Space Shuttle Columbia; may they always

be remembered as being

Story By: Michael Sheffield

Prologue

What can I do? he asked himself. Suddenly it came to him. He rushed over to his desk, popping open the view screen on it’s surface.

“Mr. Sheffield, repeat that message.” Captain Brandon Blankenship had became interested. They were performing routine communications system checks when a message caught the Captain’s attention.

“Aye, sir, repeating message,” Lieutenant Michael Sheffield said, pressing several commands on his screen.

The Bridge speakers crackled to life. “This is Senior Warden Fredericks of the Federation Prison Colony Aegis VII. One of our highest security inmates has escaped. To anyone within the sound of my voice, please respond. He is very dangerous. Someone, respond, pl--.” The Bridge was filled with the sound of a violent explosion, and the transmission ended.

Silence followed. Captain Blankenship walked from where he was standing behind Sheffield slowly down the slope of the Bridge to his chair. He said slowly, “Where is the Aegis Colony?”

Lt. Commander Derek Kestner replied, “It is seven days away at warp nine.”

Blankenship sighed. “Then let’s waste no time getting there. Mr. Foreman, set course for Aegis VII, maximum warp.”

Lt. Commander Brad Foreman answered, “Aye sir.”

“Engage.” The Galaxy-class Cobalt stretched out and slipped into warp. Blankenship continued, “Mr. Kestner, what do we know about the Aegis Prison Colony?”

Kestner brought up the information on his console. “It was constructed in 2357 by the Andorians on contract by the Federation as a maximum security prison. The Warden, Mitchell Fredericks, has been posted there for twelve years. The prison commonly houses the most serious offenders, serial killers, terrorists, and those species whose abilities make escape easier, such as shape-shifters. There has never been a breakout in the history of the prison.”

Foreman cut in, “Until now.”

Blankenship nodded. “If that’s the case, then whoever managed to escape must indeed be a very dangerous person.”

They all nodded in agreement.

* * *

“We are in approach of Aegis VII.”

“Thank you, Mr. Foreman,” Captain Blankenship replied. “Drop out of warp and close to visual range.”

“Aye, sir,” Foreman answered. The Cobalt slowed to impulse power and continued on toward the Prison Colony.

Kestner glanced down at his controls. “We are now in visual range, sir.”

The Captain replied, “Very good, onscreen.”

The Viewscreen immediately fixed on the barren wasteland of Aegis VII. In the lower hemisphere, just slightly below the equator, there was a large black crater embedded in the surface of the planet.

Blankenship stood. “Tell me that’s not the prison colony.”

Kestner replied, “I wish I could, sir, but our records show that is indeed the location of the Aegis Prison Colony.” He paused. “Sensors show there’s nothing left of the colony; it was totally incinerated. There are no lifesigns.”

Blankenship paced the floor in front of his chair. “Can you modify your sensors to scan the site for any data recorders that could’ve survived the explosion?”

Kestner answered, “I doubt that anything could have survived, but I will try, sir.”

Kestner began to modify the sensors as Blankenship turned to Lt. Sheffield. “Michael?”

The Lieutenant looked up. “Yes, sir?”

The Captain continued, “Inform Starfleet Command of this situation and send them the distress call we received.”

Sheffield replied, “Yes, sir.”

Kestner cut in, “As I suspected, sir, there is no surviving data recorder on Aegis VII.”

Blankenship sighed. “We’re running out of options, here. Mr. Kestner, scan for anything in the area.”

Kestner answered, “Aye, sir, scanning.” He paused. “Sir, there is an unknown mass at the edge of the system. It is too far away to determine anything else.”

The Captain rubbed his chin. “Let’s go see what it is. Mr. Foreman, set course and engage.”

* * *

“We are in approach of the mass, sir.”

“Very good, Mr. Foreman. Kestner, what is it?”

Kestner replied, “It appears to be debris. Not enough to be a ship. A part of one, perhaps.”

Blankenship nodded. He rubbed his chin, clearly in thought. “Mr. Sheffield, tactical layout of the system on the view screen, please.”

Sheffield replied, “Yes, sir, onscreen.”

The view changed from the debris field to a colored representation of the Aegis planetary system. Blankenship said, “Add in the debris and...plot a course from Aegis VII to the debris field.”

“Onscreen,” Sheffield said, making the proper adjustments.

A red line was drawn from Aegis VII to the debris. Sheffield extended it into the abyss. The Captain continued, “Mr. Sheffield, are there any planetary systems on that course?”

Sheffield replied, “Calculating it, sir.” He paused. “There are two systems on that course: Maxim and Reival.”

Blankenship ordered, “Mr. Foreman, set course for the Maxim system and engage at warp nine.”

* * *

Fifteen minutes later, Foreman reported, “Coming up on Maxim, sir.”

“Very good, Mr. Foreman, take us out of warp.” Blankenship stood. “Mr. Kestner, scan for anything out of the ordinary.”

Kestner’s trained hands flew over the controls, preparing the sensor sweep. He paused for several moments, analyzing the data obtained from the Cobalt’s sensors. “Sir,” he said, “I’m picking up what appears to be a freighter on the far side of the system. It is following course one-one-seven-mark-four and is under impulse.”

Blankenship replied, “Is it registered?”

Kestner answered, “It is a class seven freighter. Minimal Armaments. It’s cargo records show it primarily supplies prisons.”

Blankenship sat back down. “Then that may be what we’re looking for. Pursuit course, engage.”

Foreman set the course, and the Cobalt once again entered warp. “E.T.A.: three minutes.”

Blankenship turned to face Sheffield. “Hail them, Mr. Sheffield.”

Sheffield replied, “Aye, sir, channel open.”

Blankenship turned back to face the view screen, saying, “Federation Freighter, this is Captain Blankenship of the U.S.S. Cobalt. Respond, please.”

The speakers filled with static. An urgent man came over them, his voice broken by the interference, “This...Captain Tendir of...Prison Freight-...Fastrunner...explosion...massive… breech...unknown...long-range communications...life suppo-…-ailed…-ee-…assistance...”

Blankenship walked toward the view screen. “Freighter Fastrunner, we’re on our way, Cobalt out. Mr. Foreman, maximum warp.”

* * *

Moments later, the Cobalt assumed position along the damaged freighter. Captain Blankenship ordered, “Onscreen.”

The view screen shifted to the freighter. Her port nacelle was blown away, and there was an extensive hull breech on the same side.

Kestner glanced at his screen. “Sir, our specs show that the breeched area housed the warp core and living quarters.”

Blankenship exclaimed, “But there has to be a sixth of that ship missing! How is she still spaceworthy?”

Sheffield cut in, “You’d be surprised how well those freighters hold together, sir. I grew up around them.”

The Captain nodded. “Mr. Kestner, what is her condition?”

Kestner replied, “She has sustained massive damage on her port side. Ten decks have been breeched and the warp core is not on scanners. I assume most of the missing parts are in the debris field in the Aegis system.

“Ship systems have been severely damaged. It appears her computer core was overloaded when the explosion ripped through the ship; it’s not responding. She’s running on reserves, and the life support unit was heavily damaged in the explosion. Her impulse just failed, and there are three fires aboard ship.”

Blankenship asked, “Will she survive a tractor beam?”

Kestner looked at his information. “I believe there is no danger, sir.”

“Good. Mr. Sheffield, engage tractor beam.”

“Aye, sir,” Sheffield replied, “we’re now locked on.”

The Captain tapped his console. “Captain to Engineering.”

“Engineering, Odum here, sir.”

Blankenship responded, “Joey, I need all the repair crews you can spare. Our friends need some air.”

Odum replied, “Aye, sir, I’m on it. I have one crew assigned to Sick Bay, repairing a bio-bed, but they should be done in a few hours. Odum out.”

Blankenship ordered, “Mr. Foreman, all stop. Michael, I want you and a security detail to accompany the engineering team over there, see if you can find out anything they know about the Prison Colony’s destruction.”

Sheffield turned to go, saying, “Yes, sir.”

Commander Turner cut in, “Sir, request permission to accompany the away team.”

Blankenship turned to her. “Granted. Be careful, Commander, we don’t know what’s over there.”

Turner stood, saying, “I will, sir.” She walked into the turbolift with Sheffield; the doors closed behind them.

* * *

“Could you hand me that sonic torch?” Engineer Joey Odum laid stretched out under the main computer access console on board the Fastrunner. Michael and his security team had transported back over to the Cobalt some time ago, seeing that the ship was secure. Commander Turner remained aboard, however, to assist in whatever way she could.

One of his assistants, Ensign Kelly, replied, handing him the tool, “Here you are, sir.”

After several seconds of tampering, Odum said, “All right, Marty, try it now.”

The ensign reached over, activating the console. It lit up, immediately asking for an access code.

Marty said to his superior, “It’s working, sir, the console is responding.”

Odum sat up. “Good, now that we’ve gotten the console working again, maybe we can tap into what’s left of the computer core and see if it knows what happened to the ship.”

Kelly replied, “Aye, sir, shall we begin that now?”

Odum stood. “No, Marty, now we return to the ship.”

The ensign looked puzzled. “Why, sir?”

Odum answered, “I’m hungry. You go and round everybody up while I inform the Captain of our progress.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Odum to Cobalt, one to beam over.”

* * *

“Sir,” Kestner reported, “Transporter Room reports Mr. Odum is on his way to see you, sir, they say he has good news.”

Blankenship replied, standing. “Good, maybe Joey has tapped into the freighter’s com-puter core. I just hope that it will-” Blankenship was cut off when the deck suddenly lurched up underneath his feet. He was thrown off balance and fell to the floor. Sparks flew everywhere as the ship was hurled backward; her saucer tilting back. The Bridge was plunged into total darkness.

Blankenship yelled as he stumbled to his feet, “Report!”

Foreman replied, “I can’t tell, sir, the console’s out. I can’t see a thing.”

The Captain replied, “Computer: Emergency Lights.” There was no response. “Computer.” Nothing. “I still don’t know what’s going on. All stations report in.”

Foreman replied first, “Conn station reporting in.”

Kestner was next, “Ops station reporting in.”

Then Lt. Rickman, “Counselor Rickman, reporting in.”

Sheffield answered weakly from the floor behind Blankenship, “Tactical here, sir.”

Blankenship replied, saying, “Michael, are you all right?”

“I think the cover panel behind me was blown loose when it happened, sir. It hit me in the legs.”

The Captain answered him, “I’ll be right there, Michael. Does anyone’s console work? Can anyone tell me what happened?”

Foreman replied, “Sir, we may have been attacked. Or the freighter could’ve exploded. Whatever’s happened, we need to act fast.”

“I agree.“ Blankenship responded. “Kestner, find the turbolift, tell me if it’s working. Counselor, tell me if you can still sense the rest of the crew. Foreman, come and help me with Sheffield,” Blankenship ordered in the darkness.

Foreman and Kestner stood, feeling their way through the darkness to their destinations. Counselor Rickman said, “Sir, I can’t tell exact numbers, but I sense relatively the same people I always do onboard.”

Blankenship replied, feeling his way toward Sheffield, “Good, Counselor, that’s a bit of good news.” He found Sheffield. “Michael, you were right, the panel did blow off.”

He felt for Sheffield’s legs. Michael winced and moaned in the darkness. “Ow, that hurts!”

“Can you bend them?” Blankenship asked.

Sheffield took a deep breath and tried to move his legs. “I can’t, sir.” He released the breath in a sigh.

Foreman found his way up to Sheffield and Blankenship. He opened his tricorder, scanning Sheffield. The Tricorder’s light illuminated Foreman’s face in the darkness. “The left leg is broken,” Foreman said, “but his right knee is merely out of socket.”

Blankenship asked Foreman, “Can you scan the ship?”

Foreman replied, “I can’t scan anything over five meters away, it must’ve overloaded my tricorder when all the circuits blew.”

Blankenship nodded in the darkness. He tapped his communicator. “Blankenship to Sick Bay.”

There was no response.

“Captain to Engineering, come in.”

Again, no reply.

“Blankenship to Turner.”

Nothing.

Blankenship sighed. “Any luck, Derek?”

Kestner replied, “I’ve been all over the Bridge, sir, none of the turbolifts work.”

The Captain answered, “In that case, you and Foreman find the Jeffries Tube and go find out what happened. Ashley and I’ll stay here with Michael.”

Foreman and Kestner replied, “Aye, sir.”

* * *

Jeffries Tubes were obviously not built for swift passage. They were, after all, only maintenance shafts. Kestner followed Foreman through the pitch-black darkness. Brad said as they hurried on as best they could, “Derek, what do you think happened to the ship?”

Derek thought for a moment as they continued on. “Well, if the freighter exploded, it had to be sabotage.”

Foreman didn’t follow. “What do you mean?”

Kestner answered him, “Since she didn’t have a warp core, and her antimatter storage tanks weren’t aboard either, and she didn’t have a torpedo complement, there was nothing on that ship that could’ve did the damage we have experienced.”

Foreman understood. “So that means that someone used some kind of detonator.”

Kestner replied, “Exactly. All the more reason we need to hurry.”

Foreman picked up his pace. “I agree.”

A short time later, they came to a door panel. Foreman tapped where the locking mechanism should be, and, to his surprise, the panel lit up. “Well,” he said, “we know we have at least some power.” He opened the door, then rolled out into, surprisingly, a partially-lit corridor, awash in red. Kestner came shortly behind him.

Foreman tapped his communicator. “Foreman to Captain.”

A static-filled voice responded, “I can barely hear you, Foreman, but at least I can.” Foreman replied, “Aye, sir.”

Derek walked over to a panel on the wall. He pressed a command prompt on the console above it, which popped the panel out of place, and he eased the panel off and sat it on the floor. Behind it were two tricorders and four type I phasers. Kestner opened one of the tricorders and scanned the area.

He tapped his communicator. “Sir, this is Lt. Commander Kestner. I have scanned the ship, sir, and I believe it is intact. Main and auxiliary power is not online. Life support system is damaged but it is operational. I am reading nine-hundred-eighty-four life signs, sir.” Foreman did some quick math in his head. Twenty-three crew dead. It could’ve been worse, but one crew member lost is too many.

Kestner continued, “Furthermore, we have arrived on deck three, sir. According to scans, the rest of the ship as a whole wasn’t damaged as much as the Bridge. It appears the main computer core is down, she’s switched to one of the auxiliary ones. I can only get a few meters outside the ship, sir, but I am picking up massive amounts of debris. I conclude that the freighter was destroyed. Intentionally, I believe.”

Blankenship replied, “I agree, considering the amount of damage we’ve received. I believe Michael’s well enough to come with me, he and I are heading for the Battle Bridge. Proceed to Engineering to assess full damage. Blankenship out.”

* * *

The Cobalt’s corridors were teeming with crewmembers. Foreman and Kestner walked past them, telling them to assemble in the Cargo Bay as soon as possible. Blankenship had informed them he was going to address the crew and inform them of what had happened. And, since internal communications were damaged, the Cargo Bay was the best place to go to get the word out.

Soon they found themselves upon the Engine Room doors. The doors hissed open, and they stepped in. The engine room, too, was flooded in red, and the only person present was Odum, who was busy at a console. He turned around when he heard the doors open. “Am I glad to see you two.”

Foreman and Kestner walked over to Odum. “Joey,” Foreman said, “How bad is the damage?”

Odum replied, turning back to the console, “I’ve restored auxiliary power to most decks. The engines appear to be fine, it’s the main transfer conduits that are damaged. In fact, other than the outer hull, our sensors, and the Bridge, there’s no other severe damage.”

Derek looked at him. “Joey, considering all that happened on the Bridge, why wasn‘t the damage any more than it was?”

Odum turned back around. “I don’t think that the freighter exploded by accident.”

Foreman cut in, “Derek feels it was destroyed intentionally.”

Odum continued, “I don’t think it was as simple as a detonator, however. Any conventional device that had the power to destroy that freighter would’ve wreaked havoc on the Cobalt, as well. We’re talking massive structural damage, possibly even destruction ourselves. No, I think it was destroyed another way.”

“What other way?” Kestner asked.

Odum replied, “Well, consider this. The only thing to receive major damage was the one thing that powered the ship: the power transfer conduits. I believe that someone has intentionally sabotaged not only the freighter, but the Cobalt, as well.”

Foreman understood. “So you think that it was destroyed by a special kind of explosive, aimed at destroying the freighter but only disabling us?”

Odum looked at him. “That is exactly what I believe. I think all the evidence we need will be adrift in the freighter’s debris field.”

Kestner replied, “All right, Joey, we’ll go have a look as soon as we can prepare a shuttle.” Kestner paused, then said, turning somber, “How many of our crew were on that freighter when it blew?”

Joey lowered his head. “I ordered a meal break just before I came over here. About half of us beamed back to the Cobalt after I left. The others were still over there.” Odum looked at the engine core, as if the sight of it comforted him.

Foreman knew the feeling. “Joey, it could’ve been a lot worse.” He paused. “Did Commander Turner return when you did?”

Odum replied, “I don’t know, Brad, I don’t know.”

Foreman nodded somberly. Derek cut in, “Sorry, Joey, but we have to be in the Cargo Bay in five minutes to brief everyone on ship’s status. We’ll be right back to help you.”

Joey smiled. “Thanks, I could use all the help I can get.”

* * *

Captain’s Log, Stardate: 54981.37. The total casualty report for the Cobalt is as follows: We have twenty-three dead, (Select here for names and information); twelve in Sick Bay--three with serious injuries, nine with only minor cuts and bruises, (Select here for names and inform-ation), and none reported missing. Despite our losses, I am pleased to report that all Staff Officers are accounted for, including Commander Turner.

The total damage report for the Cobalt is as follows: (Select here for visual layout). Other than impact damage on the outer hull, and heavy damage on the Bridge, there is no other structural damage anywhere on the ship. The only thing that did take massive damage was the power-transfer conduits. This absence of damage, in light of the destruction of the Freighter Fastrunner, has led Lt. Commander Kestner to conclude that the freighter was intentionally destroyed, and with a very accurate explosive device meant to disable the Cobalt, as well, not to destroy her. My suspicions are that it is whoever escaped from the prison, to cover their tracks. Whatever the case, it is imperative that we regain warp capacity, incase whoever sabotaged the freighter decides to pay us a return visit.

* * *

The Shuttle Bay was awash in darkness. Every other second, it was lit by a red burst of light, emanating from the warning lights above. Blankenship must’ve ordered Red Alert, he thought. Probably in fear of me. He allowed himself a small smile. His fears are well founded.

He waited until the Bay was succumb to darkness again, then came racing out of the shadows, darting across the Bay with precision speed and accuracy. As he reached his target, one of a pair of runabouts, he came around to the other side, the one engulfed in darkness. As he searched for the unlocking mechanism on the door panel, the Bay was suddenly flooded with light.

He quickly found the lock and opened the hatch, as someone entering the Bay said, “Okay, Marty, you know what to do.”

As the dark figure entered the runabout, Marty replied from the far side of the Bay, “Aye, sir, perform a detailed mapping of the debris field surrounding the Cobalt and collect as much of the debris afterward as I can.”

He didn’t hear Marty’s superior’s reply, because he was already in the runabout with the door closed behind him.

Found it, he thought, seeing a removable panel on the starboard bulkhead. That Runabout Systems Test was helpful. He removed the panel, crowded into the space behind it, and pulled the panel back into place behind him.

Minutes later, he felt the boosters fire as the runabout left the Shuttle Bay. Won’t be long now, he said, smiling.

* * *

“Sir, the Mercury has left the Shuttle Bay.”

Blankenship stood from his chair on the Battle Bridge. This Bridge was similar to the Cobalt’s Main Bridge, but smaller and geared more for battle situations. “Very well, Mr. Kestner. Blankenship to Odum. How’s the repairs coming along?”

The speakers were filled with static. Blankenship turned to Foreman. “Can you clear that up a little?”

Foreman nodded, adjusting the internal comm grid.

“Captain, do you read?” was the response.

Blankenship looked up as if he could see the network of vocal sensors embedded in the ceiling. “That’s better, Foreman. Joey, how’s the repairs going?”

Odum replied, “In the past hour, we’ve managed to restore auxiliary power to all decks. Internal communications are still in need of adjustment, obviously, but I think we’re about to get it straightened out. The sensors are still out, but I hope to give you short range sensors within the next two hours. We’re just now cutting through all the debris and bulkheads to reach the transfer conduits, and it doesn’t look good, sir. It’ll take us a day just to get to where we can work on them, assuming they aren’t beyond repair.”

“Joey, I don’t need to remind you that whoever sabotaged the Fastrunner could easily return and we wouldn’t know it until it was too late. The Mercury’s sensors won’t give us enough warning if a ship comes in.”

“I know, Captain, but I got all my crews working double as it is, and-”

“I realize that, Mr. Odum, but we need main power.”

Odum sighed. “Aye, sir, Odum out.”

Kestner cut in, his voice sounding urgent, “Sir, the Mercury has stopped transmitting data.”

Blankenship moved over behind Kestner. “What?”

Derek replied, “The data stream just stopped, sir. Without the sensor feed from the Mercury, I can’t see a thing.”

“Blankenship to Kelly.” He heard no reply.

“Captain to Ensign Kelly, respond please.” Blankenship still got no reply.

“Cobalt to Mercury, come in,” he said urgently. Nothing.

“Foreman, Kestner,” Blankenship ordered, “take the other runabout and see what’s going on. Hurry.”

As they got up and left the Bridge, Blankenship sat back down. I sure hope nothing’s wrong, he thought, staring at the blank view screen before him.

* * *

“Powering up systems,” Kestner reported only minutes later.

Foreman replied from the pilot’s chair, “Good. Foreman to Bay Control, requesting permission to embark.”

The deck officer on duty replied, “Permission granted, Trailblazer, opening doors.”

Foreman’s expert hands flew over the runabout’s thruster control, and the Trailblazer lifted off the Shuttle Bay deck and started toward the doors.

“We have cleared the doors.” Derek said.

Foreman replied, banking the runabout around some debris, “Where’s the Mercury?”

Kestner looked up from his display. “She’s not on scopes, Brad.”

Foreman glanced at his console. “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Not a trace of her, not even extra debris,” Kestner answered.

Foreman brought the Trailblazer to a stop. “Hmm, scan for warp particles.”

Kestner prepared the scan. Moments later, he reported, “I have a warp trail on heading one-one-seven-mark-four. It’s the Mercury’s. I’m also picking up a flight data recorder box near the runabout’s last known location. It’s also the Mercury’s.”

Foreman brought the runabout up beside the data box. “Trailblazer to Cobalt.”

“Blankenship here, Foreman, go ahead.”

Foreman replied, “Sir, the Mercury has apparently warped out of the area, she’s not on sensors. We scanned a warp trail on course, um,” Foreman looked at his readings, “course one-one-seven-mark-four. We also found a flight data recorder near the Mercury’s last known position. Something must’ve went wrong for Marty to eject the data recorder.”

Blankenship replied, “I tend to agree. Beam it aboard the Trailblazer and analyze it’s data. Report back when you are finished. Cobalt out.”

Kestner said, “Locked on; energizing.”

The two friends turned to see the meter long rectangular box materialize in the back of the runabout. They got up, and went back to it.

“There should be an unlocking mechanism,” Kestner said, “somewhere on the outer surface.”

“Ah, found it,” Foreman said, twisting a lever near the bottom on one side. A panel on the top of the box slid back, revealing a standard Starfleet display console.

Kestner tapped several commands on the console, saying, “Transferring data to the Trailblazer. There, done.”

They returned to their seats, brining up the data on their consoles.

“Look at this,” Foreman said, “the data stream fell at approximately the same time she entered warp.”

“I have a visual in the cockpit,” Kestner replied. He activated the soundless playback, and the view on their consoles switched to the interior of the Mercury. Everything appeared normal. Ensign Kelly was at the controls, apparently setting up the Mercury for another sensor sweep. Then, suddenly, the lights in the cockpit went out. The console illuminated Kelly’s face as he checked the runabout’s systems for malfunction. He glanced up at the view port, suddenly stopping his analysis.

“What’s he doing?” Foreman asked.

Kestner shook his head as the ensign reached down for the phaser storage compartment underneath his console. His hand froze en route, as his other tapped a command on his console. A red warning light flashed above the console.

“It’s saying he ejected the data recorder,” Kestner said, analyzing the information on his console.

Just as Kestner finished his sentence, a phaser beam, originating from the rear of the cockpit, off screen, hit Ensign Kelly in the back, instantly vaporizing him. Foreman and Kestner stared in amazement. The screen went blank.

Foreman was the first to speak, “That’s when the information stops. Even the runabout’s vital systems readouts were canceled. Must’ve been when she entered warp and stopped transmitting data to the recorder.”

interior lights in the runabout went out. He began checking the Mercury’s systems when…some-thing made him stop. He reached for the phaser drawer but suddenly stopped, and ejected the data recorder with his other hand. The runabout kept transmitting data to the recorder, and someone was in there with him and shot Ensign Kelly with a phaser, vaporizing him instantly. Then the recorder stopped receiving data.”

For a moment, there was no answer. Then Blankenship said to himself, “I didn’t expect him to be on the Cobalt. I assumed he was beamed over to a cloaked ship before the freighter was destroyed. I didn’t think he could get to the Cobalt without every alarm onboard going off, but-” He paused. “I’m rambling on.”

Kestner cut in, “Sir, you’re the Captain, you have the right.”

However, Blankenship replied, “No, I don’t have the right to second guess anyone, even if it is me I am second guessing. The past is the past. It‘s the present we need to attend to.”

“Sir, there is that warp trail on course one-one-seven-mark-four,” Foreman pointed out.

“One-one-seven-mark-four?” Blankenship said, thoughtfully. “One-one-seven-mark-four. Michael, what was the Fastrunner’s course when we found her?”

Foreman heard Sheffield reply, “It was-” He paused, checking his records. His eyebrows rose as he said, “one-one-seven-mark-four, sir, under impulse.”

Blankenship said to him, “And I’ll bet you that’s the same course you pointed out from the Prison Colony to the debris field.”

After a few seconds, Sheffield replied, “It is, indeed, sir.”

Foreman was beginning to understand. “Sir, do you think our escapee has hijacked a Starfleet runabout?”

Blankenship answered, “I’m nearly certain of it, Mr. Foreman.”

Kestner cut in, “Shall Brad and I set course and follow?”

The Captain thought for a moment. “You boys know our comm and sensor systems are out; we wouldn’t be able to track you.”

Foreman replied, “Yes, sir, we are well aware of the risks. However, I strongly believe we must find and detain this attacker before he strikes again.”

Kestner chimed in, “I agree, sir. He has killed two dozen Starfleet personnel already, sir, plus all those people at the prison colony. Who knows what he can do with a runabout.”

Blankenship sighed. “All right, but you boys be careful. We’ll catch up with you as soon as we can get underway. Joey tells me the power transfer conduits aren’t as bad as he thought. We should have warp speed by this time tomorrow.”

Foreman replied, “Aye, sir, we will.”

“Good luck, Foreman, Kestner. Cobalt out.”

Brad glanced at Derek. “Are you up to this?”

Derek answered him, “I’m always up to a challenge.”

Brad smiled. “Setting course one-one-seven-mark-four. We may just be in for that challenge.”

Kestner returned the smile as the runabout Trailblazer stretched forward and entered warp, in pursuit of her commandeered sister ship.

* * *

Twenty-two hours later, Chief Engineer Joey Odum was at a console, rerouting impulse power supply. With the main power transfer conduits repaired, all that excess power needed to be used. And, since some of the secondary transfer conduits were damaged beyond repair, Odum was having to do some pretty fancy weaving to reroute power to the systems in need of it.

The intercom broke his train of thought, “Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Odum, progress report.”

Joey finished the power route he was working on as he said, “When we finished repairing the main transfer conduits, we saw that some of the smaller secondary conduits were too damaged to repair. I am now in the process of rerouting main power around these burned-out conduits. I expect to have routed enough power for impulse within the hour, warp may be possible in the next two.”

Blankenship replied, “What about sensors?”

Odum answered, “Short-range tracking sensors is all I can give ya until we get this conduit web more straightened out.”

“All right, Joey, keep me in-” another voice interrupted him from the Bridge, “sir, I hate to interrupt, but short-range scans show the Trailblazer has returned. She’s sustained massive damage.”

Blankenship continued, “Joey, I need you in the Shuttle B-”

“I’m on my way, sir,” Odum said, already heading out the door.

* * *

Odum let out the breath he was unconsciously holding after he guided the damaged Trailblazer safely onto the deck of the Shuttle Bay. He came out from behind the protective window to join Captain Blankenship and Dr. Hayter near the scorched runabout’s hull.

Judging from the severe scorch marks and the large number of missing hull plates, Odum speculated that the Trailblazer was lucky to be in one piece. He worried for his friends inside. No communications had been established since their return, and they had not been able to verify life signs inside the craft.

Blankenship said to Hayter as they approached the door panel, “Doctor, how are they?”

Hayter checked his medical tricorder. “There are two lifesigns aboard. Biosignatures confirmed; it is Derek and Brad.”

Blankenship turned to Odum. “Joey, open the hatch.”

Odum entered the standard unlocking code for the runabout. Nothing happened. He reentered the code; again, nothing. “Karl,” Odum said. “See if you can find out why the door won’t open.”

Hayter waved his tricorder near the panel and reported, “There’s not enough internal power to open the door.”

Blankenship cut in, “Override the power lock; the door will open on it’s own.”

Hayter pressed a few commands on his tricorder, and the three stepped back as the door fell to the deck, clanking loudly against the metal surface. The three men stepped into the dark runabout.

“I can’t see a thing,“ Blankenship remarked. Odum walked over to a service panel, popped it off, and came out with an engineer’s light. He activated the beam, and pointed it around the cockpit. Foreman and Kestner were doubled over their consoles near the front. Hayter rushed over to them, scanning them with his tricorder.

“They are unconscious,” Hayter reported. “Their blood shows high levels of carbon dioxide. They’ve suffered from oxygen deprivation.”

Odum glanced around the tattered interior of the runabout. “The life support must’ve failed.”

“Hayter to Transporter Room, beam me, Foreman, and Kestner directly to Sick Bay.” Hayter, along with Foreman and Kestner, disappeared in a glowing light that filled the darkened cockpit.

“Sir,” Odum asked, “what do you think they could’ve ran into? Surely the Mercury alone couldn’t do this much damage. Brad and Derek could’ve easily defeated the other runabout.”

Blankenship replied, “I know, Joey, I know. But, whatever happened, it’s now even more important than ever that we repair ourselves.”

“I understand, sir. I’ll have everyone on double shifts. We’ll be ready for whatever they can throw at us,” Odum said confidently.

Blankenship smiled, “I’m sure you’ll make it happen. Now, let’s go see how our friends are doing.”

Brad Foreman opened his eyes. Looking around, he saw medical diagnostic beds and displays. “Did we make it?” he managed to say.

Dr. Karl Hayter came over to Foreman’s side. “You’re on the Cobalt, Brad.”

Foreman looked up at Karl. “Where--where’s Derek?”

Hayter replied, “He’s over there.” He turned to a bed across the room.

Foreman looked to where Hayter was pointing. He saw Kestner sitting up on the diagnostic bed. “How long has it been?”

Hayter turned back to Foreman. “Hmm?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“How long has it been since we left?”

Hayter glanced at a display above Foreman’s bed. “It’s been forty-four hours since you and Derek returned to the Cobalt.”

Kestner, seeing his friend had regained consciousness, had walked over beside Hayter. “How do you feel, Brad?”

Foreman looked at him. “I’ve felt better,” he said, sitting up. “Derek, we need to inform the Captain about the platforms.”

Kestner replied, “I agree. Things are more serious than we realized.”

* * *

“Okay, Foreman, tell us what happened.” The Cobalt’s Senior Staff were gathered in the Observation Lounge, awaiting Foreman and Kestner’s explanation of what happened to the Mercury.

Foreman began, “Aye, Captain. Derek and I were following the warp trail in search of the Mercury, in approach of the Reival system, when something unusual came up on sensors. We analyzed it, but we couldn’t figure out what it was. When we dropped out of warp on the edge of the Reival system, we found out pretty fast what it was. We managed to ascertain that it formed an ellipse around the entire system.”

Blankenship cut in, “What’s ‘it’?”

Kestner replied, “Defensive mines. Approximately five-times-ten-to-the-twentieth-power of them. No bigger than a fist. But they fired powerful disruptor beams. I surmise that they drew power off each other.”

Blankenship asked, “Am I to understand these mines surround the entire system?”

Foreman answered, “They extended in an elliptical pattern as far as our sensors could tell, sir, around the outskirts of the system. We barely had time to turn and warp out before they would have destroyed us. We were, however, able to determine that the Mercury entered the system safely, and there was no exit warp trail.”

Kestner added, “On our return to the Cobalt, the Trailblazer’s warp core destabilized and we had to eject it. Her reserve power was depleted within a day keeping the impulse and life support operating. We had to rob life support power to insure we would return.” Kestner looked down at the table, as if he were reliving that decision.

Blankenship said, “This is some disturbing news. What is in the Reival system that is so important that someone would construct a massive defensive system to protect it? And, more importantly, what kind of people are they to accept an escaped convict?”

Foreman wish he knew the answer.

* * *

“Are you sure this will work, Kestner?”

Derek replied from his seat at Ops, turning to face the Captain. “When we scanned the platforms, sir, I noticed they exchanged energy through subspace by emitting high-end frequencies in a tight beam to the next platform. If we extend our warp field to encompass a section of the minefield, it will neutralize that section and possibly even the entire field.”

Foreman cut in from his position at the Conn, “However, we’ll be reduced to impulse power because of the power drain. Other than that, I don’t see anything else being effected.”

Blankenship stood. “Bridge to Engineering.”

“Odum here, sir.”

Blankenship replied, “Joey, can we sustain an extended subspace field?”

Odum answered, “As long as ya keep the ride smooth, I think we can hold it.”

“Good, prepare to extend the warp field on my next signal, Blankenship out.”

Kestner cut in, “Sir, we are in approach of Reival.”

Blankenship sat back down. “Slow to full impulse and extend the warp field.”

Foreman replied, “Aye, sir, impulse power.”

“Extending field to two-hundred kilometers,” Kestner reported.

On the Viewscreen, they could see ahead of the Cobalt the distinct pattern of an ellipse made up of millions of billions of disruptor platforms. The invisible wall of the Cobalt’s warp field extended toward the sheet, highlighted graphically by the computer in the form of a wire frame. It crossed over the platforms, supposedly neutralizing them on contact. Foreman held his breath, hoping Derek was right.

“Mr. Sheffield, use the phasers to clear us a path.”

“Aye, sir,” Sheffield replied. He charged the Cobalt’s phasers, and, with precision phaser blasts, eliminated a section of the mines, opening a “hole” in the otherwise uniform ellipse. The Cobalt slipped through the hole, without so much as a scratch.

Blankenship stood, and, walking over to Kestner, said, “ Derek, well done. It seems as though your plan was a success.”

Kestner replied, turning to face him, “It appears that way, sir, but we’re not out of hot water quite yet.”

The Captain responded, returning to his seat, “Right you are, Mr. Kestner, full sensor sweep. Bridge to Engineering.”

“Odum here, sir, whadda ya need?”

Blankenship answered, “How’s things holding up down there?”

Odum sighed. “They could be better, sir. Some of the new circuits we designed are starting to overheat. Nothing too serious, yet, but the ship’s average temperature has risen two degrees in the past hour. I’ve been trying to compensate with life support, but it’s some of those very circuits that’s doing the overheating. I’m fresh out of ideas, sir.”

Blankenship said, “Anyone here on the Bridge have any ideas?”

Foreman replied, “Sir, I have one. Joey, how much extra plasma coolant do you have in storage?”

There was a brief pause, then Odum answered, “Somewhere in the neighborhood of four tons extra. What did you have in mind?”

“If I’m not mistaken, the coolant will decrease the temperature of any substance, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“What if you flooded the Jeffries Tubes with it?”

Odum paused again. “Hmm, that may just work. We’d have to test them for any sort of hole or fracture, isolate it and shield it off. If the coolant were to get out onto a deck--”

Blankenship cut in, “There’s no telling how high the death toll would be.”

Odum continued, “But, the overall effect would be an even cooling of the ship, and, more importantly, a greater cooling of the overheated circuits. I suppose we could regulate the temperature with force fields. We’d have to be extremely careful to avoid any kind of damage, however, because plasma coolant is somewhat unstable if it’s not contained, not to mention the chance of creating a fracture in the Jeffries Tubes.”

Blankenship ordered, “I want you to begin the diagnostics on the Tubes immediately, Mr. Odum. Bridge out.”

Kestner cut in, “Sir, I completed the sensor sweep. There are no other ships within range,

although I did notice something unusual about the moon of the second planet.”

Blankenship walked over behind Kestner. “Oh? What do you mean?”

Kestner continued, “Our records show it’s mass to be two-billion-nine-hundred-fifty-six-million-four-hundred-forty-two-thousand-eight-hundred-eighteen metric tons. However, my scans show it to be roughly one-hundred-thousand tons more, sir.”
Blankenship replied, “Hmm, interesting. Is there any type of civilization in the Reival System?”

Kestner paused briefly, then stated, “There is a pre-warp civilization on the second planet. Humanoid. They are known as the Rei. Their relationship with the Federation is somewhat unique. Any ship entering their system must first report to their Head of Government, known as The Prime Leader. The Federation ship must obtain permission from the Prime Leader to conduct any sort of scan, search, or other form of reconnaissance around their planet. Special permission is required to land personnel on any planet, moon, or other body.”

Blankenship asked, “If they’re pre-warp, then how is it we made First Contact with them?”

Kestner scanned through his information. “Prior to First Contact, the Rei had hundreds of thousands of very powerful telescopes located on their homeworld and neighboring celestial bodies scanning space along most of the EM spectrum. Apparently, one such telescope discovered Earth, and picked up almost all of our short-range communications that weren’t broadcasted through subspace. Over the course of several years, they were able to decipher our language, and sent a reply signal on Stardate 49543. First Contact was made two weeks later.”

Blankenship nodded. “Well, we had better go look into it. Foreman, set course for Reival II.”

* * *

Minutes later, the Cobalt assumed orbit around the blue beach-ball of Reival II. “There is a message from the surface, sir,” Kestner reported.

Blankenship stood, “Onscreen.” The bright northern hemisphere of Reival II was replaced by an elder-looking man in elegant robes.

“I am the Prime Leader of Reival II, how may I help you?” the man replied.

Blankenship replied, “I am Captain Blankenship of the Federation Starship Cobalt, Your Excellency. We have pursued a renegade vessel into this system. We request your permission to conduct a search of the area, and land away teams if necessary.”

The man paused for a moment, looking at a display on his desk. “Of course, Captain. Feel free to conduct your search. I can assure you that if your missing persons are on this planet, they are unknown to us.”

Blankenship nodded, “Of course, Your Excellency. If there’s nothing more, then we’ll be-”

“-Uhm, there is one more thing,“ The Prime Leader replied. “We ask that you do not disturb the research outpost on our moon, Captain. They are conducting some very crucial experiments that mustn’t be tampered with. Again, please do not land anyone on our moon.”

Blankenship smiled. “As you wish, Your Excellency. We will inform you when we are finished with our investigation. Cobalt out.” Blankenship turned to Kestner. “Derek, full sensor sweep again.”

“Aye, sir.” Several seconds later, Kestner reported, “Nothing out of the ordinary, sir. No residual warp trail of any kind; no trace of the Mercury either, sir.”

Blankenship nodded, “very well, set course for the first planet, full impulse. Divert all power to sensors, and keep an active scan of the area.”

Foreman and Kestner both replied, “Aye, sir.”

As the Cobalt sped toward the first planet, and the far side of the moon came into view, Kestner could see on his display the outpost that accounted for the change in mass he had observed. Then something caught his eye: a warp field generator. Kestner said, “Sir, I think I’ve found something.”

Blankenship walked over to Kestner’s station. “What is it, Derek?”

“A warp engine, sir.”

Blankenship rubbed his chin. “Now what would a warp engine be doing in the star system of a pre-warp civilization?”

Sheffield cut in, “Perhaps that’s the experiment the Prime Leader was talking about. Perhaps they have developed warp drive.”

Kestner replied, “I doubt it, Michael, considering the origin of the reactor.”

Blankenship looked at Kestner, “What do you mean?”

“Well, sir, I just completed a detailed analysis of the scans, and this warp engine is a Federation runabout reactor Class XIII. It’s…the Mercury. I also scanned the base, and there are seven distinct warp cores in the complex. Most I would classify as freighter. Not ships, mind you, just the cores. It appears as though the cores are powering the outpost. But they’re definitely not of this system, sir.”

Blankenship turned to Sheffield, fire in his eyes. “Hail Reival II.”

Sheffield answered, “No reply, sir.”

Blankenship took a few steps toward Sheffield. “Then try the outpost.”

“Nothing, sir.”

Blankenship sighed. “Then it appears we’ll have to go it alone. Full scan of the base, Derek.”

“Aye, sir, scanning.” After a brief pause, he continued, “I am reading 287 lifesigns. Eight of them are familiar. The computer recognizes them as the eight people that were reported missing about two weeks ago in a raid of a Federation Colony not far from here. I also scan enormous stockpiles of latinum, as well as various objects reported missing from all over the Galaxy. I also read several thousand metric tons of explosives, stockpiles of photon torpedoes and other weapons, as well as a cloaking device. Further scans show large space doors to the immediate west of the facility, with an extensive docking area underneath. I scan five ships of various design docked. Four of them match the configuration and registry of known raiders in the past two years. The fifth is the Mercury I scanned earlier.”

“Tactical Analysis?”

Kestner replied, “The base itself has very weak sensors, which probably explains why they haven’t detected us yet. Her main defense is a double-redundant shield that encompasses the entire base. I estimate that at full barrage, it would take approximately 500 photon torpedoes to penetrate the top shield. I cannot ascertain the lower shield’s intensity.”

Blankenship nodded. “Basically, an all out assault is out of the question. What about offensive measures, what do they have there?”

“Three disruptor cannons mounted around the upper dome. Not counting the abilities of the ships docked within. If we had to take fire from just the base itself, we’d have no problem holding out under normal circumstances. However, due to the plasma coolant we’ve dispersed throughout the ship, we couldn’t take hits for very long before something gave. I do not recommend an all out assault.”

Blankenship ordered, “Staff Meeting, now. Bridge to Engineer Odum, please report to the emergency Senior Staff Meeting at once. Bridge out.”

“Status Report.” Blankenship ordered to his Senior Staff seated around the table in the Crew Lounge.

Kestner, seated to Blankenship’s left, replied, “Sir, we’ve already ruled out a direct assault. Not only are the base’s defenses too strong, but we couldn’t take many hits in our current condition.”

Sheffield added, “Also, sir, we have to consider those ships docked within the complex, even if they are just freighters. A combined attack on us could spell disaster.”

Odum cut in, “Sir, I think we could take no more than one or two hits before a fissure developed in a bulkhead somewhere. After a full rundown of ship’s systems, I’ve found that the entire ship as a whole has only sixty-percent structural integrity.” There were exchanged glances of shock. “I believe we underestimated the effects of the Fastrunner’s explosion.”

Blankenship said, “Then a direct assault is definitely out. Any other ideas?”

Commander Turner replied, “I have an idea, sir. It’s not much, but it’s something to build on.”

“Okay, let’s have it.”

Turner cleared her throat. “What if we landed a team on the surface? Couldn’t they then penetrate the base, lower the defenses, and immobilize the freighters?”

Blankenship replied, “It seems feasible. Are there any more suggestions?”

Foreman said, “Sir, might I suggest a fairly large team, well-armed?”

“I agree, Foreman.”

Turner cut in, “Might I also suggest, sir, that we send for reinforcements.”

Blankenship nodded, “I tend to agree. In our present condition, we’ll need backup if things get messy. Anything else?” He looked around the room. “If not, then let’s implement our plan. Dismissed.”

* * *

The Cobalt’s Shuttle Bay was bustling with crewmen. Joey and his teams had repaired the Trailblazer, and a security team of forty was loading it with their equipment. Along with conventional phasers, they were carrying high-end explosives, communication dampers, power interrupters, and EM disrupters. As soon as their cargo was loaded, Captain Blankenship entered the bay. They all stopped to face him.

“As I stand here before you all I wish you the best of luck. You have shown yourselves to me and to us all time after time, and I am convinced you will do so again.” Blankenship stepped forward. “So, again, good luck, and Godspeed.”

The crew continued their work, and a smile crossed each of their faces.

* * *

“Sir, the main shield of the base does not extend to encompass the doors to the underground docking bay. There is a weaker shield over the door, and I estimate that we could easily disable it with phaser fire.”

Commander Turner replied to Lt. Commander Kestner, who was at the co-pilot’s controls of the Trailblazer, “Indeed we may, Mr. Kestner, but they will alerted to our presence. Is there any other way to disable the shield?”

Foreman, who was piloting the runabout, cut in, “Sir, we may be able to create an EM burst on the same frequency as the shield. Since it is so weak, the burst may neutralize the shield. We could then beam everyone in.”

“There’s only one problem,” Turner answered, “What if they detect the transport?”

Kestner said, “According to my scans of their sensor system, we shouldn’t have anything to worry about.” He quickly added, “As far as transporting goes, that is.”

“Very well,” Turner said, “prepare the EM burst.”

Foreman said seconds later, “Ready, sir.”

“Wait.” The Commander put her hand on Foreman’s chair. “Land us somewhere within transporter range. I can’t afford to leave someone behind to pilot the runabout.”

Foreman brought them down approximately 100 meters from the perimeter of the shield. “Initiating EM burst.”

They all watched as a split-second flash of light emanated from the Trailblazer. At that instant, the small shield surrounding the space doors flicked a greenish color. “It’s down,” reported Kestner.

“Mr. Kestner, initiate transport,” Turner ordered. Seconds later, they all disappeared in a blue haze.

* * *

“Mr. Sheffield,“ Commander Turner whispered when they had materialized inside a darkened corridor. “Take thirty of our team, find the control room, and lower the base’s defenses. I’ll create a diversion.”

Michael was puzzled. “What sort of diversion, sir?”

Turner smiled. “Let’s just say I’m taking the Mercury for a little joy ride.”

“Aye, sir.”

Foreman cut in, “What should Derek and I do?”

Turner turned to face them. “Take the others and commandeer two freighters to protect me and the Cobalt once I have the Mercury under way.”

Foreman and Kestner replied simultaneously, “Aye, sir.”

“Any questions?” Turner asked. When no one said anything, she continued, “Then let’s go to work.” The two teams split up, one going deeper into the complex, the other heading back toward the space dock.

* * *

Derek and Brad crouched behind several supply barrels in the main docking bay.

“Commander Turner should be well on her way to recapturing the Mercury,” Brad whispered. He motioned toward the two freighters docked directly in front of them. “Which one do you want?”

Derek replied whispering, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll take the one on the left.”

“All right, then. Let’s go.” With that, Foreman motioned for his team to follow him as he cut across the dim-lit bay. Derek followed, his team heading towards the freighter on the left.

Foreman came to a stop as he pressed up against the bulkhead of “his” freighter. His team of four well-armed crewmen followed suit. He quickly scanned the area with his tricorder. All right, he thought, two crewmen onboard the freighter. This should be a piece of cake. He slipped around to entry hatch of the freighter. He pressed several commands on his tricorder, and stood back as the doors hissed open, clanging on the floor. To his amusement, seconds later he heard another similar clang as Derek’s team opened their doors.

He motioned for his team to enter the freighter. They raced past him, phasers drawn. He entered after them. Foreman scanned the interior or the freighter, and said, pointing, “Down that way is the Bridge and the two crewmen; phasers on stun.” They followed him down a short corridor to a set of double doors that slid open as they approached.

Foreman instantly noticed the two crewmen asleep in their chairs. They sprang to life, only to be hit simultaneously by phaser fire. They again fell limp. “Drag these two outside and close the doors once you are back,” Foreman ordered. “Ms. Gates, come with me to the engine room. Mr. Anderson, secure the Bridge and begin powering up systems.” Foreman tapped his communicator, “Foreman to Kestner.”

Seconds later, Derek replied, “I’m here, Brad.”

Foreman smiled, “Any difficulties in securing your ship?”

“None at all. Both guards were asleep.”

“I’m beginning to think that this is the base’s night.”

“As am I. What are you gonna name ’er?”

Foreman’s face was puzzled. “Who?”

“The ship, what are you gonna call her? I’m christening mine the S.S. Constance.”

“Oh, ok. Hmm,” He thought. “I’ve got it. The S.S. Cromer.”

Foreman could almost see Derek rolling his eyes.

* * *

“Sir, we have full power to all systems.”

Foreman replied, “Very good, Ensign Gates. Tactical analysis?”

Mr. Anderson began the system analysis. The Bridge of the Cromer was basically the same as most Bridges Foreman had seen. The Captain’s Chair, where Foreman sat, was in the center, on a raised platform. In front of Foreman and two his left was Ensign Gates at the Navigation Console. Beside her to Foreman’s right was Lieutenant Anderson at Tactical. Behind Foreman’s left shoulder was Ensign Austin at Communications. Lieutenant Daniels was stationed beside Austin, at the Science Station.

Anderson completed his analysis and reported, “Sir, we have two forward disruptor cannons, one forward torpedo bay, and a class IV shield package. About what you’d expect from a non-Federation freighter.”

Foreman nodded. “Has Commander Turner and the Mercury launched yet?”

Daniels replied, “She just did, sir.”

Austin cut in, “She requests that we blast open the Space Doors.”

Foreman looked at Anderson. “Target space doors. Fire disruptors in a rectangular-cutting pattern when ready.”

The Cromer suddenly came to life, lifting off the docking platform and banking to face the doors. Two green blasts shot out from her, slashing open the doors.

Daniels reported, “Space Doors compromised. The Mercury is exiting the bay, and the Constance is taking off, sir.”

Foreman motioned toward the Viewscreen. “Follow the Mercury.” the Cromer, along with the Constance, followed the Mercury out the Space Doors.

“Sir,” Lt. Daniels reported, “the remaining two freighters are powering up. The base is also powering it’s weapons.”

Foreman shot to Ensign Austin, “Hail the Cobalt. Recommend that she leave the area until we can neutralize the base’s defenses.”

Austin replied, “The Cobalt complies. Captain Blankenship warns us to be careful.”

Foreman nodded.

Daniels said, “Sir, the two freighters have left the bay. We are currently out of range of the base’s weapons, and I do not recommend approaching them, either. This ship by no means has the capabilities of the Cobalt.”

Foreman replied, “Very well, Lieutenant. Hail the Mercury.”

Ensign Austin answered, “Onscreen, sir.”

The image of two similar-class freighters in pursuit was replaced by the face of Commander Turner. Foreman said to her, “What are our orders, sir?”

Turner replied, “I am adding Mr. Kestner to our conversation.” Moments later, the screen split, with the Commander on the left, and Derek on the right. “I want you both to turn and engage the freighters. I feel totally confident that you can prevail. I am returning to the Cobalt upon Captain Blankenship’s orders. I have been informed that Michael has neutralized the base’s defenses, and we are going to return to the area to seize the base. Good luck, guys, Mercury out.”
The image of Commander Turner slid off the screen, allowing Derek’s to fill it entirely. “So,” Foreman said, “Are you ready, Derek?”

Derek replied, sighing, “Well, we’ve been through a lot together over the last few years. I feel like I am ready for this battle. On your orders, sir.”

Foreman smiled at the awkwardness of this situation. He and Derek had always been equals. Derek achieved Lieutenant Rank only weeks after Brad. Their Lt. Commander posts were only two months apart. And yet, Brad still held that slight seniority over Derek. He felt awkwardly proud and shameful at the same time for this achievement. He shook off this distracting thought by saying, “Lt. Anderson, charge weapons. Ensign Gates, prepare for an about-face on my mark. Derek, good luck. Cromer out.”

He paused to gather his wits. “Mark.”

* * *

Both ships, the Cromer and the Constance, banked in opposite directions and came barreling down on the two unsuspecting freighters, hitting them hard with a barrage of weapons fire. As both ships flashed past the freighters, the freighters brought their weapons online, as well.

“Dammit,” Anderson said, “It takes forever for these weapons to reload and recharge.”

Lt. Daniels cut in, “Sir, they have powered their weapons.” Seconds later, he stated, “They are firing full barrage.”

“Evasive maneuvers, now!” Foreman ordered.

It was too late. The phaser blasts and torpedo slammed into the Cromer’s shields.

“Shields down forty percent,” Anderson reported.

“The Constance suffered similar damage, sir,” Daniels added.

Foreman stood. “Tell the Constance to concentrate all their firepower on the freighter nearest to us. Mr. Anderson, do the same. Fire when ready.”

The Cromer again banked to face the enemy freighters. Almost simultaneously, the two ships fired on the closest enemy freighter.

“Sir, their core is destabilizing!” Daniels reported. Seconds later, the freighter erupted in a violent explosion, sending debris in all directions. The Cromer shook as the shockwave passed.

Foreman sat down, tapping his armchair. “Derek, now let’s focus on the other one.”

Before Brad could finish his sentence, the Cromer was hit by another barrage from the remaining freighter. The Bridge lights flickered and went out as sparks flew everywhere and everyone was thrown to the floor.

Foreman picked himself up, got into his chair, and bellowed, “Emergency lights!” As the lighting returned on the Bridge, Foreman ordered, “Report!”

Anderson replied, returning to his station, “Sir, they compromised our shields. There are hull breeches on decks two and three. Force fields are in place and holding.”

Foreman continued, “And weapons?”

Anderson checked his readings. “Main power is down, so we don’t have phasers, but the torpedo bay is reloading.”

Foreman again tapped his communications console. “Derek, we’ve been damaged pretty bad over here. What’s your status?”

Static filled the speakers. Kestner’s faint voice was heard, “We took care of the freighter, Brad. We’ve contacted the Cobalt, Captain Blankenship wants us back there as soon as possible. Apparently they’ve found something rather interesting.”

* * *

Brad, Derek, and Captain Blankenship were seated in the Observation Lounge. Blankenship began, “We’ve isolated the base and are currently detaining the terrorists. We did confirm that the escaped convict was among them, and he was apparently the leader of this base and mastermind behind the terror attacks plaguing this region of space for years now. We also found out something else interesting about him. He is indeed a shape shifter, but there’s something else about him, and that’s why I called you two back here to the Cobalt.”

He cleared his throat. “When you were on the Bozeman, Derek, you were tried for the attempted murder of then Whitney Gallimore, correct?”

Derek and Brad exchanged glances. Brad looked guiltily at the table. Derek stated, “Aye, sir, I was.”

Blankenship continued, “Well, when we searched for the identity of our convict, we found him in the Bozeman’s mission records. His name is Mark Gregory.”

Derek and Brad again looked at each other. Brad spoke, “He’s the bastard who tried to kill Whitney.”

Derek cut in, “And who also tried to get me convicted of the crime.”

Foreman looked at his Captain. “So, you’re telling us he’s the one behind all those terror attacks?”

“Indeed I am, Brad. He’s in the Brig, if you want to see him.”

Foreman replied, “No, sir, I’ve decided to leave the past behind me.” He glanced at Derek with apologetic eyes.

* * *

“Prime Leader,” Captain Blankenship said to the image on the Viewscreen, “Can you explain to me why you’ve allowed a terror cell to operate off your moon for years?”

The elderly man’s expression turned to shock. “Terror cell? On our moon? The leader of that base assured me he was conducting scientific research. He even showed me the results of his solar wind collectors he had placed around our entire system.”

Solar wind collectors, Foreman thought sarcastically from the Conn.

The Captain closed his end of the channel. “Counselor?”

Counselor Rickman replied, “He is telling the truth, sir, he really had no idea it was a terror cell.”

Blankenship reopened the channel, and his expression changed. “I’m terribly sorry, Your Excellency. I had assumed you knew about the workings of your neighbors. There had been widespread terror attacks in this region for years, and we could not ascertain their origin until now. We also found our escaped convict, apparently he was the leader of this terror organization. I apologize for accusing you of having anything to do with it.”

The Prime Leader once again relaxed. “Oh, think nothing of it, Captain. I would have certainly done the same thing in your shoes. But, tell me, what will become of the abandoned base?”

Blankenship replied, “There are two Federation ships enroute here as we speak. They will assist us in dismantling and removing any foreign material from the area. Your system should be back to normal in a few weeks.”

“Would it be possible for us to keep the base in our care?”

Blankenship thought for a moment, then said, “I will have to check with my superiors first, but I see no reason why you couldn’t keep the base. It is, after all, on your moon. We would have to remove those ‘solar collectors’, however, as they pose a threat to any ship that approaches them. You may even be able to keep the two freighters we commandeered, if you wish.”

The elder man replied, “Thank you, Captain. This could be the opportunity we’ve been waiting for to explore the Galaxy.”

Blankenship smiled, recalling a time in his own planet’s history when they took their first baby steps into the stars. “You’re welcome, Prime Leader. I will contact my superiors as soon as possible. I again apologize for my behavior. Cobalt out.”

* * *

Brad Foreman sat alone in his quarters. I thought I had put Whitney’s death behind me, he thought, but I can’t seem to let her go. Kayla’s been a big help as far as that goes, but I still can’t move on. He rose, walked over to the replicator, and said, “Coffee. Black. Hot.” The steaming liquid materialized in a cup onto the platform in front of him. He took the cup and returned to his seat. “Computer, music,” he ordered once he sat down.

“Specify,” was her indifferent reply.

Foreman needed something to soothe his troubled mind. “Beethoven’s Fur Elise. Piano.” The familiar composition seemed to come out of nowhere, but the tones were indeed relaxing.

I don’t know where I go from here, he continued, sipping the steaming brew. I can feel the love for Kayla building, and yet Whitney’s presence is still here. He closed his eyes as the music continued, his mind still deep in thought.

The door chime brought him out of his trance. “Enter,” he said, indifferently.

The doors opened, and Derek stepped in. “Hey, Brad,” he said half-heartedly. “I figured you’d be awake.”

Foreman looked at him. “You can’t sleep either, huh?” Derek nodded. “Please, sit down,” continued Foreman, motioning toward the chair beside him.

Derek sat down, and said, straight out, “Hearing about Gregory today brought back some rough memories.”

Foreman stared at the carpeted floor. “It did, indeed.” Silence followed. Foreman continued, “I thought I was over Whitney, Derek, I thought I had moved on, but-” He began.

“-but hearing about Gregory made you second guess yourself,” Derek finished.

Foreman looked up at him. “That’s it. And now I wonder if being with Kayla is the right thing to do.”

Derek thought for a moment, then said, “Brad, you loved Whitney. You loved her enough for it to almost come between the two of us. But Whitney wouldn’t have wanted you to dwell on her now, after her death, would she?”

Brad sighed. “No, I don’t guess she would.” He chuckled once, “Hah, she never cared much for that kind of attention.”

“So, don’t allow yourself to be consumed by her memory. You loved her, yes, but now you love Kayla. Am I correct?”

Foreman smiled slightly. “Yeah, I-I guess your right. I do love Kayla. But what about you? What’s eating you tonight?”

Derek replied, “The memory of that day, sitting there in front of that Judicial Council. I almost lost everything.”

Brad again gazed at the floor below him. “I assumed it was you, Derek. I lashed out that night in anger. Looking back, I know you wouldn’t have done anything like that. But I was blinded by the anger I felt.”

Derek looked at him. “Brad, as I have said before, I know I would have probably done the same thing in your shoes, so I can’t be angry at you for it. What I am saying is how easy it can be to lose all you ever had in just a few short seconds. I now know what you went through with Whitney. I, too, lost the love of my life. That’s a hard thing to recover from. But I know it’s been easier with you by my side.”

Brad lifted his head. “Same for me. I don’t know how much harder it would have been for me after Whitney’s death if you hadn’t been there through it all. I consider myself lucky to have a friend like you.”

Silence followed. Foreman stood. “Would you like something to drink?”

Derek replied, standing, “You bet.” They walked over to the replicator, and Kestner said, “Cappuccino. Hot.”

As the frothy liquid materialized on front of them, the lights in Foreman’s quarters shifted to red, as the all-too familiar alarm sounded, signaling Red Alert. Derek took a sip and threw the cup into the disposal as they both headed out the door for the Bridge.

* * *

Foreman and Kestner stepped off the turbolift onto the Bridge, as Captain Blankenship entered from another lift. “What’s going on?” the Captain questioned. He appeared to have just woken up.

Foreman took his place at the Conn as Derek sat down at Ops. Kestner said once he was seated, “Sir, the base has just exploded. Apparently from some kind of detonation device. All 263 people still on the surface were killed.”

Blankenship said understandingly, “They wanted that base’s information to remain a mystery. They sacrificed their own lives to protect their secret. Whatever that secret is, this isn’t over yet.”

Michael cut in, “Sir, Starfleet has just sent us our new orders. Once our business is completed in this system, we’re to proceed with patrol duty in the Churchill Sector.”

That’s Kayla’s sector, Brad thought. I wonder if we’ll be able to stop over at Starbase 31?

Blankenship said, sitting, “Very well. I suppose it’s time for something at a little slower pace. We’ve done all we can here, set course for Churchill, warp 6.”

As the Cobalt entered warp, Foreman couldn’t help but be excited at the chance to finally see Kayla again.