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!

20. Chapter 18

Chapter 418

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Lt Maya was moving the periscope around when she saw the telltale shimmer of stars behind them. In a split second, the shimmer of stars enlarged and there was a shadow of an outline forming. The outline was clearly the D7. "KLINGON D7 DECLOAKING SEVEN O'CLOCK HIGH!"

Jacobs snapped, "Phasers max power, target, and shoot! RED ALERT, ALL HANDS BATTLESTATIONS!"

Clayborne leaned forward and yelled, "BELAY THAT! DON'T FIRE!"

Grimm hit a couple of presets to get the phasers from stun back to maximum power. The only phasers that were in the correct firing arc were the port phasers. Fortunately, with the earlier order to charge all weapons, both phasers of the port phaser bank were able to shoot. Grimm hesitated and looked at Jacobs with a look that seemed to say 'are you sure.'

Jacobs said loudly, "BEN, FIRE NOW!"

Grimm pushed the fire button and two phaser beams lanced out at the nearly decloaked Instigator. They caught the Instigator at the midships section.

The Instigator fired its disruptors and photon torpedo at the Klolode. Both hitting squarely in the right section on the warp engine pylon. Grimm reported, "Our phasers hit, minimal damage. Klolode hit,

Right shields are down, some damage to the right warp nacelle. I have a lock on the D7."

Jacobs could see the D7 was going to pass overhead and was starting to turn to the right. "Fire phasers as he passes!"

Clayborne came down from the turbolift landing, "Jacobs! I said do not fire!"

"Admiral, you do not know what is happening up here! I have the area above Maghreb. Now get out of our way!"

Grimm said, "Coming into Forward and Starboard firing arcs, firing now!"

Clayborne yelled, "BELAY THAT!"

Jacobs looked Grimm in the eye, "Fire!"

Grimm pushed the phaser button.

FLIGHT OPS OFFICE

USS WISCONSIN

Carter dropped the datapad in the container fastened to the planning table. He rushed out of the room and down the corridor to the turbolift. Stepping in the turbolift, he heard Octavian's voice, "Alan, wait!"

Carter stuck his hand in the door and Octavian rushed inside the turbolift. Carter said, "Bridge."

Octavian asked, "Any idea what?"

Carter guessed, "I think that D7 just showed up. In case you do not know, the situation down on Maghreb has heated up."

Octavian said, "The crowd turned into a mob?"

Carter nodded. "With complications."

Octavian was about to guess when the door opened and revealed the Bridge. Octavian saw Admiral Clayborne's back. So that is the complication.

UNDER FEDERATION EMBASSY

The charges blew and the Rofvert's second team poured in at the service room. They started moving through the embassy and got to the first floor. They could see the mob hitting the windows trying to break through, and their other team members pick up the phasers and aim them at the large windows. The team leader yelled, "DOWN!"

The phaser fire blew through the windows, melting them. The team members outside joined up with those inside. Tajil had a phaser rifle and said, "What a great weapon! Let's move!" Behind them the mob poured into the embassy.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jareau turned, "Embassy reports they have been breached. Enemy combatants inside the embassy. Shooting happened and personnel have been killed."

Jacobs looked at Hotchner, "Time until storm passes?"

Hotchner said, "Not yet. Maybe three minutes. I'm detecting phaser fire inside the embassy."

Grimm announced, "D7 Cloaking, phaser lock lost."

Carter stood next to Octavian just behind Clayborne, watching the bridge. Carter was using the time to get caught up on the tactical situation. Octavian was using the time to get caught up on the personalities in action

"What about recharging?" Jacobs asked.

Grimm checked his controls and made a quick calculation, "Fifteen seconds until I have another charged."

Jacobs looked at Clayborne and said, "You said all the Diplomatic Security were outside. What about inside?"

Clayborne shook his head, "None!"

"Hotch, lifesigns inside the embassy?"

Hotchner shook his head, "I can't tell, too many signals. The mob is inside the embassy. I believe they are using our phaser rifles from the Security in the courtyard."

Jacobs gave a stern look at Clayborne, "Any objection to inhibiting all phaser rifles?"

Clayborne's first thought was the talk he had with Mamet. Mamet said none of the illegal phaser rifles could be shut off. All the ones issued to the Diplomatic security corps were registered on the computer so inhibiting them should stop the fighting. But what if it didn't, then illegal weapons would be confirmed, and Clayborne couldn't have that. He tried to think of an excuse. He was interrupted in his thoughts.

Maya was swinging the scope around and down, she announced, "He's trying to come underneath us!"

Ensign Hills announced, "I got him. I think I scored a hit!"

Clayborne yelled, "I told you not to fire on Klingons!"

Jacobs ignored the yelling and said, "Ben, target and shoot with one phaser, rotate banks to keep up a steady beam. Hills, hold on target."

Clayborne leaned over and said, "Jacobs! You're relieved!"

Grimm fired, but the beam hit nothing. The beam fired and fired, but no hit. Jacobs reached to Jareau and said, "Adama's message! Continue fire!"

Jareau handed the datapad with Adama's authorization. He handed it over to Clayborne, "Read Now! Ben, did we hit the D7?"

Grimm shook his head, "Miss, Kang got a nick on the turn."

Jareau said, "Kang's calling."

Jacobs ordered, "Ben, fire at will, use only one phaser at a time. JJ, on your screen."

Kang's image came on screen, "Captain Jacobs, my starboard shield is down. He will recharge fully and come to hit me there."

Clayborne could not believe what he was reading and seeing. This is totally ridiculous. Clayborne wanted the Excalibur to protect the embassy from Kang. Clayborne never wanted and protested the Excalibur being replaced by a cruiser, much less the Wisconsin. Now Jacobs has spun this whole thing into helping an enemy? Clayborne said, "Jacobs! I order you to cease fire and leave the area! Power down your weapons and leave now."

Jacobs responded, "That would leave the embassy defenseless. The Ambassador and staff would be helpless. This D7 is the real threat, not Kang. Those orders confirm it."

Hills on the bottom scope said, "I just got a hit with a phaser!"

Jacobs without taking his eyes off Clayborne said, "Fire all phasers, max power!"

Clayborne stepped down next to the side of the chair and grabbed Jacobs' arm. "I'm relieving you for disobeying my orders! Step down!"

Grimm said, "All phasers firing."

Jacobs worked his arm up and around, freeing it from Clayborne's arm. "Not Now! Not in the middle of battle. Leave the bridge or be taken off now!"

Grimm reported, "Minimal hit on D7. Kang hit with one disruptor."

Kang was silently watching the drama on the Wisconsin Bridge, he was motioning to his officers on carrying on the battle. The battle would be determined in the next few seconds. What kind of man was Jacobs? He would find out soon enough.

Clayborne said, "Security! Arrest Jacobs and throw him in the brig."

Jacobs countered. "Badgers! Escort Clayborne to his quarters. Confine him to quarters and isolate the computer. He has no basis to relieve a Captain defending his ship in the middle of battle and is interfering in my operation."

Bauer stepped out of his station and said, "Lt. Magnum, take my post. Admiral, please accompany me to your quarters."

Magnum and Bauer switched places. Clayborne was speechless. The bridge was silent for a few moments. Clayborne said, "You all are going to be under charges!"

Jacobs said quickly, "Not them, only me. You may relieve me after the battle, not during. Mr. Bauer, take him now."

Clayborne was so mad his face was as red as his Class A uniform. He angrily turned around and stepped up to the turbolift. The turbolift opened and Clayborne, Bauer and Luther stepped in and the doors closed.

Jacobs had to draw his attention back to the matter at hand. "Kang, I'm sorry you saw all that. Do you have starboard shields."

"Negative Captain."

Jacobs looked at Carter and motioned toward the helm. "Kang, if you are agreeable, we'll position ourselves in front of your starboard shield. I'll bring our aft shield facing you."

"That is agreeable."

Jacobs said, "I'm also going to release the Raptors. We need the next hit to be very hard. They work autonomously, do not be nervous wherever they are."

Kang said, "Klingons do not get nervous. We will watch our fire. Kang out."

Carter stepped down to the Helm and looked at Pell, "I'll take the helm now Mr. Pell. Stay and learn."

Pell nodded and got up. The last five minutes were something out of a nightmare, or rather a Starfleet Academy scenario on the chain of command. He never thought that he would come across a situation like this, he thought all those lectures were just that, just lectures. This was a cold reality, a graduate session in chain of command.

ADMIRAL QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

The doors opened and Clayborne said, "You picked the wrong side Bauer. You should have obeyed me."

Bauer shook his head, "Sir, you never listed the charge. Rather, you were trying to usurp the lawful authority of this ship."

"I am second-in-command of Starfleet! He was disobeying my order!"

Bauer shook his head, "No Admiral, he was obeying the order of his next superior, Admiral Adama. If he relinquished command to you during battle, he would be disobeying Admiral Adama's orders. You were however in violation by interfering in the Captain's operation during battle, endangering the ship. That is what the Captain has charged you with."

"I never heard that!" Clayborne said.
"Mr. Luther, did you hear the Captain state that?"

Luther was physically so muscular it looked like he could bench press a ton. He responded in his slow, in-the-hood accent, "Yes sir, I did." Luther's face looked so angry that it would make a bulldog cower.

Two more Badgers were coming down the corridor. Bauer said, "Admiral, you are confined until after the battle is complete." Bauer reached in and pulled out a fist-sized computer component from a panel in the doorway. "Your computers in here will work, but they are now isolated from the ship. They will be restored after the battle is done. Wireless communication is also not possible. Use the com panel on the wall if you need anything. We will be right outside the door if you need anything. Good day, Admiral." Bauer stepped back and pushed the door lock button. Admiral Clayborne's eyes were wide open and he looked like he was going to pop a blood vessel.

INSIDE FEDERATION EMBASSY

Tajil's team was trying to move ahead, there was not much laying around to grab. Behind them was the mob tearing the place apart. Tajil was rushing faster than he wanted, but it was necessary to stay ahead of the mob. He had not worked out how he was going to get out with whatever he found, but will cross that later. "Anyone see where the Ambassador is?"

"The signs here are both in Federation whatever and Maghreb. Top floor office."

"Let's skip securing the middle floors and go straight there. We'll leave the stairway doors open and let the mob secure the place." Tajil went to the stairway and fired the phaser at it. It made a nice, clean, man-sized hole. The team went through and started upstairs.

Tajil's team exited on the top floor and ran to the office. They tried to open the door but failed. Tajil leveled the phaser and fired.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jareau said, "Ambassador Mamet reports hostiles at his door, hostiles have phasers."

"Inhibit all phaser rifles. Do they have any other weapons in the office?"

Jareau passed that request down. Jacobs looked at Leonaidas, "Do the Raptors understand the plan?"

Leonaidas nodded. Jacobs ordered, "Launch Raptors."

The Raptors undocked and immediately moved to positions above and below the Wisconsin. They started immediately visually searching for the cloaked D7.

Leonaidas said, "Raptors on station."

Jareau said, "Mamet says no weapons inside their office, they are defenseless."

Jacobs ordered, "Inhibit all weapons assigned to the embassy."

OUTSIDE MAMET'S OFFICE

FEDERATION EMBASSY

Tajil threw the phaser aside. Nothing. Suddenly all the phasers went dead. One of his men said, "This one is not dead. It still has lights." Tajil took the weapon and aimed it at the door. One short shot and the door was gone. He stepped inside only to see a secretary quickly stand. Tajil shot the secretary only to see her virtually disappear in a flash of light. He stepped up to the inner office door and kicked it open.

Inside was the Ambassador along with somebody else. Tajil said, "You are my prisoner."

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jareau reported, "Auto distress signal sent from the Ambassador's office."

Hotchner added, "Verified. Phaser fire inside the Embassy."

Jacobs was trying to keep up on the battle, he could not keep switching from one side to another. "Acknowledged. We will deal with that after we get the D7. Alan, are we in position?"

Carter nodded, "Holding station fifty meters from Kang's starboard nacelle."

Jacobs looked at the weapons station. All weapons were charged. There was a lull in the fighting. Did the D7 leave? He'd bet not. "JJ, send a Flash message to Starfleet. 'Federation and Klingon Embassies under attack by mob. Klolode and Wisconsin under attack by renegade D7 with cloaking capability'."

Jareau nodded acknowledgement. Jacobs looked around the bridge and said, "Suggestions, quickly."

Santini suggested, "Mines?"

Hotchner said, "We would have to move to deploy them or transport them into position. Either case, the D7 would detect the mines and avoid them."

Hills suggested, "What about using the phasers on low power? Fire continuously."

"Use the phasers as a searchlight?" Jacobs asked, "What about it Ben?"

"We can't do it indefinitely; the emitters will wear out."

"How long?"

Grimm shrugged, "I just cannot say. You'll certainly get a few minutes; beyond that I don't know. No study has been done."

"And then we will be defenseless." Jacobs mused. Jacobs motioned to Jareau, "Get Kang."

BRIDGE

IKV KLOLODE

Kang looked at the tactical display trying to determine where the next attack will come. The communications officer said, "Wisconsin calling."

Kang nodded. Jacobs' face showed up, "Kang, what is he doing now?"

"Recharging. He will strike when fully charged. We must have damaged him somewhat; he should have attacked by now."

Jacobs asked, "Did he leave?"

Kang shook his head, "No, he will attack soon. By now he's seen the Raptors. I suggest you hide them again."

"Point taken. Jacobs out."

Brilk asked, "How do you hide Raptors?"

Kang said, "Watch and learn."

RAPTOR 1

TC got the order and his order was simply to hide near the Klolode. Raptor 1 turned and thrusted through the downed shield on Kang's ship. Anders got a similar order and thrusted his ship up and just inside the starboard nacelle of the Wisconsin.

IKV INSTIGATOR

Golger was starting his approach. "Where did those Raptors go?"

Nobody said anything. Golger mused, "None the matter. They are insignificant and would be sacrificed. Those ships are old and show how desperate they are. We will come directly up from underneath them. Target Kang. We need him out of the picture. Close to point blank range."

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Hotchner reported, "I'm getting debris from directly beneath us."

Jacobs asked, "How long has it been there?"

Hills aimed the scope directly down while Hotchner reported, "I do not know. It was not there before the engagement."

Jacobs ordered, "Alan, bank us ninety degrees starboard."

The Raptors were listening in to the bridge conversation. As the Wisconsin banked, Anders kept the Raptor close to the starboard nacelle. Once the Wisconsin was finished banking, Anders moved so he could peek around the nacelle to where the D7 was suspected of approaching from.

TC took the opposite idea. He maneuvered the Raptor across the top of the Klolode and pointed straight up.

Hotchner observed the maneuvers on sensors, he also noticed the condition of the embassy. "The storm has moved sufficiently enough from the embassy to permit transport. ETA of nearest shuttle is seven minutes."

Jacobs looked at Leonaidas, "Come up with a plan to rescue the staff." Leonaidas nodded.

INSIDE FEDERATION EMBASSY

Mamet was looking at Tajil and his team. They were all armed with Maghreb weapons except Tajil. He had the lone working phaser, how was that possible? Obviously, the Wisconsin had inhibited the others. All the others the Diplomatic Security corps had were inhibited except this one. Mamet suddenly realized where this one came from. The phaser that Tajil was holding must be the one that was loose in the container earlier. Whitley must have brought it out of the container for some reason, probably to fix. That phaser of Tajil's was one of the contraband phasers and could not be shut off.

Tajil said, "Are you the ambassador?" He was pointing to Mamet.

Mamet said, "Yes."

Tajil ordered, "You will give me the technology I desire."

Mamet looked at Dax, who had a stern look on his face. There was only one answer. "Which technology do you want?" Dax's face showed his extreme disapproval at that.

Tajil motioned with the phaser rifle. "More of these. Your contacts revealed you are willing to trade with these. Where do you keep them?"

Mamet shook his head, "You are mistaken. I…."

"Am lying. I am the only one between you and an angry mob outside. If I do not get what I want, I will leave you to them. You can try your lies with them."

Mamet tried thinking but could not see a way out. He said, "Follow me." He led them to the private elevator. Mamet, Dax, Tajil, and a few of the others got in the elevator and went down.

Dax was shocked, he never knew of the elevator or this place. The elevator opened to a simple room, the only things in the room were the two large containers. Tajil was pleased and could barely contain himself. "Open them."

Tajil pushed Mamet and Dax toward the container door. Mamet sighed in defeat and said, "Computer."

Dax said sternly, "You do this and we'll be reaping chaos on this planet for years."

"We have to survive."

Dax said, "We're dead already, they'll kill you after they get what they want."

Mamet looked at the computer screen. "Recognize Mamet."

The computer scanned Mamet's eye and said, "Ambassador Mamet recognized." The lock unlocked. Mamet pulled the door open. Tajil could see phasers inside.

As Tajil was distracted by the open door, Dax pushed hard on Mamet, which closed and locked the door. In the confusion one of Tajil's men fired his weapon, hitting Mamet. Tajil yelled, "Stop!"

Dax knelt next to Mamet. Mamet was crying in pain as he felt the life seep from him. Dax said, "Mamet, what is the operation? What were you doing?"

Mamet was barely conscious. He whispered into Dax's ear. Dax could barely hear. Tajil came and pulled Dax off Mamet. It was too late, Mamet was dead.

Tajil turned to Dax and pointed his phaser at Dax. "I should kill you now."

"Yes, you should. Because then that will make sure you'll never get those weapons in there." Dax said sternly.

Tajil eyed Dax. This one is different from Mamet. Definitely a subordinate, not a weakling like the leader. "No matter, I'll just use this weapon on it."

Dax eyed the phaser and said, "Be my guest. That metal is impervious to phaser fire. You will drain what's left of that phaser trying to cut a hole in it. Then your phaser is useless until recharged."

Tajil ordered, "Open the door."

"NO."

"I'll kill you."

Dax smiled, "Then you will never get what's inside. Our Starship above will come down with fire and brimstone and devastate this place. I am the only salvation you have."

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Leonaidas said, "Mr. Bauer has two dozen Badgers ready to transport down. Shuttlecraft Slayton will be over the embassy in two minutes. I'll have them use the shuttlecraft's phaser set to stun and stun the crowd. Badgers will transport in at one thousand feet and parachute into the compound. We'll establish a foothold in the compound and prevent more of the mob from coming in."

Jacobs asked, "Then?"

"We'll plan for the next step."

Jacobs shrugged. "It is the best for now. We will coordinate when we can drop the shields for transport. What about that contact below us?"

Nobody responded. "Kang says he will attack soon. We will transport after the attack."

A waiting game started and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Suddenly, Grimm announced, "Raptor One firing straight up."

On the screen, it showed Raptor one just above the Klolode shooting a pair of rockets straight up. The rockets were fast and one hit something. "Target that explosion and fire phasers."

The phasers missed. Jacobs hit his armrest, "Recharge and reset."

Grimm reported, "Kang fired as well, missed."

More great news.

BRIDGE

IKV INSTIGATOR

The ship shook with the merculite rocket's explosion. Since they were cloaked, the shields were not up. "Damage!"

"Structural damage to the port warp nacelle."

Golger said, "Change Vector. Come at Kang from the front. His disruptors are discharged, the Starfleet vessel is recharging as well, the time is now!"

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jareau said, "Kang calling."

"Onscreen!"

The camera was to the side of Kang this time, he turned briefly to the camera. "He is going to attack very soon! From the front! Be ready!" The image went away.

Jacobs ordered, "Tell Raptors prepare for frontal assault. Ben, are you ready for a torpedo snapshot?"

Grimm said, "Yes sir!"

BRIDGE

IKV KLOLODE

Brilk said, "I lost the one Raptor!"

Kang shook his head, "Don't worry about the Raptors!"

"Found one, behind the Wisconsin Bridge."

"Onscreen."

The screen showed that one of the Raptors moved to just behind the Wisconsin's Bridge. It was facing directly at the Bridge. "They are ready for the frontal assault. The other Raptor is twenty meters behind that wall."

"Treacherous!"

"Brilk, Jacobs has proved to be a man of honor. They are not to hurt us but help. On my command, I want you to nose the ship down five degrees. We will still be able to fire our torpedo. Be ready. This will be very fast. Scanners forward."

They could not see anything other than stars. Suddenly, they saw stars distorting. Kang said, "Wait! Wait!" The shimmer had a tint change along with a definite shape.

Brilk announced, "Instigator decloaking!"

"Pitch and Fire!"

RAPTOR 1

TC was tucked in tight behind the bridge of the Klolode waiting for the order from the Wisconsin. He suddenly saw the Klolode pitch over hard. TC was just about to compensate when he saw the shape forming in front of him. He said, "Ripple all!"

Hornblower turned a knob for the selection of how many rockets would fire when TC pulled the trigger. He said, "Ready!"

The shape was getting defined very well. He could even make out some of the details of the ship. It was a D7 heading right at him. Good, no leading the target necessary. TC pushed and held the trigger.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Grimm said, "Klingon D7 Decloaking dead ahead!"

Jacobs was looking at the tactical display. "Snapshot, Fire! Order the Raptors to fire!"

The torpedoes shot out from the Klolode and Wisconsin. All of them hit true. They were followed up by the rockets from the Raptors. The combined firepower crashed right through the Instigator's shields and destroyed the ship. What ensued was a massive fireball. TC and Anders instinctively pulled up on the pitch so the hard underbelly of the Raptor would absorb the blast. The blast crashed right through the respective shielding of the Klolode and Wisconsin, shaking the respective ships and knocking the Raptors back.

After the ship finished shaking Jacobs looked at Santini's station. "Damage report!"

Santini said, "Front shield is down, looks like some scorching of the paint on the front side, and numerous high-speed impacts on the hull, but so far nothing else is down."

"Raptors?"

Leonaidas said, "Operational. Weapons expended. Requesting landing clearance."

Jacobs looked at Grimm, "Is he gone?"

Grimm said, "I believe so. The energy expended and mass of the debris match a D7."

"Kang calling." Jareau said.

"Onscreen."

Kang was having a rare smile. "Congratulations Captain. We got him."

"Is there more in the area?"

Kang shook his head. "I doubt it. The Black Fleet does not have infinite resources. We should remain vigilant however."

"Very well, now we have other matters. Do you still need a phaser strike? On your compound?"

Kang shook his head, "No, the storms have passed. We will take care of our business."

CONTAINER ROOM

FEDERATION EMBASSY

Dax was standing his ground. It was interesting for him. The symbiont side was holding firm, with over two hundred years of experience to hold firm. The Kirzon side was shaking in mortal fear, but trusting the Dax side.

Of course, Tajil did not know all this. Tajil eyed Dax trying to figure out what to do. One of his men reported with a radio. "A small, bus-sized alien spacecraft is outside the embassy shooting their beams at the courtyard."

It was time to go. Tajil leveled the weapon at the wall and fired. The hole that was left led to where Tajil hoped, in the basement. He ordered everyone. "Let's escape. We will bargain for these weapons later." Tajil led everyone out the hole through the basement and down the service tunnel. He ordered through his radio, "Rafiq! Take charge up top. Help the mob defend themselves. Keep the embassy! We will supply through the tunnel."

Rafiq's voice said, "Yes sir!"

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Leonaidas announced, "Badgers on the ground and report defensive positions established. Embassy is being fortified by bad guys. We hold the courtyard. So far, no engagement.

Jacobs saw that everything was stabilized. "Very well. It is time."

Pell opened his mouth for the first time. "For what?"

The bridge was silent. Jacobs looked around at the faces. "I read this today. 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.'"

Octavian said "Isaiah 41:10"

It was still quiet on the bridge. Jacobs knew what must happen next. "Mr. Magnum, have Admiral Clayborne escorted to the bridge. I will be right back." Jacobs ducked into his Ready Room.

Nothing was said while he was gone. Jacobs was only there a few seconds and returned with his Bible. He handed it to Leonaidas, "I trust you'll keep this safe."

Leonaidas nodded. Octavian had his own Bible out and said, "We need to read Verse 11. 'Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.' It will work out Captain."

Jacobs nodded. The doors opened and Clayborne stepped on the bridge with Bauer and Luther in tow. Clayborne said, "Why have you called me here?" He looked around and saw Octavian with an open Bible. Leonaidas quickly put Jacobs' Bible under his console. He could not afford to let Clayborne know about their key to secure communications.

Jacobs turned to Clayborne and faced him square. "The Klingon D7 is destroyed. The Klolode and Wisconsin have minor damage, Raptors 1 and 2 are landing now. Our embassy has fallen and the last reports were of bad guys in Ambassador Mamet's office. We have a dozen Badgers on the ground in the embassy courtyard with a defensive position set up. The embassy is being held by an armed Maghreb mob, no engagement is currently happening.

Clayborne was seething with anger. "Jacobs, I am placing you under arrest for disobeying a superior officer. Security, cuff him and throw him in the brig."

The shock of the order resounded throughout the bridge. Leonaidas stood and immediately said, "No, you will not do that Admiral."

Clayborne angrily yelled to Leonaidas, "How dare you! I am in command now!"

Leonaidas glared back and said evenly. "The charge you just leveled at the Captain doesn't require cuffs nor brig time. The appropriate response would be to confine him to quarters."

"I know the regulations! I can order what I want! I'm in command now!"

Leonaidas calmly but sternly said, "Sir, you are being irrational. You have made this personal. Such action would make you psychologically unfit for command and I will relieve you on that basis. Now what is your order sir?"

Clayborne glared back at Leonaidas. He finally said, "Jacobs, you are confined to quarters. Mr Bauer, confiscate his phaser."

Jacobs unholstered his phaser and handed it to Bauer. Bauer looked somewhere between sad and embarrassed. Clayborne then ordered, "Jacobs, if I know you, you probably have a backup phaser. Bauer, take that too."

Jacobs reached behind his back and pulled his hand phaser and handed it to Bauer. Clayborne said, "Now get off MY bridge." Jacobs walked up to the turbolift without a word and stepped inside. Bauer and Luther stepped in as well. The turbolift doors closed

Clayborne sat down and smiled to himself. He saw Pell standing beside the Helm console. "What are you doing there?"

Pell was speechless. Carter interjected. "Mr. Pell is one of our new helmsmen, he was observing operations when the space battle broke out."

Clayborne instantly did not like him. "I like a clean bridge. Pell, get off. The two of you on those things up front, secure those and get off as well."

Hills and Maya looked at Leonaidas, who nodded. They stowed the periscopes and walked to the turbolift. Clayborne turned to Octavian, "Are you giving a Sunday School Lesson? I will have none of it here."

Octavian's expression remained neutral. Leonaidas thought that he would never want to try to bluff that man, if Octavian didn't want you to know what he was thinking, he was good at that. "Then Admiral, I won't cast my pearls before you." Leonaidas almost choked at the reference. The four of them stepped on the turbolift.

Clayborne said, "Now where were we? This is what I want done about the embassy. Communications, call President Kurbish."

TURBOLIFT 21

The doors just closed on Jacobs, Bauer, and Luther. All was quiet and Jacobs let a smile come through, "Jack, aren't you going to give the order?"

Bauer said, "Captain's quarters." The turbolift started moving. Bauer explained, "Sir, I didn't want to…."

Jacobs laughed, "Don't worry Jack. Let's play this by the book. You heard the Preacher. It will work out fine."

Bauer smiled wanly. "Sir, do you still have your firearm?"

Jacobs nodded with a smile, "The Admiral ordered you to take my phasers. I felt no need to offer the firearm up."

Bauer looked at Luther, who had a broad smile on his face. "Mr. Luther, do you feel threatened by the prisoner wearing a firearm."

Luther said grinning, "No sir, I don't. I feel threatened by the Admiral's presence on the bridge. Good thing Mr. Carter is driving, we'd probably crash into the moon because the Admiral can't see what's really important."

The three of them had a good laugh. The doors opened up and Jacobs was escorted to his quarters. Jacobs offered, "Since I'm under maximum security prison, do you guys want to come in and play some cards?"

Bauer shook his head, "I need to watch after my boys. I'll send up some players though. Which game?"

Jacobs looked at Luther, "What's your game?"

"Good, old-fashioned Pinochle."

Jacobs said, "That's the game." Bauer nodded and left the two of them.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

"USS Wisconsin Captain's Log Stardate 7779.2, Admiral Harry Clayborne commanding. I was forced to take command of the Wisconsin and place Captain Jacobs under arrest for his repeatedly disobeying my orders. The Wisconsin repeatedly fired on a Klingon warship and the matter will be investigated fully. My task now is to assess the status of our embassy and if necessary, take over negotiations for the mining rights. Clayborne out." Clayborne pushed the button.

Jareau turned and said, "IKV Klolode is hailing sir."

Clayborne stiffened himself up for facing the infamous Kang. "Onscreen."

Kang had a small smile that instantly went away when he saw Clayborne in the Captain's chair. Leonaidas was thinking that he had not seen a stern look like this since Sergeant Ulundi back at boot camp. Kang's tone of voice was almost angry, "What is this?! Who are you?"

Clayborne said, "Admiral Clayborne. I have just relieved Jacobs from command of this vessel. I was just preparing to call you and apologize for firing on one of your warships."

Kang said disgustingly, "You fool, that ship was from the Black fleet."

Clayborne shook his head. "Still, I apologize for this ship's action and Jacobs will be reprimanded appropriately."

"You confused old fool! Jacobs' actions saved both of us! You would not be alive if it were not for him. Were you the one restraining him when the embassies were attacked?"

Clayborne did not know how to answer. Kang was silently waiting for his answer. The silence showed Clayborne's indecisiveness. Kang just let Clayborne be the fool and waited. Clayborne finally said, "I did not want to do an act of war against the Klingons or the Maghreb. If Jacobs was unbridled, he would have done both."

Kang's stern look remained. "All will be dead at both of our embassies because of your inaction. We are past the time for decisive action. Commander Leonaidas?"

Leonaidas said quickly without looking for permission, "Yes?"

"I expect to be informed of Captain Jacobs' status. I also expect you to convey my dissatisfaction of Admiral Clayborne to Starfleet Command. His interference has cost the lives of many Klingon warriors today. Also, Captain Jacobs' action saved the Klolode and his proposed action on Maghreb would have saved Klingon warrior lives. This will be noted by the Klingon High Command."

Clayborne was fuming. Leonaidas said, "I will note it in my log and forward that to Starfleet Command."

Kang nodded approval and the screen went blank. Clayborne looked at Leonaidas, "That was insubordination Mister!"

Leonaidas shook his head. "No sir, it was not. I just assured Kang that Starfleet will know what Kang's opinions are. Nothing more sir. If I were you, I'd start prepping the waters. I'll send that message tonight after my duty. That gives you plenty of time to get your side of the story in first."

BRIDGE

IKV KLOLODE

Brilk looked at Kang. "Will Commander Leonaidas do as you ask?"

Kang nodded, "Yes."

Brilk asked, "How do you know?"

Kang stated flatly, "All of what we have learned about that ship is that Captain Jacobs has surrounded himself with people of honor. Admiral Clayborne is something else. He has no honor. I basically told him that and he didn't recognize what I said to him. Men of no honor are extremely dangerous and not to be trusted."