Chapter 31.
Dreadnought.
(Scott POV)
When I woke up, Not only did I have Clara Laying on me, But Chloe too was there too.
But I had to get up so I managed to get off of there easy enough not to wake either of them, then I went and got showered and dressed into my uniform, then I got something to eat, and got some Coffee too. Which I had drank and ate, before Chloe or Clara got up so I went up to the Bridge.
"Morning, Captain," Chakotay said.
"Morning, Commander, What's new?" I said.
"We just picked up an debris field, I was just about to take us closer to check it out," Chakotay said.
"Helm, Alter course to intercept," I said.
"Aye captain," Helm said.
"All Science officers, please report to your stations," I said.
"There's not much left whatever it was, from the amount of Debris, I'd guess it was a small ship no bigger than a shuttlecraft," Tom said.
"I'm not reading any organic material in the debris field," Harry said. "it must have been an unmanned vessel, Possibly a probe,"
"Any idea what happened to it," I said.
"The high residual energy signature indicates repeated weapons fire," Tuvok said.
"Captain, the wreckage is composed primarily of duritanium polyalloy," Harry said.
"Duritanium," I said.
"I haven't seen many weapons that could do that kind of damage to a duritanium hull," Chakotay said.
"Transport some samples of the debris to Engineering for analysis," I said.
"Continuous scans Lt, We don't want whoever did this to catch up by surprise," Chakotay said.
As we kept going.
After an hour or 2, I was down in Engineering.
"Any Conclusions?" I said.
"Afraid so," Chakotay said.
"We've identified the signature, left by the weapon fire, There's no question, It was Cardassian," B'Elanna said.
"Cardassian? Could Seska be responsible?" I said.
"No, Captain, I am," B'Elanna said.
Then We called for a meeting with the Senior staff.
"The Probe was destroyed by an Experimental Cardassian weapon from the Alpha Quadrant," B'Elanna said.
Then Tom came in panting. "Sorry," Tom said.
"I recognized it's signature because I know this weapon very well, Chakotay and I got our hands on it when we were fighting the Cardassians," B'Elanna said.
"How did it get here?" Harry said.
"Probably the same way we did," Chakotay said.
"The last time we saw it, It was heading in the same direction in the Badlands where the caretaker picked us up," B'Elanna said.
"Originally, The Cardassian sent this thing to destroy a Maquis munitions base, We nicknamed it Dreadnought, it's a self guided tactical missile carrying a charge of 1000 kilos of Matter and another 1000 of Antimatter," Chakotay said.
"Enough to destroy a small moon," Tuvok said.
"Now add to that, one of the most sophisticated Computer systems I've ever seen, They made this missile adaptable, evasive, armed with it's own defensive weaponary in other words, unstoppable," B'Elanna said.
"So how did you stop it?" Neelix said.
"We didn't, It got through all our defences, Worked like it was supposed to, except for one minor detail, it didn't go off," Chakotay said.
"Leave it to the Cardassians to build such an advanced tactical weapon and then arm the warhead with an old kinetic detonator," B'Elanna said.
"The Missiles skipped off into the Atmosphere and quietly went into orbit," Chakotay said.
"I got inside it and reprogrammed the computer, hell, I didn't just reprogram it, I changed its identity, I made it forget about being Cardassian, Now it was working for the Maquis," B'Elanna said.
"And we gave it a new mission, To destroy the Cardassian fuel depot on Aschelan 5, But it never made it out of the Badlands we thought it had been destroyed in one of plasma storms," Chakotay said.
"So how do we stop this weapon before it causes any more damage?" I said.
"Dreadnought masks its warp trail with a randomized EM field But I can modify our Navigational Sensors to cut through that," B'Elanna said.
"And what are we going to do with it once we find it?" Tom said.
"I get back inside it, I know all the security codes. I installed them myself" B'Elanna said.
"Tom can assist you with the Navigational sensors. Keep me informed, Dismissed," I said.
"Lt, I expect everyone to show up for meeting on time and properly dressed," Chakotay said.
"Yes sir," Tom said.
XXX
"Captain, I'm picking up the trail again, New heading 196 Mark 4," Harry said.
"I'm on it," Tom said.
"This course is erratic," I said. "Are we sure we're following a single warp trail?"
"Perhaps it's navigational system is malfunctioning," Tuvok said. "It's been operating for over a years far longer than it was designed to function,"
"No, this is deliberate, It's following one of the evasive patterns I programmed into it, It must have observed us following" B'Elanna said.
"I think I've got it on long range Sensors," Harry said.
"No that's a sensor echo, Dreadnought's programmed to deflect it image up to 100,000 Kilometers from it true location, The next time you get a heading, look for a brief surge in neutrino emissions within 100,000 Kilometer radius, That'll be the real thing," B'Elanna said.
"Got it, Elevated neutrino levels, Locking in coordinates, It's within visual range," Harry said.
"On screen," Chakotay said.
"Its targeting scanner have been activated," B'Elanna said.
"What's wrong?" I said.
"It's not supposed to do that until it's locked onto it's final target," Chakotay said.
"It's heading for a planet in a system over 10 lightyears away, At it's current speed, it'll get there in about 3 weeks," B'Elanna said.
"The Planet is Class M, I'm reading several heavily populated areas," Chakotay said.
"Can you hail the planet," I said.
"Yes," Harry said.
"Hail them," I said.
"They're responding," Harry said.
"On Screen," I said. "I'm Captain Scott McCall of the Federation Starship Voyager,"
"First minister Kellan, Captain," Kellan said. "What is it you want?"
"Our scans of your world suggest you have long range tracking abilities," I said.
"We have been observing your course for the last 2 days," Kellan said.
"Have you able been able to detect the Missile on a parallel course off our starboard bow?" I said.
"We haven't been able to identify what it is, But yes," Kellan said.
"You have the right to know First minister, that this missile is carrying a warhead with a significant destructive force and" I said.
"Is this some sort of threat, Captain," Kellan said.
"On the Contrary we want to help," I said.
"I find that hard to believe," Kellan said. "Your reputation precedes you, Captain, We've been told that you've threatened many races since your arrival in this quadrant,"
"First minister, We're aware the Kazon have been telling that to people, They'd like to prevent us from making allies, I assure you, you've been misled," I said.
"And yet here you are sending this missiles towards us," Kellan said.
"The Missiles arrived here from our quadrant due to a very unusual accident, We haven't been able to determine yet why it chose Rakosa as it's target, But my Chief Engineer is preparing to disarm it before it reaches you," I said.
"Perhaps you are telling me this in order to delay our defensive response," Kellan said.
"I could have maintained communication silence and not given you any warning at all, This Missile is Cardassian in Original, Not Federation," I said.
"That's true, Nevertheless be aware that I am placing our defense force on alert," Kellan said.
"I'd also do the same in your place," I said.
"We will be watching your progress closely" Kellan said.
"McCall to Torres, how soon will you be ready to transport?" I said.
"Dreadnought's shield have responded to my codes, I'm ready now, Captain," B'Elanna said.
"Proceed," I said.
"Energize," B'Elanna said.
"Transport complete, She's on board captain," Harry said.
"Keep an transporter lock on her just in case," I said.
XXX
"McCall to Torres," I said.
"Go ahead Captain," B'Elanna said.
"We're showing a shut down of all Dreadnought's engines, Can you confirm that?" I said.
"That and more. I'll be ready to transport back in a few minutes," B'Elanna said.
"Acknowledged, Nice work, B'Elanna," I said. "McCall out,"
XXX
After B'Elanna got back, we were in my ready room.
"The Dreadnought's Quantum torpedoes could be modified to be compatible with our launchers," Chakotay said.
"What about it's engine components?" I said.
"Easily converted to Starfleet specs," B'Elanna said. "We'll have spare parts for years,"
"What about it main computer, Be we transfer it onboard Voyager," I said.
"Maybe but it would take some time, But I can Make Dreadnought Voyager's backup Computer core," B'Elanna said.
"Then B'Elanna you can bring it onboard first thing in morning, and get started," I said.
"Paris to McCall," Tom said.
"Yes, Tom," I said.
"The Missiles just took off, It's going into warp," Tom said.
"Get after it, Maximum warp," I said. "We're on our way," I said.
Then We got to the Bridge.
"Engaging Warp drive," Tom said.
"This is impossible, When I left, it was completely shut down," B'Elanna said.
"We're back on a heading to Rakosa 5," Chakotay said.
"It's increasing speed to Warp 9," Tom said.
"At this rate, it'll reach the planet in 51 hours," Chakotay said.
"It's still on course for the Planet at Warp 9," Tom said.
"Tom, Bring us within 10 kilometers, Maintain a parallel position," I said. "Bridge to Torres, Status,"
"I don't understand it Captain, Dreadnought's shields are not recognizing my security code anymore," B'Elanna said. "We can't, initiate Transport,"
"Get back up here, Lt," I said.
"Aye Captain," B'Elanna said.
"Tuvok let's take a shot at disabling its drive system, Ready Photons, Red Alert," I said. As the Klaxon went red.
"Torres programmed the missile's shields to adjust to all known weapon's Even Starfleet's," Chakotay said.
"Voyager wasn't in service when she did it, We're equipped with Mark 6 Photon Torpedoes, They may just get through," I said. "Fire,"
"No discernible Damage, Captain," Tuvok said.
"It must have scanned our weapons, adapted its shields," Chakotay said.
"Captain, it's maintaining course and speed," Tom said.
"We're being hailed by the Missiles," Harry said.
"Let's hear it," I said.
"Unidentified Federation Ship, Although this vessel is Cardassian in design, It has been appropriated by the Maquis, Please stand down your weapons," It said.
"You stand down your weapons and I'll stand down mine," I said.
"You are interfering with a tactical mission against Cardassian aggressors, this vessel is programmed to respond with all necessary force to prevent any disruption to its mission," It said.
"Dreadnought why have you resumed course," B'Elanna said.
"Hello, B'Elanna, Course was resumed once your safe departure from this vessel was confirmed, It was necessary response to your deception," It said.
"My deception?" B'Elanna said.
"You are participating in the Delta Quadrant deception," It said.
"Explain, Dreadnought," I said.
"False information has been entered into Dreadnought's navigational sensor array," It said.
"When a bomb starts talking about itself in the 3rd person I get worried," Tom said.
"Why would I enter false information?" B'Elanna said.
"Probability assessment indicates you are being coerced by Cardassian forces," It said.
"Dreadnought, you've already identified Voyager as a Federation ship, your scanners must indicate this is a Cardassian crew," I said.
"Probability assessment indicates you are operating within the parameters of the Cardassian Federation alliance, As described in the Treaty of 2367, A treaty rejected by the Maquis" It said.
"So when I was just over there, and you shut yourself off, you were lying to me?" B'Elanna said.
"Acknowledged," It said.
"Heh, I never taught it to do that," B'Elanna said.
"That is not correct, B'Elanna, your tactical subroutine instructed Dreadnought to prepare responses for 39 potential Cardassian threats, the possibility of your capture and coercion was #7" It said.
"Dreadnought, is there any way we can prove to you that you are actually in the Delta Quadrant, that this is not a deception?" I said.
"The probability of being in the Delta Quadrant, 75,000 Lightyears from last confirmed location, is negligible," It said. "The Target is located in the Alpha quadrant, Target lock has been established, there will be no further warnings, terminating communications link," Then it cut off.
"I hate AI's," I said. "B'Elanna any vulnerability you remember?"
"The one possible vulnerability I remember is in the thoron shock emitter, If we can get it to fire at full power, that should destabilize the reactor for 30 seconds," B'Elanna said. "A single sustained tachyon beam might just penetrate that core and destroy it,"
"What will it take to provoke Dreadnought into firing?" I said.
"It shouldn't be that difficult, Once we go after it with an all-out assault, the emitter should fire," B'Elanna said.
"Tuvok set your target, B'Elanna ZPM 1 to the shields," I said.
"Done," B'Elanna said.
"Ready Photons," I said.
"Ready, Captain," Tuvok said.
"Fire," I said.
"The missiles thoron Shock emitter has fired," Tuvok said.
"Initiate the Tachyon beam," I said.
"We have penetrated it shields, direct hit to the core," Tuvok said.
"Reading an energy build up in its reactor, It should overload in about 30 seconds," Harry said. "Wait a minute, there's a plasma surge coming from its core, what the hell?"
Then we got hit.
"Report," I said.
"It sent a plasma burst along the tachyon beam into our main power system, We've got EPS relays burnt out all over the ship," Harry said.
"I'm not getting response from warp or impulse drives," Tom said. "Even Manoeuvring thrusters are out,"
"The Missile was not significantly damaged, it has maintained its course for Rakosa," Tuvok said.
"Get Repairs on the way," I said. Then I head down towards my Quarters and Found Chloe asleep.
"Clara," I said.
"What's happened?" Clara said.
"Main power is out for a bit, Listen there a missile heading for a planet, If something happens you got yourself and Chloe to an escape pod got it," I said.
"Yes," Clara said.
"Good, I need to get back to the Bridge, Stay with her," I said.
"Will do," Clara said.
Then I headed back to the Bridge and into my ready room.
XXX
"Our engines will be back on line in less than an hour, First minister," I said. "Then we'll try again,"
"Did you sustain any casualties, Captain," Kellan said.
"A few, a broken arm, a broken leg, fortunately that's all," I said.
"I'm pleased to hear that, we are projecting casualties at 2 million if the worst occurs, I have deployed our fleet to intercept this missile in a matter of hours," Kellan said.
"First minister, we've analysed your offensive capabilities, and they're no match for what you're facing," I said. "You must have realized that yourself,"
"And what would you have me do? Sit here and wait for death to fall from the sky," Kellan said. "I'm sorry, We haven't had much sleep, we weren't prepared for anything like this, we are not a warlike race, We haven't devoted our resources to building weapons like yours,"
"First minister," I said.
"Please, I've always hated that title, My name is Kellan, I prefer that," Kellan said.
"Our chief engineer is trying to return to the missile's control room, She's still our best chance at disarming it," I said. "There's no reason to send your fleet on a hopeless mission,"
"I appreciate your effects, truly, but the decision has been made, we have some good pilots, captain, perhaps they will surprise you," Kellan said.
XXX
I was back on the Bridge as we are back at high warp to catch up.
"Kim to Bridge," Harry said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"B'Elanna is aboard Dreadnought," Harry said.
"Captain it's dropped out of warp," Tom said.
"Stay with it," I said. "Hail the lead ship,"
"Channel open, Captain, Audio only," Harry said.
"This is Captain McCall on Voyager, I urge you to break off your attack, One of my crew members is aboard the missile" I said.
"You'd better get your crewman out, Captain, We estimate time to intercept 90 seconds," He said.
"We're still attempting to disarm its weapons," I said.
"My orders are clear," He said. "You'll have to talk to my superiors back home, Rakosa 1 out,"
"McCall to Torres," I said.
"Yes, Captain," Torres said.
"The Rakosan fleet is preparing to attack," I said.
"Captain, don't beam me out, I may not be able to transport back here again," B'Elanna said.
"Lt," I said.
"I'm making progress, The Rakosan ships have created a diversion, I've already used it to disarm the security codes on board, If I can just get to the central processor, I can disable the entire system," B'Elanna said.
"Alright, we'll try to keep a transporter lock on you, McCall out," I said.
"The Rakosan attack is commencing, Captain," Tuvok said.
"Move us into weapons range, Tom," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tom said.
"Tuvok, give them as much cover as you can, Red Alert," I said. As the Klaxon went Red again.
"Firing Phasers," Tuvok said.
Then We got hit.
"Shields are holding," Harry said.
"We are drawing minimal fire from the missile," Tuvok said. "It's primary weapon system are focused on the Rakosan Vessel,"
"Another group of fighters is starting an attack run," Tom said.
"We've got to draw more of the missiles fire, Make Voyager a serious target, Tuvok," I said.
Then we got hit again.
"Shields at 40%," Tuvok said.
"Damage reported on Deck 3 and 4, Repair crews responding," Harry said.
"The Rakosan vessels are withdrawing Captain," Tom said.
"Good, move us out of range of the Plasma wave," I said. "McCall to Torres,"
"Yes Captain," B'Elanna said.
"The Rakosan ships have retreated, we have one hour and 9 minutes until the missile reaches the planet, Any progress?" I said.
"Dreadnought's created backup systems to replace the one I tried to disable," B'Elanna said.
"Do you have any other ideas," I said.
"I'm reluctant to discuss them in present company But could you send over a," B'Elanna said. Then Cut off.
"Captain, We've lost communication and the Transporter lock on B'Elanna," Harry said.
"Try getting it back," I said.
"Working on it but it's put up some sort of interference," Harry said.
"Keep trying," I said. "Get me a channel to the First minister in my ready room,"
Then I went in.
"People are crowding every port trying to get off the eastern continent, there aren't enough ships," Kellan said.
"Kellan, there's still 41 minutes for us to prevent this," I said.
"What can be done in 41 minutes," Kellan said.
"I'm prepared to use this ship to detonate the warhead, before the missile reaches you," I said.
"Use your ship to collide with it," Kellan said.
"Something like that," I said.
"Do you really think that would work?" Kellan said.
"I'm not sure," I said.
"You would sacrifice yourselves to benefit a people you didn't even know 2 days ago," Kellan said.
"To save 2 million lives, Not a hard choice to make," I said.
"Your reputation in this quadrant isn't deserved captain," Kellan said. "For what it's worth you've made a friend here,"
"I'm still hoping we'll have a chance to celebrate this new friendship together," I said.
Then after a minute ended the channel.
Then I went over to the Bridge and over to Tuvok and Chakotay.
"Gentlemen, I believe the only way to stop dreadnought now is to set a massive Antimatter explosion directly in it's path," I said.
"To work it would take more energy than all our Photons together," Chakotay said.
"Or more to the point, it would take a warp core breach," Tuvok said.
"You'll be in charge of the evacuation commander," I said.
"I'm not leaving you on this ship," Chakotay said.
"Captain's prerogative, get the crew to the escape pods, I'll send the senior officers to join you in a few minutes," I said. "We don't have time to debate this, Chakotay, Do it," Then moved back down to the middle of the bridge.
"Everyone except senior officers with me," Chakotay said as they got into the Turbolift.
"Computer, initiate the self destruct sequence Authorization McCall Pi 110 Omega 47, Set it at 20 minutes, Enable," I said.
"Warning Self destruct sequence has been initiated. Warp core overload in 20 minutes," Computer said.
XXX
"Warning Self destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp core overload in 11 minutes," Computer said.
"Captain, I've broken through the interference I'm not sure how we have communications, Checking on Transporter signal, I have a lock on her," Harry said.
"Voyager, to Torres," I said.
"Yes, Captain," Torres said.
"I need to get you out of there, We're abandoning Voyager, I'm going to overload the warp core in the missile's flight path," I said.
"I may be able to detonate the warhead from here by breaching the containment field," B'Elanna said.
"Can you get access to the core," I said.
"I'm already in it,"B'Elanna said. "I'm using my phaser to burn through the magnetic constrictor casing now,"
"B'Elanna are you alright," I said. After hearing her panting.
"I'm fine the air is just a little thin in here," B'Elanna said.
"Keep me updated, McCall out," I said. "Harry, Transfer control to the comm, then report to your escape pod,"
"But Captain," Harry said.
"That's a direct order to all of you, Mr. Paris, I'm relieving you, Now," I said
"The starboard thruster are a little sluggish, easy into them," Tom said.
"Understood," I said.
"Captain, thanks for everything," Tom said. "I'll keep an eye on her,"
"Warning, Self destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp core overload in 7 minutes," Computer said.
"You too Tuvok," I said. Seeing him there.
"It is logical to have a 2nd in command in case you are injured and unable to complete the mission, Captain," Tuvok said. "I request permission to remain,"
"Granted," I said.
XXX
"Warning self destruct sequence has been initiated warp core overload in 3 minutes," Computer said.
"I'm increasing velocity, Preparing to adjust our heading to intercept," I said. "McCall to Torres,"
"Yes," B'Elanna said.
"This is your last chance to get back here, B'Elanna I have to launch the last escape pods," I said.
"I understand Captain, I'm almost finished let me stay," B'Elanna said.
"Warning, Self destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp core overload in 2 minutes," Computer said.
"The Missiles containment field is collapsing," Tuvok said.
"Beam her out, Hold on," I said. Taking us away from the missiles.
"Warning Self destruct sequence has been initiated warp core in 1 minute," Computer said.
"Computer, Terminate Self Destruct sequence. Authorization McCall Pi 110 Omega 47," I said.
"Confirmed sequence terminated," Computer said.
"McCall to Torres, B'Elanna are you," I said.
"She's here in Sickbay Captain please turn to your Medical holographic channel," Doc said.
"Doc, I forgot about you," I said.
"How flattering. I wanted to advise you that I took the liberty of beaming Lt Torres from the Transporter room to Sickbay, She is somewhat singed around the edges, but should make a complete recovery," Doc said.
"Very good, Doctor, McCall out," I said. "Tuvok, Prepare to retrieve our escape pods, let's bring our crew home,"
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said.
"Stand down Red alert," I said. As the lights come back on.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!