CHAPTER 7
On board the Kahless.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you Sir but the Minbari also open their gun ports to greet and not necessarily to fire, it was because of this that we fired on them first and the war began." Sheridan said to Korras.
Korras thought for a couple seconds about what Sheridan said and then replied. "That is the must idiotic procedure anyone can use when trying to initiate a first contact and can only bring trouble…, lay in a course as far as possible from their weapons and open communications." Korras ordered to Kajz and K'nera respectively.
-oOOo-
On board the Minbari Ship.
"Alyt the small alien ship also opened its gun ports and is hailing us but they just executed a very aggressive evasive maneuver that places them in a favorable tactical position." A Minbari officer said.
"Correct our position immediately and open communications." Shakat ordered.
Immediately the Minbari war-cruiser began moving trying to neutralize the Klingon's ship favorable position, but the Negh'Var effortlessly countered every movement and the relative positions remained. At the same moment, the holographic display started showing the image of an unknown alien speaking in an assertive manner.
"I'm Brigadier Korras of the House of Malok of the Klingon Empire, I want to speak with who is in command."
The Minbari response was swift. "I'm Alyt Shakat fleet commander of the Minbari Federation; I have never seen your race before, state from where you come from and your intentions quickly." The Minbari Captain demanded.
"We came from far away and arrived here only recently, but since then we had contact with several local races including the local humans and come to know about your conflict with them, so we decided to contact you to resolve the dispute." Korras said, but started to get pissed with Shakat's attitude.
"WHAT? Your race must be very foolish for wanting to interfere in our affairs. We are the oldest and wiser of the young races, so the rectitude of our actions regarding the cowardly humans that murder our beloved leader Dukhat are beyond dispute. Fortunately for you I'm in an important mission and have no time to waste with fools, so I will allow you to return to your brethren, but be warned that in the future no more contemplations will be given." Shakat spouted.
"It is you who is foolish for talking to us in such a disrespecting manner, it is not wise to have us as enemies therefore leave immediately and warn your kind to cease all attacks on the humans, this is your first and last warning." Korras threatened.
Shakat couldn't believe in the audacity of the alien. "You must be insane or have a death wish; I'll make an example of you so that your kind in the future gets to know with whom they are dealing with and then to know how to show the proper respect." Morann said enraged, but before the transmission was cut he saw the alien doing a movement with his hand to someone out of frame of the holographic image
"Alyt three unknown ships just appeared behind us!" A surprised Minbari shouted to his captain.
"WHAT? How was that possible? Why didn't we detect their arrival sooner? Shakat demanded.
"Unknown Alyt, the sensors were not detecting anything a second ago but then they simply appeared from nowhere. I can't explain how that was possible but they are similar to the other vessel only smaller so they must be from the same race." The Minbari in charge of the sensors answered.
"Even smaller? So this should end quickly despite their treacherous ways. Fire at will." Shakat commanded.
Immediately the Sharlin proceed to fire its weapons on the Negh'Var, but while a Bluish glow stopped the Minbari beams from impacting on the Klingon ship, there was nothing to stop a pair photon torpedoes leaving the Klingon ship from impacting on the lead Minbari war-cruiser.
Inside the Kahless the only effect felt by the Minbari attack was a strong shudder that cause Sheridan who was in the middle of the Bridge and not used to experiencing gravity in a middle of a space battle to lose his balance and fell to the floor. His immediate reaction was to look around to see how much damage the ship had suffered from the attack, but to his amazement, no apparent damage was seen. Previous he had wondered how powerful the Klingon weapons were, so his question was quickly answered when he saw two fast yellow glowing orbs appear from the bottom of the main viewscreen race towards the mighty Sharlin and hit it. The following explosion was so massive that large pieces of polycrystalline armor were hurled into space and most of the front end of the Sharlin was completely devastated, together with its many weapons emplacements located there.
The two Tinashi War-frigates upon seeing what happened immediately fired as many weapons as possible on the Kahless but unfortunately for them the Klingon ship was already maneuvering to avoid further fire and the few beams that strike were deflected by its shields.
The same thing however could not be said for the Minbari ships that despite also having initiated evasive maneuvers were comparatively much slower and consequently the Klingon ships behind them didn't have any difficulty in hitting them with a rain of disrupter fire resulting in devastating effects.
Under such a violent attack, one Tinashi was hit in the engine section and immediately began to lose power and drifting. The other Tinashi despite also extensive damage from the attack, wasn't hit in any critical area thus remained fully operationally returning fire with as many weapons it could successfully and hitting the light cruiser Pak't Marr and the attack cruiser Qo'nos, bur whose shields held firmly and no damages occurred. Meantime the attack cruiser B'moth quickly made a quick 90 degrees turn, aligned its prow with the still operational Tinashi and launched a volley of torpedoes that sealed its fate and turned the already previously damaged Minbari War-Frigate into an expanded ball of fire.
The Sharlin even with its frontend heavily damaged was much more resilient than its smaller companions so continued fully functional and firing all its remaining weapons at the maximum rate possible at the Klingon ships that were moving in all directions trying to steer clear of the intense fire thrown at them. However although many beams were evaded it was impossible to escape all.
-oOOo-
In the Sharlin's Bridge.
"Alyt the energy barrier detected earlier in the first ship is present in all their ships and reducing drastically the efficiency of our weapons, however our stealth and polycrystalline armor does not seem to have any effect in their targeting systems and weapons, the Trilana is disabled and the Shan'la just got destroyed." A Minbari reported.
"We will fight to the death if necessary; now concentrate all weapons on their main ship, after its destruction the others surely will lose the spirit to keep on fighting." Shakat said.
"Yes Alyt, immediately." The Minbari acknowledged.
Now the Kahless and the Pak't Marr had join forces and were flying side-by-side in an exchange of fire with the Minbari war-cruiser and Sheridan was appalled by how well the Klingons were faring against the Minbari and only shake from so heavy fire, fire that certainly would have destroyed any Earth Alliance ship in seconds.
The IKS Pak't Marr however was just a light cruiser and compared with its larger companions was incapable to deal with the same punishment so a direct hit from the main weapons of the Sharlin brought its shields down and damaged it heavily forcing it to cease the attack and steer away. However, The Negh'Var despite also having being hit repeatedly maintained its course.
"Sir the Pak't Marr just lost shields and took heavy damage so is leaving the formation but our shields are holding at fifty percent." Toran informed.
"Good, fire main disruptors at will." Korras commanded.
"Firing now Sir." Mollar said with a smile.
The Minbari war cruiser although having fought courageously was not able to resist the Kahless last attack so it began drifting in space while many secondary explosions were erupting from its hull.
The attack cruisers B'Moth and Qo'nos meanwhile closed on remaining drifting Tinashi from both sides for the kill, but as seeing that the ship was completely helpless and not existing honor in slaying a defeated adversary, Captain Kreen decided that it should be a good capture and decided to spare it. Therefore both Klingon ships flew by it without fire and turned away to see if it was necessary help against the larger Minbari ship
Inside the Sharlin chaos was everywhere with internal explosions happening and beams falling from the ceiling hitting many unfortunate Minbari.
Alyt Shakat had a deep wound in his head however was continuing to issue orders.
"Alyt we lost all propulsion, main power and all our weapons are down." A Minbari said.
"Alyt the enemy is asking for our surrender." Another Minbari reported.
"NEVER, a Minbari never surrenders, prepare to self-destruct the ship." Shakat Commanded.
-oOOo-
On board the Kahless.
"Sir they are not responding to our calls for surrender." K'nera informed.
"What is their status?" Korras asked.
Toran at tactical answered. "Life support is failing, structural integrity is at twenty five percent and falling…, wait I'm detecting an overload in the engines…, the ship is going to blow up at any moment."
"Full reverse now." Korras Commanded
Moments later a massive explosion destroyed the Minbari war-cruiser.
"Fleet Status?" Korras asked.
The B'Moth and the Qo'nos have no damages to report but the Pak't Marr however is reporting considerable damage to the hull, the loss of warp drive and several casualties."
"Inform Captain Marlok to assist the Pak't Marr and Captain Kreen to secure the area." Korras said to K'nera that immediately carried the order.
"Lieutenant Toran what is the condition of the drifting Minbari ship?" Korras asked.
"I'm detecting no power, life support, or gravity, however structural integrity is stable." Toran replied.
"Tell me Cmdr., would you like to board the ship of your enemies?" Korras asked to Sheridan.
"Sir, considering how damaged the ship is do you think it's safe to go aboard right now?" Sheridan asked surprised with Korras question.
"Are you afraid?" Korras asked.
"Of course not Sir." Sheridan replied.
"Good, follow Cmdr. Shelby, she will lead the boarding party… and Cmdr., try to bring some prisoners for questioning." Korras said to Shelby.
"Yes Brigadier." Shelby Replied.
Then both Shelby and Sheridan exit the Bridge and gone to the armory room.
Minutes later after passing through several corridors and elevators, they entered in a large room where many Klingons were wearing environmental suits and carrying as many handheld weapons as they could, some of those weapons were strange semicircular blades.
"Are all warriors ready Lieutenant Gorrod?" Shelby asked to a Klingon who was the most high-ranking officer of the group.
"Yes and those aliens are going to pay with their lives for daring to attack us." Gorrod answered making a traditional Klingon salute of his fist over his chest.
"Go easy Lieutenant, Brigadier Korras wants prisoners for questioning, now if you and everyone else are geared up, carry on to the transporter room, I will be there soon and Qapla'.
After Gorrod confirmed their readiness, the entire Klingon group left the room leaving Shelby and Sheridan alone in the armory.
"Let's put our suits on Cmdr., I will instruct you how to do it." Shelby Said.
Minutes later after both being all set, Shelby reached for a pair of small weapons and handed one to Sheridan.
"This is a Klingon disrupter Cmdr. and it is set to stun so don't touch in any other buttons except the trigger." Shelby said.
"What would happen if I did?" Sheridan asked.
"In the best of situations you could vaporize a Minbari or open a large hole in a bulkhead, so let's try not to do that Cmdr." Shelby said smiling to Sheridan that smiled back.
Then they went to the transporter room to join the rest of the boarding party.
Later a dozen of Klingons and two humans in environmental suits, antigravity boots, and all heavily armed materialized aboard the Minbari frigate. But since life support was down, securing the Minbari ship proved be an easy task and the Minbari still alive were in no condition to offer resistance.
An hour later, the victorious Klingon fleet was heading back to Earth with the Trilana in tow.
"Since the Minbari ship is heavily damaged we will have to tow it at slow impulse so our return to Earth will take some time, perhaps in the meantime you would like to have some of your questions answered?" Shelby said to Sheridan.
"I would appreciate that very much Cmdr.." Sheridan replied.
"Then come with me that I will show you something you will find interesting." She said.
A minute later they entered in an empty room with black walls and yellow grids marked on them.
"What is this?" Sheridan asked.
"This entire room is a holographic simulator in which any conceivable environment can be simulated by using a combination of holographic images, force fields, tractor beams, sounds, smells, and even replicated matter if the need arises. I know you are not familiarized with these technologies but believe me that with the right combination a virtual environment can be indistinguishable from a real one." Shelby said with an absolute certainty.
"Unbelievable, so it should be like being inside a three dimensional movie isn't?" Sheridan asked.
"Exactly, but a very realistic one, let me show you. Computer load simulation Shelby3A." Shelby said to the computer.
Even after all the explanations Shelby gave, what happened next was beyond anything Sheridan could imagine. In a second, the world around him changed into a complete new one and suddenly he found himself in the middle of a very well kept garden surrounded by futurist buildings but the most impressive thing was the details as wind passing, the smell of flowers, or even the warmth that the sun radiating upon him.
"Are you certain that we are still in the holographic room and were not transported by one of those teleporting machines." Sheridan asked in totally awe.
"Absolutely certain Cmdr., We are still inside the room and what you are seeing is a representation of the Starfleet Academy campus in San Francisco on my Earth and at your right you can even see the Golden Gate Bridge." Shelby said smiling and pointing to it.
-oOOo-
USS Voyager: Capt. Janeway quarters.
The lights were off and the only illumination seen in the room was the one entering through the transparent aluminium windows coming from distant stars. Janeway was sleeping deeply in her bed when a flash of light suddenly broke her tranquillity and Q appeared lying beside her in bed.
Such sudden appearance startled Janeway making her jump out of the bed.
"Q, what the hell are you doing in here?" Janeway asked still recovering from the sudden appearance.
"Hello Katy, is that the proper way to greet an old friend?" Q asked with a smile.
"You cannot appear in that way in mid-night on the quarters of a person, I could be in less proper clothing." Janeway said.
"So? You shouldn't be ashamed in showing your body as it is more than appropriate to a bipedal species as yourself." Q stated.
"Thanks but flattering isn't going to get you anywhere." She said sarcastically and then continued. "Now what is it that you want this time?"
"Do I really need a reason to visit an old friend?" Q asked displaying an innocent face.
"Just showing up without an ulterior motive isn't you, so what trouble do you intend to bring us this time? Janeway asked again.
"Alright, I'm here to show you how you can get to Earth sooner than if you remain in your present course." Q stated with confidence.
"Really? And why would you do that when in the past you always refused to do so?" Janeway replied to the omnipotent being in front of her.
"That is not entirely true Kate. I already gave you that opportunity, but you flat out refused it.
"Yes you did, but only if I had agree to mate with you." Janeway voiced with disgust.
"And despite still failing to recognize that that would have been the highpoint of your mediocre life, I'm here to again generously toss you another bone."
"The hell it would!" Janeway began to exasperate.
"But on the other hand you leaving and never showing up again would be a good start to improve my life. Now, go away as I had a very tough day and really need to sleep."
"It was your loss my dear, but this time there will be no mating involved, I promise."
Then a loud ominous and disembodied feminine voice echoed in Janeway's quarters. "Better not unless you and that tramp over there want to know what is like to see the world from a slug's perspective."
"Lady Q, I see you continue as charming as ever." Janeway replied do the familiar voice.
"Don't worry Kate, she really can't turn me into a slug against my will." Q whispered to Janeway as if that would prevent Lady Q from hear him.
"Oh yeah, it was about you that I was worried about." Janeway retorted sarcastically.
Then trying to ignore the interruption, Q continued. "So here it goes…, out of the goodness of my heart, I decided to offer you a way so that you could shave many decades on your voyage towards Earth, so what do you say Kate?" Q asked.
"What is the catch?" Janeway asked not believing from a second that Q's proposal was out of the goodness of his heart.
"Oh ye, of little faith." Q pretended to be offended.
"Come on Q, you never do anything without a second intention, plus I'm detecting a headache coming my way, so let's end this quickly. What is that I have to do for you to go away?" A frustrated Janeway asked while rubbing her forehead.
"Whether you decide to accept my generous offer or not, that will be up to you, but later on don't come and cry again about lost chances. Now I have to go my dear." Q waved and disappeared in the usual flash of light leaving Janeway again alone in the room. However, when she was going to the bed to resume her sleep, she noticed through the windows of her quarters that Voyager had drop out of warp.
"Captain this is Harry, you should come to the bridge as soon as possible we have a situation." Was heard through the internal communication system.
"What is it Mr. Kim?" a intrigued Janeway asked.
"A wormhole just appeared in our path, Captain."
"I'm on my way Mr. Kim, Janeway out."
Sometime Later Capt. Janeway entered the Bridge and joined the rest of the senior staff that was already there.
"So what do we know about this wormhole so far?" Janeway asked.
"All analysis we have done so far are encouraging, I've sent a probe to gather more data and the info we got is very promising. The wormhole appears to be pretty stable and the position of the stars on the other side indicates that this wormhole can shorten our trip by many decades." Chakotay Said with a smile.
"So this was what he was referring to." Janeway muttered to herself.
"Who's are you referred to, Captain?" The First Officer asked.
"This wormhole Cmdr., I'm certain it's one of Q's doings." Janeway replied.
"Q, are you certain Captain? Chakotay asked surprised.
"Oh yes, unfortunately I am Cmdr., Just minutes ago I received his visit in my quarters." Janeway replied.
"And what was that he wanted this time, Captain?" Tuvok asked from across his tactical console.
"Despite being certain his coming here can only mean that trouble will hit us soon, Mr. Tuvok…" Janeway replied and then continued.
"He claimed to have come here to offer us a shortcut to Earth and then just as he left…, presto, a wormhole that seemingly answers all our prayers appears. So what are the chances that this wormhole isn't his?"
"Putting things that way Captain, chances are pretty slim." Chakotay stated flatly, now having lost his smile.
"So are we aren't going in Captain? Harry Kim asked, tormented with the idea of Earth still be decades away.
"It doesn't seem like the Q we know. Why being so generous so suddenly?" Chakotay asked.
"I agree Cmdr., certainly there is more here than it meets the eye." Janeway replied."So basically we are screwed either way we choose, aren't we Captain?" An heartbroken Paris asked.
"So it seems Mr. Paris, so it seems." Janeway replied sympathetically to Voyager's helmsman.
TBC