Retaking the Mountain Pt1
Posted on Tue Sep 15th, 2020 @ 9:28am by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Alexandra Harrison & Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Commodore Leon `Lee` Pike & Colonel Ezekiel Bagwell & Captain Jack Solomon & Commander Hades,MD & Lieutenant Commander Croesus & Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne & Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman & Lieutenant Rachael "Ripcord" Yamaguchi & Lieutenant Xalanth & Lieutenant Commander Anna Bagwell & Lieutenant JG Matthew Plumeri & Camron Wayne & Captain Patrick Dow & Captain Torilla Yamaguchi & Colonel Jack Pike & Captain Paul MacLeod & Commander Leksander Draven & Colonel Danny Lennox & Lieutenant Colonel Chuck McDaniel & Commander Sarah Rodgers & Commander Jonathan Roebuck IV & Lieutenant Commander Rann & Lieutenant Commander Clint Cross & Lieutenant Samuel Carrington & Lieutenant Nick Archer & Lieutenant Catherine Mclintock & Lieutenant Olivia O’Riley & Lieutenant David Hannigan & Lieutenant Kah'lyn Chiara-Rivers & Lieutenant Heath Carter & Lieutenant Karl Ballard & 1st Lieutenant Taz & Lieutenant K`Wor & Ensign Robert Harper & Ensign Becca Bremer & Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Branson & Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Ermey & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & Corporal Nas & Tom Vercetti & Vito Russo & First Ramata`tar & Commander Robert Stark & Admiral Tomalak
Edited on on Tue Sep 15th, 2020 @ 10:50pm
9,114 words; about a 46 minute read
Mission:
Episode 107 – Recovery
Location: Various Ships and Starbase 400
Timeline: MD2 - 1510hrs
ON:
USS Pegasus, Bridge
"Admiral Bremer, report to the Bridge." Branson said over the comm.
A moment later, Mike walked out of his Ready Room. "Report."
"We're within Dominion transporter range sir." Branson replied.
Mike took his seat and first tapped the ship to ship comm. "Pegasus to Endeavour, Commander, proceed on your mission."
"Aye, aye sir. We'll meet you guys on the Promenade for a round of drinks waiting for you guys," Coleman said, smirking as he cut the link and began the Endeavor's mission for lost relics of the past.
After the Endeavour broke formation, Mike tapped the ships internal comm button. "Bremer to Vercetti."
Tom, Vito, and the rest of the strike team were in the transporter room that had been modified with Dominion technology and were ready to go. Draven was the last to walk in, working on a PADD.
"Go ahead." Tom replied.
"We're within range, transport when ready." Bremer replied.
Tom glanced at Draven and they shared a nod. "Understood."
Vercitti, Ruso, Draven, Harper, Agtx, and Ermy stepped up onto the transporter padd with their gear and got set. They waited as the transporter chief typed in a few commands, then in a swirl of purple and teal light they disappeared.
"Transport complete Admiral." The transporter chief said over the comm.
"Thank you Chief." Mike replied as he closed the channel.
Now, they were just over an hour from enemy sensor range and a few minutes after that, the battle would begin.
USS Falcon
"Commander Rogers, lets prepare our strike team to assist and back up the USS Pegasus." Ezekiel called out, as the ship transitioned into a formation near the command ship.
“Yes Captain,” Sarah replied and quickly followed his orders, readying their team to side the Pegasus when needed.
Ezekiel was impressed with the smooth flying operations of his helmsman. Sam was also proud of his skills. During the past few months, he became very comfortable being at the helm on a regular basis.
Sarah watched the bridge crew as they all paid attention and went to work, ready to do what they needed to back up the Pegasus. “We’re ready, Captain.”
USS Endeavor, Bridge
Coleman had the Ensign at Comms cut the link to the Pegasus. Looking at the Conn Officer, he said, "Bring us out of warp and bring the slipstream engines online. Program the coordinates for the following area within the Triangle."
Coleman tapped a few commands on his armrest to send the coordinates to the Helm. A few moments later, the Conn Officer replied, "Coordinates received and Slipstream warmed up. Waiting for your orders Captain."
"The order is given," Coleman said warmly, as the Conn Officer activated the Slipstream Engines. The blue tunnel of the Slipstream corridor came onto the screen as ship shuttered for a moment.
Getting up, Coleman told the Conn Officer to keep them in the slipstream and let him know once they were getting close to their destination. He headed over to the Turbolift to head down to the Holo-Labs to see how Plumeri was doing.
USS Endeavor, Holo-Lab 1
Coleman walked into the Holo-Lab and saw that Plumeri was working with a couple division heads from within the sciences. Walking over to the bunch, he asked, "So, what have we found out about our little weird mold samples?"
HOLODECK TWO - ENDEAVOR
Matt turned to see his Captain walking in and greeting him in reply, “Captain, I think you’re going to want to see this.” This holodeck area had a few holographic LCARS interfaces that were tied into the Science labs and the computer archive. In addition, a link to Memory Alpha, the Federations primary digital and optical data archive had been established. Although, the link had been broken when they entered the slipstream. The team of scientists were working as quickly as they could.
Matthew took a breath, “The mold sample…is…much more…than we thought. Think of it – as an organic archive. The molecules and the swquences appear to be particularly attuned to Tholian physiology. If that’s what they call it.”
Matt nodded and the BioSciences went first. Typing into the LCARS display a series of commands, a double-helix strand of partial DNA looking material, greatly enlarged to the size of a two-meter tall column materialized in front of them. It was blue and there were yellow and white “steps” on the ladder rung. There were only a few white colored rungs on the double-helix ladder. “The holo-lenses? They contain – or they used to contain – the DNA of a being. Probably humanoid. The yellow steps? They are the common building blocks to a Tholian being based on what we have in the database. Whoever this was is the grandmother, the great, great grandmother times a million to primarily the Tholians.
"The great-great grandparents of one of our mortal enemies? Why the double helix and the different than usual colorings?" Coleman asked, pointing to the various other colorings.
The geologist next approached and activated the interface. “If we take apart the DNA like structure here? And assume that the white colored base pairs are markers? A pattern emerges. A chemical pattern.” The markers were highlighted and then they were converted into a number sequence for a chemical conversion. Carbon, silicon, gold, rodendum, urbatum…some simple and some complex chemical started to resolve themselves. After a moment, incredibly, a kind of early periodic table started to form up.
"So, it's almost like the periodic table comes together in their prehistoric ancestry? My God," Coleman said, as the information was coming through and hitting him.
"And that is not all, here’s where we were when you walked in. If you take the sample, the organic archive, we asked ourselves is there any complete sequence of data? The short answer is ‘no’ there isn’t a complete sequence. But there is enough…” Matthew watched as in front of their eyes, the chemical table reformed. It vanished and then came back as a series of amplitude and longitudinal waveforms. A ghostly oscilloscopic waveform appeared. Mostly noise – but unmistakably in that noise was a voice. It was also ghostly, haunting in its sound.
“Audio. Captain? Call me crazy but is that Shadai that I’m hearing? There is sound and the ‘noise’ may be a degraded image. The computer is working on it now.” Matt said as he swiveled the LCARS interface over to Coleman for him to take a look.
"Okay, we are almost to our destination. When we get there, I want you to lead an away team to the planet and see if you can collect a full sample. We will meet up with our teams at the Starbase once we collect more information. Good work gentleman," Coleman said, letting all of them get back to work and heading back to the bridge.
USS Waterloo
Captain Torilla Yamaguchi hated the silence and the endless waiting but then that was all warfare was at times, nine parts boredom and one part insanity.
She knew that the last of her adult children were here in this fleet. One of them was off with her own command and the other was driving one of the ships.
Torilla looked up as her bangs fell into her eyes. "Commander... Can you handle things for the next twenty minutes while I see the barber down on deck six?"
"Of course skipper. I'll call when the Pact forces show up." Anderson answered
Torilla rose to her feet and departed her bridge a moment later.
USS Thinn
Commander Elizabeth Yamaguchi was likewise sitting in her command chair, her face leaning against her closed fist as she reminded herself about what she had gotten a pixie cut over the loud and long protests of her husband. Elizabeth knew that Kam meant well and she did like her long tresses, she knew why she wanted to be rid of them, it was too much work at times to maintain them. "Anything on your sensors John?" Yamaguchi inquired of the man standing at tactical
John Pertama shook his head. "Negative Captain, sensors are clear..." he answered.
"Understood," Yamaguchi answered quietly. 'Rachael, aren't you worried about mom?' she thought to her younger sibling who was on one of the other ships nearby.
USS Essex
Lieutenant JG Rachael Yamaguchi narrowed her eyes as she tapped at the display before her. She felt a gentle touch from her eldest sibling, she smiled as she answered in kind. 'No Beth. If mom had a concern, we'd know... Stop worrying about it...'
Yamaguchi let out a soft sigh, sometimes her sibling could really worry over nothing.
Deela looked over at Rachael with a concerned look. She was letting her know that she could pick up on what was said. But she had more important thing to concentrate on.
Starbase 400, Upper Computer Core
The strike team successfully beamed in and took up defensive positions. Draven started toward the core's access terminal when two Romulans entered. They were a maintenance crew. As the door shut behind them Tom and Vito grabbed the men in choke holds and quietly lower them to the deck as they blacked out.
"That won't keep them down long." Ermey said.
"No, but this will." Vito said as he pulled a hypo from his kit. "Just a little Neurozine." He pressed the hypo to both of their necks.
Draven smirked as he typed in codes. "I'm in." After a moment, he leaned back, "This isn't good."
"What's wrong?" Tom asked.
"Well, good news is, I can get access to the environmental controls easy enough and release the Anesthizine gas throughout the Station. Weapons access will take a little longer, but shouldn't be a problem." Draven said.
"What's the bad news?" Harper asked as he took position near the aft door.
"The Typhon Pact fleet isn't here. They're en-route to ambush our guys. There's only a small force of a dozen ships in orbit of the Station and Kaleb IV. They're using probes with cloaking systems to help hide the Krazzle, Gorn, and Tholian ships from sensors. They'll intercept our fleet in less then an hour." Draven said.
"We need to get a message out." Vito said.
"I'm working on that now." Tom replied as he typed in commands on a portable comm-system they had brought along.
"Looks like the Pact never landed troops on Kaleb IV, so that's a positive. Most of the Station also seems untouched too. I don't think they ever tried to fortify their position here." Draven added.
"Why wouldn't they?" Ermey asked.
"Not enough resources to do so?" Harper asked.
"Didn't think they would hold it for long?" Vito asked.
"I think they're using the Station as a trap. That Pact fleet out there is the bulk of their fighting force in the Beta Quadrant. As big as our attack force is, their fleet outnumbers ours by nearly three hundred ships. Seems their plan is to draw our forces in, and hit them before they're ready to engage. Then, any ship that did make it through to Starbase 400 would be overwhelmed by the Station's weapons and remaining ships here. After that, they'd have a free hand to do whatever they wanted in the Kaleb system and surround area." Draven explained as he reviewed the info he decrypted.
"I can't get a comm signal out." Tom said after a few moments.
"It'll take some time before I can get access to the Station's comm system." Draven replied.
"I think I can get a low band signal out. It'll sound like background noise if someone isn't listening closely." Tom said.
USS Yorktown, Bridge
"When do you think we'll hear from the Strike Team?" K'Wor asked.
"We might not hear from them until after this is over." K'Temoc replied.
"Admiral, there's some static in the comm channels, it's low band interference. Several ships are reporting it." The Lieutenant at Engineering reported.
"Wait, I think there's a pattern to it." Cross spoke up.
"Confirmed." Cole added. "Morse code?"
"Record it and signal the Pegasus." K'Temoc replied.
USS Pegasus, Bridge
"Sir, incoming messages from multiple ships, picking up low band signal from the direction of Starbase 400, old Morse code. We're picking it up too. Message repeats, "Ambush ahead, cloaked fleet." Hannigan reported from Intel.
Mike leaned back in his chair for a moment. "Chiara boost power to the forward sensors. Lieutenant Roebuck ready a series of Class VII probes and fit them with tachyon emitters. Launch when ready. Commander Roebuck, have a dozen other ships do the same. If there is a cloaked fleet out there waiting in ambush, this will pick them up or flush them out."
Kah’lyn looked up as Bremer gave his orders. “Yes Admiral.” She quickly diverted what power wasn’t necessary to the forward sensors. “All available power is being diverted to Forward sensors, should give us a good enough boost Admiral.”
USS Lexington, Bridge
"Mister Wayne, prepare the probes. Mister Ramata'tar, set their course to cover the fleet's right and upper trajectories." Stark ordered.
Ramata'tar typed in the commands on the Tactical panel. "Flight paths set."
"A series of twenty probes ready." Wayne added.
"Fire." Stark said.
The probes short forth from the forward launchers of the Sovereign class ship and sped out ahead of the fleet.
SS Tenaran
Vox aboard his ship had also picked up the morse code message. He knew what the fleet would probably do next but could only sit back on this one as he had no probes he could launch.
SS Dakota A, Bridge
Cameron had also picked up the message and he had three probes that he could launch it was not much but anything would help. This also concerned him for another reason, one that he could at least do something about. "Comms open a channel to the mercy to commander Monroe, audio only message to read =Ariana we picked this up along with several ships in the fleet. not sure what the admiral is going to do about it but thought you should know so that you can take steps to protect the mercy and your crew= Attach the recording and send it. Then raise shields and when the rest of the fleet launches their probes we launch ours as well. As soon as they launch I want torpedoes loaded into the forward two launchers. Look to your stations people and remember we have marines we need to deliver unharmed to SB400. If you see a chance get as close to the station as possible and start transferring them over." Said Cameron from his seat. His first duty was to those marines who were trusting him to get them there safely and by god that was what he planned to do.
USS Mercy
Ariana was sitting in the centre seat wondering how Cameron was, hoping he was safe. At least she knew Stacie was safe back at Starbase 23.
“Commander There’s a message for you from Cameron Wayne, audio only. There’s also an attached audio file.”
Ariana nodded. “Acknowledged Lieutenant, let’s here it.”
=Ariana we picked this up along with several ships in the fleet. not sure what the admiral is going to do about it but thought you should know so that you can take steps to protect the mercy and your crew
Ariana sighed it was good to hear Cameron’s voice. “Lets here that audio file too.”
Listening to the audio file Ariana shook her head. “Commander Hades to the bridge.”
Hades was out the door before she finished it. "I heard." He looked at Tactical. "Raise shields. How long will it take to get the new modifications online?"
"Three point seven seven seconds."
He was sooo happy to have a Vulcan in tactical. "On my mark." He sat down. "Ready for a fight commander?"
Ariana took a deep breath before nodding. “Oh hell yeah!”
USS Ark Royal, Bridge
Solomon stood in the middle of the Bridge of the Ambassador Class starship as his Operation Officer reported the Morse Code messages that were being transmitted from Starbase 400 itself. Being privy to the timetable that the fleet was following to retake the station, Jack had concerns already.
He looked over at the Operations Officer "Lieutenant Taloris, run that past me again?" he asked, still trying to understand the situation before them.
"As I explained Captain, Starbase 400 is transmitting Morse Codes messages, in fact, the same message repeated over and over again. this is also being received by other ships with the Alliance Fleet," the stoic Vulcan reported.
Jack looked back at Lieutenant Rhae Yosemite, his XO and still had concerns. "And your sure that there are no Typhon Pact ships in the area?" he asked once more. Yosemite ran another scan from the Auxiliary Operations station.
"Absolutely certain, sir. We've made the journey back home for what seems like an easy victory," she reported back.
Jack shook his head as he walked over to her. "Remember what they said in the Academy, Rahe. Assumption is the mother of all mistakes. No, what we're looking at here is screaming the word ambush at me," Jack said as he checked the readings personally himself, confirming what he feared.
"Taloris, sent a message to the flagship, reporting that we are receiving these mores code messages and await further instructions," Jack ordered as he returned to the centre seat. The Vulcan nodded as she carried out her orders and almost straight away a response came back.
"Captain, new orders from the Flagship, we've been selected along with a number of other starships to launch modified Class VII probes fitted with tachyon emitters," she reported. Jack nodded as he understood where the Admiral was going with this thinking and already the bad feeling in his gut started to get worse.
Pressing the comm channel on his chair, Jack relayed the orders. "Mr Quan, new orders from the Flagship, fit five Class VII probes with tachyon emitters and launch when ready," he ordered.
Down in Engineering, Quan nodded. "Aye sir, working on the probes now."
Several minutes later, The Ark Royal fired five of her modified Class VII probes into the designated area, with Solomon moving to the Science station to check the readings and telemetry that came back in from them. What he saw confirmed his suspicions and he relayed his data and live data stream over a secure frequency to the Pegasus. He slammed the comm button at the Science station as he set a secure frequency, needing to make the Admiral aware.
"Ark Royal to Pegasus, please confirm receipt of live data stream being sent to you from modified probes, recommend defensive action based on current data, please confirm," he said. Looking around the bridge, Jack could feel the tension level rise another level as the situation now became clear.
USS Essex, Bridge
As soon as the message came in, she contacted Engineering, "Admiral T'Lar to Engineering. I need a series of Class VII probes fitted with tachyon emitters and launch as soon as possible."
"Understood. I'm working on them now." No sooner did she give the order, they were ready and were launched as ordered."
Xalanth was already running anti cloaking programs to see if he could pick anything up on the sensors.
USS Pegasus, Bridge
"Confirmed USS Ark Royal. We're reviewing now." Commander Roebuck replied as Bremer studied the sensor data.
"Lieutenant, alter course of Probe 1-6." Bremer said.
Lieutenant Roebuck tapped a few commands on the tactical panel. As the probe neared the area the Ark Royal's was scanning, Mike's eyes widened.
"Pegasus to all ships, slow to impulse and come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta. We have enemy ships approaching...battle stations!" Bremer called over the comm to the fleet.
IRW D'Trell
"The fleet, it looks like we've been discovered." Admiral Tomalak reported to a figure in the shadows near the rear of the new 'Type-C' Warbird, the flagship of the Typhon Pact fleet.
"Sooner than expected, but...I've learned something about Starfleet....Starfleet has a way of showing up when you least expect them."
Tomalak smirked, then looked back at the Bridge. "Decloak the fleet and prepare to attack."
SS Dakota A
Cameron took one look at the situation around them and frankly he did not like what he was seeing, not in the least. He would be the first to tell you that he was no tactical officer hell he had no tactical training whatsoever and knew he was out of his depth here. However this was his ship and he knew that if he wanted to keep her in one piece well he had to be smart about what he did in the next few minutes. "Weps this is going to sound crazy considering what we are facing here but I want you to flicker the shields I also want you to only bring the phasers and disruptors up to half power. Hopefully the pact will not see us as a threat and therefore not send a larger ship to deal with us. If however we are targeted I want you to drop the act go to full weapons and shields and take out what is targeting us. Engineering make us look sluggish flicker the impulse engines and maneuvering thrusters like we have taken damage from the fast run to get here. Again though if we are actively targeted bring us to full power and get us the hell out of an enemies way." Ordered Cameron he was gambling that the pact would not have noticed a little weak ship when they had a massive fleet of warship to fight. "Marines please fasten yourselves in we are going into battle early but I will do my best to get you to the station in one piece so you can do your jobs." Said Cameron over the comm system.
USS Waterloo
Captain Torilla Yamaguchi slowly smiled as she watched the sensor displays on her bridge, she had a pixie haircut when suddenly the message she had expected came over the com system. "Pegasus to all ships, slow to impulse and come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta. We have enemy ships approaching...battle stations!"
Yamaguchi slowly grinned. "Battlestations, ready all weapons... Target the lead ships directly opposing us... and stand by to throw everything that's not nailed down at these bastards."
Keith Anderson slowly grinned. "So.. It begins..."
USS Thinin
As the message from the flagship came in, Commander Elizabeth Yamaguchi felt a wave of trepidation pass through her, as she felt a surge of fear, before she dismissed the feeling out of hand. "All hands, battle stations," she commented as she knew her crew was all heading to their posts, they were a good crew and deserved some serious time off as she had been on the front lines of this fight since the start of the war, almost eight months ago. Two hundred and forty-three days ago, since her sister in law had been lost, her children murdered and Gabe lost.
Elizabeth wanted revenge for her losses and now she had the chance to make good. "Target all their lead ships... Arm quantum torpedoes and prepare for volley fire... Keep those bastards at range as we make them weep..." she added.
Elizabeth wished that her brother was part of this fleet, she wished that he was able to appreciate what the Fleet was doing for him. "When this is over... Gabe... I'm coming for you... Brother."
USS Essex, Bridge
Lieutenant JG Rachael Yamaguchi felt the sudden surge of hatred from her sibling, she gasped as she had not been expecting the emotion, usually that her mother was the hot-blooded one, not her sister.
Deela again looked over at Rachael, Deela was the one sighing. Everything seem to happen at once, simultaneously as Bremer's message was received, "Pegasus to all ships, slow to impulse and come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta. We have enemy ships approaching...battle stations!"
"You heard him," She turned to Rachael as she started to repeat Bremer's message, "Lieutenant Yamaguchi, slow to impulse." Deela continued, "Come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta."
"Battlestations" could be heard throughout the ship as the mood on the bridge and ship changed as the klaxons went off. This was it.
Yamaguchi nodded, as she followed her orders. "Aye Captain." she commented.
" Come show me what passes for fury among your wretched kind. For you face the nightmare" Xalanth said softly as he spoke his clans moto as he began locking on targets. " This would be one hell of a fight.
USS Ark Royal, Bridge
"Pegasus to all ships, slow to impulse and come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta. We have enemy ships approaching...battle stations!" came the order over the comm speaker.
Jack looked over at Yosemite as she gave the order to stand to battle stations. The lights changed to red and the Red Alert klaxon sounded, as Jack saw the various officers run to their station requirements.
"Lieutenant Raven, slow to impulse and come to course 273 mark 12 and assume Defensive Pattern Kirk-Beta," Jack ordered and watched as she went to work.
"Aye sir," she responded.
"Battlestations" could be heard throughout the ship as the mood on the bridge and ship changed as the klaxons went off. This was it, Jack thought, we're going home and we're going to pay for every damn piece of space between us and 400...
"Tactical, load all torpedo bays with Quantum Torpedoes and ready phasers...we go on the signal from the flagship."
Jack sat forward and awaited the command.
USS Vanguard, Bridge
"The fleet had dropped out of warp and is in formation." Metsker reported from Tactical One, to the Captain's right.
MacLeod looked around the newly redesigned Bridge of the Prometheus class vessel. He was glad the lighting and color scheme was darker than the white that the ship had been build with. Also, having his Tactical Officers closer was a benefit too. He then looked over as his ship's XO, Lieutenant Commander Patel who now had his own chair. Patel stood and walked over behind the Intel Officer's position and looked over his sensors.
One the screen, the new USS Laffey, also a Defiant class ship like her predecessor, eased just ahead, above, and to the right of the Vanguard.
Metsker reported from Tactical One again, "Shields online, weapons ready. The forward elements of their fleet are nearing photon torpedo range."
"Hold fast until we're given the order to say hello." MacLeod replied.
USS Pegasus, Bridge
Hannigan looked back at Bremer. "The Klingons are on our right, the Cardassians, Ferengi, and C'hakilians on our left. The Romulan Republic task force still hasn't arrived."
Mike shook his head. They didn't have many ships left, but he wasn't surprised they were a no-show for such an important operation as retaking Starbase 400. Hopefully, whatever the USS Endeavour found would help turn the tide of the coming battle.
"Pegasus to all ships, stand by." Bremer said over the comm.
USS Endeavor
The view of the Slipstream corridor came to a close as the ship shuttered. The Slipstream engines disengaged and deposited the Endeavor a few clicks from the Planet Mendak, which was where the Cardassians found their mold samples with complex DNA patterns relating to the Tholians. While en-route to the planet, Plumeri and his team found information relating to brainwave patterns that were heightened in Tholians with the sample we had, as well as information relating to previously unknown species called the Shadai.
Not much was found in the Federation Databases on the ship relating to the Shadai or how such simple mold could have caused such heightened sensory output from the Tholians. They would need a more complete sample of the mold in order to run tests and get a more complete picture.
Since communication and sensors didn't work within the Slipstream Corridor, Coleman knew he would not only need to begin to run scans of the planet below, but to see if the Federation Fleet had engaged any of the Typhon Fleet. Also, he knew he would have to see if there was a fleet waiting for him while he was in the Triangle.
Looking over to the Security Officer at Tactical, Coleman asked, "How does the Task Force look?"
The Officer's hands moved across his console to gather the data and a look of horror came across his face before looking up. Coleman shook his head and said, "What? What is it?"
The Security Officer said, "It appears that the Typhon Pact had a fleet waiting for ours, sir. By my estimates, it appears that their numbers outmatch ours. Not only that, but I'm reading a fleet of Tholian Cruisers heading our way, Warp 8. They'll reach us within three hours."
Nodding, Coleman knew they needed to spring into action and get the samples ASAP and get the information decoded before the Tholian Fleet reached them. Tapping his combadge, he said, "Coleman to Plumeri. Is your team ready to beam down and collect the samples at the dig site? You've got one hour and we're beaming you back, sample or no sample."
TRANSPORTER ROOM ONE - ENDEAVOR
"Understood Captain. We're all set here. The beam in coordinates are in the computer and we can beam down the the same location that the Cardassians were at when they collected the original sample. We've got a stasis unit ready to go. We're ready down here sir." Matt said as he looked at the rest of the team.
"Thank you, Mr Plumeri and good luck," Coleman said as he closed the channel. Looking back at the Security Officer, he said, "Prepare a probe with all the information we found thus far about the Shadai and the brainwave abnormalities within the Tholian trials we ran. See if you can modify the output parameters to give it a lower power output, so it can potentially get past the Typhon Pact Fleet. Aim it towards the fleet and fire when ready."
The Security Officer complied. He was a young officer and was probably just out of the academy. Coleman just hoped that he could get the ship back to the fleet, so this young man and the rest of the crew could see another day.
USS Pegasus, Bridge
Mike stood in the middle of the bridge, hands behind his back. He stared at the screen as the Typhon Pact fleet closed in.
"All ships, standby to fire. We're going to push through and get to Starbase 400." There's wasn't anything else that needed to be said, the fleet out there preparing to fire at them as motivation enough.
Mike turned and took a seat in this chair. "Chief Branson, full impulse, take us in."
"Yes sir." Branson said from flight control.
"Aux power to forward shields. Lieutenant Roebuck, target the lead ship. Fire." Bremer ordered.
“Aux Power diverted to forward shields!” Chiara nodded.
"In torpedo range...firing." Roebuck reported from tactical.
A spread of orange photon torpedoes burst from the Pegasus's forward launcher. They streaked through space and within seconds they hit a Krazzle Lanar type Destroyer. A few moments later additional torpedoes hit the ship and it exploded, the first of the battle.
As the two fleet's collided, the lines disintegrated. The Federation ships tried to stay in formation but as more and more enemy vessels approached that was nearly impossible to do. The Klingons managed to keep their formation longer, but became entangled with Krazzle, Tholian, and Gorn forces. The Cardassians and Ferengi were engaging with mostly Miradorn and Order ships. The Starfleet ships were facing off mostly against Romulan ships with a few Krazzle and Tholian ships mixed in. Handfuls ships tried to stay together, but the battle swirled into dog fight with no clear front, flank, or rear.
The Pegasus turned to port as a Romulan Valdore type Warbird followed her and fired. The Pegasus was too big to out maneuver the smaller ship but fired back with aft torpedoes and phasers. While moving forward, the Pegasus's phasers destroyed a small Krazzle Cheetah type Frigate.
After a few moments, the Valdore was forced to break off pursuit when three ships, the USS Berlin, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and the USS Defiant hit the Valdore several times in its starboard wing. After a few more hits the ship exploded.
USS Ark Royal, Bridge
"All ships, standby to fire. We're going to push through and get to Starbase 400."
"Lieutenant Raven, full impulse power," Jack said as he gave the order once the signal came in form the Pegasus.
Turning around to face him, Jack then gave out his orders. "Ensign Raith, fire on any unfriendly starship you can get a lock-on and make it known to them that we are here to stay," Jack added as he turned back to face the viewscreen.
Seeing the likes of the USS Berlin, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and the USS Defiant running into battle and taking down one of the enemy made him stir for a moment, feeling good that one of the enemy ships had been taken down but there were many more out there.
He watched as the Ark Royals phasers locked on and were fired upon an older D'deridex warbird. "stay on him Raith," Jack urged as he could see each shot hitting its mark dead on and causing more and more damage to the enemy vessel. Several Quantum Torpedoes later and the Warbird exploded in a huge ball of fire and flame, with Raven guiding the Ambassador Class starship through the debris.
"Shields are holding sir, Tholian ship of the port bow," reported Raith.
"Continue firing on the Tholian vessel," Jack ordered as his Ops manager Lieutenant Taloris turned to speak.
"Captain, we're on our own right now, recommend that we locate the nearest Starfleet vessels and try to regroup in a support group," came the calm voice of the Vulcan officer.
"Understood Taloris, Helm, once the Tholian ship is taken care of, locate the nearest group of Starfleet vessel and let's get back to safety in numbers," Jack agreed. Once again, another combined volley of phaser fire and Quantum Torpedoes scored the ship its second kill whilst all-around weapons fire from ships from various races were engaged in one of the biggest firefights seen in recent time.
"We're in it now," Jack said quietly as the Ark Royal swung around, looking for support.
SS Dakota A, Bridge
Cameron watched with a feeling of pride as the 4th enemy ship fell to his weapons. His trick had worked almost to well as several small ships had headed toward his ship in the opening minutes thinking that a damaged ship would be an easy kill and no one would miss a civilian transport in this mess. Oh how wrong they were. the four hulks none much larger then a saber class vessel were a testament to what happened when you underestimated any ship.
"Weps how are we doing?" Asked cameron firmly
"Sir that last fight took our shields down to 40 percent and we have hull breaches on decks 5, 6, and 7 emergency forcefields are holding but we can not take much more pounding at least not like that last round without doing major damage. Phasers and disruptors are still online but at reduced output we would need to shut them down to repair them. on the plus side we still have 21 of our 30 casings and all torpedo tubes are still working.
"Damn well better than I expected." Whispered cameron to himself he would have major work to do when they got back to the base. "Helm find us a couple friendly ships and stick to them like glue." Said Cameron bluntly
"Aye sir. It looks like the Ark Royal is the closest friendly ship plotting a course an intercept course that will put us on her stern quarter.
"Comms send a tight beam message let the Ark know we are coming and what our situation is we might not be out of the woods yet but I will feel safer if we can get a big ship close to us if we need it.
USS Essex, Bridge
Deela watched in anticipation as they approached the enemies.
"All ships, standby to fire. We're going to push through and get to Starbase 400." That’s what Deela was waiting for. She immediately ordered her crew, “Raise shields” Deela said crisply. As soon as they did, Deela spouted out more commands, “Power to all weapon systems. Stand by phasers, ready photons. Full power to the forward shields.“
" Full power to the forward shields all weapons armed," Xalanth said doing as he was ordered.
Deela yelled, “Target phasers, full spread.”
"Phaser's locked and overcharged." The lizard yelled back.
“Let’s give them everything we’ve got.” She continued, “Fire photons, dispersal pattern Delta. Fire.”
A grin spread over the reptile’s face as the phasers at his fingertips punched a hole in a Romulan D'deridex warbirds shields just before the torpedo smashed into it blowing the upper part of its wing clean off. " Target crippled Captain." He yelled out already drawing up another shot with the ship's weapons.
Lt Commander Croesus at ops delegated all non essential power to shield and weapons. A beacon smile filled his face as a singular thought of home, the 400, filled his mind.
USS Steadfast
Captain Harrison was hanging back to help whatever ships needed help. "Shields up!"
Her Tactical officer confirmed the order and added, "Weapons systems fully charged, Captain."
Alex nodded, "Very good." They started to fire upon their enemies and protecting the other ships. They were hit a couple of times and returned fire. Two torpedoes detonated behind the Steadfast. The ship shook from the repercussion of it.
"That was close." Alex sighed, "Come on, we can do better people. Increase speed to one half impulse. Give them as much cover fire as possible."
USS Waterloo
Captain Torilla Yamaguchi grinned as she regarded the tactical display. She noticed that the Federation fleet was outnumbered by almost two to our one. "Keith." Yamaguchi addressed her Executive officer. "Load all of our ordinance, and fire off every last missile we have in inventory..." she paused. "We're going to have to get creative with this one..."
"I've already got some creative ideas... But you won't like them."
"If it lets us win this battle... I guarantee I'll learn to love them..." Yamaguchi answered.
"Tachyon surges into the enemy ships shield grids..." Anderson answered. "We'll need to ensure we don't hit out own at the same time..."
"Yes, that would vex me, most grievously," Yamaguchi answered. "Commence tossing the tachyons too. Let's make these bastards bleed..."
USS Thinin
"One sword at least, thy rights shall guard. One faithful harp shall praise thee."
Yamaguchi commented. "Stand by quantum torpedoes... As soon as you have target locks, let em have it..." Elizabeth suddenly grinned. "Kill everything."
"Aye Captain... and firing!" came the answer.
USS Mercy
Onboard the Mercy Ariana was hanging onto her seat for dear life. The ship had gotten separated from the others and it seemed the enemy was keen to see if the Mercy was an easy target. Sparks flew as the ship was fired upon yet again, all she could do was hope Hades fortifications of the ship were going to hold. “Status of our shields?” She looked round waiting for an answer.
“Shields are at 81% and holding Commander!” Came the response. “The enemy are coming round for another shot.”
“Prepare a welcome present Lieutenant!” Ariana smiled as she looked towards the viewscreen, she was starting to enjoy having a ship that was able to hold her own amongst the fleet. “Commander ...” She looked at Hades waiting for him to give the order to fire.
"Full tactical up. Let's get back to the fleet."
“You heard the Commander” Aeryn looked around and offered a smile. “Let’s get back with our ships.”
The flight back to the group was not a long one. When they rejoined Hades took up the position behind the USS Hise. The ship he was particularly interested in. "Damage report so far?" He turned to Ariana.
“Minor damage only, we do have a weak spot in the aft shields but damage control are sorting it now.” Ariana looked at Hades. “Forgive me for doubting you, this ship has held up beautifully so far.” She noted their position. “So what now?”
USS Pegasus
Chiara was being kept busy at Ops, with keeping her eyes on the ship’s systems and what was going on outside. “Admiral ... we’ve got a weak point showing in our shields! I’ve diverted what power I can but it looks like we’ve blown a relay. I’ve got damage control on the way to fix it but we’re going to have to keep the enemy in-front of us until repairs are done.”
Mike tapped his combadge, "Bridge to Blackthorne, get a team on shield generator three on the port side, its power is fluctuating and we don't want to lose it."
USS Ark Royal, Bridge
Lt Raven looked back as she reported the message received from the SS Dakota.
"Captain, the Dakota is requesting to come alongside and fly with us," she said. "Sair, it looks like they've taken quite a beating so far, even though we are in the opening engagements of the battle."
Jack nodded as he understood the message coming from the Dakota. Whilst she was a civilian ship, she was holding up well, despite the odds against them all.
"Very, well, tell they to stay in formation with us and we'll see who else we can pick up as we make our way through this mess," Jack ordered as he watched the viewscreen with Ensign Raith marking another target in the shape of a Mogai Class warbird.
As the enemy vessel bore down up the Ark Royal, it opened up its disruptors and fired hard on the Ambassador Clas starship, causing explosions to ripple across the main hull as the shields held off what they could. Onboard, the crew in their various stations held on as the ship shook whilst various overloads took place on the Bridge alone.
"Damage Report" yelled Yosemite as she held mon to the railing surrounding the Bridge.
"Shields down to 72 per cent, we've got a minor buckling on the starboard nacelle and there are EPS relays blown out on decks 4, 7 and 10. We're getting reports of wounded on those same decks" reported Raith. Jack slammed his fist down on the comms button.
"Damage control teams reported to the starboard Nacelle housing and decks 4, 7 and 10. Medical teams report to decks 4, 7 and 10," he ordered as he grimaced slightly. Watching as the Warbird circled around for another assault, he looked over at Raven.
"Helm, stay on their flank. Tactical, simultaneous use of Phasers and quantum Torpedoes o that bloody ship, take it out before it hurts us any more," he shouted above the din as the Warbird sent several more strafing shots at the Ark Royal.
Raven piloted the starship to her Captains orders and as soon as she was in range, Raith let loose with the volley of phasers and quantum torpedoes. The Warbird took damage to the underside of its hull, where several explosions ripped it apart, causing the ship to slow and limp away.
SS Dakota
Cameron watched the small tactical plot that was at his seat. "Weps leave the big fish to the Ark but lets try and take some of the presure off of her. Anything the size of a frigate or smaller I want you to fire whatever weapons are close enough to get a solid lock use the torps if you have to but remember this is not a warship we have 21 left and when they are gone we are not getting anymore without a resupply." Said Cameron as he felt the ship shudder not from weapons fire but from trying to mainatain her position with the larger ship.
USS Luna
Lee was sitting in the command chair, things where getting a little crazy out here, Two Valdore class ships where chasing down the Luna, she had already taken some damage, shields where down to 75%.
"Evasive pattern Gamma!" Lee barked out. The ship twisted and turned trying to avoid enemy fire.
Essex Bridge
The Essex was a force to be recon with and the enemy ships were finding that out. Three enemy ships decided it was time to tag team. The ship shook every time they’d get hit. The bridge crew were on top of their game but the fire fight was proving to wear the Essex down.
One of the enemy ships attempted a flanking operation while the other two prepare for a frontal assault. But the Essex, Steadfast and other Federation ships held the line and stood strong. When that attempt failed, it enraged the enemy and they fought harder and so did the Essex.
Shields began to weaken especially the starboard side. There were sparks, some smoke and damage reports started coming in. T’Lar looked to the left of her, “Lieutenant Commander Croesus, what's the status of our shields?”
"Shields are at seventy-to percent."
T’Lar called out, "More power to the shields. She then looked towards where Rachael sat, “Lieutenant Yamaguchi, protect the Starboard side of the ship at all cost.”
Deck 11, main engineering called in. “Engineering to Admiral T’Lar.” This time, the ship shook violently when a volley of torpedoes detonated. She tried to reestablish contact with engineering but to no avail. T'Lar looked again over at Rachael, "Lieutenant Yamaguchi, you have engineering experience. Go to deck 11 and find out what is going on. I can't reach anyone."
USS Endeavor
Coleman had been sitting impatiently on the bridge as his team beamed down to the planet and began their search for the samples that they so desperately needed. The team had checked in when they beamed down and Nick knew that he would have to let them work.
However, about half an hour had passed since the first checked in. Nick didn't like this, especially being behind enemy lines.
Tapping his combadge, Coleman said, "Coleman to away team. How's it going down there Lieutenant?"
THE SURFACE
Matt realized he hadn't checked in, tapping his commbadge he answered, "Captain, it's absolutely amazing down here. An incredible find. There is much more than ruins here. I think, with a little excavation? We might have some interstellar evidence that the ancient Tholian ancestors, the Shadai, were out this far. What's more? I don't think they were as xenophobic as the current Tholian Empire would have us believe. Captain, the images that we've captured will keep archaeologists up at night. I'm telling you Captain - this is amazing. Starfleet will have to fill dump trucks with piles of flaming grant money to get all the data here."
In a stasis tube, the organic sample rested, "Also sir, we found a well preserved sample of the organic sample. It's hard to believe that we may be looking at the remains of the Tholians, the Shadai before they were crystalline entities. There are also some strange...what to call them? Some strange shaped stones? Heavy and cold. Made from some kind of crustal lattice. Don't know what they are. We're moving from the under cropping out so you can get a clear shot at beaming us up. We're packing up and hipping out Captain. We have what we came for."
USS Yorktown, Bridge
"The Dagonet and Kyoto have been destroyed and the Verity has taken heavy damage." Cross reported as he looked back at K'Temoc with concern. "Voyager's division is moving up to take their places while the Odyssey is covering the Verity's withdrawal."
The Yorktown took a hit, then another. Vapor filled the air for a moment. The conn officer fell back to the deck.
"Danielle, take the helm. Bridge to the Med Bay, medical emergency on the Bridge."
"We have two Romulan ships behind us, a Mogai and a smaller Preax." K'Wor reported.
"Bring us to course 331 mark 12 for three seconds, then hard to starboard." K'Temoc ordered.
As the Defiant class ship turned, then sharply turned again the larger Mogai flew by and a moment later was quickly destroyed by weapons fire from the Odyssey and Voyager. The smaller Preax held right onto the tail of the Yorktown and continued to fire.
The Yorktown fired back with after torpedoes. One photon hit while another missed...but as luck would have it, it hit a Krazzle cruiser as it flew by several thousand kilometres further off. After several minutes of chasing, the Romulan ship was finally hit by a passing Miranda class ship, the Dorsetshire and finished off by the Warspite and Princeton.
USS Lexington, Bridge
"Yamaguchi, alter our course three degrees to starboard. Those Tholian ships are giving the Arizona's wing fits. Let's see if we can help them out." Stark ordered.
Yamaguchi nodded. "Aye sir."
"Weapons ready, closest ship locked." Ramata'tar reported from Tactical.
The Sovereign class ship with the Tirpitz and Crockett behind her dove headlong into the swarm of Tholian ships.
Starbase 400, Upper Computer Core
"We have a problem." Draven said. "Two people approaching. A Romulan and a Krazzle."
"Harper, over there with Draven. Ermey, take the back door and provide cover. Agtx, stay hear. Vito." Tom said as he took position to cover the door too.
Vito nodded as he set his weapon down.
The door opened and the Romulan looked around. The Krazzle stayed behind him as a guard. Once the door closed Agtx reached out and grabbed the Krazzle with his claws as his teeth bit into his neck. The Romulan turned back and was grabbed by Vito, lifted up and his neck was broken.
Draven smirked as he got back to the terminal he'd been working at. "Anesthizine gas is ready, but weapons control is totally locked out, only access is Ops. Problem is, I can't access the environmental controls for Ops. It's a safety feature built into the station that the Romulans further enhanced."
"Then we have to split up. One team remains here and the other goes to Ops." Harper said.
"Right. Sergeant Ermey remain here with Mister Draven. The rest of us will beam into Ops. The moment we materialize you hit the gas and deactivate the comm array. Once we have Ops control beam in there and we'll let the fleet know the Station is ours." Tom said.
"Do we then destroy the ships around the Station?" Harper asked.
"No, we simulate outgoing Typhon Pact communications until the fleet arrives. We don't want addition ships taking it out on Kaleb IV or somehow getting troops aboard. We're too few to handle an all out assault." Draven replied.
"Agreed. But we'll be ready to bring the weapons online once the fleet arrives...or if they do send more troops our way." Tom added.
"Letss get it done." Agtx grunted.
Vito smirked.
Harper, Agtx, Vito, and Vercetti then formed a combat formation and readied their weapons. Draven nodded, then tapped a few buttons.
A moment later Harper, Agtx, Vito, and Vercetti appeared at the rear of Ops. There were two Gorn, a Krazzle, three Romulans, and a Remain. The Gorn, Remain, and Krazzle were the first to fall. The Remain was able to fire off a shot and hit Agtx in the left shoulder, luckily only causing a burn. Harper covered Agtx and rendered aid while Vito and Tom dropped the Romulans.
As they looked around to see if anyone else was left a Kziniti Sub-Admiral burst out of T'Lar's office and jumped Harper and clawing his chest. Agtx jumped between them and tried to fight back but with one injured arm the Kziniti over powered him too and scratched his left leg causing him to fall. As he took aim at the big Gorn Sergeant with Harper's rifle the Kziniti was hit from behind by phaser fire from Vito and Tom. The big cat-like Kziniti turned to face the two Humans and hissed. He then stepped forward as Tom and Vito fired again. The Kziniti's armor absorbed the energy and he shot at Vito, hitting him in the hip. Tom continued to fire, and was joined by Harper and Agtx shooting him in the back. Several shots later the Kziniti Sub-Admiral finally fell to the deck, dead.
That's when Draven and Ermey beamed in and noticed a Romulan standing in the doorway of Bremer's office just watching. The Tal Shair General just looked at the carnage around him. Tom and Ermey leveled their weapons at him as they stepped closer. Draven tended to Vito's wound while Agtx helped Harper who was worse off than he was.
"Well now." The Romulan said in a sarcastic tone.
Tom eyed the Romulan for a moment, then shot him.
"What the hell?" Ermey said looking at the Romulan then back at Tom.
"We don't have enough people to watch a prisoner right now. Besides, it was set to stun." He looked at his rifle, "I think it was on stun." Tom smirked. "Help Agtx and Harper, Draven and I have to get things ready in case the shit hits the fan."
Vito eyed Tom a moment.
"It was on heavy stun." Tom said finally as Vito smirked.
"I'm sending another coded message to the Fleet. We have control..." Draven was cut off by Vito.
"I'd hold off on that, internal sensors show a beam in on the Promenade, a Tzenkethi battalion is trying to come aboard."
Draven ran over to Tactical One and tapped away. "I've raised the shields and set them to auto rotate the harmonics, but it looks like they got most of that battalion aboard."
"Gas won't work on Tzenkethi troops with their armor and envio-suits." Tom added.
"Modifying my message to the fleet, letting them know we have control but enemy troops are aboard and we need Marine support, now." Draven said.
tbc...
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