Episode 4.2.13: Forward Assault

S4, E2, Act 1: Going Hunting (Extended edition)
Commander Victoria Smith

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

USS Fearless

Stardate 2112.11

Victoria watched as Mayla entered the holodeck. When she reached the entranceway, she collided with the door. Confused, she stepped back and forward again but the door did not slide open. The nurse reached over to a nearby control panel and tapped it twice - Vree had locked the door behind her.

"You Trill b*tch!" Victoria hissed softly under her breath in Trill before slapping the control panel one last time.

After a moment of tense silence, she looked back over her right shoulder at Gace.

"Ensign, please check on Lieutenant Beckett and then return to the jump ship to prepare the team for the upcoming mission. I will be there later."

Gace hesitated momentarily. "Ma’am, are you alright?"

"Ensign," Victoria repeated in a calm, almost familial tone as she struggled to conceal her displeasure with Mayla Vree. "Please return to the team."

Hixwir paused briefly before accepting the order. "Yes ma’am."

"Thank you Hixwir."

Will continued to watch Victoria as she stared at the door. After about a minute of silence, he finally spoke. "Victoria, I think - "

She raised her left hand in the air and signaled for him to be quiet. After another moment of not speaking to each other, she finally turned to face her ex-husband. Her green eyes were red and watery. Although it appeared as if she was fighting back tears, Will also suspected she was carefully keeping her temper and demeanor in check.

Will instinctively stepped forward to comfort her but the nurse retreated.

"No, Will. I’m not looking to be comforted by anyone." She hesitated for a moment. "At least not yet."

The Scot understood and stepped slightly back. "Talk to me. What are you thinking right now?"

Victoria softly scoffed at the question. "You don’t want to know."

"Try me."

"From where I’m standing, that entire training simulation was an abomination. It sent a message we’re expendable or in the way."

"Victoria, you’re being a bit protective of your team."

"They ordered a dangerous training simulation without consulting me." Victoria quickly countered. "I now have a warrant officer in critical condition onboard the Resurrection yet neither of them has even bothered to check on her status."

"Victoria, we just came off a combat situation. Besides, Union XII are the new kids on the block and Lazarus is going to test their readiness."

"Without my knowledge and in the middle of a mission?"

Will nodded silently in agreement at the point.

"It was negligence or worse, recklessness." Smith continued as she folded her arms, rocked back and forth on her heels and looked down the passageway. Again, she struggled to ensure the conversation remained calm.

"I’m sure you and Mayla can talk this over. Your team has only been here for a single mission and you’ve already saved three operatives. I’m sure that counts for something."

Victoria shook her head in the negative. "It doesn’t matter, I don’t want to speak with Mayla right now."

"Victoria, the two of you are family." Will protested.

"That’s just the thing, I’m not sure she sees it that way." Victoria answered. There was a tone of sadness in her voice. "To her, I will always be...a freak accident that ended up in her lap. Nothing more."

"You are taking this entire ordeal far more personally than it should be."

"Am I? I’m not so sure."

"Can I take you for a walk until you cool off?"

"The last time you and I took a walk I threatened your career." Victoria noted with a slight laugh. She wiped her eyes and smiled weakly at the Scot. "No. I’d rather be by myself. Besides, I need to return to my team shortly."

Will nodded silently. As he watched his ex-wife walk away, he looked over at the holodeck door and shook his head in frustration. After much hesitation he decided to wait for Vree to emerge from the training. He walked over to a nearby bench, sat down, leaned back against the wall, stretched his legs out and crossed his ankles. Every now and then he groaned as a part of his body ached.

"I left Caldos Colony for this crap." He complained to no one in particular.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

USS Fearless Holodeck

Stardate 2112.08

Ryramorl made sure Reepchip had the proper armour, though it had to be light so the Muran could move around. He also made sure Reepchip had a phaser, and a proper loadout of darts, including those tipped with drugs that could sedate Cardassians, poisons to kill them if needed, and some anti-electronic darts should they encounter drones.

"Remember, Reepchip.  Like the Khassa,” he said.  "If you think you’re getting too close, fall back or hide..”

Ryramorl made sure he, too, had appropriate armour and weaponry. With Reepchip as his scout, he slowly crept forwards, often sniffing the air, and keeping his ears up for enemy movement.

Reepchip stayed out ahead. Concentrating, he mentally asked Ryramorl if the Olvern could hear him.

Ryramorl could, but it was faint. Reepchip would have to use the subvoc or return to report, instead of straining his telepathy.

Reepchip soon slipped back, to report seeing a flock of birds suddenly take off. Ryramorl was even more cautious as he crept forwards, to see what had startled them. As the two looked over a cliff, they could see Cardassians in the valley.

The two Carnora crouched down, waiting for the Cardassians to go about their business.

Once they were gone, Reepchip slowly crawled down the cliff, scouting out what might be a good descent for the larger Carnora. He crawled along the rocks until he found something that Ryramorl would be able to scale, and slowly the two made their way down.

Ryramorl had some difficulties concealing himself, but Reepchip, still inwardly rattled by being so badly inured, was more cautious than ever, exhibiting the shy nature of the mranrilla. Even Ryramorl had troubles telling where Reepchip was.

When Reepchip came back to report, Ryramorl also asked him to scout out hiding spots for him. They saw the Cardassians moving around. Quietly, they watched, then carefully withdrew.

When they left the holodeck, Ryramorl gave Mayla a nod. “Reepchip is getting the idea,” he said with approval.

Commander Mayla Vree and Lieutenant Commander WIlliam McCulloch

USS Fearless, Cardassia Prime

Stardate 2112.11

Mayla followed the Olvern and Muran out of the holodeck and immediately headed for the transporter room. Instantly, Will McCulloch fell in line with her. The Trill glanced quickly over at the Scot.

"I see you're out of sick bay. What do you want, Lieutenant Commander?"

"Permission to speak freely?"

Vree hesitated momentarily before nodding with approval. "Go ahead."

"I may not know what I’m talking about…but if I were you, I’d take the time to talk to Commander Smith about the training simulation before this gets out of hand." He noted with a slight tone of exasperation. "She’s taking the entire matter personally, and honestly, I’m not sure I blame her. But then again I’m biased."

Vree studied the Scot in silence as Will continued.

"The last thing I’d want if I were you…but again I’m not … is for Union XII’s official report to Starfleet Medical regarding Fiadh Hannigan to come across as if it's begging for a review by a JAG officer. But then again, that’s my opinion so what do I know?"

She shook her head and let out a slightly exasperated breath. "JAG could go to hell."

His mouth agape, he even stopped a step and then hurried to catch up with her. "Is that an official statement, Commander?"

"Politics and regulations is what got us into this mess, and the last mess." She said clearly referencing the Jack Dark incursion. "I'm not going to coddle any member of our team, even Union XII. If they're going into the field with us, they'd better be equipped to handle themselves. That is what a combat medic needs to be if they are going to be in the thick of it when we need their help."

"I don't think that's quite fair to them. They are Starfleet regulars."

Now Mayla held up her hand and stopped him. "Let me put it in another way and maybe you can see it from a different perspective. If WE need help and medical assistance in the field, what do you think their chances are in surviving in that same field?"

The Scot shook his head at the sudden thought of Union XII in full combat mode. "That's not why they're here."

"And if we need medical assistance in the field, and they have to fight their way to us, what then?"

"JFC, Mayla, you sound just like your father."

"Some parts of it maybe." She continued the walk, but he noticed she took a turn away from the transporter room and towards sick bay. "And for your information, I didn't choose the sim. Granted it was my idea to have a sim, but Lazarus chose which one. Even I questioned him if he was sure he wanted to run THAT particular one. And it was one of Kyril's."

"Sh-t." He said out loud, causing an ensign passing by to give him a quick glance before hurrying away. "His training holosims were brutal."

"You have no idea how much worse they were after you…the Black Watch incident." Mayla stopped short just around the corner from the sick bay entrance. "Kyril's holosims became much more difficult in all aspects of combat to prevent that from ever happening again. Almost as if he was obsessed with everyone's safety. You talk about overprotectiveness? He even had defensive programs implemented to protect the families of each member."

Will looked down with guilt and shame. The Black Watch had contingency plans on hunting down the Bravo Squad families in a systematic retribution. If that had happened, the situation HE had started would have gone completely and totally out of control. Then he realized that Bravo Squad, with Kyril Vree in command, would have done the exact same thing to Clan McCulloch.

As if she read his mind through the expression on his face, she just waved away his guilt. "I apologize for bringing that up as an example. I just wanted to explain that being blindly overprotective confines the options in the field that interferes with what needs to be done. No matter how difficult the choice may be."

"She's not willing to send any of her people to their deaths, if that's what you mean."

"And neither am I. But the enemy has other plans that often interfere with that outlook. This isn't some game where a gamemaster hands out our missions and we plan out what we're going to do, including using plot armor to ensure we survive the outcome. So far, every mission we've been on so far, the enemy has always been one step ahead of us. This universe would be a sick and dismal place if there really was a gamemaster toying with our lives."

Both Shadow operatives looked up towards the ceiling for just a brief moment to see if lightning would strike them down. Then Will cleared his throat and looked around the passageway to ensure the pair were alone. "May I continue to speak freely?"

"You may."

"A little advice commander?" He whispered in a low, calm voice. "After this mission is over, try working on your personal relationship with my ex-wife. She’s under what I hope is the mistaken belief that she is inconsequential to you. I think she could use your support and honestly, I think you could use her’s as well. Just a casual observation, Sir."

"I've always been there for her. Even when she had issues with this courtship you two are starting."

"What?"

"Well, that's something between you two, and I am not at liberty to say anything else. But she knows my feelings and what our relationship is. You don't spend months traveling together, looking over our shoulders the whole time, watching each other's backs, and not form a bond of some sort. She is as dear to me as family." She narrowed her eyes at him. "So you better not mess things up with her, Mr. McCulloch."

With that final say, she walked around the corner and into sickbay.

This conversation was supposed to be about her and Victoria. How did it become about HIM and Victoria? Damn, she's good.

Lt. Cody Beckett

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

USS Fearless

Stardate 2112.09

Two hours earlier…

Slowly, Cody drifted back into consciousness. His mouth was dry, and he felt a burning sensation in his chest area. His breathing sounded loud, and he was dizzy and nauseous.

"Hey red” he heard a soft female voice whispering, which he immediately recognized as the voice of Commander Smith.

He opened his eyes and looked at the face of commander Smith above him. She winked at him and gave him another hypo spray. The burning sensation, the dizziness and the nausea disappeared within seconds.

"Was this run as good for you as it was for me?" Smith continued. Cody was taken a bit aback by her approach.

"I guess… apparently you patched me up, so yeah… " Smith winked again at him.

"Can I have a glass of water? " Cody asked.

Smith gestured to the other side of the bed were a small side table held a small bottle of water and a glass. "Thanks" Beckett mumbled, as he poured the water in the glass and drank it. It was refreshing.

As he finished his glass, a nurse approached him. She looked pretty, and she smiled warmly at Cody as she checked some of the readings of his biobed "All looking good! " She said. You can get dressed and have a final checkup in Sickbay. You should be able to resume your duty after that. "

"Thanks nurse… " Cody quickly checked her name tag "Gace… thanks for all the good care and patching me up. " Cody grinned through his beard. "That's what we're here for" She replied, then turned around to look after another patient.

The Betazoid nurse passed her commanding officer en route to check on another crewman under her care.

"You shouldn’t tease him like that, ma’am.” Ensign Gace stated softly to Victoria before looking back over her shoulder at the lieutenant.

Smith smiled slightly and nodded. "I know. But I was actually doing a preliminary testing on his responsiveness and alertness.”

"Aye ma’am.” Gace replied quietly. "But it looked like you were teasing him.”

"He’s not a puppy Hixwir.” Victoria responded with a slight hint of annoyance. "But for you I will check on him later to ensure he’s not hurt by my actions.”

"Thank you ma’am.”

Present time…

After his meeting with Vree, Will made his way to the Fearless’ sickbay to check up on Cody. When he arrived, he found the Union XII nurse, Ensign Hixwir Gace, doting over the lieutenant.

"You have got to be sh*tting me.” McCulloch scoffed as he leaned against a nearby wall and watched the Betazoid nurse flirt with Beckett as she twirled her long, brunette hair with her right hand. Gace occasionally giggled at Beckett’s answers to her questions before leaning in to be closer to him. McCulloch estimated the very attractive nurse was at most 25 years of age and far too young for the New Zealander.

"What the bloody hell is this nonsense?” He asked himself as he continued to watch the pair interact with each other before moving in to intervene. From the Scot’s perspective this interaction was nothing more than an awkward repeat of his encounter with the Thompson sisters when he was hospitalized on Earth.

Wow…the Thompson sisters…McCulloch longingly thought of the pair before chasing the impure thoughts from his head. He exhaled loudly and moved into interrupt Beckett’s encounter with Gace.

"Well, well Beckett, flirting with nurse Gace, hey? " Beckett heard a voice saying on the other side.

Beckett just grinned. "You really see things that aren't there McCulloch. A bit too much on the drugs still? "

McCulloch scoffed. "I bet Sara would see it exact the same way… "

Beckett shrugged his shoulders. "So? What's your point"

Ensign Gace interrupted the pair "Lieutenant Beckett! Stop quibbling! Get dressed and go for your final checkup in Sickbay! Don't make repeat myself! "

Cody couldn't help but grin very broad.

"Yes ma'am! On the double ma'am! " He replied.

"Ensign?”

"Yes sir?”

"Who will be conducting the final discharge exam?” Will pressed.

Gace blushed slightly before looking longingly at Beckett. "Well, me sir.”

McCulloch sighed loudly. "Nope. Let’s go Lieutenant. Time for you to go.”

"But I need to be examined!” The New Zealander protested.

"No, you don’t”

"Yes, I do!”

"Yes, he does.” Gace interjected.

"I really don’t need Sarah Pickering blowing up my personal communications Cody!” Will communicated to Beckett over the subvoc. "I promise you I will tell her what you are up to!”

"You wouldn’t”

"Try me.”

"Your ex-wife keeps flirting with me!” Beckett nervously announced to all those within earshot.

"What?” McCulloch demanded.

"Commander Smith kept winking at me while in recovery.”

McCulloch chuckled at the spontaneous announcement. "She does that to *all* of her patients. She’s gauging your responsiveness to her actions. She’s been doing that since I first met her over a decade ago.”

Beckett remained quiet as he reelected upon Will’s words. After a moment of awkward silence, Will grabbed Beckett by the scruff of his neck and hauled him off of the biobed.

"Let’s go big guy. The angry Trill is going to be looking for us sooner rather than later if we don’t report in.”

"But my examination.” He protested

"If you want I’ll examine you when we return to the Resurrection.”

Beckett looked back at Gace and then at McCulloch to protest.

"Let’s go Lieutenant, she’s way too young for you.”

"But…”

"No.”

Lt. Cody Beckett

USS Fearless

Stardate 2112.13

Beckett realized there was no negotiation space. McCulloch pulled him from the bed and pushed him towards one of the change cabins.

"Get dressed Beckett. You can get your final checkup at the Resurrection's sickbay. "

" But… " Beckett muttered.

"No but's! " McCulloch countered. "Make sure this doesn't happen again. Like I said I don't need Sarah to blow up my communications if she hears about this"

"You're blowing this way out of proportion McCulloch" Beckett replied while McCulloch pushed him inside one of the cabins.

"No I am not. Believe me Beckett, I know Sarah. She won't be amused when she hears about this"

"Jeez you're pretending you caught me in bed with Ensign Gace"

"Technically, you were in bed" McCulloch snapped at Beckett.

Beckett sighed. "You are crazy McCulloch. Out of your mind. This is beyond crazy! " He replied while he started putting on his uniform that just was replicated.

"If Sarah gets… " McCulloch started again

"Then don't tell her" Beckett interrupted as he stepped out of the cabin.

"And I'm done with this conversation," Beckett stated. He was getting fed up with the patronizing behavior from McCulloch. He passed McCulloch without saying another word and walked out of the Sickbay.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

Elim Garak

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.10

"Go down to the surface? In the Wastelands?” Garak repeated everything Lazarus had just said to him, only as a question. "You can’t be serious, captain?”

"Oh, I am. You and me with Captain Kane, our Carnora friends and a security team,” the captain said. "We’re going to find Tirlin Drajal and bring him to justice.”

The look of astonishment on Garak’s face did not wane, "Captain…these people are stuck in the past. They don’t believe in the new society…the United Republic of Cardassia. These people chose to live in a desolate, barren wasteland rather than join the new republic we created. In fact, people from across the planet who did not agree with the work done during the Occupation relocated here just to be with other Cardassians who believe like they do.”

"I understand that, but I’ve reviewed the data on the Wastelands and it sounds like the Occupation forces just swept the people who did not like the new government away, let them move there and just dropped food, supplies and medical equipment in to more or less placate them and keep them out of their hair while they rebuilt. They haven’t been a problem. No attacks on the outside world. No demands or aggression. I don’t understand the stigma surrounding them.”

Garak sighed and folded his hands across his stomach as he sat in the chair across from Lazarus, "Spending as many years around humans as I have, I’ve studied your history, captain. Let me put it in these terms. You are familiar with 20th and 21st century Earth history?”

"Of course,” Lazarus said bluntly.

"Then you know about the anti-government movement in your United States back then? Militias, conspiracy theorists, racial supremacists?” Garak asked. "Radicals who hated the government of the United States. People who prepared for years for a war against the government that ultimately never happened.”

Lazarus nodded, "I’m aware. It was a dark time in our history which eventually led to darker times. All the division and decisiveness…it fragmented not only America, but the rest of the world. Eventually it led to nuclear war.”

"My point is those who live in the Wasteland don’t like the new government and they really don’t like the Federation,” Garak said. "If we go in there, we could be shaking a nest of Coriddean Hornets. They have been peaceful for 20 years…but their numbers have grown and they have been preparing for a fight.”

"Surely, they won’t protect a criminal like Drajal?” Lazarus asked.

"Why not? For all we know they are supporters of the Sons of Cardassia. They aren’t going to want you there and they certainly aren’t going to want to see me there,” Garak said.

"You are the epitome of selling your people out to the Federation,” Lazarus said. "Not that what you did after the war was wrong. You stepped forward as a leader and you helped make change.”

"I sold out,” Garak added. "I was so sold on the idea of turning the Cardassian Union into a democracy after years of living among humans that I never considered what was best for my people.”

"THIS is what’s best, for your people and the quadrant,” Lazarus corrected Garak. "But you are right, many of them won’t want you there. But I need someone who knows the lay of the land and someone who knows what they will respond to and how they will respond to our presence there.”

Garak sighed again and slowly nodded, "As you wish, captain. But I think this is a big mistake.”

Lazarus nodded, "A former Maquis, a former president, two Carnora, an Orion woman and a team of assorted Federation security officers…what could possibly go wrong?”

Commanders Mayla Vree and Victoria Smith

Sick Bay, USS Fearless

Stardate 2112.11

While walking through the corridors with McCulloch, she didn't recognize or saw anyone she knew. Her status as a covert and solo operative for the past ten years didn't allow her any opportunity to 'meet' other people in Starfleet Intelligence. Echo Base was the only social sphere she had. And it only had a complement of about 50 personnel.

When she walked into Sick Bay, she glanced at the wounded from the recent battle. The staff and situation seemed to have settled down into its postoperative status. Now she did recognize a few faces and checked in on each member of the Resurrection crew who had been transferred over. She made note of the Union XII members and felt the cold shoulder they were giving her. She looked for a red cloud of hair in the dimmed light and walked toward her.

"Commander," Mayla said quietly. "The Resurrection is departing soon. Is your unit ready?"

Victoria whipped her head around when she heard the voice and her eyes glared at the Trill woman. Mayla recognized the look, but this time it was directed at her. This explained why the other members were giving her the cold shoulder. It had trickled down from the top.

"They are ready, Commander." She responded coldly.

Mayla looked at her with a grim smile and shook her head. "You need to calm yourself."

"I am calm." Victoria replied with an icy tone. "My warrant officer was seriously injured in your sim."

Mayla led her to an empty office and shut the door behind them. "And they would have been injured in the actual event, or worse. If you think for one minute I'm going to apologize for the sim, you've forgotten who I am." She didn't sit down, nor gestured to Victoria to do the same.

"The grim reaper?" Victoria shot back.

"If that's what you see me as. But I know you better than that. It's my responsibility to be sure everyone associated with Phoenix Squad is prepared for any eventuality. And as the CO of the Resurrection and of Phoenix Squad, Lazarus doesn't have to explain any of his decisions made in regards to your sim." Mayla kept her voice calm and quiet as she watched Victoria's reaction in her face. "And you, as Union XII's CO, should keep your emotions in check. If you fall apart because of a sim, there is the possibility you could do the same in real time."

"Clearly you don’t know me as well as you think you do. Or anything about my team." Smith interrupted as she stepped slightly towards Mayla and handed a padd to her. "There’s the report on Warrant Hannigan’s service during the battle. Don’t you dare question my capabilities or members of my team, Mayla."

"I don't want you to fail in any way, as a nurse, as our medical support, and as their CO. And I certainly don't want any of you to die. Hence the sim."

"I don't like my people being put through a sim without my prior knowledge," she said through gritted teeth. Damn those centuries of wisdom and experience this woman had. "You could have had the courtesy of informing me first, or even during. I had to find out through an emergency rally call from my second in command!"

"I'm only telling you this because you're my friend, not as a Starfleet officer."

"Oh we’re friends?" Victoria quipped. "It’s good to know there’s some semblance of a relationship between us. I was beginning to wonder when you were going to dump me on a remote planet like your father did. But since we’re friends, should we go on double dates now?"

Before Vree could respond, Victoria held up her hand. "Tell me Mayla, who ordered the sim?"

Mayla stoned herself against the bombardment and looked at her sternly. "It was my idea for a sim. But it was the Captain who selected the sim. It was one of Kyril's. It wasn't one I would have chosen due to the…emotional aspects of it. Especially not as your first sim. I deduce because he has never seen your team in action, he wanted to gauge your performance. Don't think for one moment he's not watching your team closely. It's our prior experiences that more often than not that dictates our actions."

"This feels too much like it was in Bravo Squad." She looked aside and shook her head. "And there's so much of your father in you."

"There's a lot more to me than just my father. But in his circumstance, he had to do what he had to do. In his view, he had the tremendous weight of the whole…" she stopped short before nearly revealing too much of what Kyril went through. "Let's just say his actions and decisions were far and wide reaching. The weight of that often gave him an obsessive singular focus."

"Just like what you're doing now," Victoria scoffed. "The team, the mission. What about people?"

"What about the people?"

"Are they just pawns to you? Do you really care about any of them?"

"Of course I care. But I can't let that detract my perception of what needs to be done." Mayla crossed her arms. "I cannot ever forget that I may be sending them to their deaths. That's what it means to be in command. You should know that by now, regardless of how protective you are of those under your command. You can't save everyone."

"Don’t patronize me." Victoria quickly answered as she mimicked Vree’s actions and crossed her own arms. "I am well aware of the burden that comes with command, especially leading those under MY command."

"Do you?"

"Tell me Mayla, would those under your command voluntarily follow you into the fray?" Victoria countered. "Because I can say without hesitation my team would follow me to the gates of Hell if I asked them to. You think you can say the same about your entire team? People Mayla, not pawns."

"That's what makes you a good nurse. And why you were chosen for this position. But I also need you to remember all those times on our journey home from the Outer Rim that this," Mayla waved to their surroundings, "won't be at every mission. 'Your' people need to be able to function in a battlefield environment regardless if they blindly follow you through the gates of hell. Loyalty doesn't mean going blindly to their deaths just because you told them to follow you."

Victoria listened to Vree’s response and visibly rolled her eyes at the Trill.

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?" Vree demanded incredulously.

"Yes, I did." Victoria sneered before tossing a second padd at the Trill. "Here’s my report to Starfleet Medical on Fiadh’s injuries. Feel free to edit it however you want. As a ‘friend’ I want to make sure it meets your expectations."



Vree scanned the report before looking up at Victoria. "This report doesn’t mention the training exercise. It says Hannigan was injured in combat."

"That’s correct." The nurse replied coldly as she turned slightly away from Vree.

"Why?"

Victoria looked back at Mayla. "Despite what you may think, I’m not an idiot. Like you, I have a long game to focus on. Besides, Fiadh begged me not to include the training exercise in the official report."

Mayla gave her a warm smile. "You know, I'd like to talk with your Union XII. I haven't had time to meet any of them in person."

Victoria recognized the smile Vree gave her. It was the same expression she used when the nurse was struggling with her newly implanted Trill memories. The gesture instantaneously disarmed Victoria, because it showed deep down the young woman's concern and feelings for her. And also that SHE was being protective of her, as it was on their travels together in the Outer Rim. Mayla was her protector, and those memories often eradicated whatever animosity or anger she had towards the young Trill.

"I can arrange that. I'm sure they have a few choice words for you." The nurse answered as she again folded her arms and tried to hold back the urge to smile back.

"And offer to them openings in our holosims if they want to increase their likelihood of survival when they have to fight to get to us in the field when we need medical attention."

"What? You're kidding me, right? My people in a sim with your people? With or without the holodeck safeties?"

Mayla shrugged. "It's up to you. But the offer is open ended. Any time they want to join us, they are welcomed. And so are you."

"Well, we did receive combat training from the 3rd Battalion of Starfleet Marines before we came here."

"All the more reason for your team to train with us. The one thing that will kill you is the one thing you've fallen out of practice from."

"I would really like that, Mayla. After the mission I’d like to see the two units train together." Smith warmly answered after finally smiling and relaxing her stance. "But I am still mad at you."

"I know. And that's okay." Mayla took a deep breath and let it out to cleanse herself of the memories and thoughts this conversation brought back to her. "Just be warned that anything could happen any time. Don't let your guard down for any reason. Even when you're on a ship like this."

"Can't ever relax, can you?"

The Trill stared out the window at the staff outside who still continued to steal glances at them. "Lazarus once was disabled and lost the Intruder. They were hijacked by a former Shadow operative thought dead, and left the crew marooned on a planet to fend for themselves with no life support supplies or equipment. The Intruder was then used to attack another ShadowOps ship and many people died. He's never going to forget that experience, nor let it happen again. Losing control of your own body, your ship stolen, and crew abandoned is one of the worst things that could happen to a captain."

"That's like Admiral Picard's story of Wolf 359," Victoria said.

"And he doesn't have the monopoly on that type of loss, helplessness, and guilt."

"I’m glad you came to me, Mayla. That meant a lot. And I’m sorry I called you a Trill b*tch." Smith answered with a nervous laugh.

"Come again?"

"Never mind," Victoria answered with a wave of her hand before standing on her toes and hugging the much taller Vree. God she hated being short. But nevertheless it felt good to resolve this issue. "You’re too important to me Mayla. I don’t want to fight with you."

"Remember that the next time you get mad at me." Mayla said, giving her a gentle pat on the back in the hug. "Your people do good work and are dedicated. That's all I expect."

"And YOU remember that the next time you force them into a sim." Victoria pulled away and took a deep breath. "There is…one more thing."

"What?”

"There was an…incident…with Ensign Charatetet.”

Vree cocked her head slightly to the side and stared at Victoria in confusion. "What do you mean by 'incident'?”

"Apparently part of the Muran healing process requires a link with a telepathic being. Ensign Gace, my Betazoid nurse, was assigned to that role. While Reepchip was in recovery and linked to Gace, I became telepathically linked to him as well. I believe it was unintentional, but it happened.”

"What happened?” Vree pressed. There was a tone of concern in her voice.

Victoria's mood again became serious as she looked down towards the floor. "There was some sort of dream sequence, but it felt very real. At the height of the encounter, I was separated from the memories and experience of Jairin.”

"It was only a dream sequence, correct?”

Victoria continued to stare at the floor as she kicked it with her foot. After a moment of silent reflection, she continued. "No….it was so much more. First, Jairin was outside my body, and then she was gone. Mayla, even after I broke away from the telepathic link with Reepchip, it took some time before I could sense her experiences and memories again. Even right now, I feel as if some of Jairin is missing from me. It terrified me! I won’t go back to the old Victoria before merging with Jiarin."

Now Mayla sat down. "I've read Kyril's personal logs on your merging and Meeka's underground updates while you were on Trill. I've even talked with him about your recovery. He didn't mention any serious long-term effects at the time. Could some recent event have triggered something in your mind for this to happen? Stress? Me? Will? Union XII?"

The red head shook her head. "I don't know. But to lose Jiarin now…."

"Maybe you need to reconnect with those memories that belong to her," Mayla said thoughtfully. "Perhaps talking with people who knew Jiarin might help. It may refresh those memories. I know Meeka is still on Trill. I'm sure he might know some people who might have some theories on the matter since you were a unique case, although not public."

"Meaning," Victoria said thoughtfully, "I can't go to the Commission or any official medical facility on Trill to bring this situation to light."

"I'm afraid not."

"Then I'll have to meet with Meeka face to face. I'll have to go to Trill."

"Yes. And if you do go, you should pay Leeli a visit."

Victoria perked up. "Mother is still alive? I mean, Jiarin's mother? I haven't talked with her in years."

"See, another reason to go to Trill."

"Will you come with me?"

"Of course, I will, if duty allows it."

"Bridge to Commander Vree and Commander Smith, the Resurrection is requesting for you and Union XII to return to the ship for immediate departure."

Mayla tapped her comm badge. "On my way to the transporter room now." She stood up and held Victoria by the arms. "We're now on the clock. This next mission sounds ominous. So Union XII must be ready."

"Ready and willing, Commander." Victoria gave her a short salute.

"Then let's go."

Victoria followed the Trill’s lead and ordered all but two of her team of medics and nurses to meet her in the transporter room. Afterward, she confirmed Union XII’s medical jumpship had been transferred to the Resurrection.

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

Commander Victoria Smith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.11

The four Union XII nurses and medics walked down the passageway as a group - Victoria in the lead, the other three behind her. All were dressed in black tactical suits and light armor. Full medical equipment packs and Type IV-a phaser rifles were strapped to their backs, while holstered Type-II pistols and ballistic helmets hung from their hips.

The group entered the Fearless’ transporter room to find a brooding McCulloch waiting to be beamed over to the Resurrection. The Scot gave a quick nod before studying Victoria in silence. There was once again an air of confidence about her.

"Are we ready to go?” The commanding nurse asked as she eyed Will suspiciously. She could tell he was in a foul mood.

"Yes Commander.” McCulloch answered as he chewed on a fingernail. He was distracted by the recent argument with Beckett.

Smith waved everyone onto the transporter pad. Seconds later, the team materialized onboard the Resurrection. As the blue-white light faded away, McCulloch saw Lieutenant Gysyd Riisos, second in command of Union XII, and Lieutenant Commander Darva McGuire, waiting for them.

"Commander.” McGuire greeted Victoria with a curt nod as the nurse stepped down off the padd.

"Ms. McGuire.” The nurse answered with a slight smile. She remembered the security chief from the hospital incident involving the Thompson sisters.

"Sir, I will escort you and the members of Union XII to your locker area near sickbay. You can store your medical and field gear there. Afterward, I am to take all of you down to the armory so Union XII can turn in its tactical uniforms and light armor.”

"What? Why?” Riisos asked in confusion. It was clear he was caught off guard by the announcement.

"I’m sorry, Commander Vree’s orders.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow as she eyed McGuire. What the hell was Vree up to now?

"Explain.” She demanded of the security chief.

McGuire paused momentarily before answering. "We’re upgrading your armor and equipment sir. Everything but the rifles. We’d issue you Type V rifles, but Commander Vree wants Colonel Jahkar to train you and your team before you take them into the field.”

"Lead the way." The nurse replied as she tried to contain her joy. When Union XII had been dispatched to join Phoenix Team, they had been issued older protective gear and field uniforms. The earliest the unit was scheduled for an "upgrade” was eight months out. This gesture by the Resurrection and Phoenix Team only underscored the nurse’s desire to prove her team’s capabilities in the field.

As the group started to leave the transporter room, The Scot signaled for Victoria to stay behind. She gave him a sideways look before nodding in agreement. Once they were alone, Will continued.

"You speak with Vree?”

"We did.”

"And?”

Victoria sighed before laughing. "It was a damn good conversation, Will. I’m glad we have it. We cleared the air.”

"All is good?”

"It’s better than good.”

"I’m glad to hear that.”

"I appreciate you listening to me vent earlier, Will, that meant a lot.”

"Anytime.” McCulloch answered as he stepped towards the nurse. Victoria blushed slightly before backing away from him.

"What’s eating you Will?” She inquired as she looked out beyond the transporter room and saw her team making their way down the ship’s passageway. "C’mon…you let me vent, let me return the favor.”

McCulloch hesitated momentarily. As Victoria batted her green eyes at him, the Scot finally relented and told her about the argument he had with Beckett. She took it all in and reflected upon what he had said.

Suddenly, she punched him hard in the right bicep. McCulloch winced. He could see the anger in her eyes.

"Ow! What was that for?”

Victoria responded with two more punches to the arm before addressing her ex-husband.

"He’s a good man! Since the two of you met, he has shown nothing but loyalty and you make a boneheaded, snarky comment about one of my nurses and him?”

"Here we go…” Will complained as he rubbed his arm.

"Here we go.” Victoria mimicked with a deepened voice before continuing.  "Through thick and thin Beckett has ALWAYS had your back. Remember when I was a complete crazy b*tch in the hospital after you were stabbed? Who stood up for you and got me to back off?”

"Cody.” Will muttered softly.

"And perhaps the first member of Phoenix Team to accept you as a friend despite knowing about your background, including being the occasional drunken man whore?”

"I’m a what?” Will demanded as he felt himself getting heated.

"I’m quoting from a profile report I read on you before Sorvek’s funeral.” Victoria replied matter-of-factly.

McCulloch was unsure how to respond. The nurse folded her arms and eyed Will knowingly.

"You want a second date with me?”

"I do.”

"The I suggest you apologize to Cody. Until you do, no date.”

"What?”

"You heard me.” Victoria as she spun around and started to leave the transporter room. "That man gave you a chance when no one else would, including me. I want him part of whatever life you hope to rebuild between us. Smarten up.”

As the nurse left, Will muttered "f*** me” underneath his breath.

"I heard that!” Smith announced as she continued down the hallway towards the Resurrection’s armory.

When she arrived, she found McGuire, Riisos and the three other members of Union XII standing around a table. On it were multiple black and olive drab jumpsuits, black cases that contained eye contacts and new ballistic helmets with face shields that more closely resembled Spartan warrior helmets from ancient Earth than anything she had worn before.

Victoria picked up one of the helmets and pushed on the face shield. It flipped back until it rested on the top of the helmet. She put the helmet down and looked more closely at the jumpsuits.

"Are these Type XIII armor?” She exclaimed as her hand ran over a shoulder patch. It was a red cross on a white field with "Union-XII” emblazoned in the center.

McGuire smiled knowingly. "Courtesy of Commander Vree. They literally just came off the replicator for you.”

"Holy sh*t!” Riisos exclaimed. "Tell us about the eye contacts?”

"The eye contacts will sync with all of your medical equipment, giving each of you a HUD of the patient you are working on.” Darva reported. "The contacts can also be synced with each other, allowing you to share medical data and develop treatment plans while in the field.”

Senior Petty Officer Gatc simply stared at the new equipment in stunned silence.

"What about the helmets? Tell me about them.” Victoria pressed as Ensign Zalir moaned in frustration. He sensed his superior was going to reject the helmets.

"I’ve read the reports on your preference for ballistic helmets instead of the standard-issue combat headwear. Why?”

"It’s a field of vision issue. Each of my nurses and medics needs an unobstructed view of a patient as well as their surroundings.”

"Then I think you’ll like these.” The security chief answered as she held up one of the headpieces. "These are combat engineer helmets.”

"Field engineer?” Riisos asked curiously.

"Like you, field engineers need an unobstructed view of their surroundings,” McGuire answered. "When the face shield is flipped up, it acts like a traditional ballistics helmet. Flip the face shield down and the HUD display from your contacts transfers to the helmet. Better yet, because there are micro cameras throughout the piece, you can pull up a 360-degree view of your surroundings on your helmet’s HUD.”

"Ma’am, please.” Petty Officer Sis begged. "This helmet is perfect for what we do.”

Smith was silent for a moment as she studied the new equipment. Finally she looked up at McGuire.

"Vree recommended all of this?”

"She did.”

Victoria remained quiet again as she picked up the helmet again to feel its weight in her hand. It was far lighter than she expected.

"Can you get all this to Ensign Gace and Petty Officer Mendes?” The combat nurse asked. "They will be accompanying Captain Lazarus to the surface. I’d also need two more for my jumpship pilot and his gunner.”

"I will personally see to it.”

Smith looked over her shoulder at her team and smiled widely. "Well, what are you waiting for? Suit up.”

Colonel Jahkar

Lt. Tiri Sh’avelith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.15

Jahkar was on his way to the armory to begin prepping everyone’s loadouts for the upcoming mission in the Gamma Quadrant. As he rounded a corner approaching the armory, a hand snaked out of the darkness of an open door and grabbed him, dragging him toward the entrance of cargo bay 2.

He almost moved to strike at the unseen aggressor, until he saw it was Tiri. The young Andorian pulled him into the bay and closed the door behind them.

"I almost put a palm heel into your face,” Jahkar gasped.

"Glad to see you too,” Tiri replied with a smile. She slipped her arms around him, and they stood looking at each other. Gradually, Jahkar put his arms around her, and they stood together in a surprising embrace.

Jahkar was a little uneasy at first, but suddenly he warmed up to this situation. They were alone. Since that kiss back on the runabout coming back from Bajor they had not really addressed what was going on between them.

"You know we’ve got to get ready for the mission,” he told her, looking down at her bluish eyes.

"I know. It’s just that we haven’t had a minute alone together since this whole mission started,” Tiri shrugged. "I just wanted a minute alone.”

Jahkar smiled, "This…thing…between us. I’ve been trying to process it since we came back from Bajor.”

"Me too,” Tiri said, then looking away. "It’s a lot. I’m sorry. Maybe this is a bad idea?”

"No,” Jahkar said. "It’s not a bad idea. Not at all. It’s just going to be difficult to explain.”

"Commander Vree?” Tiri asked, grimly.

"For starters. And then there’s the team,” he said. "Hell, McCullouch will have a heyday with this.”

Tiri grinned, "Oh, I’m sure he will. But, so what?”

Jahkar nodded and drew her closer, "This does feel good. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take time for you since we got back.”

"Not looking for an apology. I get it,” Tiri reassured him. "We have a mission. It comes first.”

He liked the fact she understood that. Duty always had to come first; it was an unfortunate part of being in a unit like Shadow Ops. The fact she got that and was good with it was important if they were to try and make this work.

Jahkar leaned in and kissed her. It was a longer kiss than they’d shared on the runabout. Like the hug, it felt good and for a moment he could put the mission away…even if it was just for a fleeting second.

Tiri was surprised by the kiss, but she was not complaining. When they parted, she looked up at him and smiled, "We’ll pick this up again later, then this thing is over.”

"Agreed,” Jahkar added. They then parted and left the cargo bay together, continuing on to the armory.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.16

Lazarus and Garak were outside the armory when Jahkar and Tiri arrived. Lazarus moved across the corridor to approach the Marine and Jahkar could tell he had something important to discuss.

“Sir?” Jahkar asked.

“Colonel, I want to discuss something with you,” Lazarus said. “It's about Tajel.”

Jahkar looked uneasy, “Is he OK?”

“He is. It’s about the mission Captain Rhikal and I are leading,” Lazarus explained. “I’d like to bring Tajel with us. I’ve reviewed his records and he spent time in this Wasteland area when he was with the relief organization, pre-Starfleet.”

Jahkar nodded, “I recall a letter from him indicating he had been there. A couple months I think.”

“His familiarity with this place and the people there might help us,” Lazarus said, before adding, “it also might give him a chance to do something that will help his defense at his court martial.”

“Perhaps,” Jahkar said. “But rather than asking me, captain, you should ask him. He’s a man now, and he’s the one who got himself in this mess.”

Lazarus smiled, “You’re right. I’ll go speak with him.”

“I’ll finish prepping the squad for our mission,” Jahkar said. “Tell him I’d like to talk to him before he beams down with you.”

Lazarus smirked, “It sounds like you expect he’ll go?”

“He’ll go. He needs this opportunity to try and undo some of this mess,” Jahkar said.

The captain turned to Garak, who remained uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange between Lazarus and Jahkar. “Go ahead and get yourself suited up, I’ll be back after I speak with Ensign Tajel.”

Garak gave a nod and headed into the armory to receive whatever gear he was being assigned for the mission to Cardassia. Meanwhile, Lazarus headed off to the brig. Jahkar turned and joined Garak in the armory where the others were getting their loadouts…

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.20

Ryramorl grunted as he and Reepchip suited up.

As they did, Ryramorl asked Garak about the people of the Wastelands, and listened carefully to what the former president said. “So…  Khassa or even Seawalkers at best,” he rumbled.

“...who?” asked Garak.

“The Seawalkers are an absolute mystery. Their domain is in the oceans; they are only seen when they wish to make their presence known. For many years, we did not even know what they call themselves. The Khassa are Murans, like Reepchip. The OverKings hold no sway over them whatsoever.”  It was said even the Khyrrian Emperor himself had no authority over them, but Ryramorl kept silent about that–the Cardassian didn’t need to know that the Carnora as a race had masters.

Reepchip got his contingent of darts, including some darts that had been coated in nanites that would destroy technology, some that would drug or poison Cardassians, and those with miniature tags in case his superiors wanted to track something. He did his best to ignore Garak’s look, like many, Garak seemed to see Reepchip as perhaps the team pet or the like.

When Lazerus came back with Tajel, Ryramorl sniffed–and remembered the scent from so long ago on Apachok Nor. Meanwhile, Reepchip chittered in recognition of his former fellow cadet.

Ryramorl grinned, letting the tips of his teeth be seen. “Well, well. Look at the bird that just landed on our cookfire,” he said–a jocular greeting common amongst his tribe.

Lt. Cody Beckett

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.20

Will watched as Victoria walked away. He rubbed his arm and shook his head.

“Bloody hell.” he muttered to himself. He knew the nurse was right and that perhaps he had been too tough on Cody. Worse, he knew his poor attempt at humor regarding the lieutenant’s interaction with Gace had fallen flat.

McCulloch sighed and exited the transporter room. He went to a nearby computer panel, requested information on Beckett’s location on board the Resurrection and made his way to apologize to the officer.

Beckett walked out of Sickbay where he had had his final checkup. The EMH was satisfied with his condition and recovery and gave the greenlight to return to duty. In one hour they would start the next part of the mission in the Gamma quadrant. Beckett had already reported for duty with Mayla and Captain Lazarus and decided to grab a quick bite before gearing up and headed for the messroom. From the replicator he ordered a meal and a bottle of water and he sat down at a free table and started eating. He still was irritated about the conversation with McCulloch. Will treated Cody as if he was a teenage child, not knowing what it was all about. He shook his head and pushed away the thoughts, just as the door to the mess room slid open and McCulloch stepped in. He scanned the room until he saw Cody and immediately walked into his direction.

Cody saw McCulloch moving his way and sighed. Why the heck couldn't McCulloch leave him alone?

Will saw the icy stare that Cody gave him as he entered the messroom. The Scot felt his stomach churn, knowing he had to make amends with the lieutenant. As he made his way over to Beckett, he heard the New Zealander scoff.

At the last moment, McCulloch veered to the left and went to the first available replicator and ordered a hot tea. Afterwards he returned to Cody’s table. The lieutenant was focused on his meal and purposely ignoring Will.

After a moment of very tense silence, McCulloch cleared his throat and spoke.

“May I sit down?”

Beckett glared up at the lieutenant commander, snorted with contempt and then reluctantly gestured to the open seat.

“You can sit wherever you want, Will, I’m about to leave.”

“Please don’t,” Will requested as he motioned the lieutenant to stay. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chairs. “I would like to speak with you Cody.”

Beckett studied McCulloch in sullen silence before carefully choosing his response. “Why should I? Do you need to use me as your punchline yet again?”

Will let his head sink to his chest. He deserved that. He looked back up at Cody.

“Cody, it has been pointed out to me that I have offended you.” McCulloch humbly noted as he rubbed his arm where Victoria had punched him. “If that is the case, I am truly sorry.”

Beckett continued to stare at the Scot. Will could see his face becoming flush with anger.

“Did Vree send you?” He demanded.

“No,” Will answered.

“Jahkar?”

“No.”

“Ensign Gace?” Beckett asked. Will noted there was a slightly different tone in his voice when he referenced the Union XII ensign.

“No. It was…”

“You owe Gace an apology as much as you owe me one.” Cody demanded.

“I know. That was also pointed out to me.”

Beckett eyed knowingly at McCulloch before leaning back in his own chair. “It was Victoria, wasn’t it?”

Will nodded his head quickly in the affirmative.

“Cody, I was out of line and I apologize. I assure you I didn’t mean to offend you and I will never do that again.

Cody took a sip of his water before he spoke.

"It's not only that. You behaved yourself like a father towards his teenage son. First of all, you're not. Second, I can make my own decisions. Even if they involve someone you know and care. What happens between Sarah and me is our business. Definitely not yours."

McCulloch bit his tongue. Cody had only been on two dates, if that, with Sarah Pickering and had turned to the Scot for advice from the start. If the lieutenant wanted to fly solo that was his prerogative and right to do so. But Will made a note to mind his own damn business if and when Sarah discovered that Hixwir Gace was batting her pretty ice blue eyes at the New Zealander. Will smirked slightly to himself…Sarah was going to eat him alive.

“What is so damn funny” Beckett demanded.

Will raised his hands as a gesture of surrender. “You are absolutely right Cody. I am out of line. I was only looking out for you but my approach was completely wrong and it offended you. Again, I apologize. I never intended to interfere in your personal life but it came across that way. I will never act that way again…”

Will trailed off momentarily. He smirked again at Beckett before continuing. “Even if Sarah eats you alive, it is none of my business. She is good for you, and I want the two of you to be happy. You have my word … no more poking my head into others’ business..”

Beckett studies McCulloch's face for a few moments before answering.

"Listen Will, I know you probably where just looking out for me. But I can, and want to be

able to handle this myself. And if Sarah 'eats me alive' because of a good-looking nurse that took care of me, I guess we need to reconsider our relationship. I am crazy about her, but if she goes ballistic every time another woman looks at me, I truly wonder if this, or any relation she has or had will work in the long run. "

McCulloch smirked, and raised his hands once more.

"OK. Fine by me. But don't come  complaining when things go south. " McCulloch replied.

"You're such a pessimist McCulloch" Beckett laughed as he got up.

"A realist, Beckett, a realist"

Beckett scoffed.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever" He replied.

As he walked out of the messhall, McCulloch fell in line with him.

"Is everything ok again? " Will asked.

Beckett stopped and looked at the Scot.

“Yeah, we are ok again. You know I don't stay mad for long. And if you ever feel the urge to give advice, try a more tactful way. "

Beckett slapped McCulloch on the shoulder.

"Come on, let's see where they are sending us now. " Beckett said as the pair made their way to the armory.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

Ensign Dara Tajel

USS Resurrection/ Cargo Bay

Stardate 2112.24

It wasn’t long after Lazarus left that her returned with Tajel in tow. The young ensign, short on options, decided quickly to come along with Lazarus and Garak. He felt he could be of some sort of assistance to them – though more than anything he just wanted to do something other than rot in a cell.

Security officers still escorted them, Tajel being a prisoner, but when they arrived at the Cargo Bay and walked in, Lazarus dismissed the escort.

“We’ve got it from here,” Lazarus told them. “You’re dismissed.”

The escort left and Tajel stood there, looking around at the group assembled there. Lazarus had chosen the cargo bay for the briefing based on the size of the team.

Phoenix Squad was there, everyone suited up in armor, weapons and gear. Joining them was Captain Vehakra Rhikal from the Fearless, and her security officers -- Milford, Th'vaarrar, Senek and Kalberg.

Most elements from Union XII were present, led by Commander Smith, and Lt. Commander McGuire from Resurrection in case Vree decided to utilize any of her people.

Lazarus was there, of course, joined by Garak and Tajel, who stood there next to the captain, looking straight ahead as he felt many of the eyes in the room upon him – his status as a traitor and prisoner weighing upon him now.

“OK, listen up,” Captain Rhikal announced. “I will be leading a team to the surface of Cardassia Prime to locate the captain of the Cardassian ship we were ambushed by. His name is Gul Tirlin Drajal. He has beamed down into a place called the Wastelands. It is an inhospitable area on the planet, bombed heavily during the Dominion genocide here 20 years ago. He is believed to be hiding among an anti-occupation, anti-government enclave hidden in this mountainous region.

“My team will consist of Captain Lazarus, Mr. Garak, Ensign Dara, Lt. Ra’yral, Ensign Charatetet and Milford, Th'vaarrar, Senek and Kalberg from Fearless security,” the Orion woman said. “Commander Smith will assign two medics to the team. We will assemble in the transporter bay in 30 minutes for transport to the surface.”

She turned to Lazarus, who nodded then turned his own gaze to Phoenix Squad. “Commander Vree, you and the rest of your team will remain aboard Resurrection, which will leave Fearless here and jump to the coordinates of the Sons of Cardassia outpost called Forward Base, located in the Gamma Quadrant.

“Commander Vree, we have no further intel so when we arrive at those coordinates you will have to assess and decide on a course of action,” Lazarus continued. “Coordinate with Commander McGuire regarding augmenting your team with security personnel if you deem it necessary. Commander Smith, assign medics if needed to assist Phoenix.”

He looked around at the group, “Are there any questions?”

[ Back to top]

S4, E2, Act 2: Justice is Coming (Extended edition)
Commander Mayla Vree

Cargo Bay, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.24

"Are we purely on a S&D? Or are we to take prisoners?" Mayla asked.

"Destroying the base outright won't confirm that the Trinity device is there nor its destruction. We need some sort of confirmation it was there and accounted for, or else we might discover their survival the hard way in the future," Captain Rhikal said.

Garak gave a wave of his hand. "Trinity signifies three devices. They may have the remaining two there."

Lazarus nodded. "You'll have to move fast before they employ the use of them. Hit them fast and hard, find the two Trinity devices and destroy them."

"So, I'll ask it again," Mayla said. "What about prisoners?"

Rhikal shot a glance to Garak before addressing Phoenix Squad. "If you infiltrate, make sure you have your body cameras recording. We want to see who was there so we can identify them afterwards. Prisoners will be at your discretion."

Lieutenant Cody Beckett

Cargo Bay USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.25

Cody listened to the discussion between Vree and Lazarus and weighed the situation that was described.

"Do we know what we're up against?

Any intelligence on the size of the base? Numbers of hostiles? I assume these Trinity devices will be well guarded. "

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.25

“We don't know anything,” Lazarus admitted. “The only confirmation we have of this place is what Mr. Garak has told me, and his full report should be available in your mission data. Garak only knows the Obsidian Order said Forward Base was located at those coordinates. The station, its SOC compliments, defenses – none of it is on record anywhere. All that data perished with the destruction of the Obsidian Order 20 years ago.”

Garak then chimed in, “And the latest intel is known only by the Sons of Cardassia who have been there, which so far of the prisoners we’ve taken from the Regnedor that have cooperated, none of them have ever left the Alpha Quadrant.”

Lazarus nodded, “It’s a crap shoot. You won’t know anything until you’re on site. I’m sorry. I wish I knew more, lieutenant.”

Commander Victoria Smith

USS Resurrection/ Cargo Bay

Stardate 2112.24

“My team will consist of Captain Lazarus, Mr. Garak, Ensign Dara, Lt. Ra’yral, Ensign Charatetet and Milford, Th'vaarrar, Senek and Kalberg from Fearless security,” Captain Rhikal “Commander Smith will assign two medics to the team. We will assemble in the transporter bay in 30 minutes for transport to the surface.”

“Ensign Hixwir Gace and Petty Officer Joao Felix Mendes are at your disposal sir.” Victoria immediately replied as she gestured towards the pair.

“New armor and equipment ma’am?” Mendes inquired quietly.

“The new armor, helmets and contacts. I also want full med kits, side arms and rifles.” The commanding nurse answered matter-of-factly. “I’ll see the two of you off to the transporter room in fifteen minutes. Move.”

“Yes ma’am.” Gace replied as the pair of medics left the meeting and went to the Union XII locker area to kit out for the mission.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.27

Ryramorl grunted as he was given another mission here on Cardassia, away from the more… fun stuff the rest of the team was doing. On one hand, it did make sense that they’d want a hunter on this mission, as they were seeking this Tirlin Drajal

On the other…  Well, he wondered if the ghost of Sorvek had warned Vree not to take Ryramorl with them. Somewhere, the Sons of Cardassia had the Female Changeling, and as much as the Federation wanted her back, The Khyrrian Empire wanted her for orchestrating the attack on the Antevas System, their sole foothold in this realm of reality, and Ryramorl would have been more than willing to deliver her into their judgment–after executing some of his own.

Pushing these thoughts out of his way, he asked Garak, “Is there any way I can get a sample of his scent?” he asked.

Garak looked at the Carnora in disbelief and chuckled, “There is no way to provide that, lieutenant, Tirlin has not lived on Cardassia Prime in years and any recent scent would have been left aboard the Regnedor, which was destroyed.”

Lazarus cleared his throat, “Actually, we have his last known location, Ryramorl. It was the escape pod he used to transport down to the surface from. That last pod he beamed from is still in the cargo bay. It’s the only one we haven’t disposed of.”  He looked to the Carnora, “Go have a look, see if you can find a scent.”

As they spoke, Reepchip took another stock of his loadout–drugged darts, yep. Poisoned darts, check. Nanite darts, check. Tagged darts, check. Explosive darts, yep. Blowgun? He patted himself here and there before he found it and adjusted where he had it so he could reach it more easily. He kept in his head the mantra, “The Khassa remain unseen, and never attack in melee.”

Ryramorl glanced at Captain Rikhal for permission, and she nodded.

Ryramorl gestured to Reepchip, and they headed to the cargo bay. Once in the escape pod, both Carnora breathed deeply, taking in the scent of the Cardassian. It was mixed in with the scents of the crew who’d been in there, but Lazarus, in his wisdom, had kept that to a minimum, and Ryramorl would be a poor hunter indeed if he couldn’t tell one scent from another. Ryramorl committed it to memory like the hunter he was. Reepchip breathed deeply as well, meditating on the smell, the way it was in his nostrils and on his whiskers. Finally, the two Carnora returned, Ryramorl giving Captain Lazarus a solemn nod. “Thank you, sir.  I think I have the scent.”

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.28

“Don’t know where we’re going. Don’t know what to expect when we arrive,” said Jahkar. “Are we sure these coordinates won’t put us inside a star or planet or directly inside this Forward Base?”

The marine was used to missions where intel was limited. Not with Shadow Ops, but with the Marines it had happened many times. He understood there was no way to gather intel prior to going into this mission. It was in another quadrant, behind Dominion lines and another attack by the Sons of Cardassia was imminent.

He looked to the captain for any details or answers he could offer.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.03

Lazarus shook his head, “We have no idea. I’ve asked Commanders Sornax and Carmicheal to review the coordinates and any known intel about that system in the Gamma Quadrant. Hopefully we’ll know more before we’re ready to jump. There are undeniable risks.”

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2112.31

Will listened to the briefing yet chose to remain silent. The questions he had were answered and admittedly, he didn’t want Vree, Lazarus or the Orion Captain hearing his thoughts on the proposed mission.

In short, the Scot felt the entire operation was going to be a very bloody mess. He instinctively knew he and his fellow operatives would be essentially going in blind and the odds against them were quite high.

Rather than raise his concerns and objections, McCulloch chose to remain silent. He knew they collectively had a job to do, and risks be damned, they better do it well.

The Scot occasionally stole a glance towards Victoria. Damn she looked very attractive in her new, form fitting Union XII armor. As his mind occasionally wandered towards impure thoughts, he felt the cold stare of the Trill bear down on him. He looked over towards Vree, only to see her shake her head in disapproval. In response, Will turned his attention back towards Victoria’s backside, which only caused Mayla to glare at him even harder.

Once the briefing concluded, McCulloch started to make his way towards the exit. En route, Jahkar intercepted him.

“Going somewhere Lt. Commander?” The marine inquired as he studied the Scot suspiciously.

“Aye, I have someone to see before the mission commences.”

The colonel looked over his shoulder and back towards Victoria. “The cute red-headed nurse you were mentally undressing for the past twenty minutes is back there McCulloch.”

“I need to see someone else.”

“You comfortable with the mission parameters McCulloch or do I need to be concerned once we are deployed? You seem…distracted.”

“You have nothing to worry about sir.”

“I hope so Will. Dismissed.”

McCulloch quickly left the hangar and made his way to the Resurrection’s medical bay. Once there, he looked about the facility until his eyes met the EMH.

“Lt. Commander McCulloch, can I help you?” The program quickly inquired.

“I’m looking for two of your patients…Thrice and Hannigan.”

“Ah, the two you brought in for treatment during the battle.”

“Yes.”

“Ensign Thrice has been discharged. Curiously, she was a tad embarrassed when I informed her that it was you that saved her life.”

“As expected, she is well?” Will pressed.

“She has fully recovered and has returned to active duty. I can recall her if you wish to speak with her.”

“No, that is quite alright. I’m sure we will cross paths again in the very near future. Warrant Officer Fiadh Hannigan?”

“Ah, Hannigan.” The EMH noted. “Commander Smith won’t release her until she conducts the final discharge exam herself.”

“Oh?”

“Mr. McCulloch, Warrant Officer Hannigan should be dead. She exceeded expectations during the last battle but to her own detriment. Her kidney was punctured, and she lost a lot of blood when she was hit by that piece of shrapnel. She should be resting for at least the next 48 hours, but she insists on being returned to active duty.”

McCulloch nodded silently. Hannigan’s conduct was consistent with the rest of Union XII… putting their own safety aside and going the extra mile to prove their worth to the Resurrection crew and Phoenix Team.

“May I see her?” Will inquired.

“You may.” The EMH replied matter-of-factly as she pointed towards the back of the bay. “She’s sulking on the last biobed on your left.”

The Scot made his way back to Fiadh’s location and found the Union XII nurse sitting up with her arms folded and eying McCulloch.

“You're daft if you think I didn’t hear what you said to the EMH Mr. Falkirk.” Fiadh huffed in a heavy Irish brogue. “You’re not me Da.”

“Fortunately, no I’m not your Da Ms. Cork.” McCulloch retorted, referencing Fiadh’s city of residence on Earth. It had been an ongoing battle of words between the Irish woman and McCulloch whereby they referred to each other from their hometown rather than by rank or name. “If I was, I would have grounded your sorry ass years ago.”

Fiadh scoffed before looking away from him. After a moment of awkward silence, she glanced back at him. “I suppose you want a thank you because you saved my life?”

“Technically I only carried you to the medical bay but no, I don’t need or want a thank you.”

“What do you want then?”

“I want to make sure you are on the road to recovery.”

The nurse studied Will in silence for a brief moment before weakly smiling. “Commander Smith won’t clear me so I can’t return to duty.”

“She’s very protective of you.”

‘So, I’ve heard.”

“From what I can gather, Ensign Gace and you are her favorites.”

“I know.” Hannigan confidently sniffed. “But she’ll never admit it. Or that I’m much cooler than Hixwir.”

“So, Victoria won’t clear you?”

“Commander Smith.” Fiadh corrected. “No, not yet.”

McCulloch nodded in silence before gesturing for the warrant officer to get off the bio bed. She slid off the table and lost her footing slightly. Will quickly seized Fiadh by the arm and steadied her. She eyed the Scot suspiciously.

“Why are you helping me Falkirk?”

“You want to return to duty?”

“I do.”

“Well, if we get you up and about, you may be cleared sooner rather than later.”

Fiadh continued to stare at Will incredulously. “Well, isn’t this bloody grand. You’re being nice to me to score points with my commanding officer aren’t ya McCulloch?!?”

“Perhaps.” Will replied as he tried to contain a smile. He leaned towards the nurse and offered her his arm. “Shall we go for a walk around the deck. If you can do that, it may be just enough to get you cleared by Vict…Commander Smith.”

Fiadh gestured for Will to lead the way. Moments later, the pair was out walking in a passageway. She leaned heavily on the Scot as the pair advanced.

“The EMH told me that had you not brought me into the medical bay, I would have died.”

“I doubt that.”

“I told the EMH that as well,” Fiadh quipped.

McCulloch laughed slightly. “You’re too much of a pain in my ass to die Warrant Officer Hannigan.”

“Aren’t you the charmer?” Hannigan answered as the pair rounded a corner. Her lower left back still throbbed from where the piece of shrapnel pierced her. She cleared her throat and looked up at the Scot. “Nevertheless, a proper thank you is in order sir.”

“There’s no need, we’re good Hannigan.”

“You won’t even let me thank you? You really are a stubborn Scottish bastard aren’t you sir?”

Again, Will smiled. “That’s perhaps the nicest thing someone has said about me all week.”

“Don’t get used to it sir.” Fiadh replied with a soft laugh. She leaned again on McCulloch for support as the pair continued down the passageway. “And no stickers for you.”

“I’m glad to hear that. That means more for Jahkar.” McCulloch quickly answered.

Fiadh often slapped humorous stickers on her patients as a tool of distraction before commencing difficult and often painful treatment.

“Definitely no stickers for you.” The nurse repeated as the pair continued walking.

Eventually her mind drifted away from the pain of her wound and instead focused on the conversation she shared with William McCulloch.

Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection, above Cardassia Prime

Stardate 2112.25

After the briefing, she stopped by the armory's computer station and pulled up whatever information they had on Nixamar XII. All Stafleet cartography had on it was that it was a purple and pink gaseous planet unable to support life. Even the information from Cardassia's computers from the defunct Obsidian Order gave them scant more information on the planet, including the base they had built there. She accessed plans and schematics for as many other Cardassian bases that were built in similar environments and goals. At least it was something.

She forwarded what information there was to her internal AI and a copy to her quarters where her computer setup will help with collating and organizing the tactical data much quicker. When she got there, there was a colorfully wrapped package sitting on her desk. She stopped short at her door, staring at the package for a few moments before coming all the way in.

"Computer, who left this package here in my quarters?"

"The item was beamed on board with an upsilon phi sigma priority delivery authorization."

She cocked her head while listening carefully to the authorization code that sounded vaguely familiar. "Who is it from?"

"Unknown."

"Unknown? Where did it come from?"

"Unknown," the computer repeated flatly.

"Who authorized this delivery?"

"The name attached to the authorization is Unknown."

She shook her head and looked at her chronometer. It was Yuletide, and it was that time of the year again. A gift from her father.

"Lazarus to Vree, report to my ready room immediately."

"On my way," she acknowledged as she did an about face and hurried out the door. By the time the doors fully opened to the Captain's ready room, she saw him standing next to his desk with a small colorfully wrapped box opened in his hand.

When the door fully closed behind her, he turned and glared at her. "What the frak is the meaning of this? Is this some sick joke?"

Mayla stepped forward and looked at what lay nestled in the box. It was a small pendant made from a dark crystal she recognized as onyx with a shaped diamond offset from the middle. "What is it?"

He took it out of the box and studied it front and back with his artificial eye. For the first time, she saw his hand tremble just a tiny bit. "I gave this to my wife on our 10th wedding anniversary. It was lost when Osaka Prime was attacked, killing my entire family almost 40 years ago. There's an inscription on the back that tells me this is the real thing."

"It's pretty." Then she looked at the box again, which had the same wrappings as the gift in her own quarters. "Did you just receive it? In this?"

"It was sitting here on my desk when I came in here. The computer couldn't tell me how it got here."

"And you haven't seen the pendant since the attack?"

"I was taken on board the USS Goddard with injuries so severe from the metagenic weapon that it took me 2 years to recover." He stopped short remembering the painful memories that still occasionally haunt him. He thought the time that's passed allowed him to bury the feelings of immense loss and despair. He was not in a good place physically and mentally at the time. After his physical recovery, he joined the Maquis to continue the fight against the hated Cardassians who killed his entire family.

Mayla noticed the pause and knew from her childhood the pain her captain still bore. She changed the subject. "I think it's from Kyril. Today is Yuletide. I just received mine in my quarters. I haven't opened it yet." She looked around the office to see if there was anything amiss. "He sent us one last year on this day, remember?"

"What is he gaming at with this? I never knew your father to play practical jokes."

"No, he doesn't. And especially not to you."

He continued to study every bit of the pendant and the chain but stopped at the clasp. "Wait, there's something here on the clasp." He spied it closer, and his head jerked up a notch. "What the hell?"

"What is it?"

"There's a compressed barcode here, digitally coded to an old encryption Bravo Epsilon Seven used to use."

"Bravo EpSeven? That IS old." She thought back to the time before her father's team was redesignated as Bravo Squad. "What does it say?"

"All it has are a series of long numbers. Almost looks like coordinates, but too many numbers, and letters. It does look vaguely familiar."

"Can you image it and send it to me?"

Instantly, an image appeared in her eyes, and she immediately recognized parts of the message and what they could be for. But the revelation to the captain right now before a mission might distract him too much. "I can look into it for you if you'd like."

"You know your father best. I'll give it some time, maybe something else will reveal itself. Right now, I have a mission to lead."

"Good luck. I'll let you know if I find something. Merry Yuletide, Captain."

She could sense in him putting aside his emotions when he replaced the pendant and closed the box with a snap. She was still looking at the image when she left the bridge and wondered why there were Linea spatial coordinates on the pendant. And why use Linea cartographical coding? Was this Kyril's way of passing information that he knew only Lazarus and Mayla knew how to read? And what did the rest of the message mean?

What was Kyril trying to tell Lazarus?

She went straight to her quarters to open her own Yuletide gift. Maybe something else may be revealed there.

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.07

Jahkar and Tajel found a place they could talk outside the armory after the younger man finished donning his gear. Jahkar could not help himself from staring, seeing Tajel dressed in Shadow Ops armor and carrying team gear.

“What’s wrong?” Tajel asked.

“You…just look like a…soldier,” Jahkar stammered. “It’s a good look on you.”

Tajel smirked, “Enjoy while you can, next time you see me I’ll be in prison fatigues I’m sure.”

Jahkar scowled at him, “Enough. You don’t know that.”

“Captain seems to think me going along on this mission will go a long way toward helping my case with Starfleet,” said Tajel. “I think he’s being overly optimistic.”

“Just don’t do anything…”

“What? Crazy? Stupid?” Tajel asked. “I won’t. I think I’ve run out of stupid things I can do. Maybe I’ll get lucky and take one for the team…you know, get vaporized so I can…”

“Stop it!” Jahkar barked. “Don’t talk that way. You go down there, you do as the captains tell you and you come back in one piece. We’ll sort this thing out when it’s over.”

Tajel nodded and then looked up at Jahkar, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry. For this entire mess and for all the crap I’ve given you for all these years.”

Jahkar was a little surprised to hear the apology, though he’d never expected Tajel to offer one.

“I know you and I never saw eye-to-eye, even before your mom died,” Jahkar said. “I tried to do what I thought was right.”

“You tried. I know. I should have tried harder myself,” Tajel replied. “Don’t beat yourself up, I was a complete brat for all those years. I made myself this way…never giving you a chance, never appreciating the things you did for Kedanya and I. I’m really sorry Jahkar.”

Jahkar reached over and grabbed Tajel and pulled him into a big bear hug. He held him for a long time, then with a solid pat on the back he released him and nodded toward the door, “See you when I get back. Go catch Tirlin, bring him to justice.”

Tajel smiled and grabbed up his bag before turning and heading off to join the captain and Garak as they arrived in the corridor outside.

Jahkar watched him go and followed at a distance. It was time to let Tajel be a man and for him to go do what he could to fix the mess he’d made for himself.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.07

Resurrection was operational and ready to get underway, thanks to Tommy Carmichael and his team. Although not repaired 100 percent, the ship was ready to jump to the Gamma Quadrant and Carmichael and his team would continue with repairs in transit.

With the good word handed down by the chief engineer, Lazarus hailed the team. Team Two would beam over to the USS Fearless and join the rest of their teammates from that crew before beaming down to Cardassia Prime.

Lazarus and Garak arrived in the transporter room with Tajel, Ryramorl and Reepchip. All they needed were the two Union XII medics and they’d be ready to beam to the Fearless. Sornax and Vree were there, along with Jahkar who was saying his goodbyes to his son.

“You’re sure about this?” the Denobulan asked Lazarus. “There’s no reason you need to put yourself in danger down there. Rhikal can handle it.”

“I’m fine, Sornax. I need to see this through,” the captain said. He and Garak were both in armor with mountain camouflage, both carrying rifles. Tajel was also in full armor and gear. “Are you ready to take the Rez to the Gamma Quadrant?”

“Indeed I am,” he said. “Carmichael has made some re-calculations to the coordinates we obtained, compared with starcharts we have of that region of space and we think we know where it will place us.”

Lazarus raised an eyebrow, “And where is that?”

“A system called Nixamar,” said Sornax. “The exact coordinates are somewhere near the twelfth planet there. It’s an out of the way, backwater system. Uninhabited and of little strategic interest to the Dominion.”

“The perfect place to hide a secret base,” Lazarus said.

Garak nodded, “Out of the way, but close enough to launch an attack with cloaked ships.”

Lazarus turned from the Cardassian tailor and set his gaze on Sornax, offering him a smile. “Bring them back in one piece, commander. That goes for my ship, too.”

“Of course,” Sornax bowed slightly. “We’ll be back to pick you up in no time.”

Lazarus shook his hand and then turned to lead his squad into the transporter room…

Commander Victoria Smith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 22.01.07

Victoria led two of her medics to the transporter room but stopped short of entering. The combat nurse spun around and looked up at Gace and Mendes.

Damnit, why the hell did she have to be so short?

“Are you two ready?”

“Yes ma’am.” The pair instinctively replied.

“Full med kits with tools for blood loss control and and diagnostic equipment?”

“Yes ma’am.” Hixwir answered.

“Hyposprays and related cartridges?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Drag belts and isolinear tages?”

“Yes mom…ma’am.” Gace answered as she corrected herself.

Victoria grumbled softly in Trill as she conducted a final visual and physical inspection of the two medics' armor and equipment. In addition to the medical packs, Type XII armor and upgraded ballistic helmets, the pair were carrying Type II pistols and Type IV rifles. She ordered Mendes to hand his rifle to her. She quickly inspected the weapon, checked the power cells and returned it to the petty officer.

“We’re going to be fine ma’am. We’ll make the team proud.” Mendes announced confidently as he tried to mask his nervousness.

“Bring the Captain and his team back in one piece.” Victoria answered. “And both of you come back to me safely. Understood?”

“We promise we will.” Gace answered with a curt nod.

Smith led the pair into the transporter room and instantly made eye contact with Lazarus as she approached.

“Commander.” He announced.

“Sir, your medics for the mission. Ensign Hixwir Gace and Petty Officer Joao Felix Mendes.”

Both stood at attention before the Captain. Victoria continued.

“Ensign Gace is a Betazoid and will be helpful in the event the Muran is injured again. She is also a cardiac nurse with experience in emergency battlefield surgery. Petty Officer Mendes hails from Earth and is trained in extrication and emergency triage.”

Lazarus studied the six-foot-two muscular Brazilian silently. Victoria immediately recognized what the Captain had picked up on.

“Sir, yes he can also drag an injured Lieutenant Ra'yral off the battlefield if necessary.”

“Good.” The Captain replied with a tone of approval. “Thank you commander. Dismissed.”

Victoria nodded at her two medics, spun around and started to leave the transporter room. As she passed Reepchip she stopped briefly to speak with him.

“I expect my warrior to be careful out there.” The nurse announced with a warm smile. “Good luck Ensign…give them hell for me.”

Victoria left the transporter room and tapped her badge.

“Smith to Riisos.”

“Riisos here ma’am.” The Orion nurse and second-in-command of Union XII answered. “Orders?”

“Have the team start preparing the Resurrection’s medical bay to receive casualties. Also we should start setting up the Gentle Annie as a Combat Support Hospital (CSH). Inform the team the path of patient reception will be from the field to the CSH to the medical bay.”

“Aye ma’am.”

“Gatc is on standby with me for potential deployment with the assault teams. Hannigan will man the medical bay with the EMH. You, Sis and Zalir will take the CSH. Understood?”

“Yes ma’am”

“If the Gentle Annie is deployed, let Pyme know he is weapons free once the jumpship is free of the Resurrection.”

“Affirmative Commander.”

“Move. Smith out.”

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.08

As Victoria left the transporter room, Reepchip uttered a growling chitter. While he was grateful for the concern, her matronizing attitude towards him was beginning to irk; her tone all but named him “Charatet”. He wondered if he’d have to do something similar to her that he did to Tiri some time ago and eat in a disquietingly savage way. Or something. He remembered an Ithenite at Starfleet Academy having similar issues.

He tried to push that thought out of his mind, ignoring the look from Hixwir Gace, who could hear his thoughts. He was uneasy about this whole mission, an unease that wasn’t at all helped by the fact that he had to work beside a Cardassian.

“Scenting something you don’t like?” asked Ryramorl over the subvoc..

“This Garak is hiding from me,” said Reepchip. “It makes my fur rise.”

Ryramorl said nothing; he knew what Reepchip was talking about;  Garak’s mental discipline kept his mind closed off from Reepchip, and a telepath like the Muran would find that very suspicious.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.12

The team heading to the surface of Cardassia Prime transported off Resurrection and rematerialized aboard the USS Fearless, where they were greeted by Captain Rhikal and her team, which consisted of Lt. Gail Milford, Lt. Sohl Th'vaarrar, Ensign Senek and Ensign William Kalberg from Fearless security.

The Orion captain and her team were dressed the same as Lazarus, Garak and the rest of their people. Rhikal’s gaze immediately fell upon Tajel, with whom she immediately raised an eyebrow. She was not expecting to see him dressed in combat gear, carrying a weapon.

Vehakra at first wanted to pull Lazarus aside for a talk but decided there was no time. She decided she didn’t care if Tajel heard what she had to say or not.

“Captain Lazarus,” said Rhikal. “Are you sure about bringing Ensign Dara along, armed and dressed as one of us?”

Tajel lowered his head and said nothing as Lazarus looked to him, then back at the Orion woman, “He is assisting this team and I want him to be able to defend himself and the squad.”

Rhikal frowned, “You are aware of the charges…”

“I am well aware of the charges, captain,” he said. “Ensign Dara is a member of this team. If you are uncomfortable with that, I will command the team and you can remain behind.”

The Orion gave him a cold glare, then shrugged, “Fine. But if he steps out of line…”

“I won’t!” Tajel snapped, then adding, “Captain.”

Rhikal looked back to Lazarus, “OK, let’s proceed. Ready for transport.”

The squad stepped up onto the transporter pad and were transported to the surface of Cardassia Prime, where they materialized in the mountains of the Wastelands. It was dark when they beamed down, and a cool breeze blew through the valley where they had been set down.

“We’re about one kilometer from the last known location of the main encampment of Cardassians who live in these mountains, “said Rhikal. “Ensign Dara, input from the specialist?”

Tajel checked his tricorder and then looked around the valley and got his bearings. “This way,” he said, pointing toward some rocky terrain west of their position. “If we walk that way we will come up on the west side of the Kentara camp. I spent time there when I was with the relief organization.”

“Reepchip, scout ahead,” the Orion woman ordered. “Ryramorl and Th'vaarrar take point, Dara right behind them. I’ll be next in our marching order. Lazarus and Garak in the middle with the Union XII medics. Milford and Senek next and Kalberg brings up the rear. Let’s move out.”

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Cardassia Wastelands

Stardate 2201.14

Ryramorl glanced around at the harsh terrain and rumbled softly to Reepchip, “As Hroljarus Andruvar would say, ‘the ground welcomes me home.’”

Reepchip chittered a bit at that.

“Remember, Reepchip. The Khassa…”

“Don’t let themselves be seen,” responded the Muran, and went forwards. Before long, he’d disappeared behind the rocks, going in the direction that Tajel had indicated. He frequently sniffed the wind to see if he could smell Cardassians, or at least the recent presence of them.

Remaining hidden, he slowly approached a cave, trying to remain hidden from view.

Inside the cave entrance, Reepchip saw a group of at least 50 Cardassians, with shelters set up inside the cave, fires burning outside their tents. Many appeared to be asleep, others were gathered in small groups talking and laughing.

These appeared to be the refugees who called these mountains home. He managed to slip past a couple of armed sentries and made his way up to a higher point I the cave where he could look down on the encampment and take it all in.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Cardassia

Stardate 2201.15

Ryramorl looked at the scrub brush and barren rocks. “As Hroljarus Andruvar would say, ‘the ground welcomes me home’,” he said to Reepchip, comparing the harsh terrain to the mountainous homeland of the Andruvar Tribe.

They headed forwards in the direction Tajel had pointed; Ryramorl holding on tight to his rifle, ready for anything.

Commander Sornax

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.12

As soon as Lazarus and his team were off the ship, the Denobulan first officer took the captain’s chair and gave the order for Black Alert. The helmsman input the coordinates provided by Carmicheal and seconds later, the ship spun and then winked out of existence, leaving the Cardassia system behind.

A second later, Resurrection jumped into what appeared to be a pink and purple gas cloud. Vree was also on the bridge, and she stared at the holographic viewscreen with a perplexed look.

“What are we looking at?” she asked.

“Our destination, it would seem,” Sornax said. Through the haze and swirling gasses of the atmosphere around them, they suddenly began to make out the shape of what appeared to be a space station looming directly ahead of them.

“Oh my,” Sornax gasped. “Those coordinates put us right on it.”

Vree looked to Dahrt at tactical, “Can they see us?”

“Our sensors are inoperable,” the Iotian said. “Also, we cannot raise shields, activate the phased cloak or transport in this soup.”

Sornax turned to Vree, “Sounds like the perfect place to hide a space station for 20 years in Dominion territory.”

Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection, Nixamar XII

Stardate 2101.12

"Better back us off, sir. They look out a window and they might see us." Mayla suggested to Sornax as she pointed to a panel on Darht's tactical station for Darht. "Get the computer to do a visual extrapolated image and identify anything it can compared to the schematics we got from Cardassian Intelligence."

"What's the plan on getting on to that thing?" Sornax said as he sent commands to the Helm to slowly back the ship off to a few kilometers.

"If they've had ships docked here, they must have some sort of beacon or computer guided system to bring them in." Mayla said absentmindedly. "And some sort of traffic control or else ships will be crashing into each other."

"They might have calibrated their sensors to see through this soup," Darht said as the computer worked up an outlined schematic of the station. "They could be seeing us now."

"Better get someone to see if they can get any of the systems to see through this atmosphere." Mayla contemplated Phoenix Squad's insertion. She keyed her subvoca to the teaml. "I need everyone on the Bridge."

Each member acknowledged quickly.

"Atmosphere is too thick for environmental suit thrusters," Mayla said. "We can parachute in, or use the scout ship to drop us off on the hull. It might be small enough to go unnoticed."

Colonel Jahkar and Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.14

Jahkar had arrived on the bridge and stood with Vree and Sornax as they studied what little data they had on the station. He listened to the suggestions and frowned. Using thruster suits would have been a good option.

Parachuting looked possible, but he wondered if they were too high up. There was also the possibility of taking the shuttle in and finding an access hatch somewhere.

Then there was a more daring option, one he wasn’t even sure he should propose. Then he figured he may as well say it, but knew the commander would likely toss the idea.

“I know jet thruster packs won’t work, but we could be shot out of an airlock heading directly at the station, find an access point and get inside from there,” Jahkar said without emotion. He then watched Vree and Sornax and nearly laughed as he watched the Denobulan’s expression.

“You want to be shot out of an airlock,” Sornax said. “You mean rapid decompression to propel you at a high rate of speed across the distance from Resurrection to Forward Base.”

Jahkar gave a nod, “Affirmative. I’ve done it before…in simulations at the Recon Marine Training Center. We’d need to move back to visual distance, like where we were when the Resurrection jumped to its arrival point.”

“You realize if you miss, there’s no course correction,” Sornax stammered. “You’d bypass the station and keep on going.”

Jahkar cocked a slight smile, “I guess I’d better not miss.”

“What about everyone else?” Vree asked. “You want everyone to do this?”

“No. I can get inside and set up a transport enhancer,” he said. “Set at maximum we should be able to transport the rest of the team through.”

Sornax looked to Mayla. “You’re not going along with this I hope, Commander?”

Mayla returned his gaze. "We're all trained in suborbital insertions, this is no different."

"Except for slowing down without a chute."

"With the high orbit, we shouldn't pick up that much speed if we deploy, say, a few hundred meters out?" She walked over to the small secondary tactical deployment table at the rear of the bridge. Waving a hand in the air, she transferred data from her eyes to the table with trajectory and vector lines floating in the air. "We can use gas thrusters instead of a propellant to slow our descent. It shouldn't be noticed more than puffs in the gaseous clouds around the station."

Jahkar gave her a frown. "Face it, not everyone has had enough recent practice other than you and I since we've been in active service before rejoining SO. And between the two of us, as your 2IC, I am more-"

Mayla cut him off with a hand gesture. "None of us are more expendable than the other, Colonel."

Sornax saw the immediate conflict and dismissed it. The team was loyal to each other and would die for each other if need be. "The Colonel is correct though, Commander."

Mayla crossed her arms and made the act of contemplating an argument. She knew as a Marine, it would have been one of Jahkar's specializations. She made a few gestures and brought up an extrapolated image of the station that showed there was at least one Keldon class ship docked. "Can you get to the airlock of one of the docked ships? The station might have hull sensors if their sensors can't see through this soup."

"The SOC has been here for a while it seems, they may have already developed a method of using their sensors to see through the atmosphere." Sornax said.

"And they would already know that we're here and raised the alarm. The fact that we're not in a pitch battle right now tells us so," she said while still staring at the station's image. "With no sensors, they may also be monitoring the airlocks."

"If only Daryl was here, he can probably cook up some sort of virus to disrupt the internal sensors to hide the airlock access." Beckett said, who was standing quietly by Sh'avelith and McCulloch. His face was a bit pale while staring at Forward Base.

There was a moment of silence as the comment reminded them, they were still missing a team member and the guilt of not immediately looking for him settled in uncomfortably. Mayla could feel the pressure on her as it was her responsibility to the team to spearhead that search. But this immediate threat staring at them in the face had to take priority, despite how helpless she felt about Thompson's unknown predicament.

Lt. Commander William McCulloch

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.14

“@#$% me,” The Scot cursed softly to himself as Vree reviewed the situation with the team and Jahkar made the proposal that he be shot towards the station as if he were a glorified projectile.

“Do you have a better suggestion Mr. McCulloch?” Vree pressed upon hearing the Scot’s grumbling.

Will studied the view screen in silence for several long seconds. Afterwards he looked towards the Trill and shook his head in the negative.

“That station is going to be a tough nut to crack.” He announced upon further reflection.

“Well, how would you gain access?” Jahkar inquired.

“Personally, I’d sneak in underneath their noses masking as debris. Once in range I’d hit a power source or the inhibitors preventing incoming transport.”

“But how do we distract them long enough to achieve that objective?” Beckett asked.

McCulloch thought again for a moment before speaking. “Well, I’m sure they saw us. That’s enough of a distraction. We just need to keep the Sons focused on this ship while something non-threatening advances towards the station.”

“Non-threatening?” Tiri questioned.

“Yes, something that is not going to catch their eye or cause too much concern…either debris, junk or something too insignificant to trigger their alarm bells.”

The Scot studied his companions as they mulled over his thoughts. After a moment of silence he continued.

“Or, we could simply shoot the colonel out of a torpedo tube towards the station.”

Jahkar looked at Will with a raised eyebrow while Vree once again shook her head in disapproval. McCulloch moved past the sarcastic comment.

“Has anyone bothered to speak with Ged Khit since I last met with him?”

“The teen prisoner you took back on Cardassia?” Tiri asked.

“The same one. He said he was trained for cybernetic warfare on an abandoned Cardassian station. It’s probably not this one but he may be able to offer some insight into the network grids of this station and its potential weaknesses.”

Lt. Cody Beckett

USS Resurrection

Stardare 2201.14

Beckett looked at McCulloch with a somewhat shocked look on his face.

"You want to have that kid hacking that Cardassian station? Really? "

“I didn’t say he’d hack into the system.” The Scot retorted as he kept his temper in check. “I suggested we speak with him about his knowledge of the station's network and its weaknesses.”

Beckett looked around the table.

"I assume I don't need to elaborate on how this could go wrong on so many levels…I'd rather follow Jahkar out of the airlock and hack the systems directly via a hardlink. We have detailed schematics of these ships so we know where any computer system would be reachable from the outer hull. Once in there, it's a walk in the park to access the systems from the station. In the meanwhile, Resurrection could distract our Cardassian friends with some nice flares by igniting some of the gases in the direct space of the station. I've checked the composition of the atmosphere. It could provide some nice fireworks. It might also knock out or at least garble a few of their systems. That time can be used to get Jahkar and me towards one of the ships. We could use the shell of a quantum torpedo for that… .”

McCulloch snickered at the visual in his mind of Beckett and Jahkar inside of the shell.

Beckett shook his head but ignored McCulloch.

"It could work." Beckett ended and looked at Vree and the others to await their reaction.

Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.15

"No." Mayla simply said. "A forward bombardment or even a tactical distraction will alert them that we are here. As soon as that happens, they'll take action and maybe even evacuate the Trinity devices. They can't know anything is amiss until we can confirm the locations of the remaining trinity devices. Even if we can tag them and beam them off the station or attach transport inhibitors to it so they can't beam them away. This entire plan of Drajal's is well thought out and planned to nearly every detail. I'm sure they already have contingency plans if the station is assaulted in any way."

"But you can't just let Jahkar go at it alone." McCulloch nearly interjected with THAT tone to his CO.

"If Jahkar said he can do it, I have trust and faith in his ability to do it." Mayla said sternly.

Beckett chimed in to change the subject. "I can come up with something that can mask those sensors immediately surrounding the airlock door." Beckett said. "Low power directional EMP generator. After that last mission where we could have used something like that, I came up with the idea. But it'll only extend out to a few meters. It should just look like a glitch in the internal status sensors. While the Colonel is gaining entry, I can still get to a main hardline and create a distraction if we're compromised."

Mayla looked at Beckett carefully. "You think you can do the jump from here to there? Like the Commander of this vessel said, if you miss, you're gone."

"Bloody crazy." McCulloch muttered.

Lt. Cody Beckett

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2201.15

Beckett looked at McCulloch who was shaking his head, then back to Vree.

"Yes, I think I can. I did the orbital insertion back on the Andorian homeworld. I think I'm

good. We could use a mag-lev based grapplehook in case needed. So, yeah, this is gonna work." Beckett said with confidence.

"Madness! " McCulloch grumbled, still shaking his head. After a moment of sullen silence, he continued. “Well, someone is going to have to cover you two while the both of you do whatever the hell it is over on the station. I volunteer to be spaced as well.”

Will folded his arms, shook his head and continued to mumble bitterly to himself.

Commander Victoria Smith

USS Repulse

Stardate 2201.14

Victoria visibly grimaced as she reviewed the status report Vree had forwarded to her.

The combat nurse immediately knew what was most likely going to happen next. Unless Phoenix Team adopted an unconventional method of insertion, she and Senior Petty Officer Iams Gatc would be deployed with the boarding parties while the rest of her team, minus Warrant Officer Hannigan, would be on board Union XII’s jumpship … which would act as a Combat Support Hospital (CSH).

Standard battlefield protocol dictated that her medical team would deploy a safe distance behind Phoenix Squad so patients could be beamed to them for treatment. However, given the bridge was reporting that the transporters were apparently inoperable, the CSH would have to likely dock at the station if it were to receive patients.

Understandably, that meant most of Union XII would be sitting ducks. The red crosses on the Gentle Annie’s wings, nose and belly would mean nothing to the Sons of Cardassia.

Victoria felt her stomach turn as Mayla’s probing question from hours earlier rang in her head … Would she order members of her team to their deaths if it meant saving members of Phoenix Squad?

Of course she would…don’t be so foolish, Jiarin scolded. Just do your damn job and do it well, the Trill memories reminded the nurse.

Smith straightened up and retrieved a nearby padd. She pulled up the schematics of the Gentle Annie, Union XII’s Arrow Class jump ship and quickly reviewed its weapons and armaments.

She sighed in frustration. Admittedly, the ship was mostly equipped with defensive weaponry to protect itself from surface to air, air to air and ship to ship attacks. It really didn’t have any offensive weapons.

Victoria only hoped Lieutenant Tusot and Corporal Pyme, the jump ship’s pilot and weapon’s officer respectively, would be creative enough to keep any potential attackers at bay.

“$#%^ me,” she cursed, taking the common phrase uttered by William McCulloch when the crap was about to hit the fan.

S4, E2, Act 2: The Emperor is Dead (Mirror Universe special edition)
ISS Gambit

Mirror Universe

Stardate 2107.24

Durham sighed. The plan they had was risky. But it was worth trying. If their plan worked out, it would change a lot. He sipped from his coffee, while he gazed at the holographic screen floating above the terminal. There was still a lot to do. Getting people in place. Transfer goods and weapons.

Once the news spread that Taryn Kane had become the new empress, turmoil would start, that was for sure. Then, suddenly, the door chimed and immediately swooshed open, and Smith entered.

"Commander, we need to talk. I ran some analysis on Thompson's brain activity, and

It seems he is already suffering from his transfer to the mirror universe. We might have even accelerated the quantum distortion effects, as there are fluctuations in the 6th and 7th quantum rift pockets in his- “

“Calm down, doctor” Durham interfered briskly, as he was irritated being pulled out of his concentration, the fact Smith just entered his room without asking AND she was blurting out a lot of information he couldn’t make anything from.

Smith fluttered with her eyes as if she only now realized what she had been doing.

“I am sorry Commander Durham. My apologies. But Thompson might suffer from this. He should get some additional meds to slow down the effects. But eventually he will start suffering from it and his environment will figure out something is odd about him. “

Durham exhaled deeply, while he stretched his shoulders, and moved his head from left to right to stretch his neck muscles.

“If all goes well, he should be back in his own universe within a few days, a few weeks tops. Is that going to cause a problem?” Durham asked. Smith quickly thought about it, and her eyes moved from left to right while she was gathering the information to answer the question.

“I guess that should not be a problem. Still, I want to flatten out any possibility so I’m asking permission to setup a medicine program for him to minimize the effects.:

Durham looked at Smith. He saw she was fond of Thompson. Inwardly, he smirked. Then, he nodded. “Ok, go ahead. But be discreet. Thompson is in his quarters. In one hour we reach the Emperor's station. Make sure Thompson is ready so he can make a good entrance so he won't look suspicious"

"Aye sir! " Smith answered.

"Good." Durham grunted. "Now get the

hell out of my office, Doctor"

Without another word, Smith hasted herself out of her superior's office.

A few minutes later she stood in front of The Hand's personal quarters and chimed the door.

The door slid open and revealed Thompson sitting behind the small desk, reading a data PADD.

"Routine checkup" She stated, and

entered the small room before Thompson even could react. As the door closed, Daryl looked up from his PADD.

"Routine checkup? You did that a few hours ago. What the hell is this? "

Smith shook her head and smiled.

"I merely said that in case anyone was eavesdropping… I just… " Smith hesitated. Daryl looked at her, surprised but also reluctant. Then, Smith moved forward and kissed Daryl. Or, at least, she tried, as Daryl saw this coming and quickly ducked away. Not fast enough, as Smith quickly countered and grabbed him by his uniform and pinned him against the wall. Once more Daryl was surprised. Smith was quick and pretty strong. The next thing he knew he felt her lips pressing against his. This had to stop. Daryl pushed her away, holding her on an arm's length away.

"Stop doing this. I am not interested in you. " Daryl said. Smith's facial expression was a mix of desire and frustration, as she wrestled and tried to come nearer again.

"Stop it! " Daryl hissed. "Or I'll have you thrown in the brig for insubordination. "

That, apparently, was enough. She stepped back, pushed away Daryl's hands, and straightened her uniform. She took her datapadd, made a few gestures and some data was forwarded to Daryl's account.

" I found this while analyzing your brain patterns. Read it. If you have questions, you know where to find me. "

She started moving. towards the door. In that split second, Daryl weighed his options. He should prevent that Smith became his enemy. In the few hours he was in the Mirror Universe, he had learned enough already.

Then again, he was The Hand. The most powerful man in this universe besides the emperor himself. Then again, this was only temporary. Still, he had to survive...and his gut feeling told him that making Smith an enemy wouldn't make his chances any better… yet… he didn't feel to betray Darva. So, he had to make a statement, as The Hand.

He moved quickly and blocked the entrance. He pushed Smith back into the room.

Now it was her turn to look surprised.

"Did I say you were dismissed? " He asked her with a stern voice. He pushed her against the wall and his hand slid around her throat. Smith didn't seem to mind it much, as she again had that predatory look in her eyes.

She seemed to enjoy it… then it hit him. Suddenly, memories flashed through his mind. Memories of passionate nights. With women he had never seen before, but also with the one standing in front of him. He felt a bit nauseous, and he pulled back his hand. His head spun and he had to sit down to prevent going flat out on his face.

"Hmmm. So, you do remember?" Smith purred. She took a hypo spray out of her med

kit and pressed it in Daryl's neck. Immediately, the nausea disappeared, and the spinning slowed down. Daryl exhaled and closed his eyes for a moment.

"What is going on with me? " Daryl asked.

"Nothing much. Yet..." Smith answered as she touched his cheek gently with her hand.

"Yet? What does that mean? " He asked, ignoring her caressing touch.

"Your brain is having difficulty coping with the memories of two lives. Certain memories are fighting over the same space in your brain,” Smith giggled. “Well, not actually, but there are different memories with identical engram properties, and your braincells are flip-flopping from one engram towards the other. Eventually, the switching will stop, and only one memory will remain. Your nifty little processor handles this currently, so we have to see how this works out. So far, it does a splendid job.  In the long run you might forget certain memories. I can't say which, but it will settle eventually. It does mean that you could lose memories of your own life from your universe.”

Smith shrugged. “But there's more. And that is what worries me. " She looked at Daryl. dramatically adding a few moments of silence.

"Well, and? " Daryl asked.

"Your quantum cohesion is fluctuating. "

Daryl gazed at her. “And … ?” he asked

Smith sighed. “Your own universe pulls you back. But, as often on the quantum level, this doesn’t happen in a linear or coherent way. It’s chaotic. Hence you might experience deformations of your body. Eventually, when you won’t return to your own universe, you will be torn apart.

“That’s really something to look forward to….” Daryl said, a worried look on his face. He looked at Victoria.

“Can it be cured? slowed down?” he asked her.

She shook her head. “No. There were some attempts nullify the effect via a transporter procedure. However, it was hugely unsuccessful, so the project was abandoned. Also, because the chance of a sudden visitor from the other universe was quite small. And another fact, not everyone seems to be affected. “

Daryl nodded, looking towards the floor.

“Guess I'm lucky then...How long do I have?” he asked.

Victoria looked at him, realizing Daryl wouldn't be long in this universe. Either he'd succeed in his mission and return to his own universe or would be killed when attempting to assassinate Jaeger. And even if he decided to stay here, he would have a short life ahead.

"In about 4-6 weeks the effects will become so intense that you won't be able to function. So, four weeks, max,” Smith stated.

"Let's hope I have finished the job by then," Thompson muttered.

"And we still could have a good time together" Smith purred again, running her hand through his hair down to his face and grabbing his chin to point his face towards hers while she deeply looked him in the eyes.

Captain Taryn Kane

ISS Gambit

Stardate 2108.09

Kane guided the ship through the process of making the jump from the Mirror Universe back to their own universe in the Terran Empire. Only she and Durham knew the trick to pilot the ship through from one universe to the other and they had every reason to keep it that way. No reason just anyone should be able to make that journey whenever they felt like it.

For Taryn, jumping through rifts in space and time was nothing new. She had come from the Terran Empire’s past, the ship she served aboard, the ISS Bozeman, had gotten caught in a time rift while fighting a group of Klingon ships in 2278 and ended up being cast into the 24th century.

The crew of the Bozeman were captured, arrested and detained by the crew of a Klingon-Cardassian Alliance warship. They had arrived in a time where the Terran Empire had been defeated and was now ruled by the Klingons and Cardassians. The Klingons who captured the Bozeman and her crew executed Captain Morgan Bateson for war crimes they said he committed 100 years earlier and sent the rest of the crew -- Kane included -- to the gulag on Rura Penthe.

After a couple of years, Kane and some of the Bozeman crew escaped and ended up joining the Terran Resistance. Kane excelled here and eventually rose through the ranks, ascending to command within the organization.

She helped Lars Naakon and Erik Jaegar along with the rest of the resistance defeat the Klingons and Cardassian and then helped re-establish the Terran Empire. She saw the tables turn when Naakon was double-crossed and murdered by Jaegar and joined him, rather than be put to death as a traitor. Secretly, she had conspired for years with other Naakon loyalists to someday oust Jaegar from power.

With the plan she, Durham and Thompson had hatched, she hoped they would soon be able to rid the empire of Jaegar and she could take her place on the throne.

Once the Gambit had crossed over to Terran space, Kane sighed in relief and gave the helm over to Ensign Dahrt. She stepped away from the controls and turned toward the bridge doors, “Take us into Terran orbit. Hail Imperial Command to inform them of our return, then await orders. I will be in my quarters.”

Lt. Commander Daryl “The Hand” Thompson

ISS Gambit

Stardate 2108.20

As the ISS Gambit moved into orbit of Terra, as Earth was called in this universe, Thompson stood ready on the bridge, just behind the captain’s chair. He wore a standard Terran uniform, with Terran logo, the Earth with the Sword.

As he was “The Hand, the logo had hand holding the sword, making him stand out against the rest of the crew.

Daryl exhaled slowly and silently. While he had enough training with all his years of SO training to impersonate someone else, impersonating himself but from a different universe felt fairly odd.

Well, all he could was get the job done and survive. He pushed away the thoughts and focused on the big screen as the Ops officer opened a channel to the Emperor’s Citadel which was in orbit of Terra. The screen flashed once, and Emperor Jaeger appeared on screen.

“Long live the emperor! Long live the empire!” Thompson exclaimed, while he greeted Jaegar, moving his right fist to the left part of his chest, then extending his arm parallel to the floor.

Everyone on the bridge followed his example, and Jaegar nodded slowly, pleased by this display of loyalty.

"It is a pleasure to see you all back. Welcome home. " Jaegar spoke, as he looked around the bridge. As he eyed Daryl, he nodded slightly, almost respectful "Welcome back, Hand. Good to see you returned..." Jaeger said. Daryl nodded back, feeling just slightly uncomfortable.

"Join me for dinner" Jaeger continued. "Bring Kane and Durham along. We have a lot to talk about. " Of course. " Daryl replied, and without further ado, the screen went black as the communication was cut off.

Daryl exhaled. That didn't go too bad.

Daryl looked at Durham and Kane. “Join me in transporter room one in 30 minutes,” he stated bluntly and walked off the bridge to his quarters to change into his dress uniform. Durham just nodded and Kane just gazed at him, not being fond of being commanded around on her own ship. But she knew better to go against the orders of the Hand, even though this wasn’t the real one.

Daryl entered his quarters and while he changed into his dress uniform, he pondered about the whole situation. While in a way he enjoyed seeing Greg Durham alive, the reason why was less enjoyable. But he had to make the best of it and see to get out alive. That also meant that he probably would have to do things against his nature…Darva’s face flashed through his mind. It was an awful thought to think about, but since he had to act as truthful as possible towards the original Hand, chances were he had to sleep with other woman to keep up appearances. Daryl lost track of the time, being occupied with all these thoughts when the door chimed. It was Durham

“You ready?” Durham asked.

“I am,” Daryl nodded, looking in the mirror to check his uniform.

“Looking good, looking good,” Durham smirked. “Come on, let’s go. We can’t have the emperor waiting, can we?” he grinned.

Daryl followed him out and they walked in a quick pace to the transporter room.

Kane was already waiting. She also had changed into her dress uniform and actually looked quite attractive.

The three officers walked on to the transporter pad. “Energize,” Daryl said and the transporter room faded into a huge room, well lit, a shiny tiled floor, almost like a mirror. The walls were decorated with large, heavy drapes hanging onto the floor, kept in place by colorful ropes, laid in intricate forms around them. Paintings of all kind and other decorations, including torches, shields, weapons of all kinds of era’s, both human and alien filled the walls.

On one third of the room was a huge table, dressed up in a classic fashion with large candleholders on top, filled with candles, all burning. The table was being filled up with food, delicacies, and drinks off all kinds by a dozen servants. A few of them hasted themselves out of the room as they recognized Daryl as The Hand.

Daryl searched through his thoughts and cringed internally as he saw how the Daryl of this universe seemed to enjoy giving servants a hard time, or even torturing or maiming them. Daryl felt terribly, awkward. At that moment, he decided that the sooner he would do his job, the better it was for everyone. He didn’t feel to keep up his appearance by killing innocent people. He sighed softly and focused on the task at hand.

On the other side of the large room, or even hall was a large platform, a few meters from the floor they walked on, reachable by a broad stair. The platform itself was ellipsoid in shape, with the stairs following that ellipsoid shape. Because of that, the lowest step filled the complete width of the room.

The platform and stairs seemed to be made from some sort of granite. The wall behind the platform gave a good view on Earth and a part of the fleet of the Empire. Daryl was impressed and disgusted at the same time. How could someone, especially an emperor, have such a high thought of himself, such an arrogance, to justify these kinds of bombastic decadences.

Daryl registered every detail in the room. As he had to make his move here, he had to know what he was up against. He had read a lot about this room already, so he knew about the technical details, security levels and escape routes. He also knew that watchdogs from

On top of the platform was a large throne, a side table, a coffee table and three comfortable looking armchairs, along with a fireplace where a large fire was burning.

Jaeger was sitting on the throne, looking at a PADD, while two of his staff were talking in a soft voice to the emperor.

“Something is not right,” Durham said over subvoc. “He treats us as equals…normally you would be sitting next to him, like a father and son reigning…but he has placed you in the same line as us…”

Greg then paused before adding, “Just stay in your role Thompson. He might just be testing us. We have been away for quite some time, and he probably is trying to test our loyalty. Stay in your role!”

Daryl didn’t respond. It felt tense. Best thing to do now was indeed play along.

As soon as he saw Thompson, Durham and Kane approaching, Jaeger put the PADD away and waved the staff members away, who both nodded and swiftly disappeared out of sight. He got up from his throne, his movement showing he was still well trained, despite his age. Thompson pondered that this Jaeger would probably also have augmentations for this, just as the Jaeger in his own universe had.

“Ahh! There he is…The Hand has returned!” Jaeger said, reaching out his hands to welcome him. His voice sounded amplified, as it boomed all around them. “...and bringing along with him two of the finest officers the Empire ever had! Ha! Today is a good day! I have prepared some good food and drinks for us to celebrate your return!”

Daryl stepped forward, and embraced Jaeger, giving him a firm hug. He had to hide his disgust for this man, who wasn’t to be trusted. Yet, Jaeger apparently trusted him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be The Hand.

Daryl stepped back, “It’s good to be back.”

Jaeger grinned. “Let’s sit down and talk. It’s been a long time, son. I even heard you were in another universe to gain the upper hand in a battle! Come, sit down, tell me all about it!” Jaeger sat back on his throne, Daryl sat down in the first chair next to it. Durham and Kane took place in the remaining two seats.

The servants hurried to and from the platform, carrying small tapas like dishes but also large bottles with all kinds of beer and wine. Several brands of Bajoran root beer, Klingon bloodwine, and a whole series of beer from Earth, varying from Belgian white and dark beers, Irish ale to the more south European, sweeter and lighter beers.

Daryl started telling about everything that had transpired, sometimes with additions from Durham. Jaeger listened carefully, and sometimes asked a question. As the evening went by, and more beer was consumed, Daryl started feeling a bit more relaxed.

Finally, late in the night, Durham and Kane were dismissed, leaving Daryl lone with Jaeger. Jaeger got up from his throne and looked at the magnificent view of Earth and the large fleet in front of it.

He clasped his hands on his back and just looked at the view in silence.

Daryl got up too. This was a one in a million chance to kill Jaeger. No witnesses, and Greg had promised to shut down the security measures. Daryl walked up towards the viewscreen, next to Jaeger. They stood there in silence for a while when Jaeger turned his head towards Daryl.

"You are not the Daryl I know. You are not The Hand," he whispered in a heavy voice.

Daryl wasn't surprised. But now he would have to act quickly. He moved his wrist, and a knife slid into his hand. Daryl stepped forward and Jaeger moved backwards.

"Are you sure you want to do this?” Jaeger asked. "I know who you are." Jaeger cast a wicked grin at Daryl, completely ignoring the knife in his hand.

"You are the Thompson of that so called Prime Universe. And Kane and Durham brought you here because our Thompson got killed during the away mission,” said Jaeger with contempt. He then shook his head. "Unbelievable, that my finest officers have plotted against me."

Jaeger turned back to the view screen. After a few moments in silence, Jaeger looked again at Daryl. There was no emotion in his face, yet his voice was different.

"You were like a son to me, Daryl. And I always thought you would be the heir to the throne, to become the next Emperor.”

Daryl was conflicted internally. And all that beer he drank didn't help to make a clear decision. Yet, he had an agreement with Durham and Kane. They wouldn't go to such lengths to get him here and then betray him? Or would they?”

Jaeger saw the conflict in him.

"You still can turn this around to your advantage son. I will forgive you for your deception.” A fine laugh played around his lips. "Others would have been executed. But I will forgive you and you will have a second chance, assuming the role of the Daryl Thompson who is my Hand."

Jaeger now turned around towards him, his arms spread open. Daryl's mind raced, then he realized what kind Jaeger was… he was a manipulating, ice cold killer. And here, in this universe, he was even worse.

In a split second, Daryl moved forward, the knife flashed in the light, and the next second, Jaeger grabbed his throat, blood flooding out of the wound through his hands onto his uniform and the floor.

Another move, and the knife cut through fabric and flesh, between ribs and into the heart. Jaeger made a gurgling sound and with a soft sound he fell onto the ground, reaching out with his hand to Daryl, then the last glimpse of life he held onto slipped away.

The emperor was dead.

Daryl fluttered with his eyes, coming to himself. He had to get away from here. He sheathed the knife inside his sleeve again and made his way off the platform. On the other side of the enormous hall a door slid open, and a dozen operatives of the Shadow Watch poured in.

Daryl hissed and hid behind one of the huge pillars near the wall. The pillars and the drapes there gave some form of cover. He quickly checked his surroundings.

"Spread out! He is still here, find him! But no killing! We want him alive" A voice sounded. The operatives spread out, rifles and phasers drawn…

A voice sounded over his subvoc. It was Durham.

"I'm sorry old friend. But this is for the greater good. We had to offer you so our plan can continue,” said Durham. “Jaeger had become weak, and too fond of you. We couldn't let that happen. I truly am sorry."

Durham chuckled, "You really are nothing like our Daryl. That's why I killed him so we could get you here. You're so naive. But guess who will be the next Hand?"

Another chuckle. Daryl gritted his teeth, but said nothing, but his heart skipped a beat… he had been betrayed. But what choice did he have? He felt a nausea coming up, but quickly suppressed it, together with the seething anger he felt...first he had to get out of this mess.

He quickly assessed his possibilities. There weren’t many. He had to get into the open and try to fight his way through.

As he heard one of the soldiers coming near, he unsheathed his knife, and stood ready. The next pillar was about 15 feet away. As soon as he saw the barrel appearing, he stepped forward, grabbing the barrel of the rifle pushing it up and slashed two, three, four times from left to right into the torso of the operative.

The operative, caught by surprise, yelped, and fell on his knees, trying to stop the blood and organs from coming through the shreds of his uniform. Daryl grabbed the rifle, aimed and fired at the operative. The operative was stunned and fell on the floor.

Quickly, Daryl took cover behind the next pillar, but immediately, fire erupted from several directions as other operatives had seen the skirmish, responding immediately. Daryl quickly set the phaser to kill on the highest setting and returned fire, killing two operatives instantly.

Quickly he retreated to another pillar and checked again. Three down, nine to go…and about 150 feet to the exit, hopefully an escape route…

He quickly moved unseen to another pillar, but then he saw they had deployed drones.

Large ones. Probably with firepower. He quickly aimed and took out three of them while moving to the next pillar. Two of the drones exploded in the air, the third crashed, and killing two more operatives in the explosion that followed.

Chaos ensued; more drones were launched. Another door slid open, and more operatives came in, spreading out and blocking all exits.

Daryl cursed. This was not looking good. Another voice. It was Jahkar's voice

"Thompson, move 5 feet to the left and step backward. There is an alcove with a holographic wall in front of it. Use it as cover. We will get you out"

"And how do I know I'm not betrayed again?" Daryl responded.

"You don't. You have to trust me on that," said Jahkar.

Thompson scoffed but decided to find the alcove. He didn't stand much chance against all the operatives and the drones.

He quicky checked, poking with his rifle in the wall, and found the alcove and stepped in. The wall shimmered for a moment as he stepped through.

The alcove was about eight feet deep. At the end, it slid open, revealing two people, Darva and Jahkar. Darva had a rifle aimed at him and gestured with her head to follow her. Daryl sighed, slung the rifle over his shoulder and stepped forward. The door closed behind him. Darva took his rifle, slung it over her shoulder and pushed him forward.

"Move!" she hissed.

Daryl decided it was best to keep his mouth shut and obeyed, moving along behind Jahkar through the dim lit tunnel.

After a walk of a few minutes through what appeared a maze of corridors, Jahkar stopped, examined the wall on the right quickly, then pushed on a few stones. The wall moves aside and on the other side stood Smith and a few others. Jahkar stepped through the opening and nodded towards Smith.

"And so, we meet again" Smith said to Daryl. She winked at him.

Daryl didn't say anything. Earlier tonight she worked closely together with Kane and Durham. Now she stood here, helping the other side. It was obvious no one could be trusted in this universe.

Then it dawned on Daryl that it might be one big setup. But before he could do or say anything, Smith administered a hypospray into his neck and everything blurred and faded to black…

Sounds. Strange sounds. Yet very familiar. And that smell… a smell he had tried so hard to forget and hoped to never have to smell it again… and yet, here it was. His eyes fluttered open and it took him a few seconds to focus. As the blur disappeared, he recognized where he was…he was back on Rogaran IV, the prison colony.

It felt like an ice-cold hand grabbed his heart…it took all of his mental strength not to panic, as he realized he was back in hell…

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