Star Trek: The Nara-Maru Files
Akagi-Maru Incident
On Stardate: 53049.2
(The 24th Century)
The war with the Dominion had ended almost a year ago and the Federation had begun the slow and arduous task of repairing and rebuilding Starfleet after suffering seemly disastrous losses in manpower and equipment, with many old and outdated Starships having been refit and pressed back into service during the final year of the Dominion War, Starfleet now existed with an outdated Fleet of ships and it had become clear to all who survived the war itself that something now had to be done in the event that another foreign power could arise up from the Power-Vacuum left by the fall of Cardassia and the subsequent withdrawal of the Dominion from the Alpha-Quadrant itself.
The only surprise after the war was the seemingly unnatural assistance of the Ferengi under the leadership of Grand Nagus Rom, recently appointed leader of the New Ferengi Alliance and the Brother of Quark, the bartender at Deep Space Nine.
As the seemingly outdated vessels continued with the heavy military presence, it seemed as if Starfleet had taken a step backwards as decommissioned first and second generation Constellation, Excelsior, Miranda and even the Oberth Classes had been pressed back into service along with the remaining Constitution Class Starships for defence of the Federation Core Worlds including Earth itself while Starfleet attempted to recover from its devastating losses by repairing and building new versions of Akira, Defiant, Galaxy, Sovereign and Nebula Classes while pressing the Prometheus Class vessel into service as soon as possible in a program of recovery and expansion as they searched for any new allies they could bring into the severely weakened United Federation of Planets.
So far and remaining as a possible Ally to the Federation, worlds on the rim of known space had offered assistance in the way of ship yards for repairs along with the newly reformed Iolian Unity under the leadership of Regent Akamartus'Seklek VI, brother of Teela, a highly telepathic and unusual Iolian Female whom had given up her role within the Iolian Royal Court to remain as a freighter operator with her partner, Former Starfleet Lieutenant Asami Hirayama. Although still welcome in the Royal Court as equals, they two Freighter Operators had developed a reputation within the Federation, Iolian Unity and their allies as a formidable opponents in their chosen profession as they where often hired by both Governments for transport of dignitaries between the two powers when it was necessary to move around unnoticed and undetected especially in light of the rise in Privateer attacks on merchant shipping lanes by an as of yet unknown force.
Once again called before the Regent for what was yet another transport assignment, it had appeared as if all they now did was transport personnel and equipment too and from Federation Space since the Iolian-Federation Alliance had been established. Although highly profitable for the Freighter Operators since they where now able to acquire two more vessels of the same class as the Nara-Maru and rebuild them too the same specifications as their primary vessel itself, finding a crew to man either vessel had become difficult since many other Freighter Companies throughout the Alpha and Beta Quadrants had purchased their own former 'Archer-Class', a small and fast vessel which seemed to be ideal for transport of small and valuable items.
Seated once again in the office of the Regent, Asami and Teela looked over the files once more as the Regent nodded slightly as he spoke with a deep and powerful voice.
"… You do realise that this is Top-Priority especially since the Ambassador himself asked for you specifically?"
"I realise that Marty, but do you realise that we have 2'000 boxes of Valerian Chocolates in twenty crates that are starting to rot in our hanger? The smell is almost unbearable" Said Asami with a deep growl.
"We can't get them out because of the fact that we are busy with this personnel run all the damned time"
"I understand that Teela…" Called out her brother, the Regent. "You have two new vessels to…"
"Vessels yes, but no trained crews! The way things are going right now, in six weeks… those… Boxes will walk out of that Hanger under their own power… not to mention on the last run, the Nara-Maru took a few well placed hits from an Orion Cruiser that almost destroyed our Starboard Nacelle. Marty, we need to put a hold on this… little game of yours" Asami said quickly.
"Asami is right my Brother, do you have any idea of how toxic Valerian Chocolates can be once they start to biodegrade? The… acid they create will burn through those crates and quiet possibly contaminate anything near by. If you don't believe us of the smell, drop by later today. I'm not joking you, we've had to bring three Androids in the hanger since the staff has quite!"
"Do you realise my Sister, that you have acquired an Earth Accent? You sound like your partner with each day that passes" The Regent said with a smile. "This will be your last run for awhile, on that I give you my word. Once it is over, you will have the time you need to dispose of your problems"
"Thank you brother. And if I sound like Asami, I take that as a compliment. Now, the… assignment?" Teela said with a smile at Asami.
"Very well. You will proceed too the planet Akamara IV and once in orbit, the Ambassador will transport onboard where you will deliver him to the Klingon Homeworld…"
"Sounds like a Milk-Run Marty!" Asami said with a slight laugh.
"Forgive me Asami, I do not understand…"
"Forget it. Once he is on the Qo'noS, then what?"
"Nothing, your… assignment is complete. The usual payment will be made in the usual way. Half upon acceptance and the remainder upon completion will be sent to you from the Klingon Homeworld. Do we… 'Have a… Deal?'" He said with an Earth Accent.
"Yeah, sure… why not" Asami said quickly. "It'll take at least four days at Maximum Warp to reach Akamara IV a further four days too Qo'noS. unfortunately, the Nara-Maru is down for repairs… let's hope the Akagi-Maru is up for the job. We've only taken her out once before and that was… not so successful…"
"Why do the Klingons not send one of their ships for the Ambassador, or event he Federation?"
"Regrettably, they have no vessels available at this time" The Regent said with a large smile.
"You see Teela, you pick a fight with the neighbourhood bully… and they give you a bloody nose for the trouble" Asami said as Teela laughed while the Regent looked confused for a moment. "Forget about it Marty, we'll take this little hop, but only for you. Who is the Ambassador?"
"Regrettably, I do not know. But he knows of the both of you"
"Well, then I guess… retirement is off the books for today Missy, we should be off then Brother" Teela laughed. "See you in a few weeks"
After travelling the distance towards their hanger onboard their own personal ground vehicle, a faithfully parts-replicated and hand build ancient Earth Jeep Wrangler, the two Freighter operators finally entered their hanger as the powerful smell hit them instantly as they covered their mouths and noses with a breathing mask. Although some protection was given, the foul smell still found a way through the masks as they ran towards the three ships in the hanger bay. Normally, Asami would simply look at the three almost identical ships before boarding the correct vessel, however this time she ran into the airlock and sealed the doors behind them both as the outside air was evacuated before they both removed their masks.
"Is it my imagination, or is that getting worse?"
"No… it's worse Teela. Why not just vaporise it an cut our losses?"
"I'm considering it… come on, let's get this over with…" She said as she activated the inner door and stepped onto the Akagi-Maru.
"Anything you say. Do you remember me telling you about that world I once visited on the other-side of the quadrant?"
"Risa?" Teela said with a large smile.
"Not that one, I know you've never been. The other one, the water-world with a few islands around the equator. Nothing to do but strip off, run naked and enjoy the sun, when this is done… I'll take you there and we can just layback with not a soul on the planet and enjoy ourselves…"
"That sounds nice. Second Honeymoon?" Teela said with a large smile.
"Of course!"
With the roof retracted, the small vessel on the left of the row of three slowly lifted off from the ground and disappeared into the bluish-green skies above, as they left the atmosphere of the planet, the warp nacelles activated as the double-stacked warp nacelles on either side spread into a cross like configuration before the vessel leapt into high warp towards their destination.
Akagi-Maru Journal.
We've been at high warp now for almost four days as we approach the first leg of this journey and so far, the vessel has performed beyond all expectations. Since we where ahead of schedule we have just completed a test on the new weapon systems to great effect.
I am also pleased to report that I have had some personal time to spend with my loving wife Asami; during our journey. I now regret that this tie must end as we are now forced to put on our clothes and pick up the Ambassador, although I find her proposal of two weeks of sun, sand and surf… as a welcome break from these Milk Runs… I can't wait to spend some more time alone with her.
Stepping onto the bridge of the Akagi-Maru, Teela seemed to pull at her blouse slightly as she sat at the console next to Asami as the planet grew in size before her. The seemingly purple oceans below reflected the skies above as the lush green landmasses gave an impressive variation of colour as a signal echoed over the speakers around them.
"Unidentified Vessel, we have you on our Scanners… state your purpose!" A deep male voice declared.
"His is the Transport Vessel Akagi-Maru enroute from the planet Iolia Prime. I am transmitting our confirmation codes and authorisation records" Teela said with a pleasant voice.
"Stand By Akagi-Maru"
Instantly the channel had been closed as the transmission was sent while Asami looked at Teela and laughed.
"Pleasant folk, aren't they. Would you calm down?"
"I can't. this jacket is pinching me in a very… delicate place" Teela laughed.
"No wander, it's mine. You're a lot bigger around the chest then I am" Asami said with a large smile.
"Transport Vessel Akagi-Maru, permission to enter orbit has been confirmed. You are four hours early, can you explain this?"
"Yes! We thought we'd make a good impression, our transporter bay is ready to receive the Ambassador" Asami said quickly.
"Your good impression is noted. The Ambassador will be notified and transport onboard shortly, Control out!"
"Very friendly. Well, let's meet our… guest. The sooner this crap is over, the sooner we can enjoy ourselves" Asami said with a laughter and a large smile.
"Of course. Let me change this jacket first?"
"No Teela! It's tight and I like it that way"
With the signal for transport given, Asami and Teela stood before the Cargo-Transporter as a large male form materialised before them. Standing tall and proud while wearing a large hood and cloak over the Klingon uniform, a face slowly appeared as the two women walked towards him in shock.
"Worf?" The both said in unison.
"Thank you for the… ride. A pleasure as always" He said as he removed his hood.
"Worf! What the hell are you doing in our neck-of-the-woods?" Asami said as she hugged him.
"I can not say Asami, it is good to see you both once again"
"And you old friend. Welcome aboard the Akagi-Maru" Teela said as she hugged him.
"Akagi-Maru?" He said slowly. "Has the… Nara-Maru…"
"Crippled and being repaired…" Asami said with pride. "… This one is new. Same design, her first real outing. Her name means… 'Honoured Warrior' In Ancient Iolian, after you my friend"
"I am honoured" He said as he stepped off the platform.
"Well, since you already know the way around, we've set you up in B-Quarters. They're not as big as what you maybe used too, Mister Ambassador… We didn't know who to expect so we added a recreation module on the port side…"
"What is that odour?" He said as he sniffed the air.
"Ohh, sorry about that. That smell won't go away… decaying Valerian Chocolates. I thought we'd gotten rid of that smell" Teela said with anger.
"It is… intoxicating"
"Really? You like it?" Teela said with a large frown.
"Yes!"
"Well Teela, I think we know what to do with those crates now"
"Klingon perfume?" Asami laughed. "Is there such a thing? Well, this way Worf, let us show you around this new ship"
Akagi-Maru Journal.
We've been at Warp for two days now as we've set course for Klingon Space and the journey is taking a little longer then we thought since we've had to adjust our course to avoid a few… battle simulations set up between the Klingon Empire and some of the latest Starfleet vessels, this morning we caught a glimpse of one of the new Prometheus Class ships, it's an impressive vessel. Not as big as I thought, but still… she's an amazing ship. Ambassador Worf has acclimatised himself with our new ship, even offered a few new and interesting upgrades for us to use on these ships, it's good to have him onboard. He's taken the helm a few times over the past couple of days which gave myself and Teela a chance for time alone together…
Stepping onto the bridge once more, Asami seemed too blush as she relieved Worf of the helm as he gave a thorough report on what had happened as he piloted the ship.
"… I have adjusted our course four times to avoid gravitational anomalies, we are now back on course for Qo'noS"
"Thank you my friend… no unusual activity in the region?" Asami said quickly.
"Nothing of noteworthy" He said slowly. "The vessel has… an unusual tendency of pulling to portside, on occasion"
"We've noticed, I think the port injectors are out of alignment again. I'll fix t when we return home" She said with a smile. "Go get some sleep Worf, we'll let you know if anything happens"
"Yes, Captain" He nodded.
"Good Night, Mister Ambassador" She replied with a mock old-earth salute.
"That was the wrong hand!" He said as he walked towards the exit.
As he reached the exit off of the bridge, an alarm sounded around the ship which caught his attention almost right away, as Asami checked the readout on the console before her, her jaw dropped as her face seemingly turned to stone with shock at what she saw.
"Worf, you'd better get back here… Teela, Get in here!" She yelled with shock.
Looking back at the screen before the two of them, Asami switched the view of the star trails at warp speeds to the view of what appeared to be a small vessel moving away from them at medium warp speeds. Magnifying the image on the screen, she looked shocked at the vessel she saw moving away from them as Worf stepped at her side.
"Now I've not seen that kind of a ship before Worf, tell me if I am wrong… but that looks an awful lot like…"
"A Jem'Hadar long range fighter…" Worf said slowly as he sat at the station next too her.
"Shit, I was hoping I was wrong. I thought those things left with the Dominion withdrawal from the Alpha Quadrant?" Asami said with shock. "They haven't seen us, let's hope that new Cloak works as well as it was designed to do"
At the flick of a switch on the helm before her, the tiny vessel disappeared from view as they kept a close eye on the former enemy ship while it moved away slowly. Reacting on instinct, she altered course to pursue the vessel at a safe distance while Teela stepped onto the bridge and looked at the screen with shock as she spoke.
"You're not actually following that thing, are you?"
"I want to know what they are up to Teela, any objections?" Asami said slowly.
"No… just keep your distance. I assume the cloak is working?"
"Of course. Worf, take the third station, I'm transferring tactical control to that station now. Teela, take the fourth… I'm transferring Engineering and Sciences over. Worf, standby on weapons, I want to know the instant they turn our way… we'll blow them out of the stars before they have a chance to lock a weapon onto us" Asami said as the vessel became tactically ready in an instant.
At their stations, the crew of three followed the vessel for what seemed like hours until it rendezvoused with two other Jem'Hadar vessels of identical class before leaping into high warp once more. Running almost at maximum speeds, the Akagi-Maru maintained a safe distance as the crew observed the former enemy vessels until they dropped out of warp with their weapons charged and fired upon what appeared to be an old Pakled Tradeship which had been converted into a freighter. Worf looked on with shock as he kept his fingers over the weapons control as they watched while the vessels attacked the transport. Looking up from her console, Teela spoke quickly as she reported.
"Their shields are down… Worf have you ever seen this tactic before in Jem'Hadar?"
"No, never" He said with a deep frown.
"Teela, can you see what that ship is carrying?" Asami said.
"Scanning, several tons of refined Dilithium, Duranium composites. They're beaming onboard the transport and it looks as if they are after what appears to be… Yridium Bicantizine" She said as she read out the display before her.
"I think we've found out Pirates… but, why would the want Yridium…" Asami said with confusion.
"Yridium Bicantizine is a… chemical compound which is one of the active ingredients in… Ketracel White. The drug that all Jem'Hadar are genetically addicted too" Worf said quickly.
"Ohh hell no. If memory serves and once I hope it doesn't they can't survive without it, right?" Teela said quickly.
"It is used by the Founders of the Dominion to keep the Jem'Hadar subservient" Said Worf as he looked at them both.
"I am no longer reading life-signs on the freighter… they have opened fire, it's been destroyed" Teela said with sadness in her voice.
"We have to alert Starfleet, they should know about this" Worf said quickly.
"It would take them too long to assemble a fleet and get this far out. We should track them, find out where they go and then… call in the cavalry" Asami said with a look of hatred in her eyes. "Any objections?"
"Asami, this is a Freighter… not a Starship. This vessel is not capable of repelling an attack by three Dominion ships" Teela said quickly. "She wasn't built for this… we should call for help"
"And what if they detect our signal Honey? We'd be destroyed along with those pour bastards on that ship. This is not a command structure here, we need a vote. I say we follow them and see what happens, Worf?"
"To die in glorious battle is the wish of every Klingon Warrior. Nevertheless, if we die here… we may never discover the true purpose behind these attacks. We follow" He said with a strange grin on his face.
"Teela, it's up to you. We all vote yes, or we leave right now" Asami said quickly.
"Ahh hell! I could never say no too you. We follow, at a safe distance"
"Then it's settled… we go where ever they go. May the gods protect us in our endeavour" Asami said quickly.
"You read the ancient scrolls I gave you?" Teela said with a laugh.
"No, just browsed the highlights… Setting pursuit course, matching their speed as… warp seven"