode. "Feeling any better?"
"I've felt worse," said Akinola. He gingerly got to a sitting position. The pain had abated and the buzzing in his head was gone. He felt a curious detachment, almost euphoric in nature. "Whatever you gave me seems to be working. Let's move while I still can."
"Aye, sir." Solly helped Akinola to his feet and helped support him as they pressed on to their destination.
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Conducting SAR-OPs in Cardassian Occupied Territory
Captain Gunderson sat in her Ready Room, drinking hot cocoa and trying not to think dark thoughts. She attempted to complete an after-action report of their recent rescue operation involving a Bajoran freighter with a nasty chemical leak. Her gaze was drawn, however, to a holo-pic of a certain cutter captain with his arm around a younger Captain Gunderson.
How long ago was that Christmas party? she wondered. Fifteen year? Eighteen? It had been right after she had received her fourth pip, so it had to be eighteen.
She and Akinola had been an "item" in those days. Though their relationship had not developed into anything permanent, she still held a special place in her heart for him. She was pretty sure that he still had strong feelings for her as well. She sighed, and tried to focus on her report. The beep of her terminal's communicator broke her train of thought.
"Yes?" she answered. The face of a young Andorian officer appeared on her screen.
"Captain? We believe that we've picked up the Bluefin's warp signature. It appears that they headed for the Rincassa star system," replied Ensign Werissh.
Gunderson frowned. "I'm not familiar with that system."
"It's well off any established shipping lanes. We show a Type-E star, four uninhabited planets. No stations or outposts."
"Very well," replied Captain Gunderson. "Alter course to the Rincassa system. Maintain current speed and begin hailing at fifteen minute intervals."
"Acknowledged. Captain, you realize that a Type-E star will render long-range communications inoperative. If they're in that system, they won't be able to send or receive."
"Try anyway, Werissh. Maybe we'll get lucky." Or maybe they will. She thought, silently.
* * *
This is a hard one for all of them. I imagine Morgan is going to first welcome Joseph and Inga back with hugs and then chew their backsides out royally afterwards! That's provided Gunderson doesn't slap Joseph silly first--that is after she's finished kissing him!
However, first, Joseph and Solly have to shake off their pursuers long enough to get off of Verix III...
However, first, Joseph and Solly have to shake off their pursuers long enough to get off of Verix III...
That was a ballsy boarding action for the ages. 
Great work all the way around for the stalwart crew of the Bluefin. I think T’Ser just put her name on the map. She’d better look out or she might get head-hunted by someone looking for a new XO.
Akinola and Brin make a frighteningly effective team. Anyone who can walk into an Orion ahmet’sur’s own house, pimp slap his son, and take his medicine and walk (or limp) away is not someone to be trifled with.
Question: is constantly referring to Strauss as ‘Captain’ Strauss a particular habit of the Border Service? Typically, a crew doesn’t make that transition until the actual captain has been officially replaced, such as Lt. Commander Dax being tapped to replace Captain Sisko aboard the Defiant in the early months of the Dominion War.
And, oh yeah... Gunderson's going to very nearly make Joseph wish he hadn't done this. Almost.
Great work all the way around for the stalwart crew of the Bluefin. I think T’Ser just put her name on the map. She’d better look out or she might get head-hunted by someone looking for a new XO.Akinola and Brin make a frighteningly effective team. Anyone who can walk into an Orion ahmet’sur’s own house, pimp slap his son, and take his medicine and walk (or limp) away is not someone to be trifled with.
Question: is constantly referring to Strauss as ‘Captain’ Strauss a particular habit of the Border Service? Typically, a crew doesn’t make that transition until the actual captain has been officially replaced, such as Lt. Commander Dax being tapped to replace Captain Sisko aboard the Defiant in the early months of the Dominion War.
And, oh yeah... Gunderson's going to very nearly make Joseph wish he hadn't done this. Almost.
It's a Border Service thing. Whoever commands a cutter is referred to as "Captain," even though they may not hold the rank. 'Course, in Inga's case, it's a temporary command, but command none the less.
And yes, we see T'Ser's greater experience, maturity and tactical savvy shine through. Quite a contrast to Inga's ham-handed stint as C.O. thus far. Maybe Inga will learn something from this episode.
Maybe.
Very well done. But for some reason I would have thought the Horace's crew would have put a bit more of a fight. But I guess this shows you how good the men and women serving on Bluefin are. They get the job done!
My favorite fact in this last segment was that Strauss closed her eyes when the phaser went off. A small detail but one that felt very real and tells us a lot about the character. She's getting better but she ain't quite there yet.
My favorite fact in this last segment was that Strauss closed her eyes when the phaser went off. A small detail but one that felt very real and tells us a lot about the character. She's getting better but she ain't quite there yet.
A good observation, CeJay. I wrestled over whether to make the boarding a mini-battle in itself. I settled for a rather fast and dirty takedown (the ole "shock 'n awe"
) with the element of surprise. Also, the Horace Greeley is a transport, not a combat ship. They never expected to be jumped in that manner. Finally, not all of the crew is on the payroll of the Syndicate. Actually, most are not. Only the Captain, the XO, some of the senior officers and a few non-coms are the bad apples on that ship. Other crew members may have suspicions, but are not involved in the criminal activities.Thanks for the comments, everyone! Glad you like the story thus far.
ok, I've come late to the party.
Can you point me to the entire Bluefin series so I can start from the start?
Can you point me to the entire Bluefin series so I can start from the start?
Hutt- go to the Different Worlds web page for Bluefin, Gibraltar, Sutherland etc- if you need an easy access try ST Expanded Universe wiki- just about everything on Different Worlds is great and they are all part of United Trek-interlinked stories and characters. Also try Star Eagle Adventures. And check the links at both pages- I personally like Star Trek Vesta, which you can find in the Star Eagle Links page.
Hutt, here's a link to my previous stories on the "Different Worlds" website:
Different Worlds index
Different Worlds index
Chapter Fifteen
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola staggered to a stop to catch his breath. Solly pulled up and jogged back to him, concern on his face.
"You okay, Skipper?"
Akinola nodded. "Yeah . . . Just hard . . . to catch my breath," he gasped. The pain in his side, dulled by the pain-killers, was beginning to flare again. "Must have some busted ribs. I'll make it, though."
Brin checked his combat scanner. "We've opened up a pretty good lead over our pursuers. Those mines slowed them down. But if they muster any air support, we'll be in trouble. We need to get to the beam out zone ASAP."
"How much . . . farther?" gasped Akinola.
"Less than two klicks. That should put us clear of the Elix's atmospheric shields."
"Good. Move on out, Solly . . . I'll keep up."
Solly wasn't paying attention to Akinola. His gaze was fixed on an object approaching at tree-top level. He cursed and shoved Akinola down, just as an energy beam slashed past them, splintering a tree. The smell of ozone and burning wood assaulted their noses.
A small, barbell-shaped drone whizzed overhead, spouting tendrils of phaser fire as it passed. Solly returned fire from the disruptor rifle, to no avail.
"We've got to get to cover," Brin hissed as he half drug Akinola toward a downed tree trunk. He shoved the Captain underneath the massive trunk and activated the targeting scanner on his rifle.
"Damned thing moves like a Rigellian fire-bat," he groused, trying to lock in on the wildly gyrating drone. Fortunately, the drone's targeting system was none too effective as none of its shots did them any harm.
Akinola joined Solly in returning fire, but to no avail.
"I think it's just trying to pin us down until the troops arrive," said Solly. "I'll try to draw its fire away from you. Maybe you can get off a clean shot."
Akinola tried to protest, but couldn't catch his breath well enough to speak. His vision was beginning to cloud and spots began to appear before his eyes. He blinked rapidly to clear them as Solly sprinted out from behind cover into a clear area and began to wave his arms at the drone.
Sensing movement, the drone pivoted in mid-air and dove toward's Solly's position, firing bursts from its phasers.
Akinola steadied the phaser carbine on the tree trunk and began to squeeze off bursts in front of the drone. Finally, one of his shots struck true, just as one of the drone's shots hit Solly, who flew back several feet, sliding through the leaves and remained still. The drone, trailing sparks and smoke, spun around slowly, trying to gain altitude. Akinola easily dispatched the machine with another round from the carbine. He then hobbled over to Solly, fearing the worst.
"Solly?" he wheezed, painfully. "Dammit Solly . . ."
"AW, Frak!" groaned the Orion. "That HURT!" Solly rolled to a sitting position. The front of his stealth suit was melted away to reveal a charred but intact armored vest. He released the catches on the vest and tossed it aside. Already, dark bruises were forming on his dark, red torso. He grimaced. "THAT's gonna leave a mark!"
Akinola let out a painful breath in relief. "You scared . . . the hell out of me, . . . Senior Chief!"
"Yeah, me too," grumbled Solly. He winced as he stood up. "We better move before another of those things show up."
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Occupied Cardassian Space
En route to the Rincassa system
"Captain! I'm picking up a sensor contact coming out of the Rincassa system," reported Lt. Ewoltun, the Adair's Ops officer.
"Course and speed?" queried Captain Gunderson.
"Heading in our general direction, ma'am, course 76 mark 48, speed is sublight, point two-five cee."
"Can you identify it?"
Ewoltun furrowed his bony brow as he peered into the sensor hood. "That can't be right," he muttered.
"What's that?" pressed the captain.
"It appears that there are two ships forming one sensor contact. I believe they must have docked or collided some how."
Gunderson frowned. "On screen!" she ordered.
At first, the image was too distant to identify. Captain Gunderson ordered maximum magnification. When the image cleared, there was a moment of surprised silence on the bridge.
Finally, Ensign Jubartu spoke. "Well, that's something you don't see every day!"
"It looks like they're . . . mating," said Lt. Coen, from the helm.
"Alright, belay that talk," said Gunderson quietly, although in all honesty, she had to agree with Coen's assesment.
On the screen was the image of a Liberty-class vessel moving toward them with an Albacore-class cutter on top of and behind it. It did look a bit . . . obscene. Gunderson shook the thought from her mind.
"Hail them, Dreyni," ordered Gunderson.
"Which one?" asked Lt. Ewoltun.
"Either! Both! I don't care - just get someone on the channel so we can determine what the blazes is going on!"
* * *
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian territory
Sickbay
Lt. Nigel Bane stared at the pale, still form of his older brother. The bio-bed beeped a reassuring tone, indicating that Jack was at least alive. Dr. Castille walked over and ran a Feinberger scanner over the elder Bane's body. He glanced at the reading with a frown and grunt.
"How's he doing, Doc?" asked Nigel.
"Stable, but not out of the woods," replied the CMO. "He was lucky she only had a type-one phaser. If he'd been hit like this with a standard issue phaser he'd already be dead. Still, he caught a nasty charge and the shock of it has affected his heart's rhythm. And, there are deleterious effects to his nervous system as well. The burns at least, are easy to repair."
"So . . . will he make it?" pressed Nigel.
Castille folded his arms regarded the young officer with a penetrating gaze. "He should. But he has other issues than just this phaser wound."
"What other issues?"
"I've discovered traces of Corillan Acid in his bloodstream."
The news did not shock Nigel, so much as sadden him. "I guess I'm not surprised, Doc. It would explain a lot - especially why he got tied up with the Syndicate. It was probably the only way he could get a steady supply."
"You do understand the highly addictive nature of this drug, Lieutenant? Without it, your brother will go through a hellacious withdrawal period. And, in his weakened condition, I'm not certain he can survive it."
"Isn't there something you can do, something you can give him to help?"
Castille shook his head sadly. "Not really. I can offset the physical pain that will come, but not the intense psychological pain. There's a good reason why it's highly illegal to use or traffic the stuff." The doctor regarded the still form of Jack Bane and shook his head. Whether in pity or disgust, Nigel couldn't tell.
* * *
"Report!" barked Struass as she stepped onto the Bluefin's bridge.
T'Ser stood from the center seat. "We're exiting the Rincassa system, all systems functioning normally. Engineering says we suffered no structural damage in our 'rendezvous' with the Greeley. Chief Deryx reports that his boarding parties have secured the ship. Apparently, they surrendered without a fight."
Strauss looked surprised. "You're kidding!"
T'Ser shook her head. "Not at all. Apparently, most of the Greeley's crew is unaware of their captain's involvement with the Syndicate. However, until we can sort this out, we're maintaining an armed presence on that ship and some of our people are manning the bridge, engineering and auxiliary controls. The Greeley's senior officers are currently detained in our brig."
"Good. Well done, T'Ser."
The Vulcan officer did not look particularly happy. "Did you accomplish your mission?"
Strauss looked down. "No. No, we didn't. Captain deSouza lied to us - she didn't have the medicine that Captain Akinola needs."
Before T'Ser could respond, Ensign Vashtee spoke up from Ops. "Captain! Incoming message from the USS Adair. Captain Gunderson wishes to speak to Captain Akinola."
"Have fun explaining," said T'Ser, quietly, before she took her place at tactical.
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola staggered to a stop to catch his breath. Solly pulled up and jogged back to him, concern on his face.
"You okay, Skipper?"
Akinola nodded. "Yeah . . . Just hard . . . to catch my breath," he gasped. The pain in his side, dulled by the pain-killers, was beginning to flare again. "Must have some busted ribs. I'll make it, though."
Brin checked his combat scanner. "We've opened up a pretty good lead over our pursuers. Those mines slowed them down. But if they muster any air support, we'll be in trouble. We need to get to the beam out zone ASAP."
"How much . . . farther?" gasped Akinola.
"Less than two klicks. That should put us clear of the Elix's atmospheric shields."
"Good. Move on out, Solly . . . I'll keep up."
Solly wasn't paying attention to Akinola. His gaze was fixed on an object approaching at tree-top level. He cursed and shoved Akinola down, just as an energy beam slashed past them, splintering a tree. The smell of ozone and burning wood assaulted their noses.
A small, barbell-shaped drone whizzed overhead, spouting tendrils of phaser fire as it passed. Solly returned fire from the disruptor rifle, to no avail.
"We've got to get to cover," Brin hissed as he half drug Akinola toward a downed tree trunk. He shoved the Captain underneath the massive trunk and activated the targeting scanner on his rifle.
"Damned thing moves like a Rigellian fire-bat," he groused, trying to lock in on the wildly gyrating drone. Fortunately, the drone's targeting system was none too effective as none of its shots did them any harm.
Akinola joined Solly in returning fire, but to no avail.
"I think it's just trying to pin us down until the troops arrive," said Solly. "I'll try to draw its fire away from you. Maybe you can get off a clean shot."
Akinola tried to protest, but couldn't catch his breath well enough to speak. His vision was beginning to cloud and spots began to appear before his eyes. He blinked rapidly to clear them as Solly sprinted out from behind cover into a clear area and began to wave his arms at the drone.
Sensing movement, the drone pivoted in mid-air and dove toward's Solly's position, firing bursts from its phasers.
Akinola steadied the phaser carbine on the tree trunk and began to squeeze off bursts in front of the drone. Finally, one of his shots struck true, just as one of the drone's shots hit Solly, who flew back several feet, sliding through the leaves and remained still. The drone, trailing sparks and smoke, spun around slowly, trying to gain altitude. Akinola easily dispatched the machine with another round from the carbine. He then hobbled over to Solly, fearing the worst.
"Solly?" he wheezed, painfully. "Dammit Solly . . ."
"AW, Frak!" groaned the Orion. "That HURT!" Solly rolled to a sitting position. The front of his stealth suit was melted away to reveal a charred but intact armored vest. He released the catches on the vest and tossed it aside. Already, dark bruises were forming on his dark, red torso. He grimaced. "THAT's gonna leave a mark!"
Akinola let out a painful breath in relief. "You scared . . . the hell out of me, . . . Senior Chief!"
"Yeah, me too," grumbled Solly. He winced as he stood up. "We better move before another of those things show up."
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Adair
Occupied Cardassian Space
En route to the Rincassa system
"Captain! I'm picking up a sensor contact coming out of the Rincassa system," reported Lt. Ewoltun, the Adair's Ops officer.
"Course and speed?" queried Captain Gunderson.
"Heading in our general direction, ma'am, course 76 mark 48, speed is sublight, point two-five cee."
"Can you identify it?"
Ewoltun furrowed his bony brow as he peered into the sensor hood. "That can't be right," he muttered.
"What's that?" pressed the captain.
"It appears that there are two ships forming one sensor contact. I believe they must have docked or collided some how."
Gunderson frowned. "On screen!" she ordered.
At first, the image was too distant to identify. Captain Gunderson ordered maximum magnification. When the image cleared, there was a moment of surprised silence on the bridge.
Finally, Ensign Jubartu spoke. "Well, that's something you don't see every day!"
"It looks like they're . . . mating," said Lt. Coen, from the helm.
"Alright, belay that talk," said Gunderson quietly, although in all honesty, she had to agree with Coen's assesment.
On the screen was the image of a Liberty-class vessel moving toward them with an Albacore-class cutter on top of and behind it. It did look a bit . . . obscene. Gunderson shook the thought from her mind.
"Hail them, Dreyni," ordered Gunderson.
"Which one?" asked Lt. Ewoltun.
"Either! Both! I don't care - just get someone on the channel so we can determine what the blazes is going on!"
* * *
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian territory
Sickbay
Lt. Nigel Bane stared at the pale, still form of his older brother. The bio-bed beeped a reassuring tone, indicating that Jack was at least alive. Dr. Castille walked over and ran a Feinberger scanner over the elder Bane's body. He glanced at the reading with a frown and grunt.
"How's he doing, Doc?" asked Nigel.
"Stable, but not out of the woods," replied the CMO. "He was lucky she only had a type-one phaser. If he'd been hit like this with a standard issue phaser he'd already be dead. Still, he caught a nasty charge and the shock of it has affected his heart's rhythm. And, there are deleterious effects to his nervous system as well. The burns at least, are easy to repair."
"So . . . will he make it?" pressed Nigel.
Castille folded his arms regarded the young officer with a penetrating gaze. "He should. But he has other issues than just this phaser wound."
"What other issues?"
"I've discovered traces of Corillan Acid in his bloodstream."
The news did not shock Nigel, so much as sadden him. "I guess I'm not surprised, Doc. It would explain a lot - especially why he got tied up with the Syndicate. It was probably the only way he could get a steady supply."
"You do understand the highly addictive nature of this drug, Lieutenant? Without it, your brother will go through a hellacious withdrawal period. And, in his weakened condition, I'm not certain he can survive it."
"Isn't there something you can do, something you can give him to help?"
Castille shook his head sadly. "Not really. I can offset the physical pain that will come, but not the intense psychological pain. There's a good reason why it's highly illegal to use or traffic the stuff." The doctor regarded the still form of Jack Bane and shook his head. Whether in pity or disgust, Nigel couldn't tell.
* * *
"Report!" barked Struass as she stepped onto the Bluefin's bridge.
T'Ser stood from the center seat. "We're exiting the Rincassa system, all systems functioning normally. Engineering says we suffered no structural damage in our 'rendezvous' with the Greeley. Chief Deryx reports that his boarding parties have secured the ship. Apparently, they surrendered without a fight."
Strauss looked surprised. "You're kidding!"
T'Ser shook her head. "Not at all. Apparently, most of the Greeley's crew is unaware of their captain's involvement with the Syndicate. However, until we can sort this out, we're maintaining an armed presence on that ship and some of our people are manning the bridge, engineering and auxiliary controls. The Greeley's senior officers are currently detained in our brig."
"Good. Well done, T'Ser."
The Vulcan officer did not look particularly happy. "Did you accomplish your mission?"
Strauss looked down. "No. No, we didn't. Captain deSouza lied to us - she didn't have the medicine that Captain Akinola needs."
Before T'Ser could respond, Ensign Vashtee spoke up from Ops. "Captain! Incoming message from the USS Adair. Captain Gunderson wishes to speak to Captain Akinola."
"Have fun explaining," said T'Ser, quietly, before she took her place at tactical.
* * *
A starship-humping border cutter--that'll make the rounds through both Border and Regular fleets! Nigel's brother's got a rough road ahead too--his career is essentially finished in that unlike with Sito and Glover, his addiction was probably self-inflicted--he only has himself to blame.
As for Solly and Joseph--they're not out of it yet--unfortunately for the Elix's who haven't figured out that often its best to just let the lion go its own way!
As for Solly and Joseph--they're not out of it yet--unfortunately for the Elix's who haven't figured out that often its best to just let the lion go its own way!
So it's not all over yet, is it? Akinola and Solly are still behind enemy lines. Strauss has learned some valuable command lessons though and perhaps some day .... some day ... she might even head fleet operations. Who knows?
Great installment. The last question remaining. How will it all end?
Great installment. The last question remaining. How will it all end?
Chapter Sixteen
17 December 2376
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian Territory
"On screen, Ensign," said Strauss, steeling herself.
Captain Margaret Gunderson appeared on the main screen. A slight frown formed on her face when she saw Strauss in the center seat.
"Commander, I’m Captain Margaret Gunderson of the Adair. What is your situation? And where is Captain Akinola?"
"Captain Akinola is away on a . . . special mission. I'm Inga Strauss in temporary command."
The crease in Gunderson's brow deepened. "Well, then, Mr. Strauss. Would you be so kind as to explain why your ship has attached itself to the Horace Greeley?"
"Ma'am, it might be better for us to discuss this face-to-face. It's kind of complicated," said Strauss.
Gunderson nodded. "I just bet it is. I'm beaming over to the Bluefin, Commander Strauss, and I better like what I hear! Gunderson out."
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola and Brin made it to the beam-out point with no further encounters with drones or any of the Elix clan's henchmen. Brin activated his communcator.
"Brin to Eschaton! Two to beam up!"
The two materialized on the transporter platform of Bjorn Koordsen's ship. The Klingon-Human first mate was waiting for them.
"We need to get the Skipper in your sickbay! He's busted up pretty bad." said Solly. The first mate and the transporter crewman helped Akinola down the corridor aft to sickbay. Solly trotted forward toward the bridge. He arrived to find that Bjorn Koordsen had already ordered the ship to leave orbit.
“Welcome back, Brin. How’s Akinola?”
“He’s pretty banged up. Probably some broken ribs and a lot of bruises, maybe some internal bleeding. But all in all, we got out of there pretty easy,” replied Brin.
“We’re not out of this yet,” said Koordsen, as he checked a sensor monitor on his chair. “Helm, we’ve got two inbound raiders, moving fast! Evasive pattern fox delta one!”
The impulse engines of the Antarean corvette howled as the helmsman firewalled the throttle and began a series of seemingly random and erratic maneuvers.
“Solly! Man the weapons station. We may be in a firefight in a few minutes.”
Solly seated himself at the weapons console, powered up the phaser banks and activated the targeting scanners. He wished he had a couple of torpedoes but the corvette had none.
“Weapons hot! Shields up and firm,” reported Solly.
“Come on you damned pirates,” Koordsen murmured, “You’ll find out we’re not nearly as helpless as we may look.” He raised his voice. “Helm! Time ‘til we can go to warp?”
The Rigellian helmsman glanced at his console. “Eleven minutes, twenty eight seconds.”
Koordsen grimaced. “Too long. This will be over one way or the other by then!”
* * *
Akinola gritted his teeth in pain as the First Mate, Ma’run Collins, helped him onto the only bed in the tiny sickbay. A Bajoran entered the cramped space and produced a medical scanner that looked like it came from a museum.
“Captain Akinola, this is Jir Krelis,” said Collins. “He’s technically not a doctor, but he’s kept us patched up and alive. You’ll be in good hands with him.”
Akinola merely nodded. The adrenaline rush and the pain killers had faded. It was an effort just to breathe.
Krelis ran the ancient medical scanner over Akinola for about a minute. He frowned at the readings. “It appears that you have three broken ribs, a badly bruised sternum, multiple haematomae, and a broken nose. I’m also reading some internal bleeding from your a tear in your spleen which is your most serious problem. It is vital that I repair the damage quickly. Do you understand?”
Again, Akinola nodded. Krelis’ voice seemed far away. The room was becoming fuzzy and indistinct.
Krelis looked up at Collins. “Ma’run? I’m going to need you to assist.”
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian Territory
Captain Margaret Gunderson stood in the Bluefin’s wardroom, staring at Strauss, Bane, Dr. Castille and T’Ser with an incredulous expression.
“My God! Joseph and Solly went to the Orion homeworld to buy this, this . . . what did you call it, Doctor?”
“Fexkel-Tripan,” replied Castille.
Gunderson shook her head in amazement. “Those damned fools! They should have asked for help!”
“Captain Akinola was afraid of involving anyone else besides Senior Chief Brin. I believe he thought that Admiral Bateson would refuse permission for him to go if he asked.” Strauss paused. “It would be hard for the Captain to defy a direct order.”
“Easier to get forgiveness than permission,” agreed Gunderson. “Yes, that sounds like Joseph all right, blast him!” She shook her head again, as if still not comprehending what she had been told. Finally she directed her gaze at Strauss.
“But that still doesn’t explain what you were doing in the Rincassa system. Admiral Bateson told me you were overdue at Point Station Gamma. And I can’t wait to hear about your ‘rendezvous’ with that transport!”
Taking a deep breath, Inga related the whole story of reading Akinola’s private message, Nigel’s revelation of his brother’s Syndicate involvement, and their plan to obtain the medicine from Captain deSouza before arresting them. She also told how things had nearly gone very wrong.
Gunderson was silent for a long moment as she stood with her arms folded. Finally, she spoke. “That's a pretty amazing tale, Commander Strauss. You took a huge gamble today and it nearly cost you your life and the life of Lt. Bane. You also placed your ship in unnecessary peril.”
“Captain,” Inga interrupted, “We just wanted to help . . .”
Gunderson cut her off with her hand. “I’m not questioning your motives, Commander. I’m questioning your judgment. If Commander T’Ser had not acted when she did, you’d both be dead!”
Inga lowered her head. She knew all too well that Gunderson was correct.
Gunderson sighed and her voice softened. “Look, Strauss. It was a foolhardy stunt, but you were lucky today. You’re not the first starship commander to do something dumb. To be honest, I don’t know whether to relieve you or recommend you for a commendation! The fact that you captured a rogue ship helps your case.” She leaned forward and stared directly into Inga’s eyes.
“But God help you when Joseph finds out!”
* * *
17 December 2376
SS Eschaton
Verex system
“The raiders are within firing range!” announced Solly.
As if to punctuate his statement, the corvette shuddered as phaser fire impacted the Eschaton’s shields.
“Aft shields at 85%” said Solly.
“Return fire!” ordered Koordsen.
Twin blue beams lashed out from the aft emitters of the Antarean vessel, striking the lead Orion ship. The two raiders pressed on relentlessly towards their quarry.
Solly grunted in disappointment. “Direct hit but no apparent damage.”
Koordsen slapped the comm switch on his chair as another barrage struck the corvette. “Engine room! Can you give us any more speed?”
”Negative, Captain! We’re dangerously close to overheating the engines as it is!”
“If those raiders catch us, it won’t matter, will it? Run them ‘til they bleed! Koordsen, out.”
Solly turned toward Koordsen, a grim expression on his face. “They’ve uprated their shields. We’re not making a dent in ‘em.”
“Captain!” Yelled the helmsman, “There’s a third vessel approaching on an intercept course - bigger than the other two!”
Solly checked his board and cursed. “It’s a super-raider. We don’t have a chance in Sto ‘Vo-kor against that thing.”
Koordsen made a decision. “Helm, come about! Bring us in between the two lead raiders. Maybe that will dissuade that super-raider from firing.”
“Right,” muttered the helmsman, “And maybe Hortas will fly.”
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian Territory
"On screen, Ensign," said Strauss, steeling herself.
Captain Margaret Gunderson appeared on the main screen. A slight frown formed on her face when she saw Strauss in the center seat.
"Commander, I’m Captain Margaret Gunderson of the Adair. What is your situation? And where is Captain Akinola?"
"Captain Akinola is away on a . . . special mission. I'm Inga Strauss in temporary command."
The crease in Gunderson's brow deepened. "Well, then, Mr. Strauss. Would you be so kind as to explain why your ship has attached itself to the Horace Greeley?"
"Ma'am, it might be better for us to discuss this face-to-face. It's kind of complicated," said Strauss.
Gunderson nodded. "I just bet it is. I'm beaming over to the Bluefin, Commander Strauss, and I better like what I hear! Gunderson out."
* * *
17 December 2376
Verex III
Akinola and Brin made it to the beam-out point with no further encounters with drones or any of the Elix clan's henchmen. Brin activated his communcator.
"Brin to Eschaton! Two to beam up!"
The two materialized on the transporter platform of Bjorn Koordsen's ship. The Klingon-Human first mate was waiting for them.
"We need to get the Skipper in your sickbay! He's busted up pretty bad." said Solly. The first mate and the transporter crewman helped Akinola down the corridor aft to sickbay. Solly trotted forward toward the bridge. He arrived to find that Bjorn Koordsen had already ordered the ship to leave orbit.
“Welcome back, Brin. How’s Akinola?”
“He’s pretty banged up. Probably some broken ribs and a lot of bruises, maybe some internal bleeding. But all in all, we got out of there pretty easy,” replied Brin.
“We’re not out of this yet,” said Koordsen, as he checked a sensor monitor on his chair. “Helm, we’ve got two inbound raiders, moving fast! Evasive pattern fox delta one!”
The impulse engines of the Antarean corvette howled as the helmsman firewalled the throttle and began a series of seemingly random and erratic maneuvers.
“Solly! Man the weapons station. We may be in a firefight in a few minutes.”
Solly seated himself at the weapons console, powered up the phaser banks and activated the targeting scanners. He wished he had a couple of torpedoes but the corvette had none.
“Weapons hot! Shields up and firm,” reported Solly.
“Come on you damned pirates,” Koordsen murmured, “You’ll find out we’re not nearly as helpless as we may look.” He raised his voice. “Helm! Time ‘til we can go to warp?”
The Rigellian helmsman glanced at his console. “Eleven minutes, twenty eight seconds.”
Koordsen grimaced. “Too long. This will be over one way or the other by then!”
* * *
Akinola gritted his teeth in pain as the First Mate, Ma’run Collins, helped him onto the only bed in the tiny sickbay. A Bajoran entered the cramped space and produced a medical scanner that looked like it came from a museum.
“Captain Akinola, this is Jir Krelis,” said Collins. “He’s technically not a doctor, but he’s kept us patched up and alive. You’ll be in good hands with him.”
Akinola merely nodded. The adrenaline rush and the pain killers had faded. It was an effort just to breathe.
Krelis ran the ancient medical scanner over Akinola for about a minute. He frowned at the readings. “It appears that you have three broken ribs, a badly bruised sternum, multiple haematomae, and a broken nose. I’m also reading some internal bleeding from your a tear in your spleen which is your most serious problem. It is vital that I repair the damage quickly. Do you understand?”
Again, Akinola nodded. Krelis’ voice seemed far away. The room was becoming fuzzy and indistinct.
Krelis looked up at Collins. “Ma’run? I’m going to need you to assist.”
* * *
17 December 2376
USS Bluefin
Occupied Cardassian Territory
Captain Margaret Gunderson stood in the Bluefin’s wardroom, staring at Strauss, Bane, Dr. Castille and T’Ser with an incredulous expression.
“My God! Joseph and Solly went to the Orion homeworld to buy this, this . . . what did you call it, Doctor?”
“Fexkel-Tripan,” replied Castille.
Gunderson shook her head in amazement. “Those damned fools! They should have asked for help!”
“Captain Akinola was afraid of involving anyone else besides Senior Chief Brin. I believe he thought that Admiral Bateson would refuse permission for him to go if he asked.” Strauss paused. “It would be hard for the Captain to defy a direct order.”
“Easier to get forgiveness than permission,” agreed Gunderson. “Yes, that sounds like Joseph all right, blast him!” She shook her head again, as if still not comprehending what she had been told. Finally she directed her gaze at Strauss.
“But that still doesn’t explain what you were doing in the Rincassa system. Admiral Bateson told me you were overdue at Point Station Gamma. And I can’t wait to hear about your ‘rendezvous’ with that transport!”
Taking a deep breath, Inga related the whole story of reading Akinola’s private message, Nigel’s revelation of his brother’s Syndicate involvement, and their plan to obtain the medicine from Captain deSouza before arresting them. She also told how things had nearly gone very wrong.
Gunderson was silent for a long moment as she stood with her arms folded. Finally, she spoke. “That's a pretty amazing tale, Commander Strauss. You took a huge gamble today and it nearly cost you your life and the life of Lt. Bane. You also placed your ship in unnecessary peril.”
“Captain,” Inga interrupted, “We just wanted to help . . .”
Gunderson cut her off with her hand. “I’m not questioning your motives, Commander. I’m questioning your judgment. If Commander T’Ser had not acted when she did, you’d both be dead!”
Inga lowered her head. She knew all too well that Gunderson was correct.
Gunderson sighed and her voice softened. “Look, Strauss. It was a foolhardy stunt, but you were lucky today. You’re not the first starship commander to do something dumb. To be honest, I don’t know whether to relieve you or recommend you for a commendation! The fact that you captured a rogue ship helps your case.” She leaned forward and stared directly into Inga’s eyes.
“But God help you when Joseph finds out!”
* * *
17 December 2376
SS Eschaton
Verex system
“The raiders are within firing range!” announced Solly.
As if to punctuate his statement, the corvette shuddered as phaser fire impacted the Eschaton’s shields.
“Aft shields at 85%” said Solly.
“Return fire!” ordered Koordsen.
Twin blue beams lashed out from the aft emitters of the Antarean vessel, striking the lead Orion ship. The two raiders pressed on relentlessly towards their quarry.
Solly grunted in disappointment. “Direct hit but no apparent damage.”
Koordsen slapped the comm switch on his chair as another barrage struck the corvette. “Engine room! Can you give us any more speed?”
”Negative, Captain! We’re dangerously close to overheating the engines as it is!”
“If those raiders catch us, it won’t matter, will it? Run them ‘til they bleed! Koordsen, out.”
Solly turned toward Koordsen, a grim expression on his face. “They’ve uprated their shields. We’re not making a dent in ‘em.”
“Captain!” Yelled the helmsman, “There’s a third vessel approaching on an intercept course - bigger than the other two!”
Solly checked his board and cursed. “It’s a super-raider. We don’t have a chance in Sto ‘Vo-kor against that thing.”
Koordsen made a decision. “Helm, come about! Bring us in between the two lead raiders. Maybe that will dissuade that super-raider from firing.”
“Right,” muttered the helmsman, “And maybe Hortas will fly.”
* * *
Damn man, you're giving Dnoth a run for his money with this one.
However, he's finished his!! Write faster!!
However, he's finished his!! Write faster!!
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