Star Trek : Wisconsin - 4 Mission to Maghreb

by Mashal Wisconsin

What happens when a pre-warp civilization is contacted by somebody other than the Federation, such as the Klingons? How does the Prime Directive apply? How does the Organian treaty regulate the interaction between the Federation and the Klingons? The USS Wisconsin must navigate these issues plus the fact that Maghreb has a large supply of dilithium. Join us now for this adventure!

9. Chapter 7

Chapter 407

"Captain's log, Stardate 7767.5. It is my happy privilege to attend the induction of the four candidates as Badgers on the Wisconsin. We will be doing that after a practice combat drop shortly. The crew has been looking forward to this, as the whole crew has been involved at some point or another in the training of these men. Our survey of system SQC-122 is proceeding well, we are getting a lot of data that shows this system could be a good candidate for colonization. On a different note, I've been warned about our two newcomers, in particular Ensign Pete Mitchell. As this is my official log, I'll reserve it for what I know, not what I think. I know that these two newcomers are going to require a lot of attention, and I believe the staff and I are up to it."

Jacobs stepped up to Raptor Two as Anders was just finished preflighting. Anders saw him approaching and said, "She's all preflighted sir. Good to go."

"Very well Hattrick. Let's warm it up and be ready for the mission."

Jacobs got in and sat down in the co-pilot's seat. Anders asked, "Sir?"

Jacobs looked over his shoulder, "I know you were assuming that I was going to fly this mission, but I've done plenty of these, you particularly like combat drops, so why not let you fly it? You've done all the prep and planning; besides I need to keep up on all the whizzo stuff in the Copilot seat."

Anders said, "Thank you sir. I heard your callsign is 'Deadstick'?"

Jacobs laughed, "That was a long time ago, but yes."

Anders asked, "How did you get it?"

Jacobs breathed deeply and let it out slow. "I was doing a training mission into Antarctica, a combat drop similar to this. We were well into reentry when one of my engines exploded, it took out some of the controls, and one of our hover thrusters got stuck open."

Anders whistled, "How many rolls did you do?"

Jacobs winced, "I think it was 20 or something, I'm not really sure. My Whizzo did all the checklists while I tried to get the ship under control. After all of that, we guessed that the thruster was stuck open."

"What did you do?"

Jacobs pulled up a diagram of the thruster system. "I realized the only way to make that thruster irrelevant was to kill the only source of power for it, the last engine. We glided the Raptor in on airfoil use only."

Anders shook his head, "I heard that it was possible to do that with this, but never took it seriously. You did it the first time?

Jacobs smiled, "If you only have to do something once, I'd rather be lucky."

"No sir, that is being good. I saw enough of that playing Parrises Squares. Lots of one-time shots being made by just plain good people."

Jacobs shrugged, "Well, we deadsticked it down near a penguin colony, got lots of penguin crap all over the ship. My callsign was almost 'Penguin dung' but it was too hard to say over the radio."

The two men laughed. Anders said, "Well sir, who is in command?"

Jacobs motioned, "You are the Pilot. I am but a humble assistant. Speaking of which, I think we are about to get our guests." Jacobs flipped a switch. "Raptor 2 to LSO. Standing by for combat launch."

Carter was sitting in the Landing Safety Officer position. "LSO, Raptor 2, Wisconsin is in station holding under antigravity as planned. Ready on your command to open doors." The Wisconsin had moved to a position best suited for the Raptor's steep glide to the landing area. It was out of the atmosphere, but not orbiting. It stayed at its altitude by using antigravity generators. Carter hit the alert button and alarms went off in the hangar area warning everyone that the doors would soon be opening.

Out Jacobs window, he noticed the door to where the Badgers were coming from opened and twelve Badgers double-timed it to the Raptor. All jumped in and belted in quickly. The last one was Stickell. He manually closed the hatch, made sure it was locked, and belted in and yelled, "Hatch secure!"

Jacobs looked at Anders, who nodded his readiness. Jacobs said over the radio. "Raptor 2 Hatch closed, launch NOW NOW NOW."

Carter made his last check and said, "Doors opening NOW!" He pushed a button and instead of the doors opening slowly, the mechanical locks were released and two rockets on the outside of the doors ignited, causing the doors to open very rapidly.

Anders had timed it perfectly. He lifted off as Carter was pushing the button, and started making his way to the doors as they slammed open. The aft-most end of the Hangar Bay had an atmospheric force-field that the Raptor went through. The force-field kept the air in, but let through solids. Jacobs reported over the radio, "Raptor 2 clear."

Anders pulled up on the stick and the Raptor pitched 180 degrees. It was now pointing at the Wisconsin but inverted, the planet above them. Anders said, "Adequate separation confirmed. Disconnect auto anti-grav and set to zero."

Jacobs pulled up on a lever and back to the 'Zero' position. Without antigravity, the Raptor started falling rapidly away from the Wisconsin. Simultaneously, Anders pulled up on the collective, and with the Raptor inverted, it shot toward the surface. Jacobs reported, "Raptor 2 away."

The Wisconsin started moving again to its standard orbit position. Carter had Pell and Mitchell with him in the LSO observation area watching the whole process. He stepped back from the glass and pointed at the display on the opposite wall. "The Raptor is falling toward the planet now. As it gets closer, it will start to track forward to the landing zone."

Pell said, "Because of Coriolis Effect?"

Carter nodded, "As an object falls, its motion across the ground is in the direction of planetary rotation. We take advantage of this rather than overcome it."

Pell asked, "How so?"

Carter pointed at the display, "We know the trajectory that it has, and now that it is established, we augment it."

Mitchell said, "Augment? What do you mean?"

Carter checked the clock, "The Raptor has its vector well established. If we did nothing, it is heading right for the initial point prior to the combat landing. All we do now is speed things up."

Mitchell quizzically asked, "How"

On Raptor 2 Anders checked the vector and his attitude. Everything is good. He said simply, "Main Motors." And twisted the motorcycle grip on the collective. The two big engines went to maximum thrust and the Raptor shot forward with an incredible acceleration. The Raptor was pointed nearly straight down, which now meant it was accelerating rapidly nearly straight at the planet.

Denozzo exclaimed from the back, "We're on an express elevator down!"

Gibbs gave him a dry look and Denozzo quieted down, "Yes boss, I know boss, shut up."

Jacobs was concentrating on the reentry profile and did not hear them. Jacobs mentioned, "Cutout in 3, 2, 1, NOW." Anders cut the main motors.

Jacobs now announced, "Reentry trajectory good, reentry interface in thirty seconds."

Anders pitched the nose up to establish the correct attitude. Denozzo let his mouth run a bit, "Hey Anders, you going to teach that newbie Mitchell a lesson."

Jacobs looked at Anders, who gave him a dry look, "Nope, he's not worth it."

Jacobs asked, "What happened?"

"The kid challenged me to a game of Parisses squares."

Gibbs was a little inquisitive, "Did he know who you are?"

Anders shook his head, "No, I turned him down."

Denozzo chimed in, "You should have taken him on. That little snot has got an attitude and a mouth to match it."

Gibbs wryly said, "Takes one to know one Denozzo?" After thinking a little bit he asked Jacobs, "Sir?"

Jacobs was watching the instruments as he replied, "Yes Mr. Gibbs?"

Gibbs had a small smirk on his face which Jacobs could not see. "Mind if we show those guys what Badgers can do?"

Jacobs could not see the smirk, but he heard it in his voice. "Not at all. It falls within the briefing parameters. Have a little fun."

As the Raptor entered the reentry interface, Gibbs said to the Badgers on board, "Ok, listen up guys, this is what we're going to do…."

Jacobs typed a quick message to Carter as the turbulence started.

On the Wisconsin, Carter continued explaining the combat landing. "The Raptor's attitude is now adjusted to maintain a forty-degree angle of attack. This angle is not so much for gliding as to protect the upper portion of the Raptor from the heat of reentry."

Mitchell remarked, "This is insane, hitting the atmosphere that hard will cause it to burn up."

Carter shook his head, "The underside of the Raptor is made of a very high temperature alloy of refractive metal."

Pell asked, "Refractive metal?"

Carter said, "Its primary characteristic is that it will take the heat from reentry and literally reflect most of it back into the atmosphere. There is virtually no loss in material, and we can do multiple reentries before having to service it. The downside is that during the hottest portion of the reentry, it does cause turbulence. The bottom line is that the Raptors are the fastest way to get people down to the surface without transporters. Also, during the hottest part of reentry, phasers or disruptors can't hit it. The ionization in the atmosphere is too severe and causes the beams to destabilize. Come on, let's get to the transporter room, you'll want to see the landing."

As the group left for the transporter room, Carter's communicator beeped letting him know he just got a message. He flipped open the cover and read the message and smiled. This is going to be impressive.

On Raptor 2 everybody was hanging on, the turbulence was very strong. Forget about keeping coffee in the cup, the turbulence was strong enough that it was hard to hang onto the cup. It only lasted for a minute, but it seemed like eternity. Once through the reentry interface, Anders nosed over and the Raptor started flying like a plane instead of falling like a rock. "Reconnect auto anti-grav." Jacobs complied.

Anders continued his descent until they were just one hundred feet off the ground. At that point he pulled up slightly on the collective, activating the lift thrusters. Jacobs announced, "Mach 2, deceleration point in thirty seconds."

Anders was using his eyepiece that had a display in it. He could see all his instrumentation through it while looking at the land outside. The eyepiece also gave guidance to keep him on the course to the landing zone. He was following the prescribed course to the landing zone. Jacobs clicked the radio and said, "Thunder."

At the landing site, Carter, Pell, and Mitchell just beamed down. TC was the safety officer for the landing zone and announced, "They just reported thirty seconds out." Carter nodded acknowledgement.

Mitchell noticed a big orange panel on the ground with three circles outside of it. Mitchell said, "Plates?"

Carter laughed; Mitchell still does not know the caliber of pilots that are on the Wisconsin. "It is a competition. The Orange panel marker is to designate the landing zone. We put out the plates for the pilot to put his skids on."

Mitchell asked disbelievingly, "He's going to come in at Mach 2, do a maximum deceleration, then land on these plates? Manually? It can't be done."

TC had a small protective area set up, basically it was clear panels mounted at an angle facing the landing zone. TC said, "Here they come!"

The four of them knelt behind the panels, watching the landing. The Raptor came in very fast just above the treetops on the far end of the clearing. Mitchell tried to guess the distance, probably about a mile, maybe two. He could see the shockwave push the tops of the trees aside as the Raptor passed overhead.

On Raptor 2, Anders watched as the computer counted down the distance until the deceleration point. Anders ordered, "Override auto anti-grav. Set to ten percent power."

Jacobs moved the lever to the correct position and started counting down, not for Anders, but for the Badgers on board. "3…. 2…. 1…. Pitchback!"

Anders pulled up hard on the stick then pulled hard on the collective. The Raptor pitched vertical in the matter of a second. It was now facing almost straight up but still travelling across the ground. The hover thrusters went to full power when Anders pulled up on the collective all the way. This had the effect of the Raptor slowing down tremendously fast. Anders watched as the speed bled off then nosed back over hard far enough to where he could just see the landing zone. He simultaneously worked the collective to not climb or descend. Anders announced, "LZ in sight." Looking through his eyepiece, he saw that he had proper speed for his distance to the landing zone.

The Raptor was still pitched up but was now flying like a helicopter. It looked like the helicopters of old doing combat landings and Anders flew the Raptor into a landing right on the plates. Mitchell could barely see because of all the debris the hover jets were kicking up. The noise was deafening too. He could tell from the strut compression that the Raptor was barely in contact with the ground, most of the weight was supported by the hover jets. Didn't these guys know that they could use antigrav units?

Once safely down, Jacobs turned and said, "GO!"

Gibbs simultaneously tripped his harness lock and said, "GO GO GO!"

The side door sprung open and the Badgers spilled out. Jacobs was watching them leave and once Gibbs jumped out, he pushed the close door button. Jacobs also said, "Clear!"

Anders pulled up on the collective and the Raptor leaped off the ground, he nosed over like a helicopter takeoff and the Raptor accelerated away leaving a cloud of debris. Even behind the protective panels, everyone closed their eyes because of flying dirt, grass, and various other debris. After a portion of time, the noise subsided along with the wind. Mitchell opened his eyes and looked around. Surrounding Mitchell, Pell, Carter, and TC were twelve Badgers dressed in full battle gear. They all had their helmets and goggles on, phaser rifles unslung and in hand, and serious as a heart attack looks on their faces.

Gibbs walked up to Mitchell and slapped him on the back of the head. "You're dead kid."

Mitchell glared at Gibbs. Gibbs smirked, turned around and said, "Badgers! Let's break down this barrier and get back up to the ship."

Mitchell, still glaring, said to Carter, "Who does he think he is to say that?"

Pell interrupted, "Mitchell, lighten up, he's just kidding around. Commander, are we going to get to fly the Raptors?"

Carter nodded, "Eventually. First thing is to get you integrated into the procedures on the Wisconsin for shuttles and main ship helm control. I wanted you guys to see the end product on what to work for. I tell you, you won't be disappointed in the Raptor. It is real flying and will challenge you like nothing else."

Mitchell sarcastically said, "It can't be that tough, those Raptors are old, out of date craft. How hard can it be?"

Carter's smile never went away, but inwardly he scowled. He looked at Mitchell as Mitchell was looking at the landing zone. Rather than correct the kid, maybe he should just let him get humbled later on. "You're right, it's probably not tough to fly for a couple of recent Academy grads."

RAPTOR 2

CLIMBING BACK INTO ORBIT

"Nicely done Hattrick."

Anders smiled, "Thank you sir. I hit a little hard though."

Jacobs shook his head, "Not at all, that was good."

Anders looked at his Captain. "I heard you guys did it with skids up."

Jacobs chuckled, "Only when we thought there was a chance of mines."

"I would like to be that good."

Jacobs motioned to the instrument panel. "You already are. It is just a little more refining. I'll show you some tricks in the sim that will get that level of precision sometime if you would like. On another subject, what is this talk about a match?"

Anders tiredly said, "Mitchell is picking a fight with me. Something about me is causing him to want to take me down."

Jacobs asked, "You do not want to do it? You have played with some of the crew before."

Anders shrugged, "Yes, but it was never serious. This kid is going to push it too far."

"I can see that. Then what?"

"In order for me to win, I'll have to keep going up to the next level. I'm afraid he's going to cause me to hurt him."

Jacobs said plainly, "Don't hurt him."

"Sir, you played hockey in high school, right?"

Jacobs nodded, "Yes."

"What if you challenged a pro, and really wanted to make a point of it. Who would win?"

"He would."

Anders nodded, "Now take it to where you keep checking him, pushing him, maybe even take a swing or two. What would that pro player do?"

"Hit back."

Anders said, "Could an accident happen? To prevent an accident, I cannot do everything I can normally do."

Jacobs nodded understanding. "I see. Tell me, do you hold back with Teal'c?"

"No, but he's Jaffar. He heals extra fast. I do not have to worry about him."

It was quiet for a while. Jacobs finally said, "So tell him who you are. Or let one of us. If he still wants to play, it is on him."

"I will think about it sir. Do you want me to play him?"

Jacobs chuckled, "He could use a humbling. Something will humble him, either you or something else, it probably does not matter. I would not want to ask you to put yourself into that position, so do not sweat him, he's not worth it."

"Thank you, sir."

The rest of the flight proceeded uneventfully, with the two talking about nothing in general. Jacobs was thinking that this was a nice way to get to know the helmsmen, maybe he'll have to do more flying with them. Some of them anyway.

BRIDGE

IKV KLOLODE

ENROUTE TO MAGHREB

Kang was sitting in the Captain's chair looking at the displays all around him. Everything was normal on his ship, as it should be. Ambassador Kraal was talking with Mara about something, it was good for Mara to have her uncle on board. They were talking in hushed tones, probably some family business.

Mara turned and said, "Husband, I'm getting intermittent contact on sensors, extreme range."

Kang turned and Ambassador Kraal got out of his way. Kang thought at least that Kraal knew his place on this ship. Kang stood behind Mara and looked at the displays. "Where?"

Mara pointed at one of the displays, "Down this bearing. Contact is at an extreme distance. Too far to get a precise distance, and it's too soon to work up a track for it."

Kang thought about the intelligence that was given to him before they departed. "Can you tell what kind of starship it is?"

Mara shook her head. "Not even which species."

Kang said, "Assume it's the Federation battleship Excalibur and it's enroute to Maghreb."

Mara started working her calculations. Ambassador Kraal looked to Kang, "What if it is?"

Kang shook his head, "No matter, we'll be prepared for them. The Federation isn't going to pick a fight here, it's not their way."

Kraal asked, "Are they early?"

Kang's eyes furrowed, "I think not, the Excalibur is a four-nacelled ship, like our battleship. It will create a large disturbance when moving at warp, and that is probably why we are picking it up now."

Kraal stated, "If it is them."

Kang looked at Kraal, "Yes, if it is them."

Mara displayed a map. "Kang, with your assumptions, the position is consistent with the course that the Excalibur would be making from Starbase 5. Also, assuming that our intelligence on their departure time, they are on time for Maghreb. I can refine that with further observations."

Kraal asked, "Should we cloak?"

Kang returned to his seat. "According to the agreement between the two Captains when they left Maghreb, we will not be in this system on cloak. We will approach straight in and on time, not early."

Kraal surmised, "Following the agreement Kang?"

Kang nodded, "We Klingons pride ourselves on honor. It would be dishonorable to break the agreement."

"But that isn't specified in the Organian treaty."

Kang started showing a little irritation. "The treaty could not have anticipated future rendezvous times around planets not discovered at that time. I will abide by Captain Granak's agreement."

Kraal nodded, "Good. I need to prove to the Maghreb that we are honorable. The Federation spreads many lies about us."

Kang looked sternly at Kraal, "Ambassador, some of those lies are truths. Remember the discovery of the Black Fleet?"

Kraal waved it off, "A few renegade ships, nothing more."

Kang said, "Even if it is only a few ships, and I think not, they have made a lot of incursions into Federation space and done engagements against our treaty."

Kraal looked back at Kang, "I know, was your son on one of those ships?"

Mara turned and looked at Kraal. Kang kept his stern look at the ambassador, "Mara and I are not sure."

Kraal thought out loud, "The son of Kang participating in an act that Kang deemed dishonorable. The shame would be tremendous."

Mara snapped, "Uncle!"

Kraal waived his hand, "I apologize. No dishonor intended."

Kang said evenly, "You take on too many characteristics of other species, Ambassador. It is the Klingon way to speak plainly. I too can read 'between the lines' as the humans say to hear you."

Kraal smiled, "I forget, you too spent time on Earth."

Kang nodded, "One tour at our embassy as security officer. We are not sure that our son participated. His honor remains intact until it is proven otherwise."

Kraal nodded, "Indeed, it is."

HANGAR DECK

USS WISCONSIN

A platform and podium had been set up on one end of the Hangar Bay. It was the only place large enough to have as many off-duty crewmembers assemble that were expected to show. On one side were the existing Badgers, on the other side were the four candidates. In the back were the senior officers. Jacobs walked up to the podium and started, "As Captain of this vessel, I want to express my thanks and pride in you, the crew, in coming together to form this unique family. Today we are here to induct four new members as Badgers. We have all participated in their training, and this ship is stronger because of our teamwork. As this is a Security Matter, Lt. Commander Bauer will handle the ceremony. First, Pastor Octavian."

Jacobs stepped back and Octavian walked up to the podium. He simply said, "Let's pray."

"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your protection of this ship, of this crew. We ask for your continued protection and guidance in our mission as we continue. Today, we ask you to bless these four men especially. We ask you to guide them, and for them to do exceedingly well in their duties. We thank you for this. In Jesus' Name, Amen." Octavian turned and took his place with the senior officers.

Bauer walked up and said, "Thank you very much. As head of the Badgers, I want to say it is our great honor to serve you all and this ship with what has been given to us. I know our past actions have tested us, and that the ship has excelled. We are humbled to be able to use our God-given talent, skills, and capability to contribute. According to the ship's orders, these four men are now authorized to wear the combat uniform and unit patch of the Badgers. Furthermore, we will be issuing their standard arms today. First Doctor, Simon Blake."

Dr. Blake stood up and stepped forward. Dr. Mallard stepped forward to the podium while Bauer placed the Badger patch with the medical symbol as a backdrop on Dr. Blake's shoulder. Bauer also handed Dr. Blake his standard-issue K-Bar combat knife. Dr. Mallard said, "Dr. Blake not only qualified as a standard Badger, but also had extensive training in battlefield medicine. With that, I give him his battlefield medical kit." Everyone started clapping as Dr. Blake shook hands and took a backpack from Dr. Mallard. Dr. Blake continued down from Bauer. He received his issued phaser rifle from Lt. Teal'c, his firearm rifle from Lt. Gibbs, his pistol phaser from Lt. Magnum, and his pistol firearm from Lt. Morgan. After all this, he walked over to the other Badgers and took his place among them.

Mr. Black from engineering was next and received his weaponry along with a backpack with various engineering tools from Santini. Lt. Calvin 'TC' was next and received his weaponry along with a personalized helmet with heads-up eyepiece. The helmet had a caricature of a Badger flying a Raptor, causing TC to laugh when Carter gave it to him. Last was Ensign Kenn. Bauer gave him the standard Badger patch and Kenn received his weaponry from the Lieutenants.

As Kenn turned to take his place with the Badgers, Bauer said, "Just a minute Mr. Kenn. Come over here."

Kenn wasn't sure what this was all about. Bauer started explaining what was going on, "Since Mr. Kenn's division is security, he is equipped like all the other standard Badgers. The Captain and senior officers felt this wasn't enough for this occasion. A brief history of Mr. Kenn, as most of you know, he was part of the original group of Badgers, but had some troubles. To make it short, Mr. Kenn lost his moral compass and was placing himself above others. That is not what it takes to make a Badger in my book. Since he was rescued from the Norsicans and came onboard, he has been a changed man."

Kenn was nodding in agreement. Bauer continued, "So we, the senior officers wanted to show our appreciation and trust in Mr. Kenn. Pastor." Bauer gave way to Octavian.

Octavian came forward with a small book. "It is my great pleasure to give Mr. Kenn a copy of the Bible. Inside is the inscription, 'To Ensign Kenn, congratulations on passing Badger training and joining the Badger corps. May you use this Bible as your moral compass and learn more about the Lord Jesus Christ in your travels. Signed…" And Octavian signed the inside of the Bible

Then Captain Jacobs came forward and simply said, "Captain Joshua Jacobs, USS WISCONSIN"

Leonaidas, Carter, Santini, Jareau, Hotchner, Grimm, and Dr. Mallard all signed underneath Octavian's signature. Everyone was clapping wildly. Octavian took the Bible, and gave it to Kenn and shook his hand. Kenn smiled and nodded. All the officers shook his hand then Kenn took his place among the Badgers.

Bauer said, "Thank you all very much for attending. Sir?"

Jacobs stepped forward. "We are having a reception in the hangar deck here. The chef has prepared hors d'oeuvres and is rolling it in now. Pastor?"

Octavian smiled and said, "Let's pray. Lord, thank you for these people, and being able to perform this ceremony. Now please bless the food and the time together. In Jesus' name, Amen." A cheer went up as everyone started to mingle.

Leonaidas looked at Jacobs, "I think this was a nice touch. Are you going to the Badger den later?"

Jacobs was smiling, "No, I think it's better for them to have their own time. Let's enjoy it while we have it."

NURSE GRIFFINS QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

Griffin was watching the proceedings on her monitor with disgust. She flipped it off and pushed the record button, "Computer, record a message for my sister." The computer beeped its readiness. "Well, sis, they just finished crowning four more warmongers into the tribe onboard. The whole crew are just fanatics over this. I don't understand why these Badgers are so important, I just can't stand the mentality on this ship. Everyone is brainwashed and I'm not going to succumb to it. I'm putting in another request for transfer, and trying to think of a way to make it as soon as possible. We rendezvoused with a starship the other day and if I had my paperwork in order, I might have been able to transfer. The problem is with the medical staff being short staffed, it's going to be tough to transfer. Keep trying on your end."

BRIDGE

USS EXCALIBUR

APPROACHING MAGHREB

Jackson was watching the tactical display on the approach to the planet. They were still several hours from entering orbit, but had entered the system. They were tracking the Klingon ship for the last couple of hours on the approach, and noted how stealthy the ship was, even without the cloaking device on.

Morrow stated, "I find it disturbing that we were not able to track a D7-M earlier. He must have been using his cloaking device."

Jackson leaned on one arm of his chair, "Perhaps, perhaps not. This one is a cunning one. He could have come in at high warp and slowed down the last day down to a low warp, making it harder to detect. How long until we are supposed to make contact?"

Holt said, "One more minute. Sir, I have incoming hail from the Klingon ship."

Jackson looked at Morrow who said, "They are on time at least."

Jackson nodded his agreement, "Onscreen Miss Holt."

Holt pushed a button and Kang's face appeared on screen, "Captain Jackson, I am notifying you that we are entering the system and intend to enter orbit around Maghreb."

Jackson did not smile either, it just did not seem right with Klingons. "Kang, we were about to notify you of the same. Nice to see you. Do you intend to enter orbit first?"

Kang shook his head, "Captain, you are in the best position to establish a standard orbit over their capital city first. We will form up on you after that."

Jackson tried not to blink. Given their arrival geometry, Kang's suggestion was reasonable. He nodded, "That sounds good, we will proceed as requested. We will notify you on approach."

Kang nodded slowly, "Thank you Captain. It is nice to see you are reasonable and are willing to cooperate." Kang's scowl never changed.

Jackson kept his stern face too, "I'm happy to hear that Kang."

Kang sternly replied, "I am delighted too, Captain. Until later." And the transmission ended.

Jackson breathed a sigh of relief. "Is it me or did he just make a joke?"

Morrow smirked, "It's tough to tell, Klingons don't have that much of a sense of humor."

Jackson nodded agreement.

IKV KLOLODE

The screen returned to normal and Kang turned to Kraal. "What do you think?"

Kraal shrugged, "Not much of a sense of humor, the Federation is always so stiff. Still, you make Kirk laugh."

Kang thought about that, "It was an unusual time. We both needed a good laugh to get rid of a malevolent alien. Still, the Federation is always too serious, particularly the humans. Vulcans have a better sense of humor."

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs was actually relaxing; he was sitting on the couch looking backwards at the nacelles and the planet beyond. He started drifting off on one of the many Captain cat-naps that Captains frequently did. Ships of old had the Captain's at-sea cabin which was very close to the bridge, and if they could get three hours of sleep at one time, it was a luxury.

The intercom beeped and Jareau's voice came over. "Captain, I got an update for you."

Jacobs snapped awake and walked behind his desk, "Come on in JJ."

Jareau came in, "I have an update sir about Nurse Griffin. She just sent a message and we intercepted it. This is what the computer sent back to Starbase 5 in the personal message dump."

Jacobs read it, "When did she have time to go swimming on a beach? We had no shore leave parties."

"That's what I thought too. I cross checked it with our bug we have. This is what she recorded."

Jacobs read the second message. "I can see her recording this message. What is happening?"

Jareau summarized, "Its confirmed, we definitely have a compromised computer system. It is taking Nurse Griffin's messages, encoding them, breaking them up, attaching the parts and sending a false message to Starfleet. Presumably, on the other side, it reassembles the message and sends it to her sister and whoever set this up."

Jacobs leaned back and sighed, "Two guesses."

Jareau said, "But I'll only need one. Senator Jameson."

Jacobs nodded. "How do we let Starbase know?"

Jareau thought out loud. "One time cipher should be good. But that may be compromised. Can we send a message another way?"

Jacobs was thinking. "I do not know. We're pretty far out. Too bad we couldn't find this out before the rendezvous with the Fearless. Maybe a personal message?"

Jareau said, "Maybe, but I'd be careful."

Jacobs asked, "How so?"

Jareau explained. "If I programmed this virus, I'd have it look for words or phrases concerning compromise of communications. Try to avoid this."

Jacobs nodded, "Ok, let's try this." He pushed a record button, "Computer. Record message to Retired Admiral George McGonagle, New Haven Ranch, Starbase Five. George, hope things are going well. We are doing just fine, kind of like the Germans mid 20th century with the Enigma machine, please let your new friend Bill know that I may have a Mr. Walker party on board. Have him reply with the vehicle number of the thing you took him on a tour of the ranch with. Cherrio, Josh. Computer send with next personal message dump."

Jacobs looked at Jareau, "What do you think?"

"Sounds like gibberish to me. I don't think that would hit any triggers. What did you say to him?"

Jacobs explained, "A couple of historical references. Admiral McGonagle is a big history buff. In World War II the Germans used a machine called Enigma to encode their wartime messages, the US cracked the code. The second is also a 20th century reference to a spy ring that compromised the messages from the US navy. Admiral McGonagle should recognize one of them, if not both and warn Adama. I'll know when Adama tells me the identity of the vehicle he was in on a recent visit there."

Jareau said, "I'll be watching for the reply."

LT COMMANDER CARTER'S OFFICE

USS WISCONSIN

TWO DAYS LATER

Carter was talking to Mitchell and Pell about their training. "We've been focusing on the shuttlecraft because we're taking advantage of the time we've been out of warp in a star system. You're cleared for normal shuttle operations without use of the manual backups. As you know the manual backups are unique to this ship and we need some extra training for you to be fully qualified on that. You will now be expected to perform normal shuttlecraft duty plus your additional checkout on the manual controls. Dismissed."

The two left the office and started walking down the hallway. Pell started jabbering about all what was being taught, his usual jubilant self. Mitchell had enough, turned and pushed Pell into the wall. Mitchell was short, Pell had at least four inches on top of him, but Mitchell had found that sometimes surprise worked well. "PELL, SHUT UP!"

Pell pushed Mitchell back, "What's up with you man? Can't you see what's going on around here?"

Mitchell said, "I see plenty fine, you're the one who's blind. These guys think they're something, but really, it's nothing at all. Manual controls? No big deal, just point the shuttlecraft in the direction you want to go."

Pell said, "Hey Maverick, it's a good idea, just flow with it. What's your problem anyway?"

"I just got out of the academy; I don't need more schooling."

Pell observed, "It's not just that man, you're like out to prove yourself. Something wrong with you?"

Mitchell said, "Nothing's wrong. I just need to educate these guys. They are so arrogant. Putting your skids on plates? Hovering just off the ground? Manual control? I could do that just as well as them."

Pell was about to respond when Mitchell saw Anders down the hallway, Mitchell took off and ran to Anders. Lt Teal'c was walking beside Anders and the two were talking about something. Mitchell ran up and grabbed Anders on the shoulder, "Hey Anders!"

Anders grabbed the hand on his shoulder with one hand, spun around twisting Mitchell and with the momentum of his other arm, pushed Mitchell face-first into the wall. "Mitchell, you shouldn't come up on somebody like that." Anders held him there for a second while Mitchell resisted with futility. He then released him.

Mitchell turned around, "What was that?"

Anders said plainly, "I thought you were going to try to hit me."

Mitchell retorted, "I was not going to hit you, you guys are all wound up on this ship. What do you think you are? One of these Badgers?" Mitchell motioned at Teal'c.

Teal'c's face did not change except for raising an eyebrow. Anders said, "I don't matter, don't you get it? I'm just another crewmember on this ship. One that happens to outrank you, Ensign. Now back off."

"Going to pull rank on me? Still cannot handle to play me? Tough guy? You're a wimp."

Anders looked to Teal'c. Teal'c briefly showed a flash of anger, however subtly. Anders quickly said, "Let's go Teal'c."

Teal'c didn't turn. He kept looking at Mitchell. Mitchell was intimidated by Teal'c, as were most people. The guy stood six foot two inches, two hundred thirty pounds of pure muscle, he looked like a defensive end for some football team, huge biceps, and was standing calmly with a small smile. "Ensign Mitchell, you would be unwise to challenge Mr. Anders."

"Why?"

"For one, Mr. Anders used to be in Starfleet Security." Teal'c spoke very calmly, letting his deep bass voice carry. In the distance, Pell could hear them, but felt it was better not to join in. On second thought, it might be better not to hang around Mitchell at all. He is self-destructing.

"As if that's anything special. You commandos all think you are special, but you are nothing but expendable redshirts."

Anders said, "Mitchell, lay off the Badgers." Mitchell was about to say something when Anders flipped open his communicator, "Computer, start recording. Activate video sensors in this area."

The communicator beeped acknowledgement. Anders said, "If I take your challenge, will you lay off the Badgers forever? No challenges, no snide comments, just leave them alone?"

Mitchell made a sneering laugh, "They need you to defend them? Sure. Mum's the word. So, when…."

"There is one more thing you need to know about me. I used to play for the Omaha Indians."

Mitchell's mouth shot off, "Those sissies? What were you, benchwarmer?"

Teal'c said, "Anders has disclosed that he played professional Parisses squares. Consider that should you ever decide to challenge him."

"Me against an old has-been? It is unfair for me to play against a grandpa. When do you want to play?"

Anders said, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Just name the time grandpa!"

Anders looked at Teal'c, who stood still. Teal'c still had a small smile on his face. Anders said, "Gymnasium, 1700. Wear pads if you want. Helmets are a must. Pell, get over here!"

Pell trotted up, "Yes sir?"

Anders asked, "In your own words, what did you just see?"

Pell looked around, "Mitchell challenged you; you warned him, he challenged you again, you accepted."

Anders said, "Good enough. Computer stop recording. I suggest you get some rest. Teal'c, let's go."

Anders started walking, Teal'c held the gaze from Mitchell for a minute, then walked away. Pell said to Mitchell, "You're in for it now."

Mitchell said, "Why?"

Pell said, "He's a pro, man. You picked the wrong dude. You're dead."

"Shut Up Pell. He's a grandpa. He's going to be hurting when we're done."

GENERAL CHANG'S OFFICE

BLACK FLEET HEADQUARTERS

Captain Golger strode into the General's office. He had been with the Black fleet a long time. Chang was standing and looking at the map behind him. Chang had a sinister demeanor about him, which overcame his lack of ridges and baldness. Also, something that added to Chang's air about him is that his eyepatch was a steel plate nailed into his skull.

Golger had been a faithful Captain, with many successful missions and raids. Chang said quietly, "Captain Golger. How did your weapons refit work?"

Golger said with pride, "Great! The captured phaser banks worked perfectly. They are extremely effective, and the signature that is left is pure Federation."

Chang nodded his approval, "Good, I have a mission for you."

"Sir!"

"We have important negotiations occurring here, on a planet called Maghreb. The Federation has a battleship providing support. The High Council is going to try to draw away the Battleship by having our own battleship cruise the neutral zone over here." Chang motioned with his hand in both places.

Golger noted the positions. "What is their goal?"

"To try to even the odds for our contingent. We have a solitary D7-M in the area providing support for Ambassador Kraal. The High Council's hopes are that Starfleet will move the battleship away and replace it with a Cruiser, maybe even less if possible."

Golger was thinking, "What is my mission?"

"The D7-M is the Klolode."

"Kang's ship? Surely you don't need any backup for him."

Chang's face formed a small smirk. "Kang, was instrumental in bringing the discovery of the Black Fleet to the attention of the High Council. His honor is swaying many of them against us. The fools would rather have open war than what we are doing."

Golger stated, "They consider this dishonorable…."

Chang's look caused Golger to make the last of that sentence drop off. Chang let the silence reign for a while then finished, "The High Council is divided. The ones that state open war is more honorable do not want to fight it. The others that are secretly backing our operations realize what is truly at stake but are vastly in the minority. Kang needs to be eliminated for our continued existence. Eliminate him."

Golger stood quietly. He knew not to show any weakness in front of Chang. He did not know how to really proceed. He decided to ask, "What of whatever Federation ship is present?"

"Ignore them. They are irrelevant."

Golger said incredulously, "Ignore them? But what if they.."

Chang gave that look that caused Golger to quiet down, "Do what? Do you seriously expect a Federation Starship to enter an engagement between two Klingon ships? Your weapons will leave a Federation weapons signature. The Federation claims will be completely rejected by the High Council."

"I'm to Kill Kang?"

Chang said, "Destroy him, the ship must be completely obliterated. Leave no survivors except who is on the ground. Absolutely no Klingon witnesses."

Golger nodded understanding. "I will do as ordered, sir." He turned and left. Chang sat back and thought about the loss of Kang. Kang was an inspirational warrior, but he also was in the way.