Phoenix coming to the rescue

The QSD powered up as the awesome energy of the electro-plasma poured through the freshly installed benamite crystal in the matter/anti-matter reaction chamber. At the front of the Phoenix' main deflector, the tunneling vortex opened the quantum field and the Phoenix leaped through the barrier and into the quantum slipstream. Subsequently, as per design, the main navigation computer borrowed memory from the main ship's computer and , with the added nanyte processing power, enabled the constant adjustment of the phase variance required to keep the slipstream open.

As the Phoenix traveled through the slipstream Rogers left main engineering and arrived on the bridge, relieving Hudson to return to main engineering and assist Ensign Andrews there. As he took his station seat the Phoenix dropped out of QSD, the main screen coalescing into the regular starscape familiar to normal space; At least normal within the confines of this proto-universe. Having a quick look over his master systems display David swiveled his seat to face the captains station and reported the successful jump.

"Slipstream traverse accomplished captain. Full impulse available. Warp drive will be available in one point seven five minutes. Full power available to weapons and shields."

"We arrived at the periphery of the Eden star system," confirmed Livingstone from his scanners readout.

Standing up from his first officer chair, Commander Riker tapped a communications panel.

"All away team members, it is time. Meet at the Captain's Yacht geared and ready to go in five minutes"

Nodding to the away team members still on the bridge, Riker walked towards the turbolift door and headed towards the meeting area.

The Phoenix was as capable as Rogers and his team could make it. Now he needed to find a way to augment her formidable assets, while also getting a team for commander Rikers away mission. Tapping his comm badge David called on his assistant once again.

"Mister Andrews. Report to Commander Riker with your beta team members for an away mission. Rogers out."

Assistant chief engineer Sean Andrews boarded the Firebird leading Master Chief Petty Officer Chris Gorski and Ensign David MacGyver. His lithe frame took the engineer's seat across from the comms while the shorter MacGyver and taller Gorski, wearing a golden hued engineering uniform's sporting the specialist patch's of computer systems specialist and Structural/Enviromental systems specialist respectively on their left shoulder's, took seats just aft of Ensign Andrews.

The captain acknowledged the information as he scanned across the images on the main viewscreen. Everything looked deceptively calm, but they all knew better than to allow such appearances to deceive them.

"Raise shields... maintain Yellow alert" Syntron ordered as he then scanned around at his bridge officers.

Engaging communications to his first officer preparing to launch the Captain's Yacht far below in  the main shuttle bay on deck 21, the captain spoke.

"You are cleared to launch the Firebird once your team is loaded and prepared for departure Commander Riker. Also, be ready to implement our scattered light Morse code means of communication should the Zetarians still be a threat in this region as well."

"A wise recommendation, Captain," the X'Ell chief of science chimmed in. "If the Firebird joins with the Horizon module and apply this safe mode of transmission from the start, these Draxx should understand that, not only are we no threat to them, but that we are actually quite aware of the real threat. That should actually help significantly in establishing a diplomatic solution."

"Good to hear" Riker Responded

Hearing the Captain's communication Riker tapped his combadge.

"Roger that Sir. We are finishing our final gear checks and will debark shortly"

Glancing around at the away team Riker did one last status check on his phaser pistol and then holstered it before addressing the team.

"We all know how important this mission is. I for one want to see this entire thing behind us, and the only way that happens is if everyone comes home safely. Do any final checks and make sure we are ready to go. We debark in five minutes"

"I will prreparre a tactical plan of harrrassing hit and rrun attacks to coverr the Horrizon module's escape in case things turrn sourr, " Mrriin M'ata announced as she moved to the tactical station inside the sleek cockpit. "Since we arre much fasterr and manoeuverrable, that should ensurre ourr best chances forr all of us to escape alive if diplomacy fails."

"All data we have regarding our encounter with the Zetarrians, and the USS Nuntio's logs,  are in a recorded transmission ready to be shared with them," said Lieutenant kalynda Hunter as she slid her slim Andorian frame behind the sensors and communications console while her blue-hued fingers finished tapping on the controls. "That should help Captain Kheren convince them of our intentions."

Listening to the briefs Commander Riker pulled and and tightened the buckles of a tactical vest. Pulling a PADD out of the front pocket he pressed a few buttons and began to transfer the data Lieutenant Hunter was just speaking of. Nodding Riker placed the PADD back into his pouch.

"Got it. Good thinking Lieutenant."

As Riker looked around at the away team he conducted a quick head count. Before he could finish the door opened with a woosh and Doctor Gray walked in flanked by Ensign Tolo and the last of the security detachment.

Riker, looking at Doctor Gray, pointed to the medical supplies laid out and then looked up at Tolo who was carrying a repair kit.

"Tolo? I was unaware you were coming on the mission"

Smiling Tolo pointed towards the Doctor and the two engineering team members .

"Their idea sir. I am immune to being infected by these beings, I guess they don't like Bolian physiology very much... toxic blood and all."

Chiming in Doctor Gray smiled, without turning away from them medical gear he was gathering.

"You probably did not check your communications. You always forget to check for medical officer recommendations"

Pulling the PADD back out of his front vest pocket Riker thumbed through the messages, sure enough there was a medical order recommending Ensign Tolo for this mission.

"Well alright then, that appears to be everyone. Take a seat and let's get this done"

"Tapping his combadge Riker communicated to the bridge"

"Bridge, the away team is ready. Requesting final clearance to disembark"

"Proceed Commander Riker"  the captain responded, and then added  "Stay alert and adaptive to whatever transpires out there."

Receiving the clearance Riker poked his head into the pilot's section.

"Take us out"

Riker then turned and headed back to the cargo bay, sitting down on top of cargo containers and glanced around the cargo bay area. Most of the away team was sitting or leaning on container boxes or makeshift chairs, the current compliment was larger than a Captain's Yacht would normally carry.

The Yacht detached from the underside of the Phoenix and engaged its engines as it turned on a course for the rendez-vous point between the Horizon's bridge module and the Draxx battleship..

Feeling the jostle, Commander Riker knew the ship had detached. Communicating with the ship Riker spoke.

"Phoenix Bridge; the Yacht is away, good luck."

Looking around the room, Riker nodded to the away team.

"Good luck to all of us."

*     *     *

On the main viewer of Lotus Fleet's prime explorer vessel, the sleek form of the Firebird moved from under the ovoid saucer section, turned in a beautiful arc before it and then shot out in a flash of warpspeed.

"Firebird's departure confirmed," Jonathan Livingstone said, reading it from his sensor panel. "At their higher maximum warp velocity, they will intercept the Horizon command module at about the same time it will be in sensor range of the Draxx battleship. Wether they succeed or not in convincing them of our peaceful intentions, we will be in position one hour fifty-three minutes before the warship enters the Eden star system if present speed maintained."

The tone of the X'Ell was even and factual; yet, the rising of his feathered mane, the rapid blinking of his brain implants and of his huge golden eyes spoke how much he was emotionally invested in Captain Kheren's effort to resolve all this peacefully... and the ability of Commander Riker and his crew to achieve just that. Millions of years of pacifism made him deeply sensitive to the potential violent conflict ahead and he was making tremendous effort himself not to show how this was affecting him.

"We will be in position in mere minutes," assured helmsman Traynor to his captain. "Captain, do we aim for the saucer section and the protection or evacuation of the civilians behind Eden III, orbit Eden IV to try and assist the Polaris down there or  take a defensive position with the stardrive section between the two planets?

The Captain's posture was upright in the center seat as his gaze drifted from the main viewscreen to the helmsman. Despite being Vulcan, the concern on the bridge was quite palpable. He therefore spoke in his usual calm and direct manner.  

"Our first duty Lieutenant Traynor is to ensure the protection of any civilians located behind Eden III or any other locale in this region."

After a brief pause, Syntron added  "Adjust our course to bring us into position in the least provocative yet most efficient route."

The captain then turned his attention to his CSO.

"Lieutenant Livingstone. Ensure that all evacuation protocols are in place and that we have triage stations on standby in case of incoming casualties."

"Acknowledged," the X'Ell responded, sending the required information to Operation so that it could coordinate the whole process through Medical and Security.

As he did so through the direct connection of his brain implants with the computer interface, he kept his huge eyes towards his commanding officer.

"Captain; three thousand refugees wil overload our life support systems and cramp us severely. If we take them all in, we will have to return to Starbase Lotus with them as soon as possible. Being in a possible combat zone would be hazardous in such cramped conditions and would not allow us to compensate with even a temporary drain to other systems. "

"However, it would free the saucer section of the flagship to rejoin with the stardrive or assist it in any such potential conflict," added Duncan Argyle, standing in for Chief M'ata.

"Tactical considerations are irrelevant if it leads to loss of life," Livingstone retorted.

"Life support considerations are moot if everyone is dead," the Liberated Borg shot back to him with a startling emotionalessness in stark contrast with the highly emotional voice of the Avian science chief.

Their dispute was interrupted by the sudden emergence of quantum travel and the brutal appearance of Eden III on the screen and the annoucement of helmsman Traynor.

"Arriving at Eden star system, Captain. Ready to engage full impulse towards the third planet."

"The Horizon is hailing us, Sir," Counselor Kimberly Meyers reported, now filling for her chief the medical command chair where all communicatiuons were handled.

Captain Syntron addressed the helm officer first.

"Delay engaging full impulse Lieutenant until we communicate with the Horizon."

The captain then signaled to Counselor Meyers.

"Open communications with the Flagship on the main viewscreen  counselor."

While waiting for communications to be established, the captain noted quietly to his concerned avian CSO.

"If necessary, this vessel has the capacity to transport nine thousand passengers in an emergency situation Lieutenant.  The Horizon could carry up to thirty thousand passengers itself. Regardless of how this situation unfolds, we will manage to accommodate any and all refugees in need of rescue and transport."  

"In standard condition, affirmative, Sir," Jonathan agreed before pointing out what his internal sensors were reporting; "but the numerous Zetarrians we have trapped in our shuttle bay are constantly testing and fighting against the forcefield we have put in place to contain them in the shuttle. The drain on our systems is noticeable. If we were to exert this ship in combat conditions with those thousands of civilians aboard, either life support could falter or our tactical systems, or the forcefield emprisonning them... or all of those options... just long enough for people to get hurt, or the ship being damaged... or allowing the Zetarrians to escape. And if that occurs, the probability of trapping them again as we did are dangerously low... and of them taking over the Phoenix unwarrantedly high, Captain."

The captain nodded subtly in affirmation to the CSO's concern as he turned his attention to the officer manning the engineering post who was in earshot of their conversation.

"Convey to our chief engineer that I am counting on his expertise to ensure that an appropriate amount of countermeasures and back-up systems are implemented to prevent such an occurrence from transpiring with our captive Zetarians."

"Acknowledged, Sir; sending the relevant dadta and estimates to his main console."

"Excellent points Lieutenant Livingstone. Fortunately, the nanite supplementation we implemented during our last mission has increased our systems efficiency significantly and is designed to amplify their effectiveness as demands on them become greater. Nevertheless, keep closely monitoring our systems status while our chief operations officer is aboard the Firebird."

"Aye, captain."

Mentally contemplating this predicament further, the Vulcan commanding officer added  "We will also need to devise a series of contingency plans... should the outcomes of our attempts to assist and intervene bring further complications... as is often the case."     

"There is one we have yet to implement, Captain; we still have not tried to talk to them."

"The protocols for such an exchange were already established within the Auxiliary Briefing room on deck two" the captain confirmed with the science chief.

"However, these protocols did not include the scenario of beings held in confinement on a shuttle enveloped by a force field nineteen decks below."

Looking into the large golden eyes of the avian officer, the captain could sense the seriousness of the CSO's remark and attempted to offer him a more detailed response to his assertion.

"Lieutenant Livingstone, while overseeing the science department and also assisting in operations at the moment... you have perhaps conveyed that it is within your capacity to serve or have us serve as a diplomat and a technician to bring about the potential for a peaceful resolution with these remaining Zetarians. I commend your assiduousness. However, this will have to wait until we resolve these immediate issues with the colonist and other factions were are currently facing. We cannot jeopardize this ship or this crew again to the dangers that these beings present while also engaging in some rather precarious proceedings with the Draxx."

As the captain leaned back slowly into his chair, he noted "Meanwhile Lieutenant, in addition to attending to the priorities of your duties on the bridge, you are free to contemplate the means by which such an exchange could safely and securely occur while we are en route back to our own region of space."

"Understood, Sir."

If the X'Ell was disappointed, he buried his feelings under the discipline of the service. After all, the captain was primarily concerned with the safety of the civilians and of his crew. This was his primary duty. The Chief of Science's own responsibility was to help him achieve just that. Although he cogitated on the first contact protocols with the dangerous Zetarrians, he concetrated his work on the orders given.

Everyone's attention was now on the main viewer as they could see a cramped version of the flagship's bridge appear with, in the command chair, a black-skinned, white-haired vulcanoid woman most of them already knew as the famous science chief of the Horizon, Commander Snowfire Ke'Leysha. Syntron most of all knew her well; togther, they had devized the taming of the Azimuth Horizon anomaly that had saved the entire universe from being turned to ashes. And she too knew him well, as her respectful nod and small smile on her elfin face indicated plainly.

"Captain Syntron; we are releived to see you come to us in these difficult moments."

"The honor is indeed mine, Commander" the Vulcan acknowledged to his science counterpart. "We arrived as soon as we resolved our own circumstantial and technical conundrums."

But in his typical Vulcan manner, the captain cut right to the chase.

"We were about to proceed on a rescue mission of the civilian colonists in proximity of Eden III when your hail arrived. How can we be off assistance?"  

"We have just completed a quick but complete survey of the planet and it apprears to be perfectly suitable for humanoid life... and this one devoid of any sign of sentient lifeforms," the Illythirii woman reported. "We could beam down our civilians for hiding and protection on the planet itself, with suitable portable defenses, engineering and medical resources and personnel. If you could provide a sizeable contingent of security people, this would ensure their safety and we could offer tactical cover  to better face the possible incoming attack. With you as tactical back up to the stardrive section and evacuation option for us, we might just be able to prevail if things come to worse."

Syntron pulled out his Command PADD as Commander Snowfire spoke and began accessing current ship data and personnel on the Phoenix. By the time she had finished speaking, the captain was ready with a response.

"I have thirty-five security officers that I could provide for this mission. I will have them bring a series of portable emitters to activate high level force-fields, should any Zetarians enter into that region.... in addition to other requisite security and environmental-related equipment."

Looking back up at the main viewscreen  the captain of the Phoenix continued to address the Illythirii woman.

"According to my calculations, it will take twenty-two point five minutes until all personnel and equipment are ready for transport. Meanwhile, we can prepare our offensive and defensive contingency plans... should our attempts at a diplomatic solution fail."

Looking stoically at the image of Snowfire on the viewscreen, the Vulcan captain confirmed "We will not allow harm to come to your crew nor the colonists Commander."      

"Thank you, Captain Syntron. The disembark operation of the colonists will commence momentarily. They are more than eager to get planetside and ascertain for themselves if they indeed found the paradise they were hoping for. Your security teams will be invaluable in ensuring their safety for the short term. For sure, they'll be safer down there than up here with us if that warship comes in with hostile intent... again, for the short term. I'm not sure how the Draxx will react if they learn that they are so near their forbidden planet."

For a moment, the black-skinned vulcanoid woman frowned before she spoke again.

"I don't know if you are aware of this, Captain, but their spiritual leader and planetary governor, Federation representative Sufra, is missing in action on Eden IV. She attempted to force the issue in claiming that planet for her people by stealing shuttlepods, but then she was caught in the negative energy shield of the planet.

She detailed the events that occured, including the coming of the Draxx and the confrontation with them, up to the point where they too sacrificed themselves trying to save the misguided woman from going down.

"One of our pilots tried to save her in a workbee but fell with her; it is possible, knowing Mister Moore's skills, that he might have managed to softland their locked crafts. The Draxx destroyer may have survived as well. That's why the Polaris went down after them... but with that negative energy barrier between them and us, we have no clue nor any mean to scan or communicate to learn if they themselves survived goign through it. We now have had no news for the last hour."

"On our previous mission" the Vulcan captain disclosed,  "we came upon a wayward asteroid later known as Saraband that also prevented us from initially scanning, communicating or safely transporting down to its surface. From this experience, we can prepare and launch a similar exploratory probe that we can customize directly to navigate into their projected location on Eden IV. It could be equipped with transponders, a homing beacon and transport enhancers. This could be ready and launched before this warship arrives. This way we can initiate some options for ourselves and any survivors on the planet's surface; while we are... preoccupied with these potential adversaries."  

But the Illythirii woman shook her white mane.

"I've read your mission report, Captain; this is altogether different. On Sarabande, it was an interfering field powered by a power plant; here, it is a planetary scale negative energy field. Your probe will simply cease to function the instant it enters it. Given enough entry speed, it could go through it by sheer momentum... and with a predetermined correct trajectory, even soft land without power... like we beleive those stranded down there did. But then, it will be utterly dead and useless, unable to function at all... unless someone down there would be able to power it back up. But that would be pointless; no form of energy, be it natural or artificial, can cross that barrier. No transmitter, transponder, beacon or signal enhancer will go through. If any could, all the Zetarrians would have escaped this prison long ago."

"In that case, you may need a really long rope to send down to the surface and hoist their stranded ships up out of that atmosphere" uttered operation officer Garvex P'Trell a little louder than he intended, especially with Vulcan ears in such close proximity.

Syntron gazed over at the Andorian manning the operations post.

"Is that your best professional recommendation Lieutenant?" the captain quipped before turning his attention back the the Illythirii woman commanding the Horizon stardrive.

Garvex turned a deeper hue of blue as he tried to focus back on his task at hand.

"Given the described circumstances, what did you have in mind Commander?" the captain inquired. 

Snowfire blinked a moment.

"Honestly, Captain... I'm at a loss. Even neurogenic energies are nullified when I try telepathic contact through the barrier. Without information, any action could be, at best, useless, at worst worsen a situation we know nothing about. But someone should be ready to help the castaways if they ever find a way to escape that prison planet... or to deal with any Zetarrian that would manage to do so; including the possibility of our own people being abducted for that very purpose."

"That is how they escaped the last time," confirmed Lieutenant Livingstone. "I reviewed the Nuntio's logs; they came to this system and they were caught in the null-field surrounding this world when they looked for a place to repair after going through the Azimuth Horizon anomaly. They managed to soft land in one of the planet's oceans, heal their weakened people and then used energy from the tides with a makeshift tidal turbine to repower. With one full burst from all their thrusters, they achieved escape velocity before the field drained them again... or kill them all. Once back in space, solar power was used to once more repower them. But, by that time, a large group of Zetarrians had already possessed many crewmembers and passengers; in effect, using their bodies and original brainwaves as insulation against the field."

"This means anyone coming frrom that planet might verry well be comprromised," concluded tactical officer Mrriish from Ke'Leysha's bridge crew.

Leaning back in the center seat once again, a contemplative expression was cast like a veil across the stoic expression of the Vulcan commanding officer. A few minutes later he spoke again.

"Given these circumstances, I recommend that we first concentrate on the safety of these colonists. The Horizon teams on the surface of Eden IV are most likely working diligently on resolving their own situation. It may be their ingenuity that leads to a viable resolution. In addition, we do not want to put others in the same precarious predicament and risk without a means of resolution." 

Snowfire looked at him with a stern expression on her dark face.

"I fear, Captain that, if anything comes up from that planet, and we have no way of knowing who or how, we might have no choice but to destroy them."

"Or if this occurred, possibly contain them until further analysis has been conducted and verified" the Vulcan commanding officer added. "But as of yet, there are no signs of escape indicated."

At that moment, a signal arrived  from a transporter console on deck 21 of the USS Phoenix.

"Captain, the security team for the away mission are all here in Emergency Transporter Rooms 1-4. They appear anxious to begin their mission. I am just awaiting your confirmation to begin transporting them" chief petty officer Sega announced in her gruff Tellarite voice.

"Acknowledged" the Captain responded. "Have them standby for further orders."

Syntron then gazed at Snowfire's  image on the main viewscreen.

"How would you like to proceed Commander?" he calmly asked. 

Before Snowfire could answer, the tactical officers of boths ships interrupted her and called for Syntron's attention as well.

"Incoming; five vessels in attack formation closing in on the outer edge of the system! By configuration, all Draxx cruisers like the one the Horizon confronted before!"

Their tactical sensors converted the data on their main viewers as the menacing image of five dagger-like starships in a star formation, pointing their jagged, serrated prow towards them.

"Commander Sisko, you,re getting this?"

"Aye, Commander Ke'Leysha, that we do. This is not the giant battleship detected earlier but comes directly from it's calculated trajectory."

"Their capital ship must have separated like those cruisers can to send those smaller but still sizeable ships towards us," understood the illythirii. "And we know each of these vessels can further separate into six destroyer-class units. They will be able to come at us from different angles to strike multiple targets."

The Half-Bajoran engineer in the center seat of the flagship's stardrive section sighed.

"Looks like our captain's diplomatic efforts failed..."

"And yet, there is no conclusive evidence of it," objected Snowfire. "From what we know of the Draxx technology, ship design and mentality, there should be six cruisers out there, not five. My guess is one stayed behind; maybe their central command unit... and Captain Kheren may still be trying to negociate a truce."

"We have to buy him some time... and keep protecting our own," Sisko agreed. " Captain Syntron; you are the highest ranking officer here; command of our forces falls to you. But I have to point out that we should intercept those incoming ships before they get too close... and we have people stranded on the planet that might need our protection and colonists on the other planet Commander Ke'Leysha's saucer section is responsible for. Your ship is the only one free to move and act if we are to protect them all."

With his gaze fixed on the main viewscreen, the captain addressed the helmsman.

"Position the Phoenix at an interception point of the five incoming vessels."

With an inaudible gulp, the helmsman complied by setting course and then engaged the engines.

"On course, Sir" was all the helmsman said as calmly as possible. 

"Lower exterior shielding, and power down all weapons," the captain ordered as the ship moderately traveled toward its destination.

"Sir? Are we surrendering?" the tactical officer filling in for Chief M'ata wondered out loud, fingers poised over the controls asecond before he complied.

With a slightly raised brow, the Vulcan commanding officer countered.

"Negative. However, we are demonstrating our peaceful intentions with this amicable gesture. Currently, our fleet is at a capacious disadvantage with the Draxx. In all probability, Captain Kheren is involved in some level of negotiations with members of their leadership team. We are the other main vessel representing Starfleet in this region. Despite the immense risk involved, we must approach these incoming vessels in a non provocative stance. Otherwise, we could potentially abrogate any progress made by the Horizon leadership".     

"Are you ordering the Horizon to do so as well, Captain?" Livingstone asked then. "They are maintaining defensive positions near both planets,  shields up and weapons locked on targets."

"And the Draxx are starting to spread out," added Syntron's tactical officer. "Two of them are moving off towards the stardrive section and two others towards the saucer section. The fifth one is on an intercept course with us... energy shield up, weapons armed and locked on... and it's separating, obviously to encircle us."

On the screen, four of  the sleek metallic edged daggers spread out from the central one which divided into six smaller parts, like a flower blooming... or a claw extending towards them.

With an expression as stoic as a stone statue, the Vulcan captain did not even blink as he processed the information being presented to him.

"Peace can be an even riskier proposition than war" he noted when they had finished. After a brief pause he added; "Inform our constituents to follow our lead." 

"Commander Sisko and Commander Ke'Leysha both confirming they maintain defensive position and posture." 

The Draxx ship had time and leisure to move into positions and trajectories that nullified any attempt to flee and little room for maneuvering. The four other cruisers had also divided into their six escort configuration, so that both sections of the flagship were now about to be swarmed by a dozen destroyers fromt all sides. Between them, the star and the two planets, they were effectively bottled up... and ready for the kill.

And then, they started to angle their flight and change their speed for their first attack run on all three ships at the same time. <