Reprieve

Chapter 33

    The next morning the Vigilant arrived at DS5 as Lieutenant T’Sol had projected. Captain Lake stood and walked up behind Helm then  turned “Ensign Mc Tavish hail the Station” she did as ordered “You’re on Captain.”

    Turning back facing the view screen “Traffic Control this is the USS Vigilant requesting a docking arm” James stated knowing he would have to meet with the Commodore shortly.

    “Welcome back Captain” as he checked his screens “Docking lower arm seven is available” came the response.

    “Understood, thanks….Vigilant out” as James looked to T’Sol “Lieutenant lower arm seven….do your thing” James ordered then returned to his seat.

    “As you wish Captain” T’Sol replied as the ship started to turn heading for the docking arm. Several minutes later T’Sol turned facing command “Ship is secure Captain at docking arm seven.”

    “Excellent work Mr. T’Sol” then he tapped his Comm “Crew of the Vigilant, I’m granting leave for the next two days, standard rotation applies. Lake out.” Then addressing the Bridge Crew “Well done everyone. Looks like the shakedown was a huge success. Once your Stations are secured you’re free to go.” Tapping his comm “Commander Jefferson thank you for your assistance theses past few weeks. Unless you have something to discuss you’re free to depart the ship.”

    “You’re welcome Captain Lake” then he paused “If I may say Sir I’m quite impressed the way you run your ship and I’ll make sure the Commodore knows the same” Jefferson stated.

    “Thank you Commander; that means a lot coming from an outside Officer and it never hurts to have a good word put in either” James replied surprised by the accolades.

    Hearing their conversation “James he’s right you know, you do run a very good ship” as Racheal smiled “And I’m not being biased either.”

    “Thank you Racheal. Being my Number One you share in our success as well; without you at my side my job would be a whole lot harder…..so thank you for that” James replied being quite sincere “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to meet with the Commodore so the ship is yours” as he rose from command and entered the Lift.

[ DS5 ]

    Walking into the Commodore’s Office complex, James walked up to the reception desk “Good morning Ensign, Captain James Lake here to see Commodore Chi” he stated ready to give Rebecca a full report.

    Looking up from her work “Captain Lake, please go right in the Commodore’s expecting you.”

    With a nod of his head James walked into Rebecca’s office “Good morning Commodore” he stated as Chi looked up from her padd then pushing it aside “Captain Lake, please have a seat”  James did as requested. “So tell me how did the shakedown go, well I hope.”

    Lake accepted the offered seat as he began “Yes the shakedown went very well. Both the ship and the crew performed admirably” he commented then paused a moment “There was one hiccup unfortunately” as James went into detail what had happened on the freighter as well as the unfortunate outcome.

    After hearing James’ report Rebecca decided to let him off the hook “There is someone I’d like you meet James” Chi commented as she said in a loud voice “Captain you can come in now.”

    Looking towards a side entrance James’ couldn’t believe what he was seeing; Captain Johnson came walking in. Looking back towards Chi “I don’t understand…..I saw the Freighter get blowed to hell…..how is this even possible” he inquired rather confused.

    “Captain Lake may I present Captain Johnson; he’s one of mine” Rebecca stated “Please let me explain. The Divergent

 was cloaked off your port side listening to the entire situation. Just before you destroyed the Freighter the Captain and the remaining Crew were beamed to safety.”

    “Captain Lake sorry for the deception but I was following the Commodore’s orders. I hope there’s no hard feelings? “ Johnson commented not sure what was going to happen next.

    After a few moments of thought “So this was a test then” James inquired still a bit confused.

    With a smile “Yes James it was a test. I had to know for sure just what your new Ship and Crew were capable of before proceeding with making any more Ships of this type. I hope you understand my position” Rebecca explained.

    “With respect, I don’t know if I should be relieved or pissed for such a deception” James replied before continuing “And what about the one member of the Captain’s Crew that lost his life.”

    “Relax Captain Lake. Johnson’s Crew consisted of convicts who volunteered for this mission with the understanding if they survived they’re records would be expunged and they would be free men once again” she explained “So the one fatality is considered an acceptable loss since they all knew what they had signed up for.” Then looking at Johnson “You’re free to go Mr. Johnson” and with a head nod he turned and left the Office hoping he would never run into this Captain ever again; he may not be so lucky the next time.

    James let out a long sigh “So I take it you’re satisfied with the results of our shakedown then” he inquired still not quite believing Chi would go to such an extent to prove a point.

    Looking James in the eyes “You Captain Lake I had no doubt about whatsoever; you are an exemplary Captain. My main concern was for the new Ship and your new Crew and I must say my expectations were exceeded on all counts” then Chi paused “ Your success will pave the way for future projects such as this and I can assure you James there will be no more tests, you have my word on that.”

    Feeling much better about the situation he now smiled “Thank you Rebecca for your confidence in the new Vigilant and her Crew; one that I’m honored to command” James replied with sincerity.

    Standing Rebecca stated “You’re welcome James. I’ll have a new mission for you in a couple of days. In the meantime have your Crew enjoy the station and unwind.”

    Standing as well “I’ve already given the Crew the next two days off for some rest and relaxation. I’ll look for new orders in a couple of days then…..is there anything else Commodore” James inquired.

    “No James, you’re dismissed” Chi replied with a smile. James turned and left the Office heading back to the Vigilant.

[Vigilant]

    Once back aboard Ship James made his way to the Bridge. Walking in “Report Number One.”

    Hearing the Captain’s voice Racheal stood turning towards James “Everything is as you left it and half the Crew are on leave” she relied “So how did it got with the Commodore.”

    Lake sat in his chair with a grin “It went well” then he paused “It seems that everyone aboard that freighter are safe and sound, except for the poor soul that Roan killed” he stated.

    Looking a little perplexed “I don’t understand; how’s that even possible. We all saw that Ship explode into a million pieces” Racheal commented.

    “It seems that the Divergent was nearby and cloaked. They were monitoring us the entire time so just before we fired the torpedos the Commodore had everyone beamed to her Ship” James explained then went on “The Crew were all convicts and were told they’d get their freedom if they survived, as Chi put it, a test. The Captain however was one of hers.”

    “Well I don’t feel so bad about the outcome then” then Racheal paused a moment “The one thing that pisses me off is these tests of hers; how much longer must we endure these” she stated.

    “Rebecca assured me this would be the last time she puts the Ship and her Crew through any tests” as James paused a moment “But just between us, I’ll believe it when I see it” he replied with a grin.

    “Yes I’m right there with you on that” she answered “Not to change the subject” as she lowered her voice “Roan will be back aboard tomorrow so I was thinking maybe dinner and some dancing on the Station; if you’d like.”

    James smiled “Sounds like a plan and I think we both could use the distraction” he replied looking forward to an evening with Racheal.

Helps On The Way - Part 2

Chapter 32

 

[ Freighter ]

    Materializing on the Ship, Nox looked around then pointed to the nearby shadows then the two went to familiar territory as she whispered “The Brig should be one deck below us since this is a small Ship” she stated. Mark nodded in agreement. Nox pointed to a nearby lift then the two beat feet and entered the Lift “Brig” she called out as they could feel a downward momentum. Nox drew her knife knowing they could not be found out prematurely or this would be a short Op; Mark grinned as he followed suit.

    When the doors swooshed open the pair were pressed against the front wall on both sides of the Lift  door to remain hidden. A Crewman heard the Lift then turned to see who was exiting but saw no one then turned himself back around. Mark peeked around the door and saw one adversary standing there. Holding up one finger towards Nox he then pointed to himself; Nox nodded. 

    Mark exited quietly as he snuck up behind the person and quickly grabbed him as he slit his throat….down he went never to get back up. Mark gave a short whistle so Nox knew it was safe as she exited the Lift. Looking straight ahead they saw the Brig and quietly made their way over “Commander, hold tight and we’ll get you out of there” Nox stated as she grabbed some quiet explosives “Move back.”

    Roan almost grinned knowing what the Specialists were going to do as he motioned for everyone to move to the back of the cell. Mark grabbed a fuse from his pouch and attached it to the explosives which was jammed into the lock since this was an old styled Brig. Lighting the fuse he turned his head as you heard a “puff” followed by a small amount of smoke. Mark opened the door “Let’s go” as the Away Team exited their cell.

    Before Nox could tap her comm for an extraction, the First Mate walked into the area “And where the hell do you all think your going?”

    Roan had about enough of this nonsense when he reached down extracting his knife from his boot. He whipped around and threw the knife in one smooth motion planting it firmly in the forehead and through the skull of the First Mate and down he went. Roan walked over and retrieved his knife as he looked at the person lying on the floor “I hope it was a good day for you to die.”

    Both Mark and Nox were surprised at Roan’s actions as Mark stated “Remind me never to piss you off Commander” he stated with a smirk. Tapping his Comm “Vigilant….eight to return” as everyone left the Freighter safe and sound.

   

[ Vigilant ]

     As soon as everybody was back safely aboard Roan tapped his Comm “Captain, Roan here, everyone made it back aboard. I’ll be on the Bridge momentarily” he informed Captain Lake. Looking to Mark and Nox “I owe you a great debt of gratitude  for saving all of us; thank you both.”.

    “You’re welcome…..all of you. That’s what we do here on the Vigilant…..we take care of each other” Nox commented with a smile. There was no doubt now; the Crew was as one; Roan gave a respectful nod then turned to make his way to the Bridge.

    James and Racheal were discussing how to best handle the Freighter when Maria interrupted their conversation “Captain the Freighter is powering up it’s engines and it’s weapons, Sir.

    “Shields up!! Red Alert!!” Commander Reese ordered surprised at what was happening.

    “Ensign hail that Freighter” as James stood starting to get rather irritated by the whole situation.

    “No response Captain” Communications stated.

    “Sir they’re heading directly towards us” Tactical called out awaiting the Captain’s next order.

    “Helm evasive maneuvers” Lake called out as T’Sol fulfilled the order.

    “Captain their changing course to match ours” Maria stated wondering what that Captain was even thinking.

    “Lieutenant SanChez, phasers….full spread across their bow.”

    “Firing now….full spread Sir. Direct hit…..they’re still pursuing” Tactical stated.

    Turning “Ensign hail them one more time.” “Aye Captain…..no response.”

    James let out a sigh as he was thinking “This guy must have some sort of death wish” moments later he knew what he had to do “Ms. SanChez load up two torpedoes….fire on my command.”

    “Two torpedos locked and loaded Captain, awaiting your order Sir” Tactical responded with her hand near the firing panel.

    Lake waited for the last possible moment hoping the Captain would come to his senses, but to no avail “Fire!!” Came the order at last.

    “Firing!…..direct hit Captain…..but before Maria could finish her sentence the Freighter blew into a million pieces.

Captain Lake just shook his head as he sat back down at Command. Seeing his reaction Commander Reese stated in a low voice “James he didn’t leave you any choice….it was either him or us.”

    James looked over at Racheal “I know” then he paused “That’s the one part of my job I hate….having to destroy a Ship and her Crew….but I’m just glad everyone is fine here.”

    Commander Roan walked back onto the Bridge taking his Station,  seeing the remnants of the Freighter floating by the Ship; although we wasn’t surprised by what he was seeing.

    After one more week of being out in space, and running the new Vigilant through it’s paces, Captain Lake was satisfied with the Ship but more importantly his new Crew “Helm lay in a course back to DS9; warp seven.”

   “ Aye Captain…..course laid in…..initiating warp seven now” T’Sol replied checking his screen “Sir arrival will be in eight hours.”

    “Thank you Mr. T’Sol, steady as she goes” James replied as he looked to Racheal speaking in a low voice “Commander would you like to have dinner in my quarters this evening.”

        “I’d love to but first let me grab as shower then I’ll be over” she answered with a smile.

Helps On The Way - Part 1

    Chapter 31

    Tapping his Comm “Lieutenant Herrick there is a freighter with engine problems please assemble a three man team the effect repairs. Send your Assistant along with two other engineers. Commander Roan will be to you shortly with a Security team. They’ll accompany your Engineering team while on the freighter. Keep me apprised of the situation over there” James ordered.

    “Understood Captain; we’ll be ready when the Commander arrives. Herrick out” came the response.

    Looking towards Maria “Lieutenant SanChez please send the Freighter’s coordinates to the Transporter Room” James ordered.

    “Aye Captain, sending coordinates now” Maria replied with a smile happy to be staying abroad ship.

    Tapping his chair comm once again “Transporter Room this is the Captain. Six of the Crew are coming to you to be transported over to a Freighter who needs our help, Lake out” James ordered hoping the Away Team would be safe.

    “Understood Captain and I just received the coordinates so we’re all set to go” the Operator responded.

    Turning to Racheal “Commander looks like now we wait while our people do their jobs” James stated with a smile.

    “Looks that way” Racheal replied returning his smile.

[ Freighter ]

    The Away Team materialized aboard the Freighter as Roan took the lead. Seeing an older gentleman standing in the Transporter Room “I am Commander Roan here with a work detail. If you could let your Captain know we have arrived to effect your repairs” he stated rather stone faced.

    “Welcome aboard. I’m Captain Johnson and thank you for coming. Now if your team will follow me I’ll escort you to Engineering” he replied with a smile then turned and led the way.

    

    As they proceeded Roan addressed Security a low voice “Keep your wits about you, I do not want any surprises” he ordered as both Crewman gave a nod of understanding.

    Once they arrived at Engineering Roan had the other two Security people post up just inside the door to secure the area. Captain Johnson looked to the Team “Well here’s the problem…..see what you can do to get us back up and running” he commented “I’ll leave you to it” as Johnson turned and headed back to the Bridge.

    The ACEO officer started looking the situation over when he soon discovered something that he wished wasn’t true. Looking towards Roan “Commander a word please” as he double checked the problem to make sure he was indeed correct.

    Walking over Roan inquired “What seems to be the problem Lieutenant.”

    Lowering his voice so as not to be overheard by the freighters crew “Commander it looks like the engine has been purposely sabotaged from what I can tell Sir.”

    Roan could feel his Klingon blood starting to boil as he stated in a loud voice “They what?”

    A nearby Crew mate figured out what was happening as he tapped his comm “Captain Johnson, we’ve been found out” he stated with some concern in his voice especially seeing how the Klingon reacted.

    “I’ll send help” Johnson stated then tapping his comm “All Crew report to engineering immediately….weapons drawn” he ordered then took off for engineering himself.

    Minutes later Johnson entered engineering with his phaser drawn “I see you’ve found us out….you’re to smart for you own good” he commented “Disarm them all.”

    As the Freighter Crew disarmed the Away Team, Roans fist thought was to extract the hidden Klingon knife from the side of his boot and make these dogs pay for their actions; but thought better of it since he had promised the Captain everyone would return safely.

    “Take them to the Brig and lock them up. Now I’ll deal with their Captain” Johnson ordered then left for the Bridge to have a chat with Lake.

[ Vigilant ]

    Captain Lake was sitting at the Conn having a conversation with Commander Reese when Comms informed them “Captain, the Freighter is hailing us Sir” Ensign Mc Doogle stated.

    “On Screen” Lake ordered then stood and walked up behind Helm “Captain Johnson how are the repairs coming along” he inquired with a smile.

    With a smirk “Well, I tell you Captain Lake, I’m not really concerned about the repairs” then he paused a moment “But I do have your Away Team locked up in the Brig. So this is how this is going to play out…..you’re going to relinquish your Ship to me or your Team will suffer the consequences when they get blown out of the airlocks. Is that understood Captain…..do not test me on this or you will suffer the consequences of your actions; you have one hour to comply.”

    Captain Lake’s demeanor suddenly changed at the news as he became very stoic while his mind was racing to come up with a way out of this situation that he now found himself and some of his Crew in “Understood” James simply replied then gave Heidi the hand gesture to cut the transmission.

    Looking over at his Number One, Racheal figured what James’ next move would be as she simply nodded at her Captain. Tapping his Comm “Ensign Benna, Lieutenant Nox report to my Ready Room immediately. Turning to Racheal “You have the Conn” as James left for his office.

    Minutes later Mark and Nox hustled to see their Captain “You wanted to see us Sir…..it sounds important” Nox commented as James gestured for them both to take a seat.

    “It is. Our Away Team has been taken prisoner by the Freighter Captain. He wants the Vigilant in exchange for their lives” James explained “How soon can you get your things together and extract them from the Brig.”

    Mark looked to Nox then back to the Captain “We can be ready in ten…..then we’ll get our people back” as Nox nodded in agreement.

    “Excellent” he replied “Be careful, you don’t know what you’re walking into….I want all of you back safely and that’s an order. Contact me when you’ve returned.”

    “Understood Captain” Nox replied as the Infiltration Specialists hustled to get their equipment together so they could leave as soon as possible.

    Ten minutes later the Team walked into the Transporter Room as Mark looked to Nox “Just like old times eh” as the duo stepped onto the pads ready for what lie ahead “Energize.”