Chapter 4.1

Posted on Wed Feb 8th, 2023 @ 12:03pm by Lieutenant Commander Broka & Lieutenant Percival Godfry & Commander Bezru Tua & Commander Nathan Hawkins & Lieutenant Commander Cyrus Marner & Captain Nathan Bishop & Lieutenant Commander T'Lisha "Hawkeye" Bishara

2,848 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Hope
Location: USS Uhura
Timeline: 2431-03-09, 13:45

Science Officer's Log, Supplemental Entry:

After facing the threat of attack by the Cardassians at Vlulyr Tuok the Uhura is currently on course for Tezle I to investigate potential interference in the operations of the Cardassian government by both the True Way and the Interstellar Coalition. I was surprised to find that the Cardassian officers at Vlulyr Tuok took such a strong stance against us when we approached them about the potential intrusion, but the Cardassians are a truly proud people that don't take kindly to the potential that they've been infiltrated by an enemy. Still, there seems to be more to their opposition than may meet the eye.

At Captain Bishop's approval we are continuing on to Tezle I to investigate the supply base. The Base is a little more intriguing a prospect because of its long history of being a threat to the Federation. When it was built the Dominion used the Tezle Supply Base as a Ketracel White depository. Later, after the conflict, the outpost was used by Legate Matan's renegades. It wouldn't be too surprising if the True Way were operating here again with that history.

"Captain," Lieutenant Percival Godfry called out, "We are entering sensor range for the Tezle Supply Base now, Sir."

Tezle..... Cyrus grimaced at that name. He had looked up the information as per that place and he cringed. Ketracel the drug used to enslave a race. Which in turn had plagued the different sectors in the past. He kept silent though just watching and observing so far. Very glad they had gotten away from that station that planned on firing upon them.

Lieutenant Commander Broka looked at his console, "We need to be prepared because this outpost, despite being planet based, is armed too according to our records. It's older, but it could still be a threat," the Ferengi pointed out.

"Begin scans of the area including the station and planet. Keep our shields up and weapons online. We won't be caught unaware." Bishop replied as the Uhura sped towards its destination.

"Running," Hawkins nodded as he began to scan the outpost and surrounding areas while ensuring they were poised to take action if required.

The Engineer nodded at the order, "I've made preparations to transfer additional power as needed, Captain. I can't bring our Slipstream to readiness like I did at the previous station because of the recharge time. I'll do what I can to shorten the recharge time."

"Keeping her on current heading, plotting escape and battle vectors, just in case," T'Lisha said, never leaving the view screen out of sight. She was going to be ready to fly defensively.

"Understood Mr. Broka." Bishop answered taking in the information as his eyes were on the main view screen. He nodded to T'Lisha. "Very good T'Lisha. Stay sharp, you may need to do some fancy flying." As the Uhura moved closer with each passing second.

Godfry watched his monitors, "I think that it's safe to say that they know we're here. They've powered their shields. Weapons are a bit harder to detect," he input a code sequence on the panel's keyboard, "Just as I thought. They're emitting a Thoron field from one of the orbital satellites. It's interfering with our scans."

A series of beeps came from the communications array. A noncom at the workstation turned, "We're being hailed, Captain."

Bishop looked at the others. "They have known we are here. Mr. Godfry. Interesting, a Thoron field. Perhaps they have something to hide. Let's hear what they have to say. On screen."

On the viewscreen an older Cardassian man appeared in the center of a small, rectangular operations center sitting in a massive, throne-like chair. The Cardassian's hair was greying at his temples and his skin was wrinkled even by Cardassian standards. The alien had a long scar along the side of his face, not too dissimilar from a knife wound, and his disposition was sour.

"Starfleet vessel, this is Gul Nayat of the Cardassian Fourth Order. You are in violation of treaty by being in this star system. You are ordered to enter orbit, cut your engines, and prepare for an inspection team to come aboard."

"Gul Nayat, This Captain Nathan Bishop of the starship USS Uhura, we come on a peaceful mission. We will be glad to enter orbit but we will not cut our engines nor allow an inspection team to come onboard. You can scan our ship and see we are exactly what we appear to be."

Cyrus's mental thoughts, Good heavens are we now into the, out of the frying pan into the fire situation? he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to raise a ruckus as of yet.

Nayat was direct, "Captain Bishop, you and your ship have violated Cardassian sovereignty by breaching our territorial airspace and approaching this outpost. Your very presence here is a declaration of war by the Federation against my people. Disengage immediately and allow our inspection team access or we will consider it an act of aggression."

A series of alarms rang from the Science Station, "Captain, sensors detect two Hideki Class patrol craft and one Galor Class destroyer approaching fast."

Bishop looked over to Hawkins and then to T'Lisha, "Not wanting to tangle with three Cardassian warships. Plot us a course away from the outpost. Maximum warp. Send a message that we came in peace to investigate reports of the True Way operating in this sector. We will leave in peace and wish them luck."

"Aye sir," Hawkins replied at the order. "Transferring additional power to the helm," he added hoping they out escape before the Cardassian vessels arrived.

True to her word, T'Lisha did not need to hear the order. She already had the pre-arranged course input and executed just before Bishop finished giving the order. "Already on it captain. Uhura is already at max warp outta here sir," she said.

From the Science Station, Lieutenant Godfry sounded the alarm, "Cardassian vessels are in pursuit, Captain. They are emanating a power profile I'm unfamiliar with." He typed on the keyboard, studying the readouts, "They're a lot faster than what we're used to."

Bishop nodded at the news. "Keep me apprised Mr. Godfry." To T'Lisha Bishop spoke next, "T'Lisha, I think it's time to show off your piloting prowess. Lose the Cardassians."

"You got it boss," she said. "You might want to hang on to something," she said as she basically put the pedal to the metal and took off.

"Someone find me a nebula or an asteroid field. Those big boys can't maneuver in asteroid fields. Nebulas mess up ships scanners. In the meantime I'm gonna have to do the equivalent of rocking the boat before they can get a lock on us so hold on." T'Lisha said as she took the first side to side move.

With is station close by Hawkins glanced sideways at T'Lisha with a mixture of admiration and concern as the Uhura lurched unnaturally by her skill. At this rate it wouldn't be long until Broka began to comment about the additional stress on the ships integrity and internal dampers showing weakness. Right now however, with the three ships closing fast that concern would be quickly ignored as they speed away.

He opened the star map for the sector already beginning to feel queasy: "There's a asteroid belt 1.2 light year away," he grimaced. "It's going to be close to get there before they catch up."

Godfry was carefully analyzing the power emanations from the Cardassian ships, comparing them to all known technologies that had been encountered previously by the Federation and its allies. He studied the readouts carefully as the computer ran a comparative algorithm, but he wasn't too pleased by what he had found. "Sirs, the Cardassian ship's power profile matches the vessel the Enterprise fought in orbit of Talos." He turned away from the panel, "This confirms that they have been working with the Interstellar Coalition."

"Yes," Broka called from the Engineering console, "but it also proves we don't stand a chance if they can employ that pulsar weapon Enterprise was attacked with. It would overwhelm our systems in seconds."

At the moment, all Cyrus could do was hang onto something while he watched the team work the bridge crew was doing to make certain that they were escaping what appeared could prove to be disasterous. He watched with great interest, the skill that T'Lisha was exhibiting in getting them out of harm's way.

"Captain Bishop, with all due respect sir," T'Lisha said drawing another breath. "Mr. Broka, can you reinforce structural integrity to the ship without taking anything from the engines?" she said, as the ship swayed back and forth. "If so then do it."

The Ferengi Engineer looked at the massive wall display of Engineering systems, "The four most energy consuming systems aboard this ship are the shields, engines, weapons, and sensors in that order. If I adjust any of those settings we'd be at risk in a combat scenario. Unless you want me to transfer from life support?"

Bishop quickly ran through the options. They would need shields, engines, weapons and sensors if they indeed were drawn into a fight. He made his decision. Take it from life support." He looked at the others, "If we get into fight, it won't make a difference."

"Yes Sir," Broka answered as he reset the power settings. At least the air wouldn't immediately thin.

"Mr. Hawkins, I need an answer as to exactly how long would we take to get to the asteroid belt at current speed, and the same we're we to go straight at it, current speed." Without turning her head to look at the captain, she trusted that he had realized all her orders were the same as if he were giving them. "With all due respect sir I believe this is the correct way to go, sir," she finished.

"On current trajectory we're arrive on the outer fridges of the asteroid belt in 71 seconds and 80 to the denser sections. Though I wouldn't advise entering the compact zone that this speed," he glanced to the Helm. "A more direct route with everything we can spare will cut our ETA to the outer edge to 60 seconds."

Bishop took no offense in T'Lisha giving orders to Broka and Hawkins as she had the daunting task of evading their pursuers and getting them to safety. "No worries T'Lisha. You are the expert here. I, we all trust you explicitly. Take what action you need to in evading our pursuers."

"Hang on to your panties...Her we er go straight in and no rocking. Mr. Hawkins plot the course quickly and away we go," T'Lisha said as she pushed the ship faster.

Cyrus quickly found an empty station and sat down, just to give his poor arms a bit of rest from hanging for dear life. "Whatever happens, I hope for the best." he said quietly.

"Cardassians will overtake us in 47 seconds," Godfry notified from the Science Station.

"Thank you Mr. Godfry." Bishop replied keeping the sarcasm from his voice.

At his station Hawkins grimaced - this was going to get painful especially if the vessels used that pulsar weapon on them.

Cyrus flashed a glance towards Bishop, then looked at T'lisha almost willing her to do something daring,like getting into that asteroid belt. He also thought that he'd like to be able to get back to that pizza place and have a beer. "C'mon Commander Bishara, I've got a pizza waiting in the wings somewhere."

Then Cyrus looked at Nathan, and grinned, not knowing if the Captain could see him.

Bishop couldn't see Cyrus but that didn't stop him from grinning at the comment. "And a beer." He added softly.

"Zesty hot wings and a blooming onion" Cyrus said softly. "Dang I am getting hungry I need to stop thinking of that good food."

"Let's not forget the pizza while we're at it." Bishop commented from the center seat as the Uhura raced toward the asteroid field.

While the Uhura sped on its way, Cyrus was watching as the stars streaked by, and also looked over towards Commander Hawkins. Hawkins was someone else he'd not truly interacted with outside of normal day to day routine either. Cyrus truly hoped that they would survive this situation so he can get to know Hawkins as well.

"About 20 seconds to safety. How we doing with those Cardassians," T'Lisha said as as they reached the edge of the field, slowing just be enough to get inside without hitting any asteroids. "Now you were both talking about food?" she asked both Cryus and Bishop what he they do were clamoring about. Finally taking the Uhuru inside the field.

"Have a place you need to try when we get back T'Lisha you too Nathan if fact you all need to try it. A fantastic restaurant named Doughboys. They make a fantastic pizza, wonderful wings and a blooming onion that is mouthwatering." Bishop replied, thankful for a brief respite from worrying about the Cardassians. But still aware of them.

"Yes indeed you all need to experience that atmosphere. It is great place to have some good food, good company, and rather relaxing." Cyrus chimed in. "And the beer is fabulous, if you like it that is."

"Has an excellent selection of music as well." Bishop chipped in before he addressed T'Lisha. "How are we doing T'Lisha?"

The Science Officer looked at his readouts, "Cardassians are just behind us. They'll be here in 20 seconds and we're moving deeper into Cardassian territory with every meter. I'm just waiting to detect more ships at this point."

"Not to mention the odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field are 3,720 to 1," Broka added.

There was an alarm at the Science Station. Lieutenant Godry's eyebrow rose, "This is really odd. The Cardassian ships, they're breaking off and adjusting their heading to return to their planetary base."

"Whet the devil?" Cyrus exclaimed rising up from where he had been sitting. "Um Captain call me paranoid but do you think that purposely herded us here for some unknown purpose?" Cyrus raising one of his blonde eyebrows.

"You're paranoid Cyrus." Bishop replied not looking at the doctor, so it was hard to tell if he was joking or not. "What about T'Lisha? Mr. Godfry? Anything out here we need to be worried about?"

Percival looked over his shoulder, "With our course we're moving deeper into Cardassian territory, but I'm not detecting much in the way of Cardassian vessels or installations in our immediate vicinity." He returned his attention to his scanners, "Wait, I think I know why they've broken off." He sighed and put the image on the viewscreen.

"Big brother has been watching," Broka announced as he looked at the Enterprise on the viewscreen.

"So it would seem Mr. Broka and listening as well." Bishop replied a smile coming to his face. Nathan," He said to Hawkins, "Hail the Enterprise."

Relived to see the familiar sight Hawkins opened a channel to the larger ship.

Cyrus heaved a great sigh of relief, seeing the Enterprise there on the viewscreen. "Good to see that beautiful sight." once more taking a seat. "I feel much better now. and.. Wait you did call me paranoid!" looking at Captain Bishop, it hit his funny bone espcially with the tension now gone. A deep belly laugh could be heard coming from Cyrus.

As the viewscreen came online the image of the Enterprise, now dominating the viewer, was replaced with the face of Trill Commander Bezru Tua. Dressed in her teal Sciences uniform, Commander Tua had chosen a long time ago not to upgrade to the Command uniform befitting her new position as the Enterprise's Executive Officer. The Commander was seated in the center seat with the Bridge a flurry of activity around her.

"Good to see you, Uhura," the Commander said as she rose from her chair and walked toward the two forward workstations. "We were starting to worry about you."

"Yes, I did. Was I mistaken?" Bishop replied with a grin to Cyrus before his attention shifted to the viewscreen and Commander Tua. "Good to see you as well Enterprise and you also Tua." Bishop replied. "No need to worry we were taking the um scenic way home. Though your appearance is most appreciated."

The Trill smiled across subspace, "Glad you're all in one piece. The Admiral's looking forward to hearing your story. When you're ready we'll head home."

Bishop smiled back at Tua. "Believe me, I share that sentiment. As for when we're ready, I can safely say we're ready now Tua and yes we have quite a story to tell."

Cyrus stifled his laughter, but his mirth could be seen. "And I am looking forwatd to getting home. It will be lovely. And there is no place like home."

"Alright then. Enter formation with us and we'll return to DS12," the Trill nodded and the Operations Officer terminated the channel as the ships went to warp to return home.

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