Ongoing ST PBEM Campaign

[kimq]

The following is the first segment of an ongoing ST PBEM. There are posts once a week. Between each post the players respond with their character's inner dialogue and planned actions to the third-party situation description. If people would like to lurk, I will continue to post the GM-generated scenes (but not the character responses). Fortunately, each character's response is intergrated into the following GM post.

This is not an invitation to role-play in the PBEM or to respond to these posts. This thread is merely to provide you all with something to read and submerge yourselves into the Star Trek universe.

If you would like me to keep posting the ongoing campaign material, I will do so.

To see the invitation post to the PBEM, go to: http://forum.lotrrpg.net/showthread.php?threadid=2755

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Captain's Log, Stardate 50329.79: Starfleet Command has ordered the Tranquility to provide medical support in the Sol system. We are to search for survivors from the recent Borg Cube invasion that nearly spelled the destruction of Earth and the Federation. The Enterprise is coordinating the cleanup efforts and we are coordinating our rescue efforts with Captain Picard and his Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Beverly Crusher. The recent Borg invasion was not what the Federation needed in light of the current conflict between the Klingon Empire and the Cardassian Union.

It has been a long time since the Tranquility's tactical systems have been field tested beyond regular diagnostics and maintenance. I have scheduled a series of tactical exercises to ensure that we are ready in case of further Borg hostilities once all battle survivors have been rescued and attended to.

*****

This is the second starship tour for the cadet team. They already performed well during their individual cadet cruises. Their time away from classmates was frightening at first, but the crews took pains to make them comfortable and welcome to a degree. This time, however, the cadets are touring together.

The Borg had better watch out!

Lieutenant Commander Kalian is the team's councilor and is overseeing their final exams. The un-joined Trill male has been a mentor at Starfleet Academy for many years and has overseen the team's development since their return from their cadet cruises. Commander Kalian appears to be in his early forties with intelligent and playful eyes. He served in Starfleet Intelligence and can play a mean game of Parrises Squares. Though his service records are officially sealed, it is rumored that Commander Kalian was once involved in intelligence operations along the Romulan Neutral Zone. When queried about it, he just smiles and politely changes the topic with practiced ease. From time to time, however, he does enjoy a quiet glass of contraband Romulan ale when he thinks no one is paying attention to the seemingly scattered items on his desk.

The first member of the cadet team is a Bajoran male named Savu Adar. Cadet Savu grew up as orphan in Bajoran refugee camp on the edge of Federation space. He idolized the Starfleet personnel trying to help him and his people. Cadet Savu worked with the Federation administrators to aid his people, quell a food riot, and rescue survivors of a Cardassian raid. His Starfleet career interest centers on tactical training, specializing in the Cardassian Union.

The second member of the team is a Human male named Stephen Fox. Cadet Fox spent his childhood on starships with his father, his mother having died during childbirth. He returned then to Earth, to live with his aunt in London, England. Cadet Fox spent his spare time reading all that he could about Starfleet, its history and principles. He began to live his life according to the Starfleet way. Cadet Fox's career pursuit is the command branch of Starfleet, and in his junior year was invited into Red Squad. He has already been awarded the Kragite Order of Heroism for rescuing trapped crewmen with a shuttlepod on his cadet cruise aboard the USS Cochrane, an Oberth-class science vessel.

The third member of the team is a Human male named Nigel Berrier. Cadet Berrier spend his childhood under the eye of his father who is a non-commissioned technical officer building new vessels Utopia Planetary Shipyards. His father and his career in Starfleet had a heavy influence on the boy in ways both positive and negative and helped to develop the boy's natural aptitude for technology. Unsurprisingly Cadet Berrier's career pursuit is engineering, specializing in warp theory and tactical systems. He can be obnoxious sometimes and it is uncommon when he does not have pinups of attractive female human models around his bunk.

The final member of the team is a Vulcan female named T'Quell. Cadet T'Quell spent her childhood under heavy philosophical guidance in a Vulcan monastery. During a short time at the Vulcan Science Academy she found her calling in the medical arts and sense of exploratory wonder that enticed her to give up her current education to pursue a medical profession in Starfleet. Though very bright much like the rest of her people, it was her lack of bedside manner that kept her from achieving top of her class in her time at Starfleet Academy. Her closed demeanor is a result mainly of a lack of cultural understanding of non-Vulcan Federation species and social caution, but has remained a steadfast friend to the rest of the team by being a logical sounding board for their concerns.

The USS Tranquility is designed on a single purpose - she is a medical vessel. Seemingly uncountable sickbays fill nearly every one of the twenty-seven decks with the latest in medical technologies, personnel, and Emergency Medical Holograms with a length of over three hundred meters. The interior of the vessel is tastefully decorated with cool blues, whites, and grays. The Tranquility hums with a strong feeling of serenity and happiness. It is the kind of place that facilitates healing for the body, mind, and spirit. In many ways, the Tranquility represents many of Starfleet's peaceful ideals.

Her Captain is Doctor Bryant Lathy. Captain Lathy served along the Federation's Alpha Quadrant expansion rim for many years as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Yamaguchi, an Ambassador-class explorer. He is distinguished in the field of biomechanical prosthetics and a leading researcher on Borg cybernetics. The Tranquility's commanding officer prefers to be called "Doctor" rather than "Captain."

The cadet team has been spending the majority of their time working with the various starship branches, refining their knowledge about starship operations. Each day Commander Kalian manually inserts challenges into the team's daily tasks. At the end of each day he discusses their successes and failures to help further refine their knowledge and curb their youthful egos. He has been steadily increasing the difficulty of each challenge.

In the black blanket of space outside the Tranquility, debris floats about from the titanic star battle between the Borg Cube and the Starfleet task force assembled to stop it. The hospital ship's tractor beams push and pull hull matter about, sifting through the detritus for life pods and signs of survivors. Across the small asteroid field of carbon-scorched metal, other Federation vessels go about their grim tasks.

This morning the team got a message to meet Commander Kalian at Holodeck Four. They arrive at the appointed time, but are surprised that their instructor is not present. After waiting around for a few minutes, they check the Holodeck interface and discover that a scenario is running. Further investigation of the display reveals a note left to the team by their slippery instructor:

"Good morning cadets. An injured officer has crashed a shuttlepod on a jungle planet in an area saturated with an indeterminate radiation that prevents transporter lock. The officer's name is Lieutenant Adele Kingsley. A protracted conflict between Cardassian soldiers and the Maquis is being fought out in the area of the crash site.

"Your mission is to give Lieutenant Kingsley medical attention; surround the shuttlepod with activated pattern enhancers, and signal Captain Lathy on the bridge that you are ready for beam out.

"Gul Morel, the regional Cardassian commander, is aware of your mission parameters and has given clearance to rescue Lieutenant Kingsley and salvage the crippled shuttlepod so long as you avoid direct involvement in the conflict. However, Starfleet Intelligence suggests that Tulgryn Stran, the subordinate officer in charge of the local Cardassian ground forces, may take action contrary to Gul Morel's instructions.

"You will find a tricorder and a type two phaser for each of you on the inside of the arch, along with a set of pattern enhancers and a medical kit for your team. Consider this your final exam. Good luck."

[kimq]

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.

[kimq]

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.

[kimq]

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?"

[kimq]

At the close of the briefing, the team splits in their own direction. Everyone packs up their goods and hitches a ride on the various shuttle flights around the wreckage of the battle with the Borg. Their new collar pips put the shine on their bright future.

*****

Captain's Log, Stardate 50409.42: An important Federation/Romulan conference in the city of Antwerp on Earth has been bombed. Symposium security reported a Changeling in the conference at the time. Odo and I have returned to Earth, and I have been made the acting head of Starfleet security. With the help Admiral Leyton, Odo and I have convinced the Federation President to authorize some additional planetary security measures.

*****

Engineer Berrier finds himself the darkest bar he can find. In the orbital shipyards around Mars, the young Ensign finds one his father's haunts. Deck Four-One of Utopia Planitia has an out of the way lounge that is regularly filled with veteran non-commissioned officers. The proprietor believes in providing a unique atmosphere for his guests. In Starfleet, nothing provides unique atmosphere like dimmed lights and private booths for low conversation and some hard drinking.

It takes Junior Lieutenant Fox several hours to find Berrier deep in his cups. Fox asks for a prime bottle of Saurian brandy to be brought to the table for the two of them to celebrate with. The engineer, however, is already well into celebrating.

Over the course of the emptying of the bottle of rich alcohol, the two talk about life, the universe, and everything. Fox speaks about his dreams to become Starfleet's youngest starship Captain and relates a few amusing anecdotes about his fear of heights. It is difficult for Fox not to dominate the conversation, but it is clear that he makes effort to let Berrier participate.

Finally Berrier gets enough brandy in him that his impulsiveness takes over. The engineer is not the friendliest drunk Fox is surprised to find out. The man has quite a temper on him. He begins to talk about his NCO father who works at the shipyards. Berrier clearly is of the opinion that his father has untapped skills and his entire life has been wasted on maintenance duties rather than being a chief engineer. The newly minted Ensign finds himself even more painfully aware of how someone can be ground down after years of being ordered around by officers who would sooner order people to do the dirty work rather than doing the work themselves.

Strangely, Berrier's words have an impact on Fox. It would seem that the command adage, "Never order a subordinate to do a task you yourself would not be willing to do," has a very important ring of truth to it. It looks like father Berrier has been the subject of officers who have not followed this rule of thumb and have ground the man down. It is difficult for the Lieutenant to accept. It is not how he saw the workings of Starfleet. It is an interesting look at the commissioned officer/non-commissioned officer coin.

*****

Ensign Savu returns to Earth. He spends a few uneventful few days at Starfleet Academy, walking the halls and enjoying the utopian atmosphere. In a few weeks, fresh new cadets will arrive to begin the first days of their first year at the Academy. It brings a sense of nostalgia to the lonely Bajoran.

Pained by memories of his past, Savu decides to rent a sail boat at the San Francisco harbor and make his way down to Monterey along the Pacific coast. The fresh marine air, waves, wind and sky all give him a strong sense of peace. His spiritual reserves recharge as he considers his future in Starfleet.

It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Bajoran security officer.

*****

Ensign T'Quell spends her time on the Tranquility. Much of her waking hours are spent in careful meditation. She seizes the opportunity of peace and quiet to continue the personal study of self. One place is as good as another for just such philosophical explorations, but the peaceful nature of the medical ship provides an adequate backdrop.

The future likely holds little personal time for her. Starfleet is renowned for extended duties and hours for its fresh Ensigns. The Vulcan takes the available time to do the important things in her life.

Prediction of the future is dicey at best. Even with exacting collected data and logical courses of projected results, it is impossible to accurately predict what the future has in store for T'Quell. It gets far more difficult when the addition of illogical beings is introduced into the nebulous formula.

The future aside, the philosopher prepares her Vulcan soul.

*****

The first to be contacted by Starfleet Command is Lieutenant Fox. His initial orders are to gather Ensigns T'Quell, Berrier, and Savu for assignment. T'Quell is easy enough to find on the USS Tranquility. Berrier had to be pulled out of a two-day shore leave bender with his veteran father. Savu has returned to San Francisco and meets them on Earth.

The team is summoned to the office of Captain Benjamin Sisko, interim head of Starfleet security. The man is calm, cool, and collected despite the flurry of activity. When the group finally settles he says to them, "Ladies and gentlemen. We have a security situation on Earth that you may very well be aware of. The exact details are still being investigated. As a result, all available Starfleet personnel have been brought to Earth for temporary security assignments." The Security head produces a small stack of PADDs and gives them the team. "Here is your team's assignment. Good luck."

The PADDs given to Savu, T'Quell, and Berrier have identical content. The team is being assigned to Earth's power relays as part of a larger security force. They are to maintain proper policing procedures and security of the facilities under the guidance of Admiral Leyton. They are to be issued phaser rifles for the duration of their security assignment. They will also be part of the security force that may be policing the Federation population near the central relay station and ensuring the peace there through the presence of the security forces.

To the average observer, the Vulcan's face is unreadable. To her team, however, it is clear that she is not impressed at all.

The PADD issued to Fox also has similar content. However, a personal note has been hidden in the data, which can only be accessed by thumbprint verification. The note is from Admiral Leyton himself and it reads:
"Lieutenant, congratulations on your promotion. Your father and
I have high hopes for your success and expect a bright and
promising future for you. You have proven yourself a worthy
addition to the Starfleet family.
"Agents of the Dominion have taken steps to inhibit peace in the
galaxy. They have attacked the Federation in a most insalubrious
manner. I trust that Starfleet Command can count on the best
and brightest that Starfleet Academy has to offer in the Red
Squad membership in this difficult time. Be ready for further
instructions. I can guarantee you that this is not over and that I
will be keeping an eye out for demonstrations of proper Starfleet
ideals.

"Good luck Stephen."

After being dismissed from Captain Sisko's office, the team assembles on some benches outside Starfleet Command in a small utopian park. The situation on Earth is troubling. If the Dominion can reach Earth, how safe is anyone in the Federation? For that matter, how far is Starfleet willing to go to ensure security of the planet? Each member of the team can't help but feel the edge of the chasm that the immediate future is perched precariously on.

A check of the PADDs reveals that they are to catch a late afternoon monorail for the distant power relay station. At the station they are to report to Lieutenant Glenn for their sidearms and security assignments. They have over an hour before they must head to the monorail station and board with the rest of the dozen or so reinforcements being dispatched to the critical power relay station.

[kimq]

Everyone sits in silent thought. The looks on the faces of the team reveal a little of the turmoil some are experiencing. T'Quell is as introspective as she normally is, but seems strangely untroubled by what is happening on Earth. Fox goes over the information given to him by the new head of Starfleet Security, as he is now clearly team leader. Savu frowns and considers the cagey nature of the Federation's enemies. Berrier considers various options to reveal hidden Changelings to bolster Federation security measures.

On the monorail ride to the distant power station, Berrier approaches T'Quell with some questions. "T'Quell is it at all possible to measure or read the electrical pulses that a humanoid brain gives off with proper modifications to a Tricorder. I'm sure a Medical one can do it, but it doesn't have the power or range to scan entire groups of people. If it's possible, then it's one way we can expunge a Changeling from among groups of solids, providing they can't mimic heartbeats or brainwave patterns. Hmm, I can always boost the power to a Medical tricorder, but it would be handy to know what I would be looking for."

T'Quell considers Berrier's line of thought. The Vulcan seems to lose track of her human teammate, lost in the intricate thoughts of her own mind. Finally, however, she shakes her head after substantial consideration. "Data collected to date suggests that it is not possible to identify a Changeling in humanoid form without a blood sample."

The remainder of the monorail ride is relatively quiet. There are other young officers who are being sent to their own security assignments. None, however, are being sent to the power station but it is a chance to socialize with other Starfleet officers before getting down to business.

*****

Captain's Log, Stardate 50409.92: The Enterprise has been ordered to maintain security of Sector 001. I am to meet with Admiral Leyton to discuss the possibility of a Starfleet blockade until the Changeling threat to Earth has been neutralized. I am concerned about the steps Starfleet Command is taking in regards to Earth's security, though I find myself weighing the moral implications of this activity against the Dominion threat. I doubt that this skirmish with the Dominion will endure for long.

*****

Earth's main power relay station is a massive structure. Due to the ecological reforms in Earth's past, it was necessary to centralize power for much of the planet's population. Thanks to technological advancements, it became possible for the majority of the planet to receive its power from the relay station. Due to the strategic nature of the facility, however, Starfleet Security took steps to ensure it was safe from orbital attack and fortified it against ground assault. With the recent Changeling threat, Starfleet Security has decided to bolster the personnel at the station to ensure its security.

Regular blood samples are required of all personnel at the facility to prevent Changeling infiltration. Even random sampling has been instituted. The critical nature of the facility requires security to be ship tight. It's not too difficult to hope that these kinds of security measures will not be needed for the planet's population. Such strong security measures would be an impossible nightmare to reliably establish.

The team has been assigned a critical position in the facility's security. They are to maintain night security of one of the four main entries into the station. Though the post is prestigious, it is a busy one. The team finds itself constantly busy administering blood exams, scanning cargo and transports, and filing minute-by-minute reports.

The civilian personnel have to be the worst to deal with. They do not have to submit to Starfleet without due cause. Legally, the Changeling threat is not enough to breach their basic rights as Federation citizens. Most civilians are content to help Starfleet do its job and allow blood samples to be taken. They vocalize their negative opinions and often threaten to make official complaints, however. Starfleet Security is content to not allow access to the station in any way to citizens who do not submit to a blood test. So far, the team has had to turn away four very angry such citizens. One confrontation nearly led to an especially angry citizen to striking the serenely cool T'Quell.

The first couple days of this begin to wear on the team. Everyone's skills are being employed to ensure tight security of their entrance, which at least gives each member some feeling of accomplishment and worth. It is the nightly grind of this assignment that proves troublesome to keep morale up. The power relay station is without recreational facilities, which makes the assignment even more trying.

*****

Admiral Leyton's Personal Log, Stardate 50425.85: Despite steps to ensure planetary security and the marked decrease in Changeling activity on Earth, I am still encountering political resistance to my suggested reforms regarding general Starfleet security measures. Captain Sisko has proven himself to be a worthy Chief of Starfleet Security and a trustworthy man, as I knew he would. It is the Federation Council that is staying our hand from rooting out the Changeling menace and stopping whatever schemes they have planned against Earth and the Federation. It is time for steps to be taken to finally show the depth of the Changeling threat to the entire Federation. We must not fail in our resolve against the Dominion.

*****

It is on the fifth night of their assignment that they are summoned to meet with the facility commander. Lieutenant Glenn initially goes over their shift reports and inquires for suggestions about refining the security of their area. After a couple of nights on duty, each team member has something to offer to the discussion in respect to their individual specialties. Glenn is pleased to see the team's performance and some of their more unique approaches to the Changeling threat.

The meeting feels that it about to close. The team prepares themselves to leave, but are confused when Glenn does not dismiss them. He sits for a few moments and considers his next course of action. Finally, he makes his decision and presses a button on his administrative desk. A low hum, barely discernible, fills the periphery of the room.

Savu and Berrier know a surveillance-dampening ECM field when they hear one.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Glenn says in a low, serious voice, "what you are about to hear is classified. No one outside this room is to hear of the conversation. Is that understood?"

Bewildered, the team simply nods their heads in confirmation.

Glenn presses another button and waits. A few seconds later a side door to his office swishes open and none other than Admiral Leyton walks in. He waves down the team before they can stand respectfully in his presence. Leyton walks over to Fox and extends his hand for a friendly handshake.

"How are you doing Stephen?" Leyton asks. "It has been a long time since we have been together last." His eyes indicate the Junior Lieutenant ranking pips on Fox's collar. "Things are going well for you, I see." With a friendly, teasing smile he says, "Going to get that command before your thirty, eh?" He grows serious and says, "Please take a seat. We have much to go over in the next ten minutes.

"I am going to cut right to the chase, gentlemen. We are at war. We are at war with a species that is willing to use terrorism as its main weapons. They have brought the war to the very heart of the Federation. Quite simply, they seek to enslave every sentient being in the Alpha Quadrant. It is our duty as Starfleet officers to make sure that the Dominion menace is stopped.

"However, we are hamstrung by soft-hearted and naïve politicians. Despite the Changeling attack at Antwerp, many are content to maintain an insecure Earth. I cannot allow, in good conscience, sworn enemies of the Federation to tread on our territory. To this end, a demonstration of the threat arrayed before us is required. A very real message must be sent to these soft politicians to give them the strength to take whatever action is necessary to ensure the Federation's survival.

"To this end, I turn to the best and brightest of Starfleet. You have not been assigned your post at random, be certain of that. Your role in the immediate future will have a galactic impact.

"You see I have made arrangements for a demonstration of the Dominion threat. It is merely a staged event and one that will not cause unnecessary loss of life. I have arranged for a special team of Red Group to infiltrate this facility and temporarily sabotage its computers with special codes. The infiltration team, however, will require a point of insertion into the facility. This is where you come in. You role will be to allow the team to covertly enter the power station and perform their assigned task.

"Now I know what you are thinking. Be rest assured that you are no committing treason against Starfleet or the Federation by performing this critically needed duty. Actually, it is likely you will be regarded as heroes and justly reward for your actions.

“Thoughts?"

[kimq]

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.

[kimq]

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.

[kimq]

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."

[kimq]

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.

[kimq]

Fox tries to stand eye to eye with Charlock. He unblinkingly stares into the Klingon's eyes and says, "You need to look where you're going."

Savu slams his tray on a nearby table. Some of his Starfleet rations splash onto ship's angry first officer. He stands slightly behind and beside Fox, ready for action.

Berrier can't resist the urge to let his mouth fly. "You know, I have this Klingon drinking buddy I see when I'm on Horithon VII you may know him, Youra, Son of Azz. And he tells me this story about a piece of Cardassian Foreskin of a warrior he caught humping a Horthurian hound."

Two Klingons, obviously friends of Charlock, take up supportive positions behind their first officer. Out of the corner of everyone' eye, they can see Commander Boreg silently nod to himself in satisfaction.

One would say that the tension is rather taught between the two groups of Klingon and Starfleet officers. One would say this if one were so inclined.

It is clear that the rest of the day is not going to be good. Fox turns slightly to his team and jokingly mimic's Charlock. "What are you looking at…"

…Suddenly Fox turns back to the belligerent Klingon and strikes him with his elbow mid sentence. Berrier seizes the opportunity and bangs the underside of his metal tray upside the head of the ship's first officer. The impacts stun Charlock momentarily. Savu steps in and expertly reverses the Klingon's wrist and forces his entire body to turn and fall on its front. He painfully bangs into the bare metal deck plates and the wind is driven from him.

The two subordinate officers take a threatening step forward. Commander Boreg suddenly stands and orders them back. The veteran officer begins to make his way over to the scene.

Savu maintains the wristlock with Charlock's arm painfully cranked over his fallen from to feel and control his movements. For good measure Savu steps on the Klingon's other hand near his head to keep him weak and pinned.

Berrier leans over the fallen Klingon and squints at him. "You know something," the Starfleet engineer with the bent metal tray says, "you look exactly like the guy my friend was talking about! Can I ask you something? How does the rump of a Horthurian Hound feel against your naked skin? Like this?" With that he whacks the Klingon on the head a second time. There are Starfleet rations everywhere.

"ENOUGH!" Commander Boreg bellows. Everyone in the mess hall instinctively shrinks from the ship's commanding officer. He looks unmistakably at Savu and rumbles threateningly, "Let him go."

Savu releases his grip after making sure Charlock knows he's beaten.

Boreg eyes Fox and makes a show of giving the Starfleet officer a look over. He does the same to the mouthy engineer and his cudgel, and finally the Bajoran. The Klingon commanding officer gives his first officer a dirty look and says, "You got what you deserved." He turns back to the Starfleet officers. "Come with me."

With little choice, the trio follows the backside of the armored veteran.

*****

The Starfleet officers find themselves in Commander Boreg's small quarters. Like a good host he provides each of them with a metal cup of bloodwine. He seems proud of them in some strange way. After everyone is seated around a small metal table jutting out from a bulkhead, he finally addresses them in a more personal manner.

"You did well back there," he says meaningfully. "Your group attack on Charlock was warranted. He challenged the three of you, though he first started with Lieutenant Fox here. But if he had just challenged you and you other two got involved, it would have been much different. But no matter." He raises his cup in a toast, "To victory!"

Bloodwine does not taste good to the uninitiated. It's like drinking raw armature lubricant with an especially nasty aftertaste. Boreg seems to like it. He drank his entire cup in one pull.

"Ah, the drink worthy of gods!" he proclaims happily. He stands up and gets another. While dunking his cup he eyes Savu. "I knew your father," he says meaningfully, "Rajas was a good man."

The look of shock on the Bajoran's face is impossible to conceal.

Boreg returns to the table and sits down. "Before you were born I was in Cardassian territory. The Cardassians crippled the ship I was serving on as third officer and we had to abandon her. I spent nine months in a Cardassian labor camp on Bajor. It was there that I met your father." The Klingon's face wrinkles in the painful memory of the latter days of the Occupation.

"I was there when your parents were married. I never saw Rajas and Brae so happy. The acolyte gave an excellent service as far as Bajoran ritual goes. Later I was ransomed back to my people but I had found out that after your birth, the Cardassians forced your family apart. Rajas was killed when he attempted to keep the three of you together, as an honorable father should. He was buried in a mass grave near Bestri Woods on Bajor. The pit's stink was a terrible thing. Your mother was forced to join a group of woman bound to serve a coward named Gul Mordant. Mordant is still alive and serving the Cardassian Union as far as I know."

There is a pregnant moment of uncomfortable silence. It visibly pains Commander Boreg to recount his memories. He clears his throat, puts on a positive demeanor, and claps Berrier on the back.

"Youra, Son of Azz!" The Klingon laughs roughly. "I get it now!" He laughs again with merriment. It is the kind of laughter that clearly pokes fun at his first officer. He offers to clunk cups together with the Starfleet officers and everyone enjoys a chuckle at Charlock's expense.

*****

Days pass. The cloaked Klingon vessel is on final approach to the Cardassian shipyards near Torros III. Fox, Savu, and Berrier are standing off the side of the cramped and angular bridge of the Bird of Prey. The skeletal shipyards on the main view screen are massive.

Standing at the back of the bridge at the operations station is Lieutenant Charlock. The Klingon first officer has made it a point to avoid the trio of Starfleet officers. Of course, the team has been wisely staying together to avoid further conflict.

"We will reach transporter range in seven minutes commander," the ship's navigation officer reports.

Boreg turns his chair to address Fox. "The moment is upon us, lieutenant. Gather your equipment and report to the transporter room and await my signal. Victory is in our grasp!"

The team heads to their cramped quarters and gathers their equipment. After a brief once over of one another, they trudge their way to the transporter room. The tricobalt devices weigh heavily on their shoulders. In the small transporter room they take their positions on the transporter pads and go through a final checklist.

Commander Boreg's voice is transmitted over the ship's intercom. "Commander Boreg to Lieutenant Fox. Lieutenant, we have assumed our position. Transporter chief, begin beam out."

The team's view of the gloomy transporter room is filled with millions of motes of light. The transporter cycle disappears and they appear at the coordinates designated as their starting point inside the gloomy, though stylized interior of the Cardassian shipyards. The first thing that strikes the team is the oppressive heat common to all Cardassian facilities. The explosive packs feel even heavier.

[kimq]

Once the transporter cycle completes, everyone goes through a final check. Berrier ensures that the tricobalt packs are stable and working correctly. After checking them over, he whispers to the other two shadows in the dark recesses of the beam-in point, "Just don't get shot in the back or we all die."

Savu seems lost in memories for a moment. A nod from Fox brings him out of his thoughts. The three set out as stealthily as possible for their destinations.

Following previously practiced hand signals from their team leader, they begin making their way through the shipyards. It is difficult to shake a strong feeling of unease. The Cardassian security personnel are exactly positioned according to their intelligence and their schedules are executed perfectly. Considering that Cardassian security is renown for its efficiency it stands to reason that the positioning and rotations of security personnel would be changed daily. How could intelligence gathered so long ago still hold its freshness?

The trio of young officers arrives at the first mechanical security barrier. This doorway will give them access to the engineering sublevel in this section. The Bajoran sets to work. Following the memorized schematics of Cardassian security at this doorway, Savu cracks it open in record time.

The team quickly slips through the doorway and then manually closes it on the other side. From here to the first reactor it is supposedly clear of security personnel. There are only a handful of automated security measures between here and their destination.

The engineering sublevel is even darker and hotter than the main levels of this section. It takes a few moments for the teams' eyes to adjust. The cramped, shadowy nature of the massive conduits and dim engineering consoles leaves an impression of an ancient subterranean ruin long forgotten. All sense of Cardassian design style has been abandoned for simple function.

The team can feel a regular vibration in the deck. In the distance they can hear loud machinery thrumming with the vibration. As they follow their planned course, they find that they are getting closer to it. The sound grows to tremendous levels. It seems the sonic baffles in this area have failed. Another security system bypass and the officers are struck with a wave of harsh grinding sounds.

The chamber before them is a part of the industrial process that constructs the support beams for starship spaceframes. Each individual machine in the process is roughly the size of three or four runabouts. Sparks shower the floor and industrial arms dance about as the metals are refined and shaped into their final products. The cacophony of the manufacturing process is deafening.

Berrier can see the console controlling the sonic baffles. It is winking on and off like it is experiencing some kind of power problem. It would likely be a simple thing to repair the console, but it may alert the Cardassians to the team's presence. They choose to leave it alone and quickly pass through the manufacturing area.

Though their ears ring noticeably once they arrive in a quieter position in the shipyards, they still breathe a personal sigh of relief to be out of the noise.

Things get a little off the plan when the team is confronted by the presence of a pair of Cardassian engineers. They slip quietly into the shadows thanks to their shared expertise. The engineers pass by on their way to the manufacturing plant. It would appear they are on their way to repair the sonic baffles console. After they pass into the barrage of sound, the team breathes another sigh of relief and continues on their way.

The weapon platform reactor is a sizable piece of equipment. A triple barrier of multi-phase shields protects it. It takes the entire team working together with tricorders to analyze the recycled patterns of each force field. It takes all three of their heads to establish the windows of opportunity to bypass them. From there it becomes a game of security bypass hopscotch. If they are caught between force fields as they temporarily bypass one, they are dead in the Cardassians' hands.

With the force fields bypassed, Berrier sets to work under the watchful eye of Fox and Savu. He positions his tricobalt explosive pack according to the suggested hidden position, but tries to align it for maximum effectiveness.

The sound of Cardassian voices and footsteps catches Fox's ear. He hisses to the team and signals them to hide. The three disappear behind whatever they can find for concealment.

A four-man unit of armed Cardassian soldiers appears on the catwalk circling the reactor center. The Bajoran immediately realizes that the team is positioned in a potential kill zone if they are discovered. While Berrier grips his weapon, he sees the distant and visible access panel he hid his explosive pack behind begin to slip. He didn't have time to completely close it up.

The tension begins to mount as the team locks eyes from their hiding places. Silent signals inform each member of the situation. Fox's head bobs as he swears to himself, trying to think what to do.

Above, the Cardassians go about their business. Below, the panel continues to slip slowly. The team's eyes are locked on the falling panel, as if their will is enough to keep it aloft.

A doorway above opens and catches Fox's attention. The Cardassians are leaving. When the last man exits and the door closes, the access panel finally falls onto the deck. The team freezes, expecting the Cardassians to return. Several tense moments pass and the Cardassians do not return. It seems the sonic baffles in the reactor chamber are operating correctly. The team sighs collectively a third time and finishes their task.

The journey to the second reactor passes without incident. The Cardassian security measures and personnel positioning is as outlined in their intelligence. It is a simple matter to plant Fox's tricobalt pack near the reactor. So far, so good.

The covert trip to the final reactor goes as planned until the team reaches a key doorway. The doorway is open and the control panel and security measures are bare. It is almost as if the specifications are being upgraded and the engineer went on a break. Beyond the open doorway is a large, cylindrical chamber five-stories tall. To try to go around the chamber would take the team through manned security stations.

Fox cautiously steps out on the catwalk on the fifth floor. Their destination is the doorway on the far side of the cylinder on the main floor. He is both surprised and terrified by what he sees. A series of cylindrical glass chambers are spaced around the other walls of each catwalk much like a Borg cube. However, in each of these chambers is the developing albino form of a Jem'Hadar soldier. Four active and armed Jem'Hadar are on the main floor, far below, going about their business of maintaining the Dominion's cloning process consoles for the shipyards.

Fox turns and half whispers, half hand signals the situation to his subordinates on the other side of the open doorway. As he apprises them of the situation, movement in the corner of his vision catches his attention. One of the unfinished Jem'Hadar has his eyes locked on the Starfleet officer from within his cloning chamber.

[kimq]

Berrier signals the rest of the team to sit tight so that he can inspect the cloning chamber. Fox responds with his own gestures. Savu kneels inside the doorway, shrugs off his pack, and readies his phaser rifle.

There is a moment of confusion between Berrier and Fox. Fox eyes the Jem'Hadar nervously and curses under his breath. Berrier already has his tricorder partially opened.

Fox turns back to his teammates and gives them a serious take-no-attitude demeanor. With curt, strong gestures he informs the team what he wants each of them to do. The Bajoran immediately nods and makes his way over the railing of the catwalk beside the Human. The engineer eyes his commanding officer skeptically, but finally folds up his tricorder and stands rear guard.

At the sight of more Starfleet officers, the developing alien clone begins to thrash in his chamber. The cylinder's sensors trigger the systems below and gain the attention of the four Jem'Hadar. Eight eyes focus in on the console alarm.

In the brief moment of Jem'Hadar distraction, Fox and Savu set their rifles on wide beam and take aim. As the four Jem'Hadar look up, the duo opens fire from their perch. Fox's aim is not as accurate as he would have liked and only catches on of the Dominion warriors, which is knocked off his feet and slams to the deck out of the battle. Savu's first shot takes two cleanly and they spin harmlessly over their consoles. The security officer's tactical training takes over his reflexes and he fires a second shot unconsciously and competently into the remaining Jem'Hadar, killing him.

Immediately after the first phaser shot was fired, the Cardassian security klaxon beings to blare through the shipyards.

Berrier shrugs on Savu's tricobalt pack and the trio begins the mad scramble for the final reactor. As they descend the levels of catwalk to the distant blast doors, the cloning Jem'Hadar thrash helplessly in their chambers. It is clear that although they are still developing, their warrior spirit is strong.

As Savu and Berrier tag-team the doors' security systems, Fox fingers his phaser rifle nervously. The shipyards have come alive with the sounds of armed Cardassians. His finger runs across a strange switch on the side of his weapon and he looks down and curses - he has found the stud that activates the secret sniper feature of the weapon. If Fox and Savu used the stealth setting, it is likely that their presence would not have been alerted. Their use of overt phaser fire may have killed the team, their mission, and the possibility of a surprise attack for the joint Klingon/Starfleet task force bound for the shipyards. Judging by Savu's demonstrated skill with a phaser rifle, it is likely that the duo could have easily taken care of the four Jem'Hadar.

The trio continues hurriedly through the shipyards. They have to make up the time for the increased security at each point of their journey. Savu makes out a pair of Cardassians in their path guarding their target reactor. The Cardassians easily spy the darting trio and open fire. Before the duo can communicate with their headquarters, the trio cuts them down in a hail of phaser fire.

Six minutes later they have the explosive pack in position. With a tap of Fox's communicator badge, the team disappears in the Klingon transporter cycle.

*****

An explosion rocks the small Klingon vessel. The bridge crew is jostled by the shockwave.

"They have triangulated our transporter beam!" shouts a Klingon over a shower of sparks.

"Helm get us out of here now!" Commander Boreg shouts as he slams his fist down on the armrest of his captain's chair.

The Klingon cloaking device fights to re-establish the covert presence of the starship. The Cardassian weapons begin searching for the cloaked vessel with random volleys. The small craft leaps to warp speeds to escape the mayhem.

By the time the trio of Starfleet officers arrives on the bridge, the Bird of Prey is a considerable distance from the weapon-flailing shipyards and its Cardassian protectors. They find Commander Boreg and another bridge officer leaning over the fallen form of one of their comrades. As Boreg turns his grim face around to stare at them, they can make out the dead body of Lieutenant Charlock. His eyes have already been propped open and the Klingons have warned the afterlife that a warrior is coming.

There is a tense moment between Boreg and Fox. The veteran Klingon seems ready to spring and take vengeance for his first officer's death. Finally, Boreg growls in frustration and pushes his way powerfully through the group for his command chair. Berrier is nearly flung bodily through the air with minimal effort by the grizzled veteran.

"Helm," Commander Boreg growls as he sits down at his chair, "take us to the rendezvous point. Communications, report our situation to the fleet when we are at a safe range. Security, get these children off my bridge!" The last order is punctuated with the slamming of his fist on his armrest yet again.

*****

The journey back to the task force is even more tense and uncomfortable than the trip to the shipyards. No Klingon speaks with the trio. The team wisely decides to remain in their quarters for as much time as they can.

Charlock died during a questionable mission in regards to honor without being able to fight his enemies. His crew didn't even fire a shot – they were merely couriers. What kind of death is that for a Klingon warrior? Though it is not logical in any way for the Klingons to blame the Starfleet officers, they do so anyway.

*****

The destruction of the Torros III shipyards went through as planned. With the elimination of the weapons platforms, the facility was defenseless other than the ships protecting her. With Cardassian security tipped, the task force had to attack without being at full strength. Fortunately, the shipyards were weakened enough to balance out the lack of ships. The assault would have probably gone far better if the covert operation had been performed without a hitch. There would have been far less Klingon and Starfleet deaths during the attack.

Fortunately, Commander Boreg and his crew took vengeance on the Dominion for the death of their first officer. The little ship emerged battered but victorious from the fleet engagement. Despite losing more warriors, the crew sung and drank merrily for days afterwards. Their collective honor is restored.

During the New Year's celebration onboard the USS Rapier, Fox and his subordinates are summoned to the bridge of the starship. Captain Barker orders them to wear their dress uniforms. Confused, the follow their orders and take the lift to the bridge.

As the doors open, they make out two lines of twelve officers on either side of the lift archway. At an order from the Rapier's first officer, the dozen men and women draw ornate sabers from their belts and point them tip-to-tip in a canopy of steel leading from the lift to the smiling Captain Barker and his executive officer. The trio is ordered forward under the raised swords. In the background, the Federation's anthem plays quietly.

Once the team passes through the swords and take up postures of attention in front of Captain Barker, a dozen sabers are sheathed behind them at the bark of a second order from the Rapier's number one. A third order has them turn to face their captain.

"It was said long ago by Earth's aviators that any landing you walk away from is a good one," Captain Barker says. "If it wasn't for the action of Lieutenant Fox and his men, the assault on our Cardassian target would have cost many more lives. My recommendation to commend these brave young men for performing their duty in an exemplary manner has been affirmed by Admiral Leyton of Starfleet Command. As a result, I am honored to give you the following promotions."

Captain Barker and his executive officer perform the age-old tradition of bestowing rank and position. At the end of the ceremony, Fox has been promoted to the rank of full lieutenant while his subordinates have been each promoted to junior grade lieutenants. With the enthusiastic applause of their comrades, the year changes to 2374.

"Officers dismissed," Captain Barker orders. "New Year's celebration is being held in the main lounge. I look forward to sharing a toast with you all there."

A cheer rises through the small crew. Feelings of accomplishment and friendship fill everyone's hearts. Now is the time to party.

[kimq]

Captain's Log, Stardate 51184.64: Deep Space 9 has been lost to the Dominion-Cardassian axis. The Federation Council is finally realizing Admiral Leyton's warning about the dire threat the Dominion represents to the Alpha Quadrant. I only hope that action taken will not be too late. If it wasn't for the heroic rearguard actions of Captain Sisko and his crew with the mining of the wormhole, this war may have been over before it really started.

Though I am primarily a Starfleet officer, I am proud to also consider myself a warrior. Diplomacy is our main tool, but it is clear the Dominion is not interested in peace. If a war is what they want, then I am more than willing to lay it on the line for the Federation. I am confident that my crew is behind me in my sentiments. Our joint effort with the Klingons with the destruction of the Torros III shipyards may have put pause in the Dominion's confidence.

Unfortunately, the Torros III victory is all that we can take pride in. Facing the Dominion has been a constant series of engage, lose, retreat situations on all fronts for us. Each time we have come into contact with the enemy on established fronts, they push us back and claim more territory. The loss of life is truly terrible. I've lost track of the number of names I have recognized on the casualty reports.

The Battle of Tyra was a catastrophe. Over one hundred Federation ships attempted to defend the Tyra system, twelve light-years within the Federation border. Close to two hundred and fifty Dominion-Cardassian ships attacked. In little over an hour, the defenders were massacred. Just over a dozen Federation ships managed to escape the battle. Close to twenty-four thousand Starfleet officers and crewmen died in the span of two hours. I am numb even considering that vast a number. Nearly the entirety of the Seventh Fleet was destroyed, save fourteen ships. How many families are in mourning because of that single battle? How many children cry silently to them selves, not understanding what has happened to their beloved mother or father?

The Federation Council is clamoring to Starfleet for measures to be taken. Admiral Leyton has been taking proactive steps to increase starship production in the Federation's major shipyards. "Frankenstein" ships are being cobbled together from incomplete chassis of different vessels and pressed into service with a mix of veteran and green crewmen. This is only a temporary measure until the core shipyards work their way up to the admiral's production schedules. It's getting challenging to identify these new vessels.

Starfleet Command has ordered the Rapier to join the Twentieth Federation Fleet. The twentieth is to rendezvous with the twenty-first and our forces are going to be bolstered by the Klingons. The Dominion-Cardassian forces are making a drive for the Bolian system. We are going to stop them.

*****

The team has finally done it. With their heroic actions at the Cardassian shipyards, Captain Barker has taken notice of them. The Rapier's commanding officer must have spoken with his executive officer and ordered some crew reassignments onboard the light cruiser. Now the trio finds themselves on the Bridge of the USS Rapier during Alpha Shift under the direct supervision of Captain Barker.

Berrier has been assigned to the bridge's main engineering console. From here he can act as the go-between between the captain and the vessel's chief engineer. He can advise the bridge of the vessel's current engineering status in a more efficient manner than having the bridge contact main engineering all the time. He can then advise the chief engineer of the bridge's orders and help coordinate secondary and tertiary repair teams. He can also maintain the vessel's structural integrity field to ensure maximum hull reliability in the case of hull breaches from battlefield damage.

Savu has been assigned to the bridge's secondary tactical station. At his station he is in charge of the Rapier's phasers and coordinating security teams. The vessel's chief tactical officer will remain in command of the Rapier's deflector shield, torpedo, security force field, and anesthezine gas systems. In times of war, it seems Captain Barker wants to make sure the Rapier is tactically on top of its game.

Fox is sitting beside Captain Barker as Alpha Shift's executive officer. To maximize the Rapier's overall readiness, the vessel's First Officer has taken command of Beta Shift. This way, a command officer is always on the bridge. Though the role of First Officer still falls on the shoulders of Commander Willet, Fox must temporarily fulfill this role during his shift.

It is an exciting time. It's hard not to exchange animated glances with one another while on the otherwise serious bridge. The team has been assigned key positions on one of Starfleet's most advanced starships. Captain Barker is putting considerable trust in them. The captain has not mentioned how long their will remain in these positions or the duration of their assignment to the Rapier. It seems everyone in Starfleet is unsure what tomorrow will bring. Niceties such as long-term career scheduling have been put on hold for the interim.

Admiral Urosg Vharr is in command of the assembling fleet in Kurmarek system. The Starfleet officer is a veteran of the Cardassian War and is the best hope of Starfleet Command to finally stop the Dominion advance. The Bolian system could be used as a strategic point from which the Dominion can launch attacks at the core worlds of the Federation.

"Captain," the Rapier's operations officer speaks up from her station, "we have an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command. It is encrypted and marked highest priority."

"I'll take it in my office, ensign. Lieutenant Fox, you have the bridge."

As the receding back of Captain Barker disappears behind the closing doors of his office, Fox takes his position in the command chair. It's hard to ignore the knowing looks and sideways glances from the other bridge officers. No one says a thing, however.

The relative silence of the bridge, other than the constant hum of the Rapier, is broken up by a low alarm at Savu's panel. A few keystrokes later and he discovers that the main electro-plasma system conduit feeding the saucer ventral starboard phaser array emitters is functioning intermittently. He can feel everyone's eyes probe him as he focuses on his display.

The Rapier's chief tactical officer takes a half stride closer to his subordinate and peers over the Bajoran's shoulder for a look. After a brief glance at the display, Lieutenant Commander Glenn says, "You should take Lieutenant Berrier with you and make sure that conduit is repaired properly. At our current speed of warp six we are still forty minutes from rendezvousing with the fleet."

Glenn looks up to address Fox. "Sir, it's a malfunction in the EPS system feeding the starboard phaser array. It's just a glitch. Repairs will be undertaken shortly. I can assume all tactical operations until then, sir."

Glenn turns to Savu and says, "You have plenty of time. Get to it, crewman."

Before Savu can respond, the operations officer speaks up again. "Lieutenant," she clearly must mean Fox, "we are being hailed by Admiral Vharr. The fleet is picking up a Dominion scout. He wishes to speak with Captain Barker, but the captain is still online with Starfleet Command. Should I put the admiral through to the main view screen, sir?"

The lieutenant at flight control taps his console several times and then says, "Confirmed sensor readings of a Dominion fast attack ship. It is at bearing 202 mark 322. They have picked us up, sir, and have accelerated to warp nine point six. E.T.A. is seven minutes."

Glenn says, "Sir, it could be a trailblazer for the main Dominion vanguard in this sector."

The weight of the situation presses down on the crew's chests. The walls of the bridge seem to close in. It is daunting situation to say the least when confronted with a Jem'Hadar attack vessel in one-on-one starship combat.

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Fox attempts to stand calmly and project an aura of confidence. "Red Alert!" He raises his hand to bridge Ops to hold on a moment and then accesses the ship's internal communications. "Captain, we have a Dominion Ship on an intercept course, ETA in seven minutes, and Admiral Vharr hailing. What are your instructions, sir?"

It takes Captain Barker only a second to reply. "I will be right there. Maintain course, speed, and ready status. Barker out."

Berrier eyes the Rapier's chief security officer and then Fox. "Sirs, my specialties are weapons systems and power systems. This will be a walk in the park for me. I'll give you your guns before those Jem'Hadar become a problem. Lieutenant Savu is needed here more."

Savu looks prepared to gather up his equipment and the human bridge engineer to initiate the repairs on the malfunctioning conduit. Glenn eyes his subordinate and Berrier for a moment. He then turns to Fox and says, "Lieutenant Berrier is right. It would be wise to retain Lieutenant Savu at the secondary tactical station, sir."

Captain Barker strides onto his bridge like an ancient Japanese samurai about to go into battle. The crew can feel his power and confident wash through the bridge like a wave of energy. Fox resumes his position as First Officer and the captain takes his command chair. Barker taps a few keystrokes into his command console. A three-dimensional holographic representation of the tactical area is projected a meter in front of his chair.

"Communications, advise Admiral Vharr we are aware of a Jem'Hadar vessel in the area and are preparing to intercept."

Berrier seizes the moment to quietly get into the turbolift with his engineering kit and leave the bridge.

Fox looks at him over his shoulder and says, "Mr. Berrier, we are going to need those phasers in six minutes."

Berrier just nods and gives the junior executive officer a silent thumb up as the lift doors close.

Without taking his eyes off the spatial representation, Barker says to Fox, "Well lieutenant, what are your recommendations?" It is clear that Barker is formulating his own battle plan but is interested what his junior executive officer has to offer.

Fox already has a plan formulated in his mind. "Present minimal aspect to the ship, raise shields when in range, attempt to get in behind their ship, set forward shields to maximum, wear down their aft shield and destroy them, sir."

The Rapier's captain locks eyes with Fox. "A textbook attack, lieutenant, but one that lacks originality. The Jem'Hadar vessel will be able to outmaneuver the Rapier. It will be difficult for us to position ourselves and retain it.

"Flight control, do you feel up to matching the Jem'Hadar's superior maneuverability?"

The young pilot on the bridge is clearly eager to get some payback against the Dominion. The lieutenant responds, "It's not a problem, sir."

Captain Barker nods slightly. "I see. All stations, prepare for attack pattern Delta-Two on my mark."

*****

Berrier arrives at Jeffries tube entrance that will lead him to the malfunctioning EPS conduit. He taps in his engineering code into the tube's interface and the doors slide open. Crawling on his hands and knees, the engineer enters and pushes his gear in front of him as he goes.

The service tunnel is thick with the smell of burning electronics. A quick visual inspection of the conduit's length reveals the point where it's housing is weak. Black carbon is burned around the weakened section. He's going to have to shutdown the plasma flow in order to cut the weakened section out and replace it.

He reaches the manual valve control of the conduit and taps his badge. "Berrier to the bridge. Captain, I have to shut down the malfunctioning conduit to launch repairs. The phaser array should be fully charged, but it will not recharge until repairs have been completed, sir."

"Get to work, lieutenant. We need all weapons ready."

"Aye sir. Berrier out."

With a quick twist of the valve, the power flow ceases.

*****

"Mark!" Captain Barker orders. At several stations, fingers excitedly dance across consoles.

The Rapier has been maintaining course, seemingly ignoring the approaching Jem'Hadar attack ship. Just as the Dominion vessel reaches tactical ranges, the Federation starship drops out of warp. The Jem'Hadar follow suit and battle is enjoined at impulse speeds.

The calm façade of the Rapier is suddenly shattered as the ship turns on a dime and begins to maneuver for position. The Starfleet vessel fires a pair of torpedoes to distract the Jem'Hadar and attempt is maneuver. The Saber-class vessel swoops over the Dominion attack ship from starboard to port, then back again from port to starboard, all the while passing over the back of the Jem'Hadar.

Savu has little problem firing his port side phasers, succeeding in hitting the enemy. His single shot from his starboard array goes wide. If he had a second chance to fire, he would have likely struck the enemy ship a second time.

Glenn reports from his primary tactical station, "Dominion ship's forward shields down to 26%."

The Jem'Hadar Attack Ship returns fire just as the Rapier passes overhead.

*****

It's a difficult thing attempting a sensitive task like plasma conduit repair. Once the plasma has been drained, which takes precious time, cutting the conduit must be done with great care to avoid igniting and stray elements left behind after draining. It's sweaty work considering the closeness of the tube and the tense nature of the repair.

Berrier is surprised when the ship begins to maneuver. He quickly eyes his chronometer and curses. He's behind.

Vibrations through the hull suggest to the young engineer that the Rapier is firing its weapons. The battle has been joined and the conduit is still not operational. He silently prays that he can get the starboard phasers online before he gets killed inside this small metal chamber.

*****

The bloodied Jem'Hadar return fire with everything they got. Polaron beams lance into the shields of the Federation craft. The enemy ship follows up with several bursts of torpedo groups at the Rapier as it passes overhead.

Explosions rock the Rapier's bridge. White hot sparks spray and burn skin and carpet alike. The torpedo explosions feel like boulders catapulted against the skin of a shuttlepod. For those standing at their stations, it is all they can do to hang on to their consoles for dear life.

One of the Dominion torpedoes finds the main EPS feed for the bridge. A massive pulse of energy rips through and into various consoles. Everyone is knocked senseless for a moment from the simultaneous mini-explosions.

As even the once-seated crewmen pick themselves up off the burned deck of the bridge, steam vents from the ceiling and support spars hang limply on broken networks of cabling.

Savu looks around blearily. He can't feel the right side of his upper body and his arm is severely burned. His uniform has been melted right into the upper layers of cooked flesh along his shoulder. The Bajoran stumbles slightly as he gets to his feet. He can still man his console, but is suffering traumatic shock. To his right the burnt, macabre remains of the Lieutenant Commander Glenn lies still on the deck by his destroyed station.

Fox gets to his feet. His left wrist is painfully broken. As he takes his chair, he notices Captain Barker lying limply in his commander chair. The Rapier's commanding officer's head is partially burned along the right temple. The captain is still breathing, but clearly out of the battle.

The tactical display has winked out. The holographic emitters have been destroyed.

The remainder of the crew resumes their positions. The hardest hit on the bridge was the primary engineering station, which is now nothing more than a smoking hole. If the feedback explosion had been slightly worse, the engineering console would be been destroyed to the point that it would have ruptured a hole in the bridge and the entire staff would have been sucked into space before the structural integrity fields could erect. If Berrier were at the station, he would have been vaporized.

In a numb voice Savu reports, "Our forward shields have collapsed. Damage reports on all decks. We are behind the Jem'Hadar."

*****

Everything is dark. It takes several breaths for Berrier to regain full consciousness. The interior lighting of the Jeffries tube has failed. He can taste ozone in the air.

Something is pinning his legs. He reaches down and feels bare metal. One of the support rings must have collapsed under Dominion fire. One of his feet feels cold. He must have lost a boot.

The engineer can feel his tools scattered about. His hand finally falls on his wrist beacon and he activates the power stud. The sudden brightness takes his eyes a moment to adjust.

Yes, he was right. The nearby structural ring collapsed. His legs are trapped perfectly in shackles made from the skeleton of the starship. He eyes his repairs. It would have only taken him another ten seconds to finish the job and then return the plasma flow. With a sigh, he grabs his scattered welding tool and sets his beacon up to provide the light necessary to complete the job. He reaches up…

…and discovers that he is pinned six inches too short to finish the job.