Different Ship, Same Spirit
On board USS Yamato II, NCC-1979
September 1, 2377
9:30am
Derek Wildstar had been on the Wildstar as well as the Hercules, and both ships were virtually the same. So, in his mind, would be Yamato II, and, to a degree, it was. However, he sensed something that this ship had that he could sense in the other two: heart.
Granted, it was a new ship, just off of its shakedown cruise. Its captain, Alberto Suarez, had a long resume of command experience, so it was natural for someone of his stature to get the assignment. However, when Wildstar laid eyes on him the first time, he got a similar feeling that he had with Captain Abraham Avatar.
Suarez was in his late 50s, and his Hispanic heritage shined through on his skin, which was pockmarked, probably by age. He had a gruff feel to him, but someone who instantly commanded respect from those around him.
"So, you command the other Yamato in our little fleet," Suarez said after they both entered the captain's office.
"Yes, I've commanded her for a little while now. She's only been space worthy for less than four years, but she's seen a lot in that time."
"I'm sure she has, Captain Wildstar. This isn't my first ship that I've commanded, but I hope for a much better fate for her than for the last two I've commanded."
"What happened to those ships," inquired Wildstar.
"The Powell was lost at the Battle of Wolf 359. I was one of the few who were beamed out. Believe me, I didn't want to go. I lost the Bolivar in the last major battle of the Dominion War. Our warp core was hit and we had to abandon ship. Granted, those two ships fought to the last, but even they had their limits."
"Do you expect the same from this Yamato?"
Suarez smiled and said, "If it's anything like your ship, Wildstar, I expect my streak to come to an end. I've lost too many people over the years, and I was close to retiring when the call came to take command of this ship. One thing I have learned is that this class of ship is built to take a pounding and keep on fighting."
They made out of the office and back onto the bridge. "My crew is ready when you are, Wildstar. Like Hollifield and the others said, it might not have been our Earth, but it was Earth they destroyed, and we are honor bound to defeat the enemy, no matter the cost."
Wildstar choked down a sob and managed to gut out, "I really appreciate it, Captain Suarez."
"Tell that to your whole crew. We'll stand by them until we have defeated the bastards that destroyed your Earth."
One of Suarez's officers called over to the captain. "Sir, we're getting a message from the Wildstar."
"Put it on screen.," ordered Suarez.
"Alberto, mi hombre. How's the new ship?"
"Just fine, Stephen. She's ready to go whenever the fleet's ready."
"Good. Wildstar, you should get back to the Yamato. We've gotten our marching orders. We head out at 0500 hours tomorrow for Wildstar's universe. Whether we come back is between us and God."
Wildstar nodded and said to Suarez, "See you on the other side, Captain."
Suarez returned the nod and watched as Wildstar walked off the bridge and into a tube car. "So, what are the chances we come back from this battle, Stephen?"
"Not the greatest in the universe, but if we can beat these bastards on their turf, it gives us a much better chance at winning the war."
Suarez replied, "If I have to lose this ship, I intend to go down with it."
Ashcroft leaned forward in his seat and said, "I want to make sure neither of us loses our ship, Alberto. We've both seen too much death to want anything less, but we've got to do what we have to do. See you in the morning. Ashcroft out."
On board EDS Yamato
September 2, 2377
5am
Wildstar gave the command and Venture activated the ship's engines. The engines came to life, and soon the great ship was headed towards the wormhole, alongside all the other ships. Klingon ships, led by Worf, had volunteered to come along for the fight, and they surrounded the Yamato as they entered the wormhole.
The fleet waited for the blinding flash to come, and it wasn't long in
coming. A moment before the flash, they were inside the wormhole.
Afterwards, they were exiting the aperture that Yamato had first entered
weeks ago. There would be no home to go to this time around.
"Wildstar, we have the coordinates for Z'ha'dum. Sending them to the whole fleet.," Nova said. Wildstar nodded and waited for the various replies to come in. When the last confirmation came in, Wildstar opened a communications link to the whole fleet. "This is Wildstar. Prepare to make first jump to the set coordinates. We'll be warping in one minute."
The Federation and Klingon ships turned away and entered warp, while the Minbari, Earth Alliance, and Whitestar ships opened jump points and made their way through hyperspace to the rendezvous point.
Deslok linked in, "Wildstar, we're ready to warp when you are. All ships are ready for battle."
"Good. Warping in thirty seconds. See you there, Deslok."
Deslok nodded and cut the communication. Venture called out the countdown, "10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...Warp!"
The ship seemed to distort in space before vanishing completely. Deslok's ships followed suit, and soon the space in and around the aperture was empty.
Or so it seemed, as a small, dark vessel made its way out from behind the aperture. It soon vanished on a similar trajectory as the fleet, but not before sending off a brief message:
"They have bought the bait. Now we launch our next operation!"
Z'ha'dum
Time Unknown
Anna Sheridan looked at the input that she was getting from the eye, and, in her mind, she smiled a vicious grin. "So, the fools come to attack us! They will pay for their impudence!"
Two new planet killers orbited the planet, and Anna commanded them to enter the Ragendora aperture. "You know your destinations. Now, attack! And bring down the allies of the Federation!"
The planet killers made their way from the orbit of Z'ha'dum and entered the portal, disappearing as they exited the universe. Anna closed it back up and then used her sensors to prepare the planet's defenses for the coming battle.
"Good, Anna! We will show those fools that we are unbeatable," remarked Princess Invidia.
"I'm surprised at your mood, Your Highness. Knowing that your father was killed by the Yamato and her crew, I thought you would be in an angrier mood.," mused Gul Dukat.
"My father was a mere obstacle to my ascension to power, Dukat. He died his hero's death, and now I command the fleet. This time, though, I won't make the same blunders as he did. He was arrogant, stupid, and so full of himself! Now, with myself about to be installed as Empress, I intend to rebuild the empire and rule this universe. Just like you plan to return to Cardassia and overthrow that fool Garak and the civilian government.," Invidia replied.
"Oh yes! I have a few scores to settle when I get back home. I have special plans for Garak, and I'm sure he'll appreciate them. I wonder if your court would like to take bets on how long it'll take him to die," said Dukat.
Invidia put her arm around Dukat and kissed him. "You know, I've never met a man as ruthless as you. Together, we'll show the universe just who's in charge!"
Dukat smiled and returned the kiss, "Indeed!"