I Saw Nine Ships Come Sailing In...

Posted on 01/02/2023 @ 1:08pm by Rear Admiral Thomas Rice & Captain Cara Letsul & Commander Aer Feshau-Patton & Commander Raphael Mattix & Lieutenant Commander K'doc Valadorn & Sergeant Audie Fitch & Lieutenant Daynah Ral

2,634 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Mini Mission: When The Cat's Away
Location: Space

//ON//

The USS Paramount was away from Starbase 50, heading towards Breen ships that were on their way to attack the station. A lowly Ensign named Eliza Cade nervously licked her lips, feeling butterflies in her stomach. Ensign Cade was the communications officer assigned to the ship and hoped she would perform her duties adequately enough for the Commodore. Cade jumped when she heard a beep from her console, indicating that there was a message, and it was from the station. The blonde-haired Ensign swiveled her chair slightly to look at Commdore Rice, Commander Gibbs (Fitch), and Lieutenant Ral.

"Sirs, we've just received a message from the station; it is from Commander Letsul," Cade reported.

"Thank you, Ensign." Gibbs gave the nervous young woman an encouraging nod and a grin. He'd never been unsure of anything he'd gotten into and was the type to jump in with both feet, but he understood Cade's misgivings. And she wasn't the only one of the crew who was heading to battle for the first time, and they all needed encouragement and steady guidance...and they were fortunate to have the command here that they did, even if he thought so himself!

Daynah had set an uplink on the tactical console to Poseidon's systems. She was honored to serve as the Commodore's tactical officer. However, she also had to continue to coordinate the incoming vessels and the fleet. Mainly to relay the Commodore's orders. "Commodore Rice, the ship stands at red alert, weapons are armed and ready, shields raised and holding. The fighters from Empok Nor report a two-hour eta. They have just made it through the Bajoran wormhole. The USS Artemis and IRW Glan'To are on station. All other ships are ready and await orders."

Tom looked to the Lieutenant, "thank you, keep everyone in the loop. We don't need any surprises, or at least any more surprises." He then turned to the Ensign, "patch the Commodore through on the main viewer," Tom waited for a bit, "Cara, I don't suppose you've called to tell me the Breen have changed their mind?" He knew better, but he had to hold out a tiny sliver of hope at least.

"No, sorry, Commodore, they haven't. Commander Mattix tried to get them to reconsider, but it didn't work. I even tried and gave them three different chances. Nope, not happening. Just needed to inform you the ante has been raised. Just got a notice from two scouts that two of Commander Feshau's people had spotted the location of a Breen base. And if you want to hear the good news? You've got nine ships heading your way. I don't think you can take them all head-on."

From behind Cara could be seen Aer, Raphael and also K'doc.

"The lead ship is a Chel Grett Battle Cruiser, a heavy hitter; then there are the four Ved Karm class ships which are smaller than the Battle Cruiser, then the four Plesh Brek Class Frigates. Lieutenant Valadorn had suggested to send Major Vishti to take care of that base as she has cloaking capability on her ship. Well, that is that on the information for you."

Gibbs took a deep breath, glancing at Rice. The information wasn't good, the odds were stacked against them, but this wasn't the first time, and he was confident this would work out. Maybe they could split the Breen forces and take them one at a time, but that wasn't his call. At least now they had some intel to start on a plan.

Cara also had contacted the other ships. Their communication being broadcast with this information at the same time.

Looking at the Captain of the El Aurian ship High General Vikas Ageas, the Captain of the Ferengi ship: DaiMon Nark, and also Major Vishti who commanded her own ship, Cara remarked, "I know this may be a trite thing to say but all of you come back in one piece. I could say be careful but with the situation as it stands, that's not going to be possible. We've got a plan in place here as well."

Ensign Eliza Cade turned to look back at the command staff, mostly towards Commodore Rice. She wondered just which ships were going to tackle which Breen ships.

Tsinira sat in the command chair aboard the Chal Qul and listened to the incoming information, she turned her chair towards the helm station " So' !" was all she said, as the ship shimmered and faded from sight and sensors. " Let's appear weaker then we are and lure those cursed dogs in , then we'll shove a photon right up their exhaust pipe and give them a surprise they'll soon not forget. " Her eyes gleamed blood red in the bridge lighting as a wicked grin spread across her face. " Blood of iron and hearts of steal!! Perpare yourselves my brothers, for combat shall be joined soon and those dogs will never forget the name Chal Qul!"

On the Bridge of the Ferengi Marauder, a complete silence - as thick as gutter mud - had descended upon the crew. The composition of the Breen formation had been announced, and DaiMon Nark's confidence had plummeted. He eyed Brek with a savage look - part fear, part hatred. "You never told me the enemy would be so numerous," he hissed.

Brek on his side, had a nervous little smile etched on his face. It made him look silly, but it also hid his anxiety. "How could I know about it?" He also whispered. "I heard the news at the same time as you did. Besides, why the long face? You told me your ship was wonderfully equipped."

"Of course, it is!" Nark now shouted. "We've got everything at the ready. Disruptor cannons, missile launchers, torpedoes. Plasma emitter and EMP weapons. The whole arsenal's there, including advanced metaphasic shield generators. You name it, I've got it. But this little adventure, it is going to leave me seriously depleted."

“Keep rule 62 in mind: The riskier the road, the greater the profit.” Brek added. “. And everything will be fine.”

“All the same, I get acid reflux every time I’ve got to do something for fleeters. ” Nark grumbled.

Vikas tied his hair up behind his head and looked out at the 'motley' fleet that had assembled. It reminded him a little of the Dominion War that his people were not directly part of, but still the Lucani fought in their own share of skirmishes. "We'll light a few fires under their cold-hearted asses." he grinned and looked off-screen to his XO.

Standing up, he walked over to the viewscreen, "We all have people on that station, people we all care about. This is certainly more vessels than we intended to deal with. But we are the first line of defense. We work as a team and keep those Breen bastards away from that station. As our Klingon friends would say," Tom thought for a moment, "may'meyDajvo' Haw'be' tlhIngan." He was a bit rusty on his Klingon, but if translated correctly, he was sure it meant a Klingon does not run away from his battles.

K'doc looked up at the viewscreen as he heard the Klingon phrase and gave a nod. " Qapla! " was all he said as he returned to his duties.

"Everyone coordinate with Lieutenant Ral; she will be coordinating for the entire fleet via the Paramount," Tom ordered. "Today, we fight as a team; we put aside politics and greed. Only then can our loved ones on Poseidon live another day."

A ship of unknown origin dropped out of warp, for those that knew their military history it would look a great deal like Kumari-class battle cruiser from the 22nd century. It was classified as an escort vessel, but the Andorians who designed her had one purpose in mind.

The Captain was an older Andorian woman, A veteran Starfleet officer that transferred to the home defense fleet after a long career. Her black Imperial Guard uniform was clean and pressed, and she looked fierce.

"This is Captain Thazia of the IGS Aben th'Everek. We were on a patrol near New Andoria and thought we'd render aid. Permission to join."

Tom looked at the viewscreen and nodded to his Tactical Officer, "Captain Thazia, I appreciate any assistance you can offer. I'm having my Tactical Officer send over our intel now."

From behind the Commodore, a voice rang out, "Commodore, Breen vessels in visual range."

"On screen," Tom called out as the first of the Breen ships appeared on his screen. "Oh, shit," he muttered under his breath, "All hands to battle stations," he called out, returning to his chair, "Ral, I want the bigger ships focusing on those battlecruisers. Everyone else keeps the little ones from advancing further."

"Everyone has their orders; let's see this through," he said a silent prayer as he waited for the first shots.

It looked daunting as the ships came into view, but at least they knew what they were up against, and bad odds had never scared off Starfleet. Gibbs grinned.

"Pick us a target, Commander, and we'll get this party started!"

"Helm! Increase speed to three quarters impulse and make for the lead Ved Karm ship! " Commanded Tsinira. " Come in from below and we'll come up and go over the ship and drop a cloaked mine right in front of them and dive behind them and come about for an attack run. Set the mines frequency to match shield harmonics so we won't have to decloak to give them their present. " Said Tsinira. The helm officer responded. " It shall be as you commanded Major Vishti! " As the cloaked vessel began to move toward the enemy.

Dyanah acknowledged the order and relayed the message to the rest of the fleet. "Weapons are locked on the nearest battle cruiser. Targeted weapons and shields. Attack pattern Alaryc 2 awaiting your order Commodore."

Now that it was time for action, Daimon Nark was as placid as a snailosaurus that hasn’t seen any rain in two days.

“Daimon?” Brek nudged the Ferengi C.O.

“Ah yes, the battle. What a pity it’s too late for a retreat.” Nark sighed. “Let’s spare ourselves a little here, and aim our cannons at the frigates. They look almost appetising. Also, let’s not hesitate to show our belly during the attack, it’s a great distraction, which, by giving the illusion that we are in difficulty, often proves to be irresistible.”

Tom's eye remained glued to the viewscreen on the bridge of the Paramount. He was determined to make sure this mission was a success. He couldn't help but see the irony in all this. It wasn't that long ago he cursed this place and everyone in the crew. This assignment was a demotion; it was a bad omen. He hated Harrington, the Nogura, and everyone involved. Yet now, he was going into battle, ready to defend the people that he once hated.

"Fire all weapons," Tom ordered as he leaned forward in his chair, "target the battlecruiser; leave the smaller ones to be picked off by our friends."

How things have changed, Tom told himself as the ship sent off the first round.

A feeling of nervousness welled up in Daynah. It was one thing to plan and strategize. This was something she was good at, however, to actually be in the thick of it was another thing. Ral made sure to sooth the nerves and get the being known as Daynah Ral to focus on the task at hand and the lives at stake. "Aye, sir. weapons locked. Firing." She initiated an old firing sequence that came from Alaryc. A volley of photon, and quantum torpedoes lanced out from the Paramount immediately followed by all phasers firing on multiple arcs. "All weapons are direct hits. Enemy shields are holding but down 20%. They are charging their weapons for a return fire."

A small indication light flashed across the tactical sensors. Daynah's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Commodore we have incoming. Transponders read for the Jury Marine squadron out of Empok Nor. And sir you are not going to believe this the CDF Vendish Galor Class. It's the Cardassians, sir." She could not keep the surprise out of her voice.

Meanwhile, on another ship in another sector. Gul Markuul never thought he would see the day that a squadron of Starfleet marine fighters would escort his ship. Yet here they were being pulled through slipstream, charging head first into Starfleet's battle. He knew that the time had come to show the Federation the kind of allies Cardassia could be; it was why he took this assignment for himself. The calm and cool Gul sat in the command chair as a broad knowing smile crawled across his lips. "Today is the day we show them what Cardassia is made of. Time to intercept." The helmsman turned from his position and informed the Gul that their ETA was 15 minutes. Markuul hoped that they were not too late.

Ensign Cade was really glad to see the other ships arrive, right now she was concentrating on what was coming. And will she, will they survive.

On the Paramount, Gibbs let out a sigh of relief. Any small bit of help was a godsend, so more ships were welcome to the fight! And so far, the Paramount's crew was doing a fine job of maintaining their control and pestering their targets. They were going to have a lot to be proud of when the battle was over -- he was determined to hold to that belief.

The moment of elation was short-lived. Daynah saw the blips and knew what it meant. "Brace for impact!" A full spread of Breen torpedoes hit the Paramount head on. The bridge and the hole ship rocked with the impact. "Shields are down by ten percent. Minor damage to the secondary systems. Engineering teams have been dispatched." She reported.

Ensign Cade turned back towards her console and picked up a message, coming from the Station, her face paled, then she turned around once more towards the command staff, "Commodore Rice there is a message being sent specifically to you, it is from Commander Letsul."

The message read, Tom, a mayday has come from our intelligence scouts... they have asked for assistance, they have been injured as well as their shuttle. I suggest that you send Major Vishti, as she has the means to go un-noticed and take out that Breen Base- Cara

Tom grabbed his console to stabilize himself as the message came through. The Breen warships packed a punch, but at the moment they were able to hold their own. If the Breen managed to get another one of those ships into the battle, Tom wasn't sure they could still hold their own. The Commodore was glad to see the Cardassians, a phrase he never thought he would say.

He read Cara's report again, "get this message to Major Vishti, the Major will know what to do with it."

"Aye sir." Ensign Cade replied and sent the message to Major Vishti.

And watched as the Klingon ship disappeared after they obliterated a Breen ship.

---

Commander Aer Feshau
Chief Intelligence Officer
SB 50

Grand Proxy Brek
Ferengi Embassy
Poseidon Station

Lieutenant K'doc Valadorn
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Poseidon Station

Commodore Thomas Rice
Sector Commander
Poseidon Station

Lieutenant Daynah Ral
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
Poseidon Station

Commander Cara Letsul
Poseidon Operations Commander
Chief Counselor
Poseidon Station

Commander Buck Gibbs
XO USS Paramount
NPC by Audie Fitch

Major Tsinira Vishti
Klingon Ambassador
Psoeidon Station
NPC by K'doc

Commander Cara Letsul
Poseidon Operations Commander
Chief Counselor
SB 50

Ensign Eliza Cade
Communications
USS Paramount
NPC by Letsul

Captain Thazia
Commanding Officer
IGS Aben th'Everek
NPC: Mattix

 

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