I actually had double this but it wouldn't post it all at once and that seemed like a good end point. Its 11:30 pm Sun-I'll put it up sometime during the day Monday.
U.S.S. SELEYA-CORKSCREWED
- Thread starter Mistral
- Start date
I actually had double this but it wouldn't post it all at once and that seemed like a good end point. Its 11:30 pm Sun-I'll put it up sometime during the day Monday.
heck with it-here it is
T HOUR
Crewman Costt opened the storage locker and reached for a tricorder. “Another scan of the Jeffries tubes,” he thought, “Who did I piss off to get this duty? And, really, we didn’t find anything before. Why does this new guy think we’re going to find anything if we do it again?” As he pulled the tricorder forward he noticed the wiring attached to the back of the unit. “What the hell?” he thought. Then he followed the wiring to where it went through a small hole cut in the back of the locker. All of the color drained from his face. Carefully letting go of the tricorder he called out. “Commander Venetti-you might want to take a look at this!”
The first five ships had traversed the Fracture, followed closely by the Bonestell and her four escorts. Seleya was next, and was just breaching the rip in space/time when Venetti paged the Bridge.
“Captain Sanjay, this is Venetti. We’ve –“
“Not now, Venetti!” Sanjay snarled, cutting him off. Around the Bridge minor sub-systems failed in impressive showers of sparks. Everyone was hanging on to whatever was handy as Seleya shuddered and shook.
“But Captain, we’ve found evidence of sabotage! There’s a-“ Venetti’s voice cut out for a second as the com system failed and then the back-ups kicked in. “-where it’s wired too. It could be anything.” Seleya exited the Fracture and the disturbances ceased. A view of Jupiter dominated the screen once the interference cleared. Damage control teams were all over the Bridge making frantic repairs.
“Commander, deploy your teams and then give me a report on the sabotage,” Sanjay ordered. “Sergeant Mitchell, any Empire vessels nearby?”
Mitchell didn’t hesitate. “No, sir, the closest enemy vessel is orbiting Mars. Task Force One is engaging. Bonestell has established her scanning envelope and is sending information to all ships as their systems recover from the transition. Task Force Two is exiting the Fracture now.”
“On screen, Carol.” The view changed from Jupiter to the location of the Fracture. Four New Orleans-class ships appeared. “Who’s missing, Sergeant?”
Before Mitchell could answer a stream of wreckage came into view behind the newly-arrived ships. “That was the Antipodes, sir.” Sanjay bit his lip before speaking.
“Carol, order Task Force Two into coverage position of the Fracture. We don’t need any surprises hitting our ships as they come out.” His XO snapped to it, issuing the appropriate orders to the other captains. “Sanjay to Engineering.”
“Venetti here.”
“Report on the sabotage you found.” In an aside to Commander M’Benga he murmured, “Carol, I have to deal with this.” M’Benga nodded her understanding as Sanjay stepped to the side of the Bridge.
“Captain, there’s a tricorder wired into the sensors, as well as a few Engineering sub-systems. We found it in a storage locker. The circuits are very heavily protected from detection, which is how we missed it in our sweeps. We are trying to trace just what it’s connected to and I’m working with Ensign Perling to determine just what the tricorder is set to detect. Although it has its visual read-out shut down scans have established that it is in active mode. More than that I cannot tell you at this time.”
“Commander,” asked Sanjay curiously, “What could possibly be in range of a tricorder to make its detection capabilities worth using on a starship in flight?”
“Sir, that’s exactly what Ensign Perling and I are trying to figure out. I’d say it doesn’t make any sense but Chief Jerix is a smart cookie. There’s more going on here than meets the eye,” replied Venetti.
“Well, keep me updated,” Sanjay ordered. “Bridge out.” He turned back to Commander M’Benga. “What’s our status, Carol?”
“Task Force One destroyed an Imperial cruiser off of Mars. As we planned, a small shuttle-sized fighter was allowed to escape and transit the Fracture, “eluding” Task Force Two. Task Forces Three and Four have made the transit-no further losses. Task Force Five should arrive momentarily,” Carol reported. “The Bonestell has identified a group of eight Imperial vessels in Earth orbit. Communications suggest there are several more craft near Vulcan. The ECM unit on the Bonestell thinks as many as six ships.”
“Tell Four and Three to wait until Six has transited and recovered, then I want Three, Four, Five and Six to converge on Earth and destroy all Imperial ships and facilities located there. Sergeant, I’d like you to monitor the feed from the Bonestell regarding those ships at Vulcan. Notify me as soon as they are detected heading for Earth.”
M’Benga and Mitchell confirmed the orders and got to work. Seleya remained in place, keeping station near the Fracture with Task Force Two.
***************
The Annihilator-class fighter L-27 tumbled out of the Rip, its systems almost completely fried. The I.S.S. Courage, assigned to coverage duty at the Rip, grabbed the little craft in its tractor beam and towed it aboard. The battered pilot gave his report even as his little ship was being pulled through the landing bay doors. The captain of the Courage, Bill Riker, realized the implications of the pilot’s report almost instantly and relayed it to Fleet Command in New York. From there it was seconded by Admiral Rushenko to the Imperial Palace under an Emperor’s Eyes Only seal. Spock received it less than four hours after Sanjay’s forces initially engaged the Empire ships.
“Fascinating,” Spock said, “The universal frequency of the attacking ships in Universe Two carried the signature of Universe Three. I had been expecting a counter-attack from Universe One, Kirk’s universe. Apparently, the Federation of Universe Three is more aggressive than their counterparts.” The person he was addressing, First Concubine Valeris, raised an eyebrow.
“It was incorrect of you to assume the Federation of Universe One would be the ones to attack. We inflicted heavy damage on them when Picard raided their facilities. Universe Three, on the other hand, has decimated every probing attack we’ve made. Logic dictates that their ability to make war is equal to or greater than Universe One.” She awaited his response.
“Your logic, as always, is flawless,” the Emperor said. Valeris released a breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding. “Get Picard. I have a job for him.” Valeris bowed in the prescribed way and backed out of the ornate Audience Room. Spock remained motionless on his throne, re-calculating possibilities in light of the new information.
When Picard and Data entered the Audience Room, accompanied by Valeris, Spock was waiting, his decision made. “Captain Picard, you will proceed with your fleet to Universe Two and destroy the ships of the Federation. If you succeed you will be raised to the rank of Commodore. If you fail…”
“Failure is death. I will not fail, Your Majesty.” Picard and Data bowed low and departed.
“Do you really think he will succeed, Your Majesty?” Valeris asked.
“Whether he succeeds or not matters little. I have more ships, other commanders. We will hold Universe Two. If he succeeds it is another victory for the Empire and he is rewarded with a hollow title. If he fails the Empire is rid of another over-ambitious fool. Either way, the Empire benefits.”
Valeris bent slightly at the waist. “I bow to your logic.” If Spock had been Human he would have smiled. As it was, a brief nod is all that Valeris received.
******************
As the Federation ships approached Earth Sanjay spoke with the captains of Task Force Two. “If they have any dreadnoughts in orbit that is it. We go to total destruction mode. No one can escape through the Fracture to tell the Empire about the little surprise the Science Division put together. Otherwise, Picard’s mission will lose one of its greatest tactical advantages. That means we die here if that’s the only way to block word of what we can do about their thuringar.” Captain M’ran of the Shi’kahr smiled at Sanjay through the comm screen.
“We know what’s at stake here, Sanjay,” he said. “They can come in but they can’t come out.” The Caitian showed more than a few teeth. “We will claw their eyes out and disembowel them-figuratively speaking, of course.”
“Just so we all understand what’s at stake here. We are the diversion. It’s Picard’s efforts that matter.” The other captains all nodded visibly in the com screen. “Ok, I’m getting early reports from the attack on Earth. I have to go deal with this. Sanjay out.”
The task forces assigned to Earth took several losses but managed to destroy their opponents. One of the Empire ships had been a dreadnought and had attempted to use their thuringar generator. The device Janeway and the Science Division had created from Captain Ransom’s illicit research countered it and the multi-phasic beings were set free from captivity before they could harm any Federation personnel. The crew of the dreadnought was not as lucky. Only one salvo was even fired at the great ship before it was annihilated. Ironically, it was the lesser craft that proved the greater threat. Two of the Cheyennes in Task Force Four, the Arapaho and the Iroquois, were targeted by all of the Imperial cruisers and destroyed before the final Empire ship was eradicated. Once the defending Empire ships were gone the Federation vessels began targeting planet-based Imperial facilities. Within an hour the only Imperial forces left on this version of Earth were the hunter/killer teams out seeking the few surviving members of this universe’s Federation government and StarFleet.
T HOUR
Crewman Costt opened the storage locker and reached for a tricorder. “Another scan of the Jeffries tubes,” he thought, “Who did I piss off to get this duty? And, really, we didn’t find anything before. Why does this new guy think we’re going to find anything if we do it again?” As he pulled the tricorder forward he noticed the wiring attached to the back of the unit. “What the hell?” he thought. Then he followed the wiring to where it went through a small hole cut in the back of the locker. All of the color drained from his face. Carefully letting go of the tricorder he called out. “Commander Venetti-you might want to take a look at this!”
The first five ships had traversed the Fracture, followed closely by the Bonestell and her four escorts. Seleya was next, and was just breaching the rip in space/time when Venetti paged the Bridge.
“Captain Sanjay, this is Venetti. We’ve –“
“Not now, Venetti!” Sanjay snarled, cutting him off. Around the Bridge minor sub-systems failed in impressive showers of sparks. Everyone was hanging on to whatever was handy as Seleya shuddered and shook.
“But Captain, we’ve found evidence of sabotage! There’s a-“ Venetti’s voice cut out for a second as the com system failed and then the back-ups kicked in. “-where it’s wired too. It could be anything.” Seleya exited the Fracture and the disturbances ceased. A view of Jupiter dominated the screen once the interference cleared. Damage control teams were all over the Bridge making frantic repairs.
“Commander, deploy your teams and then give me a report on the sabotage,” Sanjay ordered. “Sergeant Mitchell, any Empire vessels nearby?”
Mitchell didn’t hesitate. “No, sir, the closest enemy vessel is orbiting Mars. Task Force One is engaging. Bonestell has established her scanning envelope and is sending information to all ships as their systems recover from the transition. Task Force Two is exiting the Fracture now.”
“On screen, Carol.” The view changed from Jupiter to the location of the Fracture. Four New Orleans-class ships appeared. “Who’s missing, Sergeant?”
Before Mitchell could answer a stream of wreckage came into view behind the newly-arrived ships. “That was the Antipodes, sir.” Sanjay bit his lip before speaking.
“Carol, order Task Force Two into coverage position of the Fracture. We don’t need any surprises hitting our ships as they come out.” His XO snapped to it, issuing the appropriate orders to the other captains. “Sanjay to Engineering.”
“Venetti here.”
“Report on the sabotage you found.” In an aside to Commander M’Benga he murmured, “Carol, I have to deal with this.” M’Benga nodded her understanding as Sanjay stepped to the side of the Bridge.
“Captain, there’s a tricorder wired into the sensors, as well as a few Engineering sub-systems. We found it in a storage locker. The circuits are very heavily protected from detection, which is how we missed it in our sweeps. We are trying to trace just what it’s connected to and I’m working with Ensign Perling to determine just what the tricorder is set to detect. Although it has its visual read-out shut down scans have established that it is in active mode. More than that I cannot tell you at this time.”
“Commander,” asked Sanjay curiously, “What could possibly be in range of a tricorder to make its detection capabilities worth using on a starship in flight?”
“Sir, that’s exactly what Ensign Perling and I are trying to figure out. I’d say it doesn’t make any sense but Chief Jerix is a smart cookie. There’s more going on here than meets the eye,” replied Venetti.
“Well, keep me updated,” Sanjay ordered. “Bridge out.” He turned back to Commander M’Benga. “What’s our status, Carol?”
“Task Force One destroyed an Imperial cruiser off of Mars. As we planned, a small shuttle-sized fighter was allowed to escape and transit the Fracture, “eluding” Task Force Two. Task Forces Three and Four have made the transit-no further losses. Task Force Five should arrive momentarily,” Carol reported. “The Bonestell has identified a group of eight Imperial vessels in Earth orbit. Communications suggest there are several more craft near Vulcan. The ECM unit on the Bonestell thinks as many as six ships.”
“Tell Four and Three to wait until Six has transited and recovered, then I want Three, Four, Five and Six to converge on Earth and destroy all Imperial ships and facilities located there. Sergeant, I’d like you to monitor the feed from the Bonestell regarding those ships at Vulcan. Notify me as soon as they are detected heading for Earth.”
M’Benga and Mitchell confirmed the orders and got to work. Seleya remained in place, keeping station near the Fracture with Task Force Two.
***************
The Annihilator-class fighter L-27 tumbled out of the Rip, its systems almost completely fried. The I.S.S. Courage, assigned to coverage duty at the Rip, grabbed the little craft in its tractor beam and towed it aboard. The battered pilot gave his report even as his little ship was being pulled through the landing bay doors. The captain of the Courage, Bill Riker, realized the implications of the pilot’s report almost instantly and relayed it to Fleet Command in New York. From there it was seconded by Admiral Rushenko to the Imperial Palace under an Emperor’s Eyes Only seal. Spock received it less than four hours after Sanjay’s forces initially engaged the Empire ships.
“Fascinating,” Spock said, “The universal frequency of the attacking ships in Universe Two carried the signature of Universe Three. I had been expecting a counter-attack from Universe One, Kirk’s universe. Apparently, the Federation of Universe Three is more aggressive than their counterparts.” The person he was addressing, First Concubine Valeris, raised an eyebrow.
“It was incorrect of you to assume the Federation of Universe One would be the ones to attack. We inflicted heavy damage on them when Picard raided their facilities. Universe Three, on the other hand, has decimated every probing attack we’ve made. Logic dictates that their ability to make war is equal to or greater than Universe One.” She awaited his response.
“Your logic, as always, is flawless,” the Emperor said. Valeris released a breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding. “Get Picard. I have a job for him.” Valeris bowed in the prescribed way and backed out of the ornate Audience Room. Spock remained motionless on his throne, re-calculating possibilities in light of the new information.
When Picard and Data entered the Audience Room, accompanied by Valeris, Spock was waiting, his decision made. “Captain Picard, you will proceed with your fleet to Universe Two and destroy the ships of the Federation. If you succeed you will be raised to the rank of Commodore. If you fail…”
“Failure is death. I will not fail, Your Majesty.” Picard and Data bowed low and departed.
“Do you really think he will succeed, Your Majesty?” Valeris asked.
“Whether he succeeds or not matters little. I have more ships, other commanders. We will hold Universe Two. If he succeeds it is another victory for the Empire and he is rewarded with a hollow title. If he fails the Empire is rid of another over-ambitious fool. Either way, the Empire benefits.”
Valeris bent slightly at the waist. “I bow to your logic.” If Spock had been Human he would have smiled. As it was, a brief nod is all that Valeris received.
******************
As the Federation ships approached Earth Sanjay spoke with the captains of Task Force Two. “If they have any dreadnoughts in orbit that is it. We go to total destruction mode. No one can escape through the Fracture to tell the Empire about the little surprise the Science Division put together. Otherwise, Picard’s mission will lose one of its greatest tactical advantages. That means we die here if that’s the only way to block word of what we can do about their thuringar.” Captain M’ran of the Shi’kahr smiled at Sanjay through the comm screen.
“We know what’s at stake here, Sanjay,” he said. “They can come in but they can’t come out.” The Caitian showed more than a few teeth. “We will claw their eyes out and disembowel them-figuratively speaking, of course.”
“Just so we all understand what’s at stake here. We are the diversion. It’s Picard’s efforts that matter.” The other captains all nodded visibly in the com screen. “Ok, I’m getting early reports from the attack on Earth. I have to go deal with this. Sanjay out.”
The task forces assigned to Earth took several losses but managed to destroy their opponents. One of the Empire ships had been a dreadnought and had attempted to use their thuringar generator. The device Janeway and the Science Division had created from Captain Ransom’s illicit research countered it and the multi-phasic beings were set free from captivity before they could harm any Federation personnel. The crew of the dreadnought was not as lucky. Only one salvo was even fired at the great ship before it was annihilated. Ironically, it was the lesser craft that proved the greater threat. Two of the Cheyennes in Task Force Four, the Arapaho and the Iroquois, were targeted by all of the Imperial cruisers and destroyed before the final Empire ship was eradicated. Once the defending Empire ships were gone the Federation vessels began targeting planet-based Imperial facilities. Within an hour the only Imperial forces left on this version of Earth were the hunter/killer teams out seeking the few surviving members of this universe’s Federation government and StarFleet.
So the good guys have finally drawn blood - 'bout time! 
I'm really liking this story but I'm having a little trouble keeping up with who's who.
Maybe I should make a score card . . .
I'm really liking this story but I'm having a little trouble keeping up with who's who.Maybe I should make a score card . . .
The quadrille has begun...now it gets even more grim...
So the battle has begun. But the most interesting question is what exactly is Jerix's device rigged up to do? I have a feeling that the crew of Seleya doesn't want to find out.
A very good segment and the addition of the potentially ticking time bomb adds an excellent source of tension.
A very good segment and the addition of the potentially ticking time bomb adds an excellent source of tension.
T PLUS FIVE
Task Force Two hovered a mere 150,000 kilometers from the Fracture. Several hours had passed since the destruction of the Imperial ships around Earth and Sanjay paced the Seleya’s Bridge in uncharacteristic impatience. They’d been waiting for the Imperial response to their attack for hours but so far nothing had happened. He’d ordered Three, Five, Six and the remains of Four to take up position in Mars orbit out of line-of-sight of the Fracture so any emerging Imperial vessels would be hard pressed to detect them. Task Force One, which included the Bonestell, was still lurking near Uranus and continued to monitor the ships making their way from Vulcan. Sanjay tapped his com badge.
“Commander Venetti, status report.” His tone was clipped and a hint of his New Delhi childhood crept into his voice, an indication of how stressed he was.
“Captain, Venetti here. We’ve been tracing Chief Jerix’s alterations to our systems. It appears that the tricorder we found is linked to our sensors, among other things. Ensign Perling believes that the Chief did this so that passive scans could be conducted without tipping us off as to what the ship was actually scanning for. He’s running an analysis of the tricorder now with this in mind. The rest of the linkages seem to be wired into the warp containment system and the new self-destruct mechanisms StarFleet installed. It’s kind of hard to tell since the Chief re-routed this stuff through just about every system on the ship. We’re afraid to just disconnect the tricorder because it might be rigged to knock out everything it’s wired into. We could lose communications, the replicators or even life support if we ‘pull the plug’, so to speak.”
Sanjay’s brow creased with worry. “How long until you can safely remove the alterations?”
“Ensign Perling thinks we could have it all back to normal in about twenty or thirty minutes once we determine just what this tricorder has been programmed to do. I think he’s being a bit optimistic but I suppose it’s possible…” Venetti’s voice trailed off. Just then several things happened at once. Lieutenant Nog spoke up from the helm.
“Captain, something’s coming out of the Fracture!” On screen, Imperial cruisers could be seen appearing in front of them. At the same time, communication panels on the Bridge erupted in a shower of sparks and Ensign Perling began screaming over the intercom,
“Captain, get us away from the Fracture now!” Sanjay didn’t hesitate.
“Lieutenant, put some distance between us and the Fracture, full impulse!” As Nog hastened to comply Sanjay asked, “Ensign Perling, why are we running away?” The Imperial ships coming through the Fracture dwindled in size on the viewscreen as he spoke.
Louis sounded very worked up as he replied, “Captain, the tricorder is scanning for vibrational frequencies relating to Planck’s Constant. It’s set to detect matter originating in the Empire’s universe. If we come within a hundred thousand kilometers of anything, even a scrap of wreckage, from that universe the magnetic shielding around the warp core will fail and the self-destruct will detonate simultaneously!”
“Acknowledged,” Sanjay said. “Sergeant Mitchell, how far do we have to pull back to remain safe?” On the screen in front of them the Fleet and the Imperial ships began a deadly dance, phasers and torpedoes lighting up space around Jupiter.
“I’d estimate at least half a million kilometers, sir, more if the battleground spreads,” Mitchell answered him. There was a note of frustration in his voice-Damian Mitchell did not like the idea of running from combat.
“Pull us back half a million, Lieutenant. Carol, contact the Fleet and explain our predicament.” Commander M’Benga began working the controls on the arm of her chair.
As Sanjay turned to look at the screen M’Benga said, “Captain, I can’t raise the Fleet. It seems that those malfunctions we just experienced have knocked out all out-going communications.”
****************************
K’Ehleyr, First Officer of the Buran, turned to her captain. “Sir, the Bonestell reports that Seleya is disengaging from the battle. They’ve pulled back well out of firing range of the Imperial ships.”
“What the hell is Nick doing?” el’Sabra muttered. “We need every ship we can get.” On the Buran’s viewscreen telemetry from the Bonestell’s sensors was being displayed. Although Imperial ships were being destroyed rapidly the outnumbered StarFleet vessels were also dying. Even as he watched the Choctaw disappeared from the display, along with three hundred crewmen. “Raise the Seleya and ask them what they’re up to,” el’Sabra ordered.
“I’ve been trying to, Captain. They’re receiving us but they have failed to respond.” K’Ehleyr’s reply came promptly. Behind him, Frank could hear Kurn growl deep in his throat.
“Belay that, Mr. Kurn! I’m sure they have good reason for what they are doing.” He scratched his nose. “I just don’t know what it is,” he added.
__________
Aboard the I.S.S. Enterprise Commander Data also noticed the retreating Seleya. “Captain, one of the StarFleet vessels is refusing to engage. They are moving away from the fight.” Picard glanced at his personal tactical read-out. “So, StarFleet has a coward in their midst! Set course to pursue, Mr. Data. We’ll destroy him and then return to support the mop-up operations.” Data opened his mouth as though wishing to comment on Picard’s order and then shrugged in a surprisingly Human manner and began entering the course correction into his board.
____________
Aboard the Buran, Kurn spoke up. “Captain, one of the Imperial dreadnoughts is moving to pursue the Seleya!”
Frank thought for a moment before replying. “Warn the Seleya. We don’t know what their situation is. If their sensors are damaged or down they might not even see them coming.”
_________
“Captain, the Buran is hailing us again.” M’Benga looked worried as she spoke. “They say there’s a dreadnought coming for us.”
“On screen, Sergeant Mitchell.” Sanjay peered at the image that appeared. “Bloody hell, that thing is huge!” The dreadnought was easily twice as big as the Seleya and even at a distance the heavy armor plating was obvious. “Magnify, please.” The image leapt forward, much larger than before. The name of the ship, Enterprise, could clearly be seen on its hull. “Damn,” Sanjay said, “According to the intelligence briefing we received from Admiral Hanson that ship is commanded by their version of Picard. He’s alleged to be the commander of the raid that decimated Federation-B’s fleet.”
“Sir, they’re powering up their warp drive!” Nog exclaimed. Sanjay and M’Benga exchanged looks.
“The Picard Maneuver,” she said flatly. Sanjay nodded.
“Sergeant Mitchell, eject but do not fire two quantum torpedoes with proximity fuses. Lieutenant, take us to warp. Keep us ahead of that ship. Engage!” Seleya fled far from the battle with the Enterprise in hot pursuit. Behind the two ships, men and women died as shields and fail-safes collapsed under storms of fire.
___________
When Seleya went to warp in front of him Picard pounded the arm of his chair. “Damn, they anticipated me!” he said sharply. “Warp nine, Mr. Data! Engage!” As the Enterprise began to accelerate it was rocked once and then twice by powerful explosions. The ship immediately dropped back into normal space. “What the hell was that, Mr. Data?” Numerous work stations were either on fire, spitting sparks or had gone dark.
The android consulted his read-outs as damage control teams raced onto the Bridge. “We appear to have struck two mines or torpedoes of an unknown configuration, Captain.”
Picard activated the viewer in his chair. “Mr. LaForge, damage assessment!” he barked at the man that appeared there.
LaForge looked out at him through Borg-augmented eyes. “Whatever that was vented our right nacelle. Warp drive is out for at least two hours while we make repairs. We also have a hull breech in the fighter bay. Emergency bulkheads dropped but we still lost a pair of fighters and one complete maintenance team.”
Picard waved off the casualties. Life was cheap in the Empire. “Focus on the warp drive. You have an hour. Picard out.” The screen went dark. Picard sat rigidly in his chair, staring out into space.
**********************
T PLUS SIX
“Captain Picard, I’m receiving a transmission from the Bonestell. The Empire’s forces have been engaged by Captain Sanjay’s fleet.” The young Vulcan at Communications waited expectantly. Picard did not disappoint him.
“Open a channel to all ships, Ensign.” The young man hurriedly complied. “This is Captain Picard. We are a go. To the ships of my StarFleet I say only this: It is our duty to protect the Federation-B vessels until they can complete their mission and seal the Fracture. Good luck, and may God protect the righteous. Picard out.” Turning to the Engineering station he asked, “Geordi, are we sure she won’t break apart during the transition?”
Commander LaForge’s bio-mechanical eyes dilated a moment to focus on Picard. “The S.C.E. teams put enough structural reinforcement fields in her to keep her whole even if we disintegrated the hull. She’ll hold.” Picard nodded.
“Very well, initiate Operation Trojan Horse.” The massive fleet headed for the Fracture, led by the battled-scarred Excelsior.
______________________________
Admiral Janeway sat in a conference room with Nychayev and Chelt. A darkened communication screen occupied one wall, while another displayed Admiral Hanson’s grim visage.
“Picard and the Fleet are underway. All we can do now is wait.” The other officers nodded, each buried in their own thoughts. “We received a follow-up message from the Bonestell a little while ago. Casualties are as bad as we expected, but our forces seem to be holding their own.” His brow furrowed a bit. “We also got a report that the Seleya fled the battle for unknown reasons and she’s not responding to hails.”
“If Seleya ran away who’s in charge of our forces?” Chelt asked gruffly. Hanson shook his head.
“Nobody, actually, but from the reports we’ve gotten its such a furball nobody could provide any meaningful direction anyway.”
Janeway broke in. “Something must be up with the Seleya. Nick Sanjay doesn’t strike me as the type to run away from a fight.”
Nychayev’s lips formed a thin line as she replied, “I guess we’ll find out at his court-martial-if he even survives.” The room grew silent, weighted with a sense of expectancy once again.
___________________________
If anyone had been aboard the venerable Excelsior as she made her way out of the Fracture they would have had a difficult time getting around. Lined up in every corridor and laid out in the rec room, the shuttle bay, the medical bay, the bridge, and every other room with a larger than standard doorway were torpedo casings. Anybody attempting to walk her corridors would have had to press themselves hard against the walls to get past the bulky objects. No crew could have manned their bridge stations, no doctors could have reached the biobeds, and no shuttles could have landed. Thanks to the ingenuity of Montgomery Scott no one had to. The ship flew into the Fracture under remote control guidance from the Enterprise’s bridge. She had only minimal deflectors and she lacked the self-destruct mechanisms the rest of the fleet carried. She didn’t need to protect “Smiley’s device” because none had been installed on her. This was her last foray and she wasn’t coming back.
________________________
Captain Bill Riker sat on the bridge of the Courage, fuming. Once again that stuffed-shirt, Picard, had gone off to do battle for the Empire and once again Bill was stuck in a nowhere, behind-the-lines position. “One day,” he thought to himself, “I’m going to have to arrange an accident for that bald peacock!” The Courage was currently assigned to watchdog status near the Rip and Station Nomad One. It was boring duty. With no plausible threats within the Alpha Quadrant left to endanger the Empire it was a duty without honor or glory. Riker hated it.
“Captain, something’s coming out of the Rip.” Commander Shelby, Riker’s First Officer spoke up from tactical.
“Is it one of Picard’s ships?” Riker asked. Shelby looked at him.
“I can’t tell, sir.” The woman sounded puzzled. “It has absolutely no transponder code at all. Hull configuration…..Sir! It’s a Federation design!”
Riker didn’t hesitate. “Battle Posts! Notify Nomad! Activate thuringar generators! Ensign Taurok, all phasers, fire at will!” The Vulcan manning the weapons station began moving quickly and economically to fulfill Riker’s orders.
“Captain,” Shelby said, “That ship looks like its already been in one hell of a fight. I think the only things holding it together are the forcefields I’m detecting.” Riker turned to her with a curious look on his face.
“Can you detect anything further?” Shelby looked down at her board.
“There seems to be some kind of quantum wave pattern building up in her shuttle bay…there’s another one! And two more-Captain, I’m reading hundreds of quantum signatures throughout her superstructure! All of them are increasing in strength!”
Riker turned back to the screen. He could see the battle scars on the Federation vessel now. “I wonder what-“ He never completed that or any other thought, for just then the torpedo-laden Excelsior detonated with the force of a dozen suns. The Courage, Defense Station Nomad One, a dozen Imperial cruisers, twenty-odd destroyers and a small chunk of the moon, Io, vanished in a hellish inferno. Several thousand metric tons of Jupiter’s atmosphere went with them. The shockwave smashed dozens of Imperial vessels in orbit on the near side of Mars down to the surface of the Red Planet. Phobos’s orbit was permanently moved over two kilometers farther out. The blast was so bright that it illuminated Buckingham Palace back on Earth.
The Emperor’s subcutaneous eyelids snapped into place as the blast lit up the Throne Room, protecting him from the light. Many of his subjects were not so lucky and would have to have their retinas replaced in the days and weeks to come. Valeris hurried in a moment later. “Your Majesty, are you all right?” she inquired.
“I am fine, Valeris. It appears that your assessment of the other Federation was, if anything, an underestimation.” Valeris looked at him curiously.
“What do you mean, sir?” she asked.
“I suspect that explosion occurred near Jupiter. It is, in all likelihood, a prelude to invasion,” He answered. She stood and stared at him in stunned silence.
Picard’s fleet exited the Fracture, one ship after another. The Federation-B vessels waited until the last was clear and then set to work closing the tear in space/time.
End Chapter 6
Task Force Two hovered a mere 150,000 kilometers from the Fracture. Several hours had passed since the destruction of the Imperial ships around Earth and Sanjay paced the Seleya’s Bridge in uncharacteristic impatience. They’d been waiting for the Imperial response to their attack for hours but so far nothing had happened. He’d ordered Three, Five, Six and the remains of Four to take up position in Mars orbit out of line-of-sight of the Fracture so any emerging Imperial vessels would be hard pressed to detect them. Task Force One, which included the Bonestell, was still lurking near Uranus and continued to monitor the ships making their way from Vulcan. Sanjay tapped his com badge.
“Commander Venetti, status report.” His tone was clipped and a hint of his New Delhi childhood crept into his voice, an indication of how stressed he was.
“Captain, Venetti here. We’ve been tracing Chief Jerix’s alterations to our systems. It appears that the tricorder we found is linked to our sensors, among other things. Ensign Perling believes that the Chief did this so that passive scans could be conducted without tipping us off as to what the ship was actually scanning for. He’s running an analysis of the tricorder now with this in mind. The rest of the linkages seem to be wired into the warp containment system and the new self-destruct mechanisms StarFleet installed. It’s kind of hard to tell since the Chief re-routed this stuff through just about every system on the ship. We’re afraid to just disconnect the tricorder because it might be rigged to knock out everything it’s wired into. We could lose communications, the replicators or even life support if we ‘pull the plug’, so to speak.”
Sanjay’s brow creased with worry. “How long until you can safely remove the alterations?”
“Ensign Perling thinks we could have it all back to normal in about twenty or thirty minutes once we determine just what this tricorder has been programmed to do. I think he’s being a bit optimistic but I suppose it’s possible…” Venetti’s voice trailed off. Just then several things happened at once. Lieutenant Nog spoke up from the helm.
“Captain, something’s coming out of the Fracture!” On screen, Imperial cruisers could be seen appearing in front of them. At the same time, communication panels on the Bridge erupted in a shower of sparks and Ensign Perling began screaming over the intercom,
“Captain, get us away from the Fracture now!” Sanjay didn’t hesitate.
“Lieutenant, put some distance between us and the Fracture, full impulse!” As Nog hastened to comply Sanjay asked, “Ensign Perling, why are we running away?” The Imperial ships coming through the Fracture dwindled in size on the viewscreen as he spoke.
Louis sounded very worked up as he replied, “Captain, the tricorder is scanning for vibrational frequencies relating to Planck’s Constant. It’s set to detect matter originating in the Empire’s universe. If we come within a hundred thousand kilometers of anything, even a scrap of wreckage, from that universe the magnetic shielding around the warp core will fail and the self-destruct will detonate simultaneously!”
“Acknowledged,” Sanjay said. “Sergeant Mitchell, how far do we have to pull back to remain safe?” On the screen in front of them the Fleet and the Imperial ships began a deadly dance, phasers and torpedoes lighting up space around Jupiter.
“I’d estimate at least half a million kilometers, sir, more if the battleground spreads,” Mitchell answered him. There was a note of frustration in his voice-Damian Mitchell did not like the idea of running from combat.
“Pull us back half a million, Lieutenant. Carol, contact the Fleet and explain our predicament.” Commander M’Benga began working the controls on the arm of her chair.
As Sanjay turned to look at the screen M’Benga said, “Captain, I can’t raise the Fleet. It seems that those malfunctions we just experienced have knocked out all out-going communications.”
****************************
K’Ehleyr, First Officer of the Buran, turned to her captain. “Sir, the Bonestell reports that Seleya is disengaging from the battle. They’ve pulled back well out of firing range of the Imperial ships.”
“What the hell is Nick doing?” el’Sabra muttered. “We need every ship we can get.” On the Buran’s viewscreen telemetry from the Bonestell’s sensors was being displayed. Although Imperial ships were being destroyed rapidly the outnumbered StarFleet vessels were also dying. Even as he watched the Choctaw disappeared from the display, along with three hundred crewmen. “Raise the Seleya and ask them what they’re up to,” el’Sabra ordered.
“I’ve been trying to, Captain. They’re receiving us but they have failed to respond.” K’Ehleyr’s reply came promptly. Behind him, Frank could hear Kurn growl deep in his throat.
“Belay that, Mr. Kurn! I’m sure they have good reason for what they are doing.” He scratched his nose. “I just don’t know what it is,” he added.
__________
Aboard the I.S.S. Enterprise Commander Data also noticed the retreating Seleya. “Captain, one of the StarFleet vessels is refusing to engage. They are moving away from the fight.” Picard glanced at his personal tactical read-out. “So, StarFleet has a coward in their midst! Set course to pursue, Mr. Data. We’ll destroy him and then return to support the mop-up operations.” Data opened his mouth as though wishing to comment on Picard’s order and then shrugged in a surprisingly Human manner and began entering the course correction into his board.
____________
Aboard the Buran, Kurn spoke up. “Captain, one of the Imperial dreadnoughts is moving to pursue the Seleya!”
Frank thought for a moment before replying. “Warn the Seleya. We don’t know what their situation is. If their sensors are damaged or down they might not even see them coming.”
_________
“Captain, the Buran is hailing us again.” M’Benga looked worried as she spoke. “They say there’s a dreadnought coming for us.”
“On screen, Sergeant Mitchell.” Sanjay peered at the image that appeared. “Bloody hell, that thing is huge!” The dreadnought was easily twice as big as the Seleya and even at a distance the heavy armor plating was obvious. “Magnify, please.” The image leapt forward, much larger than before. The name of the ship, Enterprise, could clearly be seen on its hull. “Damn,” Sanjay said, “According to the intelligence briefing we received from Admiral Hanson that ship is commanded by their version of Picard. He’s alleged to be the commander of the raid that decimated Federation-B’s fleet.”
“Sir, they’re powering up their warp drive!” Nog exclaimed. Sanjay and M’Benga exchanged looks.
“The Picard Maneuver,” she said flatly. Sanjay nodded.
“Sergeant Mitchell, eject but do not fire two quantum torpedoes with proximity fuses. Lieutenant, take us to warp. Keep us ahead of that ship. Engage!” Seleya fled far from the battle with the Enterprise in hot pursuit. Behind the two ships, men and women died as shields and fail-safes collapsed under storms of fire.
___________
When Seleya went to warp in front of him Picard pounded the arm of his chair. “Damn, they anticipated me!” he said sharply. “Warp nine, Mr. Data! Engage!” As the Enterprise began to accelerate it was rocked once and then twice by powerful explosions. The ship immediately dropped back into normal space. “What the hell was that, Mr. Data?” Numerous work stations were either on fire, spitting sparks or had gone dark.
The android consulted his read-outs as damage control teams raced onto the Bridge. “We appear to have struck two mines or torpedoes of an unknown configuration, Captain.”
Picard activated the viewer in his chair. “Mr. LaForge, damage assessment!” he barked at the man that appeared there.
LaForge looked out at him through Borg-augmented eyes. “Whatever that was vented our right nacelle. Warp drive is out for at least two hours while we make repairs. We also have a hull breech in the fighter bay. Emergency bulkheads dropped but we still lost a pair of fighters and one complete maintenance team.”
Picard waved off the casualties. Life was cheap in the Empire. “Focus on the warp drive. You have an hour. Picard out.” The screen went dark. Picard sat rigidly in his chair, staring out into space.
**********************
T PLUS SIX
“Captain Picard, I’m receiving a transmission from the Bonestell. The Empire’s forces have been engaged by Captain Sanjay’s fleet.” The young Vulcan at Communications waited expectantly. Picard did not disappoint him.
“Open a channel to all ships, Ensign.” The young man hurriedly complied. “This is Captain Picard. We are a go. To the ships of my StarFleet I say only this: It is our duty to protect the Federation-B vessels until they can complete their mission and seal the Fracture. Good luck, and may God protect the righteous. Picard out.” Turning to the Engineering station he asked, “Geordi, are we sure she won’t break apart during the transition?”
Commander LaForge’s bio-mechanical eyes dilated a moment to focus on Picard. “The S.C.E. teams put enough structural reinforcement fields in her to keep her whole even if we disintegrated the hull. She’ll hold.” Picard nodded.
“Very well, initiate Operation Trojan Horse.” The massive fleet headed for the Fracture, led by the battled-scarred Excelsior.
______________________________
Admiral Janeway sat in a conference room with Nychayev and Chelt. A darkened communication screen occupied one wall, while another displayed Admiral Hanson’s grim visage.
“Picard and the Fleet are underway. All we can do now is wait.” The other officers nodded, each buried in their own thoughts. “We received a follow-up message from the Bonestell a little while ago. Casualties are as bad as we expected, but our forces seem to be holding their own.” His brow furrowed a bit. “We also got a report that the Seleya fled the battle for unknown reasons and she’s not responding to hails.”
“If Seleya ran away who’s in charge of our forces?” Chelt asked gruffly. Hanson shook his head.
“Nobody, actually, but from the reports we’ve gotten its such a furball nobody could provide any meaningful direction anyway.”
Janeway broke in. “Something must be up with the Seleya. Nick Sanjay doesn’t strike me as the type to run away from a fight.”
Nychayev’s lips formed a thin line as she replied, “I guess we’ll find out at his court-martial-if he even survives.” The room grew silent, weighted with a sense of expectancy once again.
___________________________
If anyone had been aboard the venerable Excelsior as she made her way out of the Fracture they would have had a difficult time getting around. Lined up in every corridor and laid out in the rec room, the shuttle bay, the medical bay, the bridge, and every other room with a larger than standard doorway were torpedo casings. Anybody attempting to walk her corridors would have had to press themselves hard against the walls to get past the bulky objects. No crew could have manned their bridge stations, no doctors could have reached the biobeds, and no shuttles could have landed. Thanks to the ingenuity of Montgomery Scott no one had to. The ship flew into the Fracture under remote control guidance from the Enterprise’s bridge. She had only minimal deflectors and she lacked the self-destruct mechanisms the rest of the fleet carried. She didn’t need to protect “Smiley’s device” because none had been installed on her. This was her last foray and she wasn’t coming back.
________________________
Captain Bill Riker sat on the bridge of the Courage, fuming. Once again that stuffed-shirt, Picard, had gone off to do battle for the Empire and once again Bill was stuck in a nowhere, behind-the-lines position. “One day,” he thought to himself, “I’m going to have to arrange an accident for that bald peacock!” The Courage was currently assigned to watchdog status near the Rip and Station Nomad One. It was boring duty. With no plausible threats within the Alpha Quadrant left to endanger the Empire it was a duty without honor or glory. Riker hated it.
“Captain, something’s coming out of the Rip.” Commander Shelby, Riker’s First Officer spoke up from tactical.
“Is it one of Picard’s ships?” Riker asked. Shelby looked at him.
“I can’t tell, sir.” The woman sounded puzzled. “It has absolutely no transponder code at all. Hull configuration…..Sir! It’s a Federation design!”
Riker didn’t hesitate. “Battle Posts! Notify Nomad! Activate thuringar generators! Ensign Taurok, all phasers, fire at will!” The Vulcan manning the weapons station began moving quickly and economically to fulfill Riker’s orders.
“Captain,” Shelby said, “That ship looks like its already been in one hell of a fight. I think the only things holding it together are the forcefields I’m detecting.” Riker turned to her with a curious look on his face.
“Can you detect anything further?” Shelby looked down at her board.
“There seems to be some kind of quantum wave pattern building up in her shuttle bay…there’s another one! And two more-Captain, I’m reading hundreds of quantum signatures throughout her superstructure! All of them are increasing in strength!”
Riker turned back to the screen. He could see the battle scars on the Federation vessel now. “I wonder what-“ He never completed that or any other thought, for just then the torpedo-laden Excelsior detonated with the force of a dozen suns. The Courage, Defense Station Nomad One, a dozen Imperial cruisers, twenty-odd destroyers and a small chunk of the moon, Io, vanished in a hellish inferno. Several thousand metric tons of Jupiter’s atmosphere went with them. The shockwave smashed dozens of Imperial vessels in orbit on the near side of Mars down to the surface of the Red Planet. Phobos’s orbit was permanently moved over two kilometers farther out. The blast was so bright that it illuminated Buckingham Palace back on Earth.
The Emperor’s subcutaneous eyelids snapped into place as the blast lit up the Throne Room, protecting him from the light. Many of his subjects were not so lucky and would have to have their retinas replaced in the days and weeks to come. Valeris hurried in a moment later. “Your Majesty, are you all right?” she inquired.
“I am fine, Valeris. It appears that your assessment of the other Federation was, if anything, an underestimation.” Valeris looked at him curiously.
“What do you mean, sir?” she asked.
“I suspect that explosion occurred near Jupiter. It is, in all likelihood, a prelude to invasion,” He answered. She stood and stared at him in stunned silence.
Picard’s fleet exited the Fracture, one ship after another. The Federation-B vessels waited until the last was clear and then set to work closing the tear in space/time.
End Chapter 6
Oh yeah, now we're talkin'! That was some great and imaginative stuff you had going on in this segment! Looks like the good guys finally got some hard licks in on the Empire. Nice tactical work by Sanjay, dealing with Imperial Picard. I'm sure the Excelsior was a particularly nasty surprise for Bill Riker and the other Imperials caught in the blast.
Of course, now they've got to disable Jerix's device and explain their actions. Keep it coming!
Of course, now they've got to disable Jerix's device and explain their actions. Keep it coming!
Good stuff all the way around. The Empire's got its hands full now and as for Sanjay--he better get cracking both on that device and on his story to Nechayev...
A lot of good, action-packed stuff here.
I liked the way we saw both Picard's and Enterprise's in action. Good and evil, so to speak.
Also ingenious plan with the Excelsior. I guess she did go out with a bang instead of a whimper. Didn't see that coming.
As for Seleya it is encouraging that nobody jumped to the easy conclusion that they were deserting. (Any movie would have done just that.) They have a whole new sets of problems to deal with and we'll see how that's going to turn out.
Great Chapter!
I liked the way we saw both Picard's and Enterprise's in action. Good and evil, so to speak.
Also ingenious plan with the Excelsior. I guess she did go out with a bang instead of a whimper. Didn't see that coming.
As for Seleya it is encouraging that nobody jumped to the easy conclusion that they were deserting. (Any movie would have done just that.) They have a whole new sets of problems to deal with and we'll see how that's going to turn out.
Great Chapter!
a little tidbit of what's coming...
VICTORY LIKE THE TASTE OF DUST-Chapter 7
The Federation-B ships were emitting verteron beams out of their deflector dishes at the Fracture as Picard formed his fleet up around them in a defensive posture. Fragments of Hades Station pin-wheeled past the ships, reflecting sunlight bounced off of Jupiter. The verteron beams played over the Fracture like stitching in a seam. Progress could be seen but it was a slow progression. Picard glanced at Geordi, seated at Tactical.
“Captain, there are ships moving in from Earth. ETA six minutes.”
Picard nodded at Communications. “Open a channel.” When he was sure all was ready he said, “Prepare for enemy attack. Flight plan Alpha!” While the rest of the fleet moved into position the Phoenix drifted behind Jupiter, her thrusters the only means of movement.
***********
Spock looked at Valeris for a moment without speaking. She held his eye, unwavering. Outside, screams could be heard-the screams of the recently blinded. The Throne Room was silent.
“Order the Black Fleet to Jupiter.” Spock was as calm as always.
“Your Majesty, that is the Emperor’s Own, the last defense of Earth.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow at her. “They are also the only ships we have that can react quickly. If they fail we will not need a defense around Earth-Earth will have already fallen.”
Valeris hesitated a moment before speaking. “Your logic is, as always, impeccable.”
Spock stared out at the Rose Garden, at the withered bushes, now charred, that lay in their weak winter’s glory. He said nothing and, after an uncomfortable moment of silence, Valeris departed.
VICTORY LIKE THE TASTE OF DUST-Chapter 7
The Federation-B ships were emitting verteron beams out of their deflector dishes at the Fracture as Picard formed his fleet up around them in a defensive posture. Fragments of Hades Station pin-wheeled past the ships, reflecting sunlight bounced off of Jupiter. The verteron beams played over the Fracture like stitching in a seam. Progress could be seen but it was a slow progression. Picard glanced at Geordi, seated at Tactical.
“Captain, there are ships moving in from Earth. ETA six minutes.”
Picard nodded at Communications. “Open a channel.” When he was sure all was ready he said, “Prepare for enemy attack. Flight plan Alpha!” While the rest of the fleet moved into position the Phoenix drifted behind Jupiter, her thrusters the only means of movement.
***********
Spock looked at Valeris for a moment without speaking. She held his eye, unwavering. Outside, screams could be heard-the screams of the recently blinded. The Throne Room was silent.
“Order the Black Fleet to Jupiter.” Spock was as calm as always.
“Your Majesty, that is the Emperor’s Own, the last defense of Earth.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow at her. “They are also the only ships we have that can react quickly. If they fail we will not need a defense around Earth-Earth will have already fallen.”
Valeris hesitated a moment before speaking. “Your logic is, as always, impeccable.”
Spock stared out at the Rose Garden, at the withered bushes, now charred, that lay in their weak winter’s glory. He said nothing and, after an uncomfortable moment of silence, Valeris departed.
You created a lot of tension and anticipation in a very brief segment - a reminder of the adage, "Good things come in small packages!"
So Emperor Spock is betting the keys to the kingdom on this "Black Fleet." Is this an act of desperation (see Galileo Seven) or is his logic "truly impeccable?" That remains to be seen.
I do have to admit, when I first read "Black Fleet," the image of dead Klingons in phantom ships came to mind.
Good stuff! I really like this story.
So Emperor Spock is betting the keys to the kingdom on this "Black Fleet." Is this an act of desperation (see Galileo Seven) or is his logic "truly impeccable?" That remains to be seen.
I do have to admit, when I first read "Black Fleet," the image of dead Klingons in phantom ships came to mind.
Good stuff! I really like this story.
An all or nothing gamble--to quote Admiral Adama, sometimes you have to roll the hard six.
A nice bit to whet our appetites.
A nice bit to whet our appetites.
In Earth orbit an order arrived. Fifty massive ships painted black as the void they passed through made their way towards Jupiter. The Vulcans and Humans onboard moved with swift precision as they went about their duties. For seventy-five years the vessels of the Black Fleet had remained in Earth’s orbit but the order to depart went unquestioned. Accelerating to one-quarter impulse, they leapt towards their destination. On each ship, at precisely the same time, the individual captains ordered their weapons to go active. Torpedoes were loaded and phasers came online. External emissions were suppressed. Damage control parties raced to their stations. Open communication lines were established between the Fleet and Buckingham Palace. The ships moved on.
************
A quarter-million kilometers from the disabled Empire ship, Seleya drifted silently as the group of ships from Vulcan rushed towards them. Sanjay tapped his com button.
“Venetti, any news?”
The acting Chief Engineer responded, ”Sir, we need to keep our distance from all Empire …well, matter. The damn tricorder is wired six ways to next Wednesday and I’m having a rough time disconnecting it from the self-destruct.”
Sanjay glanced at M’Benga. “Carol, is that ship showing any signs of life?”
The First Officer consulted her read-outs and said, “They are going to need a little while. Our quantums put a few dents in their hull. I’d guess forty minutes to an hour before they are underway again.”
“Lieutenant Nog, how goes the battle?”
“Sir, the Fleet is going down. The Empire ships just have too much durability. It’s almost two to one.” He swiveled in his chair to face Sanjay. “I’m sorry, Captain, but we’re losing this one. I was at Cardassia at the end of the Dominion War. It looks a lot like the way things were going before the Cardassians switched sides.”
Sanjay looked upset. Very upset. “Carol, find a way to contact the Bonestell. See if they’ve heard from Picard.”
After a moment’s consultation with her controls Carol looked up. “Captain, communications are still down. I may be able to rig something up with a few com badges but it won’t transmit far. I’m sorry, Captain,” she added.
Sanjay’s voice rose to a dull roar. “The Fleet is dying out there!” He gestured towards the viewscreen. “We have to know when we can jump!” He pounded the arm of his chair in frustration. “Mr. Nog, if the First can put together some kind of com-badge communications can we pass close enough to the Bonestell to talk to them?”
Nog shook his head. “Sorry, sir, but if Chief Venetti is correct in his estimates about the proximity to matter from the Empire’s universe there is no way to get that close. The Bonestell’s escorts are engaged and the debris is like a cloud around them.”
Sanjay heard Mitchell muttering in Klingon behind him but dismissed it as irrelevant. He punched the com button on his chair savagely. “Chief Venetti-I need communications right now, damnit!”
“Captain, the com systems are out until further notice.” Venetti’s voice was flat and cool.
Sanjay scowled at the arm of his chair and then turned his attention back to the viewscreen. He seethed in frustration. The crew on the Bridge was very careful not to look at him as they went about their duties.
*********************
************
A quarter-million kilometers from the disabled Empire ship, Seleya drifted silently as the group of ships from Vulcan rushed towards them. Sanjay tapped his com button.
“Venetti, any news?”
The acting Chief Engineer responded, ”Sir, we need to keep our distance from all Empire …well, matter. The damn tricorder is wired six ways to next Wednesday and I’m having a rough time disconnecting it from the self-destruct.”
Sanjay glanced at M’Benga. “Carol, is that ship showing any signs of life?”
The First Officer consulted her read-outs and said, “They are going to need a little while. Our quantums put a few dents in their hull. I’d guess forty minutes to an hour before they are underway again.”
“Lieutenant Nog, how goes the battle?”
“Sir, the Fleet is going down. The Empire ships just have too much durability. It’s almost two to one.” He swiveled in his chair to face Sanjay. “I’m sorry, Captain, but we’re losing this one. I was at Cardassia at the end of the Dominion War. It looks a lot like the way things were going before the Cardassians switched sides.”
Sanjay looked upset. Very upset. “Carol, find a way to contact the Bonestell. See if they’ve heard from Picard.”
After a moment’s consultation with her controls Carol looked up. “Captain, communications are still down. I may be able to rig something up with a few com badges but it won’t transmit far. I’m sorry, Captain,” she added.
Sanjay’s voice rose to a dull roar. “The Fleet is dying out there!” He gestured towards the viewscreen. “We have to know when we can jump!” He pounded the arm of his chair in frustration. “Mr. Nog, if the First can put together some kind of com-badge communications can we pass close enough to the Bonestell to talk to them?”
Nog shook his head. “Sorry, sir, but if Chief Venetti is correct in his estimates about the proximity to matter from the Empire’s universe there is no way to get that close. The Bonestell’s escorts are engaged and the debris is like a cloud around them.”
Sanjay heard Mitchell muttering in Klingon behind him but dismissed it as irrelevant. He punched the com button on his chair savagely. “Chief Venetti-I need communications right now, damnit!”
“Captain, the com systems are out until further notice.” Venetti’s voice was flat and cool.
Sanjay scowled at the arm of his chair and then turned his attention back to the viewscreen. He seethed in frustration. The crew on the Bridge was very careful not to look at him as they went about their duties.
*********************
Pretty much all bad news in this segment! The Black Fleet is on the way, the good guys are reeling, and the Seleya is still a bomb waiting to go off.
Just a normal day at the office for Captain Sanjay.
Just a normal day at the office for Captain Sanjay.
Great! I've been missing the Seleya saga!
Picard gripped the arms of his command chair. The enemy fleet was less than three minutes out. Images were coming in and Picard could feel the beads of sweat on his forehead. Just as Geordi turned to speak to him, Picard cut him off.
“Yes, I know, Mr. LaForge. They’re Borg spheres. Begin altering shield harmonics and order the rest of the Fleet to do the same.” The Vulcan ensign at Communications began relaying orders in a cool, crisp voice. Picard hoped that when he’d spoken it had been in as steady a tone.
“Captain?” LaForge sounded puzzled. “These spheres-sir, they’re powerful but not on the scale of the cubes we’ve encountered. It’s like they’re, well, kind of primitive.”
Picard opened his mouth but before he could speak every com system in the Fleet was overridden.
“We are the Emperor’s Own. By his order you will be destroyed. Resistance is futile.”
Energy beams lashed out from the dark globes, pounding on Federation shields and punching holes through the superstructures of a number of ships. The Enterprise shuddered under the weapons fire. A couple of the damaged ships detonated in spectacular fireballs, their self-destruct mechanisms triggered prematurely by the damage they’d taken. The Federation-B vessels held to their task, protected by the Fleet.
***************************************
The ships from Vulcan were on fast approach. Sanjay slapped his combadge again. “Venetti, I need communications now!” The words escaped his lips in a snarl.
“Captain, we’re working as fast as we can down here but we can’t risk missing one of the Chief’s boobytraps. I’m sorry, sir, but I’m just a man, not a miracle-worker!”
Sanjay stroked his beard so hard a few hairs pulled loose, unnoticed. Then he seemed to come to a decision. “Lieutenant Nog, plot a course away from those ships, maximum warp.”
“Aye, Captain. I’ve got us heading for Rigel, maximum warp,” the Ferengi responded. Seleya surged away from the scene of the battle, fleeing into the night. Sanjay just pounded the arm of his chair in frustration. Behind him, Federation ships continued to die.
************************************************
Data looked up from his console. “Captain, the Federation ship is fleeing from the Vulcan task force. It seems to be heading for Rigel.” Picard curled his lip in a sneer.
“The coward. Let him run, it matters not to me. Rigel is nothing but a burnt husk. He’ll find no friends there. We can finish him later at our leisure.” Tracing the scar on his cheek with a forefinger, he stepped down from his command dais. “How goes the battle, Data?”
“The Federation ships will be completely wiped out within the next thirty minutes,” the android replied. “Captain, it does not appear that this force sortied expecting to win. Most curious.”
The color drained from Picard’s face. “It’s a ruse,” he whispered, “They are attacking the Empire.” His voice rose. “That bastard Riker is probably laughing loudly at my expense! I am out haring after this diversion while he is using Nomad Station to crush the true threat! He will be the Empire’s savior and I will be the fool that fell for a trick!” Picard was pacing now, fury naked on his face. “Mr. LaForge, I need this ship moving NOW! I will not settle for excuses!”
LaForge looked up from his control board at Picard and, for a second, the Borg laser detector embedded in his right temple flashed in Picard’s eyes. “Captain, I can’t get around simple physics. It will be at least twenty minutes before the intermix ratio is re-established. You’ll have power then. I’m sorry, sir.”
Picard tore the Naussican disruptor he carried on his hip out of its holster and pointed it at the Chief Engineer. “I will not have my place usurped by that bastard from Alaska!” He was screaming now, with a trace of spittle flying out from the corner of his mouth. “I want this ship moving!” The tension on the Bridge was intense as everyone present froze where they were.
The moment held until Data spoke in a flat, uninflected voice. “Captain, killing Mr. LaForge at this time would delay further repairs.” Picard spun towards him, the weapon still extended.
“You would betray me now?” he demanded. Data shook his head slowly, remaining otherwise still.
“No, Captain, I would never betray you.” He looked into Picard’s eyes without guile.
Picard held his pose a few seconds longer and then flopped into his chair with an almost petulant attitude. Sheathing his pistol, he said, “As soon as we can move take us back through the Rip.” His voice was dead.
“Yes, sir,” Data responded crisply, as though nothing untoward had occurred. LaForge breathed a sigh of relief and re-focused his attention on the diagnostics he’d been running. Then he thought about what Data had said, “…at this time…” and a cold chill ran up his spine.
******************************************************************
“Yes, I know, Mr. LaForge. They’re Borg spheres. Begin altering shield harmonics and order the rest of the Fleet to do the same.” The Vulcan ensign at Communications began relaying orders in a cool, crisp voice. Picard hoped that when he’d spoken it had been in as steady a tone.
“Captain?” LaForge sounded puzzled. “These spheres-sir, they’re powerful but not on the scale of the cubes we’ve encountered. It’s like they’re, well, kind of primitive.”
Picard opened his mouth but before he could speak every com system in the Fleet was overridden.
“We are the Emperor’s Own. By his order you will be destroyed. Resistance is futile.”
Energy beams lashed out from the dark globes, pounding on Federation shields and punching holes through the superstructures of a number of ships. The Enterprise shuddered under the weapons fire. A couple of the damaged ships detonated in spectacular fireballs, their self-destruct mechanisms triggered prematurely by the damage they’d taken. The Federation-B vessels held to their task, protected by the Fleet.
***************************************
The ships from Vulcan were on fast approach. Sanjay slapped his combadge again. “Venetti, I need communications now!” The words escaped his lips in a snarl.
“Captain, we’re working as fast as we can down here but we can’t risk missing one of the Chief’s boobytraps. I’m sorry, sir, but I’m just a man, not a miracle-worker!”
Sanjay stroked his beard so hard a few hairs pulled loose, unnoticed. Then he seemed to come to a decision. “Lieutenant Nog, plot a course away from those ships, maximum warp.”
“Aye, Captain. I’ve got us heading for Rigel, maximum warp,” the Ferengi responded. Seleya surged away from the scene of the battle, fleeing into the night. Sanjay just pounded the arm of his chair in frustration. Behind him, Federation ships continued to die.
************************************************
Data looked up from his console. “Captain, the Federation ship is fleeing from the Vulcan task force. It seems to be heading for Rigel.” Picard curled his lip in a sneer.
“The coward. Let him run, it matters not to me. Rigel is nothing but a burnt husk. He’ll find no friends there. We can finish him later at our leisure.” Tracing the scar on his cheek with a forefinger, he stepped down from his command dais. “How goes the battle, Data?”
“The Federation ships will be completely wiped out within the next thirty minutes,” the android replied. “Captain, it does not appear that this force sortied expecting to win. Most curious.”
The color drained from Picard’s face. “It’s a ruse,” he whispered, “They are attacking the Empire.” His voice rose. “That bastard Riker is probably laughing loudly at my expense! I am out haring after this diversion while he is using Nomad Station to crush the true threat! He will be the Empire’s savior and I will be the fool that fell for a trick!” Picard was pacing now, fury naked on his face. “Mr. LaForge, I need this ship moving NOW! I will not settle for excuses!”
LaForge looked up from his control board at Picard and, for a second, the Borg laser detector embedded in his right temple flashed in Picard’s eyes. “Captain, I can’t get around simple physics. It will be at least twenty minutes before the intermix ratio is re-established. You’ll have power then. I’m sorry, sir.”
Picard tore the Naussican disruptor he carried on his hip out of its holster and pointed it at the Chief Engineer. “I will not have my place usurped by that bastard from Alaska!” He was screaming now, with a trace of spittle flying out from the corner of his mouth. “I want this ship moving!” The tension on the Bridge was intense as everyone present froze where they were.
The moment held until Data spoke in a flat, uninflected voice. “Captain, killing Mr. LaForge at this time would delay further repairs.” Picard spun towards him, the weapon still extended.
“You would betray me now?” he demanded. Data shook his head slowly, remaining otherwise still.
“No, Captain, I would never betray you.” He looked into Picard’s eyes without guile.
Picard held his pose a few seconds longer and then flopped into his chair with an almost petulant attitude. Sheathing his pistol, he said, “As soon as we can move take us back through the Rip.” His voice was dead.
“Yes, sir,” Data responded crisply, as though nothing untoward had occurred. LaForge breathed a sigh of relief and re-focused his attention on the diagnostics he’d been running. Then he thought about what Data had said, “…at this time…” and a cold chill ran up his spine.
******************************************************************
So the Black Fleet is comprised of Borg spheres? Now that's a cool twist! Wonder how Emperor Spock managed to corral them?
I continue to enjoy the contrast between the characters in the different universes, particularly between "our" Picard and the imperial version.
And looks like imperial Geordi is wondering how long his reprieve will last!
Great stuff!
I continue to enjoy the contrast between the characters in the different universes, particularly between "our" Picard and the imperial version.
And looks like imperial Geordi is wondering how long his reprieve will last!
Great stuff!
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