Stardate 87786.47
Location: Hromi Cluster
Commander Roell Janar thumbed through the astrometric readings pouring into his command chair. The USS Crusher had been assigned to conduct a top secret research mission of the Hromi system's particularly volatile and untouched resources.
"Long range sensors are picking up a class one nebula, Captain," reported Ensign Ewan Kelly from his ops station. The red-haired officer spoke with an excitement that most aboard the bridge quickly adopted.
"Is protomatter present?" Janar inquired, looking up at the viewscreen with nearly solid black eyes. Kelly punched up a visual of the nebula without needing to be told to do so. In the distance, the swirling cloud of gray-green gas sparkled with irradiated space dust.
"More than enough to meet our needs, Captain."
"Lieutenant Mavel, take us in at three-quarters impulse and maintain orbit around the nebula."
"Aye sir," the Bajoran flight controller assented as he laid in the course.
The Federation had outlawed protomatter research back in the 23rd century, citing its hazardous properties to be more trouble than its worth, despite its highly reactive potential. Section 31, however, was now looking into using protomatter in torpedo warheads, an application that would make short work of even a Vo'Quv-class warship. The commanding officers of Section 31 had entrusted Janar to study the unstable form of matter and work towards a viable weapons application. The task was a daunting one, but the Betazoid was intent on delivering his superiors the results they wanted. The war could change drastically in the Federation's favor if Janar could successfully integrate protomatter into Starfleet's arsenal.
"Captain, an Orion vessel just appeared on our sensors," Lieutenant Commander RhomIra zh'Hess reported from the tactical console. The Andorian woman stood at her station, body tense and antennae twitching.
"Red alert. Scan for any other ships in this sector." the commander ordered, sitting a little straighter in his chair. After a few moments, zh'Hess shook her head.
"None, sir. The Orion ship isn't powering up defensive systems either. Nor is it in any particular hurry to get away from us."
Quirking a languid brow, Janar leaned forward.
"Either they don't think a research vessel is much of a threat, or they're flying blind. Kelly, put the enemy vessel onscreen."
"Aye sir." The image of the tranquil nebula was replaced by the Orion vessel on a steady, measured course.
"Open hailing frequencies." Upon hearing the familiar trill of an open channel, Janar began to speak in a punctilious, commanding tone. "This is Captain Roell Janar of the Federation starship Crusher. You are trespassing dangerously close to Federation space. Alter course now." The Hromi cluster was situated closer to the Federation side of the Klingon border and the Crusher had every right to be here, but the nature of his mission and station were above classified, and one pirate could have the power to expose his work. Janar would not risk it.
"No response, Captain." Kelly reported.
"Well let's give them something to respond to," Janar said, nodding to his tactical officer. "Fire a warning shot across their bow." The Andorian laid in the weapon trajectory and onscreen, a bright blue beam of superheated energy swept across the Orion vessel's bow, stripping the hull of its darkly colored plating. Their shields weren't even raised. A knot of apprehension began to form in the pit of Janar's stomach.
"They're diverting power to engines! They're going to make a run for it!" zh'Hess barked, eager for the fight.
"Their heading?"
"The vessel is making a beeline for the nebula sir."
"Lay in a pursuit course, full impulse," Janar ordered his helmsman. Then, looking at his tactical officer, added, "Disable their engines when in weapons range."
"Aye sir," zh'Hess grinned, relaying his commands to her lightboard. Unable to share his compatriots' enthusiasm, Janar instead leaned back in his command chair and waited to see how this encounter would play out.
