Mission 8: Return to Miranda

[michaelwallace]

Mike was leant over the main engineering console with five other engineers arguing about how to invent a workable plasma shield. The situation had degenerated into an argument over physics, with several engineers saying it was impossible with Challenger’s technology from the outset. Mike scratched his head as the ship’s internal comm. system brought over the voice of the Captain.

“Could you come up and bring the Mirandans with you?” Andy asked,

“I’ll be right there.” Mike answered almost with glee, he was glad to get away from the debate over plasma shielding.

“You guys keep working on this, I’ll be back asap.” Mike instructed his engineers who sighed upon his instruction.

Mike quickly grabbed Loken and brought him to Andy’s Office, Mike wasn’t sure what it was all about but he was happy to help. As Mike arrived he rattled the door before hearing the call to enter, Mike saw Andy looking over his console and wondered what could be so important. As he and Loken arrived Andy showed them the message… Mike looked stunned, he had no idea what it meant but Loken seemed to recognise it.

Loken eluded to the name referring to the President of Miranda, but that didn’t seem to make sense, turning to Andy Mike asked pointedly;

“What should we do?”

“I’m not sure yet.” Andy replied honestly

Mike stared down at the message, “You think this could be a setup?” Mike asked… he noted Loken shift a little, he must have been unsure of the term.

(Tag Andy)

~ Miranda ~
~ Mirandan Military Base – Command Post ~

General Ankar stood in his Command Post, surrounded by aides and Lieutenants, it had almost been a week of searching for the aliens and nothing. Their allies were losing patience and Ankar was struggling to conceal the fact that he had not ordered the death of the paleskins. Over the last few days, Ankar’s position was becoming untenable – he was being pressured by the masked allies, the government and even his own most trusted friends and confidants had advised him against disobeying their strange allies.

Ankar still had the support of the army and he knew in his mind that he could not be removed from his post but he was growing weary of having to defend his decisions on an hourly basis. Ankar was interrupted by the sound of the transmitter behind… it crackled with a message.

“Possible alien encounter, grid H sector 4. We have lost contact with one of our patrols.”

Ankar turned to Brutos to give his friend the order but he was already ahead of him.

“General Ankar will arrive himself to oversee the investigation, keep the search subtle and only inform your search unit of what is happening. Secrecy is off the upmost importance.” Brutos finished.

“Aknowledged Sir, we await the General’s arrival.” Came the crackled respone.

Ankar grabbed his hat and made his way down to the hangar where his all terrain buggy was waiting. It was the fastest mode of transport and the journey ahead would take 4 hours.

“Brutos, you need to stay here and keep our allies off the scent and if anyone from the government asks for me I am unavailable.”

Brutos cast Ankar a smile, “Good luck old friend.”

~~~~~~~~~ 4 Hours later ~~~~~~~~~
~ Miranda ~
~ Sector H8 ~

Ankar’s buggy stormed across the rocky terrain as he made his way to H4, in the distance he could see the presence of some scattered troops searching the surrounding area. Ankar received a message which crackled; “General Ankar is that you?”

“This is Ankar, I want a sitrep now!” The General replied.

“One of our patrolling officers has not checked in, Zilan is his name. We haven’t received any contact in 6 hours.”

Ankar’s buggy reached the group as they finished reporting, Ankar was an old man in his 50s and the journey had taken its toll on him but he would not allow it to show.

“It is safe to assume Zilan, left the search perimeter. Extend our search by 10miles. Use the buggy if need be to scout ahead, I want him found!” Ankar commanded, “Activate his transponder as well, it wont work from this range but when we are within 2miles, we’ll be able to home in on his position.”

The soldiers nodded and got to searching as Ankar sat himself on the rockface, reached into his pocket, drew his sidearm and began searching the cave structures nearby. Ankar beckoned the senior officer towards him and whispered;

“Any word from our source within the mirandan camp?”

“Reports of outsiders in this sector, Sir. But our searches turned up nothing.”

Ankar just nodded mutely, Kaulo was the insider who was hiding amongst the mirandans. 4 months Kaulo, had been under cover and he had produced next to nothing. That was a matter for another day Ankar thought to himself as his datacube beeped.

"I am getting a signal, approximately 2 miles from here - the rockface was jamming the signa! Ready your unit for an assault on the area. I'll scout ahead."

The Commander nodded, "General be careful. I do not know what is going on here but you are an important figure among Mirandans - don't go getting yourself killed."

Ankar laughed, "I'll try not too..."

As Ankar jumped into his buggy, he took the road ahead slowly. He did not want to arouse suspiction and his vehicle at full speed made a noise like thunder. Nearing the area where the transponder signal was coming from Ankar slowed his buggy to a stop jumped out and unholstered his pistol.

Ankar could hear raised voices and the sound of a child from a ledge above him. "you do realise I could easily overpower you. I have more endurance than you have and I am quite possibly older than you are."

Ankar raised his weapon, the voice was unfamiliar and a strange accent. One he had not heard before as Ankar creeped up to the ledge he found a paleskin wrestling a mirandan military officer.

"Stop it! Get the hell off him!" Ankar yelled.

His words seemed to mean nothing, as the brawl continued before him. Ankar fired a single shot into the air, which seemed to get the attention of both men.

"Zalin, I presume." Ankar aknowledged the military officer, who immediately recognised him.

"General... I, I..." Zalin stumpled nervously.

"You need not explain, you may get a promotion for this! who is this we have here then?" Ankar asked,

(Tag Zalin)

"Speak, paleskin. How dare you attack an officer of the Mirandan Army. What is your name? You do not sound like you are from these parts."

(Tag Saryn)

[Deleted]

When Zalin failed to respond, Saryn felt the need to spring into action himself. He could stand here forever with his hands raised, or he could try to get his sword back. With Zalin distracted with Numike's departure, Saryn grabbed the opportunity and jumped Zalin, trying to wrestle his sword away from him.

A single shot made them both jump,with Zalin forcefully shoving him away. Saryn sprawled into the sand, relieved to find he did manage to retrieve his sword, whatever good it would do him now. Resheathing it, he got back to his feet and dusted his slacks off, then brushed the sand from his skin.

The Vulcan stood waiting while the newcomper consulted with his captor. With a weapon aimed at him, he didn't think it would be a wise move to try and make a run for it. Then, the newcomer turned his attention to him. "Speak, paleskin. How dare you attack an officer of the Mirandan Army. What is your name? You do not sound like you are from these parts."

Sighing, Saryn pulled himself up to his full height, noting he wasn't much paler now than the dark skin. His skin had tanned from the hours of work in the blazing sun, into a fairly dark shade of green. "I was defending myself," Saryn explained, "he attacked me in my home." He pointed towards his alcove. "My name is Saryn, and I have traveled from a place far away."

Ankar leveled his weapon at him, a look of disbelief on his face. Saryn shrugged, looking as if he didn't care. "And I am Vulcan, not a paleskin. I do not bear fangs nor do I feed on my friends." He bared his teeth to prove that his words were true. "I have not harmed anyone either, not even your soldier. His pride may be bruised but that is all. I merely wanted my possession back."

Saryn indicated his sword, but refrained from pulling it. Ankar looked excited enough to shoot him on the spot if he did, and he preferred not to get shot if he could help it. Instead, he kept his hands in plain sight, making no suspect moves. "Again I ask, how do we proceed now? I am alone, abandoned here when my collegues left. I do not know if they will come back."

[michaelwallace]

~ Miranda - Sector H8 ~

Ankar had not caught sight of the outsider’s skin it was a dark green in complexion, he almost looked like the aliens his granddad used to tell stories off. Little green men from space, Ankar smiled to himself – those times were much simpler. The alien as Ankar perceived him began to speak…

"I was defending myself," The alien explained, "he attacked me in my home." He pointed towards his alcove. "My name is Saryn, and I have traveled from a place far away."

Ankar’s attention was fully focused on the so-called traveller as he levelled his pistol towards him. The veteran general was unsure of how to proceed, as the traveller continued answering his questions.

"And I am Vulcan, not a paleskin. I do not bear fangs nor do I feed on my friends." He bared his teeth to prove that his words were true. "I have not harmed anyone either, not even your soldier. His pride may be bruised but that is all. I merely wanted my possession back."

“A vulcan? I have not heard of your kind. But you are not from here, so you do not know our customs I assume? My soldier meant you no harm, we are looking for aliens from distant lands who have come to destroy our people. Can I ask how did you get here?”

General Ankar cast Zalin a nod to leave the area. The General would interrogate the alien on his own.
Before, the so-called vulcan could answer and Ankar could see Zalin was out of sight he continued…

“Should we be looking for you? Did you come here to harm my people?”

(Tag Saryn)

For now Ankar was trying to befriend the vulcan as he called himself, Ankar had no idea what the vulcan was capable of. So he kept his pistol focussed on him.

[Deleted]

“A vulcan? I have not heard of your kind. But you are not from here, so you do not know our customs I assume? My soldier meant you no harm, we are looking for aliens from distant lands who have come to destroy our people. Can I ask how did you get here?”

Saryn remained silent, wondering what Ankar's question meant. The man had yet to give his own name, though Saryn doubted this was darkskin custom, to exchange names. "It is possible you are looking for me, since the others, the masked people, seem to be allied to you. I was stranded here three months ago, when my friends left me behind as they departed this planet." He paused, wondering how much he should reveal. "I am alone," he finished.

The Vulcan shivered again; the sun had set and the cave was cooling down considerably, yet he dared not move. The alien still had his pistol trained on him, and Saryn couldn't begin to guess how short tempered this person could be. So far, he hadn't been told to relinguish his weapon, but he had also not made any moves for it. He reasoned that as long as he remained still, and made no suspect moves, he'd be safe.

"Your soldier though, quite likely did mean me harm. He had a weapon on me, as well as my own weapon in his possession. As I explained, I was left behind when my friends left this planet." Saryn gave a brief summary on how he had ended up on the planet. "I was very ill, and we were separated," he explained, "we arrived in the wet season and I fell ill. Then one of my friends attacked me, when he was under the influence of a vampiric instinct, and I was further injured. The paleskins took care of me and to repay them I stayed with their clan and offered my services as doctor. When it became clear I was abandoned, I remained with them as I have nowhere to go. No means to get off this planet."

This time, he took a step back to his alcove, then another step. He needed to get to his tunic, which was laid out on his bed. He did keep his eyes on Ankar. "I have given you my name," he spoke, trying to keep Ankar occupied, his attention diverted. "May I have yours?"

[michaelwallace]

~ Miranda - Sector H8 Cave Network ~

"It is possible you are looking for me, since the others, the masked people, seem to be allied to you. I was stranded here three months ago, when my friends left me behind as they departed this planet."

Ankar nodded as the vulcan spoke, he was indeed who the masked ones were looking for. This would be a major coupe into but Ankar was a patient man and he was certain there was more to the masked ones than their appeared. Why would allies conceal their faces, it had never make Ankar feel comfortable and he was against the alliance from its outset.

"I am alone,"Saryn continued, as Ankar observed, listening intently to the vulcan’s tale of being abandoned on the planet by his friends. Ankar did not see the vulcan as a threat but he could not be too careful and Ankar did not which to tip his hand before he had too. Ankar watched as Saryn stood up and walked deeper into his alcove and fetched a tunic, Ankar would not begrudge him that it was cold.

"I have given you my name," Saryn spoke, trying to keep Ankar occupied, his attention diverted. "May I have yours?"

“My name is immaterial to this conversation. But so you know, I am General Ankar – General of the Mirandan Armed Guard. I am going to put my pistol away Saryn, now if you will throw off your sword and we can discuss what has happened further. I am curious to learn of what you know of the masked ones?”

Ankar paused as he holstered his pistol as an act of good faith and hoped that Saryn would reciprocate. Ankar asked a further question of Saryn;
“Were you responsible for the destruction and damage to our mining operation?”

Ankar sat back on the stone he had taken residence on, so far this alien did not appear to be a threat but he had attacked one of his men. Why did the paleskins protect him, his story was compelling but Ankar could not be certain of its legitimacy as Saryn cleared his throat to speak.

[Deleted]

Zilan had been embarrassed by the one who called himself a Vulcan. How could he allow himself to be distracted and give the enemy a chance to escape? General Ankar could very easily order him killed for such disgrace. Deciding to put these thoughts behind him, Zilan took a defensive stance and waited for the general's orders.

He could not understand why the general had not yet killed the Vulcan, but he must have his reasons. Zilan took his staff weapon and holstered it back to his side.

"Sir, a small paleskin, one named Numike should be able to give us more information," Zilan said.

[michaelwallace]

~ Miranda - Sector H8 Cave Network ~

"Sir, a small paleskin, one named Numike should be able to give us more information," Zalin’s voice echoed from outside the cave.

“Excuse me Saryn.” Ankar took his leave only momentarily, the Vulcan had nowhere to run and Ankar knew it!

General Ankar rubbed his face in trepidation, “Hmmms…” Ankar knew the girl would be informing the paleskins of what had transpired and that would not do. The paleskins had been shielding the one called Saryn, how far would they go if they knew Saryn was in the custody of the Mirandan Army? Ankar discreetly whispered to Zalin so as to avoid Saryn hearing…

“Do you know where she went?” General Ankar finally responded.

“I believe she entered the cave network, but she is a small paleskin she could not have gotten far.” Guardsman Zalin replied.

“Okay, bring the girl back here. Co-ordinate with our search team and report back to me when you have any information on the girl. She may prove to be a valuable resource in the interrogation.” Ankar instructed

“Understood, General”

“You have done well Zalin, when this is all done and dusted I will ensure you receive a promotion for this. If you hadn’t expanded your search area we may not have located the alien.”

Ankar smiled, then rubbed his brow. It would not be long before night would be descending, he could not risk taking Saryn back to his Command Post. Ankar was not finished questioning him and he would not hand him to the masked ones just yet!

~ Meanwhile on Challenger – Captain’s Office ~

“Andy…” Mike prompted, “What are you thinking?”

Mike was conscious that the Captain may not wish to speak whilst Loken was in the room. Mike turned quickly to the mirandan;

“Thank you for you assistance Loken, if you could step outside for a moment whilst myself and the Captain discuss this further.”

“I understand.” Loken sighed, he had become used to being out of the loop.

Before Mike could speak to Andy in private the ship’s comm. system crackled:
12 Hours until rendezvous with the USS Cougar Captain.

Andy nodded and then thanked Jack for the update on Challenger’s progress.

“What do you make of all this then? I don’t see what we can do. Do we ignore it or proceed with this in mind?” Mike asked Andy looking for instruction.

(Tag Andy)

[Andrew Kirk]

“What do you make of all this then? I don’t see what we can do. Do we ignore it or proceed with this in mind?” Mike asked Andy looking for instruction.

Mike had a good point. Admiral Gardner seemed to be the only person to know of the Challengers last mission and its current location. The end of the first transmission was signed simply ‘G’. Kirk had assumed that it was a message from Gardner wishing them well on their now secretive mission.

“We’ve got no choice,” Kirk said, “We need to bring Saryn back.”

That answer seemed to sit well with Mike who just nodded his head in approval. As Kirk looked at the Chief Engineer he saw how worn out the man was, he looked like he could use a break but telling him wasn’t going to help anything. Giving an order like that to an engineer was an even bigger mistake.

“How are the shields come along?” Kirk asked not in the tone of a Commanding officer looking for the best tactical edge, but as a fellow engineer who was genuinely interested in the progress.

<Tag Wallace>

-USS COUGAR-

Captain Harper sat with his head in his hands. He couldn’t possibly believe how he had gotten himself into this situation in the first place. He was an honorable man, a man who worked hard to get him promotions, but he was a man who had been passed up time and time again for command of an NX Class ship. Not Andrew Kirk. There was a man in Harper’s opinion who wasn’t qualified for Command but he gotten Command of the NX-03 Challenger anyways. Luck, Harper thought, is a wonderful thing sometimes.

He was jealous, there was no doubt about that in his mind, but to do what he was being forced to do was another thing. He rationalized his upcoming actions as saving the lives of his crew, but where the lives of Kirk and his crew worth the exchange? In Harpers mind it all added up, it was a numbers game. If the Cougar was destroyed they would lose just as many as if the Challenger was destroyed, so why should he be on the losing side of this situation. He wasn’t and he was going to make sure that he never was on the losing side again.

“Challengers ETA is T-Minus 12 hours.”

“Thank you Commander.” Harper replied.

“It’s time.” Said the man in the shadows and Harper knew he was right.

“Helm,” Harper said into the open COM channel, “Take us just inside the nebulous gas.”

“Aye sir.”

This was going to be the longest 12 hours in Harpers life.

[Deleted]

"...I am going to put my pistol away Saryn, now if you will throw off your sword and we can discuss what has happened further. I am curious to learn of what you know of the masked ones?”

Saryn wasn't certain what to do, the darkskin was showing good faith by putting away his weapon. However, Saryn counted the chances slim on him being able to draw his sword before Ankar would've redrawn his pistol. Nodding, he placed the sword on the floor at his feet, then sat back down as he straightened his tunic. "I know nothing of the masked ones," he answered, "we are as curious about them as you are. All we know is that they possibly shot down our shuttle when we first got here. I managed to befriend one of them for a short period, even though we never spoke. His friends killed him and forced me to watch it. Enemy or no, he was my friend."

“Were you responsible for the destruction and damage to our mining operation?"

"I was not personally responsible," Saryn acknowledged, "however my captain could have been responsible for that. We were separated when one of my crewmates went missing. They went to search for him. I never saw them again after that."

He clenched his teeth as he heard Ankar order Zilan to go after Numike. "If you hurt her..." he started his threat, his eyes flashing dangerously, "she is a child and innocent. If you hurt her, I will make certain you will regret it." How he wished now he had never put his sword out of his immediate reach. He also knew, by acknowledging her feelings about the girl, he had given them important leverage to use against him. "So far, I have answered every question you asked me. You have no reason to go after the girl, she does not know anything, she is a child."

Saryn allowed himself a brief smile. "She is smarter than you think, you will not catch her." No sooner had he finished his words, or Zilan returned, dragging a screaming girl with her. The girl wrenched herself away from Zilan and made a run for Saryn, hiding behind him when she reached him.

The Vulcan reached for her, protectively standing before her as he faced the darkskins. "Let her go," he demanded, "and I will answer every question you ask of me." He felt a sharp pain in his right wrist as Numike clung to him. She was so scared, she had taken to gnawing on his hand and had accidently bitten down through his skin in her fear. Saryn knew she hadn't intended to do that and thus made no sign that he noticed, but if she persisted it was going to be a problem. "Let her go," he repeated, taking a step forward towards Ankar, while keeping his eyes on Zalin. "Touching a child without adult consent is a crime punishable by death," he continued. "As her caretaker I am that adult, and I gave no such permission to touch her."

~numike get the sword at your earliest opportunity and give it to me~ he thought, knowing she'd hear since she was touching him. He hoped that, this time, she would obey without question. Both their lives were at stake.

[Andrew Kirk]

Kirk and Wallace spoke at great lengths about the shields situation. The words Wallace spoke were frank; it didn’t look as if they were going to be able to MacGyver a shield system on the Challenger with out a full space dock crew. Although Kirk was disappointed he knew deep down inside that Wallace had given it his best shot and more over he already had experience in trying to rig something together at the last minute.

“Sir we have contact with the Cougar.” Kirk heard over the COM.

Kirk moved to the wall and pushed the COM button, “All stop once we are in transporter range.” Kirk said. He had been reading up on the ship-to-ship protocols and one of the first he read was for Captains to not get too closer to other Starfleet ships. There had been to many reported “fender-benders” between various Starfleet ships in the last year and Kirk made a promise to himself not to ever be on such a list.

“Lets go.” Kirk said before leading the way onto the bridge. To his surprise Captain Harper was already on the Main view screen when Kirk walked onto the bridge. He was just sitting there silently looking onto the many faces on Challenger’s Bridge.

“Something wrong James?” Kirk asked.

No response.

Looking in Jack’s direction Kirk received only a shrug of his shoulders. It wasn’t a good thing when the ships Communications officer had no idea why this was going on. It appeared as if Captain Harper hadn’t had a good speaker connection with him COM and that left him sitting there waiting for Kirk to address him formally.

“James, can you hear me?” Kirk asked.

Captain James sat as still as he could, sweat starting to run down his brow. The time he had been dreading had finally arrived and it was time that he kept his end of the bargain.

“Armory,” Harper said, “Fire at will.”

<Tag ALL>

[michaelwallace]

~ On board Challenger ~

“How are the shields come along?” Andy asked the question Mike had been dreading, Mike squirmed around for a second fidgeting with his collar and hoping Andy hadn’t noticed.

“Well, I have a room full of engineers slamming their heads of the wall. Half the room believes it cant work and the other half are arguing that it can. Its not a pretty site, all that brainpower going to waste!”
Mike smiled,

“We may have to jerry rig something together, I’m thinking of a channelling the warp plasma into a generator attached to the hull plating. It may not work, but we’re going to need a full space dock crew.”

(Andy)

Andy nodded silently and their conversation was cut short by the sound of the COM system.
“Sir we have contact with the Cougar.”

Mike looked at Andy, “I better get back to Main Engineering.” Andy nodded in approval as both men made for the Bridge. Mike entering the lift as he headed for Engineering, suddenly the ship shook, the red alert klaxon sounding across Challenger. “What’s going on?” Mike queried himself as the lift bumped down to the lower decks, taking him to the bowels of the ship.

“Report!” Mike screamed as he entered Engineering

“We’ve lost warp temperature, plasma is leaking and we wont be able to use the warp engine until we repair the leak.” Lieutenant Scott replied

“Is it the romulans?” Mike asked

“We don’t know Sir!”

Mike shook his head,
“Did you say the plasma is leaking? I want it funnelled into the shield generator, we may as well see if the plasma shielding is feasible. We won’t get long, maybe 5 minutes of a hull plating boost!”

Mike ran for the COM wall panel “Wallace to Bridge, we have a plasma leak in Engineering and the engines are down. We’re going to attempt to use the leaked plasma to strengthen the hull plating and form a shield around the ship. It won’t hold for long though, it may not even work!”

(Bridge)


~ Miranda - Sector H8 Cave Network ~

Ankar listened to Saryn’s explanation of events and for some reason he seemed to believe this vulcan he did not know why but the vulcan seemed to emit a feeling of sincerity. After Ankar had finished giving his instructions to Zalin he returned to Saryn’s alcove where the vulcan bore his teeth....

"If you hurt her..." Saryn threatened Ankar,

“How did you hear my conversation?” Ankar pointed towards Saryn’s ears, the alien must have improved hearing.

"She is smarter than you think, you will not catch her."
As soon as Saryn had finished speaking, Zalin returned clutching the small child, who was kicking and screaming. The young paleskin somehow broke free and ran to Saryn to defend her, the two seemed to share a bond – this was a weakness that could be exploited Ankar’s military mind told him but his heart told him something else.

"Let her go," Saryn repeated, taking a step forward towards Ankar,. "Touching a child without adult consent is a crime punishable by death," he continued. "As her caretaker I am that adult, and I gave no such permission to touch her."

General Ankar nodded, “That is true and the girl shall come to no harm. I would just prefer it if this meeting could be kept quiet, I don’t want the paleskins or the rest of the military becoming involved. That is why Numike had to be brought back, she can sit with you and you have my word as a warrior that she will come to no harm.”

Ankar watched, he could see that Saryn nor Numike trusted him, “Zalin, please stand guard by the ridge.” Ankar ordered, hoping to gain some element of trust.

“I am only here for answers to my questions not to harm either of you, my duty is to protect and defend my people. If you are to convince me that you come in peace we must work together, what dealings have you had with the masked ones? Why should I believe that your people are good aliens and the masked ones not?”

Ankar sat down across from Saryn and Numike and he saw Saryn relax, but the young girl was terrified.

(Saryn)

[Deleted]

"We believe these masked ones, as you call them, are Romulans. No-one within the Alliance knows what a Romulan looks like because we have never seen face to face. We do believe they use Vulcans in their schemes, indoctrinated or drugged Vulcans, because no Vulcan would willingly kill without good cause."

Saryn paused, glancing back at Numike, who had finally released his hand and had settled on his bed. Quietly, he cradled his bleeding hand, but paid no further visible attention to it. "We have encountered them a few times, or so we believe since ever all we found were deceased Vulcans or unrecognisable remains."

The Vulcan paused again, relaxing when Ankar made no move against them after sending Zilan away. The younger Mirandan was too volatile in responses, but Saryn felt Ankar was a man of reason. He didn't trust him, but he didn't quite distrust him anymore either. "I have been a security officer," he continued, "I understand the need to protect one's people. However, I am a doctor now and I am bound by an oath that decrees to first do no harm. Naturally, I have to do harm if I am to defend myself, but I prefer to avoid a fight."

He nodded down towards his sword. "Hence I did not fight you, even though I had every opportunity to do so. I understand if you need to take me in for further questioning, it is what I would do. But do understand that I will defend myself if needed. And I fully intend to return to my people when they come for me." He paused again, his eyes flashing dangerously once more. "And if this clan is hurt, I will know who to look for," he added.

[leth]

Leth stood at the controls of the armory, waiting for the words to come out of the captains mouth, all he wanted to hear at that moment was 'fire' but, he was still trying to figure out what was happening. "captain, i need orders" he said as he stood waiting, the captain was fighting with himself to determine the best course of action. Leth tried his best to keep his weapons systems online as he waited for the word.

[Andrew Kirk]

Kirk was suddenly and abruptly forced to the deck by what felt like phaser and torpedo fire. He tried to stand quickly only to be forced back down by another volley of explosions.

“Report!” He managed to yell.

“Sensors are offline!” Jack yelled back through the confusion.

“Best guess then!”

“I think it was the Cougar! I can’t see why they would fire upon us.”

The hits kept coming and during a brief lull in the fire Kirk sprang to his feet and sat in his chair. His grip on the armrests of his chair was firm as he anticipated another vicious attack.

“Wallace to Bridge, we have a plasma leak in Engineering and the engines are down. We’re going to attempt to use the leaked plasma to strengthen the hull plating and form a shield around the ship. It won’t hold for long though, it may not even work!” Kirk heard Wallace over the COM.

“Do it!” Kirk called back, “Helm, bring us about I want to see who is doing the shooting. Jack, get the Cougar on the line.”

The bridge was busy with chaotic energy when another several shots shoot the Challenger. Kirk could see out of the corner of his eye that Ensign Leth was eager to fire back and so was he. The problem was they didn’t know who or what they would be shooting at.

"Captain, I need orders."

“Stand by.” Kirk said as he watched the Main View Screen.

Challenger turned slowly with her engines down, the thrusters were making the near static turn that much more unbearable. Just as she had turned a near 360 degrees her attacker came into view, the USS Cougar. She sat poised and fired several pot shots at Challengers various system.

“What the hell?” Kirk blurted out to himself.

“Sir?” Leth asked with an itchy trigger finger.

The Challenger had stopped her turn and was now facing the Cougar. The two starships faced off in what appeared to be a very modern game of chicken, the only difference of course was they torpedoes flew the distance between the two ships.

“Sir we’re being hailed.” Jack said.

“On screen.”

It wasn’t a surprise to Captain James Harper on the other side of the hail. Kirk didn’t know if it was hope or just stupid naiveté, but he hoped it was going to be a Xindi officer, or some other life form he wouldn’t have a problem killing. Instead it was a close and dear friend to both him and Jack. In that split second of disbelief Kirk looked over to Jack, not as his Captain but as his friend, and his looked spoke volumes of betray. Kirk suspected that he too had a very similar look on his face.

“This is Captain Harper of the Romulan starship Cougar. Surrender you ship at once for you and your crew are under arrest for murder and kidnapping of alien life forms from the planet Miranda.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kirk said standing up from his chair to take a more aggressive posture.

“This is no joke Andy,” Harper replied, “Surrender or die.”

Kirk stood motionless as he looked at the face that he had shared so much with in his life. The good times and the bad came up all at once. They only subsided when Harper spoke again.

“I’ll give you one minute to make up your mind.” The screen went back to the Cougar.

The bridge was silent. All eyes were on Kirk, some on the clock as they counted down the last possibly sixty seconds of their lives. It seemed like longer than a minute but Kirk eventually spoke, “Jack, ready the MACOs. We’re going to be boarded.”

“Aye sir.” Jack replied.

“Ensign Leth.”

“Sir?”

“Target at will.”

“Aye sir.” Leth said and the bridge erupted in the sounds of his button pushing.

“Captain, we’ve got something down here.” Kirk heard Mike over the COM.

“Explain.” Kirk said, his tone sounded distant and neutral.

“We’ve managed to surround the ship in a close proximity shield set up. It’s working on a magnetic principle in conjunction with the hull polarization system.”

“I see it.” Kirk replied. The bridge’s view screen had an eerie light blow glow to it.

“Engines are offline for now because of the use of plasma to the shields.”

“Understood.” Kirk said. He thoughts were of momentary survival and not the work that was going to have to be done weeks down the road as they crawled back to base, licking their wounds.

Without warning the Main View Screen filled up again with Harper’s face. It was cold and calculating and this time around it was as if Kirk didn’t recognize the man in front of him. It made his next decision that much easier.

“What say you?” Harper had always been a fan of old literature and used it frequently in his conversations. Something that had driven Kirk nuts when they were younger.

Kirk on the other hand was a fan of aggression, “Leth, return fire.”

<TAG ALL>

[michaelwallace]

~ Miranda - Sector H8 Cave Network ~
Ankar’s reassurances seemed to subdue Saryn, Ankar trusted this alien more so than his masked allies or else he would not have been here without their knowledge or the knowledge of his government.

"We believe these masked ones, as you call them, are Romulans. No-one within the Alliance knows what a Romulan looks like because we have never seen face to face. We do believe they use Vulcans in their schemes, indoctrinated or drugged Vulcans, because no Vulcan would willingly kill without good cause." Saryn continued giving Ankar knowledge of the masked ones.

"I have been a security officer," Saryn continued, "I understand the need to protect one's people. However, I am a doctor now and I am bound by an oath that decrees to first do no harm. Naturally, I have to do harm if I am to defend myself, but I prefer to avoid a fight."

Saryn nodded down towards his sword. "Hence I did not fight you… I understand if you need to take me in for further questioning, it is what I would do…" Saryn paused again, his eyes flashing dangerously once more. “And if this clan is hurt, I will know who to look for,"

General Ankar, did not even flinch as Saryn told him of the masked ones and the veteran also showed no sign of fear as the vulcan nodded to his weapon. Ankar had listened carefully and a lot of what Saryn had said made sense to him, Ankar straightened his tunic and began to speak…

“I have only seen a masked one’s face once… and he had ears like you Saryn. Could he have been a vulcan like you mentioned? Being drugged or indoctrinated?” Ankar asked

Saryn mutely nodded, as Ankar continued.

“My standing orders are to protect my people, both the darkskins and the paleskins. Ankar nodded to Numike. That is why when the masked ones ordered me to kill all the paleskins and destroy their homes and communities, I defied that order. And from what you tell me these masked allies are more of a danger to my people than you or your friends…”

(Saryn)

“The clan shall not be hurt by my order, nor any paleskins Saryn, I may need to take you to the chamber of our government but that is far from here. Our government is constantly under the supervision and control of the masked ones, but the only way to convince them of the masked ones intentions is for them to see you in the flesh! I warn you though, the risk involved is great for both of us. My career, my life and my people are all at risk, what do you suppose the masked ones would do if we tried to resist or rescind their friendship?”

(Saryn)

~ On board Challenger – Main Engineering ~

Mike had just finished the necessary adjustments to the warp core and the hull plating polarity as Challenger shook once more. Mike thought he could hear Challenger’s hull crumble under the fire from their assailant. With only thrusters for manoeuvrability the situation was grave, the shielding would have to work!

“Do it!” Andy responded over the com just as Mike had quickly briefed the Captain on his plan.

Mike nodded upon Andy’s order, “Lieutenant Scott activate the shield!” he called.

As the plasma flowed from the engine into the shield generator the generator took on a dull blue glow as it filtered into the plating polarization system. As the plasma began to flow freely, Challenger began to become encased in a light blue bubble. Mike instinctively hit the comm. button.

“Captain, we’ve got something down here.” Mike exclaimed over the COM.

“Explain.” Kirk said, his tone sounded distant and neutral.

“We’ve managed to surround the ship in a close proximity shield set up. It’s working on a magnetic principle in conjunction with the hull polarization system.” Mike continued

“I see it.” Kirk replied. The bridge’s view screen had an eerie light blow glow to it.

“Engines are offline for now because of the use of plasma to the shields.”

“Understood.” Kirk said.

Mike turned to the generator, he had no idea how much punishment the shield could take and any damage to the plasma generator would be fatal for anyone in Engineering. A plasma leak could kill everyone, Mike nervously awaited the next brace from their attacker.

Challenger rocked slightly with the sound of torpedo fire, but no damage was sustained. Mike cheered as he reviewed the ship’s systems to be sure… “Shield is holding at 60%”

Mike tapped the comm. button. “Captain plasma shield at 60% They seem to be holding steady under fire… It could fail at any moment, so make good use of it!”

(Andy)

Mike knew that it would be chaos on the Bridge and hoped the shield strength would give them some sort of tangible advantage before it failed.

[Andrew Kirk]

-USS Cougar-

“What is that?” Questioned the Cougar’s Armory officer.

Harper cracked a smile, but not a smile of humor, but a smile that comes from battling a worthy adversary, “Good show Kirk, good show.”

Just as Harper stands he sees on his main view screen phase canon pulses and torpedoes being fired at them. He braces for the impact and with in seconds the weapons hit their mark sending several crewmembers falling, “Fire!” Harper yells.

The Cougar’s Armory officer hadn’t even waited for the command, his fingers were dancing as he fired as quickly as he could.

“Helm, bring us around, get us out of their weapons range.”

“Aye sir!”

We need them alive, Harper heard the words in the back of his head. The voice brought back several images of the dark figure from the back of the bridge. Without thinking of who was watching him, Harper turned his head around to the back of the bridge and spied the mysterious figure that only roamed in the shadows. Through the shadows Harper could see a subtle nod from the man and he knew that he was doing as he was told. The Challenger will be mine!

-NX Challenger-

“Captain, plasma shields down to 60%…” is all that Kirk heard over the COM. It’s holding! Kirk thought as the Challenger took another volley from the Cougar.

“Captain, she’s moving!” The helm officer shouted the update.

Kirk’s eyes opened wide, the Cougar was going to be out of weapons range in a matter of seconds. She could also fire upon them from any position they wanted to unchallenged. The Challenger wasn’t in a good position at all and Kirk could only see one recourse, surrender.

The Cougar swung around to the backside of the Challenger and began to fire at a murderous pace. Phase canon blasts produced bright blue flashes as the canon fire impacted the plasma shields. It didn’t last long. With out warning the shields gave out and phase canon and torpedoes found their marks on the Challenger’s hull. One suck torpedo was fired and flew a straight and true path smashing directly behind the Challenger’s bridge.

Kirk felt himself become weightless as the impact forced him to fly forward, crashing hard onto the deck. His life was saved only by his sudden crash course in personal aviation for a large electronic cable had broken loose just above where Kirk would have been standing.

Blood poured from his forehead, his ears were ringing from the explosion and he felt as if had broken something in his arm but he wasn’t sure. His body felt weak and his knees wobbly as he tried to stand. He didn’t know when it happened but Harper was on the main view screen again.

“Andy?” He asked as he surveyed the damage he had done, “Don’t tell me you died.”

Kirk rose from near the helm station, he cradled his left arm and held it close to his body. His face was dark from the dirt and grease of exploding parts, and blood continued to run from his hairline down the side of his face until it dripped from his chin. He looked nothing of the clean-cut man that he was just hours before, he now looked as if he had gone through hell and back.

Harper could see the hate in Kirk’s eyes, all friendly ties had been separated; they were enemies now, “I must commend your efforts Captain, but they were futile from the beginning. Prepare to be boarded.” Harper said before closing the channel.

“Jack, ready your MACO team.” Kirk ordered. He knew Jack understood, they were going to be in for a long and bloody fight. Kirk was strong willed and there was no way he was going to let Harper walk on board, and take the ship with out a fight.

Pushing the COM button on his chair for Main Engineering Kirk heard a crackle, he hoped this message got down there, “Mike, ready your MACO team and defend Engineering. We’re about to be boarded.”

Turning around to the new Armory Officer, "Leth I need you to distribute weapons to key personnel and gather your security team. We're going to be in for one hell of a fight."

<TAG ALL>

[Deleted]

~Challenger~

Loken scrambled back to his feet and dusted himself off, then climbed over various pieces of debris to get to Kirk. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked.

~Miranda~

“My standing orders are to protect my people, both the darkskins and the paleskins. Ankar nodded to Numike. That is why when the masked ones ordered me to kill all the paleskins and destroy their homes and communities, I defied that order. And from what you tell me these masked allies are more of a danger to my people than you or your friends…”

"I do not know Romulans well enough to pass any judgement on them," Saryn explained, "but from our dealings with them, we gather they are a xenophobic and ruthless people. They do not take prisoners either and they will not be captured. They commit suicide before they let that happen. It is likely that they will become a danger, especially if they find out you defied them."

The Vulcan's expression turned briefly to one of worry, but it was there long enough for Ankar to pick up on.

“The clan shall not be hurt by my order, nor any paleskins Saryn, I may need to take you to the chamber of our government but that is far from here. Our government is constantly under the supervision and control of the masked ones, but the only way to convince them of the masked ones intentions is for them to see you in the flesh! I warn you though, the risk involved is great for both of us. My career, my life and my people are all at risk, what do you suppose the masked ones would do if we tried to resist or rescind their friendship?”

"I cannot begin to predict what they would do, but I would assume the consequences would be dire. However, when my friends return we may be able to help to repel them." He rose to his feet and briefly tended to the now sleeping Numike. "One of my local friends will care for her, but we must go. The longer we remain here, the greater the danger to this clan. I do not wish to endanger them any further. They are a docile people, though they will defend their homes and family. If, however, we are to defy your superiors, I will need my weapon. May I?"

At Ankar's brief nod, he picked up his precious sword and attached it back to his clothing, then concealed it under the long green cape he still possessed, then handed a cloak to Ankar. "I do not wish for my friends to become alarmed. I have given my promise I would go with you and I will. I just need Numike to be taken care of."

He walked out of his alcove, fully aware that Ankar could choose to shoot him right then and there, and beckoned Vespis over. "I need to accompany my visitor to another city," he explained, "will you care for Numike until I come for her? And I will come back for her, you can be certain of that. My presence here has become a danger to you at the moment, and I wish no harm upon you."

He stood rather stiffly as he allowed Vespis to hug him. "Be safe," she whispered as he walked away, beckoning Ankar that he was ready.

"Is there anything I need to know, before we arrive at your city?" he asked. "Anything you need to do to be convincing? Anything I need to prepare for that could possibly be harmful for both of us?"

[michaelwallace]

~ On board Challenger – Main Engineering ~

Mike stood over the generator as the makeshift shields took pounding after pounding until they were going to fail. “Cut the plasma flow!” Mike yelled, if he didn’t cut it now and the shield collapsed on its own, the generator could explode and catastrophe would ensue. As the generator was taken offline, another blast hit the ship, and Challenger began to hue to port. Mike quickly grabbed the side rail but others had not been so lucky as they tumbled into nearby bulkheads.

Mike was bracing himself for the repeated shots from their adversary, with the warp reactor offline Engineering shouldn’t be a main target as they’ll think we are already disabled! Mike thought to himself. It was of little comfort to him but perhaps there was a chance that they could get the warp generator online and escape the fight. Mike heard repeated blasts smash of Challenger’s hull, then an eerie silence.

“Mike, ready your MACO team and defend Engineering. We’re about to be boarded.” Mike heard the crackled voice of Andy over the ship’s com system. Unfortunately the comm. in Engineering was damaged and he couldn’t acknowledge the message so he sent a runner to the Bridge.

“Lieutenant Scott, I need you to make your way to the Bridge and let the Captain know we’ll dig in, then I’d like you to return to your quarters.”

“Aye Sir” Scott replied running for the exit.

Mike then turned to the small arms locker in Engineering, there were 4 phase pistols and almost twice that many Engineers. Mike handed out the pistols and kept one himself, he had send word to Lieutenant Atkins with the First Fire Team expected in Engineering at any moment, Mike was relieved. Mike heard the familiar sound of shuttlepods docking with Challenger, their enemy was aboard and would be nearing Engineering soon. But Mike was suddenly caught unawares as he heard the sound of the transport outside Engineering as a contingent of security officers immediately took up cover positions around the entrance and exit to Engineering, so there was no escape. Mike hoped the MACOs would arrive soon as both groups began to fire phase pistols across Engineering.

(Tag All)

~ Miranda - Sector H8 Cave Network ~

"I do not know Romulans well enough to pass any judgement on them," Saryn explained, "but from our dealings with them, we gather they are a xenophobic and ruthless people. They do not take prisoners either and they will not be captured. They commit suicide before they let that happen. It is likely that they will become a danger, especially if they find out you defied them."

Ankar unbuttoned his collar as Saryn spoke and wiped his forehead, Saryn’s words had confirmed his worse fears about their masked allies or romulans as he now thought of them. Ankar asked Saryn what the consequences of Mirandan defiance may be…

"I cannot begin to predict what they would do, but I would assume the consequences would be dire. However, when my friends return we may be able to help to repel them." He rose to his feet and briefly tended to the now sleeping Numike. "One of my local friends will care for her, but we must go. The longer we remain here, the greater the danger to this clan. I do not wish to endanger them any further. They are a docile people, though they will defend their homes and family. If, however, we are to defy your superiors, I will need my weapon. May I?"

General Ankar nodded briefly, Saryn had gained a level of trust with the old mirandan. Ankar left Saryn’s alcove as the vulcan embraced his paleskin friends, he could see that the vulcan cared for them. Ankar was not a man of much emotion he was married and had two sons both enlisted in the Mirandan Defense Force. 5 minutes later, Saryn had left his alcove and joined Ankar on his walk to his buggy.

"Is there anything I need to know, before we arrive at your city?" Saryn asked. "Anything you need to do to be convincing? Anything I need to prepare for that could possibly be harmful for both of us?"

“Not now, I will explain on route.” Ankar exchanged a slight smile to try and reassure the vulcan. As he ordered the mirandan task force to return to base, light was beginning to fade.

“Jump in!” Ankar nodded to Saryn as he entered his all terrain buggy. Ankar watched as the vulcan cautiously entered the vehicle. “Its perfectly safe Saryn, a little bumpy that’s all.”

“Our government is led by President Istamia. A man I once considered honourable and of the utmost integrity, however since the Romulans arrived he has been nothing but a puppet. He has turned into a self important fool, but a formidable foe in the political arena.” Ankar explained…

“The only way I will be able to gain an audience with Istamia is if the military sieze the government building. Fortunately, there are military guards in the building so security will not be a problem. However, there are masked ones present in the government chamber so we will return to my headquarters and prepare. You will need to change Saryn, here put these on…” Ankar passed Saryn a mirandan military uniform with the rank of Lieutenant and a helmet.

“You are now Lieutenant Saryn, one of my advisors. You do not need to put the helmet on as yet but it is better that no-one sees your ears. We have several hours ahead, I suggest you get comfortable.”

(Tag Saryn)

[Deleted]

Saryn changed as suggested but looked at the helmet with a look of suspicion. Instead he ripped a small piece of his own tunic then tied it like a headband, covering his ears and upswept eyebrows. "I believe this is better," he commented, then continued to hold on for dear life as the car gained speed on the uneven grounds.

"Do we have to drive this fast?" he asked faintly, grateful for the presence of seatbelts. He knew some people could drive like maniacs, but Ankar sure beat them on being a crazy driver. "Slow down or we might crash," he insisted, pressing himself into his seat as far as possible, closing his eyes in fear of what he might see speeding up to them.

Ankar slowed down a little, but still maintained a top speed. After what seemed like a lifetime to Saryn, they finally reached the outskirts of a city. When he received a nudge from Ankar, Saryn opened his eyes and looked around in wonder. He realised he had fallen asleep during their drive, then felt he must've needed the rest. In the east, the sun was starting to come up and the sky was turning lighter by the second. "How long did we drive?" he asked, "did we stop at any time for you to take a rest? Can we go somewhere for food?"

The Vulcan hoped they could stop somewhere for something to eat, though he wondered whether he would be able to find anything that would be safe for him to consume. He hadn't eaten since coming back from working his field and he was starting to become hungry and thirst. "Or obtain some water somewhere?"

[Andrew Kirk]

"Is there anything I can do?"

“Yeah,” Kirk said, “Don’t get killed.”

Kirk crawled his way over several pieces of debris to Jack. He had somehow managed to remain at his station unharmed from the sparks and explosions that engulfed the bridge.

“We have reports of intruders on all decks.” Jack said while straining to listen to his earpiece.

Andy, you and your crew will not be harmed if you just surrender.

“Captain?” Jack asked seeing that Kirk’s mind was elsewhere, “Andy!”

“I heard you!” Kirk shouted back over the repeating message. Anger pulsed through Kirk’s veins. To be defeated by an enemy was one thing, but to have your friend blind side you was another. He knew the smart move, the logical move was to surrender and ride out the storm, but he couldn’t bring himself to say the words. His pride was messing with him in a bad way and it could get his crew killed.

Phase pistol fire erupted outside the doors leading into the bridge. Either the MACO soldiers were falling back or the Cougar’s troopers had advanced this far. The latter was more likely; there hadn’t been enough time to really establish a good line of defense.

The phase pistol fire suddenly stopped and was replaced by a high pitch whining sound. Kirk and Jack looked at each other with confusion over the nature of the sound. Ensign Leth on the other hand knew exactly what it was.

”GET AWAY FROM THE DOORS!”

The explosion tossed the door through the bridge causing it to smash into the opposite bulkhead. The concussion form the blast ripped through the bridge stunning everybody with in range. Kirk’s ears were ringing from the blast, his vision blurred once more and this time Jack was no longer sitting at his station.

Steams of light danced through the smoke in a systematic manner. A countless number of MACO troops filed through the door covering both high and low as they entered the breached door. Kirk heard distance voices shouting, commanding, and calling out for him. He felt a hand reach down and pull him up by his collar into the blinding light of one of the soldier’s flashlights.

“We’ve got him.” One of the MACO soldiers said.

Kirk raised his hand to block the light but it didn’t do any good. The light was so intense that it simply wrapped around his outstretched fingers into his eyes. The strong hand tugged again and now Kirk felt that he was on his feet but he wasn’t walking. His legs moved clumsily just making brief contact with the ground, as a child would do if their parents were holding them off the ground by their hands.

His world went black as a blurred object smashed into Kirk’s face causing him to black out.

[michaelwallace]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Challenger ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mike and his fellow Engineers were pinned down behind storage boxes that they had upturned to provide some little protection from the oncoming MACOs. Where was their fireteam, Mike could only assume his runner hadn’t made it or the MACOs had been captured. As the Chief Engineer and XO he was going to fight to the very last.

“You are surrounded, throw down your phase pistols and no-one will get hurt.” Shouted a voice from outside Engineering.

“Who I am speaking to? You have betrayed United Earth, you’re nothing but a cowardly traitor. Throw down your weapons or I blow the core!” Mike yelled, antagonising the mystery voice.

“Hahaha, you won’t blow the core. We’ve just taken the Bridge, surrender or there will be casualties. And for the record I am Lieutenant Robert Davis of the Romulan Warship Cougar” Davis replied.

“No Davis you are a fool,” Mike replied as he hit the override and the entrance to Engineering was closed by a falling bulkhead. Mike tapped the commands into the console behind him,

“I’ve sealed Engineering, I made the computer think there was a warp coolant leak. It wont buy us long but at least it’ll give us some time.” Mike looked around and he could see that his engineers did not look happy to fight, many of them had families back home on earth or on Challenger.

The bulkhead pounded behind Mike, they were already trying to get through the bulkhead it wouldn’t be long now. “I know you all have families, those of you with families head to the back of engineering and hide. Those of you without families stand with me. We will not surrender Engineering.”

Mike wondered how they were faring across the ship, he hoped that they hadn’t taken the Bridge but without control of the Warp Core, Challenger would be useless.

“Power down the warp core, now!” Mike instructed, it hit him without the core ships systems would slowly begin to power down and the Cougar’s infiltration of Challenger would be that much harder.

(Tag All)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Miranda ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ankar watched from the corner of his eye as Saryn ripped his tunic and wrapped it around his forehead, covering his ears. "I believe this is better," Saryn commented.

“Perhaps you will start a new fashion craze.” Ankar chuckled.

Ankar accelerated quickly, he wanted to make it back to HQ before sundown. "Do we have to drive this fast?" Saryn protested. "Slow down or we might crash," Saryn continued, Ankar watched as Saryn closed his eyes in shear fright and eased off the accelerator.

“Sorry Saryn, I just want to get there as soon as possible. Travelling these roads in the dark is not safe.”

Ankar continued at a high speed, but one which did not knock the buggy as much, so much so that his companion fell asleep. As they neared the city outskirts Ankar gave Saryn a gentle nudge with his elbow. “We’re almost there, welcome to Byzan – the capital city of Miranda.”

Saryn immediately awoke and blurted out some questions; "How long did we drive?" he asked, "did we stop at any time for you to take a rest? Can we go somewhere for food? there was a brief pause… "Or obtain some water somewhere?"

“We have been on the road for 4 hours, we did not stop for any rest – light did not allow it and yes we can stop somewhere for food and water Saryn.” Ankar replied.

Pulling the buggy towards a guarded gate, the soldiers on guard parted the gates and saluted both Saryn and Ankar as they entered. “You’re fitting in already,” Ankar smiled. “This is the Army Headquarters, and I suppose my home.” Ankar added, thinking of his family, he had often considered retirement and in recent years found he had to remain as he felt his country needed him.

“General Ankar, I thought it was you.” Brotus smiled widely.

“Good to see you again old friend. Lieutenant Brotus this is Lieutenant Saryn – Mirandan Special Forces.” Ankar watched as they both exchanged a handshake.

“We are weary from our journey, I need you to inform all the Commanders that we have a meeting tomorrow at 0900 in the Conference room. And have the guest quarters prepared for Lieutenant Saryn.” Ankar ordered.

“Understood General.” Brotus replied simply before turning around and disappearing into the labyrinth that was the Military HQ.

Ankar turned to Saryn, “So you must be hungry follow me…” Ankar led the way through corridor after corridor passing guard after guard. The walls were constructed using thick stone and the complex was several levels in height. Finally reaching the mess, Ankar led the way.

“Do you have any special dietary requirements?” Ankar asked before passing Saryn a tray, it was a self service mess, with cooks on hand for assistance.

(Saryn)

[Andrew Kirk]

-IRS COUGAR-

Captain Harper stood on the bridge of the Cougar and smiled as progress reports came in. The battle was going well and it was only a matter of time before the Challenger was taken.

“Sir, there is a hold out of engineers in Main Engineering.” Reported the Communications Officer.

“Bring us about helm, line us up for a clean shot into Engineering.” Harper said.

“Aye sir.”

Harper then turned his attention back to his communications officer, “Any word on the Challenger’s Executive Officer?”

“Not yet. He is cross listed as the Chief Engineer as well, he could be one of the hold outs.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he isone of the hold outs.” Harper said with another large smile. The thrill of the hunt sent goose bumps down his arms and caused him to have a slight back twitch.

“We’re in range sir.” Reported the Helm officer.

Harper held up his hand, which brought a report from the Armory Officer, “Target good and locked sir.”

“Fire!” Harper said with a dramatic downward sweep of this arm.

The Cougar fires several light bursts aimed at the Engineering section of the Challenger. If he had his way he would just blow up the entire engine room, but the Romulans wanted the ship to study while the Mirandans wanted the crew to put them on trial for war crimes.

“Sir, MACO 1 reports they have taken the bridge and are bringing back precious cargo.”

“Kirk.” Harper whispered, “Have them take the Captain to the brig upon arrival. I’ll be down to negotiate with him once he’s conscious.”

“Aye sir.”

“Open a channel.” Harper said standing up.

“Channel is open sir, but I doubt they will be able to hear us. Sensors report their warp core is offline.”

“They’ll hear us.”

“When you’re ready sir.”

“Attention Lieutenant Wallace. We have your Captain; we’ve taken over 83% of your ship and if you continue to resist we will be forced to kill you and your fellow holdouts. End this foolishness and surrender peacefully. I know there are crewmembers with families, do not send those people to an early grave for nothing. I expect your surrender in five minutes or you will be eradicated. Harper out.”

<Tag Wallace>

[Deleted]

"I do not require the nutritional addition you Mirandans require," Saryn started, looking both thoughtful and slightly embarassed when he referred to the vampiric traits all Mirandans seemed to share. He showed Ankar the bite-wound Numike had caused when she'd been scared, then covered it again. "I do, however, have an intolerance for wheat and dairy products. I am also a vegetarian, which is a trait among my people. Any of those can make me very ill. I hope this will not cause suspicion among your men?"

While he spoke, Ankar handed him a tray then nodded towards the stack of plates and cutlery, then preceded him to load his plate with food. Saryn took a little longer, examining the offered food more closely. Finally he settled on some greens, something that resembled a potato and a glass of what appeared to be juice. Since his PDA had run out of battery, he would just have to assume it was safe to consume as he hadn't been able to bring anything he had grown himself.

"When we left my home, did you see the bright flashes up in the sky?" Saryn finally spoke up, after they had sat down, trying to enjoy their food. "There are ships firing at eachother, I have no doubt of that." He sipped his juice, finding it to his liking, then stared at Ankar. "We should hurry, gather as much sympathisants as we can and make our move. I do not believe we should wait until tomorrow morning. It is still early in the day now, we should convene in no later than two hours. The longer we wait, the less our chances at success."

[michaelwallace]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Challenger ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mike had managed to barricade the main doors to Engineering in support of the temporary bulkhead but the constant pounding was relentless. Mike saw from the faces of his engineers that this was a fight they would most likely lose and the men with families were hidden from sight to avoid any of them being hit in the cross-fire. As they finished their makeshift barrier, Engineering shook – the hull plating around Main Engineering was taking a pounding. Cougar must be firing upon us, the faces of concern turned to panic, “Take cover!” Mike yelled

As everyone scrambled for cover, cables sparked and consoles exploded around him then suddenly for a moment the pounding stopped. Then the comm. system crackled the short-circuited cables and pounding from Cougar must have sparked it back to life.

“Attention Lieutenant Wallace. We have your Captain; we’ve taken over 83% of your ship and if you continue to resist we will be forced to kill you and your fellow holdouts. End this foolishness and surrender peacefully. I know there are crewmembers with families, do not send those people to an early grave for nothing. I expect your surrender in five minutes or you will be eradicated. Harper out.”

Mike immediately recognised the voice of Harper, all Mike could think of – was traitor, why had he done this?

Mike’s train of thought was interrupted by the chatter from his fellow engineers, “Sir what do we do?” one said turning to Mike for guidance.

“There is only one choice, surrender. Throw down your weapons.”
Mike instructed as he threw his phase pistol to the floor and tapped his console to withdraw the temporary lockout of Engineering and the warp core. The security officers of Cougar made light work of their barrier and flooded in and began to round up his engineering.

“Who is Lieutenant Mike Wallace?” The lead officer shouted.

Mike stepped forward, “I am, I swear if you harm anyone, I’ll...” before Mike could finish he was interrupted.

“You’ll what?” That was the last thing Mike could remember before feeling the butt of a phase riffle in the face.

Mike woke up to find Andy and Jack looking over him. “You okay Mike?” Jack asked.

“Yep, but just hell of a headache, how long have I been out for?” Mike continued… “We held out for as long as we could Sir but some of the men have families back home and I wasn’t prepared to risk their lifes.”

Mike looked round to see they were in Cougar’s brig or at least a prison of some kind…

(Andy/Jack)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mirandan Military -HQ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I do not require the nutritional addition you Mirandans require," Saryn started, showing Ankar the bite-wound Numike had caused when she'd been scared, then covered it again.

Ankar looked in shock, “Not all mirandans have the thirst Saryn. In fact there is a working vaccine – something our scientists uncovered a long time ago. The paleskins are reluctant and they also view the thirst as part of their heritage, but we do not. It is however, their choice.”

Saryn nodded as if in agreement then changed the subject,
"I do, however, have an intolerance for wheat and dairy products. I am also a vegetarian, which is a trait among my people. Any of those can make me very ill. I hope this will not cause suspicion among your men?"
Ankar was not sure what Saryn meant, handing him a tray he simply answered; “Many of us eat plants, Saryn it will not look suspicious.”

Ankar collected his food on his plate and sat down at a nearby table and awaited Saryn.
"When we left my home, did you see the bright flashes up in the sky?" Saryn finally spoke up, "There are ships firing at eachother, I have no doubt of that."

“Your friends?” Ankar queried

Before Saryn replied; "We should hurry, gather as much sympathisants as we can and make our move. I do not believe we should wait until tomorrow morning. It is still early in the day now, we should convene in no later than two hours. The longer we wait, the less our chances at success."

Ankar thought for a moment, “Okay Saryn,” Ankar pulled his walkie from his pocket as it crackled. “Ankar to Brotus, arrange a meeting with all Commanders in two hours. Keep it confidential.”

“We shall arrange the meeting, eat your food now and be patient. I will do most of the talking, my commanders are loyal and it will not be hard to find sympathisers.”

[Andrew Kirk]

Kirk’s head throbbed as he woke up from his near coma. Rolling onto his side he grasped his head with hands if it that was going to make the throbbing go away, but it didn’t. Sitting up, Kirk saw Jack sitting on the other side of the cell, and Mike was lying down in the middle of the floor.

“You Ok?” Jack asked.

“I’ve been better,” Kirk, replied, “what about you?”

“I’m fine. They didn’t take me with the same force they took you and Mike.” Jack got up and walked over to Kirk. Sitting next to him he pulled out a medical spray and put it to Kirk’s neck, “This is supposed to help with pain.”

At first Kirk was startled by Jack’s move but relaxed, he trusted his friend. The spray’s stream entered his system and almost instantly the headache subsided.

Just as Kirk’s headache went away Mike started stirring on the floor. Both Kirk and Jack rushed down to his side, “You okay Mike?” Jack asked.

“Yep, but just hell of a headache, how long have I been out for?” Mike asked.

“A few hours.” Jack replied since he was the only one who actually knew. He pressed the spray to Mike’s neck and injected the serum.

“What happened down there Mike?” Kirk asked.

Mike continued… “We held out for as long as we could Sir, but some of the men have families back home and I wasn’t prepared to risk their lives.”

Kirk understood and just nodded his head. He didn’t have the words to tell Mike that he made the best decision. They weren’t Klingon after all and thus life was more precious than dying gloriously.

Suddenly something hit Kirk, only three of the Challenger’s key officers were in this cell, one was missing, “Where’s Ensign Leth?” Kirk asked Jack.

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