Wednesday, February 18, 2015
[[Excruciating.  Think that about sums up the writing of this chapter.  For those curious, there will be one other chapter, aiming to be out within the next month, and an epilogue.  New project already lined up after that, though I will be going back to edit this and trim a lot of fat out.]]




It's an act of war, Kaz. It's as simple as that.”
Kanor could practically hear Kaz's teeth grinding together as his jaw clenched tightly in frustration.
And genocide is the answer?!”
They should have considered that before they imprisoned one of our ships and held an esteemed Commodore of the Independence Fleet and his crew captive.”
We weren't held captive; they simply wanted the research, but couldn't communicate it to us. We're all fine, that's nothing to drag the entire Fleet into a war over!”
Believe me, we're going to have a good long conversation concerning your decision to simply give them a copy of that research in a more private meeting. As it is, I'm en route aboard the Independence with the rest of the First Squadron to take care of this personally. Captain Somers has reported he believes heavier firepower will solve the issue.”
Kaz vehemently said something Kanor couldn't recognize and the universal translator didn't seem to pick up; he assumed it was some sort of curse. The Metron took a deep breath, closing his eyes for just a moment, before clasping his hands behind his back and looking back to the viewscreen.
Admiral...Andy...this has all been a misunderstanding. I know you want to make sure the rest of the galaxy doesn't just...write us off as some sort of small ragtime team of nobodies. But this isn't the way. These people aren't even a part of the galactic community as we know it, and...”
Stapes cut Kaz off in a clipped, firm tone, making sure to emphasize Kaz's rank. He must not have appreciated Kaz trying to bring the issue to a more personal level.
On the contrary, Commodore, I believe this is the perfect opportunity to establish ourselves as a serious presence in the galactic community, and seeing as how I am the founder and Admiral of this Fleet, I do believe that makes it MY call. These Benders will be the biggest discovery since the Bajoran wormhole, and it will be ours and ours alone. We'll be arriving within the hour, at which point you and your crew will assist us in sanitizing the Bender vessel. Stapes out.”
Jax snorted.
'Sanitizing'...as if calling it something other than murder makes it more palatable.”
While the entire First Squadron is formidable, I do not believe the whole Independence Fleet is even capable of disabling the ship, let alone subduing it in any fashion.”
Kaz shook his head at Selorus' observation.
I believe you, Selorus. Unfortunately, Stapes is obsessed with legitimizing the Independence Fleet, and isn't going to let a 'trivial' thing such as extinction of an entire culture slow him down at all.” His brow furrowed as he continued staring at the viewscreen, where the five Independent vessels had just finished another strafing run along the length of the Bender's ship. The giant tendrils had stopped their movement, resuming their position “trailing” behind the central ring of the vessel, as they were when the Enterprise had first encountered it. It had, as of yet, done nothing in response to the attacks Somers and his group were conducting.
Jax, intercept course on the Courageous. Do your best to keep us inbetween the Independent vessels and the Bender ship. Kanor, fire a warning shot across the bow of the Courageous as soon as we're in range.”
Kanor's eyebrows rose up at Kaz's command, but he nonetheless focused on the tactical console and waited for Jax to bring the Enterprise within range. He found it a bit odd not a single protest was spoken by the Enterprise's crew at Kaz's orders. They were firing on their own fleet; surely to be considered a treasonous act. Kanor took a moment to glance at the faces of everyone on the bridge. A corner of Jax's mouth was upturned in a grin, but otherwise, everyone seemed...determined. And calm. Kaz had given them a course of action, and they were following it through. They knew what it meant. One of the turbolift doors had swished open and Skid had stepped onto the bridge, making her way to the Engineering console with only a resolute nod exchanged with Kaz as he gave his orders. Not even the redhead was arguing. Kanor's eyes diverted back to his tactical screen as it made a short beep of their range to the Courageous. His fingers moved over the controls, tracking the movement of the Defiant-class vessel, her snub nose leading the charge...
Twin scarlet beams of light flashed through space directly in the Courageous' path, causing the vessel to veer sharply to port and roll, trying to present a narrower target to this unexpected attack. The rest of the Independent vessels broke off, as well, though they were a bit sluggish in their response-time. Kanor noted the Enterprise's phasers were a couple of degrees off where they should have been targeting; plus, the convergence point for the individual phaser banks could be a lot narrower and, therefore, more precise. He'd have to speak with Munson about correcting that.
Courageous is hailing us.”
Kaz smirked, and turned to sit down in his chair, lifting his right leg to cross over his left.
Well, imagine that. Someone is suddenly wanting to talk. Onscreen.”
Are you fucking out of your MIND!? I sure as hell hope your tactical officer made some sort of error when they went to target that alien piece of...”
On the contrary, Somers, while my current tactical officer is...new to the position, he fired exactly where I told him to. If you insist on continuing to assail the Benders, you will find the Enterprise more than willing to get in your way.”
Somers eyes narrowed, the red in his face only darkening at Kaz's flippant response.
Ohhh I've always wanted a reason to send your ancient relic of a ship limping back to Independence One, Kaz...I just never thought you'd be so stupid as to throw down while I outnumber you five to one.”
Kaz laughed-a genuine, rolling sound of amusement-before clapping his hands on his knees and leaning forward in his chair, grinning from ear to ear.
Somers, you silly boy. You're the one who's outnumbered. Do you want me to wait for the rest of the First Squadron to arrive to help you before I make you dirty your diaper?”
Te'ara giggled as Somers ended the communication, and Kaz, still grinning, called out towards him.
Kanor, as much as I'd love to tell you to fire at will, make sure you shoot to disable, not to destroy. Weapons, engines, power-however you'd like.”
Kanor grunted. He could account and correct for the poor calibrations of the Enterprise's weapons, he thought, but it was still a tall order to ask. Jax had sent the Enterprise into a seemingly erratic pattern of movement as soon as the transmission with the Courageous had ended, and Kanor watched as the five ships in Somers' attack group reoriented themselves to face off against the Enterprise. His eyes narrowed as he paid attention to their movements, looking for predictable patterns, a chance to take any advantage that might present itself. His eyes fell on the two B'rel class ships more than the rest; he was the most familiar with them, and would recognize issues more readily...
There. He had noted the sluggish reaction Somers' group of ships had in response to the Enterprise's warning shot. This Bird-of-Prey, however, was truly maneuvering poorly; the normally agile vessel made awful port maneuvers. Not enough to affect combat performance per se, but recognizable as a flaw if one was familiar enough with the ship's average handling. Perhaps it was a sensor issue, perhaps a structural integrity problem...it could even simply be a poor pilot. Or it could be a problem with the power distribution.
The Enterprise was engaged in full-on combat with the five vessels; the sounds of blows to their shields, shudders in the deck plating, and minute dips in the inertial dampers compensating for Jax's quick maneuvers all background sensations experienced starship crews thoughtlessly tuned out to perform their duties. Shield percentages dropped on both sides, though the Enterprise's was understandably dwindling faster; despite Jax's best efforts to avoid incoming fire, the Enterprise was simply too big to outmaneuver the five ships built for quick hit-and-run tactics. Kanor was firing the phasers when and where the most opportune moments were, sometimes missing, more often hitting, and occasionally firing a torpedo when it would do the most damage. He was focusing mostly on getting that B'rel's port, largely tuning out a lot of the orders flying back and forth from Kaz to the crew. His instruments showed a dip in the Enterprise's power as a tractor beam was activated, but he largely ignored the debris trailing behind the ship because Jax was bringing them along on a vector that would provide the perfect shot against that B'rel, as well as the other Bird-of-Prey and the Akira-class vessel just beyond. Firing a torpedo, he grinned as the sluggish ship abruptly wavered upon impact, the lights of her engines sputtering out as it started to drift out of control. His eyes shot up, however, as a veritable wave of small asteroids slammed into the remaining B'rel and her Akira companion immediately afterwards, the shield indicators for each ship on his instruments disappearing entirely.
Kanor!”
Kanor reacted instinctively to Kaz's shout from the center chair, quickly firing their phasers at the exposed vessels. The second B'rel immediately became dead in space, their engines incapacitated immediately by his shot. The Akira tumbled for a bit, but recovered as some backup systems most likely kicked in; Kanor noted the ship veering away from the Enterprise at a much slower speed, though. The Enterprise shuddered as the Courageous and the remaining Romulan interceptor hammered at their exposed flank.
Where the hell did those rocks come from?”
Kaz had a bit of a smirk on his face when Kanor spore a moment to glance over at the center chair, where Kaz had leapt to his feet at some point.
Little thing I like to call 'shooting marbles', Kanor. Temporarily overwhelms their shields. Excellent work, by the way. That gave us some breathing room, I think. Status?”
Kanor shook his head as he glanced over his instruments.
Shields at thirty-nine percent.”
Main engineering has been taking the most hits; there was a brief fire in Jefferies tubes ten and eleven, but they're taken care of. Chelsea Boys have it under control down there.” Skid added.
Kaz nodded, his hands reaching behind his waist to clasp together.
Drei...?”
Drei pressed a few buttons on his console, then nodded.
What was that you were saying about five to one, again, Somers?”
Dammit, Kaz, you...”
Drei cut the link in mid-sentence, and Kaz grinned ferally.
I do believe someone out there insulted our Lady...focus on the Courageous.”
Aye SIR.”
The glee in Jax's voice was rather infectious; Kanor felt himself getting excited about giving the smug, arrogant Somers a bloody nose as the Enterprise doggedly pursued the snub-nosed vessel. Shots were exchanged between the two ships, the Courageous and the Enterprise vying for better positioning. The Courageous was more nimble, but the Enterprise wouldn't be deterred. Jax always seemed to be one step ahead; and between Kanor firing the phasers when the Courageous tried to get too far out of the way, and Jax's impeccable maneuvering, the smaller vessel couldn't shake her relentless pursuer. Even when the Courageous sought to loop back towards the Enterprise, Jax, almost as if he were expecting the maneuver, had the Enterprise beneath the Courageous as the other ship repositioned to the Enterprise's previous vector. Kanor remembered, suddenly, how the Courageous' pilot had damaged the docking port at the Independence One space station due to a very simplistic and foolish error; their lacking piloting skill was apparent even in combat, it would seem. The Romulan interceptor, once the crew realized their commander's ship was the main target, did their best to interfere, but was largely ignored.
That's right, Somers, whose 'relic' is knocking on your do...”
There is an energy surge building in the Bender ship!”
Selorus' exclamation cut Kaz's gleeful muttering short just moments before the viewscreen was lit up with bright lances of purple-hued light. The Enterprise lurched as Jax altered their vector drastically, and Kanor's eyes shifted to the ship's shield readout; their ventral, starboard, and port shields were all glowing with fresh, powerful hits.
HolyfookinbloodyMotherofallthatisholy!”
Report!”
The Bender ship has fired multiple shots into the field! Not as powerful as their single, already witnessed blast, but significantly more impactful than normal phasers or disruptors. Courageous has suffered a direct hit, but is still mobile. The Bleeding Wind....”
Another flare of light lit up the viewscreen, and Kanor looked up in time to see one of the Birds-of-Prey exploding, pieces of familiar green-painted hull flying in multiple directions. The light faded quickly as the vacuum of space claimed new inhabitants.
...suffering a warp core breakdown.” Selorus paused, fingers tapping over his console before he added. “I detect no survivors.”
Kaz had resumed his seat in the Captain's chair at some point, his lap and thigh restraints in place, his jaw flexing.
No lifepods launched...?”
Negative. They were directly hit by the Benders; the warp core failure was...swift.”
Drei spoke up from Communications.
Incoming hail, Courageous.”
Onscreen.”
Alarm klaxons were sounding in the background of the Courageous' bridge, now. Kanor saw two crewmembers behind Somers spraying one of their comrades down as he rolled, screaming in agony, on the deck, flames from what Kanor guessed to be a plasma leak engulfing his body.
Dammit, Kaz, this is on YOUR head!”
Incoming!” Selorus called out.
Jax shouted right over the tail end of Selorus.
Hold on to something!”
The Enterprise lurched to one side, her overhead lights flaring bright, dimming, then gradually growing back to their standard battle-level of brightness.
Courageous is firing phasers...!”
Are you SER...”
The Enterprise shook under a volley of phaser fire from the Courageous, and Kanor instinctively returned fire, though missed. Skid chimed in from the Engineering console, almost a snarl.
We can't take on the two of them AND those blasted spooky buggers!”
Selorus jumped in.
Sir, the Bold's engines were disabled by our earlier exchange. The Bender's first volley was merely a glancing blow, but the last was a direct hit. I do not believe they will survive the current...”
Kaz interrupted him before he could finish.
Jax, intercept course to the Bold!”
On the viewscreen, the Courageous flew past them, their newest phaser barrage narrowly being avoided; Enterprise's rear shields flared up on Kanor's panel as the Romulan interceptor flew over them from the opposite direction.
Easier said than done, Kaz...!”
Jax's teeth were gritted tightly as he kept his eyes on his instruments, spotted hands darting over his controls as Te'ara muttered beside him, presumably working with him. Kanor did his best to fire at the two Independence ships that kept harrying them, focusing more on deterring them from getting good attack vectors than striking hits. It looked like Jax was attempting to send them towards the drifting outline of the Klingon Bird-of-Prey, the Bold, but the Courageous and Romulan ship were not making it easy. The Bender ship was periodically blasting out swaths of energized death, sometimes slamming into the Enterprise's withering shields. Skid was cursing prolifically; or at least more so than she usually did, but Jax was clearly doing the best he could. Kanor watched as the inert Bold was hit yet again; it merely clipped them, but visible hunks of hull and armor plating went spiraling. Kanor thought he saw signs of leaking atmosphere.
The Bold will not survive another hit.”
Te'ara!”
The Andorian's antennae were nearly lying flat back against her pure white, puffy hair as she responded to Kaz's curt address.
...in tractor range in...one hundred seventy-five...ninety...”
A blue beam of light shot out on the viewscreen and surrounded the Bold as the Enterprise flew by, and Kanor felt the deck plating vibrate beneath his boots. The entire ship shuddered abruptly, his shield monitor flaring up on the starboard and port sides. He watched the port side shields crumble and fall entirely. Then the Enterprise screeched, the deck rumbled beneath him, and a panel behind Kanor exploded, showering the area behind him with sparks as jagged pieces of an Engineering readout display spewed out past the circular railing to hit the flooring in front of Te'ara and tumble a few feet. Skid's console screeched out multiple alarms before she swiftly shut them off.
Bloody torpedo hit from the Courageous!”
Kanor, unfazed by the destroyed panel chimed in, as well.
The Benders hit our shields on the opposite side simultaneously. Shields are failing...”
Kaz snarled.
Drei!”
Drei seemed to know what Kaz was going to order before he had spoken, as he immediately responded.
Onscreen!”
Somers, you ass! Do you not recognize a rescue mission when you see one!?”
Somers' face came back on their viewscreen in the small window in the corner, his eyes smoldering with bitter hatred. A medical team was in view behind him zipping up a body bag amidst a blackened, glistening stain on the deck.
Hiding behind hostages now, Kaz? I expected better of yo...”
Kaz's voice overrode Somers like a furious parent disciplining a petulant child; tightly controlled anger held back by sheer force of will, brooking no argument or discussion. Absolute authority stating what was going to happen.
Your task force is in a shambles, and under attack by a superior force. A force threatening to destroy more than the one ship that's been lost already. You disengage, protect and assist your own!”
Somers looked like he was actually considering interrupting Kaz at one point, but proved he had a small grasp of the situation, finally, and remained silent. Selorus interrupted.
The Benders are firing yet again...!”
The crew on each side of the viewscreen took a moment while they evaded the deadly fire, though Kanor noted Kaz's gaze never let Somers go. Somers glanced down at a control console before finally responding to Kaz's expectant silence in the aftermath of the Bender's volley.
Courageous is badly damaged, but we are warp capable.” There were a few moments of terse silence, Somers lips tightening into a grimace before he finally pushed out the next few words as if his entire being resisted them. “Ordering Fierce Talon to stand down. We await...your...orders.”
Orders” was practically spit towards Kaz, though Somers refused to lift his gaze to the Metron.
Kaz continued glaring at Somers for a couple more seconds, but then glanced down to his left, his fingers rapidly typing in something on his chair console.
Have the rest of your group rendezvous at these coordinates; Enterprise will tow the Bold there, where we'll all await the arrival of the First Squadron.”
Somers' head snapped up, his eyes incredulous.
We can't let those...!”
Dammit, Somers! Do you REALLY think we stand a chance against their ship, even if we WERE all at full strength, which we CLEARLY aren't?”
Somers growled, and the transmission abruptly ended.
Kaz sighed, glancing over at Skid.
Please tell me you can give me warp power?”
Think I'd take warp power over all this bashing dancing around we've been doin! We're not exactly in a bloody condition to tow the Bold all the way back to Independence One. As it is, I need to get down to Engineering to throw some gum around and hope it keeps things together...!”
That's why I'm hoping the Benders don't follow us to these coordinates, Skid, because I don't want another ship lost in this fiasco.”
Another energy surge from the Bender vessel...”
The Enterprise maneuvered valiantly, but the ship shuddered as one of the Bender's beams glanced along what remained of their shields. Selorus gave an update on the situation without being asked.
The Fierce Talon has sustained damage, but is engaging their warp drive...now.”
Kanor watched the Romulan ship warp away, followed closely by the even more battered Akira-class vessel, then the Courageous.
Coordinates laid in.”
Kaz sighed deeply, lifting a hand to rub at the Bender-blocking device still resting over his head.
Get us out of here, Jax.”


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


The Bender ship has left the system. Based off of what we have witnessed before, I would speculate they have engaged their faster-than-light travel capabilities, however that may operate.”
The Enterprise, the Bold in tow, had rendezvoused with the rest of the Independent ships at the specified coordinates, and had been attempting to make hurried repairs as they all nervously monitored the Bender ship, at the edge of their long-range sensors, for pursuit. Skid had left the bridge to jump into the fray down in Engineering (muttering something about hurrying to get HAL offline), but the rest of the bridge crew had remained at their posts. Kanor had spent the time trying to gauge exactly how he could tweak the Enterprise's weapons to perform better, though it was mostly to keep himself awake, and divert his attention from thoughts about Marcie. At Selorus' announcement, a previously unnoticed tension in the air seemed to relax, almost as if they had all let loose a collective sigh of relief. Kaz disengaged his lap and thigh restraints and stood up.
Drei, let Somers know we will remain here until the arrival of Admiral Stapes. Under no circumstances will we allow anyone from any of his group to board the Enterprise, unless it is due to a medical emergency and necessity.” He paused a moment, mulling something over. “Also, let him know as soon we are able, we would be happy to extend any additional aid they may require.”
Aye aye.”
I'll be in my office. You have the bridge, Jax.”
Kanor glanced over at the Trill, whose back seemed to have gotten straighter as Kaz turned to head towards the turbolift. Kanor mulled over the situation briefly, tapped a command to place the Tactical terminal in stand-by, and got up from the chair, struggling around the curve of the bridge towards the turbolift Kaz was entering while attempting to cover the screaming protest his body was giving him. Jax glanced over at Kanor and frowned, appearing as if he were about to say something, but a glance towards Kaz silenced him. Kaz had stopped the turbolift doors from shutting as he waited for Kanor wordlessly.
That was...unexpected.”
The turbolift doors swished shut as Kaz twisted the handle and set the car going; Kanor leaned against the wall of the car, scrutinizing the emotions going over Kaz's face, though the Metron was reining them in.
I should have known Stapes would freak the fuck out once communication was severed. Somers being in charge of that task force shadowing us was a specifically chosen barb in my side, as well.”
...are the two of you always at each others throats?”
Kaz didn't respond any further, his eyes staring at the turbolift doors. In the silence, the barely discernible hum of the lift slowed to a halt as they reached their destination and the doors parted. Kanor wondered if the loss of the Bloody Wind and her crew weighed on Kaz's mind; his frankly treasonous acts beforehand hadn't appeared to bother him at all, so that couldn't be it.
I'm heading to my office, Kanor. Stapes and his fleet will be here too damn soon, which will be followed by what I'm sure will be one hell of a conversation between the Admiral and myself. Come to my office after dinner; we'll need to work out the details of your payment.”
We're going to get the Federation their package and collect that bounty, finally?”
Inevitably; that's what all this has been about, right?”
Kaz stepped through the open doors and started heading down the corridor, producing one of those cigarettes and immediately lighting it, not even waiting for a response.
I'll...be there.”
The turbolift doors closed, and the car remained still for a moment until he realized he had not given the computer a destination. He mulled over the hours he had until this meeting with Kaz after dinner. He wanted to go visit Marcie, but...he needed sleep. Badly. He gripped one of the control rods lining the turbolift's walls in a ring and gave it a twist.
Deck five.”

About Me

These will all be original short stories, novellas, one-offs, fan fictions, serials, and possibly even novels written by me, the Erratic Writer. These will mostly be science fiction, fantasy, or paranormal in genre. Each post will be prefaced by an introduction by me as well, to explain what follows.

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