Pt 4 • Disaster ... The Wormhole ...

[Gheskori]

As the tractor beam could no longer control its velocity, the Nehsi began to fall towards the event horizon and the interposed Starbase at a faster and faster rate until eventually it was lost from view in the accretion disk around the singularity. Only the result of lucky imaging would reveal the shuttle and the base it was headed towards now.

On the Maracanda's bridge, Ghes sat tensed in one of the two central seats, the tactical officer reading out the Nehsi's speed as it neared the facility. In the last moments, its closing velocity was some 40 kilometres per second, after which a deathly silence reigned on the bridge. Seconds passed before the science officer's console blurted a few sounds.

McNaire reported, "I've just scanned the Starbase, sensors are detecting three extra lifesigns on top of the hundreds registered previously. They made it, or most of them did..."

Ghes breathed a sigh of relief that at least three of the shuttle's marines had survived. Apparently then, the shuttle had found a way to stabilise its position relative to the station, had found a way to dock with it externally, or had perhaps entered the Dome. "Captain, Commander," he nodded to Manley and Wilkes, "Congratulations. Now let's hope your team can find the Negotiator and Lindqvist." They had cast their line into the sinkhole, the bait now invisible beneath the surface.

=/\=Maracanda, this is the Enzio, Commander V'Maz speaking. Admiral, Starbase 47 reports via subspace that the USS Raven, and now the USS El Salvador have returned to the station. Either or both are available to assist should they be needed.=/\=

=/\=Thank you, V'Maz.=/\= Ghes considered, =/\=Have a message passed along that I would like the Raven to join us. The El Salvador may be required if this wormhole does turn out to be a way home. Or at least a way to the Beta Quadrant.=/\=

=/\=Aye, sir.=/\=

They returned to considering the problem... Now that the shuttle had effectively been lost in the gathered matter about the event horizon, effectively part of or perhaps one with the alternate Starbase, those three surviving marines were as stranded as the two people they'd been sent to rescue - unless the Maracanda or Enzio could somehow find a way to detect the shuttle.

* * *

"You asked 'why us'," the Negotiator said, straining as he tried to make sense of the data on the console, "Perhaps where this Starbase is from - if it's in any way to be thought of as actually Starbase 47 and not merely a duplicate - the two of us don't exist. Perhaps they transported us aboard to complete their numbers."

"I don't think so," Lindqvist instantly shook her head, her difficult nature had fully reasserted itself now she'd acclimatised to the phantom base and the generally hellish surroundings, "I'm more concerned about you yourself, Negotiator. You say you can't recall any event between being alone on the Starbase and in your quarters on the Enzio, nearing the aCen nebula. I'm beginning to doubt if you are really who you say you are." The Negotiator looked at her intently, as if in his substance he could suddenly self-annihilate, "Even if you believe you are the person I once knew, your lack of memory would indicate..." She shook herself, "... And the fact you arrived out here after I came aboard this station..."

"Anna, this is madness. I'm now the guardian of Basirov's son and -"

"No! I last saw you seventeen years ago, you were trapped in a sewer on Tuvalu. You never let me know you were on the Starbase, you didn't exist until the moment the Enzio arrived here, or until shortly before its departure. Oh yes, the ship's here," she confirmed for him, able at least to recognise from the lab's connection to external sensors that the Ireuken facility, the Maracanda and indeed the Enzio were all out there, "But you are not."

"Anna..." Although the phantom Starfleet officers by the door continued to scream silently at them, the Negotiator seemed to silence himself. He looked inward and tried to reconstruct his memory, the chain of events between being on the Enzio and being on the Starbase, and before that... the past, his personal history... But all was foggy, uncertain, a tentative abyss.

"In any case," she shook her head, "Internal sensors are detecting three more lifesigns, two humans, one Bolian. It seems transporters - if I could only reach one - can operate up to a kilometre away from the station, so perhaps they beamed aboard, from the Maracanda or the Enzio, it doesn't matter."

In his inward musings, the Negotiator awoke, he didn't know why, but he was certain what he said was the truth, "I don't believe these people were trying to prevent themselves from falling towards the singularity... On the contrary they were attempting to head towards it, to open the wormhole - the attempt failed, now unless we can assist them in opening it..." They would all be crushed, Anna thought.

[Carl Torek]

SD: 2406.04.0103
Level Fifteen
Torek Family Private Quarters
Starbase Forty-Seven ::

Carl had woken late... Despite the fact that the party at O'Toole's was over a week ago, he believed the intermittent throbbing behind his prosthetic eye was purely down to access of alcohol intact at the Christmas celebrations... Elise came in with a cup of coffee, grinning at her Fiancé and shaking her head.

"Isn't it about time you got up. Anyone would think you were severely injured or something," she said.

"I'm up," he retorted, wincing as the ache increased for a second before subsiding.

"Oh, Medical is expecting you at Ten hundred hours, to check your erm, eye issue," she said.

"Fine,"

Level Thirty-Six
Primary Medical Center ::

"So it was just a glitch in the optics?" Carl was asking as the Doctor treated a now darkened bruise over his left temple.

"What? ..... Yes, fine, just a, glitch in the biometrics." the Doctor said, winking openly at Elise, Vanessa and Bethan, who were waiting in the outer office but could see Carl through the transparent screen.

"He did fall over towards the end of the night," Bethan informed the Doctor.

"Can I go now ...." Carl said, sliding off the Bio-bed, ".... Or is this 'double act' going to drag on?"

"You're dismissed Admiral, just don't go allowing anything solid to hit you in the head anytime soon." the Doctor said, the sarcasm obvious. He, Elise, and the girls left Medical and made their way to Alpha Promenade. He felt the need for a good hearty breakfast, and Sean's Staff did a very nice version of ye old'e 'English Breakfast' which in his opinion, was what he needed at this point.

While enjoying the exotic variation on what he'd come to know as a traditional 'fry-up' his Adjutant, Commander Jessica Yu, came up to the table:

"Admiral, Ma'am, Girls ...."

"Elise, Jessica. Please,"

"Sorry... Elise, if I may ..... Admiral, we have received a Comm from the Enzio. Section Admiral Gheskori requires the Raven to join them at the aCen System as and when viable." she handed him a PADD with the confirmed orders.

"Thank you Jessica, I'll meet you in the office in an hour or so,"

"Yes, Sir." the woman said before leaving.

"I thought the Raven was having a lot of work done?" Elise commented, eyeing the scrambled egg suspiciously as Carl tucked in with renewed vigour.

"I'm sure they can wait," he said by way of reply ..... They finished their breakfast then returned to their quarters, then Carl headed for the ship ......

USS Raven-C
Dock Arm Delta ::

Carl headed straight to Engineering to see how the repairs, refit were progressing... He could see immediately that the replacement warp core was already in place, but even as he traversed the umbilicus to the ship he could see a substantial amount of hull-plating still needed to be replaced, which was a little worrying, but given materials were hardly in abundance, he knew his crew and the Starbase Engineering Division were doing all they could to expedite proceedings. Several Base Officers acknowledged his presence as he walked the large area of Main Engineering. He found Commander milyanov talking to Nate Tinsley, and approached:

"Gentlemen..."

"Admiral," the two Engineers said in unison.

"You received the orders?" Carl asked, both men nodded, "Sooo, what are we looking at, timewise?"

"Well, the core is online, the Port nacelle was zero point zero three one out of alignment, which had been rectified, but the hull took a battering as you know Sir," Lieutenant Tinsley reported.

"The plating should be completed inside four days, but I'm guessing we don't have the luxury of four days, so they will get it done in two, given enough, encouragement," Milyanov said with a wry grin.

"I've only skimmed through the report from the Enzio, we have the luxury of Transwarp, but that said, I would like to be away inside two days if possible?" Torek said.

"We'll get her out on time Admiral," Nate said confidently.

"Thank you, gentlemen," Carl said, eyes panning Engineering, inwardly proud of what his Officers had achieved, and continue to, "The Enzio and Marcanda are coping, so while we need to respond to the Section Admiral's instructions, I'm happy to sit while things get done. No 'corner-cutting' gentlemen. An extra few hours isn't going to see us all facing Court Martial ..... Oh, just out of curiosity, I didn't see either of you at Sean's party?"

"We felt we were needed here Admiral, and Commander Blakus needed the time away," Milyanov said, instantly regretting his comment.

"If we could have a minute Lieutenant?" Carl said to Tinsley, who took the hint and found somewhere else to be. Carl inched Milyanov to one side, out of earshot of the numerous Engineers, "It hasn't gone unnoticed that the Exec' is down here a little more than really necessary Commander... He was my Chief Engineer for a while and is possibly finding it a little hard to cut those final ties .... But he recommended you for the position of Chief Engineer, I wholeheartedly supported that recommendation. I can keep him busy on the Bridge if you feel he's looking over your shoulder a little too often?" Milyanov was surprised at the comments and was inwardly grateful for the chance to hopefully prove himself to both the Engineering Staff and Admiral Torek, but also to Andae Blakus, who he considered one of his closest friends ...

"I appreciate that Admiral, I'm sure he's just doing his duty as Executive Officer, and to be honest his input is always welcomed. As you said, he was your CEO for a long time," Milyanov said, hoping his comment wasn't coming across as sarcastic.

"OK .... We'll leave it at that for now then, I'm spending the night with my family on the Starbase, but I'll be back aboard officially tomorrow." Carl said, placing a hand on the man's shoulder for a second as reassurance.

"Understood Admiral," Milyanov said as Carl walked away, ".... Oh, Admiral, congratulations on deciding to tie the knot."

"Thanks, Commander," Carl said, silently wondering if 'anything' could be kept secret on this ship ..........

[Carl Torek]

OOC : Posting as Commander Grant Manley ::

SD: 2406.04.0105
USS Maracanda
Wormhole ::

"Well ...... That could have gone better," Grant muttered as he and the rest of the Bridge Officers had watched the tactical readout of the shuttle Nehsi disappear into the Dome of the phantom Starbase at a rate of knots ......!

"We didn't detect any explosive events, Captain..." Lieutenant Smythe said from the Engineering Station, "... we are also picking up life-signs, so..."

"I know Lieutenant," Manley said, annoyed at his own doubt especially in front of the Section Admiral, but glancing at the Denobulan he realised that he too was annoyed, not at Manley's comment, but at the situation as a whole, "So... Next steps ladies and gentlemen, can we assist further, if so who so, and if we can't how do we get our people back?"

"With the time dilation factors, they could have hours over there before the Starbase is crushed." the Science Officer speculated, "Given we could only confirm the original two life-signs while perceiving the others as almost 'ghostlike' in nature, and we now have five, which can only mean that one of the Marines were killed during ingress .... Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing if they are able to locate the other two,"

"Could the Enzio be of assistance Captain?" Gheskori suddenly asked.

"We've sent every iota of information we have over to them as you know Admiral, I'm more than happy to defer to anything they can come up with," Grant said, hoping it didn't sound as defeatist as he felt it did ......

Phantom Starbase ::

"Internal sensors are detecting three more life-signs, two Humans, one Bolian. It seems transporters - if I could only reach one - can operate up to a kilometre away from the station, so perhaps they beamed aboard, from the Maracanda or the Enzio, it doesn't matter."

"I don't believe these people were trying to prevent themselves from falling towards the singularity... On the contrary, they were attempting to head towards it, to open the wormhole - the attempt failed, now, unless we can assist them in opening it..."

"Our priority has to be to reach the newcomers..." Anna said, trying to to think about thousands of souls being lost as the Starbase was crushed to atoms, "So, given I'm not about to trust the turbo-lifts, and internal transport would be extremely risky, we might need to consider a long hard climb," The negotiator couldn't help but laugh out loud at Anna's comment.

"We are talking over 'FOUR HUNDRED LEVELS!' to climb!" he said, his frustration more than obvious, "Even if we were both extremely fit, which we aren't, I seriously doubt we would make a tenth of them before suffering major coronary events. These 'rescuers' ... If indeed that is what they are, would never have the opportunity to find our rotting corpses woman!"

"Always the fatalist," Lindqvist said sarcastically as she made her way to another console...

"What are you doing now, checking for jet packs!"

"I'm trying to make contact with the rescue team. Who knows, maybe 'they' have something more positive to add," Anna said, ready to shoot the man had she had a phaser to hand.

"Fine... While you do that, I will endeavour to ascertain as to the viability of utilising the turbo-lifts to speed our advance upwards." the Negotiator spat before walking out of the Science Lab ...

"You do that," Lindqvist hissed as she tried to reconfigure the console... Hoping the readings were correct, showing she had minimal internal Comms, she opened a Comm:

=^= Anna Lindqvist to anyone aboard this facility .. .. Doctor Lindqvist to anyone .. .. Can you read? .. .. .. .. =^=

In the shuttle Nehsi, the group had laid the body of the deceased Marine in the rear, hoping to be able to retrieve the body in due course .... After confirming there was no atmosphere, Major Hurst and the remaining Marines had ventured from the craft and made their way into the concourse overlooking the Docking Bays in full 'EVA' suits. Once inside they were able to remover their suits and breathe the stations' atmosphere.

"There's no way we can completely rely on these readings, but given we only have two other life-signs showing, we can be pretty sure they are in the main Science Labs somewhere around Level Nine twenty." the young First Lieutenant informed his Commanding Officer. not quite trying to please, but to expedite their exfil' off this damn ghost Station.

=^= .. .. tor Lindqvist .. .. .. an you read .. .. .. .. =^=

=^= Doctor Lindqvist .. I am Major Hurst from the USS Maracanda can you hear me ? .. .. .. .. =^=

=^= .. .. es Major .. .. =^=

=^= OK .. Is there any way you can proceed to the Dock? =^= Sharon waited for a reply but none was forthcoming, she tried again but for the time being, contact was lost ..........

[Carl Torek]

SD: 2406.04.0109 .. 11:00 hrs
USS Raven-C
Space-dock ::

Carl and his family had hoped to be able to spend a little more time at the Starbase, Carl because frankly, he needed the rest, but also because, despite their agreement to keep their 'engagement' secret, for the time being, Elise was throwing herself into wedding plans as she did her teaching, with much enthusiasm! ..... He had spoken to Admiral Lemond regarding the Starbase and the fact that she would be in charge until either the Enzio or Raven returned... With Elise, Vanessa, and Bethan back aboard, Carl was on the Bridge going over a myriad of readiness reports:

"Sir, Dock-master reports we are free to depart." the Comms Officer reported.

"Understood Lieutenant..." Andae Blakus replied, "... Inform them we will be ready in thirty minutes."

"Aye Sir."

"Sir, Command is picking up El Salvador on long-range scanners, she's approximately thirteen hours from home." Lysia T'Seng informed from Tactical.

"Ah, good..." Carl said, turning to Andae and Calli, "...I would have liked a little time to speak with Commodore Savot, I'm sure they will need a fast turnaround so they can join us. Good thing we have the El Alamein patrolling the Starbase."

"You want to delay departure?" his Executive Officer asked.

"No, I'm sure Savot will contact me or the Section Admiral if he needs to, otherwise he'll get El Sal ready and come out to the wormhole as and when he can..." Torek said, seeing this as an opportunity to broach a topic he felt needed resolving, "...Andae, I know this is a touchy subje ....."

"You're going to ask about Commander Milyanov, am I right?" Blakus interrupted.

"A decision has to be made Andae, you and I both know that ..... I can do this, but I'd prefer it to be you. Preferably before we leave Dock?"


< Tag : Andae Blakus >


"You're happy with my officially appointing him Chief Engineer?" Carl asked.

"Yes, you are right, I 'was' holding onto the proverbial apron strings, he's a damn good Engineer, and I'm sure he'll appreciate my not hovering over him."

"OK..." Carl said, "...You can use my ready room. Harry, ask Commander Milyanov to come to my ready room, Commander Blakus would like a word prior to departure,"

~~~~~~~~~~

Thirty minutes later, Umbilicus were disconnected, walkways detached and the Sovereign Class USS Raven-C began to back away from her dock .... On the large view-screen, they could see the Dome doors astern of the ship, were slowly retracting to allow the massive vessel to depart. With there being so few ships in Dock, Marionette was allowed to rotate the Raven through one twenty degrees so she was facing open space beyond the doors .... Andae, after his conversation with Milyanov, ordered the ship to one-third impulse .....

Many on the Dock Observation Level, and throughout the Starbase via monitors, watched as the Raven majestically seemed to 'glide' across the open space, finally passing beyond the doors into open space.

"Helm set course for the aCen System, full impulse..." Andae ordered, "Once clear of the Starbase we'll go to warp one to confirm our warp capability, then Transwarp to our destination. Comms, contact the Enzio and apprise them of our departure and estimated time of arrival,"

"Aye, Sir," the Helm Officer and Comms Officer replied, almost in unison.

Carl watched the stars, wondering if he would be looking out onto more familiar stars one day soon ..........

[Gheskori]

'Starbase 47' lab

=/\=Yes, Major, there are a number of options myself and the Negotiator are considering," Lindqvist replied, continuing to try to clear up the line before turning to the Starbase internal schematic on the wall, "We briefly thought about using the transporter but decided we weren't fully ready to trust the technology, particularly this close to the event horizon and singularity. The... turbolifts are another option, the Negotiator is about to proceed to them now to learn how safe they may be. Our third option is to climb through all the levels, not a great idea you might think, but -=/\=

The Negotiator pointed out to her that the comm had been dropped shortly after she'd begun speaking, she slammed a palm into the console and attempted to raise Hurst and her two colleagues again, no luck for the present but she picked up two commbadges from a score of them she found in a drawer and affixed them to herself and the Negotiator, programming them to accept voice commands that would order the establishment of a comm channel with the marine newcomers - their own badges had ceased to function when they'd been beamed aboard.

"We can use them en route. Let's go," she said, "If we can't climb, let's see about the turbolifts themselves, as you wish."

"No, you remain here, Anna. I'm willing to risk the turbolifts, you may not be, there's little use in putting yourself at risk especially when you're claiming you can help these people open the wormhole. Think, with the wormhole activated... well, it's one step on the way to potentially getting our own Starbase home."

"To the Beta quadrant, I believe," she corrected him, though of course the Yattho weren't far from Federation space. "Very well, I'll stay here, you can put the turbolifts through a trial run. If successful, send for me to head up to your location on the Dock and I'll join you when I've found a way to open the wormhole, or have confirmed for myself it's impossible."

The Negotiator nodded briskly and made his way through the phantoms in the doorway and down the corridor to the foreboding turbolifts. Of the three available, one was ajar and offline, another was constantly attempting to close and the third seemed in good order but - on opening - was found to be full of phantoms.

---

USS Enzio bridge

With the Enzio outside the bubble on the edge of the nebula, V'Maz brooded in the centre seat, thinking over the possibilities and the likely outcome of the decision-making over which of their options seemed best (although they'd already chosen one of them, each idea remained viable): to leave the stranded crew to be crushed aboard the Starbase, to attempt to beam them out, or to send over - yet another - team to try to effect rescue.

Ops shook him from his reverie, "Commander, I believe I've gleaned something of the status of the alternate Starbase's systems, from continuous scans in the far ultraviolet and on subspace carrier waves," Yarwood said.

"Go ahead," V'Maz raised his head, having a comm opened to the Maracanda simultaneously.

Yarwood reported, both ships' crews able to hear, "The base's comm array appears to be offline, shields, weapons and life support systems are largely powered down and in the case of many of them may not even be installed, suggesting the fabrication of this thing was a rapid process. Life support functions on approximately 5% of the decks. Much damage to secondary systems exists. Transporters are operational internally and up to a kilometre from the base, which would suggest that if the Maracanda could close the gap to a kilometre themselves, or if the Ireukens could do so, their or our transporters may be able to beam Lindqvist and the Negotiator off. If the marines' shuttle is still operational, its own transporter may work, too, and in the same way."

"Would Hurst, Lindqvist and company be willing to trust the transporters?" V'Maz asked rhetorically, "Spatio-temporal distortion and other effects involving gravitation will dominate close to the event horizon, unusual phenomena will be visible to those aboard which may put them off such a course of action. The effects will not merely be seen and heard, but will be quite real: shearing forces may damage the transporter emitters or scatter a beam mid-transit."

Ghes heard this from the Maracanda bridge, as he was being made aware that Scober, Jarves and Bligh (Onizuko and Smythe having arrived back already) were returning from the Ireuken outpost, able now to monitor the anti-grav bubble and provide corrections to it from the Maracanda.

V'Maz spoke again from the Enzio, "Surely the best way to nullify the effects of the singularity upon us is to activate a warp field - we would be taken out of normal space, not subject to gravitational influence. Then we or the Maracanda could approach to within one kilometre of the base and not encounter any problem."

"But the field will collapse immediately if the ship is not programmed with a warp heading, sir," Lieutenant Marin said from the engineering station.

"Can that safety measure be circumvented, for this occasion?" V'Maz asked.

[Carl Torek]

SD: 2406.04.10 .. 20:40 hrs
USS Raven-C
Following Departure from Starbase ::

Carl was sat contemplating their upcoming investigations into the recently discovered wormhole while his Executive Officer was overseeing their departure .....

During their transit out to one million kilometres from the Starbase, they had travelled at full impulse only... Once hey reached a safe distance, Commander Blakus requested the Starbase raise shields... This was a precaution as the Raven had not been given time to test the new warp core and realignment of the nacelle. Should anything go wrong the distance and the Starbase' shields would prevent damage. Andae ordered the ship to a full stop while final checks were carried out, then, satisfied, he reported to Torek that they were ready.

"OK. Helm bring us to warp one. Current heading," Carl ordered. Commander Marionette, Helm Officer, confirmed the order and almost instantaneously, the Sovereign Class Raven entered the netherworld of warp velocity... With Blakus receiving word that the warp engines were holding at nominal levels, he instructed they increase to Warp Nine. Commander Marionette confirmed their arrival at the aCen System to be ninety hours eight minutes. The Comms Officer contacted the Enzio and Maracanda to appraise them of their ETA .....

SD: 2406.04.0114
Entering aCen System ::

"Helm, drop to full impulse... Coms, contact the Enzio and inform them we have arrived in the System." Calli said as Duty Bridge Officer, "Contact Admiral Torek and Commander Blakus of our status also,"

Ten minutes later both Senior Officers stepped out of the turbo-lift onto the Bridge:

"Comms, please inform the Enzio that we will hold station one quarter million kilometres from their position and await orders," Carl said as he dropped into the recently vacated centre seat, "Let's run what diagnostics we can, no point in going in there unprepared. Besides, it will keep everyone busy"

"Sir, Section Admiral Gheskori is currently aboard the Maracanda, his Exec' Commander M@Vaz, requests you close the distance and begin scans of the wormhole event horizon. He is sending over all their data thus far for review."

"Thank you, Lieutenant..." Blakus answered, "... Helm, take us to one thousand kilometres from the Enzio and Maracanda and hold position,"

"Aye, Sir," Marionette confirmed .... The Raven began to approach the jaw-dropping phenomenon that was the wormhole. Despite their knowledge and technical advances, you couldn't help but wonder at the sight. Even though the image on the view-screen was digitally enhanced, it still made an impressive sight. The Raven's Science Division, along with Tactical, had already begun examining the data provided by the Enzio, and knew that numerous personnel were apparently stranded on the phantom Starbase. But, efforts were being explored as to how to repatriate them to one of the Federation vessels with all due haste, given the fact that the Starbase itself was succumbing to the immense gravitational stresses, and would likely be crushed out of existence in hours if not less.

[Andae Blakus]

Dropping out of warp near the edge of the aCen system, the Raven fast approached the location of the nebula at the centre of which lay the wormhole, the nebula's thorium-dominated matter forming an accretion disk about the phenomenon and circumscribing for the Starfleet crews' sight the boundary of the event horizon - the wormhole itself was of course invisible, that was, until it might be opened...

An hour and a half passed by and Lysia and Lieutenant Svensson carried on their analysis of the Enzio and Maracanda's data on the wormhole. They verified that the likely exit point was on the boundary between Federation and Romulan space (actually in a region not claimed by either power and populated by amongst others the Yattho species, an avian-humanoid race able to predict the future - they didn't like outsiders, which made any exchange of ideas and knowledge with them impossible).

Blakus leant over the science console, hand on a support strut watching Svensson work, "And the marines have been stuck there since, with no contact?"

"Yes, sir, the Maracanda reports all attempts to raise the shuttle Nehsi have proven unfruitful. Of course, time dilation makes matters more difficult, but still the marine crew should've been able to adjust for that."

"They would've left the shuttle by now and gone in search of the two strandees, surely," Blakus said, half to himself, "Which would suggest the shuttle transporter is offline, else they would've beamed Lindqvist and the Negotiator aboard the Nehsi already."

Svensson turned, "Unless the rescuees are in a protected area of the 'Starbase', sir," he pointed out.

Blakus mused and nodded, standing and returning to the command area. Before speaking to Svensson, he'd been informed by Lysia T'Seng that the Enzio had formulated a plan to take either the Prometheus class or the Intrepid class Maracanda right up to the wormhole by activating the relevant ship's warp field - safeties would be overrode and the warp bubble around whichever ship would be able to be maintained despite no warp heading being programmed. Andae informed Carl of this, the Admiral nodding, "It's dangerous, Andae. Am I right in saying that if a warp bubble comes into contact with matter outside of it, and that matter's not repelled by a nav deflector..."

"Aye, sir, the matter may be altered at the quantum level to be... 'reprogrammed', if you like, with a random velocity and position - it could materialise anywhere within the warp bubble, including inside the ship generating the bubble. Say, if the Enzio were to carry out this manoeuvre and enter the nebula, and a streamer of nebula gas were to enter its warp field the streamer could vanish and rematerialise - with any sublight velocity you could imagine - on the generating vessel's bridge, or inside a bulkhead, a corridor, in engineering, in the warp core... It'll fuse itself with the matter of the ship. In other words: disaster, sir, for the ship involved."

Torek nodded and made a few comments to the effect he hoped the Enzio's nav deflector was up to the task; he gave Blakus a go for the operation if Commander V'Maz and Admiral Gheskori did decide it was worth a shot. "Please do the honours, Andae."

The XO had the Raven hail the Enzio (the latter vessel sitting a thousand kilometres off the Sovereign's port fore quarter). "Commander V'Maz," he nodded to the Vulcan on screen, impressed as always with the Prometheus class bridge design, "If you plan to use the Enzio for your manoeuvre, the Raven is on hand to monitor your progress and give you any warnings. Ensure your navigational deflector is operating at peak efficiency."

"Yes, Commander..." V'Maz replied somewhat dryly, "I must admit we hadn't thought of that." V'Maz swung into the command seat (Gheskori still on the Maracanda it seemed), "You are correct, Commander Blakus. Out of our three ships that may approach the event horizon, we have chosen the Enzio. The Maracanda is currently ensconced within the Ireuken Confederacy's anti-grav bubble, protecting it from the singularity, so it's unavailable - and you have only just arrived..."

"Indeed," Andae replied, slightly mystified by V'Maz's standoffish behaviour. "Ok, we are ready to observe, Enzio. Commander Blakus over and -"

"Wait, for just one moment, Commander," V'Maz said imperatively, "Admiral Gheskori on the Maracanda requests that one of your senior staff transport to the Maracanda at his or her earliest convenience. He wishes to hold conference. We envisage no problems with matter transportation, so please proceed. V'Maz out."

The Raven bridge crew watched as seconds later, the Enzio powered up its stardrive, the warp field encasing the Prometheus class as if it was set to shoot out amongst the stars, but it remained where it was; only after a few minutes did it begin to creep forward, gaseous matter being repulsed from the warp bubble around it as it plunged deeper into the nebula towards the wormhole and phantom Starbase. If it could close the gap to within a kilometre of that base, it may be able to transport Lindqvist, the Negotiator and the three surviving marines off.

<Tag Enzio>

Meanwhile, engineers and scientists aboard all three Starfleet ships were working on a way to open the wormhole - if only to send a brief message through, for they feared the phenomenon may close almost as soon as it was opened. "Admiral," Andae nodded to his CO and asked if they could speak in the ready room; the door slid shut, "Well, sir... I have my best man's speech ready..." he paused, appalled he may have been in error, "You were planning on marrying Elise?"

<Tag Torek>

[Carl Torek]

SD: 2406.04.0115 .. 22:00 hrs
aCen Star System
USS Raven-C
Conference Room ::

"..... I still think it's something the Section Admiral should be considering," Calli said as she sipped her tea.

"I'll speak to him about it, but there's no point in starting the move until we are confident we can get through, and that's going to take time," Carl replied.

The two had been discussing various things and in due course the topic of actually moving Starbase Forty-Seven closer to the aCen System. To be fair, his Mission Advisor was correct, it would take weeks if not several months to move the enormous structure the distance to the wormhole, as they couldn't travel at a velocity greater than full impulse, or one quarter light speed. Carl got up to refill his cup and could see his Exec' was already repositioning the Raven as agreed with the Enzio. At some point, they would need to retrieve their missing personnel or risk losing them as the phantom Starbase disappeared beyond their reach. Only then could they even consider attempting to broadcast a message through.

"I'm surprised Gheskori hasn't moved the Starbase regardless..." Valente said, smelling the hot fresh coffee and deciding she too needed a refill, "Let's face it, we are where we are because that's where we ended up, so who's to say there is better or worse than here." she asked with a shrug.

"Drink your coffee," her Stepbrother said with a grin. Half an hour later both reentered the Bridge.

"Admiral," Andae nodded to his Commanding Officer and approached as Calli took her seat, he asked if they could speak in private .....

Captains Ready Room ::

"Well, Sir... I have my best man's speech ready..." Andae paused as Torek's face remained expressionless, appalled he may have been in error, "...You 'are' planning on marrying Elise?"

"I am, yes, and I would be honoured to have you as my Best Man Andae," Carl said, approaching his friend hand out before him, Andae took the offered hand and shook warmly.

"So, have you set a date?" Blakus asked going to the ornate drinks cabinet, "I assume a small toast is allowed?" Carl nodded as he sat down, taking the glass from Andae as he sat opposite.

"We haven't actually discussed dates, though I have the sneaky suspicion that lot are plotting in secret," Torek replied, referring to Elise, Bethan, Victoria, and Calli, "Truth be told, I haven't even done the 'getting on one knee' thing yet. I think we just both took it as a given that I'd done the whole 'proposing' thing,"

"You haven't actually proposed?" Andae said, not quite knowing whether to chastise his friend or burst into laughter. Carl unexpectedly felt a little embarrassed, he opened a drawer and took out a small Burgandy box, turning it in his hand before pushing it across the desk.

"Promoting me isn't going to change things you know," Andae said as he picked up the box and turned it in his hand so the ornate catch was facing him. with a glance at Carl, he opened it.

"Very nice," his Exec said, impressed.

"It's an Argolis Dream Stone, set in Platinum, you can only acquire the stones on Hekion IV... It's supposed to endow health and wellbeing to the wearer and her loved ones,"

"In the Selcundi Drema System, when did you get time to go there?"

"I didn't, I have a friend on Earth, jewellery designer, I gave him an idea of what I was looking for and left him to it. Believe me, I was as shocked as you were when he handed it over."

"WHOA! ..... You've had this in that drawer for over THREE YEARS!" Andae asked dumbfounded.

"A week before the, before, Betreka .... We had been planning a holiday for that summer, I was planning on proposing then, with just us and the girls ....." Carl said, downing the last of the liquor in his glass as the comm chirped to life:

=^= Admiral Torek to the Bridge .. .. Commander Blakus to the Bridge =^= Carl took the box back and replaced it in the drawer, then both left the Ready Room ..........

[Savot]

[El Salvador: 27 hours previous]


Having finalized repairs to their strained engines and deflector dish, the El Salvador and her crew made for 'home' at a cruising speed of Warp 6.5.  Those crew who had friends and/or family aboard the Starbase were eager to rejoin the rest of the Section 47 disaster survivors there and those crew without said connections were simply eager to report in and be useful to the fleet once again after vanishing for over 1 month... which the rest of the universe had passed as nearly 1 year due to the time difference between regular space and the envelope the El Sal had been forced to enter in order to purge a heretofore unknown radiation type that overloaded the power systems of both the starships mechanisms and the organic systems of her crew causing each to begin burning itself out at a hyper-accelerated rate.  The only way for them to be able to leave the temporal envelope was to use the research station they'd discovered to extend the temporal field to eliminate all the radiation in the surrounding minefield, which unfortunately resulted in the unavoidable overload and destruction of the alien station.  With the skill and focus of her crew; however, the El Salvador had finally managed to re-enter normal space-time and was ready to lend her aid to the fleet-in-exile's efforts once again and make up for their extended absence.


Savot was on the bridge as they received confirmation of their signal from Starbase 47, along with an attached update that the starships Maracanda and Enzio were engaged in the study of some form of wormhole and had, at last confirmed report, requested that the Raven or El Salvador rendezvous with them at their earliest availability.  The Admiral presently in charge of the Starbase in Section Admiral Gheskori's presence in the field was speaking on the main viewscreen, =^=As the Raven has already departed ahead of your return, Commodore, I feel the El Salvador would be best served in defending the local space around Starbase 47 in the absence of the majority of our other vessels.=^=


Savot nodded, understanding the logic easily and even agreeing to it to a large extent; however, he felt compelled to speak, =^=Admiral I will, of course, follow your instructions without hesitation.  Though I submit for consideration: there is presently no known or suspected hostility leveled at the Starbase itself.  If a crisis should arise in which 4 starships could make a difference, the Starbase's defenses stand a high probability of holding out until we could return from the wormhole coordinates.  Conversely, there is a confirmed situation developing at said coordinates, and with the variables in play should a crisis emerge there... it is far less likely that individual starships could withstand long enough for reinforcement to arrive from Starbase 47, assuming the hypothetical crisis even allows for a distress call to be sent.  Should the presently dispatched vessels suffer destruction, the exploratory and potential defensive capacity of our forces here in this region of space would be reduced by approximately 62.47 percent, and in this region of space we have no means available to us of replenishing those losses should they occur.=^=


A sour grimace showed that the Admiral on screen followed the unfortunate mathematics.  Taking a few moments to actually pace back and forth as the automatic viewer recorders auto-tracked the movements, the Admiral turned back finally to the screen and nodded with mild discomfort, =^=I'd been arguing with myself along similar lines, Commodore.  My preferred approach is one of caution and I don't like leaving the Starbase under-defended even in the absence of likely hostility... but I think we have to take some risk if the potential stakes include the loss of 3 of our already limited vessel numbers.  Very well, we're relaying the rendezvous coordinates to you now, regroup with the others there and render whatever assistance you can, El Salvador.  We'll hold together til you get back, Starbase 47, out.=^=


Cadet Karysta turned slightly to give Savot a nod in confirmation that the coordinates had reached her screen, and she shunted them along to Commander Irae at the helm.  Savot pressed a comm control on the right arm of his captain's chair, =^=Savot to Delbridge.  Commander I apologize for the brevity of their recovery period but I will need the engines ready for sustained Warp 8.5 with a potential need for full emergency warp should we receive word of distress from any of our fellow vessels.=^= 


=^=Not a problem, boss.  With that radiation out of our systems and the downtime you've given us since our escape they should be well shored up now.  Just... if you see another minefield anywhere, go around huh?=^=, the Tennessee engineer's bemused voice signed off after giving the good news.


Savot raised an eyebrow in his own bemusement before tilting his head and addressing the helm, "Commander Irae, lay in course to rendezvous with the Maracanda, Enzio, and Raven at the provided coordinates and engage at warp 8.5.  Cadet Karysta, as the Raven was the last reported vessel to leave for the site of the wormhole they are the least likely to be impacted by any spatial interference.  Please send Admiral Torek my compliments and apprise him we anticipate arrival in 29 standard hours."  


With that, the El Salvador stretch-sprang into warp speed hurtling towards their comrades to lend whatever, if any, help was needed and possible...

[Carl Torek]

Carl and Andae entered the Bridge, Harry Wedlerson got up from the center seat allowing the Admiral to take it.

"Sir, Admiral Gheskori had requested one of the Senior Staff transport to the Maracanda and wishes to know if there is an issue?" the comms officer informed them. Torek looked at Andae, who could only shrug.

"We're better off here if he just wants a face to face..." Carl said, turning to Calli, then at his Exec'

"I could go, Sir." Commander Valente offered.

"Fine, go see what he wants," Carl said with a wry grin.

"Sir, Enzio has informed us they are ready to make their first approach to the Phantom Starbase," the Comms Officer informed them.

"Thank you, Lieutenant..." Carl replied, studying the tactical view on screen, "...Helm, as soon as we have confirmation Commander Valente is aboard the Maracanda, reorient our position to place us facing the wormhole, have Science bring all sensor arrays focused on the Starbase and surrounding area."

"Science confirms they are ready," Blakus said as the Raven began a slow turn to Starboard until the wormhole filled the viewscreen ..... Technically, the Sovereign Class was now at a steep nose-down angle: Mark zero two zero - Baring two eight zero ..... Thus facing directly into the event horizon. Marionette was using for'ard thrusters at sixty percent to hold station, more as a precaution than a necessity. Blakus asked for standard view on the screen so they could see the progress of the USS Enzio as she tentatively began to move towards her goal. everyone watched as it began to pass beyond the outer rim of the blue-red gaseous vortex being drawn into the void.

"Enzio reports all is well Admiral." the Comms Officer reported.

Slowly, almost too slowly, the Enzio came about until it was facing directly away from the maw, then fell away from them and towards her target, making adjustments after adjustment to keep on track ..... When they were less than five hundred kilometers they halted their fall and began scanning for the life signs which would denote the Scientist, the Negotiator, and the remaining Marine Officers. Sensor readings from the Enzio were being relayed to both the Raven and the Maracanda, where the Section Admiral was sat with Commander Valente.

"Looking at these readings..." Svensson said from the Science Stations, "...They need to get closer to the Starbase for a positive lock on our people,"

"They appear to be doing just that Lieutenant," Commander Marionette confirmed from the Helm.

Again the Enzio began her almost sedate fall toward the abyss, allowing herself to be drawn deeper and deeper towards the Phantom Starbase until it was sustaining warp three just to hold position. At two hundred kilometers from the Starbase, they reported still having difficulties. Section Admiral was in constant contact with his Executive Officer, offering suggestions when needed. Three hundred kilometers and still no luck. Carl and Andea could see from the readings being relayed from the ship that they had located their people but without pattern enhancers, it was still impossible to be sure of safe transport ..... The tension was mounting exponentially as the minutes passed. The Enzio couldn't hold position indefinitely, even the Raven equipped with Transwarp, couldn't have stayed much longer than her sister ship.

Agonizingly slowly, the Enzio closed the distance to the Phantom Starbase, passing inside the one hundred kilometer mark, then eighty meters, sixty, forty, twenty ..... Again the progress ceased as if the Enzio was readying herself.

"Sir. Enzio is holding position eight hundred meters off the Phantom Starbase, approximately midway along their vertical plane.

"SIR!" T'Seng suddenly said, "I'm picking up an object coming around the Phantom Starbase!"

"WHAT!" Torek and Blakus said in unison, Andae running over to the Tactical II, Carl, in turn, moved to Science to look at their readings.

"It's one of the Ireuken Cargo Craft Admiral," Lysia confirmed.

"Contact the Primary Facility, I want to know what the help they are playing at!" Blakus ordered.

"Sir, we are picking up transports in progress," Wedlerson confirmed from Opps.

"Do they have everyb ....." Carl began but was interrupted by Lysia:

"The Ireuken Vessel is in trouble! .... It's struggling to maintain climb back to the Primary," Carl spun to face the viewscreen mortified at what he was seeing: The Ireuken Cargo Craft was clearly exceeding their maximum thrust in an effort to escape the inevitable, but in doing so had moved across the Enzio and was now falling towards the Prometheus Class Starship. Enzio, in turn, was using all her power to hold position while simultaneously trying to retrieve the people stranded on the Phantom Starbase!

"Options......." Carl asked quickly, allowing his Bridge Officer to voice ideas freely, but despite efforts, the prevailing idea was to destroy the Irekuen Vessel before it hit the Enzio and forced both into the wormhole, Contact the Enzio, instruct them to abort NOW!"

"Sir, the Cargo craft is interfering with communications," the comms officer informed him.

"Can you get the Maracanda?" Seconda later the screen split to show the Enzio and her Commanding Officer aboard the Maracanda:

=^= Admiral .. You are seeing what we are .. We believe our only option is to destroy the Cargo Carrier before it can impact the Enzio shields .. .. =^=

=^= How much time do we have? =^= Gheskori asked, outwardly calm despite his ships' distress.

=^= Ninety seconds .. But we need to hit it as far out as possible or the Enzio could sustain damage .. And .. .. .. =^= Carl explained. Everyone on the Raven could hear the shouting on the Ireuken Facility, The Ireuken clearly opposing having one of their ships destroyed and threatening untold retribution should the Federation discard their demands. Gheskori turned to the screen:

=^= We have no way to reach them Admiral .. .. .. =^=

=^= Understood =^= Carl replied to the unspoken instruction. He closed the comm then turned to Lysia T'Seng.

"Commander, bring photon torpedoes online," Torek ordered, Andae remained silent knowing the risk his friend was taking, "Lock onto the Ireuken craft and stand by..."

"Time?" Blakus asked.

"Fifty seconds... Sir, I would strongly advise firing now," T'Seng said. Carl looked over to Andae who nodded almost imperceptibly, then he looked at the viewscreen.

"Two torpedoes, contact detonation... Fire," ....... The two torpedoes lanced from the underside of Raven's Saucer Section and traversed the gap to the gap between their target in less than two seconds, both slammed into the Carrier simultaneously, the resulting explosion was enhanced by the location as the Carrier disappeared into a cloud of atoms, suspended for a fraction of a second less than five hundred meters from the Enzio's shields, then, gravity took hold and the atomized Carrier passed over the shields giving anyone watching a spectacular light show.

The Enzio hadn't got away free .... She shuddered under the impact of the blast, straining her Stardrive well beyond design, shuddering in protest for moments after until finally settling into a position less than twenty meters from their closest companion. Had they been watching, they would have been shocked to see that at one point, over three hundred meters of the ship had effectively passed into and through the hull of the Phantom Starbase!

"Sir, Enzio is holding station, we still have no contact with them but scans show they are straining their Stardrive to hold their position," Lysia said.

"V'Maz is a good Officer, he'll get the Enzion out to safety," Andae said, still pondering the Vulcan's previous standoffishness. Carl didn't reply, there really wasn't much he could add either way ..........

[Calli Valente]

USS Raven-C
Ten minutes before approach to Phantom Starbase by USS Enzio ::


Carl and Andae entered the Bridge, Harry Wedlerson got up from the center seat allowing the Admiral to take it.

"Sir, Admiral Gheskori had requested one of the Senior Staff transport to the Maracanda and wishes to know if there is an issue?" the comms officer informed them. Torek looked at Andae, who could only shrug.

"We're better off here if he just wants a face to face..." Carl said, turning to Calli, then at his Exec'

"I could go, Sir." Commander Valente offered.

"Fine, go see what he wants," Carl said with a wry grin ....

US Maracanda ::


Calli materialized on the Maracanda, surprised to see Frank Scober stood waiting to greet her...

"I thought you were over on the Facility," she commented.

"We were brought back here after the Section Admiral arrived," the Maracanda's Executive Officer replied, following the Intelligence Officer out of the Transporter Room, "I was under the impression the section Admiral was going to be expecting Admiral Torek, or Commander Blakus,"

"He'll settle for me, I'm sure," Calli replied, not missing his glance at the tree gold pips denoting Commander rank, though both knew full well they were there for show only.

"So, I'd heard the Raven had a Mission Advisor, you changing vocations?" Frank asked with a grin.

"No..." Calli replied with a laugh, "Let's say I'm exploring opportunities .... What about you, plans for a center seat of your own?"

"Oh, I can't see that happening anytime soon, but I'm happy to be out here, so to speak. I was lucky to be selected. As you'll no doubt know we're all a little 'green' shall we say. But I think we are holding our own so far." Scober finished. Calli glanced at the man and knew he had pride in his crew and himself, "The Section Admiral is in the Captains Ready Room, he's expecting you. I'll be on the Bridge." She watched him walk away then placed a finger on the door chime:

"Enter."

The door slid aside at her approach and she entered.

"Commander, take a seat," Gheskori said as she entered, "I was expecting Admiral Torek or Commander Blakus, but I am fully aware of our situation, so you are a welcome surprise,"

"Thank you, Admiral. I am fully up to speed with our current situation, Fleet Admiral Torek felt Commander Blakus and himself were needed aboard the Raven during our attempt to retrieve our people,"

"Actually, I am happy he chose to send you over, it is, shall we say, fortuitous," Gheskori said, rising from his seat, Calli followed suit before he told her to sit back down, "Maybe a fresh view on my thoughts may be fortuitous,"

"You're having concerns Admiral?" Calli asked, never one to keep her thoughts to herself.

"Before I answer, I would like to hear your perspective on our situation, if you would?" Gheskori replied, offering Calli a beverage, which she declined, "Then whenever you are ready, Commander..."

She spent twenty minutes vocalizing her thoughts to him, not sure if he was taking her concerns seriously, or if he was absorbing every syllable for future review. she commented that while the discovery of the wormhole was fortuitous, she had misgivings about the Ireuken. In her opinion, they seemed a little 'too' friendly, while possibly withholding information that could benefit the Federation Personnel stranded here. She went on to speculate on the Ireuken's motives since our arrival... Gheskori asked her to continue.

"It's clear that the Ireuken have a lucrative business here, it still makes me wonder with all their 'technology' why they have never been able to traverse the wormhole save for, in their words, fragmented communications. I know it sounds implausible Sir, but what if, they, need us?"

The Comm chirped to life:

=^= Admiral .. The Enzio is beginning her approach =^=

=^= Understood Captain .. We shall monitor from here =^= Gheskori replied, activating the monitor as he closed the comm before returning his attention to his guest.

"Continue."

"I may be completely wrong, thus my not so far sharing my concerns with Admiral Torek, which is something that is annoying me, to be honest." Calli finished.

"I am aware of your, relationship. That Carl is your Stepbrother, and I am sure he would forgive your hesitation in this." As he was talking it was clear things were not going well with the Enzio. he stood, heading for the Bridge, Calli close behind him. The volume lowered somewhat as they entered, but everyone continued to carry out their assigned duties .........

[Gheskori]

USS Enzio

"Holding at warp 9.5... Going nowhere, of course, but at least it's keeping us from certain death," the helmsman said with his characteristic dry humour.

"This is not a situation to be made light of, Lieutenant," V'Maz intoned from the command chair, his fingernails dug into the armrests above the panels that effectively wired him into the ship. The Enzio trembled around him, the chassis vibrating as coruscating gravitational waves coursed through the craft from prow to stern.

It'd been unexpected. V'Maz, Clark and the rest - even Assistant CEO Kempton who was notoriously skeptical - had thought the warp field would protect them from all stresses and strains of ordinary space, no matter how distorted and ruined (in the form of a hole in the spacetime continuum...) that space may be, but as it'd turned out the ship was experiencing severe gravitational shearing forces and the very beginnings of spaghettification effects - just touching the trailing edges of the nacelles...

"Commander, we have contact with the Maracanda and Raven - intermittent," Yarwood (effective second in command while Gheskori was on the Maracanda) reported from the Ops station, before adding impatiently, "What's going on here, why are we getting these forces? Tactical, are the shields holding? Lieutenant Marin," he alerted the engineering station's controller, "Is the warp field stable?"

"A moment ago, sir, I would've said yes, but now... I'm not so sure. Once we passed within 200 kilometres of the base sensors and diagnostic systems began to detect and return results suggesting slight discord in the shield and warp field harmonics... I can't find any explanation for it, unless some particulate matter - perhaps at the quantum level - is interfering with the warp field's stability."

Yarwood glanced up at the viewscreen (which showed a spatially distorted view of the first facility as well as the distant speck of the Raven; the Maracanda was out of sight, far to port), "The Ireuken Confederacy?" he asked, "Is this more thorium radiation?"

"Thorium radiation cannot be responsible for the effects we're observing, Commander, you should know that. No, we're dealing with something that has perhaps come from the wormhole itself, possibly being researched by the Ireuken mining craft that the..." Marin paused, nearly choked, "That the Raven just destroyed." The engineer knew the Raven had had no choice; it'd been them or the 10 or so Ireukens on board that small craft.

=/\=Admiral Gheskori, sir, are you listening to this?=/\= V'Maz spoke up imperiously.

=/\=I am indeed, V'Maz. We've caught most of your conversation, but the commline is unstable to put it mildly. I'm in agreement with you and am inclined to believe that quantum material may have come through the wormhole - despite it being currently closed -, and what's more I think the Ireukens may have had more to do with the material than merely being in close proximity to it shortly before the destruction of their vessel. I have here Commander Valente of the Raven... She has concerns regarding the Confederacy, concerns I happen to share...=/\=

=/\=Go on, sir,=/\= V'Maz said, conscious as he spoke that his words were being heard by those on the Raven as well. He was mildly disturbed by this, he hadn't received a great impression of the Raven's first officer and believed his attitude towards the Italian-born man had betrayed his distrust of him. There existed the old adage that first officers of starships tended to 'size each other up', as humans put it, on first meeting, and V'Maz felt discomfited that he'd fallen into that pattern of behaviour.

=/\=We don't expect anything too malign in them,=/\= Ghes clarified, =/\=Or at least I don't. Commander Valente suspects the Confederacy may be wishing to take advantage of our presence: we believe they want us to help them keep the wormhole open on a more permanent basis, allowing them to increase traffic through it, thus generate more profits and establish a permanent presence in the Beta Quadrant the other side. Reading what information we have on their history, we find they have a tendency to colonise and found large polities far from their homeworld. Needless to say, for a species as apparently technologically advanced and widespread in this sector of space as the Ireukens appear to be, to suddenly have a major new polity on the border between Federation and Romulan space - if they're allowed through - is something we can't accept.=/\=

=/\=Acknowledged, sir,=/\= V'Maz finally had his opportunity to speak, several times he'd opened his mouth to reply only for his CO to go on. If he wasn't Vulcan he would be exasperated, =/\=Sir, if you don't mind, we must focus on the recovery operation, for just this present moment.=/\=

=/\=Yes, of course, I -=/\=

"Lock established!" Miak at tactical announced. They'd switched the screen to the aft view again; the bridge crew could see how frighteningly close the Starbase was. "I have three... no, two of them, in transporter room 2, sir." V'Maz requested identity. "They're two of the marines, Corporals Hinton and Jones-Cane. I nearly had Lindqvist, I think... But it seems she ducked away from the beam and entered some sort of blind-spot."

Why would she do such a thing? V'Maz wondered. "Where are the other two, Lieutenant?"

"Both the Negotiator and the Maracanda's SMO are still in the Dock section."

"Sir, I..." the engineer Lieutenant Marin began slowly; something in his tone was deeply disquieting to all, even to V'Maz, "I'm afraid our warp field is failing... We're about to get caught in the accretion disk."

Yarwood and the helmsman confirmed it, "We and the 'Starbase' have about five hours, sir, before we're crushed by the singularity. Due to time dilation, that's about fifty minutes from the Maracanda's perspective... and twelve minutes from the Raven's." V'Maz urgently requested the Raven and Maracanda to contact the Ireukens - whatever quantum matter of theirs was around the event horizon was interfering with the Enzio's ability to maintain a warp field...

[Carl Torek]

USS Raven-C ::

Carl had been sat watching proceedings as the Maracanda moved aside to allow the Enzio to approach the phantom Starbase .... For some time, the exercise appeared to be going well: The Enzio, now facing 'out' in respect to the wormholes' orientation, was slowly adjusting her warp output to allow it to essentially 'fall' towards the Starbase.

"Sir, it looks like they will be in a position to transport our people off the Starbase in thirty seconds," Lysia T'Seng informed Torek. Things had begun to go wrong when one of the Ireuken carriers had emerged ... Having had no other option but to destroy the carrier, they were sure the Enzio was now safe, but that too proved erroneous!

As they listened to the sporadic communications between the Enzio and Maracanda, it was clear not everyone had got off the phantom Starbase, and now the Enzio herself was struggling to hold her position, let alone drive herself free of the wormhole's gravity. With communications almost impossible, Torek had no idea if they had successfully retrieved their personnel.

"Sir, I think the Enzio is having trouble sustaining her warp field!" Lysia said.

"What?"

"Admiral, I've picked up a partial transmission from the Enzio, they are asking us to contact the Ireuken facility as demand they cease harvesting immediately!" the Comms Officer said suddenly.

"I'm picking up minuscule readings... The Ireuken are, intentionally or unintentionally, collecting inverse graviton particles with their harvest, the percentage must be practically zero or the Enzio's warp field would have failed the moment they were affected, they need to clear the area, and quickly, an increase of point zero three percent will be enough to begin affecting their core." Lieutenant Svensson informed Torek.

"Comms, contact the Ireuken NOW... Ask, no, DEMAND they cease harvest until our vessels are safe. Lieutenant..." Carl said, turning to his Science Officer, "Is there 'ANY way we can give assistance?"

"No, Sir, if we attempt to approach then we'll fall into the wormhole faster even than the Enzio,"

"How long before their warp field collapses?"

"Eight minutes, from our point of view, maybe less, From their point of view they may have four, five hours," Svensson replied.

"Sir, the Ireuken say they cannot cease harvesting as it would irreparably damage their collectors, they sympathize, they have quotas to meet, but..." the Comms Officer informed him.

"Open a channel!" Carl demanded.

"They reiterate their sympathies, but believe dialog is futi ....."

"Lieutenant T'Seng. Arm quantum torpedoes... Target the Primary Ireuken Facility and stand by ..... Lieutenant, contact the Maracanda and inform them they may need to leave on my order. Please contact the Ireuken and ask if they are willing to speak now!... Inform them of their precarious position while you're at it,"

It was taking all of Carl's willpower, and his half Vulcan mind, to remain sat in his seat. On-screen he could see the tactical representation of what was happening, most worrying, was the red flashing indicator signifying the USS Enzio. On the viewscreen a second image appeared, it was the Ireuken Administrator, Rac'zil.

=^= Deactivate your weapons systems immediately Admiral .. Failure to comply or any attack on this facility will be deemed an act of war .. Rather than finding a way home your vessels and Starbase will be destroyed =^=

"Four minutes," Svensson whispered.

=^= We need you to stop your harvest for one minute Administrator Rac'zil .. In that time the Enzio will be able to get free =^= Torek said.

=^= .. .. and what of the people still on the Starbase .. Are you sacrificing them for the saving of others? =^= the Ireuken asked, his face expressionless. In turn, Carl realized he now knew that some were still aboard the phantom Starbase. For a long moment, he remained silent, each second the smile growing on the Ireuken's face.

=^= Help us .. .. If you have any means of retrieving our people and assisting the Enzio to safety then I am asking for that help =^= Carl said, knowing full well that threats were clearly failing to impress .....

=^= The process by which we harvest is continuous Admiral .. Halting that process even for a moment will require a full restart of our facility .. This takes approximately ten of your days .. In which time we will have fallen so far behind as to break several contracts with those that purchase our product .. These purchasers can be shall we say .. Unimpressed by delay .. I would like to help you Admiral even if only for our continued alliance .. But it is alas .. Impossible =^=

Before Torek could reply the Comm snapped off! .... His mind whirling, he was informed that the Section Admiral was requesting communication, "On screen," Torek replied.

=^= Admiral .. Am I to assume your method of persuasion fell on deaf ears? =^=

=^= It would appear so .. .. Admiral .. The Enzio has less than three minutes =^= Torek replied.

"Sir, I feel I need to inform you, both..." Svensson suddenly interrupted, glancing at the image of the Section Admiral before returning his attention to Torek, "While the Ireuken have the means to protect themselves fro an increase in particle density of the inverse graviton element, we would not survive,"

=^= Understood Lieutenant .. Svensson .. We have just this moment came to the same conclusion .. .. So .. How to proceed? =^= Gheskori replied ..........

[Gheskori]

USS Maracanda

=^= Understood Lieutenant .. Svensson .. We have just this moment come to the same conclusion .. .. So .. How to proceed? =^= Gheskori replied. Valente and Manley turned to him as he finished speaking, both equally mystified as to what course they could take. It didn't seem much was forthcoming from the Raven either, the Sovereign class's XO for instance sitting seemingly in a dull stupor in his seat next to Torek.

Crucial minutes went by - which would of course equate only to about a single minute for the Raven in its own reference frame. The Enzio itself - Ghes's own ship, on the verge of destruction - had over an hour from its perspective, but that didn't change that for the Maracanda the Enzio would be crushed in a little under ten minutes time.

On a sudden a new message was incoming from the Ireuken station, for the Maracanda only; Manley requested onscreen, and an - only slightly more conciliatory - Ireuken administrator appeared. "Admiral Gheskori, pleased to make your acquaintance at last... I'm Rac'zil. I've had word from our trading partners: the most belligerent of them has agreed to delay its receipt of its latest shipment by a number of days, perhaps enough time to allow us to take our collector facilities offline and repower them in time for our trade deadline, but I warn you -"

"Thank you," Ghes burst out with, relief flowing through him as he realised his crew may be safe after all: with the collectors offline, the quantum particles would cease to be drawn through the wormhole and the warp field would restabilise.

Rac'zil paused irritatedly, huffing and looking down briefly before continuing, "But I warn you, my actions to service your people have put my Confederacy at grave risk of a war with our closest trading partner. And therefore, we ask for something in return."

"Which is?" Captain Manley asked.

"Your wormhole activation technology - I know you possess such, we've covertly accessed your databases - LCARS, curious name, interesting - and have found you've routinely used wormholes throughout your spacefaring history - the one near a station called Deep Space Nine for example. I know... you'll tell me the wormhole opens as soon as you're in its vicinity, but you have your own tech that facilitates the final sequence. Don't deny it."

"Well..." Needs must, Ghes added only to himself before continuing, "Very well, we can begin talks for it as soon as this is over. But be warned in turn, Administrator, that the Federation has strict guidelines against misuse of its lent technology, you'll be expected to abide by an agreement and contract, and to limit whatever presence you may wish to establish in the Beta Quadrant." Rac'zil's face fell and Ghes and Calli felt triumphant; the Ireukens' designs had been seen through, he and the Raven advisor had been correct. "Nevertheless, Rac'zil, we can give you leverage in any negotiation, if you would please just..."

"Yes, yes..." Rac'zil replied, his confidence returning, "We can dispatch a small ship to try to recover your three strandees..." He paused and sighed, checking his consoles, "It's on its way now." And again the Ireuken broke off the comm abruptly. Standing there, for a moment stunned at the Administrator's offer for assistance, delivered so offhandedly, Ghes almost forgot to contact the Raven to relate the news.

<Tag Raven>

---

USS Enzio

An excruciating four and a half hours had passed by with nothing being accomplished by the Enzio crew. V'Maz's deeply buried frustration was rising ever nearer to the surface, and if he was human he would fear its possible sudden emergence - which would doubtless cause much consternation for the bridge officers.

They rotated in their sad waltz with the 'Starbase' in their orbit just outside the event horizon, drawing ever closer to destruction - in 30 minutes they would be dead. Still despite their orbit they had the ship positioned facing away from the singularity, warp engines straining at warp 9.99: every few minutes the Raven, followed by the Ireuken station and then the Maracanda swung into view before once more passing off to the starboard side of the viewscreen; each time they reappeared they seemed a little farther away, a little fainter and more akin to indecipherable nimbii, becoming indistinguishable against the interstellar backdrop.

"Commander, a ship is entering our vicinity - another Ireuken craft, same configuration as the one destroyed a few hours ago," Miak reported, "They're pulling away to our port-side, nearing the 'Starbase'... They've come to a relative halt... struggling to maintain their position."

V'Maz nodded, keeping a rising feeling of satisfaction under wraps. Yarwood turned from Ops, "Sir, they've just attempted transport from the Starbase... I believe they've recovered two of the three remaining personnel." V'Maz wondered if the remaining rescuee happened to be Dr Lindqvist.

They thought in mute amazement on their apparent good fortune - or the rescuees' at least - as the Ireuken vessel began to pull away from the Starbase. But it soon got into trouble. Yarwood and CEO Clark informed the XO that the craft was failing to maintain altitude above the event horizon. Its straining engines were of no avail as it began to fall towards the singularity and surrounding accretion disk; soon it would be out of range of any attempt the Enzio may make to rescue them.

"Can we use a tractor beam?"

Miak at tactical shook his head, "Out of range, sir, but transporters..." V'Maz virtually shouted at him that he should make it so. If the Ireuken craft fell away any farther than approximately a kilometre, its crew and those it'd rescued would be irrecoverable. "Transporting now, sir," Miak wiped sweat from his brow and his shaking finger pressed the button on his panel. Agonising seconds passed by, seconds that could still prove fatal to the Enzio itself if it was to remain in danger. V'Maz quietly requested of the tactical officer whether the operation had been successful.

"... I have seven persons, sir, in transporter room 1. Five Ireukens, and two humans."

There was an eruption of joy on the bridge, almost inexplicable, but they had partially achieved what they'd set out to do. Celebrations were soon muted however as they remembered one of their own was still aboard the base and, as Miak informed them, they realised seven Ireukens were still aboard their craft and now beyond recovery range. The Ireukens had paid a price for helping people they barely knew, and had had a ship of theirs destroyed for good measure, but then they should not have been attempting to harvest energy they knew could be harmful to ships' warp fields...

Yarwood and Simon Clark headed below to meet the new arrivals: just exiting the transporter room now were five bedraggled Ireuken Confederacy members, Major Hurst of the Maracanda, and the Negotiator. "She's mad, she's mad..." he was mumbling, and Yarwood assumed he was referring to Anna Lindqvist.

"I'm Commander Paul Yarwood. Welcome aboard. Major Hurst, you'll find your colleagues, Corporals Hinton and Jones-Cane in sickbay, where I strongly suggest you head now. And you, too, please, ladies and gentlemen," he gestured to the Ireukens who followed him despondently down the passageway.

"Welcome back, Negotiator," Yarwood fell in alongside the man while Clark spoke to the Ireuken commander, "Now what's your old friend doing over there?" Yarwood asked.

"She's trying to open the wormhole, if only for a brief moment..." he paused and shook his head and could only repeat again, "She's mad... mad."

"Wait a moment, if the wormhole is opened the gravitational field will disperse, the singularity ballooning and forming an annulus that'll traverse and bind with the whole of the length of tunnel of the wormhole as it's accessed, correct?" Yarwood asked. The Negotiator shrugged, inconsolable. But Yarwood knew he had the answer; it'd been obvious all along but had never been considered by the Starfleeters as the possibility of opening the wormhole had seemed so remote. Clark was listening in, nodding as he walked behind them. "If Lindqvist can briefly open the wormhole... and she has about 20 minutes... the Enzio will be free. Newtonian laws hold so of course we'll immediately jump to - actual - warp 9.99 on a direct heading away from the wormhole, leaving the system far behind. There's no way we can predict when Lindqvist might achieve the opening, so we can't deactivate warp engines in preparation. As for the Raven, if it's still applying reverse thrusters to maintain position, it'll recoil a few kilometres but that's all."

"What about the Maracanda, and the Ireuken base?" the Negotiator asked, emotionally flat as they entered sickbay.

"They're encased within the anti-grav bubble; they'll be unaffected," Yarwood finished, quite pleased with himself. But of course, the whole matter of the Enzio's survival rested upon Lindqvist's chances of success in opening the wormhole.


OOC: From the Raven's perspective, due to time dilation, the Enzio now has 45 seconds before it's crushed by the singularity. Sorry for long post.

[Andae Blakus]

Blakus looked up from his arm-panel in the XO's seat, the miniature screen there being fed information from the engineering station on the bridge's port-side, "Admiral, the Enzio's warp field is beginning to stabilise, rather quickly." Admiral Gheskori's information to them had been correct then, the Ireuken Administrator hadn't been attempting to mislead them.

"How quickly? You realise they have about 40 seconds before they are pulled into that thing?" Carl asked brusquely, the stress of the moment overriding usual manners with his friend.

Wedlerson spoke up, "We're fortunate, sir... the particle collectors on the Ireuken outpost are apparently able to be shut down remarkably quickly - given time dilation effects around the wormhole and Enzio, their generating facilities must've shut themselves off in a few milliseconds, from Enzio's perspective." Perhaps that's why it will take them so long to reactivate, Blakus mused; a hard shut-down like that might require some recovery time.

"Ok, so the Enzio's warp field's stabilising," Svensson murmured, leant forward at his science station closely studying his screen, "But the ship is still falling towards the singularity. To put it bluntly, sirs, what they had was a choice between instantaneous death by inverse gravitons - harvested intentionally or otherwise -, or the only slightly less rapid demise of being crushed by the singularity."

"Yes, thank you, Lieutenant, very macabre," Andae said dryly, but everything the CScO had said was true, and now it seemed the latter choice would need to be pursued inevitably - unless Lindqvist or whoever else could open the wormhole and disperse the gravitational field. The phantom Starbase would fall in, too, of course, just preceding the Enzio into that unknown abyss, for beyond the singularity of a wormhole - when that wormhole was not opened to create a tunnel through the galaxy - what was there? The keys to another universe? Another plane of existence? Or simply the extinguishing of life and crushing of anything that crossed the event horizon to, effectively, a speck of dust on the head of a pin.

"25 seconds 'til base and Enzio cross the event horizon, Admiral," Wedlerson reported resignedly from the Ops console. They all looked at the tactical display on the viewscreen, now zoomed to show the immediate vicinity of the closed wormhole: there was the hole itself, the Starbase closing in in a tightening orbit along with other accretion matter, and the USS Enzio in very close attendance. Yes, the Prometheus class with Ireuken help had rescued all but one of the five surviving UFP personnel who'd boarded the 'Starbase', but all four of them were soon to perish anyway (the Negotiator, and the Maracanda marines Major Hurst, Corporal Hinton and Corporal Jones-Cane).

Several things then happened almost simultaneously:
1) the wormhole, previously invisible, expanded from a silvery speck and splayed out into a cerulean-grey mass of swirling until-a-moment-ago relativistic matter;
2) the percentage of inverse gravitons per unit volume increased by 0.02% (close to fatal levels for the three Starfleet craft);
3) the Raven recoiled a few kilometres, its cautionary reverse thrust no longer necessary as the gravitational force from the hole was nullified;
4) a luminous streak shot by the Raven from near the wormhole ahead of them, away, above and to the left of the Sovereign class - it was the Enzio jumping as a bolt from a catapult to warp 9.9995 directly away from the singularity and its eye's baleful glare.

"Newton, be damned," Blakus murmured. Of course the old Earth theorist Isaac Newton was correct: all his theories still applied to low-sublight velocities of starships, planetary movements and the like, but to see the old law of action-reaction displayed so viscerally was quite a spectacle.

"Comms... Comms! A message, send a message!" Torek demanded suddenly.

"What should I send, sir?"

"Anything... Standard Federation Starfleet greeting. Direct it along as many vectors through the wormhole as you can, if there are people the other side we'd give ourselves the best opportunity of making contact." Torek was right to be hasty, for just after the Comms officer had sent the message along only two vectors through the wormhole the latter imploded in on itself and reassumed its former state of invisibility. The Raven began to feel the distant gravitational pull from the wormhole again, with the Maracanda and Ireuken station still safely ensconced within the anti-grav bubble and unaffected by the gravitational chaos all about them.

Svensson reported, keeping his voice under control as he recovered from the surprise of the albeit brief opening of the wormhole, "Admiral... the inverse gravitons that nearly took out the Enzio's warp field... their density has increased about the wormhole."

"I'm reading vibrations in the warp core," Tinsley reported at the engineering station, "Maracanda is reporting the same, as well as other systems failures. They're minor at this point, sir, but with any further increase in inverse graviton density... well, at some time our ships are liable to be torn apart. I'd advise at that time we move well away from aCen."

They once again began to detect the Enzio. It was looping back round from its extreme high-warp heading away from aCen, decelerating as it made the curve, before picking up speed again to warp 7.5 as it approached the confines of the nebula. It came to rest some 3000 km from the Raven. Shortly behind the Enzio - some half a parsec - was the USS El Salvador, that'd begun to approach at high warp once it'd detected the wormhole activity and inverse gravitons.

<Tag Raven, El Salvador>

Within the nebula the indistinguishable but commanding wormhole loomed, the Maracanda and Ireuken station safe but not far from it. The phantom Starbase itself, however... Well, it seemed to have made the transit. Blakus looked about at the bridge crew in mild amazement; if it'd survived entry, the base would be on its way through the tunnel to the Beta Quadrant. And so, Lindqvist would be trapped aboard it still.

[Deis Irae]

::Deis had been quite tightlipped while her Captain spoke to the Admiral, literally biting her tongue to keep from bursting out with protest. Not necessarily for herself. There were people on this ship that needed real downtime. But what can be done when emergencies keep happening? All you can do is...well...the job. Without cease. She could handle it. Clearly Savot could. Delbridge was pretty much always cool...unless you get him on a few centuries old coffin ship. Not quite his bag. Nor hers...but you do the job thats in front of you.::

::Keeping her own council, she codes in the coords for the new destination and warps us out. She even keeps the helm for a little while but realizes when distraction keeps comming that she needs to step back. So she does so, rising and handing off the helm to a subordinate. Letting the Captain know that she needs to take a turn in sickbay.::

::Once in sickbay she realizes that she is the ONLY person that is scowling at the screens...and patients. She dosent realize just how tightly shes holding her face until someone comes in with a minor conduit burn...and she nearly snaps at them. This IS the sort of thing one would come in for...in normal days. She would have healed it up with a smile and full empathy for the slight pain. NOW shes wondering why shes being bothered by something so minor. She opened her mouth to give the poor guy a dressing down but just manages to catch the reflection of her face in one of the glass cabinet doors. And realizes that there are lines between her eyes that shouldnt be there for another decade at least. There is also the ghostly appearance of another face just over her shoulder. Iris. A nurse thats been here since Deis first came onboard the original El Salvador. The lady speaks up.:: "Commander...why dont you let me handle this one, hmm? I would recommend a bit of R&R for a couple of hours while we are in transit."

::Deis thinks about this and then gives a slow nod"" Aye...ye've a point, Nurse. Goin off duty for an hour.

[Savot]

[El Salvador: Minutes Prior to Present Time]


As the El Salvador approached the aCen nebula, the distortions that had previously been interfering with establishing communications with any of the ships already present in near proximity to the discovered wormhole began to clear. As the various captains and XO's were in near-constant dialogue discussing the situation's development and strategizing about their available options with the combination of decades of command experience, Savot was in contact with a secondary communications officer on the Raven's bridge who gave him the basic rundown of the current scenario giving particular emphasis to the Enzio's impending high-speed surge so the El Salvador could make sure they were out of the way.


The vulcan commodore responded to the Raven's comms officer, for relay to the current Command officer on the bridge once a lull in their communications with Section Admiral Gheskori permitted, =^=Commodore Savot to Raven, situation understood. We will alter course to accommodate Enzio's anticipated warp jump and render any assistance we're able, if needed. El Salvador, out.=^=


Savot looked forward, "Helm, alter our course to avoid the Enzio's path of transit based on her current bearing and be prepared to parallel her course at a lateral distance of 10,000 kilometers at a 45-degree elevation to center off their port side. Ops, pipe a continuous tight-beam signal to the Enzio, relaying navigational data on any potential impediments along their imminent course of travel out to the distance they will travel before being able to achieve controlled deceleration. Tactical, stand ready to utilize Tractor beams to aid the Enzio's deceleration if necessary."


He then tapped intraship comms on his chair arm to relay further orders, =^=Captain to all hands. Medical teams and Transporters stand by to receive potential injuries from the starship Enzio. Fortune may favor us with an absence of any casualties but stand prepared until we confirm one way or the other. Engineering; have an emergency repair team standing by ready for rapid transit to any of our fellow starships that may require swift repairs. The full nature of what our fellows have been facing is, as yet, unclear but as stated preparation is the order of the day. Bridge out.=^=


Orders given, crewmen setting to carrying them out, the El Salvador prepared to link their course with the Enzio once it began its jolt forward, coming into place to her left side and 45-degrees above her center plane to give whatever aid, if any, the Enzio might need.


<Tag: Raven, Enzio>

[Carl Torek]

"Newton, be damned," Blakus murmured. As the USS Enzio passed them as it jumped to warp on its pre-programmed escape vector.

"Comms... Comms! A message, send a message!" Torek demanded suddenly, as the Enzio, now well beyond the outer edge of the aCen Star System vanished from the forefront of his thoughts.

"What should I send, Sir?"

"ANYTHING!... Standard Federation Starfleet greeting! ... Direct it along as many vectors through the wormhole as you can, if there are people the other side we'd give ourselves the best opportunity of making contact."

He felt that this may be their only chance for the time being, and if the phantom Starbase 'did' traverse the wormhole then what would become of them? ..... Would their very existence be jeopardized if or when the 'real' Starbase Forty-Seven returned? ..... These were questions that could have no real answer until such time as the events were faced. As suddenly as it had opened, the wormhole began to revert to its former state, and at the same time, the Starfleet vessels once again began to feel the almost immeasurable effects. Lieutenant Tinsley informed them of their situation and Carl ordered the Raven be moved to the outer edge of the System.

As Carl watched the viewscreen, the USS Enzio, now approaching the System after her turn, was once again closing on the aCen System and the Raven. Minutes later, El Salvador too had arrived .....

"Comms, contact the Enzio and El Salvador. Ask them both to close to five thousand kilometers of our position." Torek ordered, turning to his Executive Officer, "Now all three of us are here we should get together,"

=^= Commodore Savot to Raven .. Situation understood .. We will alter course to accommodate Enzio's anticipated warp jump and render any assistance we're able if needed .. El Salvador Out =^=

=^= Confirmed Commodore =^= Carl replied as he was informed that the Enzio had also confirmed their instructions.

"Admiral, any thoughts on the Maracanda?" Calli asked.

"Yes, contact the Maracanda, I have a feeling that the Section Admiral may want to join us," Carl said with a wry grin, "Anything from the Ireuken Confederacy?"

"Nothing as yet, though they did comment on the disappearance of their vessel," Commander Valente replied.

"Comment?" Blakus queried. But Calli just shrugged, saying they were 'unhappy' at the unfortunate loss, but those aboard the vessel knew what their actions could mean. They would not be seeking recompense... Apparently.

"Sir, the Enzio is in position ten thousand kilometers off our Port. El Salvador is approaching and appears to be taking station between us." Lysia T'Seng informed them, then continued suddenly, "Sir, I am picking up an unidentified vessel entering the System,"

"The design is comparable to the Ireuken, but much much larger," Wedlerson confirmed from Ops.

"Sir, Administrator Rac'zil is asking to speak with you," the Comms Officer informed Torek.

"On Screen Lieutenant," Carl ordered, turning to see the Level Seven Administrator:

=^= Admiral Torek .. You will no doubt have picked up one of our vessels entering the System .. I urge you or your fellow vessels to take no overt actions while our ship approaches =^= The Comm snapped off before Carl could even assure the man they had no intentions of any such actions. He looked around at his Senior Officers, but all had the same puzzled of concerned expressions.

"Comms, anything from the Section Admiral?" Blakus asked.

"No Sir, we are still encountering communication interference with both the Maracanda and the Primary Ireuken Facility."

"Still?" Carl asked.

"Comms became sporadic when the wormhole began to close Admiral, I'm trying to re-establish," the young Lieutenant retorted.

"Lysia put a tactical view of the Maracanda and the Facility onscreen," Carl ordered. He walked forward, studying the graphics, shaking his head in frustration, "Expand view, times twenty." he could see the three Starfleet vessels, USS Enzio, USS El Salvador, and the USS Raven, now line-abreast, spanning ten thousand kilometers. The newcomer, clearly more functional than the smaller Ireuken vessels, was approximately the size of El Salvador, it passed beneath the three Federation vessels before climbing and coming about to position herself before the three.

"Sir, we have Comms with the Marcanda, the Section Admiral is on..."

=^= We have company I see .. .. =^=

=^= We do .. .. I think it woul .. .. .. =^= Carl was replying as the Comm was interrupted:

=^= Federation representatives .. I am First Viceroy Tor'ng .. I believe it would be in 'all' our interests to confer on what you call a 'face to face' basis =^=

=^= Viceroy .. My name is Ghe .. .. .. =^=

=^= I feel that introductions should be made once we are in converse gentlemen .. Using your method of timekeeping I believe we should convene on my vessel .. The Tianee'ln .. At .. Let us say .. Nineteen Hundred Hours .. That .. If I am not mistaken is your evening time .. When you dine .. Do you not? .. Rendezvous coordinates are being transmitted for our meeting =^=

=^= Viceroy .. I am Fleet Admir .. .. .. =^= Carl began, but was interrupted.

=^= Introductions later .. Until then .. Please feel free to remove your vessel from adjacent our mining facility .. We need to undertake procedures which could prove damaging to your vessel should it remain in situ .. .. .. =^= the Comm snapped off, as did contact with the Maracanda as the Ireuken vessel again dipped below the Federation ships then climbed to the Galactic Plane before vanishing from sensors!

"Sir..." their Navigation Officer began, "I have received coordinates to which we are 'requested' to go." Harry said from Ops, "Sir, the location is almost nine light-years from our current position, and it has been stipulated that 'ALL' our Starships attend the designated rendezvous,"

"Have we had anything from our transmission?" Carl asked.

"No Sir, but would we not be able to receive anything until the wormhole reopened?" the Comms Officer asked.

"Sir, the Maracanda has left her position and is approaching us," Lysia T'Seng suddenly informed them.

"Good." was all Carl could say.

"Sir, we're receiving instructions from the Section Admiral ... The Maracanda will close to five thousand meters of the Raven. El Salvador and Enzio are instructed to do likewise..." Wedlerson said.

"... And?" Andae Blakus asked. But Harry could only shrug.

"Helm, bring us about to Heading two six seven Mark two zero and hold station. Instruct the Enzio and El Salvador to do likewise. Keep an eye on the Maracanda's approach..." Torek ordered, dropping into his seat ..........

[Gheskori]

Phantom Starbase 47

Anna believed she had finally done it, glancing at the screen she saw how the wormhole's entrance point (from the aCen side) was once again opening. The 'Starbase' remained in transit, it would be several hours, perhaps over a day before it emerged - if it could do so successfully - from the wormhole into the Beta Quadrant near the Yattho homeworld. Yes, there it was... the gravitational effect was once again being dispersed, it was time:

=/\=Dr Lindqvist to USS Maracanda and any other starships in the area... I've made it through on this station... We're progressing through the wormhole. We've taken minimal damage... I'd say if we were able to exit safely in the Beta Quadrant, then it would be acceptable for our own Starbase to attempt the journey as well...=/\= She ended the message as she saw the wormhole was once again closing, glancing at the small viewscreen in the lab, she saw the colours of the wormhole's interior displayed as the station rushed onwards.

USS Maracanda

=/\=Dr Lindqvist!=/\= There was no response as the wormhole again collapsed on itself to an invisible point in space, exerting once more a gravitational pull. "Can we recover any more of that message?" Gheskori asked Manley and Scober, who checked with their officers. They were attempting to reconstruct the brief communique, shortly they let Ghes know that the Starbase Chief Science Officer was suggesting Starbase 47 move itself to the wormhole. Ghes arranged a subspace comm to be sent: their own Starbase was to begin thrusting towards the aCen system; it would take a long time, but events were set in motion.

They progressed past the Ireuken base, "We are departing the anti-grav field projected by the Ireuken facility," Wilkes said, checking the helm's readings. Ghes acknowledged and turned his attention to the trio of starships now at the edge of the system-dominating nebula. He'd been pleased by his own ship's showing: she'd rescued the personnel aboard the alternate base in two groups, the second via an heroic Ireuken vessel - five of whose twelve crew had been recovered as well. The question of how those Ireukens were going to be repatriated was complicated following the arrival of an Ireuken capital ship, the viceroy made his demands and Ghes responded over the four-way comm once the Ireuken vessel had jumped to warp,

=/\=We're not going anywhere. Lindqvist has just made contact and we've commed the actual Starbase. This wormhole could well be the key to our returning to -=/\= <Tag Raven & El Sal for immediate reaction here?>

"Captain, the USS Enzio is activating MVAM separation," Onizuko reported calmly to Manley. Ghes did a sharp about turn, snapping for the Ops officer to repeat himself, which he duly did. "It's hard to believe, sir, but..." and he gestured sheepishly at the viewscreen which now showed the Enzio - alongside the Raven and El Salvador - dividing itself into three and spreading itself above, in front of and below the other two vessels.

"Hail Commander V'Maz on the Enzio," Ghes commanded.

Two seconds went by, "No response," Lieutenant Jarves reported. "Admiral, Captain, she's firing..." The Maracanda was rocked by phaser and torpedo fire from the Enzio's secondary section. Ghes tried to keep a grasp on what was happening, but it was of course impossible - had V'Maz lost his mind, or was there another, infinitely more likely explanation? What could it be, were the Ireukens responsible?

Little did he know the five Ireuken personnel recovered along with the Negotiator and co were crack troops, hand-picked by the military advisor to Administrator Rac'zil. Only 5 of their original number (12) had survived which was disappointing, but they'd been correct in counting on the USS Enzio to attempt rescuing them along with their own people. Now - having been briefed by Rac'zil who'd already told the Maracanda crew how he'd gained access to the Starfleet LCARS database - with the knowledge of the MVAM capability, of Starfleet security protocols, voice recognition and ship lockdown procedures, they'd gained control of the Enzio. Yes, they were only 5 against a crew of 175, but these were the elite of the elite, and as they'd learnt from their briefings on Starfleet's operational history, it only took the voice command of one hologram to activate an MVAM.

"The Ireuken personnel... I gave them all they needed," Ghes said aimlessly, "I said we weren't going anywhere, denied their viceroy."

The Maracanda rushed into the fray, soon finding that for whatever reason it was itself the Enzio's primary target. The Intrepid class tried to triangulate fire with the Raven against the Enzio's primary section but missed, the MVAM's random course changes being by design so hard to predict, while the El Salvador began a strafing run. On the Enzio, V'Maz, Yarwood and Clark tried from the main bridge to take back computer control.

<Tag Raven, El Sal - hope this is alright>

[Carl Torek]

Everyone aboard the Raven listened intently to the disjointed conversation between Doctor Lindqvist and the Section Admiral, and subsequently the Viceroy's demands that they leave the System until allowed re-entry. Even as they watched the Viceroy's vessel take up a position between the Federation hips and the nebula they heard Gheskori's reply:

=^= We are not going anywhere .. Doctor Lindqvist has just made contact and we have communicated with the actual Starbase. This wormhole could well be the key to our retu .. .. .. =^= Carl didn't head the remainder of the reply as Lysia T'Seng suddenly spun to face him:

"Sir, the Enzio is reconfiguring to Multi-Vector Assault Mode!"

"What?" Andae Blakus asked.

"Were they given a direct order to do so?" Carl asked, rising out of his seat as the Primary section of the Prometheus Class began to head towards the oncoming Maracanda whilst the Secondary and Tertiary sections moved away fast to Port and Starboard of the still motionless Raven and El Salvador...

"Raise shields!" Torek ordered, hardly believing what he was witnessing, he suddenly realized he may need to do something no Starship Captain would ever want to do, to fire on one of their own. He was brought back to reality as the Raven was rocked by phaser-fire slamming into the saucer section, he ordered Comms to instruct El Salvador to defend herself then began a cat and mouse chase with the Secondary section of the Enzio. T'Seng had activated Tactical Mode on the large viewscreen and e watched as the six vessels seemed to dance around each other, but while the Enzio sections were clearly trying to destroy the Federation vessels, none of the three, Gheskori, Torek, or Savot, wanted to make the decision that would see hundreds of lives lost.

The viceroy's vessel was seemingly remaining almost in her original position, firing on the three ships as they entered her weapons range then sitting back to await the next approaching target. It soon became clear that they were playing a losing game, there was only so much evasion could be managed before one of the three ships suffered serious damage... Carl made the decision to even the playing field.

"Helm, attack pattern Delta Four... Draw the Secondary section to us but on my mark turn directly for the Viceroy's ship. Dive below then as we clear I want a hard, full impulse turn to Port. With luck, they won't expect us to change course and will pass us as they clear their own ship. I want you to drop in astern stick there. Tactical: target phasers on their drive systems only, as soon as you have a lock, fire,"

"Aye Sir," the two Officers said in unison.

"Sir, the Maracanda has suffered significant damage to her saucer and drive sections."

"She'll have to fend for herself, we're busy," Carl replied.

"Admiral. At the velocity, you request, inertial dampers may be stressed beyond capacity. You may feel the effects, physically." the Gynoid informed them.

"We'll manage Commander, just get up behind that section."

The enormous Sovereign Class Raven yawed to Port and dropped below the Galactic Plane, corkscrewing through one eighty degrees as she turned and headed for the Viceroy's vessel. Either they hadn't expected the manoeuver or realized they were in no danger, they didn't attempt to fire, presumably awaiting one of the other ships to come into range... As the Raven swept beneath the motionless vessel she pitched upwards and again turned to Port, almost throwing anyone not seated off their feet. As quickly as the roller-coaster began it smoothed out and they could see the Secondary section of the Enzio below the transposed Tactical view. A second later the Raven's main phaser array fired, sending a beam of almost two hundred thousand kilojoules of energy slamming into the shields, less than half a second later a second beam pierced the shields and impacted with the Secondary sections Engineering... Carl watched as their target lost all power and began tumbling end over end. He could only silently hope that his actions hadn't caused any loss of life.

"Tactical, Status of the Maracanda and El Salvador?"

"The Maracanda is using thrusters to maneuver, El Salvador is holding her own, but the Enzio sections are beginning to cause damage," Lysia informed him.

"Comms, contact the Maracanda, I need to speak with the Section Admiral," Carl ordered.

"Their Comms must be off-line Admiral, I'm not getting anything," Carl looked at Andae and Calli then made a decision:

"Helm, take us out of the System, warp eight, any heading..." he ordered, realizing everyone was hanging on his next order, "Once out of their sensor range come about in a wide arc. I want to be ten thousand kilometers from the Ireuken Primary Facility five minutes ago, Commander Marionette, dropping from warp at the last possible moment would be appreciated. Lysia, arm Quantum Torpedoes and await my fire order," Torek instructed his Bridge Officers, not allowing his concerns to surface as the USS Raven jumped to warp leaving their friends and colleagues behind to fend for themselves .....

At high warp, the Raven began to turn, eventually heading back into the system and the nebula which might hold their only means of returning home. The Bridge was almost silent as they made their turn, each understanding the magnitude of their situation ..... Less than a second before they entered the nebula, the Raven abruptly dropped from warp, slowing rapidly until the could see the Ireuken Facility .....

"Comms, open a channel, all frequencies,"

"Channel open Admiral,"

=^= USS Raven to all vessels currently in this system .. .. I have locked quantum torpedoes the Ireuken Facility currently located above the wormhole within this nebula .. .. You will take weapons and shields off-line and hold your current positions .. .. Personnel in control of the USS Enzio Sections will submit themselves to Starfleet personnel immediately .. .. Failure to comply will result in the destruction of the aforementioned Facility =^= He had made his demand, the threat was clear. He didn't have long to wait: The still operational sections of the Enzio ceased firing, both taking up positions close to the El Salvador and the Maracanda, then the Comm chirped to life:

=^= I believe you are not the Senior Officer Admiral Torek .. Maybe you should discuss your actions with Section Admiral .. Gheskori .. He may be less inclined to see you and yours eradicated =^=

=^= Who am I speaking with? =^= Carl asked, not even knowing if Gheskori or anyone else on the Maracand was alive given the battering it had endured.

=^= I am Tor'ng .. First Viceroy of the Ireuken Confederacy .. Deactivate your weapons and depart the nebula .. You will rendezvous with my ship where we will 'discuss' things further =^=

=^= Return control of the Enzio to her Officers immediately =^= Torek replied.

=^= You believe you have the how you say .. Upper hand .. But I assure you Admiral .. You do not =^= the man replied, much too casually.

=^= Thirty seconds Viceroy .. .. =^= Carl retorted. He looked at the chronometer above the viewscreen, watching as the seconds ticked off one by one.

=^= I can only assume that you are willing to destroy any chance of your utilizing the wormhole for your journey home, so it would appear that both of us lose if you continue =^=

=^= We will find another way home .. Will you find anoth .. .. .. =^= Carl began but the Comm snapped off ..........




< Tag : Gheskori / Savot >

[Deis Irae]

{On the El Sal}

::The hour helped. As did strenuous physical exercise of an artistic nature. Mostly. One can only be so artistic when one is so out of practice. So it is with a sweaty countanance and more relaxed set of shoulders that a leotard clad Irae heads back to her quarters to sonic shower up. She is only just stepping out of the shower cubicle when the call comes::

=^=Captain to all hands. Medical teams and Transporters stand by to receive potential injuries from the starship Enzio. Fortune may favor us with an absence of any casualties but stand prepared until we confirm one way or the other. Engineering; have an emergency repair team standing by ready for rapid transit to any of our fellow starships that may require swift repairs. The full nature of what our fellows have been facing is, as yet, unclear but as stated preparation is the order of the day. Bridge out.=^=

Ach, th melodious voice o command. ::She muses as she brushes hair back from her face and gets into a fresh uniform. Tapping her commbadge as soon as its settled onto her chest even as shes stepping back out of the door:: =/\=Acknowledged Capn. Ill be wi th medical teams unless ye need me on-bridge. At yer beck n call, as per usual. Irae out.=/\= ::she actually sounds more like herself, so thats all to the good::

::Corridors, nod the passersby, turbolift, sickbay. Striding right into the "muster", motioning for Iris to bring her the roster. She barely needs to check it over. The womans been doing this since before Deis herself graduated medical school.:: Iris...once this be over, study up a bit on yer protocols. Were gettin ye certified as CMO. ::This causes the woman to blink and stop what shes doing, staring at Deis:: "Commander...i am not a certified doctor. I am just a nurse!" ::Deis snorts and gets a small medgroup heading out of sickbay to wait in the transporter areas in case of incomming:: Woman, yer th most able bodied nurse ive e'er known. Will take ye 9 months and 5 exams t get yer doctorate accordin to th trainin listed in yer dossier. So bloody well do it. We need ye. ::Then she takes a moment and actually looks at the nurse and offers a smile and a squeeze to the upper arm:: Ye know i wouldnt trust th CMO space to anyone but ye. Please. We need all hands on deck...an that includes ones able t perform surgery... ... ...an keep me from snappin at th wounded. A doctor is nuthin w'out empathy. I canna be th best doctor i can be an also be First officer. Th Capn needs me there. Had to step up in my time, Iris. Now its yer turn. ::And thus she leaves the astonished Iris to step into her smaller research station, clearing it for more practical use.::

[Gheskori]

"The Enzio has reactivated shields," Onizuko reported from Ops. Not long of Carl's countdown remained, Ghes noted. It seemed perhaps the viceroy was going to let the Ireuken station be destroyed, and deal with the consequences.

Smythe and Bligh had been seeing to these measures that Ghes still couldn't fathom, the details baffled him, but the two engineers as well as Frank Scober - who'd once been an engineer - assured him it would work. The one active phaser array was being primed, and the remaining PTCs with a mostly nominal plasma flux were having their incumbent energies redirected towards the ship's drive section.

"Navigational deflector and phaser array are ready, sir - tetryon pulse and overloaded phaser power unit is prepared," Jarves reported from tactical. Ghes glanced at the battered and bruised Manley who was consigned to his command chair, the CO had dislocated a knee and for the moment couldn't walk.

"Then fire, Lieutenant," Manley directed.

The mostly crippled Maracanda brought itself about by a few degrees with a burst of lateral thrusters and brought the Enzio tertiary section within its firing arc. The tetryon pulse was unleashed from the nav deflector; the phaser array blew out its own components as it loosed a final - hopefully not too deadly - salvo at the tertiary hull. Lights dimmed on the Intrepid class' bridge briefly before emergency power - what was left of it - kicked in.

"Did it work?" Manley asked after a pause, coughing on the fumes rising from various stations.

"Aye, sir! We've punched a hole in the Enzio's tertiary section's shields. I'd recommend beam-in now, sir," Onizuko said, turning. Ghes nodded, he'd already decided he would be part of the boarding party (to his own ship - unbelievable); all of Manley and Scober's efforts to dissuade him had been unsuccessful. He was transported directly to the transporter room to join the marines and engineers - the former to secure the section against the limited number of Ireukens, the latter to take back computer control - and from there was beamed aboard the Enzio before it could reharmonise its shield grid to compensate for the gap.

He materialised in a familiar passageway and breathed a sigh of relief even though he knew he was still in imminent danger. The marines spread through the corridor and the engineers immediately accessed the nearby computer panel in a maintenance junction. "Sir!" a voice called from down the corridor. It was an Enzio NCO, and others came running.

"Crewman," Ghes smiled, glad to see a friendly face.

"Admiral... when we started firing on the Maracanda," the man almost choked, "When we virtually disabled you, we feared the worst." Ghes told the crewman to have no fear and asked to be briefed as they and the gaggle of other NCOs and four Enzio officers present headed for a turbolift.

Lieutenant Kempton who was present reported, "We've incapacitated the Ireuken in this tertiary hull but we still haven't regained computer control. We're aboard a ship that's acting of its own will, or rather in the service of hostiles, and there's nothing we can do about it. The other four Ireukens are divided between the primary and secondary hulls - they may already be dead as well, but the same situation will persist for our officers over there."

"Don't worry, I have the best of the best of the Maracanda's engineers working on it," Ghes looked, nearly smirking, at Bligh and his engineers working at the junction to restore control. Bligh noticed the Admiral's glance and shook his head with a smile. "No pressure, Lieutenant," the Denobulan said brightly and had himself led towards the tertiary hull's bridge where Kempton had taken 'command', of a ship beyond his control.

=/\=We have it, sir; shields and engines are still in the hands of the MVAM but we have comms, weapons and other essential controls.=/\= Bligh reported from two decks down. Ghes nodded and had the Raven, El Sal and Maracanda hailed,

"Raven, this is the Enzio, Admiral Gheskori speaking. We have partial control of the tertiary section, have rendered it non-lethal. Carl, it seems the first viceroy is willing to let his facility be destroyed, so do just that and see what their reaction may be. El Salvador and Maracanda - Captain Manley, if your ship is able - prepare to transport out the Ireukens aboard the facility immediately prior to its destruction by the Raven. Place Rac'zil and all his colleagues in holding cells, maximum security. All ships, under no circumstances are we to leave the vicinity of the nebula and follow the viceroy... Who knows what trap we may be walking into at his negotiating coordinates."

<Tag Raven, El Sal>

[Savot]

[El Salvador: Main Bridge]


Within seconds of being freed from the gravitic forces of the wormhole and altering her warp-sped course to re-convene with the gathered starships, the Prometheus-class U.S.S. Enzio implemented its Multi-Vector-Assault-Mode and separated into 3 highly maneuverable hulls before opening fire on the other Starfleet ships. Even as Admiral Torek gave the orders to defend themselves, Savot was ordering Red Alert activating shields and weapons.


Being the latest addition to the group and therefore the least knowledgeable about the events as they had thus far unfolded, Savot decided to place his focus on lending support to his fellow vessels, “Helm, bring us underneath the Maracanda; Tactical, stand by to extend our shields to envelop them as well. For now, lock all phasers onto the Gamma hull of the Enzio and fire to disable.  Security teams to all critical areas of the ship in case of enemy boarding efforts.” Having served for many years aboard the Prometheus-class incarnation of the now Excalibur-class El Salvador, Savot was well versed in that class’ systems and capabilities, and with the added functionality of the Deflector Dish being within the Gamma hull the Vulcan judged that part of the vessel to present the greatest potential threat.


As the El Salvador maneuvered with a grace proportionate to her size through her fellow starships, a few volleys of phaser fire then saw the Maracanda utilize a pulse burst to open a temporary hole in the Gamma hull’s shields. Savot’s Vulcan mind ran through possible responses like a computer running a checklist. Even as he considered the possibility of sending additional security personnel to join Admiral Gheskori’s recovery effort he dismissed it as the window would be too brief to be taken advantage of by anyone not already aware of, and waiting for, the plan. So he kept his focus on aiding the Maracanda and soon the El Salvador was belly-to-belly underneath the Intrepid-class Maracanda.


Savot opened a channel to both the Maracanda’s bridge, and Commander Deis Irae in the El Sal’s sickbay, =^=El Salvador to Maracanda. Our shields are extending around you and we’re transporting medical teams to you to render any assistance needed. Commander Irae, I entrust you to the temporary authority of Captain Manley. Captain; I recommend we synchronize our navigational systems and perform a simultaneous spiral maneuver to continually present different facing shields to the enemy’s fire to avoid their focusing fire on one section and bombarding through it.=^=


<Tag: Maracanda, and Deis Irae>


=^=Acknowledged, Maracanda, we will comply. Savot out=^=, he then opened a channel to the Raven, =^=Raven from El Salvador; we will safeguard the Maracanda, and attempt to divert the fire of the Alpha and Beta hulls of the Enzio while you make your move.=^=


Savot then turned to the Gorn at Tactical, “Chief Zakryn, shift all phaser power to reinforce our shields, and re-purpose the phaser banks to emit an antimatter spread in the path of Enzio’s Alpha and Beta hulls. Ideally this will confuse their sensors for a sufficient duration allowing the Raven to act un-molested by enemy fire."


<Tag: All>

[Carl Torek]

SD: 2406.04.0210
Wormhole ::


"Captain Manley, if your ship is able, Prepare to transport out the Ireukens aboard the facility immediately prior to its destruction by the Raven. Place Rac'zil and all his colleagues in holding cells, maximum security," Gheskori had ordered. Manley contacted the Raven:

=^= Raven .. We are ready to transport the Ireuken contingent off the Facility on your command =^= he confirmed as El Salvador took up a position directly beneath them.

=^= Stand by Maracanda .. .. .. =^= Torek said, turning to his Tactical Officer, "Koni, replace the Quantum Torpedos with standard and prepare to fire..." =^= Maracanda .. Transport now =^=

=^= We have them Raven =^= Commander Manley confirmed. Carl nodded to T'Seng, who fired the torpedoes ..... The two photon torpedoes lanced across space slamming into the Ireuken facility, which exploded in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics before the remnants were pulled beyond the event horizon to disappear. Immediately, Koni retasked the targeting scanners to lock onto the Viceroy's vessel!

=^= El Salvador .. Can you move back with the Maracanda while keeping your shields in place? =^= Carl asked Commadore Savot.

=^= we will do so now Admiral =^= the Vulcan replied. Carl could see the two vessels moving slowly away from the wormhole whilst El Salvador maintained weapons locks on the sections of the Enzio. It didn't take long for the Ireuken Viceroy to react to events... His face appeared on Raven's viewscreen, his face dark, eyes locked piercingly on Torek.

=^= Rejoice in your massacre .. Admiral .. You will have long hours to reflect on your actions today .. You and you meager band of Federation orphans =^=

=^= You have failed in your attempt to take the Enzio Tor'ng .. Resign yourself to the fact that you brought this upon yourself .. We will arra .. .. .. =^=

=^= You are already dead Admiral .. As are all those on your oh so precious STARBASE .. For even as we speak .. Vessels are being sent out to exact revenge for your actions =^=

Carl knew that the Section Admiral and Commodore Savot were listening in to the conversation, so he wondered why the Ireuken viceroy had targeted him for his diatribe, but then something occurred to him:

=^= You believe we would simply stand by and allow this I assume? =^= Carl said, turning as if he was speaking to someone off-screen he nodded then continued, =^= You will lower your shields .. Take ALL weapons systems off-line and await boarding .. The result of your failure to comply will be three-fold .. We will destroy your ship .. We will then hunt down all vessels attempting to approach our Starbase .. Thirdly .. And please pay very careful attention Viceroy .. We will travel to your homeworld and decimate it on your behalf! =^= the man was clearly shaken but hid it well when he replied:

=^= Your precious 'PRIME DIRECTIVE' prevents you from taking such actions =^=

=^= You claim to have all the information you need from Enzio's computers .. Look up 'General Order 24' .. I'll wait .. .. =^= almost casually leaning back as he watched the man speak to someone then look down, presumably at a second screen. Carl was somewhat satisfied as the color drained from the Viceroy's face... Finally, he looked back at the viewscreen:

=^= So .. .. You are nothing more than barbarian's after all! =^= Tor'ng spat.

=^= To be honest Viceroy .. I believe it is you and your race that has proved your worth .. Or lack thereof .. Now .. If you are willing to deactivate your weapons and shields and agree to transport aboard the Enzio on completion of her sections docking .. I am sure we can sit down and discuss the ramifications of the last hours =^=

=^= You took lives when you destroyed the facility .. This cannot be forgiven .. Retribution is required =^=

=^= No-one died over there Viceroy .. .. .. =^= Carl said,, seeing Tur'ng frown in confusion, =^= Lower your shields .. Speak with us .. There has to be an explanation for your actions .. An explanation we would be willing to hear .. .. The alternative is war viceroy .. Something which we have spent a great deal of time trying to avoid at all costs .. But do not mistake our hesitancy with inability =^= While he sat in the center seat, impassively watching a man who was clearly struggling with something unknown to the Federation Officers, he was informed that all Ireuken who had boarded the Enzio were now in custody. He wondered how close to the aforementioned 'war' they were coming and hoped Tor'ng would see sense.

"The Enzio is recombining." Lysia whispered, Carl, nodded almost imperceptibly as he watched the viewscreen.

=^= Viceroy .. .. This cannot end well if you persist .. .. =^= Torek urged.

"Sir, the Viceroy's vessel is lowering shields and deactivating all weapons systems," T'Seng confirmed suddenly. Carl inwardly relaxed a fraction but was still wary of the man: Why attack then simply give up? .... He spun to the Comms Officer and drew a finger across his throat, silently instructing her to cut the audio:

"He said ships were being sent to the Starbase!" Carl said, a sense of dread running through him suddenly, "Lysia, long-range scans, do we have anything?"

"Nothing, but they could be beyond sensor range," the Tactical Officer said.

"Open a Comm to the Maraca ...." he began, but the Comms Officer interrupted, saying the Section Admiral was trying to contact him, "On screen, quickly!"

=^= I may have just dropped us in one hell of a hole Admiral =^= Carl said ..........




< Tag : Gheskori / Savot >

[Gheskori]

USS Enzio tertiary hull

From the tertiary section as the ship completed its recombination, Ghes began to to register how his ship had taken back full control. They'd lost seven out of 175 people, three to the Ireuken elites, four to fire from the other Fed vessels... He nodded his head ruefully, it'd been necessary - more personal letters sent to bereaved mostly human families to which he'd politely apply more human flavours: comfort which focussed on condolence, not on bright futures filled with the promise of further offspring. They'd lost life to fire from fellow Federation starships, but it'd been unavoidable. Ghes blamed himself for falling into the Ireukens' ploy.

He was shown an aft view of the Enzio's reintegrating sections; the ship was ailing, particularly in the usually formidable secondary hull, =/\= Commodore Savot, request of your Doctor and Nurses and EMH if you have one that some of my crew are in need of, in some cases, urgent medical assistance. Please transport more medical teams at your earliest convenience but do not hurry - I know how stretched you all are over there.=/\=

<Tag Savot, Deis - any objections considering overstretched?>

Ghes had seen that the viceroy's vessel had deactivated shields and powered down its weapons' arrays; it was a fearsome craft, perhaps capable of going 3 vs 1 - against the main Starfleet vessels combined - if it was operating nominally.

=^= I may have just dropped us in one hell of a hole Admiral =^= Fleet Admiral Torek commed.

It was good to know they finally had a clear line. The cessation of the attack did seem ood, though perhaps the Ireuken Confederacy were disenheartened by the loss of their five Ireuken saboteurs and of the outpost - perhaps the first viceroy, while willing to lose the station, hadn't expected the Feds to actually carry through with the threat and had been put on the backfoot.

=/\=It may not be so bad, but it may possibly be so,=/\= Ghes mused in the corridor to himself and to Torek as the Raven CO informed him of his talk with Tor'ng. =/\=Then they're willing to come aboard the Enzio for negotiations?=/\= Ghes blurted in surprise; he signalled to the Ops and tactical officers to conduct a beam-out of the 3 (out of 5) elite Ireuken saboteurs (who'd wreaked havoc on the Enzio) from the Enzio brig to the El Salvador brig, again, maximum security - he couldn't have them aboard Enzio while Tor'ng and his associates were present.

=/\=We'll position ourselves on the farthest reaches of the nebula, far enough from the wormhole to give the Ireukens some security... We destroyed a ship of theirs, an outpost, and by necessity had to eliminiate one of their scout craft, they've suffered the worse losses,=/\= he finished to Carl. =/\=Savot, Grant, hold station - with the Ireuken hostages inside the throrium-dominated nebula Tor'ng may hesitate before making over-bold claims and demands in our talks.=/\=


USS Enzio main bridge

Ghes finally re-entered the Enzio's main bridge - bright, cerulean, almost white light surrounding the place, futuristic even for a ship whose sister-prototype was launched in the 2370s. There was a another deep exhalation, something from deep inside him - he'd been on the Scavenger, the Victory (had even been Acting XO then CO of her once), but nothing compared to this ship, hers was a crew he felt well-accustomed to, not so much as their leader but as a man of the people. The thought of the other vessels striking at the Enzio had sickened him though he knew deep within their actions (including after all his own) had been justified.

=/\=There's something else, Gheskori," Torek said from the viewscreen, =/\=Tor'ng had mentioned Ireuken ships - powerful ones - closing on SB47.=/\= A bluff, Ghes was impelled to say. =/\=Now, had could they have known about the base you may ask, but you say Rac'zil had access to LCARS, and Tor'ng's own ship vanished against the interstellar background minutes ago, and with no warp signature?=/\= Torek asked.

=/\=Cloaking devices...?=/\=

=/\=Aye, it may explain why my tactical officer hasn't been able to detect any of these supposed ships on long range sensors.=/\=

A few minutes went by. Ghes waited impatiently, incesssantly tapping the armrest of his command chair - unusual for a Denobulan though less so for him; usually members of his species were calm and rested - if somewhat garrulous and given to food and hibernation. He tapped his arm-panel, =/\=All Starfleet ships, we've scanned for the signs of cloaked Ireuken ships in the immediate vicinity, near the wormhole and in the far reaches of the nebula... - no tachyons or anything... No cloaked vessels we can discern.=/\=


USS Enzio transporter & conference room

Now the absolute critical situation was behind them, the two factions finally agreed at least on a rendezvous point not far from an outer icy dwarf planet. Tension remained high. Tor'ng came aboard claiming that as First Viceroy he was designated the representative of the Chief Commissioner of the Ireuken Confederacy. His and his four guards' disruptor rifles had been disabled mid-transport (they hadn't been in process of discharge, but the Enzio crew elected to play it safe).

The transporter chief exited as Ghes along with his officers and uncertain Ireuken guests turned to see six new beams of cerulean light coalescing on the transporter pad. He smiled and extended a hand, "At long last, Fleet Admiral," he said as the Section XO stepped off the pad, "Either our crews have been on separate missions or one has been at base and the other out on exploration. Commodore Savot," he bowed to the Vulcan politely, "Thank you for protecting the Maracanda. I understand your last mission was a difficult one."

Accompanying the five new beam-ins were the second officers of the Raven, El Salvador and Maracanda (the XOs of the ships remaining aboard their own vessels to oversee matters): Calli Valente, de facto second officer of the Raven, [feel free to mod here Savot for El Sal second officer] and Erin Wilkes of the Intrepid class; Engineer Clark and the Negotiator were also present.

So with eight officers (2 Enzio, 2 Raven, 2 El Salvador, 2 Maracanda), one civilian (the Negotiator) and the five Ireukens they proceeded to the conference room; Tor'ng's expression - before and after he sat - gravitated between fury and confusion, perhaps shame and even distress. "Understand, Starfleet, that despite my willingness to let you destroy our mining outpost, it may mean a war with our mercantile neighbours, the Alarodians; they'll no longer receive neccessary fissile materials... This wormhole's energy output as processsed by us was one of their major imports. They're warlike, imbued with a military spirit; they may well launch an attack on us and their space-forces out number us two to one. Now, ally with us and defeat them...

"No! don't back away from this, you are already involved.. They'll come for us as they'll come for you as well, chase you up to your Starbase... Or, if you must keep your distance - though we'll expect you to fight the Alarodians should they attack either of us -, then repair what you've done: help us restart the flow of neutrons through the wormhole."

"We're already working towards opening it again. I mean, Anna Lindqvist - ... she is," the Negotiator said quietly but brusquely. Yarwood next to him nodded.

<Tag Enzio, Raven, El Sal>