Chapter 4.2

Posted on Mon Feb 20th, 2023 @ 5:02am by Willian Targaryen & Commander Galatea & Lieutenant Commander Ialo Gojir & Lieutenant Rrawran & Lieutenant Iblis Ilkun & Minister Zehoi D'ian & Director Esoria sh'Vreshaa & Captain Nathan Bishop & Commander Nathan Hawkins & Lieutenant Cyrus Marner & Lieutenant R'relle & Lieutenant Ramat'iklan & Warrant Officer Harris Zim

8,428 words; about a 42 minute read

Mission: No One Gets Left Behind
Location: Multiple
Timeline: 3189-03-16, 01:00

Captain's Log, Supplemental Entry:

The situation involving the Risian Weather Detection Grid has become much more calamitous that we ever imagined. As I record this log the planet is on the verge of becoming uninhabitable and the Emerald Chain warship that has been plaguing us is on approach to the planet. I can only imagine what is to come.

=/\= BRIDGE =/\=

"Scans are complete, Captain," Lieutenant Jardok announced from the Science Station. "Cerulean's shields remain unpowered and her weapons are still offline."

Galatea, having taken over the Tactical console, reviewed her own readouts, "It is not atypical that they have followed us here. The Emerald Chain has a habit of hunting others and our stockpile of dilithium makes us an incredibly tempting target for them."

At the Operations panel Lieutenant Zoss reviewed the readouts, "The problem is that Risa may pay the price for our conflict." She typed, quickly, "We're not even making a dent in trying to protect these people. Millions are still at risk and the Chain's arrival does little to help us."

Captain Willian Targaryen had been sitting in his chair listening to the back and forth between his officers and Galatea. Ever since they had arrived in this time period the former artificial intelligence, now Soong-type android, and his crew had sparred. He was just as guilty. While he was normally accepting of such challenges to what felt like a renegade AI, he had other things to worry about right now. The Cerulean was one of the most dangerous vessels he'd encountered in his entire career. Heavily armed and defended, Enterprise was barely a match for her even with her upgrades. That was a scary thought for him. Back where they came from Enterprise was the predator, here she was the prey.

"Ops, get me the Away Team leaders," the Captain ordered from his seat.

"I just got off the line with Doctor Marner," the Bandi Lieutenant saw the Captain's expression and immediately stopped talking. She nodded and input a control on her panel, "Channel open. It's secure, Sir."

"Away Teams, status?" the Captain asked.

=/\= Relay Control Station =/\=

Lieutenant Commander Ialo Gojir was still dazed and confused by what had happened. Moments ago the Cardassian Engineer was busy trying to help figure out a way to stabilize the weather containment grid and on her way to check on a wayward engineer who had ran off. Before she knew it she was in the middle of a phaser fight with an armed combatant who had very much wanted nothing more than to kill her. Worse, he nearly succeeded. He'd managed to use a sonic weapon to knock her from her feet, but that wasn't where he stopped. Beside her the Security Chief and a Federation Security Specialist had also fallen.

That wasn't the question. The question was why did the Chain take just them and not her? There had to be more to this than she was seeing.

"Over here," she heard Lieutenant Commander Rini Laldis, Mission Specialist for the Risian Weather Grid, announce. "It's alright. We're here to help!"

Hawkins had followed Laldis with a one hand on his phaser having heard an exchange of shots momentarily. He crouched beside Gojir and helped her sit up: "What happened? Where's Haynes and O'Sullivan?" he asked.

"What is going on Nathan?" Bishop asked arriving next.

The Cardassian Engineer brushed herself off as she rested against the corridor wall. She looked up at the Enterprise's XO, "That technician, whatshisname, he was talking to an Andorian on a communicator. When he saw me he shot at me with a disruptor pistol, he just missed me, and we returned fire. He used some other weapon, some type of sonic weapon, that knocked us down." She struggled to catch her breath, "He took them, I don't know why, but he left me behind."

Lieutenant Commander Laldis was shocked, "I can't believe that. Dethiv was one of the best Technicians on this station. He knew the entire system better than anyone here, even me. I can't believe that he would be a traitor."

"I only know what happened, Commander," the Engineer answered. "He contacted the Chain, he turned the Security Chief and the Specialist over, he probably even did all this."

"Away Teams, status?" the Captain asked over the com.

"Patton and Haynes have been kidnapped by the Emerald Chain, Sir. Gojir was also attacked but managed to escape." Bishop replied.

"Damn," Willian cursed at the news. "Doctor, what is happening down there?"

Hearing the voice of Captain Willian Targaryen, Cyrus gave a smile even though the captain wouldn't see it. "We're currently getting people into a somewhat warmer area, the leader of Risa is currently indisposed and is being taken care of." Cyrus glancing over at the unconscious Risan leader. "We've got people hunkering down with blankets and other coverings that we've been able to find. What's your status, what is the status of the weather station?"

"The Emerald Chain starship is approaching. It's the Cerulean, but we don't think that she's realized we're here yet. Her weapons are unpowered and her shields are down. Actually, she's acting pretty nonchalant about the whole thing which has been really odd. She may be thinking that this battle is already over. Jardok is telling me that Risa has, maybe, ten minutes left before it reaches a point of no return environmentally. Have you been able to figure out a way to reestablish the weather control grid?"

Cyrus chewed on his lower lip as he looked around. Ten minutes was all they had. His eyes landed on Zim, could the man be able to do something. Maybe the machinery on that Weather station needed a swift kick to get it to realign itself. Also there was the weapons fire that had been mentioned. Giving a grim grunt, Cyrus walked over to where Zim was. "Chief, I need to ask you to do something that I feel is needed. I don't know what is going on that weather station, but there had been the report of weapon fire and I'm thinking that something happened up there. I need you to find out what is what and maybe kick that piece of machinery to get it to act right. Now I am thinking that there is a transporter to get you up to that station. It would make sense that there would be, from here. If the satellites that are connected to the main computer are acting up maybe if it is knocked out of commission we can maybe stop this madness. Just something wrong is going on."

Tapping on the combadge, "I'm sending someone up there now." Cyrus stated. Then he looked at Zim. "Go see what you can do."

Swift action and fighting is something that Zim, a Capellan knew and knew well. "Doc, I want to make sure I understood you correctly. You want me to go up to that weather station kill or render unconscious anyone that may be up there. Then demolish the main weather computer. Am I correct?"

From the Enterprise, Captain Targaryen had been continuing to monitor. It was a question that he had not anticipated, "Chief, we're the heroes here, we only kill if we have to. Nathan, I'm having Zim transported up to the station at the Doctor's recommendation. You need the additional security with everything that's happening. Doctor, I have additional supplies being prepared to be beamed down. Ramat'iklan and Bel Ragh are working on them."

Zim cocked and eyebrow and leveled his phaser rifle, as he beamed into the unknown. The transporter effect took hold and all Zim could think of was that it was about time something got done, well that and that he was about to truly enjoy his job.Bishop listened as William gave him an update and that Zim was transporting up to the station to see if he could figure out a way to get the station back on track and to play nice. "Yes sir. We'll be expecting him. Hope he got some ideas on how to get the station to cooperate."

"Standby away teams," came as an answer.

Off to the side, Lieutenant Commander Gojir stood holding the TriCom that had been left behind by the Orion Infiltrator. It was clearly Emerald Chain technology, a fairly advanced one, but it was relatively rudimentary with its security. Since the technician had left it active it wasn't as locked as it should be. Using her own TriCom, the Engineer began the process of hacking the device to see if she could uncover more information.

"What's that?" Laldis asked as she stood off to the side.

Ialo glanced from the TriCom screen, "Your Dethiv dropped it when he was beamed out. It's his TriCom. I'm trying to hack it."

"Could you use a second pair of hands?" It was a question, but one she had no intention of taking a no as an answer for. She was still reeling from the possibility that the Enterprise's Security Officer was going to try to destroy her station. It may not have been much to look at, if may've been in pieces right now, but it was still her responsibility. It was the central processing hub for the entire complex and the weather control grid. It was, without doubt, the most important thing in orbit of Risa. Even more than the Enterprise.

"Want to help too?" Gojir asked the Operations Manager.

Hawkins nodded: "What can I do?"

"We need to break through the encryption algorithms," Gojir said as she typed on the holographic interface of her Tricorder. "If we can get through we may be able to find out if there are any notes explaining what they did to the system."

Zim materialized in the control room and he swept his rifle around quickly just to make sure that there were not further combatants. "I was sent up here to assist. It is believed at the moment that the issue lies with the weather control computer and not the satellites. Is there any way we can check it?"

Laldis interrupted as they continued working to break the encryption on the Emerald Chain TriComm, "We've run a diagnostic of the computer systems. So far they've not revealed much," she noted the Federation Security uniform instead of the Starfleet uniform. "Nice of Federation Security to finally take our situation seriously. We sent a message to FHQ weeks ago," The Risian got back to work.

"Away Teams," Willian reactivated communications, "The Cerulean is actively targeting Enterprise. Be prepared for anything."

Gojir sighed, "No pressure."

"Just get's better and better," Hawkins breathed softly.

"Don't forget we want off this rock so, don't let them shoot you down." Cyrus drawled out. "Just hope that weather station gets taken care of. Don't have much time and can't they just pull the plug on that machine?" the doctor slightly grousing. "Looks like I need to go. Just do something Captain." he paused then said. "After this, you, me and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Marner out."

Zim was not an engineer and knew very little about computers or their systems. However, he knew that ninety nine percent of the time rebooting the computer fixed your issues. "I am just spitballing here. But have we checked the back ups. If they are unaffected we could take the main offline, do a full system restore and reboot. The backups can take over. Hell if need be I can just shoot the damn thing."

"We did try that. The backup files did not respond as they should," Commander Laldis explained. The Risan adjusted a readout on her screen. The callback code looked familiar. "Commander Hawkins, see if you can stabilize the frequency fluctuation. Gojir and I will focus on the callback code. It we can do this at the same time the security of the TriCom will break and we'll have full access."

"Right," Hawkins nodded again his face taught with concentration as they clock ticked down.

Gojir was navigating the callback codes on her screen, but continued, "We have about 8 minutes left. If we can't get through the TriCom or can't find what we need could Chief Zim's plan work? Could the computers be the key?"

"We would have to destroy the entire station. Our self-destruct sequence is offline with the computer issues," Rini explained as she changed a setting in the callback. "The station is made of Rodinium, the only stronger substance in construction is neutronium."

The Cardassian woman knew better than any that it would take a significant explosive device to destroy an object made of Rodinium. Only Heavy Plasma Torpedoes or Tricobalt explosives would be able to break through. "Think you guys can come up with Plan B?"

"A Plan B? Absolutely." Bishop replied, "How does prayer sound to you?"

Laldis smiled, "Well it does work." The Risian woman paused her work on the callback code, "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting, Commander?"

"I am," Gojir brought up a new display. "I think that Captain Bishop and Chief Zim should come up with a plan to destroy this station."

"Two tricobalt devices rigged to the station's main power core should do the trick. When the devices go it will set off a chain reaction. Add to that that we can trigger it remotely once we are off the station. However, if we are going to do anything someone is going to have to make a decision now." Zim replied. There was a part of him that was happy that he was not an officer at the moment. It seemed that they could not make a decision at all.

Gojir sighed as her entire TriCom screen went red, "It may be that time. For simple security, we keep getting locked out."

"You can't be serious! You want to destroy my station?" The Risian Lieutenant Commander yelled in frustration. She had mentioned it as an option herself, but never believed it would come to that.

The idea didn't sit well with Hawkins either as continued to try with the device without success. The mission was to repair the weather station and satellites not destroy the entire weather system. Not to mention the potential fall out to the surface below should the station fall out of orbit.

"Enterprise, Chief Zim here. I need two tricobalt devices beamed to my location pronto. Zim out." The Chief of the Boat ignored the protests of the Risan. He had been sent here to do a job and would do it without question. Besides no one actually knew if this was going to work, and Zim was not interested to see how this would end.

Galatea answered, "Chief, transporters are currently down due to the shields being up. Why do you need Tricobalt Devices?"

"He doesn't," Laldis interrupted, "that was sent in error!"

"Zim, confirm?"

Galatea's information was not helpful. The Risan's outburst was unfortunate but nothing that Zim could not ignore. "Enterprise I am going to destroy the weather station. It seems to be the only way to gain control. If the main computer is offline the satellites should revert to their original settings. That was the need for the devices. However, I will take core of it. Standby for more." Zim killed the comm line.

Cyrus tapped on his combadge "Acknowledged."

"I will be remaining here," Rini informed the away team. "This station is my responsibility, this weather grid is my responsibility. I will not abandon my post until the very end and that includes the destruction of this station."

"I need all your weapons now... No time to argue." Zim began to collect all the phaser that were present and attached them to the power core of the station. A moment later a high pitched whine could be heard as he set them to overload. "Now you choice is to beam out with me or stay and die."

He did not wait for an answer, as the buildup continued Zim used the transporter to beam everyone back to the surface.

=/\= Risa =/\=

Lieutenant Rrawran couldn't believe that the Enterprise had, essentially, just hung up on the away team especially with what they were facing. Risa, one of the gem worlds of the Federation, was on the verge of falling to pieces thanks to a dangerous malfunction of their weather protection system. The planet was normally a balmy, tropical paradise but right now it was anything but. Massive thunderstorms, dangerous floods, blanketing snowfalls, devastating tornadoes... that was just the start. Now an Emerald Chain Battleship was on approach. It was almost too much.

Well, at least he got to shoot the President of Risa. That was a highlight of this mission.

"We've got 47 more refugees," a Bajoran noncom reported as he helped them into the chamber.

"Well bring them in. We'll do our best to make them comfortable. " R'elle said with a sigh. They were in a jam. If they didn't get the weather control system back up and running, well they might not be able to get things back to the way it was. The enterprise was not in any shape to take on these refugees but could they really leave them behind?

"Alright I guess the idea of the Enterprise assisting us is out of the question. Perhaps we move to plan B. Making the refugees as comfortable as possible while some of the engineers get a look at the weather control system and get it back on track." Zim suggested. There were often times when he wondered why it took so long for anyone to do anything.

"Away Teams, status?" the Captain asked.

"Patton and Haynes have been kidnapped by the Emerald Chain, Sir. Gojir was also attacked but managed to escape."

"Damn," Willian cursed at the news. "Doctor, what is happening down there?"

Hearing the voice of Captain Willian Targaryen, Cyrus gave a smile even though the captain wouldn't see it. "We're currently getting people into a somewhat warmer area, the leader of Risa is currently indispoed and is being taken care of." Cyrus glancing over at the unconcious Risan leader. "We've got people hunkering down with blankets and other coverings that we've been able to find. What's your status, what is the status of the weather station?"

"The Emerald Chain starship is approaching. It's the Cerulean, but we don't think that she's realized we're here yet. Her weapons are unpowered and her shields are down. Actually, she's acting pretty nonchalant about the whole thing which has been really odd. She may be thinking that this battle is already over. Jardok is telling me that Risa has, maybe, ten minutes left before it reaches a point of no return environmentally. Have you been able to figure out a way to reestablish the weather control grid?"

Cyrus chewed on his lower lip as he looked around. Ten minutes was all they had. His eyes landed on Zim, could the man be able to do something. Maybe the machinery on that Weather station needed a swift kick to get it to realign itself. Also there was the weapons fire that had been mentioned. Giving a grim grunt, Cyrus walked over to where Zim was. "Chief, I need to ask you to do something that I feel is needed. I don't know what is going on that weather station, but there had been the report of weapon fire and I'm thinking that something happened up there. I need you to find out what is what and maybe kick that piece of machinery to get it to act right. Now I am thinking that there is a transporter to get you up to that station. It would make sense that there would be, from here. If the satellites that are connected to the main computer are acting up maybe if it is knocked out of commission we can maybe stop this madness. Just something wrong is going on."

Tapping on the combadge, "I'm sending someone up there now." Cyrus stated. Then he looked at Zim. "Go see what you can do."

Swift action and fighting is something that Zim, a Capellan knew and knew well. "Doc, I want to make sure I understood you correctly. You want me to go up to that weather station kill or render unconscious anyone that may be up there. Then demolish the main weather computer. Am I correct?"

From the Enterprise, Captain Targaryen had been continuing to monitor. It was a question that he had not anticipated, "Chief, we're the heroes here, we only kill if we have to. Nathan, I'm having Zim transported up to the station at the Doctor's recommendation. You need the additional security with everything that's happening. Doctor, I have additional supplies being prepared to be beamed down. Ramat'iklan and Bel Ragh are working on them."

Zim cocked and eyebrow and leveled his phaser rifle, as he beamed into the unknown. The transporter effect took hold and all Zim could think of was that it was about time something got done, well that and that he was about to truly enjoy his job.

Bishop listened as William gave him an update and that Zim was transporting up to the station to see if he could figure out a way to get the station back on track and to play nice. "Yes sir. We'll be expecting him. Hope he got some ideas on how to get the station to cooperate."

"Standby away teams," came as an answer.

Off to the side, Rrawran was watching the back and forth between the Enterprise, Marner, and Zim. The Security Officer was in the same boat as Zim at the moment and wondering why things were taking so long. They had spent so little time to decide the fate of Svian and they were fighting a war of attrition here on Risa. It just made no sense. This needed a strike of surgical precision, nothing more.

The wolf-like alien walked over to the window and looked out at the growing snow. It was amazing that the snow had already risen another half a foot just since they beamed down. People were struggling to get to the shelters that they had beamed down, but even they were getting overwhelmed. In reality this shelter was nearing the point of no return even and there were just not enough beds to help them all.

"Away Teams," Willian reactivated communications, "The Cerulean is actively targeting Enterprise. Be prepared for anything."

"Don't forget we want off this rock so, don't let them shoot you down." Cyrus drawled out. "Just hope that weather station gets taken care of. Don't have much time and can't they just pull the plug on that machine?" the doctor slightly grousing. "Looks like I need to go. Just do something Captain." he paused then said. "After this, you, me and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Marner out."

Marner turned back to the needs of the many who were being treated for exposure to the cold. Giving out some words of comfort. There maybe worry about how many people are in here but the more bodies there are the more warmth can be generated. All they had to do was just hold on.

"Enterprise I am going to destroy the weather station. It seems to be the only way to gain control. If the main computer is offline the satellites should revert to their original settings. That was the need for the devices. However, I will take core of it. Standby for more." Zim killed the comm line.

Cyrus tapped on his combadge "Acknowledged."

"Whatever happened to Ash's transporter brig?" Rrawran asked absently as he looked out the viewport. It was a random musing, but he wondered if it could have helped here. The Transporter Brig was designed by a Starfleet Scientist named Aloram Vas in the later 24th Century. The device, when activated, stored the pattern of a person inside the buffer, randomly applying a rematerialization and dematerialization sequence to maintain the person. It could store an infinite number of people, provided it maintained power and processing ability.

As he saw the approaching crowd he wished he had it even more. The crowd was large, a mix of species that were shouting and fighting as they ran toward the shelter. "Doctors I think you should see this!"

R'relle peered out to see what was going on. "OH boy! This is not good! Rrawran we may need you to pacify them. I'll try talking to them first but if that doesn't work, then..."

Rrawran was about to act when the familiar whine of the transporter rang through the chamber.

When Zim rematerialized, "Doc in a moment that station is going to blow."

Cyrus looked at R'relle, "Then we'll have to subdue them with a wide beam and stun them. He called out to Zim "We're going to need your help in quelling a mob, but do not use deadly force. We're going to have to use stun setting."

"Let me talk to them first!" R'elle said. "People, please! Let em have you attention please! I'm councilor R'elle. We're doing everything we can to help you. Please try to stay calm! I know it's scary but we are doing ever thing we can to take care of you! Please work with us! We do care about all of you!"

"We need to be transported off this planet!" One of the crowd screamed.

Another, "We need medical supplies and blankets!"

"What are you people doing to help us? Nothing has changed!" A third.

Bishop listened to R'elle's attempt to talk to the people without success. "Stand by to stun the lot of them." Bishop stated crisply. They were the best they could to save the planet and the population. They wouldn't succumb to mob panic.

"Its the only way, R'relle." Marner added. "Its humane other wise we're going to be having a lot of trouble." the phasers being set for wide beam stun. " And once the mob mind hits we're in too much chaos and more injuries." He glanced upwards to where the station was supposed to blow up. "Damn it how long is it going to take for it to blow."

R'elle nodded. "I understand. i was hoping to reason with them but they are too panicky to listen to anybody right now. I had to try though!" She didn't like to resort to violence unless it was necessary . Unfortunately in this case there appeared to be no recourse

Hawkins stared at the incoming mob with pity and sorrow. Had they been able to restart the weather station this could have been prevented, yet, here they stood and in his case unarmed having surrendered his weapon to aid Zim's plan. This century was truly a terrible and terrifying place.

In a moment the entire world changed around them. The clouds, as dark as space itself, started to have an inward glow. A massive explosion tore through the clouds themselves as the Risian Control Station detonated in an amazing fireball that tore through the darkness. Then, as quickly as it started, it stopped. The flash of light was replaced by the darkness that enveloped the clouds. Debris started to burn up as it fell into the atmosphere.

One of the rioters screamed, "They destroyed the space station!"

"They're going to shoot us!" Another of the mob screamed.

A third, "Starfleet murderers!"

A sharp whistle rose over the din, then a rather loud voice can be heard, with a rather languid drawl. "Now that is enough. You were racing in as a mad mob and wouldn't listen to our fine Counselor, you come any closer you will be stunned. Do I make myself clear. I have had enough of your shenanigans. That station up there was not working right. And looks like it had a conniption fit. Just back away, and go to your homes or calm down and we will help you out. Your choice." giving a bit of a glower. "We came here to help so back away and let us see to your needs a little bit at a time."

With the station destroyed Zim took a moment to notice that the precipitation had slowed down. He was unsure if that meant the storm system had passed or if it meant that the satellites really were reestablishing themselves. The next few minutes would tell the tale that was for sure. To add some muscle to the Doctor's words he shot his phaser straight up in the air. "Form a line and we will address your issues."

"Targaryen to Doctor Marner. Cyrus, the destruction of the station did it. The storm systems are dissipating. Galatea estimates that in about 8 hours the planet will be back to normal."

"Thank you Captain, glad that was taken care of." Having turned his back away to where the refugees couldn't overhear the conversation, Cyrus continued. "Once things get settled here and some clean up done we can go on our way. Speaking of which, I have a President to attend to. I'll give you a full report later on. I am looking forward to coming home."

"That makes two of us Cyrus! I am grateful that the sun is peaking through the clouds but I have had enough of panicky people! Now that the weather is stabilized, they should too! Rrrrr, this has been a day!" R'elle said, her tail slowly going back and forth as the exhaustion started to set in.

Cyrus gave a nod in agreement. "Its definitely time to go home."

"I dunno Doc... That was the most fun I have had since coming to this damned time." Zim smiled for the first time in a while. So long in fact that it may have seemed strange to those around him. "What was not to like I got to destroy a station. Good times.."

"Hey," Rrawran interrupted, "I want to destroy a space station. All I got to do was shoot a President."

Behind them Hawkins shook his head in mute awe frustration at how the situation escalated behold their control. Trust Rrawran to shoot Risa's President it was certainly his MO and with Zim's action without consequence type attitude the two of them would get along like a house on fire. Or in the case a station. Perhaps he'll speak to Bishop of Targaryen about his reservations later. One thing for certain Nathan really hated this cruel and twisted time line and longed for the old simply life he knew before.

Cyrus paused and looked at Rrawaran, "At least you got to shoot him. Be glad of being able to do that. I will say those are all accomplishments. And if anyone asks I ordered you to do so, on both accounts. The blowing up of that station, shooting the President." he glanced over towards the others. "Also Zim if you are a drinking man, I'll by you a drink. I am very much obliged for your following orders." a rather large grin, appearing.

"Beers are on the Doc, now that sounds like a plan I can get on board with." Zim laughed at his own joke. The truth was following orders was what he and the rest of the enlisted did best. What Harris did not say to most was that they would only follow orders if it made sense.

=/\= Sickbay =/\=

In the center of the sickbay, Doctor Iblis Ilkun rushed to put together another container of Med kits for immediate distribution to the surface of Risa. With the massive storm system that was impacting the planet they were running out of time to save the citizens and, now, the Emerald Chain was about to arrive to make things worse. The Captain had ordered that they continue preparations to save the citizens and that was exactly what they were going to do.

If only they had been allowed to do the same at Svian. The Chelon did not even pretend to understand the politics that went into starship operations as he was contented to just be a doctor and help people. For some reason though the Federation had ordered that they withdraw from a similar scenario on Svian and allow the citizens there to their fate. What made the Risians better than the Svians? Did this reality really live by the adage us versus them? Were the Risians better because they were part of the Federation? It messed with their heads.

"Get these to the surface," the Doctor ordered to a noncom.

"Yes Sir," the Bolian technician answered.

The Chelon looked around at the others, "We're going to have to prepare for potential combat. What would you two like to focus on? The Risians or the crew?"

"I believe lieutenant Ragh would be quite happy to be working in the thick of action when she gets here." It was just ten minutes before she was scheduled to be on duty, after l. "I would like her to stay here and assist if and when we go into combat - unless, of course, you have other recommendations."

Galatea's voice interrupted, "Red Alert. All hands to battlestations."

Doctor Ilkun was very appreciative of the recommendations, "I'm fine with that idea. With combating an Emerald Chain vessel I'm afraid that the casualties may be heavy. We need to get everyone back to their positions as quickly as possible, especially with our skeleton crew aboard."

"Captain to Ramat'iklan."

"Speaking." The Jem'hadar's gruff voice came through the communicator.

"Doctor, I need Commander Ash returned to duty immediately," the Captain ordered.

A brief pause ensued before the Jem'hadar spoke again: "With all due respect, sir. I believe that would be unwise. The Commander's mental and physical state remains unchanged. Whether she is fit to execute her duties as chief engineer is a risk I am unwilling to take at the moment, not when she continues to claim to see visions which I believe will impair her ability to perform adequately."

Jardok interrupted, "Sir, I believe I have an idea to help treat the Commander's condition. I'd need to leave the Bridge to do it."

"Ramat'iklan, Jardok's coming back to sickbay."

The comms were silent for a moment. "Very well I will link up with him upon his arrival. Ramat'iklan out."

=/\= Bridge =/\=

"They have spotted us," Galatea announced from the Tactical workstation. "Cerulean has altered her course and speed. She is heading right for us."

At the Helm, Lieutenant Aiden Crowe joked, "Red Alert?"

Captain Targaryen shook his head, "Not just yet. We're a Starfleet ship performing humanitarian work at one of our planets. That's all."

"Cutting it a little close, aren't we?" Crowe continued as he kept his fingers on the evasive maneuvers preloaded.

"Don't worry," Willian continued, "I have no doubt you'll get to test your fancy flying in a few minutes. Yellow Alert, but keep shields down for the time being. I don't want to tip our hand out of character."

"I concur with Mister Crowe, Captain, we need to adopt a defensive posture," Galatea informed. "I have weapons and shields on standby. Just waiting for the order."

"It scares me when I agree with her," Aiden whispered.

Willian looked right at the Federation Security Chief, "My Bridge, my orders. That's the end of the discussion."

"Good," Zoss interrupted, "because we're being hailed."

"On screen," Willian turned toward the large display. A second later Andorian Director Esoria sh'Vreshaa was on his panel. "Esoria, so great to see you. Are you here to provide assistance to Risa too?"

The Andorian smirked, "You really should consider upgrading your communications equipment. Viewscreens are so 25th Century, like your ship."

"True classics never die. What do you want?" The Captain of the Enterprise walked toward the forward consoles and crossed his arms.

"Your unconditional surrender would be nice, Enterprise. Risa has contacted the Emerald Chain requesting our protection so, again, you're in my space unwelcomed. You also have members of your crew on the space station in orbit so you're trespassing. Stand down," her wording was direct.

Galatea interrupted, "Risa is a Federation World, Director, we are not going to surrender our territory to you. If you wish to provide humanitarian aid to this planet we would welcome your assistance; however, we will not be vacating."

The Captain suppressed wanting to roll his eyes, knowing full well that it would get him no where, but he had to address what the Security Officer said. He pointed over his shoulder at her with his thumb, "Yeah, what she said."

The Andorian scoffed, "Letting your subordinate speak for you? Nice tactic."

"More than enough gas in that old lady's tank. Unlike your ship," Targaryen taunted. "So, i'll tell you what, leave now and I'll give you some nice dilithium for your trouble. Keep this up and you're going to fire at me, I'm going to fire at you, and then we're at war and it'll be an endless one. You also don't know me too well, but I'll win and you'll lose."

"So much for an endless war then," Esoria answered.

Willian shrugged, "Never said it was endless for you."

"I like you, Captain, you're almost Andorian in your offense."

"I'll try not to be insulted," Willian criticized.

Her entire disposition changed, "I have two of your crew, three if you count that traitor D'ian. Give me all of your dilithium and you can have them back and I'll leave Risa in peace."

"More likely you'll just blow me out of the sky when I don't even have enough power for replicators," he kept up the jokey facade. "And what of the poor Risans? Going to leave them to their fate?"

"Not my problem," she was direct.

Willian countered again, "Thought they had sought your protection?"

"Well you seem intent on starting a war over them," sh'Vreshaa pivoted. "I'm looking out for the Chain's best interests."

"You know that's fair," he smiled to his Bridge crew. "We don't want to see anyone die needlessly so no wars today. Alright, I'll tell you what, I'll give you half of my stores of dilithium in exchange for my captured crew and you coming aboard to stand trial for war crimes against the Svians." Willian motioned toward his crew, "I think we're all in agreement that would be fitting." He smiled at the viewscreen.

"Yes Captain," echoed behind him.

The Andorian woman growled in frustration, "You're infuriating!"

"I should introduce you to my wife. She'd agree with you, and you'd find her worse than me," Targaryen replied.

The Cerulean's Captain shook her head, "On the honor of your wife, for that insult, I suppose I need to teach you some manners. Set Condition One throughout the ship."

"Cerulean's weapons are powering," the Vulcan Science Officer said with some emotion in his voice.

"Um, just so you know if you blow up the Enterprise you're hurting my wife since she's aboard," the Captain pointed out.

"I'll be sure to put her name up on the wall of heroes for living with you," Esoria answered as she screen when dark.

Galatea looked over from Tactical, "Did you have to provoke her?"

"Don't I provoke everyone?" Willian said returning to his chair, "But hey you got your red alert."

Galatea's sighed as she accessed the communications system, "Red Alert. All hands to battlestations."

"Away Teams," Willian reactivated communications, "The Cerulean is actively targeting Enterprise. Be prepared for anything."

"Don't forget we want off this rock so, don't let them shoot you down." Cyrus drawled out. "Just hope that weather station gets taken care of. Don't have much time and can't they just pull the plug on that machine?" the doctor slightly grousing. "Looks like I need to go. Just do something Captain." he paused then said. "After this, you, me and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Marner out."

Willian smiled. Sadly the advanced metabolism that they gave him would make that have little effect, but he appreciated the sentiment. "Alter current course. Keep us between the Cerulean and the Station, I want our forward shields facing them the whole time, Aiden."

"I'll do my best. The Cerulean's a little more maneuverable than this beast," the pilot said adjusting the flight protocols.

"I'll remember you called her that," the Captain answered with a grin. "Reinforce forward shields to double front. Arm torpedoes and ready phasers."

Galatea nodded, "Already in process."

The Captain tapped his communicator, "Captain to Ramat'iklan."

"Speaking." The Jem'hadar's gruff voice came through the communicator.

"Doctor, I need Commander Ash returned to duty immediately," he ordered as he sat in his chair.

A brief pause ensued before the Jem'hadar spoke again: "With all due respect, sir. I believe that would be unwise. The Commander's mental and physical state remains unchanged. Whether she is fit to execute her duties as chief engineer is a risk I am unwilling to take at the moment, not when she continues to claim to see visions which I believe will impair her ability to perform adequately."

From the Science Station, Lieutenant Jardok got the Captain's attention, "Sir, I believe I have an idea to help treat the Commander's condition. I'd need to leave the Bridge to do it."

The Captain knew that he needed everyone at their post, but he was not about to let a member of his crew die in the commotion, "We'll bring the new Science Officer up to assist here. Ramat'iklan, Jardok's coming back to sickbay."

The comms were silent for a moment. "Very well
I will link up with him upon his arrival. Ramat'iklan out."

"Enterprise, Chief Zim here. I need two tricobalt devices beamed to my location pronto. Zim out."

Willian glanced over to the Federation Security Officer. Galatea answered, "Chief, transporters are currently down due to the shields being up. Why do you need Tricobalt Devices?"

"He doesn't," Laldis interrupted, "that was sent in error!"

Galatea didn't identify the voice, "Zim, confirm?"

Galatea's information was not helpful. The Risan's outburst was unfortunate but nothing that Zim could not ignore. "Enterprise I am going to destroy the weather station. It seems to be the only way to gain control. If the main computer is offline the satellites should revert to their original settings. That was the need for the devices. However, I will take core of it. Standby for more." Zim killed the comm line.

"Zim... Zim..." Galatea yelled while typing on the keyboard built into the Tactical station. The android sighed as she looked at the Captain, "Your Chief of the Boat is planning to destroy Federation property."

"I thought you moved him to your Chain of Command?" Willian teased the Director from Federation Security.

Galatea rolled her eyes, "We all know he does not listen to me."

"He's in good company," Willian said as he rose from his chair. "Put the station on screen." The viewscreen switched to an image of the older starbase that hung over Risa. "Show me the Cerulean on split screen," Willian ordered next to the Operations Manager.

Zoss typed, "Up to something, Sir?"

"Overlay tactical scan," Willian didn't answer the question. On the viewer the details the Captain asked for immediately appeared. The Cerulean was armed with 45 separate plasma beam turrets, photon torpedoes, and Tricobalt devices. That's what Zim was doing. That was why he picked Tricobalt. It wasn't common on Federation vessels, but Tricobalt warheads were dangerous destructive weapons that packed more than enough kick to be outlawed by the Khitomer Accords. They were also common armaments on an Emerald Chain ship. He was setting up the Cerulean to look like the aggressor.

Before he could say another word he had his answer. The viewscreen had a flash as bright as a supernova come across it, so bright that the automated polarization system barely had time to respond. The Risian Space Station erupted into flame as the detonation tore through it, a rain of debris starting to fall into the atmosphere as the central control system completed its final detonations. If it weren't so devastating it would've been beautiful.

Zoss heard an alarm on the Ops station. She checked the monitor, "We're being hailed. It's the Cerulean."

"Answer her," Willian commanded, "all subspace frequencies."

"Sir?" Zoss questioned.

"Proceed, Lieutenant," Willian ordered as he sat in his chair. He leaned forward toward the viewscreen. In a second the image of the Andorian Commanding Officer of the Starship Cerulean appeared in the center of the viewscreen. Her face was full of anger and she was a full shade of blue darker than usual from her anger. As she went to speak, the Captain cut her off, "Cerulean, what the Hell did you do?"

It only served to make Esoria sh'Vreshaa angrier, "What do you mean what the Hell did I do? You destroyed Risa Space Central!"

"Our sensors are showing that the detonation was a Tricobalt Device, Director, those are not standard Starfleet weapons, but they are included in the payload of Emerald Chain Dreadnoughts," Willian said as he brought up the tactical scan of the Director's vessel. "Even now I can see that you have them targeting us. Now, why did you destroy Risa Space Central?"

"You did this! Not us!"

Galatea interrupted, "Surely, Director sh'Vreshaa, you are aware that Tricobalt Devices are outlawed by the Khitomer Accords. This vessel would not have been outfitted with such devices due to our adherence to treaty. I can confirm, as Tactical Officer, that we have not fired any Tricobalt Devices, nor do we have any in our current inventory."

"You people are wasting my time," the Andorian said through gritted teeth. "That's a dangerous game."

Targaryen sighed, "Enough catterwalling because you are the one wasting my time, Director." He rose from his chair and walked around his Bridge, "We can keep up this verbal sparring or we can decide to just open fire on one another and be done with it, but I am sure you know how dangerous a proposition that is. At the moment the Federation and the Emerald Chain are just in a Cold War, but if one of us presses that button and fires on the other we've gone from Cold Warriors to Hot ones. Neither of us will survive the endless war that will result if it comes to that."

"Fine! Have it your way!" The Andorian seethed.

Zoss looked at her sensors, "The Cerulean is standing down its weapons."

"Nice to know that we're not going to be killing one another today, Director. Now, I have a humanitarian mission to attend to here on Risa. If you are willing you may remain to assist as well, but as partners not rivals," Willian demanded as he kept his place at the front of the Bridge.

"I have no desire to help Risa, Captain. It's a Federation world and you will need all the help you can get with the coming storm," the Captain of the Cerulean answered. "Let's get out of here. Someone get this p'tak off my screen."

Willian interrupted, "Before you go, one last thing: you have two Starfleet Officers aboard your ship. They were 'rescued,'" he used air quotes on the word, "from Risa Space Central. Surely you would be willing to return them to us."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Captain," it was clear that she was lying. "None of your officers are aboard, except for that traitor Zehoi D'ian."

"My crew observed them beamed aboard your ship, Director," Willian explained. "In the hopes of our continued fostering cooperation between our two governments I think you should check again."

The Cerulean's Captain sighed, "I have no idea what you are talking about, Captain. I have no Starfleet officers aboard my ship. Maybe you should do a headcount." The viewer returned to an image of the Cerulean as it turned and cloaked.

"Maybe I should," Willian said as he heard the familiar sound of a transporter beam depositing Minister Zehoi D'ian on his Bridge. "I hoped you'd show back up, Commander," the Captain said as he helped her to her feet

Zehoi looked around the Bridge, "Why did she let me go?"

Willian shrugged, "I really don't know."

Galatea turned from the Tactical Station and gasped at seeing Commander Zehoi had been returned to them. Zehoi had sacrificed herself to the Emerald Chain to save her away team from being taken by the Chain as leverage. Galatea couldn't help but be gratified to see that she was safe. There was, however, still work to be done.

"Captain," she called, "the orbital satellite system has rebooted following the destruction of the station. I am pleased to report that they are following their default programming and are already working to dissipate the storm systems. I am no scientist, but I would estimate that Risa will be back to clear skies and calm seas within the next 8 hours."

There were cheers throughout the Bridge of the Starship Enterprise at the announcement and the Captain himself was smiling. He looked at the Orion, "Feel free to go to your quarters and get cleaned up. I need you back at your station."

"Sir," she interrupted, "We need to talk, privately, especially about what happened."

Willian nodded, "We will. For now we have a mission to attend to." He tapped is communicator as he took his seat, "Targaryen to Doctor Marner. Cyrus, the destruction of the station did it. The storm systems are dissipating. Galatea estimates that in about 8 hours the planet will be back to normal."

"Thank you Captain, glad that was taken care of and that is great news." Having turned his back away to where the refugees couldn't overhear the conversation, Cyrus continued. "Once things get settled here and some clean up done we can go on our way. Speaking of which, I have a President to attend to. I'll give you a full report later on. I am looking forward to coming home."

A few hours later, Cyrus called Enterprise, "I'm ready to come home." and was beamed to the ship. He was wanting to get cleaned up and take a little break.

Once everything seemed to be returning to as close of order as could be Zim beamed up to the ship. This whole mission had made him tired of what went on here. He longed for a return to their own time and their own missions. This place did not feel like home and he wondered if it ever would.

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