“Commander, we are exiting warp now. “

A low whistle is let out as Commander Thornton pulls his pipe from his mouth. Well, look at that. That’s what I call an array. I can tell you this is not like the one that the Dragon is setting up. No way. Ensign Skyk, start your scans, and make sure we record everything.”

“Yes, commander.”

“Commander, we are picking up transmissions, Seems to be using some sort of code and modulation system. We are only picking up bits and pieces. The computer is trying its best to make heads or tales of it all.”

“All forces…operation …”

“Launch….along D… “

“We have liberated …….”

“Sector … reports heavy ….”

“Starfleet vessels in ……”

“New allies…. Repeat do not cross… in Sector Delta”

“Sectors Delta, …., Hotel and Kilo. under ….control”

Commander Thornton watched the broken messages come across his console. “Something is going on, somewhere. The question is what is this operation? Where are they? And who is allying with the Breen?”

“Sounds like Starfleet is involved, so I’m sure we will be hearing something soon if the Dragon hasn’t already received reports.” the Edosian lieutenant said from the helm console.

“Commander, I’m seeing multiple warp trails. Look to be Breen in origin.”

“How many and a can we tell how often, ensign Nicholson”

The ensign shook her head as she watched the data on her console. “Hard to say for sure commander. Though I can say they come and go in duos. Looking at the degradation of the various trails I would say roughly every 24 hours or so. I’m recording the warp signatures right now and will run them against known Breen ship signatures in the system.”

“Very well Ensign. Can you tell how old the newest trail is? How long till someone pops back in here, that would be nice to know.”

“Pulling up that information right now, commander. I would say 21 to 22 hours ago. So we have roughly two to three hours before we can expect company.”

“Well folks, that should give us plenty of time to do what we came here to do, maybe even a bit extra. I’m starting a two-hour clock now. That’s our time limit folks.” he sat back in the Arrows captain’s chair and put the pipe back in his mouth. “Let’s see what we can find shall we,” he mumbled around the pipe stem.

Lieutenant LauPyju, keep us at long-range scanner distance for now. Ensign Skyk let us know if you find anything of particular interest.”

“Logically speaking it is all of the interest, Commander.”

The commander smiled around his pipe and shook his head “Vulcans”

“Commander, analyzing the first reports from the scans. Going off of what limited information we have on the Breen I believe we are looking at an array housing long and short-range sensor arrays, comms array with a subspace repeater. Interesting, I’m reading a power core twice the normal size.”

Thornton pulled the pipe from his mouth. “Twice?”

“At least, commander.”

Thornton looked around the interior of the Arrow class runabout. “Does that seem odd to anyone else? In my experience, there’s only one reason why you would need a larger power source.”

“Ensign Skyk, are we seeing any weapons platforms on this thing?”

“That data is coming in now, commander. Reading two Breen phaser arrays and two Breen Energy neutralizing weapons.” Ensign Skyk turned to look at Commander Thornton.

“I knew something was off as soon as we arrived, that is not a simple sensor array that is what someone places to keep folks out of one’s backyard. Ensign, do you have everything you need”

“I do”

“Helm, plot a course back to the Dragon.”

“Sir, we were just scanned by the array, guess they finally took notice of us.”

“Damn it, we spent too much time looking at what the neighbors have.” Thornton gripped his pipe and tapped it on his armrest before placing it back in his mouth. “How long till those ships come back.”

“Roughly an hour, sir” as the opes officer looked at the countdown on his console.

“Probably, sooner now.”

“That would make the most logic, sir”

“Ensign, encrypt the data, and send it to the Dragon. If they got that array up and running they should be able to receive it. Helm, let’s not wait around for them, let’s get out of here before the neighbors come knocking, set a course for the Dragon. Warp eight.”

Just as the Arrow runabout disappeared in a flash of light two other flashes appeared as two Breen interceptors arrived and started to orbit the coordinates that the runabout had just left.

***

The crew of the Dragon watched as a large Breen cruiser suddenly dropped out of warp several hundred kilometers off of their bow.

“Commander, scans are showing that they do not have their weapons powered up, they do have power to their shields though.”

“Take us to the yellow alert, Skagath.” Klaxons sound as the lights strobe amber then go do a dull amber color throughout the ship signaling to all the heightened alert conditions.” Skagath, Do not power up weapons, let’s not provoke them if we don’t have to. Zolitia, are our scans showing anything else in the area? We know that where you see one you will usually find another or more.”

“Not yet, commander, we are not seeing anything on long or short-range scans.”

Kr’Antren walked onto the bridge from his ready room and looked at the main view screen. “Well that took longer than I expected, have we heard from Commander Thornton? I have the conn, Aryanna.” she passed him the Dragon ring.

“Last we heard they had just arrived at the array,” she pointed at the view screen “This can’t be a coincidence then. Our ship appears outside a supposed array and they show up here.”

“Hmmmm, it does seem like it doesn’t it.” Kr’Antren tapped on his combadge. “Lieutenant Bearsong, report to the bridge as soon as possible. We have visitors.”

“On my way, Captain figured something was up when we went to yellow alert.”

“Captain, they are scanning us.”

“Copy that Skagath, let’s do the same, shall we? Not too invasive but let’s find out who we are dealing with, besides the obvious answer.”

“Yes, sir”

“I’m all ears Aryanna, any ideas?”

“Only one right now. What are they waiting on? No hail’s, non-aggressive stance, only one ship. From what we know of the Confederacy this is a bit out of character. This takes me back to my first question.”

“I would have to agree with you. They seem to be content just sitting there. Comms, anything?”

“No, captain.” the comms officer shook their head.

“Hmmmmm, send a hail. Let’s see if they respond.”

The comms officer nodded as they typed something on their console. “Hail sent, captain. No response but I can confirm that they received the message.”

Kr’Antren looked at Aryanna with a raised eyebrow. “Well, I would say that the ball is in their court. We can’t leave without Commander Thornton and his team.”

Aryanna snapped her fingers, which coming from the gloved hand had a slight metallic ting to the sound. “That’s it, Kr’Antren. They know. I bet they are waiting to see what we do with whatever the information is. They know we sent a team to that array.”

“Hmmmmm, that sounds like as good of a reason as any. But why wait? Why not confront us as is their typical way? What are they waiting for? What did our team find?

“Comms, anything from the commander yet?”

“No sir, nothing yet. But they have only been there for a few minutes. According to their last report.”

“As soon as we hear anything let us know. What are we looking at, Skagath?”

“Well lad, what we got here is a confederacy Chel Grett cruiser. Pretty decently armed, I’m showing at least one, maybe two of those energy-neutralizing weapons of theirs. Pretty typical deflector shields and the warp core is larger than normal for their ships, probably to power them, possibly modified or a newer version, energy neutralizer weapons of theirs. According to the computer, this one has not been logged into Starfleet systems. So I’m working on that, trying to get as much data as possible for them. Warp core signature is already logged into the computer and sent to Task Force Intelligence to be disseminated to the rest of the Task Force.”

Kr’Antren and Aryanna turn as they hear the turbo-lift doors open and shut. “Well Lieutenant, looks like we have some visitors.” he pointed toward the main view screen. “No hostile actions yet, no response to our hails, and nor have they sent any to us.”

Lieutenant Bearsong took a seat in the left-hand chair beside the captain and signed into the console. “That’s out of the norm for the Breen isn’t it?”

“It is”

“Yes, But for some odd reason, I don’t think Starfleet’s guidelines for dealing with the Breen are the right play here. I think If that is what they wanted us to do I don’t think they would just be sitting here like this. Something else is going on here.”

“They’re waiting for something or someone. Comms, anything?” Aryanna asked from her seat.

“No, ma’am”

“I believe the earth has a saying for this particular scenario, I believe they call it a Mexican standoff. No one is willing to make the first move, everyone just sits and waits for something to happen.”

“Captain, incoming transmissions from Commander Thornton.” 

“About time, send it to my console.” he looked over at Aryanna and ran a hand through his beard and then over at Lieutenant Bearsong. “Well, let’s see what is going on.”

The three officers crowded around the captain’s console and dissected the report.

“What the….Now that is not what I was expecting. Scamandrius, I’m sending you the report also. “ Kr’Antren turned and looked back at the breen cruiser. “Aryanna, Lieutenant Bearsong. Thoughts?”

“I would have to agree with Thornton, that is not a simple array. If I would have to make a diplomatic guess they are trying to set a precedence of ownership. We all know that they have claimed that security buffer but with this “she pointed at the console “they are saying this is ours!” Lieutenant Bearsong said as she looked at the main view screen beside the captain. “So what are they doing?”

<<” If it was my guess I would say that they are waiting for us to get that transmission. I would expect them to reach out anytime now. But that’s just my two cents”>>

Aryanna nodded “I would have to agree with Rigras, they are waiting for…”

“Captian, incoming transmission from the Breen ship.”

“Put it on the main view screen.”

They watched as the main view screen filled with an image of a breen officer in the typical helmet and mask.

Kr’Antren stood and stepped forward from the center chair “This is Captain Kr’Antren of the Federation vessel USS Dragon.”

“You have had a chance to look at your transmission, captain.”

Kr’antren looked around the bridge. “Umm, what transmission? And who am I talking to?”

Don’t play games with me Captain, we know about the spy vessel that was at our new border security array. We know that they left rather quickly and we know that their trail started with your ship. We know more than you may think, we have been watching and waiting. I waited till you got that transmission. I wanted you to know the truth.”

Aryanna quickly stepped up beside Kr’Antren “The truth?”

The helmeted figure quickly looked at Aryanna and then back at Kr’Antren. “You have not heard the news, well well well this is most interesting. Has the vaunted federation not informed everyone, I’m sure you have heard or maybe your little bird heard.” 

Kr’Antren looked over at his comms officer who shook their head and then back at Scamandrius “Any idea what he is talking about?”

“One, sir. The broken transmissions that Commander Thornton was able to record. What if they are some sort of broadcast to all Breen ships? something that is going on somewhere else.”

The Breen officer sat forward in their chair and let out a breathy chuckle. “That one is smart, that one would make a good slave. So Captain you asked about me. My name is Commander Zeln and this is the ZadkWak. Do not forget either one. “

“So how may we help you, commander?”

“Help us? No, we are here to give you a warning to take back to your so-called Task Force. Tell them that when the confederacy is finished with our current operation we are coming to the Expanse. Tell them that we will enslave many, tell them that their time is limited.”

“You realize commander that what you’re saying is a declaration of war,” Kr’Antren stated.

A loud laugh emanated from the Breen. “ What you do not know, what you do not realize is that it has already started. I’m sure you will be finding out soon enough, captain.”

Kr’Antrem looked at Aryanna and then gave Skagsth a sideways glance as Skagsth shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. 

“Comms, send a priority message to Task Force Command, let them know what’s going on here, and find out what the hell is going on.”

“Captain Kr’Antren, for now, we will let you wait for your little bird, do not try to go deeper into our territory. We will allow your little array to stay here as we do not see it as a threat. Maybe someday I’ll let my tactical officer use it as target practice but not today. You have forty-eight of your earth hours to depart this area, if you do not then our next meeting will not be as…. Cordial.”

The transmission suddenly ended as the main view screen returned to the Breen cruiser floating in front of them. 

A few hours later the cruiser turned and warped off to only appear the next day this time with a partner. 

“Well Kr’Antren that confirms that piece of information from Thornton, looks like they are on a roughly 24-hour patrol schedule.”

Kr’Antren took a dip from the mug he was holding. “And they borough a friend, I was wondering where their partner was as we know that confederacy ships always work in duos or small groups. Skagath, make sure we record the data on our new friend.”

“Already scanning, captain.”

“Sir, transmission from Commander Thornton. They should be arriving in the next two hours. Looks like they pushed the arrow as fast as it would go.”

“Good, good…Aryanna,  the question now is where do we go from here?”

“My gut and Rigras say to go find some more of these arrays so we can see how big of an area we are dealing with, the logical side of me says wait for Task Force Command to reply to our messages, the other side says we go all in and let the torpedoes fly.” Aryanna shrugged.

“I’m leaning toward the logical side myself. That’s it then we wait.” Kr’Antren looked at the main view screen. 

Lieutenant Sustrum turned from his console toward the captain. “Sir, Commander Thornton, and crew are onboard, he sent a message saying he is on his way up to the bridge.”

“Thank you, lieutenant have him come to my ready room. Aryanna, join me. Skagath, you have the conn” he passed the dragon ring to his Tactical officer and made his way to his ready room, followed by Aryanna.

“I wanted to debrief him somewhere other than the bridge, grab yourself a drink and have a seat.”

Aryanna stopped at the replicator and ordered a large glass of iced tea. 

Roughly an hour later Commander Thornton entered the ready room and quickly flopped in a chair. “So what’s with our visitors?”

Kr’Antren quickly filled him in on the past 48 hours. 

Thornton sat up and pulled the pipe from his mouth. “Damn… They knew we would find that array and waited. Damn, bastards. So as towards what they said, anything further?”

Kr’Antren typed something on his desk console and the room’s view screen went to the recorded FNN reports. 

“Oh crap, so are we at war? Give me the world and I’ll launch the Angels and we will send them back to whatever gods they may believe in.”

Kr’Antren held up a hand. “It’s a lie, commander. We just received an encrypted message from Task Force Command directly from Fourth Fleet command.”

“A Lie, but it’s damn FNN and star fleet reporting it. Are you sure?”

Arayanna stood and walked over to the ready rooms viewing panels. “We had the same response, Commander. But it’s worse, much worse.”

Kr’antren sat back in his chair and ran a hand through his beard. “Well the commander is here, let’s bring in the staff and do this once.” Kr’Antren tapped his console “All command staff report to the captain’s ready room.”

Commander Thornton continued to watch the reports on the view screen. The Deneb sector? Really? Why not here in the expanse? If anywhere would have been easy to expand it would have been the expanse. And how did the Breen pull this off, where did they get old Dominion ships from?” He looked between the two officers.

Aryanna turned and leaned against the viewing panel.”Commander, you were in the dominion war, correct? “

“You know damn well I was, you read my file.”

She nodded

Commander Thornton looked at the two of them and then back at the news reports. “No… no, no, no. We beat them and we got rid of the dominion.” he quickly stood and turned red in anger, yanking his pipe from his mouth. “DO NOT tell me that this” he pointed at the screens “is them.” 

At about this time, the command staff began to enter the ready room, seeing the commander and reading the room they knew something was going on and quickly found a place to stand or sit. 

Kr’Antren stood and watched the officers enter and find a spot. “Looks like everyone, sorry for the space folks but we have our reasons. Make yourselves comfortable. This may take a bit.” 

Aryanna walked over to stand behind the captain’s desk beside Kr’Antren.

“Computer, Seal the room and per my authority, no audio or visual recordings of this meeting enact dead zone procedures for this room. Authority code Kr’Antren-Zulu-Zilu-six-six-five-Delta.” 

“Ladies and gents, I’m aware of the rumors flying around the ship and I’m aware of the reporting from both Starfleet and FNN. I’m here to tell you that as confirmed by Bravo Fleet Command it is all lies. For those of you that were on the bridge when we had a conversation with our neighbors out there, you would know that there is more going on. This I can confirm. “ Kr’Antren typed something on his console as he looked around the room. 

“This is per Bravo Fleet command.” He played the message that he had received roughly thirty minutes ago. “We are not just dealing with the Breen but with the Dominion as well. Commander Thorton, Do you remember hearing about Operation Return?”

“I do, but none of us believed it. Are you telling us that this is the Lost Fleet?”

Kr’Antren nodded. “From what we are seeing or have seen it looks that way. Here is a report from the Caliburn.”

They watched the briefing and recording from the Caliburn.

“Lieutenant Zoltia, after reviewing and analyzing the data in this recording that I sent to you a few minutes ago, including the quantum data, can we confirm the information?”

“Captain, I can confirm the data as it is given. The Dominion ships shown in that recording are from 2374 and I can further add that there are no signs of newer parts being added nor have they been refurbished by other means.”

Kr’Antren nodded and looked over at Aryanna.” Ladies and gents, the Fourth Fleet command has issued an all-hands message. We will be reporting to DS47 for a quick replenishment of some supplies and I dare say some additions to the Dragon itself. Then we will be on our way to the Deneb sector. We have received our orders and have been told to not open them till our arrival in the Deneb sector.”

Commander Thornton went into a proverbial thousand-yard stare as he watched and rewatched the Caliburn recording. “This can’t be, not again.”

Skagath approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, as they both stared blankly at the screen, memories of times not so long passed that greatly affected them evident on their faces.

“We need all of you to prepare your departments and personnel for what is in front of us, as some of you are aware it will not be easy. Prepare for the worst as it seems for now that there is no help coming besides the fourth fleet, Starfleet is standing firm in their beliefs that this is just the Breen. The admiral thinks otherwise. Also, Task Group 514 has stated they do not need help and that it is merely small skirmishes.” 

Kr’Antren pulled up a map of the Deneb sector. “This is what the sector looked like a couple of weeks ago.” he changed the map to show the latest information. “This is what it looks like today, you will notice that several planets and outposts have already been taken by both the Breen and by this so-called Lost Fleet so much so as you can see the Dominion holds sway over this swath of the sector.”

Kr’Antren looked around the room and then let out a breath. “Now to the next piece of news.” he looked over at Aryanna who nodded. “Computer, release the room. Authorization Kr’Antren-Alpha-one-one-four”

“Authorization recognized and accepted, The room has been released from prior commands”

Kr’Antren tapped on his combadge. “Chief Thorn meet us on the bridge.”

“Aye, captain”

“I received more orders besides the ones dealing with the deployment to the Deneb Sector. I have been tasked to join the Task Force Operations office to prepare for any possible incursions into the Expanse. As of those orders I have been relieved of the Dragons Command. Do not worry, I leave her and you in very capable hands.”

A low murmur went across the room.

Aryanna cleared her throat, “As of thirty minutes ago I was promoted to full commander. And given command of the Dragon. Kr’Antren, shall we?” as she led the way onto the bridge.

Kr’Antren walked up to and stopped in front of the Center chair. “Chief Thorn, the orders.”

“Computer, I relinquish command of the Dragon as of this time and date to Commander Aryanna Rigras  Authorization Kr’Antren-delta-delta-golf-five-five-eight.”

He turned to face Aryanna “You know, I believe she was always meant for you.”

Aryanna nodded and took a deep breath, placing her hand on the PADD held by Chief Thorn. “Computer, I acknowledge and receive the orders as Captain of the USS Dragon. Authorization code Rigras-Alpha-Alpha-Juliet-zero-zero-nine.”

“Authorization code acknowledged, command codes have been updated and command recognized. Welcome aboard Captain Rigras.”

A small round of applause is heard around the bridge as several of the officers come to offer congratulations to the new captain.”

Aryanna turned toward the gathered officers. “All orders will stay in effect. Brief your departments and personnel. Dismissed”

“Viameli, plot a course for deep space 47, warp eight. Engage when you are ready.”

Aryanna sat in her ready room just hours after the Dragon had arrived at Deep Space fort-seven. 

<< ”Though we are technically a few days from arriving in the Deneb sector I think they will qualify as what they used to call the night of nights. That time before going to war, not knowing, not understanding, just knowing that tomorrow you will enter the battlefield.”

“That’s what has me thinking, are they ready? How many of them will die? How many will not survive tomorrow or next week or the next month? Can I lead them? Can I pull them through those tough times?”

“Aryanna you know the answers, you know that yes some will die some will not make it. You know it’s what those that do make it, do afterward. Show them, be the leader we both know you can be, show them how to overcome impossible odds, and show them what it takes to overcome all odds.  Prepare them, prepare the ship, and trust in those that have put their trust in you.”

“You know old man, it’s time for us both to talk the talk and walk the walk. Remember I’m not the only one here. You’re in this just as much as I am.”

“I’m quite aware, and just as in the past when I was there for you so shall I be here now.”>>

“Let’s get to work then shall we?” she said to the empty room. “Computer, notify all command staff, meeting in the bridge conference room, sixty minutes” A beep was the only sound as the computer acknowledged the command. Aryanna looked out the viewport and nodded to herself. “Lieutenant Bearsong, meet me in my ready room as soon as you can.”

“On my way, Captain”

<<” Are you sure about this? She’s the newest member of your staff, others may question it. Others who technically would be better fits. I understand the thinking behind it, but others may not.”

“Yes, I’m sure. She is what I need. No offense to you,  but I need that person who will call me out on my thoughts and I believe she will do just that. Plus as we both know I’m not very diplomatic and we may need that going forward.”

“True, you are not very diplomatic.”>>

The door chime sounded announcing that someone was requesting entry.

 <<” Besides, we have yet to ask and she has yet to accept.”>>

“Enter”

Lieutenant Bearsing entered the ready room, looked around, and gave her new captain a questioning look. 

“Counselor or Diplomatic Officer?”

“Both, I guess you could say.” Aryanna chuckled.

“This should be interesting. So how can I help you? Having those nightmares again? Question about our relations in the Deneb sector?”

Aryanna nodded towards a seat in front of the desk. “Yes on the last two. Though I think I would have to agree with you that nightmares are anxiety induced as we had discussed yesterday. I can usually fall back to sleep after having one. I have another issue I wanted to discuss with you and get your input on. Who do I name as my XO?”

Meadow lets out a breath. “Oooffff, that’s a big one. I could give you my unofficial counselor’s take on anyone you have in mind. But in the end, the decision is up to you.”

“So let me hear your thoughts, counselor.”

For the next forty-five minutes, the two officers stayed out in the captain’s ready room, discussing what could be an impactful, on both crew and ship, decision.

********

The command staff were seated and waiting in the bridge conference room as the Captain followed by Lieutenant Bearsong made their way into the room.

“I’m not one for standing around folks, so let’s get to the business at hand. We will depart for the Deneb Sector in no more than thirty-six hours from now, preferably less. I have a few items to go over with everyone and I will then take any questions. Inform your people that they need to take care of any personnel matters now before we leave Deep Space Forty-Seven, especially ones that we cannot take care of onboard. As I have been reminded. “ She pointed to her head, which got a chuckle from several in the room. “These thirty-six hours are the night of nights, for make no mistake when we leave this station for all intents and purposes we are going to war. One we did not ask for nor did we see coming but it is here and we must stop it before it spreads.”

Aryanna took the captain’s chair as she nodded toward Lieutenant Bearsong who took the seat to her right. This did not go unnoticed amongst the officers as some shook their heads and a few nodded.

“As of roughly twenty minutes ago, Lieutenant Bearsong has accepted the position as my executive officer. I needed someone who would not be a yes man or someone who thought that my way is the only way. As it is not. I will make mistakes, we all will make mistakes but having an executive officer who would not have qualms about calling me out is what will be needed. Besides as many of you know I am not the most diplomatic of people and well we may find ourselves in a situation where shooting first may not be the right answer. Plus we will need many of you in the sections you are in. I need the right people in the right spots. Not having you there may be the difference that we can not afford to make.” she looked around the room as she spoke, lingering on one or two.

“Commander Thornton, not sure if you have received word yet as I only just got it myself. Task force command has deemed that we need them more than they do, so they will be swapping your Peregrine fighters for a group of Valkyrie that had just arrived for station defense.”

A big smile crossed the commander’s face with the pipe in one hand. “I’ll put them to good use. If it’s the dominion and those pesky Jem’Hadar we will be facing they sure will even the playing field a bit more. I’ll get my guys on that transition right away, the sooner we get them onboard the sooner we can start training with them.”

Aryanna nodded. “Scamandrius, it’s come to my attention that we will be receiving some new experimental probes and drones. As these will undoubtedly fall under your purview I’ll leave it up to you to get things situated for their operation.”

“Skagath and Yatokii, as my tactical chief and my security chief I leave it in your good hands to make sure that we are trained up for any possible shipboard situations we may run into. I have requested an additional ten security personnel to join us. On top of the three hazard teams that we already have, I want two more to be stood up. I’ll leave it to you two to decide where they should be placed though I think having one team on standby ready to move anywhere on the ship may be a good thing to consider.”

“Aye. I think I know just the leader for such a team. Lieutenant Zhaishi, do any of your personnel have an aptitude for using the Jeffries tubes?” Skagath asked as he and Yatokki were looking at something on the laters PADD

The Orion chief engineer smiled and nodded. “As a matter of fact, I think I know of a couple who might just fit what you are looking for. I’ll have them report to you as soon as we are finished here.”

Yatokii nodded and showed something on his PADD to Skagath who let out a chuckle. Aryanna looked over at the two and shook her head.

<<” Two peas in a pod, them two.”>>

“Sustram, I just received word that Lieutenant Zhoba is not able to move forward with us on this mission. So as of right now, you are my operations officer. I need someone that I can trust and that I know can fill multiple roles when the time comes. So to be clear you will remain as my flight operations boss as needed.”

“Yes, ma’am. Guess, I need a new tunic.”

“Ok then unless anyone has anything for me besides what was in your reports.” Aryanna looked around the room. “Good, then the clock is ticking folks. Remember at most thirty-six hours I would prefer sooner. That is all folks.”

*******

-Beep beep beep- 

-Beep Beep Beep-

A green hand reached up and tapped on the combadge that rested on the edge of the nightstand, trying not to disturb the rather normal human-looking arm that was draped around her. “Better be good to be waking me up in the middle of the night.”

“Sorry ma’am, Ensign Knowles the Gamma shift leader.”

“Yes, what is it, Ensign?”

“Ma’am. I wouldn’t wake you if I didn’t think it was needed. But did you sign off on work to be done to the ship that I wasn’t briefed on?”

Zhaishi bolted upright. “I most certainly did not. What is going on, ensign? Who is doing what to my ship? And who the hell authorized it?”

“It’s the station jockeys, ma’am. They are attaching systems to our tactical hard points.”

“Who the hell gave them permission to do that?” she looked around the room to get her bearings, realizing that this was not her quarters and wondering where her uniform was. “Did they say who authorized this?”

“No ma’am, that’s why I called you.”

She got up out of the bed as quietly as she could, looking back at the just starting-to-stir Viamel.”If not me, then who?” She looked around the room trying to remove the cloud of sleep from her brain. “SKAGATH!”

Looking at herself in the dark lit by a few small lights around the room and seeing she was at least in a top and shorts she shrugged and quickly made her way out of the room. Exiting the room and entering the hallway she took a second to get her bearings and then quickly walked down the hall as if she was on a mission. “I’ll kill him, Well maybe not kill but when I’m done with him he’ll wish I had. How dare he mess with my ship? No one messes with my ship.”  

She stopped at a door and took a breath before very harshly knocking on it. “Skagath, Skagath. Wake up, you miserable little man. Skagath… Skagath” she pounded on the door again. Just as she took a breath to say something else the door slid open.

“What is it? Who is waking me up at this hour? Somebody better have died or the ship under attack. Oh, it’s you, lass. What is all this carrying on about?”

“You… You and what you are doing to my ship.” Zhaishi leered at him.

“Lass, I may be old but I’m not getting forgetful. What are you talking about?” as he looked at her with a slight smile.” not that I mind getting woken up by someone in her PJs mind you.”

Zhaishi looked down at herself making sure all of the parts were indeed covered. “Never mind that. Who told you that you could attach systems to my ship’s tactical hardpoints without consulting me?”

“Hard points, huh? Hmmm, I seem to remember agreeing to extra torpedoes. But nope, don’t remember signing off on additional systems being added. All though, lass. Where we are going and who we will be facing we might be pretty damn thankful for them.”

“Aaaggghhh, if not you then who? I don’t think the captain would sign off without at least letting me know first.

Skagath shrugged “Don’t know, lass. But it’s something that I think can wait till the morning and we all have had time to get the cobwebs from our heads.”

“Sleep, sleep, uh uh no way, not why those damn station jockeys are working on my ship. Damn it, I was looking forward to a nice night of sleep before we have to head out. “ At about this time, Viameli came walking up the hallway from her quarters, a bit more modestly dressed, and put a hand on Zhaishi’s shoulder. “Well, at least come freshen up and get a cup of coffee or something. We Can’t have you going near that ensign like this, now can we?”

Zhaishi took a deep breath and looked at Viameli and then back at Skagath. “If I find out this was you little man, I’ll I’ll. aaagh” as she turned and left.

Viameli looked at Skagath and nodded.

Skagath nodded back as he watched the two of them make their way up the hallway. “Hold on? When did this happen?”

They both turned and looked at him with a smile on their faces. “None of your business, little man,” Zhaishi said as they continued walking.

**********

Commander Thornton sat behind his desk, pipe in mouth and feet up on the desk itself, a half-eaten breakfast burrito sitting on a plate next to a cup with a bit of steam coming from it, as he stared at a PADD in one hand and the room’s view screen. “ We can’t repeat the mistakes we made twenty-five years ago, too many lives lost, too many friends lost, too many promising lives cut short.” 

“Agreed sir,” his XO said from the other side of the desk. “Even with the Valkyries we are still..” he left the rest unsaid as he looked at the view screen.

“I know I know. This is the one area that Starfleet has fallen behind the curve, in the small ship area.  Twenty-five years and we are still flying the same ships. The Jem Hadar pilots will by now know this. If we can’t change the ships, then it becomes “What can we change.”

The Lieutenant stood, placed a plate still holding a stack of pancakes on the room’s coffee table, stretched, and moved closer to the view screen and the video’s from past missions conducted during the dominion war. “Tactics, we change our tactics.”

“I’m listening”

“Well sir, It’s been twenty-five years for us, we know their tactics, we know how they operate. But to them, it has been only a few hours. They are still using those dated tactics they haven’t had time to adapt and change how they fly. Let alone face many newer model fighters or ships. Yes, they are still Valkyrie’s but they are newer, updated ones. Newer systems, newer weapons, and all that. We take that all into consideration as we plan and make changes.”

Thornton took a sip from the mug and nodded. “You may be onto something. We use their tactics against them. We know how they operated, how they fought, how they flew. That’s going to be a tall order though. We only have days to come up with these tactics and teach them to our boys. We are going to have to learn quickly to fly and fight as they do. Not the Aspera’s leave those for what they are meant to be used for, I’m sure we will be given plenty of chances to use them.” 

The lieutenant sat back down as they both picked up PADDS and started to pull up all information they could find on Jem’hadar’s fighter/ship tactics.

*******

Aryanna sat in her ready room watching the hustle and bustle of the station going on around them. “So much more I would like to get done, not enough time.” she looked at the PADD on her desk. “Looks like we are ahead of schedule though.”

The console on her desk beeped. “Priority message for you Captain, coming from Task Force operations.”

“Copy, Send it through to my ready room console.”

Commander Kr’antren came up on the console. “Hello Aryanna, I’m sending you your mission orders now, the packet is encrypted with orders for them not to be opened till you are underway.”

“Understood”

“Oh, I hope that I didn’t upset Lieutenant Zhaishi too much by authorizing the hardpoint additions. Figured it would be better for you to have them and not need them than need them and not have them. Can never have too many assets at your disposal especially where you’re going and who you’re going against.”

“That was you? She has been going around questioning everyone all day long. She has not been very easy to deal with, she didn’t take to it too well that someone other than her was messing with HER ship.”

He chuckled.”I figured she would have figured it out by now. Guess I’ll have to send her a friendly message.”

Aryanna chuckled. “You may want to wait till we have left before you do, if not she is likely to come find you and give you an earful. Heard she went after Skagath in the middle of the night last night. “

“Now, that I would have paid to see.”

“Well I know you have a lot to do to get ready to depart so I will let you go. One final thing and you will hear it again. Trust only the fourth fleet.  And the screen went black and then to the hold screen with ship information.

Having just departed Deep Space forty-seven a few hours ago the Dragon was making its way to the commonly used badlands entrance into the Thomar Expanse. 

“Meadows join me in my ready room, time for us to open our orders and see what lies ahead of us.” Aryanna stood from the center seat looking around the bridge. “Sustram, you have the conn.”

“Yes ma’am.” As he got up from his console and made his way to the center chair, accepting the dragon ring from the captain. “ I have the conn”

Meadows was already up and heading toward the captain’s ready room, but waited for her before entering. 

“I know where heading towards the Deneb sector, but the long way around. Going to take some time. The time that some may not have.” Meadows said as they entered the captain’s ready room.

“I know, but the only other option would be the B-T corridor which has its own set of complications,” Aryanna said as she made her way to her desk and took a seat. “Well let’s see what the fourth fleet has in store for us shall we?” As she typed on the desk’s console.”

“Authorization code alpha” the computer stated

Aryanna took a deep breath “Rigras-November-Papa-four-nine-one”

“Code accepted, authorization code bravo”

Aryanna looked at Meadow and shrugged. “Bearsong-Fox-April-nine-nine-seven”

“Code accepted, enacting room seal procedures.”

The two women looked at each other with a knowing look.

After several seconds the main view screen came up showing a fleet captain sitting in some sort of briefing room.”Captain Rigras, as you are aware the Deneb sector has come under attack from an entity that we have deemed the Lost Fleet and their allies the Breen Confederacy. Within a few short hours, they laid claim to several key installations in the Deneb Sector and enslaved or captured several systems. We know they are using Breen space for some things but the where is something we do not know. That is where you and the Dragon come in. We need intel, we need to know who is operating and where they are, we need to know staging areas, maintenance areas, logistical and supply routes.”

Aryanna paused the message “Looks like we are about to become spies.”

“That’s going to make things interesting, an Inquiry class starship is not exactly easy to hide,” Meadow stated as she was looking at the information about the Deneb sector on her PADD.

Aryanna nodded and hit play.

“We need that information, we need actionable intelligence for the rest of the fleet.” A map of the Deneb Sector comes up with the latest overlay of known conditions. “We will leave the how to you and your crew, Captain. As well as getting actionable intelligence for the fleet you are granted permission to seek out and destroy targets of opportunity. Lastly, all speed restrictions have been lifted, you have also been given to use the B-T corridor at your discretion, we are pretty sure the Breen will be watching this route as it is the quickest way from the Expanse to the Deneb sector, but we feel that the need warrants the risk. Lastly, this is from the Admiral himself Trust only fourth fleet.” the screen goes black and then to the Starfleet logo.

Aryanna tapped on her combadge. “Viameli, hold us up on our side of the expanse.”

“Yes, Ma’am”

“Sustram, please come into my ready room, we need to discuss something with you.”

“On my way, ma’am”

Several seconds later the door chime sounds.

“Enter”

“You needed to see me, captain”  Sustram entered the captain’s ready room.

“Grab a seat. What can you tell us of the B-T corridor?”

Sustram’s eyes went wide as he let out a low whistle. “Talk about threading a needle, ma’am. It would shave off days of travel though, so there is that to take into consideration.”

“So it becomes a decision of saving time versus the risk.”

Meadow typed something on her PADD bringing a map of the B-T corridor up on the room’s main view screen. “There is one more thing to take into consideration though, If I’m looking at this right, the B-T corridor ends in the Vadlox Nebula.” she looked at Aryanna with a smile. “ meaning we would be behind enemy lines and hidden from ships.”

Aryanna stood and approached the screen. “Within easy reach of several captured installations and a known Breen Dilithium mine. Computer, zoom out on the area centered around the Vadlox Nebula.” The computer zoomed out to show the western and central area of the Deneb sector “Hmmm, computer move more north of the nebula, showing the Breen and Dominion controlled area.”

As the computer followed the command Aryanna ran a finger over the area. “Yes, this would be perfect for our operations. Meadow, look at this area here, where the two controlled spaces overlap, that would be a good staging ground. Let alone the area down here near the Nebula with these three installations. Close to Deneb and Farpoint. Then we have Jandor down here.” she taps the system with a finger “That and Kanaan would be my next targets if I were them.”

Meadow looks at the area and nods “Make sense from the diplomatic side also, take those two systems and it puts you on the doorstep of  Deneb. Take that system and not much would stand in the way of controlling the Deneb sector, striking a major blow to the federation.”

Aryanna turned and looked at sustram. “ all speed restrictions have been lifted for us per Fourth Fleet command. Go down to astrometrics and figure out a route to get us through the B-T corridor or find us another way through. I don’t care which. Report back to me when you figure something out,”

“I’ll get right on it captain” as he looked at the map one more time, shook his head, and exited the captain’s ready room.

Aryanna tapped on her combadge. “Scamandrius, Commander Thornton, Skagath, report to the captain’s ready room as soon as possible.” She sat down in the chair behind the desk. “ Looks like we have an operation to plan, let’s give the fleet what they asked for and see what else we can do to disrupt the Lost Fleet and the Confederacy.”

“Captain, we are arriving at the Vadlox Nebula.”

“Thank you Viameli, let’s hold just at the edge of the Nebula.” Aryanna turned and looked toward her science chief. “Zoltia, are we showing anything on the sensors?”

“Not at this time, captain. Though the Nebula is going to affect our sensors as we get closer especially if we enter. Need I remind you ma’am that entering a Mutura class nebula such as this one has its risks? Reported patches of sub nucleonic radiation have been found within, along with a myriad of other issues.”

“Which means using the Nebula to hide in has its set risks.” Aryanna turned toward her chief engineer with a questioning eyebrow raised. “Chief?”

“Our Shields and armor should be enough to keep most of the issues on the outside. We can divert more power from the sensors to the shields since they will be next to useless in there, so that will help. Wouldn’t suggest getting into a fight though.”

“Point taken, chief. But could we safely enter the nebula to hide from someone’s eyes, giving us a chance to change our direction of egress?”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Good. Viameli, bring us to a full stop. Let’s see what we can find, shall we?”

“Yes ma’am”

“Short-range scans are showing nothing in the immediate area,” Zoltia said from her console. “Waiting on data from the long-range scans.”

“Ma’am. I’m picking up signals much like that other array from the expanse, this one is a bit closer going by the strength of the transmission signals. Going off of that and what we know from the other one I would say this one is a bit bigger and seems to be between us and the Breen/Dominion border.” Scamandrius stated from behind the captain.

“Can you put a map of the area up on the main screen, Sustram?” The main view screen went from the view in front of them to a map of this area of the Deneb Sector.

“Can you give us an approximate location? Scamandrius. “ a yellow dot blinking dot appeared on the map with a blinking green ring a distance out from it. 

“That marks my best guess and the green ring marks the limits of what we know of their current long-range sensor array capabilities. We would have to get closer to get a better idea of where it is exactly located, but if they are running patrols around it like the other one that makes things a bit more interesting. “

“I would have to agree, I’m open to ideas folks. Blowing it up is definitely on the list.”

Commander Thornton chuckled. “ Been interesting seeing things from this side. Have an idea though, captain. We could try using the system we used during that one time. “ he raised an eyebrow and smiled at the captain. “Maybe on a probe or two, make them think someone is in the area and taking an interest in their array. See what happens, who comes to take a look? Hide the Dragon far enough in the nebula that they can’t see it on their scans.”

Aryanna looked over toward Zhaishi “We could do that easily, convert a couple of class 5 probes. Should take us roughly thirty minutes to make those updates.

“Get started on it, even if we don’t go with that idea now we can use it in the future,” Aryanna replied.

“We could stay in the nebula and either launch a class 8 probe right at it or some torpedoes, make it look like someone is clearing the area for something bigger. Again, see what happens afterward.”

Meadow chuckles from the right seat, “ Two ways of doing the same thing, guess we are all on the same page as to what we needa result. It’s how we get there is the question.”

Aryanna nodded. 

<< “ All three ideas are good. The question is do we call attention to ourselves or use it as a ruse to get in the backdoor? The admiral wants the intel, but I’m pretty sure it’s not who is watching the border, though the time it takes for them to respond may give us some idea of what we can find as we move forward.” 

“ Agreed, the bigger picture is what we need to be looking at, not just what is directly in front of us. I would like to go get a look at Deptrock System. A large Dilithium mining operation has got to be a hub of activity, especially one that is relatively close to their border. Another idea I had was working our way toward Jandor, as close as it is to the current dominion-controlled area it would make sense for it to be a target soon.”>>

“Ok folks, I think we are going to leave the array as it is for now, meaning we are not blowing it up Skagath “A groan is heard from tactical. “Our orders call for actionable intelligence gathering, and that’s what we intend to do. Sustram, you’re going to need to help your sister on this one as we will be flying blind. We are going to hide in the nebula and head toward the Deptrock system. The first step is finding out what we can do about those mines?”

Aryanna looked around the bridge as everyone started to get the ship ready for flying in the  Vadlox Nebula.

“Zhaishi, once we enter the nebula I want you to watch those shields. Skagath, our sensors will be crap while we are in there but I want you ready in case we accidentally bump into someone or even several someones, who knows who or what is hiding in that nebula.”

“Captain, if I may. That array is positioned to monitor anyone coming from the Expanse. We should at least send a message to the fleet informing them of its location.” Zoltia said from the science station.

“Agreed, comms, send a fleet-wide encrypted message out. Add the approximate location to the message along with any data we have gathered so far.”

“Yes, captain.”

“Take us to yellow alert” the klaxons sound as the lights glow to the amber coloration.”Viameli, take us in. Nice and easy. Sustram, plot a course for the Deptrock system, Keep us in the Nebula till the last minute. Zhaishi, watch the radiation levels and make sure those shields are holding steady.”

“Captain, we have a few more kilometers to go before we exit the nebula, sensors are still offline till we completely clear the nebula’s effect. Shields are at 75% and holding for now.”

“Very well. Zhaishi, how long till we can jump to warp?”

“We are running diagnostics now, I want to make sure those high-density particles and the radiation didn’t damage any other systems. I’m having all engineering departments conduct complete checks of their systems and the structural guys are checking all decks. Give me 90 minutes.”

“Hmmmmm, prefer it sooner but we can do 90. Zoltia, let me know the minute we have our sensors running. We need to know what’s out there.”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Viameli, plot a course for the Deptrock System, as soon as we have the all-clear from Zhaishi I don’t  want to waste time.”

Viameli gives the captain a thumbs up from her seat, as she is piloting the ship the last few kilometers out of the nebula and its effects.”

“Captain, if I may make a suggestion?” 

Arayanna turned in her seat toward the voice coming from behind her. “Go ahead, Scamandrius. I’m listening.”

“May I suggest we launch a class 8 probe? It’ll give us a chance to see what’s out there before we run into it, plus as you have said we need the intel. “

Zoltia looked at the two of them, overhearing the conversation. “ It’s a good idea, seeing as the chief wants us to run a check on the sensors before we fire them up. It’ll give us a chance to see what’s out there.”

Aryanna pulled up the information on the mark 8 on her console, then nodded. “Do it, Scamandrius. Add whatever additional mods to the probe Zoltia and yourself think are needed.”

“Yes, captain.”

“Viameli, hold us just wanted this side of the nebulas. If our sensors can’t see out then they can’t see in. Just in case anyone is out there.”

They watch on the main view screen as the Dragon comes to a stop just inside the nebula. “Zhaishi, watch those shields.”

“Yes, ma’am”

Meadow, looking at the main view screen, stood and went to the science console and bent down to chat with Zoltia. After a few minutes, she stood and looked at Aryanna. “Aryanna, I was just discussing an idea with Zoltia. I think it would behoove us to move outside the nebula far enough for us to get a look around but close enough that if we need to we can quickly enter.”

“I was just thinking the same thing, to tell the truth, this nebula is the proverbial doorway to the deneb sector and the federation. It would be a good place to launch an attack from or hide a good-sized fleet of ships to prepare an attack.”

Zoltia looked up from her console as the captain spoke and shook her head. “Ma’am. I don’t think hiding for very long inside the nebula would be a very good thing. The only thing that saved us was our armor and our strengthened and updated shields, not sure how others would fare.”

“According to our latest reports ma’am the Breen don’t quite have the same level of shielding systems or armor to stay in the nebula for long. Pass through, yes. But if they stay for a long period I would think that they would fall victim to the nebula’s effects.” Scamandrius said from his console.

Aryanna tapped on her armrest with her gloved hand. “ We ain’t going to learn anything sitting here, now are we? Viameli, take us out of the nebula. Scamandrius, when the probe is ready you have clearance to launch.”

They watched as a probe was launched from the forward torpedo tube, the probe hung in front of the Dragon for a few seconds and then disappeared in a flash of light as it entered warp.

“Captain, we have programmed it to enter warp eight for six hours. We should start receiving data momentarily.”

The Dragon slowly moved out of the nebula taking up a position a few hundred kilometers outside the nebula.

“Sensors are coming back up, captain. A few minutes and we should start being able to analyze the data.”

<< “ What are you thinking?”

“Don’t you know?”

“How many times have I explained this, only when you share with me am I able to know what you are thinking. I will not just enter your private thoughts, they are yours and your thoughts and feelings are your own. Though, I do wish you would share them with me a bit more often.”

“Ya, ya, ya… I’m just thinking of our next moves.”

“Which are?”

“I’m not quite sure yet, this nebula and what it could offer to either side is bothersome. Where would be the best place to find the intelligence that the fleet needs? How can we deal a blow to the Breen and the Dominion? What was up with that Breen commander? something seemed off with that one, almost as if he was goading us.”

“Well, I  would have to agree with that first one. This nebula is something that needs to be dealt with. Intelligence will come with time, remember sometimes it is best to see what comes versus going and looking for it, possibly you could knock out the intelligence question with the third question. As for the commander,  unless he is on this side of the confederacy I don’t think there is much to worry about with that one.

“You may be right there. But something is buzzing in the background about him. I’m liking your path of thinking toward the two questions that pertain to our mission.”>>

“Captain, you may want to see this. We are getting multiple warp signatures in the area.”

“Can we show them on the main display?” Aryanna sat forward in her chair.

<<” See, I told you. Sometimes we just need to wait to see.”>>  

The main display started to show various warp signatures crisscrossing, coming, and going in all directions. “Skagath?”

“Looks like we are seeing various warp signatures, from what the data says most are small confederacy scout ships or interceptors.”

Aryanna stood and walked toward the helm/ops consoles putting her hands on the edge of either chair. She turned to look toward Skagath “It looks to me like someone has taken an interest in this area. The question is why? “

“I can’t answer for them, lass. But these groups of signatures pique my interest.” Several sets of signatures and their trails highlight in various colors. “These come in, almost to the edge of the nebula, stay for a bit and then leave almost on the same bearing as when they came in. I can tell from the data that it looks like this group here and here, “ two groups of signatures started to blink ” stayed a bit longer than the others.”

“How much longer?”

“Looking at the warp signatures, ma’am. I would guess maybe several hours hard to tell for sure.” Zoltia answered.

“Probes?”

“Hard to say, ma’am. The timing would make sense. But we know how badly the nebula affected our sensors, not sure how well a probe would do or even how long they would last in there.”

Meadow stood and walked over to Zoltia’s console. “Zoltia, how about atmospheric conditions? Radiation? Could a probe relay that data back to a ship.”

“Most definitely, those would be different from sensor arrays.”

Meadow gave her a friendly smile as she tapped on the console a couple of times. Captain, this is outside my usual calling but what if they weren’t looking for things moving throughout the Nebula.”

Aryanna looked over at Meadow. “ What are you thinking?”

Skagath chuckled. “Yes, yes that would make sense” he interjected “ What if they weren’t looking for ships what if they were looking for a safe passage through the nebula? Trying to map the radiation pocket locations and places of less dense particles that would allow them to move a bit more safely in the nebula.”

“Why would they need to know that for a couple of ships?”

Skagath tapped on his console quite quickly as the main display changed to show an overhead view. “ They wouldn’t. But look at the locations. Of course, this is just what we can see using our long-range sensors. Here, here and here different days over the last few days the first one was almost four to five days ago according to the signature degradation with the most current one being yesterday.”

“So roughly one every other day?” Aryanna turned to face Zoltia.

Zoltia nodded “Yes, roughly that.”

“Damn it, they aren’t doing it for a couple of ships. Look at the pattern. Damn it, we have a bigger problem folks. The only reason why you would look over an area such as this was if you were looking at moving a large force through there. Can we follow the trails?”

Zoltia tapped on her console as she looked up at Meadow .”Not sure why I didn’t think of that, to begin with, can’t believe I let that slip.”

“It’s ok, a lot going on. Calm down and take your time.”

“Captain, we can track the latest one, the first one is barely readable and the second one is still good.”

Aryanna turned and looked toward Zoltia. “Can we tell where they came from?”

“Looking at the warp signatures and the data we have on the ship types,  extrapolating the information we can give a pretty good guess.”

“That’s better than nothing. So where are they?”

The map pulls out to show a more regional map with a large yellow blob roughly two to three days over the Breen border. “Our best guess is that they are somewhere in this area?”

“Damn, we gotta do better than that.  We need to know what they are doing. How many ships? What type of ships? ” Aryanna said as she returned to her seat.

“Hopefully, the probe can pick up the signatures and give us a better idea,” Skagath said from his console.

“Doubt it, that probe was set up for reconnaissance not looking for warp trails’ ‘ Scamandrius said from his console.

<<” That’s a pretty big area to cover for only one ship, you are right though we need to be able to shrink it and give the fourth fleet as much information as possible at the same time.”

“I’m all ears if you have any ideas.”

**Several seconds go by**

“Hmmmmm, it may work. Yes. It just may.”

“ What’s that?”

“Well..” **Rigras details his idea to Aryanna over the next couple of minutes** >>

Aryanna chuckled “You devious little bastard, that just may work. I like it.”

“Zoltia, how many more of those mark 8 probes do we have?”

“Thirty-two, captain, looks like deep space forty-seven loaded us up with what they could fit.”

Aryanna nodded. “Figured they would. Prep twelve of them.”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Skagath, I want them loaded up in the burst-fire torpedo tubes.”

“Aye, captain”

Aryanna turned to look at her console and the holo image of the map it displayed for her. “Viameli, plots course for these for sets of coordinates, starting at the far western one randomize the order. Warp eight jumps between each one. After the final one take us to this set of coordinates.”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Zoltia, how long would it take to get a good long and short-range sensor sweep when we pop into an area.”

“Roughly sixty seconds ma’am. If we don’t analyze the data right away.”

“That will work, Viameli, seventy seconds is all we need at each set. Skagath, I want one three probe spread fired as soon as we exit warp, toward the middle of the blob. Zoltia and Scamandrius I want a full sensor sweep of the area as soon as we exit warp. Let me know right away if we hear anything at all, comms. Mark all unknowns on the map. We will compile the data and analyze it when we reach the fifth destination.”

“Ma’am, are you sure that we little bug of yours wasn’t ever in security? Classic shoot, move, communicate setup. Kinda upset, I didn’t think of it.”

“Don’t let Rigras hear you call him that. As far as he has told me that would be a no, but I can never quite tell with him. I’ll let you slip by on this one.“ she clenched and unclenched her gloved hand. Meadow, I hope this works.”

“I believe it will, I’m not well versed in tactics and security beyond my classes at the academy but I believe the plan is good. It will all come down to timing if I understand the idea. Have faith in the ship and crew.”

“Oh, I have faith in the ship and its crew. It’s the damn Breen that has me on edge. All we know is that we think they are somewhere in this blob” She pointed at the holo image beside her. “ Not knowing where, means we can come out of warp right on top of them at any time.”

Viameli turned in her seat and faced the captain. “ Ma’am, all coordinates are plotted. We are ready when you are.”

Aryanna nodded “Thank you Viameli. Ok, folks, the next few hours are going to move fast. I need everyone on top of their game, if you see something yell out, don’t wait. All we need is some lone breen interceptor or some such to find us. Skagath you are weapons-free if something like that does happen, get them before they can get a message out. If we land on top of whatever is out there we will go weapon-free, hit them with everything we got, and then we get the hell out of dodge. Hopefully, we can ensure enough chaos follows that they will not have time to lock on and try to follow us. Most importantly we will be behind enemy lines from this time going forward so let’s make sure we all are on top of our game. ” She looked over at her XO/counselor.

 “Take us to red alert” the klaxon sounds and the lights flash red then go to a steady red glow as the rest of the lights darken.  “Viameli, you are a go for point alpha.”

“Captain, entering point bravo. Sixty-five seconds on the clock.” Viameli called out.

They watched the three probes launch and enter warp.

“Give us the sensor sweep, zoltia.” Aryanna turned her head toward her science chief.

“Working, captain.”

“30 seconds” Viameli stated

“Sweeps are finished, good to go on my end captain.”

“Take us to point charlie, viameli”

The Dragon disappeared in a flash of light just as fast as they had arrived. The process repeated itself two more times over the next forty-eight hours as the Dragon looked to shrink the blob or find where the supposed Breen Fleet was waiting to move.

“Viameli, being well behind enemy lines has its own sets of risks and issues, we can’t stay in one place too long but at the same time, we need to stay in the receiving distance of those probes. Zoltia, Scamandrius as soon as we start receiving data work it as fast as possible. I need to  know if we need to go back and take another look.”

<< “That would be interesting, a little on the wild side even for you.”

“True, but if there is a fleet forming out there then don’t you think we owe it to the people in the Deneb sector and the fleet to provide all of the intelligence that we can?”

“I do, but remember you have a crew and a ship to think of now. Don’t forget.”

“I know, I won’t go that far.”>>

“Ma’am we are receiving the data from alpha probes, so far nothing. The probes will stay in their current position which means they could work as an early warning system if they detect anything coming in range of it.” Zoltia said from her console as she was looking over the incoming data from the first set of probes. “And there is the Bravo set, ma’am. Looking normal so far. It looks like they are not positioned towards the deeper side of the confederacy or close to Deptrock.”

“I concur ma’am” Scamandrius joined in. 

“I’m not hearing anything out of the ordinary either, ma’am.” the comms officer added.

“Though ma’am we did pick up those faint warp trails while we were in both alpha and bravo, looks like  some of the fleet moving to their location, they were barely detectable and the computer is not able to fix a good direction of travel on them,” Zoltia added

Aryanna turned toward Skagath. “Can we tell what types of ships and numbers?”

“Not for sure, but best guesses is that its warp trails of at least two Chel Baolg class warships with several Chel Grett class cruisers came from the deeper regions of the confederacy. If that is the start of this fleet they are looking to hit somewhere hard and fast. Looking at the information I’m not sure how the computer got that out of it. The warp signatures were roughly older than a week and starting to degrade quite a bit.”

Meadow stood and walked towards the ops station. “ If they have been out there that long it can’t be too much longer before they move, can it? 

“Who knows, lass? “Skagath said as he shrugged his shoulders. “ We don’t know where they are going or what for. They could be waiting to see what the fleet does, see if we leave any holes anywhere, Or if we are close to their intended target. Which could make them wait longer or switch targets for something easier. Or they could just be waiting on someone to say go.”

Aryanna looked at her console. “Speaking of which. We got the latest update to fleet locations a few hours ago. I have been looking it over, trying to put myself in their shoes. If I were them I would be looking at the Jandor system or they could be looking at making a run towards Farpoint station itself. According to the report the Mackenzie is at Jandor and the Arcturus is between there and Farpoint. So if they know that, they could be waiting to see what the fleet does.”

Meadow returned to her seat and pulled up the information from the captain, turning on her holo map of the area near the Vadlox Nebula. “Captain, there is one other possibility that we haven’t considered,”

“What’s that Meadow?”

“Well if they are looking for slave labor.” She zoomed in on the Vadlox nebula and then zoomed out till the Lappa system in the Ferengi Alliance is shown. It’s a location that no one would be expecting them to go after and it would close down the B-T corridor if they added it to their current boundary lines.”

Aryanna let out a low whistle. “ Makes sense from a strategic point of view and we know how the Ferengi look at war and profits so some may look at it as a chance to gain.”

Skagath chuckled “ Rules 4, 21, 34, 62, 92, 110… Just to name a few”

Aryanna shook her head, “Figured you would know those. Hmmmm, looks like the Atlantis is in Ferengi space, may want to add them to the list.”

Arayanna turned to face her comms officer “Send an encrypted priority message to Bravo Fleet command to let them know of our preliminary findings, and add the data we have collected so far. Let them know we are still working on the issue and we will let them know once we have more information.” She then looked at Meadow. “This way they don’t think we are out here twiddling our thumbs.”

“Captain, should I send a message to  Task Group 513?” the comms officer asked.

“No, the admiral said to trust only the fourth fleet and that’s what I’m doing. If those buffons at 513 took the threat seriously then maybe we wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

“Yes. ma’am”

<<” There’s the woman I know, was beginning to wonder.”

“Shut it, old man.”>>

“Viameli, let’s move. Hmmmm maybe somewhere between the blob, I guess that’s what we are calling it for right now, and Deptrock. Maybe we can pick up something passing through that area that can give us some more information on what is going on in the area.”

“Course laid in and we are ready when you are captain.”

“No need to wait, viameli.” 

Aryanna exited the turbolift with her PADD in one hand and a large cup of something steaming in the other. “Good morning everyone.” as the captain’s whistle sounded. “ I’ll Never get used to that. Anyways, anything to report?” as she looked around the bridge noticing Scamandrius and a small group huddled around his console.

“Well, ma’am yes and no. We are still trying to go through the data.”

“Clarify” as she took a sip from her mug and placed the PADD in her seat. 

“Well, we got the data from the last two sets of probes. Not sure how but one of the Charlie set must have exited warp near a communication array as it picked up some sort of signal from a beacon.” he pulled up the signal on his console for Aryanna to see.

Aryanna nodded as she found Lieutenant Nema “I have the conn, lieutenant.” she accepted the dragon ring from the gamma shift leader.

Nodding, she pointed at the main view screen with her mug, Scamandrius, understood what the captain was asking and transferred the data to the main view screen.

“So what are we looking at?”

Chief Adam, the gamma shift comms officer, stepped forward “Ma’am we think it may be a location beacon, at least that’s what it would be if it was a federation signal. It’s just a steady pulsed signal.”

Aryanna took another sip from her mug. “Ok, so we have a signal? Can we trace it to its location?”

The main view screen changed to show the overhead map. “ Well, that’s the other news. We received data from the Delta set last night also. The problem is shortly after the signal started we lost two of them, the third was lost about an hour later after it picked up the beacon signal only this time, from what we can tell it was not through a repeater array.”

Aryanna spun around to face Scamandrius, “Are you telling me we found them? How long ago did the information come in?” 

“The data from the last set was received about an hour ago as I was coming on shift. We were all just going through it as we couldn’t believe it. We were just working on trying to triangulate the data to see if we could pinpoint the location, with the computer’s help of course.”

“All three were lost? Do we have their approximate locations when we lost contact?”

“Yes, ma’am” he pointed at the main view screen as glowing blue dots appeared representing the last known approximate locations of the three probes, one blinking representing the one that was able to pick up the signal.

The turbo-lift opened as the day shift crew started to report for duty, many noticed the main view display and moved quickly to their posts. Aryanna gave a quick overview to Meadow as the latter stood beside the captain with her own mug of something in her hand. 

“Scamandrius was just about to show us what I believe we were hoping for.”

“Yes ma’am. Using the three locations where we lost the signals we can draw a circle here. A green ring appeared on the map over an area towards the southeastern side of the breen confederacy. “then if we used the two locations where we picked up the signal, where they crossed should be the location of the beacon. A third would prove it but two gives us a general idea.”

“Viameli or sustram how far is that from the breen border and the nebula?”

Viameli typed on her console “According to our calculations we could do it roughly in two days to the border and a third to our previous location outside the nebula. But that is a single ship, doing warp 8 A fleet would have to move slower as they would want to arrive at the same time, and not all of their ships can do warp 8.

“So probably closer to three days and a day and a half on the other side. Probably a few days to traverse the nebula so we are looking at a week give or take a couple of days. Doesn’t give the fleet much time.

“No it doesn’t,” Meadow said as she took a sip from her mug.

“Comms, send a new message to Bravo Fleet Command to let them know we have found the Breen Fleet, we do not have information on size or ship composition. Let them know that the best guess from the information we have is they have roughly a week to two weeks if the fleet begins to move till they reach the federation side of the Nebula. We are working on a plan to try and slow them down from this side.”

Aryanna looked around the bridge while taking a sip from her mug. “Ok folks, we need ideas. I’m open to anything. If you have something, now is the time.”

Thot Greit sat in his command chair listening to what was happening on the bridge around him, the eye slit of his mask the only sign that something was amiss.

“Sir we were able to destroy three, of what we believe to be federation probes of some sort. Two were intercepted as soon as Plesh Tral raiders Kyr and Sik saw them drop from warp while performing routine patrols. The third was found and intercepted on the outskirts of the fleet.”

The Thot started to ball up a fist and menacingly thumped it on his armrest. “How did they find us? More importantly, where are they now?”

“We are still trying to figure that out, one idea is that they somehow were able to pick up on the location beacon that we are using.”

“Then turn the damn thing off. If a commander is not confident enough to get his ship here without needing a signal then they are not worthy of their command.”

“Yes, Thot.” quickly typed something on their console.

“Sir, we did have that report from the latest patrol of the Nebula of finding a federation warp signature outside our intended route.”

The Thot waved off his science officer. ”Bah, these Federation ships are like vermin. When they see the might of this fleet, they will run. Besides a lone federation ship against this warship and my fleet, what do we have to be afraid of? We have all read the reports the federation is scared. They will not be sending help as our new allies have assured us. Once this fleet is fully assembled we will go into their so-called Deneb sector, expand the borders of the confederacy and secure many new slaves.”

“Sir, I was able to look over the data from the last patrol. The signature of the federation ship matches one recently encountered by Commander Zeln of the cruiser ZadkWak, at one of the border arrays in the Thomar Expanse. According to his report, this signature belongs to the USS Dragon, an Inquiry class cruiser. I’m sending you a copy of his report now.”

The Thot looked at his PADD and started to laugh. “Bah, more vermin. Therefore, the intelligence we have received from our allies is correct; the so-called Bravo fleet is sending ships to help the pathetic local fleet. I told my fellow Thots that we need to close off that avenue, and this proves me correct. Two ships, which we know of, from that region, have now used it to enter this sector, and if we do not close it down more will follow.”

“Sir, we could have the ships not part of this fleet but under your command. As the regional commander, form into battle groups.”

“Yes, Commander Gan. If those back in headquarters will not take my advice then we must do it ourselves. Very good idea.” he looked at his PADD “Send a message with new orders to Commanders Tren, Jit, and Gor. I want them to move their teams into the so-called B-T Corridor area near the Vadlock Nebula and shut it down. If they run into federation ships I want them taken, the crew can be used as slaves but the officers I want to be brought to me.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll send the orders myself.”

Thot Greit nodded.

“Sir, should we send a message to the fleet to heighten our security posture in case we have truly been found.”

“For what one lone federation ship, if they show up it will be like swatting a fly. They would not be that stupid and if they were then so be it, we will add a few new slaves in the mines.

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

The command staff of the USS Dragon sat around the circular conference table as they discussed several ideas for their next course of action. The prevalent one being they knew that they needed to slow down the Breen fleet if possible. They needed to give their fellow bravo fleet commanders time to react to the intelligence that they had just provided.

“Captain, one factor in the plan is going to be the speed of the Angels, we know their ships top out at warp three, maybe warp four if they pushed it. But that would require some serious downtime when we picked them up, they would need to go through their warp coils and run complete diagnostics.” Zaishii added to the conversation “let alone repairing any damage that they took.” she looked over at Commander Thornton “Commander, my teams will be ready and available to offer your maintenance crews any help that is needed.”

“That would be much appreciated, Lieutenant ” Thornton said as he held his pipe in one hand using it to point out something to his executive officer on his PADD.

Aryanna looked at Commander Thornton and Sustram. “What is the best case scenario, time-wise, for getting the Angels back on board? 

“The few times that we have run drills for an all-out emergency recovery, using both shuttle bays.” Commander Thornton looked over at Sustram “Was… What twenty to thirty minutes?”

“Yes, sir. Closer to thirty than twenty ma’am.”

“Damn, those thirty minutes is going to seem like thirty days, captain. And we won’t be able to maneuver very much if anyone tried to follow us or if one of their interceptors got lucky.”

“I know Skagath, but we have the Angels for just this type of mission, and what they bring to the table may help sow enough chaos for them not to know where to look. Remember this plan is not strategic, we are not going after specific targets.”

Scamandrius looked up from his PADD. “Captain. I would like to add that we do have several of the experimental long-range torpedoes on board; they were loaded at Deep space forty-seven. They can be programmed for a delayed launch of up to twenty-four hours with a range of several hours at warp 9.”

“Hmmm, that would add to the chaos as they would not know where they came from, plus they would automatically assume another ship is close by, which of course no one will be. How many do we have at our disposal?”

“Seven, ma’am.”

Skagath looked at the map displayed on the main view screen in the room. “Captain, if we used say three or four, we could theoretically set different timers on them, maybe even launch them from several different areas.”

“Captain, if we conducted sensor sweeps during the attack we could program these experimental torpedoes for specific targets.”

“I see where you two are heading with this, if they are using their ships to look for non-existent federation ships they may not have the means to look for us. Plus they would have no idea just how many ships are here in the immediate region or when/where another attack may come from.”

“Exactly, make them think there are more of us than there are.” Skagath slapped the table. “And if they don’t know how many of us there are they won’t know where to look. Which would give us a chance to cause more chaos and maybe open up other avenues for finding the information that the fleet needs.”

Meadow sat back in her chair. “Maybe, we could draw forces from one area to other areas leaving holes or weaknesses that we or the fleet could take advantage of. Scamandrius, we know the frequencies that they used in Expanse, yes?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Could we use those frequencies to plant false information?”

Scamandrius thought for a second. “If we keep it very simple, we may be able to pull off something.  We would have to be relatively close to one of their communication arrays for it to work, but yes theoretically it should be possible.”

“Captain, if I may? Besides slowing down the Breen fleet, I think I read something about the systems that were placed on the starboard and port main hull hard points.”  Yatokii spoke from beside Skagath.

“Yes, of course. I had forgotten about that.” Zaishii quickly pulled up the information on her console.” The launchers are from a group of test bed weapons designed off of the Echelon class weapon systems.”

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

Thot Greit sat in his ready room, just aft of the bridge on the Chel Boalg warship that was his regional and fleet command. He had spent the last few hours going over the various reports from around his region and those that they have received that gave an overview of what was happening in the war to secure the Deneb Sector from the Federation. While he did not like seeing the great swath of dominion-controlled space so close to the confederacy, he understood the need for them to have their piece of the sector to control.

“Sir, the Fleet… it’s under attack”

“There is no one around, how can we be under attack? The federation is light years away. I have the latest reports in front of me.”

“Sir, I don’t know… But the Breit and the Snu are both reporting they have taken torpedo hits.”

“Damn it, I’m on my way. I want to know what is going on out there.”

Thot Griet stepped onto the bridge and made his way to his command chair. “Report!”

“Sir, the Briet reports two torpedo hits to their starboard nacelle while the Snu is reporting they took one to their port nacelle and one to their main hull. Both are reporting the loss of life and significant damage.

The Thot held a gloved hand in front of him as he thought about his next actions knowing they could greatly affect his fleet, he then slapped the hand down on his armrest. “Take the Fleet to yellow alert, now!

“Sir, new reports coming in from it, from the fleets southwest. We just lost one of our interceptors and its wingman is reporting serious damage to both of its nacelles. Sir that is the opposite side of the fleet from the first attack.

“Damn it; show me on the main display.”

He stood and approached the main display. As the screen split into several smaller views from various ships as three fighters exited out of warp quickly fired their torpedoes and quickly went to warp. The second attack showed the same scenario.”

“Those are fighters, you idiots. Their mother ship must be close by. Find that ship, now!  Send interceptors out, those fighters can’t get far.”

“Sir, the computer is saying that those are Valkyrie class fighters, small two-seat fighters with warp three capability. What if they want us to send ships, maybe they are laying a trap to weaken us.

“Bah, can you not see?” The Thot went back to his seat, “They are probing us, looking for weaknesses. Do as I say, send the interceptors out to hunt those fighters down, and if they find the mother ship they are to destroy it. We will send the federation a message they will not forget.”

The main view screen showed several bright explosions. “Again?” the Thot pointed at the main view screen. “They are like bugs, squash them.”

“Sir, that was the Nelk, they are reporting their shields took three hits and the fourth hit was on their starboard weapons array.

The bridge staff watched as the four blobs of light flashed which they knew meant that four ships had entered warp.

“Sir, the fleet has started procedure cobalt alpha. All ships are taking evasive actions as the procedure dictates.”

“What? No, no, no. can you idiots not see. This is what they want. Command all ships to hold in place. Do not follow normal procedures. Go to yellow alert, raise shields, and be ready with weapon systems. If I was them…”

“Sir… we have a warp…”

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

“Captain, two minutes till we exit warp.”

“Ok folks, battle stations.” The red lights started to blink and the klaxon sounded as the overall lighting system went dark except for the red lights giving off their eerie glow. “Skagath, you have ninety seconds. Target everything and anything that you can. If its shields go down, hit it again. Viameli, remember we get this only once. I want a ninety-second full impulse run. Zoltia/Yatokii, when we hit anything with those micro torpedoes I want the signature logged and the information sent to Bravo Fleet command. I’m sure they will want to be able to track them just as much as we do.” she looked around the bridge watching as her team readied themselves for the chaos that was about to ensue.

Hitting her internal comms button on her console. “Doc, have medical teams on standby, this will be quick but I expect that we will take some hits.”

“Standing by and ready, I have a secondary team set up in the medical suite near engineering.”

“Good thinking, doc.”

“Viameli, after this we go to the first launch point then we go pick up the angels.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Aryanna sat back in her chair, gloved hand balled up and tapping on her armrest. “I hope this works.”

<<” It will, all we are trying to do is slow them down. Give the fleet some time to put things in place.”>>

“Five, 4, 3, 2…1” Viameli called as the Dragon exited warp over where their best guess was for the location of the beacon.

They all watched as the Dragon roared, weaving and diving around various Breen ships. Torpedo striking shields, some getting exploding on shields, some forcing the shield systems on the smaller interceptors to buckle and die as lines of phasor fire followed.

“Captain, reading a Breen warship starboard.”

The crew felt a slight tingling sensation run through the ship as they noticed a dimming of lights and a barely perceptible slowdown in their movement.

“Damn Breen and their damn energy-dampening weapons took several hits to both sides of the main hull captain.” they felt the ship buckle and several small showers of sparks flew from several consoles. “Damn, they’re good with those, just took several disruptor hits on the starboard main hull.”

Sustram was quickly working on several holo’s on his console. “Shields are at 75% captain, engineering has sent teams to decks 12 – 14 on the starboard side where we took those hits.

Aryanna grimaced and nodded as she heard Sustram call out the last bit. “That would be the command ship, I bet. Let’s make that the end of the line.”

The inertial dampers worked hard as the Viameli threw the Dragon into a sharp turning climb towards the target, throwing a few folks hard into the side of their seats.

“Lass, the beacon is right under them. “ Skagath called.

“Get it, one burst at the beacon and then let the warship have everything we can give it.”

They watched as the Dragon went into a steep climb and then corkscrewed at the top and dove toward the warship now filling their screen. Torpedoes were fired in rapid succession followed by lines of phasor fire. Watching incoming fire hit your shields and flash in front of you was a new experience for some as they threw arms and hands in front of them while others kept their course.

“Captain forward shields are at 50%. We have taken a few hits to the forward sections, but nothing too bad as of right now. Zhaishii is sending teams to check.”

“Aryanna, Doc. Two were seriously burned and a few more were injured which will require some time in medical. Most are just minor bumps and scrapes. We got lucky”

Viameli threw the dragon into another sharp turn to avoid a pair of interceptors that were heading their way. “That was a long ninety seconds, jumping to warp, now…”

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

On board the warship, the bridge was amiss with smoke and small fires from a few non-essential places. “Sir, we took several hits to the nacelles and “the officer pointed around him.” a hit just a few meters off of the bridge. “

“How bad is my ship? How many did we lose in the fleet?” the Thot said from his chair.

“We lost three interceptors and two of the cruisers took several hits to their nacelles. We are estimating roughly 50 dead in total, across the fleet. The engineer is saying two to three days before we can go to warp.”

“It seems as if the Federation is changing the game.”

“Captain, all Angels on board. They are reporting a couple of narrow escapes with a few interceptors that came through probably looking for them or us. Both sides got a few hits in before the Breen forces left.”

“All right, good chance they sent the location to the fleet and were told to return. I’m betting we will be receiving some guests soon.” Aryanna turned toward Skagath.

“I know we were going to launch a couple of those experimental torpedoes, but with the neighbors possibly coming to knock on the proverbial door, let’s hold on to this set.”

“Agreed ma’am.”

Aryanna looked at her console and nodded “Viameli, let us go to point gamma.”

“Point gamma coordinates locked in and plotted.”

“Ready when you are, helm.”

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

“What do you mean, stay at our current location and proceed as ordered?  Do you not understand that the federation knows where we are? We have taken losses, damn it.”

A helmeted figure is staring intently from the console’s screen. “Thot Griet, your mission is of vital importance to this endeavor. We are not worried about one federation ship. Are you? From the data you sent us on the attack, we believe that this is a lone Federation vessel possibly of the new inquiry class. We heard that one was recently assigned to the fleet located in what they call the Thomar Expanse.”

Griet waved off the information. “I received the same report. Nevertheless, it is beside the point, we have been found. They know our location and according to my people they know where we are heading.”

“Yes, I read your report. We are not worried about your entrance location into the nebula. They have no idea what your intended target is so they would have no idea where to shift their forces. This may work in our favor, knowing that a fleet may be heading towards the nebula, they will divert forces from other locations to try and intercept you and your fleet.”

“They would fail in that; the federation does not have the ships in the region to stop this fleet.”

The ship’s klaxon sounds as the lights in the room quickly dim and go a dark purple. Griet quickly looked at the console and then tapped on another button on the desk.

“What is going on? Who ordered us to go to battle stations?”

“Sir, I did. We are being attacked again. The Pent just took two torpedoes hits; they are reporting serious damage to their main hull.”

“Where did they come from? How many ships?”

“That’s the thing, sir. No reports of ships anywhere in the area around the fleet.”

“Then how did they get attacked? Damn it, torpedoes do not just appear. Get me answers, find those damn ships.”

“Yes, sir.”

Griet looked back at the console. “Did you get all that? I’m telling you we have to act now, we have to move this fleet or proceed with the mission.”

Something slammed down on a table or desk. “You will do no such thing, Griet. You will proceed as planned and wait for further orders. I will see what I can do about sending you some more ships to replace the ones that have been damaged.”

“Thot Opent, you and have been comrades for quite some time, you should know better than making threats that we both know you cannot follow up on. I am in charge of this region, I can, and I will proceed with my mission as I deem best. Get me those ships, hell get me as many ships as you can. It looks to me like the federation, or at least their fourth fleet is moving into the sector.

The person on the console sat back in their chair. “Griet, you may be the region commander but I am the spokesperson for the confederacy command staff in regards to this mission. You will hold your present location and await further orders. I have another piece of information that we are trying to confirm.”

“What is it, now?” Griet sat back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“We are hearing that the Cardassians are also sending ships to the sector, but this has not been confirmed yet.”

Griet slammed a fist on his desk. “Great, just great. Don’t you think that is something I would need to know?”

“I just informed you, did I not?” as the screen goes black.

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

Beep, beep, beep

A hand reached out and tried to find the item making the noise, knocking it on the floor as the hand fumbled around.

Beep, beep, beep

The hand reached down on the floor and finally found the item. “Captain Rigras,” a groggy half-asleep voice said.

“Sorry for waking you ma’am, this is Lieutenant Nema. You left a note to be awakened when we reached point Talon.”

“Yes, yes. I did.” a hand reached up and wiped her eyes. “Computer lights thirty percent.” The lights slowly brightened to a dim light as she sat up and swung her legs out of the bed. “Did you launch the last set of torpedoes?”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Very well. Have we heard anything further from the command or the fleet?”

“No, ma’am”

“Guess we shall continue as planned. Lieutenant, have engineering prep a Mark five probe. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

“Yes. ma’am”

The turbo lift doors opened as Aryanna slowly made her way onto the bridge carrying a large steaming mug in one hand and taking a sip as she tried to blink the sleep from her eyes. She made her way towards the center chair, tapped the Lieutenant on the shoulder, and stepped beside the chair.

The lieutenant jumped slightly as she dropped the PADD she was reading onto her lap. “Captain, sorry. I was reading the latest reports.”

“Lieutenant Nema, always be listening to your surroundings, never get so engrossed in one thing that you lose contact with what is going on around you. Let that be the lesson of the day, shall we? “

Nema nodded as she reached down and picked up the PADD. “Engineering is prepping the probe as you asked and we have seen nothing on the scans since we arrived.”

Aryanna took another sip from her mug. “Well that’s something; we played cat and mouse with that one patrol two days ago.”

“Maybe we left their area or responsibility?”

Another sip and a look at the main view screen. “Maybe, but I would assume that they informed whoever commands this area.”

“True, but we were chasing those signals when they found us. In addition, we just came out of a two-day warp. So maybe they figured we left?”

“Maybe, I wish we could have found where those signals were coming from though.”

“Just reading the latest reports, it seems like the communications and intelligence departments have some ideas.”

Aryanna nodded and started to make her way toward her ready room. “I’ll be in my ready room if anything comes up, let me know when engineering has that probe ready.”

“Yes, ma’am. If I may ask, why did you want to be woken now? I mean if something would have come up we would have woken you; but as you can see it’s pretty quiet out there.”

Aryanna stopped as she was about to enter her ready room. “Gives me some time to plan our next move, plus I have some paperwork to catch up on.” as she continued into the ready room.

Sometime later the door chime sounds. “Enter” as Aryanna, with feet propped up on the desk and a PADD in her hands, barely looked up. “Meadow?”

“Morning Aryanna. You know what they say about captains that are all work and no rest.”

Aryanna took her feet off the desk and reached for the mug sitting on the table, realizing it had gone cold she got up and made her way to the replicator and ordered a fresh mug of coffee. “Hmmm, that they get all the work done?”

“Noooo, they burn themselves out and have to be sent to their quarters for rest.”

Aryanna raised an eyebrow. “It’s only been “she looked at the chrono on the console “four hours.”

“And how much sleep did you get last night?”

“Three-four hours, I think.” She took a sip of coffee.

“Aryanna, I don’t think I need to remind you that everyone needs sleep and that we don’t need you getting fuzzy-minded from lack of rest when we don’t need you most.”

<< “See, this is what you get when you make the counselor your XO. However, she is correct, you know. That stuff only works for so long.”>>

Aryanna looked at her cup of coffee and chuckled. “Meadow, that’s why they put couches in ready rooms,”

Meadow looked up from her PADD and walked over to the replicator herself. “Computer two sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits and two chicken, egg, and cheese biscuits.” She picked up the plate after it appeared and made her way to the desk, placing the plate between the captain and herself. “I’m guessing you haven’t eaten anything yet and have been drinking that,” she pointed at the coffee “so put the work down and eat something.”

Aryanna looked at the PADD and then at the plate of biscuits. She put the PADD down and reached for one of the chicken biscuits. “Yes, counselor”

“No, just a good exec looking after her captain.” she reached for one of the sausage biscuits. “So, what’s next?”

“Not sure yet, I was hoping we would hear something from command by now. Not sure how much we slowed down that fleet. Hopefully, command got the message and sends some ships to the nebula.”

“Oh, Lieutenant Nema asked me to let you know that the probe is ready. So what are you thinking of?”

“For the probe? I was thinking of sending it towards where we were, to see if it could pick up those signals that we heard. Something must be out there. Especially for that patrol to have been so set on chasing us.”

“I was wondering about that myself, it doesn’t make sense for them to have been from that fleet. As we were a few days away from them. “

“No, I don’t believe they were from that fleet. I was reading a report from the communications and intelligence departments. They were both in agreement that the signal frequencies and the amount of traffic that we picked up led them to believe that it might have been coming from a station.”

Meadows’ eyes went wide for a second as she reached for the second chicken biscuit. “Now that would be something that I’m sure command would be interested in.”

“Indeed” Aryanna reached for the last biscuit “Plus we have the Deptrock system, a known Breen dilithium mining operation. So it comes down to which one do we believe would hinder the Breen and the Dominion forces more.”

Meadow lets out a long breath. “Knowing what we know about the Breen and slaves I would think that morally we would need to go take a look at the mines, but a possible station is tempting as far as getting Intel.”

“I would have to agree with those thoughts.” she took a sip from her mug.

“Captain, incoming message from Bravo Fleet Command.”

Aryanna tapped on her combadge. “Send it to my console in here.”

“Yes, ma’am”

Aryanna looked at Meadow with a smile. “Speak of the devil, wonder what they have for us.”

“Only one way to find out.”

Priority message

From: Bravo Fleet Operations

To: Captain, USS Dragon

Fleet security level: Red

Mission threat level: Amber

Captain,

As you may be aware the Deptrock system houses one of the largest dilithium mining operations within the confederacy. The mining operation is located on the sixth planet of the system (see attachment one). With the hostilities between the confederacy and the federation the call for dilithium has increased within the confederacy; as such we have deemed that the mining operation on Deptrock 6, being of vital importance to the confederacies logistics system, is now a priority one target.

Bravo fleet intelligence has received information that the mine is worked by slave labor. The mines hold a small Breen security force and camp administration unit. According to the intelligence assets Deptrock 6 has, three interceptors assigned that are mainly there to act as convoy escorts within close proximity to the planet. The size of the slave camp is unknown at this time; an increase in the number of slaves has been noted as the need for dilithium has increased recently. As you are aware the federation has mandated a no tolerance for slave labor policy, as such then you have been tasked with the freeing of this slave labor force. Intelligence has noted that the convoys arrive and depart on a weekly schedule with departure roughly twenty-four to thirty-six hours after arrival. It is believed that the incoming convoys bring supplies and additional slave labor and depart with dilithium ore.

This mission is twofold.

The destruction of the mining operation.

 The freedom of the interred slaves

How this is accomplished is up to you and your crew. At this time, we cannot guarantee the assistance of any federation ships. If the slave labor is more than you can handle on the Dragon, the procurement of additional ships is allowed.

An Intelligence report on known planetary defenses is attached.

Remember captain – Trust Only Bravo Fleet.

End of priority message

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

Aryanna looked around the command table as she read the message, taking in everyone’s faces as the news sunk in on the task that had been laid in front of them. “As you heard just now the message was rather short on information. What we now have to decide is just how we conduct this operation. “

“That’s easy lass; we go in free those slaves and then rain fire and brimstone down on the mine.” Skagath said as he followed the captain with his eyes as she walked around the room.

“Not that easy, Skagath. What the report did not say is that the mine lays several hundred meters underground. There is a transporter inhibitor shield around the planet.  There is a gambit of defensive platforms and spread around the system are, at least, three known minefields.” Aryanna said as she retook her seat at the table and reached for a glass.”

“Aye, of course, it’s never as easy as they make it sound.” Skagath chuckled.

“Do we have any idea on the number of slaves?” Doc asked from her seat as she looked up from her PADD.

Aryanna shook her head.

“Damn it, they don’t think that is something that would be nice to know.” Doc let out under her breath. “Captain, we are not exactly set up to be a hospital ship, you know. My team and I should be able to handle triage and the most serious cases. But these people will need medical care beyond what we can provide.”

“I understand doc, and i am working on that. I’m going to send a message to the USS Olympic, I understand that she is part of the Mackenzie squadron now, for assistance once we are back in federation territory and clear of any threats.” Meadow said from her seat.

Doc nodded, “Yes, they would be able to handle the slaves and see to their needs till they were able to get them to a station. Do you know who her Captain is?”

“Not yet, but when I find out I’ll let you know.”

Doc nodded and then quickly started to type something on her PADD.

Yatokkii looked up from his PADD and blinked several times. “Captain, I did not see this in the report but do we know where the transport inhibitor is controlled from? Is it platform based or ground based?”

Aryanna looked over toward Scamandrius. “Lieutenant?”

Scamandrius sat upright in his chair a bit. “We believe it to be a ground based system, probably an older model but still effective.”

Yatokkii blinked a couple more times, as he thought. “Captain, according to the report the camp is split into two sections. One side houses the guards, infrastructure, operations and administration of the mine while the other half houses the slaves. Both of these are located just outside of the mine’s entrances.” a rudimentary map comes up over the center of the table.

Skagath leaned forward and pointed out the points with his swagger stick as he looked and nodded at Yatokii. “Meaning that the first thing we need to do is locate this inhibitor’s operation console and shut it down. Well besides the obvious part of getting into the camp to begin with. Then we move on to freeing the labor and then bringing the roof down on the mine.”

Skagath, you make it sound so simple. “Zhaishi chuckled

Yatokii looked over at Scamandrius “does the intelligence have anything on when or if all of the slave labor is in one location?”

Scamandrius shook his head.

“Well, that makes things a bit more interesting.” Yatokii looked at the map, blinked several times and nodded. “Captain. We may have an asset that would be able to help in this situation.”

Scamandrius looked over at Yatokii “I think we are on the same page, this is the type of mission we put them in pace for. Are we sure they are ready?”

“Only one way to find out for sure.”

Yatokii looked at Scamandrius for a moment then turned toward Aryanna. “We would like a few minutes of your time to discuss this mission and a possible asset we could use.”

Aryanna nodded “Very well, we will meet in my ready room after this meeting if that works for you.”

Yatokii looked at Scamandrius who nodded in reply, as did Yatokii.

Aryanna looked at the map then types something on her console making the map zoom out to show the overall system. “At this time we do not have the location of the defensive platforms or the minefields. Both of which need to be handled somehow before we can take the Dragon in.”

Viameli cleared her throat “Unless we can figure out the route that these convoys take, I am willing to bet that it is well clear of the issues that those two things present.”

“The lass has a point. If I designed the defenses for this operation, I would place those items along the most likely routes to the planet. Making it difficult for anything much bigger than a small freighter to get through.” Skagath added.

“Unfortunately we are a bit bigger than a small freighter, Skagath,” Viameli said from her seat.

“I know, but if we could…”

“I’m guessing this is where we come in. ” Commander Thornton stood and leaned over the table to get a closer look at the map, pipe in one hand pointing out different aspects of the system to himself. “The angels could take care of the platforms and the planet-based interceptors, what we would need to worry about is they damn mine fields. One thing to note though and I am sure everyone is thinking it and just not saying it, once we start this the whole region and I am willing to bet the entire confederacy will know that something is going on at their little mining operation. This will need to be one of two things either very quick or very stealthy.

“Not to mention one pissed off fleet that technically is not too far away as far as stellar distance goes.” Meadow added

“There’s that, too,” Thornton nodded. “Captain, if we could get within a couple days of travel of the system for a brief period of time we could launch the two Arrows and use them to scout the system. See if we can find the platforms and minefield locations and maybe notice any signatures that could lead us to the routes that the convoys use. “

“That’s easy enough.” Aryanna made a note on her console and looked back up at the staff.” sounds like we have the first phase set up, the recon will play a vital role in what we do next.”

Doc looked up from her PADD. “How long will it take to use the transporters to get possibly hundreds if not a few thousand people off the planet’s surface?”

Several of the staff sat back in their chairs and let out a long breath as if they had not thought of that particular issue.

Sustram looked up from his PADD. “I figure we could handle 200 to 300 an hour.”

“So we are looking at five hours for a thousand people, if we used the lower number of the two.” Doc shook her head.

Meadow looked at Aryanna then at Skagath and Yatokii. “Better come up with a plan B, just in case.”

Skagath sat back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. “Scamandrius, did your little birds have any idea on when the next convoy is?”

Scamandrius looked at his PADD. “According to the report, they should be arriving sometime in the next 24 hours.”

“Not enough time for us to act now. But that would mean we have roughly a week till the next convoy?”

“Give or take a day, yes,” Scamandrius nodded.

Aryanna smiled, “I think I know where you’re heading, Skagath. Get with Viameli and anyone else you think you need to and work up a plan for me to look at. You have twenty-four hours to have something on my desk. Commander Thornton, get the Arrows ready we should be entering warp any minute to head towards the Deptrock system. We will stay long enough to launch your two ships and then we will need to keep moving to try and cover our plans.”

Thornton nodded.

Aryanna stood from her seat. “Very well then, I think we all understand what we have been asked. Now it is time to make it work. I hope that by this time next week we will have a ship full of what would then be refugees and we will be on our way to Farpoint station. That is all.”

“USS Dragon, this is Commander Thornton. We have reached the Detrick system.” Thornton tapped the send button on his console as he pulled up the map of the system on his holo console. “Angel two, let’s loosen it up. Take up position delta at Lima Romeo distance. Angel one will take the lead.”

He heard a two-beep response over the comms channel and nodded.

“Remember folks, we are looking for anything that could hinder or aid the mission. Intel, keep your eyes and ears open. Science, you know what to look for. Tactical, keep an eye out for those platforms and those damn mine fields. Helm, let us go with Hotel October for now and nuts and bolts if we find anything.

The officer at the helm nodded as she looked at his chrono on his holo display and took the runabout into a quick climbing curve.

The tactical officer turned to face the commander with a slight smile on his face. “Commander, we have what I think is the first platform. Looks to be in position over that asteroid field 1000 kilometers bearing 45 mark 20. Almost missed it if it wasn’t for the sensor ping it just sent out.”

“Show me” as Thornton got up and made his way to the tactical console.

Putting one hand on the back of the tactical officer’s chair, holding his pipe with the other, he leaned in to look at what the officer saw on the sensor sweeps. “Looks like something is there. Helm, bearing 45 mark 20 let’s go take a look.” He reached over to the console’s comms button. “Arrow two, we are going to go take a look at a possible signal. Conduct a survey orbit around the asteroid field; make sure nothing else is in the area.”

Two more beeps in response.

“Helm, keep us just outside of its sensor range. We do not need any visitors. Let’s make this quick and simple.”

“Roger, commander.”

“Hmmm, it does seem to be of the same style as the one we discovered in the Expanse. Probably an earlier model as they presumably would deploy their newest platforms in areas that have a chance of becoming hostile.” he watched the data come up on the tactical console. “Send this to the Dragon,” he patted the tactical officer on the shoulder.

“Yes, sir.”

“Ok, helm, let’s keep moving.”

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

“I came up as soon as we were done with our post flight checks and had conducted our after action review, Captain.” Thornton went to the replicator and ordered himself a large glass of sweet tea. “The mission started out fine but got a bit dicey near the end, seems like they have upped those interceptor patrols, not sure if it’s because of that fleet we encountered or just the overall situation but the closer we got to the 6th planet the more we saw signs of them.”

Aryanna was reading her PADD and looking at the holo map that was floating above her desk. “I see that, Aiden. The Intel officer and science officer you had on board both confirm at least three different sets of duo of warp signatures. Which would mean they have at least doubled their security ships.”

“Yes, ma’am” Thornton sat down in the larger of two recliners that could spin to face the desk. “We found ten tactical platforms and thirty more that form what we think is an early warning system closer to the 6th planet. As you can see on the map,” he pointed at it with his pipe “the platforms seem to be placed near object that will help disguise them. First, one we found was located just inside of a damn asteroid field. Found several in orbit of a few of the moons.” he chuckled “almost ran right into one of them.”

Aryanna raised an eyebrow “any response?”

“Nope. Nevertheless, believe me it caused a few asses to tighten up for a bit, mine included. Which led my science officer, Ensign Sonno, to come up with a plausible reason. She thinks that the platforms are in a passive state and use smaller stationary probes to act as a net when the probes signal the platform goes active. We guess we must have slipped under the net somehow when we discovered the platform floating in front of us.”

Aryanna held up a hand and tapped her combadge. “Skagath, did you get a copy of the Angels report?”

“Yes, captain. I was just pursuing it myself. Interesting read.”

“Why don’t you join the commander and me in my ready room? Bring Zoltia with you.”

“Let me get their attention and we will be there in a couple of mins.”

A couple minutes go by before the two lieutenants joined the captain and commander, whom then went over what they had been discussing.

“It would make sense captain, why have active systems in your own territory? The idea of the passive system with a net of sensors is nothing new. I believe humans used systems throughout their history as the one described. “Zoltia added.

“And using stellar objects to hide them is pretty ingenious if i say so myself. We would have to be top of them before our sensors picked them up, and by then it would probably be too late. I’m sure that as soon as those probes ping a ship not only is the platform put into an active mode but a message is sent to those interceptors.”

“Which is going to make it even riskier for us to bring the Dragon closer to the planet, not including the other systems the angel crews found signs of as they got nearer to those middle planets. “ Aryanna said as she sat back in her chair

“Never said this was going to be easy, did they ma’am” Skagath said as he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the captain’s desk.

“No, they did not.”

“Did you find the mine fields, commander?” Skagath asked

“No, no we did not. The only explanation we could come up with was that at one time they were present but as they emplaced the platform system they removed the mines.”

“Well, that’s a check mark in the Dragon’s column then.” Skagath chuckled.

“Yes, it does get rid of one chess piece on the board.” Zoltia added,

“But, it adds another in its place.” Aryanna said as she looked at the holo map.”

“Thornton, were you able to locate the routes that the convoys use?”

“Yes, and that’s another sticky issue. We found traces of warp signatures at these four points.” four spots appear in green.  “As you can see there are two outside the eighth planet and two near the fourth planet. ” We did not get much else, as we did not want to set off any warning flags if they checked those areas. As such, we did not get scans on the actual points all we were able to find on the sensors were what looked like the point where ships dropped out of or entered warp. Though one interesting thing to point out, you will notice that those locations are either near moons or in the case of these two over the polar orbits of the planets. “Two locations began to pulse.

Skagath got up and moved closer to look at the map floating over the captain’s desk.” Which I would assume means that there is probably one of those platforms close by at each one of those locations.”

“Which could mean that those platforms have a central control node, probably on the planet or the Breen ships have a code to disengage the platform at whatever location they are using. At least that’s how we would set them up.” Zoltia added from her chair.

Aryanna nodded “which adds more layers to the onion. One we could possibly take care of if we sent a team in the other would mean waiting on the next convoy.”

“Captain, the clock is not working on our side right now. We have three days, maybe four until the next convoy. Figure a day for the Dragon to get to the drop off point and another for the insertion team to make their way to the planet. That is cutting things offly close. Especially since, we do not know what type, if any, of escort is with the convoy. I’m pretty sure during the situation right now they are not letting dilithium shipments move unescorted.” Thornton said as he got up and moved to stand beside Skagath.

“All right team, we are wheels up in thirty minutes, time to conduct final system and equipment checks. ” Lieutenant Yatokii called out from his locker as he watched the rest of this specialized team. “Remember the environment of Deptrock 6 is harsh and according to preliminary planetary scans the atmosphere is barely breathable for most of us.”

Chief Ukogh looked in his locker and pulled out a phase rifle in one hand and his phasor in the other, looking over at Chief Ngiazav. “Been awhile since we have done one of these types of forays.”

“Indeed” as he holstered two phasors and looked at his fellow chief looking at the two weapons. “Thinking of over watch?” he nodded toward the rifle.

“I am, though I’m not sure. We never really discussed it during the mission prep. “He shook his head and placed the rifle back in the locker. “I’m a warrior, sometimes the battlefield changes and I would rather be ready for that change than not.” he nodded and made his way over to Yatokii.

“Lieutenant, if I may make a suggestion?”

Yatokii blinked as he looked over the Klingon in front of him. “Yes, chief”

“Sir, I know we did not discuss it but I think having one of the team set up on the ridge above the camp would allow for an over watch system and could allow for an early warning.”

Yatokii finished donning his body armor and then picked up his PADD, swiped through several pages and then read something that he found. ”yes, yes. I see. Go ahead and bring your rifle chief. We may need you if we find things have changed by the time we get to the camp.”

“Yes, sir.” As he made his way back to his locker, took out his rifle, placed it on the bench he stood in front of, reached into his locker, pulled out a medium sized tube, and emptied it into one of his hands. Straddling the bench and sitting down he picked up the rifle and held it up with the stock on the bench. Taking the item in his other hand, he hit a button on its side, held it against the top of the rifle, and tapped the button again. He stood and slung the rifle on his back.

Chief Ngiazav noticed the team medic had a bunch of medical equipment and items spread out all over the floor and bench looking at it with one hand pinching his chin as his other two were busily packing a field pack for the third time. “Ensign, remember we are not trying to fix everything. Bring what you need to help the most severe cases. “As he walked over and placed a hand on the pack. “This is too much; it will only slow you down. Remember, the mission orders.”

Ensign Zijai looked at the large Orion in front of him and nodded. “Ummmm yes, chief. Just nervous. First time you know.”

“I understand. Remember the mission and the discussions we have had. You will be fine,” he pointed at the two smaller pouches that were attached to the ensign’s body armor. “I think you know what you need and have already decided on It.,” he pointed at the spread out supplies. “This is just nerves.”

“Yes, chief.”

Chief Ngiazav nodded and walked to the next person as he noticed his fellow chief doing the same with the two intelligence officers assigned to the team.

“USS Dragon this is the Leviatan, we have dropped off obsidian.”

“Roger, meet us at the predetermined coordinates.”

The crew watched as the team of nine personnel formed a small circle for a minute and then started to make their way out of the area as the rear hatch closed and the runabout lifted off.

“Chief Ngiazav, lead the way.” as the team looked around and got their bearings. The day had just begun to turn to night as the darkness of the sixth planet’s night phase settled in. Chief Ngiazav turned to face the team and nodded. “Estimate six hours till we reach the ridge. That gives us another seven to eight hours of darkness to work with.”

The rest of the team picked up their gear and made ready to leave as the team’s science officer pulled out his tricorder and ran a quick scan. “We are good to go; I’m not seeing any signs of life nearby. Though this planet does have some fauna that is active at night more so than during the daytime.”

“All right then, yell if anyone hears or sees something. Let’s get moving then, shall we.” the chief started walking in the direction of the ridge.

“Lieutenant, I’ll take the rear, make sure nothing moves up behind us and cover any tracks that we leave behind.” Chief Ukogh said in a hushed tone.

Yatokii nodded as he took a deep breath through his helmeted mask and slowly let it out.

Several hours into the march, Lieutenant Simmons walked up beside Ngiazav. “Chief, stop. We may have an issue.”

Ngiazav comes to a stop and turns to face the Lieutenant. “What is it?”

“I’m showing a signature of some sort about 1000 meters ahead.” he showed the Chief his tricorder and the readings on it.”

“Damn it, we expected they would have something set up. Can you tell what its purpose is?”

Simmons shook his head.

“Great, we still have a few hours to go to reach the spot we picked on the map.” he looked around shaking his head. “Lieutenant Yatokii, Simmons has found something. Assessing now.”

“Understood”

“If it’s a scanning sensor of some sort; I dare say we are close to its max range.”

Ngiazav nodded. “Where there is one there are probably more. However, this valley puts us close to the way up to the ridgeline from what we saw. Maybe it’s placed here just for that reason.” he tapped a button on a small PADD attached to his forearm. “Going to take some time to get up the side of the valley to get up to that plateau. I was trying to avoid that as it puts us more in the open and the landscape is riddled with sinkholes and crevices that will slow us down.”

Simmons nodded. 

Ngiazav looked toward his right “Well that way is as good as any right now. Simmons you’re with me.,” he signaled for the rest of the team to hunker down. “Lieutenant, I’m going to take Simmons and we are going toward the right side of the valley, see if we can figure out a way around this. I would suggest hunkering down here till we get back.”

“Will do, I’ll have Ensign Yikyi move up to your position, maybe she can figure out a way to disable or create a work around.”

“That will be fine. Ensign Yikyi, i would not go much further than this point. We are not sure just what type of device this is or how far it reaches.”

“Yes, chief.”

“Ok Simmons, let’s drop our extra gear here, move light and fast. Besides we won’t need it for this and this group here” he uses a thumb to point behind him “isn’t going anywhere till we say so. Just bring what you need”

Simmons goes to place his rifle on the pile formed by his gear.

“I would suggest you bring that, Lieutenant. You may need it; we don’t know what is out there.”  Ngiazav said under his breath as he shook his head.

A chuckle is heard from somewhere in the group.

“Lieutenant, let’s make our way over to that stone outcropping over toward our left.  Would probably be better than staying out here in the open.”

“Agreed”

“Well lieutenant, we have some bad news” Chief Ngiazav silently came back to the group and kneeled down next to Yatokii. “We found three more of those devices, I’ll give these confederacy folks kudos they sure make things tough. I mean we are still several hours away from the ridgeline but it looks like they knew that this valley was a route to the camp. I’m sure these were put in place more to protect the mine than anything else.”

Yatokki nodded and then closed his eyes for a few seconds. “I would guess that they did the same on this side.” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb.

“Would make sense.”

“Damn it, this makes things a tad more difficult. Any ideas?”

“Well Simmons had something he wanted to talk to Yikyi about.”  Ngiazav shrugged.

“Lieutenant, chief, I think I may have a work around. Yikyi is testing it on her equipment right now. We think that the sensors are an older model, maybe set up when the operation was first set up on this planet.”

Yatokii and the chief both look at the lieutenant with a look like they did not understand the significance of that.

“I kept on getting some strange readings on my tricorder when we were looking for a way around the sensor we found. I believe that many of the animals on this planet are subterranean in nature or if they are not they stay low to the ground.”

Ukogh made his way over to the trio.

“I’m not quite understanding, lieutenant. How does that help us?”

“It’s the planet sir; the harshness of the planet gave me the idea. It’s either too hot or too cold for many things to stay on the surface, the only thing protecting us from the freezing cold is our suits.”

“And?”

“Well chief, if you were setting up a sensor system, would you want it to go off all the time?”

“No, no I wouldn’t. That would drive me crazy if I was sending teams out to investigate every time the sensors went off.”

“Exactly, so how would you fix that problem?”

Ukogh chuckled, “I’d set my sensors to react to things at ground level or maybe a bit higher.”

Ngiazav looked down at the map on his PADD.

“I thought of it while we were on the side of the valley, chief.”

He looked at his PADD and then at the young lieutenant and then back at the PADD on his wrist. “The crevices?”

“Yes, the crevices. I got some weird readings, well weird as i could not say what caused them but i think the animal species of this planet use them to move around during the daylight hours.”

“Which means we could use them to move past the sensors.”

“Yes, that’s what I was thinking.”

They hear a scrambling of rocks as another body comes towards them. “Damn, I can’t see that far on my device.”

Ukogh looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “What are we trying to see? Do we not know where the sensor is?”

“Oh, yes. We know approximately, where it is located. I was trying to see if we could tell how it was set up.”

He unslung his rifle “Show me”

She motioned for the chief to follow her as she departed in the same direction that she came from.

“Move, move, move. Damn it, how did they find us?”

“Get down, get down… don’t move, turn off all unnecessary systems.”

“What gave us away?”

They watched as over the rise two Breen star fighter type ships, could be seen heading in their direction against the night sky.

“Not sure that they have, could just be a routine patrol.”

“Out here?  On this planet? “

“Maybe something else triggered one of the sensors?”

They watched from the crevice that they had all dove into as the Breen fighter started to perform a sweep of the area behind as its wingman started to work itself up the valley. Toward their location. 

“Stay down, don’t move.” Ukogh said over the team comms channel.

They could hear the low thrumming of the ship’s engines as it slowly passed over them.

“Don’t move; his partner is still down here. Patience, patience… “Yatokii whispered

Captains log:

The past 36 hours have been busy to say the least. We have deployed team obsidian to infiltrate Deptrock 6. We have decided on a hybrid plan combining elements of plan A and plan B. I am still not sure what Bravo fleet command was thinking of, sending one ship to conduct this mission, so many factors, and so many unknowns. We have successfully deployed four probes to act as an early warning system over the potential avenues used by the convoys. Morale is high amongst the crew, though many do not know what awaits us in the coming days.

Aryanna sat back in the center chair and closed her eyes briefly remembering what they have discussed over the last couple of days.

<<” Trust in your ship and in your crew, if the mission is to succeed then it is the crew that will make it happen.”>>

“Computer, end captains log and save.”

“Comms, anything from obsidian?” Meadow asked from her station.

“No, ma’am. Nothing since we received the message about making it past the ground based sensor array they found.”

Meadow looked over at Aryanna. Aryanna thumped her armrest with the gloved hand. “We will have to continue on and hope that they are able to complete their part.” she tapped on the internal comm button. “Commander Thornton, brief your crews and prepare your ships.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Viameli, as soon as we have confirmation that the convoy has arrived at one of the locations; plot a course that allows us to keep an eye on them but stays outside of their sensors.”

“Yes, ma’am. I have been looking at various ways to do just that. I think a bit of planet hopping, staying on the back side of the planet, would be the best course of action for that.”

Aryanna nodded, “plot the course and plan for stationary orbits.”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Skagath, if we have to go with plan B remember to target the interceptors, and communication arrays then go for the nacelles. We will need those ships to make this work.”

“Aye, captain.”

“You know Skagath one day after this is done and you will need to tell me what is up with that accent.”

“What accent ma’am, it’s just the way I talk.”

She looked over and saw a slight smile creep over his face as she raised an eyebrow.

“Skagath, seeing as Yatokii is part of team obsidian you have control of security.”

“Are, captain”

“Get with Viameli, Sustram and Zhaishi and make sure the boarding parties have what they need.”

“Viameli, have your personnel gotten the information on Breen ships?”

“Yes, captain, at least what we have in the data banks. Not much there but they have been going over what is there. They feel confident that they can fly the ships in a straight line and maybe land them if there’s enough room.” she chuckled as she was talking. “No promises on the straight line though or the landing for that matter.”

Meadow let out a burst of laughter at hearing the conversation. She then turned and looked at Aryanna. “I guess it all comes down to timing now, doesn’t it. “

“That and a whole bunch of luck. Though I wish we knew how things were going with the team on the planet, this mission plan is riding on them.”

“Sir, using the crevices to move has certainly kept us away from those sensors but it has majorly slowed us down.”

“I thought for sure that the last patrol had us, it can’t be coincidence that we have passed two sensor groups and have had patrols after we passed both.” Yatokii muttered as he crept up beside Chief Ukogh and looked over the ridgeline from the chiefs position

“No, sir. I just hope they chalk it up to something else.”

“Only one way to find out”

“Yes, sir. I think that I can get down to that boulder outcropping 50 meters below and to the left, which should be a good place for me to set up.” Ukogh pointed it out to the lieutenant.

Yatokii looked at his chrono and then at the sky. “Roughly three hours till sunrise, if we wait too much longer we will all wish we had one of those Breen suits on versus what we have.”

“Believe me sir, they have been tested. We will survive. It may get a bit warm in them but it’s not unbearable.”

“Sounds like someone is talking from experience.”

Both of the chiefs grunt/groan as a simple reply, which causes Yatokii and the rest to chuckle.

Yatokii watches as chief Ukogh carefully and slowly, keeping himself low to the ground, makes his way down the slope to the rock/boulder outcropping that he had pointed out. Then he made his way back to the rest of the team.

“Ok folks, this is where the fun part starts. Looks like we have the camp nestled into a cut out at the bottom of the slope on the other side. There are five domed structures near the slope; we are guessing they house the Breen security contingent, infrastructure and operations buildings. Then we counted at least 15- 20 domed structures set up in two lines on the left hand side. Looks like the landing area is off to the right, we could see what looked like two fighters and three Plesh Tral raiders.”

“Could you see the mine entrances, sir”

“Yes, they were located here and here.” He added two rocks to the lower left and mid left to the impromptu map being formed on the ground between the team. “Going to be a lot of ground to cover folks. These two domes here and here.” he pointed out two rocks near the slope. “Look to be larger than the others. I am thinking that these may house the mine operations and the infrastructure for the operation. Make sure we tag both as targets for the Dragon.” he looked at chief Ngiazav who nodded in response.

“Chief Ngiazav, take your team and figure out where the control panel is for the shield and disable it. Grab anything you think the fleet could use as far as intel goes. I will take the other team, make our way towards this area over here, and see what we can do about freeing up the slaves when the time is right. The transporter ground emitter arrays go with us. Ok folks we have our orders let’s load up and move out.”

He stopped and tapped out a message on his wrist PADD, looking up to the sky as he hit the transmit tab.

“Chief, it looks like this one has quite a few pipes and other equipment on the outside.”

“Hmmmmm, I think it is safe to say that this is probably the dome that houses the camps infrastructure systems. I wouldn’t think that operations would be in this building.” they approach the outside of the dome keeping to the shadows.

“Ukogh, can you see anyone up and about? “

“Not near you, I see some activity around those three domes that are grouped together towards the right and forward of those two bigger ones. I’m figuring those are housing for the Breen assigned to this camp.”

Ngiazav looked up at the sky and then at his wrist PADD. “Makes sense, getting close to sunrise. Possibly getting ready to start the day. Which means we better get moving.” he pointed at the rest of his team and signaled for them to prepare to move to the second large dome.

“I’m seeing a possible entrance point, there seems to be a smaller dome like attachment to the large one and it looks like I can make out a possible hatch on the side closer to the slope.”

“Better than the front door, chief.”

“Agreed, question is. What is on the other side?”

“Only way to find out.”

The chief nodded, he pointed at one of the team and signaled that he would be the first and the others would provide lookouts. After doing so, he reached in a pouch on his side and pulled out a small device, and thumbed the little screen on the top. He then reached into a grouping of pipes that came out of the side of the dome and attached it on one of the inner pipes.

As he was doing this, he caught out the side of his eye the security officer dash across the open ground to the next dome. He signaled for the next two to make the dash. Watching them, he could not help but smile as he saw their hours of training kick in. He crouched and made ready for his dash.

“Ngiazav, hold. You have a couple Breen making their way to the bigger dome. Almost missed them in the dark if it wasn’t for the light from those damn masks of theirs.”

“Get low…” Ngiazav called out. As he too hit the ground and laid prone.

Several minutes went by before he heard an all clear come over his comm unit in his helmet. He got up and started his dash.” Ngiazav, hit the deck.” he quickly threw himself on the ground. “What the hell?”

“Another group making their way, guess it’s time for shift change.”

“I’m in the open here, battle. What are they doing?”

“Hold on, damn. Do not move. Whatever you do, don’t move.”

 Ukogh watched from his vantage point as one of the Breen separated themselves from the small group and made their way toward the open area between the two domes. He watched as the Breen came to a stop and looked to be scanning the area. He easily thumbed the safety selector on his rifle he nestled it deeper into his shoulder, and started to steady his breathing as he started to ease his finger so the trigger sat in his the flat space between the second and third knuckle.

“Come on, keep moving damn you. Nothing to see, nothing to see.” he knew subconsciously his finger had begun to tense against the trigger and his breathing had begun to enter a metered pattern.

He then watched as another member of the team turned and started to scan over the landing zone area, nodded and continued moving toward the dome. He watched as the first one continued to scan the area for several minutes, then look up, and scan the top of the ridgeline for a couple more.  

“Nothing to see, nothing to see. Just keep moving.” After several more tense minutes crept by, Breen slowly turned and made his way into the dome.

“Move, Ngiazav, move.”

****

Aryanna entered the bridge from her ready room, smiled at a few of those that offered her a good morning or hello’s and made her way to the center seat where Meadow was currently sitting. “Anything yet?” as she stood looking at the main view screen and took a sip from her mug.

“No, nothing yet. Should be any time though.” Meadow stood and stretched. “Early morning, I had a few files to go over. I’m still the ship’s counselor you know and I have an appointment in twenty minutes.” as she held out the Dragon ring.

“Yes, we need to discuss that one of these days. Maybe, bring on a second counselor?

“I was wondering about that myself this morning, usually a ship this size would have a small two to three counselor office.”

Aryanna accepted the ring “I have the conn.” She stayed standing watching the bridge staff as they went about their business barely noticed the sound of the turbo-lift door opening and closing as the counselor made her way off the bridge.

****

Yatokki and his team had a much longer journey to their intended targets, much as they had done on the way to the camp; they kept themselves to the crevices and outcroppings along the slope just under the ridgeline.

After nearly an hour, they finally reached a point between the two mine entrances that looked over a majority of what they suspected was the slave labor camp. This camp was different in its layout from the other side. Two rows of domes with a larger dome on each end, forming an elongated rectangle. Lights from above shown into the middle of the area with well-worn paths between the domes and towards the two larger domes on either end were noticeable. They watched as a group of five Breen made their way to one of the domes on the far side and entered. Several minutes later a group was led from the large dome on the right hand side towards the dome next to the five Breen had just entered, there were a total of fifteen more Breen escorting.

“Lieutenant, I count 362 in that line” as the officer let out a low whistle.

They watched as several of the Breen started to push and prod several of the slower slaves with what looked like medium sized tubes of some sort.

Yatokki let out a few choice words as he watched the actions of the Breen on the slaves, “Well, we can confirm that slave labor is used.”

Yatokki and his team watched as the ten of the Breen exited the dome and made their way over to the one that the five had just entered. Several minutes later, they watched as another line of slumped shouldered haggard looking individuals made their way from the dome to the one located on the right.

“I count 379, lieutenant. Sir if those numbers hold up we are looking at just over three thousand souls.

“They don’t seem to be keen on the slaves mingling do they? One group enters and only after they are all in does the other exit.”

“Makes sense though. “ Yatokii added “they know even in the state that those slaves are in you get too many in one place and it’s going to be hard to control them if anything goes sideways.”

“True, sir. But even 300 to 15 are not good odds.”

“True, but they hold all the cards… Food, water, protection from the environment. Those slaves know if it were not for the Breen, they would surely be dead. “Yatokki sat back on the large rock behind them. “Think about it, if things go sideways all they have to do is lock down the domes and wait for the environment to do all the work.”

The team nodded.

“Ok, gentleman, we have work to do and we don’t have much time. As he started to crouch and prepare to head out one of the security team grabbed him on the upper arm and pointed at something else.

They watched as a large group of Breen exited the other side of the camp and started to make their way towards the ships. Six of them veered off and made their way toward the two Starfighter sized ships while the rest continued to make their way toward the three Plesh Tral’s.

“Looks like we may have timed this just right, I bet they are going to meet the incoming convoy”

Yatokii blinked several times as he watched the ship’s crews separate and load up. “Agreed, which means we need to get moving. You know your assignments let us get moving. Meet up by that dome, “he pointed toward the first one on the right in the row nearest them. “In thirty minutes, make sure we mark both of those mine entrances.” he watched as two of the team separated and made their way back along the ridgeline toward the further mineshaft. The rest of the team separated and made their way in towards the rows in front of them.

****

“Captain, we have something on probe delta.”

Aryanna sat upright and looked toward Zoltia at her science station.

“Looks like we have three ships, data coming in now.”

Skagath looked at the captain through his holo display, “Captain, looks like three Plesh Tral’s. Raiders, ma’am.”

Aryanna nodded. “According to the last reports we got from obsidian, those could be the ships from the surface.”

“That would make sense, could be patrolling the avenues before the convoy arrives.”

Zoltia nodded. “I can confirm captain, it looks like the impulse trails are coming from the planet’s surface. Not going to get much more than that from the probes.” Several minutes went by as the bridge went silent waiting to see what happened next. “They just entered warp, can’t tell in which direction just that they all suddenly went off the probe’s sensor arrays.”

“Guess the convoy isn’t coming to that one. “ Skagath said from his console.

Aryanna stood and moved over towards Zoltia’s console. “Doesn’t look like it, the question is, where did they go?”

“Got ’m ma’am “Zoltia exclaimed several minutes later. “Probe alpha.”

Aryanna tapped her knuckles on Zoltia’s console and made her way back to her seat.

Viameli turned to face Aryanna. “Ma’am, that one is near the second moon. I do not think we can move on it without them getting wind. However,” she looked at Sustram.

Sustram turned in his chair towards the captain. “I was just discussing this with my sister ma’am, in case this avenue was used. The second and third moons are getting ready, within the next few days, to eclipse each other. Meaning we could possibly hide on the far side of the third moon and be outside of their sensor range but yet close enough that we could follow them on our arrays.”

Aryanna looked around the bridge, “any other thoughts?” no one said anything as she noticed a couple of nods from others on the bridge.

“Viameli, take us to the third moon, warp 9.”

Viameli and Sustram turned back toward the consoles as they watched the ship begin to move forward at impulse speed before it jumped to warp.

****

Ngiazav and his team stacked themselves in the night shadows beside the hatch that Ukogh had noticed.

“Check the door,” he tapped the first person in the stack.

The first man, Ensign Oshriviab, looked at the PADD on the side of the hatch and shook his head, he then reached down and pulled out a small slightly curved device, it looked much like a handle to a weapon, and tapped on a few buttons before holding it to the PADD. After several seconds, a small green line appeared on the device as the hatch slid open just a small amount. Putting the first device away he pulled out a tricorder, he opened the hatch just another inch or so noticing that no light spilled forth and held the tricorder just inside the opened hatchway and then nodded.

Ngiazav tapped him on the shoulder as he quietly opened the hatch just enough to slip in and proceeded to enter, the other three members of the team were right behind as they all quickly entered the hatch.

Upon entering, they noticed that they were in some sort of extra room, possibly a supply room. They quickly scanned the room and closed the hatch behind them.

Oshriviab moved toward the hatch he found on the other end of the dome as the others stood toward the two sides of the hatch. He crouched down and using the tricorder, he quickly scanned the hatch getting an idea of what was on the other side.

“Looks like a hallway that turns towards the left, probably toward the main entrance area. Not reading anybody on the other side.” he said in a whisper over the team comms.

Opening the hatch, they all held their breath to see if any type of audio or visual alarm went off seeing nothing, they silently entered the dimly lit hallway.

“Door” as they slowly made their way along the left hand side of the hallway. Stacking, Ngiazav leading the way they once again caterpillar’ed their way into the room. As each one entered, they showed the hours of training they had undergone as they followed a choreographed group of movements to clear the room. Four “clears” came over the team comms as the door silently slid closed behind them.

****

Ukogh made his way from his vantage point toward the three buildings. Reaching the first of the three buildings, he ducked and hid in a shadowed area as he reached up to find the place where a group of tubing and other things made their way into the side of the building that he had noticed from his vantage point. Thumbing a device similar to the one used by Ngiazav on the other dome he placed it against the underside of the tangle of items and thumbed it again as he felt it seal against the metal.

“One down, two to go.”

He silently made his way to the second dome and repeated the process.

Upon reaching the third dome, he looked up as he heard a loud noise approaching from the opposite direction, repeating the process that he did on the previous two as he watched the three Plesh Tral’s flyover then turn and land. Followed by a group of ten medium sized freighters and five smaller ones. Followed by another six Plesh Tral’s.

“Damn.” as he noticed the two fighter sized craft continue to circle the camp. “Why couldn’t you guys land like the rest of them?”

Completing his assigned task, he made his way using the shadows and the domes as cover to the hatch he had watched the team enter earlier. “Ngiazav, I’m where you entered the dome. Covering the escape as planned.”

He received three quick beeps in response. Knowing this was a signal that Ngiazav could not verbally reply he knew that the team was probably getting themselves in place for the final entry.

The crew of the Dragon had watched as the convoy arrived and then started to make their way toward the planet under impulse.

Skagath whistled as the list of ships came up on his console. “Nine Plesh Tral’s. They are certainly making sure that these conveys are watched over. Going to be rough if we have to face them up here, even with the Angels, captain.”

“I agree, hopefully things are going well on the planet.”

“They are at the edge of our sensor capabilities ma’am. Though we can probably guess where they are heading.”

“Understood. Viameli, prepare to take us in. Geosynchronous orbit over the camp. Let’s make sure that nothing else is following them.” Aryanna pulled up the data from the sensors on her side console looking at it as the data came up.

Roughly, thirty minutes later and with no signs of a follow-on contingent, the staff started to prepare themselves for what they knew was coming next.

Skagath let out a small yelp as he looked over at Aryanna. “Single word message ma’am. GROUND.” Aryanna nodded and took a deep breath “Here we go ladies and gentlemen. Red alert, Battle stations.” The klaxons sounded across the Dragon as they readied themselves for battle.

Skagath was busy behind his console when another message came up across his holo display. “Ma’am” he nodded toward the display as he turned it around so she could see the front side of the cards. The cards were a Joker, an Ace or clubs followed by a four of clubs followed by the king of spades followed by the six of hearts.

Aryanna nodded to herself “Plan alpha, i say again plan alpha. Transporter rooms get ready upon my command. Sustram, upon our arrival launch the Angels. I want those ships taken out, don’t let them get off of the ground.”

“Yes ma’am”

“Skagath, notify six security teams for deployment”

“Aye, Captain.”

Aryanna hit the comms button. “Doc, expect upwards of four thousand slaves. That must be one hell of an operation down there.”

Yes ma’am. My team is going to be stretched thin. Will it be ok to activate the medic auxiliaries onboard along with the EMH’s to handle the less severe cases?”

“Go ahead; we will be using the wings along with the usual rooms/suites to hold them. Should be more than enough room to house them.”

“Would suggest the wings for the less severe cases. I will have the auxiliaries go there. “

“You’re in charge of that operation Doc just let me know what you need from me.”

“Will do.”

Skagath looked up from his console. “Ma’am. I’m reading six beacons, two of them are those that designate the mine entrances, the others are miscellaneous.”

“Target all of them with torpedoes, those mines get quantum’s till you think they can be switched over. Whatever you do, do not use all of my torpedoes. We may need them.”

Yes ma’am” as he went to work programming the aerial bombardment plan.  

Upon orbital arrival of the Dragon the forward shuttle bay doors opened as the Angels launched in a predetermined order and made their way through the planet’s atmosphere.

****

They could hear the voices on the other side of the door, voices muffled not only by the door that was closed in front of them but also by the helmeted masks of those that were talking. They knew as they two had received the coded message from Yatokii that things were about to start. They knew that they needed to act first and fast, they needed to get that shield powered down if they had any hope of transporting the slaves off this planet.

They watched as the door hissed open in front of them as the helmeted visage of a Breen made its way out of the door. He noticed something odd out of the corner of his visor as he turned to see what it was.

Security crewmen Mercer was the first to react as she drove the butt of her rifle into the visor of the Breen staggering him she followed up with a knee to their middle gut region as she knocked them back into the room. She followed it up with a quick stop onto the helmet but fell backwards as she felt something hit her hard in the chest.

Oshriviab grabbed Mercer by the back of her armor and pulled her down so that he could step over her and fire two quick aimed rifle shots into the doorway striking the Breen standing there holding a disruptor pistol in one hand while the second shot hit the console it was standing beside. “Well, I hope that’s not the one we needed. As a spray of sparks leapt from it. He finished crossing over the open door and went to a crouch on the other side looking down at Mercer he noted could do nothing for her as half of her chest plate was caved in where the disrupter bolt had hit.  “Damn it, Mercer is down.”

The next few minutes were a blur as a small firefight erupted between the two sides, one trying to gain entry into the room and the other trying to keep them out. This time the hours of training helped the Dragon crew, not without their losses though as they also lost Lieutenant Simmons.

“Oshriviab, figure out which one controls that shield.”

“Don’t think it matters, chief. If they set up their stations as we do then almost any console can run any station. Just depends on the user and their role.

The chief quickly looked around the room and nodded. “Good, then use that one. “He pointed with a clenched hand as he started to fire his phasor into the remaining consoles. “You better hope they do.”

They heard it before they felt the percussive thumps of what they presumed were the torpedoes of the angels or the Dragon itself. As they were thrown into the obliterated consoles or on to the floor as, the floor rolled under their feet.

“Better hurry, ensign. I don’t think the party is going to wait on us to start.”

“Aww come on chief, I even brought party poppers.”

****

“Black, this is one. Form up on me – right Echelon.”

Three single chirps where heard over the Valkyrie’s comm system as the commander Thornton turned to look over his right shoulder to watch the wing to formation.”

“I’m taking the center line, we will go torpedoes hot as we approach the ridgeline then we are go for a phasor strafing pass. Priority targets are those Plesh Tral’s.” Thornton sat back and got himself deep into his seat knowing that the next few seconds will determine many things. “Red, follow us in.”

“Blacks, you are a go for torpedo launch. Good luck gentleman and happy hunting.”

The first wing of three Valkyrie fighters and one Aspera bomber quickly proceeded to conduct a pop up maneuver over the ridgeline above the camp as each ship let fly multiple photon torpedoes at the Breen ships sitting on the landing zone outside of the camp.

The blacks were quickly followed by the reds performing the same set of maneuvers but formed up to the left of their wing leader. While the blues and greens both hit the landing zones from opposite sides performing well-timed maneuvers to cover the other as the swept over the landing zone mere seconds apart.

“Ok Angels we are going back in, hit anything and everything we can see, let’s make sure that nothing leaves the ground.”

“Sir, Breen fighters. Bearing 180 mark 100. I’m counting four on the sensors.”

“Shit, where did the other two come from? They said they counted two on the ground. Before they left to escort the convoy.”

“Maybe they were out on patrol sir.”

“All angels, all angels, Bandits wild. Stay with your wingmen, remember your training and good luck.” As Thornton took his Valkyrie into a sudden hard climb and loop to try to get behind the incoming Breen fighters as he watched streaks of green follow him, he knew that this was life and death now, and he had to focus on what was in front of him and hope that the angels remembered their training.

****

Yatokii watched as the Angels came flying barely higher than the ridgeline that was around the camp. “That’s our signal folks.” he called out over the team’s comms.

His team split into two smaller groups and headed towards the two closest domes.

That is when he saw them, the Breen fighters. He could only stare in silence as they came swooping in not because they were going after the Angels. Because as they came over the ridgeline themselves two of the fighter broke off and conducted a strafing run over the far side set of domes firing into the very quarters that held the slaves that they watched just a mere minutes ago.

“Bastards, these damn bastards are firing on the slaves. He watched as three bright lights appeared where he had designated on the ground as the fighters swept over the row and continued to fire. He watched as three of the teams he had requested were fired upon as they materialized. Barely having a chance to understand what was going on as the fighters’ disruptors ripped into them. He watched as two more Breen fighters as they came across the field caught an Aspera tried to intercept two fighters in the crossfire. He watched as the Aspera was engulfed in a fireball and crashed into the larger dome on the left hand side as it exploded in a ball of fire and debris.

He could hear the sounds of hundreds of people screaming as he watched slaves and federation crew crawl out of those domes some in throes of pain others helping.

He knew he needed to help, he needed to fight, he needed to protect. As he went to the closest dome and shot at the door until it slid open a couple inches as he watched hands start to grab it from the inside and tried to push it open. “Push damn you, if you want to live, push.” as he threw his shoulder into the door trying to help push it open.

****

“Alpha mike Charlie” Ngiazav called into his radio as his team came out of the hatch that they had entered. This time though they were down two members, being drug out, they knew this was not the way that the dead should be treated. However, they knew that they could leave no one behind and that the Dragon was about to rain down fire and brimstone on this location as they made a mad dash towards the slope.

Ukogh tapped his PADD to switch comm channels. “Two to beam up; inform Doc that they are Delta Oscar Alpha.”

“Roger, obsidian, we will pass the message and make sure they are taken care of.”

Ukogh nodded and then let out a throat-rattling scream as he mourned those that had fallen.

“We’re not done yet chief.” Oshriviab yelled as he pointed out a group of Breen exiting the three domes.

****  

 “Captain, getting reports that the Breen fighters opened fire on slaves.”

“They did what?” Aryanna quickly stood from the center chair and made her way to Sustrams console.

“Yes, ma’am reports of Breen fighters firing into the slave encampment. Looks like three of our response teams took direct hits as they materialized.

“No, no, no ” as she turned to look at Skagath who nodded to confirm the reports and then at Meadow who was now standing by Skagaths console.

“What the hell? Why would they do that?”

“Only one explanation I can think of, Aryanna. They thought we were here to free the slaves”

“Ma’am we are getting reports of crew losses, two were just beamed aboard from Obsidian and we are getting reports of at least three Angels have fallen.

Fury rose up Aryanna’s face as she gripped the back of Sustrams chair with her gloved hand. “Skagath, weapons free. Show them why we are here.”

“Yes, ma’am. I hope our folks are clear as it is about to get nasty down there.” as they watched bursts of blue lights leave the Dragon as Skagath enacted his preprogrammed bombardment program.

Meadow tapped the comms button on Skagaths console and spoke one word “Incoming”

 It only lasted for a few minutes but it seemed like hours for those that were involved. In the end, the Breen Dilithium mining operation of Deptrock 6 was a smoldering mass of craters and ruined rubble as the Dragon continued to fire bursts of photon torpedoes into the mines.

 Medical and security teams were now busy amongst the slave populace conducting triage operations. For the next, several hours’ groups of former slaves now refugees were beamed aboard the Dragon as the triage dictated. Till then the crew of the Dragon passed out rations and water to the former slaves as the sun started to rise, enough of the now refugee’s had been moved that the crew moved the remaining refugees into the larger dome that was still left to get them out of the planet’s rising day time temperatures.

Viameli, set a course for Farpoint station.”

“Course laid in, captain”

“Let’s get moving then, warp nine. And no rest stops.”

“Aye ma’am. No sightseeing, damn I really wanted to see that ball of twine.”

“We can always come back.” Aryanna said with a chuckle as she turned towards the comms officer “anything?”

A shake of the head in reply

Science was next followed by intelligence as they all gave the same negative reply. She knew better than to breathe easy just yet, a lot of space was still in front of them including a long run across dominion-controlled territory, and she knew that there was a fleet behind them somewhere.

“Zoltia, get with engineering and prepare two mark nine probes for warp eight travel. Set them up for long-range reconnaissance. I want them ready to go in the next hour.” Aryanna drummed her fingers on her armrest as she looked around the bridge. “Skagath, once they have the probes ready I want one loaded in a forward tube and one loaded in an aft tube. We need to know what is ahead of us and where that fleet is.”

“Aye captain.”

Aryanna tapped on the internal comm button on the console to her right. “Doc, how is everything? How are our guests doing?”

“Busy as you could probably guess. Nothing to serious manly malnutrition and dehydration, we do have some broken bones and such that healed incorrectly as it seems that medical help was not high on the confederacies list, for the most part. We have most of them in the wings. The more severe cases came from the strafing runs those bastards did against the encampment; they had them lined up like one of those old-fashioned shooting galleries. Many burn victims and some severe damage to extremities. We should be able to handle most of the cases, but it’s going to be slow going and long hours.”

Aryanna nodded as she heard the emotional toll it was taking in the doc’s voice. “Okay, I’ll make my way down there to get a full briefing from you in a bit.”

“Roger”

Aryanna sat back in her chair with PADD in hand and started to reread the after action reports from the previous day and leading up to this point in time. She knew that they had accomplished their mission in the destruction of the Breen dilithium mining operation but she could not stop second-guessing herself and the mission’s plan. Why did the Breen go after the slaves in such fashion? What had they missed?  Something was off; something was making her question what was really going on, on the planet. Moreover, she could not put her finger on it and that really bothered her.

<<” The answer is right in front of us. I think that meeting with the Doc needs to happen now.”

“You don’t think?

“You’re the one putting the puzzle pieces together; I’m just following your lead. Though if it is what you think it is then this just put a whole new spin on that camp and we are lucky we got to it when we did.”>>

Aryanna jumped up from her seat. “Skagath you have the Conn. ” as she tossed him the dragon ring. “Launch those probes as soon as they are ready, aim the one aft towards that fleet. I am going down to sickbay. As she all but dashed toward the turbolift, tapping her combadge “Meadow, meet me in the doc’s office. I’m on my way there now.”

The bridge staff looked at each other a bit stunned, as they had not seen their relatively new captain move and act in such a manner.

Skagath made his way over to the center seat and picked up the captain’s PADD from where she had dropped it in the seat, flipping it over he quickly scanned the PADD. “Shit” as he looked at it again wondering if he had read it right, he then ran a hand through his hair and over his face as he thumbed the screen off.

Aryanna exited the turbolift into the mass confusion of the sickbay working to its fullest. There were crew and slaves now refugee’s spread all over the sick bay. Most were on bio beds but some were seated in chairs with nurses tending to them while others stood waiting their turn to see someone anyone that could help them. Making her way through the crowd she stopped the first blue tunic’d person she saw. “Excuse me, lieutenant”

“The nurse pointed over her shoulder at the line that was forming at the sick bay main entrance. “The line is over there,” she pointed over her shoulder ” we will get to you as soon as we can, everything will be alright.” she felt the pressure on her arm just a tad bit more than usual, as it was quite persistent.  She went to brush it off and realized that the hand was gloved in black which was not normal from what she had seen so far today, she turned to look at whoever it was that was being persistent in their questioning.

“Oh, captain. I’m sorry I thought you were one of the injured.”

“I understand lieutenant. Where is Doc?”

The nurse looked around the sick bay as she thought for a second. “I think she mentioned something about going to her office for a few minutes.” as she pointed towards the glass-enclosed office off towards the port side of sick bay, its windows now a shade of black, obviously a try at gaining some peace even if only for a few seconds.

“Thank you, lieutenant. I will find you after this is done. I would like to be shown around if you don’t mind.”

The young lieutenant nodded as she held a medical tricorder over her next patient’s severely burnt arm and neck.

Aryanna made her way over to the door that the lieutenant had pointed at and gently knocked.

“Enter”

She entered the chief medical officers’ office and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim light; as they did, she noticed the doc and her XO. One behind the average sized desk and the other in what looked like some sort of recliner from ages long past both of them held a short thick glass with a brown liquid in the bottom third.

“Want one?”

Aryanna shook her head, not yet but i may need one once i say what i came to ask.

“Have you been able to compile a roster of those that we brought on board?”

“Ammmm, yes. Have it right here, well at least the ones we have been able to get to already.”

Aryanna accepted the PADD as she started to scroll through it. “Do we have a total count yet?”

“Yes, that we do have. “As doc typed something on her desk console and some numbers came up on the rooms view screen.

Aryanna stopped looking at the PADD and looked up as the numbers came up. “Total of 2523 survivors” she felt her shoulders slump.

“That’s not including the remains we have in the starboard mission/cargo room, we estimate another 500 there give or take a few, of the ones we were able to retrieve.” Doc added.

Aryanna slumped onto the room’s small couch and felt her shoulders drop even lower as meadow stood and retrieved the glass that was offered seconds ago and handed it to her captain.

Aryanna looked at the PADD again and took a deep breath followed by a sip from the glass, as she felt the fire go down her throat. “Have you had a chance to check these yet?”

“Not yet, at least not against any other databases.”

Aryanna nodded. “Ok, I have a hunch on why they attacked the slaves. Something has been clawing at the back of my mind since I started to read the reports. why that row? What not both? Why attack the slaves at all?”

The two other women in the room both put their drinks down and looked at their captain.

“You’re not thinking? They wouldn’t?” Meadow looked at the two others in the room. “Would they?”

Doc motioned for the captain to hand her the PADD, which Aryanna gladly did. She then typed a few commands and transferred the list from the PADD to the main view screen. She raised an eyebrow as if she just now was able to see the list for the first time, noticing that some of the refugees did not have names but just an alphanumeric code entered by her team. “Computer separate the alpha numeric from the named.” They watched the list separate into a longer one and much shorter one.

Doc knew she needed to ask even though she already knew the answer “Computer, is the shorter list the survivors of the Breen attack.”

“Affirmative”

She dropped the PADD on her desk as she fell into her seat and looked at the Captain.

Aryanna looked at the list being displayed on the view screen. “Computer, using the transporter logs, run the list against all known databases.”

“They watched in silence as not only names began to filter onto the shorter list of survivors but also ranks, ship and station names and dates of when they were presumed missing or dead.

“Those bastards, they did not want us to find this out, they were hoping to kill them all. These are not just slaves these are POW’s.

Doc started to quickly type something onto her console and then briskly made her way to the door and yelled for the nurses to gather around. Stunned silence as she broke the news on who they were dealing with.

“This changes things,” as she returned to her desk. “We are no longer just dealing with slaves turned refugees, we are now dealing with returning federation members thought to be dead to their homes and loved ones.”

Aryanna stood and straightened her shoulders. “Looks like I have some calls to make. I can’t believe this, even seeing it with my own eyes I can’t believe it.” she nodded toward the list.

Doc downed what remained in her glass and stood. “This changes things for sure as now we have names to put with those that are in the cargo bay. I better get back to work.”

Meadow finished her drink and looked up at Aryanna. “I’m going to be down here for a while, if you need me topside just call for me. Till then I have a feeling I’m in for some long days ahead.”

Aryanna patted her on the shoulder. “We will be fine, take care of those that need you here. They are the ones that will need you the most at this time.”

Meadow nodded as she gulped down the remains of her drink and put the glass on the small side table.

****

Aryanna sat across the desk from Yatokii as she received his final report on the actions of obsidian during the Deptrock six operation.

“Yatokii, I’ve already read the report, no need to continue. I am fully aware of the actions of the team and its members and I can wholeheartedly say that if it was not for you and your team that we would not have been able to successfully complete that operation. It is because of obsidian that we have 2523 souls on board who just a few days ago probably thought that they would never see anything beyond those domes or the mines again.”

Yatokii blinked as he set the PADD down on the desk “Yes, ma’am”

“Let’s not forget that roughly a thousand of those souls are or were prisoners of war captured at the beginning of this conflict and taken to the mine to disappear.  Bravo fleet has begun the notification process for their families and loved one but they have a long road ahead of them.”

“Yes, captain.” Yatokii took a deep breath and then let it out. “Captain, if I may ask. What is to happen to the team?”

Aryanna sat back in her chair and looked at the saurian lieutenant in front of her. “Now that is the question in front of us.” Aryanna tapped on her console “Lieutenant Scamandrius, join us in my ready room please.”

“On my way, captain”

She then stood and walked towards the room one-view panel with her hands behind her back as he heard the door chime. “Enter, and take a seat lieutenant.”

Scamandrius looked at the Yatokii, then back at the Captain, and took a seat on the floor knowing that none of the chairs in the room would hold him.

“Gentlemen, the Dragon is at a crossroads. Not many are aware of this at this time but the Dragon has become something of an anomaly in the Task Force. We are overall an exploratory cruiser but we have, with the assistance of the lieutenant here, grown to become the task force’s premier intelligence platform.” She walked back to her desk and sat down. “As such I feel that it is time for us to add another asset.”

“Yatokii, as of this date and time I am hereby activating Obsidian as our special operations/hazard team. This is something that Scamandrius and I have discussed in the past. Sometimes, just like in the Deptrock six operation, we will have need for boots on the ground and Obsidian will be those boots.”

Yatokii blinked and sat up a bit straighter in the chair. “Thank you ma’am.”

“However, I can’t have my chief of security leading this team when I may need him on board by my side. So I have decided, with the help of Scamandrius’ assessment of the team’s actions and his conducting a few personnel interviews by my request, to bring in a new team leader.”

She tapped her combadge. “Chief Samples, please join us in my ready room.”

Aryanna hands her PADD to Yatokii. “You can read his file, we think,” she nodded at Scamndrius “That he will be a good fit to lead this team.”

Yatokii accepts the PADD and begins to read.”

A few minutes later, a middle-aged human chief in engineering gold enters the captain’s ready room. ”Ma’am”

“Master Chief, have you had a chance to read over everything?”

“Yes, ma’am” he stood in a modified parade rest roughly five steps from her desk.

“And?”

“There a good group of people ma’am, looks like they operate well together and from what i hear they did a hell of a of freeing the POW’s, ma’am”

She raised an eyebrow toward the two lieutenants.

Yatokii looked up from the PADD. “Master Chief, do you think you could lead a group like this if the need arose on this ship?”

“If the need was there, sir”

“Hmmmmm, he will do.” Yatokii blinked several times as he went back to reading the PADD.

“Ma’am?”

“Master Chief, you are now part of Obsidian, Lieutenant’s Yatokii and Scamandrius will brief you.” As she sat back and let the two lieutenants, brief the Master Chief.

****

“Crew of the Dragon we are gathered here today to remember those that have recently been taken from us before their times. “

A bell toll echoes through the cargo bay. ”We remember those that sacrificed their lives so that others may live.”

A slow count of ten bells echoed. “we remember those that many had forgotten or were presumed lost.”

A lone bagpipe player shown on the view screens throughout the ship, standing in front of the forward shuttle bays open doors, and begins to play the death march as many stand with heads bowed.

“We remember so that others do not forget, we remember so that the fallen are never forgotten. Today the Dragon remembers all of those that we have lost.”

Aryanna looked at one of the view screens, as a wall was uncovered in another location on the ship. “The names of the fallen will always be displayed in that place of honor, so that we and those that follow will never forget those that have sacrificed their lives to protect us.

****RED ALERT RED ALERT, ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLESTATIONS****

The lights went red and the klaxons sounded, as the crew looked stunned for the briefest of moments before they started to scramble and make their way.

“Captain, Message from Admiral Beckett. Dominion fleet inbound. All ships prepare to defend Deneb.”

Aryanna tapped her combadge “On my way” as she looked at her senior staff. “Well there you have it, Commander Thornton, prepare the Angels.” as he made her way to the closest turbo lift. “Bridge”