A/N – The prologue now reflects the destruction of Romulus as the catalyst for the war with the Breen.
Prologue
On stardate 5880.0607 (2387 AD), the Sigma Draconis star exploded destroying the Romulan Star Empire's homeworld of Romulus. It is commonly agreed that its destruction was the catalyst for the new war.
After the destruction of Romulus, the Breen, one of signatories of the Treaty of Bajor, sensed weakness and pounced. A fleet of approximately three Breen ships poured into the Alpha Quadrant and conducted a massive and well-orchestrated surprise attack against all four of the Alpha Quadrant superpowers: the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, the Cardassian Union and the Federation of Planets.
The Breen emerged victorious and captured several key systems in the Alpha Quadrant. Reeling from the defeat, the Alpha Quadrant powers form a tepid alliance to combat the Breen.
How the Breen achieved such a decisive victory is unknown. Why they attacked is an enigma. What is certain is that if the tide of war continues Starfleet's defeat is inescapable, the destruction of the Federation inevitable and the fall of the Alpha Quadrant itself, irrevocable.
EPISODE I: TRIAL BY FIRE
Chapter 1:
Legends
Commissioned on stardate 5882.1102 (2389 AD) Enterprise-F symbolizes a significant shift in Starfleet Command's strategy in the design of Federation starships. Unlike her predecessors, Enterprise-F is highly militarized and lacks the civilian aspects of previous iterations. From multi-phasic shields to temporal sensors systems, and quantum torpedoes to multi-spectrum phaser banks, Enterprise-F represented the pinnacle of Federation technology. For all the Federation's advancements in starship design technology, Enterprise-F's trans-warp drive is the stuff of legend. Capable of warp 9.995, Enterprise-F could out run any ship in the Alpha Quadrant.
Enterprise-F's bridge is a third larger than that of the Enterprise-D. Spacious and oval in shape, it houses two turbolifts at either end divide the rear of the bridge. The rear of the bridge is lined with stations that control everything from artificial gravity to the warp inducing nacelles. The front half of the bridge is less crowded and mostly occupied by a magnificent main viewer screen 40 feet wide by 10 feet high. Two silkscreened pathways that lead from the turbolifts proudly adorn the Starfleet insignia which repeats again in larger scale at the base of the main viewer. At the center of the bridge, closest to the main view, are three terminals. From the captain's perspective at port (left) is helm control. Operations is at starboard (right) and at center is tactical.
Jonathan Kirk rises from the captain's chair and stands tall. Jonathan Kirk, son of Peter Kirk and grandson of George Kirk, is the great nephew of James T. Kirk. Though charming, intelligent and motivated, Jonathan lacks the confidence of his great uncle and struggles from the pressure of living up to the Kirk name. Jonathan's admiration for the new Enterprise variant is interrupted by an incoming transmission.
"Sir, we are receiving a distress signal," says Marina Riker stationed at operations.
Marina Riker, Human-Betazoid, daughter of William and Deanna Troy Riker, raven-haired and blue-eyed, carries herself with a gracefulness that could only be attributed to her mother. A graduate student of physiology, psychology and linguistics, she is as obsessed with the biology of the living organisms as she is with sentient behavior. Enthusiastic and compassionate, Marina is open, caring and quick to offer care to those who are in need.
"On speaker," replies Jonathan Kirk.
"This is the Kobayashi Maru. We have struck a clocked mine. Our hull has been breached and we have sustained many causalities..." says the Captain of the Kobayashi Maru.
The captain's voice breaks up and momentarily cuts out.
Kobayashi Maru your transmission is breaking up, do you receive us?" replies Marina Riker.
Silence is the only response.
"Tactical. Display data for the Kobayashi Maru on main viewer," orders Jonathan Kirk.
Alexander, son of Worf, calls up data on the Kobayashi Maru to the main viewer. Raised by his father's parents, Alexander did not inherit his father's physical stature or presence, and so fosters a deep insecurity surrounding his origins. However, he did acquire his mother's beauty as many of his peers consider him quite handsome. Alexander's attempt to integrate with his people failed during the Dominion war and so he made the difficult choice to enlist in Starfleet. Alexander struggles to find his calling feeling imprisoned by the colorful history and notoriety of his family's past.
"Kobayashi Maru, Class III Neutronic Fuel Carrier, Crew 81, Passengers 350," reads out an automated computer voice.
"Damn, 50 more passengers," remarks Jonathan Kirk.
Marina Riker tries again to hail the distressed ship.
"Enterprise to Kobayashi Maru, do you receive us?" repeats Riker.
"...Enterprise, we've lost main power and are unable to maintain life support..." replies the Captain of the Kobayashi Maru.
"Enterprise to Kobayashi Maru, can you give us your coordinates?"
"Enterprise, our position is Delta Hydra, section 10. Enterprise, can you assist? Can you assist?!"
Jonathan turns to Alexander:"Tactical, position analysis of the Kobayashi Maru on the main viewer,"
The Kobayashi Maru flashes as a small blue dot deep beyond a web-shaped grid labeled the 'neutral zone.'
"They are deep in neutral zone territory. We shouldn't even bother," Alexander Worf yawns. Jonathan shoots him a look, but the Klingon just shakes his head and grunts.
Jonathan points harshly for Alexander to return his attention to the console.
"Yes sir," Alexander Worf replies as he reluctantly turns back to his station.
Jonathan forcefully keys his titanium-colored triangular-shaped communicator pinned to his Starfleet cadet uniform.
"Bridge to Engineering, standby for trans-warp speed,"
"Acknowledge Bridge," replies Chief Engineer Gates.
Jonathan takes a seat in the captain's chair and shuffles in it for comfort. He finds none and then simply leans forward. "Helm, plot an intercept course for the neutral zone,"
"May I remind the captain that entering the neutral zone is a violation of treaty," Saren Spock interjects in a methodically slow and calm monotone.
Saren Spock, daughter of Spock and Saavik, is half vulcan, one-quarter Romulan and one-quarter Human. Being of mixed heritage, Saren suffered through a very difficult childhood. Though highly intelligent and resourceful, Saren's inability to control her temper in extreme situations threatens to derail her career in Starfleet. But in this instance, she speaks from reason and without emotion.
"Noted; engage," responds Kirk.
Saren simply returns her attention to the sensor readings of her science station without further protest. Outside, Enterprise-F's immense hull appears to briefly stretch out to infinity before jumping to warp. On the bridge the crew waits quietly as they approach their destination.
"ETA sixty seconds," reports Worf.
Jonathan keys his insignia.
"Bridge to transporter room, standby transporters to beam all survivors directly to Shuttle Bay 2,"
"Acknowledged bridge," says a crewwoman's voice over the communicator.
Jonathan taps his communicator again.
"Shuttle Bay 1, stand by shuttle craft to retrieve escape pods," he says.
"Shuttle Bay 1 acknowledges,"
A third keying of his insignia completes the trio of orders.
"Captain to Med Bay, standby to receive casualties in Shuttle Bay 2,"
"Med Bay acknowledges,"
Enterprise-F drops out of trans-warp and approaches the lifeless Kobayashi Maru, but does so by crossing an invisible yet sacrosanct boundary.
"Warning, USS Enterprise has entered the neutral zone. USS Enterprise is now in violation..." reports the automated computer with its mechanical intonations.
"Discontinue automated warnings," Kirk interrupts.
"Yes sir," replies Genevieve Picard and deactivates the warnings from her console and then focuses her piercing blue eyes ahead on the main viewer.
Genevieve Picard – the product love child of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and Vash. Tragically, Vash died while Genevieve was still a child. Only later in womanhood was her existence revealed, to which most would have celebrated. However, Admiral Picard never accepted Genevieve as his daughter. Vash's life was in stark contrast to the admiral's and so her relationship with her revered father remained distant.
"Hail them," orders Kirk.
"Enterprise to Kobayashi Maru, please respond?" calls Riker. After a moment, she echoes the call again. "Enterprise to Kobayashi Maru, do you receive us?"
Another long moment passes.
"Sir, I've lost their signal," she reports.
"Scans indicate there are no ships in the vicinity!" Exclaims Worf.
"Sir! Three D'deridex-class, B-type Romulan Warbirds are decloaking dead ahead!" yells Genevieve Picard.
"It's an ambush!" yells Worf.
"Red alert!" barks Kirk.
"Red alert! Red alert! All stations, condition red. All stations, condition red," intones Enterprise's computerized voice over the loud speaker over the sirens wailing throughout the ship.
"Sir, our best course of action would be to retreat," Spock suggests.
"We did that last time, this time we're going to fight," replies Kirk. "Raise shields, load all photon and quantum torpedoes bays; charge all multi-phasic
phaser banks to full power,"
Worf straightens up in excitement.
"Finally, battle," exclaims the young Klingon. "Tactical ready, sir!"
Jonathan ignores the outburst.
"Sir, Romulan Warbirds are locking on disruptors," Worf hastily reports.
"Helm, evasive maneuvers," Kirk says loudly.
"Yes sir," concurs Picard.
Genevieve expertly navigates the starship from her console, rapidly tapping buttons to convey the captain's order. The Enterprise-F swiftly maneuvers underneath the trio of Romulan Warbirds to avoid a direct volley of fire.
"Tactical, standby photon torpedoes. Target the port ship, firing pattern sierra." orders Kirk. Satisfied at the change in position, he orders loudly to tactical. "Fire!"
Worf targets the left ship and fires a volley of photon torpedoes. The torpedoes hit and heavily damage one of the Romulan ships. However, counter-fire from the other two Warbirds strike the front section of the Enterprise. "Report!" yells Kirk.
"Shields holding, minimal damage," Worf responds.
"Tactical, return fire!"
The Enterprise returns a volley of phaser fire back at the Romulan Warbirds.
"They're breaking off, sir."
"Target the single Warbird at coordinates 10-2 mark 2-9. Standby photon torpedoes, firing pattern Epsilon."
Worf targets the separated Romulan ship.
"Fire!" Kirk says excitedly but with distress.
Enterprise torpedo bay unleashes a volley of torpedoes that slam into the evading Romulan ship.
"Sir, look out!" shouts Worf.
A salvo of torpedoes and disruptor fire hits the Enterprise's starboard side. Sparks fly out of the equipment on the bridge.
"Damage Report," says Kirk as he extinguishes a small, erupting fire.
"We've lost power to lateral thrusters," says Picard. "Hull breach on Deck 11."
"Erect a force field to seal the breach on Deck 11. Divert power from decks 10 and 12 to compensate."
A Romulan Warbird hurtles towards the Enterprise, threatening to collide with her.
"Helm, evasive maneuvers. Down! Down! Down!"
Enterprise swoops under the Warbird just barely avoiding a collision.
"Aft phasers. Fire!"
Worf targets and fires a stinging phaser pulse at the passing enemy ship.
"Helm, come about to coordinates 11.7 mark 12. Tactical standby phaser banks, target the port ship,"
When the Enterprise-F moves into firing position, Kirk clenches his fist, "Fire!"
A massive phaser blast hits the port Romulna Warbird. It explodes.
"Direct hit sir!" Worf reports. "Romulan Warbird destroyed!"
Only a second passes before a massive volley of Romulan disruptor fire hits the Enterprise's starboard side. Enterprise's bridge shakes violently from the impact. A console catches fire. Kirk quickly grabs an extinguisher and smothers the flames. Between the damage incurred on the bridge and the red alert alarm, it becomes increasing difficult for anyone to hear one another.
"Shields collapsing!" screams Worf.
"Divert warp power to the shields!" shouts back Kirk.
"Engineering to Bridge. Warp engines are offline," says Chief Engineer Gates who can barely be heard. "We're barely holding on here!"
"Sir, phaser banks have lost power," states Worf. "Photon torpedoes are inoperable."
"Helm, do we have impulse power?" asks Kirk.
"Negative sir," Picard replies.
Kirk keys his insignia.
"Bridge to Engineering, we need impulse power now," Kirk pleads into his communicator.
"Captain, the Warbirds are coming about for another pass," Worf interjects in distress.
"Engineering. Engineering, come in!" yells Kirk.
"Engineering to bridge, we need a few minutes to reset the main energizer!" replies the chief engineer.
"We don't have a few minutes!"
"Romulan Warbirds are almost in firing range!" Worf exclaims.
Stressed, Kirk stands up in neurotic fashion from the captain's chair.
"Operations, standby to decompress Shuttle Bay 1 on my command," he orders.
Marina enters the command codes to open Enterprise's shuttle bay doors. Picard watches as the Romulan Warbirds closes in.
"Captain, Romulan Warbirds are locking on," says Worf.
"Stand by," responds Kirk.
"Sir?" asks an impatient Picard.
"They have a target lock!" screams Worf.
"Decompress. Now. Now. Now!" hastens Kirk.
Marina deactivates the force field in Shuttle Bay 1. A massive gust of air hurtles out of the shuttle bay, jerking the Enterprise awkwardly into an unpredictable spiral, avoiding the remaining disruptor fire from the two Romulan Warbirds. A pair of Enterprise's shuttlecrafts are forced out by the sudden de-pressurization and float into the path of the pursuing ships. Surprised by the debris, the Warbirds break off their attack to avoid colliding with the derelict shuttlecrafts.
"Engineering to Bridge – main power is back online," states Chief Engineer Gates over the communicator.
"Restoring shields. Phasers at full power," reports Worf.
"Fire phasers," Kirk says sternly.
Worf fires a stinging phaser blast at the lead ship. It loses power and shutters from the strike.
"Direct hit!" exclaims Worf.
The Romulan Warbird begins to drift lifeless, Kirk seizes on the opportunity.
"Lock on photon torpedoes, maximum yield, maximum spread," he orders. "Fire!"
A volley of torpedoes strikes the bow of the Romulan Warbird ship and it explodes into countless tiny fragments.
"Ahhhhhh!" screams out a primal Worf. His gloating is cut short as the third and remaining Warbird comes about and counter-attacks with a strafe of disruptor fire accompanied by a volley of its own photon torpedoes that strikes the Enterprise in various sections. Consoles on the bridge explode and the main display viewer fractures.
"Damage report!" Kirk yells, sweating.
"Multiple reports from all over the ship, sir!" cries out Riker. "Deck 8 and 9 report casualties; Decks 11 and 12 has sustained major damage!"
"Understood," replies Kirk. "Medical teams to Deck 8 and 9. Repair crews report to Decks 11 and 12."
As Jonathan is giving out orders, another rapid foray of fire from the Romulan ship fatally slams into the Enterprise. Sparks fly, fire erupts.
"Shields collapsing," yells Worf with smoke all around.
"Bridge to engineering, talk to me!" yells Kirk into his communicator.
"Captain, we've lost main power. Anti-matter is leaking from the reactor. I have deactivated the main energizer to the trans-warp engines. Enterprise is drawing all power from backup energy cells. Starboard nacelle has sustained critical damage,"
Suddenly an alarm sounds off on the bridge.
"Captain, we have a core breach in engineering!" screams out the chief engineer.
Jonathan looks down in disgust and then covers his head with his hands in despair. Accepting the defeat that bears imminent, he then stands up from the captain's chair and keys his insignia.
"All hands abandon ship. I repeat all hands abandon ship!"
"Sir, escape pods are inoperative and we have lost all shuttlecrafts from Shuttle Bay 1 from decompression," declares Picard through smoke and flames.
"Damn it," mutters Kirk as he sits back down in his captain's chair in disappointment.
"Engineering to Bridge - we have a coolant leak, I repeat a coolant leak! Primary reactor core is going critical..."
"Bridge to Engineering, eject the core, I repeat eject the core now!" Kirk yells. "Eject! Eject!"
A blinding light envelopes the bridge, followed by a nautical boatswain call whistle that silences the sounds of chaos.
