Season 2 Ep 1 Page 02

- Transporter Room -

In less than ten minutes all boarding parties were ready.

=/\= Bridge to transporter Room, Your teams ready Commander? =/\= She asked.

=/\= We are as ready as we ever will be Captain, any last orders? =/\=

Again pressing the button =/\= Be Safe Commander, will see you soon, Tomcat out =/\=

As word came back that the shuttles had left She looked to the Ensign now sitting at Helm "Mister Barker, follow that lead Orion ship, S'arila when we get in range target weapons and engines only and get me a manifest on what those ships were carrying" She said.

Those she spoke to return an affirmative as Barker took the Tomcat to warp after the Lead Orion ship.

- Sickbay -

Sick Bay open triage in Cargo Bay 3 be ready for hypoxia due to lost of atmosphere on the ships. Also have Security posted. No one from the ships leave Cargo Bay 3 unless authorized till we determine if all causalities are actually not the attacking forces.

All Medical Boarding teams report to transporter room to aid causalities on board the vessels.

She knew sometimes the Orion Raiders would leave people behind to try and plunder on the rescuing vessels.

After a brief pause....

As she received word the first medical teams are on-board and beginning triage. There were causalities. And they were making determination of how serious the causalities are.

=/\= I will join the teams and start looking around the area set up as triage is busy, Cahill out =/\= She finished and got to work.

Cahill to look at a hallway to see what is going on there she saw a patient bought down with a severe arm laceration. She went to him and in a few minutes she had the bleeding under control and moved on to the next.

- Bridge -

As the ship increased its speed it began to catch up with the lead Orion ship.

"Major target Phasers on the ships Engines"

"Aye, aye Captain firing Phasers" She responded with both words and actions.

All watched as the lead Orion's ship took a direct hit on its engines and rapidly slowed down as it dropped yo normal space.

"Baker drop us out of Warp, Major target their weapons them moment we drop to normal space" Jasmine ordered and got affirmatives from the pair.

A split second after the Pirate ship dropped from warp so did the Tomcat and it fired its Phasers destroying them.

"Comms open a channel to them" She said.

"Yes Sir Came the Comm Officers reply.

A Moment later the viewscreen came to life with the image of the ships Captain and was royally upset.

- Rigellian Freighter Rikos -

Shuttles and damage control teams made it safely to the damaged super freighters. Loss of life was surprisingly minimal however the holds on all three ships had been stripped of there cargo. Only one of three Rigellian destroyers survived and while heavily damaged still had her life support systems intact. It was now docked to the lead super freighter. The damaged destroyer was providing life support to the lead ship.

Maia had gotten the manifest of the fleet from Captain Lars Rowen a tall muscular Rigellian who was trying to get his ships life support system back on line. He was grateful for the help from the Starfleeter’s and was most helpful in determining what was stolen. Fortunately the replicators had not been taken offline in the attack and they were able to replicate key parts to restore auxiliary systems on all three super freighters. The main systems were completely destroyed and would takes weeks of refitting at a star port. It took a few hours for the auxiliary systems to be restored.

oO Maia wondered how the Tomcat was faring.. Oo

- Orion Pirate ship – Bridge -

"Leader Sarina, the Starfleet vessel is in pursuit and is closing, it will be in weapons range in 20 seconds" . Tactical officer Corm advised.

oO Alone an Akira class Starship was more than a match for them Sarina thought How did they manage to avoid the stasis mines. Oo Sarina wondered.

"She will undoubtedly try to cripple us to slow us down. Deploy the decoy vessel. Prepare an antimatter spread. When she fires her weapons simulate catastrophic damage to the engine, when she drops to impulse launch a stasis mine directly at her then go to warp again, Crom, the antimatter spread should mask our warp signature an allow us to escape". Sarina ordered.

Crom watched his sensors carefully.

"Leader the Federation ship is firing on us direct hit on port engine no appreciable damage, shutting engine down and dropping us out of warp". Crom advised.

The Lady Lucks shields held yet despite this the ship shuttered. The Federation cruiser was packing a wallop but her powerful shields held remarkably well.

Once the Federation ship dropped out of warp she fired all her weapons at the decoy vessel. The decoy vessel had been destroyed, but that was an unmanned vessel. It too did its job remarkably well too.

"Leader the Federation vessel is hailing us."

"Put them on screen and deploy the stasis mine"

The captain of the Federation star ship appeared on the view screen. Female, no seduction would work on a female.

"What is the meaning of this attack, you have no authority here, this is not Federation space."

- USS Tomcat – Bridge -

Sitting back confidently =/\= Manners Captain, who do I have the honour of addressing? Also I have every right, you attacked a Federation Convoy and from its manifests you walked away with some dangerous materiel. =/\= Jasmine began.

=/\=I am Squadron Leader Sarina of the Orion Syndicate. That Federation convoy as you call it is in Orion space, I have authority here.=/\=

Smiling =/\= Thank You Captain Sarina, I am Commander Somers commander of the USS Tomcat and as I have no doubt you are aware that this is no ordinary Akira Class Cruiser, I could easily cripple you, and just to show you what I mean =/\= She paused leaving the link open she tapped her Commbadge.

=/\= Lieutenant Tabor launch Raider and Rebel Squadrons, Raiders are hold fire but target Orion's ships engines and weapons while Rebel Squadron is to sweep for any mines =/\=

=/\= Confirmed Boss, Tabor out =/\= Came the response

With that twelve heavily armed and nimble fighters launched from the Tomcats bay along with a Second Squadron, the First Squadron took up combat postures close to the Tomcat while the other Squadron and a shuttle scanned for any mines, the Tomcat would not advance in case there were hidden mines. The destruction of the decoy raised Jasmine's suspicions so she was being careful.

Turning back to Sarina =/\= So you see Captain, I can easily carry out what I say, also it might interest you to know that before I was a Fleet Officer I was a Marine and I know every smugglers trick there is, especially Orion orientated. *pause* So Captain Sarina I will accept your Surrender and request you turn over your pilfered Cargo, do this and your crew can go free. The Captain is ultimately responsible for all actions on his/her ship, so what say you? =/\= Jasmine asked.

Sarina could see the launch of twelve heavily armed and nimble fighters launched from the Tomcats bay along with a Second Squadron, the First Squadron took up combat postures close to the Tomcat while the other Squadron and a shuttle scanned for any mines.

She also noticed that the stasis mine had attached itself to the Tomcats hull.

=/\= An impressive show of force Commander Somers, Is it your intention to blow me out of space ? I'm afraid I cant let you do that Commander, good bye don't worry we will meet again=/\=

With that Sarina nodded to Corm, who activated the stasis mine, and then the Lady Luck seemed to disappear.

As the stasis mine exploded it blinded the ships sensors, when they returned to normal the ship had gone.

"Captain the mine destroyed their warp trail, we have lost them" The Sensor Officer said.

*THUMP* *THUMP* Jasmine was violently hitting her chair in sheer anger

Jasmine was grumbling and cursing under her breath in between bouts of grumbling as she pushed hard on the Comms button.

=/\= Mr. Tabor bring both fighter Squadrons back, we are leaving, Somers out =/\= With that she jabbed the Comms line shut.

"Mr. Barker when all Squadrons are aboard take us back to those damaged ships, lets see if we can aid Commander Sterling" She said.

"Aye, Aye Capt'n" Barker said subdued he had never seen the Captain like this, such contained anger, he pitied the Orion Pirates.

After a short time the two deployed Squadrons were aboard and the Helm Officer set a heading back to the freighters, warp 7.

As the ship dropped from warp at the disabled convoy's location, Jasmine using every control she could in the wake of Sarina getting away she pressed the Comms button.

With some anger seeping through her speech =/\= USS Tomcat to Away Team, SITREP =/\=

- Disabled Freighter – Federation Shuttle -

During her duties Alexanderia made a verbal log of her observations and thoughts. What she saw was mild carnage, the Pirates had not been able to do much internal damage as the Tomcat had arrived too soon, but some damage was done and there were mainly plasma burns of varying degrees to be treated.

“We continue treating the causalities and find most are minor care is taken of the most critical first. Security has established a parameter to make sure that everyone was safe. A few needed extra care and that required transfer to shuttle to be taken to a larger cargo vessels so that they can receive the treatment they need.

Cahill sent in a verbal report to commander Sterling on another freighter.

=/\=Commander Sterling I have taken control of the away team, and will keep watch. All causalities have been treated and are doing good.=/\= She paused =/\= and the repairs are also going good, most should be finished in a few hours. I will continue to monitor communications and then see what is going on. Even though I know little of Engineering I at least try to help when need, Cahill out. =/\= She finished.

Elsewhere…..

“I keep an open communications link with Commander Sterling’s team so if needed I can be beamed out in a bad situation.”

Jelan piloted his shuttle and damage control team to a damaged Rigellian destroyer, the TyKon. He had tried to beam aboard her but the transporter couldn't lock on or even get a fix on the destroyer. Communications seemed down too, at least they had no replied to there hails.

Even the sensors couldn't get a reading on the vessel. It was there he could see it out of the view port, It just hanging there frozen.. Then Jelan looked closer, and it appeared the fires along the dorsal hull were not flickering like fire should..

=/\= Commander Sterling This is Captain Lemoris. We have located the third destroyer but it is just handing there in space like it’s frozen, I can see fires along the dorsal hull yet the flames do not move. =/\=

=/\= Acknowledged Jelan, Captain Rowen says that the ship may have hit a stasis mine, so don't get too close, until you can actually see movement.=/\=

=/\= What is a stasis mine Commander?=/\=

=/\= According to Captain Rowen the Orion's had been attempting to build time ship, the closest they were able to get is to build the stasis mines. Any ship entering the area of affect has time stopped for up too 1/2 an hour. The area of affect may only extend about 5 miles form the target, but the ship is effectively frozen. I'd like to get my hands on one to see how it works. =/\=

=/\= We will keep our distance until we see movement then, Lemoris out =/\=

Lemoris wondered oO how the Tomcat was faring. Oo

- Rigellian Freighter Rikos -

"First officers log Stardate 94207.43

The away team has nearly completed its mission. Captain Rowan has provided us with detailed sensor readings of the stasis mines and a full ships manifest. He has stated that the Orion syndicate has annexed this area of space so they feel free to charge an excise tariff tax on all freighters that move through this region. The legalities of this are in dispute, however the Orion's seem to have made some amazing technological advancements since they were last heard from over 100 years ago. I have not yet had a chance to analyze the data however as we have been busy restoring life support systems on all vessels. The Rigellian’s have sent a distress call to their home port requesting a fleet tender arrive here.

The Orion government’s stance could destabilize the entire region. In the three hours we have been here Captain Rowan has discussed there activities in some detail. The Orion vessels are very powerful fast and can seemingly disappear without a trace due to there stasis mines. I will have to put some effort into overcoming this advantage when i return to the Tomcat.

Sterling Maia A Lt Commander Reporting. Out"

Maia continued working checking and coordinating with all teams, she was satisfied with there progress.

=/\= USS Tomcat to Away Team, SITREP =/\=

=/\= Sterling here, Captain. Repairs are proceeding, the ships have sustained a lot of damage, the Rigellian’s have requested a fleet tender, and casualties are under control. Captain Rowan has stated that the Orion’s have annexed this region of space, and are using force to extend there will across this sector. Also they are using a new weapon/defence called a stasis mine. It has the ability to suspend the flow of time in a small area. I don't know how it works yet however captain rowan has provided extensive sensor readings of the device.. How did your hunting go"?

- USS Tomcat - Bridge -

Grating her teeth =/\=Not well, the Fleet Tender has been summoned, we will wait here till it arrives, but hurry and finish over there Commander, and when you get back to the Tomcat come directly to my Ready Room, we need to talk, Tomcat out=/\=

When the link was closed she turned to Donovan "you have Command Major" She said and left the bridge, Donovan shared a knowing look with the bridge crew.

=/\=Understood Captain, Away team out.=/\=

It took Cmdr Sterling and her team another hour to stabilize the life support systems on all five ships, but soon she wasn't needed anymore and turned over command of the away team to Dr Cahill while she and Capt. Lemoris beamed back to the Tomcat.

- Captains Ready Room -

Maia had turned over all the sensor data to have the science team analyze it, with a little time and effort and perhaps a little insight she and her team would solve the mystery of the Stasis mines..

Once in the captain's ready room she and Lemoris help themselves to some coffee from the replicator and waited for the captain to arrive..

Soon after Jasmine got word that Maia and Lemoris were waiting in her ready room, she looks at Donovan and sends a one-way message to the telepath.

"Got it" Was all Donovan said and watched the CO enter the ready room.

As she entered she saw her First Officer and reserve helm Officer enjoying a drink, in a humour she did not feel at this time.

"You both comfy?" She asked with a smile.

Maia and Jelan waited for the captain to arrived when her comm badge beeped.

=/\=Commander Sterling I have taken control of the away team, and will keep watch. All causalities have been treated and are doing good.=/\= She paused =/\= and the repairs are also going good, most should be finished in a few hours. I will continue to monitor communications and then see what is going on. Even though I know little of Engineering I at least try to help when need, Cahill out. =/\= She finished.

=/\= "Understood Doctor, if you run into any problem please contact me immediately, thank you for the report, Sterling out". =/\=

Maia sipped her coffee. Captain Somers strode through the door..

"You both comfy?" Jasmine said with a smile.

Both Maia and Lemoris stood.

"be seated, we need to talk about these Orion Pirates and their new weapon" She began sitting behind her desk.

A long pause from Somers.....

Looking at Sterling. "Commander what can you tell me about these bloody mines that were used, because Sarina used some on me after I caught up to her, I am not in a pleasant mood" . She said her anger barely contained.

"Captain, the science division is even now analyzing the data we received from the Rigellian’s. I do know that the stasis mines have a very limited field of effect and that it is set by proximity fuse. Its effects freeze time in a 5 Kilometre radius around the target. While frozen in time the target can not be attack or be attacked. Weapons fired in the area of effect will simply freeze, loose there energy in the case of phaser's or torpedoes. So that even when the area of effect is finished there is no danger to a ship. I don't know how it works yet, however I do know that its a result of the Orion syndicate's experimenting with gravity and time travel with only limited success. Tactically speaking it has limited offensive potential. However for a pirate, defensively it will allow them to escape giving at least a half hour head start with no trail to follow. To the ship inside the stasis field time stops, outside of the field time moves, making it seem as if a ship outside the field simply disappears. More than that I don't know at this time".

Going into thought then looking up and piercing Maia with a glare her anger at being outdone by a Pirate "Interesting, well have your Science team find out how to neutralize their effects, then send their findings to Starfleet HQ" She paused then with anger breaking through "Then from this moment one any Orion Pirate or Syndicate controlled ship that challenges us is to be shown no mercy, do you understand Commander, no mercy, they fire first, respond with full volley and annihilate them"

"Yes Captain, although I must say I don't think these are your average pirates. They are too well equipped and disciplined. I believe they have deep connections in the Orion government and this is a hotly contested area of space". Maia said somewhat shocked at what her skipper said.

Looking at her First Officer who was clearly shocked, "Allow one crew to limp back to their people and this message is to be given for them to pass onto other Orion Pirates and the Syndicate *pause for effect* Either they deal with the Pirate Captain Sarina and stop using those mines or I will use every single resource I have to see the Syndicate wiped out and it will be because one Pirate Captain attacked a Federation convoy and assaulted a Federation Starship" She said.

"Captain if no quarter is given, none will be received, Sarina while clever didn't actually do any damage to this ship, and it may be from her point of view she was only collecting taxes and tribute".

"I am deadly serious Commander, I have resources outside of Starfleet I could call upon should I need to and they are too eager to wipe out all Orion Syndicate operatives. I was just hoping I would not have to use them" She finished.

"Is destroying the syndicate within the per view of our orders, Captain"?

Looking at her First Officer, then to Marine Captain Lemoris “we are done here Captain Lemoris, I believe Ensign Baker is due to be relieved at helm” She said and watched Lemoris nod and leave the Ready Room.

Jelan had been curtly dismissed by the Captain, He knew that whatever they were going to talk about was way above his pay grade. Moments later he was on the bridge and had relieved Ensign Baker.

Jelan made sensor sweeps with the targeting scanners and had prepped his console right now the Tomcat stopped 300 meters from the cluster of ships on there view screen, the on duty science officer Lt JG Tomlin had reported that all sensors were clear out to 300 AU's.

About 15 minutes later Captain Somers entered the bridge and took the center seat.

She turns back to Sterling “We are still in federation space Commander and the convoy was attacked in federation space. The Orion government and the Orion Syndicate have not signed anything with us, so they are trespassing in our space. They have only been allowed to go this far as the Fleets are busy elsewhere *pause* I have orders from the head of Security and Tactical External affairs Department, and they are this”

She paused for effect.

“While we can shoot first without provocation on any Orion Pirates trespassing in our space, we cannot outright destroy them. And this is where his orders became interesting he said that if I could find a way to cause the Orion Pirates and the Syndicate some serious harm or even seriously injure them without getting the federation involved then I have a free hand” She said.

Maia nodded.

"It would have been helpful if they had told us about these mines, who knows what technologies they have developed in the last 100 years. You will of course have my full support but I recommend caution, Captain. Remember your Sun Tzu, know your enemy before you make war on him. What concerns me even more than the Orion syndicate is the presence of section 31 the Tal’Shiar and the Obsidian order operatives working in this area. Where they are intrigue not always legal is the order of the day. No matter what are orders are we should tread very carefully, I just hope that Admiral Henison isn't selling us out to dry".

“I understand your view Maia, but I am only repeating what is basically said in this Communiqué from Admiral Henison” She said and handed the Padd to Maia for her to look at. “So I have activated my contacts that work outside the federation, with the following message ‘forget going after Section 31 Agents, concentrate on the Orion Syndicate and any and all Pirates that are found operating in federation space. I also added should you or any of your people be caught myself and all Starfleet will deny all knowledge. And trust me when I say this Commander, these people understand and it is more of a vengeance kick with them, they want Syndicate blood, I have just removed the one thing that held them in check. I expect over the coming months a good number of Syndicate Operatives will be taken out” She said.

"So we are to stay out of the way of whatever the spooks are doing and go pirate hunting. I never did like black ops".

“We don’t have to like it Commander and this conversation does not leave this room, well not about the outside agency I am using anyway. As for our shoot first ask questions later, they are mostly a smoke screen we can only damage their ships unless attacked first. When we shoot we will give each Pirate ship we encounter in federation space a message that either they turn over the plans for these new mines over to Starfleet and take care of Sarina or next time we will not be so polite *pause* sad part is Maia if any convoy is attacked outside of our space unless we receive a distress call or a call for help then we cannot interfere. Within a day there will be a Starfleet/Klingon Taskforce operating in this area with similar instructions. But as for us I just hope you are as good at Poker as good as you are a First Officer” Somers said.

Maia's comm-badge beeped.

"Excuse me Captain"

=/\=Sterling here go ahead=/\=

=/\= Cahill to Commander Sterling we some suspected debris believed to be part of the mines that did the damage the ships has been set to Cargo Bay 3 and is ordered under Security protection. Perhaps it can aid in your research.=/\=

Jasmine sat back and listened with interest as her First Officer dealt with things in a professional manner. When she had finished Jasmine looked at Maia.

“We are about finished here Commander, I want the teams to complete final repairs on those freighters, enough for them to leave the area under their own power, we will remain here until they go to warp, then we shall ourselves return to our previous course for Galen IV *pause* Now go and coordinate the repair teams and get me a defence against those damn mines as soon as you can Commander” She said indicating that the meeting was over.

"Yes Captain, I'll do my best".

With that Maia got up and went to cargo 3 speaking over her Commbadge as she went and the response from Cahill was cut out by Maia having already left the room.

=/\= "Well done Dr Cahill, I’ll take a look at it, how much longer do you think you need over their"? =/\=

When the First Officer had left the room she sent via a highly secured communications link to her contact with one simple instruction “GO” truth be told her contact with this outside Spec Ops unit was via a neutral individual who had contact with them, so she could with a clear conscience deny all knowledge. With that she removed all trace of the Comms and returned to the bridge and her center seat.

- Bridge -

Jasmine arrived back onto the bridge and in typical marine fashion, a style that Fleet officers occasionally used.

"Captain on the bridge” He shouted.

Looking at Lemoris "Jelan any sign of further Pirate incursions?" She asked.

"Negative Captain, all sensors are clear up to 300 AU's both long and short range sensors. Jelan reported.

"Good, as soon as Cahill's team has returned and the Convoy has left this area of space set a direct heading for Galen IV, perhaps we will finally get there this time! Jasmine said.

Maia could tell the captain was pissed at being tricked out of her prize.

Then Lemoris turned around.

"Captain transporter room one advised that Dr Cahill and there team has beamed back and that she is enroute to the bridge". Jelan said.

Just then the bridge doors open and in walks Maia who went straight to the Science station, obviously something had gone wrong.

"You okay Maia?" She asked concerned.

"Yes Ma'am I'm fine, just one of those days and finding answers will be more difficult than I thought but we will find them".

"Good, I know you will get me answers on those PetQ mines those dishonourable to'ba Orion Syndicate Pirates used." She said with some vehemence.

Maia was stopped from responding as Lieutenant Cahill entered and headed straight to Sterling as she reported on her teams mission.

- Disabled Freighter -

With the casualties under control, Alexanderia turns her attention to repair of all damage. She sees a team of engineers gathered around so debris and goes over.

A Lieutenant looks at her and smiles, “Dr Cahill I think we have recovered some parts of the mine used to damage the ships, it is inconsistent with anything related to these ships.” The engineer said.

"Have the debris returned to the Tomcat and secured by a Security Team immediately. Perhaps Commander Sterling can use it in her research to find a way to defeat them." She responded.

Once again Cahill tapped her Commbadge as she received update reports from the Engineering crews.

=/\= Cahill to Commander Sterling we some suspected debris believed to be part of the mines that did the damage the ships has been set to Cargo Bay 3 and is ordered under Security protection. Perhaps it can aid in your research.=/\=

*Pause*

=/\= Cahill to Commander Sterling we have all but one of the ships that now have warp capabilities. The last one will have it in less than an Hour; so I have sent all Medical teams back to the Tomcat and we are finishing as we speak. According to Lieutenant Johnson, they will be restarting the warp core soon. =/\= She said.

- USS Tomcat - Cargo Bay 3 -

By the time Maia got to Cargo bay 3 her team had already been going through the debris sifting through everything but mostly with mixed results..

"Their really isn't much left Commander, there are traces of what appears to be a mono-pole ore. We are still analyzing it to see if we can find a footprint for our sensors to lock on too. Also we think we've figured out how it seems to vanish. Apparently when the mine discharges it collapses in on itself creating a micro singularity that keeps collapsing in on itself completely disintegrating itself".

oO Why was nothing ever easy Maia thought. Oo

"Thank you Lieutenant. Alright concentrate on finding a sensor footprint we can use, also determine the signature of that mono-pole ore, also analyze this debris quantum signature, and send any relevant information to science one on the bridge.

As the Engineering teams worked the warp core was started and they made the final adjustments. Lieutenant Johnson comes over.

"Doctor we have the last ship up and ready to go we are ready to return to the Tomcat now.

Cahill looked at the Lieutenant.

"Understood Lieutenant. have everyone readied for beam out as soon as possible. All but 3 of us have been beamed back. We need to take up positions" She said and tapped her Commbadge =/\=Cahill to transporter room three to beam out; energize! She said and the Tomcats transporter claimed the away team.

When Cahill's team returned to the Tomcat she dismissed her team and headed straight to the bridge to report to the First Officer.

- Science Lab 2 -

Maia and her team worked feverishly to solve the problem of the stasis mines.

Her team had discovered that the Stasis mines worked similar to a Quantum stasis field combined with a Chronotron torpedo. The reason that they couldn't be scanned on sensors was that the mines were out of phase. This also has the effect of rendering shields useless. That was the purpose of the mono-pole ore discovered in the debris. Combined with chronotron particles the mono-pole ore shifted the phase up to 4.5 points passed sensory or even visual perception.

The team had come up with a way to detect the mines by modulating the scanners to a parametric frequency.

While the team modified the scanners Maia went to the bridge.

- USS Tomcat - Bridge -

Arriving on the bridge she looks around to see the Captain in her chair and the First Officer at the Science station and walks over to her "Commander all the ships now have their warp cores working and can get underway under their own power, also all away team members are now back on the Tomcat. She finished her report.

"Well done Doctor"

"Thank you Commander Sterling" Cahill responded to Commander Sterling's response on the Doctors actions over on the disabled transports.

She walked up to the Captain and handed her and Commander Sterling a complete copy her report.

"The warp engines will need some minor tweaking when the engage them, but their engineers are quite capable of taking care of that. Also all causalities were able to return to duty or at least limited duty as a result of their wounds. Cahill said.

With that Cahill walked over to the Medical console on the bridge and sat down and got to work.

Swivelling around to look at the Doctors back, she looked at Maia and gave an amused, but pleased raised eyebrow, this was accompanied by a small smile.

"Commander Sterling, ETA on the result with those mines? I wish to avoid a repeat of our last encounter with them" She said.

"I think we've figured out a way to detect the mines Captain, by re-modulating our scanners to a parametric frequency, we will not only be able to detect them but to avoid them as well. I will let you know in moments."

"Good, unless otherwise, make finding a defence against such mines your priority, when you do find the loophole keep a copy for us in a protected file and send the other with all the info on these mines to Starfleet High Command, on a secure and encrypted channel" She added.

Maia made some adjustments on her board, then adjusted the phase...The results were both successful and startling.

"Captain it works but we have another problem, there are three mines attached to the primary hull an one on the port nacelle. It seems that not only can the mines be detonated by proximity fuse but also by remote control."

Giving Maia a look of surprise "Lemoris drop us to impulse and then to a complete stop" She said.

“Aye Captain, dropping to impulse now”

"Commander has a demolitions team assemble and have them in EVA suits" Jasmine ordered.

"Yes Captain, we will need to fit the demolitions team with phase discriminators, or they wont be able to see or touch the mines, but we will get it done.. Shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes."

“Make it so Commander” Jasmine said in response.

"Coming to a complete stop, Captain".

"Captain it might be a good idea to have Mr Tabor's fighters equipped with phase discriminators as well, and have them stay out of the mines range, that way even if we set one off, they will still have telemetry to send us once we return to normal time.." Maia advised.

Looking at her screen then back to Maia "They are already launched Maia, but put it on the Engineering teams work order, the moment they are back on board and secured I want the engineering teams installing those units in all the fighters and shuttles and work pods" She said.

"We will have engineering crews get right on that then Captain".

By the time that Jelan got down to the Eva Operations room, Maia and her team had finished putting phase discriminators on all the Environmental suits for Jelan's team.

Maia gave a briefing on the operation of the discriminators and what to look for on the mine carefully explaining what to do and what not to do.

=/\= "Maia ETA on the demo crew? =/\=

=/\= Captain they are spacewalking to each position now, ETA is about 20 minutes. =/\=

The telemetry they were getting from each team was astounding and the science lab was sending it up to the bridge. With this data they would certainly be able to counter the mines in the future and perhaps even make some improvements to them. They now had four mines to play with and even possibly replicate. Maia had extrapolated enough information about the mines that she might even be able to counter the time stop effect in a larger area of effect there by neutralizing other mines used. While this was not a destructive power it could certainly level the playing field in conflicts with the Orion's.

Maia continued to monitor the teams progress, once it was determined that each of thee mines were powered by a thorium power cell Mia instructed the teams to remove the power cell, once that happened the mines were rendered inert and they could be safely beamed to cargo bay one for further reverse engineering. Her team certainly loved new toys to play with and this was proving to be quite an interesting one.

Maia then went back to EVA operations to receive the teams back into the Tomcat..

With that Jasmine turned to face Lemoris as he spoke.

Jelan listened as Maia told the captain about the phase discriminators.

"Excuse me Captain, but I have had a lot of experience in demolitions. I request permission to lead the team..

"Get to it, Commander Sterling will send you the details and such when you get there" She responded.

"Thank you Captain we'll get it done"

Jelan left the bridge even as his replacement entered the bridge. He then proceeded to the EVA operations section and saw Commander Sterling and she motioned him to sit down. He listened as she gave a mission brief on the operation of the phase discriminators and what to look for on the mines to deactivate them. There would be four teams simultaneously working on each mine.

There were four team leaders who reported to Captain Lemoris who would be supervising each team. Each team would carefully scan each mine for differences, and relay that information to Commander Sterling's science team. After the briefing each member of each team were fitted in an augmented environmental suit, then proceeded to the depressurization room before EVA.

Each team then marched out as a fire team to each mine waling with magnetic boots on the outside of the hull. They emerged on the bottom of the the primary hull till they got to where the schematic said the mine was. Jelan always felt a momentary sense of vertigo when out on a spacewalk, but it quickly passed. It took each team some time to get into position as the Tomcat was a very large ship.

The first thing each team did was use the phase discriminators to locate each mine and then use those modules bring it into normal phase with with everything else.

Then they took comprehensive scans of each device and sent that telemetry to Commander Sterling in Science Lab 1. They found that these mines were not set by proximity fuse but were indeed set off by remote control. they also learned what they needed to about the internal mechanisms of the mine and its programmed features. It was powered by a Thorium fuel cell and once these were removed the mines were rendered inert.

=/\= Jelan to Bridge, We are ready to beam the mines to cargo one, they have been neutralized. =/\=

Pressing the Comm-panel =/\= Make it so Captain =/\= She said, the turned to her Comms officer "Get me Tabor" She said and the Comms officer nodded and signalled when the line was open.

=/\= Lieutenant Tabor the mines have been disarmed , keep the CAP going for now but send back Rebel and Red Squadrons, then coordinate with Commander Sterling to find out when her team is back on the ship and then she will say when you can bring your Squadron in =/\=

=/\= Affirmative Tomcat, Tabor out =/\=With that Lemoris left the bridge and a replacement helm officer took over.

Swivelling in her chair to face Donovan "Major take the ship to Yellow alert and be ready to change to Red at a moments notice"

"Yes Captain" The Major responded.

Swivelling to face front again and without looking "Maia ETA on the demo crew?" She asked.

"Aye Captain the sensors have been calibrated for detection, however and the countermeasures have been developed and are being installed, engineering reports modifications to the deflector array will take another 45 minutes."

She turned back to her console and started making arrangements with her science team to fit the EVA suits with phase discriminators..

She pressed the Comms button on her arm =/\= Bridge to Tabor, have all fighters scramble, I want a defensive perimeter around the ship and a CAP further out =/\= Jasmine ordered.

=/\= Affirmative bridge, Tabor out =/\= Came the response.

Jasmine turned to Cahill "Lieutenant Cahill get you down to sickbay and prep it just in case we end up having casualties" Jasmine ordered.

Nodding with a smile Somers turns to face front again and looked at Lemoris and then to the console and saw the ship had just entered warp two.

Jelan listened to the exchange with interest. He didn't envy the Exec at this time, she had to come up with some answers and as usual Captain Somers wanted them yesterday. He turned back to his console. Sensors seemed useless in this situation.

Although the convoy was now being escorted by three Rigellian battle cruisers and the damaged ships were no in tenders.

"Mr Lemoris increase to warp Seven" She said.

"Aye Captain"

Jelan already had the course laid in....After a few buttons pressed, the star ship Tomcat leaped into warped space, star lines on the view screen disappeared into fast streaks of star light whizzing around the edges of the viewer.

- Space USS Tomcat - CAP -

As the fighters launched Tabor activated the Comms.

=/\= Raider Leader to Raider Three, you there Tanaka? =/\=

=/\= Raider Three, launching now. =/\=

=/\= Take three flight and run a CAP around the fighter perimeter =/\= Tabor ordered.

=/\= Roger. Deploying now =/\= Tanaka quietly observed to himself, "We're not configured for CAP." He selected local flight group channel, =/\= Assault group, Fluid Weave Five... light up active scans... ECM on passive until threat is identified, you are cleared to react. =/\=

With that Tabor watched three flight move off to begin their Combat Air Patrol, while the rest of the fighters stood guard. He knew something was up as the Captain had never ordered a full deployment when there were no hostiles around.

As he took up his position, he noticed the fighters were a tad bunched, so opening the Comms.

=/\=Raider Lead to Two flight leader =/\=

The 2 Flight leader a Warrant Officer Soong responded =/\= Raider Two here =/\=

=/\= Soong I want you to take Two Flight and assist Chief Tanaka on CAP =/\=

=/\= On it boss, Soong out =/\= Came the reply.

When Raider Two fell silent Tabor opened his Comms again.

=/\= Raider Lead to Raider Three =/\=

=/\= Raider three here =/\=

=/\= I am sending two flight to join you on CAP duty, Warrant Officer Soong is under your command =/\= He said.

=/\= Understood, Tanaka out =/\=

After closing down the comms to his commander Tabor opened one up to the fighter Squadrons. =/\= Raider Leader to Rebel and Red Leaders, return to the barn =/\= He said.

Both Squadron Leaders clicked affirmative and the boundary around the Tomcat disbanded, with that done he opened a channel. =/\= Raider One to Raider Three, all quiet out there? =/\= he asked Tanaka.

=/\= Three Flight, negative on contacts. Scopes are clear. =/\=

=/\= Good, at least for now it is quiet, standby for further orders =/\=

=/\= Confirmed, maintain sweeps. =/\=

When the link had closed Tabor began the CAP the other side of the Tomcat.

- Bridge -

Opening a channel to Sterling =/\= Somers to Sterling =/\=

=/\= "Captain the last man has just returned, we will be ready for warp when the squadrons are recalled" =/\=

=/\= Commander when you are done and have returned to the ship, contact Lieutenant Tabor and have him bring his Squadron in, then when all is secured we will return to warp and Galen IV" She said.

=/\= Affirmative Commander, bridge out =/\= Jasmine said as she closed the link.

When the link was closed Jasmine sat back and slumped in her seat as she thought dark thoughts on that Orion Captain, her vivid imagination served her well in this instance.

Maia then went over to the comm station and punched up external COMMS.

=/\= "Sterling to Tabor, mission complete, return to the Tomcat immediately" =/\=

Maia waited for the acknowledgement then instructed her team to take apart one of the mines to see how it worked. She then returned to the bridge.

=/\= Acknowledged Commander, Tabor out =/\= he said then contacted Tanaka.

Activating his Comms =/\= confirmed Tomcat, Raider lead out =/\= Tabor said then opened his squadron communications =/\= Tabor to Tanaka =/\=

=/\= Three flight here. Go ahead, Flightcom.=/\=

=/\= Return to the barn Chief the danger has been cleared =/\= He said.

=/\=Recall acknowledged. Three flight, form up. We're going to hot down and reconfigure load outs. Barring orders, we'll configure sigma-three.=/\=

With that Raider Squadron returned to the Tomcat.

- Bridge USS Tomcat -

When she got word that all her fighters were onboard she looked to Barker "okay Ensign warp seven for Galen IV, engage when ready" She said.

"Aye, aye Captain The Helmsman Ensign Barker responded.

Maia made her way back to the bridge and took her position next to the Captain.

She checked her display panel, and noted that the last of the fighters had landed and the Tomcat had resumed course to Galen IV.

"Captain have we had any new Intel on what is going on at Galen IV or is it to be a staging area".

Looking over at her First Officer "No, nothing past the initial briefing" She said and paused while an update was asked for.

"Mr Barker ETA on our arrival at Galen IV"?

"ETA is four hours seventeen minutes present speed Commander".

"Good" Jasmine said then returned her attention to Sterling "All Starfleet intelligence knows is that Federation, Klingon, Romulan and Cardassian citizens are going missing. The last batch was a bunch of Talarian Civilian's and we have a Childs report on what happened" She paused as she remembered. "Apparently they were tall big men with green skin and had implants on their skulls and were loud and abrasive in their manner, so I would say Orion slavers; Starfleet could ignore such things when it did not involve our citizens, but with all these abductions, Starfleet is under pressure to investigate. She paused for effect.

"When we get there I am told we will have some support from the races invested in this, so I am guessing Medium to small class ships, wha6t you say Maia?" Jasmine asked.

"Obviously the Orion’s are much more advanced than our intelligence indicates, I'm wondering if there experiments in time have something to do with the missing ships, however its more likely that the Orion’s captured those ships and enslaved their crews, at least that always been there MO in the past, Captain".. Maia replied.

"Indeed" She said then looked down as she pressed her Comms button Jasmine sighed heavily as she faced front again.

- EVA Decontamination Chamber, Sickbay -

Jelan and his fire teams were welcomed back with a hearty thank you and well done from Commander Sterling; however they had been exposed to Interphasic Chronotron Monopole particles and therefore had to be decontaminated. The doctor didn't think there was too much danger but always sided on the side of caution. Besides new technology was always unpredictable the particles we easily removed by a cyclo-hexane suspended in a bio-neural gel. It felt sort of like a think paste but was a golden colour and seemed very hard to get off after he was decontaminated. His skin still had a slight golden tinge to it.

oO No good deed goes unpunished Oo Jelan thought.

As a result it was about four hours before his team could report back for duty. He was still able to get into a fresh uniform and be on the bridge before he had to relive Ensign Davis..

- Bridge -

Four hours later Jelan arrived on the bridge Commander Sterling was at her sensors and Captain Somers was in the center seat, he always felt more comfortable when the captain was on the bridge.

He strode to his station and put his hand on Ensign Davis's shoulder.

"Your relieved Paul. Sorry it took so long, why don't you get something to eat I'll take it form here".

Paul Davis nodded and vacated the chair and left the bridge.

Jelan looked at the panel then checked his sensors, they were still on a direct heading for Galen IV, Eta was now 12 minutes and they were still travelling at Warp 7. Soon they would be in long range sensor proximity.

"Captain we will be in sensor range in two minutes" Jelan advised.

Swivelling her chair around to look at Lemoris "Thank you Lemoris" She said using his Bajoran first name, the Bajoran’s always had their family name first and first name second. "When we arrive at the outer planets of the Galen System drop us to impulse" She said.

When they were in range Lemoris took the Tomcat out of warp, switching to impulse power.

"Captain I am detecting several ships in orbit, so far we are not being hailed" Lemoris advised.

Looking at the viewscreen intently “interesting” she said then looked at Maia

Turning to face Donovan "Major when we drop to impulse launch a long range stealth probe, I do not wish to walk into a trap" She said.

"Aye, aye Captain" Donovan responded and got to work.

Somers turned to face Sterling "Maia when we get there scan for any friendly ships and get them on the horn, *pause* What is the status of the anti-temporal mine defence coming along?" Jasmine asked.

"Maia when we get there scan for any friendly ships and get them on the horn, *pause* What is the status of the anti-temporal mine defence coming along?" Jasmine asked.

Maia got up and walked to science one. As she did so Mr Jelan had taken the ship to impulse.

Mr Lemoris had just announced that he was detecting several ships in orbit and that they were not being hailed.

Maia switched to short range scan.

"In fact there are 18 Starship’s in orbit, three Rigellian, two Cardassian, three Romulan, three Federation, four Talarian, none seem to have defensive systems powered up. Sensors indicate that all have temporal mines on their hulls. "

“DAMMIT!! Hail them all and put them on viewscreen in a split format and ready our data on those mines and send it them.” She said.

"Aye Captain sending now". Maia replied.

“Captain, the ships Captains are acknowledging our hail, onscreen now”. Donovan announced.

Dr Cahill came onto the bridge; she was monitoring what was being said by the others. She went to the medical station and started to scan the ships for life signs. She was making a slow scan of each ship to be totally accurate with her scans.

She was hoping that they may be some life signs of someone hiding or injured. The Orion’s never took wounded with them, they were not worth anything to them due to them needing medical care and that cost them money. They left them behind to die of their injuries.

“Captain, I am picking up some life signs on the ships but unsure how many there is on each ship.”

Swivelling round to look at her CMO “Welcome to the bridge Lieutenant Cahill” she said with a friendly smile “as for those life signs, those mines attached to their hulls are most likely interfering with the Sensors” Jasmine said.

"I know Captain, I am attempting to re-calibrate the sensors so they will pick up life-signs. I hope to be able to find a way to use sensors even though the mines are there." Cahill responded and paused. "So far I have had some success but it is slow. I don't like being blind when ships are around and I don't think you do either!" She said.

“Good job Commander”

After that Donovan had moved from tactical to Communications “Captain, the ships Captains are acknowledging our hail, onscreen now” Donovan announced.

Looking at the split screen of ship Captain’s all of who were irate Jasmine held her hand up to signal them to calm down. “Greetings I am Commander Jasmine Somers Commander of the USS Tomcat and if not for our Encounter with those same mines, we would have been here sooner. We have data that will help you defend against such weapons, when you are done securing your ships I would like you all to come over, to the Tomcat, where you can bring us up to speed on what the hell is happening out here! ” She said, the ship Captain’s had calmed somewhat, including the Klingon ship Commanders.

"This is Captain Shane Beesbury of the Federation Starship Valiant. Please assume a standard orbit Captain Somers, and thank you for the information about the temporal mines, We will have our engineering department get right on the fix.

I am sending you coordinates for the beam down site for negotiations".

=/\= Thank You Captain, I hope to see you down there =/\= Jasmine said and the screen winked off, and a Gruff Klingon appeared.

=/\=Greetings Captain, your family name is an honoured one, I am Captain Krol of the House of Martok Commanding the IKS Ku'Vagh'maH. I have received your information on these mines on our hull and have dispatched engineers to remove them, I will be eager to fight along side you in battle =/\= The Klingon Gleefully said.

Holding her hand up =/\= Whoa there Captain Krol, I would like to find out all I can first and try the diplomatic way as per Starfleet rules =/\= she said and saw the Klingon's face drop in disappointment, but brightened upon hearing her next words. =/\= However should such diplomacy fail as I expect it to with the Orion slavers and Syndicate, I promise you there will be plenty of combat to satisfy even you Captain *pause* I am send to you on a sub channel the location of the negotiations, if you would like to send a rep down with our delegation it would be ... Honourable, if only to gauge the enemy for any weakness =/\= She said and the Klingon gave her a toothy grin as a subordinate notified him of the transmission completion.

With a smile =/\= Quapla! =/\= Was all he said as he closed the link.

Jasmine sat back and exhaled, Klingon's were an unpredictable bunch, and suddenly she looked up as her XO. "Okay who is next Commander?" She asked referring to the remaining ship commanders waiting to speak to her.

The Cardassian's and Romulan's have acknowledged our presence, but there is no visual communications Captain. Next up is Captain Zedar of the RGC Torak.

Sheela sat at her station on the bridge at the secondary Comms station, listening in on the various Comms calls to the Tomcat. Just another mouse in the walls as she sat there. Picking up the background conversations going on the various ship that made contact to the Tomcat.

It seamed that Klingon ship crew member was talking to another Klingon ship of the line. She recorded the Comms call and then ran it through the translator, and then looked over the transcripts. Just routine matters between warships. Nothing really stood out to get her interest going.

Then a Rigellian captain appeared on the screen.

"Greetings and well met Captain Somers, I wish to extend my gratitude for the rescue and protection of out freighter fleet. Also for the schematics and fix for the temporal mines. I look forward to meeting you".

Facing the viewscreen "and I you Captain, and the information on those devices was no problem, now we need to organise things Captain, I shall let you get to finishing disarming those mines, as I need to speak to two other Captain's, till later Captain Zedar" She said and closed the link.

Turning to face her Crew "Maia see if you can get a visual Comms to the Romulan and Cardassian Commanders, I can understand the Romulan's with their actions, but not the Cardassian's" She said.

"I'll try captain, but those actions may be considered provocative if we get caught". Maia replied.

Maia worked the control interface with passive scans trying to get a picture of there bridge, while simultaneously switching and triaxialating the rotation sequence.. She managed to get a picture of the Romulan's bridge for a short time before being cut off.

"Sorry Captain they have raised their shields". Maia said.

Turning to Sheela "Lieutenant, I want you to get me as much info as you can without leaving the bridge and without being caught on those two secretive Commanders, I do not want surprises" She said referring to the Romulan and Cardassian ship Commanders.

It seamed that Klingon ship crew member was talking to another Klingon ship of the line. She recorded the Comms call and then ran it through the translator. And then looked over the transcripts. Just routine matters between warships. Nothing really stood out to get her interest going.

Turning to face her "Welcome back Lieutenant Sheela, I trust your time off was... Informative?" She asked.

"Squeakies, Iz had an enjoyable time." Sheela responded, glancing the Cmdr Somers in the Center Seat.

Smiling "good to hear it, now as we have lost Marine Captain Theta Alpha one, you are now the new Chief Intelligence Officer, this post means that you can not go running off like you did in the Hydaransz system, you now have a department to run, you think you are up to it?" Somers asked, knowing that the Department Head appointment would surprise her as it may Sterling.

Sheela eyes widen as her ears expanded, "Squaw?!!!!" Unsure what had just transpired, "mez Top Intelligence Commander....." As the information sank in, eyes narrowed as someone was gonna die to place her in this position. "As yooz wish..." She murmured barely audible.

"Good I want you to coordinate with Commander Sterling on getting all information we have thus gathered on these new temporal mines to our allies along with all possible countermeasures. *pause* Then I want you to find a way to tap into all Orion communications without them knowing it, I want to know who is our enemy and who is our friend, concentrate on Orion Pirates and the Orion Syndicate" She said.

Sheela numbly nodded, glanced at Sterling, wondering how she would react in dealing with an outsider that wasn't even Fleet nor Marines. Then she shrugged, hoping her info network was still in place.

Sheela turned back to her com station, reaching to a black case that she had stuck under the console, grabbing a usb jack and inserting it into the communication board.

As she began type in commands to access the programs within the case at her feet, When she was distracted by the ship's commander.

Nodding her thanks Jasmine turned to face her first Officer with a question.

Sheela looked thoughtful as she gave thought. Both Star Empires had suffered major disasters. One by nature and the other was by war. So all their efforts were towards rebuilding, not advancement. She just wiggled the tip of her tail in acknowledgement to the latest order from Somers.

She went to work as her paws flew over the console and keyboard at her front. Lights began to flicker on the case at her feet, using a different frequency, just one click from being on the same communication freq that the main Communications were using, riding piggyback.

Jasmine watched the back of the Mousian’s head and did not miss a silver case with blinking lights, Jasmine smiled to herself, Sheela had not changed at all, she was still the shiftiest Mousian Somers had ever known and she was pleased and justified that Sheela was, who she was. Jasmine did not want a CIO to be ridged and always by the books, in her eyes the CIO had to be flexible and Sheela was proving that.

Bringing herself back to the here and now she turns to face her First Officer "Maia, what is the status on all allied ships that have those mines attached?" She asked.

Maia worked the control interface with passive scans trying to get a picture of there bridge, while simultaneously switching and triaxialating the rotation sequence.. She managed to get a picture of the Romulan's bridge for a short time before being cut off.

"Sorry Captain they have raised their shields". Maia said.

"Maia, what is the status on all allied ships that have those mines attached?" She asked. Captain Somers asked.

"Captain those ships are at station keeping, no offensive or defensive systems activated, there crews are spacewalking now to get the mines detached, looks like we are guarding them for the moment, their ETR is approximately 20 minutes".

"Good, thank you Maia, so who is next to talk to us?" Somers asked.

"Serena of her Orion Confederacy, Captain" Maia replied.

"Good, thank you Maia, so who is next to talk to us?" Somers asked.

"Serena of he Orion Confederacy, Captain" Maia replied.

"Onscreen" Jasmine said without looking at Sterling

A moment later the viewscreen came to life with the image of a green skinned female Orion "Greetings Captain Serena, I am Commander Somers of the USS Tomcat" She began.

- Bridge Secondary Comms station -

Sheela snickered when the main channel was cut by the Romulan’s and her signal was still connected as she found the Romulan's tactical frequency that was able to bypass their shields.

She listened on the various conversations going on, routing it through the translator first and recording the various conversations.

It was nothing but routine propaganda, ship routine business about the attached mines that being slowly removed one by one.

Glancing at the main view screen, she was glad she had chosen a station out of the pick-up view. She had dealt with that stinky Orion woman and she was a hard case to boot.

oO Iz will be ruined if she spots mez! Oo Sheela thought as she switched over to the Orion's ship, via the com's link to pick up anything interesting going on.

Just as she made connection, she was caught and rudely kicked out. She squeak/growled as working the com link to re-establish the link to by-pass their security.

She gave occasional soft squeaks that were not picked up by the Tomcat's transmitter pick-up mic as her paws flew across the console's keyboard and panel. She was having fun pitting her skill against the Orion crew.

Alexanderia had been working hard to re-calibrate the scanners. She used one of the Federation ships so she did not cause any problems with the other ships.

She made a lot of success and now had the scanners to able to detect how many live signs were present on the ships despite the mines and was able to also recognize some life forms. A Science officer Ensign Brown was aiding her and continuing to make the necessary reprograms faster and better than she could.

She turned to the Command Chair, "Captain we now have scanner capabilities to be able to detect life signs on ships with these mines and to also recognize all species on file as well. We are making final adjustments now and will be fully online soon."

Smiling "Thank you Lieutenant, excellent work, Maia how we coming on those ships Captain's?" Somers asked.

"The Romulan's and Cardassian's send their respects and acknowledge our presence, however their representatives have already beamed down to the landing site. They do not wish to open communications with us as they see no need. Also the delegation expects us to beam down as well Commander".

"Indeed, Commander prepare an away team, ask the captain's of the various ships if they would like to send someone down to the planet. Also arrange a meeting with the Leader of the Galen IV Colony and lead the away team" Somers said.

Aye Captain, as I said they are waiting for us.

Maia made preparations and chose the landing party, consisting of Commander Somers, Lt Sheela, and Dr Cahill. Maia would stay behind and assume command of the Tomcat. She sent the coordinates to transporter room 1.

Jasmine saw who Maia had chosen and smiled and looked up at her First Officer “You are to lead the team Commander Sterling, not I, should I be needed I will be down, but you are more than capable of beginning the talks” Jasmine said.

"Aye Captain."

oO Maia would have thought the captain would want to beam down and lead the negotiations herself, odd that she would have me do it. Very strange Oo

Maia left the bridge and went to her quarters to change into her dress uniform, then went to transporter room one.

"Chief do you have the beam down coordinates" Maia asked.

"Yes Ma'am, its in an open area in a mountain region, the meeting place seems to be a natural rock formation"

Jasmine watched her First Officer leave the bridge, oO No one on this ship assigns me, and its good to be the Captain Oo she thought to herself but realized that her presence would be required, it was inevitable at least the Orions could not influence the all female away team, it was also good to have an all woman away team once in while. She looked at Donovan who had remained quiet “ Major when it comes time for me to beam down you are with me, I want you to be my eyes and ears for what I cannot see” She said.

“Yes Captain” Donovan responded.

After a short time Jasmine opened up the channel =/\= Bridge to Transporter Room One, Commander when it is time contact me and I shall beam down to your location =/\=

=/\=Yes ma'am don't worry well try not to give away the Federation. =/\=

=/\= Affirmative Commander, good luck with opening salvos, bridge out =/\= She said referring to the start of the talks when she mentioned salvos and closed the link. “ I am so going to end up speaking to them, I would like to take a weapon and shoot every damn Orion with a stun beam” She said quietly to herself remembering the Orion female that pulled her undies up over her head and tied them in a knot when en-route to Galen IV.

“Captain, not a good idea! Donovan said mock scolding.

Jasmine only looked at her and smiled, as Donovan was a strong telepath she read her mind and went crimson and shut up like a clam, but she was smiling.

Cahill picked up her medical kit and checked her phaser to be sure it is ready. She then makes her way to Transporter Room 1 and waits for the others to arrival making sure everything she need is in her kit one last time and smile.

Thinking to herself oO I always enjoy getting to go on a mission to get a change of scenery and also explore the planets I vist. Oo She knew that this is was an important mission so she put on her best diplomatic face and make ready for what is coming.

Turning back to Sheela "Lieutenant Sheela" Somers said.

"Squeee..." Sheela responded, without even looking at Jasmine as she was busy at work.

"Find out for me everything you can about our friendly Orion ship Captain, I want to know what side she is on, and wish to avoid being stabbed in the back" Jasmine said.

"She is the scum of the universe. Only thing makes her yooz friend is money in herz pocket. Not yooz. Runs a large slaver operation in this sector. Protection racket to tramp freighters, gambling casinos that are a one way ticket into working for her organization. She'll stab yooz in the back if yooz even make angry for the slightest offense. She respects Strength of those that face her." Sheela spoke without even pausing in her work, reciting from past encounters. "She'll use her pheromones to the max to throw whomever yooz send to deal with her off balance. Mez advice is to shoot first then talk later." Sheela looked at her box when it chirped, then glances at Jasmine. "Nice key logger yooz have installed. To bad Iz aint using Fleet Intell programs. Otherwise Iz never would discovered it."

Sheela squeak/growled with another flurry of hands across the console. Lights flashing and the screen before her scrolling with programming, screen flashing with Access Denied. Access Granted. Rapid scrolling of data then the screen going blank with more flurry of tapping on the keyboard.

"Squang! that a good one...got to meet that programmer....Gotcha!.... squik!" Sheela muttered to herself as if she was alone. She was focused in her battle with a top hacker of the Orion. "Tal’Shiar crap! Stay still and let mez work!" She growled, leaning back in her seat momentary as the screen goes blank once again.

Sheela stood up and stretched, her bones popping loose from being slumped over in bad posture, then walked over to the replicator and helped herself to a glass of orange juice slushy. She returned to her seat and began to type in her furious manner to resume her fight into the Orion's Data banks.

"Thank you, Doctor Cahill"

Aye Captain, as I said they are waiting for us.

"I want you to keep a skeletal lock on all our people, especially those on the away team, I will not lose any of my people to slavers, not if I cannot help it." Somers said.

“Yes Captain” Replied a Sensor Officer.

Jasmine swivelled in her chair and observed Sheela doing something at the secondary Comms station, what Sheela did not know was that every input the Mousian did was recorded, it was one of the upgrades placed on the Tomcat. It was there during the Hydaransz System mission, placed by Starfleet techs, under supervision by on of Jasmines most trusted agents and advised by a Tal'Shiar operative. The Romulan disguised as a human was found out and coerced into helping, what saddened Jasmine was that on the way back to their base the shuttle carrying the Romulan agent turned turncoat was killed by some Section 31 agent. she received proof that S31 did it, so she had set plans in motion that would destroy S31 slowly.

Jasmine smiled at Sheela's back, yes she had chosen well in making Sheela CIO, the Mousian had more contact sources than any other Intel Officer in Starfleet. oO You go Girl Oo She said to herself, then Cahill spoke so Somers turned to face the CMO.

Once Sheela found out she was on the Away Team. She unplugged her case, shut down the secondary Comms station after double encrypting with standard SFI encryption, what she had done. She carried the case off the bridge with her. En-route to her quarters to store the case, before heading to transporter Room 1.

- Transporter Room 1 -

Sheela entered the Transporter Room, wearing her usual attire, All black, except for the big yellow smiley face on her tank top. Looking at the Doctor. "Iz hope yooz brought anti Orion pheromones spray." As she inserted two nose filters into her nostrils and checked her bulging cargo pockets on her black cargo pants. Her hair was in a pony tail which hanged a bit heavier than usual.

Sheela approached the transporter console and moved the operator over and programmed one of the pads to send her, nearby, but out of sight of the gathering.

She settled on the pad she had set up for herself.

Cahill smiled at Sheela, and passed her the spray. “Here is a couple of sprays just for you Sheela. I know what you mean. But I deal with them as needed. I actually enjoy diplomatic missions and always hope to achieve the best outcome.” Cahill said.

Sheela smiled warmly at the Doctor, “Thank yooz," Taking the offered spray and pocketing it. “Iz hope the best also. But be prepared for the worse, Doc.”

She studies the Doctor for awhile, taking note of the youthfulness of the doctor. oO hope she's a lot tougher than she looks Oo Sheela thought to herself. Sheela looked down and then up at the Doctor again. She began to check her weapons and other gear she had on her.

Cahill pulled out 2 vials of the spray and gave them to Sheela. "If you need more let me know and I will give it to you. Some species’ have a problem with the Orion’s. But I have been able to adjust to it." Cahill explained.

Just then the rest of the team arrived, along with the First Officer, all stood on the transporter pad and were beamed down.

Sheela smiled as took the refills from the doctor. Putting them with the hypo-spray. Then sat down and eyes closed as if she had fallen asleep sitting on the transporter pad, waiting for the rest of the away team to arrive.

Maia looked at Lt Sheela and Dr Cahill..

"You two ready?"

Sheela stood up, nodding to Maia, "Iz ready."

She looked at Sheela “Commander Sterling and I have worked several missions together, Lieutenant” She said.

Cahill takes her place on a transport spot near the XO, so that she could stay close in case she was needed quickly. But would not crowed the first officer, if there is trouble a little separation would come in handy.

"Alright Chief beam us down". Maia said.

- Planets Surface Galen IV -

Maia and the away team materialized on a large ledge on the side of a mountain which provided a great view of the continental divide of Galen IV. Turning around she saw that a large amphitheatre with a large stone table in the middle in the shape of a pentagon. There were several Talarian’s running about preparing for the meetings, and serving food and drinks. Various flags were set up, representing the Talarian’s; the Romulan's the Cardassian's, the Rigellian's and The Orion Confederacy.

Maia straightened her tunic and went into the gathering.

"I am Lt Commander Maia Sterling, this is Dr Cahill and this is Lt Sheela of the starship Tomcat representing the United Federation of Planets. We come to serve."

Sheela stayed behind the other two, eyes darting about the area, hanging back a bit as she stayed in the shadows of the big Amphitheatre. Looking over the others than the delegates for anything that hinted at a possible threat to the meeting of the Delegates.

They beamed down and introductions are made. Cahill stood at attention with respect when introduced by Commander Sterling. She did however notice some activity among the others already there. I see a Cardassian Doctor standing nearby and smiled her way.

She spoke with respect and maintained eye contact with her, a form of respect among Cardassian’s. "So nice to know there is another doctor here to discuss medical protocols with. We in Starfleet medical like to establish medical protection and exchange treatment methods in the interest of peace."

The Cardassian Doctor looked at her in a suspicious manner and returns the greeting. "I am Dr Cultz and look forward to talking also Dr Cahill."

The Male Talarian stood up straight and nodded in greeting searching for the Terran form of greeting, he settled on the easiest to remember "Hello Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenants, I am Administrator Krolick I run this Colony, I assume you are here in response to these unwanted intrusions by Orion slavers who are backed by the Syndicate?" He asked.

"That is one of my mission parameters, yes". Cdr Sterling replied.

Smiling as he took note of the uniforms "Excellent" He said then looked at Sheela "Lieutenant Sheela, our database is available to you, there is nothing secret in it but it does contain all current data we have on the movements of these Orion slavers" He said indicating the Communications building.

"While you are going over our data, we will speak" He said indicating Cahill and Sterling.

Administrator Krolick seemed to be leading Sterling and Cahill over to the meeting table where other officers were talking, some arguing.

"I believe that you know some of these ships Captain's?" He asked.

Maia nodded at the assembled officers.

"Maia Sterling Executive officer of the Starship Tomcat." Maia reminded them.

"Will we be seeing your Commander at some point?" He asked Sterling thinking it strange that the Tomcat's Captain would assign their First Officer, but all species did things differently. "These ship Captains are here for the same reason you are, so we can discuss how to combat these Slavers" He finished.

"I am sure that you will. The tactical situation is fairly precarious to say the least and the syndicate will prove to be a difficult foe." Maia replied.

Cahill snapped to attention, “I look forward to speaking Administrator Krolick.” She followed him and Commander Sterling. It was unusual to be asked to a meeting like this and Alexanderia could not help but wonder what was up.

She checked her Phasers location and remained close but allowed some spacing between herself and the others just in case. Wanting to be to careful but also watching out for what may or may not happen.

Smiling as he led them to the conference room when all the arguing ship commanders fell silent as they looked up to see who was entering.

“I have no doubt Commander, but I wish you luck with this bunch if I can be of any assistance please ask” He said.

Cahill enters the room behind them and notice what seems like confusion. But she knew it was a normal procedure when different groups are trying to come to and agreement. Then she heard the message from Lieutenant Sheela and make like it is normal chatter.

She saw several groups represented and also see several doctors from other ships as well. oO Perhaps we can work out a medical solution to how to deal with all the injured when they are rescued Oo She thought to herself and she maintained a post near Commander Sterling, as Protocol called for.

As Sheela left them he led the remaining pair into a large briefing room "I believe that you know some of these ships Captains?" He asked.

“I have no doubt Commander, but I wish you luck with this bunch if I can be of any assistance please ask”. He said.

"Thank you Administrator" Maia said after being taken to the conference room.

Maia looked around at the squabbling ship commanders, they all seemed to have staked out certain territories yet they were failing to act as a team. Maia wondered what stakes the Romulan's or Cardassian's or even the Orion's had in this sector. This sector seemed to be divided into three subsets which each major power claimed to control, however the Orion Pirates were really the ones who controlled the entire sector. The Federation was brought in to take care of the syndicate problem because none of the other powers had been able to get the upper hand.

Maia knew there was more to meet the eye in this sector but wondered why the Federation had taken such an active interest in wanting to control this sector of space. The way the other captains were arguing you would have thought that they were protecting from a Dominion or Borg incursion. Maia also wondered where the Orion Syndicate had gotten its temporal technology from. They must have stolen it or acquired it by some other means.

- Colony Database Room - Talarian Security Databank -

Sheela entered the building after the escort, looking around for any possible traps, seeing others already there busy at work. She wrinkled her muzzle as she was given a work station to ply her trade.

She searched through her pockets for a smaller version of the case she used on the Tomcat. She hooked up the device and began to dig into the database of the Colony. Her claws clicked on the console and keyboard making the screen flash as she goes through many screens, windows and typing in commands and codes. Her small case LED lights flashed rapidly as she worked, going into files that were deeply buried.

Her ears constantly swivelled to pick up any sound indicating a threat to her as she focused on her infiltration of the colony's database.

"Will we be seeing your Commander at some point?" He asked Sterling thinking it strange that the Tomcat's Captain would assign their First Officer, but all species did things differently. "These ship Captains are here for the same reason you are, so we can discuss how to combat these Slavers" He finished.

Sheela suddenly squeak/giggles as she read several documents and quickly tapped her com-badge. =/\=  "Commander Sterling," =/\=  Switching to Federation Code speak that Mai would know, =/\= There is a very large Dilithium, Duranium, Titanium, Industrial Diamond deposits and a plant that produces a chemical that is part of the formula for Ketricel-White. < Squeak!" =/\=

Sheela unplugged her case and pocketed it as one hand quickly left the file she just raided and ex-filtrated from the computer system, where she didn't belong. Ears perked up and swiveling as the others looked at her speaking gibberish.

She smile at the rest as their screen began acting up and booting them out from the system, raising alarms from the Orion's Console with big red letters in Talarian. Keeping out of the way of Talarian Security forces as they rushed into see what was the ruckus.

Suddenly Maia's Commbadge went off. She excused herself and moved off.

=/\= Commander Sterling =/\= Switching to Federation Code speak that Maia would know, =/\= There is a very large Dilithium, Duranium, Titanium, Industrial Diamond deposits and a plant that produces a chemical that is part of the formula for Ketricel-White. *Squeak!*"=/\=

=/\= Lt Sheela, Try to get samples and actual sensor readings if you are able, good work Sterling out. =/\=

=/\= Understood, will do Mez will get yooz what yooz want =/\= Sheela said.

Krolick looked around as explosions and noise sounded and with most of the other delegates took cover, only the Klingon stood with the Humans, for their own reasons the other Commanders remained with him. He only remained in the background because he was an administrator and not a soldier, this was his excuse. oO What is their excuses Oo He thought looking at the other Captain's.

Meanwhile.......

Talarian security started showing up in droves. Klaxons started going off.

"What is the problem are we under attack?" Maia asked.

=/\= "Lt Sheela, Try to get samples and actual sensor readings if you are able, good work Sterling out". =/\=

Sheela smiled and took off, slipping through Talarian Security Forces as they rushed to deal with the computer intrusion and the Orion Tech Specialist. She scampered off the main routes and others to avoid the Talarian Security forces on her new mission to get samples for Sterling.

Talarian security started showing up in droves. Klaxons started going off.

"What is the problem are we under attack"? Maia asked.

Sheela was in her element running free and fast towards the Talarian’s' Science Buildings. The Talarian’s were coming out of their homes to see what the ruckus was all about.

- Meeting Hall -

Sheela entered the filing room and began to go through the files. Looking for the desired information. As she was digging deeper through the files, she felt the building shake a bit as the dust fell from the ceiling. She took a quick breath as she worked. She blinked and wondered what the caused the tremor. She knew what her computer virus would do. But effect anything at would go boom? She found the thick file she was looking for.

She sat on the floor and set the file in her lap and began to scan the sheets into her wrist computer, flipping through them quickly, getting as much as she can.

She hoped Sterling and the Doctor was okay and surviving the ruckus, she had initiated to cover up her intrusion. She knew where to look to find the information. As she scanned the last sheet, the door burst open and walked in a Scientist Secretary with another load of files to be stored.

"Squeak?" Sheela spoke softly.

She let out a shriek from hell as papers, files folders flew thirty different direction. She did a 180 turn and ran down the hall screaming loudly. Sheela left the file on the floor within the mess and exited the room and fled the opposite way down the corridor towards one of the many fire exits.

Sheela made it to her new objective and slipped into the building through the side door some Talarian Employee left open. Scampering about the building, like she was on an errand for some Manager.

Cahill heard the klaxons going off, and nudged Commander Sterling's arm and pointed to a place where they could have a defensive position if needed. oO I hope she takes the message. I don't like being in the open when alarms go off for unknown reasons. Oo Cahill thought to herself.

Finally speaking "Perhaps we may need to take a position where we can achieve cover if there is an attack and we need to fight Commander, it will give us a chance if we need to defend ourselves."

Good Idea, where would you suggest we go, this is an open space". Maia said wondering what Lt Sheela was up to...

oO Better call the Tomcat Oo Maia thought.

Season 2 Ep 1 Page 3