Captain's Log, Stardate 66451.7, or June 9, 2389 by the Earth calendar. We have tracked the USS Sturgis to the Tragon System. The ship has failed to respond to hails, and is now approaching with shields up and weapons armed. We now assume hostile intent, and I have ordered my crew to battle stations.
The USS Dynasty is now at red alert. All bridge stations are manned, and Jack Thomas is seated in his captain's chair.
"Sturgis will be in weapons range in two minutes!" T'Gor says from the tactical station behind the captain.
"Standby quantum torpedoes. Target engines and weapons only. I want them disabled. Not destroyed." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." T'Gor says.
"Commander Lorza, do we have that prefix code for the Sturgis?" Jack asks.
"Yes, captain. Ready to transmit on your order." Lorza answers from the ops station at the front of the bridge.
"Very good. When I give the word… transmit the code. Once you have computer control, take their shields offline." Jack says.
"Understood." Lorza says.
Two minutes pass. The Sturgis continues its approach toward the Dynasty.
On the bridge of the Dynasty, the crew watches as the stolen ship approaches.
"Sturgis is now in weapons range, captain." T'Gor says.
"Stand by weapons, but do not fire until I give the word. I want to try and talk to them." Jack says.
"They won't talk! This'll just be a waste of time!" Lorza says.
"I agree, captain. The followers of Kodar do not believe in surrender under any circumstances. This course of action… is, in my opinion, counterproductive." Vezzi says, from her place in the advisor's seat to the captain's left.
"Maybe, but protocol requires that we try to talk to them before engaging them in combat, and that is what we will do. Is that clear?" Jack asks.
"Yes, captain." Vezzi says.
"Yes, captain." Lorza says, after a few seconds of hesitation.
"Mr. T'Gor… open hailing frequencies." Jack says.
"Hailing frequencies open, sir." T'Gor says.
"Attention USS Sturgis! This is Captain Jack Thomas of the USS Dynasty. You are ordered to come to a full stop, lower your shields, disarm all weapons, and prepare to be boarded. You have one minute to comply." Jack says.
"Captain! They are changing course! Heading… two four zero… mark six!" T'Gor says.
"They're headed for our port flank!" Jen says from the first officer's chair next to Jack.
"I don't think they're surrendering." Lorza says.
"Captain! They are locking phasers!" T'Gor says.
"Commander, send the prefix code!" Jack says.
"Aye, sir. Sending… now." Lorza says.
"Captain, hostile's shields are now offline." T'Gor says.
"Fire at will, lieutenant." Jack says.
"Aye." T'Gor says.
The Dynasty begins firing on the Sturgis, which immediately returns fire. The Dynasty is protected by its shields. The Sturgis is not, and is quickly disabled.
On the bridge of the Dynasty, Jack is now standing in between the helm and ops stations at the front of the bridge.
"Captain, hostile's engines and weapons are offline." Lorza says.
"Alright… Number One, assemble an away team." Jack says. Jen nods, then gets out of her seat.
"Lorza, T'Gor, Vezzi, and… Suro. You're with me." Jen says.
The away team transports to the Sturgis, arriving in one of the ship's cargo bays. In addition to Lorza, Jen, Vezzi, Raven, and T'Gor, there are also four security officers present.
"Okay… why did we beam into a cargo bay?" Raven asks.
"Strategy, ensign. They won't expect it." Jen answers.
"Most Starfleet boarding operations call for direct transport to the bridge. However, we are dealing with a very formidable enemy, so caution… is appropriate." Lorza says.
"Good thing the crew complement is light. Only ten of them on board according to scans." Jen says. Lorza takes out her tricorder and starts scanning.
"Looks like… they're all on the bridge." Lorza says.
"Okay… here's the plan. Ensign Taggart, you and your guards only have phasers. Those won't be very effective against kasari. You'll just slow them down. Even set on kill, It'll take several seconds to stun one of them." Jen says.
"The guards can use their flash grenades. Those will also slow down the enemy. At least for a few seconds." Lorza says.
"Okay. Sounds like we have a plan. Each of the guards will focus on one hostile at a time. Use flash grenades and phasers on maximum. The rest of us will use our polaron disruptors. Our orders are to take at least one prisoner alive. We need answers, and we won't get them if we kill everyone. Now, let's move." Jen says.
The away team moves through the Sturgis, not encountering any resistance as they make their way to a turbolift.
"T'Gor, Vezzi, Suro… there should be another turbolift to the bridge. You take that one. The rest of you with me. We'll assault the bridge from two sides, and box them in. Let's move." Jen says.
Lorza, Jen, and the security guards enter the turbolift, while the rest of the team head for the other lift.
On the bridge of the Sturgis, ten kasari terrorists are gathered in front of the captain's chair. In the chair is a middle aged man. This is Emtoc Varzan, one of Grand Emtoc Zarayn's lieutenants.
"The intruders will soon be here. Lorza of Clan Barvash and Vezzi of Clan Rethlu are among them. By order of the Grand Emtoc, we are to kill these traitors, or die in the service of our lord. So shall it be done!" Varzan says.
"So shall it be done!" the other terrorists say in unison.
A few minutes later, one of the aft turbolifts to the bridge opens. Lorza, Jen, and the four security guards emerge. The terrorists now stand with their weapons ready.
"I am Commander Jennifer Dalton of the USS Dynasty. Lay down your weapons and surrender. You will be treated well, and you will have a fair trial in accordance with Federation law." Jen says.
"I am Emtoc Varzan, commander of this vessel. We do not surrender. You are fool, commander. It is time for you to die now. Servants of Kodar… kill the infidels!" Varzan says.
Before the terrorists can act, Lorza fires her disruptor, hitting one of the terrorists in the chest. The man goes down. The other terrorists start firing. The away team members take cover behind chairs or consoles.
"Okay… good. These things work." Lorza says.
"What the hell, Lorza? We're Starfleet! We don't fire first!" Jen says.
"Too late to argue now, isn't it?" Lorza asks. Jen shakes her head.
"We… will discuss this later." Jen whispers.
"Later." Lorza says.
"Guards! Lay down suppressing fire! Weapons free!" Jen says.
"Warriors of Kodar! Advance!" Varzan shouts.
The terrorists advance toward the away team. The security guards throw two flash grenades, momentarily blinding the enemy. Lorza fires her disruptor, killing another terrorist. Jen fires her disruptor, hitting one of the terrorists in the leg. The man falls to the floor, but is still alive, at least until Varzan shoots him.
"Our lord will not tolerate failure! Death to the infidels!' Varzan shouts.
Suddenly, Vezzi, Raven, and T'Gor enter the bridge from the front turbolift. All three open fire, hitting the terrorists from behind. Two of them are killed, leaving only five left alive. Varzan manages to kill one of the security guards, while one of his men wounds another. Lorza fires at Varzan, but he evades her shot.
"Give up! You're surrounded!" Jen says.
"Cease fire! I will speak with the commander!' Varzan shouts. His warriors stop firing.
"Everyone, stand down!" Jen shouts.
"You… developed weapons to fight us, yet… you seek our surrender. You humans are soft. Weak. I know that you will not kill us. You don't have it in you. However, she does. Kill me, if you can, Lorza." Varzan says, glancing at Lorza.
"I will gladly accommodate you." Lorza says.
"Stand down, Lorza." Jen says.
"They're fanatics, Jen! They won't give up!" Lorza says.
"Regulations… require me to give them the chance." Jen says.
"I know that, but you're wasting your time." Lorza says.
"I second that." Vezzi says.
"This is not a debate! Emtoc Varzan! Stand down! There's no need for more bloodshed!" Jen shouts.
"We are prepared to die for our cause, human! You know nothing of our ways! We are true Kasari! We will never surrender to you!" Varzan shouts.
"Don't be a fool! You've lost! Surrender now, and the rest of you can live!" Jen shouts.
"We would rather die than submit to you!" Varzan shouts. He fires his weapon, barely missing Vezzi, as she rolls away. The other kasari start fighting again. Another one of the security guards is killed. Vezzi and Lorza each kill a terrorist.
"There are only three of them left! Disabling shots only!" Jen says.
One of the remaining terrorists aims his weapon at Jen, and fires. The blast misses her as T'Gor pushes her out of the way. Vezzi shoots the man in the head, killing him instantly.
"Commander Vezzi! I said no more killing!" Jen says.
"You have your orders. I have mine." Vezzi says.
I know she's Lorza's friend, but she's also Section 31. They operate by their own code of conduct. Jen thinks.
"We need one of them alive for questioning!" Jen says.
"And you will have one alive." Vezzi says. She soon kills another terrorist, leaving only Varzan alive.
"You're going to have to kill me as well, traitor!" Varzan shouts. Jen shoots him in the right shoulder, and he drops his weapon.
"Mr. T'Gor, take the prisoner into custody. Prepare him for transport to the brig." Jen says.
"You think this is over? I told you before! I am prepared to die for my cause!" Varzan shouts.
"As you wish. But first, I have one question for you. Where… are my children?" Lorza asks.
"I will tell you nothing!" Varzan says.
"Tell me. Now." Lorza says. Jen puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Easy, Lorza. We'll handle this through proper channels." Jen says. Varzan chuckles.
"What's so damn funny?" Lorza asks.
"Your commander is a fool if she believes I am going to cooperate with you in any way." Varzan says.
"You act like you have a choice. You don't! This is over! You've lost!" Lorza says.
"I have fulfilled my purpose according to the will of my lord! Your children have been freed from your blasphemous ways and will become faithful servants of Kodar!" Varzan says.
"The hell they will! Now, I will ask again… where… are…. My…. children?" Lorza asks.
"I will tell you nothing, Bevaktim Shaa!" Varzan says. Lorza scowls, and clenches her fists.
"Oh, shit." Vezzi says.
"What's Bevaktim Shaa mean?" Raven Suro asks.
"Roughly translated… Mother of Whores." Vezzi answers.
Lorza walks to Varzan, and sticks a finger into his shoulder wound, causing him great pain.
I think that son of a bitch is trying to provoke Lorza! I'd better put a stop to this before things get out of hand. Jen thinks.
"Lorza! That's enough!" Jen shouts. Lorza hesitates for a moment, then backs away from Varzan.
"Fine." Lorza says.
"A true Kasari would never back down from a fight! The humans have weakened you! Yes, run away! Run back to your Starfleet! We will feast on the entrails of your Govat Kah children, Bevaktim Shaa!" Varzan shouts. Lorza growls, and her eyes turn red. She starts slowly walking toward Varzan.
"Lorza… back off. Now." Jen says. She steps in front of Lorza, but is quickly pulled back by Vezzi.
"No, commander! There's nothing you can do now!" Vezzi says.
"I have to try!" Jen says.
"You're too late, human. She hears the call of the blood rage." Varzan says.
Lorza reaches Varzan, and punches him in the face. He falls back, but remains standing.
"Where are my children! Tell me now!" Lorza shouts.
"No, Lorza! Stop! This isn't the way!" Jen says.
"Run from the blood rage, Bevaktim Shaa! Run, like the coward you are!" Varzan shouts. Lorza punches him again. Instead of fighting back, Varzan laughs.
Why isn't he fighting back? Jen thinks.
"Where are my children?" Lorza asks, a she continues to repeatedly punch and kick Varzan, who still doesn't fight back.
"Yes, Bevaktim Shaa! Kill me! Your days in Starfleet are over! The humans will cast you out! Even if you kill me, I've won!" Varzan says.
"Where are they?" Lorza asks, as she picks up Varzan and throws him into a nearby console.
So, that's it. He wants her to kill him, an unarmed prisoner. That would mean a court martial for Lorza! She'll probably be demoted or even thrown out of the service! She's my friend! I can't let that happen to her! Jen thinks. She taps her combadge.
"Thomas, here." Jack says over the comm.
"Captain, I think you should beam over here." Jen says.
"What's going on, commander?" Jack asks.
"She's in a blood rage, Jack! We need you over here, right now!" Jen says.
"Damn. On my way." Jack says.
The away team watches helplessly as Lorza continues to attack Varzan. About a minute later, Jack materializes in the center of the bridge.
"Lorza!" Jack shouts. Lorza stops fighting, and looks at her husband.
"He knows! He will tell me, or he will die!" Lorza shouts.
"No, Lorza. Stop this. Now." Jack says.
"Are you going to let him control you, Bevaktim Shaa?" Varzan asks. Lorza growls, then resumes attacking Varzan, who is now on the ground and bleeding from several wounds.
No wonder she's in a blood rage. This asshole's provoking her. Jack thinks.
"Ensign Suro, your disruptor, please." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." Raven says, as she offers her weapon. Jack accepts it, then fires, hitting Varzan in the left knee. Lorza seems to not react, and continues attacking.
"That's enough, Lorza! Fight's over! Stop! Right now!" Jack shouts.
Jack? Where… what…. What have I done? I… lost… control! He provoked me on purpose to drive me into a rage, and I fell for it! I'm a damn fool! Lorza thinks, as she starts to come to her senses.
Lorza looks at Jack, then at Varzan, then at Jack again. Her eyes soon return to their normal shade of purple. She looks down at the beaten and bloody Varzan, who is barely conscious.
"What have I done?" Lorza asks, as tears form in her eyes.
"We'll talk about it on the ship, commander. You're with me." Jack answers.
"Aye... captain." Lorza says.
"Number One, get that prisoner to sickbay, then download the ship's logs. Let's get things wrapped up here." Jack says.
"Understood." Jen says. Jack taps his combadge.
"Thomas to Dynasty, two to beam directly to the ready room." Jack says.
Seconds later, Jack and Lorza vanish as they are transported away.
Translation of Kasari phrases in this chapter-
Govat Kah- Unholy monster
Bevaktim Shaa- Mother of Whores
Years of War will be going on a break until at least April, as I will be focusing on my two Star Wars stories for now.