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Table of Contents
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After the first orbit, no signal was received from any of Cee's team members. To a certain degree, this was expected. Everyone knew it would take time to locate the captives, but the crew was still anxious. Sulu's timely quote, 'no news is good news,' seemed to help, but not entirely.
On the second orbit, there was still no signal. The whole project depended on a 'quick in and out' action. Every minute they were delayed increased their chances for discovery. Most were hoping, at least, for a signal contact report.
By the time the third orbit came to a conclusion, even Spock began to show signs of concern. The whole crew was on edge. They were worried that the ambassador might scrub the mission, or that the whole operation might wind up as a disaster.
As the communication point drew near for the fourth orbit, Nyota boosted the receivers and turned the gain to maximum. With this set-up, she would be certain to pick up even the weakest signal.
Leslie began to fidget.
Stiles was perspiring at a record rate.
Chekov had begun his seventh weapons check.
Saavik chewed lightly on her lower lip and continued her low energy level scans, just to stay occupied.
Sulu seemed contented to just sit and wait with the patience of a clam.
Kyle stayed busy, but kept looking at Uhura and a sign of hope. He had helped so much in planning this mission and did not want to think there was a chance he had forgotten something.
DeSalle walked from the workstation near the main viewer, back towards Sulu. "About thirty seconds to the prearranged contact point, sir," he stated flatly and noticed the admiral's fingers crossed.
"C'mon, Cee, give us a signal," Sulu said aloud.
Thirty seconds came and went. At thirty-seven seconds, Uhura jumped; partially from excitement, but mostly due to the maximum gain on her comm panel. With her ear drum nearly perforated, she tapped a control and reduced the gain, then turned towards Sulu and smiled. "I've got them!"
Sulu jumped out of his chair and was at Uhura's station side in a flash.
DeSalle was right behind him along with Spock. Those not already turned in their chairs, did so now.
Nyota then proclaimed proudly, "They're requesting one more orbit, transponder signals located!"
The bridge crew broke into a cheer.
Spock surveyed the situation. He said nothing but shot an eyebrow almost through the ceiling of the bridge. When the noise died down, he addressed Sulu. "Perhaps you should inform the rest of the crew."
Sulu looked surprised at not having thought of it himself. "Of course, Ambassador. Nyota, would you like the honor?"
Wiping away a tear of joy, she set up the necessary circuit in record time, "Attention all hands, Captain Cee has confirmed active transponder signals and has requested additional time for rescue. We will inform you of any more developments as soon as possible, bridge out."
Satisfied, Spock commented, "At least the good doctor will not be after me." Then he took a seat at the unoccupied console next to Saavik.
Uhura giggled slightly and the rest of the bridge crew settled down and seemed more relaxed. From that point on there was only an occasional comment of 'we did it' or 'wish I was with them' and so on.
Time passed and Saavik continued her work on the scanners. She was still confined to low level scans and really wasn't sure what she was looking for. However, anything unusual might be a prelude to something which could threaten their mission. But after so many hours of constantly watching the scanners, she was afraid something might slip by unnoticed. So she varied her routine and the focus of the scans.
One item, or rather twelve items, of constant interest was the warships gathered around the twin worlds. On the first orbit, there had been only seven, but four more had shown up on the last orbit and now, the twelfth one had just arrived. Saavik found herself studying the ship. It was a new configuration, a rather large ship, but definitely Romulan.
She recorded her scans as Starfleet would be very interested in her discovery. As she began logging the various particulars, her earpiece chirped, indicating another scanner had picked up something of interest. Each of the scanners had been programmed to 'flag' her if anything unusual was detected.
Switching over quickly to the scanner in question, she was absolutely horrified at what she saw. She sucked in a quick breath, turning around, and without consulting Sulu, she gave an order, "Computer, tactical plot; main viewer!"
A startled Sulu turned to face Saavik. She pointed to the viewer and said, "Sorry, sir."
The ship's captain redirected his gaze and regretted it immediately. It looked like half of the Romulan fleet was on its way to the home worlds.
Chekov had shields and screens up before Sulu could ask. No need to worry about energy surges now. Local space would be full of them!
Sulu recovered quickly, "Red alert! Uhura, notify Koord of the situation."
"Aye, sir!" Uhura's voice reflected the tension that permeated the bridge.
All stared at the screen, but said nothing. There was little to be said.
DeSalle asked the question everyone was thinking, "Are they here because of us?"
Spock was quick to respond. "I doubt it, Mister DeSalle. If we were having any trouble with the cloak, Mister Scott would have notified us. I would say they were here in response to, or as part of, the civil war." Spock hesitated a moment, then added, "Nevertheless, I believe this situation is similar to another Admiral Kirk once referred to as 'being between a rock and a hard place.'"
Everyone was wondering if Spock was trying to be funny.
"That's putting it mildly," said Leslie.
Saavik looked at Sulu apologetically. "I'm sorry if I overstepped my authority, sir."
Sulu waved off the apology, "No need, Saavik. I would have done the same. Let's see what all this looks like on normal view."
"Maybe it von't be so bad," offered Chekov.
Leslie switched the circuits, "Viewer normal, sir."
The big screen shimmered and revealed a vision that left everyone speechless. Ships of all sizes and descriptions began taking up positions around Romulus and Remus and in a variety of space docks and stations.
"Saavik, do you have a type and count on that collection, yet?" Chekov was both curious and anxious.
"Yes, and it's quite impressive." She hesitated just a moment to collect her thoughts, then began the recitation slowly and distinctly: "Thirty-seven Stormbirds, sixteen of which are improved D-12 type; forty-four Birds of Prey, nineteen are the upgraded versions and another six are the new K-6's; twenty-six old C-2's; thirteen C-3's, nine Warhawks, six Attack Eagles, five Strike Eagles, one of which is an unfamiliar variant and the last three are totally new ships. Looks like a new dreadnought class... just a minute, sir. She made a few entries on her console, and turned to face the viewer. "There!" She was pointing to a highlighted section in the lower right hand section of the screen.
Centered in the area was a ship like no one had ever seen before. Very large and very deadly; the Romulans weren't known for building science and research vessels.
Sulu was curious, "Computer, enhance section E-5 at mag ten."
The computer obeyed instantly and the image was amazing, even frightening.
"Wow!" Stiles said.
"Has anybody ever seen or heard of that type of ship before?" Sulu's eyes were glued to the screen.
The silence on the bridge answered his question, so he continued. "Saavik, how many ships total?"
Her answer was quick and breathless. "Counting the ships that were already in orbit, a total of one hundred and four ships, sir." Reluctantly, she added, "Care for another surprise?"
When the captain didn't answer right away, Saavik took it as an affirmative, or at least not a negative. She shifted the viewer to an enhancement in another section. "There, sir, section C-2, now at mag seven."
On the screen was a Klingon battlecruiser, complete with Imperial markings.
Sulu couldn't believe it, "Nyota, better call Koord to the bridge." His voice reflected a sense of urgency and dread.
After notifying Koord, Uhura returned her eyes to the main viewer. Saavik now switched it back to normal view and Uhura watched in fascination as the ships continued to take up positions all around the Enterprise. Suddenly, she was struck by a horrifying thought. "Admiral, what happens if one of those incoming ships decides to take up orbit where we are?!"
Evidently, even Spock had not contemplated that particular possibility. "Saavik, check incoming ships for pre-approach scans, are any locked on this position?"
DeSalle asked the obvious, "What if they are? We can't alter our orbit without disrupting our communication and transport schedules."
Saavik's news was bad. "One of the dreadnoughts is definitely heading this way!"
"Damn!" Chekov's curse summed up everyone's feelings.
Jumping out of the command chair, Sulu barked an order, "Tactical display!"
The image was more than uncomfortable. The Romulan dreadnought was on a flight path which nearly duplicated that of the Enterprise.
"How long to the next comm point, Nyota?" Sulu's voice was full of apprehension.
She grimaced with the answer, "Seven minutes, sir."
Spock's fingers raced over various controls at the vacant computer station next to Saavik's, then proclaimed, "Exactly seven minutes, twenty seconds until Romulan ship makes orbit; seven minutes six seconds until our contact point." He looked up from the console to face Sulu.
"Thrusters?" Sulu asked hopefully.
"A five second burn would put us out of danger, but only a few seconds ahead of the Romulan," offered Spock.
"It will alter our rendezvous time by twenty seconds. Not critical but it could make it difficult for beam-ups, or if they are late communicating again. Those special devices have a very narrow beam." Uhura finished on an important note. "I can't guarantee a positive contact beyond that."
Kyle studied the tactical plot, then queried, "Can we get by with a shorter distance between us and the Romulan ship?"
Spock shook his head in the negative. "Less than that and the Romulan screens and sensors will give an echo off our cloaked hull. Even if they can't get a true reading, they will be faced with an anomaly that demands closer investigation."
"Won't they assume it's just one of their own ships?" Kyle was simply trying to offer alternatives, but his statement sounded more wishful than he wanted.
"Regardless, with the current unstable political environment, they will be forced to investigate." Spock was adamant and inflexible.
Sulu slumped, "Then we just have to hope for the best. Let's go for the thruster maneuver, helm!"
Leslie jumped at the controls. "Aye, sir; thrusters in five, four, three, two... now!"
The action was imperceptible but Saavik proclaimed success. "Distancing confirmed. That plus a one kilometer height difference in altitude, should give us a slim safety margin. Five minutes, twelve seconds to contact with the rescue teams."
Again, the bridge crew held their collective breath and waited.
Leslie tried hard not to look at the ship's chronometer, but the urge was overwhelming.
As far as anyone was concerned, the time crawled by, but eventually the moment of truth arrived. And then it passed.
Just when everyone was about to give up, Uhura detected a faint signal. Immediately she activated the transporter relay, "I've got them, coordinates relayed!"
In the transporter room, Rand noticed the automatic transport signal and checked her sensors, only one to beam-up.
The single figure began to materialize quickly. As Sebor completed the process, he nearly collapsed.
McCoy and Tavar were standing by, as planned, and both jumped to the injured Vulcan before he hit the floor.
Tavar checked the vitals and administered a dose of tri-ox to ease the labored breathing, a basic first step in stabilizing the Vulcan. McCoy worked feverishly on two open wounds, cursing and muttering in the process. "Damned barbarians, they're using burn phasers!"
Rand recovered from her horror long enough to notify the bridge of what was transpiring.
After only a few, very long minutes, McCoy and Tavar had Sebor stabilized. The now-unconscious man was placed on an anti-grav stretcher and two med techs escorted him to sickbay, followed closely by the two doctors.
The full meaning of the scene finally hit Rand, but only after everyone had left. The rescue team was probably dead and they had failed to rescue Kirk and the others.
Up on the bridge, Sulu stood immediately upon hearing Rand's announcement. "I'm going to sickbay. DeSalle you have the conn. Saavik, Ambassador Spock, please join me."
The threesome rushed into the turbolift and disappeared, leaving the bridge crew in shock.
DeSalle moved to the command chair and spoke quietly, "Uhura, get Bailey up here to the science station, on the double!"
"Aye, sir." The communications officer busied herself with her duties while the others began to wonder what had happened.
Nearly everyone forgot about Koord's summons and when the turbolift doors opened, Bailey was expected. When Koord stepped out, DeSalle was taken aback. The ship's first officer recovered quickly. "Welcome, General Koord. Admiral Sulu and Ambassador Spock have been called to sickbay, but I'll be happy to assist you."
Koord strolled onto the bridge his mood was evident by the smile he wore. He had been summoned to be thanked for his part in the rescue.
Right behind the general was Dar. His scowl was the same all the time, but he was curious as to why they, or rather Koord, had been called. Perhaps the mission had been completed.
The general's generous smile vanished as soon as he caught sight of the Klingon cruiser, centered on the main viewer.
DeSalle moved to greet the Klingon officers. "Sir, part of our rescue team has... returned without the captives, at least so far. However, we felt that you should know about this." He indicated the ship with a wave of his hand, but it was quite evident they had already seen it.
When the pair remained quiet, the first officer of the Enterprise continued. "If you wish, we can provide you with our readings."
Dar's anger was easy to read. His fists were clinched in rage and a slight growling sound came from between bared teeth.
Koord's weathered face revealed nothing. He simply nodded approval at DeSalle's offer. "Very well, what can you tell me?"
While this exchange had been going on, Bailey had arrived and now reviewed Saavik's summary. "It's an improved D-9 type cruiser and the original markings are still intact. It's the K'Chor'da and the exterior is only superficially damaged. From what we can tell, all major systems are one hundred percent operational."
Nodding slowly in acknowledgement, Koord's eyes never left the viewer.
Colonel Dar was livid, "General, Captain Kerd is commanding the K'Chor'da, he would never let his ship fall into enemy hands --"
Koord raised his right arm abruptly, to cut off his aide's outburst. "Precisely, Dar, so that leaves us with one other possibility. He has defected or, at the very least, he is cooperating with the Roms."
The Starfleet officers on duty remained silent.
Directing a question to Bailey, Koord remained calm. "Can you scan the ship and tell me if the ship is crewed by Klingons or Romulans?"
Interceding for a very nervous looking Bailey, DeSalle explained, "Sorry, General, we are currently limited to low level scans to avoid detection."
The old general understood and nodded curtly, again. "Will you inform me of any changes or additional information?"
DeSalle smiled, mostly from relief at not having a full diplomatic crisis on hand. "Of course, sir, the moment we know anything, you will be informed immediately."
Koord turned to leave, but Dar stood fast and his rage finally let go. "That's it? That is all the great general is going to do? You call yourself a leader, but you act as --"
"-- a warrior!" Koord finished the statement then he added, "If we take any action, it would not only violate the conditions agreed to by our two governments, it would also reveal the position of this ship. That would mean the end of our mission, the rescue of good and honorable men!" He caught his breath then lit into Dar again. "You agreed to those conditions, as did the entire Klingon Council. If we choose to ignore that agreement, then we are no better than those gutless Romulans, who take captives like cowards!"
Finally, Koord relaxed and turned to face DeSalle again. "I must apologize for my aide's outburst, but he is still... 'learning.' There is more at stake here than personal glory or revenge, I will wait for your call." The general gave a Klingon salute and entered the turbolift.
Dar stood still for a moment, which was just a moment too long to suit Koord. The general let out a growl of anger and Dar spun around and stormed into the turbolift.
After the doors closed, Stiles made the first comment. "Koord may be on in years, but I wouldn't want to be in Dar's boots right now."
DeSalle took his time returning to the command chair and sat down slowly. Chekov was worried, "Sure wish I had a security division right now. I'd put a twenty-four hour watch on Dar."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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