Mission 20: Doppelganger

[Carl Torek]

"Do not push me too far Human. You have a hold over my Father ... That is not the same for ME !" S'vok said.

Carl grinned, following the Klingon woman onto the Bridge ... It was no Galaxy Class Bridge, THAT was for certain. Bare metal, sparse consoles and controls. This was a battleship born and built for the sole purpose of winning any battle it entered. Several of the crew openly glared at Torek as he walked around the parameter, then one stepped in his path. Carl looked at S'vok, who grinned as if anticipating his demise before she was forced on this ludicrous venture.

"Step aside." Carl ordered the man, who simply stood a few inches taller and glared at the Human before him. Inwardly, Carl shrugged. He knew this was set up, S'vok confirmed that by her reaction given her Father's orders to co-operate.

Without further discussion Carl acted ... He slammed a Mawashi Hiza Geri, a kick to the mans knee, followed by a Age Hiji Ate, and the man began to fall to the deck. Before the Klingon could regain control of the situation, Carl followed through with a Oroshi Ganmen Uchi, a downward strike to the neck. The Klingon was unconscious before he hit the deck plates !

Stepping over the prone body, Carl continued his circuit of the Bridge before facing S'vok ...

"You need to clean more often." he said glancing at the still unconscious Klingon, then he leaned forward so only she heard his next comment ... The look on her face told him she fully understood what he had said, and would ensure no further 'issues' arose between the Klingon's and their guests ... Satisfied, he continued at a more audible volume, "I am going to see Admiral Tetsutarô. Please ensure the K'talmk is ready for departure on my return ...... Captain !"

With that Carl left the Bridge, but grinned as he heard the Klingon woman scream in rage at his comments ..........

~~~~~~~~~~

"I would like to see Admiral Tetsutarô if he's is free." Carl said to the Aide.

"He's expecting you Commodore, please go right in." he said, opening the ornate door.

"Carl ..... Good to see you again, how are you my friend." Tetsutarô said, handing Torek a cognac, then continuing before he could reply, "I believe you have been looking for a ship to go after the Raven. How's goes the hunt ?"

"Oh, I think you already know how my 'hunt' goes Admiral." Carl said quietly, accepting the drink, almost knowing what was coming.

"Yes ...."

"Then don't prevent me from looking for my ship and crew." Torek said quickly, "Admiral ... Sato ... You have honored me with friendship and the care of a Father. You have invited me into your home to share a meal on numerous occasions. I ask you now, please allow me to join the search for my ship."

Carl knew he had broken so many traditions, and was unsure this man would still class him as a Son once the meeting was over, but he needn't have worried.

"I am honored to call you my Son Carl, and I am more than willing for you to take the Klingon vessel. Alas, I am in no position to afford you the luxury of a Federation ship at this time. I will wish you God speed and I am reminded of an old old saying in my language ... 'Virtue is not knowing, but doing' ... I wish you luck my Son."

With that Sato Tetsutarô raised his glass and downed the brandy in one. Carl followed suit, then, bowing deeply in respect, he left the office.

Outside the waiting Aide gave Torek a PADD.

"Details of the last known co-ordinates of the Raven, and the flight-path of the shuttle that Commander Blakus boarded."

"Thank you." Carl said then headed back to the K'talmk ..........

[Deleted]

As usual, Will was at his post when Torek came back aboard the Bird of Prey. The Commodore walked over to Will and gave handed him a PADD.

"Last known coordinates for the Raven. We depart in 30 minutes." his CO told him.

"Finally." Will replied. "I've been keeping an eye on our cargo. Everything has been delivered and the last of the non crew will be off the ship in 10 minutes. We'll be ready to go on time."

<Tag Torek>

30 minutes later, all was clear and the K'talmk began its departure procedures.

"This is the moment of truth." Will thought. "Let's see how far we get before we're shut down."

To his surprise, everything went off without a glitch. The K'talmk was approved to leave and 5 minutes later, they were clear of the base. Will eyeballed his commander with awe. He didn't know who Carl bribed but he was glad he did it. Will thought the Raven had at least a one day lead. If they could keep this bucket of rust together, they shouldn't have a problem catching up.

"Sir." Will said. "We're clear of the base and the coordinates you provided earlier have been laid in."

<Tag Torek>

[Carl Torek]

As Carl re-entered the Klingon ship he noticed a distinct change in 'attitude' among the Klingon Officers. He couldn't tell if it was out of respect, though he doubted that, or from the fact they may well have decided to kill the bunch of them the second their obligation to H'zul was fulfilled ... Either way, could of cared less.

Entering the Bridge, he spotted Jamison at what he knew to be the Tactical Station. The Klingon Officer who he had discussed 'right of way' earlier, was standing to one side, hatred of all things Human oozing from his every pore. Carl handed the PADD over and looked at S'vok.

"The ship is ...... Yours to Command ...... Commodore Torek." she said through almost gritted teeth.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Sir ..." Will said, thirty minutes later, "We are clear of the base and the coordinates you provided earlier have been laid in."

Torek looked at the massive Space Station hanging in nothingness, then looked round the Bridge of the K'talmk. He walked over to his Tactical Officer and spoke quietly.

"OK ... We have the co-ordinates of the automated station the Raven visited, and we have the warp trail of the shuttle Commander Blakus was on ... Any guess as to which we should give priority to ?"

< tag : Jamison >

"But do we know that Andae went willingly, and if not, it is possible he's being coerced into something aside from why the Raven was taken." Carl replied, worry showing on his face.

"WHY are you hesitating pujwI' ..... GO AFTER YOUR VESSEL !" S'vok shouted, loosing her patience.

"tammoH ghuH !" Carl Shouted, making every Klingon reach for his weapon. But S'vok had the presence of mind, even with the insult ringing in her ears, to hold up a hand, Torek knew that calling her a child was tantamount to calling her Fatherless, but the Klingon woman held her tongue as they locked eyes for a long moment. Thankfully, from Carl's point of view it was her who broke that contact.

"What do you think Will ... The Ship, or the Exec' ?" Carl asked .......



< tag : Will / ALL >



NPC:

Major Lana Baslone / Zefr'n.
Marine Commander.
USS Raven-B ..


"My forgiveness, Superior. I did not realize that you were entertaining .... And in such a public fashion." Zefr'n chose to ignore the comment.

"Soooo ..." she said, looking down on the man holding her life in his hands, "It must be obvious to you that the Qlox appointed Alemet to undertake this venture, and you disposing of him proved he was not worthy of commanding such a task. So I will return to my quarters and look forward to the next 'cleansing' before we embark upon our chosen path."

Malmar was looking intently at the setting on the phaser he had just been handed, considering how close he had come to death. He didn't see Zefr'n look intently at Couak for a fraction of a second.

"Do not fail us Malmar." she said, her tone of voice making it a requirement rather than an option, she left the Bridge ..........



< tag : Malmar / Couak / All >

[mieshafranklin]

Watching the events take place in front of her, Lezari simply bided her time. She knew that more would eventually happen. With Couak and Malnar at odds, and this Zefrn woman would only add to the chaos. Lezari still had to decide whose side she would choose in the contest that would no doubt be coming. Couak certainly seemed energetic and ruthless, but Malnar had a different demeanor to him. He was still power hungry, like all leaders, but it was different. He seemed to be led by a different darkness that few truly knew. As she sat at the science station, having returned to her duties, a beep signaled that the ship was soon to arrive at its first destination.

Lezari then accessed the repair docket to see if they had full systems. Finding that weapons were full and shields were at seventy-five percent, she reported in to the superior, who silently nodded. She set the internal and external scanners as the superior had requested earlier, finding nothing out of the ordinary....yet. She set the scanners on continuous reports so if anything did come up, it would alert her. She swiveled in the chair to face the viewscreen and the turbolift door. For now, she would support the superior.

(Tag: Everybody)

--------------

Miesha stood back proudly as she and Shooku finished the inventory of Sickbay. To be truthful, she would have to admit that it was a rather easy task, since there was virtually nothing in this sickbay. She mused though, at the rustic appearance of the room. It was very spartan. Not particularly her style, but it had its qualities. She nodded to Shooku as she left sickbay to return to the bridge. As she walked along, Miesha half thought to go check on her "mate," thought better of it since it was out of her way.

She entered the bridge and saw the Commodore had arrived and was talking to Jamison. Not intending to bother them, but still wanting to hear what was left of the conversation, she took a look at one of the many tactical stations. All she heard of the conversation was "the ship or the exec?"

She wondered what was going on. She leaned in a little closer.

(tag Jamison, Torek)

[ahlan]

Bendai dove underneath the nearby panel he didn't have a weapon as a simple pilot he saw no reason to carry one, aside from a knife. But, that didn't do him any good with multiple tactical personnel firing weapons at the unsuspecting bridge officers...

=============================================

Shooku watched as Miesha left and turned his attention once more to the stockpile. He felt the ship tremor a little bit then it ended, he assumed that they were finally on their way to find and retrieve the ship that he had only spent a short time on board. He looked around at the staff members mostly they were klingons. He looked towards one of the larger ones, "Weapon locker?" Shooku found himself asking. This caused the klingon to chuckle and point to the corner where a small stockpile of disruptors were located.

Shooku nodded and walked over to it, opening it he would grab out the disruptor rifle and sling it over his shoulder, "I think you have a handle on the situation down here?"

This time the klingon looked at him confused, "But, Andorian you are a doctor?" The klingon male stepped back laughing a little harder, "Warrior doctor?" The klingon then stepped forward landing on his left foot aiming to knock the Andorian doctor over.

Shooku seen this and was able to react quickly he grabbed hold and spun balancing on his backfoot he threw the large man over his back then felled him. Looking towards the surprised Klingon he held out his hand. Which the other took and felt himself pulled up.

"Warrior Doctor!" The Klingon bellowed and pounded his chest with a single hand. "Die well."

Shooku smiled nodding accepting the compliment with a great amount of stride as he made his way to the bridge.

.:.Bridge.:.

The Doctor arrived with a tricorder and the disruptor rifle, he seen that the two Commanders were speaking quietly so he would await once they were finished he approached them, "I wish to be a member of the strike team? I can fight, and if they have hidden themselves as us I can scan them to determine their race? And, I can give medical assistance where needed?"

<Tag Jamison/Torek>

[Deleted]

"What do you think Will ... The Ship, or the Exec' ?"

"I have to agree with S'vok, sir. I think we need to go after the Raven." Will replied.

<Tag Commodore>

While they were speaking, Will noticed that Lt Franklin had joined them on the bridge.

"Lt." Will said with an acknowledging nod. "How are things in sickbay?"

<Tag Miesha>

"Good. Have you had a chance to familiarize yourself with the Klingons version of the science station?" he asked.

<Tag Miesha>

As the three Starfleet officers continued with the final preparations, the turbolift doors parted once again and deposited their young Andorian doctor.

"I wish to be a member of the strike team? I can fight, and if they have hidden themselves as us I can scan them to determine their race? And, I can give medical assistance where needed?"

All three heads whipped around.

"In due time, doctor. We have the coordinates and are departing within the next 10-15 minutes. The ship is our first priority." Will said.

**************************************

Couak watched as the Qlox officer left the bridge.

"Interesting." he muttered as he turned back to Malmar. "The saboteur has been caught. I'm headed to the brig to interrogate her now." he informed the Chosen One.

He turned and reentered the lift without waiting for a reply. A few moments later, he was standing outside the holding cell staring at the prisoner.

"This is what was causing all of our trouble?" he asked as he spun to face Thazous. "Do we even know what species it is?"

He turned back around and approached the force field that was between him and the small, blind female with a PADD in his hand.

"We have already repaired most of what you tried to damage. Why don't you make it easy on yourself and tell us what else you messed with?" Couak told her.

<Tag Suru>

[Carl Torek]

NPC:

Major Lana Baslone / Zefr'n.
Marine Commander.
USS Raven-B ..

=^= ...... I did my Lord .. But we should be cautious in my opinion =^=

=^= Your 'opinion' while trusted is somewhat tainted .. You are a member of the Qlox .. We are the secret sect .. Act accordingly =^=

The Comm closed and Zefr'n knew she had been given an unspoken directive ..... She also knew, that failure would mean the death of her family. Taking the object off the table she left her quarters ...

~~~~~~~~~~

Reaching the Bridge she looked around those present. Then, satisfied she had an adequate audience, she stepped to the rail overlooking the Command seats. Without hesitation, she fired the phaser into the back of Malmar's head ... He fell to the floor !

"Remove him and have him secured in this vessels holding area." she said, looking at the people around her, "It has been decided that Malmar is no longer capable of fulfilling our mission. He is a valued member of the Qlani race, and as such will be spared his life, and that of his Family .... I am confident he will reassess his loyalties but !!! ...... Until then i feel Couak should, and will, be in Command !"

Without waiting for any comment, Zefr'n left the Bridge .. It was obvious to everyone that the Qlox, the secret service, were running this mission, and no-one wanted to fall foul of their anger .......... [/i][/color]



Carl decided to leave Shooku to Jamison ... He watched the minute view-screen, compared to the one on the Raven, as they turned away from the Star base. He couldn't help feeling he should laugh out loud at his counterpart. S'vok was seething with inner, not to mention, outer, rage ... She had inflicted more pain in the last hour than most Humans tolerate in a lifetime. When Torek decided to go after the Raven, leaving his Executive Officer to his fate, she couldn't hold her obvious astonishment ...

"Ahh HUMANS really DO have priorities then !" she said.

Carl looked at the Klingon woman for a long moment, then spoke.

"Can we set course for outpost TWO NINE FOUR .... Or should i request a tow from the base ?"

S'vok nodded to the Helm Officer and the K'talmk staggered into warp ..........

[ahlan]

"We have already repaired most of what you tried to damage. Why don't you make it easy on yourself and tell us what else you messed with?" Couak told her.

"Most of...?" She repeated slowly then approached the edge of the forcefield. Her unseeing eyes darted around the room feeling with her telepathic mind sure enough it was the imposters she could feel them, they had the same thought pattern as her so called husband. "So am I to presume you didn't find the virus? Yes, the virus that was planted within the computer core, but of course you need a special code to get rid of it. Otherwise there will be a massive failure that will completely melt it."

< tag : Couak >

She nodded biting her lip, "And, you haven't found the Ferengi? Oh, please tell me you found the extremely oversized Ferengi that is preparing an all out assault on the warp core. See he is very suicidal it didn't take much for me to well...Convince him that it was a good idea to break through the forcefield and body slam the warp core?" She remarked cooly before turning around and facing the back of the chamber closing her eyes.

< tag : Couak >

Suru crossed her arms the next thing would be heard inside his mind it would echo loudly, 'And, your female friend who is currently pretending to be a marine imposter...Yeah, in about thirty minutes her life will end, because someone is going to inject her with a serum via hypospray perhaps I don't know...You should go save her or take care of the other issues..."

< tag : Couak >


.:. Engineering .:.

Marlon walked inside Engineering with a single dubious intent on his mind. For some odd reason he had an odd craving for matter/antimatter. The pointy teeth were very obvious as he smiled walking over to a nearby panel. He slammed it causing it to spark. He then charged headlong towards the warpcore "HUNGER!" He shouted loudly as he barrelled towards it, but as he got to the edge of the panels that surrounded it multiple phaser blasts struck the Ferengi officer in the back and he fell clearly dead...

"Oh what the..." One of the Ensigns said before tagging his commbadge, "Commander Jamison this is Ensign Petty we just had a...Ferengi try to run into the warp core after screaming that he was hungry...? Yes sir I don't know.."

< tag : Couak >

[Carl Torek]

NPC:

Major Lana Baslone / Zefr'n
Marine Commander
USS Raven-B ..


She had waited patiently during the two day's it had taken the Galaxy Class vessel to reach the Vamax System ... Now, he patience was running a little thin. She had all but confirmed that the Qlox were running the show, but that wasn't the case. Yes, they had a vested interest in the outcome of this 'not so little' venture, but higher powers were dipping their greedy little fingers into the proverbial pie ...

Heading to the Bridge she noticed Couak was absent ... Without breaking stride, she moved round the ornate wooden railing and sat in the Exec's seat. Tapping her Comm badge she spoke ..

=^= Baslone to ........ =^= She stopped speaking as the man stepped out of the turbo-lift.

"Good of you to join us." she said, sarcasm oozing from the comment.

< tag : Couak >

"I'd like you to consider an idea." Lana said in her best non-committal voice, "We could hide beh ......"

"HIDE ?" Couak almost shouted.

"Yes ...... Though by 'hide' I was thinking of this vessel only. We could conceal it behind the ninth planet, nothing and no-one passes that barren rock, either entering or leaving the system, so it should remain undetected. From there we launch their shuttle craft. We can disguise the energy signature and attack the next Tvozi transport ... In co-ordination, a second shuttle will attack a minor Vamax station. That will give them both cause for concern .... In my, humble opinion."

She sat quietly waiting for Couak, and the assembled Qlani to mull the idea over ..........



It had taken more than a day, almost twenty seven hours for the K'talmk to reach the automated outpost. It looked battered, though no reports of it being fired upon had been received. Carl didn't hold out much hope they would find anything in all honesty, he was slightly dejected.

"vuD ... jatlh !" S'vok said to her Tactical Officer, before catching the glance from Torek, "Apologies ... We shall use Federation standard. I asked my Officer his opinion on the station."

"It's automated." Carl said, handing her a data-chip," This will allow us to dock. Once there my Officers, and 'MY OFFICERS ONLY' will be allowed to board. Once we have the information we require will we return and hopefully be on our way."

He could see the arrangement didn't suit the Klingon commander, but frankly, he could not care less ... She was a means to an end, and as long as H'zul lived, she was honor-bound to follow her Commanding Officer, and Father !.

Thirty minutes later the K'talmk docked ..........



< tag : ALL >

[Deleted]

Couak was getting frustrated with the prisoner. He was finding it very difficult to read her. He wasn't sure if he could believe a word she was saying.

"So you expect me to believe that a mere civilian has released some sort of virus into a Federation vessels computer core that will totally destroy it?

Couak stood there listening as she droned on about a Ferengi and a female Marine. He could have cared less about either. That was until he was paged.

"Commander Jamison this is Ensign Petty we just had a...Ferengi try to run into the warp core after screaming that he was hungry...?"

Couaks head snapped back around to look at Suru. "A Ferengi? Who is it?"

"Yes sir. And I don't know.."

"I have a team on the way. Make sure he stays subdues until they arrive." he replied as he nodded to two Ensigns who were in the area.

Couak began to turn back to his prisoner and had the thought that it couldn't get any worse. Than the doors parted and two men walked in dragging an unconscious Malnar between them.

"What the hell happened?" demanded Couak.

After they relayed the story of what took place on the bridge, Couak stormed out of the brig to make his way to the bridge. The lift doors were just parting when his commbadge chimed.

"Baslone to ........Good of you to join us."

Couak ignored the undisguised sarcasm and made his way to the command chair and sat down as Zefr'n leaned in to speak to him.


"HIDE ?" he almost shouted before she raised a hand and continued. She laid out her detailed plan without further interruption.

"While I grew tired of the way our two former Superiors were handling things and am at the point to where I am just ready to go in there and destroy them all, your idea does have merit. Our mission is to set the two colonies on each other and let them destroy themselves. "

He sat back for a brief moment in thought before finally turning back to Zefr'n.

"Very well. As my First Chosen, I want you to set things in motion. You will lead one shuttle while Thazous leads the other. Use any of the Federation officers that you need. They are expendable should something happen."

Couak sat back feeling better than he had since starting this mission.

*At least now, we are getting somewhere.* he thought as he saw Zefr'n rise.

**************************************

Standing at the Tactical station beside his Klingon counter part, Will once again heard the discussion between his CO and the female Klingon. He informed their officers of their pending arrival and had them report to the bridge. Thirty minutes later, when the K'talmk docked, they had their weapons and tricorders ready. The Commodore turned and looked as if he were ready to speak but instead he simply nodded his acknowledgment at their preparedness. Catching the motion, Will simply smiled and nodded back while speaking.

"Ready when you are, sir."

<Tag Torek>

[mieshafranklin]

The Klingon ship still gave her the willies. As much as she tried to look past it, Miesha still hated the ship, no matter what would or would not happen on it. Her little tussle in the residential section of the ship was just one of the many reasons she wanted to get off this ship and never come back. In any case, at least they were moving forward now. The Klingons had done everything they possibly could to slow the Starfleet crew down, not really to slow down the mission, but rather simply to spite the Starfleet crewmembers. It was simply an annoyance. Now, however, some action was brewing. Their first stop, the outpost, was nearing.

Commodore Torek made certain the Klingons knew that they weren't going onto the outpost, which worked well enough for Miesha. The less they had to do with this, the better.

"Ready when you are, sir," came Jamison's call.

As the group entered the outpost, Miesha took in the sight. "Obviously someone has been here." Even as they first stepped in, they saw wreckage. It was a sickening display and Miesha wondered why they didn't just take the whole place to the scrap pile.

"They would have had to stop here for a reason," said Torek. "Find that reason out."

She nodded. "Yes sir." She split from the group and went along with Dr. Ahlan, would had been rather quiet. Their first stop would be the medical bay, since the doctor was with her. They quickly moved to that area, stepping over destroyed metal and carnage. As they reached the medical bay, she stepped in first. Miesha saw nothing at first, other than broken glass, and tipped over tables. As she rounded one of the corners, she looked at the ground in horror and gasped loudly, grabbing the attention of Shooku. On the ground, lay a dead body of a woman, who was unmistakeably recognizable.

The doctor tapped his comm and said, "Commodore Torek, report to the medical bay immediately.

<Torek>

--------------------------------------

Watching the two new leaders converse with one another, Lezari slowly became angry. As she fumed, she got up and left the bridge, going to engineering.

In Engineering with only two other Q'lani, Lezari furiously yelled out. "If they keep killing each other, how in the hell do they expect to continue this mission. At this rate, everyone will be dead before we even reach the Vamax!"

She pointed at both of the officers. "The two of you do remember our original mandates do you not?" The two of them nodded. "If you want recognition from our leaders, then you must carry out those orders." She spoke to them as if they were children. "Lock every bridge station out and reroute all controls here. No other console is to be able to access anything. If you want to be honored by our leaders then you will do exactly what I say."

The two Q'lani nearly shook as they carried out Lezari's orders. As they finished, Lezari smiled, the ship now under her control.

No doubt that they would soon find access from the bridge, Lezari would have to make entirely certain that they would complete their mission. Finding they were only a short distance from their target, she ordered the final course plotting set. "Time to destination?"

"Thirty-seven minutes."

"Go now. We must complete the mission."

As the ship, which had finally regained warp drive, travelled into the distance, Lezari saw that now was her chance. It was only a matter of time....[/color]

[ahlan]

Doctor Ahlan moved around a bit as himself and Lieutenant Franklin made their entrance inside the medical bay. Ah, yes his favorite place in the world, yet right now it was by far his least favorite because the ship was missing nobody knew why. And, his wife who was pregnant was now missing along with the ship the Andorian had experienced a lot of different catastrophic events in his lifetime and the asteroid was perhaps the second worst at this time thanks to his newly assigned ship being abducted. But, at the same time all his things were there, and the crewmembers that he'd yet to meet were there along with everybody's family members. Then the thought hit him like a ton of bricks he would be a father in a few short months how would he ever... His thoughts ended quickly when the Lieutenant grabbed his arm stopping him where he stood. She looked surprised.

"Oh what did you -" He stopped in his words looking at the body she looked familiar he tapped his commbadge, "Commodore Torek, report to the medical bay immediately." He said and approached the body. As a medical officer, and one of the age that he was Shooku had been in the game for quite sometime a doctor's first duty was to save lives. Their second duty was to assume the role of coroner if they found a dead body. He would have to do this as he approached her he flipped open his tricorder that he had strapped next to his phaser that he kept on stun at all times. Ahlan had to take a life before, several lives in fact and that thought was, to this day, the one thing that still haunted him in his dreams at night. He began taking readings, "She bled to death single phaser shot to the...Face. Oh...It's Galla." He muttered the last part under his breath. With that he continued to run the scanner down along her body he began to wonder, she didn't die right away, and judging by the trail of blood this wasn't where she was shot. It looked like there had been some sort of struggle.

He turned his attention to the rest of the room things had been destroyed there was damage everywhere. This woman went down fighting, or by appearances that was what he presumed. Shooku winced as he stood up this was not where she had been shot. Wasn't she on board the ship once the Commodore arrived he would begin to prepare to tag the body for transport he would examine it once he arrived at the Klingon ship. He closed his eyes for a second, May you rest in peace... His thoughts then instantly snapped to Suru. An overwhelming urge to fire his phaser at the scarred wall had to be quelled as he looked away.

<Tag Torek>

[Andae Blakus]

The wretched Qlox woman had done it again. Driving Malnar to madness, he was sure she was meant only as a totem of torment, a waymarker in the path of his existence put there to constantly hinder him and all that he was trying to accomplish.

These strange thoughts bracketed his mind as she departed the bridge, and as he eyed her warily and the turbolift door closed behind her, he made a quick nodding motion to Lezari as she accessed the sensor grids.

He eventually tore his eyes from the back of the bridge, attempting in the process to show total disregard for his supposed second-in-command Couak who was standing there.
"Give me an estimate on when we get full warp power back," he demanded, slinging himself into the CO seat.

While the bridge was settling back down to its norm of unspoken anger and hidden tension, Couak made his way off the bridge to do the interrogation. Yes, Malnar was aware Couak no longer appeared to be following his orders, instead going off and doing whatever he saw fit without the permission, or urge to do so from his commander. But, Malnar thought, there were more important issues afoot.. Now if only his mind could grasp exactly what those issues were...

Without warning phaser fire swept the bridge. Shocked and angry to say the least, Malnar twisted and ducked behind the command railing. He pulled the weapon at his waist and fired, picking off two of the assailants; his own men! In a short time it was over, and Malnar faced the propped up form of one of the former-guards. He asked for an explanation.

"I don't know. The bridge was under attack.. or something."

He eyed the man carefully, then turned away, thinking. This was the second report of random violent acts by security guards on disguised warriors, warriors whose cover was not to his knowledge blown. He then remembered Couak's mention of an Aenar female, and quickly he called up Andae Blakus's knowledge on the species.

Then realisation spread on his face, and he smiled. "Kill him," he said, jerking a thumb at the propped-up guard.


A while later...

He turned the object over and over in his hand, sure that when the chance to use it came he wouldn't hesitate. He would not be weak, would not be hindered and waylaid, beaten into the corner like a wild beast of no sentience being hunted, by those whom would see his body quartered and flung to the farthest reaches of -

"Superior.. watch out!!"

The grip he had on the phaser in his hand tightened but it was far too late. First he heard an initiating phaser beam and then felt its heavy hit to his cranium, that seemed to pierce his skull, such was the pain it gave him.

Malnar's unconscious form was dragged like a trophy from the bridge, and through the ship he was carried to the brig.

As the interrogation of the Aenar woman was winding down, the deposed Superior was pulled through the door. Lowering the forcefield of one cell, the Qlani security officers who had been carrying him virtually chucked him to the floor inside it. The guards then left, and for the time being the prisoners were alone in the brig. He came around.

A forcefield crackled extremely loudly as a man hurled himself against it. From Suru's cell, it almost seemed that some sort of bull, or ox had rammed the forcefield of the cell next to her's. There was a thud on the floor, and Malnar rolled over as he landed from rebounding off the invisible barrier; he was grimacing in pain and groaning as if he were in a fitful sleep.

"Female," he said, gasping with pain on the cell floor. He was somehow aware that the Aenar woman was in the cell beside him. She hadn't responded. "Saboteur," he tried, his voice little more than a rasp.

There was still no response, but he pushed on all the same. "I know of your abilities, Aenar. And if you want your child to live then you will do as I say. Direct your abilities to the mind of the nearest guard, and have him come here and deactivate my forcefield," he paused to recover his breath and ease the pain, "If you deactivate yours as well, I'll see to it that your child dies. Of that, you have my word, and you won't like the method I'll use to separate it from your body."

<Tag Suru (Shooku)>

[Carl Torek]

Moving through the double air-lock, the team stepped onto the automated base. The second a boot hit the deck the base began to speak ..

'WARNING .. You are entering a restri .....'

"Computer. Cease warning notation .. Access Torek Alpha two two Gamma."

The voice stopped instantly, and an uneasy silence fell on the group. The place was a mess ... Consoles were smashed, tables over-turned, screens removed from their normal places and strewn across the floor.

"They would have had to stop here for a reason." Carl said in response to Miesha's comment, "Find out what that reason is."

"Aye Sir." the team said, splitting up to head in several directions .. Torek stayed where he was for a moment, he wasn't exactly sure, maybe it was his wariness of Klingon's of just caution, but he had the feeling they would be followed. Looking round the room he had entered, he spotted an intact console and moved toward it. Activating the screen he began to look for the stations log files, but before he could start to read his Comm badge chirped to life ..

=^= Commodore Torek .. Please report to the medical center immediately ! =^=

It didn't sound like a request ! ... He moved quickly, making his way to the location in under a minute. As he approached the door, Doctor Ahlan stepped into the corridor.

"Sir ...... You need to prepare yourself."

Frowning, Carl went past the man and into the Med Center. At first he wondered what he had been summoned for, but then, as Ahlan reached his side, he saw the body ... At first he was puzzled, this couldn't be who he thought it was, she was on the Raven, at Star base forty seven, she was going to be taking the childr ......

He staggered back, banging roughly against a Bio-bed. The Doctor watched him closely for any signs he would react badly. But Carl moved forward, kneeling slowly until he was close to the woman he loved. He reached forward, starting to move the hair from her face, but a hand on his arm halted the move.

"You shouldn't ... Sir ..." Shooku said quietly.

Torek let the hair go, then straightened the hair over Galla's shoulder ... He was confused still, this was the woman he was going to be spending the rest of his life with. they had plans, a house, a school for Betha .... Bethan.

"Oh God !" he said, trying but failing to hold back the tears that began to fall down his cheeks. A hand squeezed his shoulder and he knew he needed to move out of the way, the Doctor had a job to do, and Carl was in his way. Leaning forward, careful not to move the hair covering his beloveds face, he kissed her tenderly on the top of her head before rising slowly to his feet.

Shooku placed a sheet over the body as Carl moved toward the door. No-one in the room knew where to look. Each and every one of them knew the bond that had formed between the two. Knew their Commanding Officer must be dying inside at what he had seen. With respect uppermost in their minds they moved aside as he moved into the corridor.

Everyone heard the three loud bangs ... Fists, smashing into the bulkhead walls with all the force a grieving, angry, frustrated man could muster, but no-one moved. Within a minute Torek returned to the doorway ..

"Look after her ......" he said quietly, tears on his face, "I will be on the K'talmk. Do what you need to but get me a heading for the Raven."

With that, and before he broke down completely, he headed back to the Klingon ship. During the walk he masked all outward appearances of what had happened. The last thing he needed was the Klingon's knowing he had broken down in tears. they would never allow him to forget it ! ..........



Couak sat in the Command seat, Zefr'n beside him in the Exec's ... They were nearing their destination now, and it was getting time to formulate a plan of action ... They had discussed the idea of concealing the massive Star ship and using shuttles to 'pick-off' elements of both races, ensuring the two go to war. But both would need to be made aware that the Federation was assisting the other in their effort to win. Once they were ripe, the ship would be brought out of hiding to finish both races off and allow the Qlani to enslave them. They were talking quietly when the Helm Officer turned.

"Chosen one ... There is ... I have a ..." the man began, nerves getting the better of him.

Zefr'n stood and moved to the Helm, looking past the man. She tapped a few Commands into the station but was rewarded only with notification on-screen that Helm control had been re-routed. Puzzled, she moved to the Operations station while the Helm Officer tried to explain the situation to Couak.

"We are locked out of control !" Zefr'n said loudly.

"What !" Couak said, throwing the man at Helm to the floor, "That is not possible."

Zefr'n smacked her Comm badge ..

=^= This is Zefr'n .. Engineering .. Take this vessel out of warp now or you will not live to rue your error in judgment ! =^=

There was no reply. Fuming she moved toward the turbo-lift, almost running into the doors that steadfastly refused to open. She turned to Couak ...

"It seems 'someone' has taken control of this ship ! ..........



< tag : All >

[mieshafranklin]

Since taking command of the ship, Lezari had put down several attempts to regain control from the bridge. On one attempt, the bridge rerouted power from all consoles to one, in an effort to boost that console's range and power. It failed when Lezari ordered power to be cut from the bridge. With only life support functioning, those on the bridge had little to work with. On another attempt, they had broken through to one of the jeffries tubes and begun to work their way down, but Lezari cut life support from the section, along with every section surrounding the bridge. Now the bridge crew was without power, little life support, and surrounded by force fields from all angles. Lezari was in control.

Lezari had a thought. The other Q'lani had found the saboteur and put her in the brig. ~Perhaps she could be useful. ~

"You, go to the brig and see who is in there. If it is Thazous, shoot him. If it is anyone else, inform me." The Q'lani nodded. "This better be useful..."

------------------------------------

unnamed Q'lani:

The Q'lani entered the brig. He surveyed the scene and saw a lone brig officer in place that he did not recognize. Without hesitation, he shot the officer and moved in front of the two brig cells. Inside one was the saboteur, but inside the other was a very much alive Malnar. "Lieutenant Franklin. Commander Blakus is in one of the cells."

=/\= I thought they killed him as soon as they soon him from the bridge?=/\=

"Apparently not."

=/\= Let him out. =/\=

The officer did as he was told. Malnar stepped out giving a glare to the saboteur.

"Lezari, what a surprise."

=/\= There is no time for discussion. Get to Engineering immediately. =/\=

---------------------------------------

As the doors parted to reveal Malnar and the other Q'lani officer, Lezari looked in disgust at the latter. "Where is the saboteur?"

"Our superior was alive, I thought it prudent to...." he never finished the sentence before the phaser blast cut his life short.

"As you can see, command of this vessel has changed once again. Couak and a Q'lox assassin are trapped up on the bridge with no power and limited life support. I have rerouted all ship functions here. Would you like command back?" she asked with a raised eyebrow and a mischiveiously seductive smile.

Malnar smiled back, once again in control.

<tag Malnar, Couak and Z'fren if you dare....>[/color]

[ahlan]

"Female," he said, gasping with pain on the cell floor. He was somehow aware that the Aenar woman was in the cell beside him. She hadn't responded. "Saboteur," he tried, his voice little more than a rasp.

There was still no response, but he pushed on all the same. "I know of your abilities, Aenar. And if you want your child to live then you will do as I say. Direct your abilities to the mind of the nearest guard, and have him come here and deactivate my forcefield," he paused to recover his breath and ease the pain, "If you deactivate yours as well, I'll see to it that your child dies. Of that, you have my word, and you won't like the method I'll use to separate it from your body."

However, before Suru could even respond another one that she felt was an imposter entered the brig. The officer released the imposter Andae from his holding cell and after a brief discussion the two departed. Suru smiled keeping her back to the forcefield it seemed almost like a rift had formed between them. The smile changed into a smirk the brig officer was not one of them he was like the other Federation officers that remained on board completely unaware. Suru turned to face him, "You get over here!" She demanded and the officer walked next to her.

"Yes...Why are they calling you -"

She shook her head, "Never mind that they are imposters. Release me we need to get to the medical bay. And, get several security personnel rounded up. We are going to take control of this ship."

The officer looked at her completely dumbfounded, "How do you plan on doing that from the medical bay ma'am?"

"Don't worry about that..." She said as she watched the officer go back around and lower the forcefield. "Good now escort me to the medical bay!" She said with a great deal of urgency. After several moments her, and the security officer along with four other security officers made their way inside the medical bay. She at this point managed to get a hand phaser from someone they entered the back office. She aimed it at the head of her 'husband'.

Tol'lia looked at the woman for a moment, "What the hell?" He looked up seeing several security personnel and Suru entering the office all armed and aiming their weapons at him. He looked at each of them dumbstruck trying to figure out exactly what was wrong.

Suru held her weapon even, "Look, I know what you are, I don't know what you did with my real husband but I know you are NOT him." She yelled the last bit at the false Andorian though she wasn't entirely certain what he was. "Now you are going to order a complete lock down of the ship due to a quarintine!"

Tol'lia looked at her, "Or, what?"

Suru nodded as one of the security officers walked around the corner and grabbed the Andorian's hand and placed it flat on the table. "Do it." She ordered.

The security officer nodded, "With pleasure ma'am." He responded and slammed the backside of the phaser down across the man's knuckles causing the Q'lani to scream in pain.

Suru smiled with evil intent to do harm, "Do we have an agreement?"

Tol'lia nodded wincing in pain. "Computer lock down the U.S.S. Raven-B due to a quarintine authorization Ahlan Alpha Gamma Two Six Nine."

"Quarintine lockdown in progress personnel not able to move about the ship and lifesupport has been limited."

Suru smiled wryly, "Good boy." She replied and continued to point the weapon at him as she walked around the desk so that the weapon was pressed into his temple. "Say good night."

Tol'lia winced again, "No please do-"

Suru pulled the weapon back and threw her elbow across the man's head a loud crack could be heard throughout the office as the body fell though the man was still breathing he was completely knocked out. She smiled, "Bind him and give me his commbadge on the table."

The security officers nodded and began to tie him up after laying the badge on the table. "All your's ma'am." Though the security woman didn't exactly understand just yet. But, it was however slowly becoming clear.

Suru pressed it, "Suru Ahlan to all crew, yes I have escaped filthy imposters now as you may have heard the ship is under lock down thanks to the doctor who just was so kind enough to complete a quarintine lock down only his command code can fix that. Oh, and by the way he is still alive tied up and gagged. And, still dreaming I suppose you could say. Only myself and the security team that I have with me can move about freely because we have our ways you could say. Anyway please enjoy your time on the ship, because that time is limited! Suru out." She said just before she brought the edge of the phaser into the communicator and cracking it. "Lock down out to be fun eh." She said just as she closed her eyes instantly she could see through the eyes of one of the engineers in main engineering...

==========================

Shooku listened as the Commodore went on his rampage after Shooku covered the woman's body he winced listening to the sounds of crashing. The doctor wanted revenge, but it had become quite clear that Carl wanted it by far much worse. Shooku looked up at the Commodore as he neared him.

"Look after her ......" he said quietly, tears on his face, "I will be on the K'talmk. Do what you need to but get me a heading for the Raven."

"I will sir." He said softly, and he gave the man a moment to leave he then touched the body's shoulder with his hand after placing his tricorder inside his belt and tapped his commbadge, "Two to beam directly to sickbay." He said and felt the tingling sensation before long he was kneeling in sickbay with the body next to him. He looked around it still wasn't his medical bay, but for now it would have to do. He lifted her up gently and placed her on the biobed back around the corner in the autopsy room. He looked around the corner, "I will be busy for the next couple hours please do not disturb me."

One of the klingons seen him, "Warrior Doctor would you like some assistance?"

Ahlan smiled and shook his head slowly, "No thank you." He replied before washing his hands and getting into his scrubs. Afterwards he carefully lowered the sheet to the woman's navel and pulled out his scanners not wishing to cut into this body on this one occasion and he got to work. With each scan, and report that he put together he kept thinking of Suru and somehow it almost felt as if it were she was laying on the table and not Galla...

[Andae Blakus]

Malnar stepped out of the brig cell, following what he thought was a Qlani security guard. His head still ached from the phaser blast and his body hurt from impacting the forcefield. Sideways, he grinned at Suru - confined still within her cell - his face adorned with a knowing look. Malnar told himself that he and her both knew her child had been spared just for now.

Silently and with the vestiges of an arrogant sneer he followed the Qlani to engineering.

The Qlani was shot almost immediately upon arrival at engineering. He eyed the body, the blasted hole in its bloodied chest smoking with gentle tenderness - the tenderness of flesh.

"Was that really necessary?" he asked Lezari sardonically, and moving in and past her.

"As you can see, command of this vessel has changed once again. Couak and a Q'lox assassin are trapped up on the bridge with no power and limited life support. I have rerouted all ship functions here. Would you like command back?"

He finished a full rotation looking at the state of engineering, then returned to Lezari. "Yes," he said. As Lezari acknowledged his answer she was called away, leaving Malnar smiling in contentment. At last, off the 'pressure cooker' of the bridge, to borrow a human metaphor, and to the new, fresh safety of the engine room.

"I want guards posted at all possible entrances to this place," he said, moving off to what looked like the main hub of activity. He joined Lezari. "Then up engine speed, we're nearly there, this can't fail now."

It will not be a failure.. he told himself. Please, please let this not be a failure.....

NO! A voice shouted inside. You will do this of your own accord; your destiny is in your own hands, for better or worse, and you've always known that.... Even if you cannot handle it mentally...

Just as Malnar was starting to boil with visible anger, alarms went off and an urgent computer voice started up.

~ This is a shipwide quarantine..... ~ to Malnar the voice only spoke in unrecognisable glyphs of technology as it faded into the mad and infuriating ramblings of the background. He tried to calm himself.

"Suggestions," he ordered, keeping himself controlled once more.

"Separate the saucer," Lezari said instantly, and as she did the intolerable sabotaging female was speaking.

"Noo!!!!!" Malnar shouted, answering the voice of Suru, although she wouldn't hear him, and his fist suddenly pounded down to a console in hammerlike rage. The matte-black top cracked open, and Malnar raised his now bloody and excruciatingly pained fist. "Yes, Lezari," he said quietly, "A wise suggestion. What will it take, can it be done from here?"

<Tag Lezari>

"Set about the process," he whispered in her ear, "You will be awarded the position of my first chosen in our next assignment if you accomplish this."

<Tag Lezari>

"Meanwhile! I want a team around me. Come, now." Quickly he handpicked half a dozen Qlani, all faces he knew. They gathered close, too close for Malnar, so he had them disperse but to have an eye on him at all times.

Warily he stood, close by the engineering master console. The ship was intermittently shaking around them for some reason. His sense told him it was the misuse of the Qlani that had slowly made the vessel more and more broken over the last few days. His instinct told him that they were moving into a gravitational well of a planet. His mind told him that it was being done as a personal spite, on he, he who would be master of a sector...

That was if he had his way.

"Initiating," he heard the clear call from Lezari. And as she spoke a much greater vibration than before occurred. And Malnar knew that the stardrive section had begun its slow segregation from the saucer - its circular and much slower counterpart.

<Tag Suru, Bridge>

[mieshafranklin]

"Separate the saucer section," Lezari said instantly, responding to Malnar's query.

He suddenly screamed out, "No!" He slammed his fist down on the console. "Yes Lezari, a wise suggestion. What will it take? Can it be done from here?"

Lezari shook her head. "With this new lockdown, I will have to do it manually. First at the control mechanisms and then the battle bridge."

"Set about the process," Malnar whispered in her ear, "You will be awarded the position of my first chosen in our next assignment if you accomplish this."

Lezari nodded, though wondered if the incentive was hollow. She left engineering to make her way to the contol mechanisms. She had to manually open a few doors, but it was nothing a little rewiring and a forceful push wouldn't fix. Taking her only several minutes to complete her task, she entered the battle bridge, alone, with no one in her way.

"Initiating," she said into the comm, so only Malnar could hear her. As her fingers ran over the console, the stardrive section slowly pulled away from the now stationary saucer section. It was nearly a seven minute ordeal. Upon completion, Lezari gained full system controls on the battle bridge. She scanned the stardrive section, finding only Q'lani onboard it. This meant that Couak and the Q'lox assassin were onboard the saucer section, with the saboteur. However there was a problem.

Lezari opened communication to only Malnar. "We have a problem. It appears as though the saucer separation gave control to the saucer section back to the main bridge. They now have control."

(Malnar)

"I recommend one of be on both the battle bridge and in engineering, so there are not any more problems." She said the last word with such a sarcasm, it had to have been noticed. As she awaited Malnar's decision, she looked at the estimated time of arrival. Seven minutes!

(Malnar, Suru, Main Bridge)[/color]

[Andae Blakus]

The painful noises of a rushed saucer separation finally faded out. Dull scrapings of duranium on duranium and slight judders made it into a nerve-wracking experience for Malnar, but they were through it and were now presumably free from Couak and Zefr'n's saucer.

Lezari's voice filtered through his Starfleet commbadge, and he moved off to the corner so that his men wouldn't hear. "We have a problem. It appears as though the saucer separation gave control to the saucer section back to the main bridge. They now have control," she reported.

"Damn it." He looked across to his men, worried about the origins of their true loyalty and paranoid they might defect to Couak if they heard the infidel had command of the whole saucer. He eyed them grimly and with not a small measure of malice. They had no choice now; they'd either follow him or die, executed for their misplaced loyalties.

"Lezari, we should orchestrate our command carefully from this location, in engineering.. We'll stay together where Couak and the Qlox female might tear each other asunder. It is the only way we can maintain dominance."

"I recommend one of be on both the battle bridge and in engineering, so there are not any more problems." Lezari's response was etched in the finest inks of sarcasm.

Testily Malnar replied, "Problems are bound to arise, Lezari, especially with you alone there." He paused, cursing under his breath; this woman was turning on him.. why couldn't everyone just stay in check?!

"Still though," he grumbled over the comm to the science officer, "We need a presence there. Fine, stay... But I'm sending three warriors up there to join you... None of us should be alone especially with the potential presence of Couak-aligned renegades on the Stardrive. And besides, you need some people to help 'man' the battle bridge, one warrior cannot run it alone." He smirked, basking in the glow of his mocking words.

<Tag Lezari>

He called three of his most trusted Qlani and ordered them to the battle bridge, whispering unheard orders in their ears.
He sighed, and taking in the view he had of engineering, moved to the spot he thought would give him the best command vantage point. "Give me a report," he said, "Whoever has access to the status of this half of the ship.

"Helm controller," he said, "Set us on a course for the Vamax's home planet and give me ETA." The controller reported it would take seven minutes. "Good, now hand over helm control to the battle bridge and give Lezari priority, but maintain it here as well."

Malnar continued issuing orders; his tone was taciturn and sharp. "What's the location of the saucer section?"

"They've dropped far behind us, Superior," a smug voice reported from the other side of the warp core. "It seems their speed is no match, but they could conceivably catch up if we don't act soon on arrival at the planet. They could attack us, or start the war and take our glory."

"Yes, yes, get on with your work," Malnar replied quickly. He knew the Qlani who'd just spoke. The warrior's name was Jaormec, and had been with him for the duration of the last few campaigns, always professing loyalty to Malnar and indeed showing it, but never in the context that a beloved leader might expect. No, Jaormec definitely had a hidden agenda, and maintained a subtle image of untrustworthiness which Malnar disliked.

But all besides the point, he thought, and his mind continued its desperate turmoil of thinking and re-thinking, until it darkened and made no sense anymore. Nothing made any sense, he thought, with growing bitterness that germinated like a poisonous flower.

"Lezari," he said, tapping his commbadge, "Use some of that science expertise.. I want you to disguise our engine signature so that to the Vamax we seem like a vessel of the T'vozi. Then, before their nearest vessel or installation is close enough so they can tell the difference, I want you to destroy that vessel or installation with our torpedoes. Understood?" he said, aware that his three men would be watching Lezari like hawks.

<Tag Lezari> & <Tag Couak, Zefr'n (We'll stop for now to give you time to respond, as we don't want to spoil the mission!)>[/color][/i]

[Carl Torek]

NPC:

Major Lana Baslone/Zefr'n.
Marine Commander.
USS Raven-B ...


=^= This is Zefr'n .. Engineering .. Take this vessel out of warp now or you will not live to rue your error in judgment ! =^=

"It seems 'someone' has taken control of this ship !" she said. Anger and loathing for those responsible building rapidly as she failed to get the lift to open.

The three Qlani ensured their eyes were riveted to their respective panels as the woman raged. No one wanted to be on the end of that anger, their lives would surely be forfeit should they even make eye contact ... The only one willing to look at her was Couak, and he seemed more amused than annoyed.

"Calm yourself Zefr'n. It is only a matter of ti ......" he stopped speaking as they heard the first dull thud, "What the hell wa ......"

"Oh now this I did not see coming !" Zefr'n said her face distorting with both loathing and appreciation, "They are separating us from the drive section."

"Then sto ....."

"There's nothing we can do !" she spat back, interrupting the Superior in mid sentence, "They have complete control." she finished, dropping into her seat as the two sections parted company. Seconds later they watched in silence as the drive section came into view, rising from below them before jumping to warp and vanishing ...

"Chosen one." the Helm Officer dared, "We have regained full control of ... Of this section of the ship."

"MAXIMUM WARP ... Go after them NOW !" Couak shouted.

Zefr'n looked at the man at the Helm. He was shaking visibly and looked to her as if he would suffer heart failure if he needed to speak. She turned to the Chosen One.

"We can't go to warp, this section of the ship is not warp capable." she turned to the obviously grateful Officer at Helm, "Full impulse. Get us on a course for the drive section. I want one hundred and twenty percent out of those engines."

"Understood." the man replied, turning to his panel thankful he still had his life. While Zefr'n wondered if there was going to be anyone left to start a was with when they arrived at the Qlani System ..........



< tag : Couak >

[Deleted]

Couak was infuriated with the way things were going. All that matter was the mission and had Malnar not started to act so much like his human counter part, maybe, just maybe they could have worked together to accomplish that mission. Now Couak found himself stranded in the Ravens saucer section, ever so slowly following the rest of the vessel.

"What about weapons? Do we have anything we can destroy them with?" he asked openly to anyone on the bridge.

"The other sections has the majority of the weapons but we do have a torpedo launcher in the docking cavity used mainly for rear defense." answered whoever was running tactical.

"Very well. Find us a way to use that." Couak demanded.

Zefr'n had made her way to the XO chair and sat down. Couak turned to face her.

"Any ideas?" he asked.

<Tag Zefr'n>

****************************************

The Starfleet officers had been back aboard the Klingon vessel for about 15 minutes. No one had spoken the entire time. Especially Commodore Torek and Will could understand that but he also knew that Carl needed and wanted to move ahead, so he walked up to Carl's side and broke that silence.

"Sir. we've picked up the Ravens trail. I've sent the coordinates to the helm. We're ready to go on your command." Will said.

After another brief silence, he added with a gentle whisper, "Carl. I'm sorry about your loss. We'll get them. I promise."

<Tag Carl>

[Carl Torek]

Carl had stood in what the Klingon's laughingly called a Sick-bay for the last twenty minutes while Shooku worked on the lifeless body of Galla. He wasn't waiting for a 'cause of death' because that was shockingly obvious. His only regret is that Galla would have lived for some time after the phaser blast burned most of her face away. He didn't even have it in him at the moment to hate the person that had fired the shot ... But that would come ... OH ... That would come !

"Sir. We've picked up the Ravens trail. I've sent the coordinates to the Helm. We're ready to go on your command." Will said, glancing at the Doctor when his Commanding Officer didn't reply, then, after another brief silence, he added with a gentle whisper, "Carl. I'm sorry about your loss. We'll get them. I promise."

Torek seemed to hear this last comment and turned. He placed a hand on Will's shoulder for a moment, as if steadying himself, then trying to wipe the tears from his face u-noticed, he looked back at the table for a moment, the anger rising, but also the need to make sure Bethan was OK.

"Good ..... Thank you Will. Your words are very much appreciated. Tell Captain S'vok to take us away from the station on the projected course ... Maximum warp, or whatever the hell this rust-bucket of a ship can call max ... I'll be up in a moment, I need to speak to the Doctor."

Will hesitated, looking at his friend with concern.

"It's OK .. I just need a word alone."

Will nodded and left. Carl moved to the autopsy table and took Galla's hand. Then he spoke to Shooku.

"I want you to do everything possible for her ... Yes Doctor, I know she is dead, but her Daughter will want to say goodbye to her Mother, and I want her to see her Mother, not a burned charred skull, do you understand what I am asking ?"

< tag : Shooku >




NPC:

Major Lana Baslone/Zefr'n.
Marine Commander.
USS Raven-B ...


"...... but we do have a torpedo launcher in the docking cavity used mainly for rear defense." answered whoever was running tactical.

"Very well. Find us a way to use that." Couak demanded.

Zefr'n had made her way to the Exec's chair and sat down. Couak turned to face her.

"Any ideas ?" he asked, watching her casually taking out the Star fleet phaser she was wearing.

"Yes ... I have one." she said, casually turning to the Tactical Officer before firing into his chest. The body had completely vaporized before it hit the deck. She pointed the weapon at a nearby Qlani, "YOU, take tactical, and please do not make the same mistake as your predecessor. Even I know the saucer section has FOUR phaser array's. Plus two point phasers close to the docking bay. LEARN this vessel's capabilities or I shall be forced to TEACH you !"

Putting the phaser at her side, she turned to face Couak.

"Would you like to hear my second idea ?" the Chosen one remained silent, "OK, well it is obvious now that the memory engrams implanted into the lower Officers are not remaining accessible over long durations. 'We' should be OK as we have been training and receiving the implants over some time. It is a worry that if enough of the lower echelons begin to loose their thought processes, we could find ourselves without a crew."

< tag : Couak >

"That is so. But I would suggest we find a way to delay the drive section until we can close the distance between us." There is an option, but it may not meet with your approval. They will pass close to D'veq space. I think we should 'inform' the D'veq they have company. They will be no match for the drive section, but it will slow them a little."

The D'veq were scavengers, pirates, and very inept. They tended to go after unmanned cargo vessels, or those practically unarmed, but they could never resist a challenge, even though they lost almost all of them ... She sat waiting for the Chosen One to reply ..........

[ahlan]

"I want you to do everything possible for her ... Yes Doctor, I know she is dead, but her Daughter will want to say goodbye to her Mother, and I want her to see her Mother, not a burned charred skull, do you understand what I am asking ?"

The Doctor was still quietly tending to the body in front of him when he heard the Commodore's voice speaking to him. Shooku was still in his own little world while he worked, but he couldn't ignore his Commanding Officer after suffering the loss that he had just endured. "I understand sir." He replied sullenly before looking up from his work, his eyes meeting that of Carl's. "If her child should ever need a place to stay Suru and myself are more then willing and able to look after her?"

<Tag Carl>

He nodded smiling dimly returning his gaze back down upon the face of the woman before him. He wasn't a plastic surgeon, but he had performed his share of autopsies. That sometimes required him to become slightly creative with his skills. The Andorian had been a doctor for by far longer then his time in Starfleet. He served in the Imperial Guard in his youth becoming quite skilled as a combat medic. He looked towards the Commodore once more, "I am about to begin I'm sorry sir, but I must ask that you leave?"

<Tag Carl>

===============================================

Suru sat down roughly on the chair touching her stomach softly her plan didn't work out too well the saucer was stuck and the drive section had left them behind. That was okay she could only hope that the Federation was on their trail and would soon find them. She gently touched her stomach it hadn't started to show yet she was only a few weeks along. The mother to be smiled for a moment swallowing the urge to sharply kick the fake doctor that lay on the floor.

One of the security officers looked at her smiling, "So how far along are you ma'am?" He asked trying to produce conversation he could tell because she acted like his wife did when she was just a few weeks along.

Suru jerked up, "Oh, I am about five weeks along." She replied smiling blinking her unseeing eyes her white colored skin seemed to glimmer a little bit which was quite commone with pregnant Aenerian's. "I wish we would have been on the drive section." She remarked.

Another security officer shook his head, "Nah, its best that we are here besides I have a feeling that there may well be a firefight before it's all over."

She nodded, "Yeah, you're probably right." She sighed her thoughts on her husband hoping that he was alright, and a small amount of worry seemed to wash over her.

[Carl Torek]

"If her child should ever need a place to stay Suru and myself are more then willing and able to look after her ?"

Carl was grateful that the Doctor would make the offer, but it would never occur to him to part with the girl he now considered his Daughter. Shooku could see this in the mans eyes too.

"Sir ..... I am about to begin I'm sorry but I must ask that you leave."

Taking a last look at Galla, Carl left the Doctor. He made his way back to the Bridge. Speaking to no-one, he sat in silence in the Command seat. S'vok, who had been speaking with one of her men, looked round, but chose discretion over pointing out just 'who' had the right to sit there.

"You have been observing Ak'voh ... This is good. She will not be forgotten." she said, moving away to leave him to his thoughts.


~~~~~~~~~~


It took a further sixteen hours to reach the D'veq System .....

The D'veq knew better than to attempt any attack on a Klingon vessel, even one as aged as the Bird of Prey now approaching. The ship dropped from warp as it neared one of the outer planets in the system. Torek was furious at the delay, but S'vok would not be swayed, regardless of the many threats Torek threw at her. She needed to meet a ship here, and it was her Fathers' bidding. A Nukozi freighter dropped from warp almost on top of the K'talmk, and without a word S'vok and her personal guard beamed over. Thirty minutes later she returned, dropping into her seat. Carl could see the data chip in her hand.

"nuHpIn 'otlh peng baH !"

Before Carl could react, the photon torpedo lanced across space and impacted the freighter. It exploded, but the torpedo didn't fully destroy the ship. Burning, it began to fall toward the surface of the planet, her gravity taking hold of the devastated wreckage. Torek spun to face the woman ...

"WHY ?" he yelled, causing several of the Klingon's to step closer to there Commander.

"It is none of your concern ... HUMAN ... You are suffered here because you were stupid enough to have your precious ship taken from under your nose. If it were not for my Father, I would have killed you long ago for your insolence. Try not to forget that, unless you wish to challenge for the right to Command my men ........ I thought not." S'vok finished, a grin forming that under other circumstances Carl would have gladly removed.

She stood, fully expecting Torek not to be in her way, then placed the data chip in a reader.

"The D'veq managed to slow the passage of the Raven." she said, reading the data out for Torek's benefit, "It seems the ship has separated into two, the drive section had gone ahead. It put up a good fight, destroying twenty one of the D'veq fighters before they withdrew. They are less than twelve hours ahead at our maximum speed. The larger section is four hours behind them."

Carl looked at the information on the screen, he wondered how many more lives would be lost before he got his ship back ..........



NPC:

Major Lana Baslone/Zefr'n.
Marine Commander.
USS Raven-B ...


The sub-space message had been sent to the D'veq almost two hours ago and Zefr'n was getting impatient ... She was pacing back and forth like a caged animal when someone spoke.

"I'm picking up something on the sensors, but until we can get them working at one hundred percent, then i can only make a guess."

"Then GUESS !" she said.

"I think it could be the D'veq ... I'm picking up what looks like a small armada of ships. They are closing in on the drive section. They must ba aware that there is no way they could match the fire power, it's going to be a massacre."

"As long as it slows their progress and allows us to close the distance between us. I care nothing for the D'veq losses. They are too stupid to deserve consideration ... Keep scanning !"

She looked at Couak who seemed pleased her idea had borne fruit. It was just a matter of how much the D'veq could delay the ones she was looking forward to executing ..........

[Deleted]

"It is a worry that if enough of the lower echelons begin to loose their thought processes, we could find ourselves without a crew."

"I don't care if I have to crash this blasted ship into the planet myself, nothing will stop this war." replied Couak.

"...but it will slow them a little."

After a brief silence, Couak finally answered.

"Notify the D'veq. And than make sure all of our stations are manned by one of our own. Someone who knows the systems." he said glancing back to where the former underling used to stand.

He sat back with a heavy sigh. "None of this would have happened had Malnar just kept his head and started the damn war." he muttered. "There would have been plenty of glory to go around. Now I am forced to destroy him as well."

It seemed like forever before they got the confirmation that the D'veg had finally moved to intercept the other half of the Raven. Zefr'n had been handling things beautifully and Couak was very pleased with her. He could see her as his First Chosen. And maybe more once this mission was over.

"The D'veg have attacked the drive section." announced a new voice from behind Couak. He turned and was glad to see his old friend Thazous had taken over.

As they continued to make their way, Couak listened to reports of the battle.

"The D'veg are losing ships quickly but the drive section has been slowed down considerably. Their warp drive has been damaged. We have fallen within four hours of them." announced Thazous

"Very well my friend. I don't know if we will be able to destroy them but I atleast want them disabled enough to board." Couak said as he turned to Zefr'n. "And once we have them under control, I want you to lead a team over there and destroy everyone aboard." He saw a questioning look in her eyes and answered before she could but the questions into words, "Yes. even Malnar. I have grown tired of dealing with him."

The battle lasted less than forty five minutes and while the drive section had been damaged it had not been stopped.

"The D'veg are withdrawing." came the report. "The drive section continues its course but we are gaining."

Suddenly, from another station, "Superior. I am reading a Klingon vessel entering D'veg space. "

"Heading?" demanded Couak.

"They dropped out of warp just inside the system. They are now being joined by a Nukozi freighter." said Thazous. "The Klingons have just destroyed the freighter, Superior." he continued. "And they are now headed our way."

*Just what I need.* thought Couak. *As if Malnar wasn't enough, now we have the Klingons to deal with. What are they after? Could they be helping the Federation retrieve their ship?*

"How long until they arrive? Will we catch the drive section before the Klingons catch us?" he asked.

"No, Superior." answered Thazous.

Once again, Couak sat back and sighed.

*********************************
Will had been standing by on the bridge when the Carl returned and quietly took his seat. It had been a long sixteen hour trip to reach the D'veg system. The ride would have been almost nothing in the Raven. He felt the ship drop out of warp and surprised to see the Klingon female transport off and than back again a few moments later. She gave a command that he didn't completely understand until it was too late. the other vessel that they had met up with was suddenly fired upon, disabled and sent falling toward the barren planet below.

Will took a step forward as S'vok and Torek began to yell at one another only to be caught by both arms and held back by two other Klingons. A moment later, S'vok dropped a disk she had been holding into a reader. He listened as she spoke to Torek.

*Eight hours ahead of us.* he thought. *Can this rust bucket catch up before it's too late?*

The two Klingons that had been holding Will finally released him when they had seen that he had calmed down. He quickly moved to his COs side.

"I saw the recording, sir. How do you want to handle it when we catch up to them?" he asked.