Tales of the USS Bluefin - 8: "Stand-off!"
- Thread starter TheLoneRedshirt
- Start date
And now it's party time! I have a feeling this is going to get much uglier though...
I FREAKIN' LOVE THIS STORY!
That is all.
That is all.
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!!!
Are you ready to ruuuuuuumble?!
Things are going to get just plain nasty.
I think you might have missed a cliche or two.
"It's clobberin' time!"
Chapter Fifteen
Stardate 54246.6 (2 April 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
Deck 13, Section C Forward
Vincent and Pat Criswell moved forward along the wide corridor when a sudden violent jolt nearly threw them to the deck. They grabbed one another for support as the Queen Elizabeth vibrated and rocked. A sudden brilliant light streamed through an observation port, then quickly faded.
"Looks like Starfleet finally showed up," grumbled Vince as the shaking subsided. "'Bout frakkin' time!"
"Less talk, more walk," chided Patricia, "I remember an access tube just ahead - we can go up three levels and head aft - there was a comm station on deck ten."
"Yes, dear," replied the former Master Gunnery Sergeant, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. Pat gave him a withering look that quickly morphed into a smile.
"You're having fun, aren't you Gunny?"
Vince smiled. "I haven't had this much fun since we blew up that Cardie fuel processing center on Vestaria IV!"
Pat shook her head. "It was Vestaria III - and it was an ammo dump." The two began trotting forward again.
Vince sighed. "Yes, dear." He was smart enough to know when to shut up.
* * *
Deck 10, Section G Midship - Bluefin Team Four
Nigel Bane, Chief Deryx and Ensign Li materialized outside a souvenir kiosk. Emergency lights created pools of muddy yellow light that did little to push back the darkness of the long corridor.
Bane performed a quick sensor sweep while Deryx and Li swept the immediate area with their phaser carbines.
"I'm picking up a sizeable group of life-forms ahead," announced Bane, quietly. "Two charged energy weapons - reading like disruptors." He looked up. "Must be a ball room or restaurant - it's sixty meters ahead. Chief - you got the tactical drones ready?"
Deryx pulled two flat objects from his rucksack and activated them. The black elipses hummed to life, extended in lenght and sprouted small sensor probes. The drones rose from the deck and floated quickly down the corridor. Derxy produced a sturdy-looking PADD which afforded them a view from the drones' sensors.
In short order, the drones approached two large doors. Deryx activated a control on the PADD and was rewarded with a thermal image of the room beyond.
"Looks like 100 plus passengers . . . and those must be the perps!" Deryx indicated two blobs superimposed with the bright-blue telltale image of energy weapons.
Bane nodded. "Right then. Looks like they're separated from the hostages - should make our job a bit easier! Let's get in position. Chief, you get the drones to take down the doors and take down the perps. Li, you follow-up on the right-hand perp, I'll take the one on the left."
"Aye sir," replied Deryx. Li swallowed nervously, and nodded in understanding. Bane grinned and cuffed the young Asian Ensign on the shoulder."
"A walk in the park, Ensign! Just like in our training exercises."
"Yeah," agreed Deryx, "'Cept these guys have their disruptors set to kill!"
* * *
Bluefin Team One
Senior Chief Brin checked his combat scanner and frowned. The energy output from the nearby fusion reactors was interfering with the sensor readings. He turned and whispered to Strauss.
"Scanner's no good down here. Use your ears and eyes."
Inga nodded and gestured for Brin to proceed.
The Red Orion grasped the manual over-ride handle on the hatch before them, and cranked it open. Strauss cringed at the audible creaking of the hatch as it slowly slid open. So much for a stealthy entry.
Brin eased forward, phaser carbine at the ready and scanned the massive chamber with his eyes. Unlike Strauss, he did not require occulars to see in the dark.
He sensed, rather than saw, motion to his left. Using hand signals, he directed Strauss and Sanders to move right on the catwalk, toward the bank of reactor controls.
Brin began to move to his left, his boots making no sound on the metal grating. He was unaware of the grin that had formed on his face. It was not a pleasant expression.
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Sequoia
Sector 04340 - Warp 9.7
The Sequoia rapidly closed the gap with the approaching Q-ships. Captain D'Angelo absently stroked his chin as he studied the tactical plotter.
"Sir?" called Lt. Vorl, "Signal from the Resolute. They've destroyed one of the ships, but took damage from quantum torpedoes. They're heading our way, but won't arrive before we engage the targets."
D'Angelo frowned. "Quantum torpedoes? Are you sure about that, Lieutenant?"
"Yes sir - I had them repeat the message to be sure. Somehow, the Maquis got hold of some."
"Very well - we must assume these two ships may have quantum torps as well. Helm, allow us plenty of maneuvering room. Mr. Lamonica - target their weapons first! We'll worry about their engines once we knock out their teeth!"
There were enthusiastic acknowledgements to D'Angelo's orders. Lt. Lamonica smiled as he turned back to the tactical console. The Captain was actually showing a spark of enthusiasm! Lamonica didn't know where it came from, or why it had appeared, but he was glad to see it!
"Tactical - designate nearest ship as 'target one' and the other as 'target two.' I anticipate they will split off momentarily. Helm, close on target one first. Ops - let us know if they fire any torpedoes!"
"I'm on it, sir," responded Vorl.
"There they go!" observed Lamonica as the two Q-ships broke off in opposite directions.
"Stick with target one, Mr. Kitna - close the gap. Stand-by on phasers, Mr. Lamonica." D'Angelo's voice was calm and firm. He actually seemed to be enjoying himself.
"We're closing the gap, sir," announced Lilly Kitna from the helm. She absently huffed a stray strand of dark hair from her face.
"Phaser range in thirty seconds," advised Lamonica.
"When you get a firm lock, fire at will Mr. Lamonica," ordered D'Angelo, who absently rubbed his hands together as he leaned forward - eyes intent on the viewscreen.
"Inbound torpedo!" shouted Lt. Vorl, a note of fear in his voice. "Definite quantum signature! . . . Now picking up second torpedo!"
"Activate counter-measures! Mr. Kitna, evasive pattern, Tycho - Seven."
The cutter suddenly went vertical relative to the elliptic plane. Numerous micro-probes were ejected from the stern of the ship, spreading in multiple directions. Each probe generated an energy signature that mimicked the Sequoia.
The counter-measures successfully defeated the first torpedo, which detonated in close proximity to the cloud of micro-probes. The explosion wiped out the remaining decoys, however, and the second torpedo followed-on relentlessly.
"Whoever's commanding that ship is familiar with our tactics," observed D'Angelo. "Helm, reverse course and bring us in to target one - maximum speed! I want to get inside his safety envelope."
Kitna's slender hands flew over the helm console. The cutter shuddered as the inertial compensators were pushed to their limits, then exceeded. Numerous warning lights began to flash in protest.
The quantum torpedo gamely followed the Sequoia, as it raced toward the Maquis vessel. The commander of the Maquis ship, realizing D'Angelo's plan, attempted to outrun the cutter.
It was no contest.
The Sequoia bore down on the converted freighter, which in turn, fired its phasers at the Boder Service ship. The fire was ineffectual.
"Mr. Lamonica, target their engines - fire!"
The Sequoia's twin phaser cannons erupted, sending lethal streams of phased energy at the Q-ship, whose shields quickly buckled. Lamonica's aim was true and the stubby nacelles of the Maquis vessel were quickly shredded, as were the impulse vents. Debris spiraled away from the wounded ship and tendrils of glowing red plasma began to stream from the struts.
"Reverse course, Mr. Kitna - now!"
Once again pushing the limits of the cutter, the pixyish helm officer threw the Sequoia into a wrenching 180 degree turn.
The torpedo, which had doggedly followed the cutter, suddenly locked onto the now defenseless and powerless Q-ship, which quickly dissolved in a spectacular ball of light and radiation.
"Nicely done, Mr. Lamonica, Mr. Kitna - now . . . lay in a pursuit course for target two!"
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Bluefin
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
"Captain, Sequoia reports second Q-ship destroyed. They're pursuing the last vessel."
"Can they catch them in time?" asked Akinola.
T'Ser turned and favored him with a doubtful look. "It'll be close. And if that Q-ship launches its quantum torpedoes at the Queen Elizabeth . . ."
"Then all of this will be for nothing," finished Akinola. "What about the Resolute?"
The Vulcan operations officer shook her head. "They're limited to warp 8 - they took heavy hull damage when they engaged the first ship. They won't get here in time to help."
Akinola nodded. "Delta, power up the weapons. If Sequoia can't catch that ship, it's up to us to stop it."
* * *
Stardate 54246.6 (2 April 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
Deck 13, Section C Forward
Vincent and Pat Criswell moved forward along the wide corridor when a sudden violent jolt nearly threw them to the deck. They grabbed one another for support as the Queen Elizabeth vibrated and rocked. A sudden brilliant light streamed through an observation port, then quickly faded.
"Looks like Starfleet finally showed up," grumbled Vince as the shaking subsided. "'Bout frakkin' time!"
"Less talk, more walk," chided Patricia, "I remember an access tube just ahead - we can go up three levels and head aft - there was a comm station on deck ten."
"Yes, dear," replied the former Master Gunnery Sergeant, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. Pat gave him a withering look that quickly morphed into a smile.
"You're having fun, aren't you Gunny?"
Vince smiled. "I haven't had this much fun since we blew up that Cardie fuel processing center on Vestaria IV!"
Pat shook her head. "It was Vestaria III - and it was an ammo dump." The two began trotting forward again.
Vince sighed. "Yes, dear." He was smart enough to know when to shut up.
* * *
Deck 10, Section G Midship - Bluefin Team Four
Nigel Bane, Chief Deryx and Ensign Li materialized outside a souvenir kiosk. Emergency lights created pools of muddy yellow light that did little to push back the darkness of the long corridor.
Bane performed a quick sensor sweep while Deryx and Li swept the immediate area with their phaser carbines.
"I'm picking up a sizeable group of life-forms ahead," announced Bane, quietly. "Two charged energy weapons - reading like disruptors." He looked up. "Must be a ball room or restaurant - it's sixty meters ahead. Chief - you got the tactical drones ready?"
Deryx pulled two flat objects from his rucksack and activated them. The black elipses hummed to life, extended in lenght and sprouted small sensor probes. The drones rose from the deck and floated quickly down the corridor. Derxy produced a sturdy-looking PADD which afforded them a view from the drones' sensors.
In short order, the drones approached two large doors. Deryx activated a control on the PADD and was rewarded with a thermal image of the room beyond.
"Looks like 100 plus passengers . . . and those must be the perps!" Deryx indicated two blobs superimposed with the bright-blue telltale image of energy weapons.
Bane nodded. "Right then. Looks like they're separated from the hostages - should make our job a bit easier! Let's get in position. Chief, you get the drones to take down the doors and take down the perps. Li, you follow-up on the right-hand perp, I'll take the one on the left."
"Aye sir," replied Deryx. Li swallowed nervously, and nodded in understanding. Bane grinned and cuffed the young Asian Ensign on the shoulder."
"A walk in the park, Ensign! Just like in our training exercises."
"Yeah," agreed Deryx, "'Cept these guys have their disruptors set to kill!"
* * *
Bluefin Team One
Senior Chief Brin checked his combat scanner and frowned. The energy output from the nearby fusion reactors was interfering with the sensor readings. He turned and whispered to Strauss.
"Scanner's no good down here. Use your ears and eyes."
Inga nodded and gestured for Brin to proceed.
The Red Orion grasped the manual over-ride handle on the hatch before them, and cranked it open. Strauss cringed at the audible creaking of the hatch as it slowly slid open. So much for a stealthy entry.
Brin eased forward, phaser carbine at the ready and scanned the massive chamber with his eyes. Unlike Strauss, he did not require occulars to see in the dark.
He sensed, rather than saw, motion to his left. Using hand signals, he directed Strauss and Sanders to move right on the catwalk, toward the bank of reactor controls.
Brin began to move to his left, his boots making no sound on the metal grating. He was unaware of the grin that had formed on his face. It was not a pleasant expression.
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Sequoia
Sector 04340 - Warp 9.7
The Sequoia rapidly closed the gap with the approaching Q-ships. Captain D'Angelo absently stroked his chin as he studied the tactical plotter.
"Sir?" called Lt. Vorl, "Signal from the Resolute. They've destroyed one of the ships, but took damage from quantum torpedoes. They're heading our way, but won't arrive before we engage the targets."
D'Angelo frowned. "Quantum torpedoes? Are you sure about that, Lieutenant?"
"Yes sir - I had them repeat the message to be sure. Somehow, the Maquis got hold of some."
"Very well - we must assume these two ships may have quantum torps as well. Helm, allow us plenty of maneuvering room. Mr. Lamonica - target their weapons first! We'll worry about their engines once we knock out their teeth!"
There were enthusiastic acknowledgements to D'Angelo's orders. Lt. Lamonica smiled as he turned back to the tactical console. The Captain was actually showing a spark of enthusiasm! Lamonica didn't know where it came from, or why it had appeared, but he was glad to see it!
"Tactical - designate nearest ship as 'target one' and the other as 'target two.' I anticipate they will split off momentarily. Helm, close on target one first. Ops - let us know if they fire any torpedoes!"
"I'm on it, sir," responded Vorl.
"There they go!" observed Lamonica as the two Q-ships broke off in opposite directions.
"Stick with target one, Mr. Kitna - close the gap. Stand-by on phasers, Mr. Lamonica." D'Angelo's voice was calm and firm. He actually seemed to be enjoying himself.
"We're closing the gap, sir," announced Lilly Kitna from the helm. She absently huffed a stray strand of dark hair from her face.
"Phaser range in thirty seconds," advised Lamonica.
"When you get a firm lock, fire at will Mr. Lamonica," ordered D'Angelo, who absently rubbed his hands together as he leaned forward - eyes intent on the viewscreen.
"Inbound torpedo!" shouted Lt. Vorl, a note of fear in his voice. "Definite quantum signature! . . . Now picking up second torpedo!"
"Activate counter-measures! Mr. Kitna, evasive pattern, Tycho - Seven."
The cutter suddenly went vertical relative to the elliptic plane. Numerous micro-probes were ejected from the stern of the ship, spreading in multiple directions. Each probe generated an energy signature that mimicked the Sequoia.
The counter-measures successfully defeated the first torpedo, which detonated in close proximity to the cloud of micro-probes. The explosion wiped out the remaining decoys, however, and the second torpedo followed-on relentlessly.
"Whoever's commanding that ship is familiar with our tactics," observed D'Angelo. "Helm, reverse course and bring us in to target one - maximum speed! I want to get inside his safety envelope."
Kitna's slender hands flew over the helm console. The cutter shuddered as the inertial compensators were pushed to their limits, then exceeded. Numerous warning lights began to flash in protest.
The quantum torpedo gamely followed the Sequoia, as it raced toward the Maquis vessel. The commander of the Maquis ship, realizing D'Angelo's plan, attempted to outrun the cutter.
It was no contest.
The Sequoia bore down on the converted freighter, which in turn, fired its phasers at the Boder Service ship. The fire was ineffectual.
"Mr. Lamonica, target their engines - fire!"
The Sequoia's twin phaser cannons erupted, sending lethal streams of phased energy at the Q-ship, whose shields quickly buckled. Lamonica's aim was true and the stubby nacelles of the Maquis vessel were quickly shredded, as were the impulse vents. Debris spiraled away from the wounded ship and tendrils of glowing red plasma began to stream from the struts.
"Reverse course, Mr. Kitna - now!"
Once again pushing the limits of the cutter, the pixyish helm officer threw the Sequoia into a wrenching 180 degree turn.
The torpedo, which had doggedly followed the cutter, suddenly locked onto the now defenseless and powerless Q-ship, which quickly dissolved in a spectacular ball of light and radiation.
"Nicely done, Mr. Lamonica, Mr. Kitna - now . . . lay in a pursuit course for target two!"
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Bluefin
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
"Captain, Sequoia reports second Q-ship destroyed. They're pursuing the last vessel."
"Can they catch them in time?" asked Akinola.
T'Ser turned and favored him with a doubtful look. "It'll be close. And if that Q-ship launches its quantum torpedoes at the Queen Elizabeth . . ."
"Then all of this will be for nothing," finished Akinola. "What about the Resolute?"
The Vulcan operations officer shook her head. "They're limited to warp 8 - they took heavy hull damage when they engaged the first ship. They won't get here in time to help."
Akinola nodded. "Delta, power up the weapons. If Sequoia can't catch that ship, it's up to us to stop it."
* * *
Do I detect that someone has been watching Crimson Tide?? Or was it Hunt for Red October? I know you've been watching one or the other recently!
Great piece, I just hope our gunny couple don't get hit by friendly fire.
Great piece, I just hope our gunny couple don't get hit by friendly fire.
Thanks for the kind comments! Actually, though I've seen and enjoyed both Crimson Tide and Hunt for Red October, I was not consciously drawing upon either movie. If anything, I may be channeling Under Siege and Die Hard. 
Regardless, I'm glad you like the story. And it ain't over yet!
Regardless, I'm glad you like the story. And it ain't over yet!
I'm sure it was Crimson Tide, but anyway. Great piece and looking forward to our Red Orion and the Grin of Despair (for those on the receiving end!)Thanks for the kind comments! Actually, though I've seen and enjoyed both Crimson Tide and Hunt for Red October, I was not consciously drawing upon either movie. If anything, I may be channeling Under Siege and Die Hard.
Regardless, I'm glad you like the story. And it ain't over yet!
And now the fireworks are really going off! And from that evil grin on Solly's face, I'd say some Neo is going to get it...
Chapter Sixteen
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
Deck 20 - Fusion Reactor Control Room #2
Neo-Maquis terrorist Gayle Alexander, aka Lt. Muriel Allender, held the heavy disruptor pistol before her with both hands, waiting on the Border Dogs to appear so she could take them out. She ran her tongue over dry lips, her eyes wide in anticipation and apprehension. Her heart pounded so hard she feared that her adversaries might hear it.
"Come on, come on . . ." she whispered under her breath. Why were they taking so long? They had to come this way sooner or later."
She thought she heard a footfall a few meters away. Instantly, she stepped from her hiding space, behind a massive Deuterium tank, and squeezed off a shot with the disruptor. The bright green flash revealed nothing. The high-pitched echo of the disruptor bolt mocked her.
No one was there.
What the hell? she thought. Her apprehension was creeping into the realm of fear.
The hairs on her neck suddenly rose. Someone, something, was behind her - she knew it!
She whirled, bringing her weapon up to fire.
No one was there.
Shakily, she lowered the disruptor fractionally. Keep your head, Gayle! - the darkness has you spooked. Probably no one is in here after all.
Taking a hitching breath, she turned back the way she had previously faced. Two glowing, yellow orbs seemed to float in the darkness, studying her with malevolent interest. Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't move - she was paralyzed with fear!
"Hi," said Solly Brin, before punching her in the face.
* * *
Sequoia Team Alpha - Auxiliary Engineering
"Chief, can you drop us out of warp?" asked Galvani.
Chief Kasparov shook his head. "No ma'am. Controls are locked-out. Whoever did this knew what they were doing." He turned and gave her an apologetic look. "If they can't shut it down on the bridge, there's only one way to stop this ship - we'll have to dump the warp core."
Galvani grimaced. "Damn. Where do we need to go, Chief?" She already knew the answer.
"We've got to get to main engineering."
"Where we know there are ten Maquis armed and waiting." She sighed and absently rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Right - contact team Bravo and Gamma to meet us down there. We'll have to let the Bluefin's teams handle the hostages."
* * *
Bluefin Team Two - Main Bridge
Lt. Sarnek, Chief Rumraa and Corpsman Toleno cautiously entered the bridge from an access hatch. The massive Caitian CPO moved forward, phaser carbine at the ready and fangs bared. He quickly surveyed the bridge and relaxed slightly.
"Clearr. Two men down," Rumraa announced.
Sarnek and Toleno moved forward and joined Rumraa. Sarnek moved to the control stations while the New Cyprian medic knelt by the two unconscious figures. Rumraa remained on guard, his golden eyes sweeping the gleaming control room with suspicion.
Sarnek tapped his commbadge. "Sarnek to Bluefin."
"Bluefin, go ahead Lieutenant," came the voice of T'Ser.
"We have successfully accessed the main bridge. Two men are down but are still alive. There is no sign of Kenda Byress."
"Understood. Can you gain control of the ship?"
"Not at this time - all bridge systems are off-line. I shall endeavor to effect repairs, but it will take time. Please inform sick-bay that we have two injured to beam over."
A groan from Captain Lumford interrupted Sarnek.
"No . . . No, I'm not leaving the ship," rasped the ship's Master. "Not while the Maquis have my passengers hostage."
"Sir, you're injured," said Corpsman Toleno, gently. "You need to let our doctor . . ."
"No!" said Lumford, forcefully. "Not until every one of these Maquis bastards is off my ship!"
Toleno directed an imploring look toward Sarnek. Only the Vulcan's discipline prevented him from sighing. "Very well, treat him as best you can, Corpsman. Perhaps the Captain can help us in restoring control of the ship."
Lumford nodded. "I'll do all I can!" A look of pained remembrance crossed the older man's face. He turned and angrily pointed at the other prone figure.
"Warren!" he spat. "He's one of the terrorists! The blighter's been on this ship three years, then the sodding bastard turns on us!" Lumford's voice shook with indignant anger.
Sarnek re-opened the comm channel. "Bluefin, a correction - only one to beam to sick-bay. Advise security and Dr. Castille that it is one of the Maquis."
"Acknowledged. Security protocols activated. Keep us posted, Sarnek - Bluefin, out."
* * *
Deck 10, Section J, Aft
Kenda Byress cautiously looked both ways along the dim corridor and listened carefully. He checked the chronometer on his wrist. Less than one hour until the Maquis ships rendezvoused. He was under no illusion that all three vessels would survive the attempt, but that didn't matter. One was all he needed. Still, time was short and he had to move quickly.
He adjusted the power setting on his disruptor to maximum. Enough to overcome any Border Dog's or 'Fleeter's armor.
Hugging the deep shadows of the shops and cafe's, he began to move quickly forward.
Time for a little mayhem, he thought, and a feral smile of anticipation crossed his face. Kenda lived for mayhem. Unlike previous generations of Maquis, he worked for no noble cause. Truth be told, the Maquis was simply a means to an end for this Bajoran. He was under no false belief that he was a "freedom-fighter." He cared nothing for the suffering of his people under the Cardassians. A part of him actually admired the brutality of the snake-heads.
No - Kenda Byress had a motive that was darker, yet more pure.
He was an anarchist and a killer. He reveled in chaos and destruction. He was incapable of compassion, pity or remorse. The concepts were alien to him.
Simply put, Kenda was a psychopath.
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Sequoia
Sector 04340 - Warp 9.9
D'Angelo rested his chin on his fist, staring at the cutter's viewscreen. Their successful engagement with one of the Maquis Q-ships had allowed the other to open a sizable lead over the Sequoia. Now the cutter was at maximum warp, desperately attempting to close the gap before the Maquis vessel could get within firing range of the Queen Elizabeth.
"Captain," began Lt. Vorl, "Bluefin has signalled that they are taking up a defensive position between the Maquis vessel and the Queen Elizabeth."
D'Angelo nodded. "Good. Relay my complements to Captain Akinola and that we intend to stop that ship before it can do any damage." He turned in his chair. "Mr. Lamonica - time until we're in weapons range?"
"Ten minutes at our current speed, sir."
"And time until the Maquis ship is in range of the Queen Elizabeth?"
Lamonica scanned his tactical readouts and grimaced. He turned to D'Angelo, his expression grim.
"Seven minutes."
For a moment, no one spoke on the bridge. D'Angelo turned to Vorl.
"Signal the Bluefin. They're going to have to slow that ship down for at least three minutes until we arrive on station."
Lamonica hesitated, then spoke up. "Captain, in three minutes . . ."
The young Captain nodded in agreement. "Yeah - anything can happen in three minutes."
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04340 - Warp 9
Deck 20 - Fusion Reactor Control Room #2
Neo-Maquis terrorist Gayle Alexander, aka Lt. Muriel Allender, held the heavy disruptor pistol before her with both hands, waiting on the Border Dogs to appear so she could take them out. She ran her tongue over dry lips, her eyes wide in anticipation and apprehension. Her heart pounded so hard she feared that her adversaries might hear it.
"Come on, come on . . ." she whispered under her breath. Why were they taking so long? They had to come this way sooner or later."
She thought she heard a footfall a few meters away. Instantly, she stepped from her hiding space, behind a massive Deuterium tank, and squeezed off a shot with the disruptor. The bright green flash revealed nothing. The high-pitched echo of the disruptor bolt mocked her.
No one was there.
What the hell? she thought. Her apprehension was creeping into the realm of fear.
The hairs on her neck suddenly rose. Someone, something, was behind her - she knew it!
She whirled, bringing her weapon up to fire.
No one was there.
Shakily, she lowered the disruptor fractionally. Keep your head, Gayle! - the darkness has you spooked. Probably no one is in here after all.
Taking a hitching breath, she turned back the way she had previously faced. Two glowing, yellow orbs seemed to float in the darkness, studying her with malevolent interest. Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't move - she was paralyzed with fear!
"Hi," said Solly Brin, before punching her in the face.
* * *
Sequoia Team Alpha - Auxiliary Engineering
"Chief, can you drop us out of warp?" asked Galvani.
Chief Kasparov shook his head. "No ma'am. Controls are locked-out. Whoever did this knew what they were doing." He turned and gave her an apologetic look. "If they can't shut it down on the bridge, there's only one way to stop this ship - we'll have to dump the warp core."
Galvani grimaced. "Damn. Where do we need to go, Chief?" She already knew the answer.
"We've got to get to main engineering."
"Where we know there are ten Maquis armed and waiting." She sighed and absently rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Right - contact team Bravo and Gamma to meet us down there. We'll have to let the Bluefin's teams handle the hostages."
* * *
Bluefin Team Two - Main Bridge
Lt. Sarnek, Chief Rumraa and Corpsman Toleno cautiously entered the bridge from an access hatch. The massive Caitian CPO moved forward, phaser carbine at the ready and fangs bared. He quickly surveyed the bridge and relaxed slightly.
"Clearr. Two men down," Rumraa announced.
Sarnek and Toleno moved forward and joined Rumraa. Sarnek moved to the control stations while the New Cyprian medic knelt by the two unconscious figures. Rumraa remained on guard, his golden eyes sweeping the gleaming control room with suspicion.
Sarnek tapped his commbadge. "Sarnek to Bluefin."
"Bluefin, go ahead Lieutenant," came the voice of T'Ser.
"We have successfully accessed the main bridge. Two men are down but are still alive. There is no sign of Kenda Byress."
"Understood. Can you gain control of the ship?"
"Not at this time - all bridge systems are off-line. I shall endeavor to effect repairs, but it will take time. Please inform sick-bay that we have two injured to beam over."
A groan from Captain Lumford interrupted Sarnek.
"No . . . No, I'm not leaving the ship," rasped the ship's Master. "Not while the Maquis have my passengers hostage."
"Sir, you're injured," said Corpsman Toleno, gently. "You need to let our doctor . . ."
"No!" said Lumford, forcefully. "Not until every one of these Maquis bastards is off my ship!"
Toleno directed an imploring look toward Sarnek. Only the Vulcan's discipline prevented him from sighing. "Very well, treat him as best you can, Corpsman. Perhaps the Captain can help us in restoring control of the ship."
Lumford nodded. "I'll do all I can!" A look of pained remembrance crossed the older man's face. He turned and angrily pointed at the other prone figure.
"Warren!" he spat. "He's one of the terrorists! The blighter's been on this ship three years, then the sodding bastard turns on us!" Lumford's voice shook with indignant anger.
Sarnek re-opened the comm channel. "Bluefin, a correction - only one to beam to sick-bay. Advise security and Dr. Castille that it is one of the Maquis."
"Acknowledged. Security protocols activated. Keep us posted, Sarnek - Bluefin, out."
* * *
Deck 10, Section J, Aft
Kenda Byress cautiously looked both ways along the dim corridor and listened carefully. He checked the chronometer on his wrist. Less than one hour until the Maquis ships rendezvoused. He was under no illusion that all three vessels would survive the attempt, but that didn't matter. One was all he needed. Still, time was short and he had to move quickly.
He adjusted the power setting on his disruptor to maximum. Enough to overcome any Border Dog's or 'Fleeter's armor.
Hugging the deep shadows of the shops and cafe's, he began to move quickly forward.
Time for a little mayhem, he thought, and a feral smile of anticipation crossed his face. Kenda lived for mayhem. Unlike previous generations of Maquis, he worked for no noble cause. Truth be told, the Maquis was simply a means to an end for this Bajoran. He was under no false belief that he was a "freedom-fighter." He cared nothing for the suffering of his people under the Cardassians. A part of him actually admired the brutality of the snake-heads.
No - Kenda Byress had a motive that was darker, yet more pure.
He was an anarchist and a killer. He reveled in chaos and destruction. He was incapable of compassion, pity or remorse. The concepts were alien to him.
Simply put, Kenda was a psychopath.
* * *
Stardate 54246.7 (2 April 2377)
USS Sequoia
Sector 04340 - Warp 9.9
D'Angelo rested his chin on his fist, staring at the cutter's viewscreen. Their successful engagement with one of the Maquis Q-ships had allowed the other to open a sizable lead over the Sequoia. Now the cutter was at maximum warp, desperately attempting to close the gap before the Maquis vessel could get within firing range of the Queen Elizabeth.
"Captain," began Lt. Vorl, "Bluefin has signalled that they are taking up a defensive position between the Maquis vessel and the Queen Elizabeth."
D'Angelo nodded. "Good. Relay my complements to Captain Akinola and that we intend to stop that ship before it can do any damage." He turned in his chair. "Mr. Lamonica - time until we're in weapons range?"
"Ten minutes at our current speed, sir."
"And time until the Maquis ship is in range of the Queen Elizabeth?"
Lamonica scanned his tactical readouts and grimaced. He turned to D'Angelo, his expression grim.
"Seven minutes."
For a moment, no one spoke on the bridge. D'Angelo turned to Vorl.
"Signal the Bluefin. They're going to have to slow that ship down for at least three minutes until we arrive on station."
Lamonica hesitated, then spoke up. "Captain, in three minutes . . ."
The young Captain nodded in agreement. "Yeah - anything can happen in three minutes."
* * *
Ms. Alexander is damned lucky. Not often does one escape the angel of death with nothing more than a bruised face. 
Things aboard ship are going as well as could be expected, giving that no plan ever survives contact with the enemy.
As for Bluefin, let's hope she can hold her own against the Q-ship until Sequoia arrives on scene. Good to see D'Angelo showing some backbone here. Looks like the man just needed a nudge in the right direction from Captain Akinola.
Great stuff, keep it coming!
Things aboard ship are going as well as could be expected, giving that no plan ever survives contact with the enemy.
As for Bluefin, let's hope she can hold her own against the Q-ship until Sequoia arrives on scene. Good to see D'Angelo showing some backbone here. Looks like the man just needed a nudge in the right direction from Captain Akinola.
Great stuff, keep it coming!
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Ms. Alexander got lucky...she's probably going to live through this. A lot can go wrong in 3 minutes...
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