Chapter 413

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

MAGHREB SYSTEM

"Wisconsin Captain's Log Stardate 7775.4. We are entering the Maghreb system and will be assuming orbit in fifteen minutes, well ahead of schedule. My compliments to Commander Santini on giving us some extra speed to get here a little quicker without wearing the warp engines down too much. Mr. Santini reports that our higher-than-rated cruise for the last three days has not hurt our readiness and we are ready for more high-speed warping should the need arise."

"The communication difficulty is proving cumbersome. I have exchanged a couple of messages with Admiral Adama and he is working on a solution, and has informed us that whatever the solution is, it will not be easy. I have informed Captain Jackson that our communications may be compromised and we will be doing a face-to-face briefing on arrival. He has hinted that there are some complications."

"The crew is anxious for this next mission, and I'm sure that after settling in, we will fall into a routine. As routine as you can be with Kang near us. Jacobs out."

Mitchell and Pell were now pulling duty time on the bridge. As there were no extra chairs, they were standing on the landing that had the turbolift and Captain's ready room doors. Carter wanted them to observe the arrival procedures by the crew and more specifically, the helm and nav stations. Today, TC was manning helm. Jacobs said, "Approach angle on viewer TC."

TC pushed a couple of buttons and in the center of the viewscreen was a very small planet. Jacobs asked Jareau, "JJ, just to make sure, did we let everyone know that we were arriving?"

Jarueau nodded, "Yes sir, both Excalibur and Klolode acknowledge our arrival in the system. They request standard approach and orbit. Both are expecting our forming up on them, two-mile distance. Also, the Klolode is broadcasting a warning to other Klingons not to enter the system. They will be fired on without provocation."

Jacobs looked at Jareau, who shrugged. Jacobs quietly said, "This wasn't in the briefing."

Leonaidas mentioned, "Admiral Clayborne doesn't know or didn't want us to know."

Jacobs nodded, "Probably. TC, Standard approach, and orbit, form up two-mile distance from both those ships."

"Aye aye, standard approach and orbit, two miles offset from Excalibur and Klolode."

Leonaidas thought aloud, "I wonder what the Maghreb think of three starships hovering over their planet at one time?"

Jacobs shook his head, "I do not know. From what we've read, before three months ago, they would never have acknowledged even the presence of aliens, they may not really conceive what is 'normal' for us. How does the traffic look for us Mr. Hornblower?"

Hornblower turned and motioned to the screen. "May I?" Jacobs nodded. Hornblower pushed a few buttons and a diagram came up of the planet and a bunch of orbits. Hornblower got up and walked to the screen and started indicating key points. "This is Maghreb, and the orbits of objects that we are currently scanning. At this distance, we are down to one-meter resolution. By the time we enter orbit in a few minutes, it will be much lower than that. Scans and records from the Excalibur indicate that most of their orbital objects are in low orbit. We will be a few thousand miles outside of that. Above us will be their geosynchronous satellites, and space probes scattered throughout the system. At our position, we will have no satellites or space debris to contend with, just a normal amount of space dust from their solar system. Their moon is roughly as far out as Earth's moon. I have laid in an approach path to avoid the Lagrange points of the Maghreb-moon system, avoiding some probes that they have stationed there."

Jacobs nodded and the screen switched back, "Thank you Mr. Hornblower." Checking the arrival, he said, "JJ, it is time. Excalibur please."

Jareau worked the controls and Jackson's image popped up. Behind him was Clayborne. Clayborne's presence put an immediate coolness on the reunion at hand. Jackson spoke, "Jackson here. Good to see you again Josh."

Josh smiled, "As you Hank. We will be there in five minutes. I have your requests at hand here. Anything else you need?"

Jackson did not crack a smile, clearly, he was not enjoying Clayborne's company. "Nope, not that I can think of. We will talk once you get over here. Don't bother calling Kang. He knows you are here and in fact will be videoconferencing in my ready room when you come. See you in five." The screen returned to showing a rapidly growning Maghreb planet.

Jacobs looked to Leonaidas and shrugged, Leonaidas said, "It'll be better once we can talk."

"Let's go then. Mr. Hornblower, will you finish the arrival? Mr. Pell can take your station."

Hornblower stood up, "Aye aye, sir." He walked back one step and sat in the Captain's chair. "I have the conn."

Jacobs said, "You have the conn. Thank you, Mr. Hornblower." Jacobs and Leonaidas left.

Pell sat down and looked at the Navigation station. There was not anything to do, Hornblower left a very tidy panel for him. Point taken, do not slough off work for the next guy. Mitchell muttered, "Leaving an Ensign at the Conn? When do I get my turn?"

Hotchner was about to say something when he saw that Hornblower was turning around. Hotchner decided to let Hornblower handle this. Hornblower said, "You will get your turn when you earn the trust of the senior officers. In the meantime, I suggest you watch and learn, Mr. Mitchell."

Mitchell smiled with a look like 'how dare you tell me that.' Hornblower kept his gaze on Mitchell, who realized that Hotchner, Grimm, and Teal'c were also staring at him. The most intimidating was probably Teal'c, who had a very stern look, even for him. Michell tried to dig his way out, "I meant that it seems a big responsibility for an ensign to handle a rendezvous." He failed.

Hornblower nodded, "Your opinion is noted for later reference Mr. Mitchell. Now, as I said before, watch. You just might be able to learn something."

Hotchner's expression was about the closest thing a smile that a Vulcan would ever have.

TRANSPORTER ROOM 1

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs walked in and said, "How are we doing Miss Kaylee?"

Chief Kaylee said, "We're within range of the Excalibur now, they signal ready."

Jacobs looked at those around him as he stood on the transporter pad. Everyone nodded ready. "Very well, energize."

Kaylee nodded and worked the controls.

TRANSPORTER ROOM 1

USS EXCALIBUR

Jackson and Clayborne walked in when they saw the shapes finish the transport process, revealing the figures transporting. Clayborne exclaimed, pointing at Bauer, "Sidearms? You are beaming onto a friendly ship! And he's got a phaser rifle!"

Jacobs ignored the comment about Bauer and said smiling, "Hank, how are you doing?" The two new friends shook hands.

Hank said, "About as good as you can under adult supervision. My new Chief of Security, Lt Cdr Bill Maxwell."

Jacobs shook Maxwell's hand, "Great to meet you. Pastor Octavian speaks highly of you. He will be beaming over shortly."

Maxwell was smiling broadly, "Nice to meet you sir. I was disappointed when I could not sign up."

"We were too, but it looks like you landed in a better place. Catapulted to Lt Cdr? Congratulations. Whatever we can do to help, let us know." Jacobs offered.

"He can get whatever he wants from Starfleet!" Clayborne interrupted.

Jackson motioned, "Josh, you've met Admiral Clayborne."

Josh dropped his smile and did not reply to the comment, "Admiral. I believe we all have a meeting planned. Hank, Mr. Bauer is here to help Mr. Maxwell with his requests."

Bauer stepped forward and shook hands with Excalibur's Captain. Bauer stated, "We have the first load of equipment ready to transport over."

Clayborne observed sarcastically, "I guess I should be happy, with all the equipment you are transferring, it gives me more time to wait on Nogura's orders."

Jacobs looked quizzically back and forth between Clayborne and Jackson. "I miss something?"

Jackson said dryly, "Admiral Clayborne complained about the retasking of the Excalibur to Admiral Nogura. Your early arrival probably is worrying him that I'll leave before Admiral Nogura's mythical re-retasking orders arrive."

Jacobs picked up on what was happening. "I see. Well, my orders were the best speed possible. Right?"

Jackson nodded, "And my orders were to leave as soon as practical. We have this equipment and a brief meeting to deal with, then I'm off."

Jacobs looked at Bauer, "Mr. Bauer, any opposition to double time?"

Bauer smiled, "None sir."

Jackson looked at Maxwell. "Mr. Maxwell, what are your thoughts on double-time transfers?"

Maxwell was giving a sly grin, "Delighted sir."

Jackson then motioned, "Then get to it gentlemen! Daylight's burning!" Clayborne was standing quietly with a disgusted look on his face.

The two security officers snapped to, then turned and started their work. Maxwell pushed the com button and said a few things quietly. Jackson said, "Gentlemen, let's go to the briefing room." Jackson led the way out. Bauer and Maxwell stayed behind.

As they stepped out, there were a bunch of security types trotting to the transporter room. Clayborne asked sarcastically, "What is all this equipment that you are going to be transferring? I thought you were fully stocked."

Jackson answered back with his own sarcastic southern accent. "Equipment enhancement, Captain Jacobs is supplying me with equipment that never was included in Starfleet standard equipment. Right Josh?"

As they rounded a corner, Jacobs smiled, "Right. To include one two-hundred-pound noodle."

The group entered the briefing room. Clayborne asked, "Noodle?"

Jacobs explained, "A device used years ago by the Marines to keep them in shape aboard ship. A crew of four carry it around the ship."

"Why not just give them backpacks?" Clayborne wondered aloud.

Jacobs said, "The noodle also emphasizes teamwork. It's large, ungainly, and requires coordinated effort to go through the Jeffries' tubes."

They all sat down and Clayborne started talking, "Ok, Jacobs, it's really simple. You are to provide me with whatever support the Embassy needs."

Jacobs nodded, "I will. You also need to be aware that we have a problem on the Wisconsin."

Clayborne almost laughed with joy, but was barely able to contain it. "Really? What"

Jacobs ignored the jubilant behavior. "Admiral, we have confirmed that we have a problem with interstellar communications. Somebody is tampering with our mail."

Clayborne said, "Sounds serious. How did you let it happen?"

Jacobs let the comment fall flat, "We suspect it's part of the latest upgrade of the com system."

"That is vetted by Starfleet Command. It is flawless. The problem must be on the Wisconsin's end."

Jacobs kept it short. "We have evidence that someone has bugged our mail and is reading our mail. There is a sophisticated encoding program that decodes the messages somewhere else. So at least Starbase 5 is infected as well. Perhaps a whole lot more."

Clayborne thought a bit, "What's going to happen when the Embassy wants to send updates back to the Federation?"

Jacobs said, "My guess is that whoever will be able to hack the Starfleet portion of the encoding. The diplomatic encoding we have not been able to test."

Clayborne said, "All we need is your transmitter."

Jacobs nodded, "Absolutely, the Ambassador needs to be aware that somebody, we do not know who, has access to our personal mail. We do not know about the others."

"So 'secure' communications may be fine."

Jacobs nodded, "They may be, then they may not be. The Ambassador needs to know. I suggest you tell him that anything sent via the Wisconsin will be hacked. If he uses a diplomatic code, then it is on them."

Clayborne stood up and walked toward the door. "I don't know what kind of sloppy ship you're running Jacobs, but I'm going to get to the bottom of it."

Jacobs eyed Clayborne directly, "Admiral, sir. Just to remind you that my sloppy ship was able to get here ahead of schedule and as soon as the rest of the equipment is finished being transferred that you will be a welcome guest aboard. That is all provided that the standard VIP quarters aboard my sloppy ship will suffice to your needs. I suggest you make sure your personal effects are transferred as well, sir.

Clayborne held the gaze for a little while then turned in a huff, "I'm off to talk to the Ambassador." The door made its typical ssssSSSsssshhhh sound after he left.

Jacobs looked at Jackson. "How's it been with him aboard?"

Jackson said dryly, "Peaches and Cream. Josh, thanks for letting me know not to spill anything over subspace. How are you going to get that coms problem solved?"

"I already have, I just didn't want to let Clayborne know about it."

Jackson blinked, "I know you've had your differences, and I think I'm on his crap list now, but he is an Admiral after all."

Jacobs nodded, "Yes, but I like keeping information like that extremely close. What I did not tell him just now is that it is about the personal emails from one crewmember that is dissatisfied with life aboard the Wisconsin. She talks to her sister and complains."

Leonaidas finished, "Her sister is in Jameson's district."

Jackson saw the connection, "And Clayborne is Jameson's lackey. I see what you mean. Well, I have more to complicate the plot." Just then Bauer, Maxwell, and Octavian came through the door, laughing.

Octavian said, "Captain Jackson, great to see you again!"

Jackson stood and shook hands, "As to you Preacher! Our facilities are primitive phaser ranges, we do not have a firearms range yet, but plan on that for next week. Care to do some phaser shooting?"

Octavian shook his head, "I'd love to, but too little time. I'd rather get caught up with you and your crew. The Lord has paired these two ships up, and I want to visit as many as I can. Good choice with Bill here, why did you choose him?"

Jackson chuckled, "Let's just say I have no doubt as to Mr. Maxwell's ability. Right Bill?"

Maxwell was smiling, "Absolutely, sir."

Jackson picked up where he left before. "We have two problems. The more serious will be in a few minutes when Kang comes on line. Right now, we suspect that the Ambassador is dirty."

Jacobs looked at Leonaidas, "Why?"

"They have two large containers that were sealed. We were prohibited from inspecting or scanning them. They were a serious pain to deal with, we could not even beam them down to the Embassy, had to tractor them down via shuttle."

Jacobs looked at the Excalibur crewmen, "Why? What is in them? How secret are the contents?"

Maxwell interjected, "We have no evidence as to what is in them. These babies are so top secret they are marked with 'Burn before reading' on the outside."

That elicited a few laughs. Jacobs asked, "Speculation?"

Maxwell looked at Jackson, who nodded. "We suspect they are full of weapons and contraband Federation technology."

Leonaidas asked, "Why? How do you know?"

Maxwell tapped a few buttons and pictures of the Diplomatic Detail came up. "Why? Because it sweetens the pot from the Federation. We are clandestinely offering technology specifically weapons for mining Maghreb. This counters the Klingons' proposal of overtly offering weapons."

Jacobs said, "The Klingons have no laws concerning that."

"Exactly, but we do, because we are the good guys. We started suspecting something was rotten when the President himself left a video for Clayborne to use as a trump card."

Leonaidas corrected, "Admiral."

Maxwell nodded and in mock angst said, "You are right, Admiral Clayborne. Gosh darnit, I hate when I do not pay the dirtbag the correct respect. Anyway, the Admiral and his new buddies at the Diplomatic service tried to stage a mutiny onboard."

Jacobs looked at both Maxwell and Jackson, expecting that it was an exaggeration, but both men were serious. "What happened?"

Jackson explained, "We were cruising here when we detected a vibration coming from one of the containers. Short story is that we were concerned that something was loose and wanted to get inside. Clayborne and the diplomatic security showed up in force to stop us. Sorry Leo, Admiral Clayborne. I'm a bad influence, particularly when agitated."

Leonaidas asked, "What happened?"

Jackson proclaimed, "It was the first test of my security chief. He showed up promptly with a simple request from his Captain. With a superior force." Jackson pushed a button and a replay of the confrontation between Excalibur's security force and the Diplomatic security force.

After the replay, Jacobs started laughing. "Mr. Maxwell, if you ever decide to leave the Excalibur, please consider the Wisconsin."

Jackson playfully cut him off. "I'll have no recruiting of my chief of security on my ship, any more of that talk and I'll keelhaul both of you. Seriously, we have a guess as to the vibration."

All eyes went to Maxwell, who unslung his phaser rifle. "Meet Mr. Phaser rifle. We analyzed the sound and we think that a phaser rifle broke free and was laying on the floor, sympathetically vibrating to the warp engines."

Leonaidas asked, "Can you prove it?"

Maxwell shook his head, "No. We're going to try when we leave the system. Engineer Matthews has fabricated a container of the same size and material and fastened it to the same spot on the hangar deck. Once we're at warp. I'm going to drop an uncharged rifle in the same spot and record the sound."

Jackson said, "We'll let you know the results. We are also pouring over that confrontation we played meticulously. There must be some evidence. Josh, I hate to dump this on you, but it is what it is. We suspect the Ambassador is gunrunning."

Jacobs asked, "Does the Admiral know?"

Maxwell said, "He does now, but I don't think he did when he ordered the Captain to take those containers."

Jackson added, "Clayborne had to change his pants after Mr. Maxwell blindsided him with what we thought."

Jacobs chuckled, "I would have loved to see that."

Jackson handed a computer chip. "I have that along with the confrontation on the hangar deck. Included for good measure is all the data we have on that vibration, and a copy of the President's order. This stinks all the way to the top. Admiral Adama got Clayborne to guarantee the safety and legality of the containers, we have that on video as well too."

Jacobs nodded, "Well, so far, it is circumstantial. Those tests with the rifle will help, and anything else you have will be good too. You did not do anything wrong or anything to put me in a bad situation. Once I get enough evidence, I will act appropriately."

Jackson said, "That is only a third of the story. Watch out down below. I suspect your briefing from Starfleet was inadequate. Clayborne wrote it."

Jacobs nodded, "We assumed so."

Jackson continued, "The Maghreb populace has been worked into a frenzy. They hate us. Watch your back when you are down there. I would not trust the government too far either."

Leonaidas observed, "It sounds like a typical pre-warp society when aliens come knocking on the door."

Jackson nodded and heard the whistle of the com. "And now is the third complication." Jackson pushed the com button. "Yes Miss Holt?"

"Kang is ready."

"Pipe him down here please."

Kang's image filled the screen. He must have been sitting in something like his office, it was not on the bridge. "This is Kang."

Jackson started, "Kang, this is Captain Jackson. As you can see, I have Captain Jacobs and various officers of the Wisconsin here for our little brief. I have not told them anything, would you care to start?"

Kang nodded. His stern look never quit. Jacobs wondered if he ever blinked. Perhaps never when staring an enemy down. Or opponent. "Captain Jacobs. I believe that there is a Black Fleet operation that is going to be conducted soon here in this system. I believe Black Fleet operatives convinced the Klingon High Council to order the High Command to draw away the Excalibur."

Jacobs looked at Jackson then asked, "For what purpose?"

"Something that no good can come from. Either to destroy me, or possibly to destroy me and whatever Federation ship was sent here. I cannot believe that I am the sole purpose of this mission. There are elements within the High Council that desperately want war with the Federation."

Leonaidas said, "But the Organian treaty…."

Kang slowly cut him off, "Is no longer a worthy deterrent, we both know that. The Organians, for whatever reason, have not stopped Black Fleet operations against Federation interests for years."

Jackson looked at Jacobs and saw that he was trying to hold a poker face. Jacobs asked a question, "Kang, why are you telling us this? Isn't this treason for you?"

Kang's tone changed to that of disdain, "Because our two peoples have a treaty, and the Black Fleet is breaking it! There can be nothing good coming from dishonorable action, and that is what is happening now. I can tell you the orders for the battleship were legitimate, but the Klolode is the only authorized Klingon vessel in this system. A cloaked cruiser might be able to take me out, assuming the Federation does not interfere, but then it would have no hope against a Federation Battleship. It would be too damaged after a fight with me to continue against the Excalibur. The Black Fleet knows this, so they started something that is drawing the Excalibur away. Now, they stand a good chance to destroy both ships if the Federation Cruiser replacing Excalibur does not enter the fight. With both ships gone, the lack of information would stir the High Council into a bloodlust for war."

Jackson added, "What they do not know is that Kang came to me with all of this, and we have agreed that our common enemy is the Black Fleet. If any other Klingon vessel shows up, I would attack it as well as Kang. Now that I am leaving…."

Jacobs finished, "Kang you would like my alliance as well. Do we have any warp trails detected?"

Jackson shook his head, "No, I'll be leaving down the path that Kang came in on, and will leave some bouys with passive sensors on them. If they decided to come in on impulse, they will not be here for weeks yet. Even with the sensor bouys, there will be a lot of holes for them to slip through."

Jacobs asked, "What is the plan?"

Kang stated simply, "My ship is broadcasting on Klingon hailing frequencies for no ship to enter. Any ship entering will be fired on without further warning. I'm assuming a cloaked D7 Heavy Cruiser is coming. First moment I have a target to shoot at, I will. You should too."

Jacobs looked at Jackson who said, "I came to the conclusion 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'."

Jacobs looked at Kang, remembered the stand Kang took against Black Fleet ops a few months back. "Kang, I will cooperate as well. I will try not to ask difficult questions, because I assume you are not going to give me specs on that D7."

"You would be correct."

"Can you track it while cloaked?"

Kang's expression almost saddened, "No, we do not have that technology. In fact, Captain Jackson has come up with the only known technique to track a cloaked vessel."

Jacobs nodded and finished up with one quick question, "Kang, formally, do you authorize me to fire on any Klingon vessel in the Maghreb planetary system other than Klolode?"

Kang knew what was going on. He played the part, "I, Kang, as the authorized agent from the Klingon High Command, authorize you to engage any Klingon vessel except that which belongs to me. Will that be sufficient for you to stay out of trouble from your superiors?"

Jacobs said off-handedly, "Probably not, but that's the best deal I can get."

Kang observed, "You do what's right, then…"

Jacobs quipped, "I get punished for it. Don't worry Kang, we'll be there when the time comes."

Kang nodded his head then the screen went blank. Octavian was sitting on the side and asked, "How much does Admiral Clayborne know?"

Jackson said flatly, "He knows nothing. I have kept him in the dark over the whole matter. Speaking of keeping somebody in the dark, Kang mentioned that you know something about the Organians for years?"

"I cannot even confirm Kang's statement. Sorry Hank."

Jackson nodded with a little more than a sour look, "Sure Josh. It would make for a good sea story. To get back to the main line, I have managed to keep this thing with Kang behind Clayborne's back."

Leonaidas asked, "Why?"

Jackson defiantly said, "Because he is a low-life, butt-kissing, criminal jerk. He bullied me into carrying those containers full of contraband, he continually overreaches his authority, and he had the audacity to have an armed contingent threaten me on my own ship!"

Jacobs asked quietly, "Do you plan to bring up charges?"

Jackson stated, "Only in my dreams. Would I have a case? He is after all the second in command of Starfleet, probably the next C-in-C."

Jacobs said, "If you decide to, I have a guy that is expert in Starfleet legal stuff. He got the charges dismissed against Admiral Kirk years ago."

Jackson remembered, "Cogley? Everyone knows about him. You would put a good word in for me?"

Jacobs nodded, "I'll send a message today."

Jackson asked, "How? You do not have secure mail."

Jacobs looked at Octavian, "I will manage. Back to Clayborne and Kang. You have kept Clayborne in the dark because he is an overreaching, interfering, scumbag. Right?"

Jackson nodded, "Yep, that does it. Clayborne never would understand. I cannot predict where he would fall and frankly did not want the fight. It makes sense, and I think Admiral Adama will back me up."

Jacobs thought deeply, "I believe so too. We are beyond the final frontier out here, and that can make for strange bedfellows. Well Hank, I suppose that it is time for us to let you shove off. Pastor, I believe you wanted some last words with Hank as well."

Everyone filtered out of the room leaving Octavian and Jackson. Jackson was a little bewildered. "What's up Preacher?"

Octavian handed the Bible he was carrying around. "Josh wants this to be extremely hush-hush. He has recovered secure communications with Admiral Adama with this. Refer to page, word, and letter if you must. Build your message that way."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Octavian smiled, "Because nobody would notice a preacher carrying a Bible on board, and nobody looks at a preacher after that. I just blend into the background with the other Starfleet Officers. Keep this extremely tight."

Jackson asked, "Who compromised communications?"

Octavian explained, his royal British accent showing some disgust, "We do not know, but we suspect Senator Jameson. It may be more than just the Wisconsin. If your communications with Josh need to be secure, especially on the matter that would be of interest to Jameson, use the Bible. Don't refer to passages, only page, word, and letter if needed. Try never to use the same combination twice. Understand?"

Jackson nodded, "Thanks Preacher. Keep us in prayer."

"Always."

KANG'S QUARTERS

IKV KLOLODE

Kang looked to his wife. She mentioned, "Do you trust Jacobs?"

Kang nodded, "I do. Interestingly I do."

Mara asked, "What of the battle simulations?"

Kang was thinking along different lines, "Keep them going. Add in a friendly Federation Destroyer. See what happens."

"Why only a destroyer? Isn't that underestimating the Wisconsin?"

Kang nodded, "To be sure. Run the simulations. See what happens. Did you see him?"

"Who?"

Kang backed up the video conference recording. "You never get a clear picture. Only part of the face, a little of his shoulder showing his rank. But look at the insignia on his collar."

"That Cross symbol?"

Kang nodded, "Yes. The man that single-handedly killed four Klingon warriors and captured a fifth is one of the senior officers. By the looks of the partial face, he is not young either. What are we missing? What is that cross?"

Mara said, "I'll check our records again. He is not part of the onboard security contingent. The spies were supposed to provide us with a complete set of personnel files on the Wisconsin, obviously they have not. All the senior officers are accounted for, for the rank of Commander it's strange that he wasn't listed as a senior officer."

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs and Leonaidas walked onto the bridge and asked, "Report, Mr. Hornblower."

Hornblower reported, "Excalibur reports leaving Maghreb, and currently is at warp heading away from the system. We have taken Excalibur's former position of two miles abeam from the Klolode. Nothing else to report."

Jacobs nodded, "Very well, take the ship to yellow alert, no transporting on or off the ship without my prior approval. Shields to sufficient level to prevent transport. All personnel on alert for intruders. Inform the Embassy that we are at yellow alert."

Hornblower nodded, "Aye aye sir."

Jacobs looked at Lt Grimm and Lt Cdr Hotchner. "We have a cloaked vessel probably in the area. I want every effort made to detect the cloaked vessel."

Hotchner asked, "Including maximum active scanners?"

Sometimes maximum scanning can be interpreted as a hostile act. "Yes, JJ let the Klolode know we will be at maximum on our active scanners. Anything else? Very well. Leo, let's talk." The two went into the Captain's ready room

Pell turned around to Mitchell, who had a neutral look on his face. About that time, Carter showed up on the bridge with Valeri and Anders. Mitchell instantly had his mischievous smile on and said to Valeri, "Hello Sharon."

Valeri ignored his greeting. Carter said, "Pell, Mitchell, with me. Some sim time is in store for you. Anders replaced the helmsman and Valeri replaced Pell. Carter, Mitchell, and Pell stepped into the turbolift.

As the turbolift whisked away Carter said, "Today we're going to be having a full bridge, you are going to be in a full-combat scenario and have to work well with others."

Pell asked, "Is this because of the Klingon off our starboard bow?"

Carter raised his eyebrows and his Australian accent was thicker. "It's not just any Klingon. It's a Heavy Cruiser. One of their current D7's, the M subclass. Do you know what that means?"

Both the Ensigns were quiet. Carter continued, "The D7-M is considered roughly equivalent to this ship. I know what the Academy fills your heads with, that the D7 design is over eighty years old."

Mitchell said impudently, "Well, it is. Isn't it?"

Carter shook his head, "On the outside. Think of it this way. The D7 hull they got right, it will take a couple hundred years of space travel, more than most Federation ships even if they never saw combat. They keep upgrading the interior with new power systems, new control systems, new firing systems, a cloaking device, new everything." The turbolift stopped and they stepped out and started walking to the secondary bridge.

Carter continued, "To add to that, the basic frame, while extremely tough and overbuilt by our standards, has been improved with new metallurgy."

Pell asked, "Did they adjust the structure accordingly?"

Carter shook his head, "No, all the superstructure is still the same thickness. What they did was make the D7 tougher and a little lighter. These new D7-M's are not to be taken lightly. Then add to that, the commander is Kang. If you happen to be on duty when action happens, I want you to be ready. I want all of us to be ready. This afternoon, everybody will be taking turns at both the Nav and Helm stations."

Mitchell said, "We can't get everyone in the sim in an afternoon."

Carter nodded, "Correct, so we keep drilling. All shifts, all the time. Watch and learn."

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

"Leo, I'm thinking on telling Admiral Clayborne about our deal with Kang."

Leonaidas sipped his coffee, "I would. I understand why Hank did not, but we could be here for a month. If he finds out he'll blow a gasket."

Jacobs chuckled softly, "I suppose he would. Part of me doesn't want to fight him over Kang. I know he'll try to put a stop to it."

"Why?"

Jacobs sighed, "If only because it's the right thing, and I'm confident that Clayborne will choose the wrong thing."

Leonaidas nodded in understanding. "Let me ask you one thing. Suppose Clayborne orders you not to fire on that other Klingon. Will you obey his order?"

"Clayborne is out of my chain of command. In regards to the safety of this ship, his orders don't apply, no I won't obey him. Kang is trusting us to help, and I don't want to go against a cloaked D7 by myself if I can avoid it."

Leonaidas asked, "How can you prove that he will go after us? We can't, not until after Kang is space dust. That Black Fleet ship will take us on one at a time because they believe us weak and unwilling to fight."

Jacobs looked at Leonaidas, "So we're in agreement, we fight. What's the problem?"

Leonaidas offered, "Just helping you with resolve to go tell the Admiral to stick his nose elsewhere. What do you think he will do after you tell him and refuse his order?"

Jacobs said, "I was planning on just being quiet when he orders me."

Leonaidas said, "You are taking too much on yourself. Why not get more help?"

"How?"

"Contact Admiral Adama now. Explain it the best you can."

Jacobs thought, "I'd rather not get him involved."

"He's your boss, he will be involved. You need to let him know. Do not take this on by yourself."

Jacobs looked aft through the windows. Somewhere out there was Starbase 5. "Do you recommend I tell Clayborne now?"

Leonaidas leaned back and sipped his coffee. "I would not tell him now. Send the message to Admiral Adama now, tell Clayborne this evening when he returns to the ship. Clayborne will have a hissy-fit, and send a message probably all the way back to Earth to go over our heads, but he will be too late. Admiral Adama will say ok, but will contact Nogura. Clayborne will also be trying to contact whoever to get Nogura to order us to stand down, but our side of the story will be there first."

Jacobs sat up and leaned over his desk. He grabbed a piece of paper and pen, "You sold me. Let's work on this together. Short but long enough to describe what is going on." The two started drafting a message.

Shortly later, the doorbell rang. Jacobs said, "Come in."

Jareau walked in with a datapad. "We just got a short message from Captain Jackson."

Jacobs took the pad and said, "Thank you JJ. That will be all." Jareau left.

Jacobs took his Bible out and started working on decoding the message. Leonaidas watched him and saw the message that came out.

JOSHUA, WEAPON SOUND CONFIRMED. GOOD LUCK

HJ