Sabotage has become a trilogy. Hope you meant it when you said you wanted
another story....
If you haven't yet, you might want to read the first installment to pick up
on nuance, especially w/ PC.
And of course, Paramount = Q = omnipotent = only fun, no profit.
**********
Sabotage II Chapter Two
**********
The Enterprise reached the neutral zone without incident, and indeed began picking up particle trails indicating increased cloaked activity in the area, as well as high levels of warp engine activity. Geordi was working on isolating the signature, but Picard had little doubt it would be M'dar. The escape, the mystery in the neutral zone, he felt it was all connected. They had little idea they were playing perfectly into the hands of the M'dar.
By this time, Picard had also developed a distinct dislike for his Chief of Security, much to the contrary of the rest of the crew. Particularly contrary to the impressions of Doctor Beverly Crusher. What had taken him twenty years seemed child's play to Walker, and he'd tamed the Doctor in a matter of days. Jealousy was a tenacious parasite. It ate at Picard relentlessly, though he pushed it far to the back of his mind during every waking moment. Tension on the bridge had reached intolerable levels, and Riker was at the breaking point. Sickbay however, had undergone a transformation. Doctor Crusher's general demeanor remained withdrawn, but she was now visibly at ease. She bantered again with her staff and patients, and was frequently found with a genuine smile on her face.
Picard slammed his fist on the desk. How had it all gotten so out of hand? Their relationship had imploded quickly, but how could she have simply moved on? Had he so misjudged the depth of her emotion? He refused to linger on it any further. He stood and stalked onto the bridge.
"Mr. Riker, report!"
Riker looked up wearily from the padd he studied. "Sir, all decks report ready. Data has indicated there is nothing of note beyond our initial findings."
"Very good Number One." Picard sat rigidly in the Captain's chair and stared intently at the main viewer. His face was an illegible mask.
*********
For her part, Beverly found herself in a sort of contented haze. Her anger with Picard smoldered deep under the surface, insulated by a blanket of infatuation with Jack Walker. Much like her relationship with Odan, she simply reveled in the lightheartedness of it. They were really in no way serious, and she suspected that the actual relationship would end before it really got going, settling into an intimate and comfortable friendship. She and Walker were not soul mates - but he was charming, stunningly handsome, and they shared a similar past. She did care about him. She never worried where they were going, whether he would leave her, or what anyone thought. It did not resolve her problem with Jean-Luc, but it got her through the day. And to be perfectly honest, she knew it drove Picard absolutely crazy.
"How's my favorite physician today?" Walker ambled into her office. They had a dinner date.
"I'm just fine. How's the bridge treating you?"
"I'm cozier than a fox in a henhouse."
"Well I'm guessing that means you're doing well." Beverly came from behind her desk and placed her hand on his chest. She really loved doing that. They were never openly affectionate in public, but were in no way closeted. Starfleet was close to changing it, but the Enterprise was still a family ship. Relationships were not encouraged, but still were not against regulation.
"I'm done here for the day - shall we go?"
"After you, ma'am." Walker inclined his head.
They arrived on deck eight, where they exited the lift. Laughing and bantering, they made their way arm in arm to Beverly's quarters. Halfway there they encountered Captain Picard just leaving his cabin.
"Doctor, Lieutenant." He inclined his head and passed without another word. Beverly was silent the rest of the way to her cabin. Upon entering, she walked to the replicator, and ordered drinks. Walker reclined on the couch.
"Beverly, I make it a policy never to look at another man's wife or water another man's whiskey. Now, I don't think that exactly applies in this situation, but I have a feeling there's something you're not telling me."
Beverly set their drinks on the table and sat next to him, heaving a sigh. "You would be right Walker, that doesn't exactly apply. Captain Picard and I certainly are not married."
"But...."
"We have a long history. We've been friends for more than 20 years. There was a time that it might have become more. We had a, well, a falling out recently. Right before you came on the Enterprise, actually." She gave a crooked smile, and her eyes were again light years away.
"I had a feeling something was up. You two were more awkward than a Vulcan at a Betazoid wedding." He grinned and squeezed her arm.
Unwittingly, Beverly had almost started to cry. She hastily wiped an errant tear with the back of her hand, and sat up straighter. "You were right last week when you pointed out how long I've been on the Enterprise. I've been letting a lot of things hold me back. My past, my fears. I'm not doing it anymore. I've turned down dozens of promotions and expeditions to stay here. No more. I'm too old to wait around."
"Well then, I reckon I better move fast to keep up with you, Beverly Crusher." With that he set down his drink, and gathered her in his arms. She laughed and they didn't leave the sofa until hunger got the best of them an hour later.
*********
Troubled that evening, Picard had called Geordi and Data to his ready room.
"The warp signatures are definitely M'dar, sir. We can wait around and see what else develops, but from what I can tell the ships are long gone." Geordi's tone was confident.
"That does not, however, preclude the possibility that the ships are cloaked and remain near." Data tilted his head at Geordi, and then the Captain.
"Yes Data, but it begs the question - why? Why were they here in the first place, and why would they still be here? Geordi - have you been in touch with anyone from the other four Starfleet vessels on the survey?"
"Yes sir, and everyone's reporting the same findings. What could they possibly be after, sir? From what I can tell, we're in the middle of empty space."
"Perhaps, Mr. LaForge, that is exactly the point." Picard steepled his hands. He didn't like the situation, and he needed time to think. They were scheduled to depart for the rendezvous coordinates in just two days. Picard had the feeling there was something he needed to figure out before then. "If that's all, gentlemen?" He glanced at his officers. Taking the hint, they stood and left.
He reclined in his chair, facing the stars. "What do you think, Livingston?" He quietly addressed the Lion Fish gliding serenely nearby. A birthday gift from Beverly from a few years ago. He had infrequently taken to addressing him when he was stumped by a particular puzzle. This had all the signs of a set-up. Thinking back to their previous encounter with the M'dar, he pondered that it too had been shrouded in mystery. Perhaps that was their tactic - obfuscation. Keep the ship busy chasing a red herring to draw attention from the actual danger. The last incident had involved sabotage. And a saboteur. What was their MO this time around? He wished Worf were still onboard. Somehow he didn't trust Walker. "Somehow?" he asked himself. The reason was perfectly clear, and ridiculous. If he were to let his personal feelings meddle in his command decisions, it was time to step down.
"Picard to Lieutenant Walker." There was a long pause, and Walker came on.
"Yes sir, what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to see you in my ready room, Lieutenant. I have a matter that needs investigating."
"I'm your man then. I'll be up in a few minutes."
"Very good. Picard out." Picard hoped he'd interrupted an intimate moment. 'Now really Jean-Luc, that is beneath you.' He sat reflectively until his chime beeped moments later.
"Come."
Jack Walker strode in. Picard inclined his head and Walker took a seat.
"Lieutenant, are you familiar with the incident that occurred on this ship with the M'dar last month?"
"Yes sir. They contaminated the warp core and placed an agent on board."
"Lieutenant, I am, shall we say, suspicious of our current situation. I believe the M'dar are still operating, and I believe we are being set-up. I want you to work with Data to review the crew roster for any anomalies. Start in engineering and security. I want verification for every person working and living on this ship, and I want it done before we depart for the rendezvous."
"Well that's a tall order, but we'll get it done. Is that all sir?"
The look in Picard's eyes said it wasn't, but he nodded and dismissed the Lieutenant.
**********
After the morning briefing, Data and Walker began work on the personnel sweep.
"Let's be discreet Data. We don't want the whole crew looking over their shoulder all day."
"Looking over their shoulder, Lieutenant?"
"It's an expression Data - we don't want them to become paranoid." Walker was still unused to the android, but found him amusing.
"Ah. I concur."
"The Captain wanted to begin with security and engineering departments. I'll conduct the security sweep, and you take engineering. Tomorrow we'll tackle science, command and medical."
"Very good Lieutenant. I suggest we confer at the end of the day to compare findings."
"Sounds good to me Data. Let's say 1900 hours?"
"That should be a sufficient time frame."
*********
Walker and Data met again at the end of the day, each having little to report. Data had located two engineering crew members with sporadic personal records, and Walker one security guard who had a more colorful past than was usually cleared by Starfleet. Neither had anything conclusive, but those crewmembers would be kept under close scrutiny. They made a record and drew up a strategy for the following day. They would present any findings to Picard the next evening.
********
"T'par to M'dar. I believe the Captain of the Enterprise has become suspicious. We are still headed to designated coordinates, but we may develop a situation. I await signal."
*********
By the morning of departure, neither Walker nor Data had found anything conclusive on any of the crew. Total, there were six under watch. Reluctantly Picard ordered the Enterprise to the head out and meet up with the rest of the ships. They would arrive in a few hours.
*********
Upon arrival, Picard hailed the USS Cuyahoga, which had already been patrolling the sector. They reported nothing anomalous, and the two ships fell in to wait for the Victoria, Intrepid, and Cleveland. All five were assembled within the hour. When assembled, all sent staff to meet on the Enterprise.
"Gentlemen, ladies." Picard addressed the group, engineers and security staff from each of the ships. The respective Captains had gathered as well, and Necheyev looked on over a secure subspace line.
Captain Roosevelt of the Cuyahoga spoke. "We've found nothing to indicate Cardassian intelligence or military activity, and I believe that holds true for the rest of you."
There was assent from the group. Picard cleared his throat. "I am suspicious of further M'dar activity. Have any of you detected anything indicating their involvement here?"
Commander Albright, Chief Engineer on the Intrepid, jumped in. "We have some warp readings from M'dar ships, but nothing else." She glanced around the table, and again there was tacit assent.
Picard drummed his fingers on the table. "Admiral, it appears we've been lead on a chase."
Necheyev frowned. Intelligence had been certain. But having five ships deployed to one sector was a resource drain. It was time to move on. "Very well. Captains - you will receive new mission directives by the end of the day. Please transmit all data on your current assignments to Starfleet Command. Necheyev out."
For a moment everyone at the table sat silently, until Picard stood. He nodded at each of the crew members. "It's been a pleasure. I look forward to our next meeting. Commander Riker will escort you all to the transporter room." They began making their way out the door.
Picard briskly crossed the bridge and took his seat.
"Captain, the sensors are picking up a large amount of hydrogen in the surrounding subspace."
"Origin, Mr. Data?"
"Unknown sir."
Picard didn't like it. "Yellow alert, Data. Stay sharp."
*********
It was seconds later, in the midst of the first transport, that the initial volley hit. Half of the delegation from the other ships was still onboard the Enterprise. There was no way to know yet if the other half had made it back safely.
Picard regained his bearings and stood. "Red alert Lieutenant Walker. Report!"
"Shields holding at 85% sir, but we took some damage on that first hit. Sensors indicate that the Victoria, Cuyahoga, Intrepid, and Cleveland were also attacked. They all sustained damage. The enemy ships are now cloaked sir, but readings indicate there were five."
'We're sitting ducks,' thought Picard. "Put all ships on main viewer, Mr. Data."
Each vessel did appear to have varying levels of damage. Within moments, the remaining officers onboard the Enterprise from the other ships appeared on the bridge. The Captain and Chief Engineer from the Cuyahoga, the Chief of Security from the Victoria, and the Captain and Second Officer from the Intrepid. On the viewer, the five enemy ships shimmered into existence and began to fire again. Without warning, the Victoria exploded, rocking the Enterprise as they also sustained another phaser blast.
"Mr. Walker, lock on trajectory from any and all of those ships and fire at will!"
"Aye, aye, Captain." Torpedoes and phasers from all remaining Starfleet vessels appeared, some hitting their targets and others flying harmlessly into space. It was impossible to tell which came from where.
Walker seemed cool at tactical. "We have severe damage reports from all over the ship. Shields are currently at 50%, but are fluctuating like crazy. I'm unable to stabilize them. Warp core is offline, inertial dampers are out, and secondary systems are down. Remaining ships report similar damage."
"Sir, I am picking up the shield anomalies. Reason of the malfunction is unknown. But the Victoria's shields were only at 5% when she was lost." Data turned from opps to address the crew on the bridge. Red alert klaxons blared and emergency lighting cast an eerie glow as they waited for the next attack.
Riker stepped forward. "Mr. Data, fix those shields. Walker, get a lock on any of those ships the instant we've got even a ghost of a reading and fire." He turned to Picard.
Snapping down his uniform, Picard launched his battle strategy. "Ensign Lee, open a secure channel to the remaining ships."
"Channel open, sir."
"This is Captain Picard on the Enterprise. Bring your ships about, opposite of our heading. We're going to circle the wagons. As soon as you're in position, commence firing a 3 second phaser burst at maximum spread at a rearward angle, and continue firing short bursts at every 5 seconds. We're going to create some cover. As soon as you have any lock on any of the enemy ships, fire torpedoes."
Picard looked back at the stranded Captains and they all nodded. Picard was a brilliant tactician. "Commence maneuvers now."
No sooner had they begun to move than the enemy ships reappeared. Torpedoes were again launched from all Starfleet vessels, and again only ΒΌ of them hit home. The Enterprise was grazed again by the attack. Over the din, Picard shouted, "Begin cover fire!"
Walker reported again from tactical. "Cuyahoga and Intrepid hit. Enterprise shields at 35% and still fluctuating. We can't take much more of this, Captain."
Phasers fired from the four ships, establishing an expanding grid into space. They hit nothing. Suddenly, the Intrepid exploded, again buffeting the Enterprise. The three remaining ships moved to tighten the circle. Picard looked over at the crew whose ships had been lost. It was clear that each were sorry they had not been on board.
"Captain, I believe I have discovered the origin of the shield malfunction. I am attempting to correct it now."
Picard was silent. They were sitting ducks. The cover fire would only buy them a small amount of time. They needed another plan.
As if in answer, two of the enemy ships winked into view. Their cloaking devices appeared to have broken down.
"Picard to all ships! Lock torpedoes and fire at will!"
A heavy volley appeared from the Cuyahoga, Enterprise, and Cleveland, destroying the prone vessels. The odds were narrowed.
"Sir, the radiation levels from the fallout have created a way for us to find the remaining three cloaked vessels. The rebounding wave particles are now creating a radar image. I am feeding coordinates to tactical."
"Excellent Mr. Data!" Picard shouted triumphantly. "Get those coordinates to the other ships."
"This is Captain Picard. You are about to receive two sets of coordinates. Lock on to them and fire at will!"
Simultaneously, the remaining cloaked vessels appeared and began firing. They hit the Cuyahoga and Cleveland before being decimated by a wave of torpedoes from the Starfleet contingent. Four explosions lit up the main viewer. The warp core on the Cleveland had breeched, and they were unable to dump it before it went critical.
The bridge on the Enterprise was silent. Debris lay everywhere and there was a faint haze in the air. Red lights strobed over the agonized faces of the homeless officers.
Picard's voice was barely audible. "Data, shut off those lights and that damn noise. Walker, continuous scan for any approaching vessels. Riker, get a tractor beam on any remaining enemy debris and get it into a cargo bay." He turned to the Chief Engineer and Captain Roosevelt of the Cuyahoga. "Ellen, you have my ready room." The two officers made their way off the bridge to contact their ship. Until the remaining threat level was assessed, they would be unable to transport home.
Picard turned to the woman at opps. "Lieutenant, please escort our guests to quarters." He turned to the Captain of the Intrepid. "Graham, I'm sorry."
Strained, the other Captain responded. "You did your best Jean-Luc." The men clapped shoulders and the officers filed to the aft lift, the only on the bridge still in operation.
"Picard to Main Engineering. Report."
"Lieutenant Young reporting sir. Lieutenant Commander LaForge has been taken to sickbay."
"Status, Ms. Young."
"The warp core is down sir. Estimated repair time is one or two days. Secondary systems are offline, but primary systems, including life support, are stabilized."
"Get to work then. Picard out."
"Sickbay to Bridge."
"Picard here. Go ahead Doctor." In the back of his mind Picard felt a small wave of relief.
"We've got heavy casualties, sir. We are setting up emergency triage centers in cargo bay three. And I need more power down here." Crusher's voice was insistent and tense.
"Contact Engineering with my authority Doctor. Have you treated Mr. LaForge yet?"
"He's in here Captain. He's got severe plasma burns, but he'll pull through fine."
"Very good Beverly. Keep me apprised." This was the first time they had directly spoken in days. Picard's mood was blacker than the surrounding subspace.
"Picard to all available Senior Staff. Report to the Observation Lounge in one hour."
*********
Picard gravely surveyed the conference table. In addition to six of his senior staff, the Captain and Second Officer of the Intrepid sat motionless and silent. They had been ambushed, and well.
"Number One - report."
"Engineering reports that the warp core will need a full two days for repairs, as will secondary systems. All primary systems have been stabilized." Picard nodded for him to continue.
"Mr. Data is working on identifying the attacking vessels, and Mr. Walker is attempting to trace the origin of the shield malfunction. Similar shield difficulties are reported on the Cuyahoga, and sensor data indicates that the Victoria, Cleveland, and Intrepid encountered the same problem. Their shields were all between 5% and 10% when they were destroyed."
"Thank you, Commander." Picard turned. "Mr. Data. What have you discovered so far?"
"At this point it is reasonable to assume that the M'dar are responsible for the attack. The warp signatures and remnants of the enemy ships are consistent with the technology that has previously been identified with them."
Picard's expression was stormy. "Mr. Walker. I am extremely suspicious of the systemic shield malfunctions. I believe it to be the work of the M'dar. I want you to coordinate with the Cuyahoga and get to the bottom of this."
"Yes sir. I have already been in discussions with their engineer, and they confirm our readings. The shield fluctuations all began as soon as the elevated hydrogen levels were detected by the sensors."
"Is there a connection, Lieutenant?" Picard's brow raised.
"Doubtful sir. More likely, it was a signal."
The silence around the table deepened.
"Let's be sure, Mr. Walker. I want an update on your progress in an hour. Coordinate with Data and find out what happened."
Finally Picard turned to Crusher. They exchanged no words. The CMO looked haggard. "Sickbay reports 150 casualties, 50 fatalities."
It was a devastatingly high number, considering the losses of only a month ago. Compared to the complete losses of the other three ships, however, the Enterprise crew felt somehow lucky.
Picard's demeanor indicated a close to the meeting.
"I refuse to believe any of this is coincidence. I have already relayed the events and all preliminary findings to Starfleet Command. I want more answers from all departments within the day. If there is another saboteur loose on this ship, I want him or her found. Will, you will coordinate with Data and Lieutenant Walker." He paused briefly and looked around the table. "Dismissed."
Angrily, the Captain stood and stalked from the room.
*********
Two hours after the staff meeting, Data, Walker, and Picard sat in the Captain's ready room.
Data studied a padd briefly, and looked up to give his report. "The shield malfunction originated in a relay right off of Main Engineering. Both the primary and secondary power conduits were tampered with, and the malfunction remotely activated. As stated previously, the fluctuations began after the hydrogen detection. All evidence confirms Lieutenant Walker's theory that the hydrogen acted as a signal, not a catalyst."
"Mr. Data, Mr. Walker, have we made progress in discovering who it was that is responsible?"
Walker shifted. "Oh, I think we've got our man, Captain. Logs indicate that an Ensign John Wood had last checked the affected conduits. A subsequent search of his quarters turned up a coded subspace transmitter. Finally, there was a power surge initiated from his station moments before the suspected M'dar attack began. We detained Wood immediately upon discovering this, and he's currently being held in the brig."
"Good work, Lieutenant. I want some answers from him, Mr. Walker. Get down there with Troi and talk to Wood."
"Aye sir."
"Mr. Data, coordinate your findings with the Cuyahoga, and send a report to Starfleet Command." Picard looked somewhat satiated, but his expression was still stone cold. "Is there anything else to report?"
Walker leaned forward. "The Cuyahoga has also located a crewmember who looks good for the tampering on their ship. She's been found with a similar transmitter. She has already confessed, and claims allegiance to the M'dar."
"That leaves little to speculation, doesn't it?" Picard sat quietly for a moment. "Mr. Walker, double check the results from the crew sweep. I've had enough espionage and security breaches. Use what we've got from the Cuyahoga to get more out of Wood." Picard paused again and passed a hand over his head. Exhaling, he leaned back in his chair. "Dismissed."
Walker and Data rose and quickly exited.
How many more attacks would there be from the M'dar? Who was this previously unknown race? What the hell was going on? Picard's thoughts were profoundly troubled.
*********
On the M'dar homeworld, Chancellor H'rar smiled at his First Aide. "The fools! We've got them chasing their own tails! They'll now spend hours, days, weeks, seeking out spies in their midst!"
The Aide took a seat opposite the Chancellor. "And for each that they find, we have another. Sir, you are brilliant."
H'rar smiled. And the finale? "Starfleet will immediately contact our 'homeworld,' demanding an explanation. Our mock government will claim all responsibility. They will quickly and easily be destroyed by Starfleet, who will soon rest easy that the M'dar threat has been annihilated. And then, then, J'lan, we will launch the final attack."
It had been a relatively straightforward plan, but had taken years to cultivate. Recruiting the spies and waiting for them to assume position had been arduous and slow work. After the failure of the first mission and subsequent discovery of the M'dar use of the Hepa III foliage, they'd needed to switch tactics. And that's where the Cardassians had come in. The M'dar had lost their only five ships in the first two ambush attempts, but the final phase required no ships at all. Studying the specs of the Enterprise, the M'dar-bought ex-Starfleet scientists had located a singularity in the warp core design in each of the Federation vessels that could be used to cause a cascade failure, destroying the vessels from the inside. Once the majority of the fleet was gone, the Cardassians could move in easily - all without ever appearing to have participated in the plot. It would be discovered afterward, but by then it would be too late. The M'dar would be rewarded well for their sacrifice and loyalty.
*********
And of course, Paramount = Q = omnipotent = only fun, no profit.
**********
Sabotage II Chapter Two
**********
The Enterprise reached the neutral zone without incident, and indeed began picking up particle trails indicating increased cloaked activity in the area, as well as high levels of warp engine activity. Geordi was working on isolating the signature, but Picard had little doubt it would be M'dar. The escape, the mystery in the neutral zone, he felt it was all connected. They had little idea they were playing perfectly into the hands of the M'dar.
By this time, Picard had also developed a distinct dislike for his Chief of Security, much to the contrary of the rest of the crew. Particularly contrary to the impressions of Doctor Beverly Crusher. What had taken him twenty years seemed child's play to Walker, and he'd tamed the Doctor in a matter of days. Jealousy was a tenacious parasite. It ate at Picard relentlessly, though he pushed it far to the back of his mind during every waking moment. Tension on the bridge had reached intolerable levels, and Riker was at the breaking point. Sickbay however, had undergone a transformation. Doctor Crusher's general demeanor remained withdrawn, but she was now visibly at ease. She bantered again with her staff and patients, and was frequently found with a genuine smile on her face.
Picard slammed his fist on the desk. How had it all gotten so out of hand? Their relationship had imploded quickly, but how could she have simply moved on? Had he so misjudged the depth of her emotion? He refused to linger on it any further. He stood and stalked onto the bridge.
"Mr. Riker, report!"
Riker looked up wearily from the padd he studied. "Sir, all decks report ready. Data has indicated there is nothing of note beyond our initial findings."
"Very good Number One." Picard sat rigidly in the Captain's chair and stared intently at the main viewer. His face was an illegible mask.
*********
For her part, Beverly found herself in a sort of contented haze. Her anger with Picard smoldered deep under the surface, insulated by a blanket of infatuation with Jack Walker. Much like her relationship with Odan, she simply reveled in the lightheartedness of it. They were really in no way serious, and she suspected that the actual relationship would end before it really got going, settling into an intimate and comfortable friendship. She and Walker were not soul mates - but he was charming, stunningly handsome, and they shared a similar past. She did care about him. She never worried where they were going, whether he would leave her, or what anyone thought. It did not resolve her problem with Jean-Luc, but it got her through the day. And to be perfectly honest, she knew it drove Picard absolutely crazy.
"How's my favorite physician today?" Walker ambled into her office. They had a dinner date.
"I'm just fine. How's the bridge treating you?"
"I'm cozier than a fox in a henhouse."
"Well I'm guessing that means you're doing well." Beverly came from behind her desk and placed her hand on his chest. She really loved doing that. They were never openly affectionate in public, but were in no way closeted. Starfleet was close to changing it, but the Enterprise was still a family ship. Relationships were not encouraged, but still were not against regulation.
"I'm done here for the day - shall we go?"
"After you, ma'am." Walker inclined his head.
They arrived on deck eight, where they exited the lift. Laughing and bantering, they made their way arm in arm to Beverly's quarters. Halfway there they encountered Captain Picard just leaving his cabin.
"Doctor, Lieutenant." He inclined his head and passed without another word. Beverly was silent the rest of the way to her cabin. Upon entering, she walked to the replicator, and ordered drinks. Walker reclined on the couch.
"Beverly, I make it a policy never to look at another man's wife or water another man's whiskey. Now, I don't think that exactly applies in this situation, but I have a feeling there's something you're not telling me."
Beverly set their drinks on the table and sat next to him, heaving a sigh. "You would be right Walker, that doesn't exactly apply. Captain Picard and I certainly are not married."
"But...."
"We have a long history. We've been friends for more than 20 years. There was a time that it might have become more. We had a, well, a falling out recently. Right before you came on the Enterprise, actually." She gave a crooked smile, and her eyes were again light years away.
"I had a feeling something was up. You two were more awkward than a Vulcan at a Betazoid wedding." He grinned and squeezed her arm.
Unwittingly, Beverly had almost started to cry. She hastily wiped an errant tear with the back of her hand, and sat up straighter. "You were right last week when you pointed out how long I've been on the Enterprise. I've been letting a lot of things hold me back. My past, my fears. I'm not doing it anymore. I've turned down dozens of promotions and expeditions to stay here. No more. I'm too old to wait around."
"Well then, I reckon I better move fast to keep up with you, Beverly Crusher." With that he set down his drink, and gathered her in his arms. She laughed and they didn't leave the sofa until hunger got the best of them an hour later.
*********
Troubled that evening, Picard had called Geordi and Data to his ready room.
"The warp signatures are definitely M'dar, sir. We can wait around and see what else develops, but from what I can tell the ships are long gone." Geordi's tone was confident.
"That does not, however, preclude the possibility that the ships are cloaked and remain near." Data tilted his head at Geordi, and then the Captain.
"Yes Data, but it begs the question - why? Why were they here in the first place, and why would they still be here? Geordi - have you been in touch with anyone from the other four Starfleet vessels on the survey?"
"Yes sir, and everyone's reporting the same findings. What could they possibly be after, sir? From what I can tell, we're in the middle of empty space."
"Perhaps, Mr. LaForge, that is exactly the point." Picard steepled his hands. He didn't like the situation, and he needed time to think. They were scheduled to depart for the rendezvous coordinates in just two days. Picard had the feeling there was something he needed to figure out before then. "If that's all, gentlemen?" He glanced at his officers. Taking the hint, they stood and left.
He reclined in his chair, facing the stars. "What do you think, Livingston?" He quietly addressed the Lion Fish gliding serenely nearby. A birthday gift from Beverly from a few years ago. He had infrequently taken to addressing him when he was stumped by a particular puzzle. This had all the signs of a set-up. Thinking back to their previous encounter with the M'dar, he pondered that it too had been shrouded in mystery. Perhaps that was their tactic - obfuscation. Keep the ship busy chasing a red herring to draw attention from the actual danger. The last incident had involved sabotage. And a saboteur. What was their MO this time around? He wished Worf were still onboard. Somehow he didn't trust Walker. "Somehow?" he asked himself. The reason was perfectly clear, and ridiculous. If he were to let his personal feelings meddle in his command decisions, it was time to step down.
"Picard to Lieutenant Walker." There was a long pause, and Walker came on.
"Yes sir, what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to see you in my ready room, Lieutenant. I have a matter that needs investigating."
"I'm your man then. I'll be up in a few minutes."
"Very good. Picard out." Picard hoped he'd interrupted an intimate moment. 'Now really Jean-Luc, that is beneath you.' He sat reflectively until his chime beeped moments later.
"Come."
Jack Walker strode in. Picard inclined his head and Walker took a seat.
"Lieutenant, are you familiar with the incident that occurred on this ship with the M'dar last month?"
"Yes sir. They contaminated the warp core and placed an agent on board."
"Lieutenant, I am, shall we say, suspicious of our current situation. I believe the M'dar are still operating, and I believe we are being set-up. I want you to work with Data to review the crew roster for any anomalies. Start in engineering and security. I want verification for every person working and living on this ship, and I want it done before we depart for the rendezvous."
"Well that's a tall order, but we'll get it done. Is that all sir?"
The look in Picard's eyes said it wasn't, but he nodded and dismissed the Lieutenant.
**********
After the morning briefing, Data and Walker began work on the personnel sweep.
"Let's be discreet Data. We don't want the whole crew looking over their shoulder all day."
"Looking over their shoulder, Lieutenant?"
"It's an expression Data - we don't want them to become paranoid." Walker was still unused to the android, but found him amusing.
"Ah. I concur."
"The Captain wanted to begin with security and engineering departments. I'll conduct the security sweep, and you take engineering. Tomorrow we'll tackle science, command and medical."
"Very good Lieutenant. I suggest we confer at the end of the day to compare findings."
"Sounds good to me Data. Let's say 1900 hours?"
"That should be a sufficient time frame."
*********
Walker and Data met again at the end of the day, each having little to report. Data had located two engineering crew members with sporadic personal records, and Walker one security guard who had a more colorful past than was usually cleared by Starfleet. Neither had anything conclusive, but those crewmembers would be kept under close scrutiny. They made a record and drew up a strategy for the following day. They would present any findings to Picard the next evening.
********
"T'par to M'dar. I believe the Captain of the Enterprise has become suspicious. We are still headed to designated coordinates, but we may develop a situation. I await signal."
*********
By the morning of departure, neither Walker nor Data had found anything conclusive on any of the crew. Total, there were six under watch. Reluctantly Picard ordered the Enterprise to the head out and meet up with the rest of the ships. They would arrive in a few hours.
*********
Upon arrival, Picard hailed the USS Cuyahoga, which had already been patrolling the sector. They reported nothing anomalous, and the two ships fell in to wait for the Victoria, Intrepid, and Cleveland. All five were assembled within the hour. When assembled, all sent staff to meet on the Enterprise.
"Gentlemen, ladies." Picard addressed the group, engineers and security staff from each of the ships. The respective Captains had gathered as well, and Necheyev looked on over a secure subspace line.
Captain Roosevelt of the Cuyahoga spoke. "We've found nothing to indicate Cardassian intelligence or military activity, and I believe that holds true for the rest of you."
There was assent from the group. Picard cleared his throat. "I am suspicious of further M'dar activity. Have any of you detected anything indicating their involvement here?"
Commander Albright, Chief Engineer on the Intrepid, jumped in. "We have some warp readings from M'dar ships, but nothing else." She glanced around the table, and again there was tacit assent.
Picard drummed his fingers on the table. "Admiral, it appears we've been lead on a chase."
Necheyev frowned. Intelligence had been certain. But having five ships deployed to one sector was a resource drain. It was time to move on. "Very well. Captains - you will receive new mission directives by the end of the day. Please transmit all data on your current assignments to Starfleet Command. Necheyev out."
For a moment everyone at the table sat silently, until Picard stood. He nodded at each of the crew members. "It's been a pleasure. I look forward to our next meeting. Commander Riker will escort you all to the transporter room." They began making their way out the door.
Picard briskly crossed the bridge and took his seat.
"Captain, the sensors are picking up a large amount of hydrogen in the surrounding subspace."
"Origin, Mr. Data?"
"Unknown sir."
Picard didn't like it. "Yellow alert, Data. Stay sharp."
*********
It was seconds later, in the midst of the first transport, that the initial volley hit. Half of the delegation from the other ships was still onboard the Enterprise. There was no way to know yet if the other half had made it back safely.
Picard regained his bearings and stood. "Red alert Lieutenant Walker. Report!"
"Shields holding at 85% sir, but we took some damage on that first hit. Sensors indicate that the Victoria, Cuyahoga, Intrepid, and Cleveland were also attacked. They all sustained damage. The enemy ships are now cloaked sir, but readings indicate there were five."
'We're sitting ducks,' thought Picard. "Put all ships on main viewer, Mr. Data."
Each vessel did appear to have varying levels of damage. Within moments, the remaining officers onboard the Enterprise from the other ships appeared on the bridge. The Captain and Chief Engineer from the Cuyahoga, the Chief of Security from the Victoria, and the Captain and Second Officer from the Intrepid. On the viewer, the five enemy ships shimmered into existence and began to fire again. Without warning, the Victoria exploded, rocking the Enterprise as they also sustained another phaser blast.
"Mr. Walker, lock on trajectory from any and all of those ships and fire at will!"
"Aye, aye, Captain." Torpedoes and phasers from all remaining Starfleet vessels appeared, some hitting their targets and others flying harmlessly into space. It was impossible to tell which came from where.
Walker seemed cool at tactical. "We have severe damage reports from all over the ship. Shields are currently at 50%, but are fluctuating like crazy. I'm unable to stabilize them. Warp core is offline, inertial dampers are out, and secondary systems are down. Remaining ships report similar damage."
"Sir, I am picking up the shield anomalies. Reason of the malfunction is unknown. But the Victoria's shields were only at 5% when she was lost." Data turned from opps to address the crew on the bridge. Red alert klaxons blared and emergency lighting cast an eerie glow as they waited for the next attack.
Riker stepped forward. "Mr. Data, fix those shields. Walker, get a lock on any of those ships the instant we've got even a ghost of a reading and fire." He turned to Picard.
Snapping down his uniform, Picard launched his battle strategy. "Ensign Lee, open a secure channel to the remaining ships."
"Channel open, sir."
"This is Captain Picard on the Enterprise. Bring your ships about, opposite of our heading. We're going to circle the wagons. As soon as you're in position, commence firing a 3 second phaser burst at maximum spread at a rearward angle, and continue firing short bursts at every 5 seconds. We're going to create some cover. As soon as you have any lock on any of the enemy ships, fire torpedoes."
Picard looked back at the stranded Captains and they all nodded. Picard was a brilliant tactician. "Commence maneuvers now."
No sooner had they begun to move than the enemy ships reappeared. Torpedoes were again launched from all Starfleet vessels, and again only ΒΌ of them hit home. The Enterprise was grazed again by the attack. Over the din, Picard shouted, "Begin cover fire!"
Walker reported again from tactical. "Cuyahoga and Intrepid hit. Enterprise shields at 35% and still fluctuating. We can't take much more of this, Captain."
Phasers fired from the four ships, establishing an expanding grid into space. They hit nothing. Suddenly, the Intrepid exploded, again buffeting the Enterprise. The three remaining ships moved to tighten the circle. Picard looked over at the crew whose ships had been lost. It was clear that each were sorry they had not been on board.
"Captain, I believe I have discovered the origin of the shield malfunction. I am attempting to correct it now."
Picard was silent. They were sitting ducks. The cover fire would only buy them a small amount of time. They needed another plan.
As if in answer, two of the enemy ships winked into view. Their cloaking devices appeared to have broken down.
"Picard to all ships! Lock torpedoes and fire at will!"
A heavy volley appeared from the Cuyahoga, Enterprise, and Cleveland, destroying the prone vessels. The odds were narrowed.
"Sir, the radiation levels from the fallout have created a way for us to find the remaining three cloaked vessels. The rebounding wave particles are now creating a radar image. I am feeding coordinates to tactical."
"Excellent Mr. Data!" Picard shouted triumphantly. "Get those coordinates to the other ships."
"This is Captain Picard. You are about to receive two sets of coordinates. Lock on to them and fire at will!"
Simultaneously, the remaining cloaked vessels appeared and began firing. They hit the Cuyahoga and Cleveland before being decimated by a wave of torpedoes from the Starfleet contingent. Four explosions lit up the main viewer. The warp core on the Cleveland had breeched, and they were unable to dump it before it went critical.
The bridge on the Enterprise was silent. Debris lay everywhere and there was a faint haze in the air. Red lights strobed over the agonized faces of the homeless officers.
Picard's voice was barely audible. "Data, shut off those lights and that damn noise. Walker, continuous scan for any approaching vessels. Riker, get a tractor beam on any remaining enemy debris and get it into a cargo bay." He turned to the Chief Engineer and Captain Roosevelt of the Cuyahoga. "Ellen, you have my ready room." The two officers made their way off the bridge to contact their ship. Until the remaining threat level was assessed, they would be unable to transport home.
Picard turned to the woman at opps. "Lieutenant, please escort our guests to quarters." He turned to the Captain of the Intrepid. "Graham, I'm sorry."
Strained, the other Captain responded. "You did your best Jean-Luc." The men clapped shoulders and the officers filed to the aft lift, the only on the bridge still in operation.
"Picard to Main Engineering. Report."
"Lieutenant Young reporting sir. Lieutenant Commander LaForge has been taken to sickbay."
"Status, Ms. Young."
"The warp core is down sir. Estimated repair time is one or two days. Secondary systems are offline, but primary systems, including life support, are stabilized."
"Get to work then. Picard out."
"Sickbay to Bridge."
"Picard here. Go ahead Doctor." In the back of his mind Picard felt a small wave of relief.
"We've got heavy casualties, sir. We are setting up emergency triage centers in cargo bay three. And I need more power down here." Crusher's voice was insistent and tense.
"Contact Engineering with my authority Doctor. Have you treated Mr. LaForge yet?"
"He's in here Captain. He's got severe plasma burns, but he'll pull through fine."
"Very good Beverly. Keep me apprised." This was the first time they had directly spoken in days. Picard's mood was blacker than the surrounding subspace.
"Picard to all available Senior Staff. Report to the Observation Lounge in one hour."
*********
Picard gravely surveyed the conference table. In addition to six of his senior staff, the Captain and Second Officer of the Intrepid sat motionless and silent. They had been ambushed, and well.
"Number One - report."
"Engineering reports that the warp core will need a full two days for repairs, as will secondary systems. All primary systems have been stabilized." Picard nodded for him to continue.
"Mr. Data is working on identifying the attacking vessels, and Mr. Walker is attempting to trace the origin of the shield malfunction. Similar shield difficulties are reported on the Cuyahoga, and sensor data indicates that the Victoria, Cleveland, and Intrepid encountered the same problem. Their shields were all between 5% and 10% when they were destroyed."
"Thank you, Commander." Picard turned. "Mr. Data. What have you discovered so far?"
"At this point it is reasonable to assume that the M'dar are responsible for the attack. The warp signatures and remnants of the enemy ships are consistent with the technology that has previously been identified with them."
Picard's expression was stormy. "Mr. Walker. I am extremely suspicious of the systemic shield malfunctions. I believe it to be the work of the M'dar. I want you to coordinate with the Cuyahoga and get to the bottom of this."
"Yes sir. I have already been in discussions with their engineer, and they confirm our readings. The shield fluctuations all began as soon as the elevated hydrogen levels were detected by the sensors."
"Is there a connection, Lieutenant?" Picard's brow raised.
"Doubtful sir. More likely, it was a signal."
The silence around the table deepened.
"Let's be sure, Mr. Walker. I want an update on your progress in an hour. Coordinate with Data and find out what happened."
Finally Picard turned to Crusher. They exchanged no words. The CMO looked haggard. "Sickbay reports 150 casualties, 50 fatalities."
It was a devastatingly high number, considering the losses of only a month ago. Compared to the complete losses of the other three ships, however, the Enterprise crew felt somehow lucky.
Picard's demeanor indicated a close to the meeting.
"I refuse to believe any of this is coincidence. I have already relayed the events and all preliminary findings to Starfleet Command. I want more answers from all departments within the day. If there is another saboteur loose on this ship, I want him or her found. Will, you will coordinate with Data and Lieutenant Walker." He paused briefly and looked around the table. "Dismissed."
Angrily, the Captain stood and stalked from the room.
*********
Two hours after the staff meeting, Data, Walker, and Picard sat in the Captain's ready room.
Data studied a padd briefly, and looked up to give his report. "The shield malfunction originated in a relay right off of Main Engineering. Both the primary and secondary power conduits were tampered with, and the malfunction remotely activated. As stated previously, the fluctuations began after the hydrogen detection. All evidence confirms Lieutenant Walker's theory that the hydrogen acted as a signal, not a catalyst."
"Mr. Data, Mr. Walker, have we made progress in discovering who it was that is responsible?"
Walker shifted. "Oh, I think we've got our man, Captain. Logs indicate that an Ensign John Wood had last checked the affected conduits. A subsequent search of his quarters turned up a coded subspace transmitter. Finally, there was a power surge initiated from his station moments before the suspected M'dar attack began. We detained Wood immediately upon discovering this, and he's currently being held in the brig."
"Good work, Lieutenant. I want some answers from him, Mr. Walker. Get down there with Troi and talk to Wood."
"Aye sir."
"Mr. Data, coordinate your findings with the Cuyahoga, and send a report to Starfleet Command." Picard looked somewhat satiated, but his expression was still stone cold. "Is there anything else to report?"
Walker leaned forward. "The Cuyahoga has also located a crewmember who looks good for the tampering on their ship. She's been found with a similar transmitter. She has already confessed, and claims allegiance to the M'dar."
"That leaves little to speculation, doesn't it?" Picard sat quietly for a moment. "Mr. Walker, double check the results from the crew sweep. I've had enough espionage and security breaches. Use what we've got from the Cuyahoga to get more out of Wood." Picard paused again and passed a hand over his head. Exhaling, he leaned back in his chair. "Dismissed."
Walker and Data rose and quickly exited.
How many more attacks would there be from the M'dar? Who was this previously unknown race? What the hell was going on? Picard's thoughts were profoundly troubled.
*********
On the M'dar homeworld, Chancellor H'rar smiled at his First Aide. "The fools! We've got them chasing their own tails! They'll now spend hours, days, weeks, seeking out spies in their midst!"
The Aide took a seat opposite the Chancellor. "And for each that they find, we have another. Sir, you are brilliant."
H'rar smiled. And the finale? "Starfleet will immediately contact our 'homeworld,' demanding an explanation. Our mock government will claim all responsibility. They will quickly and easily be destroyed by Starfleet, who will soon rest easy that the M'dar threat has been annihilated. And then, then, J'lan, we will launch the final attack."
It had been a relatively straightforward plan, but had taken years to cultivate. Recruiting the spies and waiting for them to assume position had been arduous and slow work. After the failure of the first mission and subsequent discovery of the M'dar use of the Hepa III foliage, they'd needed to switch tactics. And that's where the Cardassians had come in. The M'dar had lost their only five ships in the first two ambush attempts, but the final phase required no ships at all. Studying the specs of the Enterprise, the M'dar-bought ex-Starfleet scientists had located a singularity in the warp core design in each of the Federation vessels that could be used to cause a cascade failure, destroying the vessels from the inside. Once the majority of the fleet was gone, the Cardassians could move in easily - all without ever appearing to have participated in the plot. It would be discovered afterward, but by then it would be too late. The M'dar would be rewarded well for their sacrifice and loyalty.
*********