The ship was at yellow alert as it raced towards the area of conflict. Lieutenant Katrina Ivanovna was at her tactical station, while Commander Jevor sat at the Bridge's Engineering console. Ensign Gates and Lieutenant Reiv manned the navigation and helm respectively, while Captain Freeman, Commander Yilaan, and Doctor Giovanni sat in the command chairs behind them.
"Lieutenant, what were the final results of the testing for the new phaser tracking system?" Freeman asked Ivanovna.
"Computer tracking has been improved fifteen percent in simulations, response time an additional ten," she said, her Russian accent making her response sound gruff.
"That's good to hear; we'll likely be needing it shortly," Freeman replied grimly.
"Sensors indicate signs of a battle ahead sir," Lieutenant Reiv broke in. "Energy readings consistent with a high amount of weapons fire."
"Confirmed, Captain," Ivanovna replied from her tactical position. "Two Federation ships and two Cardassian vessels; the former appear to be protecting two smaller ships."
"Increase speed to warp nine point five. Time to intercept Ensign?" Freeman asked.
"Two minutes," Ensign Gates replied.
"Make that one smaller ship, Captain," Ivanovna reported. "One was just destroyed by the Cardassians."
"Go to red alert," Freeman commanded. "Raise the shields. Arm the phasers and load both fore and aft torpedo bays. Prepare to engage the Cardassian vessels. Lieutenant, scan all ships and report."
"The Phoenix has sustained moderate damage, and so has the other Federation ship, the Washington. The Cardassians are heavily damaged. The small ship is trying to leave the battle and the Federation ships are providing cover," Ivanovna reported quickly.
"Arrival imminent, sir," Gates noted.
"Match speeds for battle, Ensign. Engage the lead Cardassian ship and fire at will," Freeman ordered. The Bristol slowed to impulse and fired its forward torpedoes and phasers, striking the lead Cardassian ship several times. A simultaneous hit from the Phoenix's phasers caused the Cardassian vessel to explode. Bits of debris hit the Bristol and shook the ship.
"Shields holding; no damage," Ivanovna reported.
The other Cardassian ship moved off at warp nine. "Shall we pursue Captain?" Gates asked.
"Negative. Our fleet is damaged and those still alive aboard that smaller vessel may need our help," Freeman replied.
"The Phoenix is hailing us, sir," Ivanovna said. "And the smaller vessel is sending out a distress signal."
"Put the Phoenix on. And Doctor, get your Sickbay ready for incoming casualties," Freeman said, standing and straightening his uniform. Doctor Giovanni nodded and left the Bridge.
"Captain Freeman! Your timing is perfect!" the silver-haired Captain Maxwell greeted Freeman.
Freeman smiled, "Captain. Glad to be of service."
"We'll chat more about our situation shortly, but right now that Bajoran ship needs our help," Maxwell continued. Reiv's eyes lit up at the mention of his people. "If you could help them, we'd appreciate it; our Sickbays are a little full right now."
"Acknowledged, Captain. Do you also need help?" Freeman asked.
Maxwell shook his head, "We've got our hands full, and so does the Washington, but it's nothing we can't deal with. Help that other ship. We'll talk shortly."
Freeman nodded. "Very well. Freeman out," he said, closing the communications channel. "Ivanovna, hail the Bajoran ship."
"Frequency open sir."
"Bajoran ship, this is Captain Freeman of the U.S.S. Bristol. Do you require medical assistance?"
A slightly distorted image of a beautiful woman, with pale skin, long flowing brown hair, and the familiar nose ridges of a Bajoran appeared on the screen. Reiv squinted, then gasped, his jaw dropping. "Captain, this is First Officer Lieutenant Commander Falinn of the Bajoran ship Drexler. Our captain is dead and we have many wounded here. Your offer of medical assistance is appreciated. Permission to beam the wounded to your Sickbay?"
"Granted. We'll relay the coordinates now," Freeman said, nodding to Giovanni, who got up and left the Bridge to prepare her Sickbay for the incoming wounded. Focusing again on the Bajoran Falinn, he asked, "How many casualties do you have?"
"Thirty-five. With your permission I'd also like to come aboard and meet with you," she replied, smiling suddenly as something caught her eye. She paused, her eyes alight. "You have a very handsome helmsman, Captain," she continued just as Freeman opened his mouth to speak. He closed it instead, while Reiv squirmed in his seat, his face beat red. Falinn merely laughed.
"It's, uh, well, it's nice, er good, I mean great! Yes, it's great to see you again, Ehlara," Reiv stammered, using Falinn's apparent first name.
"And I love you too, Reiv Garon," she replied lightly, as a very amused Bristol crew shot each other intrigued looks.
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