Episode 17
Wild Goose Chase
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3b
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Back to the story
Chapter 1
{USS Griffin, Conference Room}
Priscilla slid into her seat. The Senior Staff was already assembled
around the table as usual. The ship had spent longer than expected at
Risa, due to Starfleet HQ not assigning them anything for a while.
Apparently they felt the whole ship's compliment needed downtime.
There had been some crew chances during the R&R time as well. Other
than Ens. Obard Unguf getting promoted to Lt.J.G. and Chief Con
Officer there was nothing major, but the Junior Staff was starting to
be filled out more to Priscilla's and Jaquelle's liking. Doctor Stone
received his second assistant, and there was now an assistant
Counselor for Sandraian also. One of the assistant Engineers had
received a promotion to another ship, but a new assistant for Crawford
had just joined the ship a few days ago.
"We've received our next assignment," Priscilla said. She tapped a
few keys on the small control panel in front of her seat. "We're
going back to our roots: Special Ops." The screen on the wall behind
her chair turned on with an image of a Starfleet vessel. Priscilla
looked to Jaquelle, who stood and continued the briefing.
"The USS Braithwrite has been missing for anywhere from two weeks to
two months now," Jaquelle stated. "Starfleet cannot better pinpoint
the disappearance timeframe due to the Braithwrite's last mission.
Most of which we have not been told either. What we do know is she
was running under ordered communications silence and had been in and
out of deep space over the last nineteen months on some sort of
'study'. Starfleet decided two days ago to list the ship as missing
after the last expected status report window passed." She paused.
"There is no evidence, at least none anyone is able or willing to
provide to us, that the Braithwrite could be destroyed or could simply
be suffering a failure in communication equipment or propulsion,"
Priscilla commented. "From what I've been able to pry out of Command,
their information is sketchy at best as well. The Rear-Admiral who
ordered the mission is currently under do-not-disturb orders from his
doctor for a currently undetermined amount of time, and the assistant
to the Rear-Admiral at the time the mission was started is currently
on vacation and unreachable for the next six days. Command is working
to tack down all the status reports the Braithwrite has sent, look
through them, and send us any non-sensitive information or information
specifically pertinent to where they might be."
"In the meantime," Jaquelle picked up, "We have both their last known
position, which is two months old, and the coordinates they were
supposed to be at for sending the most recent status report that never
came. They're within the same sector, about 8 light years apart.
We're going to start the search there."
"Any questions?"
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Chapter 2
{Commander Daem's Office}
"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant," Daem stated as she motioned for Lt. Solasho
Aiden, to sit.
"I want you to know that I have an open door policy, I come from a race of
listeners and I prefer to hear about problems before they become major incidents
or transfer requests," she continued.
"My philosophy is that the Griffin is the finest ship in the Fleet and I
believe Starfleet has recognized that by consistently sending us personnel who
are
a cut above the average Starfleet officer. I see from your record that you
are no exception. As I suspect you already know, our engines are specially
fitted with unusual upgrades. I am sure Lt. Crawford will put your engineering
expertise to good use. Also, please check in with our Chief Science Officer.
I know it's early, but are there any questions you need answered?"
"Yes," Solasho answered. "I have brought aboard a bat'leth. Is there a
problem with that?"
"Is it weighted for battle?" Daem asked.
Cautiously Solasho answered , "Yes."
"Is the blade honed?" she continued.
"Yes," he answered again cautiously.
"If a pair of Jem'Hadar were to beam into your cabin and you did not have a
phaser, could you keep them from getting out of your door? "
Solasho relaxed a bit and confidently answered, "Yes."
"Then I see no problem," Daem said, continuing to keep a straight face.
Solasho then remembered what Crawford mentioned.
"Lieutenant. Crawford also suggested that I discuss this with the chief
security officer, should I?"
"Oh, good point," Daem said. "I hope it is properly displayed and as battle
ready as you say it is when she sees it. You would not want to show dishonor
to a bat'leth in her presence."
Daem could sense Solasho's reaction when she mentioned that Travin was a she.
In fact she had noted his emotions the entire time he had been in her
office.
"Anything else?" Daem asked.
"No, sir." Solasho answered. As he got up to leave, Daem stated:
"By the way, Lieutenant you should know that I am half Betazoid, and the
chief security officer is full. It is no secret that I use my ability and
should
she choose to use hers while you are in the room, you will have more to worry
about than your bat'leth. Oh, and in case you don't know, the Captain is a
quarter Betazoid and very happily married."
Daem simply smiled and dismissed the young officer.
Solasho left and decided to go directly to the chief science officer's
office, even though he wasn't sure why the first officer directed him there.
He
decided that he didn't want to meet the chief security officer just yet.
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Chapter 3
{Assistant Science Office}
It had been business as usual since returning to the ship after the Risa
vacation. In actuality, it was a relief to Vosch to be back at his station
running the normal routines. Still he could not shake the thoughts that had
been invoked by Ensign Dumas' actions just prior to their departure. Who were
they supposed to meet and what was the importance. None-the-less, the meeting
never took place. Vosch was able to feign enough interest in the local customs
and sights to keep Terri off base and more importantly avoid the "important
private" meeting. Vosch had learned to listen to his internal warning system,
and this just screamed "red alert." Now they were back in a comfortable
environment and Ensign Dumas was now back to acting in her normal fashion.
He was running the normal diagnostics checks that he always had since this
position was assigned to him, when Lt. Krasinski entered the office. Anna still
showed the signs of the persona that was not the most confident an officer in
her position should have, but at least this day she was putting on a better
show. "Vosch, there will be a staff meeting in my office in 15 minutes. See
that you are there along with Ens. Ryuk and Ens. Dumas."
"Aye sir. Is about our next assignment?" Vosch inquired in his usual manner.
"Just gather them, Vosch. I will bring you all up to speed at that time." Anna
tried to sound commanding. Vosch noted the difference, however. For a brief
moment he recalled the sure handed, stern but fair, Lt. Krasiniski he met when
he first came aboard. He hoped in some manners that Anna would return, but he
began to realize from other crew members that the current Anna was the dominant
persona and that he may never see his first Anna again for sometime.
(I guess I better just get used to it,) Vosch thought to himself. He then
contacted Ens. Dumas and Ryuk as requested, and the three proceeded to
Krasinski's office.
Anna's office was just spacious enough for a small gathering. While she
addressed the entire science staff in the main meeting room reserved for them,
she liked to have these smaller meetings in her office. It was Vosch's
hypothesis that while this persona of Anna was present, the office provided a
sense of security, comfort, and most importantly confidence.
Already in the room was Asst. Science Officer Delaney. Lt. Krasinski motioned to
everyone to be seated while she stood behind her desk at her console. For the
first time since the infamous baseball game she looked like the Lt. Krasinski
Vosch knew existed. He didn't know if it was because of the room, or the
mission, or if the persona had changed; but he knew she meant business and that
was good enough for him.
She looked at everyone and then began speaking. "We have received our mission."
Lt. Krasinski then began to recant what had been said at the senior officer's
meeting putting a special emphasis that while the ship is investigating this
matter, all findings are considered classified and will be reported to her. It
was also explained the outside communications were to be cleared through her
specifically and if she was unavailable to clear it with Lt. Cmdr. Travin.
Lt. Krasinski then began typing on her console and the star chart appeared
behind her on the screen. "This will be were our search will begin," as she
pointed behind her. "This is the approximate last known position of the
Braithwrite. Once we reach that position I wan Ensigns Dumas and Ryuk to begin
long range scans from this point radiating outward in the direction of the
coordinates where the ship was supposed to have been during their next schedule
contact point. I will enter the scan parameters after this meeting."
Her attention then turned to the two assistant science officers. "Lt. Karenek,
once we reach our destination I want you to perform close range scans focusing
on warp signatures, Tachion disturbances, and the like. You will then compile
all data and report to me all findings that you, Dumas, and Ryuk may come up
with; no matter how small or insignificant they may seem."
She paused and then sole attention given to Lt. Delaney. "Lieutenant, you will
be temporarily assigned to Chief Engineering Officer Crawford. I believe you
will be working with a new member of the ship, a Lt. Aiden. This is only a
temporary assignment, but your skills will be most suited for working with
Engineering during this assignment."
Anna then looked at everyone again, with almost a proud grin she was trying to
hide, but couldn't fully. She liked and was indeed proud of her staff and their
efforts. "Are there any questions?" After a reply in unison of "No Sir" Anna
dismissed the staff.
As they staff departed, Krasinski went back to her terminal and started entering
the scan parameters. As the last two, Vosch and Terri, were leaving, Lt.Aiden
passed them and walked into the office. Anna looked up from her station.
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Chapter 3b
As Solasho walked into the office, Anna was working at a station and looked
up at him.
"Lt....," Anna hesitated.
"Solasho Aiden," Solasho stated charmingly. "Are you the chief science
officer?"
"Yes," Anna answered, still proud of being call that. "I am Anna Krasinski."
"The Krasinski?" Solasho wondered aloud.
"Yes, my parents are the Krasinski's," she said dispirited.
"Oh," Solasho said. "So it was your Mother who dominated the sharp shooting
award every year at Starfleet and has her name all over martial arts awards?"
Anna's face lit up. "No, that was me."
Dumas ushered Vosch out of the room so Aiden and Anna could have privacy. As
the two walked back to their stations, Terri looked at Vosch with a devilish
grin, "Looks like you have competition." She then left him and went to prepare
for the mission.
Vosch looked at Terri as she left, "Huh? What do you mean?"
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Chapter 4
{Outside the office of the Chief Science Officer}
Aiden exited the office, whistling the love theme from his favorite
Klingon opera. He had a lot to do to make the ship ready for the
current mission, but he was looking forward to the challenge. Three
recalibrations, a new sensor subroutine... nothing like jumping right
into the thick of things to get a feel for what your ship is made of
and how she thinks. In addition, it suited him just fine to have an
opportunity to work with the Science division. What better way to
connect with the people and resources he'd need for his own projects
than to help them with theirs? It might not be as personable as it
was on the Tesla, but he liked what he'd seen of this crew's character
so far.
He reported in at Main Engineering, giving Lieutenant Crawford his
latest orders along with his basic PADD-work to complete his transfer
back to active duty. "I'm sure you have all of this already...."
Jason nodded. "No shame in being thorough, Solasho. You ready to get
to work?"
"Yes, sir," he said, smiling in anticipation of the job ahead. "I've
already mapped out my plan of work... with your permission, of course."
"If you've earned placement to my ship, I shouldn't have to look over
your shoulder. Get to it. If you need anything, ask whoever's handy.
If they can't help, they'll get you to someone who can."
"Thank you, sir. I'll keep that in mind."
Aiden was pleased with the spacious workstation he'd been assigned,
and it took relatively little rearranging for him to be completely
satisfied with the control layouts. "All right, Miss Griffin, allow
me to introduce myself...." He drew a few odd looks from the
neighboring crewmembers, but he didn't lower his voice more than the
minimum to seem polite. Uploading his own voice software, he had the
computer randomize some pitch numbers to make this lady distinctive
from the other ships he'd worked with and then tweaked it until it was
easy on his ears. Now her voice for him would be distinctive from the
standard one, so he'd know whether he was getting standard answers or
"polished" ones without having to think too hard about it.
He set her observation and interpretation algorithms to local only and
had her parse out her own programming space in the data core. "Are
you with me, Miss Griffin?"
"Yes, Aiden," came the purred response.
"All right, let's get to work."
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Chapter 5
{Captain's Ready Room}
Priscilla smiled at Aiden as he walked in. He started to say
"Reporti-" but she cut him off pleasantly.
"Lieutenant Solasho, so good to finally met you," she said as she
rounded her desk and offered her hand for a shake. "I hear you've
already made yourself at home?"
Her tone didn't give him any indication of her feelings on what she
had heard about him, and not knowing what she had heard he truly had
no way of knowing what she meant. "I'm settling in," he replied
non-committally.
"Good," she said with a touch of happiness. "It's important to me
that everyone feel they belong here." She motioned for him to sit,
and started back to her own chair. "I don't expect everyone to get
along, that's just not realistic. But this ship and this crew are
home and family to me. I appreciate everyone treating them that way."
"Of course, Captain," Aiden replied with his most charming smile.
Surprisingly to him Priscilla chuckled in response. She shook her
head slightly at him.
Folding her hands in her lap, she leaned back slightly in her chair.
"I'm not going to keep you long, as this mission is very important and
I expect we'll be beginning the search any minute. I can't speak with
you on any sort of technical level I'm sure you're accustomed too, my
mind just isn't built for such details! But I am very interested to
hear about the various philosophical beliefs you've... collected?"
She looked genuinely interested. "Perhaps sometime after things calm
down?"
Aiden nodded. "Sounds like- " the First Officer's words sprung to the
front of his mind and he decided to change what he was about to say.
"- something to look forward to."
The door chime sounded.
Aiden stood and took his leave as Tovaal appeared as the door slid
open. "Again, nice to meet you Solasho," Priscilla said, then:
"Lieutenant Maxwell, please come in."
Tovaal did as asked, and sat when Priscilla motioned. "Sorry about
our first appointment," she apologized, referring to a few days ago
when Tovaal had first arrived on the Griffin and she was called away
from their meeting by a communication from Starfleet. "Now, are you
settling in?"
"Yes, quite well, thank you," he replied.
"Good!" she said with a smile. As she turned her head to look at
something, her hair shifted and Tovaal noticed she had a slightly
subdued version of the trademark ears he owned as well.
Before either could say anything else, Priscilla's commbadge went off.
"Captain to the bridge."
Priscilla shrugged slightly as she stood. "Seems we're destined to be
interrupted!"
"I'm sure we'll talk again," Tovaal replied cheerfully.
{Bridge}
Priscilla led Tovaal out of the ready room. "Report," she ordered,
suddenly all business.
"We've arrived at our search start point. There's nothing here,"
Jaquelle stated. "However...," she turned to look at Rinali.
"Sensors detect wreckage in a neighboring solar system. There is
evidence of definite disruptor fire, perhaps phaser as well, a more
intensive scan should be able to tell. However, a warp trail is fading."
Priscilla thought quickly. "No ships within long range sensors?" she
asked, expecting the "No." answer that came. "The wreckage, could it
be the Braithwrite? Can we tell yet?"
"The wreckage is too dispersed to be the Braithwrite if we assume the
wreckage was caused by the fight we've detected occurred. More likely
several small vessels were destroyed."
"Can we tell if the warp trail is one of ours?"
"Not yet."
Priscilla nodded, and decided the wreckage would still be there if
they needed to come back for clues. "Follow the trail," she ordered.
She turned to look for Tovaal, and on seeing him pointed at the conn.
"Let's see what you can do," she said with a slightly challenging but
non-pressure look.
As he slid into the chair she turned to the back of the Bridge.
"Anna, find out everything you can about the wreckage until we're out
of range, then focus on the ship we're following."
"Aye, Captain," she replied, having started to carry out the orders
before they had even been given.
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Chapter 6
Myst eased into her chair which had been instantly vacated by Daem when
Myst was called from her ready room. Daem, standing near conn leaned over
Maxwell's shoulder.
"I hear you somehow got yourself listed for a duty shift at Conn aboard
the Defiant one night when Commander Worf had to take her into an emergency
situation," Daem said trying to hide an impish grin. "A Klingon commander and a
smiling Vulcan, both in Starfleet uniforms, ah, it's the stuff of legends."
Daem could sense Maxwell's mood relax a bit as she made her way back to
the first officer's seat. Myst gave an inquisitive look at Daem, really
wanting to hear the story but deciding to keep her command persona.
"Captain," Anna called out, clearly oblivious to the banter, "I believe
there was a battle between five runabout sized vessels and a nebula-class size
ship. The smaller vessels were using phaser type weapons. The larger one
disruptors."
Myst, knowing that Anna could go on about every detail interrupted.
"Klingon disruptors?" Myst said
"No." Anna responded. Both Myst and Daem waited expecting Anna to go on,
but this time she didn't. Myst looked over to Daem with a look of 'is she
alright?' Daem just shrugged with a 'I have no clue' look. Anna had involved
herself back into the readings, finally saying,
"And they are not Cardassian or Romulan. None of the wreckage shows any
ships to be using Starfleet phasers," Anna continued. The disruptors are
somewhat like a combination of the ones used by the Eminiarians and the
El-Aurians as personal weapons, only on a much more powerful scale. It seems
that
the larger ship took out the smaller ones without taking much if any damage."
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Chapter 7
"Captain," Rinali said. "I am detecting recent phaser and disruptor fire
ahead."
"Send the coordinates to Maxwell," Myst responded.
"Captain," Krasinski added, "The disruptor matches the one used in the last
battle."
"How many ships involved in this battle?" Myst asked.
"The wreckage shows three ships, " Krasinski responded. "The one using the
disruptor is no longer there."
"Rinali," Myst called, "can we find a trail?"
"Already working on it," Rinali responded. "I've got it."
"Mr. Maxwell, lay in a course to that ship." Myst ordered.
"Captain," Jaquelle interrupted. "I'm detecting numerous life signs among the
wreckage."
"Given the state of the wreckage," Krasinski said, "I am not sure anyone would
want to have lived through it."
Myst wanted to capture the ship before it inflicted any more destruction, but
she knew she had to divert to the wreckage.
"Mr. Maxwell, lay in a course to the wreckage."
Daem looked at Myst. "I'll notify the doctor of possible victims coming in."
Myst looked back unsure if she wished there were or hoped that they all just got
to rest in piece.
{Sickbay}
Dr. Stone still couldn't handle the news of his brother. He placed a mood
suppressant hypo to his neck and injected it. Just as he looked up he saw the
doors open and Daem walk in.
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency," the doctor said, with a half
smile on his face.
"We might have some injured coming aboard from the wreckage we are heading
towards," the Commander announced.
"We are ready as ever to help out," he said, "but I don't see you coming down
here to just tell me that."
"You're right... are you alright?" Daem answered. "I've noticed you seemed a
bit," she paused, " ‘distant'."
"Commander," Stone said smiling widely and patting her on the shoulder. "I've
never been better."
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Chapter 8
{Sick Bay}
Dr. Stone was busy preparing for those survivors who could be pulled from the
wreckage. While he enjoyed staying busy because it took his mind off of his
personal issues, this is far from what he would prefer.
"Dr. Stone, the first survivors have been located."
"Good. Have them sent directly to Sick Bay."
{Bridge}
Meanwhile back on the bridge Rinali looked back to the captain, "Sir, I have
lost the signature trail."
Myst, looking frustrated, "What do you mean lost the signature? How can you just
lose a signature trail?"
Rinali looked as frustrated as the captain, "I don't know sir, but the trail
just ends. No warp signatures, no field distortions, nothing. It is as if they
just vanished."
They all knew that 'just vanishing' was not a possibility according to the laws
of physics no matter where you hail from, but it became a very strange puzzle
indeed.
Myst looked at Krasinski, "A cloaking device or other stealth technology?"
"None that I have heard of. I have already sent the last coordinates to Vosch
to have him start scanning." Krasinski replied.
"Captain, this is Stone."
"Go ahead doctor."
"We have been able to recover 37 survivors, most in pretty bad shape."
"Will they make it?" Myst's voice softened as she momentarily placed the
frustration of the lost ship in the back recesses of her mind and began to feel
the compassion for those who survived what was obviously an atrocity.
"I don't know. I am doing my best but their anatomy is so... never mind, you
better just come and see for yourself," Dr. Stone advised.
"Alright, I will be right there. Daem come with me, Davidson you have the
Bridge."
After Davidson's acknowledgment of Myst's command the two went to sickbay.
{Science Office}
Vosch began running the scans that were requested by Lt. Krasinski. Just as he
was about to report that there were no findings, Dumas burst into the room.
"Vosch did you see that?" she inquired breathing as if she had just run a
marathon. "Computer, display time sequence 3489.6 of scan 37." Dumas then
pointed to his monitor where she outlined a faint waving distortion in the star
field.
"It is a cloaking device. But whom or how?" Vosch inquired.
"No wait, it gets better," Dumas said as if she were a kid in a candy store with
$100 to spend. "Computer, display sequence 3490.1 of scan 37. Look there, Vosch.
Did you see that flash of light and the distortion disappeared?... Right at the
coordinates Krasinski sent."
Vosch looked in amazement at his console and the feeling of his very soul sank
to the bottom of his stomach. "Jump gates?" he mumbled.
Dumas looked at him puzzled, "What did you say?"
Vosch realized he spoke out loud and did his best to cover up the slip,
"Nothing. I have to get this information to Anna. Good work Terri."
Dumas gleamed with pride.
Later, after speaking with Krasinski, Vosch was asked to speak to the senior
staff on the information that was discovered. He mentioned nothing about jump
gates because he couldn't be sure. No one in the Federation, that he knew of,
had that type nor was researching that type of technology on a 'vessel level.'
Besides it very well could be just better cloaking, couldn't it?
After he finished his presentation, Myst thanked Vosch for a good job and asked
him to report any further findings to Lt. Krasinski and excused him. Myst then
looked at her senior staff, "Suggestions?"
Ensign Sandraian then spoke up, "Sir, I don't have any suggestions about the
mission, but I do know that Vosch was hiding something. Not because he didn't
'want' to divulge it, but... it was like he was afraid to. I have never felt him
so uneasy since I have been on board."
Daem then looked at Myst, "I felt it, too."
Myst quickly tapped the table surfaces in front of her as she began to compile
her commands. "Maybe you should go talk with him Counselor. If the feelings
you sensed involve this mission, then we need to know."
Myst then looked at the rest of the staff. "We now have a lead, as small as it
might be. What should our next step be?" Myst paused and waited for
suggestions.
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Chapter 9
Aiden and Miss Griffin monitored the massive traffic through the core as
Science tried to trace the warp signature. She was quiet, lending the
processing power she ordinarily would keep to herself to more deserving
routines. On a hunch, Aiden decided to run through his software exchange core,
hoping something he'd gotten in trade during his Academy time and career would
be of use.
"Bingo," he muttered, adding a Klingon oath of thanks to the storm as he
recompiled an old simulation. Once it was up to date, he tapped his comm badge.
"Science, this is Solasho in Engineering. I have just recompiled a warp trace
simulator that may be of some use. Some of its presuppositions have been
disproved in the last few years, but it still has had a sixty-two percent
success rate in tracking cloaked or stutter warped vessels with unconventional
or no trace trails. If you're short handed, pass the data back here and I'll be
happy to help... barring any Engineering complications, of course."
Aiden swiveled his chair to monitor a data-bus maintenance routine while he
waited to see where the chase would lead them....
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Chapter 10
{Conference Room}
While Vosch was giving his presentation, Tovaal studied the readings, brow
furrowed in concentration. There was no doubt about it; that ship had been
cloaked. But that wasn't what was bugging him; he could have followed that ship
through the Badlands if he'd needed to, cloak or no.
It was that flash of light right when the warp trail disappeared for good.
Taking a closer look at the sensor readings, he suspected that he was looking at
something familiar, but at the moment couldn't place it. He started tapping on
the console in front of him, accessing his personal database; he had long ago
gotten into the habit of keeping notes on his previous missions, more detailed
versions of the entries he made in his personal logs.
After a moment or two, he had what he was looking for, and the scowl he gave as
he compared it to what was on the big screen in the room was purely Vulcan.
Myst noticed his look and turned her attention to him. "You have something,
Lieutenant?"
"A conjecture, mostly, but it may prove workable," he replied. He gestured to
the main screen. "If I may...?"
"Please," she answered, and Tovall made his way to the monitor. He took a moment
or two to tap some commands, and in less than a minute, the comparative study he
had been running was up for all of them to see. The screen was split; on the
left side were the readings and scan results that the Griffin had managed to
obtain. On the right were a set of readings that were time-stamped almost a year
and a half ago.
"The light flash that we saw at the end of the warp trail reminded me of
something that The Kitty Hawk encountered while I was there," he said as he
plied the console, and it ran through a series of analysis that compared the two
phenomena that were on the monitor. "Starfleet Intelligence had gotten word that
a race known as the Caramani was close to, or had completed technology that
would eventually lead to stable artificial wormholes. The intelligence was
accurate, though not current; when the Kitty Hawk arrived, we found that they
had actually completed the structure, and were testing it. The readings we
obtained" - and here he gestured to the data on the right screen - "are very
similar to the ones that we have taken here thus far. My supposition at current
is that while it is not exactly the same technology, I believe that it could be
a similar phenomenon."
Daem looked at the screen for a moment before she asked, "We haven't detected
any technology at the coordinates where the trail disappeared. Wouldn't
something like that require a machine at both ends? How would ships that came
through get back?"
"They were never intended to be used for return purposes, as far as we were able
to tell. Their purpose, mainly, was to move ships from Caramani space to various
points in the Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 included, we assumed. Thus my surmise:
either there is a cloaked wormhole generator out there that we cannot detect
from this distance, or there is something that is similar, but has the
capability to bring ships back from a distance, and thus does not require a
secondary generator. Either way, once we get closer, we should be able to
determine which it is."
"Interesting theory, Lieutenant," Daem said. "Are you a scientist as well as a
pilot?"
Tovaal shrugged. "I was going to be, but Science just doesn't fly as well as a
starship."
The first officer smiled at that as Captain Myst got up from her seat. "All
right," she said, "we'll see where this leads us. Lieutenant Maxwell, get this
information to Science and set a course for where the trail ended. We'll get
under way once we're sure we've gotten all of the survivors we can find."
"Yes, Captain," he responded.
"All right then, dismissed. Let's get to work."
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Chapter 11
Ensign Sandraian looked to Captain Myst. "Sir I am going to pursue what Vosch
is hiding. I think it has something to do with the ship that disappeared." She
frowned slightly. "Sir I felt the minds on the ship through the cloaking device
and then it just went away. " The young counselor looked perplexed. "It is
almost as if they ceased to exist."
"I think I am going to look into these Caramani peoples... but first I am going
to have a
conversation with Mister Vosch." With that she went after Vosch.
"Vosch wait a minute."
Vosch turned and blinked through his environmental suit at her. "May I help
you?"
Ensign Sandraian looked at him. "I could not help but notice that you were
holding back something."
Vosch looked down at the Ensign. "I do not know of what you are talking about."
"Please sir I don't need to be Betazed to know that you are not speaking the
full truth. What are you afraid of Sir?" She waited for an answer.
Vosch stopped and looked to her. "If Tovaal's speculations are correct we could
be in big trouble. The race of Caramani, while they were close, needed help from
someone else to complete the technology." Vosch turned and walked.
"Lieutenant Vosch who has the capabilities to provide such help?"
He stopped and turned back to Ensign Sandraian. "One of two I do not wish to
speculate until I contact my father. What you should be more concerned with is
the facilitator that brought the two races together for the common goal." He
turned and started walking.
"Lieutenant what is the common goal?"
He turned and sighed. "To create a technology to give one race a advantage over
the federation. So what races would do that? What races would want to see to the
downfall of the federation? But yet who could be friendly enough and
manipulative enough to unite two races that most likely diametrically opposed."
Vosch turned and started walking, after a bit he entered his quarters.
{Ensign Sandraian's Quarters}
Personal log.
Lieutenant Vosch is most puzzling. While given direct answers he
still withheld pertinent information. He is very nervous about whomever the
facilitator is. My personal suspicion is that the Ferengi or the Romulans.
Both have the technology and both do not necessarily approve of the Federation.
The Ferengi may have the upper hand in this sense
because they are damn manipulative. They have ways to make sure no one knows
what they are truly feeling. It makes me a little nervous that Vosch seems a
little scared about this problem. I am still perplexed on the disappearance
of the ship. It is very unusual for things to just dissipate. They is normally
some residual emotion left behind.
End log.
Back to Top
Chapter 12
{Three hours later, Bridge}
"Captain," Rinali's voice cut through the pensive silence that was the
side effect of everyone working so diligently. "We're receiving a
distress call."
Priscilla stood form her chair and turned to look at Rinali. "Distance?"
"Forty minutes at Warp 5," Rinali replied.
Priscilla closed her eyes for a moment as she absorbed the bad news.
(That would be too long in any set of circumstances,) she thought to
herself. Then thoughts of what the Griffin was currently doing crept
back into her head. If only they could be in two places at once!
Of course, the Griffin could. But Priscilla was not willing to leave
the Saucer section here to continue progress on the disappearance of
the alien vessel when it was entirely possible for the ship to return
the same way. In her mind, the distress call was currently more
important. Science wouldn't be happy....
"Leave a Class Four probe to continue gathering data, with any
specifications Science can get to you in the next 30 seconds," she
ordered Davidson who was sitting at Ops. "Respond to the distress
signal, tell them we're on our way and ask for any additional
information they can provide," she said to Rinali. Then she turned to
face the view screen. "Maxwell, get us there, Warp eight. As soon as
we're in range, give us a visual."
Being a distress signal, it was Captain's prerogative to break the
Warp speed limit. If this was another attack by the same, or similar,
ship, Priscilla wanted to be there before they could complete another
massacre, if at all possible.
{Sickbay}
Sandraian walked in and looked around. What struck her first was the
appearance of the survivors, they looked very much Grazerites. But
who would have reason to attack such a peaceful and defenseless (by
choice) race? Assuming these people were Grazerites.
Only one nurse could be seen, the rest of the medical staff was
currently in various emergency surgeries or trying to save patients
quarantined with radiation poisoning. Doctor Stone had called her in
a hurried voice asking if she'd come deal with the less critical
patients waiting in Sickbay for treatment. He told her civilian
Medical staff was being called in to supplement the Starfleet crew,
all he wanted was for someone experienced to keep an eye on the
aliens, in case of anything unexpected. Sandraian did note there was
already a Security team positioned around at all the entrances looking
very cautious.
She looked around at all the patients, trying to discern who might be
the one in charge, if such a person existed amongst the survivors.
She was also looking for the person most likely to talk to her, so she
could try and get information on the attackers for the Captain, and
for any people who seemed like they might need emotional support
immediately.
Back to Top
Chapter 13
Jaquelle kept her mind focused, quite literally. She was in the middle
of a complicated surgery, having been called to sickbay to help with the crush
of casualties. She had put up the shields in her mind to keep the emotions of
the crew from distracting her in this tense situation. No, really she had
done so because Dr. Stone's, mood was so distracting.
Jaquelle had always been happy to help in sickbay with medical
emergencies, but since she had become first officer she felt that when it
happened
during yellow alert situations she was neglecting her duties on the bridge. As
she
could feel the ship jump to a higher warp then was normally allowed by
Starfleet, she especially wanted to be on the bridge now.
{Bridge}
"Captain," Rinali said, "I am receiving an incoming message from
Starfleet on a secure channel."
"Send it to my ready room," Myst said as she quickly rose. "Davidson,
you have the bridge."
{Captain's Ready Room}
Myst sat at her desk and called the message up on her screen. The
Federation logo was replaced with the face of Admiral Alynna Nechayev.
"Captain Myst," Nechayev stated without even a greeting, "what do you
know about this mystery ship?"
Myst stayed calm Nechayev had to know that the Griffin had not made
contact with the mystery ship. Priscilla was an accomplished diplomat but
always
had been annoyed at playing those internal Starfleet political games.
"I take it you are up to date on the reports to Starfleet from the
Griffin?" was all Priscilla said.
"Captain, let me get to the point," Nechayev said. Priscilla kept her
calm attentive look while thinking â€~please.'
"Information spreads fast throughout the Federation. Many of our members
with very little defenses have heard about this ship that appears from
nowhere, using specialized disruptors, that can take out a small fleet without
any
effective retaliation. They are speculating that this ship is specifically
targeting peaceful areas. The Klingons are boasting that this ship is afraid of
them. Chancellor Martok is 'graciously' offering to send a Klingon battle
cruiser to take care of the problem. We need to see that ship before anyone
else
does," Nechayev instructed pointedly.
"Admiral," Myst questioned, "is there something about that ship that you
are not telling me?"
"Captain, your number one priority is to find that ship," was all
Nechayev would say.
"Are you ordering me to break off search for those survivors who have
just sent out a distress message?" Myst responded intently.
"I will not make that order right now, but after that, you have but one
mission, Nechayev out."
Priscilla's screen turned back to the Federation logo. The stern look on her
face stayed as she marched back onto the bridge.
Back to Top
Chapter 14
{Bridge}
"Maxwell, get us there, Warp eight. As soon as we're in range, give us a
visual."
"Aye, Captain," he responded as he plied his controls, all levity gone from his
demeanor, "Warp Eight. Engines engaged."
The Griffin jumped to high warp as Tovaal firewalled the throttle. He could
have sworn that it sounded a little different when this ship accelerated, even
from other Galaxy-Class ships he'd flown. Matter for another time's
consideration, though.... The Griffin needed him sharp, so he focused his
thoughts to the task at hand.
The Griffin had barely been at warp for more than a minute when Rinali called
out, "Captain, the ship that sent us the SOS is under attack! They report one
ship, unidentified, heavy weapons, possibly disruptors!"
"Red alert! Lieutenant, can we see it yet?" Priscilla asked, her voice tight.
"Negative, Captain," came the Vulcan's reply, "Not for another two minutes,
twenty-seven-point-three seconds."
Myst started to get a slight sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Any
indication they can hold out until we get there?"
"They've taken heavy damage," Rinali answered, "it doesn't look good, Sir."
"Damn...," she cursed softly. Looked like they were going to miss them again,
whoever they were. She stared at the main viewscreen and waited as the stars
seemed to crawl past. There were times when warp eight just wasn't fast
enough....
"We are now in visual range," Tovaal called out a couple minutes later.
"On screen," Myst ordered.
Local space filled the screen, detailing the aftermath of yet another battle.
Rinali started her report on the sensor findings before the Captain could even
ask for them.
"It appears to have been two large vessels, Captain; from the debris field, I'd
say this one was about the size of a Nebula-Class cruiser. Residual energy
signatures suggest ion-based weapons and photon torpedo-like warheads. Nothing
from inside the Federation. There are also readings that match those from our
previous location. Odds are it was the same ship from the last attack."
"Survivors?" Myst asked, though if the sight on the screen was any
indication....
"No life signs," came the answer. Priscilla absorbed that for a moment while
Rinali went back to study her instruments again for new information. After a few
seconds, she spoke again.
"I have a warp trail! It looks like whoever did this took some engine damage
this time."
"Give it to Maxwell," Myst ordered, turning back to the front of the bridge.
"Tovaal?"
"I have it," he said, "pursuit course plotted and laid in."
"Warp eight then. Don't lose them, Lieutenant."
"Not if I can help it, Captain."
With the trademark white starburst that marked the transition from normal space
to the faster-than-light, The Griffin once again jumped into subspace.
Back to Top
Chapter 15
{Sick Bay}
She walked into the med lab not really knowing what to expect. She wasn’t as
versed in human anatomy as she liked to have been but, she did have a base
knowledge. It had been a tough choice between Starfleet Medical Officer or
Starfleet Counselor. Giving things a quick glance over she had a feeling from
one of the survivors. It was a feeling off authority. Sandraian walked over
towards him, he was in bad shape. From the emotions she was getting off of him
he knew that his time was growing closer to the end. She stopped by him.
"There was no reason for them to attack. No reason at all. We did not have our
shields up. They claimed to be part of the Federation. But we are smart. The
Federation wouldn’t attack helpless ships." The survivor wanted so much to
believe that. He looked up at her and she could feel the moment of doubt.
"No the Federation would not attack helpless ships." That seemed to relive him.
Sandraian did what she could to make him comfortable.
He looked up at her again. "What is you’re name?"
Ensign Sandraian looked at him. "Alex." That seemed to ease him.
{On the way to the bridge}
Sandraian exited med bay rather quickly making her way to the bridge. She
blinked as a wave a emotion came hurtling towards her. Cocking her head to one
side she turned and looked. She was just able to catch a glimpse of Vosh.
Something had him still worried.
{Bridge}
"Captain Myst. We have a problem. That mystery ship we have been chasing. Is
claiming to be a Federation Vessel."
Back to Top
Chapter 16
{Bridge}
Priscilla frowned deeply at the Counselor's report. "Staff Meeting,"
she ordered in Daem's direction. Then she headed towards her ready
room. "I'll be reporting to Starfleet."
{Alien ship}
"We're being followed again. Starfleet vessel."
"That is good."
"Should they be allowed to catch us?"
"No, it is not yet time. Continue to the next target."
{Conference Room}
Priscilla had Sandraian repeat what she had found to all assembled.
The room was silent afterwards. Finally Priscilla spoke. "Anna...,"
she started with a cautious by soft tone.
Anna shook her head. "Sorry Captain, we haven't figured out the gate
technology yet." She hesitated a moment. "There's worse news."
Priscilla stifled a sigh. More bad news is not what she wanted. "And
that is?"
"I've been running figures and simulations based on all the data we
have so far of the alien ship. If my extrapolations are accurate-"
"Which they always are," Stone commented quietly with a heavy tone.
"-the aliens are heading for a Legaran settlement colony. The colony
has minimal protection, and over ten thousand inhabitants. Their
closest reinforcements are two days away."
Of course Anna had already done all the research on her findings. No
one at the table doubted what she said. Priscilla looked at Davidson.
"Sorry sir," he replied to the unspoken question with a shake of his
head. "Not even at Warp 9.6 could we catch them in time."
Priscilla turned to Jason. "Find a way to beat them there." The
Chief Engineer started to speak, it was clear his response was going
to be negative. Priscilla cut him off. "Whatever it takes," she said
sternly.
Jason closed his mouth and simply nodded.
"Bridge to Conference Room," Zosin's voice came over the comm. "We're
receiving a distress call... it's automated... out of range for direct
communications... over 2 days old... it's from.... Sirs, it's the
Braithwrite."
Back to Top
Chapter 17
{Bridge}
"Lieutenant Maxwell, lay in a course for the Legaran settlement colony,
warp 9.8" Captain Myst ordered.
"Sir," Zosin said, "what do you want me to do about the distress signal
from the Braithwrite?"
"Try and communicate with them any way you can, but our new directive is
to engage
that alien ship." Myst answered.
"Yellow Alert" Daem called.
{Engineering}
Jason walked into Engineering like a man on a mission.
"Danny, I need you on a parallel engineering panel with me." Jason
called.
"Remember your research based on the alien called the traveler?" Jason
questioned. "The Starfleet researcher Kosinski believed he had discovered a way
to push the warp engines with an experimental modification. It turned out to
be the alien, but you speculated that there was something to Kosinski's
equations."
"Yes, Kosinski had delusions of grandeur and wanted his research to match
his ego, so he could not see the smaller ramifications of his work which
might allow the engines to perform at warp 9.99 for longer than the usual
limitations," Danny Defore answered. "Certainly not for the time to go the 2.7
million
light years that the Enterprise first jumped, and of course no where near the
over 1 billion light years that it eventually went."
Danny started calling up his research. The modification had to be
done with two engineers working together the entire time on parallel engineering
panels just as Kosinski had envisioned it.
"If we try your research, what possible danger are we putting the ship or
the engines in?" Jason asked, ignoring the possible fatigue that he and Danny
would incur.
"The same as a normal travel at warp 9.99, the engines will completely
shut down if they are pushed too far," Danny answered.
"Let's bring it on line, and make sure they don't go too long," Jason
said.
{Bridge}
"Captain," came the voice of Jason Crawford, "we believe we have a way to
sustain warp 9.99 for enough time to get us to the Legaran settlement colony
before the alien ship."
"Thank you, Mr. Crawford," Myst said, "on your mark."
Back to Top
Chapter 18
{Main Engineering}
"Thank you, Mr. Crawford," Myst said over the comm, "on your mark."
"Aye sir," Jason replied. "Starting in one minute. We'll be
controlling velocity and acceleration from down here. All other
controls will remain under Bridge control. Engineering out."
"Lieutenant Solasho," Jason called as he took his place opposite
Daniel Defore at the main table with multiple computer terminals.
"Sir?" Aiden asked as he walked over.
"We," Jason replied, indicating Daniel and himself, "will be
performing some very particular calculations that need specific
timing. Do *not* let anyone interrupt us, unless it's the Captain
herself with a really good reason. Understood?"
"Understood," Aiden repeated with a nod.
"Jas...," Daniel started, looking across at his best friend with a
touch of concern. "Should you really be the one doing this with me?
If we do beat that ship to the settlement... I assume we're trying do
to so for a reason."
"Yes," Jason answered. "To prevent it from destroying the
settlement."
"Which means we're running into a battle," Daniel continued. "Don't
you think we're going to need our Chief Engineer once we get there?"
Jason paused for a moment. "Maybe. But no one here knows you like I
do. We've worked together for so long I understand how you think,
and when. If you believe there's anyone else here who could match
you key for key as well as I could, then I'll let the two of you do
this. Otherwise, it's much more of a risk to the ship for me not to
be your partner than for me not to be able to help during the battle."
Daniel sighed, knowing Jason was right. "Okay. First sequence
begins with Alpha Red." The two men positioned their hands over
their respective computer terminals. Daniel looked at Jason. "In
five... four...,"
"Engineering to Bridge. We're beginning," Jason called
out. "Engineering out."
"one...," Daniel and Jason looked down at their own consoles. The
program they would be following began to scroll across the top half
of each screen. The bottom would show their partner's inputs. The
middle would show their own inputs. "Mark," Daniel said as his and
Jason's fingers began working.
{Main Bridge, Later}
"Captain," Davidson prefixed his now standard ten-minute report
with. "Engines are continuing to run hot. At current exertion
critical levels will be reached in seven minutes. The engines will
automatically shutdown ten minutes after that."
As had become standard, Maxwell piped up at the end of Davidson's
report. "We have continued to close on the alien vessel," he
reported. "It appears they have indeed reached their maximum speed.
We will pass it in two point seven eight minutes."
{Alien ship}
"How are they still gaining on us?!"
"They are pushing their engines. It should not be possible their
engines have lasted as long as they have."
"We were guaranteed this ship was unmatchable by any in Starfleet
currently! This can NOT be allowed! If they catch us the whole plan
will be ruined!"
"We can push our own engines. We should not have a problem
outlasting them."
"You made that claim before and are proven wrong. Why should I
expect any different now?"
"Sir-"
"No. No more speaking. Get us to the colony first. We are going to
the backup plan."
{Griffin, Main Engineering}
"I'm sorry sir," Aiden repeated himself to the Bridge over the
comm. "Lieutenant Crawford isn't taking any communications at the
moment. If-"
"Tell him we need just a little bit more," Priscilla ordered. "I
don't care how you do it."
"Aye sir," Aiden answered, keeping the frustration out of his voice.
How was a Lt. J.G. to follow the explicit orders of his superiors
when they directly conflicted? He had cleared out the main room to
make sure no one accidentally distracted either of the tandem team
engineers. He walked carefully in, up to the table. "Sir," he spoke
very softly. "The Captain requests one final burst of power."
Jason's brows furrowed a little deeper, indicating he had heard the
statement. Fatigue was etched in both his and Daniel's temples.
Determination was in their eyes. "Acknowledged," Jason replied after
a few seconds.
Daniel's left hand fell out of time for one beat. "In three," he
then said.
Three seconds later the rhythm booth officers were working in
shifted. Five seconds after that the computer began sounding an
alert.
"Engines will be shut down in thirty seconds," it informed them.
{Bridge}
"Engines will be shut down in thirty seconds," the computer informed
the crew.
"We're approaching the system," Maxwell announced.
"Have we passed the alien ship?" Priscilla asked.
"No," he replied. "We're coming alongside... ... now."
"Take us in," Priscilla ordered, sitting down in her chair.
Tovaal raised an eyebrow but didn't question the order. (I wonder if
this ship always uses trial by fire to test its new crew members,) he
thought as he adjusted as best as he was able to taking the ship into
a star system at warp.
"Red alert," Daem called out.
"Brace for impact," Priscilla added, knowing the potential threat of
her order.
A smile twitched at the corner of Tovaal's mouth as his new flight
calculations returned precise results he was hoping for. "Dropping
out of warp," he announced.
{Space, moments earlier}
The alien vessel dropped out of warp and began heading into the star
system towards the colony. Just as it reached the edge of the star
system the Griffin came streaking out of warp, stopping directly
between the alien ship and the system. The blue light along both
warp nacelles flickered briefly then went out.
{Bridge}
"The warp engines have shut down," Davidson announced.
"The alien vessel is attempting to move around us," Tovaal
reported. "Matching maneuvers."
"We'll be fine on impulse engines for a fight," Davidson
continued. "But there's no chasing them again for several hours."
"Hail them," Priscilla ordered.
{Main Engineering}
As the engines shut down so seemingly did the tandem team. Daniel
made no pretense, his head and arms collapsed onto his console. If
it were not for the chair he was in he surely would have hit the
floor. Jason managed to sink into his chair and rest his head on the
back.
"Engineering to Sickbay," Aiden called out. "Two need tending down
here."
"On our way. Sickbay out," came the response.
Aiden looked at the two engineers before him again. He went back to
the rest of the Engineering staff. "T'Lis," he called
out. "Lieutenant Crawford will be going to sickbay. Don't let him
tell you otherwise. Take over here. I'm going to the Bridge to
handle things there."
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Chapter 19
{Alien ship}
"Sir, they are hailing us. It appears they wish to discuss matters."
"How typical of Starfleet to try and talk its way out of everything; it's no
wonder they're losing the Alpha Quadrant. But by all means, please... send them a
response."
{Main Bridge, Griffin}
"Lieutenant Maxwell," Commander Daem said, "those people you spoke of, the
Caramani; is this one of their ships?"
"Yes Commander, I believe so, though I am unfamiliar with this particular class
of vessel."
"No response to hails- Captain, they're opening fire!"
A green light burst forth from the alien ship, lancing The Griffin's shields. It
traveled along them and seemed to dissipate as it cleared the aft of the
starship.
"Report," the Captain said.
"No damage to the hull," came Rinali's reply, "shields holding at ninety-six
percent. Pretty light slap, if these are the people who are responsible for
destroying those other ships." He sounded just a hair puzzled.
Solasho stepped out of the turbolift just then. With a small nod to the Captain,
he quickly made his way to the Engineering station at the back of the bridge,
where he began to coordinate with Main Engineering in their efforts to get the
engines back online.
"The hull was not their target." Tovaal said as he plied his console, setting in
a series of evasive maneuvers.
"Lieutenant?" Priscilla asked.
"It is a weapon known as a 'shield splitter', Captain," he answered, "meant to
gauge our defenses. The next one will be much-"
Another, much brighter, green beam hit them then, rocking the Griffin violently.
Had Tovaal not been in the process of moving the ship, it would have been hit
head-on. Even taking the shot at an angle was not pleasant.
"Damage!" Priscilla called as the lights on the bridge flickered momentarily,
power rerouting around damaged circuits.
"Shields down to fifty-four percent!" Rinali shouted over the noise, "The
deflector array is polarized; I can't get any power in to regenerate them!"
"Target their weapons and return fire!" Priscilla ordered. "Aiden, get the
deflector working!"
"Aye, sir," he responded, and set to his task.
{Space, near Legaran colony}
The Griffin's phasers lashed out, striking the Caramani ship three times as it
attempted to move past her. The aliens' shields pulsed under the assault, but it
kept trying to move forward. The Griffin dogged her opponent at every turn,
however, leaving no clear means of egress.
{Griffin Main Bridge}
"Direct hit, sir," Davidson reported, "They've taken system damage. The shield
splitter appears to be inoperative."
And in truth, it was; but the alien ship had other means to fight, and it
employed them, firing a more traditional disruptor-type weapon. When the
Griffin rocked this time, it was nowhere as severe as the last time, but it was
still felt. Sparks flew from various panels, including Tovaal's, but as it was
still functional, he did his best to ignore it.
"Deflector problem fixed, sir," Solasho called over the din, "the shields should
be fine now."
"Good work, Lieutenant." Myst replied, returning her attention to the task at
hand. "Maintain fire. Helm, don't let them past us."
"Yes sir," Rinali said. Tovaal was too focused to respond verbally, only nodding
as he worked.
{Space}
The Griffin's phasers reached out again, punching more holes in the aliens'
defenses. Their shields finally gave, and the Federation ship's last shot found
the hull, taking out a power transfer point for the weapons array. It apparently
routed power for other things as well; the lights on the hull of the Caramani
ship dimmed visibly.
{Alien ship}
"Sir, we must retreat, we are out matched!"
"No! We fight! We can defeat them!"
"We can't! We were already damaged from our fight with the other vessels, we
cannot stand here!"
"..."
"Sir, we can fight them another day. The Federation remains weak; we will have
other chances to strike at them. And this ship can't pursue us."
"...You are right. Take us back to the Gate."
{Griffin Main Bridge}
"They're moving off, heading back out of the system, sir."
"Acknowledged, Mister Davidson. Hail the colony and dispatch damage control
parties."
Daem handled damage control as Jack sent out the hail.
"The colony reports that they are fine, and sends their thanks."
"All right, then. Monitor the Caramani ship and make sure it leaves. As soon as
our engines are online, take us to the location of the Braithwaite's SOS. It's
time to bring our people home."
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Chapter 20
Ensign Sandraian looked perplexed, it was not often she was unable to feel
people. She usually had to work very hard to block out any emotions or stray
thoughts. Looking at this ship she felt a void. It was nothing. It was like
there were no people on the ship at all. After a moment Sandraian looked at the
screen in front of her and focused. "Captain Myst. I still can't read these
people, it is like they have no emotional states. They must have extreme
abilities to block telepathic abilities." As she talked she blinked for a
moment. "Captain Myst. We need to find some kind of gate. There is someone on
that ship that is running scared. Scared enough that they aren't able to keep
the control up." She watched the Captain's reaction.
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Chapter 21
{Bridge}
Jaquelle headed out with Aiden to oversee and help with repairs and
damage control.
"Captain Myst. We need to find some kind of gate. There is someone on
that ship that is running scared. Scared enough that they aren't able
to keep the control up," Sandraian announced.
"We couldn't follow them even if we wanted to," Rinali reminded the
bridge crew, referring to the still off line warp engines.
Davidson turned to Sandraian and shook her head. "Sorry Counselor,
the Braithwrite is our next priority."
Priscilla sighed heavily. She had not had a chance to fill him in on
Admiral Nechayev's orders. She held off for a moment on contradicting
him in public, something she didn't want to do unless necessary.
"Anna, were you able to get any more information on that ship? Has
the probe sent any useful information about the gate?"
"The probe has not discovered any new information on the gate at the
known location of the ship's last disappearance. It has sent data on
all scans possible for cloaked equipment, nothing was found," Anna
started her report with. Priscilla could tell a great deal of
information was about to come forth, so she started walking up to the
Science station.
"As for the aliens, we were able to get some comprehensive scans
during the moments we were close for combat," Anna continued. "They
aren't human, nor any race readily known by the computer's database.
A full search might reveal a match. And for the ship itself, we now
have nearly full specs on its capabilities. At first glance there
does not appear to be any technology that could produce the gate
according to theory we've been working on, nor any clocking
technology. Either they are not using such technology to travel
distances or Lieutenant Tovaal was correct that they have somehow
figured out a way to travel with a gate at only one end, able to
retrieve their ships from a distance."
Priscilla eyed all the data before Anna, eventhough she understood
very little of what it meant. As Anna paused very briefly in her
report, Priscilla took the opportunity to speak without it seeming
like an interruption. "We have nearly full specs on the ship. Does
that mean with analysis you could determine how best to fight the
ship, even if it is encountered by someone other than us? Ideally
find a way to shut it down with a minimal amount of harm?"
Anna nodded. "With Engineering's help I'm sure my department could
come up with something quickly."
"You may not get Engineering's help for a while," Davidson noted. As
a former Chief Engineer himself, he found it hard not to monitor
Engineering during crisis times. These past hours had been no
exception. He knew both Crawford and Defore had gone to Sickbay, how
much work the department had to do due to the battle, and how much
resources it would take for Engineering to deal with all that and
bring the warp engines back online at the same time. He was waiting
for the Captain to give that order, if she didn't soon he would.
Priscilla regarded Davidson for a moment. "Alright, here's the game
plan: Tovaal, set a course to follow the alien ship. Maximum speed.
Anna, get your staff working on finding the best way for anyone to
defend themselves against that ship. As soon as you've found it, let
me know and send the information to Travin. Rinali, alert all vessels
and civilizations in the area at large to be on look out for that
ship. When you get the results from Science, send them to Starfleet
Command and all Starfleet ships you hear back from." She looked
towards the viewscreen for a second. "We'll let Command decide if
they want to call in the Klingons," she said softly to no one in
particular. She looked back at Rinali. "Then advise Command that
having fulfilled our directive we are going to answer the
Braithwrite's distress call. Davidson, get down to Engineering and
get the warp engines back online. Anna, you have until the warp
engines are back online to get your report in. Tovaal, as soon as we
have warp capability back, change course to the Braithwrite, warp 9."
"Aye, sir," all four replied, Anna and Davidson leaving their current
posts to head for the turbolift.
"Counselor," Priscilla then added, thinking Sandraian had to be
bothered by current events. She couldn't help not being able to
follow up on Sandraian's discovery, as least for now. But she could
help the Counselor contribute in another way. "Take the data gathered
on the aliens themselves to Sickbay and review it with the doctor. We
need to be able to tell Command everything possible on how best to
deal with the aliens beyond just stopping their ship."
"Yes Captain," Sandraian replied.
{Hours later, Ready Room}
Jaquelle shared Priscilla's frustration at the whole situation.
"I agree with putting others lives before those of Starfleet
officers," Priscilla was saying. "I'd do it myself most any time.
And I have.
"I can even understand the Admiral's decision to have us follow the
alien ship instead of answering distress calls. It turned out to be
the right thing to do, we wouldn't have been able to stop them from
attacking the colony otherwise.
"But now we have the entire sector on alert for the aliens. We've had
the fleet and allied government ships spread out to give the minimum
possible response time in case they return through a gate. We know a
direct standoff with fire power at least matching a Special Ops Galaxy
class ship can force them to back down, assuming they don't return
with reinforcements. Unfortunately there aren't many who have that
readily available... and we're gong nowhere fast with only Full
Impulse available."
"You've seen that all sensible precautions possible have been taken,"
Jaquelle agreed. "Every step of the way thus far has been the best it
could have been," she assured Priscilla.
"Then why do I feel like we've done something wrong?"
"Because...," Jaquelle answered without needing to be able to read
Priscilla's mind, "we don't know if we left the Braithwrite's crew to
die."
{Deck 12, Science Lab}
Anna shook her head at the results of another simulation. Oh they
already had two different methods for stopping the alien ship without
too much trouble: One involved a minute gap in its shield grid, which
if exploited would cause its complete destruction. The other, while
keeping the ship relatively intact, would cause the death of at least
60% of its crew. Neither option Anna was satisfied with in giving to
the Captain or Starfleet as suggestions.
"Engineering to Lieutenant Krasinski," Davidson's voice came over the
comm. "Just giving you a heads up. We'll have the warp engines
online in five minutes."
"Acknowledged," Anna replied. "Thank you for the warning. Science
out." She turned and looked at her hard working staff. Everyone of
them was completely absorbed in their work, trying to find the best
solution. Unfortunately their deadline was fast approaching.
"Now this looks interesting," she suddenly overheard Karenek say.
Dumas leaned over from her chair to look past his suit. "Ooo, that
does," she added with a touch of excitement.
"Let's see where it takes us," Karenek replied with a grin.
{Five minutes later, Ready Room}
Priscilla was looking blankly out the window at the stars when the
comm turned on.
"Science to Captain. We have a solution."
Priscilla was quite relieved. They would be able to go after the
Braithwrite and not the aliens. Before she could reply, another voice
rang out.
"Engineering to Captain. Warp engines are back online."
"Acknowledged," she replied to both. She looked at Jaquelle. "I'll
be on the bridge. Let's get this mission over with."
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Chapter 22
"Captain," Rinali spoke, breaking the silence on the bridge. "There is
an incoming message on a secure channel from Starfleet."
Myst paused for only a moment. She had a strong suspension, no, she knew
who the call was from.
"Rinali," Myst asked, "how long until we are within communication range
with the Braithwrite?"
"3 minutes 35 seconds," Rinali answered.
"Commander," Myst turned to Daem, "could you please answer the message
from Admiral Nechayev, excuse me, Starfleet Command, and let them know that I
will be there as quickly as I can."
"Of course," Jaquelle said with a wise smile and the nod of her head
reminiscent of a senior adviser to the Grand Negus just being given the go ahead
to "pick up" a shipment of gold pressed latinum that just so happened to be
"donated."
Jaquelle went into the Captain's ready room. As she slid into the
captain's chair at the desk she told herself that along with being First Officer
she
needed to remember that she was El-Aurian. Jaquelle tapped the control and
Admiral Nechayev's face appeared. She did not look happy but Jaquelle could
sense that she was momentarily surprised at not seeing the Captain.
"Greetings Admiral," Jaquelle stated pleasantly. "Captain Myst is
momentarily detained but did not want to keep Starfleet Command waiting."
Admiral Nechayev waited for Jaquelle to say more, but she didn't.
"So what is she doing?" Nechayev finally asked tersely.
"Due to our need to maintain a high warp speed for an extended time to
catch the alien ship, we had numerous system problems. Indeed our warp engines
shut down. Our chief engineer and his first assistant had to be taken to sick
bay." Jaquelle knew that she was not telling the Admiral anything she did
not know. "When she asked me to answer the message she did not tell me what was
the delay."
"Well, how long is she going to be?" Nechayev demanded.
"I will ask her and report back" Jaquelle answered politely. "Daem,
out." Jaquelle severed the link before Nechayev could say anything.
{Bridge}
Jaquelle walked out of the ready room, but before she could say anything:
"Captain," Rinali said. "We are in range of the Braithwrite."
"Open a channel" Myst said and waited a second. "Braithwrite, this is
Captain Myst of the USS Griffin, please report." Myst then held her breath and
hoped for an answer.
"Captain Myst, this is Captain Collins of the USS Braithwrite. Thanks
for responding."
Jaquelle could sense a silent cheer from everyone on the bridge.
"Captain," Jaquelle said with her best poker face, "Admiral Nechayev is
wondering how long you will be."
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Chapter 23
{Assistant Science Office}
Karanek continues working at his console trying to find anything that could give
the Griffin an advantage over the Caramani vessel. "There it is again," he said
to Dumas who was running simulations of her own. "This might just be what we
are looking for." He showed Ensign Dumas a slight variance in the warp
signature of the alien craft. It was the same that they had noticed before, but
this time it was masked by the ships maneuvering.
"We better inform Lt. Krasinski of our findings," Dumas pointed out.
Vosch nodded and called the Chief Science Officer. Within a few minutes, Lt.
Krasinski was standing beside both of them. "What have you found, Vosch?"
"I think I may have found a chink in the Caramani's armor, as you humans might
say." After only a momentary pause, Vosch pointed to the computer monitor and
continued his explanation. "See, right there, there is an unexplained pulse in
their warp signature. We picked it up during our last encounter. Dumas and I
initially spotted it during our initial encounter during what I initially
thought was a jump gate sequence."
Anna continued to listen intently in order to efficiently digest the information
that Vosch was presenting.
Vosch continued without so much as a breath of pause, "When I first noted it,
the signature anomaly reminded me of something, almost deja' vu like, but I
couldn't place it. Then when I saw it this time, it dawned on me."
Anna just nodded. She realized that Vosch was about to clarify, so asking him
to do so was not a necessity, and she was indeed very curious in the forthcoming
theory.
"Where I come from, one of the neighboring planets use similar technology in
their propulsion systems. This race was also known to be experimenting with a
version
of a jump gate where they would harness the energy in their drive systems to the
point where they could enter hyperspace. This would allow their vessels to
travel beyond warp speed and remain in a cloaked fashion. The race is a very
peaceful race, and after they realized what this technology could do in the
wrong hands, they suspended testing."
Vosch then looked at Anna and she could tell that concern was written across his
face even though she could not see it directly through his suit. "If somehow
this technology has gotten to the Caramani..."
"Okay, so how do we use this information to our advantage?" Anna inquired of
Vosch.
Karanek began typing on his terminal and pulled up the image of the alien vessel
that was collected from the most recent encounter. He pointed to three points
and then continued, "The Barimin, the race I have been talking about,
specifically worked into their design a
fail safe. If we can send a focused subspace dampening field to these three
points, we should be to effectively shut down their shields and engines, and
most importantly, keep them from using their gate technology, or whatever
version it is. Unfortunately, without more information, I can't guarantee the
effectiveness on their weapons."
Lt. Krasinski showed a faint smile, "This just might be the break we are looking
for. Send the data including the frequencies to Engineering so they can get
started on setting up the necessary arrays. I will go and update the Captain
and the other senior officers." As Anna was about to leave she turned to Dumas
and Karanek, "Good job you two. Let me know if you find anything else." With
that Anna proceeded to inform the others of the findings.
Dumas looked at Vosch, "Do you think it will work?"
"Everything says it should."
With that they sent all of the data along to Engineering.
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Chapter 24
Before devoting 100% of his attention to damage control, Aiden awakened Miss
Griffin from her brief slumber and set her to work on the data from the probe,
seeking non-Euclidian solutions through every unconventional bit of logic he had
given her. That done, he promptly volunteered for the duty that involved the
most lifting, as he was beginning to feel the side effects of his long physical
inactivity, despite the frantic cerebral activity that had accompanied it.
When the soft thrum of the warp engines returning to life greeted them, he
shared in the fatigued cheer from all of the engineering staff - ahead of
schedule! As he stretched, reluctantly returning to his workstation, Miss
Griffin began to whisper sweet nothings to him. More good news, if her
conclusions could be substantiated.
He began to review the scans from their closest passes to where the alien ship
had been... it matched at least 60% of the probe data... a trace alteration of
the dust compounds of the local space, not at the point of warping, but in a 0.8
AU radius from its disappearance. After reviewing what few details had been
posted to the general Science database, he started to extrapolate what changes
to the local research could have caused these alterations, cross-referencing
with the scans of the ship itself.
He had to pause in his report development repeatedly to keep up with his
engineering duties, but it was done a few moments after word of contact with the
Braithwaite reached Engineering.
"Tactical, this is Solasho in Engineering. I have something to contribute to
the 'intruder' issue. I believe that gluon-modified deuterium, spread at a .079
concentration in an area where we believe the alien ship will appear, will cause
a drive failure sufficient to immobilize their ship, and possibly diminish their
general reactor power below combat levels. There is a risk that it may destroy
them through a chain reaction, but I assess that risk at only 18%. Uploading my
findings now...."
He signed off, looking to see if anyone from first shift had begun to return to
duty. A break... even just twenty minutes....
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Chapter 25
{Captain's Ready Room}
"Admiral," Priscilla greeted cheerfully as she reopened the
communication channel with Nechayev.
"Captain," the Admiral replied crisply.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting," Priscilla continued. "I was
just speaking with Captain Collins-"
"Of the Braithwrite," Nechayev interjected. She gave Priscilla a
knowing, not pleased, look. But instead of speaking her thought she
said, "I'm glad to hear they are safe."
Priscilla smiled her best charming smile. "As am I."
"Any word on the alien ship?" Nechayev abruptly changed the subject,
getting down to business.
"There has not been any indication of it yet. My crew has found a
reliable way to shut the ship down if it does show up again."
"Yes, we received the information," Nechayev replied. "Very good. As
soon as you are able I want the Griffin to return to the site of the
gate. If the ship doesn't show up between now and then I want you to
attempt to find a way to shut the gate down."
Priscilla nodded. "Aye sir, right after we finish aiding the
Braithwrite," she informed her superior officer as tactfully as she
was able.
Nechayev didn't blink. "Very well. I have spoke with the Federation
Council, and both they and Starfleet Command feel it is important to
have a defensive presence in that sector until the alien threat is
settled one way or another. We can not risk losing more ships or
civilians, or another attempt on a colony. Until further notice the
Griffin is assigned to patrol duty. I'm assigning three other
Starfleet ships to patrol duty out there as well. As you and your
crew have the most experience with the aliens you will be in charge of
the task force."
(A task force,) Priscilla thought. (Command really is worried.)
"Understood, Admiral. We'll keep you posted, on everything."
Nechayev finally smiled, slightly. "That's all I ask. Nechayev out."
Priscilla shook her head as she turned off her computer terminal and
headed back to the Bridge.
{An hour later, Conference Room}
Priscilla walked in with Captain Collins. Jaquelle deferred her seat
to him, then the briefing began. Anna had Karenek go over why the
method they had come up with to cripple the alien ship without hurting
the aliens would work, then Anna spoke on how the technology should
work in conjunction with a remote gate and what Science would be
looking for when the ship got back to the gate's exit location.
Captain Collins spoke next. "I'm sorry we can't add to the knowledge
you've accumulated. They surprised us in one of the nebulas during
our... 'study'." He shrugged somewhat helplessly. "We were in the
middle of an experiment, we had almost no defenses. They disabled
everything they could, but surprisingly only scavenged our id beacon,
star charts, and Starfleet protocols."
"That explains why their ship reads as Starfleet," Davidson commented.
"And why they knew exactly where to go to wreak the most damage with
minimal risk to themselves," Rinali added.
"My crew and I feel somewhat responsible for what's been going on. If
we can help in any way...."
"You are not responsible," Alexiandria , replied in full Counselor
mode.
Captain Collins smiled and nodded. "Oh I know that. But the
knowledge doesn't alleviate the feeling. Nonetheless, we also wish to
thank you for coming after us despite the alien threat. We were
really happy you showed up when you did, we only had a day and a half
of life support left."
Priscilla looked to Jaquelle, remembering their conversation from
hours before. Then she looked back to Collins. "We're just happy we
were able to reach you in time." She looked around the table as she
segued into her part of the briefing. "If your ship is able to get up
and running within the next 72 hours you can join the task force."
She stood and walked over to the room's view screen as she spoke.
"Starfleet is setting up a defensive presence in this sector until
further notice, to be ready in case the alien threat escalates. We're
the lead ship in the task force. There will be three others," she
called up information on the three ships. "The first will arrive in
70 hours, the other two will be here two days later." She turned to
face her officers. "We're going to have to send reports back to
Command daily. I'd like status updates from each department once a
day, even if it's only to say 'No progress', and we are going to be
reinstating our daily senior staff meeting at oh nine hundred."
She looked to Alexiandria momentarily, indicating she wanted the
Counselor to help with the following as much as possible. "There is
no immediately pressure for results. I don't want anyone feeling over
stressed or being over worked. We have a way to defend against the
alien ship, we're simply here to patrol - to make sure no one else
will be attacked - and to research the gate and possibly search for
others. Any questions?"
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