Chapter 13
The battle had begun. Close to a hundred ships responded to Admiral Hayes' orders and fired their weapons on the two Cubes. Thousands of torpedoes launched through space and collided with the Cubes' shields. A green shield of light fizzled around the gigantic Cubes' frame. Hardly any of the torpedoes made it through the Borg's defensives. Suddenly, the starships launched in several directions firing their torpedoes and phasers at will. The Borg got right in step with the Starfleet ships and returned fire. The Borg's firing capabilities were far more advanced than that of Starfleet's. The Cubes' phasers pierced through many of the starships' shields and destroyed the ship and it's crew instantly. Large explosions pulsated through the vacuum of space.
The U.S.S Enterprise lead an attack pass with several starships behind it. The ships bombarded one of the Cubes with multiples torpedoes but minimal damage was inflicted. Captain Picard ordered the ship around for another pass. The Enterprise came within mere inches of a Borg Cube and fired upon it again. Picard and his crew were astounded that their weapons pierced through the Cube's defenses. The torpedoes smashed into the Borg Cube's hull, sending mild explosions through the ship. Suddenly, the Enterprise blazed past the Borg ship, leaving rays of phaser fire behind it. The phaser's beams penetrated the Borg's defenses but caused little damage. The Cube rumbled gently but appeared to be unharmed. The Borg vessel returned fire with it's power green beam of light. The green beam glazed against the Enterprise's shields, which absorbed most of the impact. The crew of the Enterprise held on for dear life, as the Sovereign Class Starship came around for another advance.
"Damage report, Mr. Jellico!" shouted Picard as he grasped the arms of his chair.
"Shields down to eighty-seven percent and holding!"
Picard turned to the helms officer on duty. The young Talaxian woman, Ensign Shee'har, carefully managed the helm as the Enterprise raged forward for it's next pass at the Borg Cube.
"Ensign Shee'har, set in Picard Flight Pattern, Echo three seven one mark eight." ordered the Captain.
"Aye, sir." replied the young woman as she set the coordinates in the helm.
Meanwhile, the U.S.S Farragut attacked the other advancing Cube. The Farragut was followed by the Reliant, the Cochrane, the Stallion, and the Washington. All five of the Starships bombarded the Cube with multiple torpedoes. The projectiles blasted into the Cube's metal frame causing fiery explosions to pulsate through the Borg ship. As the Starships came within yards of the Cube, they scattered in every direction. They looked like sparrows attacking a hawk. As the Washington flew away from the Cube, the evil Borg ship fired it's phasers upon the escaping starship. The blast connected with Washington's warp engine, forcing the ship into a top spin. As the Washington span wildly out of control, it connected with the Reliant, causing both ships to explode into dust.
"Sir, we've lost the Washington and the Reliant!" informed Lieutenant Commander Knight of the Farragut.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight. Mr. Paris, take us around for another pass!" ordered Riker.
"Aye, sir!"
Suddenly, Admiral Jellico's voice came over the Comm System. The crew of the Farragut listened as the admiral spoke.
"This is Admiral Jellico. The first Borg Cube has broken through the blockade and is heading for Earth. We can't let that happen. All ships in Alpha team, focus all weapons on the first Cube."
Captain Riker turned toward Lieutenant Paris. Anger and fear mixed passionately in the Captain's eyes.
"That includes us, Mr. Paris. Set in a course that intercepts the advancing Borg Ship."
"Aye, sir." replied Tom as he fixed the coordinates to comply with the order.
The U.S.S Farragut swooped around and headed toward the Borg Cube. The image of the Cube came up on the Farragut's main screen. Will felt his heart rate increase when he realized that the Borg Cube was firing it's weapons on the Enterprise. Deanna, he thought in fear.
=====/////=====
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico flew over his post and landed hard onto the deck. He had nearly crashed into Captain Picard but Jean-Luc managed to dive out of the way just before impact. Andrew fell on his arm as he hit the floor. He felt his arm break. The blast from the Borg had knocked the Chief of Security off his feet and forced him over his Tactical Panel. Andrew was dazed and in an immense amount of pain. He could barely move his arm and had no way of picking himself off the floor.
"Mr. Jellico, are you alright?" shouted Picard as sparks flashed about the ship.
"Yes sir but I think I broke my arm."
"Can you get up?"
"I don't think so, Captain. I'll need someone to lift me but I think I can stand."
Picard turned to his first officer who was stationed in the chair next to his.
"Mr. Data, pick up Jellico quickly."
Data nodded and quickly stood from his chair. He rushed over to the fallen Security Officer. The android lifted Lieutenant Andrew with ease and placed the Commander on his feet. Andrew shook his head in bewilderment as he cradled his left arm.
"Thank you sir. I'll head back to my post."
"I don't think so Commander. Head to sickbay immediately."
"But sir,"
"No "buts" Commander. Go to sickbay!"
Suddenly, the Enterprise lurched from the Borg's massive attack forcing the Bridge Crew to balance themselves from falling. Picard gritted his teeth as he clinched his command chair. Jellico managed not to fall but the blast jerked him hard enough, to send pain to his injured arm. He had to press the matter further. Jellico was in pain but he could still do his duty. He had to make the Captain see that he was still able.
"Sir, with all do respect, the Borg are whipping us good. You need the best you have. I'm hurt but I can still work Tactical. We don't have time to change tactics officer anyway."
Picard sighed but quickly came to a decision. He turned to Counselor Deanna Troi Riker, who seemed extremely worried.
"Deanna, stand next to Mr. Jellico as he works tactical. See that you help him when he asks for it." order Picard as the Enterprise lurched again.
Deanna nodded and followed Jellico as he rushed back to Tactical. Jellico bit his lip and focused on his screen. He took the readings in quickly and sighed from the results.
"Sir, shields are down to thirty-four percent and a Borg Cube is powering up their phasers again. I believe they plan to fire at us."
"Thank you Mr. Jellico. Fire all torpedoes at the Cube!"
The U.S.S Enterprise launched it's torpedoes at the attacking Borg Cube. The projectiles launched through the starship's torpedo bay and hurdled themselves through the vacuum of space. The torpedoes smashed into the Cube and sent massive explosions throughout it's decks. The Borg Cube responded by firing it's phasers at the Sovereign Class Starship. The green rays glazed against the starship's hull sending most of the crew to the floor. The Enterprise shuddered fiercely from the powerful attack. Suddenly, the U.S.S Farragut and the U.S.S Cochrane came to the Enterprise's aid. They attacked the Cube, sending torpedoes and phaser fire in the Cube's direction. The Cube rumbled from the bombarding but quickly returned fire. The Farragut took most of the damage. Captain Riker fell from his command chair onto his face. Suddenly, blood began to ooze from his lip. The Captain quickly spit the taste away and got back on his feet.
"Return fire, Mr. Knight!" he ordered.
Meanwhile, the U.S.S Titan and many other ships fired their weapons on the other Borg Cube. The second Borg Cube had not made the progress it's counter-part had. It was well blocked off and under extreme amounts of fire power. Explosions cascaded throughout the Borg frame but suddenly, the Cube released another green beam that connected with the Titan. The beam sliced through the Titan like a knife through a tomato. The Flagship broke apart into two pieces and exploded, killing Admiral Adam Hayes and his crew.
=====/////=====
"This is Admiral Pataki. We've lost Admiral Hayes. We're requesting immediate assistance!." sounded the voice over the Voyager's intercom system.
Janeway listened in horror as she heard the destruction taking place. The battle was horrible and it sounded as if the Federation was losing. She placed her hand over her mouth so not to cry.
"How many ships have been lost?" asked Tuvok, speaking to the tactical officer on duty.
"We've lost sixty-three and the first Borg Cube has broken through the blockade, sir." replied the officer.
"How long until they reach Earth's orbit?"
"Fifteen minutes and forty-seconds." replied the officer as he observed his post.
Janeway turned to Tuvok with sadness in her eyes. Both of the officers knew that the battle was going to reach Earth. The worst of a worst case scenario was about to occur.
=====/////=====
"This is Admiral Jellico. I'm taking command of the fleet. Delta team, you're under my section now. Captain Riker, I want you to pick up my slack. I'm going to aid Delta team. I want you to stick with the first Cube." ordered Jellico over the Comm system.
The U.S.S Cochrane flew into the opposite direction, leaving the Farragut and the Enterprise in charge. However, the Enterprise was severally damaged and was continuing to be fired upon. Riker felt the cold sweat slide down his face. He remained calm but Deanna kept taking over his thoughts. The Farragut fired everything it had upon the Borg ship but only inflicted some damage. Dozens of ships launched more torpedoes at the Cube but it's defensive shield was still absorbing most of the impact. The Cube turned it's attention away from the Enterprise and fired upon the other ships. Many of the starships were destroyed instantly while other sustained a large amount of damage. The Farragut was barley holding together, as it made another pass on the Cube.
The battle had begun. Close to a hundred ships responded to Admiral Hayes' orders and fired their weapons on the two Cubes. Thousands of torpedoes launched through space and collided with the Cubes' shields. A green shield of light fizzled around the gigantic Cubes' frame. Hardly any of the torpedoes made it through the Borg's defensives. Suddenly, the starships launched in several directions firing their torpedoes and phasers at will. The Borg got right in step with the Starfleet ships and returned fire. The Borg's firing capabilities were far more advanced than that of Starfleet's. The Cubes' phasers pierced through many of the starships' shields and destroyed the ship and it's crew instantly. Large explosions pulsated through the vacuum of space.
The U.S.S Enterprise lead an attack pass with several starships behind it. The ships bombarded one of the Cubes with multiples torpedoes but minimal damage was inflicted. Captain Picard ordered the ship around for another pass. The Enterprise came within mere inches of a Borg Cube and fired upon it again. Picard and his crew were astounded that their weapons pierced through the Cube's defenses. The torpedoes smashed into the Borg Cube's hull, sending mild explosions through the ship. Suddenly, the Enterprise blazed past the Borg ship, leaving rays of phaser fire behind it. The phaser's beams penetrated the Borg's defenses but caused little damage. The Cube rumbled gently but appeared to be unharmed. The Borg vessel returned fire with it's power green beam of light. The green beam glazed against the Enterprise's shields, which absorbed most of the impact. The crew of the Enterprise held on for dear life, as the Sovereign Class Starship came around for another advance.
"Damage report, Mr. Jellico!" shouted Picard as he grasped the arms of his chair.
"Shields down to eighty-seven percent and holding!"
Picard turned to the helms officer on duty. The young Talaxian woman, Ensign Shee'har, carefully managed the helm as the Enterprise raged forward for it's next pass at the Borg Cube.
"Ensign Shee'har, set in Picard Flight Pattern, Echo three seven one mark eight." ordered the Captain.
"Aye, sir." replied the young woman as she set the coordinates in the helm.
Meanwhile, the U.S.S Farragut attacked the other advancing Cube. The Farragut was followed by the Reliant, the Cochrane, the Stallion, and the Washington. All five of the Starships bombarded the Cube with multiple torpedoes. The projectiles blasted into the Cube's metal frame causing fiery explosions to pulsate through the Borg ship. As the Starships came within yards of the Cube, they scattered in every direction. They looked like sparrows attacking a hawk. As the Washington flew away from the Cube, the evil Borg ship fired it's phasers upon the escaping starship. The blast connected with Washington's warp engine, forcing the ship into a top spin. As the Washington span wildly out of control, it connected with the Reliant, causing both ships to explode into dust.
"Sir, we've lost the Washington and the Reliant!" informed Lieutenant Commander Knight of the Farragut.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight. Mr. Paris, take us around for another pass!" ordered Riker.
"Aye, sir!"
Suddenly, Admiral Jellico's voice came over the Comm System. The crew of the Farragut listened as the admiral spoke.
"This is Admiral Jellico. The first Borg Cube has broken through the blockade and is heading for Earth. We can't let that happen. All ships in Alpha team, focus all weapons on the first Cube."
Captain Riker turned toward Lieutenant Paris. Anger and fear mixed passionately in the Captain's eyes.
"That includes us, Mr. Paris. Set in a course that intercepts the advancing Borg Ship."
"Aye, sir." replied Tom as he fixed the coordinates to comply with the order.
The U.S.S Farragut swooped around and headed toward the Borg Cube. The image of the Cube came up on the Farragut's main screen. Will felt his heart rate increase when he realized that the Borg Cube was firing it's weapons on the Enterprise. Deanna, he thought in fear.
=====/////=====
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico flew over his post and landed hard onto the deck. He had nearly crashed into Captain Picard but Jean-Luc managed to dive out of the way just before impact. Andrew fell on his arm as he hit the floor. He felt his arm break. The blast from the Borg had knocked the Chief of Security off his feet and forced him over his Tactical Panel. Andrew was dazed and in an immense amount of pain. He could barely move his arm and had no way of picking himself off the floor.
"Mr. Jellico, are you alright?" shouted Picard as sparks flashed about the ship.
"Yes sir but I think I broke my arm."
"Can you get up?"
"I don't think so, Captain. I'll need someone to lift me but I think I can stand."
Picard turned to his first officer who was stationed in the chair next to his.
"Mr. Data, pick up Jellico quickly."
Data nodded and quickly stood from his chair. He rushed over to the fallen Security Officer. The android lifted Lieutenant Andrew with ease and placed the Commander on his feet. Andrew shook his head in bewilderment as he cradled his left arm.
"Thank you sir. I'll head back to my post."
"I don't think so Commander. Head to sickbay immediately."
"But sir,"
"No "buts" Commander. Go to sickbay!"
Suddenly, the Enterprise lurched from the Borg's massive attack forcing the Bridge Crew to balance themselves from falling. Picard gritted his teeth as he clinched his command chair. Jellico managed not to fall but the blast jerked him hard enough, to send pain to his injured arm. He had to press the matter further. Jellico was in pain but he could still do his duty. He had to make the Captain see that he was still able.
"Sir, with all do respect, the Borg are whipping us good. You need the best you have. I'm hurt but I can still work Tactical. We don't have time to change tactics officer anyway."
Picard sighed but quickly came to a decision. He turned to Counselor Deanna Troi Riker, who seemed extremely worried.
"Deanna, stand next to Mr. Jellico as he works tactical. See that you help him when he asks for it." order Picard as the Enterprise lurched again.
Deanna nodded and followed Jellico as he rushed back to Tactical. Jellico bit his lip and focused on his screen. He took the readings in quickly and sighed from the results.
"Sir, shields are down to thirty-four percent and a Borg Cube is powering up their phasers again. I believe they plan to fire at us."
"Thank you Mr. Jellico. Fire all torpedoes at the Cube!"
The U.S.S Enterprise launched it's torpedoes at the attacking Borg Cube. The projectiles launched through the starship's torpedo bay and hurdled themselves through the vacuum of space. The torpedoes smashed into the Cube and sent massive explosions throughout it's decks. The Borg Cube responded by firing it's phasers at the Sovereign Class Starship. The green rays glazed against the starship's hull sending most of the crew to the floor. The Enterprise shuddered fiercely from the powerful attack. Suddenly, the U.S.S Farragut and the U.S.S Cochrane came to the Enterprise's aid. They attacked the Cube, sending torpedoes and phaser fire in the Cube's direction. The Cube rumbled from the bombarding but quickly returned fire. The Farragut took most of the damage. Captain Riker fell from his command chair onto his face. Suddenly, blood began to ooze from his lip. The Captain quickly spit the taste away and got back on his feet.
"Return fire, Mr. Knight!" he ordered.
Meanwhile, the U.S.S Titan and many other ships fired their weapons on the other Borg Cube. The second Borg Cube had not made the progress it's counter-part had. It was well blocked off and under extreme amounts of fire power. Explosions cascaded throughout the Borg frame but suddenly, the Cube released another green beam that connected with the Titan. The beam sliced through the Titan like a knife through a tomato. The Flagship broke apart into two pieces and exploded, killing Admiral Adam Hayes and his crew.
=====/////=====
"This is Admiral Pataki. We've lost Admiral Hayes. We're requesting immediate assistance!." sounded the voice over the Voyager's intercom system.
Janeway listened in horror as she heard the destruction taking place. The battle was horrible and it sounded as if the Federation was losing. She placed her hand over her mouth so not to cry.
"How many ships have been lost?" asked Tuvok, speaking to the tactical officer on duty.
"We've lost sixty-three and the first Borg Cube has broken through the blockade, sir." replied the officer.
"How long until they reach Earth's orbit?"
"Fifteen minutes and forty-seconds." replied the officer as he observed his post.
Janeway turned to Tuvok with sadness in her eyes. Both of the officers knew that the battle was going to reach Earth. The worst of a worst case scenario was about to occur.
=====/////=====
"This is Admiral Jellico. I'm taking command of the fleet. Delta team, you're under my section now. Captain Riker, I want you to pick up my slack. I'm going to aid Delta team. I want you to stick with the first Cube." ordered Jellico over the Comm system.
The U.S.S Cochrane flew into the opposite direction, leaving the Farragut and the Enterprise in charge. However, the Enterprise was severally damaged and was continuing to be fired upon. Riker felt the cold sweat slide down his face. He remained calm but Deanna kept taking over his thoughts. The Farragut fired everything it had upon the Borg ship but only inflicted some damage. Dozens of ships launched more torpedoes at the Cube but it's defensive shield was still absorbing most of the impact. The Cube turned it's attention away from the Enterprise and fired upon the other ships. Many of the starships were destroyed instantly while other sustained a large amount of damage. The Farragut was barley holding together, as it made another pass on the Cube.