The bridge of the Gagarin even though it was busy silence filled the room, no one was talking amongst themselves as they usually did. Most of the crew have never seen war, never been a part of the Dominion War. They only read about them in textbooks, now several hours ago they learned of the return of the Dominion. Hours since the Lost Fleet arrived to wreak havoc on the Deneb Sector, and the Breen were helping them again.

Tilana was sitting in the command chair staring off into the bleakness of the bridge though in no particular area. Having fought in the war, memories flooded back of that horrible time and now they were back. She seemed fixated on staring off into the void until a voice spoke up from beside her.

“Commander?” Aleish Trol asked as she sat down after having entered the bridge after running drills with her tactical team. Lieutenant Zain Kraha had been covering her station while she was not on the bridge.

Snapping out of her trance shaking her head before looking over to her left, “oh I didn’t realize you had returned Aleish.” Tilana said as she gave a smile, even though it was fake. There was nothing to smile or be happy about.

“You alright?” Trol asked with a bit of concern on her face.

She thought about lying and saying everything was just fine and dandy but in reality, things were not. “Is anyone alright?” She asked in turn as she looked around the bridge with a heavy sigh. “I have faced the Dominion during the last war, and here we find ourselves in a new war with the Dominion.” She replied looking at Aleish.

Taking a moment to look around the bridge, looking at everyone that was at their stations. The somber look seemed to be a trend on everyone’s faces, they were trying to keep their feelings hidden. Though, you could tell they were now being sent into a war that they had never seen before. 

“I have seen the toils of war, I was on Cardassia during the Dominion War I have seen what they can do.” Aleish said as she blew air out of her cheeks, “to think my people sided with them at one time.” She replied as she leaned back closing her eyes for a moment remembering the chaos that ensured that day during the Battle of Cardassia. 

She was a young adult, who had watched her parents get killed at the hands of the Dominion, “my parents were simple farmers, not soldiers, not politicians, just simple farmers.” Trol replied before opening her eyes and looking over at Tilana. “After the war ended I left Cardassia to find a better life and purpose, so I joined Starfleet. I have not looked back since,” she replied.

Tilana nodded as she looked at her, “what do you think of our current orders?” She asked as she shifted in the chair, she couldn’t get over the fact that they were about to go behind enemy lines. To take out an old Breen Fleet Yards that was used during the last war.

“Sir, I have finished running diagnostics of the ship’s weapons systems.” Zian Kraha interrupted as he looked up from his console just as Aleish was about to answer Tilana’s question.

Looking over at the Lieutenant for a moment before excusing herself from the commander who nodded before leaning back in her chair. She approached the tactical station, “what have you found?” Trol asked looking at the younger Bolian officer.

“Everything is within normal parameters of specifications,” Zian replied looking at her as she began to read the report.

After she finished reading and was satisfied with the report she looked back up, “I would like you to gather the security team and begin running drills in the holodeck against Dominion and Breen forces.” Aleish began to speak, “I want our team prepared for that what-if scenario of them boarding the ship.” She finished giving him his orders.

“Aye sir,” Kraha replied before he turned to leave the station heading for the turbolift.

Aleish began to slowly look around the bridge, each one was doing their job. One could feel the tensions in the air, they were on their way to a fight no one was guaranteed to walk away from.

“Commander?” Than asked as he looked over to see her glancing around the bridge.

Snapping out of it for a moment she looked at Than and gave a slight smile for what it was worth. “Yes?” She asked the Barzan officer that was standing at his station working on gathering any new intelligence that would help them in their mission. Waving a hand after realizing what he was asking, “I was just lost in thought Than.” Aleish replied as she looked at him.

Than nodded in agreement as he has spent the last while reading everything there was to know about the Dominion. Both from the past war and what they knew about the Lost Fleet of now which wasn’t much at the moment. He was worried, no he was downright scared but wouldn’t be one to show that fear. “I know how that is,” he finally replied as they both just went back to what they were doing.

Engineering was busy with engineers scrambling here and there working on getting modifications to the ship’s systems finished in time so they could travel through the Ciater Nebula. So far things were on schedule and nothing major seemed to be going wrong, well at least for the time being.

Ashatia was sitting in her office as was going over reports, she usually had a tough exterior. Not the friendliest of person but at that moment she looked vulnerable. She’s seen war though she was only a teenager when the Dominion War broke out, she knew occupation and to think of all those worlds within the Deneb sector that the Dominion conquered. Of all those people now living under the rule of the Dominion, it made her heart sink as a single tear managed to escape and run down her face at the thought.

Zhayva had finished working on the modifications to the ship’s systems, after running a full diagnostic to make sure things remained operational and within standards. She downloaded the needed information onto a padd for Aarven to review. The tension in the engineering room was at an all-time high, as they made sure that the ship would be prepared to enter battle when that time came.

Walking around the corner coming up to where Aarven’s office was located she pressed the door chime and waited for a response. Though the office had a large section of the wall was a huge window that allowed her to look at most of the department from where she was located. She glanced in the window right before hitting the door and could tell something was bothering the usually tough commander.

Ashatia didn’t even look up to see who it was, “enter.” She responded as the doors parted to allow Zhayva to enter. “Please have a seat,” Ashatia said as she motioned for her to take a seat at one of the chairs that were positioned in front of her desk.

Taking the offered seat, “modifications to the ship’s systems have been completed and I have run every test possible to make sure things would remain operational once we enter the nebula.” Zhayva said as she handed her the padd with all the information on it for her review.

Taking the padd she began to read the information while remaining quiet, once she finished reading the report she put the padd down on her desk. “Everything looks fine, thank you,” Aarven said as she went back to what she was doing before Zhayva entered.

Zhayva thought her demeanor was a bit off than it normally was, “is everything alright sir?” She asked with a concerned tone to her voice looking at her superior.

“I am fine,” Aarven replied shortly.

“Can I speak freely sir?” Zhayva asked.

Aarven looked up as she had shut off the holoscreen that she was reading, she huffed before replying. “Very well,” she replied.

She would probably get an earful but at that moment she wanted to get this off her chest as it has been building up for a while. “Why this tough exterior? Are you afraid to let anyone in?” She asked looking at her superior.

Aarven was caught off guard by her bluntness and for the first time, she didn’t know how to respond. Whether to be angry with her or impressed she’d have the guts to do so, letting out a sigh. She stood up from the chair she had been sitting at, walking over to the large window overlooking engineering she began looking out at officers who were busy working.

“Actually, yes I am.” Aarven replied as she worked her jaw back and forth, “it saves me from getting hurt or attached to anyone.” She softly added thinking about all those officers that might not make it out of this war. It’s not that she didn’t care, she just kept a distance.

Zhayva stood up and walked up to her, slightly behind her on the right side. “You know it’s ok to let people into your life we are all afraid of getting hurt. Keeping people out is not healthy, and it just leads to loneliness in the long run.” Zhayva said softly, “It is alright to have relationships. Yes, some people will come and go but that is just the way things are. We just have to move on as more meaningful relationships will come in its stead.” She added as she stood there.

Aarven looked down for a brief second as she chewed on her response to the Orion woman who seemed to be wiser than she realized. “I have been running my whole life, from the Cardassian occupation fighting to survive. Vowing never to allow myself to get hurt again, that it better that I keep everyone at arm’s length.” Aarven said softly as she looked at her for a moment before looking back out again. “Now we’re heading off to fight the Dominion again, and we all know not everyone will make it home by the end of this.” She said as she pointed out to her fellow officers that were under her guidance.

Zhayva was beginning to understand her more, “I know loss and pain can be something that is hard to deal with but you don’t have to do it alone. Let people help you,” she began to say. “Let me help you,” Zhayva said offering her friendship. “We will get through this, all of this together.” She said with a smile being sincere as to what she was saying.

Aarven turned around to face her, she could tell she was being genuine and not just saying things to make her feel better. For the first time since they were first assigned to the Gagarin, “I would like that,” she replied.

Zhayva smiled as she felt that she was finally starting to break the ice with the commander, “now I say we go get something to eat as everything here is being handled here just fine and we still have a few hours before we arrive at our destination.” Zhayva suggested as Aarven just nodded in agreement as she hadn’t had much to eat that day. The two walked out of the office and headed towards the lounge to unwind a bit before chaos would hit.

Ashev Ch’vhirol was on the holodeck as he began to create a program that would mimic what they would be doing once they arrived. Though Starfleet Intelligence didn’t have much information on what the command and control center looked like, he tried to get things as realistic as he possibly could. Though these were just drills they were running and things could go a different way, they would be as prepared as possible before they arrived.

Once he got everything set up, “alright we will be heading in on the shuttle to the command and control center. We will dock at one of their docking ports, get inside and take out any Jem’Hadar and Breen we encounter.” Ashev began to explain to his hazard team as well as a few security officers that would be joining them. “Once we have the place secure both Lieutenant Virahl and Savu will begin sabotaging their systems.” He said as the group listened to instructions.

“Once they have brought systems offline we will head back to the Gagarin, where they will break away from the Saratoga and begin destroying the Fleet Yards and asteroid bases as the Knight and fighters join once they have taken care of the weapons platforms.” He finished speaking, “any questions?” He asked.

When no one had any questions, “I know this simulation isn’t perfect as we don’t have all the information but will do the best we can to prepare. Let’s get to it if there isn’t anything else,” Ashev said as he began the program and they appeared in the shuttle.

The room was filled with nerves as they began to prepare for what lies ahead of them, you could see the tensions and nerves beginning to creep up on some of them. Other than Ashev who had fought in the last Dominion War, never knew what war was like only read it in textbooks. 

He knew that this wouldn’t be a walk in the park, that many Starfleet officers wouldn’t make it home by the time this was all over. He vowed to make sure their mission was a success so the other ships would be able to do their part, hindering the Dominion ships being repaired. They spent the next few hours going over everything multiple times, with different possibilities each time as things always seemed to go a different way than planned.

The hazard team members had gotten their tactical gear on and made last-minute adjustments before stepping onto the shuttle. Savu was assisting Nilah Virahl with hers as she was not officially a part of the team but was a specialist that would be working with Savu to sabotage the control center. Handing her a rifle, “I hope you know how to use one of these?” Savu asked looking at the younger Trill woman.

Nilah took a deep breath, “I was trained on them but I have not shot anything outside of a holodeck if that is what you’re referring to.” She replied with a sheepish smile, “how hard can it be?” She asked with a slightly nervous chuckle. To say she wasn’t scared would be an understatement.

“Just stick by me and we will get through it together,” Savu said with a soft reassuring smile. To say she wasn’t scared herself would be a lie but she wouldn’t let her or the others see that, she had to remain vital for the team. She trained for years to be able to be part of the hazard team.

Nilah nodded as they finished putting on their gear, taking a deep breath they all boarded the shuttle where a young flight control officer was sitting. The ensign would be the one to remain on the shuttle when they arrived at the control center, so they could make a quick getaway once their job was finished. “Sir, the shuttle has been prepped and is ready to go when we are given the okay.” The ensign replied looking over her shoulder at Ch’vhirol.

“Thank you,” Ashev replied as everyone had taken their positions. They would be ready the instant they docked, “once we are within range we will begin to scan the control center and see how many enemies are on board and where they are centralized. We will need to take them out and secure the area before we can even attempt to sabotage the control center.” Ashev spoke with confidence even though deep down he felt anything but. He had trained for years to be where he is today, he needed to be there and be strong for his teammates.

“Yes sir,” they all said in unison.

“I know we only have done drills on the holodeck, real life can be tough on anyone but I have complete faith in this team to be able to get the job done. To bring everyone back in one piece, from there the Gagarin will begin phase three of this plan.” Ashev added as the others nodded, knowing what was at stake and what needed to be done. They were as ready as they will ever be.

Now all they could do now was wait for the Gagarin to get into position, for the fighters to draw the enemy away from the command and control center. Wait for the captain to give the word to launch, time seemed to go by slowly, and the anticipation grew on the hazard team that was about to face an enemy that no one there had faced before. No one was saying a word each lost in their thoughts as they waited, though they didn’t seem to have to wait for very long.

“Derohl to hazard team,” came the voice of the captain. “Launch the shuttle, the fighters will protect you until you are out of range while we are engaging the enemy ships,” Tajir said.

“Aye sir,” Ashev replied then looked at the young ensign in the pilot seat. “Take us out,” he ordered as the doors had already been opened and were replaced by a forcefield that they would be able to fly through to exit the Gagarin.

“Yes sir,” came the response from the ensign as she tapped a few controls and the shuttle began to lift up in the air. Then began to slowly make its way out of the shuttle bay located at the front of the ship. Just as promised the fighters were waiting for them, looking at the view screen they now saw the Saratoga and Gagarin engage with the enemy ships.

As the shuttle began to quickly make its way toward the command and control center, things have now become more real than they were before. Seeing the battle between the ships begin to take place brought reality to the forefront, officers started to get a clump in their throats as they traveled. As soon as they were farther away the fighters returned to where the Gagarin was to continue with the assault, they were on their own now.

Silence filled the shuttle everyone in their thoughts, until they were within scanning range. “Sir we are within scanning range of the control center,” Nolash Tal replied looking up from his controls.

Enja Arime began to scan the control center to see how many Jem’Hadar and Breen officers were on board and where they were located in comparison to where the docking hatch was. They would need to quickly gain access once they docked before they had a chance to lock them out. She knew they would probably have weapons so she also looked for a sweet spot for the shuttle to take just outside of their sensors.

“Sir, there are twenty Jem’Hadar soldiers and ten Breen officers across three decks to the control center. Which is straight up from the lower docking hatch,” Arime replied looking at Ashev. “I also found a way in they seem to have a dead zone here,” she said bringing up the data she collected. “If we go straight below this asteroid we will come up right on their docking hatch, it seems the asteroid is giving off some sort of magnetic interference that is messing with their sensors which they can’t penetrate. We will be invisible right up until we dock, so there won’t be any chance of them firing at us.” Enja replied looking at him.

“Great work Arime,” Ashev replied looking at the ensign at the helm, “take us in.”

“Aye sir,” the ensign replied after getting the course from Ensign Enja she began to pilot the shuttle below the asteroid and to their intended target. Everyone else was preparing to disembark as soon as they got latched with Savu next to the latter ready to act. 

The adrenaline started to kick in as the shuttle made it to the docking hatch and latched with the base. Savu acted quickly as a cat in the night and was able to successfully open the hatch before they had time to react. They all began to exit the shuttle and onto the control center with their rifles ready as they began to file in.

The security officers moved up front with Ashev closely behind as they began to secure that area before moving on to the next where they began to read multiple lifesigns. “Clear,” Enja replied as she took the lead with the security team. They began to move towards the door rifles ready, and as the doors opened they could see Jem’Hadar and Breen soldiers come down the hallway. The shooting had begun as the officers spread out quickly to cover more space.

One by one the enemy began to drop to the ground dead as they began to move and more would come. Both Savu and Nilah worked together as they stayed near each other to watch each other’s back. Savu didn’t see the Jem’Hadar soldier unshroud himself and was about to open fire when Nilah saw him in her peripheral vision quickly turning around and shooting him dead. Savu looked behind her for a moment seeing the soldier dead then looking over at Nilah. “See you’re a natural,” she said with a nervous chuckle. “Thanks,” she added as they continued.

They continued to move through each floor taking out the enemy and securing the area before moving on to their main target the control center. “I am reading two Breen officers and half a dozen Jem’Hadar soldiers in there, they must have figured out this was are targetted area and are not going to give up without a fight,” Ch’Tor said after reading his tricorder readings.

“Looks like they have locked it up tight,” Savu added as she moved over to the console by the door. “I believe I can get it open though it will take time so I suggest ya’ll get ready to begin shooting once these doors fly open.” She said.

“Do it,” Ashev said as he began to get everyone in place while protecting Nilah who had the most important job once they secured the control center. Everyone stood ready and waiting as Savu began to get the door unlocked.

Savu began to sware under her breath as she continued to work on getting the doors open until she heard a familiar sound. “Get ready!” She shouted as she pressed the button, the doors began to open and the shooting began to start again. A couple of the security officers got hit and went to the ground, Deeli went to check on the officer as Ch’Tor provided cover fire. She looked up and shook her head as they were gone before getting up to continue shooting at the enemy taking out a couple of soldiers.

As the enemy began falling they began to move into the control center taking out the remainder of the Breen soldiers that standing next to the controls. It looked like he was trying to call for help but his transmissions were being blocked. Enja and the other security officers secured the area and ran a scan of the control center. “There are no enemy lifesigns onboard this station,” Enja replied turning around to see that Ashev was injured.

He was shot in the leg by one of the Breen officers and was being attended to by Deeli. “I am alright,” he said reassuring his team. “Nilah and Savu get to work, we need to get these systems down now,” Ashev ordered.

The two women moved away to where the main console was located and began to work their magic. Savu looked at Nilah once she realized everything was in Breen, “can you make heads or tails of this?” She asked in a low voice so others wouldn’t hear as she didn’t understand what any of it was saying.

She nodded as she pulled out a device that would assist them, “I took an extra course at the academy specifically in different species technology. This here is like a decoder and will help me know what controls are what,” she said looking at the Rigelian woman next to her.

Blowing out a sigh of relief that Nilah was on the team and able to make heads or tails of this technology. They continued their work which would take time though they tried to work as fast as they were able to. “Sir we need to get you back to the shuttle where I can treat you better,” Deeli said with concern on her face.

“I will not leave my officers,” Ashev tried to protest.

“Sir I will take over, you can monitor from the shuttle,” Ch’Tor replied looking at him.

Working his jaw he sat there in silence for a moment before letting out a breath, “fine.” He responded, “the moment they are finished get back to the shuttle.” He replied looking at Ch’Tor.

“Understood sir,” came his reply.

“Ashev to shuttle lock onto myself, Lieutenant Brea, and the two deceased security guards and beam us back,”  Ashev ordered and a few moments later they were beamed off the station and back onto the shuttle.

“How’s it coming?” Ch’Tor asked looking at the two engineers.

“We are almost finished,” Nilah spoke up as she worked not even looking at the Klingon officer. They had a few setbacks but they were able to bypass those and get to the main controls that were controlling every single fleet yard and asteroid base. Once they gained access the rest was a piece of cake.

A few more minutes went by until they were done and everything went down, the shields and all the systems were now inoperable and an easy target for the Gagarin and the Knight during the next phase of this plan. “We’re done, everything has gone down,” Nilah said as they all began to exit the control center heading back toward where the shuttle was docked.

They all entered the shuttle and Ashev was relieved to see everyone. “So I take it was a success?” He asked looking at them.

“Indeed, now let’s get back to the Gagarin,” Savu replied as they all took their seats as the shuttle began to break away from the control center. Once it was free it began to move at its max impulse speed back to the ship. 

Everyone seemed to sulk back in their chairs, Nilah now in the realization that she had taken her first life and it now started to hit her. Though if she hadn’t taken that shot Savu would be dead right now, she would probably be dead right now and their mission would have been a failure.

Savu looked over at her placing a hand on her shoulder as if she knew what was going on in her mind. “It will be ok,” is all she could think of saying. Killing someone even if it was an enemy wasn’t something that anyone enjoyed doing. There were two officers that had lost their lives and Ashev was wounded, they worked together as a team and were successful in their mission. Silence filled the shuttle as they continued to travel towards the Gagarin, no one had anything to say at that time. They just began to process all that had transpired on this mission, all that will continue to transpire until they completed their mission as a whole. 

The fight continued as the two ships exchanged fire between them and the enemy, while three ships had already been destroyed and three remained. They had just received word that the hazard team had completed their assignment and were successful. They were currently on their way back to the ship, soon they would be able to start the third and final phase of their plan.

Tajir had ordered the Crimson Knights to break formation from the Gagarin to meet up with the shuttle and escort them back to safety. The ship moved around for another strike on the remaining Breen ship, and it seemed the two ships were doing some sort of dance as they continued releasing fire upon the enemy. They took heavy hits as well though their shields and ablative armor seemed to be holding strong at least for now.

The Saratoga was taking some hits from the two Jem’Hadar fighters they were taking on. Though their shields seem to be holding strong from what they could tell, they were also giving the two fighters hell as they continued to give them everything they had. “The Breen ship has lost power,” came Aleish’s voice from tactical just as they let out a spread of photon torpedoes and just as the ship exploded causing the Gagarin to shake from the blast wave.

“Sir, one of the Jem’Hadar fighters has noticed our fighters guarding the shuttle and has turned to make a beeline at them,” Rar spoke up looking over at Tajir.

“Maneuver the Gagarin in between the Jem’Hadar fighter and the Crimson Knights,” Tajir ordered as Zann began to move the ship to come in between the ship and their fighter squadron.

“Sir, they are opening fire on our fighters.” Aleish almost yelled out.

Tajir looked at Lieutenant Raro, “maneuver us as a shield against those weapons.” Tajir ordered which caused everyone to look at the captain, they knew they would be showing their vulnerable side compared to facing them head-on. “Do it!” Tajir ordered not giving them a chance to argue.

“Aye sir,” Zann replied as she turned the ship as it moved to come in between the Jem’Hadar fighter and their fighter squadron just as the weapons hit them hard. There was an explosion on the bridge causing the captain to go flying from his chair as others struggled to remain upright.

“Captain!” Tilana said as she rushed over to where Tajir was, a piece of shrapnel was sticking out of his back from the exploding console that was directly behind his chair. She hung her head after confirming her fear, he had died from the impact. Everyone on the bridge looked horrified before looking at Tilana who was now the acting captain. She had him beamed directly to sickbay for the doctor to see if there was any chance that the symbiont might have survived and if it could be transferred to a different host before she stood up looking at everyone.

She looked around the bridge for a moment, “fire everything we got at that ship!” She ordered as she walked back to her chair, the chair Tajir was sitting at was destroyed by the console explosion. The Gagarin began to move to face the enemy ship and unleashed fire as the Saratoga had done the same from their behind.

“They are losing power,” Zilan replied from the ops station.

“Take them out!” Tilana ordered as the ship opened fire again and a short time later the ship was destroyed leaving one ship remaining that the Saratoga would deal with. “Have the shuttle dock in our aft shuttle bay, and have the fighters team up with the Saratoga to take out the remaining Jem’Hadar fighter,” Tilana said as Khadija just nodded.

A short time later the shuttle docked and the fighters went off to assist with the remaining enemy ship. “Let Fleet Captain Dex know that the hazard team was successful, we are breaking off to begin phase three,” Tilana said. “Also inform her of Captain Derohl’s death,” she added.

“Aye sir,” Khadija replied in a solemn voice.

“Lieutenant Raro set course for the control center,” Tilana ordered.

“Yes sir,” Raro replied as she tapped a few controls and the Gagarin began to move away from the Saratoga.

Silence had filled the bridge as Tilana sat in her chair staring off towards the corner of the ship near the viewscreen. Sat there thinking about how the captain gave his life to save all the officers onboard the fighters and the shuttle, if he hadn’t ordered the ship to become the shield they all would have been destroyed. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, though it was still painful as he now left a widow at home who was expecting their first child together.

They had only served together for a few short months but she had gotten to know him on a more personal level than just captain and first officer. She began to rely on him for his advice, or encouragement during rough days. She knew he inspired everyone on this ship and was tough when he needed to be. Now he was gone, gave the ultimate sacrifice, now she would step up to fill those shoes that he left behind to lead this crew the way he did. Whether it be until this mission was over or for the long hall as she wasn’t sure what would happen after this mission was over.

“We have reached the control center,” came the voice of Raro that broke the silence that had once filled the bridge.

Tilana seemed to snap out of her trance at the voice of Zann and nodded in her direction, the Gagarin was a little ways away but still within firing range. “Aleish bring weapons back online and begin firing on the control center,” Tilana ordered.

“Aye sir,” Aleish replied as the ship unleashed its weapons on the control center.

“Kriia to the bridge,” came the almost frantic voice of their doctor.

“Go ahead,” Tilana said as she could tell something was up with how the doctor sounded.

“I think you and Lieutenant Virahl need to get down to sickbay immediately,” Kriia said before ending the channel without explaining more.

Tilana looked confused now wasn’t the best time to be leaving the bridge though the way that the doctor had sounded she knew this was urgent. She thought it had something to do with the Derohl symbiont. She had every confidence in Than as he was their current acting executive officer and knew what needed to be done. “Than you have the bridge,” she said before tapping her commbadge. “Lieutenant Virahl please meet me in sickbay immediately,” Tilana replied before she entered the lift and Than took over. The Gagarin would continue with their plan.

After a short time, Tilana arrived outside of sickbay, on her journey down there she could see the damage the ship had taken from their battle. She could only imagine how busy sickbay was right now. She saw Nilah standing near the door waiting for her to arrive, “do you know why we are here?” Nilah asked confused as to why they were both summoned to sickbay so urgently.

“I have one guess,” she said, blowing air out of her cheeks as not everyone knew about the captain yet. She looked at her for a moment, the youthfulness of the young Trill woman who was probably going to be the next host of the Derohl symbiont. “Captain Derohl was killed right before you got back, he ordered the ship to act as a shield from the Jem’Hadar fighter that was going after the shuttle and fighter squadron.” Tilana said solemnly, “my guess is the doctor was able to save the Derohl symbiont and they need to get it into a new host quickly.” Tilana said as could see the reaction of the young woman in front of her. The pain that they were all feeling, the loss that they felt about their leader. Tears began to swell up in the young lieutenants’ eyes before she batted them away.

Taking a deep breath Nilah nodded as they both walked in to see the doctor near the body of Tajir. “Tell me you have some news?” Tilana said looking at the older Caitian woman who turned around to see the two standing there.

“Yes, I was able to save the Derohl symbiont. It is currently stable but as you know we need to get it in a new host post haste.” She began looking at Nilah, “I just got done talking with the Trill Symbiont Commission. They have said that you have passed all required tests and have been cleared to be joined. Under normal circumstances, this would be done on Trill but these are not ordinary circumstances and they gave me clearance to perform the procedure as I have experience.” Kriia replied, looking at the two women.

Nilah stood there for a moment as she glanced at the deceased body of Tajir saying a little prayer. Looking back at the doctor, “I understand and accept the Derohl symbiont.” Nilah replied before turning back to Tilana.

“Good luck Lieutenant,” she said, placing a hand on her shoulder knowing this would be the last time she would be Nilah Virahl. When the procedure was over she would become Nilah Derohl, tears began to run down her face knowing that they were able to save the symbiont even with the captain gone.

“Thank you, sir,” Nilah replied.

“Keep me updated doctor,” Tilana said as the doctor nodded before the two walked away to begin the procedure. Tilana looked around sickbay at the wounded, some were covered waiting to be moved to the morgue. Walking out of sickbay she leaned against the bulkhead closing her eyes for a moment as tears began to run down her cheek.

After a few moments of standing there collecting herself, she made her way back to the bridge. Time seemed to stand still with the lift seemingly going slower by the moment as it traveled towards its destination. A short time later the lift finally arrived with the doors opening, exiting she looked at Than who got up from the chair just as the control center was destroyed.

“Sir the control center has been destroyed,” Than reported even though she could see with her own eyes. “The Knight is on its way to meet up with us, they have finished destroying all of the weapons platforms.” Than had said as he stood aside for her to take her seat before returning to his station.

Taking a moment to pull up the map, two fleet yards had two battlecruisers that were making repairs. Though their progress was halted by their systems being taken down, she didn’t want them to find other means to repair themselves. Seems their shields were down and are non-operational from their previous sensor scans of the area. She had sent Commander Rayu Isha the data of their plan on destroying the bases before she turned to Lieutenant Raro. “Take us to these coordinates, take out the battlecruiser and fleet yard I have marked alpha. The Knight will take out the one I have marked beta,” Tilana ordered.

“Aye sir,” Raro replied before moving the Gagarin toward their destination.

Commander Rayu Isha was sitting in her chair as the Knight moved on to meet up with the Gagarin when they received the latest battle plans. She reviewed them and what was marked as one of their main targets at this point. She sent the coordinates to Jerra, she didn’t have to say anything as Jerra automatically adjusted the ship’s coordinates and the ship began to move in its new direction.

Isha sat back in her chair lost in thought as the bridge seemed eerily quiet, though it seemed to be the new norm as of late. When not barking out orders everyone remained silent, deep in their thoughts. War was taking a toll on everyone and it was beginning to show, although out of the three ships they had taken no damage. She had been grateful for that but everything still weighed heavily on her and her crew.

The situation with the changeling and finding their real first officer dead took them by surprise. If the engineers hadn’t found the real McKnight, who knows how any of this would have turned out. She could only imagine what damage it would have done, how quickly things would have backfired on not only them but the whole squadron.

A short time later they arrived at their destination, on the right of them they saw the Gagarin barreling down fire upon the Jem’Hadar battlecruiser and the fleet yard it was docked in. Their target was a bit farther ahead on their left, “scan them for any signs of powering up.” Isha ordered looking at Ledire Turi at the science station.

“Aye sir,” Turi replied as she began to scan the battlecruiser. After a few moments, she turned to face the captain, ‘negative sir.” Turi replied which was good news, they didn’t need them powering up as soon as they began unleashing their weapons upon them and the fleet yard they were attached to.

“Sehl get a targeting solution,” Isha ordered.

“Yes ma’am,” came his reply with a wide grin as he’s been itching to blow something up other than the platforms since they began. A few moments later he got what he wanted and sent it to Isha, “I got the solution for you.” Sehl replied.

Looking over it, she was happy with the plan and nodded, “fire!” she exclaimed, giving the word for them to begin to unleash their furry upon the battlecruiser and fleet yard. Isha watched as each one hit with precision, seeing explosions happening at each targeted area. She was oddly enough getting some satisfaction not because she enjoyed the battle, she was a scientist at heart. This was for those within the Deneb sector under the tyranny that was the Dominion, worlds being overrun and people being forced to serve them or die. Though she kept that to herself and just watched as they continued to volley their target until it finally exploded under pressure.

“Sir, both alpha and beta targets have been destroyed,” Sehl replied from his station.

“We are getting new targets from the Gagarin,” Piyu Jaiett replied from beside the commander. Kisha Pazal was handling engineering leaving him to concentrate on other matters at the moment. “We are to break off and take out as many asteroid bases as possible while they go after the other fleet yards,” Piyu added, looking at the Isha.

“Understood,” Isha replied before looking back at the map of the area. She marked the ones that were bases while leaving the random asteroids that had nothing on them alone. She sent them to Jerra and the ship moved away from the Gagarin and began to head towards their first target. 

Both ships would continue to destroy as many fleet yards and bases as possible before reinforcements found out they lost contact with Lungurn or stumbled upon them during a routine patrol. She hoped that they would be able to leave a huge dent in their operations and ability to repair their ships by the time they were finished.