The Battle of Latari (Part 2 of 6)

Posted on 06 Jul 2019 @ 11:47am by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lamar Darius & Commander Luke Wyatt & Lieutenant Amaranai Franklin & Lieutenant JG Matthew Plumeri & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Alexander & Ensign Callin Mastrel & Lieutenant JG Sofie Ullswater & Captain Hiroshi Tanakata & Commander Teegan Jones & Senior Chief Petty Officer Goldie Brown
Edited on on 06 Jul 2019 @ 11:55am

3,612 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 17 - Crystal of Life
Location: Latari System - Latari A III Orbit
Timeline: MD 01, 0513 hrs

Previously, on The Battle of Latari (Part 1)...

Within seconds the silicon-based frequency scans abruptly ceased. For a moment, there was an eerie silence on the bridge - the red alert sirens had ceased their audio calls and all consoles remained silent. Such leisure did not last long, however, and the unmistakable alert of an incoming hail started to chirp from the Operations alcove at the aft of the bridge.

"Captain, I have an incoming message," Goldie said. "From the Tholians." After the audible assault, she was surprised by this more pedestrian approach. "Audio and video."

And Now, the Continuation...

[ON]

Galileo's captain experienced a sudden moment of anxiety. Her throat went dry and her fingers tensed while an uncomfortable wave of uncertainty came over her. She'd prepared for the possibility of encountering the Tholians but it'd always, somehow, seemed more of a fantastical scenario than a plausible one. No one in Starfleet had heard from the Tholian Assembly in over 10 years which rendered current intelligence sources outdated. The little the Federation currently knew of the silicon race was limited to stolen Tal Shiar intel obtained by Section 31. And now, of all people in Starfleet, she was the one to re-initiate first contact.

"On screen," Lirha said after a short pause, now rising from her chair to reset herself and tug at the bottom of her uniform jacket to make herself look presentable. The main viewscreen blinked from its current feed of the Tholian vessels to now show a bright and distorted yellow image. What appeared to be intense thermal shimmers obscured the presence of an orange form near the center.

"Heat blur," Saalm recognized out-loud. "Switch to thermal imaging." Old historical reports from USS Enterprise's encounter with the Tholians confirmed the phenomenon, she recalled. Apparently due to their unique silicon biochemistry, the interior temperature of their vessels had been reported at a warm 480 Kelvin.

The screen flickered from the normal video display to a more toned down color pallet, with the brightest color, near white hot, showing the hottest temperatures before falling down the color spectrum of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples indicating areas of relative coolness. "Copy that Captain, imaging engaged." Ryan said, already making sure to reset the view screen filters once they have cut communication.

The overlay on the large viewer cycled to display a new projection. The bright yellow and white washouts were now replaced by a subdued blue background, and what appeared to be the crystalline head and eyes of a Tholian were now visible in red, orange and green tones.

The open comm channel started to shriek with alternating high-pitched sounds when the Tholian transmitted. They continued for many seconds, each verbalization subtly containing its own message. Galileo's computer worked as quickly as its two primary cores could muster to run the unique sounds through the universal translator's database.

"Federation..vessel...." the translation started with a mix of robotic Federation Standard words and undecipherable crystalline squeals, "...this system is ..under quarantine....leave now.. Federation vessels..you are .......contaminated."

"I'll try to clear that up," Callin offered and attempted to focus on his work. The universal translator was his baby, the complex but logical algorithms that made up the linguacode familiar. Far more comforting than focusing on the meaning behind those words. Maybe he could make a few adjustments to help the translation come out a little more smoothly. Now Callin couldn't deny that some of the fear he sensed was definitely coming from him.

The incoming transmission repeated in more verbal clarity. "Federation vessel... Your system is under quarantine," the Tholian voice declared. Another series of intense screeches sounded then the translation continued. "Leave now, you are contaminated." There was a momentary break in the transmission before it resumed. "We will destroy.....you and ..proto...Tholian."

The auxiliary console where Galileo's young Security officer was station suddenly blared several cautions.

Amaranai was taking in the context of the message from the Tholians. She knew what was coming almost before the sensors lit up.

"Captain!" she said with little calm in her voice. "The Tholians are powering up weapons and are targeting both the Trial and the Galileo

Luke soaked up everything which was going on around him and processing it carefully before speaking. "I wonder if they are referring to our recently departed guest, have we detected any harmful contaminants aboard or surrounding the ship?

If not then I believe the containment may be more harmful to the Tholians than us especially if they're willing to let us go, despite the obvious hostile force. I'd suggest that it may be a good idea that for the moment we do what they want as we are out numbered and out gunned at least until we have a better understanding of the containment that they're risking to cross the border and communicate to us about. Captain."

"I'm checking that again, Captain," Callin chimed in again, right on Commander Wyatt's track. He wished he had time to replicate an earpiece so he could listen to the unaltered signal more easily. It took a little longer to dig through the computer's work and cross-reference, but he'd almost had it by the time Luke finished. "Confirmed, 'proto-Tholian', or maybe 'new' makes a little more sense. I think the Commander's right about the uh...guest. If we give them the body's coordinates maybe they'll let us be?"

Goldie wasn't sure what to make of the request. It was both fascinating and appalling. Why was the system under quarantine now, after twenty years? And were they really talking about that poor creature?

Realizing they were still on screen and broadcasting, Lirha gave a single hand-slice motion to her neck to silently tell Ops to mute their feed.

Goldie had been captivated by the Tholians and what was going on. She felt her cheeks redden and giggled nervously as she quickly cut the comm signal.

The captain then turned to Callin with a sobering realization. "No. They don't mean the survivor we rescued. They have detected the Genesis signature from the planet, just as we have. This...entire system, is their quarantine," she revealed, now putting several pieces of the puzzle together. "They mean to destroy the colony sites...and us, if we interfere. Just as they did to Franconia."

Lirha's light green eyes narrowed and focused on her XO. "The Tholians have violated Federation territory and already destroyed one Starfleet vessel. We have two teams on the surface, I will not retreat and allow them be killed," she forcefully declared.

Nodding knowingly Luke paused to think about his reply before speaking it, "We won't be able to win a straight up fight its gonna have to be dirty, and we'll need to use our ships speed and manoeuvrability to our advantage. Get in nice and tight and maybe well cause the Tholians to hit each others ships while inflicting our own damage. " Luke had seen tactics like this used before with mostly defiant classes.

"It will be like trying to swat at a wasp. They're smaller than us but when they're buzzing around you so fast you barely hit one and if you do you may not even kill them and they're come back ten times as angry. There's always collateral aswell, a smashed pot here a fallen over chair there, Galileo is going to be a wasp and when we sting it'll hurt like hell."

Lirha admired Wyatt's fortitude and bravery. He was one of the few officers she'd met who, in the face of adversity, never thought the highest mountain was insurmountable. And as a veteran Marine, she knew he inspired the crew with his presence. But the tactical strategy he'd proposed was similar to the one she employed in the Paulson Nebula during that fateful battle. Galileo was a support frigate, not a knife-fighter, and the starship didn't have the hull armor or combat shielding to survive a sustained engagement. What the small Nova II-class did have, however, was the most sophisticated sensor arrays and electronic countermeasures in the fleet.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," she somberly replied. "We can hurt them, but we are a support vessel and we will have to reinforce the Trial if we hope to be victorious." Saalm looked to her left shoulder where Franklin was stationed. "Tactical analysis."

Luke nodded not having expected a difference response. In truth it would be one hell of a fight for the two ships and they're would certainly be casualties. Luke turned to face the view screen as he waited for his second in command of security to scan the ships.

Amaranai had been listening to the conversation and based on what the commander had suggested, the security officer was already attempting to find the information she needed. She didn't, however, expect what she got.

"Captain," she said. "I've tried to scan the Tholian ships, but there must be a sensor dampening field around their ships." She paused. "I can't get a reading at all."

The news was surprising but Saalm wasn't caught off guard. Tholians reportedly possessed superior technology and there was no doubt her crew would have to learn on the fly to survive this encounter if it escalated. The captain motioned to Ops to restore the channel.

Goldie Brown set up a channel to the Tholians and made the call. For several long seconds there was nothing. She was beginning to worry that they weren't going to answer, when she heard the familiar audible change that indicated a connection. "On speaker, ma'am," she said to the captain.

"Tholian vessels, you have violated Federation space and our scans of the Franconia show Tholian weapon signatures. You destroyed one of our vessels and your actions will constitute an act of war against the United Federation of Planets," Lirha forcefully declared. There were no established diplomatic relations between Starfleet and the Tholian Assembly which meant they were now in uncharted and volatile territory.

"Withdraw now," she continued, then switched to a more empathetic tone, "and we will be happy to establish a dialogue with you and hear your concerns. We do not wish for hostility or further violence. We come in peace, to know and help you."

A hard screech replied over the comm as if fingernails were being raked across a chalkboard, then the universal translator interpreted the following sounds.

"..Federation vessel, all life...now in danger. This is your final warning," the Tholian replied. "You have....created destruction. We will destroy it..and you."

Luke was puzzled by the comment and turned too Lirha "Are they seeing something we're not? I though that our patient had combusted in space. Or maybe they don't know?" He paused before saying something deeply glum “Or maybe someone or some people have truly been contaminated. Either way we need to make a decision fall back to reassess or fight neither choices are lightly said"

Saalm was now just as confused as Wyatt and stared at the viewscreen while she tried to think of all possible explanations. Her thoughts lingered on two of the translated words which greatly concerned her. Created destruction. The Tholians appeared to be placing blame on the Federation for something which she did not understand.

"We do not understand. What 'destruction' have we created? What must be destroyed?" she said in reply to the silicon-based creature.

Another series of crystalline shrieks pierced the bridge's speakers. "...Federation technology. You have created proto..Tholian. All life will be destroyed. We will preserve ...our race."

As carefully as she could, Lirha tried to navigate her words towards brevity and clarity. "The...Genesis signature? From the planet? Is that our 'creation'?" she questioned. "Or the lifeform from our vessel?"

"...Leave now," the Tholian declared, "..or we will destroy you. Your final..warning." The transmission terminated and silence now permeated the room. The viewscreen blinked back to show the image of the Tholian vessels.

Amaranai was usually calm under pressure - especially on the bridge - because she had to be. But there was something about the Tholians that was close to scaring her. She half-listened to the transmissions, but she was watching the Tholians the best she could with her scanners not providing much information. But there was enough to know when something bad was about to happen.

"Captain," she said, hoping her tone was calmer this time. "I'm detecting tetryon buildup, concentrated around the Tholian ships." She paused. "They are preparing to fire."

After she spoke, Amaranai's fingers flew across her LCARS to ensure the ship was ready for weapons fire.

Monitoring the situation Luke began to grow more concerned, "Captain we have few options but if we intend to fight them we should strike first and hard. Our shield will need to be reinforced due to the Tholians weapons so recommend borrowing some juice from secondary systems. If we decide to respect their decision then that's the easiest way out with minimal casualties and it doesn't write the away team of yet, whatever you choose Captain, you'll do it with my full support."

Lirha walked back to her chair then sat down and put a thankful hand on Luke's muscular shoulder. Though she appeared outwardly calm, inside she was a mix of fury and dread. Anger that the Tholians had seemingly destroyed the Franconia and were now threatening their own lives, but more prominently the underlying fear of miscalculating the situation as she had in the Paulson Nebula which had resulted in the destruction of her ship and the capture of her crew. She had a strong feeling the Tholians wouldn't show any such quarter based on her recent observations, which meant there would be no third chance for Galileo.


USS Trial - Bridge

Matthew listened to the conversation between the Tholians and Captain Saalm. He kept his eyes on the sensors though and watched as the four Tholian ships arrayed themselves into formation. Plumeri queried the computer for sensor data but was not very successful. Matt kept the information between himself and his colleague speaking quietly and listening to the dialogue. He said, "This is an interesting development ay? Tholians are exploring more territory I guess huh? Look at these sensor readings...hull doesn't match anything in the database. But the size is about the size of a frigate." As the conversation became more tense Matt couldn't help but become concerned for the safety of his shipmates. Trial had more firepower but would her Captain use it? He thought about his friends onboard Galileo and had no idea what had happened over the past hour. He turned his attention back to the sensors and noticed just how much the Tholian Assembly had progressed in starship technology. The detailed scans they were getting now would be a goldmine of intelligence for the eggheads back at Starfleet Engineering and Weapons. Suddenly, a warning alarm sounded on his sensor panel, Matthew didn't hesitate to call out, "Tholian vessels have assumed an attack formation. They're holding. Unknown frigate class - nothing in the sensor database to help in that area sir. Energy surge Captain! Tetryon energy signatures...could be shields - it's more likely weapons powering up. They're preparing to fire!"

Hiroshi sat the edge of the main chair watching the situation. "Number One please inform Galileo to move into defensive position." He pressed the ship wide comm and said, "All hands prepare for high speed maneuvers and damage control be prepared. Sickbay prepare for casualties!"

Teegan nodded. "Yes, sir." She sent a terse communication to the Galileo with the message, and a copy of the data the scientists gathered, just in case they didn't have the same information. Even if they did, more data would never go amiss.

Hiroshi knew the Galileo was more a scout ship and really more prepared for being a sensor platform and a lot of electronics. The Tholian ships appeared about frigate size and four to one with a scout was not great odds but with the Galileo maybe just maybe they could turn that in their favour.

"Power up weapons," Jones said to tactical. "Lock on targets." She took a quick look at the scanners. This was going to be a tough fight, but the Trial was definitely up for the challenge.

She nodded to Hiroshi. "Awaiting your orders, sir."


USS Galileo - Bridge

"Captain," called out Chief Darius from the conn, "Trial is powering engines and preparing to maneuver." He could see the power signature from the Miranda-class now at high levels on his display. "They're running hot."

It was at this moment when Lirha truly realized the severity of the situation. She'd played her hand as best she could in an attempt to communicate and open a dialogue, but it'd been short-lived and rejected by the reclusive species. "Put us alongside their starboard nacelle at five kilometers, Y-axis minus one," she ordered. "Set photon torpedo warheads to proximity detonation and reinforce our forward shields."

Ryan was in motion the moment Lirha had finished. He entered in a series of commands that routed power from none essential systems and sent them to the the shields. “Auxiliary power has been routed ma’am.” Ryan sent the updates to tactical, making sure that he was monitoring the status from tactical in order to be ready to allocate power as needed.

Amaranai heard the order and pulled up the arming codes for the photon torpedoes. She changed the warheads as requested and prepared to fire. Switching the LCARS, she adjusted the forward shields and kept her controls ready in case she needed to pull from other power sources.

"Moving into formation," Lamar confirmed from the helm. His fingers played across the nav console to input several commands, then he engaged their new course and speed.

In space, the Nova-II class powered its single impulse engine and maneuvered into a tight about-face, first circling away from the Miranda-class then looping back around to establish a new cover position to the right and below of the larger starship.

"All hands, battlestations," the captain urgently briefed over ship-wide comms. "Sickbay, prepare for casualties." Lirha let her finger off the broadcast button and still couldn't believe this was about to happen. "Hail the Tholians again. Broadcast on all frequencies."

Once again, Goldie opened a comm to the Tholians, this time on all channels, hoping they'd decide to answer. When they did, she sighed.

When the channel opened, Lirha spoke with as much urgency and brevity as she could muster. "Tholian vessels, please stand down! We do not want conflict. Power down your weapons and we will help determine what has happened here. We come in peace."

"There's no response from the Tholians, ma'am," Goldie said. She kept the channel open and tried to establish another one, just in case. But there was nothing.

Lirha narrowed her eyes at Galileo's adversary on the viewscreen and quietly dug the sharp tips of her fingernails into the palms of her hands in anger. "Power our jammers and open tactical comms on channel Four."

Drawing on reserves of professionalism she didn't think she had, Ensign Ullswater responded almost mechanically. It felt like she was outside of herself looking in at someone else performing the tasks in hand and as she pulled up the relevant screens on her console and began activating the ship's suite of sensor countermeasures she heard herself saying "Our offensive countermeasures are now active captain." She noticed that she didn't sound half as scared as she really was.

It was strange. Now that battle was all but assured the level of fear Callin could sense actually lessened. He could feel people all across the ship steeling themselves for the fight to come, and it made it easier for him to focus as well. "Targeting the Tholians now," Callin replied calmly, watching his screens that displayed the chaotic mess of energy the Galileo began to pump out into surrounding space. Unfortunately, not being an expert on Tholian tech, he couldn't tell how well it was working. "We'll found out soon enough how effectively we can disrupt their sensors."

Busy at work typing in commands to his console in order to step up the data and tactical link with the other Starfleet vessel, Luke could hear his heart thumping in his chest. He knew that the battle to ensue was going to be an unfair first test for the new Galileo - they were going to have to use smarts rather than brute firepower. "Datalink and tactical communications established Captain," Luke said with a nod in her direction before casting his eyes to the viewscreen.

Another report sounded from the bridge's forward-most console. "Captain! Tholain vessels are engaging, moving to intercept and entering weapons range." Chief Darius was a seasoned combat veteran from the Dominion War yet he could feel his heart pounding with more adrenaline than any ground engagement he could recall in recent memory.

Lirha spoke to her senior counterpart aboard the Miranda-class through the open tactical channel. "Tanakata, we're standing by. Awaiting your orders."

"Very good captain, weapons control target their engines and thrusters." Hiroshi could be heard over the comm. Then another voice said, "Fire!"

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

All Crew
USS Galileo-A

All Crew
USS Trial

RSS Feed