A New Adventure
Part XIII: Ubi Animae Errare.
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*I’ve been here before,*
*Seeing my home razed to ash,*
*The people I care for murdered…*
*Yet now it is I leading the slaughter…*
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- Stonewall Fleet Starbase: Within Central Command. - Admiral Swinford’s eyes showed a hint of anger as he turned his back to the Klingon ships and faced a large table console. He took a few steps forward until he stood at the table, his fingers typing on the attached monitor. As he did so, a holographic, scaled, display of Stonewall Starbase came to life, emanating from the large table. The display showed all of the base’s tactical data, as well as the Klingon ships. The Drydocks were also shown beside the Shipyard, along with the Communications Array, and the Industrial Fabricator. As seen on the display, the Klingons had come in, in a way that the substations were behind the main Starbase.
The Admiral stood back up and watched the display show another torpedo volley come hurling at the Starbase from the Klingon fleet. Stonewall’s automatic countermeasures activated. Her cannons sent out a scatter volley of rapid fire onto the torpedoes, causing most to detonate prematurely. Her phasers came to life and began to seek out the Klingon ships. Swinford’s eyebrow rose as he saw the Klingon Fleet being to scatter and break their current formation. Smaller groups were trying to encircle the massive Starbase.
The doors to the Central Command room slid open as certain Captains walked in. Their eyes instantly locked onto the display, only giving the Admiral acknowledging glances. It was Captain Mandrake who broke the somber silence.
“Given the current number of the enemy fleet, we can assume that they are expecting reinforcements.” Jacien spoke as he moved closer to the display table, his eyes looking onto the enemy vessels. “I do not even see the proper siege ships.”
“If that is true, then this attack was executed on impulse.” Captain Rasilek spoke as he walked in, stretching his arms out. He seemed to have just awoken from a nap. “It’s not like a Klingon to go to battle without a proper plan.”
“I concur.” Twenty four spoke as he went and stood near Jacien. “Klingons only attack without thinking when their ‘honor’ is being insulted. They must have a plan of attack.”
“If there is a plan, it is not like one that they have executed prior. Look, there are not any Heavy Cruisers. The bulk of their fleet is comprised of various Birds of Prey models.” Jacien spoke, making note of their lack of ‘oomph’.
“Admiral.” Captain K’Tizk spoke up from beside Swinford. “We have not been given the order to launch our ships.”
“You have not.” Spoke Swinford as he stood straight with his arms at his side. “As Captain Mandrake has pointed out, we do not know their strategy. We may have taken some damage from their surprise attack. But with our defenses up, those Birds of Prey are not much threat. And I will not send out ships. For all we know they are waiting for us.”
“A game of Cat and Mouse?” Steven spoke and was given a leer from K’Tzik. “No offense. It’s an old Earth expression.” Arlo faced back towards the screen but his eyes lingered on Steven a while longer.
“Such a strategy is not acceptable standards for Klingons.” Twenty four cut in.
“Well, they must have been given some incentive to attack now, and from the looks of it hastily.” Eyes glanced to the door to see three last Captains enter into the Command Center. The first into the room was the one who spoke, Captain Afakasii. He was followed in by Captains Llandrell and Ruk. They took their places around the display table, all taking in the presented data.
Eurrsk typed onto his panel and brought up display data. On a separate section of the holographic display, two Starfleet vessels were seen traveling at warp speed. The two ships were the USS Phantom and the USS Dies Irae. The long range sensors could make out the moderate damage on each ship. “Both vessels are on route to this Starbase. According to the reports given by Voleron and Parker, they escaped an enemy ambush, but have taken damage. They also give word that they are being pursued by a Klingon fleet.”
“Have these reports been confirmed?” Mandrake asked looking towards Swinford.
“Long range sensors have detected a large mass moving in at warp from their direction. However, our sensors are no longer reading them.” Swinford leaned forward and typed into the console. The holographic display zoomed out and showed the layout of the battlefield. “We already have Birds of Prey at this front. And we have more coming from there as well. Inputting the data from Parker and Voleron, this is the end result.” The display changed with the addition of more ships, a dark red in color. It showed Stonewall Starbase in the center, with the Klingon ships moving in for a pincer attack.
“This implies a two front battle.” Spoke Llandrell. “They want to divide our forces.”
“Or they want to divert our attention.” Said Afekasii.
“Divert our attention from what?” Questioned K’Tzik.
“…Tell me, are there any Orion vessels out there?” Talons asked as he carefully looked at the display.
“No. These are purely Klingon Vessels.” Mandrake spoke as he read the tactical information from his panel.
“Hm…” Talons looked away from the holographic display, his eyes landed on the rooms’ window, the battle outside evident with the eruption of the torpedo volleys being struck by defensive fire. He looked past those explosions, and past the Klingon ships, feeling that there was something on the horizon that was the true danger.
All the Captains had their attention suddenly focused on the Admiral as he brought up their fleet schematics. All their ships were shown in detailed with information regarding their statuses, functions, and specializations. Their locations were also shown; the vast majority of them were docked within the safety of the Starbase, while the others only had the minimal protective covering the drydock. Admiral Swinford gazed around the room quickly, locking eyes with all his men. “Captains, it is time for us to respond. Currently, we are in no danger. Their Birds of Prey cannot penetrate our defenses. However, we can expect proper siege and warships to arrive, and when they do we are going to be sorely outmatched. A message has been sent to Starfleet, however we cannot expect immediate assistance; I’ve asked that they protect the line and civilian vessels.” The Admiral turned slowly and faced towards the windows, gazing out to the proceeding battle. “This is our home. We will defend it and we will do so with pride.” He took a moment and turned back around, hastily inputting information into his console. “This is our strategy…”
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–Meanwhile… Stonewall Fleet Drydock: Within Science Lab one of the Pallas Helena. –Valla’s tortured body slowly began to move as a delicate and deep breath filled his lungs. His body stretched out with hesitation, elongating and straightening himself out from a fetal position. He rolled slightly to his right side, resting his chest on the cold flooring of the lab. The side of his face also now rested on the coldness, sending a chilling factor to awaken. He felt wetness on his face, and seeping in through his shirt. His arms pulled up towards his head. He then planted his hands on the floor, in a push up position. His hands were drenched upon doing so. He attempted to lift himself upwards, but he shook greatly and before success could take root, his muscles gave out and he fell flat again. A taste entered his mouth, one that he didn’t want to recognize: blood. Valla’s blurry vision began to clear, and the wetness he felt was exactly that, blood. His own blood to be specific. He rose his hands and stared at his palms, they were completely smeared with his blood. His hand shook and a weakness came to his body. A dark snicker was heard emanating above him. Raising his head, Valla saw where it came from: Da’Lexian. Those evil, unholy, beautiful purple hazed eyes were staring directly down at him, piercing his mind.
“…Boo.” Valla reached for the phaser that was dropped by him prior, it was laying just before him. His hand grasped the weapon, and shakingly aimed it at the Borg Prince. The purple eyes just narrowed in response. Valla’s hand was grasped and stilled by an invisible force. Against his will, his hand turned the phaser and aimed it at his own temple. Valla struggled to break his hand free from the force, to no avail. With fear in his eyes, he helplessly stared into those purple voids.
”…Shhhh…”Valla’s hand tightened around the phaser, only to come to a halt as a red alert began to blare. Da’Lexian’s pale-darkened lips rise into a sick smirk. The phaser was torn away from Valla’s hand, much to his relief. The phaser moved through the air and aimed itself at the restraints encasing Da’Lexian. It fired at them, destroying the material. It then aimed at the holding cell’s main console, firing a single blast. The stasis field holding Da’Lexian was instantly removed. He fell the few feet from his containment space, landing in a kneeling position, his head hung low. His mechanic wings suddenly stretched to their full span of ten feet. They moved fluidly, more so than if they were made of flesh and blood. The Borg Prince lifted his head as he stood up, resting a hand on his hip, he looked down onto Valla. He used his foot and turned to Orion boy over so that he laid on his back, facing up at him.
Valla’s throat was soon grasped by Da’Lexian’s hand. “I had much fun playing with you… Believe me when I say that Narciso would have enjoyed sharing your bed… But the torture I gave you will have to satisfy him for now.” A disturbed smile appeared on his face as panic appeared on Valla’s. “Orions… Such an ancient species… and such a pathetic use of time… Horrible technological advancements. Culturally intriguing… Come, you’ll be my slaveboy… I might need a shield as move through this ship.”
Da’Lexian stood after letting go of Valla’s throat. He began to walk towards the door, stopping only to see Valla have difficulty standing. Disgusted by the slowness, Da’Lexian used his mental prowess and lifted the Orion onto his feet. Valla walked, stumbling slightly and clinging onto his sides, he continued to walk as Da’Lexian walked, keeping himself directly behind him. The pair left the Science Lab, and as they walked on through the corridors, the bulkheads slightly buckled in their wake…
– Eta Eridani Sector Block: Bridge of the Lokapāla - An Orion Brigand Cruiser is traveling near its maximum warp. Another vessel comes up, traveling at warp. It catches up to the cruiser with ease, and slows to match the speed of the Orion ship. A Klingon Bortasqu' Command Cruiser, her massive size overshadowed the Orion Ship.
Beatrix sat in her command chair, watching the viewscreen as her com officer opened communications to the Klingon cruiser. The face that appeared was that of a strong Klingon female. Her features were surprisingly soft, with smooth-like cranial ridges and a row of straight teeth. She looked directly at Beatrix and smiled. Beatrix returned the smile, softly, not straining herself on a Klingon. “It’s good to see you… be'nI'.”
“And I you, ‘sister’. I am pleased to see you using proper Klingon.”
“Now, now. I am sure you have not come to praise my linguistic skills.”
“Mmph. I have not. Though I must say, I am not surprised to see you still dressed as a seductive Ha'DIbaH.”
“Now, now… We can save the name calling for later. Don’t we have ‘glory’ to win?”
“There is little glory in striking down a wounded enemy. This is, however, a significant victory for the Empire. Taking Stonewall will give us secure footing to lay claims to all of Eta Eridani!”
“It’s seems I’m not the only one to toss away my humanity.”
“PetaQ! You dare try to get in under my skin like poison!? I am Klingon!”
“Klingon… You would murder me? Your own little sister?”
“Instantly! You are no sister of mine!”
“I do not want it either. But human blood tarnishes us both.”
“Hmmm… Speaking of, where is our brother? I do not see him with his mate.”
Beatrix glanced over towards Thelav, the giant Orion male who had given her the news that her brother had been located. She turned back with a slight annoyance on her face. “MY brother is fine.”
“Is he? Good. Would break my… heart if he ever came to harm. It’s a good thing that the Federation does not torture civilian prisoners.”
“What?” Beatrix looked at the screen, rage now evident. She calmed herself as she spoke. “How did you know?”
“You disappoint me Beatrix. Letting our brother fall into enemy hands! You bring dishonor to our family!”
“How dare-” Before Beatrix could finish her sentence the communication was cut off by the Klingon vessel. The beautiful Orion was sitting on the edge of her seat, griping the arms so tightly that her fingers strained. She closed both her hands into fits and slammed them down in synchronization. She screamed a name at the top of her lungs: “SARLEENA!”
The Klingon Bortasqu’ increased its’ warp and quickly left the Lokapāla behind, desperately trying to catch up. Beatrix cursed under her breath briefly and shouted to her helmsman to increase their warp speed to maximum. She refused to let Sarleena arrive first and take Valla Arin away from her. Beatrix looked onto her sensor readings. She was surrounded by a massive Klingon fleet, all Hell bent on reaching Stonewall and conquering their enemies.
- Stonewall Fleet Starbase: Within the Command Center. - “All Ships, This is Admiral Swinford. You have your orders. Launch immediately.” The Admiral stood alone at the command center’s main strategic display. He turned in time to see the doors open and watch as officers poured into the room and took their various stations. The space came to live as the consoles and equipment powered up. He moved a few steps to his right and gestured towards people as he spoke to them. “Lieutenant, launch our Peregrine Fighters! I want at least four on every Bird of Prey. And don’t forget our Runabouts, send them out as well.”
“Admiral, we also have our Delta Flyers. They are ready for deployment at your orders!”
“Hold those in dock. They’ll be our backups if we need them.”
“Acknowledged sir, giving the order to standby! Admiral, our fleet-ships are departing the starbase. They will engage the enemy within the minute!”
“Alright people. Let’s show them what happens when they dare to attack Stonewall! Bring up tactical control for main weapons. Take aim for all Klingon ships that are targeting our adjacent facilities and give cover fire for the starships leaving dock!”
The Starbase’s main weaponry came online, and was evident as it worked in tandem with the countermeasure weapons. The Klingon ships took note of the launching fighters and shuttles and began to make hit and run attempts on the launch-bays. They were deterred by the sudden assault of focused weapon fire, no longer targeting just their torpedoes. The Peregrine Fighters and the Danube Runabouts were successfully launched and began to chase down their targets, taking the enemy’s focus off of the Starbase alone. They were like angered bees swarming around their hive in frenzy.
Within the Starbase, the fleet starships powered their thrusters and began to move in haste. At the front of the roster was the sleek V.S.S. T'gren, Captained by Eurrsk himself. He was followed by Captain Julian, who rode within the U.S.S. Dutchie. The Vulcan Science Vessel and the Avenger Battle Cruiser made their way out of dock, emerging from the heart of the Starbase in high velocity. The two however, did not even begin firing weapons at the Klingons. Instead, the two entered directly into warp and headed off in the direction of Voleron and Parker…
The rest of the leading starships began to enter the battle field, following in the fast style set by Eurrsk and Julian. The U.S.S. Camelot was the next ship out. This refitted Jem’Hadar Dreadnaught Carrier was completely overhauled and upgraded with Federation technology. Its bulk was intimidating enough, and as it passed the bay doors, she unleashed her specialized Scorpion Fighters and had them stay within close proximity as she began to send out rapid assaults of plasma beam fire. As the U.S.S. Camelot kept moving, the next lead ships appeared from behind her. The U.S.S. Deep Sky and the U.S.S. Eno both shot out behind the Camelot, as magnificent sister spears being thrust towards the enemy. As they flew past the slowing Camelot, both unleashed a violent volley of devastating beam fire. The Eno’s destabilized tetryon tore through the Klingon shields while the Deep Sky’s Phased Plasma weapons dealt disabling damage to the ships it struck. The U.S.S. Caelian and the Gran Pulse followed suit, though both were weary, not having finished their repairs to optimal levels. The Caelian, led by Mandrake, whipped around the Camelot at a high speed. The Vesta came too and slowed to minimal impulse speed as it unleashed a scatter volley with its auxiliary cannons. With its first assault finished, the Caelian unleashed a volley of torpedoes and whipped back around behind the Camelot. The Gran Pulse appeared from under the Camelot and fired its forward Anti-Proton beam arrays. It had targeted the torpedo spread sent out by the Caelian. The result was a massive explosion that forced the Birds of Prey to retreat a few kilometers; the desired effect. Having pushed the enemy back from their front door, the Stonewall Starbase opened all its docking bays and was a sight to behold as starship after starship of all types emerged from within her hulls.
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The V.S.S. T’gren and the U.S.S. Dutchie reached the coordinates sent off by Voleron and Parker. As they dropped from warp in the space, they saw how empty it was, with nothing around, not even asteroids. They did however, see something that caused Julian to stand from his command chair. On their viewscreen they could see Voleron and Parker’s starships, fighting alone against a massive amount of Klingon vessels.
“Julian to Eurrsk.” Afekasii hailed the T’gren immediately.
“Ruk here.”
“Are you seeing this? The Klingons must have caught up faster than we estimated!”
“It would seem so. I’ve already sent a message to Stonewall.” Eurrsk looked to his helmsman and ordered that he go in at max impulse. “Shields up. Ready weapons!” Eurrsk called as he looked and saw Parker’s ship take a direct hit. “Create that gravity well!”
The T’gren generated a controlled anomaly, and was surprised when two gravity wells appeared. They came in fast, as the Klingon ships were caught in the gravimetric ebbs. The Dutchie followed in behind her, firing her disruptor cannons with deadly accuracy at the trapped Klingons. The structural stress on their hulls from the gravity wells weakened their defenses. When the cannon fire struck them, their hulls imploded easily and created a sudden cascade of warp-core breaches. Unfortunately, only a fragment of the Klingon ships were disposed of…
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As the U.S.S. Camelot unleashed a massive spray with its plasma torpedoes at the remaining Birds of Prey, it was suddenly struck on its port nacelle with a direct disruptor beam, causing it to roll to its side slightly before it could regain control. The attacker suddenly showed itself; a massive Klingon Bortasqu’ Command Cruiser appeared from warp. Its arrival cast a dark gloom on all of Stonewall, which only darkened as the Klingon fleet appeared from warp directly behind it. They instantly outnumbered the Stonewall ships, four to one.
On the bridge of the Bortasqu Cruiser, Sarleena let out a subtle smile and narrowed her eyes as she looked onto her viewscreen. “Hello Nick…” She let out a massive laugh as she saw the state of Stonewall. Calling out in Klingon, she commanded that the fleet attack. Various Klingon ships flew past hers’ as they composed the first wave. “Time for round two, my dear Admiral…”
-To Be Continued-
