Synposis: These short stories pertain to ongoing missions involving the RRW Tebok and the Romulans. If you have interest in participating, please reach out to me (@Garak234)
No Escape
RRW VALDORE, FLAGSHIP OF THE 4TH EXPEDITIONARY FLOTILLA, BREEN-CARDASSIAN BORDER
STARDATE: 99815.8
Commander Imeek was a scrupulous, no nonsense sort of Commander. No exception was ever made to deviating from RRF military protocol. And further, being a veteran of the Dominion War, he knew better than to take unncessary risks.
Those qualities made him uneasy about the ongoing situation regarding the Breen Confederacy. In essence, every single encounter with the Breen seemed to indicate that they were not provoking. The Breen were staying on their side of the border. And further, though a freighter had supposedly been interned by the Breen, the evidence was lacking. Indeed, ‘rogue factions’ sounded mighty suspect.
But Commander Imeek could not voice suspicions. He was not entrenched in the political sphere. Though he had been hearing rumors, specifically from the 11th Expeditionary Flotilla. T’Kon technology. And of course, the 11th Flotilla was to be mounting a rescue operation of the interned Romulan freighter. A part of him wondered if he should warn them. But, he did not have enough information to make a warning.
But that was about to change.
Suddenly, the tactical officer barked out words towards him.
“Commander Imeek. Multiple contacts originating from the Breen Confederacy. On a direct intercept course.” said the officer.
“What? Do they see us, Sublieutenant? The cloaking field is intact? And further, are they Breen?”
There was a pause. The tactical officer made sweeping orchestral motions across the console in front of him. His eyes went wide.
“Sublieutenant, I asked you a question.” said Commander Imeek.
“Sir… unknown profile. I don’t think they are Breen. Five vessels. And they do see us. They are approaching fast and powering up weapons.”
Commander Imeek went wide-eyed. How could they see the ship? Romulan cloaks were state of the art. Unless… he frowned at that. He then rose out of his seat and looked to the communications officer.
“Centurion, inform RRF Command that we are engaging five unknown vessels along the Breen border. Relay our exact coordinates. Sublieutenant, drop cloak and power up shields. Prepare all forward embankments. Fire as toon as you have a lock. Helm, divert present course. Lower speed to one fourth impulse power.”
The ship responded with careful precision. These were experienced members of the Romulan military. Many of them were veterans of the Dominion War. This was not their first engagement. There was no panic. Instead, calm, focused actions. Suddenly, the vessel shook. An Uhlan went flying across the bridge.
“Commander! Our shields are not protecting us from the vessels volleys. They are also jamming us. We cannot get a message out. I’ve… never seen technology like this before. But… I have a lock on two of the vessels. Returning fire.” said the Sublieutenant.
At once, the RRW Valdore responded. Two of the attacking vessels were destroyed. But there was no chance to celebrate. The remaining hostile vessels returned fire. With devastating effectiveness. Several consoles exploded on the bridge. And further, reports indicate of several hull breaches in the engineering section.
“Commander, internal sensors are indicating we have boarding parties. Level 10 and Level 12. Marine detachments are attempting to contain them.”
In that moment, Commander Imeek knew that the ship was lost. But if the details of the attack could reach RRF Command, maybe there was a chance. No, not Command. This would be lost. the 11th Flotilla. The flagship. RRW Tebok.
“Centurion Venia. You have new orders.” He looked to the communications officer.
“We served through the Dominion War. You know how to survive. Take this.” The Commander handed the officer a data-padd. It contained all sensor records of the RRW Valdore. Right up until the present engagement.
“Head to Hanger Bay 2. Take a Kestrel. Intercept the RRW Tebok. They are the closest ship to us. You NEED to get this information to them. You cannot fail, Centurion. Do you understand me?”
There was panic in Commander Imeek’s eyes. The man never panicked. But now, he was. The only hope now was for the Centurion to accomplish this mission. To get this information to the rest of the RRF. To learn about these vessels. Centurion Venia was uncertained. But she bit her lip and saluted.
“Yes sir!”
Right at that, the lights on the bridge flickered. Then completely went out. Back-up generators kicked in. Centurion Venia was on her way to the hanger. She knew this vessel. When she disappeared from the bridge, Commander Imeek looked to his first officer.
“We’re not letting them have the ship. I trust you understand what that means?”
The First Officer nodded. He quickly made his way to the far side of the bridge to retrieve something .A metallic box. He opened it. Inside were two keys. The first officer took one. The Commander the other. Self Destruct. They would over charge the singularity core. Everyone would perish. And so would the enemy. As they prepared to overpower the core, all the officers on the bridge looked to Imeek. Their eyes wide. Imeek looked back, swallowing.
“I didn’t think we could lose.” said Commander Imeek.
Then the two keys were inserted into their appropriate slots. There was a loud humming sound. Then, a few seconds later, a massive explosion. The RRW Valdore was no more. But so too were the attackers. Powering away was a lone Kestrel Runabout. Just a few were onboard. Centurion Venia along with a few Guard Marines she had encountered on her way to the hanger.
Their next destination, the RRW Tebok.
Provided they could find the ship. And provided those unknown attackers didn’t intercept their Kestrel to finish the job.
