USS Tranquility, Post Two
First Officer's Log, Stardate 50329.82: The Captain has ordered me to oversee the field tests of the Tranquility's tactical systems. I have made a public address to advise everyone of the tests to alleviate possible problems with individuals witnessing phaser fire from the ship through the nearest view port. Tension onboard is running high enough in the wake of the recent Borg attack.
Fortunately, however, Starfleet Command has arranged additional security of the system until rescue and salvage operations are complete. One escort vessel that caught my eye is the USS Defiant. The vessel took quite a pounding in the battle with the Borg but is still providing escort support of emergency services vessels. Her first officer, Lieutenant Commander Worf, has insisted on assisting task force security until we have completed our grim duty before docking the Defiant for much needed repairs. He seems to be a capable and honorable man.
*****
It is clear that Adar doesn't like this mission. It is likely that Commander Kalian's choice of having the Cardassians as part of the final exam has something to do with it.
Savu brusquely says, "Well, the exam isn't going to start itself. At least one of us should keep an eye on the battle and Cardassians. Judging from our specialties and skills, I guess it would be me." Despite Fox's position in command branch, Savu has always been a kind of 'take charge' kind of person. "Perhaps if Fox and I keep look out, T'Quell and Berrier will be best at removing the debris and rescuing Lieutenant Kingsley.
Fox suggests that he coordinates the mission, as a practical necessity. The team responds with an uncomfortable silence. He grins a little and stiffly jokes, "Four years and a red tunic, all for nothing."
T'Quell simply stares expectantly at Fox in the unique way of her people. Abnormally closed off, she rarely speaks. Exposure to her peculiarities over the years at Starfleet Academy, however, have given each team member a rough feeling of her intentions. The fact that she is staring in this way suggests that she considers him the team leader and awaits his orders.
Fox surmises T'Quell's standpoint and says, "I suggest that Nigel and T'Quell use tricorders to search for Lieutenant Kingsley, while Savu and I use tricorders to locate other life signs such as the Cardassians and Maquis."
Berrier seems disappointed in the entire thing. He sighs and makes a face. He nods to the rest of the team that he's ready.
The Holodeck door machinery whines with the effort of opening. Beyond the open archway is a steamy jungle scene complete with background sounds and uncomfortable levels of sultriness. Just within the vast scene of foliage, in the few feet of remnant technology of the Tranquility's Holodeck archway rests the equipment assigned to the team by Commander Kalian for their final assessment.
Everyone gathers the necessary equipment for the final exam. Everyone seems a little on edge, but their Starfleet training shines through a little as they steady themselves. They step in, the doors whine shut behind them, and the arch disappears.
With a grunt Berrier hefts the pattern enhancers over his shoulder and says, "These flares for the dramatic are making me wish I stayed in bed. Cardassians, Marquee, and a shuttle, oh my."
"Keep your phasers on light stun," Fox says to the rest of the team.
The jungle is typical in many ways. The program being used is obviously a basic representation of this kind of environment. There shouldn't be too many surprises buried in the environmental side of the program. If only the air wasn't so thick and warm.
In the distance the team notices a plume of black smoke. It is safe to assume that the source is the crashed shuttle. The crash site is near the peak of a distant hill. A stream divides the region between the team's current location and the hill.
Berrier voices a concern, "Hey T'Quell, can we get an anti-radiation shot or something? I'm too young to go bald and lose my skin."
Fox turns to T'Quell and asks, "Are Hydronalin injections are necessary due to the radiation?"
T'Quell operates her tricorder for a few seconds and minutely shakes her head.
Fox arranges the team in a diamond formation and leads them towards the distant pillar of rising smoke. As they take their initial steps through the steamy jungle Fox speaks in low tones to Berrier, "I'm glad you're with me on this one, Nigel."
Through their time in Starfleet, it is clear to everyone that Fox and Berrier are of vastly different character. Berrier gives Fox a little surprised look, a confirming nod, and silent thumbs up.
Picking their way through the dense jungle, the team cautiously makes their way to the crash site. It's hard to ignore the feeling of watching eyes from the surrounding foliage. Many members find themselves cautiously keeping their phaser ready for action should something spring at them from the undergrowth with teeth bared.
The team arrives at the treed edge of the stream. The distance between each shore's tree line is over ten meters of no cover or concealment. Their eyes and tricorders probe the area for the best way across.
Suddenly a humanoid form explodes from the tree line a few meters downstream on the far side. Before anyone can get a good look at the individual, they trip and disappear partially into the stream with a clumsy splash.
A group of three armed Cardassians appear at the far tree line in hot pursuit. The central figure fires his phaser rifle at the fleeing Bajoran member of the Maquis. The beam impacts with the flaying individual and stuns them into the middle of the stream.
"Get her back to the transport ship and tag her for the labor camp on Kalandra," the central figure commands the sizable Cardassian on his left.
The team's jaws drop as one. The central figure appears to be Commander Kalian made up as a Cardassian. That would explain why no one saw him earlier today. Not good. Commander Kalian is playing the potentially dangerous Tulgryn Stran and clearly swaggering to the hilt.
"Yes Tulgryn," the larger Cardassian rumbles. They sure grow them big where he comes from.
The third Cardassian has his tricorder out. They must be searching for other Maquis soldiers in the area. Across the babbling of the stream the team can hear the device examining the area. The Cardassian pauses while facing the team's direction and says, "Tulgryn. You should have a look at this."
Stran walks over to his subordinate and gives the device a brief glance. A wide smile splits his gray-skinned face. He adjusts his sidearm and shouts in the team's direction, "Come out Starfleet. We know you're there. Come out so we can…talk."
The team hears the smile in his voice when he says the word 'talk.'
Stran orders his subordinates to stand ready. The Bajoran woman lies stunned, face down in the water. The Cardassians don't seem to be paying her any mind. They seem content to let the woman drown.
Fox turns and is about to instruct the team on his plan. He pauses. Though it is clear that he is calm, it appears that he is quickly reconsidering. The slowly drowning Maquis soldier has put an important facet on the situation. He gestures to his teammates to wait for a moment.
"Tulgryn Stran," Fox steps out from the foliage enough for the Cardassians to see him. Leave it to a red shirt to pull something like this. Surprisingly, Fox is confident and calm and maintains eye contact with the Cardassian officer. "We have clearance from Gul Morel. I would like to stress the urgent nature of our mission and its peaceful nature."
Tulgryn Stran seems impressed by the young officer's boldness. He thinks for a few seconds and then a wide smile flashes his white, shark like teeth. He nods a little to himself and says to Fox, "You may pass and continue on your mission of mercy, Starfleet."
The Cardassian officer does not lower his weapon and does not give any orders to his subordinates. The Cardassians stand ready. It is still many meters of no man's land across the stream and that woman is still drowning. The entire situation feels like trying to stand on a shifting slope of ice and snow.
USS Tranquility, Part Three
While Fox is brazenly confronting the Cardassians, Berrier quietly shakes his head in amazement. The twist of his mouth suggests his personal incredulity with Fox's choice of action when the possibility of open conflict is dangerously significant.
Fox backs away from the Cardassians and out of their line of sight. He asks those with tricorders in hand, "Can we cross by the woman?"
Savu nods his head and says, "We can't let that woman just stay there and drown. She may be a prisoner, but the Cardassians have to keep her alive. T'Quell's a medical officer. Her oath must bind her to help. I know it might compromise our mission, but we can't stand by and do nothing!" Savu's phaser is pointed safely at the jungle earth in a tactically sound low ready position.
It appears that Fox already had Savu's concerns in mind. He replies, "Calm down. Number one, it's a simulation. Kalian wants to find out how we all react to this. Number two, no one got what they wanted in the treaty, but it has kept the peace for years. Relax. They don't want to tear up the treaty any more than we do."
T'Quell does not seem convinced of the last statement, but remains customarily silent.
Berrier runs a sweep for more Cardassians with his tricorder. Unfortunately, the device cannot get a good read on the crash site due to the background radiation, but the thinning plume of distant smoke helps him get his bearings. He double-checks the pattern enhancers, realizing that they are the only way for the team to be transported off the planet in a timely fashion.
Fox tactically arranges the team. Savu and Berrier remain along the tree line and provide cover. Fox and T'Quell keep phasers holstered and re-emerge in sight of the Cardassians.
Fox says to Tulgryn Stran, "We shall cross here and pick up your prisoner for you. She won't be able to do much labor for you when she's dead."
Stran smiles widely like a shark ready to devour a meal. The Cardassians ready their weapons and point them directly at the two approaching Starfleet cadets. Berrier and Savu in the tree line take cover and anxiously take aim.
Fox attempts to diffuse the situation by saying, "She is a criminal and should be punished, but we cannot let her drown there. Allow my doctor to treat her and then you can take her with you."
A tense few seconds pass as Stran considers things. A light jungle breeze ripples through the area, enhancing the slow passing of time.
Finally, Stran nods his head. T'Quell rushes through the stream ahead of Fox. Fox strides forward confidently and helps the Vulcan pull the Maquis soldier to shore.
T'Quell, drenched to mid thigh, pulls out her medical tricorder. A small alarm immediately triggers. She gives Fox a grim look and immediately sets to work. It is clear that the woman is not breathing.
As T'Quell works feverishly to save the woman's life, the taught nature of the scene is drawn even tighter. It is not going to be good, if the woman dies in the hands of Starfleet personnel. Galactic incidents are spawned from such situations.
Like the cry of a newborn, the Bajoran begins to cough, water begins to run out of her mouth, and she fights to breathe. T'Quell has saved the woman's life and potentially averted a serious problem.
T'Quell breathes a sigh of relief and then composes her self. Once satisfied with the condition of her patient, she stands, nods to Fox, and begins to walk across the stream to the far side with a Vulcan air of dignity. She has another patient who needs her in the distant jungle.
The Cardassians calmly watch the team make their way across. Both groups eye one another with phasers at the ready. When the last individual is across, Stran signals his larger subordinate to gather up the slowly recovering Maquis soldier.
Soon the team leaves Stran and his foot soldiers in the distance. Many breathe a sigh of relief. Some members don't seem completely satisfied with how everything played out.
The upland journey to the crash site is troublesome. The terrain is broken rock and thick jungle. Lieutenant Kingsley could have picked a better place to crash for her rescuers. Several of the obstacles require team efforts to get over or around. Savu outshines his teammates in physically navigating the terrain.
Along the way, Fox hovers near Berrier. He attempts to gently probe about Berrier's seeming disinterest in Starfleet.
The shuttle crash has toppled several trees. Several others have snapped in half, leaving long ragged stumps jutting out of the ground. A twenty-meter gouge in the ground is surrounded by crash debris of the shuttle.
One of the nacelles was clearly ripped from the rest of the craft and is nowhere to be found. It could have burned up on planetary entry or be somewhere along the crash line. The main fuselage of the shuttle came to stop at the base of a sizable boulder.
According to Berrier's tricorder readings, the impact of the shuttle into the boulder has shifted its center of balance onto the upper frame of the shuttle, and it appears ready to turn its entire weight onto the shuttle. If the weight of the boulder shifts onto the vessel, it is likely that it will crush the cockpit. The shuttle doors are under tremendous frame stress and will have to be cut open. Unfortunately, the removal of the doors' supportive strength on the rest of the space frame may result in the boulder being shifted badly. On the positive side, the earthen scar left by the shuttle has created a nice clear area to set up the transporter enhancers.
T'Quell slowly circles the shuttle with her medical tricorder in hand. She is careful not to touch the shuttle until Berrier is satisfied with the safety of the crash site. She finally arrives at Fox's side and surprisingly speaks. With a face of Vulcan stone she simply says, "Lieutenant Kingsley is beyond help in one quarter hour."
Savu is standing atop the peak of the hill with tricorder in hand. It is difficult to successfully make out life signs in a jungle environment. Vague readings of humanoid life forms are approaching the crash site. The approaching figures are Bajoran, likely Maquis soldiers, and will arrive in ten minutes.
USS Tranquility, Part Four
Berrier gives Fox annoyed looks on the way to the shuttle, regarding his attitudes towards Starfleet. While quickly double-checking his tricorder readings of the crash site, he says to the team leader, "We all have jobs to do. If I didn't want to be part of Starfleet, I wouldn't care about this test or the team. Hell, I never would have even joined. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lieutenant to free from the shuttle."
Fox remains calm and returns to the task at hand. "Options?" he asks.
>From his observation position, Savu addresses the team with, "If we need help freeing the lieutenant perhaps I can talk to the approaching Maquis, but in exchange we can expect a violent reaction from the Cardassians. Otherwise, get the injured personal out of here and I'll speak with them to hold them off."
Berrier hands Fox the transporter enhancers and tells him where to set them up. Fox asks about setting them around the shuttle and beaming the entire thing. Berrier shakes his head that the cargo transporters will section the shuttle because of its size, which may result in the cockpit collapsing and killing the injured.
Berrier focuses on the shifting boulder and begins to make the necessary calculations. He turns to the team's doctor and says, "T'Quell, I need your help with the boulder's mass, and how much we need to cut away before it crushes the shuttle. I don't think she'll hold if we cut into her. Also it would help if someone could get through to the lieutenant to see if he can move at all towards the rear of the ship."
The Vulcan walks over to Berrier and shows him her medical tricorder display. Lieutenant Kingsley is clearly unconscious at flight control.
With little choice, Berrier finishes his assessment of the boulder and draws his phaser. After setting it to the correct level, he takes aim. "I'll need the rest of you to keep and eye out for dangerous shifting."
Everyone gives the engineer a nod. Fox completes setting up the enhancers. The team leader suggests propping the boulder up with the logs of the fallen trees. Savu shoots the idea down because of the time required and the closing proximity of the approaching Maquis.
Berrier begins to cut the boulder with his sidearm. The operation is tricky and requires a steady hand. The critical eyes of the team help him make the correct adjustments. Soon the boulder is trimmed enough that it poses only a partial threat to crushing the cockpit. Berrier adjusts his phaser again and cuts away the shuttle doors.
T'Quell moves quickly into the shuttle before anyone can verify the safety of the boulder and shuttle with the doors removed. She quickly scans her patient, draws out a hypospray, and injects Lieutenant Kingsley first with Hydronalin and then Tri-Ox. It appears that one of the lieutenant's lungs was pierced by a broken rib and requires medical attention. T'Quell adjusts the flight control chair into the fully reclined position and draws her phaser.
Fox arrives at the mouth of the shuttle doors and asks for a report.
"I require your assistance," T'Quell says. She gestures for Fox to grasp the head of the chair and support it. She fires her phaser at the base of the chair and severs the supports. Soon the flight control chair becomes a makeshift stretcher. The Vulcan shoulders her equipment and easily lifts here end of the chair. The two exit the crippled shuttle and head to the transporter enhancers.
The team quickly gathers inside the transporter enhancers. Berrier moves to each one and activates their beacons. Fox taps his communicator badge, "Away team to the bridge. Captain, we have completed the rescue of Lieutenant Kingsley and await transport."
"Acknowledged away team," Captain Lathy responds. He is aware of the training scenario and actually speaks to the cadet team from the bridge of the Tranquility. "Transporter room one, beam up the away team and Lieutenant Kingsley."
*****
The cadets nervously await Commander Kalian's return from sickbay. Their instructor is undergoing the removal of his Cardassian prosthetics. It gives the team a chance to over the mission and how they met each challenge in the simulation. They go over it time and again, analyzing their own performance.
Finally, Commander Kalian arrives. The skin along the edges of his neck, chin, lower ears, and forehead are pinkish from the procedure. Even his spots along his hairline are a little lighter in color. This should all pass in a couple of hours.
His face is an expressionless mask. He seems to have perfected the Vulcan façade. He places a PADD down on the briefing room's tabletop and takes a seat the head. Finally, a wide smile splits his face. "Computer," he says, "display final results for cadet exam FBTS-1024."
The displays submerged into the glossy black skin of the table come to life in front of each cadet. The team score well, very well both individually and as a unit. All primary and secondary objectives were achieved. Extra marks were given for achieving a successful primary rescue without a firefight and a secondary rescue in the face of potential violence.
Commander Kalian congratulates each cadet for successfully completing his or her Starfleet Academy training with flying colors. "Do you have anything to say before we conclude?"
Earth Security, Part Three
The team is clearly shocked by Admiral Leyton's revelation. Some considerable discussion is brought forward, essentially questioning the value of such a tactic. The most poignant is the thought of giving the Changelings a true opportunity to strike when the planet's power relay station goes down.
A gleam shines in the eye of the admiral when the question of poised. He nods to himself and gives the team a smile of pride. It seems the admiral likes what he is hearing. Unfortunately, what he likes is not necessarily what the team first thinks.
"You all have excellent concerns and worthy moral ground on which to stand," Admiral Leyton says. "I have wrestled for long hours with the same dilemma. The bottom line is that Starfleet must contend not only with an external threat to the Federation, but internal one as well."
The admiral rolls a red office chair around to sit near the team. His presence draws their semi-circle of attention directly on him. His voice drops in volume to a more conversational level, but also one that holds strong undertones of seriousness. "The Changelings have already made their choice very clear. It is now up to us to take action in response to that threat. With the Federation Council as divided as it is, something must be done to tip the scales in our favor. Sitting on the fence will not defend the Federation.
"There is a motive in this plan that is secondary to showing the Federation Council what danger the Changelings represent. If we temporarily damage a key infrastructure facility such as the power relay station, they will be tempted to eliminate the facility permanently." Admiral Leyton waits the right amount of time for a dramatic pause. "This is why we will be waiting for them."
"In the long hours of my consideration, I have gone back and forth over our problem. Though there are other alternatives, time is a luxury we do not have and time is what these other alternatives require." The admiral's eyes fix on Lieutenant Fox. "I have made my decision in the course of action to take. What I need is your help. I assure you that your assistance will be well rewarded."
The team's medical officer clears her throat. All eyes turn to her and she silently stands and assumes the posture of attention. "Sir, I cannot accept this mission."
The room takes on an uncomfortable pause. The admiral looks at her long and hard, his face unreadable.
"So be it," he finally says and comes to his feet. He walks to the door he entered through and waves in two armed security officers. "If you will go with these men, ensign. I am placing you under temporary house arrest until the mission has been completed. This is only to maintain the security of the mission, I assure you. When it is complete, you will be released and no official record shall be filed."
She doesn't give anyone in the room a second glance. Stiffly, the Vulcan doctor walks towards the two security officers and she is escorted from the room. On the way out, one of the security officers relieves her of her communicator badge. The door closes behind them.
Admiral Leyton clears his own throat to bring the room's attention back to him. "You will be notified of all the necessary details prior to the arrival of the insertion team. Good luck to you all."
*****
The following few days drag by for the remaining trio. Security duty doesn't feel the same without their nearly silent comrade at their side. The first shift was filled with hours of discussion, each team member cautious not to mention specifics to prevent a security issue. Despite everyone's strong feelings on the matter, no one was ready to make the same kind of step that she had made.
What made matters worse was subtle but strong indications that the team was being watched. It is almost as if Admiral Leyton doesn't fully trust the trio. This obviously rankles Lieutenant Fox from time to time. There is never an obvious moment where the team is being monitored that can be used as proof in a confrontation, but it is certainly hard to shake the feelings of eyes on the backs of their heads.
Twice the team was advised that their upcoming shift would have the insertion team arrive and they were given all the necessary intelligence to perform their duties. Both times the mission was called off at the last minute. Each time the passwords and movements of the verification and allowing the Red Group team to pass changed. The third time, however, the mission is not called off at the last minute.
The Red Group insertion team will be arriving on a parts transport. They will be posing as civilians who will refuse to have the blood test administered. The parts are critical to the station's operation, so they will be granted access without the blood test. They have been given authentic identification to prevent computer issues.
Only one video monitoring device will be active at the entry the team is guarding. The lack of blood test will be used as a part of Admiral Leyton's long line of planned evidence that will suggest the Changelings were responsible. The other two monitors will suffer technical malfunctions. Fortunately, the camera that will be active will only be recording to the back of the trio at the gate to protect their identities, if they are mindful of their movements.
The covert team leader will identify himself with talk of the weather in Arizona. The security response is to comment that he was there with his family when he was a child. This will alert both teams of each other's identity and can begin acting through the scene of the blood test denial and finally allowing the covert team to pass.
Once word of the upcoming moment reaches the trio and they arrive at their posts, it is difficult for them to stay focuses. They find themselves preoccupied with second thoughts. The weight of their decision affecting not only the billions of lives on Earth, but also the entire Federation, begins to press on them. It would seem that one does not need Sovereign-class starships and heroic crews to determine the fate of the galaxy.
It is difficult not to expect that each civilian transport coming to the station is 'the one.' Not having much experience in such covert matters wears thin on the team's already frayed nerves. Each member struggles to some degree maintaining a façade of patience. Finally, the moment of truth arrives.
A civilian hover transport arrives and comes to rest at the mouth of the security gate. Savu's inspection of the vehicle's identification comes up clean on the security network - it is not expected at this time or gate, but it has passed through here before. Berrier's tricorder readings of the transport reveal that it is mainly laden with critical supplies for the station, but there is also a flat section roughly six inches thick that runs the entire length and width of the bed of the transport that is resistant to his scans. The two ensigns head over to Fox and whisper to one another their findings. There are six civilians in total in the transport.
The driver gets out of the transport and makes his way down the steps on its shoulder. He is a handsome, clean cut, and fit human male in his mid twenties. He approaches the trio with a friendly, calm smile and says to the three of them, "You folks sure have it nice out here. Heck, today back in Arizona she's hotter than the devil's oven I tell ya!"
The moment of truth is upon the team. The fate of billions rests in their hands.
Earth Security, Part Four
Fox gives the covert team leader, one Lieutenant Michael Thompson, the correct response. The team goes through the planned conflict regarding blood testing. The acting is sub-par due to everyone's unease, but it should pass casual inspection through the security feed recordings.
Two of the members of the Red Group team recognize Fox, as does the Starfleet officer. Neither side gives the other acknowledgement, but the eyes register and greet one another. During those brief glances, it is clear that not every member of the covert team is convinced of the ethics of the mission.
Finally, the "civilians" pass through the access way and into Earth's power relay station. The large transport doors whine shut on hydraulics behind their transport, leaving Fox, Savu, and Berrier to their normal security duties.
The team's mood casts a pall in the air. No one speaks. Each member is distant, lost in his own thoughts. They avoid eye contact with one another and busy themselves with trivial tasks.
After several minutes, the security alarm activates and the power station goes into lockdown mode. The team jumps nearly out of their skin when the klaxons beep and the doors are reinforced with force fields. Everyone grips their phasers anxiously and eyes one another for reassurance that they are watching one another's backs.
A check of the mission display on the security panel reveals that the team is to maintain the security of the facility and allow no one in or out of the facility until lockdown has been lifted. Everyone assumes tactically defensive positions, turns on and sets their tricorders out beside them, and gets comfortable for what could be a long day.
Thankfully the blaring klaxon only beeps for just under a minute. The red alert status of the facility is maintained, however. It is not until close to a half hour has passed that the security level is returned to normal. The team relaxes a little. The security display reveals an all-normal status and the team is to return to routine duty.
Less than ten minutes later, a Starfleet hover car zips up the beginnings of the access way. The vehicle comes to a rest in front of the angled black and yellow security line. The driver and passenger doors open upwards in a gull wing configuration. Two figures get out of the vehicle - Captain Benjamin Sisko and Security Officer Odo.
Sisko approaches Fox and says, "I am Captain Sisko, Chief of Earth Security. I need to speak with Lieutenant Glenn." With that, the African American rolls up his sleeve up to his elbow for the blood test.
While Fox administers the blood test, the plainly uniformed Odo crosses his arms over his chest and Bajoran badge and eyes Savu with a deadpan look. Something in his eyes tells the Bajoran that certain undisclosed efforts have not been for nothing. The young officer sighs a little to himself in relief.
Though Berrier sees the silent exchange between the Changeling and the Bajoran, he keeps it to himself for now.
Sisko's blood checks out as human. Odo gives Fox a thin-lipped, half smile. The head of security waves the Changeling to follow him into the facility. Without further dialogue, the two figures enter the power relay station and leave their hover transport blocking the access way.
At least the team has some time to themselves to puzzle over what has just happened. It is not like any more transports or personnel will be attempting to pass through with the transport where it is.
*****
Admiral's Leyton's Personal Log, Stardate 50622.36: My recent efforts to ensure security of the Federation in the face of the Changeling threat have been subverted by officers under my command. It seems that conflicting ethics in my plans have led to a division in Starfleet. This was not my intent. Only a few key individuals are aware of the truth behind the operation regarding the power station for Earth. Though we are few, I have a strong feeling that we are the ones who will have a strong impact on the Federation's side of the conflict with the Dominion. The shortsighted actions of a few have divided us, and I am convinced that this division will weaken Starfleet and prevent us from properly defending the Alpha Quadrant from the unified forces of the Dominion.
No concrete proof exists that the operation was under my guidance. A probe into the operation launched by Captain Sisko has been stonewalled. Those proven involved have been reprimanded, but the Dominion threat has stayed Starfleet's hand in being overly harsh. The fact that the team did not even have a chance to begin the meat of the operation has lessened the charges of guilt against them. I feel responsible for the black marks on these loyal officers' records, and vow to do whatever is in my power to minimize the damage to their careers that it may cause.
Though I am frustrated by the actions of my subordinates, I cannot fault them morally for their decision. It is true that I cannot trust them, but this leaves an even bitter taste in my mouth when I consider that I may have to "throw the baby out with the bath water" when it comes to my protégé. I have considered using my influence in Starfleet Command to make arrangements for reassignment for some of these officers, but it would do little good in the grand scheme. They have chosen their fate and I wash my hands of them. My protégé, however, I have yet to make a final decision.
There is one officer that I have a particular problem with. I have decided to remove that person from negatively influencing other officers with salvageable careers.
*****
The past several months have been trying on every member of the team. It is almost as if someone had struck glass with a hammer. Each piece has remained removed and distant from the others. It seems that recent events may have destroyed the friendships and team atmosphere that took years of Academy life to build.
Once it was discovered that it was Savu who triggered the security lockdown of the power relay station, strong feelings came into play in the team's interaction with one another. It was also revealed during the investigation launched by Captain Sisko into the potential sabotage that it was Savu who alerted him to it. Though it is never established, it is also likely that it was Savu who privately fingered Admiral Leyton to Captain Sisko as well.
With Admiral Leyton in the eye of Starfleet Command, many of the sweeping security reforms on Earth are re-examined by the Federation Council. Soon the Council restores the planet's security to normal and many Starfleet officers await reassignment.
A formal inquiry is launched into the sabotage plans of the station. The members of Red Group who were captured remained steadfast that it was they alone who created and executed the plan. The security team at the station made counter-claims and suggested the involvement of Admiral Leyton. Unfortunately, proof of the discussion in Lieutenant Glenn's office could not be found. The head of the Red Group team was punished the worst with a dishonorable discharge from Starfleet, while the remainder of the exposed team have had permanent entries in their personnel records that will affect their careers forever. At the close of the inquiry, Captain Sisko stepped down as Head of Earth Security and returned to his distant space station.
After the formal inquiry, each team member spends much of his or her time away from the rest for various personal reasons. It is during this time that each member reflects on the deeper meanings of being a Starfleet officer beyond starships, away missions, and black and white decisions. It is a painful and sobering maturation process.
Finally the team is summoned to Starfleet Command to receive their new orders. The time spend in the waiting room is painfully silent. Even the Vulcan is a little affected by the somber air of the team. They slowly shuffle into Commander Blackman's office when he is ready for them.
"Here are you assignments," Blackman says as he hands the team a PADD each. Each team member goes through mixed emotions when they casually notice that each display is exactly the same in both layout and content, except for T'Quell.
T'Quell has been assigned to the USS Tranquility as a long-term member of the medical staff. She is to report to the executive officer of the medical vessel for specific role assignment.
The remaining trio of officers is to report to the USS Rapier, Saber-class light cruiser, in two days time. The Rapier is bound for the Cardassian border. The team will be responsible for overseeing tricobalt explosives that are key to an undisclosed assignment for the light cruiser. The majority of the team's mission is on a need-to-know basis that will be revealed by Captain Barker, commanding officer of the Rapier, when he decides that the team needs to be informed. The trio's assignment to the Rapier has been noted as a short- to medium-term assignment.
Toros III, Part One (part one)
Although being assigned to different posts is common in Starfleet, it never dulls the ache one feels when they must part company with a comrade. There is little in the way of ceremony or celebration when the team is divided and Ensign T'Quell leaves on a transport for her new long-term assignment. With every member of the team lost in thought about the internal politics of Starfleet, it is easy enough for them to forget they are being forced apart. It is not until after the Vulcan is gone that the remainder realize the hole she filled. Once realized that they might miss the normally silent doctor, each member considers whether or not they will be missed if they must leave. It makes them wonder how much of an impact have they truly have had on their peers.
Savu clearly is looking forward to their upcoming mission. His experiences with the Cardassians will prove invaluable, but perhaps they will also prove detrimental. With the security assignment on Earth over, the security officer clearly is looking forward to the future.
Berrier's normally flippant attitude has softened from time to time around the Bajoran. He has attempted to spend a little more time with Savu. The engineer updates himself on the specific technicalities of the Saber-class light cruisers. Though excited about working with the tricobalt explosives, he is a little disappointed to discover that the team will not be working with launch capable warheads but rather portable devices used for covert operations. It puts a whole new facet on the team's mysterious mission. It is also a good thing that they have assigned an engineer to the mission, as the portable devices are still experimental and unstable.
Fox never seems to sleep. At first he spends a considerable amount of time familiarizing himself with the generalities of holographic simulations of the USS Rapier and going over personnel records. It almost seems that he is avoiding his teammates.
With a little time on their hands, the team takes a few moments to brief themselves on the galactic situation. Since their graduation early in the year, much has been happening across the Alpha Quadrant. The Founders have been discovered to be funding independent pirate groups, which have spread Starfleet thin across the Federation. A Jem'Hadar attack ship has been recovered and Starfleet Engineering is studying the vessel. A fleet of Jem'Hadar ships passed through the Gamma Quadrant wormhole and the Cardassians became official allies of the Dominion. For weeks the Dominion has dispatched large fleets into Cardassian territory, which resulted in the Bajorans, Tholians, Gorn, and Romulan governments signing non-aggression treaties with the Dominion-Cardassian alliance. Finally, formal war between the Dominion-Cardassian and the Federation-Klingon alliances has been declared.
The Saber-class light cruiser was developed as a result of the Defense Perimeter Directive. It is slightly larger than the Defiant-class heavy escort and owes much of its design to the Defiant Development Project. The ship lacks the traditional nacelle pylon design, which results in a much smaller target profile. Its size and armament makes it quick and easy to produce. Most Saber-class light cruisers are assigned hostile frontier patrol, combat support, and escort duties.
The USS Rapier is oddly shaped for a Starfleet vessel, though several earmarks suggest its service to the Federation. The telltale warp nacelles and saucer are similar in design to other modern Starfleet vessels. The bluish white hull coloration common to all Starfleet vessels remains consistent with the Rapier as well.
The interior of the vessel is cramped - a common trait to vessels born from the Defiant Development Project designs. The Rapier serves a small band of specific mission parameters and she performs them more than adequately with the latest in starship technology. Her non-traditional, angular interior is decorated with light gray, blue, and black. The relatively sharp angles of the corridors and walls feel out of place on a Starfleet vessel.
The Rapier's small crew all knows one another by first name. When there are only forty souls as a normal crew compliment, this is not unusual. Every Thursday evening is an open Olympic-style fencing tournament in Holodeck 2, which every crewman gladly attends if not on shift, with the exotic holographic settings of the tournament changing each week to one of the various Federation planets. It is common to see off duty crewmen practicing their skills in fencing in various areas of the ship. On duty, however, everyone addresses one another with the correct formality and dignity befitting a shipshape Starfleet vessel.
Captain Barker, commanding officer of the Rapier, is the kind of human that security officers like to serve under. He is a shrewd man his late forties with short gray hair, bright blue eyes, and a stylish gray goatee. Barker is a take-charge kind of man that is not afraid to get down in the trenches with his crew. He is not afraid to do any task he asks one of his crew to perform, and this is how he judges whether or not a task is too dangerous or menial. He also attempts to practice a hands-off approach to running his ship. Many of the details of each crewman's day-to-day duties he leaves in their hands. He trusts his senior staff to ensure each branch of his vessel is operating at peak efficiency and leaves them to do their jobs. However, he expects results when he issues orders or asks for input. It has been said that Barker is brave to a fault and that some day his boldness will make him bite off more than he can chew for the sake of his crew, the Rapier, or the Federation. The captain's political standpoint on the current division in Starfleet is unknown at this time and it is likely he is sitting on the fence, preferring the focus on meeting the Dominion-Cardassian threat on the front lines rather than worrying about internal political opinions.
Barker has assigned cargo bay one as the team's central area. With ship's quarters already filled with crew and civilian passengers bound for the front lines, the team is forced to bunk together in the spartan facility. It is hard not to feel the tension between them sometimes, but the growing distance from Earth is helping them to consider resolving any issues they may have built up within themselves.
The cargo bay is also home to the tricobalt devices. There are three in total, buried deeply inside protective crates filled with impact resistant materials. These portable unstable devices pack enough punch to double the explosive energy of a photon torpedo. Each device has been formed to resemble a hard shell backpack. Even the straps that go over the carrier's body are hard plastics.
Fox finally comes around and makes an attempt to soothe any potential problems in the team. He humbly approaches his Bajoran security officer during a private moment. He simply says with troubled sincerity, "Adar, I admire your courage for doing what I could not back on Earth."
Immediately after sharing this with Savu, Fox finds Berrier and invites him to a several rounds of drinks in one of the Rapier's comfortable lounges. The team's lieutenant appears to be hell bent on getting himself quite stupefied.
The Rapier has finally arrived at the rendezvous point. Several Starfleet and Klingon vessels are already in the area. Through the ship's view ports, it is clear that a large task force is being assembled.
The cargo bay communications device beeps. "Captain Barker to cargo bay one. Lieutenant Fox and your team report to my ready room immediately."
Fox acknowledges the summons and the trio heads to meet with the captain. Barker is standing with a Klingon officer when they arrive. He waves them to sit down as the Klingon eyes them with a critical gaze.
The Klingon is roughly medium-sized for his species, which means he is quite robust by Human and Bajoran standards. His teeth are wickedly curved and menacing as befitting his people. His armor is well worn and the badges on his breast suggest that he is a decorated veteran. The Klingon's hair is streaked with wisps of reddish strands of hair, which is quite odd.
"Gentlemen," Barker begins, "let me introduce to you Commander Boreg. He is the commanding officer of the Bird of Prey you will be serving on the next leg of your mission."
Toros III, Part One (part two)
The Klingon gives the team a slight nod. He doesn't seem to approve of the team somehow, but it is difficult to imagine him approving of any Starfleet officers on his ship let alone the youths before him.
Barker continues in his matter-of-fact voice. "Your mission is to transfer the explosive devices and yourselves to the Klingon vessel. Commander Boreg will deliver you to just within transporter range for the Cardassian shipyards at Torros III. You will beam aboard and plant the devices near the main weapon platforms' reactors and set their timers to detonate synchronously. Once they are set, you are to signal the Klingons and they will beam you back. You will inform Commander Boreg immediately of the detonation time. The joint Federation-Klingon task force will coordinate its attack on the shipyards to correspond with the detonations. Schematics of the shipyards and Starfleet equipment will be before you join the Klingon ship. Dismissed."
The instability of the devices immediately springs to mind. A stray phaser impact on one of the devices may set it off.
Commander Boreg leaves the captain's ready room with the trio of young officers. He silent broods all the way through the trip to the cargo bay, transportation of the team's equipment to his vessel, and the beaming over. Needless to say, the trip in the turbolift was a relative shock to the Starfleet officer's nasal passages.
Each member of the team is issued a PADD with detailed schematics of the shipyards. Berrier's PADD outlines the engineering specifications of the weapon platforms complete with the best places to hide the tricobalt explosives to use power conduits to conceal their presence even from Cardassian hand scanners. Savu receives information on the automated security measures between the planned beam in point and each of the bomb locations along with probable locations of manned security positions. Fox receives a general corridor and chamber layout of the station to be used to plan the team's route through the station and the location of a shuttle bay and transporter room in case secondary escape measures are required.
Whoever has gathered this intelligence is highly informed. The Cardassians are renowned for their security measures, especially when it concerns something as strategically important as their shipyards. There are no clues to where Starfleet got their information in the PADDs themselves, but it is nothing short of a miracle that they got it.
In addition to the PADDS, each member of the team is issued unmarked black Starfleet uniforms with specific orders not to adorn them with ranking pips. Communicator badges will likely be required, but there is a suggestion note with the uniforms that using them other than signaling the Klingon ship for retrieval on the Cardassian shipyards may not be wise. They are also issued special phaser rifles, extra power cells, and tricorders. The phaser rifles fire are capable of firing a "stealth pulse" that is a highly concentrated packet of energy with a reduced acoustic and visual signature that can be used in covert operations. These special phaser rifles are not to fall into enemy hands. Even the Klingons aren't to know about them, which is why they appear and can operate like normal phaser rifles.
The only statement Commander Boreg shares with the team is after they beam aboard his vessel. "My first officer, Lieutenant Charlock, will not like your presence on my ship," is all that he says.
Being aboard a Klingon Bird of Prey is nothing like serving on a Starfleet vessel. The smell attacks the otherwise delicate nasal passages of the team. It seems to have soaked even into the bulkheads. The poorly lit vessel lacks basic creature comforts, which takes a considerable amount of time to get used to enough to even rest. Even These minor concerns are tough for the team to deal with considering they are used to a more comfortable lifestyle, but they are nothing when compared with the ship's crew.
It is not to say that the young trio of officers does not put on a good façade to fit in with the Klingons, but no amount of exo-cultural schooling can prepare them for the realities of the Klingon culture. The Klingons have had centuries to perfect their way of life, while the fish-out-of-water team can only adjust and try to fit in. The team can feel the seething testosterone pulsing down every corridor and eddying in every room. Glares and deadpan faces are the order of the day. It's hard not to get the feeling that the Klingon crew considers the pasty-faced Starfleet officers worth little more than limp gack.
Things come to a head in a bad way while the vessel is still en route to the Torros III shipyards. While having lunch in the ship's mess hall, Lieutenant Charlock decides to make his move. The team has had to put up with random insults from the Klingons for several days and have finally learned to ignore them. This time the ship's first officer makes it a point to knock Fox's food tray to the floor with a careless but purposeful turn while walking past the Starfleet officer.
The Klingon turns on the startled Human and moves into his personal space. "What are you looking at BOY?" the Klingon officer rumbles threateningly. The stink of his breath nearly peels the skin from Fox's face. The robust first officer even challengingly eyes Savu and Berrier who were walking behind the team leader with their own trays of Starfleet rations.
The four other Klingon crewmen laugh heartily at the cruelty of their first officer. Commander Boreg remains seated at the command officer's table, silently watches the scene with a deadpan look on his face, and continues to eat.
The Tenth Fleet, Part One
Berrier takes the opportunity to write his distant father. Far across the Federation, the aged veteran goes about doing his part in fighting the Dominion-Cardassian Axis by working himself to the bone producing new materials and vessels to be used on the front lines. In an organization as vast as Starfleet, not all the war's heroes live and die on the front lines - they just get the majority of the recognition and promotions. His father, however, is very proud of his son for his accomplishments and bravery on the front lines and makes it a rare, heartfelt point to express it.
At first, Savu attempts to go over official security and personnel records to prepare himself for his role as Chief Security Officer of the USS Rapier. Unfortunately, Captain Barker arranged a series of red flags in the computer systems to be raised if any of his subordinates access official records during their enforced shore leave. The ship's commanding officer summons the Bajoran to his office and verbally dresses the young lieutenant down like a first year cadet. The verbal barrage lasts just over an hour. It would seem the stalwart captain of the Saber-class vessel expects his orders to be followed without question. As a result, Savu spends the first week of his two week vacation in the brig under the watchful eye of those men and women in he Rapier's security teams - the same people that Savu will be in command of in short order. It is a bitter irony enforced by Barker. By embarrassing the Bajoran in this way in front of his future subordinates highlights how the ship's captain feels about Savu not following his explicit orders. Fortunately, Captain Barker sees to it that word of Savu's house arrest is kept under wraps from the rest of the crew.
Fox initially spends time aboard the starbase. During a visit with a trusted advisor, he attempts to reconcile the ideals of Starfleet against the reality of their role in the galaxy. One of the most poignant questions the other person has regards the team's surprisingly quick series of promotions. Someone in Starfleet Command has to have a strong interest in the group and greasing the wheels for their amazingly quick advancement.
More troubled than before, Fox arranges for a shuttlepod and spends the majority of his vacation time traveling from planet to planet in the nearby star system and playing games with the computer. It is a peaceful time for the solitary officer, which gives him much needed time to readdress his place in Starfleet and where he wants his career to go. It may be becoming clear to the young man that rank is not necessarily a measurement of worth and skill as much as Starfleet officers would like to believe.
*****
Captain's Log, Stardate 51247.48 - The Rapier has been fully repaired. During the repair duration, we have missed out on several conflicts with Dominion. The most important battle we have been forced to sit out of was Operation Return, the recapture of Deep Space 9 from Dominion control.
With that victory in our pockets thanks to the genius and resolve of Captain Sisko, the tide of war took a turn in our favor. A few days after retaking DS9, our front lines were bolstered by the arrival of newly constructed starships mainly crewed with cadets from the accelerated Starfleet Academy program. With the new forces brought to bear, morale immediately rose along the front lines.
We were surprised when the Cardassians called for peace talks. At first it was assumed that the threat of more Starfleet vessels in the area was the reason, but it was later discovered that a part of the treaty was a world that would provide the Dominion with materials necessary to produce their Ketracel-white. This was a clear indication that the treaty was ultimately hollow and that the Dominion was making far reaching future plans. If we allowed them to execute their long-term plans, we will lose this war. Needless to say, the peace talks were halted.
The Rapier has been reassigned to the Tenth Federation Fleet. We are to rendezvous with the fleet that protects Betazed and its outlying colonies.
*****
Captain's Log, Stardate 51714.3 - For several months my crew and myself have not seen any direct action with the Dominion. Many feel, including myself that placing the Rapier so far behind the front lines is a waste of our resources. In short, we want another shot at the Jem'Hadar.
Starfleet Intelligence does not believe that the Dominion-Cardassian forces in the Kalandra System pose much of a threat to Betazed. Admiral Koaddar Ma'adeen seems to agree with them. The admiral is a good man and I trust him, but to assume the Dominion has no teeth is foolhardy at best.
The admiral has grown as antsy as the rest of us from lack of action. As a result, he has drawn up an extensive series of training exercises that he has decided to make the Tenth Fleet perform. Ultimately, anything is better than sitting our hands.
The Rapier is to rendezvous with her one hundred and thirty odd Starfleet sister ships in the Tenth in an area just outside of populated space. This will give us the room necessary to perform the admiral's exercises. I look forward to some trail combat with some of the more advanced starships in the fleet - their crews have grown a little too big for their britches.
*****
Life aboard the Rapier as official members of her senior staff at first was difficult and stressful on the trio of young officers. The day-to-day operations of the vessel fell upon their shoulders. The long hours of their initial days dragged on and on, until they started to get a handle on their roles. Soon they got into the rhythm of their roles and their days shortened to more respectable levels. In the past few weeks, they have even begun to enjoy their positions. It is a good thing that the Rapier has been out of the action for the past several months, to give the new officers a chance to settle into their roles.
Captain Barker strides on his bridge. He takes a seat in his command chair and addresses his first officer. "Number One, our orders are to rendezvous with the fleet at the following coordinates. See to our immediate arrival and advise me when we have arrived. I will be on Holodeck Two." With that, the Rapier's veteran commanding officer stands and heads for his afternoon fencing exercises.
Fox issues the necessary orders after his captain has disappeared into the bridge's turbolift. The Rapier adjusts course from its existing patrol route and begins to warp towards the designated training grounds.
While en route to their destination, the helm officer hunches over their console with a concerned look on their face. "Sir, I am detecting a mild subspace distortion in the area. I will have to readjust course."
The operations officer begins his own sensor analysis of the area. "I have confirmed the distortion, sir. It appears to be naturally occurring. These kinds of distortions are not uncommon during deep space exploratory missions, sir." Fox remembers that this particular crewman has spent years on exploration vessels. "I don't think it is anything to worry about, sir. A course adjustment is simple enough and recommended."
The subspace distortion is disrupting the wave front in the warp drive. Berrier immediately comes to the conclusion that a more powerful distortion could cause a warp drive failure and possibly destroy a starship as a result. Fortunately, this area's distortion appears to be mild enough and easily circumvented.
We have reached the 'real time' point of the PBEM
We have reached the point in my posts that recap the PBEM campaign where the game is actually being played. My posts go out to the Players between Tuesday and Thursday each week. I will post a copy of each week's material like the previous content the day after they receive their information.
This means that from now on, posts made by me on this thread will now slow to weekly periods. There are another NINETEEN posts scheduled to complete the PBEM campaign that will culminate at the end of 2375.
Any comments are welcome via private message or e-mail. I am interested in what you (the readers and lurkers) have to say about what is present on this thread. Thanks to those who voted.
The Tenth Fleet, Part Two
Savu, the Rapier’s Chief Tactical Officer, walks on the bridge from the recently arriving turbolift. His face has a strange smile on it and his eyes have an oddly out of place, far away look. He assumes the tactical station from his Andorian subordinate and centers himself to the situation at hand. The Andorian exits the bridge via the open turbolift doors.
Fox takes a moment to consider the situation. Finally he says, “Ops, boost power to sensors. Have an astrophysicist analyze our readings. Is there is any way we can detect this disturbance and any changes in it at our current speed?”
“The disturbance is relatively localized sir,” the sensor operative responds, “though quite large. We will have a limited range in which we can maintain an eye on it. Once we get beyond that range, the disturbance will disappear from our scopes back into the background noise of our surroundings, sir.”
Berrier, the Rapier’s Chief Engineer, turns on his rotating chair and addresses the bridge’s ranking officer. “I think it is mild enough to not cause harm to the ship, but are such distortions natural for this area of space? To be on the safe side, I recommend shields Commander.”
The Rapier’s helmsman turns to address both Fox and Berrier. “Distortions of this kind are uncommon, but not unheard of. They are found throughout known space. They are rarely a serious concern for a properly navigated starship. I have already charted a safe course around the disturbance, sir, and am ready to engage on your order.”
Fox considers his options. The disturbance appears to be merely a minor obstacle on the Rapier’s course to rendezvous with the fleet. He finally gives the order for the course adjustment and the disturbance circumvented.
The Rapier turns its nose around the distant disturbance. Once angled on its new path, the ship’s warp engines engage. The sleek vessel visually elongates and jumps to warp speed. On the stellar horizon, the starship’s warp signature pulses in the distance like a brief flare of light.
*****
“We are rendezvousing with the fleet sir,” Fox pages Captain Barker over the Rapier’s internal communications system. “We are receiving mission data from the admiral for the exercises as we speak sir.”
“I’m on my way. Prepare us for whatever the admiral has in mind, Number One.”
“Aye sir.”
Incoming data from the fleet appears on Fox’s chair display. Several subsections of instructions have been prepared for each branch of the Rapier’s senior staff. While reading the overall parameters of their exercise, he sends each subsection to its respective superior officer.
The Rapier is going to be a part of a small target group. This group must defend a buoy set up in a computer simulated debris field. The conditions of the debris field will be regulated by the admiral’s flagship and will be constantly transmitted to the fleet’s computers to ensure everyone is playing on the same field. The larger group of the fleet is made mainly up of older vessels while the smaller is made up of newer ones. Unfortunately, the Rapier and her allies are outnumbered between two or three to one. To offset the numerical advantage, the attackers will suffer the “fog of war” while the defenders will have a constant update on the tactical situation in regards to both ship positioning and the status of the debris field. The admiral will lead the offensive force. No one has been predetermined to lead the defenders.
Savu and Berrier go over their subsection of exercises. It all appears to be run of the mill staff exercises during the battle. Battle repairs will succeed or fail depending on engineering repair teams response times. Each ship can beam over phantom (simulated) boarding parties that will be coordinated manually and are immune to internal shields and anesthezine gas. These boarding parties may be able to take control of key locations of an enemy ship, if successful in their tactical operations.
Captain Barker arrives on the bridge. Fox shifts himself from the command chair to his official station. The Rapier’s captain doesn’t move to his seat and continues on his walk towards his ready room. An administrative aide hands him a PADD with his command outline of the exercise. He pauses outside the movement sensor zone of his ready room to read his orders. He finally nods to the patiently waiting aide and turns to an ensign.
“Ensign Macarthur, you have the bridge. All senior staff to my ready room.” With that, the Rapier’s enduring captain exits the bridge into his office area.
It takes only a few moments for the Federation vessel’s senior staff to arrange themselves at the captain’s smallish conference table. Captain Barker stands at the head of the table. A screen-saving display of the hull of the Rapier rotates behind him at his debriefing console.
“I assume you have all read the mission profile. We are outnumbered but not outgunned. We have the advantage of knowing the terrain. Defending a target is normally a little harder than attacking one. I want to hear your suggestions. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not content to allow the admiral the pride of defeating us with an outdated fleet – no matter the odds.”
The Tenth Fleet, Part Three
Every senior office gives their suggestions to Captain Barker. Some suggestions hold obvious merit, while others are simply so outlandish the speaker receives many odd looks from their peer. The ship’s commanding officer listens to each one intently, clearly extracting the useful essence of each proposal and combining them together with a plan already formulating in his mind.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Captain Barker finally says as he sits down in his chair at the head of the wood trimmed table. “Thank you for your input. It is clear that Starfleet’s finest sits before me. Report to your stations and await further orders. Ensign, I want you to prepare an open channel between the Rapier and the other defending vessels. I wish to open a dialogue to discuss command structure and our strategy. Everyone is dismissed.”
With that, the entire staff excuses themselves and return to the bridge. The crew can sense a feeling of mounting excitement. It is almost as if the ship herself is gearing up for the upcoming exercises.
Nearly an hour passes. The young crewman responsible for the Rapier’s coded communications is extremely busy. Finally the captain emerges from his office and assumes his seat at the Conn.
“We are the defending fleet’s flagship,” he states seriously. “I have assumed command of the task force. Helm, take us to the following coordinates.”
The Rapier begins to bank and enter the simulated debris field. She takes up position along the fringes along with a handful of other advanced vessels, while others head deeper in.
Captain Barker looks over at his anxious first officer. “Stephen in case I am taken out in the battle, here is the overall plan.”
Everyone on the bridge cranes their neck to overhear what is being said, but remains attentive at their console.
“We are going to use the debris field for cover with two lines of defense. When the enemy moves into the debris field, the first line will launch ambushes from within their midst. Our tactics will be to divide the enemy into smaller groups with bait attackers, which then will become the target of hidden vessels. Enemy vessels will be drawn into regions that are difficult for them to maneuver and somewhat easier for our smaller, more maneuverable vessels. When the enemy begins to gain the advantage, the first line will fade deeper into the debris field. To confuse enemy sensors we will deploy probes tailored to our warp signatures heading in different directions. While the first line of ships is in retreat, the second will already be in position to launch their own attacks. When the second sphere collapses, the first should be in their next position. With this method we will have a steadily decreasing defensive perimeter until we reach the buoy where we will make our last stand. Hopefully, we will have crippled the attackers to the point that they will retreat.”
Captain Barker looks up and notices everyone’s cocked heads. “Seeing as everyone has been briefed of our strategy, you already know what needs to be taken care of for your individual branches. See to them.”
Everyone on the bridge quickly returns their attention to their stations and makes the necessary preparations for the upcoming struggle. The tension mounts.
The worst part of any approaching conflict is the waiting. Minutes stretch frustratingly into hours. When sensors begin picking up the approaching Tenth Fleet, it is like a twig snapping in a quiet forest. The adrenalin begins to rush.
Watching the scouts of the fleet pass by the Rapier’s hidden position is anxiously bittersweet. Everyone sighs a little when the vanguard begins to enter. The concealment of the first line must be effective. Captain Barker is like a statue in his chair as he studies the main view screen for a plum target. His experienced eyes find a likely target and he begins issuing orders to engage and draw out the target to the ambush point.
Fingers fly over their consoles. The Rapier emerges from between a knot of relatively stationary stellar debris and fires a concentrated volley of firepower on the target vessel. It only takes a few moments for the vessel to react along with her wing ships, and the chase is on.
“Helm, get us to ambush point alpha one!”
“Aye sir!”
The Rapier turns on a dime and lays down a second hail of withering firepower, this time on one of the target vessel’s sister ships.
“That’s right Lieutenant Savu,” Captain Barker smiles like a hungry wolf. “Egg them on.”
By the time the tactical wing of enemy vessels determines that they have strayed a little too far from the main vanguard, they are attacked on all sizes. By the time the Rapier has a chance to round an especially large piece of debris for cover of its turn and begin its main attacking run, the enemy wing has been severely crippled. It only takes a few moments for the remaining ships to be successfully eliminated from the exercise.
“Engineering, fire the probes. Helm, get us to rendezvous beta.”
The chief operations officer receives an alarm at their console. It only takes them a moment to take their readings. “Sir, we are being hailed by Betazed VII. Sir, they are being attacked by the Dominion!”
“WHAT?!”
“Yes, sir.” The officer works frantically at their station to ascertain what is happening. “Sir, the subspace distortion we experienced on our way here has affected our readings of the fleet’s relative positioning. We are actually further from our patrol zone than was first thought.
“Sir, I am picking up a message from the Admiral. It reads all ships are to head to the Betazed system immediately and engage the Dominion forces.”
Unsurprisingly, the computer simulated exercise dies immediately. The Tenth Fleet doesn’t have time to arrange itself and each ship haphazardly heads towards the besieged system. As the two forces close, the roughly 140 Federation vessels approach the positioned and ready 200 Dominion-Cardassian vessels. Those aboard the bridge of the Rapier are wide-eyed and tense. Random circumstance has conspired against the Tenth Fleet.
Things go from bad to worse when Captain Barker makes a telling, simple gesture as he clutches the left side of his chest with his right hand. His face is screwed up in a grimace of considerable pain. His fingers dig into his chest, seeking to pull the agony from his body.
His hand tries vainly to clutch his failing heart.
The Tenth Fleet, Part Four
The Rapier’s chief engineer sends a signal from his console to his department. “Main Engineering, this is Berrier, prepare to go 110% on the core! Run level one diagnostics on all weapon and defensive systems and double-check all EPS conduits for proper over-powered insulation! Sensor teams double check targeting computers! Battle Damage teams prepare for polaron radiation surges and stick to Alpha plan for deployment once engaged with the enemy. We need everything tip-friggin-top by the time we hit Betazed people...MOVE!”
Savu leaps around his console and rushes to the captain's side. Tapping his communicator he says, "Bridge to sickbay, medical emergency on the bridge!" He waves over the bridge’s operations officer and the two gently lay the captain down to the deck on his back. The Bajoran sets to work with his field knowledge in first aid.
Fox is a red and black uniformed statue in his leather seat. His eyes are locked on the fallen, spasming form of Captain Barker. It is clear that the young man is suffering from flashbacks from the previous engagement with the Dominion. Only through strength of character does the Rapier’s executive officer begin to shake off what is preventing him from taking action.
Berrier seizes the moment to verbally shake Fox out of his detrimental reverie. “Commander,” he shouts.
Fox’s head snaps around in the direction of the strong voice.
“Engineering ready for 110% on the warp drive for emergency power if called for it. All weapon systems are being checked and recalibrated for over-power situations. Sensor teams are double-checking all backup systems. Battle Damage teams report all green. She's ready to roar Foxy.”
Fox blinks a few times and then nods his head. As Savu continues to attempt to stabilize the captain, Fox stands and assumes command. “All hands, battle stations! This is for real, people.”
“Commander,” the operations officer reports, “the Dominion has breached Betazed’s planetary defenses. They are landing ground forces, sir.”
Fox considers the fact for a moment. “Engineering, give me everything you’ve got. Helm, get us to that planet immediately.” With a moment or two to spare, the young first officer leans over his Bajoran comrade. “How is he?”
Savu is feverish. “It’s not good.”
The turbolift doors open and spill out the ship’s doctor and a pair of nurses. As the group approach, the chief tactical officer retreats and advises them of the captain’s situation. His status is grim, very grim. Savu returns to his station and prepares the ship’s tactical systems for combat.
“We are closing in on the inner planets sir,” the helm officer reports.
“I count 200 vessels arranged into five task forces,” the operations officer reports. “This appears to be the Dominion fleet from Kalandra. They must have launched their attack when we strayed too far from the system due to the subspace distortion. We are receving tactical orders from the admiral. I am routing them to you console, sir.”
The captain’s situation reflects what the attack on Betazed means. From here, the Dominion has a military launch point to strike at the very heart of the Federation. To make matters worse, the Tenth Fleet only is composed of a little over 130 ships – most of them from the latter part of the previous century or the earlier part of the current one.
“We are closing in on the front line sir,” the helmsman reports. The tension is so thick that their voice is strained and weak.
“Bring us out of warp and place the enemy fleet on screen,” Fox orders.
The Rapier slows to tactical impulse speeds. She is one of the first ships to arrive, with the rest of the fleet only moments behind. The bridge’s main view screen comes to life, depicting the forbidding scene of a Federation core world besieged by hundreds of enemy vessels.
“Just look at them all,” the operations officer stares at the screen with a shocked face of awe.
“Cut the chatter crewman,” Savu reminds his fellow senior officer.
Fox turns to his tactical officer. His voice is even and determined. “Mr. Savu, find us a target and let’s get the battle started.”
“Aye sir.”
The Rapier comes to life. It is clear that her priority is to survive until the rest of the Tenth Fleet arrives. In the first minute or so of the exchange, she does well. That is until a large spread of Dominion torpedoes finds their mark in her forward shielding, which crumples under the explosions.
“Forward shields are down!”
“Engineering reports damage to all forward sections!”
“The fleet has arrived, sir.”
“It’s too late!”
A trio of Dominion attack ships close on the plasma trailing Federation vessel. As the Rapier’s helmsmen attempts to avoid in the barrage of incoming fire, some shots find their mark. Entire chunks of the once proud vessel are ripping from her fuselage. She returns fire and savages the shields of one of the enemy vessels.
“Main engineering is registering a coolant leak, sir! We are going to have a core breach in two minutes!”
“We’re not going to have two minutes!”
Amongst the chaos of bridge, Fox slowly shakes his head. His mouth forms a thin line. “All hands, abandon ship. All hands, abandon ship.”
*****
“To his credit, Admiral Ma’adeen regrouped his forces, but it was too little, too late. The ships of the Tenth fought valiantly for seven hours, but one by one the Dominion-Cardassian ships blew them out of the sky. Admiral Ma’adeen briefly considered surrender, but realized he had to buy as much time as possible for Betazed to prepare its defensive systems. On his orders, the Tenth went down fighting, destroyed to the last ship in a noble effort to save Betazed.”
- Civilian Federation Historian Steven S. Long, “The Fires of Armageddon”
*****
Despair. The few remaining survivors of the Rapier had nothing but despair in their hearts. When the life pods fled the dying vessel, it first appeared that they would all make it safely to Betazed. A passing Cardassian cruiser saw to it that only a few pods would make it into the upper atmosphere of the besieged planet. Those pods damaged by the Cardassian ship but not completely destroyed, stood little chance against the rigors of re-entry.
Those on the bridge were one of the few lucky pods that managed to make planetfall. Unfortunately, the medical team could do little for Captain Barker during the traumatic time inside the life pod. His loyal subordinates buried him near the life pod that delivered them. Only his communicator resting on a headstone hand etched with his full name, rank, and life’s duration marks where he lay.
Less than a dozen crewmen of the Rapier survived its destruction. They huddle in the night around small campfires in nearby caves. The Dominion-Cardassian Axis surely has control of Betazed. To ensure that the survivors would not be discovered, they disengaged their life pod’s homing beacons.
The dirt and blood stained Berrier, Savu, and Fox all sit blankly staring into their fire.
The Occuption of Betazed, Part One
Fox concentrates his efforts on appearing totally in control of the situation. He gives everyone jobs to do to keep their minds off the situation. The human officer makes every effort to keep morale high, be light hearted, and convincing everyone that the situation is positive and that they will be picked up.
The first problem, in Fox’s mind, is survival. He orders his Bajoran chief security officer to set up a defensive position. Teams are established for begin proper shelters and supplies.
With the passing of Captain Barker, it is clear the Fox has assumed the role of commanding officer of the few remaining Starfleet survivors. Fox assigns Savu as his First Officer and in charge of camp security. Berrier is in charge of the structure and maintenance of the camp.
The survivors set to work. The cave system is mapped out. The escape pods are salvaged for everything useful. Major caverns are converted into living quarters and storage facilities. Every scrap of the life pods is cut away from the remainder and used for creature comforts, power for long-term illumination, and additional structural support for tunnel areas deemed unsafe. What little security equipment remains, is installed at strategic points in the caverns to maximize Starfleet’s defensive position.
When the small group of survivors has completed their tasks, they have established themselves a reasonable little community. Without any kind of replication technology present, fresh water must be hand hauled from a nearby waterfall. Fortunately, the wilderness region provides enough food to support the survivors – for the time being. Should they remain here until winter, which is yet two seasons away, it is unlikely that their supplies will hold out for long.
Each crewman’s uniform is showing the signs of extended use. Unfortunately, the survivors arrived on Betazed with the clothes on their back. Nonetheless, the Rapier’s crew attempt to maintain a clean appearance despite their relatively subterranean surroundings.
During a night’s vigil at the fire between the three comrades, Berrier speaks quietly with the remaining two. “Well, I for one am sick and freaking tired of string at a fire pit. I say we get some salvage, grab some weapons and start a little revolution. It won't be too long before Ross and his crew summon up a fleet that will kick the living hell out of the Occupation. We have to be ready for it. What do you say guys? We have a handful from the Rapier, but there is no telling how many others survived.
“All I need is some dominion technology and some time. I’ll get you the ins and outs of their weapons and cloaking devices. Give me some Starfleet officers with nothing to lose and some guns over Dominion troops any day. It's better than waiting away that's for damned sure! It's us or them, and I'm too pretty to die.”
The Occupation of Betazed, Part Two
Fox calls for a gathering of his remaining staff. In the relative safety of their cave network, the Starfleet officers gather. It is time for long-term planning.
The priority after survival, according to the Rapier’s Executive Officer, is to get intelligence on the situation in our area. To reduce the chance of the occupationists from discovering their position with long-range scanners, all materials not to be found on the planet should be discarded.
Adaptable officers are given individual assignments to set up distant operations to covertly gather intelligence on Dominion activity. Observation of the Betazoid population is a secondary objective – coupled with making contact with possible occupation resistors.
Those remaining in the cavern network are detailed to become familiar with the surrounding area and create a workable map. It takes little effort for some LCARS displays from the escape pods to be converted into a field headquarters. Very soon every officer knows the region like it was his or her own quarters – every creek, bush stand, and rock become well known.
Berrier begins a daily ritual of material foraging. Not venturing too far from camp, he returns each day with some scrap of salvageable equipment. With all the wreckage high above the planet from the star battle, much of it has survived entry into the planet’s atmosphere. There is not a night that passes that the sentries do not see several shooting stars in the dark sky, which are actually ship wreckage finally pulled into the upper levels of the atmosphere.
According to the Rapier’s Chief Engineer, a reliable communications network is going to be important to overall function of the resistance. Much of his initial efforts go into refining the headquarters equipment with a short-range relay station. This equipment increases the overall range of the field operatives investing the occupation. The encryption is limited, due to the timeframe and mishmash of technology.
Each Starfleet survivor is equipped with his or her Type II Phaser. Induction recharge stations are constructed at key security points in the cavern network. Unfortunately, the construction of additional energy weapons requires either specialized manufacturing equipment or an engineering replicator – neither of which the survivors have.
Word begins to trickle in from the field operatives. The Dominion acted immediately in solidifying its position on Betazed. Hundreds of additional ship and thousands of troops have arrived to pacify the planet.
A psionic Vorta named Wayhau is leading the occupation. Wayhau’s chief Jem’Hadar warrior is a renowned Alpha who is on the Dominion’s best – far exceeding his clones. Wayhau is seconded by a Cardassian Gul named Mordant – a name that is does not escape Savu’s ears.
Wayhau’s first orders to his standing Jem’Hadar army are to eradicate every trace of resistance on Betazed and occupy every major facility on the planet. So far the Dominion has rounded up hundreds of thousands of locals including Starfleet personnel, governmental officials, and civic leaders and executed them. Each day thousands more people has been added to the growing tally across the globe. In the first week of operations, more than half of the Rapier’s field operatives have been caught by the brutal efficiency of the Jem’Hadar and executed in the public eye.
More psionic Vorta have arrived. These Vorta are controlling the population and arrange for the immediate execution of any Betazoid who even seemed to try to use their psychic abilities to communicate with their fellows or influence Dominion personnel. There is word that an entire Cardassian order is on its way to Betazed to bolster the Dominion presence on the planet.
There is only one way to describe Wayhau’s occupation – brutal and efficient.
