The Triangle: Eternity War

K'Retalra

First Edition

by Keith Dunn

artwork by Andy Simpkins

http://www.StaggeringStories.net/

This is one character's story of The Triangle: Eternity War. Other eBooks in this series, and more besides, are available free from the Staggering Stories website.

This eBook is copyright 2010 to Keith Dunn and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/).

K'Retalra Mission 1: Evidence

Klingon mission report: Mission 1701

He marched on to the bridge glorying in the old remembered sights and sounds. The way the mist hung in the patches of harsh light, the harsh red /yellow glow of the control interfaces. He walked around the support girders to stand in the open area between the command chair and the viewscreen and looked down in to the chair.

“Lt Comdr. K’Ratalra vesti Reshtarc reporting” The chair slowly span round revealing Captain K’Rontep.

The Captain was large for a Klingon, not fat but barrel-chested, muscular not muscle bound, Large boned. His crest which looked like two clasped hands, thrust up through an explosion of wire like red / brown hair, added another 2 inches to his height.

He passed over a PADD with his services record on “Here is the list of my Honour and my life. I pledge it to the Empire, this ship and to you”.

The Captain scanned through the pages making noncommittal noises when he finally spoke the voice was at odds with his frame soft and silky, ”I accept in to my hands your life and your honour, Station.”

K’Ratalra gazed around the bridge quickly identifying the various duty stations, ”I will take my station now.”

The Klingon slowly and lazily turned, “Who are you to try and take my station from me?”

He was younger then K’Ratalra and probably faster. This had to be finished quickly, ”I am the one who is going to take this station!“

On the last word he performed an open palmed smash to the head causing his opponent to stagger back against the console, baring his neck, but now was not the time for a killing blow. Instead a full knuckled blow was delivered to the stomach doubling his opponent over. K’Ratalra raised his knee producing a satisfying crunch from his nose. Finally K’Ratalra grabbed the collar and base of his tunic and threw him through the opening bridge doors.

K’Ratalra turned back to the Captain and handed over an optical chip, “Orders from command my liege”

This time the voice matched the frame, “1ST OFFICER”, the voice boomed, ”Make ready, we leave in 15 lirt’k” and left the bridge.

Personal log 69th day in the year of Kahless 1000

I have just finished my first of many work shifts as tactical commander aboard the I.K.V. ghop ta,’voDleH (Empires hand). The mission is to assassinate a shapeshifter masquerading as an obsidian order Gul. We are currently on course to the area of Siglon 12.

The Captain, K’Ratalra and 1st officer Dorff were posed over a tactical display .On it was the intelligence data of the Siglon 12 base. They were trying to create a workable plan enabling them to get in and get out

“I have a plan to get in. Getting in will be easy, its getting out I have trouble with.“

“Well tactical“ The Captains silky voce rumbled, ”How do we get in?”

“Through cunning and guile”

The silky voice was glum and pouting, “I like not this plan.“

“Its my intention“ said K’Ratalra “To drop a star ship on them.“

“This plan has merit!“ the Captain boomed, “Helm increase speed to warp 8. We head for the Cardassians where it’s my sworn intent to face them on the viewscreen, expose my broad buttocks and say, ‘see, I honour you most highly!’“

Tactical combat log of ghopta,’voDleH 70th day in the year of Kahless 1000

The first part of the plan has been put in to operation. We have disabled a Cardassian cargo vessel using science officer Veltera suggestion using multi flux gamma radiation to collapse the warp field. We boarded and dispatched the crew (with much shouting and challenging from the Captain. They fought well for Cardassians). Their remains were placed in the life pods to be used later.

Explosive charges, Telemetry probes, Assault shuttle, assault squad and a holo filter were fitted. The plan is to send the Cargo ship directly at Siglon 12 base and send out SOS signals when in system, and then detonate the bridge. The ship would go out of control forcing the system defence boat and ground based disrupters to destroy it.

Under the cover of the explosion the probes would be deployed and the shuttle would go in to freefall to the planet surface. When we are below the sensor range I will activate the shuttle controls and manage a controlled powered decent.

The stars were tumbling crazily past the open portal. Explosions rocked the shuttle. K’Ratalra sat at the conn position checking the readiness of the shuttle and telemetry probes. In the ops position was the Captain. K’Rontep was speaking to the tactical team “I shall grrrind every last sifter beneath my feet “.

The Captain was making crushing motions with his hands “Let blood, blood, blood be your motto”

K’Ratalra leaned forward “My lord the mission”

“Yes yes I know we have to be cautious.” The captain had a look of distaste” Men today prudence will have to be our watch word.”

He made a dismissive gesture with his hands” Tomorrow we cover the land with rivers of blood. Tactical action.”

“The cargo ships shields are failing. Stand by for explosive decompression”.

There was a defining roar and the shuttle, which was already floating near the ceiling of the shuttlebay, was sucked out in to open space. The assault shuttle spun out of control though the internal grav units kept the occupants stable.

K’Ratalra checked the rear monitor to see the probes and escape pods fly away from the cargo ship just as the engines disappeared in the first flowers of a pre-programmed warp core breach explosion.

Tactical combat log ghop ta,’DleH supplemental

The tactical squad has been split in to teams. Team 2 consists of engineer K’Talvas and 3tactical security members Trunkun, Klovis, Kluckmar. There assignment to disrupt or destroy the planetary shields. Team 1 consists of Captain K’Rontep, myself Science officer Vel’Tara and tactical security member Var’Tass. The assignment to take out the sifter.

K’Rontep jogged down the corridor, his face liquid lavender, blood from a deep gouged cut in his forehead. Vel’Tara had had a vivid purple bruise maturing on her cheek; Var'Tass had one arm inside her tunic. Finally came K’Ratalra limping badly (His father used to say that if you could walk a way from a crashed shuttle it was called a landing.)

They reached a re-enforced door with a palm activated panel “Tactical,“ boomed K’Rontep ”Bring over our tame Cardie I have a job for him”

K'Rontep limped forward, the captain looked curious “Well where is he?”

“He was proving to be difficult.“

“AND YOU LET HIM ESCAPE!!!”

“No” K’Ratalra passed over a small lump of red and gray flesh. ”And if we need a retina scan!”

He passed over 2-rounded soft object.

The Captain barked a short caustic laugh and pressed the disembodied hand against the panel. The door whooshed open and the team one swarmed in. It was a small antechamber with what looked like 4 clerks and 2 guards over by a set of double doors. There was an animated explosion of activity. The guards run forward phases at the ready, the clerks all but leapt over the desks. Somewhere an alert sounded. The battle was joined. It was short and bloody. K’Rontep kicked open the double doors. In side were to more Cardassians another clerk and a Gul. The Gul stood up “What is the meaning of this .Who are you.”

K’Rontep’s voice echoed around the room “I am Captain K’Rontep son of Kar’noS and you are scum.”

K’Rontep pinned the Gul against the wall; K’Ratalra held the clerk in a neck lock, Vel’Tara took control of the computer and Var’Tass held the door. Vel’Tara inserted 2-isolinear rod “Commencing invasive programme”

Suddenly the Gul grabbed the Bat’leth and smashed his forehead against K’Rontep’s. The Captain staggered back. The Gul seemed to gather himself, take on a golden sheen and leap for the ceiling.

K’Ratalra performed the fastest draw in his life; the shot missed the changeling but exploded in the vent above it shunting the shifter in to the ceiling. By this time all the disrupters were out to take aim. Bolt upon bolt of green ball like destructive energy rained down upon the shapeshifter as its body blurred, distorted and warped trying to find a shape that would save it. There was a distant rumble as team 2 took out the planetary shield system. The lights dimmed briefly causing the changeling to glow with incandescence, rings of fire before it produced a rendering scream then crumbling in to a fine black powder. ”Qa’plar!”

K’Rontep turned and pointed at Vel’Tara ”Time until programmes completion.”

”It is done ...now”

K’Rontep hit his communicator” ghop ta,’DleH jol ylchu’”

Tactical log of the ghop ta,’DleH supplemental

The Captains signal activated the telemetry probes dotted around in orbit at maximum distance. The probes were programmed to react like a task force trading orders and broadcasting telemetry data of various birds of pray. Due to the heavy radiation from the exploded warp core of the cargo ship only an interrogative sensor scan would be able to identify these ships as sensor shadows. Each probe communicated with its neighbour and the ghop ta,’DleH relaying the transporter co-ordinates so there was no need to waste time for a transporter lock.

K’Rontep hit the bridge running “1ST OFFICER STATUS”

”We have de-cloaked. 4 of the probes have been destroyed. We have 3 system defence boats in the immediate area”

“Tactical,” K’Rontep bellowed, “target the lead boat full power. Action”

Tactical log of the ghop ta,’DleH 71st day in the year of Kahless 1000

We are currently on course for the I.K.V.Hegh qaD to report a successful mission. In the final action we destroyed 2 system defence boats and damaged at least one Galor class cruiser, which had entered the system. We also have two isolinear rods with the Obsidian Order’s files on the changelings.

“1ST OFFICER” K’Rontep’s voice boomed out” Issue all the crew with one flagon of Roman ale each and take some Ghargh out of stasis my personal stock enough for the entire bridge crew, to night we feast”

Dorff started thumping a console with a steady rhythm soon the entire bridge crew was singing Vengeance flies at morning.

No Cardassians were hurt during the making of this story. Though one Changeling has gone on to full employment as a path grittier.

K'Retalra Mission 2: Retribution

Restarc forever undefeated

“I grow bored with patrol. I miss the sound of battle and the smell of blood in my nostrils.”

The mess hall was in the chaos that was shift change aboard the I.K.V Hegh qaD. The command crew of I.K.V ghop ta’ voDelh were grouped around there Captain listing to his tales of blood, honour and occasional whoa. 1st officer Dorff leaned foreword “Don’t trouble your self my lord we will be given a new assignment soon”

K’Rontep glared at Dorff and muttered something. At this point his communicator rasped. K’Rontep slapped his upper arm. “nuqneH”

“Your wanted by the General”

K’Rontep made a fist in the air “At last. . . station we leave after the meeting”

LT CMDR K’RATALRA TACTICAL COMBAT LOG OF THE I.K.V.ghop ta’ voDleh
124TH DAY IN THE YEAR OF KAHLESS 1000

We are currently preparing to leave for Penchun 2 in the Romulan Star Empire to apprehend Varg El. There is evidence that he was responsible for the Khitomer massacre. There is no one member in the greater houses who would not take this seriously my self included. I have requested all information from the Hegh qaD data library and made my plans

“Well Tactical what combat miracles are you going to revile to us this time” K’Ronteps voice boomed joyfully. K’Ratalra slapped down the Padd “No .Not this time, no miracles, no tricks. A small surgical strike team. Two possible three people. It’s doubtful they will survive “.

He passed the Padd to Krontep “We will implant nanites in to Varg El’s body. Over a period of 24 standard hours they will ensemble a transmitter in his blood stream that will signal the ship for approximately 20 hours during that time you can beam him up. I have already consulted with science, engineering and medical about the violability of this plan”.

He nodded to the relevant people around the table “I have already made contact with Imperial Intelligence about Varg El movements and have requested equipment with the necessary modification that we will need. I also intend to be among the party that implants the nanites”. As K’Ratalra finished he was looking the captain stare in the eye.

“Tell Me, “ boomed K’Rontep “Sometimes you seam to think like a Cardassian, there is no taint to your bloodline is there?”

K’Ratalra’s hand rested lightly on his combat blade “My first commanding officer was a Human fission named Krass. He torte me everything he know”

K’Rontep snorted relaxing the atmosphere “That would explain it they are almost just as bad, so converted they would get dizzy walking in a strait line. Station we leave when Tactical’s supplies are a board . . . Tactical stay awhile.”

As the others filed out K’Rontep walked over to the replicater “Computer 2 goblets of blood wine privet stock” He passed one to K’Ratalra

“Tactical. . . K’Ratalra you seam determined driven explain”

K’Ratalra stood, took a deep draft of the blood wine to collect his toughest. “There are many in the Empire that took Khitimer personally. But house Reshtarc invested heavily both politically and with men and equipment. The consequences of the massacre were a disaster’s. The house lost face, many of its members dishonoured. Every member swore vengeance on those responsible.”

TACTICAL LOG OF THE I.K.V. ghop ta’ voDleh
124TH DAY OF THE YEAR OF KAHLESS 1000

A one shot hyper spray has been implanted in a combination of hands and glove. Reservations have been made in rooms where Imperial Intelligence can contact us. We are currently on coarse to Penchun II in a Yeriden stock light freighter modified by the I.I. My 2 acquaintances on this voyage are Kruop a battle-hardened warrior of many seasons. A grizzled man with grey, almost white hair. Lerkshor a woman of firebrand temper and reputation. A voluptuous female with red flame hair. We are going undercover posing as Mackernite traders (A Klingon on a Romulan world will be conspicuous enough. One in Imperial uniform would have alert beacons flashing on Romulus.)

The ground vehicle surged forward with Kruop at the wheel “13 hours 13 Kurst hours those pointy eared freaks kept us there by fek’lers hoof. . ..”

“Hold that anger Kruop. Time will come to release it”

K’Ratalra leaned back and consulted a small costume built tricorder. He then nodded in satisfaction” Scan revels no audio/visual bugs but we do have one tracer /locator we are being followed” He tucked the device away” They have will compromised the hotel room by now” He turned to Lerkshor “Is the slow Jammer primed “

She gave a sign of affirmation.

“What we need now is some way to get in to the room and disable the bugs there before they relies.”

Lerkshor cast her eye appraisingly over K’Ratalra’s form “I do have a vague plan”

The door exploded open with a forceful kick and 2 bodies fell through, arms and legs locked around each other. The sounds of animal passion reverberated around the room. Belt and leather straps were loosened then ripped off. The mock combat, passion almost fight took them to every confer of the room.

They both hesitated and looked down their chests heaving from there exertions. On Lerkshors belt was a thin tube with 3 glowing lights on. The slow jammer was fully active. K’Ratalra (visible trying to control him self) checked the small screen of the tricorder which now had all the positions of the bugs on them “Jammer is at Max operating efficiency,” Lerkshor reported

“Did you enjoy that?”. Kroup lent in the door way a lavishes grin plastid on his grizzled features. K’Ratalra took a deep carmine breath (mainly because Lerkshor was beading over in front of him to retrieve her discarded garments and was revelling interesting parts of her partially clothed body) ”Search the room for double I’S optical chips”.

It took them 2 minuets to revel the 2 data taped to the under side of a draw. K’Ratalra plugged one in to the tricorder and spoke in to it” Code name Phelps “

The screen activated and the mission brief started. “Good evening Mr Phelps”. Kroup gave K’Ratalra a quizzical look “Coded response!”. Replied K’Ratalra.

“The mission you have chosen to accept is the apprehension of this man” A mans face papered on the screen. He was tall but stocky looking Romulan with a light scattering of grey on the temples. “Sub commander Varg El. Details of his were about, movements are on the other chip, Along with details and planes of his home, office and replimat/ food hall that he frequents .No contact between you or your party and any Imperial Intelligence operatives on planet will be allowed. You are Klingons on a Romulan world; you are being watched if not by the Talshayar then by civilian authorities. You are on your own. If you and any of your team members are captured or killed the Imperial Klingon Empire will disavow all knowledge. . . This chip will self-destruct in 5 seconds . . . Qap’la! ! “

K’Retalra removed the chip just as it began to bubble and swell.

He crossed quickly to the replicator and ordered some evil smelling Rom soup, crumbling the remains of the chip into the soup and instructed the replicator to clear every thing away.

TACTICAL COMBAT LOG OF THE I.K.V. ghop ta’ voDleh
SUPPLEMENTAL

Our planes are made and set. The sonic emitters are in position Lurkshor assures me that the ultra-sonic emitters are set at a frequency that’s low enough to effect the Roms nerve system nut high enough for them not to here.

The food hall was the continues round of organised chaos, continuos murmuring, muttering and clash of crockery.

Kruop, lurkshor and K’Ratalra served the hall with all the subtleties of a hunting hawk.

The doors swung open and an entourage swept in to the replimat. The Klingon group went in to a form of relaxed activity and spread out amongst the people in the food hall.

Scuffling seamed to break out two different places spontaneously. A Glivingar fruit was herald the length or the hall crossing more scuffles to break out. The harmonies of the sonic began to take affect and could be felt in the tension in the air. The first punch was thrown and complete raw chaos ripped across the food hall. Through the crunching sound of bone and the wet slap of fist hitting stomachs, 3 figures made a b line strait to one group of figures. In a display of concentrated naked aggression. The Klingons and Rom guards met.

The food hall was a mass of pushing struggling figures with only the occasional figures fighting except for one small corner, were every example of controlled textbook naked aggression was put in to practice

TACTICAL COMBAT LOG OF THE I.K.V.ghop ta’ volDeh
SUPPLEMENTAL

The mission so far has been successful. The nanites have been implanted. We now have 24 hours for K’Rontep to pick up Varg El. Now my only problem is how to get my team out of here (despite my earlier statement that the team were disposable I will not wait for death in some Rom prison.)

“The prisoner has a power source located in the left shoulder elbow and hand “.

Kruop was grabbed and thrown against the wall by3 Romulan guards “The power sources is in the form of an artificial limb you pointed eared Mek’dar“. Kroup raised his hands with an angry contemptuous gesture.

“What are we to be charged with “K’Ratalra inquired???

“Well what’ve you got, incitement to riot, causing an affray, public nuisance, grievous bodily harm, violent insurrection, attempted murder. I, didn’t leave any thing out? Throw them in the cells and forget where you put the entry coder! !

“Klingon scum!! Where is he! “The Romulam commandant stood at the entrance of the cell, hands on hips glaring around him “Ho... And who would that be“Replied K’Ratalra from his position relaxing on the cell floor.

“Get up you smooth headed basted” The commandant aimed a kick in K’Ratalra’s direction.

K’Ratalra grabbed the foot and twisted, the commandant screamed. Two guards that were standing out side the cell leaped forward with electro prods and proceeded to beat K’Ratalra. Kroup and Lurkshor rushed to his defence. After much scuffling the Romulans managed to extract themselves from the cell. “We have found remains of sonic devices. We have also found the remains of some form of injection device. WHAT IS IT FOR! !”

The commandant tried a new track; his voce became silky “The Talshair warbird Rakis is on its way here. It is less than 24 hours away. Tell me what I want to know and it will go easier for you “. He was met with a stony silence. The Commandant waited a few minutes more then left in disgust.

K’Ratalra turned to lurkshor and Kruop “I think it was time we were leaving”

Kruop grinned savagely, gripped the upper part of his left arm, twisted it and then jerked with all his strength. The arm came away from the shoulder joint with a slight metallic implosion of air. Inverting the arm he poured out a comm badge, energy packs, an assortment of probes and a laser scalpel. While K’Ratalra removed facings off of buckles and badges and gave them to Lurkshor to combine with her own items and the energy packs. K’Ratalra grabbed the laser scalpel and crossed to the door. Fortunately it was 5cm plate that slides down from the ceiling. Quickly he inscribed a large arch in the plate with the laser. One savage kick opened the door. Revealing one startled Romulan guard, one quick slash with the laser dispatched the guard. Relieving him of his disrupter rifle K’Ratalra took up position in the corridor.

TACTICAL LOG SUPPLEMENTAL

We have broken loose of our confinement and are at the moment attempting to get out of the security building and off planet.

“That way is blocked off”. Lurksor shouted K’Ratalra stooped firing “Kruop covering fire .New door coming up.”

The sound of disruptive energy seamed to step up a notch. K’Ratalra inscribed a large circle near the floor with the laz scalpel and gave the wall a hefty kick. At that point a smooth hand sized globe bounced down the corridor. With a yelp of warning K’Ratalra grabbed Lerkshor (who was giving covering fire) and throw her through the hole. There was a searing green flash with a force to it that tossed K’Ratalra through the hole and Kruop down the corridor.

With blood running from a gash in her head Lurkshor fired blind in to the spreading clouds of smoke and debris. K’Ratalra lurched up right and pulled Kruop fully into the room. Lavender blood frothed about his lips and 5cm of a metal spar was sticking out from between his ribs. K’Ratalra rested him against an inner wall and then scrabbled about in the debris for his disrupter to return fire. With a slow grown of pain that ended in a liquid cough Kruop awoke “Kruop, status” K’Ratalra inquired.

“It appears that my part in this saga is almost over”.

“Lurkshor where are we “Shouted K’ratlra!

”In an office near the outer wall”.

He tossed her the laz scalpel. She activated it and set to work. K’Ratalra turned back to Kruop. ”It would be best “Kruop winced with a lopsided grin “If some one stayed behind to give you covering fire “.

K’Ratalra barked a laugh and passed over a disrupter rifle that was recently liberated from a guard who didn’t need it any more “Die well.” Kruop tried to contain another liquid cough “I don’t intend to die alone”’

“I’ve reached the outer wall, “ Lerkshor shouted back. K’Ratalra turned to go “Cmdr thank you for giving me the honour of finishing my life in battle”.

From her place by the newly created door in the wall Lurkshor spoke we shall make shore your tale is told throughout the empire .I shall sing the tales my self”

K’Ratalra turned back one last time. “QUP’LA!! “

K’Ratalra and Lurkshor left the building.

As they emerged K’Ratalra taped his comm badge “Computer all specified ground side equipment code word shadow lord effective immediately “. He turned to Lurkshor “Let’s liberate a vehicle and get to the space port. From inside the building came the repeated sound of disrupter fire. . .

TACTICAL LOG SUPPLEMENTAL

Via the ships computer we have removed all evidence that could implicate Imperial intelligence ether through explosive charge for larger pieces or pockets of nucleic acid for the smaller pieces. Now the Romulans have nothing to trace.

We have also taken charge of a ground car.

They were parked just off the space port observing the activity.” They seam to be on some form of security alert “ Lerkshor observed, “We’re going to need a diversion “. “If memory serves and the floor planes were correct there was a military strip on the far side of the port. Science vessels, scout ships” By way of affirmation K’Ratalra started the vehicle and drove off.

The emerald green of the ships hull could be seen in the distance, if slightly distorted by the force barrier. K’Ratalra slapped his comm badge “Computer code word Fek’ler effective immediately” With a roar of strained engines the light freighter rose skyward and then hesitated as if to orientate it self. It was followed almost immediately by small arms disrupter fire from various points around the port. The ship seamed to gather itself and then shot into the distance under 1/3 impulse.

While this was going on. A weight was placed on the accelerator and the steering was locked off, the ground car was driven straight at the barrier. Just as it hit Lurkshor and K’Ratalra fired disrupter beams into the cars fuel tank. The resulting explosion caused the field to flux and spark but not collapse. But it did weaken it enough for the two Klingons to dive through. They lay on the other side of the barrier; their bodies a mass of tingles not a part of them didn’t ache. They picked them selves up and at first staggered but as feelings came back ran at full tilt towards the stationary scout ships.

Disrupter beams splashed on the hull around the open hatch and around Lukshor as she climbed aboard. K’Ratalra gave covering fire from lower down the hatch. She hurried over to the main computer console, inserted an ID chip and pressed a disembodied hand against a panel. With a burble all the panels came on line. Closing the hatch K’Ratalra took the helm position. “This may get a bit bumpy I haven’t taken one of these up to often “.

Lurkshor looked over at him “How often”

“About 8 times on simulation “

“And for real”.

“Once “.

With concern creeping in to her voice, “And when was that “.

K’Ratalra checked the readouts “In about 35. 12 seconds. Hold on to some thing were going up cold”. With a growling roar the scout ship shot sky wards at full impulse.

“Rakis to unauthorised scout. Stand down your shields and prepare to be boarded”.

The emerald green ship of the Romulan warbird dominated the veiwscreen. The lime green lines of a tractor beam were already stretching out for them. K’Rartalra sent the ship through some stomach churning twists but it only prolonged the inevitable. All the time the Warbird kept taking random pot shots to discourage them, whit only one or two disrupters. Lerkshor kept a steady count down of shield strength. “Tractor beam has locked on”. K’Ratalra stared at the instrument panels seeking inspiration “Is the beam mono or multi polar “.

“The former, mono”

“Lerkshor tie the sensor and warp drive in to the computer. We need to go to warp as soon as that beam is broken “ K’Ratalra began rapidly tapping the panel in front of him “Computer stand by to reverse trigger the thrusters and go to full impulse at my command. Lurkshor give me one full spread of torpedoes targeted at the tractor housing and then put all power in to shields at my command”.

There came discrete bleeping then Lerkshor nodded that she was ready “Action”.

There was the hideous sound of over stressed electronics plus the multiple thuds of locking torpedoes as the scout flipped over on its own axis. The torpedo would be dragged back to the tractor source while the ship used the momentum to veer off.

There was a brief impression of striking green blur as the scout shot through the centre of the double hull and in to the star lines of warp speed.

“Commander message coming in from the Tal shair Warbird Rakis”. The commander turned to face the centurion and with a nuance in his voice, “Ho yes and what would the god hood have to say to us mere mortals “.

“We are ordered to apprehend a scout that blasted its way out of Pascal II. It’s reported heading in this direction. There is a list of probable co-ordinates”.

The commander faced his chair forward again “Calovis input the first co-ordinates maximum speed”.

“AS far as I can tell the E.R.C. capacitors have fused. We aren’t going any were until they’re freed. That means some one going out there to do it by hand.” Lerkshor was in the middle of damage reports. K’Ratalra’s manoeuvre didn’t come without a price. He gave a noncommittal grunt then leaned over to check the nav panel. “Were some where near the Briode nebula its neutral space.” Suddenly a whole range of proximity alert signals went off “we’ve got a ship coming in

“K’Ratalra’s head snapped up “Type and class?”

“Romulan nova class”

“Shields up prime weapons.”

“Renegade vessel this is Romulan starship Atradiss you will power down all shields and weapons and stand by to be boarded failure to respond will be met with lethal force”.

“2/4 impulse fire all weapons”

The battle was destined to be short and one sided. “Shield are down, Disrupters are off line, 3 torpedoes left, life support is failing” K’Ratalra came to a decision “Overload the engines I’m setting a collision course”.

With almost a scream lerkshor cried “Bird of pray de-cloaking its the ghop ta’ voDleH”.

The bird flew over the top of the scout giving a strafing run at the nova .The Nova traded a few shots with the bird but concentrated fire at the scout which disintegrated in to a cloud of luminous gas. The bird cloaked.

K’Rontep leaned forward in his chair “First officer!! Did we get them “?

K’Ratalra voice filtered through the comm. system “They’re alive just a bit battered”

“Centurion inform the Tal shair that we were unable to capture their prisoner but they didn’t get away they have been terminated. Set course for patrol”

“The door slammed open and Krop stood there his mek’leths smeared green with Rom blood. He was like a hero from the ancient Sagas. Only now was the Romulan commandant beginning to realise how badly he underestimated us “.

The mess hall of the ghop ta’ voDleH was crowded with people. Two tables were pushed together. Standing on them was K’Ratalra and lurkshor. Reciting the great tale of the last battle of Kruop against the tyrannical Romulans of Pascal II. Their own parts were played down in favour of full glory going to Kruop as was all just and right. How Kruop managed to smuggle in a Bat’leth 2 Mek’leths and assorted daggers was glossed over. Any dissenters was shouted down by the audience (or headbutted into submission by Lurkshor.) They mimed the battles fighting with bat’leths but not hitting. They were supplied with food and blood wine from K’Rontep whenever they had the chance.

“ With a savage roar we rushed the crowed of Romulans. Soon the ground was awash with blood. 20, 30 Romulans died we didn’t think it too many”.

THE END

No hands were harmed during the making of this saga

But 3 bodies were vaporised

K'Retalra Mission 3: First Strike

Restarc forever undefeated

Tactical combat log of the I.K.V. ghop ta’ voDleh
247th Day in the year of Kahless 1000
Lt Comdr K’Ratalra Tai Restarc Recording

The ghop ta’ voDleh is currently on course for star base Olympus. For re-supply and mission briefing, all crew are allowed a 24-hour pass, which I myself will be enjoying. After I have attended a briefing with Brigadier Khaji K’Mpec aboard the Hegh quD

The mood on the Bridge of the K‘Vort class bird of pray was light. Captain K‘Rontep dominated the proceedings as he strolled from once side of the bridge to the other. His heavy ridge tilted back. His voice seemed to rumble out from the centre of his barrelled chest and echoed in every corner of the darkened bridge. He was singing one of his own compositions. K‘Ratlra was at his station 1st Officer Dorff was at his side. Both were smashing the top of their consoles with their fists to keep the rhythm. The rest of the bridge crew rapidly joined in, hitting their own consoles or clapping in time.

“We sing in praise of total war,
Against an enemy we abhor.
To free this quadrant of their hoard
We‘ll put creation to the sword.
There is no glory greater than,
Snatching honour from victory‘s hand.”

When he had finished the whole of the bridge crew hooted and cried their approval.

“My lord, coming up on the co-ordinates for Olympus,” reported Alr‘Kon from her helm position.

The captain span round on the spot, “Helm,” he snapped, “slow to 1/3 impulse then get me an approach orbit. Tactical raise Olympus operations. I want a docking bay in 2 minutes ‘ Action.”

K‘Rontep returned to his command chair as the bridge scrambled into action around him.

Tactical log of the I.K.V.ghop ta‘voDleh
248th Day in the year of Kahless 1000

The last of the crew are currently returning to the ship after a night of revelry.

The Brigadier has laid an interesting mission in front of me. To destroy the cloning tanks of the planet Simrot.

I have requested all data on Simrot to help formulate a plan that will help us get planet side undetected

“Tactical report”.

K‘Rontep was still in a jovial mood from his escapades on Olympus. K‘Ratalra looked up from his tactical display which listed new supplies and the remains of the crew yet to board, “The Brigadier has selected a mission worthy of our talents. We are to destroy Simrots cloning tanks and do as much collateral damage to the surrounding installation as possible.”

“What plans do you have for completing this mission?”

“I have a few ideas!” he replied as he transferred the mission data to the Captain’s screen.

“Daring and typically cunning. Why don‘t we just fly in and incinerate the surface?” The captain‘s voce was tinged with humorous scorn.

Familiar with the routine K‘Ratalra rose to the bait, “Palpatane is a control freak and likes to show off all the trappings of power. That will include at least three capital class ships, probably their Star Destroyer class.”

K‘Rontep swung round in his chair and feigned disgust, “Sometimes Tactical I think you want to live forever.”

“No! Just die trying”.

K‘Rontep twisted the chair forward again, “Helm, inform Olympus ops of our departure. Then best speed to Simrot, stand by to cloak at my command. Tactical, select members for the strike team. We ride to Simrot and VICTORY! ! !”

Tactical log supplemental

I have studied the sensor data and telemetry from the recon probes. We have only a small window of opportunity to get planet side undetected.

The team will consist of my self, Science officer Val ‘Tara, engineer K‘Talvus, Tactical team members Var‘Tass, K‘Lovis, Lurkshor and of course the captain.

Dorff is to remain in command of the ghop ta‘ voDleh. It’s to remain cloaked and in system

Sensors have revealed 4 Star Destroyer class ships in orbit, 3 dreadnought class ships and one capital class construction facility (sensor data log and listed to follow).

The Assault shuttle span lazily around its own axis. Propelled by an explosive decompression of the shuttle bay some 20 minutes earlier .A dangerous and risky manoeuvre to be performed so close to a planetary atmosphere.

“Remind me once again, tactical, why are we doing this.”

The captain‘s voice was soft and silky, the tone he used when he was at his most dangerous.

K‘Ratalra was used to his captain‘s mood swings and calmly replied, “We don‘t know if the Emperor‘s new order has transporter technology. But they certainly do have sensor technology and will be scanning for anything unusual. The meteor shower that will take place within the next 10 to 20 minutes should mask any stray emissions from our transporter beam.”

There was a noncommittal grunt as K‘Rontep realised the logic of the situation, even if he thought it was the quiet way to the planet‘s surface.

Alra‘Kon called back from the pilots position, “The meteor shower is beginning. WE are approximately 2 minutes from planetary atmosphere”.

K‘Rontep‘s voice boomed out, “ALL UNITS PREPARE FOR ACTION!!”

Tactical log supplemental

As the shuttle bounced on the upper atmosphere, the strike team grabbed the last of their supplies then beamed down. The shuttle then changed its angle and used the atmosphere to bounce back in to space.

The General stared over the technician‘s shoulder into the readout screen, “Could it be a particle of energised matter from the shower that made it through the atmosphere?”

A presence entered the command chamber and silence seemed to descend. It walked up to stand behind the General. He didn‘t need to turn around to see who it was.

“You have found something?”

“It could be nothing, my lord. But it seems there was a strange energy discharge during the last meteor shower. I was about to order a probe droid to investigate”.

“No.. Send a scout patrol. Keep me informed!”

“Yes, lord Vader.”

It was a dense moonlit forest. Sounds were muffled with a thick layer of snow. The only sound was the occasional discrete crump as the odd branch gave out under the weight.

Into this environment came the orange golden glowing sparkle of a transporter beam. After transport the klingons sank 3 inches, they looked around, orientating themselves. K‘Talvus pulled his sleeveless jacket closer to him, “Weren‘t told it would be this dammed cold “.

K‘Rontep rounded on him, “You are wearing winter survival gear. Did you expect a stroll on the beach?”

He turned back to K‘Ratalra and murmured, “ You didn‘t mention it would be this cold”.

While this exchange took place Var‘Tass had been scanning with her tricorder, “Our objective is 2 days travel,” she pointed, “in that direction”.

A long droning started vibrating through the snow lined trees. 5 scout troopers on speeder bikes appeared through the woods travelling at unbelievable speeds.

The detachment commander signalled a halt and retrieved a portable scanner.

At that point the mounds of snow exploded into flakes and enraged Klingons.

The scouts wasted valuable seconds as their hands scrambled for their handguns. The Klingons hit them at full tilt. For a few minutes the only sound was the grunts of exertion, of men fighting for their lives. Hands found helmeted heads and twisted producing meaty, crunching snaps. Blades were inserted between armoured plates and pushed producing bubbling sighs. In moments it was over.

K‘Rontep stood, cleaned his d‘ktahg, “Science, Engineering, find out how those bikes work. Tactical, you and the rest of the team hide the bodies and cover the blood.”

K‘Talvus and Var‘Tass scanned the bikes as the rest of the team struggled with the bodies, “Science, Engineering report”.

Var‘Tass turned slightly and spoke while studying her tricorder, “Basically what you‘ve got here is an anti-grav on a directional thruster”.

“Can we use them?”

“I can‘t find any anti-tampering modules!”

“Right tactical squad. When you have finished! We mount up and ride!”

The five speeder bikes shot through the winter forest

Fir coats and cloaks flared out behind them.

K‘Ratalra leant back in his seat so Var‘Tass could hear him, because of the shortage of bikes Var’Tass, K‘Ratalra and K‘Talvas, K‘Lovis had to share. “How far to the sewage pipe? “

“12 Kalicames”

“At this speed that‘s about 2 seconds”.

Tactical Log Supplemental

The thermal readings of the discharge pipe indicated that it ran through the research complex. We should be able to backtrack it using the Tricoder and data from orbital intelligence sources. Then cut our way up in, or near, the cloning chamber.

The snow around the pipe and the ice for about 50 meters down stream was melted. Clouds of mist hung in the air, as the moist warm air mixed with frigid air of the outside.

Just inside, the bikes were parked, piled high with firs.

The Klingon taskforce strode deeper in to the sewer, “Tactical,” K‘Rontep‘s voice boomed out, “This place smells worse than the seven headed charger of Corojaam!!”

K’Ratalra answered with a sly tilt to his voice, “I‘m sorry sir perhaps we should get you nose plugs, a filter mask, an oxygen breather or how about an entire vacc suit!! “.

Unknown to the strike group some thing was watching them with hungry eyes. The single eye on a bent stalk plopped out of liquid ooze, looked around and then disappeared with a slurp.

“Science, E.T.A. to our cut through point,” K‘Rontep snapped.

At that point, a mud brown tentacle wrapped itself rapidly around K‘Ratalra‘s left leg and waist. Pulling him, he flew through the air and disappeared beneath the surface of the grime/ filth covered water. Disrupters were pulled and fired repeatedly into the water. The surface water bubbled and churned as one figure and a creature thrashed beneath the surface. The murky water fountained red then settled. The eyestalk broke the surface again, but kept on rising, revealing K‘Ratalra covered in gore and slime holding the entrail covered end.

The red indicator lights flicked on one by one. The lift doors slid open revealing an electric blue light. The dark figure strolled through the throne room. He ignored the visiting dignitaries and court nobles. To kneel on the illuminated dais.

The man lounging in the high Tec throne only wore simple robes, no black. He didn’t need to, light just seemed to fall in to him, like a mini black hole. A dark brooding presence surrounded him.

A supple voice cracked through the air, “Yes my friend. What is it?”

The dark voice rumbled out of the respirator, “An enemy strike force has entered the complex”.

Amusement entered the Emperor‘s voice, “I know”.

The dark voice rumbled on, “ My Master. . There is a Force sensitive among them”.

The Emperor looked away in to the middle distance. Stripping away the layers of reality, “It matters not. The paltry savages of this reality have no understanding of the feeble Force. It will always remain undefined, a raw talent. We shall continue to test our defences.”

“As you command,” The dark lord rose to withdraw.

It was a darkened corridor, little used, shrouded in a light layer of dust. There came a distant banging from beneath the floor panels. With a sharp crack one-floor panel raised from the ground and two insanely mad, angry eyes glared out.

K'Rontep glanced down, “All clear unfortunately”.

The Klingons swarmed out of the hole in the floor and took up defensive positions, “Engineer and you,” said K‘Rontep pointing to Val ‘Tara, “will disable any power source and planetary shields”.

He turned to K‘Lovis, “You and Science find the computer core. See if you can patch in the Tricorder. Run a translation and down load any vital systems. That leaves Tactical and you, with me. . .Action.”

The Captain, K’Ratalra and Lurkshor moved off. The rest of the group split off in their various directions.

The tubes were twice the height of a man and almost as broad and there were millions of them. They were layered deep along the walls of the canyon-like chamber. Thick industrial cables wound their way in and out of the cloning tanks. There were suited technicians milling around, checking readings, and making minor alterations. From one of the uppermost tier‘s K‘Rontep, K‘Ratalra and Lurkshor surveyed the scene.

Lurkshor cast a critical eye over the chamber, “We could sever the umbilical cables. But that would only terminate the current crop of clones. They would only reconnect and start again”.

“Any geological faults we could use?” K‘Ratalra enquired.

“Stand by . . .Scanning”.

The Technician checked his electronic clipboard and altered the controls in front of him. Then a hand was clamped over his mouth and a d‘ktahg bit deep in to his kidneys. K‘Rontep held him tight until he finished thrashing. He then waved Lurkshor and

K’Ratalra forward. As they moved forward they laid quantum charges at significant points in the chamber. They finally reached K‘Rontep, “All charges set, timer is primed,” Lerkshor reported.

“YOU THERE. . . What are you doing?”

Disrupter bolts found their mark in white armour. K‘Rontep turned round, “Our presence has been discovered. I think its time we got out of here”. He slapped his comm badge, “Science, Engineering, we are moving out “.

The dark figure slouched in the throne staring in to the middle distance. Suddenly he snapped upright, “It seems that our house guests are proving too resourceful “.

He reached forward and flicked a switch on the throne, “Have my personal shuttle made ready. Inform the captain of the Star Destroyer Death’s Head to receive my flag. Also inform the commandant about the intruders and tell Lord Vader they will be heading to the docking platform.”

Somewhere in the distance a siren blared. K‘Talvus and Var‘Tass were pinned down by cross fire on one of the gantries. There was some faint scuffling from the gantry above. The next minute Lurkshor leapt over the ledge, Bat‘leth in hand, heading towards the small knot of stormtropers. By the time K‘Rontep and K‘Ratalra reached the lower gantry there was only the sound of the dying.

“Engineering report,” K‘Rontep snapped.

“Explosive charges are set around their main power source. Just detonating these should solve our problems “

“Why! !”

“Because its geothermal. They have plugged in to a volcano and are controlling the lava flow.”

“Excellent! Then let‘s make things hot for them!”

K‘Rontep grabbed the Tricorder and keyed in a particular sequence of buttons.

A group of technicians moved swiftly through the glowing cherry red pipes. In their hands were sensor /detector equipment, “I‘ve got some thing here”.

The group rapidly approached one of the glowing pipes. Attached to the wall next to one of the pipes was a cluster of dull green/ gold pods. As the Tec reached out with the scanner, the wall exploded spewing the room with red viscous lava.

The whole complex was bucking like a ship in a storm. Girders, rocks and debris fell from above. As one, the group of Klingons rushed to the exit.

The docking platform shook with the distant sound of explosions, gently at first, but with gradually more violence.

Val‘Tara and K‘lovis crouched in the corner scanning the ships that were docked. They observed a squad of storm troopers take up positions facing the opposite corridor. The corridor that the rest of the Klingon group were coming down.

The sound of disrupter fire greeted K‘Ratalra and K‘Rontep. They pulled their disrupters and dove in to a prone position. The next few minutes there was a maelstrom of red and green destructive energy. K‘Ratalra noticed a figure approaching through the smoke, Tall, dark, brooding. It stood there watching the scene.

Then, in a move of direct confrontation, moved to block his passage to the ships. K‘Ratalra reached behind him and pulled his Bat‘leth from its harness and moved in to battle ready position. There was a snap hiss, a ruby red blade leapt in to existence and cleaved the Bat‘leth in two.

“Kherst!!”

Half the Bat‘leth caught the hand with the saber; the other found the chest panel. The resulting explosion was small but knocked over both figures. Almost immediately K‘Ratalra was up and running, as more troopers poured on to the platform. Behind him the dark figure rose and was catching Disrupter bolts fired at him by the others.

K‘Rontep gave covering fire from the doorway of a Lambder class shuttle as K‘Ratalra ran towards them. By this time the structure of the docking platform was starting to give way.

K‘Ratalra climbed in to the pilots seat of the shuttle, Lurkshor in the co-pilots. K‘Rontep took the gunners position, fired up the guns and started taking pot shots, much to his own amusement.

K‘Ratalra started issuing orders, K‘Rontep was too preoccupied, “K‘Talvas get down to Engineering, find out what makes this thing go. Vel‘Tara patch in the tricorder, I may have to use it to fly this thing.”

Within a few minutes the shuttle lifted off, the wings unfolded gracefully and it sped to the horizon, rapidly followed by a squad of T.I.E fighters

As soon as the shuttle hit the edge of space, two star destroyers released their wings of T.I.E.’s. The bird of pray decloaked next to the orbital platform and unleashed a full salvo of photon torpedoes in to its gossamer-like strands Ignoring the destruction, it turned to fire repeated torpedoes and disrupter bolts in to the growing cloud of Tie‘s

“I think I‘ve got it. The engines are of hyperspace induction and open a portal to parallel conduit dimen. . .

K‘Ratalra held up his hand cutting off the flow “ Can you make it go “.

“Yes. “

“THEN DO SO!! “

“I will need spatial co-ordinates “.

They both turned to Vel‘Tara, “I‘ve pulled what look like neutral co-ordinates.”

K‘Ratalra looked relieved, “Okay lets punch it “.

Almost simultaneously the Lambda and bird of pray stretched and disappeared.

K‘Ratalra once again stood before the Brigadier, “As far as we can tell, the mission was a success. The complex was destroyed in the eruption, the orbital construction yard was severely damaged.”

He handed over some data chips, “This is all the information that we could down load some of it might by garbled. And the techs are delighted with the shuttle.”

“And what of Darth Vader?”

“I can‘t say, I was occupied at the time.”

“Go. You have the rest of your 24 hour pass to enjoy.”

“The guns are hot, the hull is ringing
The engines sing the sound of triumph;”

K‘Rontep was in the mess hall once again holding court singing his favourite song.

K‘Ratalra immediately joined the fray and sung at the top of his voice

“And every one abroad awaits,
A prize upon the horizon.
Hand and weapon! Heart and power!
Cry it with the voice of Empire!
Victory and prize and plunder!
Vengeance flies at morning! ! “

THE END

No one was harmed during the making of this story.
But several late nights were sacrificed on the altar of creativity!!

K'Retalra Mission 4: Cover

Restarc forever undefeated

“This is impossible. He asks too much of us.”

K’Ratalra looked up from the many PADD’s scattered over the desk and watched K’Rontep stride around the wardroom. He had been like this for about an hour, ever since the meeting with the General. Arms waving, spilling blood wine and bits of pipeous claw all over the room.

“Do you know how many cubes it took to defeat the Earther fleet? ONE JUST ONE!! It went through them like a Ferengi through some one’s credit account. He wants us to take on five!!”

K’Ratalra leant back against the wall, “Do you want to disavow the mission?”

“Disa...disa...WHAT!!! JUST THINK OF THE SONGS THAT WILL BE SUNG OF US WHEN WE SUCCEED. You, of course, have some ideas.”

K’Ratalra grinned savagely and raised a P.A.D.D,

“Tactical log of the I.K.V.ghop ta ‘VoDleh
354th day in the year of Kahless 1000
Lt comm. K’Ratalra Sutia Restarc recording

"We are looking in to the mouth of the Fek’lhr. We are to run interference against 5 Borg vessels. We are allowed 3 B’rel class birds of prey. We need captains that can think on their feet with limited recourses. Cargo space is being cleared for enlarged torpedo / probe storage areas. Probes are being prepared with special payloads and a few surprises. Course has been set for starbase Olympus where we shall collect the bird’s of prey and all the supplies.”

K’Rontep stalked on to the bridge, “1st officer. Status. “

Dorff looked up from his panels, “Crew replacements are all aboard. K’Ratalra’s special supplies are all secured. The fleet are at station keeping and we await your command.”

K’Rontep looked towards K’Ratalra, “Is everything secured?”

“All containment fields are in place. Variable gravity has been fitted to cargo bay 2.”

K’Rontep stood by his command chair, “Today we will fly in to history!”

He took his seat and muttered, “One way or another.” Spinning the chair round, “Science opens a channel to the taskforce. All ships. We await the Fek’lhr’s pleasure. QAP’LAR!!”

The ships formed up in a diamond shaped pattern. As one, the ships pivoted on the starboard wing Soared over the top of the starbase and streaked in to infinity.

Tactical log supplemental

We are currently on route to the Caladen system at warp 5 to rendezvous with the I.K.V. Hegh qaD. From there we will travel to the Kotomo system at maximum warp and engage the Borg. While the Bird of prey fleet runs interference against the cubes, the Hegh qaD will beam up the remaining civilians.

This will be the supreme test of my skills and abilities and will prove that my recent honorific is justified.

“Helm come to within 5 Kellicams of the Hegh qaD. Send General K’Batlh that all is prepared. All we await is glory.”

The viewscreen flickered on revealing the grizzled face of the General “Is every thing prepared?”

K’Rontep settled back in his chair, steepled his hands and barked, “Tactical.”

K’Ratalra stepped forward, “All captains chosen have records of formulating stratagems in crisis situations and have been given leeway and materials to do so. It is unwise to inform command of the precise nature of the plans in case of assimilation. All vessels have improved self-destruct systems in case of assimilation”.

A smile of savage amusement crept on to K’Ratalra’s face, “All captains have been guaranteed 12 bottles of Romulan ale to be drunk at TY’Gokor.”

“Have they indeed. As always you have made excellent preparations. We shall see what happens when we face the enemy. Qap’la!”

“K’Rontep to all ships. Form up around the Hegh qaD. Set course for Kotomo 9. Best speed at your command General”.

“GhoS”

The birds of prey swooped in behind the Neg’Var class ship. Forming a pyramid formation with the Hegh qaD at its head. Then the taskforce majestically spun and accelerated in to the explosive light of an activated warp drive.

Tactical log I.K.V.gohp ta’ VoDleh
360th day in the year of Kahless 1000
Lt comm. K’Ratalra suti Restarc recording

“We are 5 minutes from Kotomo 9. Ships status is at red alert and we are travailing under cloak. Final systems check is being conducted on the gravity systems in cargo bay 2.”

“Helm, tactical plan Fek’lhr. Tactical Position of the Borg cubes.”

“3 cubes in orbit. They appear to be harvesting the planet, 2 others are on patrol at the edge of system. The General is seeding the area around the second moon with telemetry satellites as per instructions”.

“Acknowledged. All Birds of prey choose your targets, Let the sounds of battle rock the pillars of Stov vor kor. Decloak.”

Tactical log Supplemental

“WE have engaged the Borg.”

“Helm cut across the X axis. Fire upon anything that looks vital.”

“They are attempting to lock on tractor beams.”

“Allow them to, do not attempt shield rotation.”

“They’ve locked on! Shields draining 80%-65%”.

“Helm rotate the ship so that cargo bay 2 is facing the Borg.”

“Opening bay 2”.

“In position “.

“Reversing bay gravity, dropping atmosphere containment field. Pay load away.”

“Full impulse as soon as the tractor beams fails”.

A small light opened in the rear section of the bird of prey and the contents of the cargo bay was sucked towards the cube by the Borg tractor beam.

“Romulan engine core is away. The containment field for the quanitenum singularity is falling. Tractor beam has failed.”

“FULL IMPULSE NOW!”

The front section of the cube distorted as if the image was beginning to drain down the plughole. Explosions began to flare across the surface and interior of the cube. Then the front section ripped free. It seemed to hover, spin, floating in space. Then was pulled inside itself. As the imploding singularity burnt itself out.

“We seem to have got their attention. All Borg cubes are heading to this location.”

“Understood. Inform the taskforce to pull back and regroup around the 6th planet. If the Borg follow, signal the HeghqaD to begin.”

The ships spun in a crazed dance around the 2 remaining cubes, trading green bolts and beams. With a distorted shimmer, 2 more Borg coalesced out of warp space. The 4 birds of prey pirouetted round on to the same heading and warped away. The Borg cubes seemed to hesitate, gather themselves and leap to eternity.

“General K’Batlh has acknowledged.”

“Captain K’Rontep to all ships in the taskforce takes up positions...

“WAR, BLOOD, DEATH, RUMPY PUMPY, VICTORY! !”

The birds of prey orientated themselves in orbit around Kotomo 6. Space rippled and 4 Borg cubes roared out of the fabric of space. Blue, green destructive beams soon began to light the darkness of space.

“They’re trying to lock on tractor beams.”

“Begin shield frequency rotation. Tactical stand ready with your probes. Helm bring us round to the Y axis.”

“Firing torpedo spread with probe A.”

The ghop ta’VoDleh streaked over the surface of the Borg ship, firing repeated flaring orange bolts. 4 torpedoes buried themselves deep in to the skin of the cube. The 5th exploded before reaching its target, releasing an incandescent cloud. That was immediately sucked up by a blue tractor beam. Which then flickered, fluted and died.

“Energised particles have clogged that tractor location. Reading probe B.”

“Understood, Helm bring us around, attack pattern Molor’s Lament.”

“I.K.V. chargh jach is trying to trap a cube in a static warp bubble.”

A huge distortion, like a giant soap bubble boiled its way through space. As the distortion hit the cube there was a burst of rainbow light. The Borg ship wavered and shimmered like an image in a heat weave, to finally vanish like a passing dream or nightmare. The next minute the chargh jach is transfixed from above and behind by a blue, yellow beam. The beam remained solid and true. Suddenly a green, yellow disrupter beam smashes through the shield flare caused by the tractor beam. There is a couple of seconds as both systems attempt to out do each other. Then the bird of prey erupts in an expanding glowing cloud of plasma, flame and skeletal metal.

“It seems that our statues has been updated from assimilation to elimination”.

“Inform the Hegh qaD to get a move on or the next meal we enjoy will be from a data energy Borg linkage”.

Suddenly the bridge shuddered and darkened. Illuminated only from the flickering light as main power arced its way across the bridge. Then the explosion burst upon them, picking them up and then dashing them to the deck. The main lights flickered wildly, intermittently illuminating thick of black/ grey smoke ripe with the smell of ozone. K’Ratalra scrabbled across the ruined and buckled bridge, moved the crumpled body off the panel and tried some of the controls “Helm’s down”.

As K’Ratalra made his way back to his station other people began to pick themselves up off the deck.

K’Rontep lurched upright, his arm twisted at an odd angel (either broken or dislocated) and staggered to his seat “Status?”

The engineer pulled himself up and checked his console “Main power’s out, auxiliary coming on line, hull breach on deck 2,to 4, section 17 to 23. Plasma fires contained on deck 8, section 4 to 12. Patching helm control to tactical panel”.

The bird of prey span end over end, like a broken toy discarded by the Borg. Holes had been punched through the wings. The main hull was streaked black. A glittering trail marked where the ship had been, due to the escaping atmosphere and plasma fires.

The main lights flickered once more and then stabilised. The control panels stooped scrolling and the main screen cleared of static.

K’Rontep tucked his mangled arm inside his sash “It appears that Engineering is still with us, Tactical pursue!”

“Full impulse, bringing torpedo launcher back on line, charging disrupters”.

“Captain! The General reports he is in position and stands ready to complete the final phase of the mission”.

“K’Rontep to all remaining ship’s proceed to Kotomo 9,2”.

The ghop ta’ VoDleh with plasma fires still burning brightly orientated itself on to a new heading and limped away, it was joined by only one other bird of prey. Both shot to the relative safety of warp space. The 3 seemingly undamaged Borg ships quickly followed. Leaving behind a cloud of cooling debris that once was a ship and a third bird of prey, with a ripped open bridge and engineering section. Lifeless and spinning dead in space.

The birds of prey ripped out of the explosive flare of warp space and took up position in the starfleet /Klingon fleet that seemed to hang there.

K’Rontep leaned further forward in his seat, “let us whether these Borg are like the Horta worm unable to let go when they taste blood”.

K’Ratalra looked up from his panel “Reading a large distortion in subspace. Hegh qaD reports that they are readying the Omega device”.

Space erupted depositing the three Borg cubes, which rapidly orientated them selves against the fleet. One cube opened fire. When its beams passed through a ship with out harming it the rest quickly focused on the birds of prey that remained from the earlier battle.

“It seams that the holo-satellites haven’t fooled them. Tactical fire at will”.

“Magnasite torpedoes, Full spread, torpedoes away.... Direct hit

5 orange /golden ball’s flared out of the bird to slam in to the lead cube, burying them selves deep. There was a large whoosh of gas as large amounts of Magnasite vaporised in to highly corrosive gas (in its liquid form it can eat its way through pure duredium).

“Sensors register that the Magnasite is effecting the structure of the cube”.

“Tactical, Kang’s gambit from my mark”.

“Sir, the Hegh qaD is decloaking”.

“All hands stand by, Helm best possible speed at my mark. Engineering we will needing warp speed”.

The Negh Var battle ship shimmered in to existence all weapons primed. It let off a devastating salvo of disrupters and torpedoes aimed at the remaining cubes. Before a flare of light illuminated a bay on the under side of the ship.

A huge bolt of blue /violet energy streaked out between the ships. Missing them completely. Instead it struck the 2nd moon with all it reality ripping force.

Red cracks rapidly spread over the surface of the planetoid. The Hegh qaD fired again, this time reality did rip. Swirling destructive energies over took the cubes causing secondary explosions in front of the standing energy wave. The 3 remaining Klingon ships gathered them selves and leaped to a warp space explosion.

Smoke hung in pools of light. The sounds of revelry echoed around the hall. At one table 5 figures had their heads tilted back in a cry for the dead. After they retook their seats Gowron grabbed the bottle of Romulan ale and poured ample measures for himself General K’Batlh, Captain’s K’Rontep, K’Reth and tactical officer K’Ratalra. The debriefing carried on long in to the night where the Romulan ale and blood wine flowed.

THE END

No one was harmed during the making of this story
But the ghop ta’ voDleh had did have her wings clipped

K'Retalra Mission 5: Rescue

Restarc forever undefeated

“This bridge is too small I keep hitting my head. My chair squeaks when it moves.”

K’Rontep slumped in the command chair, His chin resting on his fist mumbling to himself.

He had just finished touring his new command and although it had many improvements and innovations they still weren’t good enough.

He squeaked his chair around to face K’Ratalra “Tactical status.”

K’Ratalra looked down at the readout display, “instruments show green across the board, cloaking device is ready in all modes of flight. Targeting drones are prepared and weapons systems are primed.”

“Helm set a course to the first test zone. Proceed when ready.”

Tactical combat log
Of the I.K.V.ghop ta’volDeh
123rd day in the year of Khless 1001

This is the first log entry of the new K’mpec class bird of prey; we are currently on course to the test zone, mission, shakedown cruise to Federation specifications.

They were in a shift change, spending the time in the mess with K’Rontep muttering about, “they’re not being enough space to swing a Romulan”.

The alert klaxon exploded in to the shift change din. As one the command crew bolted for the door.

“1st OFFICER STATUS!!” K’Rontep roared as they hit the bridge running.

Dorff, standing by the command chair, turned to face him, “We are cloaked, priority message from command: ‘councillor Korgh has been abducted’. It is assumed that he was taken against his will. The assault team that snatched the councillor has rendezvoused with the imperial class star destroyer grey dagger. We are currently at maximum cruising speed to the designated co-ordinates. Our orders are to liberate or terminate councillor Korgh.”

K’Rontep turned to K’Ratalra, “Tactical report.”

“So far three ships have acknowledged and are in range to respond, a vor’cha and two K’Tingar’s. Combined they may just have the fire power to bring down the star destroyer.”

END OF PART 1

Captain Layland rose from the illuminated dais as the giant holographic head of the emperor faded from view. He strolled from the raised holographic chamber back to the main bridge.

The commander walked up to him, “The scope reports negative on any form of pursuit. Detention reports that the prisoner is being some what uncooperative but they foresee no problems.”

“Prisoner? Guest, surely?”

“Guest then.”

This came from a man who had just entered the bridge. He was dressed in what was a business suit in many cultures; he had a confident, smug smile on his face.

“Councillor Korgh is here as a guest at his Imperial majesties pleasure.”

Looking around the bridge he off-handily addressed the captain “Has there been any response yet?”

At a sign from the captain the commander responded, “The assault team engaged a number of system defence craft but since then nothing.”

“That’s disappointing!” He paused as if listening to some thing “Though I think we should see a few developments soon”.

“We will defeat them,” the commander bragged.

“Yes I’m sure you will. Because this mission is very important to your Emperor and my associates. You will keep me appraised of the situation won’t you.”?

And with that he turned and walked over to the massive viewing windows that looked out in to deep space.

“Civilian advisers. I hate civilian advisers”. The captain spat through clenched teeth “But that one’s worse than most”

“Why is that sir?”.

“When I talk to him I can’t help but think there’s some one looking over my shoulder “.

His voice dropped to a thoughtful murmur “And then there’s the whispering when he’s around”,

“Sorry sir?”

At that point a Lt walked up and spoke in a subdued tone, “Scope reports that four enemy vessels have just entered range”.

“Battle alert, Prime the turbo batters”

A voice against all decorum floated across the bridge “Don’t forget the augmented shields, there’s a good captain.”

Tactical log of the I.K.V. ghop ta’voDleh
Supplemental

We have detected the Grey Dagger proceeding at the equivalent of full impulse out of the system. We are preparing to intercept.

PART TWO

“Comm have the Vor’cha cut across the x-axis to draw their fire, the two K’tingas are to target shield projectors on the bridge tower, Helm manoeuvre Molar’s lament, at my command. . . .Execute.”

All the Klingon vessels pealed off to attack the various targets.

Disruptors, Phasers, quantum and photon torpedo’s flared wildly against the star destroyers shields.

K’Ratalra looked up from his instruments, “They have modified their shields.”

“WHAT!!” roared K’Rontep, “All ships, all weapons target those shield generators”.

While the ships scrabbled to obey K’Ronteps orders, K’Ratalra did a full sensor sweep on the destroyer’s shields.

“Reading show that there are secondary and axruilary shield generators along the length of the star destroyer”.

K’Rontep smashed his fists down on his arm rests cracking the panel, “By the seven sacred hairy balls of Nytelleop, is there nothing we can do?”

“There are density flux variations near the engine exhaust. Pinpoint that area and we will punch a short term window.”

“How large?”

“Assault shuttle is prepped and ready”.

“1st OFFICER! ! You have the con. Assault team to the shuttle. We will take the fight to these dung beetles personally”.

Tactical log
Supplemental

The assault shuttle has breached the star destroyer’s shields. We have activated the grappling tractors and the shuttle is now attached to the back of the bridge tower.

Personal note

Something is wrong. There have been tactical errors on the part of the Grey Dagger. They are far enough away from the gravity well of the planet to use the hyper-drive. Why haven’t they launched T.I.E.’s against us? I suspect a trap, but the form is unknown. My first C.O. said forewarned is forearmed.

“Captain I think we’ve played with our charges long enough”.

With contained anger and contempt, Layland turned to his 1st officer “Mr Gates says we are to leave. Prime engines”.

The M.S.E. droid trundled down the secluded corridor, chirping to itself contentedly, taking a short cut to deliver its message. With a squeak it ran in to a leather clad spiked boot. It began to rapidly speed backwards squalling widely. A hand snatched out and picked it up and turned it over. The four small wheels in each corner of the small box-like droid spun crazily with electronic panic.

K’Ratalra regarded it thoughtfully and then crammed it into the waste disposal chute. The panicked squawking ended with the sound of grinding metal and delicate circuits. He then slapped his comm badge, “The area is secured”.

Red, orange and gold lights illuminated the corridor as the assault group coalesced out of nothing, lead by K’Rontep.

“Security squad defence positions. Tactical, the plan of action?”

“We head for the cells and go for an old fashioned jail break. For that we need to move around more freely.”

The storm trooper patrol marched down the corridor stopping every few minuets to post guard. Ceiling panels were quietly pulled back and a group of Klingons dropped on to the remnants of the squad.

There was a muffled exclamation, and one trouper managed to get his gun free. The shot was forced up in to the ceiling. The troupers weren’t expecting or used to unarmed combat. Fists slapped helmets. Armed hands were blocked and twisted, producing grizzled popping sounds, helmets were grabbed and wrenched with the sound of cracking bones. Naked aggression channelled in to textbook violence

end of part two

Tactical log
supplemental

Var’Tass returned with the security detachment and five sets of storm trooper armour. This is enough for the security to disguise them selves (with various amounts of credibility) and for me and the captain to act as prisoners. K’Rontep as usual protested that there was more direct methods. But was ‘talked’ round by the prospect of the fight once we got inside the cellblock.

Val’Tara has patched her Tricorder in to the computer network and has located where councillor Korgh’s cell is and a map leading us there.

Part three

The two Klingon’s were marched through the corridors hand on their heads (the despondent look on K’Ronteps face was not all fake). They were surrounded by storm troops one carried a large tool bag /satchel. They drew the occasional curious looks from other naval personnel. There was however a few worrying moments when they had to pause for a turbo lift

After they filled inside Klovis leaned across to Var’tass “Where did you get this armour.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know what he’s been eating but this helmet stinks”.

Before she could reply the lift doors opened to the detention area and they had to file out.

He was dressed in imperial navy grey with the standard superior sneer on his face, “Where are you taking these things?”

“Prisoner transfer from cell T.H.X.1138”, replied Klovis even though the guard had addressed Var’tass.

The guard glared at Klovis “I wasn’t notified? I’ll have to check. . .Wait a minute there isn’t such a cell!”

At that point K’Rontep’s knife thudded in to his neck. All hell broke loose as the security team took down the remaining guard and monitors. “Science, check the data base find out which cell Korgh is in, Tactical with me”.

Val’Tara ripped off her helmet and started scanning the interface “I’ve got it! 23/arc”.

Pausing only to pick up a Bat’lelh’s from the tool bag K’Rontep and K’Ratalra ran down the appropriate corridor.

The door snapped open revealing a frozen tabloid of prison guard’s, torturer and Korgh. Korgh was strapped to a vertical table that was leaning over another table. Which was full of spikes and protuberances. Sparks leaped across the surface of this table. Each time this happened Korgh flinched and stifled a scream.

“SCUM! ! Dung beetles! You shall die for this!”

The moment was shattered. K’Rontep and K’Ratalra leaped in to the cell. The cries and clashes of metal continued for a few moments and then K’Rontep help Korgh down while K’Ratalra watched intently for any untoward moves. “Signal the shuttle, we have who we came for. Its time to leave”.

“No not yet” replied K’Rontep “we need a hyper-space capable shuttle. We are currently travelling through hyper-space the assault shuttle doesn’t have jump engines”

“WHAT! ! Why not? Tactical fresh engines.”

Tactical log
Supplemental

The security team has split in two. Half went back to the assault shuttle with councillor Korgh. The rest are making there way down to the hanger deck. We have jammed the turbo lift in place, burned through the floor and are using grav-chutes to descend through the infrastructure.

A small object bounced into the hectic hanger deck. It flared orange then gleamed white and expanded with a rumble of an explosion. K’rontep, K’Ratalra and the rest of the security team rushed in firing disrupters at anything that moved.

Somewhere some one hit the alarm. As more Storm trooper’s poured in to the hanger deck the Klingon’s fought their way to a Lambda class shuttle, by using disrupters, sharp edged steel and professional violence.

K’Ratalra took the helm position with Lerkshore in the co-pilot’s position “Almost like old times”, she said with a savage grin.

K’Rontep took the rear guns his voice booming with joy’s laughter every time he hit someone.

“Shields up brace yourselves. Lerkshore fire forward weapons to disrupt internal shields around the hanger entrance”.

The three winged shape shot out of the hanger bay followed by the blossoming flames of an explosion. The ship looped round then ran along the hull of the star destroyer.

“Lerkshore see if you can pull the co-ordinates of Portadia”.

The shuttle sped along the hull of the star destroyer evading the turbo-lasers and staying inside its shields, Protected from the destructive energies of hyperspace. While the assault shuttle detached from the bridge tower and looped back to meet them. There was a brief flare of blue white light from the underside of the assault shuttle as it activated the grappling tractor and locked on to the tri-wing shape of the Lambda class shuttle. The combined ships keeled over in an almost paint scraping somersault and headed towards the engine section. Close to the engine section the two ships hovered then detached while the assault shuttle proceeded alone.

The shuttle hit the area of space covered by the star destroyers shields, Which reacted with the shuttles own shields sending out waves of multi-coloured light in to the blackness of space. The Lambda fired all weapons at the shuttle. Its shields overloaded and the shuttle exploded causing the Grey Daggers shields to glare a green/yellow revealing a shrinking hole in them, as the shields were reinforced. The Lambda soared through the hole and off in to hyperspace.

End of part three

Tactical log
Supplemental

All personal were beamed off the Assault shuttle and that was detonated to disrupt the Grey Daggers shields, allowing us to escape. The rest of the journey to the Portadia system was uneventful. There we sent out a signal to the I.K.V. ghop ta’voDleh.

Personal log>

My concerns over this mission grow. Why wasn’t the detention cell monitored or alarmed. Why didn’t they react until we hit the hanger deck? It’s my opinion that this whole thing was staged for us to get Korgh back. At the moment I can’t call Korgh out (even if I’m right )with out serious repercussions for every one abroad ship. I need hard evidence, I have made my thoughts known to the captain. Both he and I will send all ower log entries to command.

Part four

The door to the sparklingly clean and bright medi- bay slid open. Two Klingons strolled in looking uncomfortable and out of place in the starfleet standard bay. K’Ratalra looked up at the ceiling “Computer activate the E.M.H.”.

The air simmered as if from a heat haze and a rather small bald human stood there in starfleet black and grey. “Please state the nature of the medical emergence. . . Klingons !”

“Check your mission files!”.

“Ahr... this should prove to be an intellectually stimulating existence”.

The irony in the voice was lost on the Klingons .

“You will perform a full medical on councillor Korgh. Make sure that all your findings correspond to those on record”.

The Doctor turned to the councillor and indicated the bed, “If you could just get up on to the bio-bed”.

“I don’t take orders from Federation Light bulbs”.

“I must insist,” K’ratalra replied with a gesture that ended with his hand on his disrupter, “we don’t know what damage has been done to you by the Imperials”.

Korgh muttered some thing under his breath and sat on the bed.

Later in K’Ronteps office /cabin.

“His left second clavicle’s broken in two places, minor tearing of his subclavian and infiour vena cava. His lymph system has been mildly disrupted and for some reason the squamous and epidermal tissue covering the left deltoid, both major pectorials and left traeziopus have been exposed to an inter phasic field. But I can tell you he is not a changeling”.

The Doctor finished giving his report. Looking expectantly from K’Rontep to K’Ratalra. K’Rontep looked up at K’Ratalra “What did he say?” he looked across at the Doctor “What did you say ?”.

“He said” replied K’Ratalra leaning back against the wall and folding his arms “ that he had been tortured but that it is councillor Korgh”

K’Rontep leaned forward and operated a control on the desk “Helm how long before we reach starbase Olympus”.

“Two hours”

K’Rontep considered “I will notify internal security and command”.

“Erm... have you finished with me ?”.

“YES! ! !”

K’Rontep glared as the Doctor faded from site then up at K’Ratalra “Do we have holo-emiters all over this ship?”.

“Yes!”.

“ ‘Sigh’ I miss my old ship”.

EPILOG

About two weeks later...

Councillor Korgh walked in to his chambers. He had just finished the last debriefings. The Romulan message pod was waiting for him on his desk. It was a family heirloom, clamed at the battle of Clamlarn. It was covered in fine scroll work. Centuries old when his grandfather clamed it, it was more a work of art than a functioning item. He picked it up and opened it. The artisan had modified it so that it could be opened from the inside. The artisan was a loose end that would have to be terminated. Shame, he did good work.

He opened his tunic to revel his naked chest, slowly fading into view like a shadow out of darkness were two blue /grey / dead looking lumps of flesh. One on his chest another attached to his left shoulder and neck. The signal red /yellow eye in each lump flicked open at the same time. The thing on his chest detached long filament like legs that looked too weak to hold its weight and scuttled over to the message pod which snapped shut containing it.

The voice of the second one echoed in his head “You will present this message pod to Gowron as an example of your loyalty and honour”.

Korgh forced words out through gritted teeth, “What are you?. Why are you doing this?”.

“The Imperial Emperor Palpatain wants your race destroyed”.

“I will not allow that!”

“I know. I am a servant of the Drakhh. Their masters, the beings you call the shadows, see a resource in the Klingon race. It is our honour to procure that resource for them. You have done well the next seven standard hours are yours. you will however be monitored, any attempted at self termination will be blocked.”

Korgh collapsed on his bunk. His mind a whirl. It will not end this way, he will overcome this demon. He will not let this happen to his empire. . .

THE END ?

Given that war is hell, lots of people were hurt, maimed and even killed (especially by K’Rontep)during the making of this story. But as it’s only a piece of fiction the only real casualties were my bruised synapses.

K'Retalra Mission 6: Loss

Restarc forever undefeated

Tactical log of the I.K.V. ghop ta'voDelh
27th day in the year of Khaless 1003
K'Ratalra recording

"We are still on still on patrol of the swi'vey shipyard and production facilities. This is our third week of patrol. The previous patrol boats were deemed to inefficient to defend against the new threats to the Empire and have been decommissioned. There has been a delay and the new prey bird fighters; deployment craft have not yet left the shipyards around Kronos. Now scout craft are trying to plug the gaps and cover the system."

K'Rontep sat in the command chair his head on his fist staring listlessly at the view screen, K'Ratalra stood behind him at the tactical station,

"Section amber twelve no contact".

K'Rontep sighed deep and long,

"Helm, enter next set of co-ordinates and proceed at warp 3".

With the smooth practiced action that had been performed many times before the ship leaped to warp and its destination. Still watching the veiwscreen as the stars streaked to lines. K'Rontep started to mumbled under his breath and as it was K'Rontep his mumbling was audible to every one,

"I grow bored with this, I miss the smell of blood in my nostrils, the sound of battle and pain in my ear's. As usual Var'Keer has a headache, I even miss the Cadassians. We seem to have been on patrol for all eternity, am I to remain here, growing old and wrinkly waiting for some thing to happen, as potent as a photon fart".

"This is only the third week of patrol my leige. And we have just entered section Amber 13." muttered Dorff from one side of the command chair. K'Rontep made a non-committal sound deep in his trough and considered using the newly installed holo-suite, turning off the Fed safety protocols first. K'Ratalra looked up from his station

"Three marks at eighty by seventy three mark twelve!"

K'Rontep surged to his feet "Shields, prime weapons, red alert, increase to attack speed. To glory

The wedge shape ship glided forward. Still carried forward by the momentum of engines that had been shut down some four weeks previously. No running lights glowed, no internal lights shone in the portals. But despite appearances this was not some ghost ship; it was not a derelict

Admiral Trayman looked around his darkened bridge with some pride. The only illumination came from the monitors, coursing distorting greenish/ blue glow. The entire ship was set to stand by, the crew was kited out in thermal uniforms monitored the functioning control and made sure the rest of the controls could be re-activated status at a moments notice.

Only two things stopped this from being a perfect mission. One was commander 113. He was part of the new Borg stormtroppers or Borg-troopers; even now he could see the discreet bear claw symbol next to his rank insignia on the white armour.

The old storm trooper's were always a breed apart from the regular army, fanatically loyal and incorruptible, but at least they were human. But these troopers, with their implants were directly wired in to there armour. He personally didn't have anything against cyborgs, but these men had there brains altered, their humanity burned away, they no longer acted like humans. The commander stood in the corner of the bridge, awaiting the signal that the other ships were in position. He only occasional left, to return to his alcove to recharge.

The other plight was standing over by the massive view port polishing the ice of the plexi-glass. Mr Gates was currently wearing a fir trimmed over coat. He approached every thing with an air of condescending smugness. Smiling at every snub and insult as if he had seen the future that involved him holding your still beating heart. He was the Emperor's special advisor and envoy, indicating the importance the Emperor had placed in this mission. Mr Gates stopped what he was doing, tilting his head to one side as if listing to some thing then started to amble over to Trayman. The next thing Trayman knew was commander 113 was standing next to him and Captain Telko was rapidly approaching with concern on his face. The commander spoke but to Trayman's ears it was not the intercom that made his voice flat and lifeless

"The other vessels are now in position. Interdictor class ships are on the most likely approach routs into the system, Blast boats and carrier ships can cover the rest." Traymen forced him self to look the trooper's visored eyes. It maintained discipline and reminded the junior officers of rank but it was difficult with these troopers

"Very well you may give the signal."

He then turned to Captain Telko "You may begin re-heat procedures".

Tactical log of the ghop ta'volDh
Supplemental K'Rtalra recording

"The three contacts proved only to be Imperial probes and did little to improve the Captains mood. Still this situation has been going on to long now to be simple administration error. Things must be rectified be fore the imperial new order finds out and takes advantage. They have been to quiet recently."

The mess hall was crowded with the activity of shift change. K'Rontep held sway on his table. There was a vivid purple burse on his check and lived cut on his forehead. One arm was dislocated, tucked in to his chain-linked sash. But despite this he was demonstrating to Dorff how he 'killed' a holo-Romulan from the battle of Track'nor val, by using his knife and a Bergaret lung. The air shimmered and a small balding man stood there in federation Starfleet uniform. K'Rontep made a classic double take,

"What's that doing there? I didn't order it!"

The man reached for one of the wall lockers and retrieved a tricorder

"The computer notified me that you had deactivated the safety protocols for the holo-suite and I anticipated your injures. That for instance is dislocated. Now I suggest that you come with me to sickbay for treatment."

K'Rontep stood and leading with his shoulder ran at the wall. There was a popping sound and he walked back to his seat flexing his arm. The Doctor retrieved a sub dermal regenerator from his kit and started to play it round K'Rontep shoulder joint.

"Yes we are all very impressed. But you are still going to join me in sickbay!"

K'Rontep's voice took on a silky menacing air; it was usually a precursor to extreme violence.

"1st officer do you still have that roll of insulation tape?"  There was a rasping sound as Dorff unwound some of the tape. "Good, unless this light bulb stops flapping around me I want you to cover up all the Holo-emitters in here."

The Doctor straightened up and looked at K'Rontep for few moments,

"I will see you in sickbay before your next duty shift starts or I will knock you out and drag you there my self!"

And with that he faded out with a heat haze shimmer.

Alra'kron giggled in to her ghar as the mess hall settled down in to its usual background chatter. She managed to catch K'Ratara's attention,

"Pass me the Soothi testacies. What's your opinion of this black fleet that's been sighted around the space lanes?"

K'Ratalra's reply was cut short by K'Rontep's snort of derision and booming reply,

"And which particular black fleet would this be. The black fleet of Sto'va Kor, the manta ray fleet of the Cromaggs, the silent gas dirigibles of the Hoothi? The galaxy is overflowing with bogey men and their black fleets, we've defeated them before and we will do it again!"

The Yaridian transport burst out of warp at the edge of the system, glided gently round to orientate its self on the second planet and ignited its impulse engines. Boling out of nowhere came two imperial blast boats and a wing of T.I.E. fighters, swirling around the virtually defenceless transport. It put up a merger defence; it shields already failing from the multiple onslaught and its solitary phaser to slow to have any effect against its opponents. The distress call only sounded once before being smothered by a jamming field from the blast boats

"If you could just raise your arm and proceed in a circular motion".

K'Rontep sat on the bio-bed and glared balefully at the holo-doctor, as he hovered around him playing the diagnostic modulator over the joint,

"You see how easy this is."

K'Rontep growled some thing under his breath .The lights flashed red and the intercom bleared "Captain to the bridge, Captain to the bridge".

With a shout of triumph K'Rontep grabbed his tunic and ran from the room. The Doctor watched him go, open mouthed,

"And once again I am left on!" He pottered around the sick bay putting things away and tidied up, stood and looked around the empty sick bay

"Right, lets see how far did I calculate PI to last time?" he sighed.

K'Rontep hit the bridge at a run,

"Tactical report!"

"Yaridian transport under attack, section amber nine, we are travelling at warp nine ".

"Tactical engage cloak, pre heat all weapons, 1st officer find out what other ships are in the area?"

"Wolf's claw and Empire's dagger are one minute way!"

Alra'kron spoke from her position "We are arriving at the co-ordinates."

K'Ratalra bent over his monitor "I'm reading two blast boats, Skipray class and twenty four snub fighters T.I.E class, The transporters shields are failing."

"Tactical, target the blast boats set torpedoes to proximity detonation, fire when ready."

Space rippled and ran as the shape of a bird of prey coalesced out of nothing. Green fire spat out of the wing tips, splashing flower like over the blast boats shields, orange / gold orbs shot out of the nose cone, scattering the T.I.E.'s before it. The ghop ta'volDelh charged through crowded space.

K'Ratalra looked up from his monitor,

"I think we have a problem!"

K'Rontep squeaked his chair round to face K'Ratalra,

"Tactical report!"

The blast boats are fitted with faster than light engines but are no larger than thirty meters and cannot carry other vessels. The TI.E.s have only sub-light engines and need a deployment ship. The transport is transmitting a cone of energy, type unknown!"

"Tactical, target that transport!"

Again the bird of prey spat green death, this time to be embraced by the transport ship, which shuddered, then expanded in a flower of flame and destruction. Behind it two star destroyers shimmed into being.

The bridge of the Imperial star destroyer was very different, the lighting was back to it's normal subdued level. Aides bustled around collecting discarded thermal jackets. Tech and maintenance crews were cleaning up melt water.

Captain Talko walked up to Admiral Trayman and spoke in discreet tones,

"The captain of the Viceroy has informed us that the transport has been destroyed and its cloaking field has dissipated, they have now engaged the enemy."

"Understood Captain how long till we are at full combat efficiency?"

"Two minutes thirty seconds till optimum combat efficiency, five minutes till full combat readiness".

In the distance through the view port was the delicate glass like stems of the space bound dockyards, slowly moving around and between them were the smaller lights of service craft.

The Admiral turned from their contemplation to face the Captain,

"Once the Klingon defence fleet has left bring the main engines up to full and inform me".

He turned and pointed at the Borg trooper "Pipe these instructions to the rest of the task force. We will attack when their fleet leaves."

"I'm reading two Victory class Star destroyers!"

"Understood Tactical. 1st officer inform the Swi'Vey dockyard of our situation. Tell the Empire's Dagger to cut across the lead destroyer's y-axis and Wolf's Claw to attack its left bridge deflector shield on my mark... Mark."

The three birds of pray split in a starburst formation rolling and twitting in a graceful formation.

"I'm reading multiple contacts, they have released their T.I.E. complement"

"Helm get us some distance. Tactical set weapons and choose your targets, fire at will, 1st officer inform the other ships." Dorff looked up from an auxiliary panel,

"We've had a response from the dockyard fleet E.T.A. is two minutes thirty seconds."

The T.I.E's swarmed and boiled around the birds of prey, green bolts of energy traded back and forth. The Birds of Prey broke formation and surged forwards, each in a different direction. Then they spun, still maintaining a forward motion, and fired a full salvo of photon torpedoes back the way they had come, detonating in the cloud of smaller ships.

"Admiral the fleet has just left"!

Trayman looked up at Captain Telko a brief smile flicked crossed his lips,

"How many ships does that leave?"

Telko pursed to mentally re-a just as the question threw him slightly. At this point Mr Gates ambled through the doors of the bridge and headed over to the Admiral.

"Twelve ships sir, all of them D7 class!"

Trayman nodded in satisfaction,

"Very good Captain, send the co-ordinates to the task force. Have wing alpha is to target the space side dock facilities. Wing Beta is to attack the planet side facilities wing Gamma is to remain in reserve helping out where needed we shall take on what is left of the defence fleet. After the task force has arrived inform the interdictors to commence the blockade of the system."

At this point Mr Gates leaned in to the conversation,

"But are you sure it will work?"

Trayman looked at him for a few moments, as if he was some thing scraped from one of his boots,

"The Klingon Empire has just finished a costly and bloody war with another degenerate race, they are short of ships and man power. Also about a century ago they lost a lot of their energy producing facilities to civil war and accident, something from which they have never really recovered. We can gain their resources while they are weak."

Mr Gates nodded with a curious half smile,

"And if they get reinforcements?"

Trayman narrowed his eyes in annoyance at this interloper that stood before him, some one that dared to question his orders on his own bridge. Captain Talko, seeing the sift of emotions in his superior gave the reply,

"As you know the interdictor class star destroyers can generate and project gravity wells up to planetary mass size. It is designed to knock ships out of hyperspace, our researchers think it will do the same to ships in warp drive ".

Mr Gates broke in to a beaming smile,

"That's right. I do like it when you get your research right."

The Admiral turned to Commander113 and in a strained voice said,

"Space troopers and pod units".

Illuminations blinked on in dozens of alcoves, with vents of steam-like gas cables snatched back from powered armoured space suites. Minds that were empty and should have been long dead were activated to calculate trajectories. Frontal lobes were programmed with mission profiles and objectives. Everything was ready all that was needed was a return to real space.

The space dock hung serenely in space. Three canopy like structures spidery arms reaching out, Starlight glinting of the mirror like solar panels. Tugs and tender ships scurried around them, travelling between them and the planet side faculties. Scattered around them was the paroling D7's.

Suddenly expanding out of nowhere came two Imperial star destroyers and sundry other ships, plus one massive ship. The D7's quickly formed up in to attack formation. The hatches on the side of the oblong like ships snapped open dispensing troopers in armoured space suits; they drifted out adding their firepower to the imperial ships. Other ships that had strange lumps and ridges on them drifted closer to the dockyards. Suddenly the lumps split off from the ships under powered flight, orientating them selves. They begin to align themselves against the dockyard. Lights flared out from the underside of the pods as they welded themselves to the dockyard and begin to cut there way through.

"Sir were are receiving distress calls from the dockyard they are under attack!"

K'Rontep spun round his chair round to face Dorff,

"WHAT!"

Dorff took a step back due to the force of his emotion,

"There are garbled reports of multiple ships in attack formation".

K'Rontep sat back in his chair as different possibilities flashed through his mind,

"1st officer inform all ships to break off and defend the docks. Helm inform the Heg qaD fleet of our situation".

The bird of prey performed one last strafing run on the Victory star destroyer. Gathering itself at the end of its run, it leaped to infinity.

The Klingons inside the space dock took up defence positions around sections of glowing walls. With a shudder that echoed down the corridors, chunks of metal exploded inwards, forcing the defenders to duck. White armoured troopers forced there way through the rough breach. Red and green bolts of fire were traded up and down the corridor. The invading troopers dodged down the corridors using all the bits of cover available, until an unspoken signal seamed to pass through the troops. As one they all stood up and marched out in unison. The Klingons hesitated for a few moments, unable to believe that an enemy would present such a target for them. Then they opened fire, only to their beams to hit a panel of shimmering air, as the Borg troopers had adapted to their energy weapons.

A group of greenish dots expanded in to the Klingon defence fleet.

"Qay'vey look at the size of that thing." Alra'Kron blurted out. K'Rontep twisted his chair round

"Tactical report. Is it the Death Star?"

K'Rontep leaned over his scanner,

"No, it's too small!" This started background muttering around the bridge with K'Rontep mouthing "Too small".

"It seams to be some kind of dedicated siege platform. I'm reading over four hundred missile tubes".

"Deploy the fleet defend the dry docks, attempted to take down the that platform. Choose your targets we delay them long enough for the Heg qaD fleets gets here".

The fleet split, flowering off in different directions. Once again swarms of T.I.E fighters burst out to meet them. Green fire streaked back and forth, interspersed  with red, orange explosions followed by expanding white atmosphere.

"Captain I have lost contact with the orbital docks!"

"Understood, Helm new course!"

K'Rontep marked out a new course on the command interface. Dorff lent forward,

"Captain the Heg qaD fleet reports that it has run into a gravimetric field that has knocked them out of warp, they are currently under attack by the New Order forces. They cannot say when they can disengage and aid us here."

A nerve pulsed in K'Rontep's check as he ground his teeth together,

"Understood 1st officer, inform the defence fleet and tell them, this facility will not fall to enemy hands. Helm set course for the orbital docks ramming speed!"

K'Ratalra's shout focused every ones attention on the viewscreen,

"The siege platform is firing!"

The sound of the detonation echoed around the planet, with the glow of the disruption being seen all over the northern hemisphere and down as far as the equator.

K'Ratalra's next words didn't inspire any confidence,

"The planetary shields held but there down to twenty three percent and the siege platform is powering up to fire again."

"Helm get us moving. Tactical make sure nothing gets in our way!" K'Rontep slumped back in to his chair.

The bird of prey leaped forward, the cannons on its wing tips blazing green fire at any thing that moved in its flight path. A path that would slam to its end in the middle of the orbital dry dock. Suddenly a shadow passed over the front of the ship, yellow / golden beams of light reached out, locking on to the speeding ship and pulled it sideways.

The bridge crew grabbed their seats and workstations as a violent shudder ran through the fabric of the ship.

"Tactical report!"

"We are locked in to a tractor beam by a Klingon ship of an unknown type".

K'Rontep exploded "UNKNOWN!! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN; UNKNOWN?"

"The vessel has a Klingon configuration and transponder but I don't recognise the name, class or type ".

"Open fire on it. Disable that tractor beam!"

After less than thirty seconds a figure coalesced in the middle of the bridge, as if throwing of a cloak. He was human, somewhere in his late sixty's. He wore an all-covering cloak and robes of black and midnight blue. His silver/ white hair was slicked strait back on his head. His thin haughty face stared glared around him self with imperial distain. The voice was whipcord sharp and full of authority,

"You will desist your attack on my vessel!"

With a savage roar K'Rontep leaped across the bridge knife in hand. Only to pass straight through the figure .The mage turned, following K'Rontep with a speed that belied his years. He made a pushing gesture with his hands and K'Rontep flew into the air, hitting the ceiling of the bridge. At the same time flames seemed to engulf the mage's head revealing snarling wolfs head, golden eyed, snarling fangs, lolling tongue.

"If you want an ignoble death continue attacking my ship and my shade."

The figure made a motion with his hand. K'Rontep slide a crossed the walls and down on to the floor. The mage's face reverted to normal,

"Listen to me, little man, the day is lost leave here now!"

"The day is not lost as long as one Klingon draws breath!"

"You ignorant sub-brained. . .You are involved in a battle that will shake the very pillars of Stov A Cor itself. Observe" The viewscreen flared in to life revelling two D7,

"Tactical report!"

"Planetary shields are down. The D7's Romulan terror and blood wing report that they are locking on to the planetary facility".

The two D7gracefully swooped round to face the planet. The engines flashed green as they prepared to smash into the planet side dockyard at warp speed, sending it to oblivion. At the same time above the planets northern pole, the blackness of space condensed, as if the fabric of space was taking on form. Swirling out of the darkness was three spider-like shapes, dark, menacing, brooding. Just as the D7 went to warp, purple and white beams lanced out of the middle of the black ships, neatly carving of the warp engines of the D7's, immediately halting their headlong rush to destruction. The next beam sliced off "Blood Wings" boom section allowing it to float free for a few moments, with bodies and debris being sucked out of the neatly cut end, before the anti-matter containment failed and what was left of the ship expanded in to a fire ball. "Romulan Terror" faired no better, a cutting, lancing beam sliced it from prow to stern, allowing the to half's to begin to flout away before it to disappeared in red and golden flames. And then with a strange shriek that echoed across the comm. Lines all three ships faded away

K'Ratalra looked up from his board "We've just received a recall and confirmation signal from the Heg qad fleet"

K'Rontep turned slowly "What! Retreat! "

The white haired figure looked smug as he imperially looked around him,

"At last, someone has a modicum of sense. Now go back to your home systems and tell your leaders to prepare for WAR!" The mage swirled his arms around himself as if putting on a cloak and vanished from sight

Tactical log of the ghop ta'volDeh
Supplemental K'Ratalra reporting

"The worst has happened the Imperial New Order has made numerous attacks across the Triangle sector. A number of these were feints designed to draw us out, others strategic strikes. This is no longer a minor irritant."

The end

The Klingon Empire was harmed in the making of this story

K'Retalra Mission 7: Boom

Restarc forever undefeated

The wedged shape ship plowed through the depths of space, in much the same way a Naval ship used to plow it way through the water and ice of yesteryear, running lights blazing out in to the night.

Albion Spilnesh crossed the bridge and stood before the sensor suit. Commander Otsa, seeing that Captain Spilnesh was on duty approached to report "We are still receiving the distress signal, though it dose now seam to be an automated beacon".

"Any evidence of a ship or wreckage?"

"Negative, however there is an unidentified energy field, that is in the form of globular clusters, scattered throughout the area".

"I see. Lets be cautious commander, alert status three".

Commander Otsa turned and stood over the crew pit, speaking in a firm voice "Energies the defense screens, clear the turbo batters for firing".

The other ship stood off the edge of the distortion field at two thousand kilometers. It was a strange and unusual configuration, flower-like with short petal style wings that flared blue/ black against the red and yellow mottled skin, it supported an elongated stamen like structure that grew directly out of the petals.

The ship was virtually invisible, nothing as primitive as a cloaking device, but rather blended in to the back ground, so like a photo with a slight distortion, or a musical note played wrong in the middle of a symphony, you would only notice it if it was pointed out to you.

It was watching, waiting, observing. The probe it had sent out was still transmitting on the new order distress signal. He wished to test a hypothesis on the nature of the anomaly that was the energy field.

Captain Spilnesh stood over the crew pit looking down on the instruments "I don't like this, Commander Otsa! Call all stop".

Otsa left his side to stand over the helm suit and gave the command, after a few minuets "now reading all stop sir"!

"Let's take this slow, distance from the anomaly?"

"We are steady at three hundred meters".

"Prepare a reconnaissance shuttle."

There was a sudden commotion and a panicked shout from a technician from the science suit "sir we have an energy spike. Sir! The field is expanding in our direction!"

Spilnesh turned and fixed the lieutenant with a cold stare "show a little decorum". He then turned to the helm suit "Helm full reverse".

The instant the field started to expand in all directions the mottled ship maintained its distance to the expanding front, all sensors and recording logs on. The instant the wave front hit the victory class star destroyer, it shifted and blurred, as if seen through water.

The deck plating lost its sheen, grew dark and spotty with rust as a water pipe somewhere on bored burst. Then the hull plating begins to slough off in to the depths of space. Like a thousand mime Jack in the box's lifeboats burst forth from the main body of the ship. Some of them a very small amount managed to escape, some simple exploded, some just grew dull and lifeless, retrorockets failed and left them spinning in the star destroyers wake. It all happened in less time then it tock to tell. After it was over the flower like mottled ship spun on its own axis and sped away in the cold night.

K'Rontep and K'Ratalra waited outside the generals office. The place was griped by a controlled panic as command was still trying to get to grips with the devastating loss that happened at the Swi'vey shipyards and loss of control over almost the entire sector.

With a grating clang the doors of the office opened and the two Klingon officers proceeded in to the organized chaos.

The displays of the Hegh qad war room were being constantly updated with new information. Some of them displayed the new boarder (reviling just how much ground had been lost to the new order). General K'Batlh, Brigadier Khaji, councilor Korgh and his attendants were grouped around the main operations table.

There was a definite sense of tension in the air; both K'Batlh and Kaji had pensive looks of annoyance on their faces, while Korgh had a look of smug satisfaction.

Korgh looked up "Greetings K'Rontep, I think we have a mission worthy of your talents".

General K'Batlh reacted sharply, trying to regain the lost position of command 'I'm still in command of this taskforce councilor and it is I who will conduct the mission briefings!"

It seamed that what ever had gone on before the Captain and the tactical officer had entered the room Korgh had won; now he was content with his victory. With a wave of his hand, he smiled at them "Of cores General, of cores."

"It seams that after the failure of the situation conference at Venwi's claim that Chancellor Garron has thrown another temper tantrum and had the ambassadorial staff recalled and closed the boarder again!"

K'Ratalra frowned "What is being done about the Earther's allegation "?

Korgh snorted dismissively "They lie as easily as breathing, but I believe that Captain Ki'yak is making some preliminary investigations."

K'Ratalra took a sight intake of breath "The butcher of Eventas! I didn't know he was still alive?"

K"Rontep looked his tactical officer in the eye "I didn't know he was still sane!"

The General continued, "At this time we cannot divert a full ambassadorial flotilla from the front. You will join a taskforce of one K'avort class, the Iron Fist, and one B'rel class the Clawed Dagger. Proceed to Earth collect the Ambassador and his staff and return to Kronos safely!"

K'rontep growled his dissatisfaction, K'Ratalra added his own voice "That don't give us a lot of room to maneuver. Can you not give us a Vor'cha class as well?"

The General gave a barely restrained sigh "the councilor has every faith in your abilities to complete this mission within the parameters he has set. As you did when you freed him from the Imperial Star Destroyer.

K'Ratalra turned and glared at Korgh "And just what is your position within the Klingon government?"

At that point K'Rontep reached out and grabbed the offered PADD from Brigadier Kaji and begin to leave the room "Tactical we have our mission parameters it is time to leave. General, Brigadier"

They both left the war room and marched back to the hangar deck, where the ghop ta'voDleH was berthed. As they crossed the noise crowded deck K'Rontep leaned over to K'Retalra "Councilor Korgh has recently been placed as the minister for internal security".

K'Ratalra made a sour note at the back of his throat "The last time we had one of those was during the emperors of the flag and any child could tell you what trouble they brought".

Krontep slapped his communicator "Helm prepare the ship for immediate dust off as soon as we are aboard "

The ghop ta' voDleH exited the hanger deck; the ship hovered momentarily outside the deck, spun around on its own axis, its wings repositioning themselves into its cruse mode. With a flared of its engines it shot through the clouds of attendant ships into open space, then stretched into infinity.

The communications officer flagged the supreme "Report!"

"Our agents report that they have left for the staging area. The beacon has been placed aboard their ship."

"Understood, inform the cadre commander of there flight plan and beacon frequency. The commander has authority to deploy its cadre."

"I obey!"

Tactical log K'Ratalra recording

We have arrived at the staging point after a delay of twenty-four hours. The reason? To collect a package from Restac house fleet that I know will come in useful.

K'Ratalra cleared his tactical board then activated the comms relay "Sir we are being hailed by the Iron Fist".

"Understood Tactical put em on screen!"

The viewscreen wavered then the angry features of Captain Veng appeared "K'RONTEP!! You waste of space where have you been. I could have been destroying twelve fleets of jem hadar ships while I've been waiting around for you!"

"Cool your tough dust for brains, we will be underway shortly! Tactical cut transmission."

K'Ratalra activated the pulse message indicator on his board and read the log entry "Captain K'Reth informs us that the package is in position two thousand meters off our starboard hull. They will remain in that relative position until we enter the Sol system".

K'Rontep grunted his understanding "Tactical inform all ships it's time to get this movable feast under way. Helm warp eight at my command, head Earth the Sol system, initiate."

The three birds of prey took up positions, the larger one in the front the two smaller ones behind each wing tip. All the ships shimmered as if in a heat haze and slowly vanished. The light from the stars flared and distorted in the shape of the ships, as they went to warp.

Tactical log supplemental

The long journey through Klingon space has passed without incident and we are now rapidly approaching the Federation border. Disruptors have been set at 10% power in accordance with ambassadorial exchange regulations.

K'Ratalra looked up from his sensor display "Sir I'm reading four ships all battle cruiser classification two ambassador class, two Nebula. I didn't know we warranted such a response."

K'Rontep leaned back in his chair "They were probably expecting a larger fleet".

K'Ratalra grinned madly "There probably feeling very embarrassed right now."

"Tactical inform all ships to go to sub-light at my mark. Helm slow to impulse... Mark!"

Krontep plotted a course on the situation PADD attached to his command chair "Helm execute this flight plan. Tactical send this to the taskforce and tell them to implement it at my command. Acknowledge when received."

Although the ships were invisible and transparent, they glided round the three federation ships pirouetting to balance on one wing tip, and then came to rest in front and facing the Federation ships. Then one by one, smallest one first, then the largest they faded in to view.

With a smile in his voice K'Ratalra informed the bridge crew in general "They have raised shields and there are indications they have gone to red alert. Ah we are being hailed."

"Well put em on screen".

The three ship captains plinked on to the screen at the same time. The man at the top had a crew cut steal gray hair and supported vice admiral rank, he was bull necked and flabby like a prize fighter who had gone to seed. His face was the color of puce, that couldn't be good for his heart. Beneath him in the other two pictures were a younger man and a woman both of captain rank. The woman made a motion and her red alert signal cut out."

The Admiral growled, "Cut off that damn noise... greetings...Gentailmen, that was quite some entrance. I do hope this isn't going to be a difficult journey".

The picture shifted as Veng joined the videoconference "The only difficulty that will arise will be if you dare to attack us like you did with our unarmed delegates, then we would have to crush you!"

This brought a round of chuckles from the bridge crew, exclamations of outrage from the two male Federation members and a sharp retort from the female "GENTLEMEN! Just because our respective governments have screwed up doesn't mean that we have to follow suit "

The Admiral took several deep breaths "Yes of course Captain Maitland you are quite correct. If we could start again. I'm admiral Lovegrove of the U.S.S. Warspite, and these are Captain Gordan of the U.S.S. Custer and Captain Maitland of the Alaska."

Krontep leaned forward in his chair "I an Captain K'Rontep, my fellows captains are Veng and K'Rom. We will proceed at your discretion Admiral."

The seven ships glided round into a new formation, the Klingon ships in the center, and the Federation ships on the outmost. They glided on to a new vector, then with an explosion of blue/ white light from the Federation engines and a visible distortion from the Klingon ships they shrank in to the distance.

Tactical log supplemental

We are traveling through Federation space to Sol three so far with out incident.

"I think if I have to attend one more of these closing ceremonies I shall descend in to a killing frenzy".

K'Ratalra understood what K'Rontep was going on about, they had arrived on Earth three days ago to collect the ambassadorial staff. All baggage had been beamed up within twenty-four hours, since then they had been subjected to the indeterminable closing ceremony. Even the Ambassador, Brigadier General Macktock was looking decidedly twitchy. The new Acting President of the Federation just seamed to be falling a sleep; the only person who seemed to be enjoying himself was the master of ceremonies, Vice Admiral Lovegrove.

After what felt like an eternity of speeches they broke for lunch. Walking back to the ambassadorial section they griped about the situation whilst unbuttoning their dress uniforms.

"Tell me Tactical, how many of my ancestors did I insulted and dishonour to be given this duty and for how much longer am I expected to suffer"!

K'Ratalra was about to reply when a commotion from further down the corridor attracted their attention.

They jogged round the corner only to come a crossed two Klingon's struggling. It took a few minutes for them to realise that it was in fact two of the same Klingon, but the hand of one of them ended in a bag of orange goop that was positioned on the head of the other.

After a second or two hesitation the two watching Klingons kicked in to action, Krontep ran forward to body check the Klingon, while K'Ratalra grabbed a hand full of medals from his tunic and threw them with a precise aim. They dug into the face and neck of their opponent. The skin around the wound bubbled, grew orange and transparent, flowed round the medal stars and absorbed them, only to have them emerge in its free hand seconds later. It prepared to throw them back when K'Rontep slammed in to into it. Sending them both sprawling, releasing the Klingon guard with a sucking plopping sound. The victim crumpled to the ground, unconscious due to the lack of oxygen. K'Rontep was on his feet in an instant, trading blows with a figure that was rapidly growing too many limbs. By now it was a completely translucent golden/ orange. Picking up K'Rontep, he was thrown bodily down the corridor. Pulling something off his elbow pad K'Ratalra charged forward, launching himself. He struck the translucent figure headfirst. His hands buried themselves deep in the golden /orange goop, a long limb like tactical rapped itself around his middle. It pulled him off, crashing him up in to the ceiling, then spun him off down the corridor in to Krontep. K'Rontep circled wearily round the changeling as K'Ratalra picked himself up and tried to remember where he was. Both Klingons stayed well back. K'Ratalra made a great show of retrieving a small two button device from his pouch, as he brandished it in the air the changeling looked down in to his own torso, where a dark shadow of a box like object lay. With a spectacular grin K'Ratalra pressed a button. There was a muffled crump and globules of rapidly powdering golden goop were liberally spread around the corridor.

It was during the victory grinning and mutual back slapping that that the Federation security detail came jogging down the corridor, turning to K'Ratalra K'Rontep stated "Inform the Ambassador what has happened mention nothing to Vreng. He is the type of buffoon that would want revenge against the Fed's for this".

Holding his hands where the security detail could see them K'Rontep approached the detail to inform them what had happened.

K'Rontep steadied back in the command chair and sighed deeply in satisfaction glorifying in the moist humid air of the bridge. The image of the Earth was receding on the viewer "Helm course and speed "!

"We are on course for Wolf 359 at warp three. The Ambassador wishes to pay his respects to the fallen warriors."

"The other ships?"

"The Clawed Dagger and the Iron Fist are in formation. We are surrounded by the Alaska, the Warspite, the Custer and the Baker."

"Tactical, what's the status of the vessels?"

K'Ratalra took a quick scan "They are running at yellow alert. Shields active, weapons on standby. We are receiving messages from Captain Veng, he states that as his ship carries the ambassador he demands leadership of the taskforce."

K'Rontep smiled "tell Vreng he can kiss my Bat'leth."

Alra'Kan leaned back in her chair "We are coming up on Wolf 359".

K'Rontep swung the command chair round, ignoring the long drawn out squeak, to face forward "Prepare to come out of warp on my command".

There was a flurry of activity. Then K"Rontep barked out "Now".

With an explosion of white light, the seven ships stretched into existence, then took up formation just off what looked like a floating junk pile in space. Shattered dishes spun gently with warp pylons that had been rent asunder; exposed decks were like gaping wounds. Occasionally there was a faint flicker of plasma fire, still burning after all this time.

The Klingon ships glided forward from the rest.

K"Rontep rose from his command chair to stand in front of the viewscreen. On the bridge of the other Klingon ships the same thing was happening.

K'Ratalra looked up from the readings on his panel "Sir the Fed ships are receiving a signal, they're gone to red alert status, weapons are running hot!"

K'Rontep spun round "Shields up red alert. All vessels to hold formation, make sure that dunder head Veng understands, I will personally castrate him if he acts without orders!"

"We are receiving a transmission from Lovegrove"!

"Put em on screen".

"Klingon task force, we are receiving reports that there is a Borg incursion at P'Jem - it is under attack. We are going to intercept, you will proceed to star base 12 where you will rendezvous with the U.S.S. Cornell, who will accompany you as far as Starbase 234."

With that terse communiqué the view screen flipped to the external view as the Federation ships turned then warped off in to the distance.

K'Rontep grunted to himself then turned to K'Ratalra "Send to Iron Fist we proceed at the ambassadors convenience".

It watched from the darkness of naked vacuum. The hard shell of it's exterior protected it from the deprivations of deep space. It had been hard wired in to the protective armour for so long that it thought of the shell as its own skin. The sensors that had been wired in to it's brain showed that there was ongoing comms traffic passing between the three hostile ships. It activated a secure channel and alerted the rest of the cadre. They went from stand-by to active status. The Federations ships, that were designated non-essential targets in the battle plan, had just left the edge of it's sensor range. It sent an activation impulse to the comms jammer, then powered up the transolar disc thrusters. Then it opened a communiqué to the rest of the cadre "All units concentrate all weapons fire on the lager vessel, it carries the ambassador. All units attack, attack, attack."

K'Ratalra looked up concerned "My lord we are being jammed! I am reading multiple contacts".

K'Rontep ran for the command chair "How many contacts?"

"I'm reading 1000. They are no larger than about four meters in height and about three meters in width."

"Break through the interference".

"I'm working on it!"

"Science work with tactical"

"At once, my lord"!

K'Ratalra looked at his tactical board as he shunted the jamming data over to the science board "The angle of the attack is located on the 'Iron Fist".

"Helm bring us about".

"K"Reth is de-clocking the Brood Mother. They are releasing prey bird fighters".

Val' Tara looked up face flushed with success "we have broken through their jamming filed' they have only swamped the higher frequencies we can still communicate on the lower ones though our range has been reduced"

"Tactical, send to all ships - form up to protect the Iron Fist at all costs, attack Patten kama!'

"All ships have acknowledged. Iron Fist reports that Captain Vreng has had to have a little lie down, Brigadier General Macktock has taken command."

The space between the ships was covered with superheated gases, debris or expanding atmospheres. Hard radiation, plasma pulses and neutrino beams pieced the dark. Red green bolts of energy joined with negative blue beams slicing through the night.

Tactical data was fed directly into it brain, eyestalks swiveled round to follow targets, gun sticks aimed and fired. The transolar discs and their occupants out numbered the Klingon ships at about three to one. The Klingon ships could stand multiple hits before exploding in to oblivion, the transolar discs were destroyed with just one shot. It was going to be a battle of attrition, with the last one standing the victor. Most of the discs concentrated their fire on the Iron Fist; this left them open to the devastating fire from the prey bird fighters.

With a burst of white light the Alaska burst in to the field of battle, scattering the discs in front of it, almost immediately it disgorged Federation Recon shuttles and once again the battle was joined.

K'Ratalra pressed the indicator on his board "the Alaska is hailing us "

"Lets hear what they have to say, Tactical"

The screen flared and changed to reveal the attractive but stern features of Captain N.I. Maitland was set in a grim smile "I'm sorry to disturb you gentlemen but I didn't think that this was a private party. Besides if I remember my cross cultural training that would be a big no, no to leave you all alone here".

With a savage smile K'Rontep replied "You are more then welcome to join us their seems to be more than enough to go a round, why are you not in glorious battle with Borg?"

Maitland's grin softened in to some thing more sardonic" There will be more than enough Admirals and Captains from over twenty sectors trying to write them selves in to legend, I don't think I would be missed, that's if the Borg are there anyway. Besides we, err, suffered from engine trouble. Yes, that's it engine trouble and we had to drop out of warp, just out of sensor range. Then we noticed that your comms traffic had stopped so we came to find out if any thing was wrong".

K'Rontep barked a laugh "Your investigation has brought its reward, happy hunting, Krontep out. Helm Malors gambit on my mark, Tactical photon torpedoes proximity detonation, Mark".

K'Ratalra looked up from his tactical board "We have five hostiles coming in on a formation on our rear, our shields are under fifty percent in that sector".

"Understood. Helm emergency stop, z minus 1000 degrees photon torpedoes wide angle spread, fire!"

The ghop ta'volDeH swooped low, followed closely by five of the transolar discs with three more following close behind them. The bird of prey braked hard, flipped over on its axis and fired photons and disrupters, catching the last three discs in the destructive maelstrom. But the main five remained close, firing repeatedly.

"Rear shields are down to twenty two percent. Sensors state that they are using a form of energized neutrino beams".

"Helm take us through the debris field, full impulse".

The bird of prey spun round and dropped through a hole in the spinning debris field. The transolar discs, with their pepper pot occupants, followed almost like a second skin. The ghop ta'volDeH spun down through the debris, twisting and turning, ignoring the smaller debris like doors and consoles, allowing them to bounce of the deck plates. Flying round main obstacles such as warp pylons and shattered hulls.

Studying the tactical readouts K'Ratalra made a decision and shunted the data to K'Rontep situation P.A.D.D., K'Rontep glanced down "Excellent Tactical, Helm slow to one third impulse then prepare to go to full impulse at tactical command".

The discs were rapidly gaining on the bird of pray, firing salvo after salvo. The rear shield shimmered blue/ green, then collapsed. The orange glow from the engines flared white-hot and the ship surged forward. At the same time the disrupters barked, sending green bolts into the shattered dish of the starship Melbourne, causing it to be wrenched apart. Solid chucks spun out in to the chaos of the battle field.

The discs scattered, flying debris crushed three, while the final two succumbed to the disrupters of the ghop ta'volDeh. Spinning rapidly round again she plunged to the surface of the debris field, suddenly she was flying through fire.

The bridge was being shaken from side to side, the smell of burning circuits was rife and small electrical fires were breaking out everywhere. "Emergency speed, Tactical report"!

"We have clipped the edge of a deuterium field, one of the hostiles must have ignited it just as we entered. Shields are out, warp engines are down, sensors are being overloaded while inside the firestorm."

The Plasma fire burned for many hundreds if meters, stretching back to a shattered hull, which ruptured sending burning debris spinning out in to the night. Ten of the transolar discs came to rest in front of the burning cloud, eyestalks and gun sticks took aim. The ghop ta'volDeH came boiling out of the chaos that was the cloud, firing disrupters and torpedoes, singed around the edges. Half a dozen of the discs with their pepper pot controllers exploded in flame, the rest returned fire scouring thick black lines down the hull plates of the bird of prey. It smashed in to the remaining discs, ripping them to bits. The bird of prey shot out of the Wolf 359 debris field, back in the final moments of the battle. A full salvo of disruptor bolts from the three birds of prey, and a phaser beam from the Alaska finished of the last of the tran-solar discs. The Klingon ships came round to form up for warp.

The smoke covered most of the bridge, control boards were dark, with the occasional ones blown out, and their electronic guts spread out over the deck "Damage report all decks".

"Engineering report that the warp drive is off line, they need to realign the plasma injectors. Explosive decompression on decks two and four, three deaths. We are being hailed by the Iron Fist".

"On screen, Tactical."

The grizzled features of Macktock faded in to view "We are ready to go to warp on my mark"

"We are currently unable to activate our warp drive, Tactical?"

K'Rontep turned to look at K'Ratalra "K'Talvas reports that it will take about fifteen minutes ".

K'Rontep turned back to the screen "Proceed without us. We will repair our engines then proceed to Triangle command".

"We are being hailed by the Alaska ".

"Go ahead Maitland".

The screen split and Maitland appeared in one box. The bridge of the Alaska had scorch marks up the walls monitors were dark. Her face was smudged with soot and there were burn marks on her uniform, but the expression on her face was one of triumph "we have been monitoring your comms traffic, can we leaned a hand?"

Macktock's gravely voice could be heard "Why would you concern yourself."

Maitlands grin turned sardonic "I'm just showing concern as expressed in my culture, to someone who could understand it, and if the worst does come to the worst and we find ourselves facing each other across the battlefield, you will remember this incident and treat me and my crew accordingly."

Macktock sounded resigned, "Be careful of this one K'Rontep she uses words like we would daggers! Join us when you're able".

Tactical log supplemental

We are currently on course for the Triangle sector. I have picked up a Klingon/ Federation distress signal coming from just outside the Triangle, both the Alaska and the ghop ta volDeH are investigating.

The wedge shaped ship was skeletal and pock marked, disused and decaying. But, without doubt, it was a Victory class Star Destroyer. Debris, wreckage and life pods hung around the ghost ship like fly's stuck in amber. The bird of prey and the Ambassador class vessels burst out of warp drive to slowly circle the wreckage.

Vel'Tara looked up from her sensor board "I'm reading no life signs aboard, no energy readings of any type. However against reason there is a contained atmosphere on the bridge complex, I cannot explain it."

K'Rontep stood "First officer you have the conn. Tactical, with me, alert the transporter room we are on our way and explain to the Alaska what we are doing ".

The Imperial bridge was in partial darkness the stars could be seen through the gaps in the hull, all the monitors were dark. Outside the atmosphere bubble bodies could just be distantly seen floating round in the faint twilight. A bench and some chairs had been set up on the usually furniture free bridge.

The bridge was suddenly illuminated by the red/ golden glow of the Klingon transporter and the blue white glow of the Federation. Both parties consisted of only two people, both materialised in environmental suits. The almost incandescent white Federation with its distinctive red / blue illuminations, the Klingon's green/ gray, that gave the impression of being large and clunky, but was surprisingly mobile, light and maneuverable. With its full collection of holstered bladed weapons.

The imperial bridge was lifeless except for the one corner where the table was set up. On it was a collection of glass drinking goblets and a decanter full of water. Sitting at the table was a woman somewhere between the ages of twenty five and forty. Copper coloured hair hung free around the shoulders of her causal suit blended to complement her coffee coloured skin. Behind her stood what could only be described as a free standing oxygenator. It stood just taller than a man and was surrounded by a glittering curtain of some dark material. A collar at the top had ten centimeter thick tubes on it, that seemed to gasp and snatch at the air. Capping it all of was what looked like a stylized monitoring camera with a blue/ green light emitting from an iris lens that continuously changed size as it swept back and forward with a gentle motion.

She stood up and extended her hand "Greetings lady, gentlemen, please take a seat we have things we need to discuss".

The Klingons remained standing looking hesitantly round the room, while Maitland unlatched her helmet and took it off, then sat. The woman leaned back in her chair, took a deep breath to organize her thoughts "Your worlds are under attack from forces from outside your reality. Charged vacuum embodiments, or doorways, have been opened to other realms. From this reality and only this reality. If anyone wants to conquer one of these realities the battle will have to be fought here first."

K'Rontep leaned forward "This is nothing new, we have been fighting new and different enemies for months now".

The woman nodded her head sending her copper hair flying "We know, but things are deeper than you know. We believe that an ancient enemy from our realm has begun to organize the many scattered forces against you. It may have already touched your great cultures, it has been agreed that we should contact you to let you know.'

As she said this the free standing unit behind her glided forward and from behind the curtains, that were obscuring its body a tiny metal claw appeared and extended. In the claw were two small quartz-like crystals. The woman stood and retrieved the crystals giving one to Maitland, the other to K'Rontep. "These are data crystals they follow similar lines as your isolinier chips, so you should have no trouble in converting them. There is a frequency on them which you can contact us. We await your response."

She turned to leave when the unit glided up to K'Ratalra, the head piece swung round to look at him,a distant chanting seamed to spring up and a deep bass voice came from everywhere and nowhere, white lights flashed from somewhere deep within the unit, in time to the voice "You have a hole from within your world. Beware."

With that it turned and walked off the bridge. But when it walked it was if it stayed still and the world scrolled around it. The woman hesitated a moment, looking slightly lost and confused, then she followed, leaving both parties to look at each other confused and uncertain and beam back to their ships.

They had left the Alaska at the border and were flying through neutral space. Their mission reports had been encoded and sent. When K'Ratalra detected an energised emission shadowing them, the bird of prey went to red alert, swung round and dropped out of cloak, weapons were charged. Space rippled and folded and a mauve ship faded in to view but not in the standard wave effect of a cloaking device but in squares, section by section. It was like two lumped discs sandwiched together, a spire-like engine section attached to the rear. With four cannon like meson weapons, sticking out, prong like from the front.

The eye stalks swiveled round to stare at the monitors "This is the hostile vessel, prime meson for firing. All hostiles will be exterminated!"

"I obey!"

Four purple beams struck out, hitting the bird of prey, its shield flaring green against the onslaught, then collapsing. The deck plates held momentarily before melting, then the ship exploded in to millions of metal fragments.

The End

Here endeth the lesson

Dedicated to Dad, Sir Adrian and the little Raven

K'Retalra Mission 8: Redemption

Restarc forever undefeated

He stood in the stone circle, waiting, watching the clouds speed through the artificial sky. They were late but that was understandable considering the unimaginable distances involved. He peered into the dim horizon; Polgara was still there, maintaining the link. An oak door billowed out of nothing. It opened, Muldwich stepped through, closing it behind him. Belgarath had hoped for a full showing of the Circle. But in his heart of hearts he knows that that wouldn't happen. Muldwich walked past the stones his hand raised in greeting "well met Belgarath".

The old man just grunted in reply "And what prey is the vaulted circle's reply to my request? Hmm!"

Muldwich smiled in spite of himself, Belgarath had rejected a place on the circle many timed but still expected it to be at his beck and call.

He also braced himself for a hostile reaction "They have debated on your proposal, but have decided to reject your request."

Belgarath snorted and muttered, ramming his hands deep in to the sleeves of his black robe, he turned on Muldwich "That is simply not good enough my boy! I simply don't think you understand the severity of this problem!"

Muldwich wrapped his midnight blue robes around himself and gritted his teeth, waiting for the angry tirade that flowed against him to finish.

"Portals to other dimensions, to other realities you might say, have been opened. The Shadows and the Vorlons are out there at the moment, manipulating and discovering. What if they find the security to these portals, what then? What then! My boy himm. The reality that I'm standing in is the cross roads and it is here that the conflict is escalating. What is more the portals are artificial in nature so not only do we have Empire, Cylons, Sontaran and Gou'uld to contend with, we have whom ever created these portals. You and the Circle are content to stick your sand in their heads like an Ostrich, And ERR hide".

Muldwich waited for the old man to wind down his frustrations "The Circle may have rejected your request, but that doesn't mean you can't proposition fellow techno-mages yourself?"

This produced another burst of irritation "No, no, no! That won't do at all, I must stay here to carry on my researches!"

Muldwich started to grind his teeth in frustration "you are a respected member of our order, where you lead others will follow. Polgara can speak for you."

Belgarath snorted, it reverberated through his nose "Is that all I'm going to get!"

"Yes I'm afraid it is. I have to go now my energies are all but depleted".

Gathering his cloak around him. Muldwich called up the door, stepped through it and vanished.

Belgarath turned and brought the horizon closer and into focus. Polgara stood with her hands spread wide. Swathed in black cloth with its silver tracery etched in to it, it looked like she was wearing a circuit. She lowered her hands and opened her eyes to reveal them to be hazel brown "Yes old wolf, I heard you!"

"We have to do this Pol, the future of all the multiversity could depend on this"

Polregar sighed with a rye smile "Okay old wolf, ok I will see what I can do, no promises!"

She passed her hands over her body, which seamed to fold up in it's self and shift into the shape of a raven, then fly off.

Belgarath took one last look around the glade then dissolved it and returned to the real world.

Elsewhere in the same reality that Belgarath was transmitting from, the reality that was like a hub to all the other spokes of reality.

The Imperial held world of Stalguss. It was a room that was decorated in shades of darkness; the only splashes of light came from the stormtroopers dotted around the room and at the doors. The table was large and black. Light just glossed off of it. A group of men in copper color amour stood surrounding another man in gleaming gold, who rose from the table "Jaffar, Kree!"

The men in copper sprang to attention, bringing their staff like weapons to the up right position. Pressing a hidden control, their helmets snapped forwards covering there faces, revealing the helmets to be stylized hawk heads with glowing red crystals for eyes.

The figure in gold addressed the man still seated at the table; his deep resonating voice reverberated around the chamber. But it was the speakers own voice that caused the distortion "Thank you Emperor Palpatine for a stimulating meeting you have given me a lot to think about".

The Emperor raised himself painfully to his feet, clothed only in a simple robe, he grasped his ebony cane and limped forward "Not at all lord Potise, it is you who have laid some interesting possibilities in front of me. Until we meet next time."

Potise manipulated a crystal on his armored wrist and his own helmet built up over his features. The helmet covered his face, reflecting it complete with headdress, like a death mask from ancient Egypt.

The Emperor sat once more "My troops will escort you back to your vessel, then Star Destroyer 'Emperors Dagger' will accompany you back to the portal that leads back to your realm".

"Most graces"

With two troopers in front and behind, the delegation clanked out of the briefing chamber. The Emperor was left behind with his guards and the ever-hovering dark presence standing behind his left shoulder.

Direly filling in some electronic paper work the Emperors frail voice echoed around the chamber "Is there something troubling you my friend?"

The dark lord looked down upon the Emperor startled "My master, the Gau'old are not to be trusted, they will attempt to betray us".

The Emperor sat back thinking "Of course they will attempt to betray us. It is within their very natures, like many of our so-called allies. We have only been in this reality, what two years? Three? We started out with nothing and now we have a principality of over twenty worlds. It is this ability they wish to use to increase there standing with the Gau'old system lords, and then cast us aside. Until then, we can use them!"

The door to the chamber slid open and a junior officer matched in and waited to be acknowledged. The Emperor continued "But we must be ready for when they do put their betrayal into action, we must be ready to divorce them from our operation and make an example of their betrayal. Like we now have to do with these Dalek creatures! Yes, lieutenant?"

"My lord, Mr. Gates is here to see you as you requested"

"Show him in"

The lieutenant signaled and Mr. Gates was shown in with two stormtroopers at a discreet distance. He was somewhere in his late thirties, curly short cut hair, a pleasant face that was leaning to the somewhat bland, if it wasn't for the smug smile that seamed to be constantly pasted on his features.

"My lord Emperor, how may I serve you?"

The Emperor looked past him, to the empty space over his left shoulder.

"The Klingons are planning an attack on the captured dry-dock. We cannot allow this to take place yet, there are still secrets we need to learn, more we can find out."

Mr. Gates seemed to be mildly annoyed by this treatment but couldn't say much about it "What would you recommend?"

"The Klingons are a childish and immature people. When they are hurt they have to strike back and hurt their aggressors, then they cloak this reaction in rituals of honor and duty. We need to direct their attack."

Keeping his temper in check Gates asked "Where would you like their attack directed?"

"The Dalek creatures have been indiscriminately attacking ships against their orders, both enemy vessels and our own. They have established a base outside their remit. Their ambition outstrips their sense. You have an operative inside Klingon high command. You will give him the location of the Dalek base. They have attacked a great many Klingon ships, this will satisfy their need for vengeance and whittle away yet more of their ships"

Across the vast reaches of space, deep in to Klingon held territory, to the world of H'Atoria, the ancestral home of house K'Rontep. The world was close, humid and fog bound.

Focus into the northern hemisphere, the city of Kl'Mar, the attention rests on one tavern.

The interior is dark, smoke filled and rowdy, on a raised stage area someone is reciting Kang's lament.

In one corner K'Rontep sat drinking, Klingons don't put much weight into their medical sciences, what with their organ redundancies, but given the amount of injuries that K'Rontep had sustained during the destruction of the ghop ta'VoDleh he needed rest to heal. Scattered around the table were various empty drinking vessels and activated P.A.D.D.s showing various schematics, star maps and tactical readouts. K'Rontep held a tankard of something smokey in one hand and a padd displaying the Swi'vey shipyard weak points in the other. He called up another page, which displayed the ships of the house fleet. It totaled to only eight fighting ships, added to that were four trade vessels packed with enough anti-matter to cause a blanket EM-pulse for the whole planet if positioned correctly. The plan had been formulated by K'Retalra before the last mission but had been rejected out of hand by command but K'Rontep was determined to go through with it anyway. He would be aided by Captain's K'Reth and Vel'Mar and their ships. He sat there, waiting for them to show for a final briefing.

An activated P.A.D.D. was thrown on to the table; K'Rontep tensed reaching slowly for his dagger. Standing before him was a clocked Klingon figure. It pulled his hood down to revel the sardonic features of General K'Arrla. K'Rontep looked at him curiously "You're a long way from the ministry of internal security, General?"

"Look at the padd K'Rontep you may find it interesting!"

Looking disinterested K'Rontep dropped the padd he was looking at and picked up the new one.

"What you're looking at is what a probe picked up in sector 113. It matches the description of the vessel that destroyed your ship. Both this data and your report has been side lined in the ministry."

K'Rontep looked K'arrla in the eye "Just like my career it would seem. Why has the remnant of my crew been reassigned to different ships by the ministry but I still languish here!"

"I do not know! I am not in charge of crew distribution. But if you like while you wait to find out I could wipe your feeble fevered brow!"

At this K'Rontep smiled brightly and stood up, grabbing K'Arrla by the shoulders, he brought his forehead crashing down cracking K'Arrla across the temples, causing him to stagger back into another crowded table and sending drinks and patrons flying. The bar descended almost immediately into chaos. Klingon bars were only just this side of violent chaos anyway.

Bottles were smashed, tables overturned, chairs flew through the air. K'Arrla exploded from a pile of fighting bodies; with a snarl of rage he pulled his disrupter pistol. In one fluid movement he switched his power regulator to full and took a bead on K'Rontep's back. A club smashed down on his hand, it was welded by a large grizzly Klingon woman, the landlady " weapons ain't allowed in my bar fights, house rules!"

Across the interstellar void, the pleasure cruiser 'Empress Teater' pulled into orbit above the weather control satellites. Discrete energy arrays down both of her flanks activated and the ship began a mass beam down of holidaymakers.

Planet side, the sun shone in the deep blue sky, there was only a light smattering of cloud. She waited outside the transporter area, garlands of flowerers in her hands. She was young, slim, well proportioned and athletic. Her long lustrous hair stretched down her almost necked back, a bikini and grass skirt was all that nearly covered her modesty. She and others like her greeted the tourists as they stepped out in to the sunshine, with hugs and kisses, then they placed the flowers over there heads. All except one. He was tall, thin and pale, as if he had spent long hours inside or underground. He was dressed in atypical cloths, from another era. Victorian top hat, frock coat, black trousers, black bag and finally a black cane that was topped with silver and crystal. He accepted the flowers and hug with ill grace, but she didn't feel up to kissing him.

Were ever he came from he didn't get out much, his eyes almost popped out of his head when an Andorian strolled past looking for the beach.

"Are you here for business or pleasure Mr. ..."

The tall gray man twitched his lips at an attempt of a smile

"It's Sebastian, and I hope my business will be a pleasure".

With that he stooped to pick up his luggage, it was a distinctive style, smaller than a suitcase but a lot larger than an attaché case. The name of it suddenly popped in to her head 'Gladstone bag'. He strolled off in to the bright sunlight.

It had been almost three centuries since Sebastian had walked among humans as one of them and in all that time they hadn't changed. Still steeped in filth and depravity, they had covered it in a new veneer of sophistication. Instead of in pockets dotted around the East End the whores had a whole planet to ply there trade. This time it would be different from London 88, this time he wasn't on some imaginary quest from god, this time he was on a mission for his masters.

Closing the door to his room he placed his bag on the table and opened it, he lifting out incandescent containers, glowing transparently. Some of them with 'items' in them, hearts, lungs, livers but many more were empty, waiting to be filled. Also there were all the new toys to be played with. He retrieved a laser scalpel, switching it on he tested it, with a genuine smile on his face.

The Talar's Revenge was on course to a non-descript group of asteroids in sector 113. In the mess hall of the K'Tinga class vessel K'Rontep sat drinking racktageno whilst studying the padd that K'Arrla had given him.

As always it seemed that a small heavily armed group equipped with high explosives and integral detonators, dropped in by an assault shuttle, was the best bet. While the house fleet engaged the enemy ships. As there should be only one Captain per vessel he would go with the assault team leaving K'Reth in charge of the Talor's Revenge and the house fleet.

The satellites scanned in to the darkness of infinite space in a regular uniformed pattern, looking for anything that fell within the programmed parameters. Anything that fell within that limited maladjusted worldview activated an overwhelming aggressive response, a response that it had inherited from its creators. All life except for it's creators was inferior and therefore had to be eliminated.

At the edge of their detection range space boiled and a black ship shimmered into view, phasing in from hyperspace. It looked like two spiders that were joined at the chest. The surface of the hull seamed to be constantly moving. A black oily pattern shifting and blurring over the surface. If there were anyone there they would have heard an unearthly screech through their mind.

The ship orientated itself on the distant asteroid cluster and sped towards it. As it got closer the ship seemed to spasm, as if spitting something out, and a large globule of matter was flung out of the center of the spider like ship. The back glob span as it flew through the night; it suddenly split into a dozen starfish like black fighters. The ships broke formation and dived the satellites and their gun emplacements. The darkness was covered in the glittering barrage of plasma bolts and laser fire as the guns opened fire. The starfish fighters weaved in and out of the hostile destructive energies without being hit once. Each choose a different target, when they reached about 200 meters out all the ships reproduced the strange spitting motion and flared small sizzling globules of diamond light and darkness. The globules hit the satellites and gun emplacements with a splash and swept over them with thick viscose honey, trickle light flaring where it touched. Tentacles of information seized the gun emplacements perception programs. Telling the satellites what to see, the gun impalements what to shoot. Informing them that the intruder had been hit and destroyed. The starfish fighters regrouped and keeled over, heading back to the Shadow ship. The formation grow closer and closer until it formed back in to one globule then in a reversed spit merged back with the Shadow ship which spun round on a new heading and phased out.

For about half an hour space was silent. Then the fabric of space seemed to shift and blur, the stars flared multiple colors and a small section faded into view revealing hanger bay doors, which slowly cycled open. The Klingon shuttle shot out of the hanger, rotated itself, then dived towards one of the larger asteroids. The hanger doors cycled closed and faded from view, while the K'Tinga rejoined the rest of the fleet.

The shuttle sped low over the ground, past glass sharp crags and shear precipices. It sat down on a flat plateau. The shuttle ramp crunched down and seven Vacc suited figures walked out. One of the Klingons opened a storage locker and began handing out thruster packs. K'Rontep stomped to the security locker to unpack the explosive pouches "We set out now. K'lrena, you will set up the magnasite carriage, we will maintain radio silence until we reach the base".

As one the strike team pulled the arm of the thruster packs and lunched themselves in to the air, they flew in a scattered formation, through crags and close to cliff edges. Finally the terrain changed from craggy rock to smooth uniformed walls and straight lined canyons with right angles that had no place in nature. The Klingons touched lightly to the ground at the base of one of the smooth cliffs. Four Klingons started to unpack the grav-trolly, while K'Rontep and two other Klingon's approached the cliff face. With a grunt of satisfaction K'Rontep smashed the wall. The other four Klingons approached with what looked like a heavy-duty polyurethane bag and large gas cylinder. They immediately set about constructing a temporary airlock. Once the air lock was inflated one Klingon entered with a long thin silvery glass tube. Applying the incandescent silvery gel to the wall in a door shape, the magnasite gel rapidly ate through the rock wall and within seconds the 'door' fell out revealing a chamber beyond. The Klingons quickly entered through the newly constructed airlock and stripped off their Vacc suits and retrieved their equipment. Mar'lark pulled out her tricorder and started to scan the area. K'Rontep retrieved his padd "We are looking for an energy output signature at 48.32 htz. Mal'Tec, K'Alra check and secure the corridor." The group split to carry out their various assignments. The interior chamber was decorated in metal, floor, walls, ceiling .The ceiling was high but it was supported by very low arches, in the background a distant electronic heart beat echoed and re-echoed down the metal corridor.

The control chamber hummed quietly to itself as it ticked and bleeped. In the center of the chamber, the master controller monitored every change within the base, atmosphere, power sources, and any transmitted emissions. It detected a dropped in air pressure and a set of anomalous energy readings. It activated a patrol "Seek, locate, investigate"

The group of seven Klingons crept down the corridor using all the available cover, past nondescript chambers full of humming equipment, towards the lift at the end of the corridor - which cycled open to meet them "Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Exterminate! Exterminate!"

A dozen saucer shaped craft swept low over the asteroids surface, when the space close by shimmered and wavered in to green and gray, as the Klingon attack fleet de-cloaked and opened fire. The saucers were caught unawares; three ships erupted into flaming wreckage, expanding gases and metal. Two more tumbled wildly, lightning arcing over their surfaces. The remaining ships keeled over sharply and took up attack vectors, weapons firing.

The controller was receiving multiple intruder alerts. Quickly assessing the situation, it scrambled all the available flight crews and defense groups. The dreadnoughts were ordered to power up and flight planes were shunted over to the planetary invasion cruisers. Interior patrols were stepped up.

Green balls of energy flew down the corridor striking the pepper pot like shells, flaring up against the shells and rocking it back on the base, only leaving the shadow of soot and scoring to show it had been attacked. "Our weapons have no effect on these robots!"

K'Rontep thought hard "Upgrade to level 2".

The bolts of energy took on a dazzling emerald hew. Sticking the shells, leaving football sized holes that sizzled and hissed. After about two or three hits the two creatures exploded into fragments. With a high pinched squalling, something small and green thrashed in the center of the trashed casing for a few moments before going still.

The Klingons quickly regrouped, K'Rontep liked quickly around in a visual check "Kuther, ammo supply"

"We have enough for a hundred shoots each at level two".

K'Rontep nodded at this "Only fire when you have a target, make every shot count. Anyone who falls has their weapon collected. Mark and move."

The controller registered the destruction of the two units. It flagged the situation from red to black and shunted all information over to the battle computer. Probable tactical goals, mission parameters for the defence ships and probable reasons for the failure of the defence screen flashed through the controllers interface. Then the battle computer suggested the most likely response that would succeed "High percentage that the hostiles are attempting to sabotage either the shield generators or the power units. 1st and 2nd cadre to the power chamber, 3rd and 4th to the generator chamber.5th and 6th to remain in reserve. Deep space analysis still within projected parameters, patrol ships to protect the dreadnoughts until they have powered up."

The bird of prey was boxed in by six saucers, firing on it from all sides, its shields sparkling with flowers of destruction, about to fail. From beneath them the Talor's Revenge shimmered into sight. The shoulders at the end of the boom section spitting green fire, the teardrop at the front of the boom section flared orange as it released a salvo of photon torpedoes. Reducing three of the saucers to flame and metal, two started a timbering roll, blue fire arcing across their surface. The K'Atinga and bird of prey tumbled around and started to head toward the enemy dreadnoughts.

The Klingons were pinned down, trapped in the main walkway the power chamber, arranged in front of them were about twenty four of the bases defenders. They had stopped chanting now and were just firing indiscriminately, slowly whittling away the Klingons cover.

K'Rontep weighed up his options "Kuther, how many photon grenades do we have left?"

"Five my lord, but we cannot give adequate covering fire we have lost too many men".

"Give me two I will deploy them!"

Behind the defenders, a green/yellow figure of light cut through the ceiling, it scribed a large circle. Which then collapsed in wards and a figure dressed in a long brown cloak fell with it

The man landed on his feet with an almost cat like grace, still clutching the green/yellow blade of light. The man paused as if either gathering his strength or his wits, then he looked up and charged into battle. The defenders recognized him as a threat, eye stalks swiveled to see him as four of them turned to meet him, firing bolts of blue/green energy. The bolts connected with the blade, sending the man staggering backwards, but it did deflect the bolt, exploding into the dome of the defender that fired it. Gripping the light sword with two hands he braced his feet and accepted the bolts that were fired at him.

Some were bounced back harmlessly in to the floor or walls others returned to the creatures that fired them. The cloaked figure seemed to gather himself, then leaped into the air, he seemed to fly in parallel to the ceiling his lightsaber held perpendicular to his body, slicing through three of the pepper pots domes. He landed in the center of the defenders, spinning around on one foot, the blade weaving a tapestry of light and the group of defenders slowly started to slide sideways off their studded bases.

By this time the Klingons had caught up with what was happening, K'Rontep stood and lobbed the two grenades into the main group of defenders, just after the cloaked figure rolled out. The figure covered itself in his brown cloak, resembling a mud-covered boulder. With an intense white flash of light and a deep rumble the grenades detonated.

When vision slowly returned, the defenders were reduced to slag. Over to one side there was a blackened mound, with a shower of ash it stirred and stood up. Pulling back the hood of his cloak to reveal a craggy face, with a salt and pepper gray beard and hair. The checks and nose were covered in the tracery lines of broken capillaries that spoke of alcohol abuse. But the clear blue shinning eyes spoke of someone who had shaken off the past and rediscovered the idealism of youth in the new goals of the future. His age must have been somewhere around sixty and when he smiled, which was often, his face disappeared in to a map of crazy paving like wrinkles. The Klingons quickly surrounded the man.

"Greetings old one, why do you involve yourself in this battle!"

The old man looked at K'Rontep with a clear eye "Greetings to you, warlord. You seemed to be in difficulty and out numbered by these creatures".

At this Mar'Lork looked up "Klingons are never out numbered".

"Really! I had no idea. I have never meet clingons before. Besides it gave me a chance to follow the force and help these creatures from their pain. My name is Dave Bibblethruster, Jedi Knight."

K"Rontep seemed unimpressed "You say that as if it means something!"

"In this reality it means that if your cause is just, then I'm at your service for as long as necessary"

K'Rontep looked at Dave closely "I have seen a warrior weld a weapon like yours before".

"Really was he an interesting conversationalist?"

"He was a dark warrior"

The humour on Dave's face slipped slightly "This 'dark warrior', describe him to me please"

"Tall, black robes, black metal helmet, black respirator face mask. He also carried a red laser sword".

Dave considered carefully "This is most interesting, Warlord, I have to return with this information, but first we will have to attend to your little quest."

K'Rontep eyed him crossly, "What makes you think I can trust you?"

"You can't. All I can do is show you in my deeds, and my honor. While I trust in the force." Dave sighed and closed his eyes, then opened them with new determination "What you seek is this way Captain K'Rontep, but we must hurry, more of the creatures that are couched in darkness are on their way."

The commander called out for an update on the main screen, when the battle computer reported in "1st and 2nd cadre have been exterminated by intruders".

"How is this possible?"

"There is an humanoid anomaly".

"Statistical outcome of repulsing intruders".

"75% casualties, with only a 24% probability of success".

"Unacceptable. Options?"

"Abandon base, set self destruct. total casualties, 30%".

"All nonessential units to hanger bay, I will remain on station to monitor information on the anomaly. Saucer Prime is to stand off at two thousand spacuals to monitor the data feed I will send. Set self-destruct at four thousand Rells. Initiate!"

"I obey!"

The Dreadnought erupted in a burst of fire and shrapnel, the other dreadnoughts started to pull away, green fire splashing harmlessly on their shields. They twisted slowly and ponderously onto a new vector. With a burst of multi-coloured light the last three dreadnought shot to hyperspace

The double doors slid open and what remained of the Klingons ran through and down the metal corridor, plasma bolts exploding on the floors and walls around them. They took up positions in what little cover was available. The doors slid open again and the defenders glided in firing. Dave stood and made a vague pushing motion with his hands, and most of the defenders were sent spinning back through the doorway squawking. The Kingons leaned out and emptied a full clip into the remaining defenders. Dave closed both fists and the domes of two of the creatures imploded.

K'Rontep fired several shots into the door control, Dave ignited his saber and ran its tip between the doors welding them shut and then, with a heart felt sigh, sank to the floor.

K'Rontep turned "Mar'lark, readings."

Mar'Lark checked his tricorder "Reading indicate there is a major power source through those doors."

Dave groaned to his feet reaching into his robes and pulled out a comlink "R2 perform pre-flight checks and warm up the X-Wing". Storing the comlink he turned to K'Rontep, "Something has changed, something that could threaten us all."

Mar'lork's face shot up from the tricorder "Sir I'm reading a power build up in the intermix chamber"

"How long till detonation".

"About fifteen minutes but its accelerating"

"Place the charges on all main junction boxes. Bibblethruster, do you need aid to reach your ship?"

"None whatsoever." Reaching inside his robes he passed over a data tablet "This contains a copy of the star systems I mapped on the way here from the portal to my realm and signal frequency to contact the Senate or the Jedi Academy." He activated his lightsaber and cut a hole in the floor; pausing for a few moments he looked K'Rontep straight in the eye "We will meet again, Warlord, until that time May the Force be with you".

He then dropped through the hole in the floor and out of sight.

K'Rontep tucked the tablet away then tapped his com pin "Talar's Revenge, we will need immediate dust off as soon as the shields are down"

"Understood, coming into position".

"Mar'Lock, K'Lrena bring that door down!"

The door exploded into fragments, the Klingons came in firing, and the Defenders swiveled round from their positions firing blue/green bolts, chanting as they came. Each defender was targeted one at a time and was destroyed in a fiery explosion of metal and gristle.

Of the Klingons there were only three left, quickly the magnetic charges were set on the main junction. The explosion was only a slight rumble compared to the instant roar of the power generator. The slight harsh musical sound of the activating transporter was completely swamped by first stage explosions of the reactor.

The Klingon ships keeled round as a group and started to assemble together, the large asteroid glowed blue/white then expanded into a growing sphere, the last two ship were caught in the sphere and detonated into a thousand pieces. The remaining ships shot to warp.

He woke from darkness to feel a rough tongue rasping across the wound on his face, it took moments for him to remember where he was. Reaching out he grasped the hilt of his knife and drove it deep in to the pointed chest of the reptile that was standing over him.

The creature started to thrash in it's death throes. He pulled himself up and staggered away. The pack had been hunting him for the past three days, across the sun burnt grass lands. His memories didn't go back any further then that. As far as he knew he was born in the flames, whatever had happened he barely got out alive. The cubical he had awoken in was searing hot, his face was hanging off. Ripping his uniform he did his best to tie it back into place. Gripping the door he screamed his defiance as the heat almost melted his hands, he pulled it open and dived into the night. That was three day ago. Since then he had trudged across endless grassland, being pursued by a pack of lizards who every now and then worked up the courage to attack.

He trudged onward leaving the pack temporarily to fight over their fallen comrade. He walked into the future to reclaim his past.