Chapter 7: A Calculated Risk (part 2)

The Captain stood up from the center seat and proceeded back toward the stern of the ship and then turned portside into the Ready Room.

After selecting chilled green tea from the replicator, the commander of the Icarus sat down behind his desk and engaged the link to the Romulan ship.

“Sterling here… you signaled Captain Duron?”

After a few choice Klingon expletives he barked “You know damn well I did!” responded the Klingon commander with a snarl evident in his voice.

“Are we done tip-toeing around the Neutral Zone Sterling? I thought we had some delegates to pick up? Well then… let’s go pick up these Romulan petaQs and get this meeting underway!”

Sterling sighed. They had discussed this issue at length during their previous meeting and subsequent messages conveyed since then. But he also recognized that this Klingon was not one to take a sensible and cautious approach. Duron just preferred to charge into the region with weapons firing; especially after what happened to the IKS WovHaqtaj and her crew.

So began their lengthy conversation about the purpose and value of the reconnaissance probes to determine what may be lurking out there in the signal-jammed region around Khii before they would consider proceeding. This was followed by the ensuing debates about tactics and protocols.

That is until Sterling finally stated in exasperation. “Duron… this is our mission. I am appreciative and honored to have a fine Klingon warrior with a powerful ship by our side supporting our efforts here. But you have to allow me to do my job… on my terms. Based on everything we have experienced so far we would most likely be walking straight in to their trap. Hopefully, though these investigations we can spring elements of their trap and perhaps expose others. It will be at this point we can decide how we will next proceed.”

Somewhat incensed, Duron eventually relinquished to reason. But he also concluded the discussion with a warning.

"My patience regarding this issue and this mission will only continue for a limited amount of time Sterling, so you had better get results back from your probes… fast. Otherwise, my ship and crew will be venturing into this territory, even if we go there alone and test the mettle of these Romulan petaQs for ourselves."

On that note he stood up engaged his communicator and was beamed out of the Ready Room within mere moments.

Captain Sterling sat there for a moment and contemplated the words of the Klingon officer and thought to himself his impatience will be his undoing if he is not more careful and less reckless.

He then engaged his communicator and contacted Archer and Pasqual on the bridge.

"Gentleman, any signals or data returned back from our probes?"

Archer looked down at his display and examined the data stream the probes were sending back to the Icarus.

"Probes are skirting the border of the Khi system now Sir. All probes are still on cour-" Archer stopped mid sentence as two of the probes dropped off sensors. "Scratch that Sir, I've lost two probes as they entered the system. Either they've been destroyed or they are being actively jammed. Data coming from the other probes includes increased subspace noise in the area, and one of the probes is reporting elevated tetryon particles in the area as well. Just based on that Sir, I'd say there's one or more claoked vessels in the area."

"As expected," Ray chimed in, his hand to the earpiece in his left ear. "Subspace interference is still up over there and definitely not from any natural occurence."

"Agreed," Brian said with a nod "I would guess active jamming equipment or possible a jamming signal being pushed out from a cloaked ship or ships." Another blip disappeared off his screen and Brian shook his head "Lost another one Sir."

From his bridge Captain Duron scowled "The cowards are there," he growled "they lie in wait for us, tell me Sterling do you believe today is a good day to die?"

Captain Sterling responded to the loss of the probes conveyed from his bridge officers.

“Mister Archer, prepare three more probes. We’ll send them back near the vicinity of the ones lost. This time though, attach a long-range optical sensor and transmitter to each probe. Perhaps we’ll be able to see something as well before anything happens to any of these.”

Turning to Pascal he inquired “Is there any additional data that you can retrieve from those lost probes or at least the remaining ones Counselor?"

"I think so, Captain," said the Orion with a detached expression, as if he was listening to something far away while he ran his fingers on the comm console.

Then he made three exagerated tapping motions and exclaimed:

"And... voilà!"

On the main viewer appeared a tactical chart of the Khii star system where several blips appeared at different points, forming like an expanding cone from their point of entry in the delineated sector.

"This is the last recording of the telemetry sent by the probes upon reaching the system," Ray started to explain. Then, one after the other, the blips disappeared, leaving a ghostly trace of their last location before they vanished. "Now, if we use their spatial position in relation to the time when we lost contact and assuming they were systematically intercepted by one specific source... like a ship shooting them out of the sky... and trace a line of fire from them in relation with the highest zone of subspace interference... "

Lines went from the vanishing points and crossed at a specific region of the starchart.

"If there is one ship cloaked somewhere in or near the Khii system ready to ambush us, then it should be about... there."

Pasqual then lifted a finger to add;

"This of course is assuming there is but one ship lying in wait, not several... nor an automated platform."

Leaning over while looking carefully at the starchart and the triangulated position indicated by the counselor, Sterling noted:

“That is where we want to send one of our long-range optical sensor probes… perhaps along with a set of armed torpedoes trailing closely behind.” Sterling added with a bit of a mischievous smirk.”

Then he straightened up and added “Fortunately, the other probes are still transmitting. In time these will possibly help to fill in the pieces a bit more clearly regarding the mysterious welcoming committee lurking out there.”

Sterling knew that Duron would be more than content to follow this probe into that triangulated position; but hopefully not just yet. Till then though, they would settle for baiting the predators with unmanned probes and perhaps other annoying yet telling distractions.

Brian acknowledged the captain's order with a nod and tapped his combage

"Archer to engineering, we need more probes Mister Henderson...the captain wants long range optical sensors fitted to them before we launch them."

"Acknowledged," came the reply "I'll get a team on it and inform you when they're ready for launch."

Sterling then prepared and sent a brief communiqué to both Duron and Terrah apprising them of the disappearance of the probes, their point of signal loss locations and their preparation for a new set of long-range optical sensor probes to be dispersed to the targeted locations.

He recognized that this could potentially be the equivalent of stirring up a hornet’s nest in terms of Duron’s desire to spring immediately into action. Nevertheless, it was imperative that clear communication was maintained throughout this operation.

Several moments later Sterling turned to Pasqual at the communication station on the port side behind his center seat.

“Counselor, contact Terrah aboard the Blackwing and engage the communication through the main view screen.”

The image of the tall Romulan Captain filled the main viewscreen as he spoke.

“Captain Sterling," the Romulan commander began, "I received your communiqué regarding the probes and their subsequent point of disappearance. Do you have the optical sensor probes ready to launch as you indicated?”

Sterling glanced over to Archer who shook his head to indicate that they were not yet complete. The captain of the Icarus then responded to Terrah’s inquiry.

“The modified probes are being prepared as we speak Terrah.”

Sterling then studied the face of the Romulan commander as he circumspectly explored “So Captain Terrah, do you have your series of Scorpion-class fighters available?”

Terrah leaned back as his expression changed slightly. He responded “I have fifty Scorpion fighters prepared and ready for action Sterling. What is it that you are contemplating here?”

Sterling leaned back as well as he explained his tactic.

“Along with the optical sensor probes, we will also configure and send out four cloaking detection probes to initiate tachyon and antiproton signature trace sweeps in those indicated regions. Based on the information and telemetry received from these new sets of probes, you can then send your Scorpion fighters in just behind them to sweep in and contend with whatever is blocking, jamming, disabling or destroying these probes.”

Terrah nodded affirmatively and then inquired “And what about our Klingon friend out here with us. I am certain that he will not want to merely sit back and watch us engage these traitors by ourselves.”

Sterling smiled “Believe me Terrah, I will be contacting Duron next. He has already been chomping at the bit to get things moving here. I will contact you again when I have the details worked out with him. Sterling out.”

He nodded to Pasqual to close the viewscreen communication with the Romulan commander and then stated to the counselor “Okay, bring up Duron next” as he breathed in deeply in preparation for this next encounter with the Klingon Commander.

The fingers of the green-skinned man ran over his console then poised themselves over the final keyas.

"A word to the wise, Sir; do not suggest, request or wait for anything from a klingon commander. Demand it. And in the present situation, not only will he find himself unable to refuse a demand to confront an enemy directly, but he will see you as a decisive, aggressive, courageous ship commander: a man of honor."

The smirk on the Orion officer's face told clearly what he truly thought of such a point of view. But his eyes shone with the seriousness of his will to help his captain.

"Channel open, Sir."

Nodding in agreement to the Counselor’s recommendation, Sterling turned back to face the main viewscreen and began speaking before the Klingon commander could utter a syllable.

“Duron, the time has come for us to go on the offense.”

“Well Sterling,” he slammed his fist on his command chair “it’s about damn time!” as he finished with a mighty laugh.

Sterling quickly continued.

“First, we will send out four enhanced electromagnetic pulse torpedoes, each with a 270 degree forward arc range placed in overlapping linear positions from each other. Upon triggering the EMP’s, they should effectively disable any mines, whether cloaked or not, that are in direct line to this region; yet without affecting the probes that will be following shortly behind them. These will be quickly followed by the three configured optical sensor probes and four cloaking detection probes to initiate tachyon and antiproton signature trace sweeps upon their arrival in those designated regions of the Khii system. Based on the information and telemetry gathered from these new sets of probes, the Scorpion fighters and our squad of modified shuttle fighters will begin their attack. Closely bringing up the rear of this wave of attack will be the both the Negh'var, and the Blackwing, each cloaked, followed in proximity by the Icarus.”

Leaning forward in the center seat he forcefully commanded “Have your boarding parties ready Duron in case we encounter hostile ships in this area.”

With an enthusiastic roar he bellowed “My warriors are ready now Sterling. Let us stop with this useless chatter and get this attack underway!” he demanded.

Sterling immediately stood up and barked back to the Klingon commander “Not until I give the signal to commence this attack Duron! This will occur after all of our forces are in place and the torpedoes and probes have been launched… and not a moment before!”

At that moment, a scrambled signal came in from Starbase 39. It was marked urgent and classified at level 10.

Notified of this impending transmission, Sterling signaled Pasqual to cut off this communication with Duron; which he was about to do anyway.

He then walked back toward the stern of the ship turned portside and stated to the counselor “I’ll take this message in my Ready Room.”

As he reentered the room, he first replicated a tall glass of pineapple juice before he sat down in front of his terminal. After entering all of the clearance codes and completing the retinal scan and voice matching confirmation requirements, the Starfleet logo quickly popped up on the screen. He took in a long thirst-quenching swallow before the transmission commenced.

The face of Admiral Kelek then replaced blue screen with tan olive branches of the UFP symbol extending upward in a curved formation.

The elderly Vulcan Admiral gazed stoically into the screen as he addressed the Captain of the Icarus once again; although this time in the form of a recorded message.

“Captain Sterling. I will keep this transmission brief. We are currently in communication with the Romulan high council. They have been apprised of the incidents of sabotage, and attacks on both the Klingon and Romulan vessels, in addition to your communiqué regarding the circumstances surrounding the Khii system. This is creating a high degree of turmoil and disparity within the council itself regarding the validity of these incidents and how this upcoming summit will ultimately be convened in light of this information. We have transmitted all of the data we have ascertained to provide them with indisputable, empirical evidence in these regards, but they have also requested that the conditions around Khii are equally substantiated. We advised them to contact the Romulan delegates directly on Khii to ascertain their situation, but they have themselves been unable to reach the delegation. Therefore, I am requesting that you forward any detailed data that you’ve gathered regarding this system expeditiously.”

The Admiral then changed the direction of his communication.

“In regards to additional support for your mission, as a result of these extenuating circumstances, another federation vessel… the USS Caucasus,a Prometheus-class multi-vector assault starship is swiftly approaching your last recorded position. Captain Douglas Doyle has been apprised of these circumstances and is awaiting an update from you regarding your current coordinates in the neutral zone. At warp 9.9 they will be approximately within your vicinity in less than 2.4 hours. I’ve encoded a private transmission link between your two ships that will be virtually impenetrable when you communicate. Contact him immediately and send me any data you are able to gather afterward. Admiral Kelek signing off.”

The face of the Admiral was then replaced with the UFP logo embossed on the blue screen once again.

Sterling then activated Starfleet records and looked up Captain Doyle. Up came the face of a handsome but weathered officer around 52 years old, surrounded by an extensive record of accomplishments that the captain swiftly scanned. The irregular thing Sterling immediately noted was that his record did not list him as the Captain of the Caucasus, but as Captain of another ship. But this was five years ago. Sterling then pondered if this record was not updated based on the secrecy and security of this ship now coming to assist him on this mission. Then he looked up the USS Caucasus and it wasn’t even listed in the ship registry. This also was a bit disconcerting.

After closing these files, he activated the encoded link that the Admiral had provided. Within a few seconds the face of Captain Doyle appeared. He accurately resembled the image in the Starfleet records, which to Sterling was of some consolation.

With the slightest hint of a smirk he stated “Tyrel Sterling, I presume.” Doyle had seen the dossier on Sterling and knew exactly who he was and how he looked.

Without missing a beat, Stering responded back “Douglas Doyle, I assume.”

Now that the somewhat awkward introductions were out of the way, the exchange of information could begin.

Sterling began “So according to Starfleet records Captain Doyle, you are traveling toward us on a nonexistent ship.”

Doyle just smiled a bit more and stated “Well, I suppose that that seems fitting since we are equally bound for an almost nonexistent ship ourselves… Check the records Sterling… your ship is currently listed as dry-docked and about ready to be decommissioned.”

It hadn’t occurred to check the current record of his ship, but under the circumstances this all made sense.

Doyle then continued “This is why I am also listed as still being the Captain of the USS Ventura. This is Admiral Kelek’s attempt to keep some things ‘off the record’. This was a recently commissioned vessel Sterling and she is one powerful ship. She has type-XII phasers, photon and quantum torpedoes, regenerative shields and ablative armor, When she’s split into MVAM, she can fully and independently attack from three vectors. I have three specially trained officers for helm, tactical, engineering, science and medical for each ship, with back-ups for each position. We’ve been training extensively for offensive and defensive combat maneuvers since we were brought aboard several months ago.’

After a brief pause he confessed “I have to tell you Sterling, my crew is stoked to finally be on a real mission, especially one as potentially challenging as this one appears to be.”

As Doyle spoke, Sterling was truly beginning to appreciate this good fortune heading their way. To have a ship of this caliber with another trained crew added to their growing arsenal and options was in fact an unexpected and much welcomed gift.

After providing him with the appropriate coordinates, Sterling began to present him with a synopsis of their impending offensive move. Doyle calculated that they would arrive in position 1.85 hours and insisted that they not begin their offensive maneuvers until their arrival. Sterling confirmed, noting that they would be ready in about one and a half hours and this delay would be negligible. He would launch the EMP torpedoes the moment the Caucasus arrived.

They were concluding their conversation just as Sterling was notified that his probes were complete and the torpedoes were in their final phase of preparation. The transmission was terminated and he immediately notified both Terrah and Duron of the arriving support. Terrah seemed genuinely appreciative of the additional ship to head into this environment, but Duron mostly mumbled something about this late-comer staying out of his way and not impinging upon his glory.

Sterling logged off of the terminal and proceeded back onto the main bridge to notify his crew of the impending additional federation support warping their way. As he sat in the center seat, it was actually the first time during this entire mission that he felt like they were prepared to go on the offense instead of merely defensively responding to the sequence of negative events occurring around him. This was most assuredly a preferable perception.

After he informed his bridge officers about the Caucasus and her captain, Sterling turned back toward Pasqual and inquired “What are the current readings of our remaining probes Counselor?”

"That all are dead, Captain Sir," flatly answered Ray. "Sir, there is no way malfunctions and space hazards can disable that many probes that quickly. There is no doubt about it; the enemy is lurking in this system, waiting for us... and aware of our coming."

Keying a few controls, he brought up again the tactical display of the Khii system where numerous blue flashes doted it in what looked like a random dispersal pattern. But the Orion officer immediately made sense of it all for the benefit of the rest of the bridge.

"Mister Archer will have to confirm this but... we deliberately sent our squadrons of probes from different angles and different point of emergence into normal space to cover an area as large as possible within the system. As you can see from the dispersal pattern and the very close time of all those detonations, there is no way one ship or even a squadron of ships could have moved and disable them so quickly over such a large area; two of them even detonated within Khii's atmosphere."

Giving everyone a chance to read the data and study the display, Ray made a pause before concluding:

"Sir, I can see only one thing that could do this; a minefield. And judging by the fact that it remains undetected until detonation, even from anticloaking equiped probes, I would suspect mines that are somewhat out of phase until they detect a sufficient moving or powered mass in proximity; anything within the immediate vicinity of Khii that is over a few meters and a hundred kilograms and self powered on a deliberate trajectory and emitting artificial frequencies, so as not to be wasted on space debris or passing asteroids."

Turning towards his captain, Pasqual finished:

"Sir, I know Klingons relish glorious death in combat and Romulans are ready to die honorably doing their duty; but sending fighters in there will simply result in a useless massacre. Even if they somehow manage to miraculously escape such a minefield, only one capital ship hidden in there will sweep them aside like so much annoying bugs. And there is no doubt one is lurking there... possibly more than one."

From the tactical station Archer listened to the conversation between Pasqual and the captain and he instantly had a flash back...

The USS Neptune had, along with the rest of the Federation Alliance fleet entered the Cardassia Prime system and Lieutenant Brian Archer stood at the tactical console of the Galaxy Class starship as Admiral Ross and Captain Sisko disseminated the battle plan for taking down the Dominion. When the battle was finally engaged it was done with extreme predjudice. The Neptune had moved forward with her squadron and Brian was monitoring fleet communications:

"This is Captain Michaels aboard the Vincennes, all squadron ships engage...fire at will."

"You heard them Archer," Captain Leyton had ordered "are you waiting for an invitation?"

"No Sir," Brian replied with a smile. "Targeting lead Jem Hadar cruiser, firing all phasers..."

Suddenly a yelled warning came over the comm

"MINES! This is USS Venice! They came out of nowhere...I think they were cloaked we are completely disabled!"

"All ships this is Vincennes, be on the look out for cloaked mines! Evasive maneuvers..spread out!"

Shortly after that a cloaked "houdini" mine had impacted the Neptune's shields and allowed the Jem'Hadar to board the ship. Captain Leyton was killed in the ensuing fight and Brian had never forgiven himself. The revelation snapped him back to reality and he looked over at Sterling and Pasqual

"Houdini Mines," he stated drawing confused looks from both Pasqual and Sterling to which he responded "The Dominion used them during the war Sir. They deploy the mines which then cloak and can appear completely at random. We had a hell of time finding them all after Cardassia Prime fell. I think that's what we're up against."

Sterling recalled the implementation of Houdini mines as well as he turned toward the chief tactical officer and suggested “Perhaps there is a way Mister Archer for you to detect these mines though a subspace signal… then through a similar signal reprogram these mines to work for us rather than against us!”

"If not, we can always throw planks accross the field," mumbled Ray.

Seeing the confused looks on the others' faces, he explained:

"Earth, the Great War of the early twentieth century; soldiers threw heavy planks accross it; if if it fell on a mine, it detonated, clearing a passage; if it fell undamaged, it was safe to cross. Moving slowly but steadily like this, on one plank after the other, they could eventually trace a safe path accross a minefield. With all the probes we have left, maybe we could adapt the same principle to get to Khii?"

Turning back to face the counselor, Sterling noted “that is a rather fascinating story, analogy and suggestion Mister Pasqual.”

Then looking back and forth between these two officers, Sterling inquired to both of them.

“Do either of you have suggestions on how we could technically implement either or perhaps both of these techniques using our probes and any other resources at our disposal into our given circumstances? And if not reprogram, at least devise a practical method to nullify these mines… as the counselor has suggested?”

"Well don't look at me," said Ray; "I know about military History because it is part of any diplomacy curriculum; I can recall many startegies and tactics of the past but, as for actual tactical implementation in the here and now, Mister Archer is the one most qualified here."

Sterling smiled “Understood Counselor, but it is nevertheless beneficial information that you have shared with us.”

Then turning back toward the chief tactical officer he inquired “So Mister Archer, as the Counselor has attested, with you being our resident tactical expert here, what are your tactical recommendations that we could employ to deal with these mines before we proceed with our first wave of our offensive strategy? We have more than an hour before the USS Caucasus arrives into our vicinity. It would be outstanding if we could have some form of a plan in the works by the time that this starship arrives.”

"Sir," Archer said after thinking for a few moments "As far as the mines are concerned, I think our emp pulse torpedo idea may be our best solution. It will at least allow us to enter the system and then I think that if we're going to through with this we need to obey an old rule from an ancient earth military unit. Rogers Rangers were some of the first special forces soldiers on Earth and their CO had a card given to each man with his standing orders the least of which directed them if being followed to make a circle and ambush the people trying to ambush them. What I'm saying is that the D'deridix and Negh'var warships are two of the most powerful ships made in the galaxy. Our enemy is expecting the Icarus so I say we offer ourselves to them. We enter the system and allow our adversary to attack us while the Klingons and the Romulans hold back. We may take a beating for awhile, but it will allow us to draw out our enemy. Then when they think they have us our allies can strike and we will have ambushed the ambushers."

Nodding reflectively as Brian Archer spoke, Sterling listened carefully as the tactical officer presented his ideas. When he had finished laying out his suggestions, the captain responded.

“Quite an audacious proposition you are presenting Mister Archer… toeing the line out there in space and taunting them to cross over and claim their prize.”

Then after a moment’s pause he continued.

“But I get the gist of what you are suggesting in that we begin to draw these adversaries out from the shadows. However, I just want to be certain that we don’t bite off more than we can chew with us being proffered as the sole inducement.”

Sterling then added “Let us see what additional information we can gather and then begin our response accordingly with the EMP torpedoes as suggested. Our next moves beyond this will be contingent on these initial outcomes, but your bold plan is certainly in consideration Lieutenant Commander. But as the old expression goes, careful what you wish for…” he concluded with a smirk.

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D'Tan and Falcar had been laughing. The conversation had moved to Falcar's quarters, where they both had a glass of Andorian Ale. While D'Tan had been slipping the ale, he hadn't received a refill. However Falcar had just finished his 5th glass.

D'Tan motioned to the now empty glass, "I don't remember you drinking, I thought you didn't normal like alcohol."

Falcar dropped the smile on his face, "Well after the Supernova, I lost everything. Father, Mother, all my family. I don't know. But now, I guess one of my family members is alive." He said, while sliding the bottle of ale away from him.

D'Tan laughed, "Although we aren't related, I always did consider you like a younger brother."

Falcar, "And you like an older brother. Do you know if anyone else we knew survived the destruction of Romulus?"

D'Tan, "Only a few from the Reunification movement. And there is one other man, although I'm not sure, you'll be happy about it."

Falcar, "Who?

D'Tan, "Your uncle."

Falcar, "Really!" A large smile came over his face.

D'Tan, "I'm glad not to see you angry. Did you ever forgive him, for what he did?"

Falcar nodded, "Yes, I think it was right before i left for the exchange program. We meet up, my parents meddling." He smile remembering his parents. "He apologized for the betrayal, and said if he could go back, he wouldn't have done it. He said he was forced to do it."

D'Tan moved forward, "Do you believe him?"

Falcar looked up, gave a shrug, "I don't know. I think so, he blamed Sela. And from what I've heard of her, during my days in the Imperial Navy, she was a mean one." He smiled once again, "This has turned out to be a good day, a friend and a family member are alive.

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As they began deciphering and piecing together the fragmentary data and telemetry gathered from the previous set of probes, they were able to detect not only a series of mines, but the equivalent of an energy silhouette of one massive cloaked ship with transmitters, along with an undetermined series of fighters postured in close proximity. The details and precise number were vague, but it was enough information to guide them for the moment when they were ready to initiate their next phase of offensive moves.

Soon after this revelation, word came in from engineering that the next set of probes and torpedoes were prepared and loaded for launch. It was time. They were not ready to approach or enter the front door of Khii’s atmosphere, but they were prepared to kick down the gate of the system’s exterior perimeter fence.

With only a matter of moments until the USS Caucasus exited warp and entered into their region of the Neutral Zone, Sterling initiated the first stage of this offensive response.

“Deploy torpedoes!” Sterling commanded, as four EPM torpedoes were immediately dispatched and went silently streaking outward toward the perimeter of the enemy.

The torpedoes were programmed to first position themselves in a section of space on the outskirts of where the other probe signals had vanished and then work in synchronization among each other to transmit an enormous energy wave to knock out and destroy electrical systems on any ships or objects within their path. They were set up to deliver four rounds of EMP pulses with a 45 second recharge period between each blast. During the recharge period they were preprogrammed to laterally reposition themselves into another synchronized formation and location to level additional damage and strain enemy systems to an even greater capacity.

Moments later Sterling ordered “Launch the optical sensor probes.”

These probes would be their “eyes” into this region to detect sensor readings throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum; including the limited optical portions. These probes would not be subjected to the EMP pulses though because they were traveling on the other side of the overlapping 270 degree deployment filed out of the preceding torpedoes.

Sterling then turned back to Pasqual and stated “Display our current operation counselor.”

"On main viewer, Sir."

On the main bridge of the Icarus, the bridge crew now watched an enlarged digital representation of the targeted sections of space on the main viewscreen with small colored avatars representing each of the deployed torpedoes and probes moving slowly into position. When the probes closed in closer within the region they would be able this time to switch over to their optical viewers to perhaps garner a visual glimpse into what was lurking out there.

Still staring at the moving avatars on the viewscreen, Sterling activated the shipwide communications switch.

“Attention crew of the Icarus. Our torpedoes and probes are fast approaching their coordinates. Our offensive response will follow soon after. All hands stand battle ready, we will be switching to red alert momentarily. Stay alert and be prepared for any contingency. Sterling out.”

From the mainscreen of the bridge to monitors positioned throughout the ship, the crew of the Icarus watched engagedly as the avatars of the torpedoes arrived at the coordinates and laterally fanned out in position and stopped. Within seconds, the first full EMP pulses charged out of the torpedoes; as represented by a shower of an over-lapping spray of lights on the monitors to a large region of space in front of the torpedoes.

Their first kick to the gate had begun.

The torpedoes repositioned and recharged simultaneously as they were preparing for their second electromagnetic assault.

As the second round of the EMP shockwaves struck, an elongated series of tiny blips suddenly appeared on the main viewscreen of the Icarus; positioned directly in an expansive front line from the torpedoes. Then their signals faded until they barely registered. This extended series of mines lurking out there awaiting their arrival were now apparently disabled.

Then a series of larger signals briefly appeared on screen for a moment, approximately 18 of them; flashing on and off sporadically before the signals all eventually faded away. The crew of the Icarus apparently just stole a glimpse of some smaller ships also positioned to pounce on whatever crosses their imposed threshold. Hopefully, their EMP shockwave just negatively impacted systems throughout their cloaked, thus shieldless ships, and another wave would soon commence.

Leaning forward and continuing to vigilantly study the tactical view of the main viewscreen, Sterling ordered “Mister Archer, bring up the optical probes just behind the upcoming relocated position of the EMP torpedoes and engage their long range sensors. Let us see if we can get a closer and more detailed peek of what all that is ensconced beyond the shadows out there.”

After the optical probes were in place Sterling stated “Now launch the four cloaking detection probes. After they arrive, place them behind and in between each optical probe and we'll prepare to initiate tachyon and antiproton signature trace sweeps in the same regions. We’ll see if these are able to reveal some other cloaked marauders as well.”

((Note: readings can be gathered from tactical (Archer) and communications (Pasqual) regarding what is detected and the ongoing results of their remote interactions. Delete this when complete))

Approximately nine minutes later, the Prometheus-class USS Caucasus came silently swooping into proximity behind the Icarus and positioned its way to a stop just beneath the lead starship. Captain Doyle notified Sterling that they were ready to proceed at his command. Sterling transmitted the data and information gathered thus far from their ongoing reconnaissance investigations, and afterward, the two captains continued with an extensive discussion about their upcoming strategy.

Their options were now expanded and improved with the addition of this Prometheus-class federation ship now in their midst and the Blackwing and Negh'var warships flanking them both and postured for action as well.

Meanwhile, the crew of the Icarus observed the viewscreen as the new avatars of the four cloaking detection probes approached their coordinates and positioned themselves accordingly.

Sighting this development, Sterling announced “Activate synchronized tachyon sweep from all four probes.”

((process/procedures))

As the probes were initiated and the tachyon sweep commenced, the bridge crew studied the sensor display results represented visually as scaled graphics on the main view screen. From the darkened areas beyond the activated probes appeared the silhouette of a large vessel. It bore a haunting resemblance to a large Romulan battle cruiser. The sensor data then began streaming into the tactical, science and communications consoles as the outline of 18 additional smaller vessels were revealed lurking around the mammoth vessel like vicious broodlings.

Sterling then faced away from the display for a moment and turned toward his bridge officers manning the consoles and inquired “Sensor readings?”

((add sensor/probe readings/details/analysis))

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“Attention crew of the Icarus. Our torpedoes and probes are fast approaching their coordinates. Our offensive response will follow soon after. All hands stand battle ready, we will be switching to red alert momentarily. Stay alert and be prepared for any contingency. Sterling out.”

Falcar frowned, "I guess I have to get back. Do you want me to walk you back."

D'Tan smiled, "No no, I have my security escort for that. You would get back to work. I'm glad to see your ok Falcar."

Falcar smile, "You too, D'Tan. Perhaps when all of this is finished, we can continue to talk."

D'Tan nodded, "I'd like that."

The two Romulans rose from there chairs and exited Falcar's quarters. As D'Tan and his security escort walked down the corridor, Falcar just stood there smiling, as he watched D'Tan round a corner. 'It's good to have family.' he thought to himself.

He then began walking to the turbo lift and made his way to the bridge. Once there, he noticed on the viewscreen, some sort of animation. Falcar thought to himself, 'Seems they've been busy.' He walked over to his console, relieved the officer who was filling in for him, and sat down. After looking over the console, he turned to address the Captain, "Captain, I'm back, what are your orders?"

Sterling turned to the Romulan helm officer and stated seriously “Look carefully over the results of our recent scans and sweeps Mister Falcar, then prepare thrusters along with an effective range of specific battle maneuvers.”

Then adding a bit of a quiet declaration for the helmsman’s ears only, he virtually whispered “I do not want to get blind-sided as we venture into this hostile region of space.”

Leaning back in the center seat the Captain added in a normal tone “If you have any additional recommendations or observations Sublieutenant, now would be the time to offer them.”

Falcar tapped at his console to look over the information that had been collected. He looked over it carefully. "Well, Captain, from what you've managed to get so far, you have detected several small ships. No what, they are far too small for ship or fighters, perhaps mines? And several other ships. I'm not a tactical analyst, I only fly the ships. I can't tell you what class of ships these may be, from these figures."

Then looking forward at the graphic display, Sterling stated “For now Mister Falcar, move us ahead at full impulse speed.”

"Aye Captain." Falcar said, as tapped away at his console.

As the Icarus slowly forged ahead, the four allied ships began to change their position configurations. The Icarus moved straight ahead as the USS Caucasus slowly moved in a parallel course to her starboard side. Meanwhile, the Negh'var positioned itself cloaked atop and in-between both Federation ships while the Blackwing complemented this maneuver below the two ships.

The Caucasus was prepared to switch to MVAM at a given notice. The Icarus was truly a battle-worthy vessel with weaponized shuttles and crews standing ready to supplement their arsenal. The Blackwing was battle ready with an additional 50 scorpion fighters in their cockpits waiting for the order to depart. The Negh'var was a fierce warship also holding multiple sets of Klingon boarding parties armed and ready to board the awaiting enemy battleship as well. It was like the emerging dawn on a battlefield on earth long ago as the troops prepared for the arena that lied ahead of them.

As he sat sternly and upright in the center seat, Sterling reflected back on the old Earth adage from ancient Rome that was swirling around in his subconscious mind:

''Vice pacem, para bellum'' (If you want Peace, prepare for War). It was the paradox that has provoked countless civilizations for many millennia throughout their quadrant and beyond as they strived for peace.

The art and science of warfare itself had always been and will continue to be in a constant state of flux. Throughout the history of a multitude of planets, commanders have attempted to grasp the significance of new weapons and technology and modify tactics to accommodate these advances and an array of shifting circumstances. For most commanders, the effectiveness of new tactics can be analyzed in war games or field exercises. Yet they all realized that actual combat was the only true test. The resolve and preparedness of these allied forces would truly be tested this day.

Sterling only added “Helm…Steady as she goes” as he continued to gaze forward.