“Chaos is roving through the system and able to undo, at any point, the best laid plans.”

Terrance McKenna (1989)

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to “Trojan – Arrow.”

Captain Raveen Shavda stood at the head of the briefing – room table that dominated the space that lay immediately aft of the main – bridge of the USS Hikaru Sulu, her hands planted firmly on its surface, whilst outside the viewports that afforded an impressive view of the graceful tail and sweeping nacelles of the mighty Odyssey – class starship, an distracting vista of activity constantly threatened to lure the attendees attention away as a veritable bustle of small-craft issued forth from its shuttle bays – heading out into The Belt – each intent of its own specific, urgent task.

The use of the code – name assigned to the upcoming engagement with the returning Vaadwaur forces was sufficient to draw the attention of those present back to the CO, as well it should because every last detail about to be shared was salient to their collective survival.

Raveen Shavda had served for over 30 years with distinction, herself a veteran of the Dominion War and knew how to command attention. Moreover, a seasoned and insightful commander, she knew exactly what to do with that attention once she had attained it. Key to be an effective starship captain was developing a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of one’s crew and then Feilding both those strengths and weaknesses to the best effect.

As I am sure that you are all aware, ‘scuttlebutt’ is circulating that we have resorted to communing with terrorist – elements to assist us in the formulation of the strategy that we have developed to counter the imminent return of hostile Vaadwaur Supremacy fleet – elements to this system.” Raveen announced, this admission causing a stir of concerned conversation and consternation from the assembled senior officers. She held up her hand to silence the mill-pool ripple of dissent.

“I would like to go on the record, once and for all, and confirm that these rumor are true. Presently, the convicted True – Way leader, Gul Yomat Ghallir is secured in the Brig and is helping us plan elements of our strategy to counter the threat we now face.”

The table exploded into a cacophony of protestation and urgently demanded questions.

“BELAY THAT SHIT!” Roared Commander Jensen Wing, the normally placid Executive Officer’s sudden admonishment startling all into a stunned silence. With a dangerous look in his eye, Wing glowered and warned.

“Remember that you are all Starfleet Officers and such have sworn to respect the chain of command!” Jensen’s voice threatened. “Any officer that does not think the can manage that simple requirement can wait out what is to come, confined to quarters, because we don’t need you! Now shut the HELL up and let the Captain finish!”

The silence in the briefing room was startling.

Raveen bowed her head and nodded a smile to her XO and longtime friend.

“Thank you Commander.” Raveen acknowledged and her gaze rose to meet the eye of every office assembled.

“Do not think for a moment that the decision to engage in this action was taken lightly and I hope that in having to resort to doing so, that the immediacy of the threat that we face and the urgency of our need to mount a credible defence is as painfully apparent to you as it was painful for me to have to resort to such means.”

This last comment was aimed squarely at Lieutenant Savak, but the Vulcan/Romulan Starfleet Security Officer merely returned her gaze noncommittally. Raveen envied her insouciance.

This awkward confession out of the way, she nodded to Lieutenant Commander Sulan to take over the briefing and deliver his Strategic overview of the vital mission that was being proposed.

“Thank you Captain.” The Vulcan Strat – Ops OIC nodded politely, taking the fore with the characteristic measured and unhurried manner which typified everything that he did. If he had been taken aback by the XO’s outburst, it was not apparent.

Sulan triggered the holoprojector that was embedded in the surface of the briefing – table and a stylized pictograph of the volume of space that The Belt occupied, glittered into being before them.

“What I am about to deliver is a concise summary of the current strategic situation and outline of the proposed plan of action. More specific operational requirements and goals have been developed and will delivered in – detail to your respective teams and staff, after this meeting concludes.”

Sulan active the controls and the forces currently available to and aligned with the USS Hikaru Sulu were highlighted in green. Aside from the Odyssey itself, this consisted of the Captain’s Yacht, various shuttlecraft and runabouts and the tiny swarm of the VA-307 “Wildcards” fighter squadron – numbering only 12 x Valkyrie – class fighter craft.

“As Captain Shavda has alluded, we lack the requisite fleet assets to successfully engage with the returning Vaadwaur Supremacy forces, in their anticipated numbers.”

The holo generated the projected enemy forces in red. It was a sobering sight – there were a lot of them.

“We have been able to add a small force – multiplier by seconding a number of Civilian craft  – either mining vessels belonging to the “Bactra – Angelus Extractive GbmH” mining company, or independent merchant vessels that were visiting the facility to take on ore consignments – when The Blackout – phenomena came into being and stranded them here.”

A handful of icons liveried in glowing blue were added to the three – dimensional map, but they were depressingly few in number.

“Commander Maynard and his engineering team have done what they can to militarize these ships, but with their main efforts tasked with replicating and deploying the countermeasures that our….’Asymmetrical – Warfare Consultant’ … has helped formulate – there is only so much that can be achieved in the short time we have afforded, thus these units will mostly be deployed as skirmishers and assigned to picket duties.”

The sizable asteroid at the near – middle of The Belt was emblazoned in orange – light.

“The BAE central facility – ‘Riordan’s Rock’ – presents a more durable bastion, with decidedly better chances of enduring an outright assault.” Sulan indicated and the image grew as the holo zoomed in on ‘The Rock’.

“Hence all civilians have been evacuated to this location, which will serve as a rally – point and if we fail in our endeavors, the likely site of our last – stand.”

For all of his strategic – brilliance, Sulan was remarkably lacking in tactful – salesmanship.

Raveen interrupted diplomatically.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander.”

Sulan raised an eyebrow but nodded and resumed his seat.

“The main issue we face is that we know that the enemy is coming and we know that it must be soon, but we don’t know where – thanks to their use of the Underspace network.” Raveen reasoned and the holo-display reverted to an animation of a Subspace aperture opening and a hoard of tiny red – craft spewing forth.

“We will, of course, mount an elastic defence – in – depth and have to accept that a multi – vector mode of hostile attack is most likely – with the enemy choosing the starting point.” The CO confirmed, but then she skewed the 3D display to zoom in on the aperture itself.

“But where they enter the system is not important – what is of key importance is what they are entering from, Commander Pasquier? If you will, please?”

“Merci, Captain.” Nodded the erudite Frenchman, as the CSO took over his part of the briefing.

“When we engaged with the attacking force of Vaadwaur during the Planetary – bombardment and invasion of New Providence, when they fled back to Underspace, we noticed this object within the event horizon of the singularity.” Jean – Marc explained, the holo showing a construct of a badly – resolved disc – shaped structure that was partially obscured from sight.

“With very little to go one, we tasked our Theoretical – Sciences teams to hypothesize what this structure was and what it’s function might be. Obviously, its positioning within the anomaly indicated that it is an object of strategic and not tactical value.”

“We managed to use the processing power of the ship’s computer to reconstruct the image using a Heuristic / Predictive AI algorithm coupled with a tri – attenuated phase – EM doppler…..” Jean Marc began excitedly, warming to his subject, when he looked around the table and correctly read that it was probably more appropriate and expedient to summarize his findings.

“Je m’excuse! Maintanant, it is a manufactured object, perhaps some 1 kilometer in diameter.” The Chief Science Officer explained, as the strange disk – shaped object came into sharper focus.

“At first there was conjecture that this might be a tactical platform, due to its obvious offensive armament and heavy shielding harmonic signatures. Certainment, it must certainly act in this capacity to protect and control access into and through the Underspace network of the Labyrinth, but it was the extensive residual tachyon emissions that gave us the clue to the object’s true intent and purpose.”

Lieutenant Commander Jean Marc Pasquier smiled that quiet smile of his and indulged in an easy, gallic shrug.

“It is the considered consensus of some of the brightest minds aboard, that the purpose of this platform is to generate and sustain the subspace disruption that we have come to rue as ‘The Blackout.’

“Which means,” Raveen interjected, “That this is our primary target for Operation ‘Trojan – Arrow.’”

“Exactly Captain.” Sulan took up the baton once again. The Holodisplay snapped back to it’s original resolution and began to scroll through an animation of a hypothetical engagement.

“Assuming that the Vaadwaur have spent the proceeding time since their retreat – martialing their forces, it is a logical extrapolation that they will return in superior numbers. Therefore it is counter-productive and extremely unwise to engage them in a frontal assault.”

The hologram showed the representation of the USS Hikaru Sulu and it’s rag-tag fleet, break off the engagement with the supposed Vaadwaur Supremacy forces and turn tail for the confusion of asteroids that make up the belt.

“Therefore we will effect a tactical withdrawal and lure their forces into pursuing us into The Belt itself.” Sulan explained patiently, as the animation scrolled.

“Once committed, we will engage in hit and run tactics to draw their attention and fire and at this juncture the ‘countermeasures’ that Commander Maynard’s engineers have been working on will be activated – which I am assured will have the end result of achieving a significant force – reduction in opposing forces.”

Sulan sounded less sure of the likelihood of success attributable to this ploy, but at the end of the day you had to work with what you have been given.”

“Pardon me for interrupting.’ Interrupted Lieutenant Silou, the Chief Flight Control Officer. “But even if you draw off their pickets and screening vessels, no commander in their right mind would commit their Capital – assets to such a pursuit. We may be successful in winnowing down some of their fighters and ships of Destroyer – level – but their ‘Big – Guns’ will surely be sat at the mouth of that Underspace aperture, protecting this platform of Commander Pasquier’s and the escape route for their fleet – judging on their previous tactics.

“That is true.” Commander Wing agreed. “Which is why we will be turning around to meet that threat head on.”

“Wait a minute?” Silou demanded with some concern, “I thought Sulan just told us that was a suicidal thing to do?”

Captain Shavda nodded.

“Under normal circumstance, it’s certainly not an advisable thing to do. But these are decidedly not normal circumstances. The ‘Sulu’ is a Big – Girl with big shields. This part of the plan depends upon us surviving long enough to launch the “Hail Mary” and pray that the ‘Arrow’ part of “Trojan- Arrow’, lives up to expectations – Lieutenant Zh’Vharess?

Kan Zh’Vharess, the Odyssey – Class’s Chief Tactical Officer nodded, his meandering antennae bobbing along to some hidden rhythm , known only to themselves.

“Our plan is to use our Phaser – Arrays to target and degrade the platform’s Shield – Generators hard enough &  long enough to launch a counter – strike of Photon and Quantum Torpedo’s. Realistically, this will probably only achieve minimum collateral damage, if Commander Pasquier’s data holds true.”

“Then why do it at all?” Silou protested.

“To create a distraction of course.” Stated Lieutenant Savak simply, the first time that she had deigned to speak at all.

The CFCO– officer’s green – skin rumpled on her smooth brow. Silou liked subterfuge as much as the next Orion – but only when she could see where it was leading.

“To do what?”

“That’s where the ‘Trojan’ part of the mission comes in.” Captain Shavda smiled. “We can’t hope to damage the platform sufficiently – beyond  the shields, their point defence coverage is just too comprehensive. However, we just need one torpedo to get through.”

The Holo-display altered again as she said this and showed a pictograph of a Type IX Torpedo – casing.

“A number of the torpedo’s will be decoys & dummies, retrofitted with a small Transporter Signal – Receiver.” Lieutenant Dolan had her time in the spotlight at last.

“As soon as one penetrates their defenses, my Hazard Teams are prepped to perform a covert combat insertion to gather critical data on the platforms and do what we can to destroy the technology the transmits the ‘Blackout – effect’.”

Lieutenant Silou looked suitably impressed at the audaciousness of this plan. The woman had to know that this was likely a one – way trip?

“Lady, you must have balls of steel.” She commented dryly.

“Lieutenant, you have no – idea.” Keishara grinned easily.

“With the platform gone, we hypothesize that the ‘Blackout – effect’ in this sector of space will be either weakened, compromised or completely negated.” Raveen nodded sagely. “Which means that we should be able to link up with the other ships of the Task Force and begin to finally take the fight back to the Supremacy and drive them back to the Delta Quadrant.”

She gave the implications of that portentous statement a little time to sink in and then commanded.

“As Sulan says, your departments and teams will receive their individual action orders and specific requirements to support the strategy and plan in full. We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in, people. I expect that…”

Raveen’s speech was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Lieutenant Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer as she strode into the briefing room from the adjoining Bridge.

“I’m sorry to interrupt Ma’am.” Juanita apologized, her face mask of concern. “We have a hail from Director Gorman of Bactra – Angelus. You’re going to want to see this.”

A frown creased Raveen’s venerable features.

“Very well. Everybody – you are dismissed. You have your orders, get to it. Commander Wing, Chief Trench, you’re with me.”

As the Senior officers readied themselves to depart, the Captain and Executive Officer exited the Main – briefing room and entered the bridge, Raveen mounting the raised dais to take the Command – Chair and Jensen taking his place at her right hand and Harry went forward to the configurable station to port and brought up the Security – Dashboard in 2D.

Onscreen, Director Natalia Gorman was incandescent with rage, as she spat furiously.

“You’ve got a hell of a nerve, Captain Shavda.” The leader of the Terran mining company raged.

Raveen retained an air of composure and replied evenly .

“I’m sorry, Director, but I’m sure that I don’t follow? What seems to be the issue?”

“The Issue, as you so quaintly put it, Captain – is that, not only did you trick us into taking those goddamned “skinny” – refugee bastards onboard, but it has some to our attention that you are actually harboring that fucking satanic True Way murderous Terrorist Bastard, Gul Yomat Ghallir, aboard your ship and letting him tell you what to do !!” Goran screamed incoherently at the camera.

Raveen’s face did not show an iota of emotion, but inside her heart sank. Information like this was likely to be incendiary to both the Terran miners with their obvious New Marquis sympathies and also to those amongst the rescued settlers that felt the same way about the True Way and their methods.

This was exactly why Raveen had harbored deep misgivings about Lieutenant Savak’s plan to bring the terrorist into the fold. The man wasn’t just fatal in his thoughts, words and deeds – but Yomat Ghallir was as equally divisive and toxic as an Icon. That was one of the reasons why she had had the prisoner brought aboard in the manner with which she did, to conceal his presence aboard.

But then, aboard a ship of over 1,600 crew (not counting passengers), perhaps it was naive in the extreme to expect that secret to stay as such for so long?

For his part, Chief Harry Trench instantly thought of the infamous powers of discretion that 11 – year – old little girls were justly not known for in the universe and privately entertained his own theory about how this particular, melodious cat, had gotten out of the metaphorical bag.

“Director, I…” Captain Shavda began to speak, but Gorman was in no mood to parlay.

“Effective immediately, Captain, our arrangement is null – and – void!” The Director warned darkly. “That monster has cause unimaginable suffering amongst our people. I hate to do this Captain, I really do, but if you don’t relinquish custody of Gul Yomat Ghallir and release him into our custody to face the justice he deserves – then we will have no recourse but to start ‘Air -locking your ’ Skinnies’, at a rate of one per minute, until you acquiesce to our demands.”

The screen went dead, cut off from Director Gorman’s end.

“Shit.” Commented Commander Wing, looking to his friend and wishing he did not know what was coming, but long experience told him exactly what path Raveen would now take.

A long, long silence hung over the bridge, the only sound was that of Bridge Officers coughing and typing away at their interfaces, wishing that they were anywhere else but where they were right now.

Eventually, Captain Raveen Shavda spoke in a quiet, but resolute voice.

“Lieutenant – Commander Trench?”

The Chief Security Officer turned to face the CO, the hulking man’s frame was tense – the girl, Challa, was one of those “Skinnies” that the Mining – boss had just threatened to murder.

Raveen’s voice held an unwavering, but terrible aspect as she commanded.

“Harry. I want you to assemble your teams, secure the colonists on Riordan’s Rock and take Director Gorman and her people into custody on the charge of premeditation of murder.”

Chief Trench nodded solemnly.

“Yes Ma’am.” He said in a voice that betrayed not emotion, even through he was seething in mind.

“These miners are not Federation – Citizens, Harry, and I do not want any more casualties than is strictly necessary to fulfill your mission objectives.” The CO cautioned.

Harry’s great, shaved – dome head nodded in the affirmative.

“Understood, Captain.” The big man rumbled ominously as he made to depart the bridge. As he did so, Raveen caught his thickly muscled arm.

“But Harry…” She looked him straight in the eye.

“Yes Ma’am?”

“As they are not Federation Citizens and my duty of care does not immediately extend to them, either. Do what you have to do.” Captain Shavda commanded meaningfully and released his arm.

“Yes, Ma’am.” Harry nodded with all seriousness and went to prep his people to once again liberate the people of New Providence from threat and persecution.

Activity on the bridge seemed to slowly resume with a palpable air of relief, when the duty Tactical officer urgently reported.

“Captain! We have three enemy contact’s jumping into the edge of the system!”

Instantly Commander Wing strode to the Tactical console.

“Vaadwaur?” Jensen demanded. “A forward reconnaissance mission perhaps?”

“No Ma’am! Telemetry conforms to that of Cardassian “Galor” – class Battlecruisers, markings denote them as belonging to the Obsidian Order!!”

“They’re hailing us !” Lieutenant Alvarez reported smoothly.

“Onscreen!’ Captain Shava nodded.

The main viewscreen came back to life to reveal the intent face of a stern – looking Officer of the Cardassian Union’s infamous Political Intelligence Arm, the Obsidian Order.

~“USS Hikaru Sulu.” ~The Cardassian officer challenged from his seat on the bridge of his advancing warship.

~“This is Legate Juth Temal of the Obsidian Order starship “Masset- Girre”, you are guilty of crimes against The Cardassian Union and have perpetrated an Act of War through the trespass upon our station, assault upon our officers and the abduction of the criminal Yomat Ghallir.” ~ Obsidian Order Captain accused.

“You are hereby ordered to submit of your vessel and permit a boarding party to come aboard and secure the prisoner and also take into custody those responsible for the attack on our sovereign territory. Any deviation from this directive will be met with deadly force.”

Captain Shavda settled back in her fleet and inwardly cursed her Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Savak. The woman’s tendency towards outrageous action could very well prove the death of them all.

“Very confident for a man with only three aging – Galor’s at his back.” Jensen turned to face away from the camera and spoke softly & directly to Raveen. “Obviously, He’s bluffing.”

“H’mmm….”Raveen replied as she was faced with yet another complicating factor to confound and threaten an already – tenuous plan of battle. She was about to frame a reply when Commander Pasquier (who had relieved the junior officer at the science station) suddenly reported.

“Captain! The sensors are reading a massive – exponential surge of tachyon – radiation at Grid Two – One – Five ! Consistent with telemetry of previous subspace anomalies associated with Vaadwaur incursions from Underspace!”

“They’re back, Captain !!!”

And suddenly they were all out of time.