Ruined Plans

Posted on 17 Apr 2016 @ 12:07am by Commodore Harvey Geisler

1,364 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Outbreak
Timeline: MD 6

As she stepped out onto the bridge of the USS Dark Horse, Commodore Maria Williams looked furious and frustrated. She had not been able to sleep well, and was very anxious to reach her destination. The ship's Captain was obviously busy talking to his crew, but she didn't care too much. "Captain, how much longer until we reach Deep Space Nine?" She demanded.

"Just under five minutes," replied the Bolian captain. As much as he wanted to let his frustration show for being interrupted, it just wasn't in his genetics. "The station already knows to expect our arrival, as well as has a copy of our flight plan for Gamma Quadrant entry."

"About time." She said, as she walked over to the command area. "And the transport vessel we're looking for, has DS9 picked it up on sensors yet? We can't miss it."

Captain Mrat shook his head. "DS9 confirms that the transport is overdue for exiting the wormhole."

Maria growled angrily. This was her chance, and she wouldn't risk losing it. "Captain, as soon as we reach the station, take us through the wormhole. That transport must be found, stopped and searched for the fugitive." She said. She knew in a true court, there would be no case against her target, but she was done with the courts.

The Bolian nodded. "Helm, upon arrival, set course for the wormhole and engage at full impulse. Ops, stand by to scan the Balderdash, as well as check all local comm chatter for the transport." Both officers gave their acknowledgement of the orders.

Maria sat down in the guest chair and looked at the widescreen. "Have you assembled a security team? The ship's manifest did confirm that the target is aboard, didn't it?" She asked.

He showed her the PADD that contained a copy of the manifest, which hadn't been updated since the transport had departed the Alpha Quadrant

Accepting the PADD, she looked at it and nodded as she saw the name she was expecting. "He'll have the two children that I'll be taking custody of. As for him, if he resists, shoot to kill." She ordered.

"Is that wise?" he asked the Commodore, taking care to lower his voice. "It's just as easy to stun him and incarcerate him on Deep Space 11."

"If we incarcerate him, there is every chance he will escape. But do what you feel is right, of course. Just get me my nieces." She replied back, quietly. "Then we can meet the rest of the fleet loyal to us." She added. Yes, they were all consortium, but who she wanted wasn't. She had been waiting for this day for five years now. Five years too long, in her opinion.

"There are ways to take care of prisoners," Mrat reminded, not daring to offer any details while on the bridge. He might be Consortium, yes, but he was wise enough to appreciate the value of maintaining appearances, especially so close to the Alpha Quadrant.

"Very well. I'll defer to your...suggestions." She agreed, nodding. "As long as it is dealt with, I'll be happy."

"Approaching Deep Space Nine now," announced the helmsman.

"Excellent," replied Mrat. Standing behind the helm, he began to issue orders. "Slow to full impulse, and take us into the wormhole."

As the helmsman acknowledged, a report came from tactical. "Clearance to enter the wormhole has been granted by Deep Space Nine."

Mrat didn't thank the tactical chief, mainly because he knew Commodore Williams did not need DS9's permission to enter. Her clearance alone was enough. Within a couple minutes, the viewscreen displayed the swirling blues and purples of the Bajoran Wormhole.

"Estimated transit time is ten minutes," reported the helmsman.

"As soon as we emerge, start scanning for the transport." Williams ordered. "I'll be boarding the ship when we find her."

Mrat nodded. It was fair to say that none of them were patient during their passage through the wormhole, and finally the Sovereign-class ship emerged on the other side.

"Scanning for the Balderdash," came the report from tactical. "Found her. One lightyear away."

"Intercept course," announced the Captain. "Warp Eight."

Williams smiled. "Finally." She said. "As soon as we come within range, make them stand to. I'll be in the transporter room. Have a security team meet me, fully armed." She said, as she left the bridge.

Mrat nodded, gesturing to the tactical chief to join the Commodore. It was not long before the Dark Horse came along side the Balderdash. "Transport Balderdash, this is the USS Dark Horse. Drop out of warp and prepare to submit for inspection."

With reluctance, the transport complied. The Sovereign-class ship took up a position nearby to strike or otherwise disable the transport should it decide to make a run.

"Bridge to Transporter Room. You are cleared for transport."

"Excellent." Maria said, as she stepped onto the transporter room, having been handed a phaser rifle. She looked at the Tactical Chief. "Let's go."

The tactical chief readied his rifle and nodded to the team of four security guards who where already on the platform. "You have your orders," he told them. "Find Casey and the children." He then looked back to the transporter chief and nodded.

*****

Maria screamed in anger as she looked at the Captain of the transport. "YOUR MANIFEST SHOWS THEM HERE! WHERE ARE YOU HIDING THEM?" She demanded, slapping the man as hard as she could.

"What the hell?" the transport captain replied, shaking the slap off. "Just like I told you before, they chose not to return. Their fare had already been paid, which is why the names are still on the manifest. I take them off, and then I get accused that I have more money than I should."

Maria glared at him, and then raised her phaser rifle. "Tell me why I should believe you?" She demanded. "You have their names here, you brought them here. Where are they?" She demanded.

The captain wondered if that rifle was supposed to scare him. Well, it was slightly working, but this wasn't the first time he'd been boarded in the Gamma Quadrant. Out here these days, you were expected to have tough skin. "New Risa," he confidently replied. "What'd he do? Commit treason or something?"

"That's none of your business." Maria said. She fired a burst at the man's feet. "So despite being on the manifest, which means that they had to be checked in officially, you are saying they remained behind?" She asked, doubting his story.

"That's exactly what I'm saying. They pulled out one hour before we were scheduled to depart. I even beamed off their luggage personally." The captain crossed his arms. "Check the logs."

Maria turned to the tactical chief. "I want this ship torn apart until you've searched everywhere. And arrest this man for falsifying his logs for a start. If he resists, beat him." She ordered.

"And if we don't find them, ma'am?"

"We'll have the ship impounded for transporting criminals, and the crew questioned." Maria replied. "If they resist, shoot to stun and arrest them for resisting." She ordered angrily.

The chief had been around the Commodore enough to know she meant every word. Therefore, he turned around and began issuing orders, splitting them up into teams in order to thoroughly inspect the ship and deal with any resistance as it came.

Maria faced the Captain once more. "For your life, I hope we don't find them here, because if we do, I promise you will pay. Take him to our brig." She said, as she went over to the front of the cockpit, and growled angrily.

"With pleasure," replied the chief, grabbing the captain by his arm. He tapped his badge with his free hand and said, "Two to beam up."

As they were beamed away, leaving Maria alone, she screamed in anger and frustration. Then she looked at the manifest. "Adam Casey, wherever you are, you son of a bitch, I will find you, and I will kill you." She vowed. "I will have my nieces with me, whether you like it or not."

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