Chapter 4 Pursuit
USS WISCONSIN SICKBAY
Captain Jacobs walked into sickbay's lab. Dr. Mallard was working on one of the analyzers. "Doctor Mallard, how are the survivors?"
"Most are in fair shape. A couple are critical. The other doctors have them in surgery now."
Jacobs looked at the display. "Doctor, do you have a report on the evidence found on the Beluga?"
"Captain, I know we haven't had much time working with one another yet, but please call me, Ducky."
Jacobs smiled. "I like that. Ok, Ducky, what have you found?"
Dr. Mallard turned to a display. "Ensign Dietrich's suspicions were right. They are indeed Norsican. The blood is also Norsican. I've had some other trace evidence from other members of the landing party that all indicate Norsicans."
"We haven't heard from them in a long time. Norsican piracy hasn't happened in Federation space in years. I wonder what got them going now?"
Ducky turned off the analyzer and started putting the samples in storage. "I don't know. I'm not really up on Norsican psychology."
"Cdr Hotchner probably is current on their psychology; however, the physiology would be your department. Put together whatever you can and give us a brief."
"When?"
"Let's say in a day."
"Ok, I'll start on that."
"How are the survivors?"
Dr. Mallard turned to look at the biobeds filled with casualties. "Oh, they'll be fine after some rest. Injuries range from phaser burns to broken bones to bruises. We're attending to them now."
"Thanks, Ducky. Let me know when you have a workup."
Ducky nodded. "Aye, sir."
Captain Jacobs walked out of sickbay and headed for the security center. As Captain Jacobs walked into the center, Cdr Bauer saw him. "Captain on deck." All the staff stood and faced him.
Jacobs nodded. "Thank you all. As you were. Jack, what did you find over there?"
"Sir, we found that there was a bit of a firefight with phaser damage all over. We're comparing the inventory we scanned with tricorders, to the ship's load manifest. We'll have a report soon."
"Good. Drop by my ready room with the report when it's ready. There are some other things I want to go over with you."
"Yes, sir. I'll be ready in about an hour."
Jacobs nodded. "See you then." And the Captain left.
TWO YEARS EARLIER, STARDATE 6115.3
SAN FRANCISCO ORBITING SHIPYARDS
DOCK 3 CONSTRUCTION OFFICE
Newly minted Captain Joshua Jacobs was leaning over the planning table looking at schematics. The planning table was linked with the dock master's computer plans. Jacobs could see exactly what was done and what was still yet to be done. Changes were instantly passed on to those with a need know, speeding up the process. Looking out the large window Jacobs could see just the basic framework surrounding part of the saucer section and the neck that would join to the secondary engineering hull. The only part of the saucer section that had any skin attached was the impulse section, typically being first to be installed in a starship. With the impulse engines installed, they could easily provide power to workers and the dock itself, freeing up the portable power ship for other duties. Speaking of changes, Senator Jameson just forced a big one concerning the type of impulse drive that was installed. Jacobs thought that this planning table would probably get a lot of use in the future.
Jacobs could see the travelpod from the nearby shipyard station arriving. Leo was bringing the potential candidate for head of security. The pod docked slightly out of view and the doors slid open. Commander Leonaidas stepped out with Lt Cdr Jack Bauer. Jacobs greeted them both. "Leo, good to see you. How was the trip?" They shook hands.
Leonaidas replied, "We beamed up from Paris Island with only a little wait. Evidently transporter traffic was bad today. May I introduce Lt. Cdr. Jonathan Bauer." Bauer and Jacobs shook hands.
Jacobs looked at Bauer and said, "What may I call you? Jonathan? John?"
Bauer smiled. "I prefer, Jack, Sir."
Jacobs smiled. "Very well, Jack. Gentlemen, please sit down. It's not much but it has a great view." The windows went from floor to ceiling. Right now, it offered a great view of Earth.
Both of the visitors smiled. "Thank you, sir."
Jacobs grabbed a pad from his makeshift desk. "Jack, I asked you come here so we could get to know one another to see if this will be a good fit for Wisconsin."
Bauer answered, "Yes, sir."
The first part of the interview was going over Bauer's records, recommendations from previous commanders, and miscellaneous items. Jacobs had read all this before. He was just seeing how Bauer conducted himself. He liked what he saw. Bauer was a man of integrity and duty, and his record bore that out. Numerous times Bauer had put his life on the line to help others, almost to the point of self-sacrifice. There were a few times Bauer survived by just blind luck. "Leo highly recommends you for the head of security and I respect Leo immensely. Now, tell me why you want to be head of security for the Wisconsin?"
Bauer answered, "Because, I've seen too many times where kids have died because of poor training. I was trained old school, not quite back as far as the Marines of course, but was in one of the first classes after Starfleet disbanded the Marines. My instructors were guys who were Marines and took us beyond the new curriculum. When they left Starfleet, subsequent classes were not trained as I was, and I saw the lack of training kill people. During the great 5 year exploration, most of the security staff lost were trained under the 'new' system, not under the old system. I want to take care of my people."
Jacobs nodded. "And how will you take care of the security detail?"
Bauer shifted a bit. "Before I answer that, can I ask you something, sir?"
Jacobs smiled. "Go ahead."
Bauer asked, "What is your vision for the Wisconsin? As far as security?"
Jacobs looked at Leo, then back to Bauer. "I, too, share your concern. My background, in case Leo hasn't filled you in, was as a pilot. I did a lot of Special Ops stuff with Leo, kicked a lot of butt, and saw a lot of kids get hurt or killed. My vision is that we lose as few people as possible. In talks with Leo, I agree that training is lacking, so I want a security staff that is prepared for anything imaginable and a few unimaginable things as well. Come over here. Let me show you something."
The three of them got up and walked over to the table. Jacobs pulled up schematics of the Raptors. "Most of my time are in Raptors. They are great Spec Ops birds and will do other missions as well. We acquired two junked birds and are going to refurbish them with current technology. The Raptors will be able to fly all regimes of flight with minimal use of electronics. Up here on top they will have a docking collar to force-entry ships. In the aft of the cabin they will be able to drop people. The types of missions I'm imagining for Security and the Raptors will be stealth approach, breach, boarding, mission specific, then getaway.
"As for missions that do not entail Raptors, look in your history books to what the Marines did. And if anybody boards the Wisconsin, I want them to be met with the best security force in Starfleet. NOBODY is going to take my ship, and the head of security will see to that."
Jack smiled. Now he knew why Commander Leonaidas was here. "Sir, the training regimen I've dreamed of giving my kids will be a shipboard version of Marine training. Approval of transfer to my security staff will be contingent on passing training."
Jacobs thought, 'Leo was right about this guy fitting in.' "What kind of washout rate do you expect?"
"Could be as bad as 3 out of 4. Probably 2 out of 3. Initially, it won't be bad because I would be training my Lieutenants. All of them would be guys that I know will make it because it is in their heart as well."
"Can you give me a couple of names for those you would like?"
Jack shifted. "Lt Teal'c would be my second in command. Lt. Thomas Magnum and Lt. Leroy Jethro Gibbs as well."
"Gibbs, the sniper?"
Jack looked back. "Yes, the sniper. He is rated on both the phaser rifle and an old-fashioned ballistic firearm."
Jacobs blinked. "Firearm? You mean bullets?"
Jack nodded. "He not only knows how to shoot them, he can make them, as well. You mentioned the Raptors have a minimal EM mission?"
Jacobs nodded. "Yes, I've kicked it around engineering and they think they can make this thing nearly invisible as long as nobody's looking out a window."
Jack added, "But minimal EM is worthless first time somebody shoots a phaser. That signature is impossible to mask and will warn anybody with a tricorder. You could manufacture weapons propelled by chemical explosions and they won't be detectable except by sound. Even that can be minimized. Gibbs knows the techniques and tolerances to do that."
Jacobs smiled, looked at Leonaidas then back to Bauer. "Leo, I think we have our new head of security. Looks like I'm going to have to put in some more transfer requests. Jack, when it's just the eight of us, I like my division heads to call me,'Josh'. Welcome Aboard"
STARDATE 6304.7
USS WISCONSIN
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
About an hour later Bauer chimed the Captain's ready room. Jacobs was at his desk and responded, "Come in."
Bauer entered, and initially there was a short hall ending in a room with windows looking aft toward the warp engines, just like the briefing room. Bauer was impressed by the view. To his right, on the port side of the ship was the Captain's desk. Captain Jacobs welcomed him. "Thanks for stopping by, Jack. Something to drink?"
"Yessir. Coffee please. Black."
Captain Jacobs turned to his food processor and pushed a button. "Coffee. Black." In a minute, it poured a cup of hot coffee. Handing it to Bauer, he asked, "What did you find?"
Jack set his pad down on the desk and pushed it over. "Of course, the pirates took all the small arms. Nothing out of the ordinary with that, basically civilian phaser rifles, Type II Phasers, some plasma shotguns, typical colony-type small arms. They also took some of the basic supplies, tooling and anything that could be carried away. Nothing that required antigrav units or cargo loaders."
Jacobs leaned back in his chair looking at the list. "Dr. Mallard has identified Norsican DNA. Does that sound consistent with what you saw?"
Jack thought for a moment. "Actually, it does. Norsicans have long been reputed as pirates, rather tough, but pragmatic. They usually don't play intelligence games. They'd rather ransom people or sell loot on the black market. They don't waste time torturing hostages, just hit hard then escape."
Captain Jacobs looked at him. "Then why did they take some of the crew?"
"Probably for ransom, leverage, or technicians for improving their capability."
Jacobs looked at him "You have any experience against Norsicans?"
"Not personally, I'll check with the Badgers to see who has, if any. They have been quiet in Federation space for a long time. I'm just recalling what Starfleet teaches at the academy."
"What do I need to know about them?"
"I'll get more on that for you, but basically, their technology level is about 10 years behind ours. In numbers they may be a problem, hand to hand will certainly be a problem."
Jacobs nodded and started thinking. The extra training the Badgers got will certainly help, he has heard that Norsicans are not a trivial species. Norsicans are physically as intimidating as Klingons, which should play well once they get to their patrol zone. He then thought about the problem with that senator. Now is about as good as a time as any "Jack, you have done a great job getting the Badgers ready. I'm pleased with all that has been done. I got a message today from Admiral Kirk that Senator Jameson is creating problems. The only reason I'm bringing this up is to see if you can guess who that might be and we can give the whole story to the Admiral. That way he can run interference for us."
Bauer looked at his Captain. He had intended on not bogging the Captain down with what should be a small thing, but the Senator's nephew probably didn't have the smarts to stay quiet, "Josh, I know who that was. His name is Ensign Joseph Kennedy. He let us all know from day one who his uncle was. The kid was a pain in the butt. The kid didn't make it past Hell week. From our talks I assumed you wouldn't have a problem if I didn't want someone on the team. Do we have a problem?"
Jacobs looked Bauer in the eye "First of all, Jack, you've done a fantastic job with the Badgers. You and Leo have created a unit that I think may revolutionize Starfleet security for the future. Secondly, I gave you the vision I had for the security force on the ship, and you fulfilled it. Thirdly, you are chief of security on this vessel, I rely on your experience and leadership and will trust you to fulfill that role. Fourth, you do not have a problem, I will see to that. The Admiral has mentioned numerous times that he thinks the Badgers are a good idea. I would like to give the Admiral anything he can use to stop this before it gets bigger. Please write up a quick report so I can give some ammo to the Admiral. Kirk isn't one that likes politicians."
Jack relaxed, "Thank you sir, I'll have it in an hour."
Jacobs stood "Very well, I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable. Please remember that the Badgers are central in my vision on this ship. Think on the training we fought for them, the refurbishing of the assault Raptors, and even more to come. I'm going to do what it takes to make sure this doesn't cause us problems." Jacobs stood.
Jack stood "Thank you Josh, we aim to please."
Jacobs shook his hand and sat back down while Bauer left. He turned facing aft looking between the warp engines. It was mesmerizing watching the starfield go off in the distance. Looking to his left he pushed his terminal pad and it lit up. Pushing another couple of buttons he got a tactical feed off the XO's screen on the Bridge.
Looking at the feed, then outside, he started thinking. Norsicans, why now? What are they up to? Now he has a potential hostage situation along with political fallout. It would be great if Politicians let the operators do the work that we were trained to do. Politicians just can't keep their fingers out of others business. The intercom whistled "Bridge to Captain Jacobs"
Josh leaned over and pushed the intercom button. "Jacobs here, What's up JJ?"
Lt. Jareau informed "We're getting a distress signal from colony New Carolina. They report pirates attacking."
"On my way." Jacobs jumped up and walked around his desk, across the ready room and entered the bridge.
Lt Ben Grimm first saw Jacobs enter the bridge "Captain on the Bridge." Leonaidas turned in the Captain's chair and stood up.
"Status?" Jacobs asked, although looking at the bridge displays, he could see a lot very quickly.
Leo stepped over to his station and the officer there stood up and walked to the standby room, "We are currently holding warp 8 following the course of the suspected Pirate. Communications picked up a distress call from New Carolina, which is along our present course. Currently 6 hours out."
"What if we do warp 9?"
Helo answered "4 hours 15 minutes."
Jacobs turned to engineering "Dom can you do that?"
Dom turned from his instruments "All is well now; I would like some time to work on them when we get there."
"No promises. Carter, go to warp 9. JJ, Let the colony know we're on the way with our ETA." Lt Jareau started working on the message.
Leonaidas was calling up information on his panel. "Computer shows New Carolina formed 50 years ago, mining colony. Approximately 1000 people there. No Starfleet presence nearby because it was judged to be in safe space."
Jacobs looked up at the information being displayed. "How long until we're in sensor range?"
Hotchner piped in "Approximately two hours."
Jacobs turned around to his chair and pushed the intercom button "Bridge to sickbay"
"Ducky here, Captain, what can I do for you?"
"Ducky, there is a colony that's being attacked. Approximately 1000 colonists, we'll be in sensor range in about two hours."
"We'll be ready."
NEW CAROLINA FOUR HOURS LATER
The first landing party finished materializing. On approach to orbit, the Wisconsin was able to determine that the pirates were long gone. The first landing party consisted of Ducky, Leonaidas, two medics, Lt Denozzo- security, and Captain Jacobs. Leonaidas and Denozzo started a security sweep with their tricorders while the rest walked up to the building that was serving as a med station. Jacobs opened his communicator, "Wisconsin, we've arrived."
Walking into the med station, they were greeted with a dozen or so people that were bleeding and had burns. A person walked up wearing a sling and introduced himself "Dr. Grant. Colony Doctor. Thanks for coming."
Jacobs walked over and shook his hand "Captain Joshua Jacobs, USS Wisconsin. This is Dr. Mallard, chief medical officer, how can we help?"
"We have a few that need immediate surgery, I'm unable to do that, obviously. Others need treatment."
Ducky walked up to Dr. Grant "We're happy to lend a hand, no pun intended."
That got Dr. Grant to laugh, "Laughter, the best medicine. We've already done triage, how many can you handle?"
Ducky looked at the list Dr. Grant handed. "We can handle all of them. My team will start on the worst, and we'll treat the rest. Captain?"
Jacobs nodded and flipped open his communicator, "Wisconsin, Captain here, prepare for casualties."
The next day, Dr. Grant was thanking them. The bone in his arm was reknitted and doing fine. "Captain, thank you very much. We can take it from here, the med station is now able to do its job."
"Don't hesitate to call, we got to go in order to catch your attackers."
"Good luck."
Walking back out to the street outside, Leo was giving a quick report "Just got a call from the bridge while you were saying goodbye. Hotch has a good course on the pirates. And Ducky called, he's identified the species that attacked."
Josh nodded "Let me guess, Norsicans"
Leo nodded "The same."
