USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.1730​

“Over here,” Reeves called planting his last device. “I’m out. Lets hit the next power station. And then beam out.” Going over to the two guards he made sure they were secured, and then slipped out of the Engineering Bay with his cohort.”

“I hate doing this shit to Federation personnel and equipment. And I really hate sneaking around.”

“Tell me you’ve managed to capture the shield frequency already?” Reeves asked Riley​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ensign Cook

A shield frequency, shield harmonic, or shield modulation referred to the frequency settings of the shield emitters on a particular starship or space station. If someone obtained this frequency, they could modify their transporter to bypass the shields entirely. Allowing them to beam on and off the space station at will.

“I almost have it, Commander.” Ensign Cook told him. The truth was the parasite had modified not only the frequency, but the whole modulation process. She had to write a quick algorithm to break the new modulation process. Her tricorder was still working on the problem as they walked into the power plant.

As commander Reeves planted the last bomb, her tricorder beeped. It was total luck and she had no idea if the algorithm had come up with the right answer. But she went with it.

“Commander, here is the frequency and you’ll need to adjust for a new modulation process as well.” She explained as she handed him her tricorder.

That was when the intruder alert warning went off.

“There are intruders on Deep Star 9. Set lockdown procedures Alpha 92” The space station’s computer announced.

Hora

“Captain Jo’vak, my Orion extra-sensory perception gave me a strong feeling the space station’s shield are coming down. You should have the fleet ready to attack within the hour.”

“What? Based upon your feelings?” Captain Jo’vak mocked her. “You are no warrior. You could not subdue a garbage scow!” Hora could hear laugher on the Klingon bridge.

“I deserved that” Hora admitted eatting some humble pie. “Nevertheless, I’m ordering my ship to red alert and we are charging all weapons. Hora out”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.1800

He’d barely touched the tricorder when the alert came out. Scrambling quickly, he dialed in the adjustments and sent the info to Dark Fire.

Opening his commlink he called to Dark Fire to Transport the second team first. Then collect his team.

Unfortunately that meant more time as The massive AI scrambled the transporter to match the Deep Star 9’s shield modulation pattern.

“Lieutenant,” He said looking at Zosh. “Blow the main engineering charges, slow them down adapting to what were doing.”

Moving from their position they slipped back into the duct workings. Even if it was only long enough to drop the extra gear and then slip back into public view.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

“Aye. Aye” Lt Sol replied with a brief grin on his big dinosaur face. It was not a good look for him. He detonated the small thermal charges. The blasts did damage to important power junction and control circuits. They were not designed to hurt people or destroy entire rooms. But what did blow up was hard to replace. It essentially took down two power plants causing chaos with many of the space station port side systems.

“That should get their attention.” He said as the lighting in the room flickered and then went out. With the inter-deck force shields down, they moved back into the duct work.

Hora

“Captain Hora, we have a extraction request for Team 2” Lt Harris reported.

Relief washed over Hora’s face. "Understood, start beaming them back.” She watched the monitor in the transporter room. The operator took moment to lay in the correct modulation and then the transporters were energized. She saw Team 2 appear on the transporter pad.

Hora took a deep breath, her worry giving way to the battle ahead.

“Get ready with the sonic frequencies. As soon as Team 1 is back. We attack.” She was proud of the crew’s resilience and bravery.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.1900

Moving through the crowd he heard the soft chirp from his com badge signaling Group 2 was secure aboard the Dark Fire.

Moving to the side and out of the crowds they entered a gaming bar, seconds later a squad of security walked in and surrounded them. “Dark fire… now.”

Minutes later they were being escorted into the brig...and transported out before they could be stuck in cells.

“Captain, Rogue One is Aboard.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

As soon as Hora heard the team 1 was onboard, she began the attack.

“Helm’s man bring her about course 138 mark 2, full impulse”

“Sheild to maximum and charge phaser banks” She ordered the weapon’s officer.

"Shields are down, Captain," reported Lieutenant Rena, a human, manning the science station. Her voice steady despite the tension on the bridge.

Captain Hora stood up "All weapons, fire at will. Target their weapons arrays and shield generators. We need to disable them."

“Dark Fire, begin sonic frequency assault. Transport the parasite into space”

She watched as Dark Fire's phaser banks lit up, firing at the exposed space station weapon arrays. She could see small explosions across the station's surface, sending debris into the cold expanse of space.

"Direct hits on their primary portside systems," Rena confirmed, her eyes fixed on the tactical display. "Their port weapons are offline, however there is a large number of photon torpedoes coming from the starboard."

Hora's gaze locked on the viewscreen, watching as the station launched 30 torpedoes at them. “Helm evasive maneuver Hora 2-27. Dark Fire use transporters to beam the 60 metric ton of disodium in cargo bay 1 in front of those torpedoes.”

Dark Fire start the evasive maneuvers. It listed hard to the right side and then turned to port 30 degrees. The photon torpedoes, blinded by the disodium, sped over the starboard side of the ship. Dark Fire was hit with multiple phaser blasts from the stations.

But with the sonic attack on going, the station’s defenses were not well coordinated.

Commander Reeves walked on to the bridge.

“The starboard weapon station is still up." Hora told him. As the ship took another phaser blast as if to make her point. "Shall we send in the fighters?” Hora asked him.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.1930

“Agreed, Captain.” He replied as he moved to his station and reviewed the tactical display’s. Dark Fire was at 1% damage, shields were at 95% and regenerating. No injuries or fatalities. Yet.

“All systems are good. We are go for all Assault fighters and bombers, Captain. All pilots are green. By your Command."

All it would take was her word and the Dark Fire would spew forth it's fleets of death and destruction. They'd take out turrets and torpedo bays first. Secondary targets would be external shield projectors. Then phaser array's.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Send in the Assault fighters and bombers” Captain Hora ordered. “Lt Harris, open a channel to the space station.”

Lt Harris press a few buttons and the channel was open.

“Deep Star Nine. This is USS Dark Fire. The high frequency noise we are sending through your station will soon make the parasite appear outside their hosts. This single creature has been controller key personnel on your station. We do not want to hurt any more personnel or do any more damage to the station. Please power down your weapons” Hora requested.

She watched the viewscreen as assault fighters and bombers poured out of USS Dark Fire.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.1945

Reeves called target coordinates to some of the batteries, aiming at removing them as quickly as possible. Before they could bring their heavy weapons on the Dark Fire.

In the darkness of space tiny metallic blobs started appearing as the Dark Fire beamed the Parasite forms into space.

The Space Station had no fighters of it’s own, so was helpless against the Dark Fire’s barrage of single man fighters and bombers. Like a swarm of Hornets attacking a bear after honey.

The Klingon vessels made their attack run as well, taking out defense cannons and heavy phaser banks, though their aim was less accurate as The Dark Fire or it's squadrons.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Lt Harris, keep repeating my message about powering down their weapon.” Hora ordered.

“More photon torpedoes” Rena called out. Hora saw them coming in.

“HARD TO PORT” she ordered. Dark Fire avoided the first three, but took four photon torpedoes on the starboard shields.

“Starboard shields down to 67%” The ship’s AI reported.

“Captain, some of the weapon stations 3, 5, 10 and 14 are powering down.” Rena reported

“Hard to starboard, let’s keep the port shields to the station” Hora ordered. "Prepare the boarding parties. Once all the weapon stations are down, we need to secure the station and ensure there are no surprises waiting for us. Like auto-self destruction routines."

“Looks like we might have won this battle, thanks to you and the rogue teams” Hora said to Reeves

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870523.2000​

“We’ve won, when all the parasites are gone, Captain.” Reeves reminded her softly and quietly. It would be unseemly to publicly disagree with her. “Yes, It does look as if we’ve won this battle.” he said more loudly.

“Shall I remain aboard, or take the lead of the Assault. Or would you have the Major take the lead?”

“I think the Major is best suited to the um.. ‘ground’ assault.”

“I was considering promoting Lt. Zosh Sol to second in Command of Security, but after this mission I’m not so sure. He’s still a bit aggressive. To much anger.”

“Do you have further plans for the new boy? I glanced at the after action report from their team. Looks promising, If a little weird. ‘Waved his hand and the guards walked away?’ ”

“Sounds more like he could be a spy. Has he been tested for Parasites?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“A sound recommendation Commander” Hora said about the Major leading the assault teams. “As soon as the space station is secure, I’d like to get at both admirals’ logs.”

On Reeves’ question about team 2, Hora smiled “I’m glad you appreciate my selection. Sure, by all means, but you might need to clear it with his parents.” Hora cautioned.

“I guess I need to put in a few people for commendations… unless I can reward them the Orion way?” Hora asked Commander Reeves with a naughty smile. “Just joking. Commendation it will be” Hora reassured Reeves.

“Commander, one more thing” Hora said with a worried look on her face “I’m pretty sure, Captain Jo’vak is going rip out my heart for this little surprise attack. I think to prevent that, I’m going to suggest he take over the space station and this sector of the federation as interim commander. Thoughts?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Bad thing about suggestions and recommendations, higher ups can tell you no.” Reeves commented. “Besides we did just obliterate most of it’s weapons and defensive capabilities. If I was a Klingon, a warrior race and I was handed a toothless brick….. I’d say no.”

“You can give it a try though, he might surprise me.”

“But I have no counter suggestions to put forth.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Captain Jo’vak

“Captain Jo’vak has arrived and he is not in a good mood” The transporter chief announced over Hora commlink. Hora swallowed, fighting down the anxiety she felt. She really had no good plan to deal with the Klingon. Despite her fears, she tried not to show it.

“Tell the captain to meet me in my quarters” Hora ordered. Then she looked over to Commander Reeves. “Care to join us? I might need you to save my life. On second thought, I did the crime… I guess I need to do the time.”

One minute later, Hora was in her quarters as Captain Jo’vak came in carrying one of those Klingon crescent swords of theirs. With him was another younger Klingon, Hora did not know.

“HOW DARE YOU!” Captain Jo’vak fumed. “You petaQ rodent!”

Hora breathed in patiently “I meant no dishonor.” Hora started but was interrupted by the other younger Klingon. He bared his jagged, yellowed teeth. "You think we wouldn't figure it out… you Orion WHORE! I should slice you open for your insult!"

"No insult was intended, Captain. Please excuse the habits forged from a lifetime of dealing with other Orions. I have had to be careful or someone would put a blade in my back or a disruptor to my skull. Clearly you would never even consider doing that” she said as she looked at the crescent shaped sword in his hand.

“I know Klingon’s respect courage and guile. Your leadership in allowing that small team to sneak in on the garbage scow was brilliant. It took down the space station quickly and prevent the parasite from breaking the blockade.” Hora explained

“I did not allow it, because I was not told about it!” Captain Jo’vak stressed

“Captain, no need to pretend you did not order it. We have scanned him” Hora pointed to the younger Klingon. “He is safe, we can trust him. I think the history books will show Captain Jo’vak engineered a great victory here at Deep Star Nine.” Hora pointed out.

“Atruk, please step out for a moment” Captain Jo’vak ordered the younger Klingon.

After he was gone, Captain Jo’vak got close to Hora. “I do not want you in my fleet”

“I understand.” Hora replied. “Perhaps we are ordered to stay here and repair the space station? While you track down parasite which have departed the space station?”

“Are you trying to trick me again?” Jo’vak asked angrily

“Captain, I just want to end this parasite threat… and then turn over the command of this ship to a competent officer.” Hora said in frustration.

“I’ll let you know what I decide” Jo’vak grunted. Then he brought the blade to Hora’s neck “Don’t dishonor me again” He walked out of the room.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Dispatching orders to the Major, he informed her she and her Marines would be taking the station and securing all critical locations until the station was turned over to Starfleet Command.

The hypersonic weapon was still being used on the station to make sure they got every square inch of the base.

Plus the Dark Fire as well, just in case. They’d sweep every square inch of every starship in the region.

"We're at station keeping, Commander. Geo Orbital position above the station set and holding."​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora returned to the bridge and told Commander Reeves what had happened. She felt lucky to have survived.

“I guess we’ll have to wait to see what he decides, but I’m pretty sure we have been kicked out of his fleet.” Hora concluded.

She heard the reports coming in on securing the station, and for the most part, it was going smoothy. The sonic weapon was a game changer. There were a few species that could hear the noise, but even if their ear were damaged, the medical staff could heal any injuries.

After 90 mins, the Major K'alena reported the station had been secured.

“Captain Hora, Captain Jo’vak is hailing us” Lt Harris reported.

“Put him on the view screen” Hora ordered. Suddenly the bridge team could see the Klingon Captain

“Today was a good day to die!” Captain Jo’vak said to Hora in a good mood.

“Yes” Hora replied back. “We cheated death once again. Perhaps some of us in a less trustworthy way.”

"Nothing is more honorable than victory", Captain Jo’vak replied. “I and the Klingon ships have been recalled to the empire. We shall be taking a part of the parasite with us. You are now the senior commander in this region. I wish you the best of luck. Captain Jo’vak out”

The view screen went dark.

“OH CRAP!” Hora cursed.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870524.2200



Reeves

“Well… that’s not good.” Jordan said as the screen went dark. “Hopefully we can convince some of the Captain of the sincerity of what we say. Crew members dropping dead and the silver parasites getting beamed off their ships should go a long ways towards that.”

“I’ll beam over and look for the Admiralty logs. See if we can figure out how bad this is.”

“With your permission I’ll take Lt. Sol and Ensign Cook with me. We made a good team, and hopefully with continued guidance the Lieutenant may become a valuable asset.”

***

Minutes later the small group was standing in the Admiral’s Office. “Lieutenant, watch the door. Ensign, copy everything in the logs. All of them. We’ll sort it out later. Personal Logs, business, meetings, everything. Both the Admiral and the Commodore. Go back at least 5 years if you can.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora beamed over to the station and helped the medical teams set up recovery centers. There were some physical injuries, lots of trauma from the battle and from the parasite manipulation of the station’s crew.

After the center was up and functioning, Hora knew she had to do what she had been putting off. Figure out who was to be the leader of the station.

“Computer bring up all surviving Captain on this station.” She asked the station’s computer. She reviewed the list.

“Computer please have Captain Hugo Richard report to recovery center one, deck 38” She asked the station’s computer.

About 10 minutes later, a human male came into the recovery center. Captain Richard was tall and bone-thin, with pale skin, dark brown eyes, and blonde hair.

“Captain… ugh sorry, Hugo, I’m the one that asked you to come down here” Hora said walked over to him.

“Captain Hora” He groaned “do you have any idea how much damage you caused, how many people died. I can’t believe I have not punched you in the face.” He seemed mad, but also a bit aroused by Hora beauty.

“Hugo, we were in a hard spot… we had to take the station quickly. The Parasite had lots of option, including calling in reinforcements, or killing lots of people on this station. It was a judgement call, and history will judge us and me.” Hora replied “I have to live with the choice I made”

“I still want to deck you” He replied, but the hatred was gone from his voice. “You are just too good looking to hit”

“Why thank you, Hugo” Hora said back a bit flirty “I’m thinking you should be the commanding officer of this station.”

“Hora, I’m senior to you. You just made captain. Why do you think you can appoint anyone?” Hugo asked

“Captain Jo’vak placed me in charge of the whole region. A regional commander can assign space station commanders.” Hora replied with a smile. “I look forward to working with you.”

Ensign Cook

The beautiful blonde Ensign down loaded the files quickly.

"Sir, just to let you know, I have lots of stuff from Vice Admiral Roanoke. But very little from Commodore MacPherson. After becoming infected, his log entries dropped off." She reported

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870524.2230​

Reeves
“Very well, Ensign. Get back to the Dark Fire and start processing the logs. Use the Dark Fire as much as you need to. Find out wht happened, and how long ago.”

“If you need me, I’ll be with the Captain.”

***

“Dark Fire, Beam me to Captain Hora’s location please.”

After looking around for a second, Reeves spotted the Captain speaking with another Captain and walked over.

“Everything alright, Captain?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Hugo, can you wait here, I need to discuss something with Commander Reeves.” Hora said and walked over to Reeves’

“Hi, I think everything is alright, I was working on finding a good person to take over Deep Star Nine.” She explained. Then handed him the tablet with all the bios on it.

As Reeves looked it over, Hora gave her assessment.

“I’m thinking Captain Hugo Richard… has a good record. Been in the fleet for a while. He does not like me, so that is a plus. But the best part is, he divorced his first wife for his yeoman, then he dropped his yeoman for two live-in Dabo girls.” Hora explained “I can manipulate this male with ease.”

Ensign Cook and Lt Sol

Ensign Cook and Lt Sol were looking through the important messages from the Admiral files. The computer had prioritized the entries based upon parasite or parasite related information.

“This task seems a little wrong” Lt Sol commented. “These are some of his private logs”

“Yes, but it is important for us to learn what he knew.” Ensign Cook countered.

“I know” Lt Sol growled. He knew but that did not mean he had to like it.

“Hey… listen to this” Ensign Cook said to Lt Sol. then she read from the log. “I’m planning on giving Commander Hora the position of Captain on USS Dark Fire. And ordering her to take the ship as far away from the station as possible. She is such an unlikely choice for the position, no way the enemy will have turned her. Also, the slut is too stupid to question the promotion. My prediction is the XO, Reeves, will mutiny within a month. He will not put up with her sheer incompetence as captain.”

“Oh” Lt Sol was a bit surprised an Admiral would think like that. “I don’t think you should show that entry to the Captain. I’d let Commander Reeves see it and let him tell her what the Admiral thought.”

“Good thinking” Ensign Cook agreed.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870524.2300
Reeves
“I do not have strong confidence in a man so easily shifting in his alliances, Captain. No matter their species, or preferences. After all how can you trust someone so easily swayed?”

“I’d expect him to backstab you or make mistakes, and lay them at your doorstep.”

“Perhaps, this one. Captain Thrall Quintus. Andorian. Long service. Same ship. Good crew. Managed the Academy without the normal number of reprimands expected of Andorians.”

“There are several Vulcan Captains suitable for the position as well. Or even the Ambassador.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

She had to admit Reeves was right. Any male that threw mates away like that did not respect the opposite sex. Also some of the candidates he recommended were more qualified. But she had already offered the job to Captain Hugo Richard. How was she going to get out of this and not seem wishy-washy?

The Vulcan ambassador! That was how she could get out of this.

“Let’s go with the Vulcan ambassador. Capt Richard can be the chief of staff or ops boss.” Hora told Reeves. Then she walked back over to Captain Richard.

“Hugo, bad news. Commander Reeves informs me that the Vulcan Ambassador wants the job. She technically out ranks everyone on this station. She is very familiar with the parasite and is immune to being controlled by it. She also pointed out that the stations main job during this crisis will be on diplomate missions. What I can offer you is chief of staff or ops boss?” Hora explained

“Main mission is Diplomate? How does the ambassador figure that?” Hugo protested

“The station’s three main functions are providing logistic support like refueling, resupply, repairing ships. Establishing a permanent federation outpost in this region for observation and administration, and lastly defensive. Diplomacy is needed to get the supplies, keep the station running, and critical in defense.” Hora countered. “In fighting the parasite, diplomacy is critical”

“Ok, I’m the Ops Boss now, so I’ll just return to that job” Hugo said.

“Great” Hora said with a smile “It will be fun working with you” she said with a wink.

She walked back over to Reeves “He took that well. The Ambassador has the job.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.0800

The Next Day​

Ambassador M’Chel

After getting the news the ambassador quickly moved her office to the Starbase, not that she had a lot to pack and move anyways. This would be one of the more daunting tasks of her career.


Reeves​

Watching as Captain Richard oversaw operations including the repair to his station. Reeves kept his thoughts to himself, and his wife during mind melds.

Giving him information on the locations of other detonation devices. Helped smooth things over though the Captain was still pissed that they’d managed to do as much damage as they had.

Ensign Cook had been assigned to assist Reeves so he’d put her to work verifying the repairs. He’d warned her to be careful, not all hostiles were parasites. They could have accomplices. Select a security guard and Marine you trust. One each. Travel together. Eat together. Bunk in the same room. Hell, make them female and take them into the bathroom with you.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ensign Cook and Lt Sol

Ensign Cook and Lt Sol approached Commander Reeves on the bridge.

“Sir, have a report on the items of interest from the admiral’s personal logs. Can we brief you in the ready room?”

Commander Reeves nodded in agreement and the three went to the ready room for privacy

“Vice Admiral Roanoke logs had two new pieces of information. Sadly, there was nothing we learned from Commodore MacPherson logs. The first item for Vice Admiral Roanoke logs this there was numerous mentions and some computer searches of patients on Elba II.” Ensign cook briefed

“You probably are aware, but for completeness, Elba II is home to a Federation rehabilitation colony. It is the second planet in its star system. The planet has an atmosphere that was poisonous to humanoids” Lt Sol added for context

“There is a federation Orbital Transit Station, circling around Elba II as well. We saw inquires to both the transit station and the rehabilitation colony” Ensign cook explained. “None of the searches or messages seemed abnormal. Asking about patients that felt they were “possessed” things like that.

The second item, I’ll let you read yourself.” Ensign Cook stated and pulled up Vice Admiral Roanoke comments on then Lt Commander Reeves and Commander Hora.

“I’m planning on giving Commander Hora the position of Captain on USS Dark Fire. And ordering her to take the ship as far away from the station as possible. She is such an unlikely choice for the position, no way the enemy will have turned her. Also, the slut is too stupid to question the promotion. My prediction is the XO, Reeves will mutiny within a month. He will not put up with her sheer incompetence as captain.”

As Commander Reeves finished reading the statement, Lt Sol said “We thought you should tell Captain Hora about this entry”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.0900
Reeves
“You were right to bring this to me. I’ll face her wrath. If you’re finished with that, I have new assignments for you.”

Spending a few more minutes he spoke with them about their new assignments and making sure they understood them.

Some of the people aboard the station could be sympathizers, loyal to people that had been possessed. Hopefully they hadn’t known about the possession.

***

Stopping outside her door he pressed the button to the Captain Office. It was nice being back aboard the ship and it’s familiar comforting walls.​