Pulsar JX105
"How are you feeling, Mr. Rodriguez?" Dent asked.
"Fine sir. Just glad to be back at the communications station. And sir, Mr. Lambs reports the Warp Drive is fully operational."
"Good news and I'm glad to have you back, Ensign."
Dent continued on his rounds of the Battle Bridge. It had been over an hour since they transmitted their message to Starfleet command, but there was no way to tell how long it would take for them to respond - if they could respond at all.
"The message could be lost in subspace noise, sir," Haro suggested, "or they may not even detect it. However, the Zardanians should not be able to detect us this close to the Pulsar."
"Understood, Science Officer," Dent replied, "let's give it a little more time, shall we?"
"Sir," Rodriguez said excitedly, "something is coming through the deflector array. It has the same resonance frequency as our message."
"Patch it through the communications equipment, Ensign. Put it on the main viewer if you can."
The viewscreen sprang to life, displaying the interior of an office at Starfleet command. Outside a background window the skyline of San Francisco could be seen. To the crew, it was a welcome sight although one that seemed very far away to them. Two female Admirals sat at a desk, one stone faced and another looking quite anxious. The anxious Admiral could be seen to breathe a sigh of relief and then quickly regained her composure.
"Admiral Nechayev," Dent said, nodding, "Admiral Dent." Behind the Commander the crew could be heard whispering 'Mother'. His shoulders straightened somewhat in discomfort.
"Alexander," Admiral Dent asked, "how are...how is your crew?"
"They are managing well, Admiral. They are a fine crew."
"I imagine they are, Commander," Nechayev said curtly, "Captain Patterson trained them well. We've just received your report. The actions of the Zardanians are deplorable."
"Yes sirs."
"We've dispatched an envoy but the Zardanian Fleet Command is warning all Federation vessels against crossing their border," Nechayev continued, "we sent the USS Wayfarer and Repulse to try to reach you but they were attacked by the 'Listening Posts' and barely managed to escape. It seems they are little more than weapons platforms, Commander, with enough individual firepower to destroy a small moon. You were wise to avoid them."
"They are also moving in a sizeable number of vessels, Commander" Admiral Dent added, "We've been monitoring communication traffic as best we can and it looks like you've churned up a hornet's nest of activity. You destroyed their flagship and it seems several high-ranking officials in their Empire were on board to watch the 'fall of the Federation' or some such nonsense. They are now out for blood."
"The problem is," Nechayev said, "the Zardanians could not have attacked at a worse time and they know it. They never presented a significant threat to us but we cannot afford another front this late in the Dominion War. We certainly can't send in the number of ships we would need to punch through their defences just to get you. Those ships are needed elsewhere."
"Understood, Admirals. What are your orders?"
Admiral Dent breathed deep and said, "Commander, this may seem unorthodox and you can refuse, but we discussed it and believe we can get some advantage from this situation. We can't have the Zardanians throw their military backing into the Dominion so we need to distract them. Right now the Founders are too concerned with us to be bothered with a minor power as the Zardanian Colonial Empire and at most they are accepting resources and making vague promises for the future.
"Starfleet Intelligence has reported the bulk of the Zardanian fleet are massing on the far side of their border, intent on attacking some other race, such as the Bynars or Denobulans to further their respect in the eyes of the Dominion. We can't have that."
Nechayev leaned forward, "Effective immediately, Commander, you are hereby given the field promotion of Captain. The Spector is yours to command. You are to engage in guerrilla warfare with the Zardanian Empire and disrupt their communications, shipping lanes and combat effectiveness as best as you are able. We are transmitting all data on their empire, including confidential reports that we have that will assist you. Whatever assistance you need that we can provide will be made available to you."
The screen grew static filled, "The Pulsar's interference is growing too intense," Admiral Dent said, "you have the reports. And Captain...be careful." The Admiral smiled, a worried look in her eyes, "Come home safe."
"I will. I'll make sure everyone makes it home, Admirals."
The screen shut off. Ensign Rodriguez cleared his throat and said, "The Pulsar has rotated out of range of the communications array."
"Understood. Helm, lay in a course for the Masor Asteroid Field, maximum Warp. Venax, you and Mr. Haro get to work on those reports. Let me know what you have by 1600 hours.
"I guess it's time we go to war with the Zardanians."