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.
