Entrapment
Within moments, Captain Lawrence and Admiral Whitridge entered the bridge. On the viewscreen was live feed of dozens of modified Bajoran Interceptors surrounding the Nimbus and the Lockheed.
"Mr. Kinkaid, report!" The Captain urged.
"Twenty-Eight strike craft with photon torpedoes locked on ourselves and the Nimbus."
"And their method of cloak?"
"Still working on that, sir. No apparent Klingon or Romulan cloaking devices have been identified on any of the ships."
"Keep working on it Commander, If we don't find their method of cloak we might as well set a course for Earth 'cause there is no way we can compete with that." The vigorous Captain took a breath. "I think we've kept Major Vhit waiting long enough, on screen!"
Paul whirled around to catch the blow of the Jem'Hadar square in the face. He winced in pain and fell to the ground. What? He thought A Jem'Hadar? I was on the bridge of the Lockheed only a moment ago! He had to get up, he hadn't walked all night to reach the Cardassian weapons depot for nothing. The Jem'Hadar's blade raised high in the air to finish the downed officer when he was hit by a phaser in the back. A Lietenant rushed to aid the Captain.
"Captain Lawrence! The Diligence was destroyed a day ago! We thought you were all dead!"
"The orbital defenses, did the fleet manage take them out?" Asked the Captain.
"What was that sir?" Requested Commander Kinkaid.
The Captain leaned forward in his chair and rubbed his eyes. The jerk back into actuality was often abrupt, but this one seemed to have been more forceful than usual.
"I said put him on the main viewscreen Commander!"
"Yes, sir." Responded Mr. Kinkaid.
The formation of Bajoran Interceptors was removed from the screen and replaced with the face of a middle-aged Bajoran man.
"Admiral, you really shouldn't keep a man waiting like that. He might choose to use the time to blow the nacelles off your Nebula Class."
"My apologies Major, what can I do for you." Said the Admiral with surprising tranquility.
"I am Major Vhit Retrick, Commodore of the 2nd Legion and First Counselor to General Memnark. I am here to negotiate the removal of all Federation vessels from the Xurak Region. The Truth Sect seeks only peaceful coexistence with its illustrious neighbors."
"On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, I must inform you that the Federation Council does not recognize the 'Truth Sect' as an independent group."
"Admiral, I must suggest that you rethink you stand on this issue. Haven't you asked yourself why the Klingons, Romulans, even my people, the Bajorans will not support you on this matter."
"None of those governments condone your actions. They are busy recouping from the Dominion War but they acknowledge your organization as a threat to the security of the Alpha Quadrant."
"Your bureaucrats can say whatever they want. But the fact of the matter is, they aren't sending ships to your aid. General Memnark will not tolerate the blockade of our space any longer. I must warn you, ten Legions each twice the size of this one are in positions to strike against your barrier as we speak."
"You mention this, General Memnark. Who is he, and why does he send a Major to do his negotiating? The Federation will only consider changing its stance if we are allowed to speak with your top official."
The Major scoffed in disgust. "General Memnark is the hero you tastelessly refer to as 'the Nausicaan,' and your request to speak with him is denied. I'm calling your bluff Admiral, no more stalling. You have one hour to issue the retreat order to your fleet. If you do not comply, the blood of three hundred thousand Starfleet personnel will be on your hands. The clock starts now, Godspeed, Admiral."
Major Vhit motioned to someone off-screen and the display suddenly returned to the Interceptor squadron encircling both Federation vessels.
"Mr. Kinkaid, that cloaking device; I need answers in ten minutes."
"You just might get them sir, I'm picking up some strange readings on a kind of abnormal casing on the hulls of the fighters, it may have to do with their disappearing act."
"Keep me informed, Ian. Ensign." He addressed the helmsman. "I hope you read up on my evasive maneuvering patterns, you just might need them."
"Aye sir, I'll make sure we stay ahead of the fire⦠if there's fire."
"Good. Admiral, would you join me in my ready room?"
"Pardon me sir?" Captain Kulm's response was the same as the past dozen that Admiral Whitridge had spoken to.
"You heard me Captain, you are to withdraw your battle group from the border to Gaalu VII immediately."
"Yes, sir. We'll await further orders there." The Vulcan Captain reluctantly agreed.
"That's all of them." Finished the Admiral. "All eleven battle groups withdrawn from the border. As of this moment, we're the only Federation presence left in the Xurak Region."
"I'll set course for Gaalu VII as soon as you've beamed back to the Nimbus." Said Captain Lawrence who had just witnessed the retreat order.
"That won't be necessary Captain. We aren't going to Gaalu VII."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
