Chapter 24

Enterprise Makes Her Escape

Stardate 2366.095

The Enterprise had been hidden in the nebula for the past twenty-four hours as it affected repairs from its recent encounter with the Romulan fleet. The damage from the skirmish was not serious, but needed to be repaired before she ventured out from the protective cover its dense clouds provided. Picard was growing impatient. Ruwon was significantly outnumbered by the Romulan fleet, which could only be defeated if they coordinated their efforts.

Even if they did, they were still outnumbered two to one. The Enterprise could manage to handle two or three ships at once, but Ruwon's older ships were at a decided disadvantage against the latest vessels the General commanded, especially given the fact that conventional weaponry was only effective at very close quarters. The hope was that Ruwon could use the Tantalus Device to her advantage. That all depended on its effective range. Without a pretty long range, it would be next to useless in a battle across the vastness of space.

Picard had requested that Jordi come aboard to coordinate repair efforts for the ship. He had estimated that all repairs would be completed within the next few hours. Data had headed deep into the heart of the nebula to study the mysterious phenomenon that rendered their systems all but useless. He was due back to brief them on his findings in a few hours.

"Helm, inform the Tyson I'd like to start moving toward the rendezvous point, passive sensors only, maximum gain."

"Moving to the edge of the nebula aye. May I suggest we enlist the help of the Tyson's sensor array sir? Science vessels have much more powerful systems than we do."

"Good idea ensign. Make it so."

The Enterprise shadowed the Tyson and slowly made its way to the coordinates where Jordi and Data had agreed to meet.

"Captain. The Tyson reports one contact just outside the nebula."

"Have they seen us?"

"They do not appear to have Captain. Standard picket duty it looks like."

"Let's hold here then."

That was a relief. It meant the Romulans were spread pretty thin and each of their ships had to guard a relatively large section of the nebula.

"Romulan ship moving off sir."

"Good. When you are sure they are far enough away, let's continue on course."

"Jordi to Captain Picard."

"Go ahead Jordi."

"Systems all check out Captain. We're good to go."

"Thank you."

The Enterprise finally reached the rendezvous point at the edge of the nebula. Moving through it was like being in a heavy fog, and without much in the way of sensors, the only way for sure the Enterprise could ensure an accurate location was to head to the edge and get a fix on the stars outside of it. That meant they could more easily be detected, but Jean Luc counted on the Tyson's superior sensor array to warn them in time to duck back into the cover of the nebula. After three hours, they only had to hide once. Data was overdue, but that could easily be attributed to the difficulty in finding one's way around the local "neighborhood." And given that whatever was causing them so many problems was in the nebula itself and was powerful enough to affect them all the way to the edge of the Beta Virginis system, getting really close to it had to be a lot worse. Jean Luc trusted that Data knew what he was doing and would not endanger his ship.

"We're being hailed Captain! The Tyson reports that they have detected the Kepler. At our current course and speed, they will arrive at our position in fifteen minutes."

Exactly fifteen minutes later, Data hailed the Enterprise.

"Greetings Captain. Apologies for my late arrival. The object severely compromised our navigational abilities."

"The object?" Picard inquired.

"If I might confer with Jordi sir before I brief you. Permission to come aboard, and can you send a shuttle for me? We had to drain the power reserves from ours to make it here."

"Of course, Data. Systems, have a shuttle rendezvous with the Kepler immediately. Data what…" before he could say anything, Data cut communications.

"What happened ensign?" He asked his comm station.

"Data is talking with engineering Captain. Shall I raise him again?"

"No. I imagine he's talking with Jordi. Let's just wait and see what they have to say."

After an hour, Picard was about to call Data and ask what kind of object he was talking about when his comm alerted him.

"Go ahead Jordi."

"Captain, could you come down to engineering? Data and I would like to show you something we've come up with."

"On my way Jordi.

"Would you like to accompany me Admiral? When Jordi and Data get together like this, it generally means they've come up with something more in your wheelhouse than mine. Deanna, you have the con."

When he arrived, he immediately noticed that they had jerry rigged some sort of device whose purpose he could not even remotely guess at. It consisted of what looked like some sort of measuring device connected to an ordinary light, surrounded by numerous small boxes all wired to one another. Outside of the circle was another identical measuring device and light. Both lights were on. Jordi was looking at him with a studied lack of emotion. Data was as stoic as ever.

"Ok gentlemen. I give up. What do we have here?"

"Is that a shield generator?" As a trained physicist, Mifune quickly deduced what he was looking at.

"Yes, it is Admiral. What we've come up with may be the answer to our problems. I'll let Data explain."

"I entered the nebula with the intention of finding out more about what was causing the excessive energy drain we were experiencing. I used a device similar to the two you see here, to determine where exactly the effect was coming from."

Data went on to explain that eventually he came upon an object, obviously artificial, about a kilometer across. As he got closer, the effect became strong enough that he could measure fluctuations in whatever was causing it. When he was within a hundred meters, the energy drain had become concerning, and he knew he could only stay on station for a short period of time. At that range however, sensors showed an almost imperceptible harmonic resonance to the field. By turning up the science vessel's sensors to their maximum, he was able to determine the exact frequency of that resonance. An unfortunate side effect of using his sensors this way was a dangerous depletion of the ship's energy reserves. The crew had resorted to using the energy from their shuttles and shutting down all non-essential systems just to make it back to the edge of the nebula.

"That's why we were late Captain. We could only move at a third of our normal speed."

The captain decided not to say anything about risking the ship and the lives within it. He hoped that Data had considered this and deemed the risk necessary.

"So presumably this device is the result of what you found out on your little adventure?"

"Yes Captain. Each of the lamps are identical and use the same amount of power when lit, as you can see by the measuring devices they are attached to."

"We use this rig to experiment with various shield configurations Captain," Jordi explained. "It generates a small shield when I hit this switch. Now normally, each of these lamps would require about half the power they are currently pulling to stay lit. What you are effectively seeing on the indicators, over that amount, is the power drain caused by the object in the nebula. Now watch what happens when Data activates the shield on this one."

Immediately, the power indicated on the device inside the shield was cut nearly in half, while the one outside remained the same.

"You've figured out how to counter the effect of the object!" Admiral Mifune said impressed.

"The shields negate the effect of the object? Why did we not see this before?"

"Our generators normally create shields with an isometric power signature." Data explained, "When I discovered the resonance of the object's power draining field, I suspected Jordi and I might be able to configure our shields to resonate in such a way as to mitigate the effect."

"And we didn't detect this resonance when we entered the system?"

"Even with the enhanced scientific sensors on the Kepler, I did not detect the resonance until I was within a hundred meters of the object Captain."

"So, you're saying that you can get our shields to resonate at the same but inverse frequency…"

"Precisely timed to cancel out the field from the object, yes Admiral. All systems behind the shields will perform near optimal levels."

"So, our phasers will work normally?"

"Near normal yes, and our other systems as well."

"That's great news Jordi. But you don't seem as happy as I would have expected. There's a catch isn't there?"

"Yes there is Captain," Data replied. "We calculated that using our shields in this manner will drain our energy precipitously."

"How much more?" Picard asked warily.

"A lot more than we anticipated Captain. Before we tested it on this rig here, we calculated a resonating shield would tax our systems maybe thirty percent more than usual at most. There's something about the object's energy field that drains energy from the shields much faster. We have not been able to ascertain why."

"How much more?" Picard was more insistent this time. Both Jordi and Data seemed reluctant to tell him. Jean Luc realized if Data was reluctant to speak up, it must be pretty bad. Finally Jordi explained.

"Well, we have not experimented with the ship's shields, but our prototype generator here is using power four orders of magnitude higher than we'd normally need to maintain this shield."

"Ten thousand times as much!" Picard exclaimed. "At that rate, we won't last very long."

"With shields at maximum, we would run out of power in less than half an hour," said the former warp engine scientist.

"Fifteen minutes, twenty-seven seconds," Data added helpfully.

"But we can extend that time Captain, theoretically at least. We would have to shut down non-essential systems, and restrict the use of a number of others. If we do that, we can squeeze an additional two minutes of operations. Then if we wait until the last possible moment to switch the shields on, that might give us enough time to deal with most of the General's fleet."

"That's cutting it pretty close Jordi. Why don't we switch the shields on as needed?"

"We tried that Captain." He pointed to another table where a hardened black puddle of some indeterminate substance lay.

"Our systems were not designed to handle that much power running through them. We can stabilize a constant flow of power, but not if we switch it on and off too often."

"So, once we turn it on, we have to keep it on until we no longer need it or run out of power."

"Or until we defeat the Romulans," Picard added. "That means we will still require Admiral Ruwon's help."

They all looked at each other. These were desperate times and they all knew it. Not defeating the Romulans in the short window they had would be just as fatal as running out of power – it was only a matter of dying sooner rather than later.

"Ok gentlemen. Let me know when you've modified the shield generators. We'll exit the nebula at that time."

"Yes Captain."

An hour later Data was at his bridge station as the Enterprise slowly poked its nose out of the nebula. The Tyson had not detected any Romulan ships nearby and Jean-Luc figured if he accelerated quickly enough toward the planet, he could build a substantial lead over any ships that were inclined to pursue him. The warbird patrolling the area would probably notice the Enterprise visually, if not with its sensors. It would then have a choice. Either pursue the Enterprise by itself, or since communication over any kind of distance was impossible, take the time to rendezvous with its sister warbirds and inform them that the Enterprise had just made a run for the planet. Given what had happened on the way to the nebula, a lone pursuit would almost certainly be fatal. Picard hoped the skipper of the warbird chose that option as he could handle one ship without engaging his new shields, and he would have one less enemy to worry about when the final battle started.

"Weapons, how many of those missiles do we have ready to go?"

"Twenty-four Captain."

"We knocked four of his ships out of action as far as we know. We have to assume then that the General has thirteen left. We're going to need every last one of those missiles."

"Would you like me to order up more of them Captain?"

"Do that weapons. Let's make it an even fifty just to be safe."

"Captain to Tyson."

"Yes Captain," came through the comm with enough static to be almost incomprehensible.

"We're about to make a run for the planet. Have your sensors at maximum and keep in contact with us. Keep us informed on the whereabouts of the enemy ships as long as you can, but stay hidden in the nebula until we give you the all clear."

"Aye Captain. Stay snug as a bug in a rug."

"Data, how long to the planet at maximum impulse?"

"Two hours, forty-two minutes Captain. Assuming no delays along the way of course."

"Assuming no delays along the way. Make it so, Data."

"Aye Captain. Course set for Beta Virginis 3 at maximum impulse now."

The Enterprise burst out of the concealing clouds of gas and dust that made up the nebula. Almost immediately the comm station lit up.

"Incoming from the Tyson Captain."

Well that was quick, Picard thought.

"Put it up comm."

"You've got company Captain! That Romulan commander is smarter than we thought. He must have detected something when he made his pass near us and hidden in the nebula nearby. Sorry Captain, but we could not detect him until he came out."

"No problem Commander. Thanks for the heads up. I think we can handle him."

"You should also know Captain that the Romulans just spit out ten comm buoys. They're squawking in the clear. Message reads 'Enterprise heading for Beta Virginis 3 from our current coordinates. Antius in pursuit.' They just keep repeating that message."

"Acknowledged Commander. Good job detecting them so quickly. Keep us informed if you see anything else."

So much for having a head start. As soon as those buoys came anywhere near the other Romulan ships, they would immediately join the pursuit.

"Weapons. Is the pursuing ship within range of our missiles?"

"No Captain. At current relative speed, they will not catch up with us either."

"Data, slowly drop our speed ten percent."

"Captain?"

"I want to take care of that ship while the odds are in our favor. We've got to fight him sooner or later, and I'd rather do it before we're facing the rest of the Romulan fleet."

"Slowing, Captain. The Romulans just launched some rocks at us. Taking evasive action."

Data changed the course of the Enterprise slightly. The problem was that although the bridge crew could see the flashes indicating they were being fired upon, their degraded sensors were not up to the task of determining where exactly the rocks were aimed.

"Weapons. Target that ship with six missiles. No, make it twelve. I want them out of the fight with our first salvo. Fire on my command."

"Romulans closing fast," Data said as he continued to maneuver the ship. "They are going to score some hits if they get much closer Captain."

"Weapons, can you shove the missiles out the door and light them up later?"

"I can program a delay into their ignition Captain."

"Data. How many seconds is that ship behind our current position?"

"Thirty seconds at our current relative speed Captain."

"Weapons, program the missiles for a twenty second delay and launch. Data stop evasive action and increase speed. We want that ship on a steady course."

Fifteen seconds later, loud bangs reverberated around the ship

"Damage report!"

"Hits on the starboard engineering deck Captain, no damage."

At twenty seconds, the screen showed multiple missile engines lighting up. If the Romulans noticed them, they would have about five seconds for evasive action at the missile's closing speed. They didn't see them and the bridge suddenly saw the Romulan ship shudder from multiple explosions. A few seconds later, their anti-matter containment failed and a bright flash signaled their demise. As one, the bridge crew breathed a sigh of relief. No one said anything.

Admiral Mifune broke the silence, "Jean Luc. Is there a reason we cannot engage our modified shields, and take on the Romulans as soon as we get within range?"

"I would prefer to have cover from Admiral Ruwon's fleet in the event we cannot destroy all of the General's ships. Once our energy reserves are depleted, we'll be sitting ducks."

"If I might add Admiral," said Data. "We do not have an exact location for the ships pursuing us. If they are too widely spaced, we could easily deplete our reserves before we could get to all of them. In that case, if even one ship was left, it could easily destroy us."

"Thank you, Data," the Captain smiled.

"You are welcome Captain." He turned back to his station.

"I was just thinking if we destroyed the Romulans, Ruwon would have a better chance of implementing our plan," the Admiral said to no one in particular.

"I understand Admiral," Picard said.

"Regardless of the advantages we have, we will still be outnumbered. I feel more comfortable coordinating a plan with Admiral Ruwon before facing Ralaa and his fleet."

Jean Luc paused before speaking again. He was reluctant to bring up the subject with the Admiral.

"Admiral, we've got a good chance of getting out of this with our skin intact."

"Yes. As long as we time it right, we should be able to disable most, if not all of the Romulan fleet. Even if we don't, Ruwon can handle whatever opposition is left."

"About that Hiro. You know we cannot let her know how to neutralize the nebula's effect don't you? It's a key advantage and will ensure that the Romulan's won't want to invade this part of space. Assuming Admiral Ruwon is unsuccessful in her efforts to suborn the leadership on Romulus of course."

Jean Luc thought the Admiral would object. It was obvious there was more between Ruwon and him than the spy, counter-spy narrative that he would have everyone believe.

Without looking at him, the Admiral replied, "Of course you are correct Jean Luc. Can't risk it. Too many goodies to be found on that planet. Wouldn't have time to reconfigure her shields regardless."

Jean Luc knew the Admiral well enough to know his answer was a bit forced.

"Admiral. Another communication from the Enterprise."

"On audio sister."

"Admiral Ruwon, Lyret," she heard Hiro's voice say. A hint of worry creased her brow and she noted the surreptitious looks of more than one of her bridge crew. This use of her personal name hinted at a relationship they had heretofore not known about. Unfortunately, it also told her he was as concerned about the imminent battle as she was.

"We managed to escape the nebula but were discovered shortly afterward and are being closely pursued. As near as we can tell, we have eleven ships on our tail, the lead one no more than ninety minutes behind us. We expect to be at your location in just shy of one hour. We are moving too fast for you to reply, so any planning we need to do will have to wait until we arrive. I recommend you work out some planning scenarios for us to discuss when we get there to save time. Hiro out."

"Sister. Broadcast to all ships. General Ralaa is pursuing the Enterprise to our position. Expected arrival is in less than an hour. You should have enough time to gather what personnel you need from the surface, then pair up as we practiced. Cover one another from enemy fire with your rail guns and remember to target their weaponry first. Of course, if they get close enough, use conventional weapons. Most importantly, none of those ships leaves the system! To the mother."

When the Admiral had seen the rail guns on the warbird Commander S'Talla had captured, she had immediately ordered her engineers to equip her ships with the same devices. She hoped they functioned. Her people had worked for an entire day without sleep to get the job done, but there had been no time to actually test the weapons.

"Science, have you been able to integrate the package with our fire control system yet?"

"Yes Admiral, although the connection is rather crude. There is no way we can ensure its accuracy on a high-speed pass."

"That's alright science. All we need to do is make a hole in the general area of the bridge on the first pass."

Commander Nuhir, had come up with the tactic. On the first high speed pass, disintegrate any part of the hull protecting the bridge. The ensuing decompression would paralyze the ship until the rest of the crew figured out what had actually happened and regained control from engineering. During that time, one of her commanders' ships would pass as close as needed to systematically destroy the enemy ship's weaponry. When the ship was fully neutralized, Ruwon would return and accurately target vital parts of the warp and impulse engines with the device to render the ship dead in the water. That was the plan at least. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the tactic, Ruwon had her ships form a square with her in the middle. They would make a run at one enemy ship at a time, all firing rail guns and other weapons at the same time. The hope was that they would overwhelm the opposition without taking much damage themselves. It worked in simulations. Rail guns were only accurate if both ships were going relatively slowly however, and her first pass was going to be quick. Her formation made it more likely her people would hit the other ships. That was the hope at least. She knew of course that the general was not about to line his ships up like a good boy so she could pick them off one by one. Well, she would find out in less than an hour if the tactic was going to work.