Uncertain Mission

   Chapter 15

    By zero eight hundred everyone were at their Stations ready for departure from DS7. After they were underway Captain Lake sat at the Conn and for the first time had a feeling of uncertainty about their Mission; probably because he didn’t like the idea of two of his Crew being someplace else with a hidden agenda to execute.

    Finally James was snapped back to reality when T’Sol asked “Captain what warp should we proceed at” he queried. “Sorry Lieutenant, warp eight please” James responded. “Aye Sir, going to warp eight. Science and Tactical did their usual scanning ahead for any dangers.

     About mid morning, on the second day, Tactical called out “Captain sensors are picking up a Ship directly in our path” Maria informed James. “Who is it; friend or foe” James asked. “Uncertain Sir, their ID isn’t in our database.” Maria replied; but before James could ask another question “Sir they’re powering up weapons.” “Red alert” James ordered “Lieutenant bring weapons online” “Aye Captain.” James opened a channel “Hostile Ship this is the USS Vigilant, we are a Science Research Vessel. Bring your weapons to bare on us is an act of War.” he stated matter of factly. “Sir they’re firing weapons.” “Helm evasive maneuvers, bring us up behind them. Tactical take out their weapons array; let’s see how they like being fired on” James commented. A few minutes later “Sir we’re in position” T’ Sol stated. “Firing now Captain” Maria called out “Direct hit. Their weapons have been neutralized Captain.” 

    James opened a channel “Hostile Ship what are your intentions” he inquired but before a response came “Sir they’re powering up their warp engines” Commander Reese stated and moments later the Ship was gone. Helm looked over at James “Do you want us to pursue” T’sol queried. “No let’s be on our way. Tactical, Science keep checking your scans; I want to know the moment that Ship gets anywhere near us” Lake ordered as he heard “Aye Sir” from his Crew.

    The Mission was progressing nicely on this the third day as T’Sol informed James “Captain we are about three hours from Draylax Sir.” “Good the sooner we get the Summit over with the better I’ll feel” James replied being very serious when SanChez spoke up “Sir we have a very big Ship directly in our path” as she paused for a moment checking her Screen “I mean it’s Galaxy Class big Captain.” “Lieutenant hail them” James ordered hoping for a response as a rather stern looking man’s face appeared “I am Prefect Dobas, who are you and what are you doing here in my Muratus Sector.” “This is Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer of the Shuttle Vigilant; we are on our way to Draylax for a Tactical Summit. “So you’re the one that fired on one of my scout ships and killed their weapons. It would seem that Shuttle of yours packs quite the punch. I’m going to need to scan your Shuttle before you are allowed to proceed any further.” Prefect go ahead with your scans and you’ll see I’m not trying to deceive you in any way” James replied knowing he wouldn’t find anything unusual for a shuttle. “Captain we’re being scanned” Reese called out. After several tense minutes the Prefect hailed the Vigilant “We have completed our scans and have found nothing that is out of the ordinary for a Shuttle of your size. You may be on your way and thank you Captain Lake for your cooperation” Dobas stated sternly. “You welcome Prefect, so if there’s nothing else I would ask you to move your Ship so we may proceed” James replied being more at ease now. Moments later “Captain the Ship is leaving the area” Number One stated with relief in her voice. “Good, lets continue on our way” James commented.

    The next few hours went by rather quickly with Science and Tactical keeping a close eye on their Screens not wanting anymore surprises. Turning towards James “Captain, we’re entering Draylax’s space. Standard orbit Sir” T’Sol queried already knowing what the response would be. “Yes Mr T’Sol standard orbit would be fine” James stated then turning to Maria “Lieutenant SanChez you are relieved from your post. Please get whatever you’re going to need and have Lieutenant Nox join you and we’ll beam you down to the Surface” James ordered as he rose from his seat and moved over to Tactical. “As you wish Captain” then Maria made her way to deck two where Nox was waiting for her with gear and a different uniform.

    Maria walked into the Intelligence room where Nox was waiting for her with an all black uniform void of any insignias. Nox smiled “Please close the door”as Maria did as requested. Handing her a uniform “Here Maria, put this on for the mission” she commented as Maria stripped of her Star Fleet attire and grabbed the provided uniform. Nox stopped her “This  works better being braless, unless you have an issue with it” Nox explained. “No that’s fine” then she removed her bra with Nox noticing how nicely put together she was. After she was redressed Nox changed into the uniform the same way. Maria couldn’t help but think “Maybe there’s a future date here” while she just smiled at her.

    Maria and Nox went back up to Deck One to the Transporter Pads where James and Racheal were waiting for them “Ladies please be careful; I expect you both back aboard safely and in one piece” James commented with a smile trying his best to hide his concern. “Not to worry Captain, we’re both armed and I have the necessary Tech for the Mission” Nox reassured her Captain. “Good luck ladies and we’ll see you when you get back” Racheal commented with a smile. “Energize” Nox stated then Number One beamed them both to the surface. The Officers turned “Now we wait” James commented while they both returned to the Bridge.

    The two ladies materialized near the meeting place and walked to the building where the Summit was to be held and into a large room where they presented their invitations. With everything in order, the ladies were instructed to have a seat. They decided to sit halfway back just in case they needed to make a quick exit for some reason. Several minutes passed with Nox noticing Maria was very uneasy as she leaned over towards her, which also gave her the chance to insert the round microphone into her ear “Maia relax this will all be over soon” Nox commented with a smile. “Sorry but I hate these things. Most of these knuckleheads look like they wouldn’t know one end of a phaser from the other” Maria stated with a chuckle. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and the person I have to record will be one of the early speakers” Nox commented hoping she was right.

    Shortly the Master of Ceremonies stepped to the microphone “Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the various Speakers and learn something from each of them” he commented with a smile “Our first speaker today is Doctor Omar, and I think you’ll benefit from his presentation” as he turned looking at the Omar “Doctor the podium is all yours for the next twenty five minutes” as the MC returned to his seat.

    Omar took a deep breath then began “My fellow Drylaxians and guests; too long have we lived under a tyrannical rule and I’m here to tell you how we can escape that with my new weapons.” He went into detail about his weaponry and how to make an impact on the current regime.

    Meanwhile Nox started recording his presentation being very glad he was the first speaker of the day. The Doctor actually went over his time limit but nothing was said. Finally when he was finished the MC returned to the podium “Thank you Doctor Omar for that enlightening presentation” as the crowd broke into applause. “Since it’s now mid morning we’ll take a ten minute break. Out in the Lobby is coffee and refreshments so please help yourselves.”

    As the crowd got up from their seats Nox whispered to Maria with a smile “I have what we came for; let’s get out of here” she stated “You don’t have to tell me twice” Maria replied as the two Officers made their way to the door and outside. After they walked a ways away Nox looked around for any prying eyes then tapping her Comm “Vigilant we’re ready to return.” “I have a lock on you both, energizing now” Number One stated and moments later they were safely back aboard. James walked over “You ladies all set then” he inquired. “Yes Captain, let me transfer the information to a PADD for you to give the Commodore and change back into my uniform” Nox replied with a smile. “Good take your time, both of you; job well done” as they both thanked the Captain. Nox looked at Maria “You coming” as the two left for the Intelligence Area.

    As the two Officers were changing back into their regulation Uniforms Nox placed her hand on Maria’s arm with a smile “Perhaps you would have a drink with me some evening when we’re back at the Base” she inquired. “Yes I’d like that” Maria replied with a grin “Just let me know when” “Sure thing” Nox replied with a big smile. “If you’ll excuse me I need to get back on the Bridge” then Maria turned and made her way back to Deck One with a smile on her face.

    Meanwhile the Vigilant was already underway heading back towards DS7 with Captain Lake hoping for no more surprises for the trip home. Hearing someone enter the Bridge James turned “Lieutenant SanChez welcome back; I take it everything went well at the Summit.” “Yes captain, everything went well but I am sure glad to be back at my Station where I belong” Maria replied with a grin when Racheal spoke up “Job well done Ms.SanChez and it’s nice to have you back at Tactical” as a smile came across Racheal’s face. “Thank you Commander” Maria replied while James returned the Tactical functions back to her Console “There Lieutenant, you have control of Tactical once again” James stated as Maria assumed her Post.

    Down on Deck 2 Nox was in the process of transferring the data from the Summit onto a PADD for the Commodore. As she was waiting she couldn’t help but think about seeing Maria topless; what a beautiful sexy women she was, someone she would like to get to know better. When the process was finished, Nox grabbed it and headed for the Bridge.

    Walking to the Bridge entrance “Captain if I may come in, I have the PADD ready for you Sir” Nox stated while waiting for acknowledgement. James turned around “Please Lieutenant, by all means come in.” Nox walked over and handed James the PADD “This is all set with everything that I recorded at the Summit” she stated with a smile. “Excellent Lieutenant” he replied “In the future you may walk onto the Bridge anytime; you are very much a member of this Crew.” “Thank you Sir, I’ll remember that in the future. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll return to Deck 2.” “Yes by all means and thank you for bringing this to me” James commented with a smile. Nox gave a nod then looked over towards Maria. Their eyes met as each one smiled at the other then Nox vacated the Bridge; Number One couldn’t help but notice the exchange of glances between the two ladies and just grinned to herself.

    At the end of the day everyone retired to their respective Quarters for a good night’s sleep. As James and Racheal were getting ready for bed she commented “James did you happen to notice the glances between Nox and Maria on the Bridge.” “No, I guess I missed it” he replied “Why something going on with those two ladies?” Racheal grinned “I didn’t sense anything yet, but I think soon once we get back to the Base” she replied. James just chuckled “I thought Maria like the ladies but I didn’t think Nox did” he commented as he got into bed. “It would appear so” Racheal replied “Sleep well Captain.” “You too Number One” as Command fell asleep.

    The next day went without a hitch with everyone performing their duties as the Vigilant was getting closer to home. The third day however was a different story altogether as T’Sol notified James “Captain we’re about six hours from DS7.” “Thank you Lieutenant, steady as she goes. It couldn’t have been more than five minutes when Maria spoke up “Captain I’m picking up a good sized Ship on long range sensors and they’re directly in our path” she informed James while watching her Screen “It’s a Ferengi Ship Sir.” “Now what” he thought to himself  “Ms SanChez open a channel” came the order. “All set Sir” she replied keeping her eyes on her Screen. “Ferengi Ship this is Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer of the Shuttle Vigilant. What can we do for you.” “Captain Lake this is Thrawn, Captain of the Domas. May I say you have a very impressive Shuttle; I believe we shall relieve you of her so stand down and we might let you and your Crew live to tell the tale.” James almost burst out laughing at his remarks “I don’t think the Federation would like that very much” then he paused briefly “Tell you what, you move your Ship and let us be on our way or suffer the consequences” James stated matter of factly. Thrawn burst out laughing “Do you really think you can defeat my Ship” then he turned and said something to one of his Crew “Captain I tire of this. This is your final warning before we open fire and take it by force.” James said nothing but gave Maria the signal to close the Channel “Red Alert, raise Shields” he ordered “Mr. T’Sol get us into a defensive position, let’s see just how tough they really are.” “Aye Sir, moving the Ship into position.” “Tactical get a lock on their weapons array. Science switch screens and keep an eye on the area” came the orders. Both Officers did as ordered as they replied “Aye Sir.” Then tapping his Comm “Lieutenant Herek we may have a fight on our hands; keep a close eye on things down there” James ordered. “As you wish Captain” came the reply. Moments later “I have a lock on them Sir, awaiting your orders” Maria stated. Looking over at T’Sol James got the nod “Full phaser spread, Fire!” Moments later “Their weapons are down by only five percent Sir” Maria informed the Captain when the Vigilant was jarred by a direct hit. James thought for a quick moment while checking for any damage “Switch over to a quantum torpedo; fire two at will.” A few moments later “Their weapons have been neutralized Captain” Maria informed James. “Science any casualties over there” he inquired. Checking her Screen “Nothing on the scans Sir” Racheal replied. “Good, Tactical make us disappear. Helm get us around that Ship and let’s get out of here. Well done everyone” as James heard “Aye Captain” all around.

    Back aboard the Domas “What just happened; report” Thrawn screamed at his Crew. “Captain they took out our weapons and now” then he paused rather confused “They seem to have disappeared?” came the reply. “How is that even possible! A Shuttle just bested us and now you are telling me they just disappeared?” As he let out a long sigh “So much for a nice new Ship instead of traveling around in this old rust bucket” Thrawn stated “Set course for home.”

    The rest of the trip home went without any problems when T’Sol informed the Captain “Sir, we will be approaching DS7 in ten minutes.” “Good, do your thing Lieutenant and get us home” James ordered. “Aye Sir” T’Sol replied and several minutes later they were back aboard the Base safe and sound.

    After Lieutenant Herek and Ensign Benna secured the Ship everyone exited the Vigilant with duffels in hand ready to return to their quarters for some much needed rest.