Chapter Five: A Dish Served Cold
Mission
In response to the recent attack on Lyca Station the Alliance is sending an attack force to destroy the Romulan shipyards at Valkor IV. By request of the Regent the task force is led by the Negh'Var Sompek and includes the Vor'Chas Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth and the Galor class vessels Alvex and Veklar.
Mission Date:
211th day in the 2368th year of Molar
The young Klingon lieutenant stood nervously by the airlock, trying hard to stop his shaking. Whether all the fuss was being caused by fear or excitement was anyone's guess. There was only one thing that would cause this reaction out of a battle-hardened warrior; only the presence of one person could force such a response. That person was the leader of the Alliance itself, Regent Worf.
The Regent hardly ever left the safety of the Alliance flagship, the Negh'Var, and visited other ships even less. Usually he only visited them when they had performed very well or very poorly. The lieutenant was hoping for the former. He stood there a few minutes longer, trying to calm his nerves, before the airlock opened and the Regent stepped through.
He was a very large warrior, both in height and muscle. A gray robe draped over him signified a high-ranking officer in the Klingon Empire. It was adorned with several medallions and markings, prizes from his many victories. As he stood there he looked at the lieutenant then looked around the bay for something.
"Where is Commander Mulkrit?" Worf asked, staring directly at the lieutenant.
"He is locked in his quarters, sir. He has been in there since we learned the fate of Lyca Station." The officer took a small gulp, hoping not to anger a warrior of such power.
"Of course, the death ritual," Worf quietly muttered with some understanding. "Take me to his quarters then, lieutenant."
"Right this way sir." The lieutenant made a gesture to follow before turning on his heel and walking out of the bay.
Under normal circumstances the trip from the docking bay to the captain's quarters would be a quick one. So quick in fact you would hardly notice any time go by. Today's trip was different though. It seemed to drag on and become as long as it possibly could. As the Regent followed him the lieutenant still wondered why he was there. They had heard very little news since leaving the Lyca debris field and arriving at the nearby Kendra Alpha shipyard.
It had been nearly two weeks and there hadn't been more then a few minor skirmishes with the Romulans, which surprised everyone. Everyone in the Alliance had thought the Romulan sneak attack on Lyca Station had been the first of many attacks to come, which it apparently hadn't. They were also surprised that the Regent hadn't ordered a retaliation attack on the Romulans. The lieutenant paused for a moment, could that be why the Regent was here? Was he going to order the Sompek on some dangerous mission against the Romulans? Whatever the cause he would soon find out.
"We are here sir." The lieutenant quickly said when they finally reached the door. He snapped a brisk salute before turning on his heel and heading back down the corridor.
The Regent stood there and frowned for a moment. These new soldiers were a little too cut-and-paste for his liking. A slight shake of his head to shrug off the notion before he stepped up to the door. It quickly slid open and revealed a dark room lit only by the dozens of candles positioned throughout the room. He stepped in and headed to an area where the candles formed into a semi-circle. Without making a sound he walked towards it and knelt beside the Klingon warrior in the light's middle.
"I said I didn't want to be bothered," Mulkrit quietly said, trying to hide the pain he was going through.
"Well I thought you might make an exception for me," Worf stated as he slowly closed his eyes. As he closed his eyes Mulkrit opened his and turned to see who it truly was.
"Regent Worf! I'm sorry, I did not know it was you." Mulkrit studied the Regent's face for a moment trying to see if Worf would punish him for such an outburst.
"It is alright Commander Mulkrit. I have gone through this ritual many times so I understand what you are going through." The Regent spoke in a calm, soothing manner, which was very uncharacteristic of him.
"Of course Regent. Is there a reason why you have come to my ship and presented yourself here?"
"I have some more bad news for you commander." He handed Mulkrit a P.A.D.D. Silently Mulkrit read over the report. When he finished he threw the P.A.D.D. down, nearly destroying it.
"Are they sure sir?" He asked, dreading the response.
"I wish it wasn't true commander, but our best search teams have been out there since we lost contact. The only thing left of the Tzlih is debris."
First his beloved T'Jal and now his friend Zelbreghn? The Romulans would have to pay for the pain they had dealt him; he would make sure of that.
"I understand your frustration commander, we have all lost too much to the Romulans. This war has gone far enough and we must draw the line. How would you like a chance to avenge your friends deaths and get back at the Romulans in the process?"
A twinge of excitement came into the Klingon's eyes. "I would like that very much Regent. Do you have something in mind?"
The expression on Worf's face changed as a slight grin appeared on his face. "Are you familiar with the shipyards at Valkor IV?" There was no response from Mulkrit. All he did was nod ever so slightly. "Well commander, we've gotten reports that the Romulans are redoubling their efforts to increase the shipyards size. I want you to go and destroy it before it becomes an even larger threat."
Mulkrit sat there for a moment and remembered the specs of the facility that he had read once. "The station is far too big for us to take out alone sir."
"I'm sending two Vor'Cha's, the Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth, with you. Plus they'll be two Cardassian Galor class cruiser with you as well."
At the mention of Cardassians Mulkrit's face turned to disgust. "The Cardassians sir? Why are they coming along?"
A deep sigh revealed the Regent's frustration with their allies. "They keep complaining that their ships aren't being sent on enough tactical missions. As a show of faith I have assigned their two best vessels to you."
"Very well sir. Anything else?"
"Qa'pla commander. And may the battle be a glorious one." With that Worf got up and walked out the door.
It had been several hours since the Sompek had left Kendra Alpha and they were nearly at their destination. During the trip Mulkrit had done something that he hadn't since word of T'Jal's fate, left his quarters. If this mission was to be a success then the crew needed their resilient captain to be on the bridge, commanding them through the tough battle that lie in wait. They had to be victorious; there was no question of that. If Mulkrit could not win a battle in T'Jal and Zelbreghn's honor then they had no chance at ever going to Sto'Vo'Kor, and that was unacceptable.
Mulkrit slouched back in his leather command chair and slowly rubbed his hands together. If they were to win then they would have to plan out a great strategy. Valkor IV was known for producing nearly a fifth of the D'Deridex class warbirds that the Romulans were currently using in their fleet. The reports estimated anywhere from ten to twenty three warbirds stationed there at a given time. It went against every fiber in his Klingon being, but Mulkrit knew that he would have to destroy the shipyards and get out quickly, leaving several of his enemies behind and alive.
Mulkrit slammed his fist down on the chair's armrest in frustration, startling several of the bridge crew. He knew that it would haunt him for a long time to come, but it was the only way for him to live to fight on. Before the battle took place though he would have to consult with the pitiful Cardassians that he had been forced to drag along.
"Kelmarq, open a communication channel with the Alvex. I wish to speak with their captain." He ordered to his communications officer.
"Aye sir. Opening channel now," she quickly said.
"This is Gul Duren. What are you in need of my Klingon friend."
"Before we arrive I thought we should discuss our battle plan."
"Our battle plan?" Duren asked confused. "What's there to discuss? We fly in, blast some Romulans, and fly back out. Even you should be able to understand that." Duren spoke with an arrogant tone; a Cardassian tone.
Mulkrit let out a grunt of disgust. He had never liked Cardassians and just because they were allies didn't mean he would now either. They always made you feel inferior, even when they didn't make sense to themselves. "If we go in their head-on and just open fire the Romulans will destroy us before we can affect any damage at all. We need a well thought out plan if we are to succeed."
"And I suppose you just happen to have a plan up your sleeve?"
"I do."
"Well then by all means share away. I'm just waiting to hear it."
A glare came from Mulkrit's face and was shot back at Duren. If they didn't need the two ships to win this battle Mulkrit would have ordered their destruction. He took a deep breath before speaking again. "I think that the Alvex should drop out of warp at coordinates forty-two gamma, right behind the shipyard's main scaffolding. From there you should attack the warbirds that are getting repaired on."
"And what will you Klingons be doing while we risk our lives?" Duren said in a sharp tone.
Mulkrit's patience was growing thin with Duren and he let out a low, frustrated growl to let the Cardassian know of the fact. "Well if you let me finish I'll make that point clear, Duren. The Sompek and the two Vor'Chas will drop out of warp at coordinates twenty-seven alpha, directly in front of the station. From there we will attack the station itself, destroying it and any nearby vessels. After the station's destruction all five ships will cripple and destroy any ships we encounter on our way out." Mulkrit leaned back and tightened his hands; proud of the plan he had come up with.
Duren sat there for a moment and analyzed the plan in his head. It wasn't that bad of a plan at all. The big obstacle of the whole plan though was the amount of ships currently stationed there. They wouldn't know the answer to that question until they got too close to turn back. "Well it's not that bad of a plan, especially coming from a Klingon."
At this point Mulkrit had lost his patience with the arrogant Cardassian. "I recommend comms silence until we arrive at the station. Until then Mulkrit out." He signaled Kelmarq to close the channel and the screen went blank. The attitudes of several of their allies, not just the Cardassians, had caused the empire trouble. Many Klingons believed that had the Romulans not been such a formidable opponent then the empire would have no allies, and most of the ones they had now would be conquered peoples.
He turned and looked at Kelmarq again. "Lieutenant, send a copy of the mission plan to the Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth."
She quickly nodded before replying. "Mission plan sent sir."
"Commander Valkris I want constant battle drills until we arrive, I don't want to be caught unprepared."
"Aye sir!" A tall Klingon saluted before heading to a turbolift and leaving the bridge.
"And somebody get me a Roktajino. I'm not going into battle on a dry stomach." A young ensign, too young to be involved in this bloody war, rushed out to fetch the captain's request.
A small smile spread across Mulkrit's face. He was proud of his crew. They were some of the best-trained officers in the fleet and they were hungry for a battle. Before the attack on Lyca Station the Sompek had been stuck patrolling the border for nearly two months. During that time they had encountered only a few Romulan cruisers and some scoutships. It was almost as if the presence of the mighty ship made the Romulans flee like bugs from a mower. The patrol was a peaceful one, but it had presented little opportunity for glory, little chance to feel like they were making a difference in this war. This mission was exactly what he and his crew needed.
As the distance between the fleet and the target shortened Mulkrit sat back and sipped on his drink. It was odd but Mulkrit was both excited and dismayed at the coming battle. The warrior in him was thrilled at finally having a mission worth having, and being able to deal a blow to those that had slaughtered his friends. Another part of him, almost a seemingly wiser part, grew tired of the conflict. The horrible war had lasted over eight years and still there was no clear end in sight. In all that time the two powers had come to a stalemate.
He let out a sigh that must have been louder then he thought because Valkris turned to look at him. His friend had a scar on his right cheek, another trophy of war.
"All troops are ready for battle sir. The Romulans won't know what hit them," the commander said in a proud, almost boastful tone.
"Very good commander. Once we arrive we are going to need everyone at their top performance. Helm, how long before we arrive at the target?"
"ETA is approximately three minutes twenty seconds, sir."
Only three minutes before his vengeance took place. By his command he would make sure that the Romulans would have a cold and painful death. The same they had dealt to T'Jal and Zelbreghn.
The short time passed by very quickly and the Sompek, Dro'Vat, and Ta'Coth dropped out of warp only a few hundred meters form the shipyard. Mulkrit stood up from his chair and analyzed the image on the view screen. To his surprise there only appeared to be five warbirds floating near the station, and another two locked in its scaffolding under repairs.
"Tactical, target the lead Romulan ship and open fire," came the captain's cold order.
Without hesitation the officer pressed the fire button and launched several torpedoes at the warbird's forward sections. The torpedoes hit with deadly accuracy and blew the head of the mighty bird clean off. The remaining sections of the ship teetered a bit and began to fall as fire covered the metal plating.
As the crippled ship sat there a blaze the three Klingon vessels flew past the burning hulk and fired simultaneously at the second ship. Unlike its sister the second ship was able to raise their shields before the barrage could hit them.
"Signal the other ships to target the shields near the warbird's starboard engine and fire with their phasers. Once we have punched a hole in their shields then open fire with our torpedoes."
In a swift motion all three vessels turned and opened fire on the nacelle's shields. Within seconds they shimmered slightly before dropping, exposing the helpless section to the Klingon's fiery wrath. As the shields lowered several glowing torpedoes left their Klingon launchers and struck the ship's engine, shattering it to pieces. The warbird shuttered for a moment before exploding into a brilliance of light and death.
With a sudden halt the two Cardassian ships dropped out of warp. As they prepared to join the battle a blinding flash was seen as the three Klingon vessels destroyed a third warbird, which only left two more active enemies left.
Duren paused for a moment, considering his strategy. The plan was for the Alvex and Veklar to remove the ships being worked on, but to attack two broken vessels seemed like a waste of time and weapons fire.
"What are our orders sir?" The tactical officer asked hesitantly.
Quietly Duren studied the scene before him and the layout of the station. After a few brief moments he came up with a plan that should serve both his needs and those of the original plan.
"Prepare to open fire at coordinates forty-two beta." The captain said raising a hand to his chin.
"But sir, that will hit the station, not the two damaged warbirds."
"That it correct. However it will hit the station's connectors between the main sections and the scaffolding holding the two vessels. When the connectors are destroyed it will start a cascade reaction that should take out the two vessels as well."
"Very well sir. Opening fire." With a press of a button a trio or torpedoes followed by several phaser blasts erupted from the ship's weapons array and struck the station's connectors. A jagged line of fire shot across the connectors from edge to edge. Seconds later the scaffolding section tore and fell from the main sections of the station.
As he walked towards the view screen Mulkrit smiled slightly. This mission was going easier then he had thought and he was relieved at how smoothly it was going. He stood there and watched as all five vessels converged on the final warbird, destroying it quickly. "Open a channel to the other ships Kelmarq."
"Channel open sir," she said with a new sense of excitement.
"This is squad commander Mulkrit. I want all ships to target the station at the designated coordinates," he typed in a series of coordinates on the comms panel before sending them. "Fire a full spread of torpedoes followed by precision phaser blasts. Wait for my signal to fire." Several seconds trudged by before the order was given.
In a careful sequence the five vessels formed a circle around the base and unleashed their fury near the main sections of the station. Several small fires erupted on the station's surface. With every new impact the fires grew larger and larger until they consumed every inch of the station and left nothing but charred remains and broken hull fragments.
Mulkrit stood there and surveyed the damage. This station had been turned into nothing more then ashes and death. Satisfied he turned around and sat back down in his comfortable leather captain's chair. "Helm set course for Kendra Alpha and engage at maximum warp once we leave the debris field. Inform the rest of the fleet to do the same.
"Aye sir."
The hum of the engines grew louder as the ship moved away from the debris. Though the ship was quiet Mulkrit knew how excited the crew was at having just achieved such a big victory. As he sat there he found that it was hard for him not to just let out a triumph shout. The fact that hardly any of his troops had died on this mission was an added plus. It truly was a great battle, worthy of his fallen friends honor.
Suddenly a proximity alert buzzer interrupted the silence. "Turn that thing off!" Mulkrit yelled into the quick chaos.
"Sir, there are ten Romulan warbirds decloaking behind us and opening fire!"
"Shields! Turn about and prepare to...." His orders were interrupted by the sudden shaking of the ship around him. Several torpedoes hit them and the whole ship was tossed and turned about in the ensuing madness.
"On screen!" was the only order that Mulkrit was able to give as he climbed up from off the ground. What he saw made his emotions completely change. As he sat there he felt helpless as several of the warbirds fired upon the Dro'Vat, destroying it with relative ease.
"Sir, orders?" asked the bewildered tactical officer.
Silently Mulkrit examined the situation. There were four damaged vessels against ten perfect condition warbirds. Their mission was complete as the station was destroyed, and he was ordered to get out once that had been achieved. Frustrated, he thought about his options and went back and forth on what to do. Finally he said the one thing he would regret, but knew he had to. "Signal the other ships to break fire and retreat."
"Sir?" the tactical officer questionly asked.
"You heard me. Full retreat!" In his whole career Mulkrit had never ordered a retreat and the fact that he was doing so now only enraged him more. He knew it must be done though; so that he may live to fight another day, fight for himself and for his fallen friends.
With a whine the ship turned and headed back on its original course. It seemed as though the ship itself hated to retreat.
"Sir we are receiving a hail from the Romulans."
A hail from the Romulans? What deception could they be up to now? "Put them through Kelmarq."
"This is Centurion Veruuk, commanding the Romulan fleet. What's the matter Klingon? Not feeling up to the challenge? After all I didn't think that Klingons knew how to run."
Mulkrit gritted his teeth in anger but didn't speak.
"Well I never liked combating Klingons anyway. My specialty is slaughtering Bajorans, like the one commanding Lyca Station. What was her name...?"
"T'Jal! Her name was T'Jal!" the Klingon commander shouted out in blind rage.
"Ah so you knew her, eh? A really tricky soldier she was. Almost killed me with her little stunt. Thankfully though I have a quick responding crew and I got out with only a few scars."
"You should feel lucky with only that. If I had been there you would not be here today."
"You threatening me Klingon?" Veruuk said in a smug tone. "Why don't you make due on it?"
"I don't have the time today Romulan, but rest assured that one day I will. Until then remember this day and know that you will not receive luck a third time. Engage warp!" he said to the helm officer. Suddenly the Sompek and the three other allied vessels jumped into warp, fleeing the cold scene behind them. As they headed for their destination Mulkrit clenched his fist and silently vowed to avenge T'Jal's death by taking Veruuk's.
Mission
In response to the recent attack on Lyca Station the Alliance is sending an attack force to destroy the Romulan shipyards at Valkor IV. By request of the Regent the task force is led by the Negh'Var Sompek and includes the Vor'Chas Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth and the Galor class vessels Alvex and Veklar.
Mission Date:
211th day in the 2368th year of Molar
The young Klingon lieutenant stood nervously by the airlock, trying hard to stop his shaking. Whether all the fuss was being caused by fear or excitement was anyone's guess. There was only one thing that would cause this reaction out of a battle-hardened warrior; only the presence of one person could force such a response. That person was the leader of the Alliance itself, Regent Worf.
The Regent hardly ever left the safety of the Alliance flagship, the Negh'Var, and visited other ships even less. Usually he only visited them when they had performed very well or very poorly. The lieutenant was hoping for the former. He stood there a few minutes longer, trying to calm his nerves, before the airlock opened and the Regent stepped through.
He was a very large warrior, both in height and muscle. A gray robe draped over him signified a high-ranking officer in the Klingon Empire. It was adorned with several medallions and markings, prizes from his many victories. As he stood there he looked at the lieutenant then looked around the bay for something.
"Where is Commander Mulkrit?" Worf asked, staring directly at the lieutenant.
"He is locked in his quarters, sir. He has been in there since we learned the fate of Lyca Station." The officer took a small gulp, hoping not to anger a warrior of such power.
"Of course, the death ritual," Worf quietly muttered with some understanding. "Take me to his quarters then, lieutenant."
"Right this way sir." The lieutenant made a gesture to follow before turning on his heel and walking out of the bay.
Under normal circumstances the trip from the docking bay to the captain's quarters would be a quick one. So quick in fact you would hardly notice any time go by. Today's trip was different though. It seemed to drag on and become as long as it possibly could. As the Regent followed him the lieutenant still wondered why he was there. They had heard very little news since leaving the Lyca debris field and arriving at the nearby Kendra Alpha shipyard.
It had been nearly two weeks and there hadn't been more then a few minor skirmishes with the Romulans, which surprised everyone. Everyone in the Alliance had thought the Romulan sneak attack on Lyca Station had been the first of many attacks to come, which it apparently hadn't. They were also surprised that the Regent hadn't ordered a retaliation attack on the Romulans. The lieutenant paused for a moment, could that be why the Regent was here? Was he going to order the Sompek on some dangerous mission against the Romulans? Whatever the cause he would soon find out.
"We are here sir." The lieutenant quickly said when they finally reached the door. He snapped a brisk salute before turning on his heel and heading back down the corridor.
The Regent stood there and frowned for a moment. These new soldiers were a little too cut-and-paste for his liking. A slight shake of his head to shrug off the notion before he stepped up to the door. It quickly slid open and revealed a dark room lit only by the dozens of candles positioned throughout the room. He stepped in and headed to an area where the candles formed into a semi-circle. Without making a sound he walked towards it and knelt beside the Klingon warrior in the light's middle.
"I said I didn't want to be bothered," Mulkrit quietly said, trying to hide the pain he was going through.
"Well I thought you might make an exception for me," Worf stated as he slowly closed his eyes. As he closed his eyes Mulkrit opened his and turned to see who it truly was.
"Regent Worf! I'm sorry, I did not know it was you." Mulkrit studied the Regent's face for a moment trying to see if Worf would punish him for such an outburst.
"It is alright Commander Mulkrit. I have gone through this ritual many times so I understand what you are going through." The Regent spoke in a calm, soothing manner, which was very uncharacteristic of him.
"Of course Regent. Is there a reason why you have come to my ship and presented yourself here?"
"I have some more bad news for you commander." He handed Mulkrit a P.A.D.D. Silently Mulkrit read over the report. When he finished he threw the P.A.D.D. down, nearly destroying it.
"Are they sure sir?" He asked, dreading the response.
"I wish it wasn't true commander, but our best search teams have been out there since we lost contact. The only thing left of the Tzlih is debris."
First his beloved T'Jal and now his friend Zelbreghn? The Romulans would have to pay for the pain they had dealt him; he would make sure of that.
"I understand your frustration commander, we have all lost too much to the Romulans. This war has gone far enough and we must draw the line. How would you like a chance to avenge your friends deaths and get back at the Romulans in the process?"
A twinge of excitement came into the Klingon's eyes. "I would like that very much Regent. Do you have something in mind?"
The expression on Worf's face changed as a slight grin appeared on his face. "Are you familiar with the shipyards at Valkor IV?" There was no response from Mulkrit. All he did was nod ever so slightly. "Well commander, we've gotten reports that the Romulans are redoubling their efforts to increase the shipyards size. I want you to go and destroy it before it becomes an even larger threat."
Mulkrit sat there for a moment and remembered the specs of the facility that he had read once. "The station is far too big for us to take out alone sir."
"I'm sending two Vor'Cha's, the Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth, with you. Plus they'll be two Cardassian Galor class cruiser with you as well."
At the mention of Cardassians Mulkrit's face turned to disgust. "The Cardassians sir? Why are they coming along?"
A deep sigh revealed the Regent's frustration with their allies. "They keep complaining that their ships aren't being sent on enough tactical missions. As a show of faith I have assigned their two best vessels to you."
"Very well sir. Anything else?"
"Qa'pla commander. And may the battle be a glorious one." With that Worf got up and walked out the door.
It had been several hours since the Sompek had left Kendra Alpha and they were nearly at their destination. During the trip Mulkrit had done something that he hadn't since word of T'Jal's fate, left his quarters. If this mission was to be a success then the crew needed their resilient captain to be on the bridge, commanding them through the tough battle that lie in wait. They had to be victorious; there was no question of that. If Mulkrit could not win a battle in T'Jal and Zelbreghn's honor then they had no chance at ever going to Sto'Vo'Kor, and that was unacceptable.
Mulkrit slouched back in his leather command chair and slowly rubbed his hands together. If they were to win then they would have to plan out a great strategy. Valkor IV was known for producing nearly a fifth of the D'Deridex class warbirds that the Romulans were currently using in their fleet. The reports estimated anywhere from ten to twenty three warbirds stationed there at a given time. It went against every fiber in his Klingon being, but Mulkrit knew that he would have to destroy the shipyards and get out quickly, leaving several of his enemies behind and alive.
Mulkrit slammed his fist down on the chair's armrest in frustration, startling several of the bridge crew. He knew that it would haunt him for a long time to come, but it was the only way for him to live to fight on. Before the battle took place though he would have to consult with the pitiful Cardassians that he had been forced to drag along.
"Kelmarq, open a communication channel with the Alvex. I wish to speak with their captain." He ordered to his communications officer.
"Aye sir. Opening channel now," she quickly said.
"This is Gul Duren. What are you in need of my Klingon friend."
"Before we arrive I thought we should discuss our battle plan."
"Our battle plan?" Duren asked confused. "What's there to discuss? We fly in, blast some Romulans, and fly back out. Even you should be able to understand that." Duren spoke with an arrogant tone; a Cardassian tone.
Mulkrit let out a grunt of disgust. He had never liked Cardassians and just because they were allies didn't mean he would now either. They always made you feel inferior, even when they didn't make sense to themselves. "If we go in their head-on and just open fire the Romulans will destroy us before we can affect any damage at all. We need a well thought out plan if we are to succeed."
"And I suppose you just happen to have a plan up your sleeve?"
"I do."
"Well then by all means share away. I'm just waiting to hear it."
A glare came from Mulkrit's face and was shot back at Duren. If they didn't need the two ships to win this battle Mulkrit would have ordered their destruction. He took a deep breath before speaking again. "I think that the Alvex should drop out of warp at coordinates forty-two gamma, right behind the shipyard's main scaffolding. From there you should attack the warbirds that are getting repaired on."
"And what will you Klingons be doing while we risk our lives?" Duren said in a sharp tone.
Mulkrit's patience was growing thin with Duren and he let out a low, frustrated growl to let the Cardassian know of the fact. "Well if you let me finish I'll make that point clear, Duren. The Sompek and the two Vor'Chas will drop out of warp at coordinates twenty-seven alpha, directly in front of the station. From there we will attack the station itself, destroying it and any nearby vessels. After the station's destruction all five ships will cripple and destroy any ships we encounter on our way out." Mulkrit leaned back and tightened his hands; proud of the plan he had come up with.
Duren sat there for a moment and analyzed the plan in his head. It wasn't that bad of a plan at all. The big obstacle of the whole plan though was the amount of ships currently stationed there. They wouldn't know the answer to that question until they got too close to turn back. "Well it's not that bad of a plan, especially coming from a Klingon."
At this point Mulkrit had lost his patience with the arrogant Cardassian. "I recommend comms silence until we arrive at the station. Until then Mulkrit out." He signaled Kelmarq to close the channel and the screen went blank. The attitudes of several of their allies, not just the Cardassians, had caused the empire trouble. Many Klingons believed that had the Romulans not been such a formidable opponent then the empire would have no allies, and most of the ones they had now would be conquered peoples.
He turned and looked at Kelmarq again. "Lieutenant, send a copy of the mission plan to the Dro'Vat and Ta'Coth."
She quickly nodded before replying. "Mission plan sent sir."
"Commander Valkris I want constant battle drills until we arrive, I don't want to be caught unprepared."
"Aye sir!" A tall Klingon saluted before heading to a turbolift and leaving the bridge.
"And somebody get me a Roktajino. I'm not going into battle on a dry stomach." A young ensign, too young to be involved in this bloody war, rushed out to fetch the captain's request.
A small smile spread across Mulkrit's face. He was proud of his crew. They were some of the best-trained officers in the fleet and they were hungry for a battle. Before the attack on Lyca Station the Sompek had been stuck patrolling the border for nearly two months. During that time they had encountered only a few Romulan cruisers and some scoutships. It was almost as if the presence of the mighty ship made the Romulans flee like bugs from a mower. The patrol was a peaceful one, but it had presented little opportunity for glory, little chance to feel like they were making a difference in this war. This mission was exactly what he and his crew needed.
As the distance between the fleet and the target shortened Mulkrit sat back and sipped on his drink. It was odd but Mulkrit was both excited and dismayed at the coming battle. The warrior in him was thrilled at finally having a mission worth having, and being able to deal a blow to those that had slaughtered his friends. Another part of him, almost a seemingly wiser part, grew tired of the conflict. The horrible war had lasted over eight years and still there was no clear end in sight. In all that time the two powers had come to a stalemate.
He let out a sigh that must have been louder then he thought because Valkris turned to look at him. His friend had a scar on his right cheek, another trophy of war.
"All troops are ready for battle sir. The Romulans won't know what hit them," the commander said in a proud, almost boastful tone.
"Very good commander. Once we arrive we are going to need everyone at their top performance. Helm, how long before we arrive at the target?"
"ETA is approximately three minutes twenty seconds, sir."
Only three minutes before his vengeance took place. By his command he would make sure that the Romulans would have a cold and painful death. The same they had dealt to T'Jal and Zelbreghn.
The short time passed by very quickly and the Sompek, Dro'Vat, and Ta'Coth dropped out of warp only a few hundred meters form the shipyard. Mulkrit stood up from his chair and analyzed the image on the view screen. To his surprise there only appeared to be five warbirds floating near the station, and another two locked in its scaffolding under repairs.
"Tactical, target the lead Romulan ship and open fire," came the captain's cold order.
Without hesitation the officer pressed the fire button and launched several torpedoes at the warbird's forward sections. The torpedoes hit with deadly accuracy and blew the head of the mighty bird clean off. The remaining sections of the ship teetered a bit and began to fall as fire covered the metal plating.
As the crippled ship sat there a blaze the three Klingon vessels flew past the burning hulk and fired simultaneously at the second ship. Unlike its sister the second ship was able to raise their shields before the barrage could hit them.
"Signal the other ships to target the shields near the warbird's starboard engine and fire with their phasers. Once we have punched a hole in their shields then open fire with our torpedoes."
In a swift motion all three vessels turned and opened fire on the nacelle's shields. Within seconds they shimmered slightly before dropping, exposing the helpless section to the Klingon's fiery wrath. As the shields lowered several glowing torpedoes left their Klingon launchers and struck the ship's engine, shattering it to pieces. The warbird shuttered for a moment before exploding into a brilliance of light and death.
With a sudden halt the two Cardassian ships dropped out of warp. As they prepared to join the battle a blinding flash was seen as the three Klingon vessels destroyed a third warbird, which only left two more active enemies left.
Duren paused for a moment, considering his strategy. The plan was for the Alvex and Veklar to remove the ships being worked on, but to attack two broken vessels seemed like a waste of time and weapons fire.
"What are our orders sir?" The tactical officer asked hesitantly.
Quietly Duren studied the scene before him and the layout of the station. After a few brief moments he came up with a plan that should serve both his needs and those of the original plan.
"Prepare to open fire at coordinates forty-two beta." The captain said raising a hand to his chin.
"But sir, that will hit the station, not the two damaged warbirds."
"That it correct. However it will hit the station's connectors between the main sections and the scaffolding holding the two vessels. When the connectors are destroyed it will start a cascade reaction that should take out the two vessels as well."
"Very well sir. Opening fire." With a press of a button a trio or torpedoes followed by several phaser blasts erupted from the ship's weapons array and struck the station's connectors. A jagged line of fire shot across the connectors from edge to edge. Seconds later the scaffolding section tore and fell from the main sections of the station.
As he walked towards the view screen Mulkrit smiled slightly. This mission was going easier then he had thought and he was relieved at how smoothly it was going. He stood there and watched as all five vessels converged on the final warbird, destroying it quickly. "Open a channel to the other ships Kelmarq."
"Channel open sir," she said with a new sense of excitement.
"This is squad commander Mulkrit. I want all ships to target the station at the designated coordinates," he typed in a series of coordinates on the comms panel before sending them. "Fire a full spread of torpedoes followed by precision phaser blasts. Wait for my signal to fire." Several seconds trudged by before the order was given.
In a careful sequence the five vessels formed a circle around the base and unleashed their fury near the main sections of the station. Several small fires erupted on the station's surface. With every new impact the fires grew larger and larger until they consumed every inch of the station and left nothing but charred remains and broken hull fragments.
Mulkrit stood there and surveyed the damage. This station had been turned into nothing more then ashes and death. Satisfied he turned around and sat back down in his comfortable leather captain's chair. "Helm set course for Kendra Alpha and engage at maximum warp once we leave the debris field. Inform the rest of the fleet to do the same.
"Aye sir."
The hum of the engines grew louder as the ship moved away from the debris. Though the ship was quiet Mulkrit knew how excited the crew was at having just achieved such a big victory. As he sat there he found that it was hard for him not to just let out a triumph shout. The fact that hardly any of his troops had died on this mission was an added plus. It truly was a great battle, worthy of his fallen friends honor.
Suddenly a proximity alert buzzer interrupted the silence. "Turn that thing off!" Mulkrit yelled into the quick chaos.
"Sir, there are ten Romulan warbirds decloaking behind us and opening fire!"
"Shields! Turn about and prepare to...." His orders were interrupted by the sudden shaking of the ship around him. Several torpedoes hit them and the whole ship was tossed and turned about in the ensuing madness.
"On screen!" was the only order that Mulkrit was able to give as he climbed up from off the ground. What he saw made his emotions completely change. As he sat there he felt helpless as several of the warbirds fired upon the Dro'Vat, destroying it with relative ease.
"Sir, orders?" asked the bewildered tactical officer.
Silently Mulkrit examined the situation. There were four damaged vessels against ten perfect condition warbirds. Their mission was complete as the station was destroyed, and he was ordered to get out once that had been achieved. Frustrated, he thought about his options and went back and forth on what to do. Finally he said the one thing he would regret, but knew he had to. "Signal the other ships to break fire and retreat."
"Sir?" the tactical officer questionly asked.
"You heard me. Full retreat!" In his whole career Mulkrit had never ordered a retreat and the fact that he was doing so now only enraged him more. He knew it must be done though; so that he may live to fight another day, fight for himself and for his fallen friends.
With a whine the ship turned and headed back on its original course. It seemed as though the ship itself hated to retreat.
"Sir we are receiving a hail from the Romulans."
A hail from the Romulans? What deception could they be up to now? "Put them through Kelmarq."
"This is Centurion Veruuk, commanding the Romulan fleet. What's the matter Klingon? Not feeling up to the challenge? After all I didn't think that Klingons knew how to run."
Mulkrit gritted his teeth in anger but didn't speak.
"Well I never liked combating Klingons anyway. My specialty is slaughtering Bajorans, like the one commanding Lyca Station. What was her name...?"
"T'Jal! Her name was T'Jal!" the Klingon commander shouted out in blind rage.
"Ah so you knew her, eh? A really tricky soldier she was. Almost killed me with her little stunt. Thankfully though I have a quick responding crew and I got out with only a few scars."
"You should feel lucky with only that. If I had been there you would not be here today."
"You threatening me Klingon?" Veruuk said in a smug tone. "Why don't you make due on it?"
"I don't have the time today Romulan, but rest assured that one day I will. Until then remember this day and know that you will not receive luck a third time. Engage warp!" he said to the helm officer. Suddenly the Sompek and the three other allied vessels jumped into warp, fleeing the cold scene behind them. As they headed for their destination Mulkrit clenched his fist and silently vowed to avenge T'Jal's death by taking Veruuk's.