Chapter 19
The Infiltration trio were all set and on their way to Deck 1 as Katlyn was already at the Hatch controls waiting patiently for their arrival. As they arrived Nox tapped her Comm “Captain we’re in position to exit the Ship at your command.”
“Good luck you three. Come back safe and your cleared for departure” James stated with mixed emotions. Katlyn started to open the Hatch as she turned “Good luck you guys…..come back safe you hear.” Mark smiled “We will” as the Team walked off the Ship with Katlyn closing the Hatch then returning to Engineering.
After exiting the Ship the trio ducked behind some large boulders with Nox in the middle and Maria and Mark on either side. Nox was about to give the order to advance when the prison doors swung opened with six heavily armed Guards walking out and proceeded to, what looked like, smoke tobacco. “Oh great….just what we needed at the moment” Nox thought to herself as the three held their positions.
Several minutes later all but one of the Guards went back inside with one remaining and it didn’t look like he was going to leave the area anytime soon. Gathering her Team Nox inquired “Any ideas how we get past that creep.” Mark really didn’t have any suggestions at the moment when Maria spoke up “I can neutralize him….it’ll be quick and quiet” she assured Nox. After a moment of thought “Ok, do it” came the order. Maria reached inside her vest and pulled out a small scope then grabbed her phaser sliding the scope into the slot on top of her weapon. Turning Maria took a deep breath while taking her time to line up the shot….she would only get one chance at this. Firing her weapon, Nox and Mark watched as the Guard hit the ground seconds later and was not going to get back up. Turning to Maria Nox gave her a thumbs up then gave the hand signal to move forward.
The three quickly and quietly hustled to the door, Mark and Maria stood guard with weapons drawn, with Nox grabbing her electronic device and placing it over the keypad. Moments later she heard the door unlock as the trio quietly entered the high security prison. Once inside Nox accessed her wrist computer to bring up the schematic of the prison with Maria in the middle and Mark watching their six as they proceeded onward sticking to the shadows for cover.
They had traveled about one hundred meters when Maria looked up and saw what looked like a camera type of device aimed at the current trajectory. She instinctively grabbed Nox’s arm and pointed to the device. Nox gave her a thumbs up before reaching in her vest for another device. Pointing it at the camera she pressed a button, much like a trigger on a weapon, which disabled the device that was high up on the wall; now they could proceed undetected.
After proceeding a little father Mark suddenly heard voices; whispering to Nox “We have company coming up behind us” he commented as Nox nodded in hearing her counterpart. The group moved quickly around a corner and pressed themselves tightly against the wall in the shadows as they heard the Guards walk on by unaware of their presence.
When the coast was clear the three Officers continued on their way being very conscious of the area and the possible threats. After another thirty minutes of ‘shadow hunting’, to conceal their presence, they finally arrived at their destination.
Nox saw a gentleman, probably in his middle forties, sitting alone in his cell “Mr. Krosske, we’re here to get you out of this hellhole” she stated with her counterparts keeping a watchful eye of the area.
Looking up he walked to the front of the cell “I don’t know who you are or where you’re from but I can’t go anywhere with you” he stated matter of factly.
Being totally shocked at his statement, Nox inquired “And why is that; you have a chance to leave this place and be free” she replied.
“Let me explain. These evil people have my wife and two daughters in their sites. If I don’t do as they ask they said they will kill them….and I will not allow that to happen” Krosske explained.
“Star Fleet can protect your family as well as yourself but only if you come with us now” Nox insisted not liking where this conversation was going.
Krosske let out a sigh “Sorry but I can not…..I will not take a chance of something happening to my family” as he moved towards the back of the cell.
Nox quickly realized the current situation was impossible and didn’t look like it was going to change any time soon “Just so you know I have orders to either extract you from this place” then she paused “Or neutralize you; do you know what that means.”
He walked back to the front of the cell “Yes I am well aware of what that means…..actually that may be the best result for everyone concerned…..at least my family would be safe” he commented then continued “All my research data I had destroyed ages ago when I realized it could be used for bad things……It was something I discovered to help people. Now the only data available is stored in here” as he pointed to his head “So if I’m dead then all that data dies with me which may be for the best for my family and humanity” as he paused with a tear welling up in his eye “Will it hurt….you neutralizing me.”
This was the last thing that Nox wanted to happen but orders were orders as she smiled “No Sir, I promise you won’t feel a thing” she replied swallowing hard.
Krosske let out a long sigh “I guess you better get on with it then” he commented ready to meet his maker.
Nox nodded as she gabbed her phaser setting it to kill. Looking at Krosske “On the count of three” as she raised her arm pointing her weapon directly at his head “One….two….” suddenly a beam of light shot forth with Krosske immediately hitting the floor. Turning to her Team “Let’s get the hell out of here” as her team nodded in agreement wanting to get back to the Ship.
Checking her computer generated map, Nox led the way as the trio slowly and methodically retraced their steps back towards the entry door and hopefully safety. After walking about one hundred meters Nox heard voices coming their way and held up her fist to stop. Moments later she whispered to her Team “We have company coming so be ready; let’s deal with these guys quickly and quietly” she ordered as the other two nodded in agreement. Mark and Nox each grabbed a couple of throwing stars each while Maria unholstered her phaser just in case. The next couple of minutes were tense ones before two Guards came around the corner not expecting what was about to happen. Nox and Mark each dispatched their weapons killing their enemy instantly.
The Team was just a short distance from the door when Nox heard voices once again coming in their direction. The trio stopped as Nox peeked around the corner seeing two more Guards heading in their direction talking. She held up her hand and showed two fingers signifying the number about to enter into their position.
Maria tapped Nox on the shoulder and whispered “I got this” as she pulled out two knives each with a rounded blade then moved in front of Nox with a smile. When the Guards we almost upon them Maria stepped out from around the corner “Hello boys” she said taking their assailants quickly by surprise. One started to call out “Who the hel….” But before he could finish his sentence Maria ran up between the two of them and clipped them both behind the knee severing the main tendon controlling leg movement as they both howled out in pain. Maria whipped back around slitting the ones jugular vain in his neck while Mark rushed over to the other one and snapped his neck. Both Guards hit the floor and would never get back up. Mark smiled at Maria and gave her a thumbs up.
The three made it to the entry door as Nox tapped her Comm “Vigilant this is Nox, lower the Hatch ramp…..we’re coming in hot.”
Hearing Nox James tapped his Comm “Give me twenty seconds then haul ass to the Ship” he explained. “Understood Captain” Nox replied. James stood and ran to the ramp and activated the Hatch waiting nervously for his Team to return safely to the Ship. Moments later the three ran onto the Ship then James hit the button to close the ramp before turning “Everyone alright and where is Krosske.”
Nox shook her head “He refused to leave. It seems these creeps threatened to kill his family if he did anything or tried to escape” then she paused a moment before continuing “So I had to neutralize him which is what he wanted…..he wanted this to be over once and for all and for his family to be safe” she explained fighting back the tears as she did so.
James let out a sigh “I am sorry it had to come to that, but sounds like he made his choice. But what about his research.”
“He told us he had committed all his research to memory and destroyed any data pertaining to what he’d been working on. I guess he thought that way if anything were to happen to him at least his family would be safe” Nox concluded.
“I see” James answered “All of you go get something to eat and drink then relax; you’ve certainly earned it. We’ll get out of here in a moment.” The three nodded and made their way to Deck 2 as James returned to the Bridge.
Walking back onto the Bridge “Mr. T’Sol lets get out of here. When you reach space warp eight if you please” came the order as James went back to the Tactical Station.
“Aye Captain” as T’Sol lifted the Ship off the planet and headed for space. Minutes later James saw something on the Tactical Screen he was surprised to see “Mr.T’Sol full stop!” he ordered “Full stop Captain” he replied. Tapping his Comm “Lieutenant SanChez please report to Tactical at once” the Captain ordered wanting his Chief on the Bridge.
Minutes later Maria hustled onto the Bridge “What’s going on Captain” she inquired having barely the chance to eat a mouthful of food.
“Lieutenant sorry to take you away from your meal but we have a problem” James stated as Maria looked at the Screen.
“Oh crap, that’s not good” she replied rechecking the information then she looked at James “Sir they have initiated a force field around the Planet” she paused a moment “Undoubtedly they have discover our handy work.”
“So can we punch a hole through it with the Ship safely” James inquired trusting Maria’s knowledge implicitly.
“Not really, unless you don’t mind shredding the Vigilant and us right along with it” she explained “We could just wait it out until they drop the force field.”
Then Racheal spoke up “If we just park and wait, and who knows how long that would be, we run the risk of another Ship running into us being cloaked.”
James thought for a moment “Ok what are our other options; think people think” he commented with a million different things going though his mind at once.
“Captain we do have one other option. I could punch a hole through the field long enough for Lieutenant T’Sol get us through it using a quantum torpedo” then she paused “But we would have to de-cloak for roughly five to seven seconds to fire the torpedo then re-cloak and be on our way” Maria explained.
“Captain, logically speaking that would be our best course of action” T’Sol stated matter of factly after listening to what everyone else had to say.
James looked over at Racheal “Commander, your thoughts.”
“I agree with the Lieutenants, I think it’s our best option and probably the least dangerous for the Ship and Crew” Reese replied.
Looking towards Maria “Make it happen Lieutenant” James ordered hoping this would work.
Moments later “Captain I’m all set; Mr T’Sol I’m sending you the coordinates to get us through the hole” Maria stated then continued “Dropping cloak now….firing….we got our hole….re-cloaking.”
“Punch it Mr T’Sol….warp nine point five” James ordered happy to be getting away from the area.
“Aye Captain” as the Vigilant went to Warp in a major way.
“Science, Tactical make sure we’re not be followed; hopefully we got away with one” the Captain stated with a sigh of relief in his voice.
“As you wish Sir” both Officer replied keeping a constant eye on their Screens but thankfully they hadn’t been detected.
Once the ship was well away from the planet, and out of harms way, James wanted to check on Nox “Commander you have the conn” as he rose from his seat to leave the bridge.
“Aye Captain” Racheal answered as she went and sat at conn.
Lake made his way to Deck 2 seeing Mark and Nox finishing their meals as he walked up to them “Mr. Benna could we have the room please” he asked with a smile.
“Certainly Captain” as Mark picked up and disposed of his dishes then proceeded to make his way to the Intelligence Area at the fore part of the Ship.
Sitting across from the Lieutenant “Nox how are you doing after your ordeal on the surface” he inquired.
“I’m ok Captain” then she paused “This isn’t the first time I’ve had to neutralize someone and I’m sure it won’t be the last” as Nox paused once again “Although it certainly doesn’t get any easier.”
“I’m glad it doesn’t get any easier that means your humanity is still in tact. I am a little concerned about your mental well being, so please if you feel the need don’t be afraid to talk to a Counselor once we get to the Base” then he paused “And I’m making that an order Nox.”
“Thank you Captain Lake for your concern and if I feel the need to talk to someone I will certainly heed your order” she replied forcing a smile.
“Good. My Crew is my primary concern at all times and I want to make sure we’re all at our best when on a Mission” James explained.
“Understood Sir. If that’s all I should help Mark get our equipment sorted and put away” Nox stated.
“Yes of course and I need to get back to the Bridge as well” James commented then rose from his chair.
James walked back onto the Bridge with Racheal standing from the Conn chair whispering “Is Lieutenant Nox alright; that is after what she just went through “Commander Reese queried with concern over one of the Crew.
“As well as can be expected considering” James replied as Racheal returned to the Science Station and James sat at the Conn “Mr. T’Sol what’s our ETA to DS7” he inquired. “Two hours Captain.” “Good, steady as she goes Lieutenant.”
Shortly the Vigilant was sitting snuggly in her bay as the Crew secured and started to disembark when they noticed Commodore Chi was waiting for them on the Deck.
With a smile “If I could have a word. First I apologize for the short notice but something has just come up that requires your expertise. I will send Captain Lake the particulars later this morning. Unfortunately you’ll need to be packed and back here to depart at eighteen hundred; it’ll be a four day trip total so pack accordingly. I strongly suggest you return to your quarters here on the Base and grab yourselves a good amount of sleep” Commodore Chi explained.
Everyone was a little taken back by the turn around time between missions when James spoke up “Ok people you heard the Commodore so we’ll meet back here at seventeen hundred packed and ready to go” looking at his Crew “Questions anyone.
The Crew knew it must be urgent to be sent back out so soon as everyone shook their heads no. As the Crew started leaving the Dock Racheal walked over to James “So any ideas of what’s to come” she inquired.
“Your guess is as good as mine. I just hope this doesn’t happen often or it will wear on the Crew” James commented “All I know is that bed is sounding better all the time.”
“I know what you mean” Racheal replied with a grin “So I guess I’ll see you soon.”
