Gathering Of Wolves PT 1

Posted on Thu Sep 3rd, 2015 @ 3:27pm by Admiral Phelan Ward & Captain Ryan Greenwood & Colonel Jack Pike & Captain Paul MacLeod & Lieutenant Commander Mutara Romaine & Lieutenant K`Wor

2,864 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Episode 89 - Futility's Return
Location: Various, Task Force Ships
Timeline: MD2 1443hrs, Following 'A New Collective'

ON:

Utopia Planetia Shipyards, Space Dock 33

The shuttle was but a tiny dot compared to the other orbital structures that orbited Mars. Most of these structures were large enough to hold starships. The only one that mattered to that shuttle pilot was the one numbered 33. Phelan was grateful that he still fit into his old uniform, and it did not take him long to feel at home in it. The last time he wore it, he had command of half the 4th Fleet. Even that did not matter to him as much as the docked ship that was coming into view. The USS Sentinel was his home for many years. As he got closer to the ship, he could barely recognize her. But despite the third warp nacelle, the huge phaser array in front, and the obvious ablative armor, he could still make out the ship's Numeric Construction Code, 79884. His heart skipped a beat. =/\=Shuttle 93 to Sentinel, request landing clearance.=/\=

=/\=Sentinel to Shuttle 93, clearance granted in Shuttlebay 1=/\=


USS Sentinel

After landing, and exiting the shuttle, he was greeted by a long lost relative. A bitter looking man about Phelan's age, and sporting an eye patch over where his left eye would be, and Captain's rank, glared at the Admiral.

"Long time no see Cousin Frank." Before Ward could finish, the Captain cut him off. "Don't get all warm and fuzzy on me Phelan. You damn well know I was enjoying my retirement." Phelan was guilty as charged. While enroute to Earth, he specifically made sure that his cousin, a retired Starfleet Captain, and former Section 31 operative, paid his dues. A crewman tended to the Admiral's luggage as the two walked down the corridor talking. "Noting to get bent out of shape over Frank. Just a short assignment to keep us old soldiers on our toes."

Castle had a worried expression on his face now. "What did you get me into?" Phelan answered, "Oh nothing much, just a new Borg Collective including a fleet, a transwarp conduit to destroy, and us sticking our faces into a hornets nest."

Upon entering the Bridge, he took a look around. Yes, everything changed, but everything was also in the right place. And they still announced "Admiral on the Bridge." He took a seat in the Captains Chair, and took a moment to reflect before issuing his first orders. "Ops, please send an encrypted Code 1 Message to the following ships, the New Hampshire, Cairo, Hades, Shogun, and Odin. They are now on detached duty, and are to report to these coordinates near the Kaleb Sector with all due haste."

"Aye Sir."

Castle flashed Ward a puzzled look. "Why those ships and those Captains?"
Phelan flashed a smile back, "Because I did not have time to do a data search on insane Captains who command big starships. Castle stayed quiet after that statement.

"Then send to the Avenger that we will be on the way."

"Aye Sir."

Ward then looked at Castle, who understood the prompt. "We are getting underway." Once the clearance was given, the Sentinel pulled out of the spacedock for the first time in years. Both Ward and Castle would have felt better if they were familiar with the Sentinel's current crew, but that would have to be done on mission. Ward would have given good money to have Tenson, Kempala, Joe Pike, Jimenez, Jamison, Zeiss, and Boker on the Bridge with him, but time has a habit of moving people around. "Conn, plot a course to the Kaleb Sector, and activate the Slipstream Drive."


USS New Hampshire-A

Mac was on the Bridge, he was nervous. The Borg were back, but no one knew to what extent yet. The Galaxy Class Refit USS New Hampshire was assigned to one of the mobile reserve groups behind the Federation border, ready to respond to any incursion and support vessels patrolling the border.

The silence was soon broken by a beep from the communications station. “Commander, we have an incoming message from an Admiral Ward. We’re to rendezvous with him and the USS Sentinel near the Kaleb Sector at once.” The Ensign at Communications reported.

Mac stood and walked up the ramp and behind her to look over the message. “Admiral Ward? I thought he retired and the Sentinel was to be placed into the reserve fleet.” He started to look over the transmitted orders. “We’re to meet up with the Avenger from Starbase 400, as well as the USS Cairo, USS Hades, USS Shogun, USS Odin, as well as the Sentinel. That’s a pretty heavy force.”

Mac downloaded the communication and orders on a PADD the tapped his commbadge, “Colonel Pike to the Bridge.”

As Mac walked back down the ramp the stopped by the Flight Controller Mister Grax set course five-zero-one mark two-four-nine. Take us to the edge of the Kalab System, warp eight.”

“Yes Commander. We will arrive in one point seven two hours.” Grax replied.

Jack came out of his ready room and headed for his command chair:"Report Commander."

“Colonel, we’ve received new orders from Fleet Admiral Bremer.” Mac handed Jack the PADD.

Jack took the padd from Mac then sat down in his chair reading it over. He let out a long slow breath:"It's been awhile since I've faced the Borg, Mr. MacLeod.

Mac nodded, "It's been a while for all of us." Mac tried to flash a smile.

Jack looked at his First Officer:"How soon will we be there?"

"Just under two hours. I think we should schedule a few battle drills." Mac replied.

Jack nodded:"Sounds like a good idea, let's run those drills now."

Mac nodded, “Computer, load Borg battle drill three-beta and begin.”

Jack handed the padd off to Morath


Starbase 400

K’Wor was still in the holodeck working on his project for Commander Matthews. He had been surprised the information he’d been able to uncover from the sensor readings of the sensor array monitoring that area of space. It filled in a lot of ‘holes’ in the sensor data from the ships involved in the incident.

Once he had all the information input, he saved the project, and then displayed it. With the holographic display, K’Wor could understand why Starfleet Intel, Strategic Operations Officers, and even Security/Tactical Officers would want this kind of a display for their analysis work. Now, all he needed to do was to ‘pretty’ everything up, making it easier on the eyes, then save and present it.

However, before he could start his commbadge beeped and he was told to report aboard the USS Avenger at once. K’Wor advised Commander Matthews, whom seemed to already be aware. He handed him a PADD with information regarding his project, his own analysis, and what he still wanted/needed to do, and took his leave.

K’Wor stopped by his quarters, grabbed his ‘go-fast’ bag, and headed for the Avenger. Arriving at the airlock to the Avenger’s access way, a Commander walked up in a black trimmed uniform of someone with R&D.

“Commander Stark?” K’Wor asked.

Stark looked up from the PADD he was reading, “Cadet. Ah, Cadet Bremer isn’t it.”

“I go by my middle name, K’Wor.”

“That’s got to be confusing, two Mike K’Wor Bremers on the same Starbase. I guess I’d go by my middle name if I was you too.” Stark smirked. “Assigned to the Avenger too?”

“Yes sir. I’m assuming it has to do with the Borg, but I wasn’t given any details.” K’Wor replied.

“You do know what assume means, don’t you Cadet?” Stark asked as they walked down the access way. K’Wor shot Stark a glare as Stark smirked. “In this case though Cadet, I think your assumption is correct.”

The two proceeded to the Bridge to report in to Captain Greenwood.


USS Avenger - Bridge

Ryan sat watching the the open space from the view screen. He knew this mission would be one of his toughest missions yet. The Borg were not forgiving and one mistake could be fatal. His thought was interrupted.

"Sir, Commander Stark and Cadet Bremer are on board."

"Understood, and Ensign I would call the Cadet K'wor by his preferred name."

The Ensign looked puzzled for a moment. He would have to explain later. Ryan typed a few commands into his console.

"Helm, set course to the coordinates I sent to your console. Maximum warp."

"Aye sir."

It would take them a bit to arrive at the rendezvous point but he wanted Commander Stark as well as the Cadet to be on the same plan.

=/\= Commander Stark and Cadet K'wor, report to my ready room.=/\=

Both K’Wor and Stark glanced at each other as they as they stepped onto the Bridge before heading for the Captain’s Ready Room. The Avenger wasn’t wasting any time getting to where she was going. As both men walked to the Ready Room door, K’Wor felt suddenly at ease. This was his fourth mission aboard the Avenger.

Stark tapped the buzzer and they waited for the Captain to allow them access.

"Come in." Ryan beckoned.

Both the Commander and the Cadet came in.

Both men entered. Stark seemed very loose, cool and calm, but K’Wor was a little more ridged and snapped to attention.

"Thank you for both your promptness. Please have a seat."

Ryan motioned to the chairs in front of him.

Stark took a seat, leaned back in the chair, and crossed his legs. K’Wor on the other hand replied ‘thank you’ then took his seat sitting straight up in the chair.

"I want to keep this brief as we all know we need to have everything prepared for combat with the Borg."

Ryan looked at the Commander.

"Commander, as you will be assisting as my Chief Engineer on this mission, can you provide any recommendations to improve our combat readiness?"

“Yeah, don’t get hit.” Stark replied with a smirk.

Ryan's serious expression did not change. He was unsure if this was how the Commander dealt with fear, or if he was trying to be funny.

When the Captain didn’t seem amused, Stark straightened up a little in his chair. “Our first task is to keep the shields up, we lose them and the Borg can either destroy the ship, beam off personnel to be assimilated, or beam Drones over to try and take over the ship. I recommend any and all non-necessary systems be shut down and the power rerouted to the shields. That should boost shield output about forty-three percent for this class of vessel, add in aux power and we might survive.”

K’Wor wasn’t amused either, he’d seen his father assimilated many years ago, and even though he was rescued and de-assimilated, he didn’t want any of that to happen to him or anyone else in their Task Force. “I’d also recommend the ships in the group pair off, mutual supportive fire can be beneficial too.” It was a tactic he’d seen his father use when attacked a larger force, and worked well.

"Commander, go ahead and divert all available power from unnecessary systems. We will auxiliary power in our "back pocket" in case we need it for something else."

"Understand Captain." Stark replied. He knew it was about time to get down to business.

"Cadet, I like your idea. It is far too easy to get separated and be the target of the entire force. Could you send me your recommendations for pairing assignment? I cant guarantee anything as it is the Admiral's call, but may be something we can use to counter our low numbers."

"Yes sir." K'Wor replied with a smile.

Good. We have our plan. We will be arriving within the hour.

Stark stood, "I better get to Engineering and get everything set up."


USS Cairo

Marcus was sitting in his ready room going over reports when they received a message from Admiral Ward to rendezvous with the USS Avenger, USS Sentinel, USS New Hampshire as well as a few other ships. They were to help destroy a Borg Hub. "Lovely, the Borg are back?" He said to himself as he read the report.

Getting up he walked out and looked at Nicole, "We have a situation we need to rendezvous with the USS Sentinel and a few other ships at this location." he pointed out in the pad that he gave her.

"Borg?" Nicole asked looking concerned. "Indeed," Marcus added.

"Set a course for this location and activate Slipstream." Nicole ordered.

"Course set," Tirra Nerys stated looking at the Colonel. "Engage," Marcus stated as the ship went into slipstream towards its destination.

Marcus sat down in the chair, yellow alert was raised and he waited for them to arrive at there location.


New Hampshire-A, Bridge

A little more than an hour and a half had passed as the Galaxy Refit class ship dropped out of warp at the designated location for their group to form up. The USS Hades, USS Shogun, and USS Odin were already there.

“Move us in slow Mister Grax.” MacLeod said, standing from the Executive Officer’s Chair. “The rest of the task force should be arriving soon.”

Jack sat in his command chair "Put the task force on screen." He said then watched as the ships currently there appeared on the view screen. "Mr. MacLeod scan for any other activity in the area"

Mac walked over to the open Strategic Operations station and took a seat. "There's additional Starfleet vessels inbound, including the USS Sentinel, USS Cario, and USS Avenger. They each should be here within fifteen minutes."

Pike nodded, "Let the Flagship know we're here and awaiting orders."


New Hampshire-A, Sickbay

Dr. Romaine was mumbling under her breath. She was not happy at all. The Borg was the last thing that she had ever expected. She had her staff seeing to the medical supplies pertaining to the Borg.

A nurse walked up to her, "It's been a long time since the Borg have assimilated anyone. I've checked the supplies just in we need them. I've found the Immunosupport Nanite Injectors that you asked for. You don't think that we will have to use them, do you?"

Dr. Romaine could see that this nurse was worried, maybe even a little scared. She tried to assure her but she wasn't going to candy coat it, "I doubt it but you never know. All I can say is that if it happens, we'll deal with it then."


USS Sentinel Bridge

It took a few hours, but now the Sentinel was coming up to the rendevous point. Phelan stepped onto the Bridge at this time. "Conn, take us out of Slipstream."

The Sentinel exited slipstream, and traveled to the group of large starships. She then assumed formation with them as they remained motionless. Next to the Shogun, Oldin, and New Hampshire, the Sentinel was much smaller, yet she still had the looks of an imposing warrior. Only two ships remained enroute, the USS Cairo, and the USS Avenger.


USS Cairo

"Sir we have reached the coordinates," Tirra replied. "Drop us out of slipstream and come to a complete stop." Marcus ordered, as they dropped out of slipstream and came to a stop next to the Shogun, Oldin, New Hampshire and the Sentinel.

"Inform the Sentinel we have arrived," Marcus ordered even though they probably already seen them drop out on there sensors but rather let them know anyways.


USS Sentinel Bridge

"Admiral, the Cairo advises that they have arrived."

Phelan looked at the main viewer and watched the Luna Class starship pull into formation before coming to a halt. "Send to the Avenger that the task force has arrived at the designated coordinates."

"Aye Sir"


Avenger, Bridge

The Intrepid class USS Avenger slowed to impulse. "Captain, we've arrived at the rendezvous location." K'Wor reported. "All other vessels of our task force have already arrived and we're being hailed."

"Open the channel."

"Channel open sir." K'Wor replied.

"Admiral Ward, The Avenger is ready when you are."

Ward replied, "Excellent."

"Also sir, I have some combat plans I have just sent to you from my Tactical officer. Review these when you can as they seem to outline some beneficial tactics we may be able to use against the Borg."

"Just received them. Perhaps you and your Tactical Officer can beam aboard when I call the other Captains over for a Briefing."

USS Sentinel Bridge

"And put the task force on Yellow Alert if they are not already."

The message was sent to the other ships as the Yellow Alert klaxton went off. Ward knew how unpredictable the Borg could be at times, so he took no chances. "Open a channel to the fleet."

The Ops Officer gave the Admiral a nod. "Admiral Ward to Fleet. I need all Captains to beam aboard the Sentinel as soon as possible."



tbc...

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