Chapter 1
Oberth-class Federation science vessel U.S.S Alabama
Captain's Log:
We are taking the Upsilon Device, as it is now being called, to Starbase 1033, where it will be placed under guard until further work is done on it. I am rather displeased that Starfleet didn't even send a single ship to escort us, but I can see how that might cause suspicions. When are science vessels ever escorted anywhere? They tell me that no one knows about the Device. I have enough experience in Starfleet to know that it is impossible to keep something totally secret. I guess I just have to trust Starfleet security. It should take 2.8 hours to reach Starbase 1033 at warp 8 from our current position near the Beta Quadrant border of Federation space
The captain activated his combadge. "Natakas to transporter room 2. Have you got everybody from the surface?"
"Almost, Captain. We're beaming up the last of the crew now." A short pause. "Okay, sir, got everyone."
Captain Natakas walked onto the bridge from his ready room. "Set course for Starbase 1033."
"Aye, Captain."
"Captain, I am picking up a radiation surge off our starboard beam," said the science officer.
"What is it?"
"A ship is decloaking."
"Put it on screen." The screen became filled with the image of Romulan warbird. "What the hell's a Romulan ship doing here?"
"Sir, they're charging weapons."
"Shields! Quickly!"
Romulan disruptor fired pelted the shield grid of the Alabama.
"Shields at 55% sir. We can't fight that thing."
"Send a distress signal. Inform Starfleet Command as to our situation. At least the Romulans won't get away with this."
"Sir," said the science officer, "I'm reading another ship approaching. It's dropping out of warp."
"On screen."
This time the screen revealed a Vor'cha class Klingon attack cruiser. It immediately opened fire on the warbird with its own disruptors and a large spread of photon torpedoes.
"Sir, the Romulans are leaving," said the science officer of the Alabama. "They've gone to warp."
"Thank God," said the captain. "Hail the Klingon ship."
A Klingon appeared on screen. "I would like to thank you for your assistance," said Captain Natakas.
"I'm glad we could help. The Romulans have no concept of honor."
"Is there anything of interest to the Romulans here?"
"Nothing that I know of. They must be punished for this."
"I have informed Starfleet of the attack. It is likely that they will take some action."
"I will ask the High Council to demand an explanation from the Romulans."
"Many thanks. We must be on our way. Now we also have to get repairs."
"What, if I may ask, is your destination?"
"Starbase 1033."
"Not very far. My ship will escort you there, if you have no objections. I think it wise in case the Romulans should return."
"We would welcome the company." The two ships went to warp.
Oberth-class Federation science vessel U.S.S Alabama
Captain's Log:
We are taking the Upsilon Device, as it is now being called, to Starbase 1033, where it will be placed under guard until further work is done on it. I am rather displeased that Starfleet didn't even send a single ship to escort us, but I can see how that might cause suspicions. When are science vessels ever escorted anywhere? They tell me that no one knows about the Device. I have enough experience in Starfleet to know that it is impossible to keep something totally secret. I guess I just have to trust Starfleet security. It should take 2.8 hours to reach Starbase 1033 at warp 8 from our current position near the Beta Quadrant border of Federation space
The captain activated his combadge. "Natakas to transporter room 2. Have you got everybody from the surface?"
"Almost, Captain. We're beaming up the last of the crew now." A short pause. "Okay, sir, got everyone."
Captain Natakas walked onto the bridge from his ready room. "Set course for Starbase 1033."
"Aye, Captain."
"Captain, I am picking up a radiation surge off our starboard beam," said the science officer.
"What is it?"
"A ship is decloaking."
"Put it on screen." The screen became filled with the image of Romulan warbird. "What the hell's a Romulan ship doing here?"
"Sir, they're charging weapons."
"Shields! Quickly!"
Romulan disruptor fired pelted the shield grid of the Alabama.
"Shields at 55% sir. We can't fight that thing."
"Send a distress signal. Inform Starfleet Command as to our situation. At least the Romulans won't get away with this."
"Sir," said the science officer, "I'm reading another ship approaching. It's dropping out of warp."
"On screen."
This time the screen revealed a Vor'cha class Klingon attack cruiser. It immediately opened fire on the warbird with its own disruptors and a large spread of photon torpedoes.
"Sir, the Romulans are leaving," said the science officer of the Alabama. "They've gone to warp."
"Thank God," said the captain. "Hail the Klingon ship."
A Klingon appeared on screen. "I would like to thank you for your assistance," said Captain Natakas.
"I'm glad we could help. The Romulans have no concept of honor."
"Is there anything of interest to the Romulans here?"
"Nothing that I know of. They must be punished for this."
"I have informed Starfleet of the attack. It is likely that they will take some action."
"I will ask the High Council to demand an explanation from the Romulans."
"Many thanks. We must be on our way. Now we also have to get repairs."
"What, if I may ask, is your destination?"
"Starbase 1033."
"Not very far. My ship will escort you there, if you have no objections. I think it wise in case the Romulans should return."
"We would welcome the company." The two ships went to warp.