Fleet Mission start point ... please post below and enjoy.

USS Solace
Docking Bay 7, StarBase 3
0950 hrs


Commander Ranson Sweet slumped in the Captain's seat at the center of the Solace's bridge. The lights were dimmed and the console read outs blanketed the walls in fractured light, similar to the way the lights on a Christmas tree speckled the walls of his child hood home. For the past ten months the USS Solace had been subjected to an endless barrage of disruptor fire, photon blasts and more than its share of debris from more Klingon battle cruisers than Sweet cared to count. He smiled to himself mildly as he imagined the Solace enjoying the quiet just as he was, Lounging quietly in the dark. The “incidents” with the Klingon empire had finally started to settle down. Oddly around the same time the 3rd Fleet was reformed, Sweet observed to himself. The ship was all but deserted as it went through its all too routine series of repairs and refits. He felt himself slowly slipping into the effortless embrace of a light sleep when he heard the incoming message chime sound from inside the Captain's ready room. Glad I'm not the Captain, he thought to himself with a small smile. The chime persisted without answer.
“On second thought,” Sweet said out loud, “If I was the Captain, I could shirk my responsibilities onto my first officer too.” Sweet lazily pulled himself from the chair and stumbled toward the ready room. The doors slid open with a seemingly subdued motivation.
“Making fun of me darling?” Sweet said to the Solace patting his hand against the bulkhead. He rounded Sage's desk and dropped his tired body into the seat. He lifted the private view screen from its closed position and activated it.
“Captain John Sage's office” Sweet said, not bothering to hide the exasperation in his tone. Commodore Hawk's stern expression appeared on the screen. His attention was divided as he seemed to be partly engrossed in a data pad he was reviewing.
“Captain Sage?” He inquired without looking at the screen.
“Um no Commodore, this is Commander Sweet, the Captain is.... otherwise occupied.”
“Otherwise Occupied?” Bad choice of words, Sweet thought immediately. He now had the Commodore's complete attention.
“My words sir, not his. I apologize. The Captain is on walkabout”
“You keep talking Mr. Sweet, but you arent actually answering any questions” A smile cracked the side of Hawk's face, it was only slight but enough to put Sweet at ease.
“Yes sir, you see, the Captain likes to know every inch of the ships he serves on, and he hasn't actually had the opportunity ever since we got the new Solace.” Sweet explained Hawk laughed to himself.
“So you're telling me he is roaming the corridors with a walking stick and a knap sac?”
“Either that sir or we'll find his skeleton in the vent shaft.”
“That would be unfortunate be sure to let me know if thats the case and I'll get your promotion papers in order”
“Phrase it like that sir and I'll make sure thats where I'll find him” The two men shared a moment of laughter and Sweet could immediately see why Admiral Reynolds had selected him to be his vice.
“Well Commander I wish this was a social call, but I actually do need to speak to Sage.”
“Why do I feel like I just found our vacation's skeleton in a vent shaft”
“You see, I knew 3rd fleet only had the best and brightest.”

Captain John Sage was angry. No, angry didn't really say it. It would be more accurate to say he was disappointed. Sage currently found himself wedged tightly inside maintenance shaft four B. He knew that if the schematics were correct, he was somewhere above the mess hall.
“But then again if these damned schematics were right I wouldn't be stuck now would I?” The read out had said the walls in the area were wide enough for an adult human male and a repair kit. But currently Sage found himself crammed in the shaft unable to move. He had noticed it getting a little tighter about three meters back and had shed his uniform top to get himself the millimeters of extra space he thought he would need. As it turns out, all that accomplished was to leave his top and his com badge three meters back and could do nothing but lay there and listen to it chirp at him. He could feel the cool air being bottled up behind him, and knew that it was only a matter of minutes before the blockage was reported on every engineering consul on the ship. Even with the skeleton crew aboard during the refit surely somebody would be around to see it. I hope, Sage thought to himself. Suddenly the floor panel just before him began to vibrate before popping loose. A pair of hands entered the shaft and slid the panel away from the opening. Sweet slowly raised his head through the opening, his face pointed away from Sage.
“Boo” Sage yelled . Sweet jerked suddenly and his head disappeared from view, followed by a distinct crash in the room below. After a moment Sweet's head reappeared, this time facing the right direction.
“See if I ever save you again” Sweet said with a smile.
“Save?, please I had the situation completely under control.”
“I'll bet” Sweet replied disbelieving. Sage watched Sweet's eyes drop and notice half his uniform was missing. Sweet's face twisted in mock disgust. “God, please tell me your wearing pants this time.”
“I'm wearing pants this time, I am also very busy here Sweet”
“Oh I know, its perfectly obvious just by looking at you, but work must come before play. Commodore Hawk needs to speak with you.” Sweet reached down and brought up a strange looking device
“Is that the new communicator?” Sage asked with mild confusion.
“This?, no. This is a holo-imager.” A flash of bright light filled the cramped space as Sweet snapped a picture of his distressed Captain. Sage's face bore his annoyance clearly.
“I hope Hawk is calling about my new first officer”
“There is no way God loves me that much” Sweet retorted. He reached down and brought up a com badge and laid it in front of Sage. “I patched it in to the ships comm, you're gonna have to use your nose to activate it”
“You're probably right, one of my fingers is already preoccupied sending you a message.” Sweet smiled and clicked the com badge.
“Don't say I never did anything for ya” Sweet disappeared through the opening and was gone.
“Captain Sage, how's the walkabout”
“It has slowed to a crawl sir” Sage said with a smile, “What can I do for you today.”
“Hate to cut your shore leave short John but 3rd fleet calls”
“You are aware sir that my crew is scattered to the four corners of the universe and my ship is in the middle of a Class A refit?”
“Well aware John, you'll be taking command of a Vigilant class ship. The USS Callahan.”
“Vigilant class?, sounds like you have a fight planned for me.”
“I hope not, but this one is turning my stomach a bit”
“Whats the mission?”
“Are you familiar with the planet Aldebaran?”
“Familiar is a bit strong sir, more like aware”

“A number of cargo vessels hauling your standard colonist load have come up MIA the past few weeks, ferrying between the planet and the Beterka Nebula.”

“A Bo Peep mission sir?, corralling the defenseless lost sheep?”
“A little more complicated then that I'm afraid. That Bo Peep mission was given to a Nebula Class with a sophomore Captain at the helm. Well she's gone missing too, without so much as a peep.”

“Understood”
“I need you on board the Callahan within the hour, link up with Captain Johnson and the Andromeda and find those ships”
“Understood sir”
“Your crew can stay on leave, and I'll have the someone report to supervise the rest of the Solace's refit”
“Is the Callahan's Captain going to play ball?”
“The Callahan's ribbon was just cut, no Captain has been assigned yet so no headache there”
“The first officer?”
“Fresh pup, had a father who knew a guy who knows a guy who's friends with an Admiral.”
“Well with respect sir....”
“Orders will be dispatched for Commander Sweet, but you're gonna have to tell him his leave is canceled”
“With pleasure.” Commodore Hawk signed off and Sage lay quietly in the dark. After a minute Sweet popped his head back through the hole.
“So whats new?”
“I have something to tell you Ranson.... but before I do I am gonna need you to help me out of here”
“Why before?”
:”Cause you're probably gonna want to leave me here after I tell you”
“You always know just what to say.”

USS Callahan
En route to Beterka Nebula
1315 hrs

“Why Admiral Griffith, don't you have anything to say for everybody watching?” Paddy's loud and boisterous voice bounced off the walls of the Callahan's tiny Captains quarters. Sage laid on his coffin shaped bed with his head resting on his left arm tucked away behind it. In his right hand was a small data pad, the video from Admiral Griffith's promotion party from two years ago was playing on the tiny screen.
“Please excuse my forwardness, but I fail to see the logic not only in this gathering, but also in your insistence to place such high value on the remembrance of it” Was Griffith's reply. Sage laughed to himself, that was just like ole Sarrek. The video panned across the room until Paddy had discovered his next victim. This victim was the reason that Sage had decided on this particular video, whether he was ready to admit that to himself or not. Dr. Jennifer Shadley stood alone next to the beverage table, nursing a tiny green drink in her hand. She hadn't yet noticed Paddy, and by the time she would it would be too late. Paddy was on top of her in seconds, and it seemed that no matter how many times he watched the video, Sage never heard what Paddy said at this point, his entire focus was on her. Her smile beamed through the video. It had been a long time since he had seen her smile like that, without a care in the world. He store transfixed as the video progressed. Paddy must have said something that embarrassed her because Shadley's face flushed red and she turned to hide her face. Sage was so focused on the video he almost didnt notice the chime to his quarters sound.
“Jesus Sweet, I just laid down, can't I get a minute?” He called with a laugh. The doors to his cabin slid open but it wasn't Sweet who peeked his head in.
“I'm sorry sir am I interrupting?” Dr. Howard MacNimara stood in the door way. He was a tall man at 6'3, his salt and pepper hair stood out against his brown skin. His voice rang with a magnanimous tone that immediately put whoever he talked to at ease. A calming grandfatherly voice that Sage immediately responded to.
“No not at all Dr, what can I do for you?” Sage asked. MacNimara shook his head dismissively.
“Just a curious Doctor, pokin his nose where it doesn't belong. Interested in finding out a little bit about his new Captain”
“Absolutely Dr, though I only have a few moments. We should be arriving at the rendezvous point for the Andromeda, and the good Captain Johnson and I have a few things to discuss.”
“Few minutes is all any man needs to get a feel for somebody.” MacNimara said as he took a seat across from Sage's bed, making a dramatic scene of sitting down. As if the very act took all the strength he had.
“So... who's the girl?” MacNimara asked.
“Excuse me Doctor?”
“If your comfortable Captain, could you mind calling me Mac?, never been one for titles, they're so impersonal.”
“Alright Mac” Sage said with a smile.
“Thank you sir, that's much better. When you get to be my age you realize you just dont have the time to stand on ceremony.” Mac replied dusting off his uniform. "So you were about to tell me about the girl”
“I'm not sure what you're talking about” Sage tried. Mac shifted in his seat and smiled knowingly.
“I've been around long enough to know when a man is looking at someone special, I saw a light in those eyes that's reserved for only a special one” Mac replied. Sage felt a surge of embarrassment.
“Just a door that closed on me, that's all.”
“That's the thing about doors Captain. They only stay closed as long as you stay out of range. Soon as you step up to em, they open right back up again”
“Too bad life doesn't work that way”
“Don't be so sure.” Mac hesitated a moment, choosing his next words carefully, “You're a good man Sage. I knew it the second you stepped on board and so did the crew. Of course your reputation had a lot to do with that, but there is something else. You have a way about you that breeds loyalty. But you're also conflicted, and the crew feels that too. They like you, but they don't know you, and that conflict might be misinterpreted as doubt.” Mac replied. Sage sat up and leaned forward.
“Go on”
“I know that this is only temporary, and soon you'll be off on your ship, saving the galaxy, and it might seem a waste to get to know a crew that you'll be leavin, But this a young crew, for some its their first time out, and for some its going to be their last time, and you're are going to be asking them to put themselves in situations that can be difficult for a person”
“I take your point Dr, your saying that they need to know that those orders are coming from a man that is sure and confident in his every decision.”Sage said nodding, Mac leaned back in his seat.
“Exactly”
“Hiding out in my cabin probably isnt the best way to rectify that.”
“Probably not”
“Are you a Doctor or a Counselor?” Sage joked.
“Actually I am both,” Mac said rising to his feet, “as well as science officer and a damn good cook”
“A man of many hats eh?”
“Just a man who likes to keep his options open.” Mac said with a wink before disappearing through the door. Sage sat for a moment on his uncomfortable bed and thought about what the Doctor had said, both about the crew, and Shadley. He reached across the bed and grabbed the data padd and pressed play. He recognized himself staring back at him. It looked like a different person, a man who thought he had the galaxy by the throat. He had believed that man had died, and all that was left was his ghost, a shadowy reflection of person he had fought so hard to be. But something about the Doctor's words had him reconsidering. Maybe he could be that person again.
“How about a dance for the pretty lady Admiral Sage?” came Paddy's voice from the padd. Shadley's face was still red and she was shaking her head no to the suggestion, but the smile on her face told Sage that she had wanted that dance after all. But he didn't, for one reason or another. He hadn't picked up on the not so subtle cue that night.
“Maybe I didnt have it so figured out back then either” The com line chimed in his room.
“Bridge to Captain Sage”
“This is Sage go ahead”
“Approaching Rendezvous point sir”
“The Andromeda?”
“Nothing yet sir,”
“On my way”

USS Callahan
Bridge
1349 hrs

The turbolift doors opened onto the bridge and Sage stepped out, making sure to add a bit more confidence to his step. Sweet spun in the command chair to face him and rose to his feet.
“Captain on the bridge” he stated casually. Sage noticed a few of the younger ensigns tense, as if they were about to stand, but remained in their seats. It was clear that Sweet had instructed them before his arrival.
“Communications, status” a familiar looking ensign spun in his seat to respond.
“Still nothing on sensors sir, either the Andromeda has been here and gone or she's been detained”
“Thank you Ensign...?”
“Kotong sir”
“The risk taker from the Academy.” Sage said in recognition
"Thats right sir" Kotong replied with a sheepish smile.
“What do you think sir, weigh anchor and wait, or carry on?” Sweet asked.
“Johnson's a good Captain, he doesn't need a baby sitter, launch a signal booster and continue on with our present course. Our little lost sheep await. Johnson will contact us when he can”
“Aye sir” came the reply. Sage made his way to the command chair and prepared to sit.
“Word of caution Cap, they may have spared no expense when it came to the defenses on this ship, but the chair leaves something to be desired” Sweet warned.
“Probably better that way.” Sage replied, “Dont want to get too comfortable.”


Tag Johnson

USS Nighthawk
10-Forward
1348

Blade and Kiko were just finishing thier lunch date when Blades comm badge chirped.

"Blade here."
"Sir," Lt. Haines responded,"There is a priority one message comeing in from Starbase 3 for you sir."
"Very well I'll take it in my room..I will contact you when I get there." Blade says with a bit of a sigh and shakeing his head.
"Yes sir."
"Looks like they just love to put you strait to work Aramil." Kiko said with a bit of a smile and soft laugh.
"They seem to always not let me have time off these days." Blade said as he stands and heads to his room. Kiko hot on his foot steps.

Once in his room he gets the communications and after reading it a few times he shakes his head and leans against his desk in his room as he starts to think of the mission that was just handed to him and Sage. Sitting there on his bed was Kiko watching him as he looked deep in thought as he rubbed his chin he looked over at her and just nodded. With that Kiko stood and giveing him a kiss on the cheek and a soft smile she heads to the bridge were they headed out to the Beterka Nebula. After Blade changed into his Uniform he headed up to the bridge were Kiko had already gave the orders to head to the Nebula at max speed.

"Helm contact the Callahan and let them know we are enroute to assist them in the search.."
"aye aye sir." the helm responded.
Blade sat down in the captains chair and leaning forward he folded his hands in front of him as he just looked ahead at the view screen as he thought to himself,"Back into the fire."

USS Callahan
Bridge
1755hrs

Sage was visibly troubled as he sat awkwardly in the uncomfortable command seat. He had been engrossed in the latest batch of reports that had been forwarded to him by the Aldebaran government. Mac rose slowly from his seat at the science station and made his way quietly toward the center seat. Only Sweet noticed the movement on the bridge and his eyes followed it.
“You have a very expressive face Captain.” Mac replied softly . Sage looked up from his data pad, slight surprise registering on his expressive face.
“Is that so?” Sage replied with mild humor, “and what is it you think my face is expressing? If you're planning to say hungry I'd say you can add mind reader to your resume”
“If that's true Captain then you are extremely concerned about your next meal” Mac answered. Sage repositioned himself in his seat. Mac knew that the movement was actually a physical manifestation of Sage rearranging his thoughts. There was something bothering him, and he was debating whether or not to say anything.
“Does this ship have a conference room?” Sage asked.
“Absolutely,” Mac stated, “It's the same room we keep the mops and cleaning supplies in” A smile cracked Sage's troubled face.
“Mr. Sweet.” Sage said standing motioning toward the turbolift with his head. “Ensign Kotong, you have the con.” Sage took a few steps toward the the lift before stopping and turning back to Kotong.
“Though I recommend commanding from your current position” He replied grabbing his back in pain, “That chair is just not right. Its no wonder you don't have a Captain yet.”

Conference Room B
1800 hrs

“We just got details that shine a light on Aldebaran's little problem.” Sage said even before they had completely entered the room. He could see the confusion on Sweet's face and tossed him the data padd.
“The initial report that we got suggested that a fleet of cargo ships went missing near the Beterka Nebula, followed by a Nebula class starship that was sent to find them.”
“I follow you” Mac replied crossing his arms in front of him. Sage looked at Sweet who's face indicated that he had come to the same conclusion he had after reading the information on the pad.
“You see it?” Sage asked. Mac looked from Sage to Sweet and back again.
“Well now I wish I was a mind reader.”
“The ships didn't disappear in a big group, they disappeared one at a time.” Sweet explained. Mac store at him a moment, waiting for more. When none came he chuckled and shrugged.
“Gentlemen, one hat I do not wear is tactician, you're gonna have to paint it out for me.”
“A ship getting lost is an accident, two is a coincidence, after that it becomes far more indicative of predatory strikes.” Sweet replied.
“Oldest trick in the book Mac, littered throughout history in every major conflict.”
“Just cause I am old enough to be considered history myself it doesn't mean that I paid attention to it as it past Captain.”
“Take the 2nd world conflict on earth in the mid 20th century. One side would destroy communication lines and sit back and wait for repair men to come along to fix it,” Sage began, “when they would show up, snipers would kill the repair man and then just sit and wait for the next one.”
“Dominion did the same thing, leave a wounded captive in the open and just wait for the rescue party.”
“Like a spider setting its web” Mac replied finally understanding.
“So what are you saying Johnny?, you think we are warping into a trap?” Sweet asked. Sage shrugged.
"Arent we always?"
"That's a bit pessimistic" Sweet said, "But accurate" he continued after a moment of reflection.
“What does Starfleet think?” Mac asked.
“Officially this is still listed as a simple search and rescue, but reading between the lines... Commodore Hawk is thinking the same thing.”
“What makes you say that?” Mac asked.
“He read the same reports as I did, and about four hours ago I received word that the Nighthawk was en route”
“That's Blade's ship isnt it?” Sweet asked. Sage nodded. It was clear to Mac that Sage and Sweet had been working together a very long time. Entire conversations were happening inside their simple questions.
“I hate to sound so naive, but what does that change?”
“Originally it was supposed to be us and the Andromeda, Johnson's ship. Two ships is fairly standard for this sort of thing, but three... three means a fight” Sage explained.
“Especially when that third ship belongs to Blade.” Sweet said.
“This Captain Blade, he's some kind of warrior poet?” Mac asked with a nervous smile.
“If by warrior you mean one hell of a tactical man then yes” Sage responded.
“And if by poet you mean he can recite some Dr. Suess then that's a yes too.” Sweet added. It was clear to Sage that while Mac had been around the universe a time or two, he had some how managed to mainly stay out of the line of fire.
“So what's the plan?” Mac asked. Sweet looked at Sage who simply nodded before slapping his combadge.
“Sage to bridge, status”
“We are currently fifteen minutes away from the last know position of the Nebula if we maintain Warp 2”
“Drop us out of warp, go to yellow alert and start long range scanning, widest spread”
“Aye sir” Sage could feel the ship drop from warp, and the blue streaks separated into individual stars outside the window.
“Maintain full impluse toward the last know coordinates and keep a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary.” Sage said to the bridge.
“Aye sir, anything particular I am looking for?” came the reply.
“Trust me Ensign, you'll know it when you see it. Sage out.” Sage turned to Mac and smiled.
“Don't look so worried Mac, I do this sort of thing for a living”
“Still not 100% on the plan”
“When a spider is waiting for a fly where does it sit?.”
“Off the web to the side” Mac answered.
“Exactly, so if you're looking for a spider thats where you look. You start on the outside of the web and work your way in.”
“And if you can't find it?”
“If we can't find it than our job will get a lot easier”
“Is that so? How's that exactly?”
“Cause if we don't find him Mac, that means it's found us”
“And that is supposed to make me feel better?” Mac asked unbelieving.
“No, I said it makes our job easier, I never said easy was good”
“You have a real way of putting a man at ease Captain” Mac said sarcastically.

USS Callahan
Bridge
1813 hours

The Betekra Nebula spanned the entirety of space in front of them. It tore through the inky black nothing around it with an almost violent surge of bright orange, wrapping around pinks and blues, interrupted by the occasional surge of energy that fired through it, like neurons in a brain. Sage looked around the bridge and smiled at the awestruck expressions of his first year crew. Nothing quite prepares a person for the savagery and beauty of the nebula. Despite the advances in holographic technology there simply was nothing like experiencing it in the flesh so to speak.
“Drink it in everybody but dont drown in it, we still have a job to do.” Sage cautioned. It was easy to see how a group of ships could get lost in such a beautiful thing. Lulled into a false sense of security by the passionate colors, one might wonder how something so beautiful could be so deadly. But Sage was well aware, and while not completely immune to its siren call, he was immune enough to be cautious.
“What do sensors read Mr. Kotong?”
“I think the science station could give you a better read out sir” Kotong said with mild confusion. Sage turned his seat around to face his communications officer.
“I'm not interested in the Nebula Mr. Kotong” he said with a aggravated chuckle, “I'm more interested in distress calls”
“The Captain can be odd in that way Ensign” Sweet said sarcastically.
“Yes sir, sorry sir, running the scan now”
“If its not too much trouble” Sage said, his tone was edged with humor, letting the Ensign know that the oversight would be forgotten. Sage turned to Sweet who just smiled and shook his head.
“Youth” he replied simply.
“You used to be afflicted by that” Sage said. Sweet looked hurt.
“What do you mean used to?”
“Oh nothing... is that some gray I see in your hair?”
“Its from stress,” Sweet replied, “Its amazing working with you all these years that I'm not completely bald”
“Captain I am picking up a weak signal, I cant quite make it out"
"How about a guess ensign, distress signal, disaster beacon, pizza order?"
"To weak to say sir, a lot of interference. Probably from the nebula” A puzzled expression crossed Sage's face.
“Now that doesn't make sense, I've passed by this nebula a dozen times and never had any trouble with communications.” Sage said turning to Mac.
“There is no reason that it would Captain, wrong kind of radiation.”
“So why else would there be such a weak signal?” Sage asked the bridge.
“Damage to the transmitting ship sir?” Merritt offered. Sage looked to Sweet who nodded his head in agreement.
“It'd be an ugly puzzle piece that seems to fit your theory Johnny.” Sweet replied
“Captain I'm sorry to interrupt, but we appear to be about to pass through some kind of dust cloud” Mac interjected.
“You seem awfully troubled for it just to be a dust cloud Mac”
“Yes sir, unlike any natural cloud I have ever seen, heavy metals, positively charged ions, and...” Mac's expression morphed from troubled curiosity to one of grave concern, “antimatter Captain.” Sage stood from his seat and took two steps toward the view screen.
“Antimatter?” he said, “That's no dust cloud, that's a debris field”
“The Nebula class ship?” Mac asked.
“Mr. Kotong, set the sensor range lower, gear it for disaster beacon” Kotong's fingers flew over his station. He scanned his screen and nodded solemnly.
“Nothing conclusive sir, there is a lot of interference, but the pattern is consistent with a disaster beacon from a Nebula class starship”
“This is bad” Merritt breathed from the helm.
“Oh it's worse than bad Ensign” Mac replied. Sage nodded absently. They had just wandered into the spiders web.
“How long?” Sweet asked
“Any minute," Sage answered, he knew that Sweet was asking how long until they saw the cloaked ship they both knew had to be there, "shields up, maximum strength, shut down all power to any unnecessary areas and direct the additional power to the shields.” Sage ordered, “All weapons systems from standby to ready”
“On it” Sweet said. Sage could see the curious glances from the first year officers on the bridge.
“Odds are there is a cloaked ship out there,” he explained, “when they read the diversion of power in the ship to weapons and shields, we might bluff them into showing themselves if they think we've made them.” The blood drained from many of their faces as they realized what was happening.
“Captain!” Merritt exclaimed, pointing at the view screen. The stars began to dance in waves on the screen, almost as if an intense heat had began to melt the vary fabric of space. The phenomenon was a familiar one to Sage. A ship was decloaking directly in front of them.
“Red alert, all hands red alert” Sage said. The ghostly image of a Vor' Cha class Klingon war ship shimmered into view. Sage could almost hear the heart beats of the Klingons aboard the ship was so close. Sage knew that they wouldn't be able to maneuver out of the way if the Klingons had fight on their minds.
“Helm, on my command, I want you to jet forward and down”
“Forward sir?”
“You heard me Mr, forward and down.”
“Aye sir.” It was a game of chicken Sage had not known they were playing. The Klingons had shown a unusual restraint letting them get so close. When they had diverted the power the Klingons had almost certainly believed that the Callahan had deduced their position and was about to attack. But at this range both ships would be detrimentally damaged if either one of them fired. But neither wanted to back up enough to give them the needed space. Because who ever moved first was giving the other ship the cushion they needed to attack. Sage hoped that by going forward and down they could get behind them and get a better position before the Klingons could turn around and fire. It would only change the conditions of the standoff, not end it, but it would open up some much needed options.
“Now Ensign” The Callahan fired forward and down, the Ensigns untrained movements caused the ship to jerk awkwardly in its movements as the ship first cut down and then back up in a 90 degree angle as opposed to the intended 45.
“Give me a shot of the Klingon ship” Sage said. The screen flashed to the rear of the ship, and just as Sage had anticipated the Klingon vessel was struggling to come about. The Callahan had no trouble turning to face the cruiser in time. Once again the two ships faced each other. A check, but not a checkmate, Sage thought. He half anticipated the Klingon ship to open fire, but instead it continued its evaluation. It was clear the move had been unexpected, and Sage hoped that the commander of the ship was reconsidering its attack. By not running away, the Callahan had shown its ready to fight, and a ship prepared for battle changed the landscape of things. Sage sat down in his seat, keeping his eyes focused on the screen.
“Your move” he whispered.

(The orignial post was 4 pages long so I broke it up, part two will be posted directly)

(Make sure you have read the post above this one, I posted them both today)

The Vor' cha hung menacingly before them, like a spider curiously contemplating its first bite. The bridge crew was a mixture of panic. The cool headed veterans of too many battles to count sat poised on the edge of their seats, their minds busy with the galactic game of chess that had defined their careers for years. The rest of the Callahan's crew was composed of first year rookies and officers who had made a career of dodging the fire. Some were frozen in place, their minds begging their bodies to wake from this nightmare they had wondered into. Unable to fully grasp the reality of the situation. Others were unable to sit still, fear drove them to make strange awkward movements. Spinning in their chairs to stare with pleading expressions at Sage to deliver them from whatever horrible act they had drudged up in their minds. They shouted questions at him with increasingly frantic voices, but Sage didn't hear them, his mind took the situation and froze it, working every angle, scenario after scenario playing out in his mind. Something was off about this Vor Cha, he had seen enough to know that this one was modified, modified with a strange, yet oddly familiar technology. He couldnt place it in his mind, and the modifications themselves were strange. Some were for obvious reasons, the weapons turrets were noticably different, but others spots looked as if they had been patched with the technology. Almost as if these Vor Cha had been pulled off a garabage scowl and patched up with the nearest available scrap. Sage had seen similar tactics before, you make your ship look weaker so that your enemy underestimates you. Either this was about to be very easy, or they were in a lot of trouble.
“Sir, we have weapons lock! Should we fire?, sir should we fire? Should we fire sir? Sir? Sir?” Came the plead from the helm. The desperation in the young ensigns voice sharpened Sage's focus, and with out removing his gaze from the screen he addressed the panicked young officer.
“Ensign, has there been a formal decloration of hostility between us and the Klingon government?”
“Sir?”
“Are we officailly at war with the Klingons” Sage said. Allowing some irritation to show in his voice.
“No sir”
“Is it StarFleet policy to shoot Klingons on sight?”
“No sir” He said defeated.
“Then why dont you leave the tactics to me and the tactical officer and you maintain your station” Sage's voice was stern, but not angry. He was trying to focus the Ensigns attention on his duties, because he knew that any second he was going to need them.
“What do you think Sweet?”
“Modified.. alot” Sweet said, “and it isnt like the Klingons to just sit there and watch, somethings not right.”
“Not right” Sage said with a chuckle, thats an understatement, he thought.“Mac?” Sage called to the science station.
“Computer doesnt know much more than we do at the moment Captain,” Mac grumbled, “Heavy modifications to the weapons, also to massive portions of the hull. The computer recognizes the technology but its as if it cant put its finger on it.” he finished. Tell me about it, Sage thought to himself, he was currently having the same issue.
“Explain Mac”
“The Callahan was still two months away from being offically christened. She still has a bug or two charging through her.”
“What are your thoughts Mac, forget the computer for a minute.”
“Damn peculiar Captain, Klingons arent know for being methodical. But it seems to me like they want us to hit first.”
“Trying to get us to start an incident” Sweet offered.
“Maybe” Sage said rubbing the stubble that had developed on his chin. He knew that by now they had been scanned by the Vor' Cha and the Captain of that ship had to know that the Callahan's shields would last longer than his against normal disruptor fire. Maybe he is trying to decide if he thinks his modifications are good enough.
“Mr. Kottong, open a channel”
“Channel open sir”
“Commander of the Klingon ship, this is Captain Johnathan Sage of the USS Sol..” Sage stopped catching himself, “Callahan, your presence here is being perceived as hostile, please identify your reasons for being in this sector” There was no response, “If you do not respond we will have no choice but to report your violation of this sector and inform your government of your perceived involvement in hostile action that has occurred here.” There was still no response. “Mr. Kottong” Sage said getting his attention. When Kotong looked over to him, Sage gave him the gesture to cut communication.
“No response Johnny, that almost always means fight”Sweet said
“So what are they waiting for?” Mac asked. Sage thought for a moment, the truth came crashing down on him with a sickening realization.
“They are trying to make sure we are alone.” As if on cue the screen shown more ripples disrupt the placid surface of space. Sage recognized immediately that another ship was decloaking. He turned his head to the communications station and noticed that the channel was still open. They had heard everything they had just said and knew they were along. Mac followed Sage's eyes and saw the same thing, springing from his station to communications and cut the channel. But it was too late. Sage turned back to the screen just in time to see the turrets on the first ship glow with a fierce bright white and begin to shake. The amount of power preparing to lash out was visibly more than the weapons were designed for.
“Target the turrets, and fire!” Sage ordered, but it was too late, the massive build up of energy erupted from the turret in a brilliant flash of blue and white. The beam crashed with the full promise of power that the build up had implied into the front of the Callahan. The force of the beam was so strong that the entire ship was plunged downward. The entire bridge vibrated with such immense force, as if some one had taken a baseball bat and struck someone wearing a helmet with the entirety of their strength. Like the helmet the shields absorbed most of the blow, but it wasn't going to last. It took Sage a moment to realize that he was lying face down on the floor. Time had slowed, his ears echoed with sound, but it was if he was hearing underwater. He struggled to his feet and shook his head to clear it. The first Vor' Cha sat lamely in space, the blast had obviously taken a great deal of power to have dealt. Sage opened his mouth to ask for a damage report just in time to see the second Vor' cha unleash a beam of its own. This time Sage didnt even feel the impact. He simply felt himself floating through the air. Hull breach? He wondered calmly, almost without a care, am I being sucked into space? He waited for the freezing cold death of space to wrap itself around him, but instead was greeted with the comparatively gentle embrace of his body smashing hard into the ground again. He felt blood fill his mouth and he coughed violently. His vision cleared with his mind and Sage pulled himself to his feet. The condition of the bridge finally revealed itself to him. The air was painted with smoke as a hidden fire called out its arrival. Sparks showered the bridge from a ruptured conduits that punctured from the bulkhead. But Sage didnt see any holes with stars staring at him, so he chalked the damage up to minor. Sage did a quick visual estimation of the bridge crew, the helm was empty, Sweet was busy at tactical, Mac was no where to be found, Kotong was working busily at communications, hopefully sending a distress signal. Mere seconds had passed since the first attack, but Sage's mind had slowed it down to what seemed like hours. Sprining into action Sage took the helm and angled the Callahan straight downward and pushed her on full impulse. He dipped down and whipped the ship around hard, pulling her back up.
“Sweet?” Sage called with his unasked question.
“All weapons are still good to go, shields.....” Sweet trailed off, “Well lets just say dont get hit again”
“Mr. Kotong, try to raise the Nighthawk, or hell ANY friendly ship.”
“Aye sir”


“TO ANY SHIPS IN RANGE THIS IS THE USS CALLAHAN REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, WE ARE UNDERATTACK BY TWO HOSTILE KLINGON VESSELS, PLEASE RESPOND

“Sweet, I'm gonna try to cut through the middle of both of them, I want a...”
“Full weapons spread, both sides, gottcha Johhny” Sweet said, already prepared. Sage smiled, if only I had three more of him, we might actually get out of this.
“So what are we trying here, a one ship hornets nest maneuver?”
“That's the plan”
“That sucks” Sweet said
“That a vote of confidence Ranson?”
“Well you cant lose Johnny, if it works you get to say I told you so, if it doesn't I dont get to say anything, I don't think they allow gloating in heaven.”
“I'm sure God will make an exception.” The Callahan came perfectly into position between the back end of both ships. “Lets hope those modifications don't allow those turrets to turn.” The view screen magnified the weapons turrets. It was clear, slowly, the turrets were rotating toward the Callahan.
“Sick of being right all the time” Sage grumbled
“Weapons locked on both ships Johnny.”
“FIRE.”

(TAG ANY SHIPS IN RANGE... or my mommmmmy!)

Star Base 3
Command and Control Centre
1819 hrs


Large displays span the entire room, lights flash from all the consols that are visable followed by beeps and clicks. The CnC operates like a well oiled machine man'd by 20 young men and women and 1 older command officer.
“Sir... I’m receiving a priority message from the Aldebaran defence force. They are relaying a message to us now from the USS Callahan.”
The Officer of the watch Captain Joe Foisey walks over to the comm station sipping his coffee.
“Callahan, isn’t that Sage? I guess he found the missing ships and wants a tow truck sent” Foisey sinkers “Alright Ensign Row let’s hear the message”
The entire CnC Centre erupts as the static filled message plays over the speakers the sounds of explosions clearly evident in the back ground

“TO ANY SHIPS IN RANGE THIS IS THE USS CALLAHAN REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, WE ARE UNDERATTACK BY TWO HOSTILE KLINGON VESSELS, PLEASE RESPOND”

“Ensign Row when was that message first received by the ADF”
The concern in Foisey’s voice now clearly coming through and a look of real concern fills his face
“They are showing 1817 hrs as the original time stamp Sir. What are your orders?”
“Hail Admiral Reynolds and Commodore Hawk and advice of the situation... What ships do we show in the area?”
“The Nighthawk is still on route to the area but should be on site within a few minute, I will advise Captain Blade of the distress call and divert him to the Callahan’s last know position”
“Good Job Row... do you have the Admiral or Commodore yet?”

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Starbase 3
Admiral Reyolds Office
1819 Hrs

Reynolds sat leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, the sound of jazz softly filled the office.

"Admiral?" The soft voice of Lieutenant Erah, the small framed Bajoran that was newly assigned to the Fleet. "A distress signal has been reported. From Alderbaran Defense Force." Those words cut through the music like a hot knife through butter. "Commodore Hawk has reported he has recieved the call as well and is on his way."

Reynolds sat up. "Ready the Truman"

"Admiral?" The Lieutenant asked questionably. "I may have miss understood..."

"Ready my Bloody ship!" Reynolds said once again, but with a bit more urgency behind his words.

"Yes sir."

1822 Hrs.

The doors of the Chabot Class starship swooshed open. "Admiral on deck!!" The Communications Officer yelled and stood a attetion. The junior Officers all snapped to attention and dared not move, the eniors continued at there positions except Zora. She stood and walked toward Reynolds and took his hand.

"Sure you ready for this?" She smiled slightly.

Reynolds looked her in the eye. "Reverse thrusters full, once clear of the docking bay set a course for the Callahan, maximum warp." The Truman backed out of the docking bay, slowly spun around and streaked off toward the Betekra Nebula.

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SB3
Upper deck rec park
1814 hrs

A faint smell of lylac filled the air flowing on a light breeze and a small park bench sits under a tall birch tree.
"These new parks that they added on the upper level are breath taking" states a beatiful blond human female. She was dressed in a blue starfleet uniform with Lt Cmdr pins on the lapel. Joining her was the unmistakable Commodore Hawk who just sat watching his companion while running his finger through the back of her hair.
"Its almost as breath taking as you Sara" the woman beamed back at him and rested her head on Hawks shoulders.

1819hrs

"Chirp Chirp" Hawk rolled his eyes as the combadge on his chest began to call. "Dam it ... i'm sorry Sara I told them I was off duty till 2200hrs" She smiled at Hawk and motioned him to answer, though you could see she was disapointed at the interution.
"This better be dam good or i'm going to bust who ever this is down to Janitor!" Hawk may have be kidding but the tone in his voice did not match the joke.

"We have been forwarded a distress call from the Callahan Sir" the meek voice on the other side sounded like he wasnt looking forward to being a Janitor.
"Very Good ... contact my XO and have him ready the Havoc for depature, also inform the Admiral that I will be heading out shortly"

Hawk looked at Sara with distress in his eyes though he knew he had to leave he didnt want this day with her to end. but before he could open his mouth she put both hands on the sides of his face and kissed him "Get going and save the univers" with that Hawk stood smiled and tapped his combadge "1 to beam up, and put me on the bridge " and in a flash of light he was droped facing his crew on the bridge of the Havoc.

1820hrs

several giggles came from the young bajoran helmsman as she looked at the Commodre
"I like that shade of lipstick on you sir... it brings out your eyes!"
Hawk staired back blankly not sure why she would make such a coment that was untill he knotice his XO Captain Wills tapping his lips with a big grin on his face. Slightly embarassed Hawk wipped his face with his sleave "I thought you would like it ensign, now if you would set corse"
"For the Callahans last known position aye aye sir!" interupted the helmsmen.
"Course set and ready Sir!"
Hawk sat in his chair and with a flick of his hand stated "Engage max warp"

with that the 3 massive nacels flashed to life and snaped the ship in to the voids of space.

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“TO ANY SHIPS IN RANGE THIS IS THE USS CALLAHAN REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, WE ARE UNDERATTACK BY TWO HOSTILE KLINGON VESSELS, PLEASE RESPOND”

Blade was sitting in the command chair and was looking at some PADD's when the distress call came in. Sighing a bit he puts the PADD's down.

"Red Alert. All stations report to seperation stations..Helm max warp to the Callahan's position" After a few moments all stations reported in that they were in positons.
"Helm initiate seperation."
"Aye aye sir." within a few minutes the Nighthawk had seperated into three different sections. after they seperated the two other sections made a V pattern with the head section being in front.
"Attack pattern Blade 4 Beta.." The patter was that the three sections would come out of warp in three differnt points and once they gained lock on any enemy ships they were to engage and then do the picard manuver were the three sections would trade places and engage again.
"Sir we have not tried that pattern even in practice." The helm pipped up.
"No time like the present wouldnt you say?" Blade only smiled and sat back in his chair setting his chin on his claspped hands as he looked at the viewing screen.
"Comm...contact the Callahan and let them know of my plan..also inform the Havok and Truman as well....lets hope this works."

(hey guys sorry I have not posted in awhile....kind of had family and all.)

USS Truman
Bridge
1840 Hrs

Reynolds slouched in the command chair aboard the Truman. Warp always seemed to not be fast enough in times like this. "Any word?" Reynolds asked spinning around to the Operations Officer which in turn shook her head for the millionth time. The Red Alert klaxon had since died down and only the ominous red glow filled the ship.

The Chabot Class ship streaked across the vastness of space on a course that'd bring her and her crew face to face for the millionth time with some unforseen danger. The veteran crew sat at there stations throughout the ship calm as can be, while the new crew shook nervously, and sweating up a storm looking at each other for comfort.

"Admiral." The Operation Officer announced breaking the silence. "We are being contacted by Captain Blade. They have arrived at the nebula and are going in to assist. They must have entered the nebula because it's breaking up but they made mention of something about Blade 4 Beta?" She looked to Reynolds questionably and shrugged.

"Let Blade know we will be arriving shortly. Commander Daniels, make ready to coordinate any attacks and defense with the Nighthawk's Tactical Officer."

Just then the view screen flashed and an endless expanse of nebula layed out infront of the ship. Again to theVeteran crew they manned there stations running different scans while the new crew stared in awe that anything tis beautiful actually existed. "Yea yea yea, might I remind you all that we have Fleet mates in there in the heat of battle. So pick your tongues off the deck and man you station. Helm take us in, continuous scan keep your eyes open for the Callahan, Nighthawk hell anyone."

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USS Aurora
Engineering Deck
1845 hours.



Warh walked down the corridors of the Aurora, heading for a Turbo lift to the bridge, Warh thought to himself as he walked, this refitted Excelsior Class ship this amazing, with it's new modifications put it on par with the defense and offense of a Sovereign class vessel packed into the smaller ship, the only draw back was the modifications taxed it's warp core, just a bit, the Engineer would have his hands full.

Warh stepped into the turbo lift.
"Level please?" the computer asked.
"Bridge." Warh replied.

The turbo lift sprang into action and arrived at the bridge a few moments later. The turbo lift doors opened and Warh walked onto the bridge.

"Sir,?" Came a voice, Warh spun around to see his first officer standing behind him. A full blooded Cherokee woman, her long black hair done up in a pony tail, and a look of concern on her face.

"Hmmm I don't like that look Dayiti." Warh said.

"We have received a distress call from the Callahan. They are under attack by hostile Klingon forces."

"Should we lay in a course sir, maximum warp?" asked Joe Miles, a fresh ensign straight from the Academy.

"No ensign we'll wait here and continue with our mission." was the reply from Warh.

Ensign Miles' mouth dropped open in surprise, the veteran bridge crew who knew Warh best, knew he was being sarcastic. The Navigator Nayada Chan had already punched the destination into her console. Warh sat down in his command chair.

"Yes ensign Miles, you should already have the course laid out, engage the Warp Engines, maximum warp and inform Commodore Hawk and Admiral Reynolds we are in route, at Maximum warp, we will arrive as soon as we can."

Ensign Miles looked around the bridge and noticed the other officers smiling at him, and then realized The Commander was having a bit of fun with him. he spun around his chair and engaged the Engines. With that the Aurora's engines glowed brighter and the ship slipped into warp.

USS Truman
Bridge
1841 HRS.

The light s aboard the Truman began to flicker as they slipped into the nebula. The crew manned there stations as buzzes and blips sounded around the bridge as various information was collected.

"Admiral Reynolds, this is Commander Scott. There appears to be some Trialphic Radiation in the nebula. It seems to be interferring with the power flow throughout the ship. Attempting to use the deflector as a filter."

Reynolds watched around the bridge and then to the readout on the arm of the command chair as the shields raised and a moment later lowered nd a moment later raised again. "Make is fast Mr. Scott, I don't want to be caught with our pants around our ankles." Lieutenant Y'Vorta, the ships resident Vulcan spun in her chair to face the Admiral with her eyebrow raised like the typical Vulcan.

"Nevermind Y'Vorta." Zora interupted.

"We are being hailed." Barked Tyo'Var at the Operatiosn station. "It's Commodore Hawk." The screen flickered with static as Hawk and his bridge filled the screen.

"Admiral, we are right behind you, we are keeping back about 100 km so give us some warning if your gonna hit the breaks."

Reynolds nodded in agreeance. "Watch yourself Hawk, there is a high amount of Trialphic Radiation in the nebula, it interfears with the power flow of the entire ship. Mr. Scott is trying to use the deflector as a filter." The screen flickered off. "Tyo, give me a wide band sensor sweep of the area, look for photonic, quantum and any other forms of projectile or energy discharge. Also keep an eye out for the transponder signals of any of the others from the Fleet."

Reynolds looked down at his console as the shields dropped once again. And just as he had feared the entire ship rocked hard form weapon impact. Again weapon impact. "Rotate shield modulation, increase output of the deflector,..I want my shields up..." The ship rocked as sparks littered the floor panels across the ship. "Phasers? Torpedoes?"

Commander Daniels worked his station before looking Reynolds in the eye shaking his head. "Nothing."

"Hard to Starboard, atleast give them a fresh part of the ship to attack....Get those shields and weapons online. I don't care of you have to go out and throw rocks at them!"

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