Episode 2.2.5: Shadows on the Hunt

## S2, E2, Act 1: Getting Underway

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.07

Mayla was standing next to the center chair, giving Lazarus an update on their first destination of Bajor and the following suborbital descent Beckett and Sh'avelith were going to perform.  She was in her SO combat fatigues as she was most comfortable with at least some of her weapons on her person on any away mission. Even though this mission she would remain on the ship. Ra'yral walked in and made his request for a detour to Carnor.

Lazarus glared at Mayla. "You didn't mention the Muran might be sidelined for this mission. We're in a crisis here! What the hell were you thinking allowing the ritual to go on that didn't even work?"

"I deemed the risk to be necessary to get a message back to Starfleet to tell them their communications relays were compromised. My understanding was this was a tremendous security breach in all of Starfleet, if not the Federation." Mayla said not allowing his tone to sway her resolve. She turned to Ra'yral. "If Reepchip's health is on the line, I'll give you one day to get him to Carnor and finish your business. I need you on that mission with Commander Raillius and behind Reepchip's health, if he needs to recuperate, you'll have to leave him on Carnor and continue on without him. The mission is paramount. Is that understood, Lieutenant?"

"No." Lazarus said. "Your team is spread thin enough already. Send Preet. She's a pilot and have her go undercover to deliver the message to Admiral Sorvek. Then she is to go to Ops Base One and report in with Admiral MacLeod."

Mayla gave him a look that said he was right. She needed Reepchip on this mission. Preet could become the courier. "Very well."

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.07

Ryramorl nodded.  “I shall do so with all speed,” he said calmly.  “And, as I said, there are as many on Carnor that know him, in particular two mercenaries of my acquaintance.  If anyone knows where Gaish is, it will be them.”

Then he heard a summons.  “Lt. Ra’yral to the Infirmary, please.”

“Forgive me, I must go.”

Once he arrived, the EMH asked him, “is this normal behaviour?”  Reepchip had taken some clothes and utensils and surrounded himself with them, huddling in a corner.

Ryramorl actually breathed a sigh of relief.  “For a sick Muran, yes, this is nesting behaviour, and they do that when they’re injured, or sick.  This means his mind isn’t completely fried, otherwise he wouldn’t be doing even this.”  He went over to Reepchip, knelt down, and rumbled his own language.  After some rumbling, and chittering from Reepchip, he stood up and nodded to the EMH.  “See if you can move a bio-bed into the corner,” he said.  “Then he can nest and still be in one.”  He then keyed his sub-voc to Mayla.  “Lieutenant Ra’yral to Commander Vree.  Good news:  Reepchip is able to speak intelligibly and is acting normal for his health.”

Lieutenant Cody Beckett

Cargo Bay, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.09

Cody opened a channel to Thompson. “Thompson, we could use a hand. We will deploy in 30 minutes and we have load of work to do. Could you help us out?”

“On my way” was Thompsons reply. Cody turned to Tiri, who was putting in the specs for the ablative armor suits into the replicator. Within a few minutes, Thompson arrived, followed by the security officer. He looked around. He frowned as he saw the gear. He had once done a suborbital insertion during one of the missions with Bravo Epsilon Seven. One of the members didn’t make it that day. He looked at Cody. “Suborbital insertion? Really?”

Cody nodded. “Yes, my friend, suborbital insertion. It’s the only way to get on to the surface undetected. It has evolved during the years.

Daryl nodded. Of course, it had. It had been 20 years ago since he had done it. “So, what do you need help with?” he asked. Cody pointed to a few padds lying on a bench. “Check our background stories. I’ve come up with something, but I need you to check it if there are no big gaps or contradictions. After that, I could use a hand with the force fields fine tuning for the transport cases that are launched with us. Those cases have to hold until we get into the lower stratosphere. Then parachutes are deployed. We need the gear to attract as least amount of attention as possible. "

Daryl nodded. "OK I'm on it" he grabbed the padd and started checking the background story Cody had thought up. It seemed solid. Daryl ran some of his own routines to check for inconsistencies. But none were found.

Moments later, he found himself adjusting the integrity forcefields for the casings with the gear.

The replicator was humming, as Sh'avelith was building two of the ablative armor suits. One was already done, and she was.assembling it, with additional active shielding, cooling and life support. It also had thruster functionality in hands, feet, shoulders and hips. It was an impressive piece of tech.

Tiri finished the construction of the first suit and moved onto the second and turned to Beckett and Thompson. “So we’re really going to do this? I’ve done it 37 times in simulation during Starfleet Intelligence training, but never in reality.”

Beckett grinned, “Thirty-seven times? How many times were you successful?”

Sh'avelith returned the grin, “Twenty-three times. But most of my failures were early in training.”

Daryl finished the integrity shielding on both cases. Final checks showed the cases should be able to withstand the forces of reentry. Cody and Daryl started loading up the cases with the excavation gear, weapons, their bags with clothes and more gear, the modified cloaking device and two disassembled maglev crates and tools to reassemble them once they had touched the surface. As the cases sealed off, Cody activated them and initialized the launching sequence.

"Thanks mate" he said and gave Daryl a firm pat on the shoulder. Then he turned to Tiri, who was working on the second suit. "Need help? " Cody asked…

“The replication part is easy,” she said. “It’s the jumping out of a perfectly good starship from orbit I’m having trouble with.”

She took a deep breath as the second suit was finished, “This one’s ready. Let me know if there’s anything else we need to do before we go.”

Cody thought for a few moments, but as far as he was concerned, most work had been done.

“I think we’re done so far. Let’s get the suits on and see if everything works correctly.

The suits were surprisingly light, flexible. Almost comfortable, Cody would say. Daryl helped with attaching the thrusters to the external hardpoints.

Cody tapped a few commands on his wrist terminal, and the suit initialized. Inside his helmet, a HUD appeared which showed the status of the suit. Everything was ok. Tiri did the same and gave a thumbs up after a few moments. “Ok, let’s go” Cody said.

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

*USS Resurrection* Infirmary

Stardate 2002.10

Reepchip huddled in the corner, chittering softly, as the failed Spirit-Calling replayed in his mind.  He remembered mentally reaching and reaching in the direction of Carnor, even as he had stretched his skills--and Daven had pulled him back before Reepchip could even get a whisper.  The shock had given him a horrendous headache and left him nauseous.  The EMH had tried to keep him on the biobed, but Reepchip had felt badly exposed and vulnerable out there, and wanted nothing more than a cozy corner to curl up in.

The EMH finally solved the problem by putting a force-field over the biobed and making sure it was darkly translucent, allowing Reepchip to feel like he was in a protected space.  <<This could not have come at a worse time,>> he chittered in his own language.

Being a hologram, the EMH had no trouble replying in the Muran’s own language.  <<Your biosigns are abnormal, but not severely so, and Lieutenant Ra’yral did say you were acting normally.  Please relax, being stressed will only make your health worse.>>

Lieutenant Cody Beckett & Commander Mayla Vree

*USS Resurrection*, Andorian System

Stardate 2002.16

It was time. Cody felt a knot in his stomach. Was it from the coaxial warp or simple stress because of the upcoming suborbital insertion?

He looked at Tiri, who seemed to look a few shades of lighter blue. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who felt stressed.

As they moved towards the turbo lift that would take them to the lower starboard side of the ship, Daryl was already there. He had already prepared the cases with the gear on a magnetic dolly, and he was waiting for them.

"Ready to go?" Daryl said with a smile.

"Ready as we ever will be." He gave Tiri a thumbs up. They moved the gear into the lift and proceeded down to lower decks.

Mayla checked the settings for two of the four orbital deployment hatches located in the lower starboard deck of the ship,. Each circular launch tube had three magnetic catapult rail launch systems that would be synchronized with a suborbital insertion suit, or whatever gear that needs to be launched. At upon reaching full speed in the matter of less than a second at the end of the launch tube, the magnetic clamp would release, propelling the occupant out of the ship. The speed would be set at a predetermined level based on the need.

She was just about to call for Beckett and Sh'avelith when they appeared from a hatch. Both moved easily in their ablative suborbital insertion suits that could easily be ejected once they hit the ground. There were several exterior hard points on the suit to attach various weapons and equipment. Behind them was Thompson with a maglev dolly with several cases of additional gear they would be taking with them.

"Your mission parameters have changed," she said without any preamble. "You're to drop to the surface near one of the entrances to the Capital City. If we transported you down they would know who you are and where you were coming from."

"What? We didn't go anywhere?" Beckett said, now confirming the knot wasn't caused by the coaxial nor the warp drive.

"We haven't left high orbit of Andoria Prime. But the ship is now moving to a lower orbit and into position for your insertion. When you get into the Capital City, go to Shran's Tuber Root Beer and Soup Emporium and find Ibragimov." She handed each of them a small padd with his image and contact information. "He will have a ship waiting and black market identities for you to get on to Deep Space Nine. We can't use any of the false identities stored in our computer or the cloud as Legion might already have them all on a watchlist of some sort. And any new one created would mean accessing the subspace communication relay system. He will accompany you on this mission and provide back up. When you get there, the mission parameters are the same."

Beckett nodded with affirmation. "Find the Cardassian arms dealer Krido Rit who sold the nanite tech to Legion." Beckett started as he began loading the cases into his launch tube. "Find out as much about the nanites used to infect the subspace relays and a solution to eradicate them. And follow up on any leads or rumors on information about Legion." Beckett responded.

"And stay off the grid and communications relays as much as possible." Sh'avelith added, pushing aside the now empty dolly.

Mayla nodded satisfactorily. She paused for a moment before telling them the next thing. But quickly decided she would because they will be on their own without any ship support. "The Ferengi named Quark who runs Quark's Bar on DS9 might be the first person you could pay a visit to. He knows of most, if not all, illegal happenings on the station and around Bajor. But be careful of that one, never entirely trust what he says. If he gives you any serious trouble and as a last resort, drop my real name. It might straighten out his answers."

Both nodded and briefly wondered how their team leader would have sway over the Ferengi. It will have to be a story for another time.

"Alright, let's get you into the launch tubes. The ship will monitor your descent and we'll leave as soon as you make planetfall."

Cody stepped into one and hooked himself up, adjusting his suit and doing a last check. He put on his helmet, activated the suit and felt a soft hum of the active forcefield that would protect him once the case was burned away. He shivered by the thought, and laid down on the launch rail. Daryl had made some quick last-minute changes so his launch position would be a little more comfortable. The case with his gear was attached to the rail on top of him and when it was sealed off, it became awfully quiet.

"How are you doing in there?" Daryl asked.

"Doing ok-ish" Cody answered.

"That's what correlates to your bioreadings". Daryl said. "No worries, you'll be ok."

Mayla listened to the checklist Thompson went over with the both of them. They were ready. She was slightly apprehensive splitting up the team up like this. But she'd already worked with Sh'avelith on Andoria and knew she could handle herself. But this wasn't her Echo Team, who hardly ever needed any last words of advice or encouragement from her. When both Phoenix operatives were ready in the launch tubes, the air was evacuated, and the outer hatches were opened, she opened a subvocal channel to the both of them.

"Keep your eyes open and watch each other's backs. Good luck. We'll be in touch."

"Aye, aye, Commander." Both operatives responded. "Good luck to you too. Whatever you may be doing."

Mayla pushed the synchronized launch key and started the five second countdown. "Launching in five...four...three...two...one."

*USS Resurrection*

Orbiting Andoria Prime

Stardate 2002.19

The pods containing Beckett and Sh'avelith launched and streaked away from the ship, heading into the upper atmosphere of Andoria Prime. Once they were away, the small hangar deck on the dorsal side of Resurrection opened, revealing the ship’s sole shuttlecraft.

Aboard the shuttle, Lt. Preet sat in the pilot’s chair and guided the auxiliary craft out and away from the Shadow Ops vessel. She set a course for Earth and sped away from Andoria Prime. Once she’d cleared the planet’s gravitational pull, the shuttle went to warp and was gone.

On the *Resurrection*, the crew prepared for orders as to where they would be heading next as Beckett and Sh'avelith made their descent toward the icy surface of Andoria Prime.

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## S2, E2, Act 2: Down to Business

Commander Mayla Vree

*USS Resurrection*, low orbit above Andoria Prime

Stardate 2002.19

Mayla reached the bridge quickly so she could monitor their progress. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she held back her anxiety of watching two of her operatives descend into the upper atmosphere. She never worried about her Echo Team because they had trained together with daily sims for years. They practiced and performed suborbital insertions many times over in various types of atmospheric conditions and even through hostile skies. But her current team was completely different. They didn't have memories and experiences of great Linea warriors imprinted as her sibko did. She must remember that. She must rely on her father's memories and experience for her current assignment.

Upon stepping through the threshold into the Bridge, she moved quickly to stand next to Lazarus who had a side screen open to track their descent.

"Is the shuttle away?" Lazarus asked, thinking about the message Preet was carrying to Earth.

"Affirmative. She has left orbit and has gone to warp," the tactical officer responded crisply.

Mayla noticed out of the corner of her eye that he was opening and closing one of his hands. "You still want to go down to meet with Ibragimov?" she asked.

He let out a breath that was almost soft enough to be a sigh, but it came out as a frustrated breath. "And how would I get back up here? A transporter beam would alert the Andorian defenses in their heightened security since the train explosion."

She could tell he was itching for an away mission. But he's too firmly attached to the center chair of the Resurrection now. All he could do is watch.

"Are we using the coaxial drive to go to our next destination?" Mayla asked, carefully watching the sensor screen and changing the subject.

"Yes," he answered without looking away from the two blips on the sensor map. "Then after we drop the next team off at the Najaiya Outpost on Kazis IX, we'll proceed the rest of the way cloaked and at warp speed." He was a bit anxious about their first use of the coaxial drive. He had already tasked the engineering crew to double check everything before they engaged the drive. They needed to get to Klingon space as soon as they could. "Deployment in 30 minutes."

Mayla touched her subvoc controller without averting her gaze and opened a channel to Raillius, Ra'yral, and Charatetet. "Prepare to deploy in 30 minutes. I'll meet you in the transporter room at that time." After she received an acknowledgement from them, including Charatetet, she pointed to the scan of their intended landing site. "Are those small holes in the snow what I think it is?"

Lazarus increased the resolution of the sensors and scanned the landing site. There was an immense heat blob that appeared beneath the surface that was pockmarked with centimeter sized holes. Like worm bore holes.

"Ice bores, a whole swarm moving north," he said. "They're moving through the area of their landing site and melting the ice underneath the blanket of snow."

"That's going to be a problem. If they land on that, they'll sink deep into the snow without the ice to stop them and be trapped. Even with their suit's oxygen, they'll suffocate before they can dig themselves out."

"Get communications on a tight beam directly to Phoenix 6 and 9 fast and tell them to adjust their landing site 30 meters east away from those bore holes!!"

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.20

Reepchip’s uniform hadn’t been cleaned yet, so he was in a change of civilian clothes when he joined Ryramorl and some of the Madcaps, including Daven.  Reepchip wrapped his tail around Daven’s waist in a friendly gesture as Daven apologized.  Reepchip confirmed what Ryramorl had said, and admitted he should have had Daven in the circle of Maryaln the Watcher or even Drengar the Advisor.

“Starless Sky, I should have said I couldn’t do it,” Reepchip said ruefully.  He looked around.  “And not a Rising Deeps word about me on all fours,” he snarled at the Madcaps and Ryramorl.  Ryramorl looked at Reepchip.

“Reepchip, you’re on fours only in the literal sense, everyone knows that.”  He gave Grollan a glare that made it abundantly clear that the Tellarite should keep his trap shut about this.

Commander T’Aayla Raillius

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.21

“Acknowledged Commander.  Lieutenant Ra'yral, and Reepchip, please meet me in Transporter Room 1 in 30 minutes with long term independent operation away mission gear sets." She’d delivered her final report on Lt. Zh’riaker to Commander Vree in person and verbally. It was all good intel, but unfortunately was nothing immediately operable. She busied herself with getting her kit put together. They might have to operate by themselves for a long time.

Lieutenant Cody Beckett & Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

Andoria, lower atmosphere.

Stardate 2002.21

Beckett held his breath at the moment of the launch. The next moment he was catapulted out of the hatch with enormous speed. Within seconds, the case around him was heated up by the air friction. In his HUD, he saw the temperature rising. The case started to shudder slightly, as it was deformed by the heat. Mere seconds passed as the temperature quickly reached the point where the microexplosives activated, and in the blink of an eye, the case was ripped apart around Cody. Cody felt the forces pulling at his.suit. The next second the thrusters kicked in to keep him in a stable position. The view was beautiful, even though it was pretty dark, as they would land on the nightside of the planet.

He ordered the suit's computer to switch to the short-range radio and establish a connection to Sh'avelith. She had to be somewhere around him, but he didn't dare to look around too much.

"Channel established" the computer replied.

"Beckett here, you ok?" "

"So far so good" Sh'avelith replied. "Suit is holding up nicely".

Beckett was about to reply, when his HUD flickered red, and an alarm sounded. "Upper speed limit reached, activating thrusters to keep suit integrity intact." Cody exhaled...it was just a warning. He checked the HUD. 20,000 feet. Full thruster burn would kick in at 12000 feet to slow down to below 200 km/h. Otherwise, the parachute would be ripped apart.

Things had happened so fast with the redirection of their jump to be on Andoria Prime instead of Bajor that Tiri hadn’t considered, nor brought up the fact they were going to be landing in the frozen wastes on the surface of her homeworld. The capital city was underground, meaning they would have to hike to one of the access points taking them under the surface.

She remembered trips to the surface when she was growing up and recalled there was often vehicle and foot traffic from the surface to the subterranean city. It was unlikely there would be questions asked by sentries at these checkpoints, but it was possible if the guard suspected something was amiss.

Putting those thoughts aside, Tiri focused again on the jump. About that time the thrusters kicked in marking their descent at 12000 feet. She could see the white surface below and silently hoped they’d land on target -- otherwise it could be a long walk in the snow and ice to reach the capital.

“Speed dropping,” she reported. “Parachutes will deploy in….3...2...1…”

At the 12000 feet mark, Cody felt how the parachute was deployed and unfolded. Suddenly, it felt as if he was pulled back up as the parachute fully deployed and slowed him down significantly.

“Phoenix 6, check in” Beckett stated.

“Phoenix 6, reporting in, all ok” Beckett heard Sh’avelith’s voice. The the channel crackled with static for a moment, and the suit’s computer stated “Incoming tight beam message from the USS Resurrection.”

“Open” Beckett stated. “Phoenix 6 and 9, change your landing location. Stability has been compromised by ice voles. Advice to land at least 30 meters away to the east or west from current landing location. USS Resurrection out.”

“You heard that?” Beckett asked over the local channel

“I did” Sh’avelith replied. “We have to be careful then. Ice voles often travel with several hordes close to each other. Maybe we should take a larger distance than the 30 meters”

“Affirmative” Cody replied, and ordered the computer to look for a better landing location. It wouldn’t be easy, as the suit only had limited sensor capabilities.

Cody tasked the computer with finding a suitable landing location. Within seconds, it gave a reply. Cody looked at the alternatives and picked one of them, sending it to Sh'avelith instantly. Sh'avelith gave a short confirmation, as she drifted away from Cody. Cody soon altered his course, checking if the cargo cases also followed them. Both Sh'avelith and himself had a tracker device, which the cases followed so the chance of losing them was minimized.

The descent went without problems, and soon, Cody touched down on the ice surface.

Tiri saw the icy surface of her homeworld come up beneath her as she and Beckett descended from their drop. Everything had gone as planned and she thanked the Andorian gods for their success.

They landed, Tiri ending up in a roll as she slid across the ice for several hundred meters. She then managed to release the parachute straps and the contraption blew free and tumbled away into the frozen wastes of the planet. Tiri got to her feet and watched as the cargo cases landed nearby.

She looked over to Beckett, who was about 40 meters away, and keyed her subvocal communicator. “That was quite a drop. Hope you’re ready for a hike, that detour put us two kilometers off our original landing zone.”

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2002.28

"They're down," someone on the bridge reported. Mayla looked to be sure and the report was accurate. She could see Phoenix 6 and 9's sensor readings moving around, gathering up their chutes and hiding them.

Lazarus cleared his chair screen with a swipe of his hand in the air. "Helm, break orbit. Prepare coaxial drive."

Mayla was about to leave when a curious question popped into her head. "What's the lag time in between jumps with the coaxial drive?"

Lazarus slowly swiveled around his chair to give her a stern look. "This is not a Linea ship, don't even think about taking it into a blinking dogfight."

She just shrugged. "I was just asking."

He continued to stare at her as she walked off the bridge. When she was gone, he just shook his head.

Mayla made her way down to engineering and stared down at the coaxial drive. She stood in the same place when she first came on board and met up with Lazarus.  She hadn't been in a dogfight with a Linea fighter in years. The highly efficient dimensional jump drive allowed their one-man fighters to blink in and out within the battlespace. The dogfight was so fluid and fast with calculating instant close proximity jumps to avoid collisions and enemy fire took a lot of practice. And to get used to your environment to change instantly and not hesitate. It was probably the only time she was stressed even with her own enhanced reflexes. Anything else seemed to move at a snail's pace.

But this new coaxial drive, from the schematics, it was definitely not Linea technology. The coaxial technology created a wormhole from folded space to move from one point to another. Whereas the Linea's teledrive created a quantum dimensional envelope that instantaneously translocated the contents to anywhere in the universe.

She just stood there and shook her head at the enormity of being able to travel anywhere in the universe. Bravo Squad had done it. Kyril had even gone to a place where there were no stars, a point of the universe after the first stars had burned out billions of years ago. He said it was a very cold and lonely place. And it had scared him.

"Prepare for coaxial drive activation," an announcement was made below her. She could see the engineers scramble around furtively. She could also see a bit of nervousness. Lt. Commander Carmichael just acknowledged her with a wave and continued with the preparations.

The coaxial drive flared to life and she prepared for any sensation. In a second, it was over. There was just a slight blurring of vision. The coaxial drive shut down. It was a bit anticlimatic, but the engineering crew were patting each other on their backs as Carmichael, collected data.

"Navigation has confirmed our location to be in the Kazis System. Success, people." He raised his arms into the air with elation and saw that Mayla was still standing on the gantry. She raised her hands and gave him an applause.

"Good work, Commander. We are all still here."

He put his arms down and gave her a salute. She returned with a smile and left for the transporter room where she waited for the next team to deploy.

She watched as Ra'yral, Raillius, and Reepchip walked into the transporter room. She eyed Reepchip's stature as he walked and had to take Ra'yral at his word that the muran was fine. But he didn't look completely his normal self.

"We are in orbit around Kazis IX. This is a unique sector where although we are in Federation space, this is where both the Romulan and Klingon borders meet with the Federation. Eight years ago there was a conference center here for the three empires to hold conferences. During one of these conferences, a hostage situation ensued with the delegates and the USS Fearless and USS Repulse of Shadow Operations were sent in for a rescue. The Repulse was destroyed along with most of her crew by three nonaligned Naasican ships, but not before the hostages were rescued.

"There are several settlements of note on the planet. You'll be transporting down to the Rajaran District, known to the locals as The Hole-In-The-Wall, which holds a large population of criminals, smugglers, mercenaries, drug and weapons dealers, including your basic rim world occupants. Because of the planet's unique location in the galaxy, it's not difficult to imagine what goes on here. All three empires turn a blind eye to what happens here since any action taken would jeopardize their own operations."

"In other words, better to not announce who were are aligned with," Ra'yral said, taking a last check of his weapons at his belt.

"All the better to be completely non-aligned." Raillius smirked lightly. "An underground network all three empires need more than not."

"That's right. The Kazis System is technically in Federation space. But with the borders so close together, this is a hotbed for informants, spies, and whatever else that may be exchanged undetected between the Federation and the two empires. All officially unsanctioned." Mayla handed each of them a small palm sized padd. "You're looking for this man, a Ferengi called Gaish. He is known to sell assorted weapons and ships to the highest bidder. He's not your normal Ferengi who focuses on making only profit for any type of deal or product. He is ruthless and thrives on the psychotic thrill of following the Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #34."

"War is good for business." Raillius said without pause.

"Yes, and he's built his entire business on helping anyone who wants to start a war. So you can see why he is a primary suspect of selling weapons to Legion. If Legion told him they were going to start a civil war within the Federation, he'll look at that as not only as a very profitable customer for his business, but a passive way of satisfying his insatiable thirst for more war."

Ra'yral gave out a low growl. "More war, more profit."

"Your primary goal is to find out as much about Legion and how their organization works. We have little intel on them and if they are trying to start wars within the Federation, we have to stop them." Mayla now looked at Ra'yral. "Now, I will authorize you to go to Carnor for one day if Charatetet is too ill from the coaxial trip to perform his duties. But I would prefer you not to take longer than that as you are on mission. Commander Raillius is in command of the operation and she will determine if the trip is needed or not."

"Commander, now that I know where we are at, there may be a Carnora presence here. I will attempt to contact them first. And going to Carnor will be a last resort." Ra'yral said, glancing briefly at Charatetet.

"That's a good idea. I apologize for not forewarning you of our destination, but Captain Lazarus and I felt it was safer to compartmentalize each away team just in case we are compromised in other ways we haven't detected yet. Are there any questions?"

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## S2, E2, Act 3: Delivering the Package

*USS Invincible*

Tantalus Penal Colony

Stardate 2003.01

Captain R'Rusar Delan sat in the captain’s chair aboard the Nova-class starship USS *Invincible* as it dropped out of warp in the Tantalus system -- the home system of the Federation’s notorious penal colony.

Delan was a Caitian – tall, muscular, covered in a brownish-colored fur with very cat-like features indicative of his species.

Once arrival at the colony was announced by the ship’s helmsman, Captain Delan looked up from the data padd he was reading and acknowledged the officer. He saw the surface of Tantalus V moving beneath the ship, through the viewscreen, and remembered the one famous story he had read about the prison.

In 2266, Tantalus initially benefited from the leadership of Dr. Tristan Adams, whose theories on penology had revolutionized such facilities, transforming them from cages into "decent, clean hospitals for sick minds."

Late in 2266, when Dr. Simon Van Gelder escaped from Tantalus, it was revealed that Adams had been conducting unauthorized and highly unethical experiments on patients and staff alike, subjecting them to an experimental therapy device, the neural neutralizer, in an attempt to learn more about such therapy.

Ironically, Adams was killed by the neural neutralizer when an experiment he was conducting on Captain James T. Kirk went awry, and Kirk escaped. After Adams' death, Van Gelder assumed leadership of the facility and destroyed the neutralizer.

Since then, the prison had become more of a maximum-security facility for hardened criminals rather than an institution for the criminally insane. The decision to put Krang there had come after much debate, but it was decided the chances of escape from Tantalus – not to mention the unlikeliness of a rogue Klingon incursion to free the general.

The Caitian captain looked to his tactical officer, “Anything unusual in the system?”

“Negative captain,” said Lt. Chainarong at the tactical station. “Tantalus is hailing us.”

The captain nodded, “Activate holographic emitters.”

“Channel open,” Chainarong replied.

“This is Captain R'Rusar Delan of the USS Invincible,” the Caitian said. “We’re here to take custody of the war criminal Krang.”

The holographic image of a middle-aged human male appeared several feet in front of Captain Delan. “Welcome to the Tantalus Penal Colony, captain. I am Mason Nolan, administrator of this facility.”

“Our guest, is he ready for transport?” Delan asked.

“He will be in a few minutes,” Nolan said. “Who will be beaming down to take possession of him?”

Delan frowned, “Can’t we just beam him directly to our brig?”

“We need to confirm who we’re turning him over to,” Nolan said with a slight smile. “You have a team of Starfleet Intelligence operators onboard?”
“Yes, they were sent by Admiral Zhao. A SpecOps team who are supposed to act as guards for Krang during his trip back to the Klingons,” the Caitain said. “Honestly, I find Starfleet’s sense of security in this matter to be unnecessary. How dangerous can one old Klingon with an artificial heart be?”

Nolan laughed, unable to control his outburst, “Captain, do not underestimate General Krang. He’s as dangerous as he was 20 years ago when they locked him away here. Zhao sending a team was at my suggestion.”

Delan scoffed, “Regardless, I want to get this over as soon as possible. I’ll send the team down to collect the dangerous criminal.”

Nolan scowled, becoming infuriated by the captain’s attitude about Krang, “You seem to regard Krang as some harmless old man. Heed my words, captain, he is extremely dangerous…unstable.”

The Caitian smugly grinned, “Really?”

“Just last week he bit the ear off another inmate who cut in line ahead of him at lunch,” Nolan explained. “Twice he’s attempted to escape and got as far as the surface before we caught up with him. In both of those incidents Starfleet believes there was a cloaked Bird of Prey waiting nearby to beam him out and there’s speculation he had someone working with him on the inside.”

Delan frowned, “That’s…hard to believe.”

“Believe it,” Nolan said. “He’s been in 57 fights since he was incarcerated here, he’s killed four inmates and seriously injured six guards over the years. Whatever you do, Captain Delan, do not underestimate him for a minute.”

The captain slowly nodded, then growled before moving on, “Very well, the team will transport to the surface shortly. Be ready to receive them. Invincible out.”

The captain watched as Nolan’s hologram flickered and disappeared. He then turned back to Lt. Chainarong, “Notify the Starfleet Intelligence team they need to beam down and gather up the prisoner.”

On the surface, five columns of swirling light materialized in the main structure on the surface of Tantalus V. The structure was a receiving area, essentially, designed to house a squad of guards and the administration offices of the prison. There was also a transporter room and a turbo-lift deep down into the underground facilities of the prison.

In the transporter room, Administrator Nolan greeted the five Starfleet Intelligence officers who had just beamed down. He was a little surprised to see the leader of the team was a Klingon – or at least she was half Klingon.

“I am Administrator Mason Nolan,” he said. “Welcome to the Tantalus Colony.”

“Commander Chas’naH, Starfleet Intelligence,” said the half-Klingon, half-human woman, who was dressed in a tight-fitting black gray uniform denoting the intelligence branch. After her service in Shadow Operations ended, Chas’naH joined Starfleet Intelligence. She had worked a number of missions, mainly in the Klingon Empire assigned to the Federation Embassy there.

In recent months she’d been on Earth, stuck in a desk job. When the opportunity to lead the mission to retrieve and transfer Krang arose, she’d jumped at it.

Admiral Zhao, however, was ess than pleased with her assignment to lead the team, but she was the only operative in Starfleet Intelligence with Klingon ancestry and they had wanted someone with hat background to lead the mission. Zhao knew her father was Ian MacLeod and with Shadow Ops poking around in his department’s business, he was concerned Chas’naH might reveal classified information to her father.

But it was Janeway who interceded and gave Zhao the push her needed to send Chas on the mission. Janeway believed the half-Klingon officer was best suited to command the mission and she wasn’t going to let Zhao’s petty squabble with MacLeod interfere.

Chas’naH motioned to a Betazoid directly behind her. “This is my team, Lt. Commander Orik.”

Also in her team was a Vulcan woman named Lt. Savaj, a human male named Lt. Silva and a Bolian named Ensign Nez.

Nolan shook hands with the entire team, then smiled and motioned to the turbolift. “They’re bringing Krang up. You have the transfer orders?”
Chas’naH handed a data PADD to Nolan. The device contained the orders from Starfleet and the Federation Council ordering that Krang be remanded into the custody of Chas and her team for transport to the Klingon border.

Nolan read it over, then approved it with his thumbscan. With that complete, he handed the PADD back to Chas’naH and turned to the lift.

A moment later, the doors slid open and four heavily armored guards came off the lift and in the middle of them all was the imposing figure of a tall, muscular Klingon. His hair was long, gray and unkempt. He’d grown his facial hair into a long beard extending straight down from his chin, as well as what might be called a fu-manchu mustache. Krang’s face was scarred and his left eye was a white, milky orb.

He focused his good eye on Nolan and Starfleet Intelligence officers and he let out a low grumble.

Chas’naH looked at him and raised an eyebrow, “Did you say something, petaQ?”

Krang looked at her, his lone eye regarding her emotionlessly, the orb dark and lifeless as it studied the half-Klingon woman.

“I was simply remarking at how long it’s been since I’ve seen a beautiful Klingon woman,” Krang said in a monotone voice. He then added with an afterthought, “Too bad you are just a mongrel.”

Chas’naH just gave him a dirty look and motioned for her operatives to take Krang. Savaj and Nez moved to either side of the Klingon, his hands cuffed behind his back, and each took him by an arm.

Orik stepped in front of the Klingon and affixed a device to his green jumpsuit, “That way we can keep a lock on him, just in case someone tries to divert the transporter beam.”

Krang watched the Betazoid and listened while he spoke, then without warning he lunged forward, snapping his head back and then forward, bashing his ridged forehead into Orik’s nose with a sickening crunch.

Blood spewed from the Betazoid’s nose as she cried out and staggered back, stumbling over his own two feet until he landed hard on his back.

Krang slammed his body hard into Nez, sending the Bolian reeling, but as he came around to go at Savaj, she reached out and delivered a Vulcan nerve pinch to to the general’s neck. The Klingon’s eye rolled back in his head and he slumped to the floor.

“I forgot to mention to you, he does that sort of stuff,” Nolan told Chas’naH as the team collected itself. Chas bent down to see how bad Orik was hurt and determined he’d live – but he was going to have a couple black-eyes and he’d need his nose set when they got back to the Invincible.

“Get him up to the ship,” she muttered. “In fact, have them beam his ass straight to the brig.”

As the team dragged the unconscious Klingon to the transporter pad, she collected Krang’s records from Nolan and then she joined her team as they transported up to the ship.

A short time later, USS Invincible left Tantalus bound for coordinates near the Klingon/Federation border.

<Meanwhile, elsewhere.>

Tarika

Rajaran District, Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.01

"My dear Tarika, if I do this for you, I will have to do it for all of my runners. It's not good business." The Ferengi said in a tone that was very unlike a sniveling whining Ferengi in pain. His voice was strong and authoritative, knowing full well this half breed hyoo-mahn female wasn't going to kill him despite the disruptor barrel that was burrowed into his favorite ear.

The restaurant they were in was used to disruptions like this. The other customers paid no attention to the weapons that were drawn, and just minded their own business. There was always a weapon drawn at some point or another. It was a fact of life here in this district. The dingy gloom of the establishment was a place where no one wants to be seen by anybody.

His two heavily armed Naasican bodyguards had leveled their traditional painstick rifles a foot away from the woman whose other hand held another disrupter that was pointed at them. They both knew underneath her long jacket was an armory of other weaponry. The Ferengi was lying face down across the table he was having his dinner at while the full weight of her body pinned him to it.

She pushed and twisted her disrupter harder into the ear, but the Ferengi didn't utter a sound despite the pain. "Your last shipment in that shoddy container melted through my deck and destroyed my cloaking device. You told me the cargo was substandard Starfleet phasers, not irradiated toxic sludge from your orgy ship!" She held back revealing that she already knew he just got one in stock last week.

The Ferengi held out his hands as if helpless. "There was a last minute change, and I just forgot to tell you."

Tarika always knew how to read the weapons dealer. She'd done deals with him long enough to know everything coming out of his mouth was either a lie, or a truth to only his own advantage. "I'm only asking you to give me a discount on a cloaking device. I'll tell you what, you give me that battle grade cloaking device you got last week, installed, and I'll make that Rura Penthe run no one else seems to want to do for you."

That perked up the Ferengi's ear. He'd been looking for a runner to deliver a cache of weapons to a small group of Romulans on the Klingon prison planet for months. But no one in their right mind would make a run into Klingon space and to a maximum security prison on an ice world. A handful of Romulans (or maybe they were even Tal'Shiar, he didn't care) were hidden and fortified somewhere on the planet, planning to spring a few high profile romulan prisoners out of the prison. They needed some heavy weaponry and mercenaries. How they were able to hide from the Klingons for this long was beyond his care. All he knew was that they had paid half of his fee at the signing of the contract, and promised him triple the full amount once the weapons and manpower were delivered. The battle grade cloaking device was only worth a fraction of this contract.

"Agreed."

The woman holstered her disrupters and helped the Ferengi back into his chair. She waved over to the waiter to clear the table and to bring him another dinner, and one for herself. The Naausican guards glared at her and lowered their weapons before moving back into position behind their boss.

Tarika sat down on the other side of the table and patiently waited for the Ferengi to complete the written contract which he always had on hand in the cases of any hasty negotiations. He handed it to her just as a new dinner was brought for the both of them. At first she ignored the meal and perused the contract with expert eyes, looking for keywords he always tried to sneak in. She made a few changes and handed the contract data padd back to him. She leaned back and adjusted her blonde hair, giving him a bemused smile. He grunted lightly before giving the padd a jab of his thumb as a signature. On the side of the padd, he yanked out a crystal data card and handed it to her; an exact unalterable copy of the contract.

"Well negotiated, Tarika."

She took the card and pocketed it. "Well negotiated, Gaish."

"I will have my alpha and beta crews replace your cloaking device immediately and have it tested." He said with a rather proud tone.

She gave him a nod of satisfaction. Normally Gaish only used both of his maintenance crews on one ship, his own. This contract must be really important, or lucrative. With both of his crews working on her ship, she should be able to leave by tonight.

"How soon will you be able to leave after that?" the Ferengi asked, picking up off his plate what looked like a drumstick from some animal. The smell filled his senses and he could already anticipate the tastiness of the morsel.

"As soon as your crew is done and we run some tests. I don't want to be seen in Klingon space." She looked down at her own plate and appreciated the burnt meat smell permeating up to her nose. "Can you have them also look at the port side polaron disruptor? I think somebody may have not tightened a panel. There's something loose banging around in there whenever I'm coming through the atmosphere. And fix the hole in my deck."

"I will personally make sure it all works out," he said with a sucking slobbering sound as he tried to inhale the juices.

She cocked her head to one side. "Oh, really. You? Personally? You're going to be on my ship when we test the cloaking device? Even if it's tonight?"

He stopped eating and gave her a grin. "Of course. I won't have one of my best and bravest runners to perish in Klingon space due to any of my doing."

This contract must be paying him a lot, she mused to herself. "And the shoddy containers of irradiated sludge didn't count?"

He started gnawing at the meat on the bone. "LIke I said before, I forgot to tell you."

She let out a scoff. And only then she started eating her meal, turning the conversation towards friendlier topics of more deals and starting wars.

Commander T’Aayla Raillius

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.01

T’Aayla nodded to Commander Vree. She knew the need for compartmentalization, especially in a situation where there was a known compromise within one’s organization.

"No questions Commander, the objective is clear.” She surveyed her small team.  The two Carnora variants were definitely non-Starfleet looking, attired in the gear of their native planet.  As usual she found their size differential somewhat amusing, idly wondering how such a disparity in size could have resulted in two sentient species from the same planet.

As for herself, she wore one of her old house Raillius bodysuit uniforms of black with dark emerald green accents.  It’s fabric looked as if it matched the pattern and texture of the fleet uniforms of the old Romulan Imperial fleet, but was stylishly cut in a civilian pattern.   The unique aspect of the uniform was that it was composed of woven ablative fabric, and cost about the same as a small frigate.  House Raillius had lived austerely in a time when many other houses had used their wealth on ostentatious displays of wealth.   House Raillius had followed the old ways of manning and equipping their own ships in the Romulan fleet and the late Senator Raillius spent his money on things like ablative uniforms for his most valued personnel.  She allowed herself a smile at the memory of him; as his adoptive daughter, she had definitely qualified for the protection.   That fabric, which moved like cloth, had more protective capabilities than even the most bulky Federation body armors.

Then again, the Federation wasn’t spending the equivalent of a ship’s value to protect its family members.   Over the bodysuit she wore high boots, a cloak, and various packs, holsters, and belts, all in a dark brown color, holding all of her away mission equipment.   Her sidearm was a Romulan disruptor pistol, not a Starfleet phaser.  In short, she appeared very much like a well heeled and financially successful pirate, err, mercenary she corrected herself.   Between herself and the Carnora, no one would suspect them of being Starfleet unless they already KNEW they were Starfleet. She definitely didn’t dismiss that possibility.

“Ready?” she asked her Carnoran compatriots.

Lt. Ryramorl Rayral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.01

The effects of the coaxial drive on top of the aftermath of the ritual hadn't done Reepchip any favours.  Now instead of a queasy stomach, he now had a pounding headache, a hell of a knot in his guts, and spasms in his muscles.  He tried to rise to his feet when Mayla met them in transporter room, but his legs would not support him, and he had to remain on all fours, risking--as the Muran would put it, the loose thread getting snipped from the tapestry instead of being woven in.

Ryramorl also knew this--as Reepchip had been the leader of the Madcaps and had served on a top-secret ship, dismissal from the team might result in a second repetition of his Clan name.  With that weighing on his mind, Ryramorl assured Mayla that Reepchip would be fine, even while he hoisted the shaking Muran to his shoulders. Also, while he had hedged on whether or not there was a Carnora presence on the Kazis System, he knew very well there was--he’d been there himself on numerous occasions while serving on the Special Forces, and many Carnora mercenaries had bases there, serving as thugs for hire.  He nodded to T’Aayla.  “We are ready,” he rumbled.

He looked at Mayla.  "Should I meet with other Carnora mercenaries, may I ask them about Gaish?  As I said in one of our earlier briefings, he is known amongst the Carnora."

The trill commander looked up at him and nodded. "You may inquire, but keep the mission confidential. You don't know who to trust or who's listening there. You might be compromising the team if Legion has some presence here."

Ryramorl nodded.  “I know exactly the ones I want to talk to, and how,” he said.

Colonel Jahkar

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.01

Jahkar was fuming in the War Room. He was essentially sequestered there as part of the process of compartmentalizing the teams. He wanted to make inquiries to the Klingon Empire to find out more about what was going on there, but communications were still locked down. The Klingon/Romulan was beginning to feel useless, unable to do and preparation or research prior to heading out to find the ship transporting General Krang.

He had resorted to pulling up news feeds from territories surrounding the Klingon Empire, all of them several hours old because of the communications blackout. There was very little information there, not surprising, considering the Klingons didn’t have a free and open media presence.

However, some of the regions surrounding the Empire had picked up on tidbits of news trickling out of Klingon space. Two tidbits to be exact...and nothing more.

There was a reference in news feeds out of the Kzinti Hegemony to “an incident” within the Klingon Empire several hours earlier. The feed quoted a source who had been on Qo’noS when a volley of photon torpedos rained down on the city and destroyed several key installations, including a possible hit on the High Council.

Another report from the Ferengi homeworld talked of a merchant ship belonging to one of their shipping companies being in orbit of Qo’noS when the attack on the Capital happened. The Ferengi reported sensor images of a large Klingon ship in orbit that decloaked briefly, fired a volley of torpedoes and then disappeared -- presumably under cloak again.

Jahkar was immediately drawn to this report. From what little intel Starfleet had available on Krang’s followers gave no indication of a large battleship in their possession. He made copies of the data and placed it on a PADD for Commander Vree to review as soon as the other teams were deployed.

Commander Mayla Vree

*USS Resurrection* enroute to Klingon Space

Stardate 2003.01

Mayla took in a deep breath after Raillius, Ra'yral and Chatetet beamed out. The team was spread thin, but they didn't have much choice. They had to put up the pretense of following orders, and on the side, not following orders in the shadows.

"How long to Klingon space?" she asked Lazarus over the subvocal.

"About seven hours to the border, then another 12.5 hours to arrive in the vicinity we think the Invincible will cross the border. That's assuming we pick up the viridium signal from Krang's implant. I'll order for the sensors to begin scanning for the tag once we cross the border just in case."

"Do we know their destination?"

"Not yet."

"I'd like permission to run a holosim with Jahkar and Thompson before intercept. Mainly to board a ship to rescue someone being held prisoner."

There was silence on the other end for a few moments. "I don't think we'll be performing that mission," Lazarus said slowly.

"Amongst other things, I meant to say."

"Alright, but I'm not sanctioning anything."

"I just want Thompson in a full combat sim. Jahkar's presence would help a lot."

"Then I will join you."

Mayla stopped in her tracks, and then looked at her chronometer. It was currently 2130. "Affirmative. Holodeck 1 at 0800 tomorrow, which will put us four hours after we cross the border."

"I'll see you there."

Mayla wandered down the halls of the ship, checking things here and there, familiarizing herself with the ship's design along with the schematics shown within her eyes. Just a little larger than a Defiant Class ship, it was easy to commit to memory where everything was and the updated technologies implemented into her design. Eventually, she ended up at the holodeck to prepare for the morning sim.

Lt. Commander Vala Preet

Shuttlecraft *Osiris*

Stardate 2003.01

The shuttlecraft *Osiris* dropped out of warp in Sector 001 and continued on course toward Earth. At the controls, Lt. Commander Vala Preet guided the ship toward the planet and began receiving communications traffic from Starfleet.

“Starfleet Command to shuttle *Osiris*,” a voice came from the comm-system. “State the nature of your visit to Earth.”

Preet’s mind was running. Osiris was registered as an auxiliary craft belonging to the *USS Resurrection*. She had little doubt the transaction between herself and Starfleet Command would be picked up by the Legion nanites lurking in the communications grid, especially if they were programmed to look for any references to *Resurrection*, might pinpoint her right away.

She pulled up the holographic screen, which projected in front of her, and reached out into thin-air to “tap” the icon to open a channel. Preet took a deep breath and carefully chose the words she’d use to respond.

“This is shuttle Osiris,” she said, hoping Legion was unaware of the name of Resurrection’s auxiliary craft. “I have business at Starfleet Command. Transmitting authentication codes.”

The line was silent for a moment, then the controller returned, “You’re cleared to land at Starfleet Headquarters. We’ll implement automated control of your vessel when you enter Earth’s atmosphere.”

“Understood,” Preet replied. “*Osiris* out.”

Meanwhile…

Seraphim stepped into a chamber off his office in the place Legion called it’s base of command and activated the holographic communications pad. A couple minutes passed, until finally Archangel appeared – his face shrouded in the shadows as usual.

“Sorry, Seraphim, I had to excuse myself from a meeting,” Archangel said. “What is it?”

“The *USS Resurrection*’s shuttlecraft is landing at Starfleet Headquarters within the next 10 minutes,” said Archangel. “The pilot did not identify herself nor the nature of her visit. There have been no communications from *Resurrection* in more than 24 hours.”

Archangel was silent a moment, “An unannounced visit by the ship’s sole shuttlecraft. Interesting.”

“I wanted to make you aware,” Seraphim said. “I have no one available to put a tail on this pilot. I can’t get an operative there soon enough.”

The darkened shape of the man raised a hand to wave off Seraphim’s concerns, “Don’t worry. I’ll find out soon enough. See if you can find out where *Resurrection* is currently.”

“Yes Archangel,” he said. “Seraphim out.”

Starfleet Command

Lt. Commander Preet arrived at Starfleet Intelligence on the campus of Starfleet Headquarters and was cleared through at the front desk to travel up to the eighth floor of the building, where Admiral Sorvek’s office was located. She took the turbolift up to that floor and within a matter of moments found herself in the admiral’s office.

Sorvek looked up at her from behind his desk and raised a curious eyebrow, “Commander Preet. What bring you here? I was not aware you were on Earth.”

She approached his desk and gave him a concerned look, “Admiral, is this room secure?”

The Vulcan’s expression remained unchanged, “I believe so….” He paused, then stood. “But come with me, we will make certain our conversation is not overheard.”

He led her down a corridor and soon they arrived at a small transporter room. A young ensign manning the station there looked at the two and stood up at attention for the admiral.

“At ease,” Sorvek said. “Ensign, transport us to Site 33-Beta from my personal destinations.”

The ensign nodded and brought the transporter online. Once Sorvek and Preet were standing on the pad, he engaged the transporter and the pair dematerialized.

A moment later, they rematerialized out of swirling columns of light and were standing in Yosemite National Park, under the vertical rock formation of El Capitan. It was mid-afternoon and Preet immediately could feel the heat of the sun bearing down on her face.

“My apologies, commander,” Sorvek said, clasping his hands behind his back as he began to stroll along a trail. “I visit here sometimes when I need fresh air and clarity for my thoughts. A fellow Vulcan once wrote of a trip he took to this place and spoke very highly of it.”

“It’s beautiful,” said the Trill. “I spent some time in Yosemite while I was in the academy. I always enjoyed it here.”

Sorvek turned to Preet as they walked, “So, commander, why has Captain Lazarus sent you here in his only shuttlecraft? I’m assuming there is some issue he feels he cannot discuss on an encrypted channel.”

Preet stopped and took a deep breath, “Admiral, Lazarus and Commander Vree believe Legion has infected Starfleet communications with nanites programmed to spy on Shadow Operations specifically…possibly on others.”

Sorvek considered Preet a moment, then slowly nodded, “While I’ve never heard of nanites achieving such a level of autonomy, I would not doubt what this Legion is capable of. I assume Resurrection is under a communications blackout?”

She nodded, “For more than a day. That’s why they dispatched me here, to convey the message.”

Sorvek looked around the base of El Capitan and pondered the situation for a moment. “I will need you to take this message to Admiral MacLeod aboard the Fearless. He and his crew are out near the Klingon border trying to ascertain the situation on Qo’noS. I will provide you with coordinates before you depart. I would like you to stay long enough for me to attend a meeting I have at 1600 hours. I may have further information for you to relay to MacLeod and Lazarus.”

“Understood,” she said. “I’ll grab something to eat, a short nap and then I’ll be ready to go. It will take the better part of a day for me to reach the Klingon border.”

Sorvek nodded, “Good job, commander.” He tapped his comm-badge, “Ensign Gill, two to transport.”

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.02

Mayla stood on the edge of the bluff overlooking Jarran Falls on Risa. This was her father's program; the place where he always came to contemplate. What he contemplated varied, from lost friends, the death of his wife and child, his continued career with Starfleet and Shadow Operations, remembering back to simpler times when ignorance was the portent to happy bliss. Although the latter always evaded him; chased away by his past experiences and wisdom.

She used the program for something different. She came here to remember her father, her adopted family, and Bravo Squad. She came here when there were troubling times she was about to go through. Similar times when Shadow Operations was threatened to be dismantled, the teams were quickly dissolved and personnel reassigned elsewhere. Admiral Sorvek saw to that quickly as he could always read the direction the wind was blowing. With the betrayal by Admiral Erik Jaegar, Sorvek's vigilance in keeping those closest to him in positions of importance quickly went procedural as if it was already planned ahead of time. In which it actually was. Years before, another Shadow Ops admiral had betrayed Shadow Operations and ever since then the Vulcan logically kept his assets compartmentalized and spread out.

Mayla's Echo Team had remained within Starfleet Intelligence, but Cale's Delta Team and Toshi's Sierra Team were both reassigned away to an undisclosed assignment. She would never admit it to them outloud, but she missed her sibko. Ever since they attended the Academy together, it bonded them beyond their original genetic make up.

She immediately brushed the thoughts away. That was the Vree in her, sentimental and sympathetic to one's self. That was a characteristic that was learned from Kyril. Her genetics were still Linea, even though her training and memories were Federation. The door behind her suddenly swooshed open and soft footfalls on the freshly mowed grass approached her.

"Wow, I haven't been here in years." Daryl stopped to stand beside her taking in the breathtaking sight. The moist fragrant air of flowers and trees, the filtered setting sun light, the rainbow of shimmering colors in the cascading waterfalls, the gentle sway of the trees bordering each side of the river that fed it, and the soft roar of the water hitting the lake a two hundred meters below them. "There is one thing missing though," he said with a smirk.

"The couch." She simply said. She looked over to him. "What are you doing here so late in the evening? Are you ready to get back into a sim so soon? Maybe something less strenuous and more calisthenic?"

Something twinged in Daryl's memory. "Not one of Bryce's programs, I hope?"

She gave him a smile. Jackson Bryce, her godfather, was always pushing his exercise program that promoted inner concentration, focus, and peace. She suspected he used it to help him focus on his present life instead of what his life could, or might, have been as a Draconian Minstrel. "It does have many benefits. It might help you."

He sighed and gave in. He always thought Bryce's calisthenic programs were a waste of time in his younger days. But that was nearly 2 decades ago. Maybe the combination of rigorous aerobic movements combined with yoga cool downs in between was a good stress reliever. He briefly thought back to their last sim, and decided it may help him. "Okay, I'll give it another try."

"You are older now, maybe you'll come to appreciate it to settle and calm your mind. You may be on a mission, but sometimes it's important to just take a moment." She clapped him on the shoulder. "And maybe later we can have a buffalo burger afterwards."

He made a face. "Ack, not that replicated stuff."

"Well, replicator tech has come along way in the past 30 years. Did you hear about the time Kindred wanted to try one and I tried to make it for her?"

He shook his head. "I only knew her for a few weeks before I was kidnapped." A faint smile appeared on his face. “She was an attractive and intriguing woman. But also already involved with someone.“ His thoughts dwelled back to that time. To that mission, on Earth at Starfleet HQ. He remembered it still vividly, the explosions, the androids attacking, the fight, up until the part where he was mortally wounded and slowly sank away into oblivion, Kindred’s face being the last thing he saw. He sighed deeply and pushed it away, focusing back on the present

Mayla nodded with understanding and reprimanded herself for not remembering that this Thompson was kidnapped from a Bravo Epsilon Seven mission on Earth just a week or so after Kindred Dakota had transferred to the team from the USS Ticonderoga.

"Well, the smell of burger meat permeated into the deck walls after the explosion and stayed for a week. I'll tell you more about it later." She took a few steps away from him. "Computer, load program Bryce Calisthenic One Alpha, beginner's level."

The bluff and waterfall dissolved, replacing it with a meadow setting just an hour before sunset. The holo-image of former Bravo Squad member, Jackson Bryce, appeared in a traditional Draconian acolyte robe and waited to begin the lesson. The AI in the program would create a dynamic procedure as they moved from one exercise to another depending on their progress.

"Let's begin," she said, giving Daryl an encouraging smile.

Daryl grimaced and nodded. “OK, I’ll give it a try. “ he said. He looked at Bryce, and shortly reminisced again about a time long gone. Then he pushed the thoughts away, and stood to attention.

Bryce smiled. “Welcome, and a good morning,” he said and started easy with some exercises to warm up. But it eventually progressively got harder. The harder they worked, the harder the holo-Bryce worked them.

Mayla could see the increasing difficulty for Daryl and stopped the exercise. "Is it getting too hard now?"

Daryl tried to catch his breath and just nodded. She wasn't even breathing hard. "Computer, reset difficulty to moderate."

"I'd say you are trying to get off easy on this one, youngster," Bryce said.

Mayla gave him a face. "And I remember you were the one who said doing your best will only make other people expect better of you."

Bryce harumphed and waited for them to begin a new set of revolutions.

Commander T’Aayla Raillius

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.02

As soon as they rematerialized on Kazis 9, T’Aayla scanned her surroundings.   Hole-in-the-wall was indeed a seedy place, with a myriad of races moving about, trying not to attract undue attention to themselves, and generally trying to mind their own, probably illegal business.  The surroundings exactly matched its inhabitants… seedy and suspicious.   “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy…” she whispered to herself.

“We must be cautious,” Ryramorl agreed, recognizing the line.

She turned Ry and Ree, as she had named them in her head, “Okay, cut the bullshit, Reepchip looks like he is going to stroke out any minute. What’s up?   If you two need medical care, that’s fine- it will be a perfect cover for us being here, but I need to know your capabilities.”  She eyed the swaying Muran atop Ryramorl who looked for all the world like a sad besotched sloth about ready to fall out of its perch in a tree.

“I’m fine,” said Ryramorl.  “But Reepchip needs help.” He pointed up a street.  “Just down that street, there’s a Carnora neighborhood--mostly mercenaries, but also those who equip those mercenaries and doctors to patch them up.  There's one I know well.”  He looked at his outfit.  “I could do with some armour as well.”  The armour he had brought aboard the Resurrection was his Special Forces gear, and that would not do.

With Raillius’s approval, Ryramorl set off with the confidence of one who had been here before and knew exactly where he was going. Indeed, nobody here gave the Carnora a second glance.  And then they were in the neighborhood.  The place was absolutely crawling with Murans, while other Carnora--some Olverns, others clearly different, with webbed hands and thick, sleek tails (Ryramorl explained they called themselves Atarans) went about their business.  Ryramorl jerked his head towards a shop.  "This one."  As they approached, they heard an excited roar from one of the buildings.  An Olvern--apparently younger--came forth, and Ryramorl roared back. The two met in the street and began rubbing their faces against each other, rumbling.

[First Name!  Has your long hunt ended so soon?] asked the younger one.

[Sadly no, I do not know when it will end.  It has only passed through here, and then it will lead me away. He gestured to Raillius.  [This is one of the Hunt Leaders.] He let T'Aayla introduce herself.

“Hi, call me Skyy.”

The younger Olvern looked at the Romulan in surprise. [Your hunt is strange indeed.]

Ryramorl turned to Raillius.  “This is Second Name of Ryramorl in the La’an Tribe of Ra’yral.  He is my nephew, and a good healer.” The elder Ryramorl turned back to his nephew.  [Reepchip needs help.  He strained himself badly in a Spirit-Calling.  We need to talk to Sasso Charatetet.]

[I am apprenticed to her!  Let us go see her.]  They entered the building--and it seemed that for all the Carnora had Warp Techology, they’d remained a race of a thousand years ago. The walls were covered in mystic runes, crystals were set in fantastic designs, and it smelled like incense was burning somewhere.  Second Name Ryramorl went behind a curtain, then came out behind a tiny Muran.  She signed a greeting to them and gestured to them to sit down.  The Ryramorls sat on the floor without a word.  She then went to fill five brown cups with water (including two tiny ones for her and Reepchip).  Then she gave T’Aayla a most seeing look, and took out a sixth cup--this one completely white--and filled it.  She set it along with a brown cup before T’Aayla, getting a surprised look from Reepchip.

The elder Ryramorl asked for a pen and paper, and wrote a note, passing it to T’Aayla.  Reepchip and the younger Ryramorl pointedly looked away, respecting First Name Ryramorl’s wish to keep the message private. “The white cup is for the ghost of your past,” the note said. “Shamans of her rank are trained to recognize these ghosts.  If you drink it, it means you are comfortable with her presence. Federation Standard is a cooking pot made of ice when it comes to explaining these things.”

T’Aayla scowled briefly, and forced a smile to the elder Muran to be polite.   “This is your world Ry and I have no idea what you mean about pots of ice.  I’ll wait outside while you deal with Ree.”  Turning back to the old Muran, she said, “Excuse me.” She rose stiffly and walked outside.

There was a silence, and the four of them looked at each other awkwardly.  The old muran narrowed her eyes, then turned to the elder Ryramorl.  [Let me see Reepchip.]

First Name Ryramorl helped Reepchip down, and signed to the old Muran. [He strained himself in a Spirit Calling.  He tried to contact Carnor from too great a distance.]

The old Muran looked Reepchip over.  [There is more here than a simple straining.]

[More I may not say.]

The old Muran chittered to the younger Ryramorl, who picked up Reepchip and took him into the back.  Before long, the Olvern was out.  [She’s taking care of him.]  He sat by his uncle.  [You know that the Holder of our name has died,] Second Name Ryramorl said.

[Myaral sent me a tablet about that.  I will grieve him.  He also said I was getting some of his bones.]

[Shall I let my father know you’re here?]

[Only that I’m passing through, and only if he will hear the message soon.]

[He’s in Ranogh.]

[Then let Myaral know.]

[Do you know what you hunt?] asked the younger Ryramorl.

[Today, we hunt Gaish.]

[I would not share water with him if I drank it first,] Second Name Ryramorl growled.  [Last I heard, he’s here.  Not sure where his hideout is, but it’s in this district, I know that.  Liral and Lyral D’Hronarin are on planet, and they would know where he is.]

[For a price], the elder responded, amused.

The curtains parted, and Reepchip was still on all fours, but already he looked better and he wasn’t shaking anymore.  The old Muran signed to them.  [As I do not know the true nature of his sickness, I cannot do the proper rituals.  I can only give him drinks to ease his symptoms.]

[That will be enough,signed First Name Ryramorl.]   He’d brought some Latinum with him to use on the planet, and handed a few slips over,

brushing her paw as he did so.

[You should carry him for a while longer,she let them know. The elder Ryramorl nodded, and hoisted Reepchip back to his shoulders. The old Muran gave the elder Ryramorl several vials. [These are more of the medicine she gave him.  He will recover. He has strained himself but not beyond recovery, and he needs to do certain meditations to help him heal.]

As they left the shop, several Carnora were gathering in a circle, with two youngsters in the middle, eyeing each other.  An adult was signing to the two and getting curt responses.  Ryramorl gave a pulsing growl of a chuckle.  “A strip of latinum says the Olvern ties the Ataran’s tail in a knot,” he said  He knew they didn’t have time to watch the impending fight; he just wanted to see Raillius’s response.

“We’re not here to wager on fights, we’re here to find Gaish.   Do any of your people have information on Gaish’s location?”

“Second Name Ryramorl confirmed he is here.  But he’s not the one who would know exactly where he is.  The mercs around here would, though.  I was vague about how well known he is, but truth be told, every Carnora mercenary has dealt with him one way or another, even if we don’t like him.  In other words--a Carnora wanting to do business with Gaish? What else is new?”  He scratched his chin. “Our best bet would be twins known as Liral and Lyral D’Hronarin. I’ve known them for a long time, and they, too, are here on this planet.”

“All right, that’s actually good.  It won’t sound any alarms if a Carnora contacts him again. Let’s find the twins.”

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.03

She walked over to a boulder and sat down, taking a sip from her water bottle. She watched Daryl carefully for any signs of overexertion. "Let's take a break."

Daryl walked over and sat down on the grass next to her. He spread out his legs and started some stretching to alleviate a little bit of soreness in his thighs. He lifted his face briefly at the dimming sunlight and breathed in the deep clean air. Deep down inside he knew this was just the recycled and manufactured air of the ship, but the holodeck mixed different compounds to give it the smell of the meadow. It was peaceful here. The thought surprised him. When was the last time he thought like that?

"How are you feeling?"

"Considering what Bryce put us through, I feel pretty good," he responded with a big smile.

"You haven't seen what I'm going to put you through yet," Bryce said from his position three meters away.

The Trill commander lifted up the palm of her hand to him. "Give us some quiet time, Bryce. Come back in 20 minutes."

He gave her a pouting look and de-rezzed. Mayla laughed at the false gruffness of the Draconian and let out a deep sigh. She missed him. Then quickly pushed the thought aside and focused her attention back to Daryl. He had a look on his face that said he had a question for her.

"What is it?" She asked, taking another sip from her canteen.

"You mentioned Kindred earlier. I only knew her for a week or two." He ran a hand over his face, feigning wiping some sweat away but more so to cover his discomfort at asking this next question. "She was the one who found me skewered to the wall on Earth. It was her first mission with the team. How did she come out after that? Was she okay?"

The question caught Mayla a bit off guard. The mission wasn't on any Starfleet records as it 'never' happened. It was unsanctioned, unauthorized, and never talked about. Even though this Daryl Thompson wasn't there for the outcome of the mission, and the other Thompson was already dead, maybe he should know what happened. What really happened after he was kidnapped away without the Team's knowledge.

"You understand everything I tell you is confidential, even from Starfleet or anyone else." Mayla gave him a hard stare to signify she was deadly serious.

"I understand. I'm not allowed to talk to anyone about it."

Mayla thought back to those memories she had 'inherited' from her father. "You and Kindred were teamed up to shadow a certain member of the Federation Council in Paris. Your identities were compromised and they broke into the apartment you were using as a base of operations. When Kindred found you, they had already worked you over and you died. Due to intervention from people from the future, they were able to restore your life and heal your wounds."

"It was a large piece of wall stabbed through my chest," Daryl said. "No amount of medical attention could have repaired that!"

She just shrugged her shoulders. "Either way, it was done. Kindred was distraught over losing a team mate she was responsible to provide back up for. And she failed. It haunted her for a few years after that. It cracked her self-confidence for a long time until Ky was reported missing and she had to take over as team leader." She waved that point away. "Anyways, according to your report, you don't remember anything after you were supposedly dead. A cover story had to have been fabricated by Section 31 to even show you were on Earth at the time as Bravo Epsilon Seven and the Intruder weren't supposed to be there and all the records were purged."

Daryl gave her a nod. "I see."

"So, beyond what was in your report, what really did happen to you after you woke up, alive?"

"It was a blur at first. Voices, shapes, lights and shadows. Sometimes the voices were clear, sometimes it felt as if they were slowed down, deformed. I felt pain, almost everywhere, with my chest being the epicentre of it." His eyes became unseeing as his mind replayed the limbo he was in. "I floated in and out of consciousness. When I finally woke up, I was in some really advanced medbay. With equipment I had never seen before. I was lying on an advanced biobed, strapped up so I couldn't move. However, they took good care of me. The nurses were friendly, as were the doctors." He paused for a minute remembering a flash of a face, and didn't recognize it until he refocused on his commander's face. "Oh wow. You were there."

Mayla gave him a bemused look. "I was?"

"Not as you were back then, not a child. But somewhat as you are now," he said slowly, coming to terms to what he was told and what he remembered.

"I probably was there. It was the Bravo Squad of the future that saved you on the ship they arrived in." She said carefully, treading around the incident with as little facts as possible. The mission, after all, was still a secret.

He just shook his head as the memory passed. "I lost track of time, as I slipped in and out of consciousness. They apparently drugged me. By the time I woke up, I was someplace else and didn't recognize anyone."

"That's when they took you. According to Kyril, you were transported over to the Intruder and you were kept there in the Infirmary until they returned to EpSeven. But then on their way home, the Breen attacked Earth and the Intruder turned around and joined the battle. Section 31 must have taken advantaged of that distraction to secretly replace you on the ship." She gave him a nod to continue his story.

"I guess after three to four weeks while I was still recuperating, agents of Section 31 came to talk to me. They tried to persuade me to come work for them." Daryl looked over the meadow. "I refused. At first, they were all friendly and there were just these talks. I repeatedly asked them why they kept me imprisoned, but got an answer that didn't make sense or no answer at all. Then, one day, the torturing started. " Daryl swallowed. His mouth was dry. He took a few sips from the bottle of water. It was hard. Everytime he thought back at that time, it was horrible. It wasn't just a thought. It was as if the experience came to life. Daryl had learned techniques to handle them without panicking. With intense therapy, Daryl had learned to accept what had been done to him. Yet, he couldn't suppress a shiver.

"Are you ok? " Mayla asked, getting ready to call for the holographic doctor in case he had another seizure of sorts.

"Yes. Just give me a moment. Everytime I think back to that time, I need to cope with it anew. Accept it, but not letting the panic take over." Daryl took another sip before he continued.

"The torturing started once my wounds were healed. It started with physical abuse. I was tied to a chair, and with four, five men they beat the living crap out of me. They knew how to inflict pain without damaging too much. They tried to break me. Old fashioned torture methods, like waterboarding, suffocation, strangulation...they also used chemicals that burned my skin to the bone, then they regenerated it, and continued. The same process with knives. Cut deep, regenerate...Then after a while, they also started the mental torture. Constantly exposed to bright lights, stroboscopic lights,.and the sounds. High frequency noise, in a deafening volume. Brainwashing methods, numbing the mind with endless pictures of horrifying things. Day after day. More than 2 dozen times, they had first drugged me and I woke up, only to have my room change into some nightmarish place. Awful creatures hunting me, but also others. Catching them, ripping them to shreds, or just playing with them, tossing them around, breaking limbs, biting them. Enough to make them scream so hard….." Daryl shook his head. "I still have nightmares about it....Afterwards I thought it had to be a holodeck. It was too vivid only to be a dream or drug induced delirium...At least, I think it was. They never said anything about it. "

Daryl suppressed another shiver. "Then, one day, they threw me in the brig of a ship. I had lost track of time by then, but apparently, about 8 months had passed. KiAfter a week or so, they dumped me on Erras IV. The torturing there was less frequent, but the work itself was hell."

Mayla listened attentively as she watched his facial expressions, reliving his experiences during repeated torture sessions. How he was able to continue and survive, even to continue living, was a monumental achievement. His post traumatic syndrome was still prevalent in soldiers these days. She thought back to her own memories of Janara Vree's constant tortures while held captive as a prisoner of the Romulan Star Empire. She didn't know it, but she made a face remembering the pain and stroked the side of her face.

Daryl saw that same pained tortured look he'd seen in his own mirror. He hadn't seen Mayla ever since she was a little girl, and he knew nothing of her experiences as a Starfleet officer. Could she have gone through the same? He must know. Now it was his turn to ask her the same.

"What is it? That look on your face tells me you know something about this." He suddenly felt sad for her as he sometimes still saw her as that little girl Bravo Epsilon Seven was so protective of.

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.04

She came out of the memory and put her hand down. "It's a memory from Kyril. A former host of his, Commander Janara Vree, XO of the *USS Lexington*. Her ship was hijacked and captured by the Romulans. The ship was reversed engineered and they tortured her and her crew everyday for months. The captain was made to watch each member of his crew being tortured before he succumbed to killing himself. She became the ranking officer and began planning their escape. One day long after their incarceration began, of her crew of 185, only 22 were left alive. With her own life just barely holding on, they executed their escape plan. They lost seven crew members while escaping. And only when she knew the remaining 15 of her crew and their stolen shuttle was picked up by a Federation starship, she finally died."

Daryl now remembered an event that occurred with her father. The death of a previous host shouldn't affect an subsequent host, but this particular one affected him profoundly. It was as if her death had been unresolved in the symbiont.

"I remember stories I heard from Bryce about what Janara went through during torture. They peeled off half of her face," he said with a near shudder.

"Yes, and other parts of her body."

"Wait a minute," he suddenly said. "You have that memory because to save your life, all of Vree's memories had to be copied over to you for some reason." His eyes lit up with the memory. "I remember that. I didn't understand how all that worked." He suddenly felt the pain of loss in his chest. "It was around the time my father died when the USS Atlantis was destroyed during the war."

His shoulders slumped over and his voice was brought down to a near whisper. "So you do understand what it's like. The despair, the wish to be dead rather than to be tortured day in and day out, the things no person should ever go through, and the cruelty of it all."

Mayla got down on the grass and sat in front of him, brushing aside her own accessed memories of being tortured. "I do, and those memories and experiences became my memories and experiences. I can't tell you how I handled it as it's far in the past for me. But Kyril handled it by learning to be strong willed and determined." She paused for a moment before deciding to go further. "It made him determined to protect each member of his team. He was almost obsessed with it. The other Thompson had those qualities at first. He looked to the support of his teammates right up to the point until he betrayed them all and joined Section 31. But he wasn't tempered and humbled by the experience of constant torture, so it made him reckless and belligerant. But you have those experiences which makes you a different person from he was."

Daryl looked up, facing Mayla, then he looked away, behind her. For a few moments it was silent, then Daryl faced Mayla again. He hesitated and looked down at his legs, looking for words. Then looked up again.

“When I was on Andoria, with Legion, I had this talk with that Archangel figure. He tried to persuade me to join Legion. From a tactical point of view, it would only be logical to play the game, hoping you survive long enough to get out one way or the other. He tried to poison my thoughts with doubt and hate against Starfleet. Asking me why they didn’t come to save me. It was not convincing for me, as for Starfleet, I was a traitor. So from that point of view it didn’t make sense. Yet, it made me think about how Starfleet has changed the past 20 years. It might just be me, to readjust and fit in again after 15 years of imprisonment. On the other hand...Legion couldn’t pull this off if people were satisfied and happy with their lives. At least, it wouldn’t be that easy. I know that it’s always possible to start a revolt against the authorities.“

Daryl looked at Mayla, and continued “What I want to say is, that during my time with Legion, I really was doubting my place here for a few times. I didn’t care for the cause of Legion, don’t get me wrong. I just wonder who I am, and what my purpose is. I sometimes feel so detached from everything. Yet, in my heart, there is still something that keeps me going. To do “the right thing”. Keeps me sane, for the most part. To hunt the forces of evil.“ A grin appeared on his face.

Mayla raised an eyebrow “What's so funny?”

“Because I sound like one of those superheroes from those silly old video movies from times long gone. Times when the Earth was on fire. “ Pondering for a few moments, he added, “For that fact, it hasn’t changed much. It’s just not only Earth. It’s the whole galaxy.” His face became serious again. “We’ve come a long way, yet, there are still wars. There is still greed, and hate. Still that thirst for power. It’s just not only us humans, now it spans a whole galaxy and several dozens of alien species. That’s quite the irony isn’t it?”

She looked at his somber face and gave him a slow nod, giving the same thoughts running through her head some consideration. "It's the evolution of any civilization. So you feel everything we do doesn't make a difference if the universe continues its journey into chaos?"

"Chaos is a strong word," he rebuked.

"Well, the opposite of chaos is order, and I don't think I'd like to be part of the Borg collective." Mayla watched him carefully as she brought up the Borg. "As long as sentient life has free will, there will always be conflict. Everyone has different ideas as to how to use that free will. I chose to protect those who rely on me for protection. I chose an organization I believe in hopes they will choose to do the right thing for the betterment of its people than for any political motive."

Daryl was staring at the grass in between them pondering what she was saying. Was he strong enough to put his imprisonment behind and move forward, or would he trap himself and wallow in his past?

"Look, I know those 15 years is extremely difficult to leave behind. Section 31 really did you a disservice, and that's one of the reasons the organization no longer exists." Mayla said slowly, stopping short of saying that it also ended Shadow Operations.

"But here you are," he said, looking at her. "Still a covert operative for Starfleet Intelligence."

Her eyes turned hard. "Starfleet Intelligence has always been jealous of Shadow Operations. We were the 'good' child in the organization. We followed orders as best as we could and brought back results without a clandestine agenda. Section 31 was an extremist organization that went too far in their ideals stated in the Federation Charter." Her eyes turned sad. "They approached Kyril several times to recruit him. He turned them down every time."

Daryl ran a hand through his hair. "And they recruited the other Thompson."

"Yes, they did. And he paid the price for it."

Daryl had read the Bravo Squad reports he had access to. The things the clone Thompson did, and the actions Bravo Squad had taken to bring him in made Daryl almost afraid to ask the next question. But he had to know since Kyril Vree wasn't here to provide an answer.

"Would Ky have killed him?"

"Yes," she responded without hesitation. "If there was no other choice." She could see Daryl respond physically to that answer. "But he didn't. He captured him and brought him in."

"But not before shooting him up." Daryls said with a slight tone of hostility.

"Daryl, you have to understand the circumstances at the time. The clone had murdered a Starfleet captain who was in custody. Melted her face and head while she slept in her cell. Even though she was suspected to be a Section 31 agent, he killed her before she could be questioned. Bravo Squad was sent to pursue and to bring him back. And Lazarus wasn't too keen on that idea at the time. On a side note, your clone was about to shoot Kindred at point blank range when Kyril shot him first."

"This is making me feel a whole lot better about my place here, Mayla, thanks alot." He tried to give her a wry smile.

"My father has changed a lot since you saw him last."

"Trials and tribulations, huh?"

Mayla sighed, thinking about even how much her life had changed since entering the Academy. "It took restraint for Kyril to not kill him on the spot." Mayla's deadly tone let up. "What I'm saying is, you are the product of your own choices, now. HE is the product of HIS own choices. Shadow Operations hasn't been around for seven years and the Federation has changed. The galaxy has changed. We have to change with it, and there's always a need for people like us to protect the Federation in the shadows. Besides, we have a better track record." Now she gave him a smile.

Daryl nodded and smiled a faint smile before he looked down and away from Mayla. But she was right. He would have to let go from the actions and decisions his clone had taken. Also, he would have to accept his time in imprisonment. It was his life. It shaped him into what he was...a true and loyal member of Shadow Operations. He would never, ever betray them like that son of a b\*tch of a clone had done. He looked back at Mayla.

"You are right. We damn right have a better track record. And hell if I'm gonna squander that. It's time I take control of my life again. And kick some ass along the way." Daryl got up and grinned. "Let's do another round. I need to get in better shape. No mercy this time."

Bryce materialized right in front of them. "I heard that," he stated with that typical gaze Daryl remembered from the Draconian Minstrel.

"Bring it on, my friend," Daryl stated,as he got ready. He knew Bryce would push him past his limits, and he would regret it. But Daryl had made a decision. He would get back in shape, and back in full effect to become again a valuable asset to the team.

"I wouldn't encourage him too much, Daryl. We have a holosim with the captain and Jakhar at 0800 tomorrow." Mayla said calmly with just a slight bit of mirth. Then she secretly gave Bryce a smirk, who in turn, gave her a wink.

Daryl shrugged, as he started with the next revolution of exercises, silently hoping it wouldn't be last for the evening. This 'quiet' time with Mayla was making him feel better about his past, what he was doing in his present, and what he wanted to do for his future.

An intense hour later, he was literally kicking himself for egging Bryce to push his limits. He was tired and tripping over himself. Mayla called it a night and helped his sore body back to his quarters. With a smile as she left, she reminded him of the holosim at 0800.

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## S2, E2, Act 4: Tracking Down the Arms Dealers

Special Forces Agent Sasso Charatetet

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.06

A wise Carnora knew that the best place to hide something was beneath notice, and that's exactly where the Carnora Special Forces hid their agents-as vendors, freighter crew, or in the case of Sasso Charatetet, as a medic.  She knew First Name Ryramorl was tasked with finding out what was going on in the Federation and was not surprised to find him here.  She'd also overheard that First Name Ryramorl was looking for Gaish while he was talking to his nephew.  She looked at her clock, and saw it was about time to make her report to Special Forces Headquarters.

A wise Carnora knew that the best place to hide something was beneath notice, and that's exactly where she hid her Spirit Crystal Array--in a room she used when she told fortunes, getting "visions" from an arrangement of crystals set on an elaborate wooden base inlaid with gold and silver and semi-precious stones.  Let non-Carnora roll their eyes at such superstition, her information came not just from the Spirit Crystal Array Network but also from the many fellow agents and allies she had on the planet and elsewhere.

A wise Carnora knew that the best place to hide something was beneath notice, and that’s how she hid her reports to the Carnora Special Forces--by withdrawing to that room to “meditate.”  [Stand Guard,] she ordered her apprentice as she went into the room.  Second Name Ryramorl nodded.  Anyone who asked for her would be told she was meditating and could not be disturbed.

She placed her paws on the crystal and concentrated, activating the Crystal Array.  Her Mindprint allowed her access to the Array network used by the Special Forces.  Before long, she felt another presence.  <Agent Shaman Sasso, House of Chara, Clan of Tet.  Reporting,> she said telepathically into the crystal.

<Warlord Hroljarus Andruvar, through Shaman Sarran House of Joma, Clan of Tet.  Proceed.>

Sasso had quite a bit of information--Liral and Lyral were back on Kazis IX, Gaish had run afoul of one of his dealers but had somehow mollified her into making a run into Rura Penthe by offering her a cloaking device.  People tended to forget what sharp ears Murans tended to have, or the fact that they knew more languages than they let on, and she always had a few of her race eating at various restaurants, well-trained in looking completely disinterested.

<First Name Ryramorl in the La'an Tribe of Ra'yral has arrived.  He is with my kin Reepchip and a Romulan who calls herself Skyy--but the name fits her poorly.  He wants to find the dealer Gaish.>

<Ryramorl was sent to find what is destabilizing our ally, and now he seeks Gaish.  I'm not surprised,> Hroljarus responded.  <Tell him he's authorized to open the Roshaigaro Contract on Gaish, if he needs backup.>

<I will do that.>

She continued with her report, including the actions of the various Carnora mercenaries-as well as agent Ryramorl being directed to Liral and Lyral D'Hronarin.

A wise Carnora knew the best place to hide something was beneath notice--which was how Ryramorl had alerted the Carnora Special Forces to his whereabouts and doings without alerting suspicion. While Reepchip had needed treatment, Ryramorl well knew that Sasso spoke the Ra’yral dialect, and his talks with his brother let her know what he was doing on Kazis IX.

Lt. Ryramorl Ra'yral

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.06

Ryramorl had to ask--and give out a few slips of latinum--to find out where Liral and Lyral were currently headquartered, but he finally found the place they were.  Ryramorl had a cover story for wanting to deal with Gaish in mind--that Myaral was getting irritated with the Ro'ar tribes' posturing, and Ryramorl was putting things into place in case Myaral decided to do something.  The best part--it was totally true; the Ro'ar was an already powerful clan and were getting ready to inherit the Olvern Overking's throne.

As they approached the D'Hronarin's headquarters, Ryramorl rumbled in surprise  "...things have gotten interesting at home," he murmured to T'Aayla.  "I never thought I'd see Usarins out here."  If T'Aayla thought Ryramorl was a big guy, she was now looking at the largest of the Carnora--creatures that looked like some brutish crossing of bear and gorilla standing over 2 feet taller than even Ryramorl himself. Ryramorl made some signs to them, and the two monsters looked at each other.  One turned and went inside, while the other stood directly in front of a door, and pulled out a knife that on earth would be called a machete.  The one who remained outside rumbled something in his own language, but Ryramorl gave him an apologetic look and signed back.  The huge usarin eyed him, set the huge knife down, and signed back before retrieving his knife.  Ryramorl translated.  "What he signed, Skyy, was that Liral and Lyral wanted muscle, and this fellow and his brother wanted money."

"So, why the sign language?" asked T'Aayla.

"The Trade Language is a sign language because Murans and Usarins can't hear each other very well," responded Reepchip, taking care to sign what he was saying so the guard wouldn't get suspicious.  His voice was still a little weak, but at least he was well enough to speak.

Before long, the other Usarin came out and rumbled to his compatriot.  The two allowed the three to enter.  Inside, an Olvern led them through a crowd of some of the most bestial toughs T'Aayla had ever seen.  In a room sat the twins Liral and Lyral D'Hronarin in the Mountains.  Lyral smirked.  "First Name Ryramorl in the La'an Tribe of Ra'yral.  What in the Prince's maggot-infested, shit-covered birthing sack are you doing HERE?"

Liral looked over T'Aayla.  "With a Romulan, no less.  I'd guess...  House of Raillius?" ventured Lyral.

Lyral nodded.  "Raillius... Raillius... where did we hear that name before and why do you look familiar, Daughter of Raillius?"

"Because some Romulan tail-groomer wanted to hire us to take out the senator and his family a few Passings back," responded Liral.  He looked at T'Aayla with a chuckle.  "He ran into a snag:  Anyone with the smarts to pull it off had the smarts not to try.  NOBODY wanted the Romulan Empire's knife at our throat."  He turned back to Ryramorl.  "So.  What brings you three here?"

T’Aayla gave Ryramorl a look that indicated she wished him to proceed.  These were his people, he knew their customs, and could read their facial expressions and body language far better than she.

Ryramorl leaned back. “My brother Holder of the Name Myaral in all the Clans of the Ra’yral is looking at the Ro’ar as a potential threat.  You know they’ve absorbed the Roshaigaro Clan, which makes them next in line to be OverKings.  Myaral wants to be in a position to protect his clan from the Ro’ar--and send them a reminder that if the Ro’ar tries to claim more hunting grounds than they need, then the laws are just ink on scrolls.  So he sent me here to find a good dealer in energy weapons.”

Lyral looked at Skyy, then back at Ryramorl, but Ryramorl only twitched his tail, and Lyral made a slight movement of acceptance--one did not question a Rihannsu’s motives for getting involved in anything.

Ryramorl continued.  “Skyy here told me Gaish was a possibility, but she’s only heard of him, never dealt with him.”

Lieutenant Cody Beckett & Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

Andoria, surface

Stardate 2003.12

Cody nodded "It was," he replied. "We shouldn't make a habit of it if you ask me". Then he thought of something. "Since we were supposed to be dropped off over Bajor, I didn't think of packing gear for this winter climate. Did you?"

Tiri looked at Cody and shook her head, “I did, but there wasn’t enough time. The suits should keep us warm as long as we’re not out here after nightfall. We have about 4.5 hours until that happens.”

Cody thought of something else. "I think we should leave the cases here. With all the turmoil caused by Legion I doubt that the guards at the entrance points wouldn't want to know exactly what we are carrying with us. Or are there other ways to get underground?"

“The main access point is where we’re heading,” she told him. “But honestly, if they’ve heightened security on the planet I have my doubts we’ll be able to walk right through. There may be questions when we come waltzing through a security checkpoint trying to get into the city and we’re not dressed in winter survival gear, but instead this suit is for an orbital jumpsuit, carrying weapons and other military gear.”

"Good point," Cody stated. Tiri was right. He cursed inwardly for the last minute change of plans, while he assembled the maglev crates for transporting their gear.

The Andorian woman looked frustrated, “This change in plans really wasn’t well thought out.”

"I totally agree." Cody replied. "Yet it could've been a tactic from the Cap or Commander Vree in case even the ship was compromised by Legion. "

She hoisted her pack on her back. “You know, we weren’t supposed to use transporters from orbit or communications, but now that we’re here, we could try contacting this Ibragimov person and have him beam us down to his ship. It should show up as a site-to-site transport, not orbital to surface. I doubt it would raise any suspicions.”

Cody looked up from his work and gave her a thumbs up. "Clever thinking, ensign. " He got up and initialized the maglev crates. "Let's load up and move on towards the main entrance. When we are underway we try to contact Ibragimov. If that fails, we can try to get in via the main entrance. We'll find a way to hide our gear. I don't want to be outside when it gets dark. And not only because of the cold " Cody had activated the modified cloaking device of both crates and loaded up one crate while Tiri did the other. A few of the excavation tools they had to lift together, but within minutes Cody moved the last of the excavation tools into the crate and closed the lid. He tapped a few commands on his wrist padd, and both the crates aligned towards Cody and Tiri. He threw a phaser rifle over his shoulder and holstered a sidearm.

"Let's go" he said with a nod and both Shadow Ops operatives started their trip over the ice plains towards the main entrance of the underground city.

It was clouded, the sky was dark grey, but no ice rain or snow storm so far. Cody tried several times to contact Ibragimov on the frequencies he'd found in Ibragimov's file. So far they had no luck. As twilight came, they carefully moved over some hills of ice.

"Behind these hills you can see the entrance. It's still a 4 km walk. On the foot of the hills begins the sensor perimeter of the entrance." Tiri stated.

Cody nodded as he tried to contact Ibragimov again. Still no luck. He decided to send Ibragimov a message. As he was dictating the message, a gruff voice with a heavy accent suddenly came in .

"Who is this?"

Cody replied with a code word. "Silicon Serpents Soaring."

For a moment, it was silent.

"The connection is secured. Where are you?"

"Sending coordinates" Cody replied again, and he tapped in a few commands.

"Request for transport, we can't enter the city without being noticed," Cody added.

Again, it was silent. Then they were enveloped by a soft light and they felt the tingling sensation of a transport.

Both Tiri and Cody materialized, though it took much longer than normal. They.stood on a transporter padd, and Ibragimov stood there waiting.

A big man stood before them in the small transporter suite. He wore black military fatigue pants, combat boots and a black tank-top. His huge muscles bulged, with massive biceps covered in tattoos. His black hair was close-cropped to his head, as was his beard to his face. He looked at the two with steely eyes then slowly he nodded.

"Welcome aboard the Venomous" he stated. "I am Captain Yevgeni Ibragimov. Transport took a little longer because I had to check your biosignals.” He added, “Follow me, please. Bring your gear. I’ll show you your quarters. We have a lot to discuss."

Sh'avelith looked around the ship, “You have a crew?”

“Nyet,” he said, shaking his head. “Vell, not really. I have robot named Pascal. He is closest thing to crew Yevgeni have. Come, you meet.”

They squeezed through a narrow corridor and ended up in a large, living area within the ship. There was a place to lounge, a small galley and and entertainment center. Standing in one corner of the room was a humanoid robot, his “skin” a mix of gold and silver, his shape and height decidedly human.

“This is Pascal,” said Yevgeni. “Pascal, say hello to our guests.”

Pascal’s green eyes lit up and he moved, approaching the Shadow Operatives and giving a slight bow, “Welcome aboard,” he said, in a very mechanical voice.

“He is crew. Only other crew is EMH,” said Ibragimov. “Now, you, what are your names?”

Tiri was a little taken back by the large man. He was not like other humans she’d met. His speech was unusual, obviously a side-effect of his upbringing around Russians. Without exposure to other humans or other cultures, he’d probably grown up speaking his native language without universal translators.

He was also very physically fit. She wouldn’t doubt if somewhere aboard this ship was a workout facility complete with weights. Tiri also found it odd he had no other crew. The ship was small enough that one person could operate it, but it had to be lonely out here in space by himself.

He apparently had a robot. Which was very unusual. Most Alpha and Beta quadrant races didn’t use robots, though there were some outlying worlds that did -- probably where’d he’d acquired this unit.

At least it wasn’t a synthetic.

“I’m Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith, this is Lt. Cody Beckett,” she said. “Oh, and by the way, Captain Lazarus said to tell you hello. He’s sorry he couldn’t transport down to see us all off in person.”

Cody smiled as he saw the robot. Robots weren't unusual in the field of work he came from. They were less advanced than synthetics, yet they were excellent companions on ore mining platforms, tunnel excavators or corona particle collector stations. They walked across the lounge to the opposite corridor, which had 4 doors, 2 on each side.

"Pick one of the quarters. " The huge Russian captain stated. " Meet me in the lounge in half an hour. "I'll make some good food" Ibragimov's face split into a big grin "Eat, and discuss mission" he nodded, and walked away.

Half an hour later, Cody stepped outside of his quarter. Showered and fresh clothes made him feel a lot better. The crate had been too big for the quarter, so he had taken out all he needed, and Pascal had moved the crates to the Cargo bay of the ship. Cody was enlightened he could finally take off the orbital insertion suit. As he walked into the lounge, the smell of food approached him.

Yevgeni stood in the galley, stirring through a large pan. "That smells delicious" Cody said, as he sat down at the table. "Solyanka. Russian beef soup". Ibragimov said, without looking up " tasty and easy to make. Better than that replicator banda (= trash in Russian) " He continued, opening the oven to check the bread that was being made in there.

Within minutes, the soup was served with the bread.

Tiri stowed her gear in the tiny bunk area she was given and then changed into civilian clothing before heading to the galley where she found Beckett talking to Ibragimov, who was cooking that smelled delicious.

Soup and bread. She was impressed. Not replicator food and not rations. She got herself a bowl of the soap, broke off a chunk of bread and had a seat at the small table there.

“So, you know Captain Lazarus?” she asked. “I’m sure you have some stories?”

Yevgeni Ibragimov also got himself a bowl of soup and some bread before sitting down across from Tiri. He looked at the Andorian as she spoke and smiled as she asked the question.

“Da,” he said, nodding his head. “Quentin and Ibragimov were in Maquis. We killed many Cardassians. But not enough, I must say.” The big Russia laughed, “Lazarus, he is sly and cunning. Not like Yevgeni,” he laughed. “Me, I am more loud, brute force type.”

Beckett joined them at the table with his food and looked to the Russian, “He filled you in on what we’re looking for?”

Yevgeni chewed a piece of bread and nodded to Beckett, “Cardassian arms dealer called Krido Rit. I know this Cardie...he was once Gul Rit of the Obsidian Order. When the Cardassians joined the Dominion he objected so strongly that he was ordered to be executed by the Vorta Weyoun. Rit escaped with a group of his men and he sought wealth in the underworld. Became dealer in arms and illegal tech. He is said to be in hiding somewhere in the Badlands and operates in and around Cardassian space. He is known to have contacts on Deep Space Nine.”

Cody nodded and thought about the next step, while eating his soup. The soup was delicious!

“So, I guess our best bet would be to pay DS9 a visit “ Cody said, keeping in mind what Commander Vree had told him about Quark. “As I don’t see enough reason to dive into the Badlands trying to hunt our friend down. The Badlands are a pain in the ass in itself, let alone we need to find a weapons dealer there, who probably has a small army to defend him. We should rely on a little stealth at first. Once we knock on his door, we can show some muscle. However, do you have an idea what we are up against ? As I said, as a weapons dealer he probably has quite some firepower to protect himself….”

Yevgeni nodded, “He does. Yevgeni has had several encounters with Rit over the years. He surrounds himself with mercenaries from an outfit called the Gray Ghosts. Bard operators...shoot first, don’t bother to ask questions later.”

The Russian stood and carried his bowl over to the replicator, where he fed it into the disposal. “Rit deals in weapons, mostly surplus Klingon, Romulan and Cardassian. He also sells various kinds of black market technology. Captured Borg tech, stolen Federation tech. He is also the primary dealer of nanotechnology in this sector.”

Tiri looked up and frowned, “What kind of nanotech?”

“Various applications -- medical, industrial and agricultural. Over the years he has specialized increasingly in custom nanotech. People want nanites that do special things, they seek out Rit.”

“So, we would need a plan to get close to this Rit. We have a disadvantage that he knows you. Or at least might recognize you. How would we proceed ? We could show up as some people that want to discuss some custom nanotech stuff. Yet, you would have to stay on the background. Also, with the three of us we wouldn’t stand much chance against his mercenary armies. We’ve seen what kind of tech the Legion uses. Who knows what Rit has up his sleeve against his enemies. Any ideas ? “ He looked at Tiri and the big Russian captain.

The *Tachi Koma*

Rura Penthe, Klingon Space

Stardate 2003.13

"Shut down life support to all decks except for the bridge and transfer power to the cloaking device," Captain Tarika ordered from the helm station while she kept the ship from drifting too close to the wall of the icy mountain trench. The wind and snow blowing outside obscured her view out of the large oval shaped main viewport, so she could only navigate by what the proximity sensors were telling her. This was the second time the cloaking device field emitting generator was fluctuating.

"Aye," the holo-engineer said, sitting at a companion station not too far away. Being a hologram, he really didn't need to be 'sitting' anywhere. But his presence gave her some comfort to have someone to talk with. "It's going to get cold in here."

"Where are the power fluctuations coming from?" She asked, not breaking her concentration in keeping the ship from bumping into the trench wall.

"It seems to be another crossed connection in odn conduit in panel 47. Gaish's crew must have slipped and melded two leads together." His diagnosis came just as quick as she asked the question.

She ignored his response for the moment and hovered the ship. "We're hovering at three meters. Cargo bay doors opening," she announced over the comms as she pressed the activation keys. "Roll out and be on your way."

Down below deck, the 12 mercenaries with two large pallet crates of weapons and ordinance pushed out off the ramp and jumped to the snow. Tarika watched the visuals of the cargo bay and made a head count of bodies leaving the ship with the cargo. As soon as the last person was off, she pulled the ship away while closing the bay doors. Her job was done. Almost. She still had to navigate 20 kilometers through the maze of trenches to throw off any sensors that may have picked them up.

"Lennier, check the cargo bay. I want it clean."

"Affirmative." came the auto response from the computer running the holographic engineer she had named Lennier, after the Minbari acolyte with the ever-present calm demeanor. The personality came in handy when the myriad of different system modules on the ship didn't agree with each other, which happened often.

She increased speed, keeping one eye on the sensors outlining her path ahead and the other out the main view port in front of her which now gave her a computer-generated image extrapolated from the sensor readings. Without it, all she would see is the whiteout of snow swirling in the wind.

"Winds are calmer in the port trench," her holo-pilot said, currently 'sitting' at the navigation console. She had named the emergency navigation hologram Marcus, after a levelheaded human ranger she met once who always seemed to know what was the best course of action.

"I like that. I don't want to go back the way we came." Tarika swung the ship to the left and continued the path laid out before her. A few times she had to roll the ship on its side as the trench narrowed, but most of the time, the *Tachi Koma* passed through with plenty of clearance on either side of the forward swept wings of the ship. Keeping below the landscape kept them hidden from any casual surface observer. Not that a casual observer could see the cloaked ship in a billowing snowfall.

Even when her ship looked vaguely like a Romulan tactical scout ship. Seventy by seventy meters with three decks, it had a lot of room for the crew of 1. Heavy modifications applied to the ship was a jumble of different systems. The warp engines were from a salvaged Jem'hadar fighter, the twin polaron disruptors and emitter beam were tied directly into the warp engines, the twin Starfleet impulse engines and phaser arrays were taken from a Sovereign class starship, the Breen tractor beam, upgraded parallel computer systems, dedicated systems to separately run the holopilot, the holomedical officer, and the stolen prototype of the holoengineer. Nearly a quarter of the ship's extra space was to house all of these additional non-standard Romulan systems. The modifications made the *Tachi Koma* a more formidable ship than the ship originally was.

It had been very lucrative for her to take contract jobs from Gaish; someone who occasionally come across some decent piece of salvage or stolen goods. Most of her contracts with the Ferengi were done in the form of service for products trade, rather than straight latinum. For her, Gaish always threw in installation with whatever systems he had up for sale. Of course, the Ferengi didn't do it because she was one of his most reliable runners. Every time his crew installed a new system, she always found some sort of surveillance device that was 'left' behind. She had programmed the three holos (pilot, doctor, engineer), to always keep watch of everything Gaish's installation crew came on board to do. The three are constantly checking their code in case someone out there attempted to take over her ship. And they are always 'cleaning' the ship. Her way of ordering them to sweep the ship with sensors and visual inspection of every piece of equipment on board on a regular basis. What else was a hologram going to do when they weren't on mission?

Twelve kilometers later, the sensors gave out a faint blip for just a micro second. Tarika didn't notice it, but Marcus the holopilot did. Before he could say anything, she suddenly saw something that wasn't just part of the crevasse wall. A large shape appeared hovering just over the lip of the approaching fork; the outlined shape of a Klingon bird of prey.

"Hold," Marcus said, showing the pretense of pressing keys on the console. "It's one of the surface patrols. I don't think they see us."

Tarika's fluid fingers flew over the panel to bring the ship slowly to a halt. The snow whirling around them might show the outline of the cloaked ship. But if she kept the ship swaying a bit in the wind, it might look like the billowing snow was playing tricks on anyone's eyes. Their energy signature was masked, and she kept their heat signature to the absolute minimum. She had no doubt her ship could handle a fight with a single bird of prey, but what she worried about was more than one, or something even bigger and more deadly.

A map appeared on the main viewing port like a hud, a red line led a different path around the fork ahead of them. "Back us off about 200 meters and take the starboard pass," Marcus suggested.

The *Tachi Koma* backed away slowly until they reached the earlier fork, and Tarika slid the ship into their new path and increased speed. After a half kilometer, there was no sign of the bird of prey. It was now getting cold on the bridge. Five kilometers later, Tarika deemed it was far enough.

"Lennier, did you fix that fluctuation?"

"Aye, cloaking device is functioning nominally." He answered.

"Good. Bring life support back on and prepare for warp," she brought up the navigation controls that now hovered above the console. "I'm plotting a course to swing by Khitomer and cross the border there. I heard there are increased patrols along the Romulan border."

"And approach Kazis IX from the Federation side."

"Right." She checked the proximity sensors one last time before bringing the *Tachi Koma* out of the trench. She increased the sensors to 10 kilometers and it detected nothing except for snow. Angling the ship towards the sky, she slowly increased power to the impulse engines and the ship rose through the storm and entered the clouds. "Sensors at maximum. Let's see what's in orbit."

"We're all clear for our exit course."

She increased power to both impulse engines and the ship lurched forward, throwing them into orbit within a minute. "Set course for Khitomer, warp 7. Confirm that Dolphin is still running and take the helm."

"Confirmed. And acknowledged," Marcus responded without moving an inch. "Dolphin has been running without interruption ever since we left Kazis." Dolphin was her nickname for the surveillance package Starfleet Intelligence installed into the ship that would record all sensor readings and all communication bands in whatever space they traveled through.

Tarika rewarded herself with a smile and leaned back in her chair. Another contract done, and it got her an upgrade on the cloaking device. She looked around the hodge podge of modifications done to the ship that she made her own. She had gotten used to the solitary time she spent alone. In fact, she liked it. The holo programs only spoke when they needed to speak. Sitting in the captain's chair just behind the helm and tactical consoles, it gave her a glancing view at every station that was needed to run the ship.

A tall, blue skinned, hairless female in a robe suddenly materialized behind her with a hot cup of medicinal/herbal tea. "Captain, I have your tea for you."

Tarika gave the holo medical program an appreciative smile and took the cup. "Thank you, Zhaan. Nothing for you to do on this trip. We're going home."

The woman gave her a smile with comforting jade green eyes and a slight bow before derezzing. Zhaan was modeled after a delvian priestess Tarika had met once in the uncharted territories. Her holistic demeanor was just an act. Her database had the cumulative knowledge of more than just one empire, and to help her was an addon module that gave her an Emergency Holographic Medical Team to assist her if needed.

The hot tea warmed her body and she drifted off to sleep. But it seemed just a few minutes passed when Marcus was waking her. "Captain, I'm getting an unusual amount of chatter over the open frequency near Qo'nos."

She woke up instantly and sat up. She activated several holographic monitors that now hovered just outside her armrests. "What are you getting?"

"Reports indicate a single Klingon battlecruiser decloaked above the planet yesterday and fired a volley of photon torpedoes on to the capital city." He paused as he disseminated multiple news feeds from several different sources. "Several key installations were destroyed. The High Council building may also have been a target."

"A Klingon ship firing down on the Klingon capital?" She thought that was strange. Then she remembered a conversation she had overheard back on Kavis IX. A runner said he came across a large Klingon ship in the Rha'darus System last week that decloaked and without warning started to fire on him. The ship matched the same markings from the rumor of another runner being attacked in Klingon Space. Luckily he had escaped into warp before he took any serious damage. That was one of the many risks runners make unless they had a cloaking device.

"How far away are we from Qo'nos?"

"Four hours there, then seven hours across the border back into Federation space."

She gave it some thought. If they headed straight for Kazis now, they would be there in four hours. This detour was seven hours out of their way. But something was happening and maybe this information was valuable to sell. At least Starfleet Intelligence should have it. "Alter course, we'll do a flyby of the system and then head straight for the border. Let the Dolphin collect the data."

"The star system is going to be flooded with Klingon ships; cloaked and uncloaked."

"Take us above the ecliptic plane at the point where the solar wind gives us the best angle to receive reflected transmissions and radiation markers of their ships. I want to know what ships are there and what they know about this incident." Tarika was now watching the comm feeds coming in. There wasn't widespread panic; that wasn't the Klingon way. There was mostly anger at the audacity someone would attack them on their own home planet. Let alone attack the building housing the Klingon High Council.

Back to top

## S2, E2, Act 5: Deception

Commander Mayla Vree

Captain Quentin Lazarus

Colonel Jahkar

Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection* just inside Klingon Space

Stardate 2003.18

"Just like your father, first one here every time," Lazarus said, walking into the holodeck while pulling on his last piece of combat gear on his infiltration suit. He stopped in front of her to peruse the gear she had on. This wasn't the first time he's seen her with a full combat load out. Sometimes he had to remind himself this used to be the little girl who brought him out of his gruffness when he wanted to remain the tough stoic captain.

"Old habits die hard." Mayla said flatly. "I wanted to review the parameters of the sim before we got started," she said, not moving at all from her spot. She was already in the holodeck 30 minutes earlier in her own infiltration suit over her Type XII body armor. Her other gear included a TR-390P pistol on her right thigh in a fast draw holster, a standard phaser in another fast draw holster on her left thigh, several throwing knives spread out throughout her suit, belt pouches with various necessary equipment for infiltration and assault including her min fighting staff, two nano probes at the small of her back, a TR-390 rifle, and her customary katana firmly seated in the sheath built into the back of her body armor and suit.

"What's the difficulty level?"

"That's a secret," she said with a straight face.

"That's not very fair if only you know the secret difficulty level," he sternly said to her.

"It's a secret to me too."

Lazarus stared at her. "What does that mean?"

"Enhanced holodeck AI. Imagine a training holosim created by a team consisting of Kyril, Bryce, and Jahkar. We don't know the mission, objectives, nor difficulty level going in."

Lazarus almost swore out loud. "Are you kidding?"

"It's a perfect combination of stealth, combat, skill, and focus with a situational difficulty that will push our skills and response times to their limits. And throw in a little bit of character building and self revelation into it."

"This almost sounds like one of Bryce's initiations."

"That parameter is thrown in there too," Mayla frowned.

"Alright, just no broken bones."

"Aye, aye, sir," Mayla said, still keeping serious.

Lazarus couldn't tell if she really was serious, or just humoring him. That response had become the standard to that comment ever since Bravo Epsilon Seven's early days.

"Did you see the report on Qo'nos Jahkar gave me?" Mayla asked, changing the subject.

Lazarus' face turned hard. "Krang's followers are getting bold, to attack the homeworld directly like that."

"Maybe they became desperate since Echo Team destroyed the cell that was actually on Qo'nos." Mayla checked the ammunition clip in her rifle. "Maybe they know he's being released. Speaking of which, sensors pick up anything yet?"

"Not yet,” said Lazarus. “We’re moving across the sector of space the USS Invincible should cross as it makes its way from Tantalus to the Klingon border.”

Lazarus adjusted his infiltration suit, not being accustomed to wearing such an outfit. He had logged plenty of training time in Shadow Ops gear since the organization was restarted, but not nearly as many as Phoenix Squad itself. This was going to take some getting used to. He saw the familiarity Mayla had with the equipment and thought of the number of missions she's must have done ever since Shadow Ops was disbanded. And she had the knowledge and experiences from her father too. Both father and daughter, protectorates for the Federation regardless of the department they are working for. Then an after thought struck him. He actually didn't know what Kyril Vree was doing now. But the fact that his current assignment is classified, he probably is still doing the same type of job of sorts.

Mayla looked at her chronometer just as the doors opened and Jahkar and Thompson walked in. Thompson didn’t look happy and his usual souplesse was nowhere to be seen.

“How are the muscles doing, Daryl ?” Mayla asked.

Daryl grimaced.  “A little stiff here and there. “ he said shortly. “I took a hypo against the sore muscles. Guess it will go better soon.”

Mayla smiled a little smile. “Maybe don’t challenge Bryce next time. “

Daryl shrugged, and started some stretching exercises. Jahkar grinned, Lazarus just shook his head.

"I want to add," Daryl continued, in-between his stretching, "that my weapons are connected to the holodeck. Meaning I can't fire on one of you. Just in case I…" he hesitated. "Just in case my PTSD decides to act up again. Since last time things didn't go very well…." He looked around the team, ending at Mayla with an apologetic look on his face. "Last thing, I have extended monitoring enabled for myself to see, in case I have a PTSD attack, what is happening exactly...medbay is monitoring my chip " he pointed with his finger on his head. Then he grinned. "Let's do this."

Mayla gave each of them a glance to confirm they were ready and mentally called for the computer to load their fist holosim. The room changed and they were in the Resurrection's small cargo bay paused in simulation. Kyril Vree's voice sounded as if he was giving a mission briefing.

"The *Resurrection* has been boarded and commandeered by a group of highly trained rogue militia. You are only aware that they had approached the *Resurrection* in a ship and somehow gained access to the computer systems to lower a section of the shield to beam in the boarding party. It was announced that the captain of the ship had been beamed over to the enemy ship to maintain control of the Resurrection crew. Upon hearing the computer's intruder alarm, you four are currently hiding in the cargo bay with a localized repeating echo field activated to hide your energy readings from any sensors. Enemy strength, weapons, and ultimate intentions are unknown. Your mission is to retake the Resurrection, board and secure the enemy's ship, and rescue the captain. Upon completion and depending on your outcome, a second part of the holosim will commence after a 15 minute break."

Jahkar, adjusting to being uncomfortable in his infiltration suit, listened to the briefing and slowly gave an almost sad smile, “Voices from the past. I miss him,” he hadn’t seen Kyril Vree in some time.

After hearing the entire briefing, the half Klingon/Romulan had to chuckle, “Sounds like the time we had to save the Intruder from hijackers. Good times...good times.”

Around them the cargo bay came to life and the four of them remained huddled behind some cargo containers.

Jahkar put his helmet on and the face mask sealed shut, making it so he could only see through the optics built into the headgear. Through the speaker affixed to the mouthpiece, Jahkar’s voice sounded, “OK commander, lead on.”

Mayla made a few SO hand signals indicating the visual recorders in the cargo bay need to be taken out first or else they will obviously be seen. Before anyone could react, she fired six shots in succession quickly seemingly in all directions, but each one was a perfectly placed round to take out each visual recorder. She then signalled Lazarus and Jahkar to take station at either side of the door.

"Phoenix 5, get on a terminal and see what we're up against," she ordered Thompson. "And find out where they beamed in from." She herself took station behind a container with her weapon leveled at the door. "We first need to retake engineering and the bridge. And we need to do it quietly." That's when she glanced over at the cargo bay's materials transporter pad. "Maybe a site to site transport? We'd have to reset the pad to transport lifeforms."

"Affirmative," Daryl whispered while he moved from behind the containers to the nearest console and activated it with a gesture. The holographic interface appeared in front of him and he quickly started giving in commands. He cursed repeatedly as he ran into several blockades. His hands were a flurry on the interface, as partly the information was not only shown on the interface itself, but also loaded directly via his neural interface from the emo-chip into his cortex,, giving him much faster response and process times. Within half a minute, he had the requested information. "5 baddies in Engineering, 8 on the Bridge. Biosignals are scrambled, can't get a lock on that. So we're still blind to what we are up against.

There are 2 heavily modified Klingon K'Tinga class cruisers….they have their weapons locked on us.." Daryl stated to the others while he was already modifying the transporter routines to make the transporter suitable for transporting lifeforms. The interface bleeped a few times and Daryl looked. "Transporter ready and waiting."

"Can you get any information from the transporter buffer logs to find out which ship the captain was taken to? And did they use a modulated frequency through their shields, or did they drop their shields to accommodate the transport?" Mayla said, thinking about their next move. There was the possibility if they didn't take both locations at the same time, the other would contact their ships to open fire. But between the four of them, they had to be in three locations at the same time.

Daryl entered more commands in the terminal interface, and quickly browsed through the logs. “They used a high density verteron burst to punch a hole in the shield, then they modulated the frequency, effectively creating a hole through the shield. First they beamed over, then they beamed the Captain over to the left K’Tinga cruiser, designated as Alpha 1.”

Lazarus turned around and stared at her. "You're thinking of splitting up the team, aren't you." He said a bit accusingly, almost referring to her earlier comment about old habits. Her confidence in her Echo Team to be split up without loss of experienced resources was being carried on to this new team. And they are not genetically enhanced. "That would spread us out too thin, Commander."

Mayla heard the tone of voice and nodded. He knew exactly what she was thinking of. "Alright, priority is to retake the ship, then rescue the captain. We split up into two teams. Jahkar and Thompson take engineering. Lazarus and I will take the bridge. As soon as both are secured, Thompson will use the transporter and beam me and Jahkar over to the location of the hostage captain. Then you raise shields, jam all communications frequencies, and release anesthesine to the rest of the ship. Any questions?"

"You and Jahkar will be on your own." Thompson said with just a tiny bit of concern in his voice.

Mayla and Jahkar looked at each other and as if on queue, gave each other a slight confident nod, indicating both were up to the challenge. At that moment, Thompson and Lazarus suddenly had a nostalgic flashback seeing this as it was a tic in their old team. Lazarus looked to the four of them and almost had a swell of pride in his old chest. It was as if fate had brought Bravo Epsilon Seven, and later Bravo Squad, back into the light again. MacLeod had brought back all of the best operatives to create Phoenix Team.

The trill commander gave Thompson a smile of confidence. "Well, if we die in the attempt, we'll have to do more holosims until Kyril Vree decides we can pass muster."

Jahkar gave out a hearty Klingon sounding snort. "You had to go and say that."

Mayla snapped off a quick smirk. "He also used to say the only easy day-"

"-was yesterday." Everyone finished for her.

That made them laugh at the memory for a moment. "Let's get a move on," Lazarus said, bringing his gruffness back and getting back to business.

Mayla looked at her team. "Take out the enemy quietly and quickly. If you discharge an energy weapon, it may alert the enemy ships if they are monitoring for phaser discharge. Quick and quiet." She checked the charge and ammunition in her weapon. Then gave Daryl a glance who gave her a nod.

Colonel Jahkar

Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.18

"Ready, Commander." Dayl said. He readied his rifle and nodded at Jahkar, who nodded back.

Jahkar and Thompson moved off and headed down a corridor the short distance to the engineering compartment of *Resurrection*. As they reached a bend in the corridor, Jahkar pressed against the wall and took a quick peek around the corner to see two humans outside the door to engineering, both poised to fight, phasers in hand as they watched down the corridor.

Inevitably, they spotted Jahkar and fired as the half-Romulan/Klingon ducked back around the corner. Jahkar readied his Type V Tactical phaser rifle and swung back arund from his cover and returned fire. His first volley phaser blasts took out one of the two terrorists, while the other fired back, a couple of shots searing past Jahkar’s face.

As Jahkar ducked back, Daryl popped out and fired over the crouching Romulan/Klingon. His blast caught the other human square in the chest, propelling him backwards until he crashed to the floor, unconscious.

Jahkar motioned for Thompson to follow and the pair made their way down to the engineering door where they placed binders on both men, then checked the door.

“Locked,” Jahkar told Thompson. “Can you open it?”
Daryl grinned, as he slung his rifle.on his back and grabbed his tricorder. "Of course..cover me" he said, as he carefully removed a panel from the bulkhead besides the door. He scanned the bioneural network, made some changes, cursed, made some more changes, cursed even more under his breath, then started reconfiguring the system by interchanging about half of the isolinear rods. When finished, he scanned.once more and nodded, satisfied. He put away the tricorder and grabbed his rifle, as Jahkar and he both positioned themselves on either side of the door. Daryl looked at Jahkar and nodded in acknowledgement."Ready? " Daryl whispered, Jahkar nodded, and the next moment the door slid open and the big marine stepped into the engineering section.

Inside, Jahkar scanned the room and saw two humans standing over the main engineering consoles, busy at work entering commands into the holographic interface projected above the stations. On the catwalk running around the upper portion of the warp core stood a Naausican who had already trained his phaser rifle on the Klingon/Romulan.

“Upper catwalk!” Jahkar shouted back to Thompson as he took several strides and tumbled behind another set of consoles, the Naausican raining fire down at his position. “Two at the main console, take them! I’ll cover you!”

As Daryl moved at the two humans hovering at the console, Jahkar popped up and exchanged fire with the Naausican on the catwalk…

Jahkar’s blasts took the Naausican down, as Daryl’s gunfire cut down one of the two humans who were busy trying to break the access codes to take control of the ship. The remaining human drew his phaser and fired back at Daryl, who crouched and continued to shoot. He hit the human with two blasts and flung his body backwards to the deck where he remained still.

Jahkar entered engineering and scanned the room, confirming it was clear. He went to the holographic display the two had been working at and saw where they had attached a device to the console which was rapidly running codes -- attempting to break the encryption and gain access to *Resurrection*’s main computer.

The half-Klingon/Romulan shut down the device and keyed his subvocal. “Engineering secured.”

Commander Mayla Vree and Captain Quentin Lazarus

Holodeck, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.18

Jahkar and Thompson moved through the door first, heading to the left, and Mayla and Lazarus moved to the right. Weapons at the ready, the two moved down the corridor quietly, listening for any sounds other than the ones the ship made. Leapfrogging ahead, the two covered a lot of ground without encountering anyone. Both of their rifles were currently set to silenced projectile rounds, which mean they had to make each shot count before the victim raised the alarms or discharged a weapon.

Mayla was now in the point position while Lazarus watched their backs. She immediately stopped at a junction with a hand signal as she heard soft footfalls coming down from her right. She stood perfectly still while her left hand moved to the rhiannsu knife she carried in a sheath at her back.

A tall figure appeared Mayla recognized as a Hirogen from the Delta Quadrant. This sim had taken races from all over the galaxy to throw them off as in a real situation, they should always be ready to adjust their attack to take advantage of that particular race's weaknesses. In this race of heavily armored hunters, the only weak spot they had were the gaps in between the moving limbs. She instantly adjusted her attack and leapt up towards him with the knife drawn and neatly slid it into the gap beneath the helmet at the chin and into the head and brain. She continued her ascent, grappled on to the torso and brought it down to the ground with a twist of her blade. Lazarus helped her pull the body out of the corridor and into a shadowed corner. They propped up the body as if the man was resting and continued down. They didn't need to speak as all of this was well rehearsed.

It'd been a long time since Lazarus had seen a hirogen. Years ago, the omnipotent being Q had flung the *USS Intruder* and Bravo Squad into the Delta Quadrant to be used as prey for the hunter species. He never fought against one as he was helpless but to watch from the bridge of his ship while the hunters hunted each member of Bravo Squad down on a planet.

He brushed the thought aside quickly as the pair of Phoenix operatives continued their move towards the bridge. They didn't encounter anyone else along the way and within a few minutes, they were at the egress to the bridge.

Just at that moment, they could hear faint muffled sounds of phaser fire. The surprise was over. Mayla gave Lazarus a quick hand gesture who responded at the ready. He palmed the door open and before it opened fully, Mayla was already firing her projectile weapon at available targets. An andorian and a human fell to the deck as she tucked and rolled onto the bridge. Coming back up on one knee she fired her weapon at another human aiming his weapon at the door where she just was.

Now everyone who didn't belong on the *Resurrection* started aiming their weapons at her, who had already moved towards the captain's ready room. Just as she ducked phaser fire, Lazarus peeked out from the egress and started firing at them. He took out three of them before they realized it wasn't Mayla firing on them. That's when she saw one of them move in contrary to aiming a weapon. He was reaching for his comms. Without hesitation, she put a round through his eye and hand.

That's when a Klingon ran over and grabbed Lazarus from a blind spot and threw him aside. Lazarus hung on to his weapon as the Klingon screamed at him and charged. Mayla didn't hesitate and put two rounds into the klingon's head in succession, then three more into a gap in his klingon armor into his hearts.

Lazarus went to a crouch and scanned the room for more enemy. There was none.

"Lazarus," Mayla said, standing at the open door of the captain's ready room. She gave him a gesture of her head to look inside.

He walked over and saw what remained of the bridge crew of the *Resurrection*. The bodies had been beaten, torn up, and discarded into this room. HIS ready room, no less. He swore out loud. "Is this supposed to be funny?"

"I think this is supposed to test our emotional response to seeing...something like this." She gestured into the room. "This has to be what Bryce brought into the sim." She walked over to the tactical station and looked at the ship's status. They still had to rescue the Resurrection's captain on board that K'tinga class ship designated as Alpha 1. She wondered briefly if it was going to be a holo-Lazarus, or someone else.

Lazarus closed the ready room door and sat down into the captain's chair. Instantly he could see the ship's status from all sections, and also where they were at. They were holding position in Sector 04-70; just outside the Badlands near the Federation-Cardassian border.

Mayla had also disseminated their status and suspected Bryce had a little bit too much input into this sim. It was as if he was putting Lazarus through a Bravo Squad initiation. Like everyone else participating in the sim, she'll let it play out. She mentally activated her subvoc.

"Team, One, Bridge is secured." She said after checking her weapon in preparation to beam over to the enemy vessel. Then she glanced over to Lazarus who still sat in his chair. "Sir, the bridge is yours."

Captain Quentin Lazarus

*USS Resurrection*/Holodeck

Stardate 2003.22

Lazarus nodded to Mayla and was about to give a command to wrap up the sim and prepare for a debriefing, when the speaker into the holodeck interrupted them. It was the voice of Lt. Commander McGuire on the bridge.

“Captain Lazarus,” she reported. “We’ve detected the viridium signal you’ve had us scanning for. We’re phased cloaked and on an intercept course.”

Lazarus looked to Mayla and raised an eyebrow, “ETA, commander?”

“Fifteen minutes,” she said.

“Acknowledged,” Lazarus replied, standing up from the chair. “We'll debrief later. Everyone get changed and meet on the bridge in 15 minutes.”

“All of us?” Jahkar asked.

Lazarus nodded, “Since we’re all co-conspirators to violate a direct order from Starfleet Command, we might as well all be present.”

Jahkar grinned, “See you there.”

Lazarus ended the program and the team exited the holodeck…

The *Tachi Koma*

Qo'nos, Klingon Space

Stardate 2003.22

"You're not going to like this," Marcus said slowly from his console.

Tarika had been called to the bridge as they approached the outer rim of the Klingon's home system. First thing she noticed was the alert status of the ship. Every panel was lit up and absorbing data and analyzing each sensor reading. She immediately took her center seat and scanned through them.

"I brought us out of warp when the sensors first detected the patrols." Marcus' eyes were nearly lit constantly as new sensor readings continued to come in. "From what I can extrapolate, there's a Klingon patrol in every parsec surrounding Qo'nos."

Tarika thought it was strange that they were able to pick them up in the first place. "They're not cloaked?"

"No, Captain."

"Don't you find that strange?" She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her slightly pointed ears. When she's off ship or have passengers on board, she usually lets her hair down to hide her romulan heritage. Many people, especially on the border, have preconceived notions of her presence. She let her hair grow long so her human side was more pronounced.

"There might still be cloaked ships out there." Lennier materialized at the engineering station.

She thought about Klingon tactics, and unlike Romulans who like to stay hidden, Klingons like a show of force. Two bird of preys wasn't much of a show, but that could also mean there might be a cloaked battlecruiser out there somewhere. Maybe even two for each parsec. That worried her.

"Keep the sensors on full. Take us over the ecliptic plane at impulse." She ordered. "And activate stealth protocols." The ship immediately went dark as all non-essential systems were shut off. The ship moved from a crawl as the patrol began to move off.

"I'm detecting an energy dispersion field throughout the immediate area around Qo'nos. It looks like some sort of anti-cloaking field that the fleet is emitting." Lennier reported.

"Marcus, take us as close as we can without being detected. We're just going to take a quick look." Then she looked at the stores in her launch bay. "Prepare two surveillance probes. They should be small enough to go undetected."

Lennier worked to comply with the orders and in a minute, he reported. "Probes away. Receiving data; clean and clear."

From the rear of the ship, two probes, just a meter in length each, left the ship under low power to hide its energy signature and turned towards their directed routes. The matte black carbon stealth coating made it invisible to sensors, and nearly impossible to detect visually. The anti-gravity propulsion gave it nearly infinite thrust and power as long as there was a gravity well within a light day's distance. The limited AI on board had obstacle avoidance guidelines, but most of the equipment other than the propulsion were all sensors and communications gear. Everything it heard or detected was relayed back to the *Tachi Koma* on an encrypted subspace directed frequency. Anyone intercepting the transmission would just get static.

The raw data streamed in quickly. The longer they stayed, the more information they received from the probes as each one entered the system. One headed towards Qo'nos, and the other took a circuit of the system.

Tarika took over the helm and pulled back from the system, now staying well away from the dispersion field of Qo'nos. They were able to stay on position for nearly 21 minutes when their own sensors detected an approaching patrol.

"They are headed our way. They may have detected us." Marcus said, looking at a sensor display tracking two blips. "Two bird of preys."

"Signal Oblivion to the probes. I'm setting course back to Rura Penthe at maximum warp." If they were detected and tracked, she didn't want that track to lead directly to the Federation. Heading back deeper into Klingon space might throw them off.

"Oblivion signal sent and acknowledged." Marcus responded. The signal would instruct the two probes to head directly into the closest sun as fast as it can while all sensitive internal systems performed their own destructive melt down procedures. So even if someone intercepted the probe before it reached its final destination, there would only be slags of metal disintegrating during its high speed plunge into destruction.

The *Tachi Koma* turned around and sped back to Rura Penthe.

Commander T'Aayla Raillius

Lt. Ryramorl Ra'yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Liral D'Hronarin

Lyral D'Hronarin

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.22

Liral leaned back.  "Gaish? Hrrr... interesting.  We can help you, but it will take time.  You cannot just walk to his quarters and ask to deal with him.  You have to be introduced through someone he has a working relationship with.  Now Lyral and I are not his most favoured, but we got that working relationship.  We cannot bring you two to him today.  Tomorrow, perhaps, but it will be the best you can get from anyone.  There will be those around who say they can get you to him today--don't trust them.  They will only bring you to him as prey to set before him."

Lyral nodded.  "Ryramorl would make an especially good hostage, being a member of a La'an tribe and Shor-Ghan's personal friend."

"How can we trust you not to sell us out?" asked T'Aayla.

"Same reason we didn't go after the Raillius family," responded Liral.  "Latinum is only useful when there's a merchant nearby--and there are no merchants in the Realms of the Dead.  We'll get in contact with you tomorrow.  There's a good inn nearby called the Guarded Den."

"I know where it is," responded Ryramorl.  "I've stayed there a few times."

Lyral nodded.  "Good.  We'll be in touch."

Liral D'Hronarin

Lyral D'Hronarin

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.22

The two brothers sat in silence after T'Aayla, Ryramorl, and Reepchip left.  Lyral was the first to speak up.  "Snarlfest between the Ra'yral and Ro'ar, groom my tail."

"Nah, the two tribes don't get along," responded Liral, "but Myaral's not about to set off another civil war--not while his tribe's still recovering.  And Ryramorl doesn't do anything without his master's bidding.  Shor-Ghan's up to something.  And that Romulan... she looks damn familiar.  You still got that info from the Raillius hit?"

Lyral got a PADD and checked it out.  "Well, get a whiff of that scent!  The old Senator's daughter, T'Aayla.  Why's she here, and with Shor-Ghan’s personal hunter?"

Liral pondered.  "I have no idea what the link between Shor-Ghan and the House of Raillius could be."  He thought for a while.  "Nor do we know why they want to court Gaish.   Let's stay on ground we know is solid.  We help Ryramorl and his friends, and if it turns out bad, at least we can cut and run to the King's Court, as the OverKings won't be after our hides.  We play this right, we might come out with our hides still on us."

Commander T'Aayla Raillius

Lt. Ryramorl Ra'yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.22

"Do you trust them?" asked T'Aayla, once they left.  "They knew who you were."

"I trust them to be mercenaries and look out for their own skins. They're not stupid; they won't piss off someone with my connections."  He looked at her.  "Or yours," he said, remembering they recognized the House she was from.  There was shouts from up the road, and Ryramorl stepped back to clear the way, as others did.  A trio of Olvern guards were coming through sitting astride huge beasts.  Their faces and shapes reminded T'Aayla of the bison of Earth.  A full eight feet at the withers, weighing at least 2-3 tons, and having four horns--two pointing upwards like that of earth cattle, two curling around their heads like a bighorn sheep--these massive beasts moved with the calm arrogance of those who knew nothing could stand in their way.  When they moved past, Ryramorl rumbled to his commander.  "I have spoken of the Horghenhar in the past.  Now, you have seen them--or at least, you have seen the tame ones."

Reepchip chittered.  "And that's where our saying, 'feed a Horghenhar Calf and ride a War Bull' comes from."

Yevgeny Ibragimov

*SS Venomous*

Stardate 2003.25

The Venomous dropped out of warp in the Bajor system and found itself cruising toward the iconic claw-like shape of Deep Space Nine, hanging in space beyond the planet Bajor. Ibragimov was in the pilot’s chair, while Pascal had assumed the navigator’s spot.  Tiri and Beckett were behind them in the ship’s cockpit.

“There she is...Deep Space Nine,” he said. “A few points of reference...station is commanded by Captain Kira Nerys. Apparently she join Starfleet after Bajor entered the Federation and they gave command of DS9 to her. First Officer is human named Lt. Commander Olaf Nilsen. Security Chief is Lt. Commander Ro Laren.”

He turned back to look at the Shadow Operations crew, “And of course, Quark is still owner of Quark’s Bar, Grill, Gaming House, and Holosuite Arcade. Watch out for him, he is sneaky little creature.

Admiral Sorvek

Federation Council Building, Paris, Earth

Stardate 2003.25

Sorvek entered the office of Federation President Aaron Gant as he was showed in by the commander-and-chief’s secretary. As the Vulcan strode across the room, he immediately noticed Gant was absent. But a moment later, a door to the left of the president’s desk opened and the middle-aged human stepped out of an adjoining room and came toward the Vulcan.

“Admiral, thank you for coming on such short notice,” Gant said, extending a hand to the admiral. Sorvek accepted and returned the handshake. “Please, have a seat.”

Sorvek sat down in a chair across the desk from Gant and watched as he was seated. “I asked you here because I was hoping you’d have some answers for me about what is going on with Legion?”

“Nothing more than was in my last report,” the Vulcan said. “*Resurrection* is following up on some leads and until they’ve run their investigation they are otherwise operating incommunicado.”

Gant nodded, “I have a report here from Admiral Zhao which indicates *Resurrection*’s shuttlecraft is in San Francisco. Can you explain?”

Sorvek was taken back by the question, but his stoic poker face revealed nothing. He was surprised Starfleet Intelligence was snooping around, keeping track of the comings and goings of his agents. At the same time, he was even more curious why Gant was interested.

“One of the Shadow Op team is here retrieving some equipment *Resurrection* left without,” the Vulcan said. It was more than an exaggeration; it was a bold-faced lie. But Sorvek was capable of bending the rules from time-to-time. “With all due respect, Mr. President, I’m not sure why you or Admiral Zhao are taking an interest in what my operatives are doing?”

Gant stared at Sorvek for a long time, then slowly he sat back in his chair, “We both just found it unusual the sole shuttlecraft from *Resurrection* would be sent off on an errand.”

“I assure you, it was an essential trip,” the Vulcan said. “Is this why you’ve summoned me all the way to Paris, Mr. President.”

“Not the only reason, Sorvek,” he said. “I want to make it clear that I am not thrilled with the Intelligence Committee’s decision to reactivate Shadow Operations, nor am I pleased with the decision of R&D to loan the *Resurrection* to Shadow Ops. I’ve been briefed on that ship’s capabilities and I am of the mindset that such an advanced craft should be used for exploratory purposes, not shuttling SpecOps forces around the quadrant.”

Sorvek raised an eyebrow, “On the contrary, I can think of no better way to fully test *Resurrection*’s coaxial drive than to use it for rapid deployment. Vigilant-class escorts are of no use to Starfleet’s exploratory arm and this way, it can be used and tested by a smaller crew allowing us to…as you humans say…work out the bugs, before the coaxial drive is placed in more vessels.”

Gant pursed his lips a moment, then sighed, “I just wanted you to know we may be re-assigning the vessel after this mission. And, if there aren’t some results soon in your team’s investigation, I’m going to pull the plug on Shadow Ops again.”

Sorvek looked at Gant, unblinking, and then said, “Permission to speak freely, Mr. President?”

“By all means, Sorvek,” the president replied.

“I am puzzled as to why a man who owes his life to Shadow Operations is so determined to see it shut down?” Sorvek asked. “I would find it more logical that you would support and trust an organization that literally saved you, sacrificing its own…”

“I owe Shadow Ops nothing!” Gant barked, standing up out of his chair, his fist slamming against the desk. “I stated my reasons eight years ago and those reasons remain…I will not have rogue intelligence agencies running amok, plunging us into wars! I won’t…”

Gant realized he had lost his temper and he stopped abruptly in mid-sentence. “That will be all, admiral.”

Sorvek stood, “When my operatives have something to report, I will see that you are informed.  Permission to return to San Francisco?”

“Go,” Gant told him. “When you have your report ready, see that it is sent to Federation One, my personal ship, the *USS Redoubtable*. I’m leaving this evening for a conference on Galnar III.”

The Vulcan nodded, “Have a safe trip, Mr. President.” Sorvek then walked out of the office and went directly to the transporter suite, which beamed him from Paris back to San Francisco.

A short time later he was in his office at Starfleet Command when Lt. Commander Vala Preet arrived. As she entered, he came around from behind his desk and handed her a disk, which she recognized as a holographic projector containing a personal message.

“Give this to MacLeod,” he told her. “Leave the *Osiris*. There’s a runabout on platform 31 that I’ve called in a few favors to acquire without questions or records. There’s an itinerary filed with Starfleet Command that you’re on a supply run to Starbase 47. Your launch shouldn’t attract any attention.”

Preet nodded, “What about *Osiris*?”

“I will take care of that,” he told her. “Commander, trust no one outside of Shadow Operations. Maintain communications silence until you reach the *USS Fearless*. Coordinates to find her are in the navigation computer aboard the runabout. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

“Good luck,” he told her. “And Live Long and Prosper.”

With that, Preet turned on her heels and headed out of Sorvek’s office.  Once she was gone, Sorvek tapped his comm-badge, “Sorvek to Lt. O’Shaughnessy.”

“Aye, admiral,” a voice responded.

“I’ve confirmed your orders,” the Vulcan told him.

“I’ve made all the modifications as you requested,” O’Shaughnessy replied.

“Then proceed,” Sorvek told him before terminating the transmission.

About the same time Lt. Commander Preet left Starfleet aboard the runabout, *Osiris* lifted off and headed into space. As it departed, the voice of Lt. Commander Vala Preet communicated with flight control…even though Preet was not aboard the shuttle.

Once the *Osiris* was in space and had gone to warp, a cloaked Klingon Bird of Prey, waiting on the edge of the Earth’s solar system, went to warp in pursuit of the auxiliary craft…

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## S2, E2, Act 5: Something Strange is Afoot

The *Tachi Koma*

Klingon Space, Enroute to Rura Penthe

Stardate 2003.25

Tarika leaned against the briefing data station located at the rear of the bridge. The large free standing singular table had holographic emitters that converted the raw data recorded from the probes into a visual representation. The computer's AI extrapolated readings and silhouettes of ships compared to records they had and displayed it all there. It was very similar to an astrometrics lab. It gave them a visual and tactical map of everything in the Klingon's home system. What she saw impressed her.

"There is a fleet represented here by every house in the Empire." Marcus said, pointing at a readout on one side that lists the names of the different Klingon houses and their fleet of ships. The tactical read out could be delved into, but she didn't need that. She was very aware of the capabilities of every ship. It was clearly a show of force to have hundreds of ships surrounding the homeworld.

"Comm chatter hasn't ceased," Tarika said, perusing through the different comm feeds the Tachi Koma was still listening in on. "These were all encrypted?"

"Aye, and orders went out to every Klingon installation throughout the Empire to be reinforced. This attack on Qo'nos wasn't the first attack." Marcus brought up visual stills of a destroyed facility. "A few weeks ago the Kosh'korvak shipyards was destroyed along with the new flagship IKS CharghwI' and three bird of preys docked there. Six hundred eighty Klingons were killed. The followers of Krang took responsibility for the attack. The Council is discussing how this secessionist group came about, and could any of the Council members be planning for a coup of some sort."

Tarika continued to read the data still being analyzed when her chronometer chirped. "Marcus, 'crazy ivan'."

"Aye, Captain. 'Crazy ivan'," he responded with a grin filled with a bit too much glee. 'Crazy ivan' was an ancient term said to be used by Earth's United States of America submarine fleet. It was when an enemy submarine would suddenly turn to port or starboard in hopes to surprise another submarine that may be following it. In space, she used this term to allow Marcus to take the ship on a 'spin around the sector' through various mediums at his discretion just in case they were being followed. Swinging around moons, going through nebulae, and asteroid fields at various speeds sometimes succeeded in losing a tail. If there was one. She learned the maneuver from a former CO who had a penchant for paranoia. With this information they had just compiled, and in Klingon space that is on high alert, she wasn't going to take any chances. If the Klingons discovered a Romulan ship cloaked inside their space, she doubted they would open a dialogue before opening fire. Marcus derezzed from view as he would need more computing power to focus on plotting new course headings and perform navigational maneuvers.

Tarika's attention turned back to the holographic tactical readout of the entire Qo'nos system. There were hundreds if not thousands of various types of ships in the system. "We need to get this to Hermes," referring to her Starfleet Intelligence courier operating in the Omega Sector, located in the nearby sector to Kazis IX.

"This is too much information for a burst transmission," Lennier suddenly materialized. He had been the one partially analyzing the data along with the main computer. "We have to send it in a comm buoy."

"And send it out as soon as we get back into Federation space," she said. The buoy was built the same as the surveillance probe, but smaller as all it carried was the AI computer, propulsion, and data storage. It can only be opened and accessed by a highly encrypted algorithm only she and Hermes knew. Any sort of tampering by an unknown source will cause the buoy to self-destruct.

"Keep analyzing the data. I want to be ready if we encounter any rogue Klingon factions on our way back to Kazis IX." She pulled out a built-in chair at the table and sat into it. Her eyes became mesmerized by the data still being compiled in front of her. She wanted to see all of it.

Lennier cocked his head to one side. "You mean to fight?"

"I mean to run."

Commander T’Aayla Raillius

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Kazis IX

Stardate 2003.27

After meeting with Liral and Lyral, Reepchip chittered that he was getting hungry, and Ryramorl agreed.   There was an eatery not far from the Guarded Den that Ryramorl knew was good--and since Liral and Lyral wouldn’t be able to get them to meet Gaish that day, they had some time on their hands.  There was a sign in Klingon that Ryramorl translated as saying Klingons were not welcome here.

“Why would that be?” asked T’Aayla.

Ryramorl looked at her in dismay.  “Klingons scoff at water, Skyy.  They literally scoff at water.”  T’Aayla might not know Carnora expressions, but it was clear to her that the two Carnoras found this very unnatural.  Considering the cultural importance Carnora put on water, that would definitely be a matter of contention between the two races.

Inside it was mostly Carnora, but a few members of other races as well, especially humans (but one or two Rihansuu.  There were no tables within, only small firepits.  In one corner set a group of musicians, plucking away at strange stringed instruments or tapping small drums.  A short female Olvern came to meet them, while a powerfully muscled male Ataran loomed in the background.  Ryramorl signed to her, and she signed back--as she did, T’Aayla could see she had webbed hands, unlike Ryramorl.  After some communication (and a nod from the Ataran),  she took them to an unoccupied, unlit fireplace.  The big Ataran came over to light the fire wordlessly, placing himself between him and the female Olvern as he did so.  Ryramorl and Reepchip were given clay tablets and all three were given flint knives and brass skewers.  The waitress signed to T’Aayla and Ryramorl translated:    “She says to wait a moment, she will give you a menu,” responded Ryramorl.  Before long, she was back with a clay tablet, written on in Rihansuu, and obviously much shorter than Ryramorl or Reepchip’s.  Ryramorl explained.  “A Rihansuu menu lists only the foods that your race able to eat.” He and Reepchip decided on what they wanted to eat, and Ryramorl explained to T’Aayla what the various foods were.  He told her that Horghenhar meat was very good, but strong-tasting, while Zharin tended to be rather bland.  He and Reepchip both signed to the waitress what they wanted.

When the food arrived, (Ryramorl got a large chunk of Horghenhar, Reepchip had asked for a Zharin), Reepchip stood up, and Ryramorl leaned his head back, signalling T’Aayla she should do likewise.  Reepchip chanted softly in his own language, his arms spread wide as he thanked the Carnora Gods for the meal.  Nobody in the establishment thought this unusual--in fact, a few nearby leaned their heads back as well.  Once he was done, he sat down.

Reepchip took one of the skewers and one of the knives that were offered, and cut small chunks of meat off the raw Zharin, then skewered the pieces to roast over the fire.  Ryramorl just ate his chunk of Horghenhar raw, tearing the meat from the bone with his teeth.

As they ate, Ryramorl explained to Skyy the difficult relationship the Ro’ar had with the other tribes--and that absorbing the Roshaigaros had in effect, been grasping a blade they were ill-prepared to wield, and alerted their rivals to their plans.  There were three reasons for his explanation--to Skyy, he was explaining why the Ra’yral tribes were glaring at the Ro’ar.  To T’Aayla, he was explaining the logic behind his cover story.  To any of Gaish’s spies that might be listening, he was reinforcing that cover story.  Reepchip looked up and chittered excitedly.  Ryramorl caught the waitress’s attention, and signed to her.  As Sasso Charatetet joined them she paused beside T’Aayla.  [[For a child of Lost Ch’Rihan, you hide your secrets poorly,]] she admonished softly in Rihansuu, then sat down to join the three, and Ryramorl cut a chunk of meat from his piece of Horghenhar, offering it to the older Muran, who accepted it.

T’Aayla looked at Sasso Charatetet, finishing a mouthful of meat.  She was an omnivore who mostly prefered plant-based food, but she wasn’t adverse to meat.  She’d learned long ago to suspend assumptions when dealing with new cultures and to adopt their practices in an almost zen-like way.   An open mind was a learning mind, her mentor Senator Raillius had drilled into her.   She smiled at Sasso, and nodded, accepting her chide.  There wasn’t much that could hide the fact that she was Romulan; she could have attempted to pretend to be a Vulcan, or hidden her ears, but in either case it would simply have made her cover more unbelievable.  At least Romulans were not adverse to mercenary work, and that fit their story.   As to her House Raillius uniform- well, if anyone recognized it- House Raillius was not an organization to be trifled with, especially since they now had the best equipped fleet in the Romulan Empire and their ships were all crewed by members of House Raillius.    “There are secrets, and tere are secrets” she replied back, smiling.

She signed to Ryramorl, who paused, and signed back.  Then Ryramorl looked at T’Aayla.  “Skyy--Sasso wishes to touch you.  She will not seek any further secrets, only explain a few things.”

“Why does she wish to touch me?” T’Aayla asked.

“She wishes to mind meld with you to give you information.”

T’Aayla allowed a look of discomfort to show, “I don’t want anyone in my mind.  No Rihansuu does.  We highly guard our privacy.  Please use the appropriate language to politely decline. You may feel free to translate if it is important.“

Shuttle *Osiris*

Outbound from Earth, at warp

Stardate 2003.26

The *Osiris* was traveling at warp speed away from Earth’s solar system, its heading was the last known position of the *USS Resurrection*. Tailing the small ship was a cloaked Bird of Prey which was moving to slowly overtake the auxiliary craft.

Aboard the Bird of Prey was a crew of Legion members, 36 in all. The ship was captained by one of the Seraphim, this one a human male who liked to be called Raph. He sat in his chair on the bridge of the surplus Bird of Prey, amid all the technology replacements and upgrades, so that it no longer resembled a Klingon ship inside.

“Ready a photon charge,” Raph told his tactical officer. “The blast should knock the shuttle out of warp.”

“Aye, sir,” the tac-officer reported. “Charge ready.”

“Fire,” the Legion commander told him.

The burst went off and disrupted the warp bubble around the *Osiris*, forcing it to drop out of warp. Raph ordered the Bird of Prey to also drop out of warp and when it did, it appeared above the tumbling shuttlecraft, it’s cloak down after firing the photonic charge.

“Hail the shuttle,” Raph told his bridge crew as he stood up from the command chair and walked over to the viewscreen.

“They are responding,” tactical reported.

“On screen,” Raph ordered. The image of a young Trill woman seated in the cockpit of the shuttle appeared. She appeared to be calm and collected.

“This is the shuttle *Osiris*,” she replied. “Can I help you?”

Raph scowled. This wasn’t the response he expected. “You are a prisoner of the Legion. Your ship is going to be boarded. Do not resist.”

The image of Preet disappeared from the viewer and the shuttle’s engines shut down. The tactical officer looked up at Raph. “They aren’t putting up a fight. They have, however, activated a dampening field. We can’t beam in or scan them internally.”Raph scoffed, “Fine. Tractor them in, we’ll dock and board them.”

The shuttle was tractored to the Bird of Prey and its airlock was joined with one on the starboard side of the former Klingon ship.  Once the two vessels were docked, a four-man boarding party was sent to open the airlock.

“Can we access the shuttle’s main computer?” Raph asked his tactical officer, who stood at the holographic display projected in front of him. He nodded and made some adjustments to the virtual workstation.

The tac-officer used the Bird of Prey’s command console to tap into the shuttle’s computer and to his surprise, he found it unprotected. For some it might have been a red flag to proceed with caution, but for this Legionnaire, John Mazor, it was looked upon as a blessing. “We’re in,” said Mazor with a grin.

“That was quick. Nice work. Now start downloading their logs and any other data available,” Raph said. Then, with an afterthought Raph added,“Order the airlock to open.”

“I’m on it,” the Legion minion replied. A moment later he was freely accessing Osiris’ computers, downloading all available data and opening the sealed airlock door. Outside the airlock, the four heavily armed soldiers entered the shuttle and saw a young Trill woman seated at the controls, still facing directly ahead.

“Stand up and place your hands on your head,” the Legion soldier ordered Preet.

“This is the shuttle Osiris,” she replied, back still to the soldier. “Can I help you?”

The squad of soldiers frowned, and all looked at one another before the leader stepped forward, gun trained on the girl and approached her. When he stood behind her, he reached out to grab her shoulder and his hand went straight through her.

“What the…” he muttered.

“This is the shuttle *Osiris*,” she said again. “Can I help you?”

That instant, the doors to the airlock sealed shut and the computer suddenly declared, “Warp core breach in 30 seconds.”

Externally, the shuttle engaged a docking clamp which magnetically grappled with the Bird of Prey, further locking the two ships together.

Alarms went off aboard the Bird of Prey and Raph whirled around and looked at his crew. “Disconnect the airlock!”

“I can’t,” Mazor said, hands flying frantically around the holographic console projected before him. “I’m locked out! The shuttle has control of our computer! It’s…it’s downloading all of the data in our memory banks!”

Raph slammed his fists down on the armrests of his chair. “Lock them out! Lock out the shuttle’s access! Or encrypt the data!”

“I can’t!” the Legionnaire at tactical replied, frustrated at his lack of control over the situation.

“Sir, that core breach is happening in 15 seconds!” another Legion member on the bridge responded.

“Manually blow the coupling!” he barked.

The order was sent out and a crew member near the airlock opened a panel there and pulled a metal handle inside, firing explosive charges that should have blown the shuttlecraft away from the Bird of Prey. But the magnetic couplings deployed by the Osiris kept the two ship’s grappled together in space.

“The shuttle has locked onto us,” Mazor said, his face turning white. “The computer is still linked. They’ve locked out controls!”

Raph looked up at the screen and saw an external view of *Osiris* attached to the starboard side of his ship.. As he watched, a log buoy jettisoned from the shuttle and hurled away into space.

“You’ve got to be kidding…” Raph muttered as he slumped down into his chair. Not more than a couple seconds later, the shuttle’s warp core exploded – the blast destroying not only the *Osiris*, but the Legion ship.

All that remained after the blast was a small field of debris and the log buoy, which had launched safely beyond the blast radius. It now floated in space nearby, emitting a signal so it could be found.

Less than 30 seconds later, a runabout dropped out of warp and scanned the region of space where the shuttle and Bird of Prey had just been destroyed. Sensors locked onto the log buoy and beamed it aboard, before the runabout went back to warp.

Aboard the runabout, Admiral Sorvek looked into the aft compartment to confirm the retrieval of the buoy. He walked back to the device and checked a readout on the side of the unit.

“It appears we were able to retrieve a great deal of information. Set course for Ops Base One, Mr. O’Shaugnessy.”

At the helm controls, a young red-haired man tapped commands into the holographic display, “Aye, admiral,” Matthew O’Shaugnessy said. “Ye know, whoever is behind all this, they’re gonna be looking for ye.”

O’Shaugnessy was an officer attached to Shadow Operations, handpicked by Admiral Sorvek to act as his personal aide and shuttle pilot. Sorvek had selected him for many other reasons, mainly because he was a valuable asset when it came to hacking computer systems and anything considered “techie.”

Sorvek nodded, “Precisely why I’m not returning to Earth. I apologize for involving you in this, lieutenant.”

O’Shaugnessy shrugged, “I owed ye a favor, now we’ll be even.”Sorvek had taken O’Shaugnessy under his wing several years earlier when the young ensign had gotten himself into trouble after a stunt involving hacking into the personal transmissions of a Starfleet admiral and revealing to everyone at Starfleet Command the admiral was having an affair with a cadet.

The admiral had taken his vengeance on O’Shaugnessy by having him reassigned to a remote listening station on the edge of Federation space, until Sorvek stepped in and had the young man assigned to Shadow Ops.

If Sorvek hadn’t realized the young man’s potential, he would have been swept under a rug and forgotten somewhere. Now he used his abilities for jobs like this: a quick bit of reprogramming to turn the *Osiris* into a trap.

“Indeed,” Sorvek said. “If you’ll excuse me, I will be going aft to access the data and see if all of this has been worth it.”

O’Shaugnessy set course for OpsBase One and jumped to warp. He looked back and considered the Vulcan admiral for a moment.

“Sir how did ye know someone was going to try to capture Preet and the Osiris?” the redhaired young man asked.

“It was what you might call…a hunch, lieutenant,” Sorvek explained. “It also confirms something I have suspected for some time but could not prove.”

O’Shaugnessy gave the admiral a curious look, “And that is?”

“That this threat to the Federation and the rest of quadrant is an internal threat,” Sorvek said. “And it extends to the very top of our leadership.”

“Aye,” said O’Shaugnessy. He turned back to his console, “I figured ye’d tell me something like that.” The runabout then continued on as Sorvek began to study the data they’d managed to take from the Legion ship before it was destroyed.

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.29

The bodies and the bridge of the *Resurrection* disappeared, leaving just the four of them in the holodeck.

"So much for rescuing the *Resurrection* captain," Thompson said, shouldering his weapon.

Mayla looked at Jahkar who just gave her a slight shrug, in which she returned with a nod. "You heard the captain. Move out."

She was the last one out of the holodeck and headed back to the armory where their specialized Shadow Ops gear was stored along with their personal weapons lockers. She joined Thompson at the lockers while he was removing his gear.

"How did you do in the sim?" She asked, opening her own locker. Attached to the side was a video padd that cycled through various images of her family. She gave it a customary greeting by touching her fingers to her lips before touching the padd. It was one her father had given to her before he went on his latest long-term assignment. It was the last time she saw him in person.

Daryl opened his own locker, stowing his own gear. “Not too bad, in my opinion. At least, I only killed the baddies this time,” Daryl gave Mayla a wry smile.

“Progress” she replied, returning the smile.

“Let’s hope it stays that way." Daryl disarmed his rifle and removed the ammunition magazine and energy cell and from the rifle, placing the latter in the charging unit below the rifles. The rifle he placed back in the rack next to Mayla's personalized one. Just looking at it told him it was a tried and worn weapon she had probably used on dozens of missions since he saw her last.

"Did you feel any different from the first sim?" She asked, removing all of her other weapons and placing them on the long table running down the center length of the room.

"During this sim, I was focused," he said with a contemplative tone. "Jahkar and I were a solid team, securing Engineering in no time. Like it should be. But it’s only the second sim, and the first which brings a certain amount of stress. I need to perform more sims to see if I indeed can cope with stressful situations again or that I still need therapy. Or an adjusted emo-chip. Or both.”

"Then I hope this mission won't see us any action," she said, pulling off her body armor down to her fatigues almost absentmindedly. It was another sign to him of her well-practiced acts like a veteran despite her 28 years of age. "But I wouldn't hold my breath on that."

“Maybe Bryce’s mindful sim has really eased my mind” Daryl smirked. Then, he gave her a look with just a little bit of concern. "You know something we don't? What is this viridium signal the Bridge mentioned?"

Mayla gave him a smile as she put away all of her melee weapons before holstering her TR-390P pistol into the fast draw holster strapped to her right thigh. "I know we're in Klingon space, looking for a ship." She started strapping another holster to her left thigh.

"Against orders." He said in a as-a-matter-fact tone.

She just gave him a tilt of her head as she checked the safety on her phaser pistol before holstering it, as if making a point.

Daryl nodded, his lips pressed together. “You’re not gonna tell me? Guess I’ll find out anyway when we are on the bridge.” He looked at both phaser pistols. “Am I still not allowed to carry weapons and move around freely on the ship?“ He gave a nod of his head towards the security officer standing at the entrance of the armory. “Since we are moving through Klingon space, I would feel slightly better if I was.“ He looked at Vree, awaiting her response.

"That's going to be up to the Captain." She closed her locker and pulled on a uniform jacket with her rank insignia on it. "Sorry. But I'm sure Ensign Sullivan can protect you if we're not around to do it." She gave the tall man a look to make a point. But instead of a look of acknowledgement, he nearly gave her a sneer.

"Yes, Commander." He answered gruffly. Then looking at Thompson with a bit of disdain.

"Is there a problem, Ensign?" Mayla said, tugging her jacket straight and took a stance in front of him.

"No sir, no problem here."

In her eyes, she already pulled up his dossier from the Resurrection's computer and perused through the latest entries as to how he was assigned to the Resurrection. "I expect you to provide Lieutenant Thompson the same protection you would provide to any crew member on this ship. If you provide substandard security for him, you will not only answer to me, but you will answer to the whole of Phoenix Team and Captain Lazarus. Is that understood?"

He stood up straight. "Even if he tries to kill you again?""If that happens, you have better be in the forefront to try to stop him, Ensign." She had noticed in his dossier he had been turned down promotion at his previous duty station due to an incident on an away mission. It had been determined he had failed to provide adequate security when he had been busy socializing.

He stood up even straighter. "I will, sir."

Mayla gave him a nod of satisfaction, then looked at Daryl opening a subvoc channel to him. "Whatever that's going to happen, Lazarus will brief us in a few minutes. I don't want to say any more while your security detail is here."

Daryl scowled for a moment at the ensign. He didn’t like him for one bit. He scoffed inwardly. He had more important things to mind than some ensign. When it was necessary, Daryl stood his ground. Even against a Klingon. “Acknowledged,” he answered back over subvoc, as he also put on his uniform jacket and closed the locker. Then they walked out of the armory to the bridge, followed by a discrete distance by Ensign Sullivan.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.29

Lazarus and the Shadow Ops team arrived on the bridge together and saw the ship was still at warp speed. Lazarus stepped over and took his seat, relieving McGuire who returned to her station at tactical. Lazarus sat down and checked a couple of reports, then turned to Darva, “Report.”

“We’ve picked up the *USS Invincible* on a course that takes it to the Klingon border. We will intercept the ship in about five minutes,” she said.

Lazarus nodded, “Helm, maintain course until we overtake the Invincible, then assume a course that will allow us to follow at a safe distance. Are we phased?”

“Aye,” McGuire replied.

“What do we know about the Invincible?” Mayla asked standing beside Lazarus.

“Nova-class starship, standard compliment, she is commanded by Captain R'Rusar Delan, he’s Caitian,” said Lazarus. “There is a Starfleet Intelligence Tactical Response team assigned to the transfer of General Krang…they are presumably aboard as well. No details available.”

Shortly thereafter, the *Resurrection* came into range of the Invincible and they began to shadow them, maintaining a safe distance so there was no chance of detection – though while phased at warp there was little chance that would happen.

“How long until we reach the Klingon border?” Mayla asked.

“ETA, 37 minutes,” Ensign Kolar announced from the helm controls.

“Maintain course,” Lazarus instructed. He then turned to Vree. “Now, we wait.”

Lt. JG. Daven Corhees

Lt. JG. Spargan

Ensign Grollan

Ensign Bryan Turner

Ensign Aaron Turner

Ensign Pui-Chor Wong

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2003.30

“Gentleman,” said Daven to the other madcaps, once they’d gathered in a room on the *Resurrection*, “Lieutenant Commander Carmichael has set us a task:  Deal with the nanite infestation of the Communications Array.”

“We  don’t know much about nanites,” responded Grollan.

Bryan snorted.  “Didn’t stop us from learning about steam engines and building a steam-powered van.”

His brother laughed.  “The look on Professor Morton’s face when he saw that thing was worth the effort.  I wonder if it still exists.”

“Let us to business,” said Spargan.  “Explain what brought this about.”

“Okay, the commander and I have worked over several scenarios, and the only thing that makes any sense is that the communication arrays have been infested with... something.  Since the software gets security sweeps on a regular basis, a virus would likely be detected at some point. Most hardware add-ons would also gain attention.  Als, Legion has been using nanites a lot.”

“Making those the logical cause,” responded Spargan.

Daven nodded.  “So long as the communications arrays are infected, our entire operation is compromised.”

Pui-Chor spoke up:  “The Andorian prisoner has a nanite in her.  If it can be extracted without being destroyed, we can study it.”

“We've got our step one,” agreed Daven.  “Let’s do this.”

Holder of the name Myaral in All The Tribes Of Ra’yral

City of Roghan, Carnor

Stardate 2003.31

Myaral had rented a special abode that High Chiefs used when in a city.  A messenger came in and politely bared his throat, to Myaral’s approval.  This messenger might be of the Ro’ar tribe, but at least they showed respect to the other High Chiefs--for now.  “Honoured High Chief, I bring you water and a message.”

“Let us share the water,” said Myaral.  The larger portion went to him, as he was of higher rank.  After they shared the water and Myaral was given the scroll, he bade the messenger good hunting, then unrolled the scroll and read it.

It was good to get letters from family--then he smiled as he read that his brother was in the Kazis system.  To book a last-minute trip to the Kazis System would be expensive, but Myaral could afford it--and any flicking tails would be stilled if he simply told them a truth:  The Holder of a Name--a Holder in a La’an tribe, no less!--had recently died, and both most likely to Hold the Name now were in the nearby Kazis System.  He would not wear his finery as a High Chieftain--he had heard of the Kazis System, and knew such things were unwise.  He would, however, travel with those of his guards who’d had shady enough pasts to know the dangers of such a place.  And thus it was that shortly after Ryramorl, Reepchip, Sasso, and T’Aayla would be rising from their meals, Myaral, his wife Rynaya, and Ryramorl’s wife Ry’ala’ara were bording a ship to the Capital City bringing along a 9-shot revolver (with ammunition) that had its hilt inlaid with the ivory of the Holder of the Name Ryramorl’s teeth--the bones that had been left to First Name Ryramorl--along with a few items of clothing Ry’ala’ara had made for her mate as she waited for him to come home.

They first took a shuttle to the Capital City.  They were joined by Rygaran D’Hronarin (who had likewise received word through Sasso’s report to Holjarus) of Ryramorl’s whereabouts, and had been likewise tasked with handing over a copy of the Gaish Contract and offering Ryramorl any further assistance.  From there they would take a ship to Kazis IX, where Myaral would meet up with his family to discuss business.

Ensign Tiri Sh'avelith & Lt. Cody Beckett

*SS Venomous*

Stardate 2003.31

The *Venomous* made its approach at Deep Space Nine. Tiri had heard many of the war-time stories from this place, all of it happening more than 20 years ago when the station was first established. Today, it was a bustling trade hub with Federation, Klingon, Ferengi and Cardassian ships coming and going -- not to mention dozens of private ships moving freight, passengers and other cargo between worlds.

Tiri looked to Beckett, “Have you ever been here before, Cody?”

Cody gazed at the station. “Yeah, a few times. But that’s a long time ago.  My father often took me along on ore mining missions. I've been here when the Cardassians still ran the station, during the last years of the Bajoran occupation. Afterwards, we went here a few times as well, as it was a good place for finding new ore contracts."

Tiri stared at Cody. "You were involved with that? You worked for the Cardassians" she almost spit out that last word.

Cody gave her an intense gaze back "no, I wasn't involved with that. I was 17, and my dad took me along. And he wasn't involved either. He didn't like the Cardassians. But it was work. And they payed well. That was my dad's only motivation, to earn money. At least, as far as I know. " He gazed at her for another moment, then looked back at the screen, where DS9 was visible. When the *Venomous* had docked, Ibragimov stood up. "Let's go."

Captain Quentin Lazarus

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.01

“Long range sensors detect a Klingon Bird of Prey at zero four two, mark three two six,” Lt. Commander Darva McGuire reported from tactical. “It is stationary, decloaked, about one light year from the Klingon border in Federation space.”

Lazarus turned toward the main viewscreen, “On screen.”

McGuire brought up the image of a Bird of Prey hanging in space, her running lights flashing, appearing to be waiting for someone or something.

“The Invincible has dropped out of warp,” said McGuire. “She’s slowing to impulse, approaching the Klingon ship.”

“Bring us out of warp. Maintain phased cloak,” said Lazarus. “Sweep for communications. Also, scan for any signs of other cloaked vessels.”

“Negative for cloaked ships,” said McGuire. “I have ship-to-ship communications between the BOP and Invincible.”

“Put it on speakers,” Lazarus ordered.

The speakers on the bridge crackled and voices immediately came through, filling the *Resurrection*’s command center.

“This is the Klingon vessel *IKS Ch’Tang*,” a Klingon voice barked through the comm-line. “I am Captain K’nor. We are here to take the petaQ, Krang off your hands, Starfleet.”

“Captain R'Rusar Delan of the *USS Invincible*,” the Caitian captain of Invincible replied. “If you’ll transmit the identification code, we’ll have General Krang made ready for transport.”

On the viewscreen, the Nova-class ship came within transporter range of the Klingon ship and answered all stop. The two ships sat in space as Resurrection remained nearby, motionless, monitoring the entire exchange.

Lazarus looked to Mayla Vree, “So far everything seems legit. Thoughts, Commander?”

Mayla had been standing by the Tactical station watching and waiting ever since the briefing. And since that time, she had been pondering this very moment but hadn't bothered the Captain with her speculations until a specific moment arrived. In her eyes was the schematic of the bird of prey she pulled up as soon as the ship appeared on the sensors. She casted the schematic of the ship to an overhead monitor for Lazarus to see. Legit or not, they need to find out where Krang goes. As long as he had the viridium chip inside his body, they could still track him. At least until it is discovered and removed.

"We should get two Sky Eye nanoprobes attached to their hull quickly before they leave. Then we can still track the ship in the event we lose the signal from Krang's chip." She pointed to a crevice on the port side just behind the wing in front of the rear drive module, and another on the starboard side on the wing itself.  Both positions are inconspicuous enough to overlook unless someone actively looked for it. "We can beam both a meter from this first spot and let the stealth AI in each of the probes attach itself to the hull in these two different locations. The probes are small enough to go undetected. But we need to move quickly before they cloak and leave."

"That tracking data is relayed over subspace. We won't receive it if we continue running in the dark." Lazarus said.

"Right. The probe could be adjusted to use a localized subspace subnet via the same method you used to contact Ibragimov." Mayla was already at a substation with her fingers running swiftly across the console getting the probes ready. She would have to beam them directly from their armory since the ship wasn't built specifically to work with their gear. Back in the day on a ship built for Shadow Ops, the hull would have several small launch ports for these sky eye nanoprobes to be deployed quickly.

"You mean over darkspace?" Lazarus started plugging away at his own console.

"Are you really calling it that?" She smirked, not letting her attention waver for a moment as she worked fast to configure the nanoprobes.

"Don't laugh at it." He retorted gruffly. "It's saved lives."

"Aye aye, Captain. I'll need the encryption codes you have set to access it, and I can deploy the probes immediately if you give the word."

“Proceed, Commander,” Lazarus replied.

Mayla launched the probes at a touch of the hovering control panel, when another thought hit her. She silently reprimanded herself for not seeing it sooner. "Captain, what if they intercept the transporter beam like what the ARF did with Thompson on Andoria?"

That made him swivel in his chair with alarm. "Do we have any indication of it? Any anomalies in the sensors of maybe another cloaked ship here?" He asked Tactical.

"Nothing on the sensors. The closest star system is still four light years away."

Mayla watched the visuals as the two probes gently attached themselves to their hiding places on the hull of the bird of prey. "I hate to say this, but any one of those Klingons on board could be part of Krang's group and already hacked the transporters the same way." She keyed her subvoc. "Phoenix Team to the bridge, on the double."

"What's going on?" Both Jahkar and Thompson said over the subvocal.

"The transfer is about to happen and we need to ensure the transporter beam doesn't get intercepted as when Thompson was kidnapped." She tapped the Iotian tactical officer on duty, a Lieutenant Nyck Dahrt, one of the very few Iotians in Starfleet. "Increase the scan resolution for gases not found in this part of space. We may be able to pick up a residual trace of an impulse or warp trail within transporter range of the bird of prey."

"If we increase the intensity of the sensors, they might detect us," Dahrt said in a historic American drawl from a city called New York; something the Iotians continued to retain since James T. Kirk's discovery of the planet over 120 years ago.

"I'll move the ship in closer to the aft of the bird of prey, that might mask our energy signature." Lazarus said, gesturing to the Helm.

At that moment Jahkar and Thompson burst on to the Bridge and the latter headed straight for Bridge substation. Mayla just gave them a nod to get to work. They had more knowledge of the kidnapping incident than she did. "Work fast, we have literally minutes, if even that." She wanted to make clear the urgency of their task. They had no way of knowing if she was just being paranoid. She shook her head to herself. How much of her father was in her still surprised her.

*USS Resurrection*

Near the Klingon Border

Stardate 2004.05

Lt. Nyck Dahrt had taken over tactical from Lt. Commander Darva McGuire, who was now preparing a security team, in the event there was trouble. Dahrt, an Iontian, stood in front of the holographic tactical board and tapped in commands, conducting various sensor sweeps of region.

“Scanning,” he reported.

Meanwhile, aboard the USS Invincible, Captain Delan had finished conferring with the Klingon commander, Captain K’nor and verified the authentication code the *Ch’Tang* was transmitting.

“They check out,” Delan said, turning to Chas’naH. “You can proceed with transporting Krang over to the Bird of Prey.”

Chas’naH looked at the Caitian, then stepped forward and faced the holographic screen at the front of the bridge. “May I, captain?”

Delan looked from Chas to the Klingon commander, then nodded, “By all means.”

She looked to the Klingon captain, and uttered the standard Klingon greeting of “nuqneH!” which was the equivalent of asking someone “what do you want.” For a Klingon, that was about the closest one got to a friendly welcome.

K’nor regarded her, a steely glare in his eyes, “We are ready to take Krang. Who are you?”

Chas’naH cocked her head slightly, “Commander Chas’naH. You and I spoke briefly before I came aboard Invincible.”

K’nor nodded, “so?”

“SO!” she barked. “Where is the barrel of blood wine I asked for. You said you would have one for me to take back to Earth. It is such a rare thing to have good blood wine outside the Klingon Empire.”

Meanwhile…

Lazarus and the rest of the bridge crew was monitoring the verbal conversation and the captain turned to Vree, “She’s trying to verify he is who he says he is.”

At that moment, Dahrt looked over from tactical, “Commander, captain, a couple of unusual readings.”

Lazarus’ stare fell upon the Iotian. “Spit it out.”

“No gaseous anomalies, but there is an occasional phase variance about 200,000 km above the *Invincible* and *Ch’Tang*,” said Dahrt. “Also, I’m picking up signs of a fresh debris field on the edge of long-range sensors, in the direction of the Klingon border.”

Chas’naH waited for K’nor to reply. She watched him for a reaction but read nothing in his cold eyes. Finally, he smirked and gave a laugh, “Of course, commander. How could I forget. I will have two beamed over once we have Krang safely delivered.”

Chas’naH smiled and gave him a curt nod, “Qa’pla!” she responded, then motioned for Delan to end the transmission. As soon as he did, she turned to the captain, “Captain, I never spoke with K’nor before I came aboard *Invincible*.”

“But they have the codes,” the Caitian stammered in disbelief.

“That isn’t the ship sent by Martok to retrieve Krang,” she said sternly. “I’d raise your shields and call battlestations.”

Delan slammed a fist on the armrest of his chair, “Damn! Red alert! Shields up! Charge phasers!”

At that moment, the first salvo from *Ch’Tang* was fired and disruptors and a spread of plasma torpedoes came streaking across the void of space to slam into the Nova-class vessel…

Back to top

## S2, E2, Act 6: Boarding Action

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.05

"Ah sh-t!" Dahrt yelled out as his fingers flew across his console compiling a targeting package for Lazarus to give the order to defend the Invincible. It was the right thing to do!

Lazarus jerked around in his chair giving the order to go to red alert and to prepare to do battle.

"Sir!" Mayla yelled. "Belay that!" She looked down to Darht. "Get me their shield modulation frequency from the tracking probe, hurry!" She brought up functions on her console and bypassed procedures to access a cache of KV explosives secured in a lower deck hold below the armory.

"What the hell are you doing, Commander?" Lazarus bellowed at her.

"We can't reveal ourselves and we don't want the BOP destroyed. We want to track it!" Delivered with their armory was a small cache of KV explosives already set with a detonator inside a secured holding container on a lower deck. All she had to do was remote program it through her subvocal's command override frequency. It was something she had also learned from her father who had used this precise method of disabling an enemy ship. "I'm going to disable the BOP so it will withdraw. Hopefully the *Invincible* won't pursue. Then we can follow where the Klingons go."

"Do it. I don't know if the bird of prey can hold up against a Nova class ship." He began jabbing at keys in the air of his holographic controls.

Dahrt let out another curse, his eyes growing wide as saucers, "A second ship... decloaking...no...it’s phase-shifting! Bearing zero tree zero mark tree one zero!" Which indicated exactly where the sensors were detecting the occasional phase variance. "They're firing!"

The viewscreen revealed an image that instantly shocked and sent fear across the entire bridge crew. A massive Klingon dreadnought, weapons charged and shields raised, targeting the *USS Invincible*.

The appearance of the massive ship would easily change the outcome of the battle against the Nova class ship. The Invincible wouldn't survive a fight against the two ships -- the dreadnought alone representing major overkill.

“Federation starship *Invincible*,” a Klingon voice announced in a transmission from the dreadnought. “Surrender and avoid bloodshed. We only want General Krang. Do not make me test the name of your vessel to see if it is truly...invincible.”

It certainly didn't take a tactician to figure out the slim chance of the Invincible's survival. Mayla ran through several options in her head all the way from beaming over an assault team to the bird of prey to attacking the dreadnought head on. Neither of those options nor any in between looked feasible.

But they should still try something. Mayla quickly targeted a shield power grid on the ship's port side that was also near the coolant systems for their warp core. Hopefully the damage would be enough to at least take the bird of prey out of the battle.

"Suggestions?" Lazarus said.

"I can still disable the bird of prey," Mayla said. "But that dreadnought itself is more than enough to take out both the Invincible and us." She looked down at Darht who was starting to get frustrated and shook his head. "Dahrt?"

He lightly banged the console with his fist with frustration. "Their shield is on a rotating modulated frequency. I can't predict what that next frequency is going to be even with the information coming from inside the shield."

"That Klingon ship has a phase cloak. Where the hell did they get it from?" Lazarus said almost with incredulity, but mostly anger in his voice. They were entirely outgunned.

Mayla looked over to Jahkar and Thompson. As long as both enemy ships' shields were up, they were at a distinct disadvantage. She just shook her head at Lazarus. "We may have to let them take Krang. And hope they don't destroy the Invincible afterwards." Mayla gestured to the sensor readings for the debris field that was just at the edge of their sensor range. "I suspect they destroyed the ship that was supposed to be here. There is little evidence to show they won't do the same with the Invincible after they get Krang."

Lazarus didn't like that idea to let an enemy who seemed to always be a step ahead of them get away with it, again. But there was no way they could go up against the dreadnought. "Klingons without honor? What is the Empire coming to?"

"Holdo Maneuver," Mayla slowly said. It was as if the entire Bridge itself gasped. "Just a suggestion."

No one liked that idea at all, least of all Lazarus. "No, I'm not sacrificing this crew and ship. I need other options."

"Sir," Darht said. "Unless their shields are down, there's nothing we could do. That ship could eat us both for appetizers without even burping afterwards."

"Captain," his XO speaking up for the first time during all this. "At least we can track both ships if Krang is taken on board the dreadnought. Short of a squadron of starships appearing right now, we can't take them on ourselves."

He looked at his XO. "So we do nothing."

"I suggest we prepare for the aftermath if there is no Klingon honor shown here. We save as many people as we can from the Invincible if everything goes to pot."

Mayla bent down close to Dahrt's ears. "If the Invincible's shields go down, start getting a transporter lock on as many souls as you can starting with the bridge. I'll recalibrate our cargo bay transporters for biological transports." That would give them two extra transporter pads. But with almost eighty crew members on board the Invincible, there was no way they could transport all of them quickly.

Lazarus waited for anyone else to come up with any suggestions.

Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

*USS Resurrection*, Bridge

Stardate 2004.06

As soon as Daryl activated his console, the virtual HUD appeared, and Daryl’s hands jabbed through the air, giving in commands. Within a split second, the HUD started showing data of the situation. Daryl quickly assessed it, and tapped a few commands on his wrist padd, activating the AI. The AI interfaced with Daryl’s chip in his brain, giving him an advantage in processing and reaction reflexes. As he heard Dahrt cursing, he gritted his teeth, then he thought of something. He gave in more commands, in the meanwhile giving the AI a few commands through thoughts.

“Prepare a short wave, focused, pulsed bariton beam, passive mode.” The AI reacted and gave him an acknowledge. Then the sensors showed new information, about the same time Dahrt cursed again: A Klingon dreadnought. The situation was worsening by the second. Daryl cursed inwardly and his fingers flew through the air, giving in commands. The AI replied in his head “bariton beam ready” Daryl checked the frequencies of the BoP, then gave a mental command, and for a short moment, the bariton beam was emitted. It interacted with the shields of the Bird of Prey, distorting it gently but firmly. The sensor feed gave the AI enough information. Daryl gave in the information the AI and punched the button.

“Shield frequency found. Ready to lower shields of the Bird of Prey “ Daryl stated….

*USS Invincible*

Klingon Border

Stardate 2004.06

Aboard *Invincible*, explosions rocked the ship as the crew reeled from the surprise attack. Delan ordered an attempted retreat. But the abundant number of disruptors aboard the dreadnought pounded the ship relentlessly.

Chas’naH ordered the rest of her team to guard Krang. Transporter inhibitors were in place around the cell keeping anyone from transporting the general off the Starfleet ship.

“Shields are holding, but have sustained a great deal of damage,” said Lt. Chainarong, who was frantically targeting the enemy ships using the holographic tactical screens. “Shields at 45 percent.”

Captain Delan gripped the armrests of his chair and looked to the screen to watch a volley of plasma torpedoes streaking from the dreadnought toward them. “Evasive maneuvers!”

“Evasive…” Chainarong barked. “Too late!”

The exploding torpedoes slammed hard into Invincible and damaged one of the nacelles, causing it to start venting plasma.

“Shields...at 25 percent!” the tactical officer reported.

“Helm! Get us out of here!” the Caitian roared.

Chas’naH shook her head, “The Bird of Prey is moving to block our retreat. You need to arm the crew and have them prepare for a boarding action by the Klingons.”

Delan was about to protest this Starfleet Intelligence operative telling him what to do, but it made sense. In his early days with Starfleet, he fought during the Federation/Klingon War that took place prior to the Dominion War and Delan knew the Klingons would come aboard.

“Chainarong, order security teams to arm themselves and prepare for borders,” Delan ordered.

“Aye sir,” the tactical/security officer said.

“Give us what we want, Invincible,” the Klingon on the speaker said. Delan noted his voice was very calm and sounded almost human. Well-spoken, not the ranting and snarling voice of a typical Klingon warrior. “Do not make us destroy you.”

Aboard *Resurrection*, the bridge crew watched the decimation of the *USS Invincible*, Lt. Dahrt using the situation to learn as much about the Klingon ship as he could. “That ship has two ‘mega’ disruptors that are likely capable of going through the shields of most ships in just a few shots. They can quickly level planetary shields as well. The ship carries 14 siege disruptor banks on the main hull and has two forward firing and two aft firing plasma torpedo launchers,” said Dahrt. “It carries a weapons pod that can mount a variety of different weapon systems in addition to those carried by the ship itself. Can’t get a full read on the pod, but I’m guessing this pod can add up to four additional photon torpedo launchers, two mega disruptors, or a mixture of five siege phaser banks and two additional photon torpedo launchers.”

Lazarus gave what sounded like a growl under his breath. “Krang’s followers didn’t destroy the *CharghwI'* being built at that dockyard that was attacked a few weeks ago. They stole it.”

"Sir?" His XO asked.

"Starfleet Intelligence reported last week that the Kosh'korvak shipyards was destroyed along with the new Klingon flagship, the *IKS CharghwI'* and three bird of preys docked there. Six hundred eighty Klingons were killed. The followers of Krang took responsibility for the attack." Lazarus swore out loud this time. Someone had purposefully reported the ship lost to the high council. These revelations were beginning to paint an ever-expanding image of how widespread this internal Klingon matter was becoming.

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.06

She watched the tactical arena and if the *Invincible* tried to run, the *Charghwl'* will just run it down. In the here and now, lives were at stake. She reprimanded herself for thinking first of the mission and not the *Invincible* crew. Lazarus had unknowingly reminded her that their lives were not as focused on war as her genetic makeup was.

"Sir, we have to do something." Mayla said. "Their nacelle is venting plasma. They can't run. A few more hits and the Invincible will be completely dead in the water. We're intercepting their comms, they already have casualties. Thompson has already figured out the shield modulation in the bird of prey. If I increase the yield of the explosion, we can take it out of commission."

Lazarus gave his bridge crew a grim look. "Maybe we can still do both. Let's get two tracker probes on that dreadnought."

Mayla looked over to Thompson. "Can you get the shield modulation for that BDS?"

Thompson almost smiled at the familiar term for 'big damn ship' and had already started working on it. "I'm on it."

Mayla concentrated on her console and increased the yield on the KV explosives. With Thompson's shield frequency modifications, she recalibrated the transporter lock to the space adjacent to the bird of prey's warp core. With a large explosion there, the core will breach and take out the ship. Then she calibrated a half dozen more tracking nano-probes and beamed them aft of the *CharghwI'*, awaiting Thompson's data. The probes will be hard to see with minute debris floating around from the damaged Invincible.

"Captain, I'm ready to send the nested egg to the bird of prey," she said, using the old Shadow Operations term. Any sensor readings of the explosion will just look like something happened to the core. They've used this method before. But if Thompson can get the shield modulation of the dreadnought which will get the probes inside the shield, it would give Lazarus the option of disabling the *Charghwl'* even with a secondary shield array around the bridge. Mayla's eyes turned hard at the thought. With the shield frequency, they could just decloak above the bridge and blow it to hell with everything the *Resurrection* had.

Colonel Jahkar

*USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.07

Jahkar felt like he’d been punched in the gut when he heard Chas’naH speaking to the Klingons from aboard *USS Invincible*. He’d not spoken with her in the better part of the year and knew she was working for Starfleet Intelligence, mostly assigned to the embassy on Qo’noS, but here she was, leading the SpecOp team guarding General Krang.

There was an even bigger punch to his gut when he realized Lazarus and Vree might just sit back and let Invincible be destroyed so they could track the Klingon dreadnought back to wherever it had come from.

Jahkar eyed the tactical station and considered asking to take over from Dahrt, but the Iotian seemed to have a good handle on what was going on. For now, he’d wait until Vree gave him an order.

*USS Resurrection*

Near the Klingon Border

Stardate 2004.07

Thompson looked up from his station, “I can’t get the modulation of those shields. They are using a complex rotation pattern.”

Dahrt waited until Thompson finished and glanced toward the captain, “My scans are turning up more surprises. That thing has regenerative ablative armor and confirmed, it has a phased cloaking device.”

“The Klingons agreed after the Dominion War they would not develop phased cloak technology if we agreed to use it only on special operations ships,” Lazarus muttered. “The regenerative armor...we thought they were many years behind on developing that.”

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.07

"Any other options anyone can think of?" Lazarus asked, nearly wincing at the damage the sensors were detecting on the Invincible.

"Invincible crew is preparing to repel boarders," Dahrt reported.

Mayla laid it all out, the only available options left, but it would mean it would completely compromise their position. "Captain, there are no choices left without revealing ourselves. If we're to save lives and overall mission and direct orders be damned, we need to intervene. We send the egg to the bird of prey, and take Krang off the Invincible and draw the *Charghwl'* away from the Invincible. Hopefully they come after us and leave the *Invincible* alone.

"Or we start transporting the Invincible crew and Krang now and let them be boarded. We blow the *Invincible* with another egg and make them think Krang was lost in the explosion. We have enough space on this ship to hold everyone."

The XO already had several tactical scenarios playing out in simulations floating around the second chair on the Bridge. None of them gave them much chance of success. "Or we let them board the Invincible and forcefully take Krang, and hope they don't destroy the ship afterwards. We assist in the aftermath."

"There is a futility to fighting that thing head to head," Jahkar said. "So I don't think we should even consider that an option."

"Their shields are down to 5%," Dahrt said from his station.

Thompson shook his head with frustration. This BDS had a formidable offensive and defensive package. He was in the most advanced ship in Starfleet, and they were still helpless against the Klingon behemoth. "I can't get their shield modulation, nor hack or access their computer systems."

"Any chance you can hack the bird of prey's computers and have it start firing on the *Charghwl'*," Mayla mused. "It would be a good distraction."

Thompson gave her a frown. "Now there's an idea. How much access are we talking about?"

"Just the weapons. Override their targeting system and fire everything they've got at the *Charghwl'*. If you can get a hold of their propulsion, ram it into the BDS." Mayla gave him a piercing look. "If you get access to their warp drive, use it."

Thompson gave her a slightly horrified look as what she was implying, but he got to work quickly.

Mayla could see Lazarus was listening carefully and pondering their options before making his final decision.

Lt. Daryl Thompson

*USS Resurrection*, Bridge

Stardate 2004.10

Daryl focussed on the Bird of Prey again. It had some modifications in it’s electronic warfare systems, some appeared Starfleet, but a few where what it looked like from Breen origin.

Mentally, Daryl ordered his AI to find a weakness in the systems. From experience, Daryl knew that these rag-tag systems were often badly tuned, giving hackers easy access, IF they knew what they were looking at….within seconds, the AI answered. “Access granted” New data flowed over the screen and Daryl checked quickly where he was at. He was in, but in an isolated part.

Quickly, he uploaded some of his own code, and placed it in several places within the existing routines, replacing the original code. Then he restarted the subsystem. For a moment, it seemed he was locked out, then the interface lit up again. This time, he had additional rights, and a set of interfaces turned green instead of red. Daryl grinned a half grin. Quickly, he continued, and within a few seconds he had gained access to the targeting systems and weapons. Overriding and disabling the default authorization routines, he uploaded more code and ran an algorithm to decode the access to the propulsion systems. This would take some time…. He looked at Mayla as he ordered the system to lock on to the Klingon dreadnought…

"Targeting and weapons systems overridden, ready to fire on the Klingon dreadnought," he stated.

"Fire everything," Lazarus growled while looking at the dreadnought. Daryl tapped in the command, and several volleys of photon torpedos were launched, and all of the phaser banks continuously fired at the colossal Klingon warship.

"Keep working on their propulsion system," Mayla ordered. "And get those tracker probes on that ship." Silently she was hoping the *Charghwl'*s shield would fluctuate enough for the tracking probes to get inside the shield through a gap. She knew the bird of prey was no match for the dreadnought. But it might give the *Invincible* some time to get away.

*IKS Charghwl*

Klingon/Federation Border

Stardate 2004.10

Aboard the captured Klingon dreadnought, Lord Kre’tok, son of Krang, sat in the captain’s chair. Sitting to either side of him were two large wolf-like beasts from the planet Yrobror VII, a world captured by the empire many centuries ago. The planet had yielded a pre-industrial civilization that was essentially useless to the Klingons -- though they made good workers for the farms they eventually planted there. The best thing to be derived from the conquest of Yrobror was the Yevolki -- a canine species which were found to be fierce hunters and, when trained, vicious guard animals. Kre’tok had utilized the beasts to protect outposts belonging to the Ghost Clan across the empire. He’d also bred and trained a couple to serve as his personal pets.

Kre’tok was unusual, as far as Klingons were concerned. He was the only child of General Krang and had been groomed since birth for one thing -- leadership. Krang had decided when Khemtok was born that in order for his child to ascend to greatness, he needed to stop thinking like a typical Klingon.

While the boy spent his childhood in Klingon schools, he was sent aboard as he reached adulthood to be educated in Federation universities. He spent time at Oxford, Daystrom and even a short but interesting stint as an exchange student with the Vulcan science academy.

When the Federation/Klingon war started, Kre’tok was called home to assume a position with the Klingon High Council as an aide.

Krang left his son in charge of the House of K’hmal while he led a military campaign against Federation colonies and outposts along the Arcanus Sector. It was during this campaign everything went sideways. Krang committed a number of autocracies, considered illegal by Klingon standards. Mass killings, acts of sexual violence and even the killing of children.

When the Federation ultimately ran down Krang and his raiders, the general was put on trial for war crimes and he was tried for charges of genocide. When he looked to the Klingon Empire for help, Gowron and the High Council turned their backs on him and he was Discommendated for his actions.

Before the House of K’hmal could be stripped of its wealth and power, Kre’tok diverted much of his father’s latinum to secret Ferengi accounts and he consolidated pacts in secrecy with other Klingon houses who were opposed to Gowron’s leadership. When the Discommendation came, Kre’tok had already absconded with a fortune and all the ships and personnel at Krang’s disposal.

The lomqa' Clan was born -- Iomqa’ being the Klingon word for ‘ghost.’ Kre’tok and several hundred warriors loyal to his father, led a life in the shadows. Moving from place to place like nomads, acting as pirates and mercenaries to make more latinum to fund their cause. The Iomqa’ warriors even grew in size, taking on more and more disgruntled Klingons who loathed the pro-Federation leadership of Martok and longed for a return to simpler times when Klingons lived by the bat’leth -- not through negotiation and diplomacy.

Now, here in this set of coordinates near the Klingon border, Kre’tok was ready to rescue his father from the Federation and their Klingon lapdogs and restore the noble house of K’hmal before toppling the High Council and restoring the Klingon Empire of old.

But with any daring military campaign, there were always obstacles that got in the way...and one had just taken place. For no reason, the Bird of Prey they were using to deceive the USS Invincible, opened fire on the IKS Charghwl'.

The disruptor blasts and photon torpedoes hammered the flagship’s shields, but yielded no gaps for the probes to slip through. Kre’tok scowled and looked to his tactical officer.

“What are those fools doing?” he demanded.

“They’ve turned their guns on us,” the Klingon hissed and he entered commands into the holographic display. “They are reporting a loss of control, someone has seized their weapons.”

Kre’tok chewed the inside of his lip as he pondered a response. He watched Invincible use the distraction to break away from the skirmish and make for deep space.

“Stop that Federation ship first,” he muttered. “If the Bird of Prey can’t regain control, make short order of them. I want the Invincible boarded.”

Meanwhile, Thompson noted an insignificant fluctuation in the dreadnought’s shields...the modulation pattern not appearing to give any leeway in allowing the probes through.

Agent Sasso Charatetet

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Lt. Ryramorl Ra'yral

Commander T'Aayla Raillius

Kazis IX

Stardate 2004.10

Captain Tarika

*Tachi Koma* approaching Federation border

Stardate 2004.10

After three crazy ivans and a swing around Rura Penthe, they were finally approaching the Federation border after an uneventful flight. Tarika was in the holodeck running through a series of close combat routines with a holographic opponent with a sword and a phaser. Their battle was silently fought with only the sound of their blades clashing against each other echoing through the ruins of an ancient Romulan monastery in the overgrown wilderness. She had learned about this place in the years she was with the Romulan Qowat Milat on Vashti; a cult of sorts of warrior nuns. She found the ruins to tell a story beyond the scope of imagination, whether they were true or not. She had run this program often and know the writings in the shrine walls and ceilings by heart. And she knew the area all too well.

She had trained here for years with the group and had become one of the best experiences she's had with Romulans. She found these sisters of the Qowat Milat to be polar opposites of the paranoid and secretive nature of the Tal Shiar and your basic Romulan. The Sisters followed a specific way of life by following the teachings of the Way of Absolute Candor. It's principle was simple put as the total communication of emotion without filter between thought and word.

During her training with them, the Way and monastic life was a great challenge for her as she had been there under false pretenses. She lied her way to Vashti posing as a full Romulan, she lied her way into the village near the monastery, and she lied to the young Romulan boy whom she befriended and introduced her to the sisterhood. Which she later found strange as the Qowat Milat were all female.

The subterfuge had pained her with guilt. But her orders were clear. Infiltrate and gather information about this secretive group. After being with them for several years, the dozens of intelligence reports all said the same thing; that these Romulan women were counter of all what people thought of mainstream Romulans. Then an opportunity came when the Tal Shiar attacked the monastery she was living at, killing several of her 'sisters', and destroyed the grounds. In the firefight and subsequent destruction, she was presumed dead and was able to escape.

Even though coming to this replicated place on Vashti gave her feelings of guilt. The peace and enlightened hope her 'sisters' beheld that was most dear to them gave her a sense of calm and belonging. Some day she hoped she could return to them, and explain herself.

Parrying and leaping to the right to avoid a blast of phaser fire, she ran towards the crumbling rotunda. She slowed down when she saw Marcus standing in front of a fallen column by a small pond skipping rocks across the surface. She made note of the meditative state he was in as he tried to get it to skip more than four times.

She held up a fist to signal to her opponent to stop the fighting. She sheathed her sword and walked towards the holopilot. He didn't acknowledge that he saw her, but he didn't need to.

"Yes, Marcus?" She asked, stopping behind him.

"We're approaching the border in 20 minutes."

"Is the buoy ready?" She asked without looking when Lennier rezzed into being standing by the column.

"Yes, it will take 27 hours to reach Hermes."

Tarika took a cleansing breath and took a drink from her hydration pack. "Are we clear of any tails?"

"No tails were detected." Marcus spun another rock, getting to skip only three times. His dark shoulder length hair framed his angular face and jaw, giving him an intense statuesque stature. Whereas in contrast, Lennier was bald with bone ridges along each side of his skull to end at his brow, and always had a meditative look on his face. Even in dress, the two couldn't be any more different. Marcus wore a black jumpsuit that reminded her of the old Shadow Operations combat fatigues with a waist jacket. And Lennier always wore white trousers with a flowing shirt, all underneath a long cream-colored jacket with gold trims. How he was able to perform repairs to the ship in those clothes was beyond her comprehension.

"Good. When sensors are clear, send the buoy and resync with Federation subspace relays."

She walked off the holodeck and took a quick sonic shower before going to the bridge. The buoy was launched ten minutes later and sped on its way. It quickly disappeared into the darkness, barely registering any energy signature above the cosmic microwave background. She looked at the navigational plot to see they were still 7 hours away from Kazis IX. But once inside Federation space, she was able to access the Trade Board on Kazis IX for any new contracts that might interest her.

Her messages started flooding in as the Tachi Koma reconnected to the Federation subspace relays. There was a message from Gaish.

"Have a hospitality hologram for you if interested. I know it gets...lonely on that ship of yours."

She scoffed at the message at first, but responded with asking how much it was going to cost her.

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.10

"They're firing on both ships now," Dahrt said. "Invincible's shields down to 2%. One more hit, then their shields go down. Bird of prey is taking on heavy damage."

Mayla took a deep breath. The *Charghwl'* was distracted, just slightly as she willed the Invincible to go faster as it slowly limped away. The bird of prey was still firing on the dreadnought with torpedoes and disruptors. She looked over to Thompson whose face showed intense concentration as he attempted to counteract measures used against his programs now. They had discovered an intrusion, but his programs had replaced most of the ship's original programming and now only answer to him.

"The *Charghwl'* is moving to get a better firing angle on the *Invincible*," Dahrt's eyes were staring intently closer to his incoming sensor readings. "Disruptors are firing at low power. Looks like they want to bring down the shields and board her. The bird of prey has lost all shields and taking on damage. Invincible is positioning herself behind the bird of prey and increasing their distance."

That bought the Invincible a minute or two until the bird of prey is destroyed, or they regain control. Mayla took a breath and made a decision. "Captain, permission to beam over with an away team to secure Krang and evacuate the crew."

He slowly turned and looked at her. "Are you sure?"

"Once their shields go down, they'll kill every person on that ship to get to Krang." She glanced over to Jahkar, who gave her a nod and immediately ran off the bridge to gear up.

"And what makes you think they won't do the same to us if they find out he's on board our ship?"

"I guess you'll cross that bridge when you get to it, sir." She didn't smile when she said it.

He knew what she meant by that. "Go then. Good luck."

"Volunteers only, sir. Tell them to meet us in the transporter room." She stated, then bent down to Darht's ears. "You remember what to do once their shields are down?"

"Aye," he said, pointing at a program he'd already put together to start transporting as many of the Invincible crew to the Resurrection's cargo hold and transporter room at the same time. "Krang is a priority as soon as I can get a lock."

Then Lazarus spoke from the center chair. "Put him in the brig with a dampening field to block that iridium tracking device he's got inside him. Set up transporter inhibitors in the brig, we won't lose him after we get him."

"Aye, sir." Dahrt said, then a screen appeared on his console. Mayla pointed to it.

"And you know what to do with this."

The Iotian recognized it immediately. "As soon as everyone is off that ship, I beam your nested egg and destroy the Invincible." He said with a smile, seeing where her line of thinking was going.

"Very good." She quickly ran towards the egress off the bridge and saw Thompson getting up. She keyed her subvoc to Thompson quickly as she burst out into the companionway on a dead run. "You're staying here. Get access to that propulsion and ram it into the *Charghwl'*. If you can do that, it might buy us some time to get everyone off that ship. You know you're the only one here that can do that."

Lt. Daryl Thompson

*USS Resurrection*, Bridge

Stardate 2004.11

Daryl cursed in his mind as he heard Mayla’s voice over the subvoc, saying he had to stay put. But he knew she was right. She couldn’t fully trust him yet, not after just a few holosims.

Quickly he pushed away the thoughts and concentrated again on the display in front of him. He had launched another AI inside the Bird of Prey’s computer systems. It was designed to completely take over a computer system by reprogramming it completely. It was also a distraction to give Daryl time to hack into other systems, while the AI was playing a cat and mouse game with the sentinel software and the computer experts onboard. Daryl was almost there...it would be a matter of seconds now. He quickly glanced over to the tactical overview on the main screen. The Bird of Prey was damaged, but still warp capable. The Invincible was trying to get away, but the dreadnought was following it, pounding the last percents of the shields the Invincible had with it’s disruptors. The display in front of him showed new information. He was in! Immediately, Daryl gave in the coordinates of a location a few parsecs away. The Bird of Prey would have to go through the dreadnought when going to warp. Daryl hoped the Bird of Prey would be fast enough to align to it’s new course….

*IKS Charghwl'*

Near the Klingon/Federation Border

Stardate 2004.12

Aboard the captured Klingon flagship, the bridge crew was aware of the event transpiring around them. The Bird of Prey was moving into their path, so everything had to happen quickly. The last salvo from the dreadnought ripped into the aft shields of the *USS Invincible* and the Nova-class starship limped away badly damaged, her shields down.

“Transport the boarding party then phase!” Kre’tok barked. The bridge crew acted quickly, transporting a team of a dozen Klingon warriors to Invincible. Literally milliseconds after the transport was successful, *Charghwl’* engaged her phased cloaking device, disappearing, the Bird of Prey passing right through the dreadnought as it faded out of sight.

“I doubt *Invincible* has a crew member talented enough to slice into the weapons and navigational controls of an enemy ship,” Kre’tok hissed. “Archangel may have been correct...Shadow Ops may have sent their ship here to monitor the transfer.”

Commander Komorgon, a haggard looking Klingon warrior who’s gray hair hung down past his shoulders, his scarred face a reminder of countless battles fought against a variety of enemies, stepped up beside Kre-tok, “Tactical. Scan for any unusual phase variances. Prepare to rephase when the boarding party is ready for transport.”

On USS Invincible, a dozen Klingons materialized near the brig, which was still blocked by transporter inhibitors, and they began to fight their way through hapless Starfleet officers, most of whom had only known peace with Klingons in the past 20 years. Now, having to face a fearsome, merciless enemy in the corridors of their ship, they fought and quickly died under Klingon blades and disruptors.

Outside the brig, Commander Chas’naH wielded her bat’leth, joined by the rest of her team from Starfleet Intelligence who were all armed with phasers.

Aboard the *USS Resurrection*, sensors picked up the boarding party transport and Thompson watched as his runaway Bird of Prey passed harmlessly through the fading image of the dreadnought.

A distress call from the Invincible was sent: “...*SS Invincible*...we are under attack...Klingon border...Klingon boarding party...attempting to….Krang...Please….help us!”

Lt. Daryl Thompson

*USS Resurrection*, Bridge

Stardate 2004.12

Daryl cursed under his breath, as just as the Bird of Prey would slam into the huge dreadnought, it phase cloaked. “Dammit!” he yelled. Frustration was evident on his face.

“Keep that Bird of Prey under control, Thompson,” Lazarus grunted “It might be useful. If the Klingons that boarded the Invincible have to beam back, the *Charghwl’* needs to drop the phase cloak. We might get one more chance.”

“Aye sir,” Thompson replied, as he checked the status of the systems on the Bird if Prey. It was damaged as well. Impulse drive and weapons where still online. The warp core also, but both nacelles were damaged. He exhaled, and looked at the main screen, that showed the transporter stream of Vree and Jahkar, who just materialized on the Invincible.

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2004.12

Jahkar arrived in the transporter room, clad in his infiltration suit he’d just had on for the training simulation. Strapped to either hip was his Klingon handaxes, a Type I phaser and slung over his shoulder was a phaser rifle.

As he stepped into the room, he looked to see who was joining him…

Commander Mayla Vree

Transporter room, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.12

"The *Invincible* is being boarded," Lazarus said over the comm system in the transporter room. "They beamed straight to just outside the brig."

Mayla had just run in with only her rifle and still donning her body armor; the only items she had time to get. With already both her TR-390P pistol at her right thigh and phaser pistol on her left, it will have to be enough. "Prepare for transport. Jahkar, you figure out our best beam in point?"

"Sensors show a dozen klingons beamed aboard just outside transporter inhibitors near the brig," Jahkar said, handing her a personal transporter unit and a transporter isolinear chip for Krang, which she pocketed both quickly. "I've set us up to beam in behind them out of sight."

Mayla looked around at the number of volunteers just as the transporters lit up and six Invincible crew members appeared, including a Caitian.

"What the hell?" Captain Delan said looking at where he was. He and five of the bridge crew were just beamed over.

"Captain Delan, we're with Starfleet Intelligence. Please quickly step down," Mayla said, gesturing to Jahkar and four others to get up on the transporter pad. Several security officers helped them off the pad as the emergency medical holographic team started scanning their biosigns. "The officers here will explain everything to you. At the moment, we're in a hurry."

He stepped off at the beckoning of the security officers and eyed Mayla as she quickly clicked the last snap on her armor.

"Comm check," she ordered. Everyone reported in. She nodded to the transporter chief. "Energize." She set her rifle on automatic, crouched into a firing position as the targeting reticle appeared in her eyes. The transporter room disappeared.

Colonel Jahkar

*USS Invincible*

Stardate 2004.14

Jahkar, Mayla and four members of the *Resurrection'*s crew materialized in a corridor aboard the Nova-class starship. There were already signs of fighting around them, several dead crew members of the Invincible were sprawled on the floor with obvious bladed weapon wounds.

Ahead of them, around a corner in the corridor, they could hear the bloodthirsty cries of Klingon warriors and the yells of Starfleet personnel -- all sounds that immediately adrenalized Jahkar, who drew his ‘aqleH hand axes and rushed forward toward the sound of battle.

As he rounded the corner, he saw a group of Klingons brawling in the corridor outside the brig, fighting with Starfleet officers.

The Klingons wore distinctive black armor with red markings. They wielded a combination of bat’leths and mek’leths, as was evident by the Starfleet dead bearing slash wounds and beheaded corpses.

Jahkar came upon the first Klingon he could see, drew back an ‘aqleH and swung it directly into the back of the warrior’s skull, splitting his head and sending him sprawling face first to the deck. Jahkar gave a howling cry as two more Klingon from the party turned to engage him. The first came at him swinging a mek’leth, which he moved to block with one of his axes. Metal clanged against metal as he intercepted the attack in mid-swing, then with the other arm he swung the other ‘aqleH on an upward stroke, burying the axehead in the warrior’s gut.

The other Klingon came at him as he yanked the ‘aqleH from the dying warrior’s stomach and Jahkar pushed him aside, directing his staggering fall into the path of the other attacking Klingon.

Having stumbled the Klingon with the body of his dying friend, Jahkar swung an ‘aqleH around and slammed the sharpen head directly into the neck of the warrior he’d blocked. The axe went deep, severing the Klingon’s spine and dropping him with the other Klingon into a heap on the floor.

Jahkar looked up and sought his next target, seeing Chas’naH across the corridor fighting with a pair of Klingons. Most of Chas’ team was dead, as were all the Invincible’s security staff that had tried to repel the band of Klingon Iomqa’ Clan warriors. Besides the pair of warriors fighting Chas,naH, there were six more Klingons who all turned and moved to engage the arriving Resurrection team.

Commander Mayla Vree

Brig, *USS Invincible*

Stardate 2004.14

Jahkar ran forward, either volunteering to take point or just blood thirsty, either way, he took point. She gave hand signals to the other to split up into pairs and use the adjoining corridors to head towards the brig while she followed Jahkar.

She was used to the grisly death that was splattered all around her.  It was easy to ignore the blood-stained walls as she moved quickly a few meters behind Jahkar who was handling things well on his own. The sound of running footsteps came from a corridor Jahkar had just passed and a stout Klingon in black armor rounded the corner intent on catching him from the rear. He didn't see Mayla as she was hugged up against the wall. Without pause she targeted her reticle on the base of the Klingon's exposed neck below his helmet and fired once before sprinting towards him, knowing it was a difficult shot and used it as a distraction if it didn't penetrate.

The Klingon jerked forward as the round deflected off the back of his helmet. By the time he had regained his footing, Mayla had already leapt up onto his back with her now drawn pistol. Holding on to the raised neck protection of the armor and with practiced ease she pressed the muzzle against the back of his hairy neck. She pulled the trigger thrice in rapid succession, angling each round slightly, one towards the heart, one towards the other heart, and one through his throat. She leaped off him before his body hit the ground and took off running as the sounds of fighting still echoed down the hall.

As she rounded the corner to the brig, she saw three Starfleet officers in hand to hand combat with two Klingons, who clearly had the upper hand with their bat'leths against phaser rifles. Jahkar was battling two Klingons near the security console trying to get to another of Invincible's crew defending herself.

Mayla picked up a fallen bat'leth from one of Jahkar's kills and in a full sprint she impaled a Klingon in the back so hard he flew forward into his opponent. With a quick half turn of her body, she drew her phaser to fire at the other Klingon who was too preoccupied with gaining a kill glory before his now dead partner did.

The impaled Klingon's body now came resting on a female Starfleet officer who was trying to get out from under him. The last Klingon ignored his own opponent when he saw what had happened to his comrades and charged at Mayla. His bat'leth came swinging across to try to decapitate her, but that action left his recovering side exposed for just a moment. She ducked and slid to her right while drawing her pistol again, releasing two rounds into the exposed underarm joint between his armor.

That of course wasn't enough to stop him as he recovered with a reverse swing, but she was already gone and behind him on his opposite side. Two more rounds went into him from underneath his other arm before he could recover from that swing. He whirled around, hoping to catch her in a long arc of his bat'leth in a desperate move to catch her off guard. The four penetrating rounds ached him and he made the swing with a roar. She rolled away, came up to her knees, turned and calmly put a round into each of his eyes. That made him drop his bat'leth and stagger backwards as his hands instantly went up to his eyes. The Starfleet officer who he was fighting against had picked up a fallen mek'leth and ran it through a gap in the back of the Klingon's thick armor. Mayla picked up the bat'leth and ran it through the now blind Klingon's neck. The double-edged blade sliced clean through and with a side stroke, decapitated him. The head tumbled towards the surprised officer.

She didn't look back as she glanced towards the sound of battle still coming from the other side of the room where Jahkar was still in combat with the two remaining Klingons. She switched a setting on her rifle to the Type 2 pulse phaser emitter and fired at the Klingon furthest away from Jakhar.

Another black clad Klingon suddenly appeared at the doorway who stopped for a moment to survey the scene before locking his gaze on her. She saw the look and picked up a bat'leth calmly as he walked towards her menacingly, swinging his own stylized bat'leth. She started to whirl the bat'leth in her hands, and then her whole body. The Klingon was now looking at a whirling dervish as he stopped in midstep. He watched for her next move as she took a step toward him.  But instead of attacking, she let go of the weapon. The velocity her centripetal force created propelled the bat'leth enough to impale him through the chest armor and flung him back. He looked down at the bat'leth in him and fell down.

She took this opportunity to ask for a status report from the rest of the away team as she pulled out a medpak for the wounded security officer who just got herself out from the crushing weight of the dead Klingon. Her comrade pushed the dead Klingon off her.

"We lost Miller," came the response.

"Senti's gone," came another response.

"Acknowledged," Mayla said. She hoped Thompson was still beaming the crew off the ship. Once the *Charghwl'* realized their boarding party was dead, they'll no doubt send in reinforcements. While Jahkar battled the final enemy, she assessed what was left of the security detail in the brig to mount a defense. They had to get out of there fast.

Colonel Jahkar

*USS Invincible*

Stardate 2004.14

Jahkar found himself facing Chas’naH, his close friend and one-time lover, and the last Iomqa’ Clan warrior. She was blocking his attacks with her bat’leth as the Klingon swung viciously with two bloodied mek’leths. The Marine noted that around Chas’naH lay what was likely her entire team -- five Starfleet Intelligence SpecOps officers, all slain trying to defend the brig from the boarding party.

Out of the corner of her eye, Chas’naH saw Jahkar approaching, and she cocked a faint grin, “He’s mine! I’ve got this!”

Jahkar scowled, “We don’t have time for this.” The Klingon agreed, launching a kick which knocked Chas’naH backwards before whirling around and coming at Jahkar with his mek’leths. Jahkar skillfully parried both attacks with his axes, then swung at the soldier, his  ‘aqleH  slicing through the air as the Ghost Clan warrior came at him aggressively.

The soldier tried to pivot back to face Chas’naH, but she was on him quickly, delivering a killing blow from her bat’leth, the point of one blade piercing the Klingon’s neck, tearing his head half-off. The dead warrior slumped to the floor, his blood spilling to mix with the others pooling on the deck.

Jahkar looked at Chas’naH and offered a smile, “You OK?”

“I’ll live,” she muttered, a couple of wounds visible on her shoulder and across her midsection. “Zhang was right, you guys couldn’t stay away.”

Jahkar laughed, “You know Shadow Ops...good thing we happened along.”

“I had it under control,” Chas growled.

“I’m sure,” he responded, then looking to Mayla. “Commander Vree, this is Commander Chas’naH. She served in Shadow Ops previously.”

"Commander...Vree?" Chas'naH said, wiping some blood from her face, but smearing more onto it from her hand. "From Bravo Squad?"

"A conversation for another time, Commander." She gave her a nod in greeting. "We have to get out of here before reinforcements beam in." At that moment, the two remaining away team members appeared at the door, bloodied and slightly wounded.

"You two," Chas'naH pointed to her own two remaining Starfleet Intelligence forces. "Defense perimeter right here. Prepare for more boarders."

Vree acknowledged the pair and gave the same order. She pulled out the isolinear chip meant for the prisoner. "Take us to Krang."

Yevgeni Ibragimov

Deep Space Nine

Stardate 2004.14

Ibragimov led Beckett and Sh’avelith from the *Venomous* after the ship berthed at Deep Space Nine’s docking ring. They were cleared through customs coming aboard the station and even their fake identification, prepared by Yevgeni, seemed to suffice at the security checkpoint. If Odo was still there, heading up security, the big Russian wasn’t so sure even his best work could have gotten past the Changeling, but for Commander Ro Laren and her Starfleet crew he wasn’t nearly as concerned.

“See, I told you,” he said once they were clear of customs. “ID works fine. Starfleet security is good, but not better than Ibragimov.”

They made their way onto the Promenade and found it bustling with people as always. There were a number of Federation citizens there currently, some Bajorans, a Ferengi merchants convention was underway and there were some Klingons and Romulans stopped over for some leave time – both itching for a fight with one another.

“Romulans here?” Tiri asked as they passed a group of six or so Romulans dressed in civilian clothing.

“Since the destruction of their homeworld and the Federation evacuation, not all of them are as reclusive as they once were,” Ibragimov said. “You encounter them more and more these days. A sign of the times, yes?”

They arrived outside Quark’s Bar and Casino and Ibragimov smiled, “One constant on DS9, whether its Cardassians or Starfleet running the place.”

He looked to Tiri and Beckett, “We start here.” And with that, he led them inside the bar…

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

Deep Space Nine

Stardate 2004.14

Tiri looked around the station in awe. She’d heard all the stories about this place, but had never found the chance to visit here until now. She could only imagine how this place was when it was the front line of the Dominion War, or what it was like under Cardassian occupation. Hearing the stories and seeing the place first hand were two different things. The young Andorian was simply amazed.

When they arrived at Quark’s, Tiri looked over to Beckett, “So, we need to ask around, carefully, about Krido Rit. We need someone to help us arrange a meet with him.” The Andorian turned to Yevgeni, “Do you want to handle this, or should we?”

*IKS Charghwl'*

Near the Klingon/Federation Border

Stardate 2004.15

On the bridge of the Klingon dreadnought, Lord Kre’tok hailed the Bird of Prey. The captain of the smaller vessel appeared on screen, looking frazzled. He shook his head in defeat.

“We have no control over weapons or propulsion,” the Klingon captain admitted. “What are we to do, Lord Kre’tok?”

Kre’tok shook his head, a look of disgust on his face. “Are you within transporter range of the *Invincible*?”

“Barely,” he replied.

“Transport your entire crew to the Federation ship,” Kre’tok ordered. “Do it now before you are out of range.”

“What do we do there?” the Klingon asked.

Kre’tok gritted his teeth and leaned forward, “Kill as many of them as you can, rescue my father, seize the ship…whatever you can do. Stay on that Bird of Prey and you’ll end up dead or captured.”

“Yes, my lord,” he responded.

Within moments, the Bird of Prey began transporting wave after wave of warriors over to the Invincible, all beaming into points around the brig. The first wave of 10 beamed aboard, and the next prepared to follow.

On the *IKS Charghwl'*, Commander Komorgon looked down at where Lord Kre’tok sat. “Shall we remain phased?”

“Until *Resurrection* shows herself or we have to de-phase to transport more warriors over,” Kre’tok muttered. “Keep scanning for *Resurrection*. Be ready to move at a moment’s notice."

Back to top

## S2, E2, Act 7: Aftermath of the Battle

Commander Mayla Vree

Brig, *USS Invincible*

Stardate 2004.17

Phaser fire sounded from behind the trio as they quickly closed the distance to the cell Krang was being held. From the sudden sounds of intense multiple phaser fire, the reinforcements must have arrived and in full force.

Jahkar passed over a transporter isolinear chip to Commander Chas'naH as she led them straight to the cell. All of the other cells were empty save one. She entered the code to deactivate the forcefield outside the prisoner's cell.

"Away team, Havoc," the *Resurrection* called over the subvoc. "Massive number of transports to the *Invincible*. Looks like they're beaming over the entire crew."

Mayla and Jahkar looked at each other with a bit of concern. "This is One, acknowledged. Has Phoenix Five taken control of their propulsion?"

"That he has!" Thompson's voice came over the subvocal suddenly.

"Move it beyond transporter range." She looked back down the corridor. "What's the status on the evacuation?"

"We're seventy percent done," Thompson answered carefully while monitoring the process while flying the bird of prey.

"As soon as everyone's on board, beam over the egg and detonate."

"Affirmative."

The forcefield and opaque shield blocking the cell door disappeared. Krang was standing in the middle of the room in a defiant stance and a grizzled look of triumph on his face. Jakhar stood guard outside while Chas'haH and Mayla entered the cell, covering the prisoner with their weapons.

The Klingon was tall and imposing even for a Klingon even though he only wore the tunic typical of inmates at the penal colony. The hand and feet restraints kept him from moving any closer to the door so even with the forcefield deactivated, the restraints would still prevent him from leaving the cell. Mayla slowly circled around to his right while Chas'naH stepped within three meters in the front of him.

"Is there a problem, Starfleet?" He spat out at the term and gave her an obscene gesture with a scarred hand. But gave her a smile afterwards. "Your ship seems to be having a situation."

Both women ignored the comment as Mayla was now behind his right. "On the ground, now."

"TarghlIj yIngagh, yIruch," the Klingon calmly said.

Mayla was surprised at the light insult considering his predicament. "I will only tell you one more time. If you do not comply, you will lose both your legs. On your stomach, now."

He didn't turn to look at her, but Chas'naH saw his eyes turn hard as if he was going to react. But instead, he slowly got down to his knees and laid down on his stomach with his arms stretched out in front of him. His head turned to the left as he followed the muzzle of Chas'nah's weapon as she moved and kept her weapon pointed at his head. "Don't move."

Mayla silently moved to his right and placed a knee down on his upper back with the muzzle of her rifle up against his upper spine just below the neck. With her other hand, she attached the isolinear chip to his lower back in between a backbone ridge. She mentally activated her subvoc and subvocalized.

"Havoc, beam Krang directly into the brig." Mayla stood up and backed away with her weapon still trained on the prisoner. "And five to beam out."

Colonel Jahkar

*USS Invincible*

Stardate 2004.21

Jahkar waited outside the cell door, guarding the corridor outside. He heard and felt explosions from elsewhere on the Nova-class ship as the damage from the attack by the Klingons continued collaterally throughout the ship.

He heard movement, the sound of someone moving along the adjoining corridor, coming from the direction they’d beamed in at. Jahkar readied his phaser rifle and when a Klingon popped his head around the corner, the marine opened fire. The blast seared past the Klingon’s face and he swung a disruptor around to shoot back.

Jahkar stayed tight to the wall, crouching, where he returned fire. Within seconds there were two Klingons at the juncture of the corridors, exchanging fire with the half-Klingon/half-Romulan warrior.

He had just narrowly dodged a blast when he and the rest of the team, along with Krang, were beamed off the Invincible and brought to the Resurrection. Standing on the transporter with the others, he looked around and then focused on Mayla. “Krang?”

“We got him,” she nodded. “He went straight to the brig. I want you to work with security and set up teams throughout the ship in case we're boarded. I'm headed to the armory to gear up and then I'll be on the bridge."

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

Deep Space Nine

Stardate 2004.22

Tiri led the way into Quarks. The place was bustling with activity, with patrons sitting at the bar and around tables, enjoying drinks and conversation. At the dabo tables, customers were mostly losing, but were otherwise in a cheerful mood. It was the way Tiri had always imagined Quark’s to be from the stories told at Starfleet Academy.

Behind the bar was an older Ferengi whom she quickly identified from pictures she’d seen of Quark -- finely dressed, prominent lobes and the typical pointed teeth indicative of his species. At the far end of the bar, seated in his usual place according to Deep Space Nine lore, was the Lurian smuggler Morn. A larger fellow, he was hunkered down over his drink, staring straight ahead as a man in a Starfleet uniform sat next to him and chattered.

She looked over her shoulder at the towering Yevgeni and gave him a look, “So...are you going to make introductions?”

Yevgeni Ibragimov

Deep Space Nine

Stardate 2004.24

Ibragimov nodded with a smile, “Of course blue-girl. Follow Yevgeni. I will do the talking.”

They approached the bar and Quark seemed to sense the big Russian’s presence. His bulbous head snapped around and he instantly scowled, “Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better...Ibragimov. What are you doing here?”

“Quark, old friend, Ibragimov missed you too,” he declared. “I bring business to you Quark, paying customers.”

The Ferengi’s eye widened and he leaned forward and spoke in hushed tones, “Will you keep it down? Let’s not announce that to the whole bar.”

Yevgeni looked around and shot Quark a grin, “Maybe we take this elsewhere to talk, eh?”

“Who are your friends, Yevgeni,” the Ferengi asked. “They look...like Starfleet.”

“Vhat? Nonsense Quark,” Ibragimov scoffed. “This is Sasal Th'taoleq, she is with Andorian company called Ch'izelaq Biomed, and this is Wade Carson, he is...how do you say? Hired gun.”

Quark again shushed Yevgeni and looked around nervously, “Are you insane? Commander Ro has spies everywhere. You don't call him that...bodyguard sounds much better.”

“Bodyguard, hired gun,” the big Russian shrugged. “Either way, you get the point.”

“I can’t imagine them having any business with someone like me, Yevgeni,” Quark said smugly. “I think you’ve come to the…”

Tiri produced a bag, which she placed on the bar and slid across to Quark. He picked it up and held it a moment, then smiled. “That feels like about 100 slips of gold pressed latinum,” Quark whispered giddily to Yevgeni.

“So, Quark now have business with Blue-Girl and bodyguard?” Yevgeni asked.

“Come with me,” the Ferengi said, handing off his cleaning rag to another Ferengi behind the bar. He led them through the busy casino to a room in the back where, once inside, Quark reached under the table there and pressed a button, activating a white noise generator to keep anyone outside from listening in on them via electronic means.

Quark sat down and leaned forward toward the trio, “You’ve got my full attention.”

“Ms. Th'taoleq requires introduction to Krido Rit,” said Ibragimov. “You can arrange, no?”

Quark’s eye bulged a little, “No! Rit? Are you insane? I deal with that crazy Cardassian as little as I have to. Besides, he’s not going to meet with some stranger, he is much more careful than you think.”

“I have two bars of latinum for you and eight for Rit aboard our ship,” said Tiri. “That’s just to meet. I am authorized by my company to spend 10 times that if Rit can accommodate our needs.”

Quark was nearly salivating. “I...I’ll have to contact him. See if he’s interested. I can’t guarantee anything.”

“The 100 strips are still yours,” she said.

“I may want a percentage of any business you throw Rit’s way, as a middle man, you know?” Quark added.

“I’ll give you 2 percent of any deal with Rit,” said Tiri.

“Make it three and I’ll make the call,” Quark said with a greedy grin.

“Done,” said Tiri.

Yevgeni looked at the others and smiled, “There...anyone have anything else?”

*IKS CharghwI'*

Near the Klingon border

Stardate 2004.24

Lt. Krim, a member of the *IKS CharghwI*'s bridge crew, looked over from his holographic display and looked to Lord Kre’tok. “My lord! The Bird of Prey crew aboard the USS Invincible reports the brig is empty. General Krang and the Starfleet officers encountered by the first team that beamed over are both gone.”

Kre’tok balled his fists and looked to Commander Komorgon, “That Starfleet Shadow Operations ship is out there. Apparently they are able to transport while phase shifted.”

Komorgon nodded, “They must have your father. Orders, my lord?”

“Is Invincible salvageable?” Kre’tok asked.

Krim studied his scanner readings, then shook his head, “It won’t be able to make warp without extensive repairs.”

“If we unphase we will be visible, and potentially vulnerable,” said Komorgon. “I recommend we retreat to Klingon space.”

“But, my father!” Kre’tok hissed. “We are so close.”

“We have Lady Sirella at headquarters,” said the commander. “We can still use her to bargain for the general.”

Kre’tok growled, showing the more Klingon part of his personality. “The plan was to have my father back and keep Martok’s woman as leverage. This Legion has proven most useless in our efforts. Remind me to reconsider our alliance when we are able to regroup with the rest of the Clan.”

Komorgon nodded, “Orders, sir?”

“Lay in a course for headquarters,” Kre’tok ordered. We’ll wait until Starfleet hands my father over and then we’ll make the trade for Lady Sirella.”

“And what of the Bird of Prey crew aboard the *Invincible*?” Komorgon asked.

“Tell them to destroy the ship with themselves aboard,” Lord Kre’tok ordered. “They will make the sacrifice for the House of K’hmal…the Ghost Clan.”

Komorgon sent the message as ordered. He then stepped forward, away from Kre’tok’s chair, “Helm, set course for Malferon VII, engage slipstream warp.”

Lt. Maluk gave a gruff rumble from his chest at the helm controls, “Surely we’re not going to run from a fight in a vessel this powerful?”

Komorgon crossed the bridge in what seemed like a blur, backhanding Maluk across the face when he arrived at the helm station. Maluk tumbled from his chair and hit the floor hard, where he stared up in disbelief at the XO.

“We are not running. We cannot see or engage our enemy. We will deal with them later,” Komorgon said angrily. “Now do as your are told or I will kill you!”

Maluk considered his actions carefully, before slowly getting up and settling back into his chair. He set course and took the dreadnought into slipstream warp – another feature of the massive warship.

“I will be in my quarters,” Kre’tok said, standing from his chair and walking toward the turbo-lift doors, his pets trailing behind. “Notify me when we reach headquarters.”

Aboard the Invincible, the Klingons headed to engineering with the plan to fire their disruptors into the warp core, causing the ship’s destruction…

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.24

As soon as she reached the bridge, she heard Dahrt announce beaming over the 'egg'. She went straight to stand behind Thompson, putting a hand on his shoulder to let him know she was there.

"How many *Invincible* crew were killed?" She quietly asked.

"Twenty two," he said. "I should have taken an extra minute to determine who was in immediate danger and beamed them out first."

"You had alot on your plate, you did the best you can." She glanced over to Lazarus and the tall Caitian standing next to him.

"Detonate," Lazarus ordered. Dahrt didn't hesitate and activated the explosives. They could see the explosion first burst out from the center of the Invincible before the whole ship disappeared into a fireball. "How many klingons were on board the *Invincible*?"

"Thirty seven."

"Good riddance," Captain Delan muttered with a growl, but not as ferocious as he wanted as he watched his ship's fireball slowly dissipate.

Mayla looked at Thompson's console. "Where's the bird of prey?"

He pointed to the blip on his tactical screen. "There's still two dozen crew on board."

"Are we still getting information from the tracking probes?"

"Yes," he pointed to another screen which still fed them passive sensor data. The bird of prey's shields were down and the ship was moderately damaged.

Mayla walked over to Lazarus. "Captain, I suggest we release computer control of the bird of prey and leave the area quickly. Crazy ivan, sir. Hopefully they will keep the bird of prey and take her with them so we can track them."

"Do it. Helm, get us out of here. Set course bearing zero two zero mark one four zero, warp 8." Lazarus just gave her a nod and refocused his attention to his tactical screen.

"Sir, I suggest we go faster." She glanced at Captain Delan and then back to Lazarus, continuing to speak cryptically. "I mean, much faster in case they can track us."

"If they can track us, we would have known by now." Lazarus snapped back with an answer.

Mayla gave him a nod and stepped back to Thompson's position. "Aye, sir. Just my humble paranoid opinion."

Lazarus just scoffed at her and turned to Delan. "So Captain, where are we going?"

*USS Resurrection*

Near the Klingon Border

Stardate 2004.24

Before the Klingons aboard the *Invincible* could carry out their plan to destroy the ship, *Resurrection* beamed over an explosive device which did the job for them. Before the Klingon dreadnought went into slipstream, a code was sent to the Bird of Prey activating a nest of nanites there which proceeded to slag the computer core and every form of backup data on the ship.

The nest destroyed all of the bridge and engineering consoles and made the ship essentially a derelict in space.

Back aboard *Resurrection*, Delan watched in disdain as his ship exploded in a ball of energy and debris. The big Caitian then turned to Lazarus and scowled, “Where are we going? We have a prisoner to deliver. I need to consult Starfleet Command to see what they want me to do.”

Lazarus shook his head, “An organization called Legion has infiltrated Starfleet. We have reason to believe this organization is monitoring all communications. Sending a transmission to Starfleet is out of the question at the moment.”

Delan’s scowl deepened. “Admiral Zhao warned me about you...about this Shadow Operations. He said you might defy orders and turn up at the rendezvous with the Klingons.”

“Good thing they did,” Chas’naH chimed in. “Otherwise we’d probably all be dead.”

The Caitian grunted. “Then I guess you tell me where we’re going, captain,” said Delan. “Because I seem to be without a ship at the moment.”

Lazarus slowly nodded, “Commander McGuire, see if you can find the captain here some accommodations. Also, see that the rest of his crew in the cargo bay is made comfortable.”

Darva came forward and escorted Delan and his bridge officers with her, taking them from Resurrection’s bridge.

Captain Lazarus exhaled sharply and looked at the viewscreen, “That Bird of Prey is adrift now. They didn’t come back for it. My guess is they’ve left...empty handed. Get your team together and meet me in the War Room, ASAP. We need to figure out what we’re going to do now.”

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Bridge, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.24

Mayla gave Lazarus a nod, but put a hand on Thompson's shoulder to halt his departure and opened a channel to him over the subvocal. "Did you get any information from the bird of prey's computers during your hack? Maybe sensor or navigation logs? Anything?"

Daryl nodded. “I did. I got hold of sensor logs, navigational logs, transporter logs, even was able to download the logs of the bridge personnel, including the Captain’s. Haven’t been able to look them through yet. “ Daryl shrugged apologetically.

"Good. Compartmentalize and isolate the information onto a stand alone computer access core. I don't want us to trigger any nasty surprises if it's sitting on our computer core." Mayla was just about to walk away until Daryl threw up his hand to stop her.

"Already done," he gave her a smile. "I streamed the data transfer straight into a firewalled lockbox. Never touched our computer core or memory."

"Smart thinking," she said, returning the smile. "Kyril's paranoia rub off on you? Even after all these years?"

"Not quite," he smirked. "I'm not going to take any chances with an enemy who seems to always be one step ahead of us."

"Let's see what those logs say and maybe we can finally catch up with them." Mayla quickly headed to a data locker in the rear of the bridge and pulled out a portable computer terminal. They'll use it to display the data Daryl had in his lockbox.

*USS Resurrection*

Near Klingon Border

Stardate 2004.29

Daryl poured over the logs and other data gathered from the Bird of Prey before the computers aboard the enemy ship stopped functioning. Thompson estimated a 63 percent download of data from the Klingon ship.

Much of it was routine and all of it was handled in a very undisciplined manner. Logs were incomplete, filled with frivolous details and unnecessary reports and even opinions. The followers of Krang obviously had no structure when it came to running a starship, operating almost like pirates or privateers.

Some details did emerge from the collection of frivolity. The ship had been operating under Krang’s flag for several years now and had most recently taken part in a battle at the Klingon shipyards where the *IKS CharghwI'* had been stolen. After that, the BOP had been sent to the border to intercept another Klingon Bird of Prey, the *IKS Ma’vhQ*, the ship deployed by the chancellor to retrieve General Krang.

Records showed the Bird of Prey, along with the support of the captured dreadnought, made short order of the *IKS Ma’vhQ* and the BOP assumed its place and attempted the exchange.

Gleaning more from the logs and records would require several more hours of research...

Commander T'Aayla Raillius

Lt. Ryramorl Ra'yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Liral and Lyral D'Hronarin

Kazis IX

Stardate 2004.29

As the three operatives left the restaurant, Ryramorl saw the two Usarins who'd met them at the door of Liral and Lyral's headquarters.  The two massive Carnora approached them.  One made a few brief gestures. Ryramorl looked at his commander.  "He's saying to come with them. Liral and Lyral want to see us again."

Once within Liral and Lyral's personal office, Liral slid two PADDs over.  One had an image of Shor-Ghan at a meeting of the OverKings. One of his bodyguards was unmistakably Ryramorl himself, in full ceremonial armour.  The other PADD had the information from the old hit on it, detailing those who were to be killed--including a picture of T’Aayla.  Liral and Lyral had said they'd been approached but turned down the offer.  They had never mentioned they'd copied the information to their own device. "So," said Liral.  "There is series of funny jokes common in the Federation, and I shall add to that series:  The daughter of Senator Raillius and one of Shor-Ghan's personal goons walk into a bar."

Commander Mayla Vree

Armory, *USS Resurrection*

Stardate 2004.29

"Sixty three percent," Mayla repeated after Thompson informed her from the Bridge after a cursory scan of the data he was able to copy. She was in the armory stowing her gear before heading back to the Bridge.

"Pretty sloppy logs from what I can see. Inconsistent entries."

"At least you got something." Mayla slowly said, running through some ideas in her head.

"In the midst of chaos..." Thompson started.

"...there is also opportunity." She finished the quote from the writings of Sun Tsu in the Art of War. She couldn't help but let out a slight smile. "Scrub the data and write up a program to query, extract, and index the names, places, and dates for the portable computer to run. I don't want our computers touching it."

"It'll take a few hours," he simply stated. Just 'scrubbing' the data free of any hidden intrusion countermeasures was going to take hours on a portable console.

"Start with the sensor and comm logs. At least we can determine where they've been and who they've been talking with by those. I'll help you with it. We can use the small astrometrics lab on deck 2 to manually extrapolate the sensor readings starting with the area they encountered the Invincible. Working backwards we might be able to determine where they've been." She closed her locker and secured her pistol and phaser on her thighs. "But first, we need to report to the War Room. I'm on my way now."

*USS Resurrection*

Near the Klingon Border

Stardate 2005.05

The team assembled with Lazarus in the War Room and the captain quickly got down to business.

“Here’s the situation: We are a light year from the Klingon Border, a place we’ve been ordered to stay away from. We’ve just discovered that Krang’s followers have a Klingon prototype dreadnought at their disposal -- equipped with a phased cloak, renegerative armor and, according to sensor logs, quite possibly slipstream warp drive. We also have a cargo bay full of survivors from the *USS Invincible* and a captain who is becoming impatient while we keep him from contacting Starfleet Command.

“Thompson is running over the logs recovered from the Bird of Prey, which is now adrift, sensors showing all computers and electronics aboard the craft mysteriously destroyed.

“We could put Delan and his crew off at a nearby Starbase or outpost. I’ll admit, I have my concerns they will turn on us if they are not allowed to call home. Delan already indicated Admiral Zhao was afraid we’d come here, despite orders not to.

“There’s also the communications issue,” he continued. “We can’t contact anyone to report what’s happened here without tipping off Legion. I’m also not comfortable letting Delan make a transmission because it could be traced back to our position.

“Plus we have Krang now. The Klingons want him back. His clan wants him back. The Federation wants him delivered to the Klingons,” Lazarus said, sounding grim. “That puts us in way too many crosshairs for my liking. I need recommendations.”

He looked to the team and waited...

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