Chapter 82.
Extreme Risk.
(Scott POV)
I was on the Bridge.
"Captain, Someone's locked on to our probe with a tractor beam," Harry said.
"It looks like a Malon freighter," Chakotay said.
"I had a feeling we hadn't seen the last of them," Tom said.
"Open a channel," I said.
"Aye Captain," Harry said.
"Starship Voyager to Malon vessel, That Probe belongs to us, Release it immediately," I said.
"No Response," Harry said.
"Tom, How fast can we get us there," I said.
"Ah 2 hours at least," Tom said.
"They'll be long gone, Got to Maximum warp," I said.
"If we instruct the Probe to emit a polaron burst, it could disrupt the tractor beam," Tuvok said.
"Do it," I said.
"The beam has been disabled," Tuvok said.
"Harry Redirect the Probes course," I said.
"The Malon are in pursuit," Tuvok said.
"That probe can't outrun them," Tom said.
"No," I said. "But we might be able to hide it from them,"
"Captain," Harry said.
"The Probe surveyed a Class 6 gas giant this morning. I think we should send it back for a closer look," I said Telling it to go there.
"You're going to steer the probe into a gas giant," Harry said.
"Captain, The Atmospheric pressure will crush it," Tuvok said.
"Not if the Borg Shields does it's job," I said. "Hail them again,"
"No response," Harry said.
"Voyager to Malon vessel break off your pursuit," I said.
"The Probe is entering the giants upper atmosphere And the Malon vessel is following it in," Tuvok said. "The Malon Vessel has been Destroyed,"
XXX
"The Probe's stuck in a deep layer of liquid hydrogen and methane about 10,000 kilometers below the outer atmosphere, It's not responding to commands," Harry said.
"Any good news?" I said.
"It's still intact, It can be repaired," 7 said.
"If we can get it out of there," Chakotay said. As B'Elanna came in.
"Sorry I'm late," B'Elanna said.
"We were just discussing how to retrieve the probe, Is there any possibility of Transporting it out?" Chakotay said.
"No," B'Elanna said.
"Just no," Chakotay said.
"I don't see how we could get close enough," B'Elanna said.
"Is there any way to boost transporter range," Chakotay said.
"Not in that kind of atmosphere," B'Elanna said.
"Well, If we can't transport it out," We'll just have to fly in and grab it," Tom said.
"Perhaps you weren't paying attention when the Malon freighter imploded," Tuvok said.
"We won't be going in a Malon freighter, Tuvok, We'll be going in our new shuttlecraft," Tom said.
"Ha, oh here we go again," Harry said.
"Let's face it, Class 2 shuttles Just don't cut it in the Delta Quadrant, We've need something bigger and better since we got here, It's time we built it," Tom said.
"Tom, we've been through this I don't know how many times, We all appreciate your enthusiasm," Chakotay said.
"Speak for yourself, Commander," Harry said.
"Bottom line we don't have time to design and build a ship from Scratch," Chakotay said.
"I knew you were going to say that, So I've given us a head start," Tom said Putting up the blueprints. "Behold, The Delta Flyer, Ultra-aerodynamic contours, retractable Nacelles, Parametallic Hull plating, Unimatrix Shielding based on Tuvok's brilliant design for the multispatial probe and A Borg inspired Weapon system,"
"The Basic design elements are adequate," 7 said.
"High Praise," Tom said.
"If we used Isomagnetic EPS conduit in the Plasma Manifold, We could maximize the power distribution," Harry said.
"That's the spirit, Harry," Tom said.
"My Shield designs could be successfully applied to a vessel of this size," Tuvok said.
"Big of you to admit it, Tuvok," Tom said.
"And you think it'll be able to withstand the Gas giant's atmosphere," Chakotay said.
"The Probe did," Tom said.
"I like it, But how quickly can it be built?" I said.
"We could replicate the alloys and the new design components, Use spare parts from storage, If we worked around the clock, we could have it up and running inside a week," Tom said.
"I'm willing to put in as much overtime as it takes," Harry said.
"I will forgo regeneration for the duration of the project," 7 said.
"What about you B'Elanna, Building a new vessel from scratch that's an engineer's dream come true," Tom said. "What do you say, Captain,"
"What the hell are you all standing around for?" I said.
As they head and B'Elanna a second later.
XXX
We were coming into range of the planet.
"Ensign put us into a high orbit," I said. "I want to stay well above that Ionospheric turbulence,"
"Aye sir," she said.
"There's the probe, 10,000 kilometers Beneath all that Methane but still intact," I said.
"We're not alone, I'm reading massive theta Radiation," Chakotay said. "It's being dumped by a Malon freighter approaching from the far side of the Planet, They're hailing,"
"Well, they're more talkative than the last ones," I said. "Open a channel,"
"Aye sir," Harry said.
"Leave orbit of this planet now," He said.
"I don't believe we've been introduced," I said. "Captain McCall,"
"I know exactly who you are, You are the person responsible for the destruction of one of our freighters and the deaths of 9 Malon citizens," He said.
"I'm very sorry that lives were lost, But you're leaving out an important detail, Your people were trying to steal a probe from us, We warmed them to stay away from the Gas giant, But they didn't listen," I said.
"I'm taking your probe as compensation for our losses," He said.
"That's going to be a little difficult, It's stuck beneath the atmosphere of the same Gas Giant that crushed your other ship," Chakotay said.
"My people are expert at salvage Operations," He said.
"Well, Mr. " I said.
"Vrelk, Controller Vrelk," Vrelk said.
"Vrelk, We have a little expertise of our own, We're a very determined crew, So my suggestion is that you leave orbit and in the future if you come across anything that bears the insignia of the USS Voyager, Head in the other direction," I said.
"You are making a serious error," Vrelk said.
"End transmission," I said. "Why would people in the business of toxic waste disposal be so anxious to get hold of a probe?"
"It's not just any probe, It's multispatial technology, Maybe they think it'll help them find new places to dump their garbage," Chakotay said.
"Tell Tom to Get the Flyer up as soon as possible, Tell him to use everyone he needs, I want the Delta Flyer ready as soon as," I said.
XXX
"What are they still doing here?" Is aid.
"Apparently, They're not willing to give up on the probe so easily," Chakotay said.
"The question is how do they expect to get their hands on it?" I said.
"It's reasonable to assume they're waiting for us to retrieve the probe, at which time, They'll attempt to steal it again," Tuvok said.
"Maybe, But they have to know we're prepared for that, If they were planning to fight, you'd think they'd call in reinforcements try to out gun us," I said.
"Sensors don't show any other Malon ships in the area," Chakotay said.
"7 of 9 to the Captain," 7 said.
"McCall here," I said.
"Report to the Astrometrics lab, I have important information regarding the Malon vessel," 7 said.
"Tuvok," I said.
As we headed down there.
"What have you got?" I said.
"I've been using coherent neutrino beams to document activity aboard the Malon freighter," 7 said.
"In other words, You've been spying on them," I said.
"I've made a troubling discovery, This is a polythermal image of an interior section of the alien ship, the shade figures you see are Malon crew members," 7 said.
"That appears to be a small ship," Tuvok said.
"Correct. The Malon are constructing a spacecraft composed of tetraburning alloys," 7 said.
"Theoretically, Such a ship would be capable of withstanding extreme atmospheric pressures," Tuvok said.
"I'll be damned," I said. "They're going after the Probe themselves,"
"That's now all, Captain, According to my projections, They will finish construction of their vessel at least 36 hours before we finish ours," 7 said.
"Well then, I'd say we've got an old fashioned Space race on our hands," I said. "Tuvok Get down there give them a hand. Tell Tom to use all available personnel too. 7 you as well,"
XXX
"Captain's Log Supplemental, We've stepped up the pace of Construction in order to finish our shuttle before the Malon finish theirs, According to 7's most recent intelligence, We've gained some ground over the last 24 hours, Putting us in a virtual dead heat with our competitors, A Race I don't plan on losing. End Log," I said.
As we got rumbled.
"The Malon are venting a theta radiation cloud, Our shields are down to 89%," Chakotay said.
"Use ZPM 1 to Shields," I said.
"They are back to 100%," Chakotay said.
"Ensign Back us off," I said.
"Vrelk is hailing," Chakotay said.
"On screen," I said.
"That was rude, wasn't it? But we still have quite a bit of Antimatter waste to expel, I hope we didn't damage your shields," Vrelk said.
"Our shields are fine," I said.
"Mm. Well, We only ejected a small amount of waste this time, We still have much, much more to get rid of, Your shields may not be able to stand even higher levels of Theta Radiation," Vrelk said.
"I've already told you we're not going anywhere," I said.
"Let's stop playing these games, Captain," Vrelk said. "You've scanned my ship, I've scanned yours, We each know the other is building a vessel to retrieve the probe, What you don't know is that my vessel will be ready to launch in less than 2 days, you're too far behind,"
"Well if you're so far ahead, why bother trying to scare us away?" I said.
"Just trying to save you the embarrassment of losing," Vrelk said. The Cut the channel.
"Nope," I said.
"You think they're really 2 days away," Chakotay said.
"He's probably Bluffing, But we're not going to take any chances, We've got to speed up construction somehow," I said.
"We'd also better find a way to shore up our shields in case Vrelk decides to do any more venting,"
"Good idea," I said. "McCall to Lt Torres, Computer, Locate Lt Torres,"
"Lt Torres is in Holodeck 1," Computer said.
"Get down there," I said.
As Chakotay left.
XXX
I was called to Sickbay after Chakotay found B'Elanna knocked out on the Holodeck.
"What am I doing here?" B'Elanna said.
"You had an accident on the holodeck," Doc said.
"How long was I out," B'Elanna said.
"Almost 12 hours," Doc said.
"I'd better get back to work," B'Elanna said.
"Not just yet," Doc said.
"Why?" B'Elanna said.
"The Captain's asked me to keep you here," Doc said.
"But I feel fine," B'Elanna said.
As I got in.
"Would you excuse us, Please Doc," I said.
"Captain, What's going on?" B'Elanna said.
"When the Doc examined you, he found evidence of internal bleeding, Fractured vertabrae, Contusions, Cranial Trauma," I said.
"I guess the accident was pretty serious," B'Elanna said.
"The Injuries I'm talking about didn't happen recently," I said. "Some of them are weeks, Even Months old,"
"Well, I'm an engineer," B'Elanna said. "I've had my share of bumps and bruises,"
"But you didn't seek treatment for any of these," I said.
"I don't run to sickbay every time I stub my toe," B'Elanna said.
"Some of these injuries were life threatening B'Elanna," I said.
"Do I look like I'm dying," B'Elanna said.
"The Doc says many of the wounds were treated by someone with the Medical expertise of a first year nursing student," I said.
"Oh That's Ridiculous," B'Elanna said.
"Is it," I said. "We investigated today's accident, You turned off the safety protocols during the holo simulation, Why?"
"We have a microfracture problem, With the safety protocols on There's on way to be sure what would happen during a real flight," B'Elanna said.
"You don't really expect me to believe that, Do you," I said.
"Are you calling me a liar," B'Elanna said.
"According to the holodeck logs, you've been spending a lot of time there over the last few months, If I were to check Would I find that you've been running other programs without safety protocols," I said.
"Would you like to look at my personal logs as well?" B'Elanna said.
"B'Elanna, I'm worried about you, If there's something wrong, I want to help," I said.
"Nothing's wrong, Okay," B'Elanna said.
"No, It's not okay, And Until you decide to be more forthcoming, You'll remain under the Doc's supervision, Which means you're off the shuttle project, I'm sorry," I said.
"I'm not," B'Elanna said. But I could see it in her eyes.
"Now I know there's something is wrong," I said. As I headed out.
XXX
I was in my ready room with Chakotay and Tom.
"Engines are operating at close to 90% efficiency, 7's got her new weapons system on line, And if we can just solve that microfracture problem, We'll be ready to go," Tom said.
"Keep on it," I said. "Now, Let's talk about B'Elanna, Tom, you had no idea about these injuries or how she got them?"
"She never complained about being hurt, But then again, She's barely speaking to me lately," Tom said.
"It's almost as if she's been intentionally trying to hurt herself," I said.
"You think all these injuries have been happening on the holodeck," Chakotay said.
"Well, Where else?" I said. "If they'd happened while she was working as she claims somebody would've filed an injury report, There have been none,"
"Any idea's what sort of programs she's been running?" Chakotay said.
"No," Tom said.
"You're thinking the same thing I am," I said.
"I hate to go digging around in someone's personal holodeck programs, But if she won't tell us what's going on I don't think we have much choice," Chakotay said.
"Tom What do you think?" I said.
"He's right," Tom said.
"Start digging," I said.
As Chakotay and Tom lefted.
XXX
"Captain, The Malon ship is charging Weapons," Harry said.
"Red Alert," I said. "Bridge to Chakotay we're under attack, Report to the Bridge, Immediately," As the Klaxons went Red.
"They are firing spatial charges," Tuvok said.
"Why are they suddenly picking a fight," Chakotay said.
"I believe they're attempting to distract us, Commander, While they launch their new shuttle craft," Tuvok said. "The Malon vessel is 42,000 kilometers from the probe and closing,"
"We can still catch them," Chakotay said.
"McCall to Paris," I said.
"Paris here," Tom said.
"We've got to launch now if we're going to get to the probe first, Are you ready," I said.
"Yes, sir, I'll begin the prelaunch sequence," Tom said.
"What about the Microfracture problem," I said.
"We're keeping an eye on it, but we can could use an extra hand," Tom said.
"Chakotay's on his way," I said.
As Chakotay went.
"Tuvok, Target the Malon ship take their weapons offline," I said.
"Phasers target," Tuvok sad.
"Fire," I said.
"Direct hit. Their weapons took a direct hit," Tuvok said. "The Delta Flyer is launching, Their away,"
"How long till they overtake the Malon shuttle?" I said.
"At present velocity, approximately 3 minutes," Tuvok said.
XXX
They got the probe and got back to Voyager with our probe.
"The Delta Flyer have docked," Tuvok said.
"And the Malon," I said.
"They're a little preoccupied, Seems their shuttlecraft's having a problem climbing out of the gas giants atmosphere," Chakotay said.
"Ensign, Get us out of here Warp 2, Engage," I said.
"Aye Captain," She said.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!