| Lines in the Sand -- Part Three
Serge Falstar Dom yiTeris seethed within. His superior First Tercert might be, but his attitude was insulting to the non-Acceptian members of the crew. Serge Falstar and the other Kronin were the backbone of the Imperial ground forces. Fragile Acceptians did not fight heavy boned creatures, Kronin and Gormelites, called Shaggies or Deck Apes, did it for them. He glanced briefly at the golden skinned woman. He thought her honorable, and brave. Her mind was a closed book to his, disciplined and firm. Now Tercert had ordered her treated in a despicable manner. He came to a decision.
"Corf Animan. I will deal with the woman, return to duty."
"Yes Serge."
Falstar turned to the medical decks. He moved carefully among the wounded until he found Second Taggal. Second Taggal's condition was shocking. His entire chest was wrapped in bandages, and his cere was pale.
"Second Taggal."
The wounded Acceptian painfully opened his eyes. "Serge Dom." A hand fluttered in the Kronin's direction.
Falstar took Taggal's hand gently. "Second, First Tercert has ordered this woman tortured."
Taggal's eyes came fully open. "Torture? In this day and age."
"She is a Federation Officer. I find her honorable. His meaning was explicit."
Taggal struggled to sit up. Falster quickly moved forward to help him up, carefully supporting Taggal.
"We do not torture. Officer, can you understand my words?"
Ta'pur stood impassively.
"Falstar, I will not allow this."
"I had hoped as much Second Taggal, your honor is high."
"Take her to my quarters, get a translator and explain things to her, lock her in there."
"This shall be done."
"I must recover my strength before that fool kills us all."
Falstar looked distant for a moment. "You will have Kronin backing when the time comes."
Kirk sat down as the screen came up. The Captains of the Fleet were gathered for a subspace conference.
"Captain Ta'lur has indicated she has a possible tactic to get the Acceptians into a talking mood. Captain, the floor is yours."
"The circumstances we are presented with indicate that an overwhelming difficultly in drawing the Acceptians into a peaceable discussion is the most probable case. Both the reaction to the Berlin, and what we have learned of Acceptian general behavior, and the peculiar commander we face indicate that an obstinate reliance on force is present.
Having reviewed the logs of the Berlin, and the Kongo, I have arrived at a possible plan. Should the Acceptians fail to cease hostile action toward the Galmeer on our arrival, we should be forced to violent confrontation. The unfortunate result of which will be the destruction of said forces. This is not our primary goal. Direct assault in any form will not result in peaceful discussion. Logically it will result in an all out war. The least desirable result.
The plan is to draw off the strikers, who will come out to screen the Vigilant with the lighter frigates. Our heavier forces will then make low warp passes on the Vigilant while firing a minimum number of quantum torpedoes to get their attention. This will be accompanied by a constant request to be reasonable and talk. Agreement to discussion will end the assault."
Kirk said. "Questions, comments?"
Captain Karrakin said. "What ability do they have to shoot back?"
Kirk replied. "The Acceptians lean heavily on beam weapons similar to disrupters used by the Klingons, and plasma weapons, closer to the Hal Armin than the Romulans."
"Nothing for warp powered fights."
"Scans indicated they have missiles capable of warp flight, but they are large. Analysis indicates they are not likely to be for ship to ship combat."
Captain Karrakin said. "Then we can expect to be able to shoot at them without being shot at ourselves?"
"That will be the hope. I can't promise that to the light frigates. Strikers have a good sting. You will have to dance at a distance, draw them away."
Captain M'Gottoo said. "That will be fine by me. I would rather dance with the strikers than do close warp passes to a planet."
Kirk continued. "Captain M'Gottoo's point is well taken. Chasing the Vigilant is no cake walk. If she is conducting ground operations she will be in close orbit. That is dicy flying. Everyone be careful. Any other questions or comments?"
Taraban said. **How many torpedoes is "minimal"?**
"Two per pass. We will adjust if necessary. Anyone else?"
No one spoke up.
"OK, we have ten hours until we reach the Galrun system. Come up with your objection before then please. Kirk out."
"Commodore! Commodore!"
Kirk sighed to himself. He would have to get Gwen for this one. He stopped in the hall and turned to face the man. "Yes Ambassador Tembline."
The Ambassador came a halt, face red from exertion. "Commodore Kirk I need to have words with you."
"Very well, what do you need to say?"
"The matter of accommodations..."
"Is nothing anyone has the power to change. Your are currently in the VIP suite. This suite is in every measure the equal to my own. Better quarters do not exist."
"I take it you are keeping the flagship away form any action?"
"To the contrary. No ship will be withheld except the Healer Sotock."
"Really Commodore, taking your flagship into battle hardly seems prudent."
Kirk paused a moment. "It is the way of Starfleet that what one faces, all face. However, I have come to a decision. I will not allow your to be endangered in this fashion."
"Good, that is reasonable, then the Kongo will not be in battle."
"No, when we drop from warp in three hours, you will be ready to transfer to the Healer Sotock. The Kongo will move to within transporter range briefly."
"Commodore, really. A hospital ship is no place for an Ambassador."
"Neither is a ship of the line. You will transfer, ready or not Ambassador."
"I intend to file a protest with Starfleet command at once."
"You do that, I will be glad to answer it. Now if you will excuse me, I have a fleet to manage."
"First Tercert, I beg to make a report."
"Proceed Second."
"We have a number of vessels on the distant sensors."
"To my screen." The blips appeared as commanded. "Sensor, what do you make of this?"
"One is the Kongo. I recognize her signal. A second has a signal very similar, I would think a sistership. The rest are unknown to us."
"How many total sensor?"
The sensor officer looked up, puzzled by the idea that his superior could not read the display. "Ten ships total."
"A fleet of ten Federation ships, one the Kongo, one a similar class. Second, your evaluation?"
"Not enough data First. With the five strikers we have left, and the Vigilant herself, we might be able to defend the system. If they know anything of the Berlin, they will not directly assault us."
"To out advantage."
"I am not sure. Ten ships, a sizable fleet. We must have more data on the size and power of the fleet. They will get here before we can gather reinforcements."
"We do not need reinforcements. We have five strikers, and the Vigilant can take out a Federation ship with a single salvo. Give me the data as it comes in, move the strikers out to screen."
Kirk slowly swung around checking the ships in his fleet. The fleet was approaching the outer limits of the system.
"All ships red alert. Healer Sotock please rendezvous with the Kongo for a warp speed transport."
"Healer Sotock, we acknowledge."
"All ships, once the transport has been made, the Mitchell Paige and the Healer Sotock will hang back. Heavy ships will circle about and the lighter vessels will attempt to draw the strikers out.
First Tercert tried to puzzle the tactical screen out again, it was arcane science. The Viewspace tank was more lucid in it's display.
"First attention, two of the Federation ships have fallen back. Four of them are skirting the system. The four smaller ships are coming into the system, and have dropped form warp."
"Are the Strikers in position?"
"Yes first."
"Numerical superiority Attack them."
Kirk looked at the situation, it was so far according to plan. "Hail the Acceptians."
"Hail open Commodore."
"Attention Acceptian forces, you have initiated hostile action against a Federation ship and Federation allies. Cease all hostile activities and we can talk this over like civilized beings."
"Answer coming through Commodore."
"On screen."
"This is First Tercert, the Galrun system has been annexed by the Acceptian Empire. Your interference is not desired. Depart and you will not be destroyed."
"Bold words First Tercert."
"Unlike Acertor Commodore, I have the will to use the power at my disposal. I have demonstrated my ability to defend against your ships, and I will do so."
Kirk looked at the urgent note on his Tactical screen. The crew was on its toes as usual. "First Tercert, I am reading a good deal of residue damage to the Vigilant. I would say you might have won, but you got mauled in the process. I have four ships of equivalent firepower to the Berlin. I will not spend them so foolishly. I ask again, allow us to discuss this matter in friendly terms."
"Only the weak bargain from the start Commodore Kirk. Galrun is mine."
"As you wish First Tercert. Cut channel." Kirk took a quick look at the big screen. The striker and the frigates were on the other side of the system. The Mitchell Paige had dropped her troop carriers and was defending them and the Healer Sotock.
"Questing, first run."
Taraban hunkered down into the command pit.
**Comence run, warp factor two.**
The Questing dived into the system. The helmsman called off the approach as the range closed.
**Fire, Warp Factor 8.**
Two torpedoes spat form the right front turret and the Questing leaped away.
First Tercert watched the strange vessel peel out of formation and go to lightspace. What did they plan to do?
"All weapons and screens armed and ready?"
All stations reported affirmative.
"Second, what are they doing?"
"Unknown first. It doesn't look like a firing run, not such has we have seen."
"Incoming!"
Tercert jumped form his command throne "WHAT? That impossi..."
Vigilant grumbled with the twin hits. The deck shivered slightly.
The Bluto at tactical looked around in wide eyed fear. "They fired from lightspace, they fired from lightspace!"
Tercert buffered his feathers. "SILENCE! Report!"
"Minor damage to cargo hold five-seven-five, disrupter 8 reports it is out of commission. Repairs underway."
Kirk looked grimly at the reports flowing across his tactical screens. "Kongo begin your run."
His heart leapt into his chest, and he felt the ship respond to Spacik's orders. Suddenly he felt helpless, unable to affect the outcome of the run in any fashion.
On the Bridge Commander Spacik sat calmly in the center seat. "Steady Warp Two Mr. Solin. Follow the Questing's lead pass under her.
The Kongo rumbled down at a leisurely eight times the speed of light. Miritath counted down the range.
Spacik said. "Fire as you will Mr. Miritath."
A few more seconds passed. Miritath stabbed the fire button and the torpedoes sped away.
"Warp 8 Mr. Solin."
Once more the tactical officer screamed. "Incoming!" Distant thumps on the underside of the Vigilant announced their "gift" had arrived.
First Tercert looked around. The command crew was in a state of near panic. He must remain calm. He must, or all would be lost.
"Second, tactic!"
"I, don't know sir. We have never had to fight this before."
"Where is our screen?"
"Engaging the smaller ships, as you ordered, sir."
Kirk willed his heart to slow to a normal rate, without much success. He worked up enough moisture to command the Stuart to take her run.
Captain Karrakin sat upright in her command chair.
"Proceed as briefed Mr. Took."
The Stuart started the long roll down towards the Vigilant.
"Mr. Endger, what is the separation between the Vigilant and the planet."
"30,000 kilometers Sir."
"Good, Mr. Took, take us by on the inside."
"Sir, that is threading the needle even at warp two."
"I trust your skill Mr. Took, lets show them what the crew of the Stuart is made of."
"Aye aye Sir."
Tercert had just finished taking the latest damage reports and getting crews down to repair the wreckage. The sensor officer looked nervously in his direction, his feathers flat against his body and his pupils small.
"Second, replace that fool, we have no place for fear on the command deck."
Another Federation ship flashed past, the torpedoes slammed home near the bridge, and the blue glow of cherenkov radiation momentarily cast the entire deck in a deathly pallor. The frightened officer lost it, and huddled under his wings whimpering. Tercert simply stared wide eyed for a moment. He quickly accessed his screen.
"Shards, that fool passed close enough to visual. They're CRAZY!"
Kirk swallowed hard. Lord what a stunt. He punched up Captain Karrakin on private channel.
"Impressive. But don't pull that close again Captain."
She chuckled. "Understood Sir."
He turned back to the fleet. "Hadrian, proceed."
Captain Ap Owen griped the arms of the chair. This was the first time she had taken her ship into combat.
"Warp two, no stunts." So much for the glory of war the old bards sang about. She watched the Vigilant grow large in the screen.
"Fire, warp eight."
She let out the breath she forgot she was holding, thankful for every kilometer the Hadrian put between them and the Vigilant.
Two more of the wicked missiles slammed down on the Vigilant. The great ship shuddered under the attack and rolled like a wounded whale. Tercert griped the sides of the throne. His mind raced over possible courses of action.
"First Attention, the Federation Commander is hailing."
"Put it here."
The human looked up from the arm of Tercert's chair. "You have had a taste of what we can dish First. Are you sure your wouldn't prefer to talk this over? I am willing to stop shooting and talk whenever you are ready to."
"I will not surrender!"
"I didn't use that strong a word First. I said negotiation, not capitulation. We need to talk this over."
"Burn in Edda human."
Kirk sighed. "I take it that is a no."
Tercert shouted into the chair arm. "Imperial forces do not surrender!"
A few ragged cheers sounded around the bridge.
Kirk closed the channel and slumped back in his seat. He was weary already, and it didn't look like they had even started.
"All ships, scale back your torpedoes to one half yield. Questing, you may begun your run."
Six hours into the fight. Kirk slouched wearily in his seat. Six hours of alliteratively pounding and cajoling. Only the pounding was having any results. The surface of the Vigilant was sacred and twisted, yet her commander became more obstinate by the hour. He had cut the runs down to one torpedo to save casualties. Two hours ago the Mitchell Paige had joined the frigates. Five to five and few shots exchanged on either side. Once in a while he set one of the larger ships over to cut the strikers off from reinforcing the Vigilant. Six hours, how long would this last?
Second Taggal felt the deck shiver again. The din of damage alarms were now just another background noise. More casualties came in to medical. Many unwounded, but with fear in their eyes, and no reason in their heads. They huddled together and mewed like chicks. Again that shiver. Enough, it was time to move.
First Go'tok'ko ground his beak in frustration. Tactical indicated yet another pass on the Vigilant. They nearly had these Federationers beat, then that, tugboat, had joined the fray. That "thing" had actually grabbed the Rising Star with a tractor beam, pounded her engines dead, towed her off and left her drifting outside the system somewhere. They were now almost entirely defensive. And every time they looked to break out one of the big ships would peel over and pepper them with beams and missiles.
Second Taggal strode onto the fallback command center. Heads turned at his entry.
"Third Vertok, get me the Federation Flagship, private channel. See the command deck is not aware."
"Second, I cannot do that without orders."
"You have orders, we are getting a new First once I speak with the Federation First."
"Sir! Channel open."
"The familiar face came up on the screen."
Kirk said. "Second Taggal, I hope you have good news for me."
"Why are you attacking us?"
"You have sought to annex an ally Taggal. We defend at their request."
"What do you want?"
"Stop the assault, and talk."
"Will you halt your attacks for five partings? I believe I can alter the circumstances."
The Federationer consulted a screen on his command console. "Agreed, I will give you your five partings."
The screen went dark. Vertok, we have five partings of peace, inform the Strikers. I will deal with this.
A ship failed to pass. Tercert looked up, the Federation had given up. He puffed his feathers.
"Well, that is taken care of. They have tired of the game. Second, prepare to move against them."
Second stood silent. The crew stepped away from their consoles.
"What are you doing? Obey my orders!"
"You are no longer in command Tercert."
"Taggal! You traitor! I'll have your wings for this."
"No Tercert, this is Challenge. There is no Commander until this is done." Taggal bared his talons and stepped onto the Commander's dais.
Tercert unsheathed his own talons. "Fool, less than a week from such a wound, you're easy meat."
Taggal said nothing, but raised his wings and crouched for the fight. Tercert hissed, and lunged. The Acceptian crew closed around the combatants, the Kronin hung back with the Buteos.
The two circled, Tercert slashed again and again, Taggal staying just out of his reach. Hands spread, arms wide he watched and waited. They circled in the arc of each other's wings. Tercert taunted and lunged, Taggal stayed just out of his reach.
"Challenge, what challenge? Fight you coward."
The others pressed closer and closer, waiting for the sign of blood. Talons flicked in and out, breath hot and hoarse filled the air. They looked from one combatant to the other. They pressed wingjoint to wingjoint as the combatants circled. At last Tercert tried for a double strike. Taggal lunged grabbing his arms and threw them wide. The wounded muscles in his chest screamed in agony as his head shot forward and he took Tercert by the throat with his beak. A single scream died, strangled by closing jaws and the wicked point of Taggal's beak. Taggal held on, Tercert struggled for breath, for freedom. A long minute passed, and Taggal let go. Tercert gasped for air, and took in his own blood from the severed arteries. Eyes bugged wide he slumped to the deck scrabbling at his shattered throat. The circle closed in, their wings held high. Taggal was ejected from the closing mob. He fell back into the command throne, gasping for breath, reeling with the pain.
For a long time the mob pressed on each other, then slowly they parted. In their place was only a pool of blood, and scattered feathers.
Taggal gathered his strength. "Second."
"Yes First." The Second stood impassively, blood smeared on beak and hands.
"After a suitable time, you will locate Tercert's skull, and sent it to his Mother."
"Yes First."
"First attention, the Federation flag is hailing."
Kirk tapped the arm of the chair impatiently. Thus far the Strikers had huddled together away from his frigates. The Vigilant remained quiet.
"Sir, the Vigilant is answering the hail."
"Put them thru."
The screen shifted to show Taggal. His beak was covered in blood, he slumped in the Command station. He looked to be in pain.
"Commodore Kirk. Command of the Flock has shifted to me."
"I should like to know your intentions First Taggal."
"You have aptly demonstrated your ability to harry us into impotency Commodore. I do not accept your assertion that you are allies with these people out of hand. However, I will discuss the matter, at length, but not today."
"You are in distress."
"I suffered wounds during the fight with the Berlin. My actions in taking command have aggravated those injuries."
"I would not press you when not at your best First Taggal, but I must insist that you cease hostile action on Galrun in order that there be an armistice."
"Agreed. We will announce an armistice. However, if the Galmeer attack my troops, they will defend themselves."
"Make that plain then."
"Commodore, I have a captured Starfleet crew member from the Berlin under my protection. I would return her to you."
"We will move into transporter range when shields and weapons have powered down. I also wish to recover the rest of the Berlin survivors."
"We will not interfere."
"I will allow a week of armistice for you to recover and repair your ship."
"Agreed, if I am up to talking before then, I will contact you. Commodore, I have reinforcements arriving as well. A dockship for the Vigilant, and additional units as well, be aware."
"Your warning is noted. Kirk out." Kirk turned to his crew. "Mr. Tolmen, Contact the fleet. We have a week of armistice. Lower shields and power down weapons. Healer Sotock is to move into orbit and begin recovery of the Berlin survivors. Mitchell Paige, is to tow the damaged striker to aid by her fellows. All other ships assume standard orbit over Galrun, defensive position. Get me Admiral Hull, priority one. I will be in my office."
Kirk rose form his seat and strode from the CIC with as much confidence as he could. A quick look in his mirror proved he looked as haggard as he thought he was. He washed his face, striped the rumpled uniform and replaced it, and grabbed a cup of coffee. A sandwich appeared with the coffee.
**Yes dear.**
**I have to look after my man. Admiral Hull in five minutes, don't wolf your food.**
Kirk smiled and took his snack to the desk. The food was better than he thought it would be. The monitor flicked to a Starfleet standby screen. He brushed any crumbs from his face. Admiral Hull appeared on the screen.
"Kirk, you have a report? Good I hope."
"As best as I could expect. We did have some engagement, but all Starfleet units are in good repair and casualties are minimal. The Acceptians have agreed to a week's armistice, and to discuss the matter of Galrun. There has been a change in the Acceptian command. From the looks of the new First, it looked to have been a bloody one."
"Mutiny? Will the Acceptian high command back this new Commander?"
"Challenge from the look of it. It is an accepted form of command change in Acceptian society. It is bloodthirsty as all hell Sir, but part of their point of view."
"That is why your are there Kirk. What about the Berlin?"
"No sign of her. We are moving it to recover survivors. Vigilant has an officer on board, I will interview her as soon as possible. We have one complication."
"What would that be?"
"I am informed by First Taggal that Acceptian reinforcements are on the way. Primarily a dockship to repair previous damage to the Vigilant. But warships as well. I want reinforcements myself, anything I can get. Relief for the Galmeer, more ships, and an Ambassador at Large. I will send you a full report of the action once I get reports from my Captains and can sort things out."
"Good work Kirk. I will get right to it. I have nothing lined up, but I will have an Ambassador on the way within 24 hours, and what help I can get you as fast as possible."
"Thank you Sir, Kirk out."
Continued in part four
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The Above is a work of fiction. All characters are fictional, any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.
Copyright © Garry Stahl: Febuary 2001. All rights reserved, re-print only with permission. |
