Chapter 88
Standing Between Evil and The Prophets
Deep Space Nine space station
April 15, 2378
"How many ships have we spotted coming in," asked General Kira Nurys.
"At least one hundred, General. Wildstar has deployed itself, and the Earthforce ships Freedom and Liberty have joined her. We've sent a signal through the wormhole to see if we can get any other ships to come to our aid. Gideon is sending as many as he can, but he says that to only expect the Whitestars because they're the fastest ships he has," said Commander Fuyuzuki.
"That's better than we were expecting, but it's not encouraging. We've got a handful of Whitestars already along with Klingon and Romulan ships, and Derek Wildstar is sending what he can already, but we don't know if we'll get here in time." Kira sighed and thought for a moment, then said, "Evacuate all non-essential personnel off the station and get them down to Bajor. We have four hours to do this before the first wave hits."
"Yes, General," said the commander, who went off to do her duties.
Kira went back into her office and began to read the latest on the fleet. "Message for you, General. It's from the Wildstar."
"I'll take it in here.," said Kira, and the image of Captain Stephen Ashcroft came on the screen.
"Nurys, how are you holding up," asked Ashcroft, who looked a little depressed.
"The best I can, Stephen. That's all I can do. You," said Kira, who was surprised at the tone of his voice.
"I'm hanging in there. We just got word from Babylon 5. The Jem'Hadar have stormed the station and look to have taken the fusion reactor."
Kira's breath involuntarily caught in her throat. "By the prophets, are they out to blow up the station?"
"Not sure, but it may be their last resort plan. They've been trying to evacuate the station, but the remaining Drakh fleet has been harassing the transport ships. The Centauri and Narn fleets are moving to assist them, but if they'll get there in time..."
"I know. Why do I get the feeling that this war has been about dividing and conquering us? It's as if they wanted to spread our forces apart and then come right after the key targets again."
Ashcroft sighed and replied, "You're right. And I think that if they succeed here and at B5, they'll go straight after Earth."
"Yeah, I think so too. Stephen, do you think we're going to make it?"
"I wish I could say yes, Nurys. I really do. But I don't know. All we can do is the best we can and let the fates play out. I've got to go. If I don't see you in real like, I'll see you in whatever lies beyond death."
Tears came to her eyes as she said, "See you soon, my friend."
Ashcroft nodded as he clicked off the monitor. He wiped the tears from his eyes and hit his com badge. "Commander Litinova, please come to my office."
Commander Katrina Litinova came into the office, her red hair tied up in a loose ponytail. They had become close in the last few months, becoming each other's confidant and friend.
"Yes, Captain., " she said, all dutiful.
"Katrina, I just wanted to let you know how much I have come to care for you in the last few months. I thought when you first came on board this ship that you were a stuck up gal who followed the book way too closely. Now that we've gotten to know one another, I still feel the same way,but I also see the warm, caring person beneath that exterior."
Litinova smiled and said, "Thanks, Stephen."
Ashcroft walked up to Litinova, placed his hand behind her head, and drew her in for a kiss. She accepted it and placed her hand behind his. The kiss lasted several moments before it broke apart.
"Stephen, I love you!"
"I love you, Katrina. And when this is all over, I want to be with you!"
"And give up all of this?"
"For you, I would leave this ship, go back home, and live the rest of my life with you!"
"Really?"
He kissed her again, then said, "Katrina, the only reason I stayed on this ship is because of the pain of losing my first two wives. I've done my part for the Federation, so when this war is over...I want you to be my wife!"
Katrina's tears intensified and she smiled, saying "Yes, Stephen. I'll be your wife once this is all over with."
Stephen wiped the tears out of her eyes and kissed her again. They enjoyed the moment for as long as she could, because soon enough, they'd have to go back to the business of war.