“Sir, incoming Starfleet warp signatures,” K’vagh reported to his X.O as his console chirped, almost as if the ship were excited to greet its allies.

“On screen, Captain Dubois to the bridge!” Wallace decreed from the centre chair.
A most inspiring sight that Wallace never got tired of; seeing three bright flashes of the superluminal bursts as the Apache, Charleston and Cunningham arrived on scene in formation. They weren’t the most advanced or tactically superior ships the fourth fleet could provide, but they were welcome backup in difficult circumstances.

A moment later, Alex emerged from his ready room onto a significantly more well-staffed bridge than when he left. In the last couple of hours, he had been delighted to be able to lift their ship-wide quarantine and restore some normality to the Fairfax.

Alex smiled, and the familiar sight of blue nacelles and hull registries written in English for a change as he accepted the centre chair from his first officer.

“The Cunningham is hailing,” K’vagh stated.

“On-screen,” Alex requested.

In a flash, Blue skin and delicate antennae appeared before them. Captain Tyr th’Shrokrir stood proud and eager to understand the situation.

“Fairfax, Captain th’Shrokrir of the USS Cunningham, I brought a few friends, thought we might lend a hand. I’m just sorry we couldn’t get here sooner,” the Andorian explained, his antennae curling in regret.

“Any assistance is greatly appreciated, Captain. Please pass my thanks to the rest of your formation for their prompt response,” said Alex, humbled.

“I’ll be sure to let them know. It looks like you’ve taken a bit of a beating. What did we miss?” Tyr enquired.

“I’ll explain everything soon. Could you pass on the message, briefing aboard Fairfax at say, 1900 hours?” said Alex.

“Last we spoke, you said your ship was in quarantine. Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Tyr responded, apprehensive.

“It’s a long story, but I’ll have our Chief Medical Officer send over his notes and certification for your doctors to ratify. Rest assured, we seem to be infection-free!” Alex offered, nodding his head. It was a wise page of caution from the Andorian.

“I’ll pass it along. Glad to see you’re still in one piece… more or less, Cunningham out.”
The transmission ended, leaving Alex to settle into a moment of relief that he felt he would be remiss if he did not take a deep breath.

“Number one, assemble the senior staff, briefing room at 19:00,” Alex requested. “And would you also ask the Klingon captain to join us, I may have use of his services again?”

“Aye sir,” Wallace nodded. He also couldn’t suppress the emotion he was feeling. He couldn’t help but feel safe and secure knowing there were three more starships in the sky covering their back.

Meanwhile – Nausicaan bridge.

The Nausicaan captain salivated while inspecting the delicacies on the trolley beside his chair. One could be forgiven for mistaking it for a zoological display, for it carried a selection of small marsupials in cages.

The captain made his selection, reaching into the cage of a small hairless rodent and gripping it firmly by its body. The little critter struggled in a frenzied panic, snarling and repeatedly sinking its teeth into the Nausicaan’s hand in a desperate attempt to free itself. It knew what was coming, as a set of fanged mandibles surrounded its head and sharply pierced through its delicate velvet skin. A paralysing agent started coursing through the little animal’s veins, but it was redundant, as the captain’s jaws had already powered through the spine with a satisfying crunch, removing the head completely. Only reflex actions remained, and the captain delighted in the texture of crushing bone and liquifying organs in his mouth.

“Captain, both artefacts are secured. Triolic energy is returning to trace levels!” a second pirate reported, standing sheepishly off to one side for fear of invoking wrath by interrupting his superior’s meal.

“Set a course for the rendezvous. I want to cash in and be far from Federation space as soon as possible!” the captain ordered, devouring the remainder of the tiny carcass.

“What about the Federation ship, and the Klingons, surely they can identify us?” his subordinate asked.

“I don’t pay you to ask questions, now carry out my orders!” the captain retorted viciously.
His subordinate had a point; his contract required no complications. However, he had little appetite to risk his life. Even if his compensation would be as handsome as they had agreed.

USS Fairfax, Briefing Room. 19:15 hours

The observation lounge of the Fairfax was made cramped and stuffy as it hosted several guests in addition to the majority of their senior staff. It was ordinarily a spacious compartment, offering ample seating for in-depth discussions on mission parameters and daily operations. But today, elbows that invaded personal space and an unpleasant odour of Klingon masculinity had to be endured by all.

“At the precise moment that science lab two’s forcefields were disabled, the sensors monitoring the Hej’ogt recorded an exponential increase in activity,” Sovek explained as he led the scientific portion of the briefing.

“It is my theory that the Hej’ogt, shares a quantum entanglement with a similar artefact housed on board the Nausicaan ship. Only when our containment fields were shut down did the Hej’ogt begin to react, indicated by a rapid increase in Triolic energy and a temporal flux emanating from both vessels,” he added.

“If that’s the case, then why didn’t this start to happen the moment the Nausicaans warped in?” Captain th’Shrokrir enquired curiously.

“It seems that the entanglement link between the two objects is vulnerable to the same subspace interference that allows technology such as deflector shields and high-energy force fields to function. Effectively blocking such an interaction.” Sovek explained with accuracy.

“But again, shouldn’t you have detected some evidence of this, quantum entanglement, well before the Nausicaan attack?” Tyr added.

“Not necessarily. I believe this effect relies on both objects being in proximity to one another, less than a thousand kilometres. Furthermore, we detected a temporal phase variance from the Hej’ogt immediately before it was beamed off the ship. It was identical to the 0.004 variance of the pathogen that infected Fairfax.” Said Sovek, raising his eyebrow.

“The minute the Nausicaans jumped to warp, every sample of the virus we were working on just re-aligned with normal space and died. It’s like the Hej’ogt was somehow feeding the pathogen and maintaining its phase variance. As soon as the virus returned to normal space, our bodies began attacking it and producing antibodies.” Conrad weighed in.

“This… A stroke of good luck has allowed the Doctor and me to synthesise a vaccine, using the antibodies of the Fairfax crew; however, it will be ineffective so long as the virus remains out of phase in the bloodstream.” Sovek added.

“So it’s a defence, not a cure, is what you’re both saying?” Alex asked.

“Precisely,” Sovek confirmed.

“But that still doesn’t answer the question of where the virus came from in the first place.” Tyr proposed.

“You are correct, Captain. We do not have sufficient data to make that determination. However, it is logical to presume that the Virus and the Hej’ogt are intrinsically linked. Therefore, it is a possibility that the Hej’ogt may have been the source of the contamination.” Sovek responded agreeably.

“Forgive my ignorance, Captains, but your crew are cured, the battle is won. This virus appears to only affect Humans, if I am not mistaken. What need is there to be concerned further?” Korgh butted in, clearly a little stunned by all the scientific talk around the room.

“So far, we only observed that its only victims were human and human-hybrid species. But everyone can become a carrier. And it’s still a biological entity; it’s capable of mutation. The Azurak share a similar genome to humans, but it’s not identical; they were the first to be infected. It’s a reasonable assumption that the virus might be capable of adapting to different DNA, given enough time.” Conrad explained.

“And if that’s true, there’s no telling the damage just one of these Hej’ogt’s could do if it found its way onto a starbase, or a colony world. And it appears the Nausicaans may have two of them, possibly more!” Alex pointed out, with solemn concern.

“We have to stop that Nausicaan ship at any cost! They can’t be allowed to escape with what, for lack of evidence to the contrary, we need to consider to be a biological weapon!” he added.

“That’s a bit of a jump, Alex. I don’t see any evidence that suggests the Nausicaans intend to use it as such. For all we know, they might just be interested in turning a profit!” Tyr objected.

“It’s a presumption, yes. But whether they realise the Hej’ogt’s potential or not, the wider threat still exists. And, logically, it seems pretty brazen to launch an assault on a Federation starship just to make a quick buck!” responded Alex, defending his position.
“No, there are easier targets for a bunch of common pirates; something else is going on here. Something far more nefarious.”

Tyr sighed; he couldn’t disagree with Captain Dubois’s statement. Attacking the Fairfax seemed less like a target of opportunity and more like desperation on the part of the Nausicaans. “Let’s assume you’re correct. What do we do about it?” he asked.

Alex leant back in his chair, almost slouching, telegraphing his discomfort in putting forward his plan. “I’ve just spent two weeks watching people under my command die for no good reason, I’m not about to knowingly order any of you into harm’s way again!” he sighed, looking down at his reflection in the table while he calculated his approach.

“Captain Jones, I’d like you to transport our wounded aboard the Charleston, and those in recovery from the virus. Convey them to the nearest Starfleet medical facility with haste. They need expert medical care that Fairfax is no longer able to provide.
Captain Kimar, I’d like to start transferring my crew to the Apache at the earliest opportunity.
I’ll command the Fairfax, alone with a small skeleton crew, escorted by Captain th’Shrokrir of the Cunningham, and Captain Korgh of the Ki’tang.” Alex leant forward to explain himself further; he could tell there was already unease about the direction the plan was taking.

“I’m going to intercept the Nausicaan ship. We damaged its engines, and its warp trail is still detectable. She can’t have gotten very far. I’ll try and reason with the Nausicaans with a little tactful diplomacy.
Should that fail, and I fear it might, I’ll sacrifice Fairfax to ensure the destruction of the Hej’ogt!” Alex concluded. He forced himself to maintain a stoic expression; he didn’t want anyone thinking he wasn’t serious.

Around the room, there was complete silence while everyone tried to read Captain Dubois and try to work out if this was some sick joke.

“You can’t be serious?” Wallace made his challenge. “You felt the beating we took. Just how are you expectin’ this to go down? Fly the ship at full impulse into the Nausicaans? There’s no way to know how—”

“I have already given this a lot of thought. Number one. I won’t endanger the crew on this one, but I have to consider the price may be—” Alex defended.

“The price? That price is way too damn high, that’s what it is!” Wallace retorted, continuing the beginning of a shouting match in front of everyone.

“Enough! Both of you!” Korgh interrupted, standing from his seat and slamming his fists into the table.

“I salute you, Captain, you’re prepared to die with honour. But your first officer is right. It’s a fool’s plan to sacrifice one’s life and ship to die a martyr!” Korgh said.
“You have my blade, Captain, but I will not be complacent in conveying you to a meaningless death! If you want my help, then we fight side by side as warriors! The only honour in death is in the pursuit of glory!” he added.

Alex turned his gaze to Tyr, who was remaining silent. “Have to say, I’m with the Klingons on this. Besides, as your first officer was about to point out, there’s no way to guarantee the neutralisation of the Hej’ogt unless you get aboard that ship and plant the charges yourself!” Tyr explained.

“I calculate a 98.36 per cent probability that your plan will be ineffective, Captain. You will also need my assistance to calculate the appropriate destructive force to guarantee the destruction of the Hej’ogt,” Said Sovek, applying logic to the argument.

Alex bowed his head, taking another deep breath before looking his Klingon counterpart in the eyes. “Go on then, how would you do it?”

Korgh smiled with excitement. “First, evacuate your wounded and sick; they are of no use to us in the coming battle. Then have your federation ships force the Nauscaans into a confrontation. Take down their shields and keep them distracted for an away team to infiltrate their vessel, and take them by surprise!” Korgh explained, slamming his fist shut.

“Using guile to our advantage…this is an honourable tactic!” K’vagh grinned with admiration.

“Exactly, they will be too distracted by the battle outside to realise the battle inside their ship. By the time they know what’s happening, we can have control of their vessel!” Korgh added.

Alex considered the plan carefully, but he still felt strongly that he should be the only one bound by duty to venture into harm’s way. “With the greatest of respect, Captain, and I don’t mean to sound ungrateful for our unlikely alliance. But our governments aren’t exactly on the best of terms at the moment. I would be remiss if I did not ensure the destruction of the Hej’ogt personally. Ensuring that neither of us becomes tempted to use it as a deterrent, or weapon against the other.”
Korgh appeared insulted, angry even. “You doubt my honour!” he snarled.

“What the Captain is trying to explain is that there are some, in both our races, that would see the Hej’ogt as a tactical advantage over the other. The Captain wants to ensure you are satisfied with its destruction, as much as he expects the same in return!” K’vagh retorted. Ordinarily, his statement would have been out of turn, but as a Klingon, he recognised his commanding officer’s unintentional insult and sought to correct it.

Korgh withdrew his anger. “I have pledged my blade to the House of Korath, Captain. The House of Korgh is every bit an ally of the federation… But your tactical officer is correct, treachery runs deep within our society… How do you suggest we proceed K’vagh?”

K’vagh looked to his Captain for ratification that he had the authority to speak on his behalf. He detected a subtle nod from him, so he proceeded with his suggestion. “I will volunteer to join your crew, Captain, I will share in the glory of battle!”

Korgh smiled radiantly, “And it will be a glorious battle, worthy of our tale to be told in songs across the empire!”

“I’m going too.” Alex suddenly ordered.

The room fell silent again, and there was a brief objection from all three Starfleet captains, but Commander Jones’s voice overpowered them all. “Captain, your place is on the bridge.”

“I’m aware of protocol Number one; those are my terms. You will take command of the Fairfax. I won’t let anyone else risk themselves for this mission. Is that clear?” Alex explained calmly.

“I’d be honoured for you to join us, Captain. I hope you fight well!” Korgh stated with acceptance.