Deep Space Guardian: Season II-Episode 34

[Republican_Man]

[Founder]

-DSG, OPS-

The viewscreen switched to reveal a disheveled Starfleet officer, staring into the screen.



He looked sweaty and completely exausted. The bridge on the Madras was completely thrashed and dead officers littered it. The remaining officers all had their uniforms not properly dressed. Some wore only their jackets, unzipped. The officer staring at the screen was dressed in the grey undershirt. Jones realized these people have been through utter hell.

"My name is commander Michael Westmore," He said, "The Federation 5th fleet, reporting for duty...what's left of it..."

He looked down sadly, staring at the bridge.

"I'm sorry my captain couldn't greet you herself," He said sadly, "She was killed in an attack last week."

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

Ian ran into T'Sa halfway and nodded, "Indeed."

With that, he quickly entered the bridge and looked around for N'Tran.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Ops-

Archer frowned. Just what the hell has happend to these people? He nodded slowly.

"Welcome...to Deep Space Guardian, I wish it was under better circumstances."

Archer looked to Jones and nodded. He then looked back to the Commander.

"Commander, procede to the docking port, Medical teams will be standing by."

Archer studied the man for a moment.

"Commander, what happened?"

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

T'Sa had followed Ian to the bridge, and quietly looked him over. He didn't appear injured. She looked around as he did. She murmered to him.

"I haven't seen the Admiral since I came back to the ship."

[Founder]

-DSG, OPS-

The young commander leaned back in the captain's chair, reflecting in the carnage he had witnessed.

"We've been fighting the Nautolians at the border of the neutral zone for...a month," He said, chuckling at this fact, "...has it really only been a month?"

He shook his head, not believing it. It seemed like so much longer.

"We were hit hard by an attack group," He said, "Waves of Hydran fighters, powerful Gorn ships, massive Nautolian vessels. It was...horrible. Starfleet refused to replace our fleet and we continued to lose ships. We weren't even allowed to go to a starbase. We're down to 14 ships, but we started with nearly 30."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Ops-

Archer sighed.

"Commander," Archer started. He paused and studied the man for a moment. While it might not be a smart thing to do, what he was about to do, the man deserved to know the truth. After a month of combat.

"I'm afraid you may have not found an escape. Romulus is currently under attack."

Archer shook his head.

"I'm afraid the station would be a next stop for an invasion force."

Archer narrowed his eyes. He offered a warm smile to a fellow Starfleet officer, to ensure he was in friendly space, so long as he had something to say about it.

"None-the-less, we will feed your crew, clean them up, and do what we can to your ships."

Archer nodded.

"Perhaps, you can assist us, by making a stand. We'll discuss that..."

Archer stood tall.

"Dock your vessels, Commander, I shall meet you at the docking port."

[Spellbinder Marik]

-G�Tarkin, Quarters-

N�Tran was only slightly calmed by the time he�d spent alone in here. At the moment he didn�t want to see anyone. He pressed a button on the wall.
�Ditex to Kor�Tagh.�

�Kor�Tagh here.�

�Set a course for the Chaltok system. We�re meeting the Salara there.�

�Understood. Kor�Tagh out.� A moment later the G�Tarkin went to warp.

[Sam Kenobi]

-DSG, Docking Bay-

The docking bay was still swarming with Civilians and Starfleet alike carrying out the mass evacuation. Finally able to get out of the shuttle he arrived in, Ensign Derek James stepped to the floor, looked around, took a deep breath and hoisted his bag onto his shoulder. He spotted a Starfleet officer nearby and approached him

"Excuse me, I'm..." the officer walked away. James followed. "I'm Ensign Derek James, I just arrived from..." the officer began speaking to another officer, handed them a Padd and walked off again. James tried one more time. "I'm the new Chief of Ops, I just wondered where the Captain was and ... what's going on h..."

The officer turned and replied tortly. "The Captain isn't aboard. I suggest you find your quarters, drop that bag, and make yourself useful." He turned again and walked away.

"Oh... kay," James said to himself. He looked around one more time before leaving the docking bay to find his quarters.

[Founder]

-DSG, Docking Bay-

The bay was packed beyond relief as civilians pushed and shoved to get to the evacuation transport. There were simply far too many people. Typically, the stations of this size had 120,000 civilians. DSG was no different and moving that many people was not easy. Especially since the Starfleet officers numbered only around 85,000 and not even all of that was security. Ensign Derek James left the docking bay just as more civilians were brought in, including Sophia and the baby, Demetrius...

-G�Tarkin, Bridge-

The Klingon ship sped away at warp, moving past the massive Nautolian fleet. Ian leaned against the wall and stared into the view port. He saw the Romulan task force continue to fight against the Nautolian. His eyes squinted, searching for the Hawk. Unfortantely, they were no where in sight. Once the stars blurred and they jumped to warp, Ian realized he left his first officer behind. They should never have come to Romulus...

"Damnit..." He whispered.

-DSG, OPS-

Jones looked at Archer, "The fleet is docking sir."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Ops-

Archer nodded and looked back to Blaek. He still seemed to be busy. Archer looked back to Jones.

"Lieutenant," He started, "Please let sickbay know, and come with me."

Archer moved for the turbolift and continued.

"I don't want any civilians to go near those vessels."

Archer entered the turbolift and turned to face the doors, awaiting Jones.

-G'tarkin, Bridge-

T'Sa came over to Ian and frowned. He was occupied by something. Obviously, he was worried about his station, and his crew. T'Sa moved close. She shivered, realizing, she didn't know if it was from an emotional response, or if perhaps she was cold.

"Ian," she whispered.

T'Sa moved close and leaned into him, taking in an embrace two old friends would do if one was sad, or upset.

Many Years Ago�

T�Sa�s legs continued to burn as she ran, struggling to keep moving. She panted as she tried to breath. She heard Thomas grunting with each move. He was also tiring out. Why couldn�t they just stop? T�Sa grunted as forced her body to keep moving, to keep up with the Human. It was ironic, usually, T�Sa is the one that could keep going, and Thomas would be in need of a rest. The two moved into a small clearing, when T�Sa pulled on Thomas�s arm.

�Stop,� she pleaded as she whimpered, �Thomas, Stop!�

Thomas stopped and looked back at her. He frowned as she had a look of desperation, and pain on her face. He hated that look. He started to speak to her, but she shushed him, my making a quiet sound, and placing a finger on his lips.

�No more��

Thomas�s brow creased, he was quiet concerned for his Vulcan friend.

�T�Sa��

He was interrupted as T�Sa pressed her lips against his. She used the hold on his arm and pulled him closer to her body. She moved her head back slightly.

�No more running��

T�Sa panted as she spoke, her body was wet from sweating, some was from the environment, but much came from her�condition. T�Sa muttered in Vulcan, to which Thomas�s eyes went wide to. He recognized the words, and the actions she was taking. He pushed her back slightly, but he did so gently.

�No,� he said firmly.

T�Sa gasped at how firmly the Human was speaking to her. She whimpered her face showing a pleading look her eyes filled with desperation.

�Thomas, it hurts, it�s unbearable, help me.�

Thomas sighed and looked at her.

�I am helping you, but you know that can�t happen between��

T�Sa shoved Thomas back. She screamed at him

�Tiar merra!�

T�Sa snarled and then brushed passed him to move into the woods on her own. Thomas reached out and grabbed her arm. T�Sa snarled again and pushed at him as he grabbed her other arm. Thomas pulled harder, making her stay. T�Sa grunted as she tried to wiggle free. Thomas held on to her, suddenly, she pushed forward, and the two fell backwards, or rather, Thomas did, and T�Sa fell on top of him. T�Sa looked at Thomas for a second then threw her self into him as she tried to kiss him again. She sighed quietly as she started to relax, when Thomas moved her back again.

�No,� he started, �I said, no.�

T�Sa hissed at him, and moved back. She narrowed her eyes at him and snarled at him as she spoke.

�Tiar merra!�

T�Sa panted as she looked at him. She moved backwards, her face suddenly showed one of pain.

�Would you have me die?�

Thomas shook his head. He reached out to touch her when she jerked back. Her arm slammed into a rock. T�Sa whimpered as she looked at her arm. Blood started to drip at the cut.

�Oh, T�Sa��

Thomas moved to look when she hissed at him and moved back. T�Sa muttered in Vulcan then moved off near the shrubbery to nurse her wound. T�Sa muttered in Vulcan again, and Thomas sighed. Suddenly, there was a movement in the shrubbery. T�Sa gasped and move back towards Thomas. Then, several of the hunters came out of the woods. T�Sa whimpered and moved to take off in another direction when she was faced with a hunter. She went for another direction, only for the same thing to happen. They were surrounded.

�Tiar merra,� she yelled at the hunters.

Thomas pulled her close in a protective gesture; T�Sa hissed and again yelled out the offensive Vulcan word.

�Tiar merra!�

T'Sa shivered again, not knowing what caused that. Maybe it was being cold; maybe, she was worried about something, or someone. T�Sa closed her eyes.

�It�s going to be ok,� she continued, still whispering, �We have to believe that.�

+ 2 Dilithium. Really well done.

Founder

[Founder]

-DSG, OPS-

Jones nodded, following after Archer. He wondered why the captain didn't want the civilians near the new Federation ships.

His hand tapped his combadge, "Jones to sickbay. Prepare for wounded."

He entered the turbolift and called for the space dock.

-G'tarkin, Bridge-

Ian returned the hug, "Fito must be stopped."

He hoped that Katran, Kiris, and Cory were going to survive all of this....

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Turbolift-

Archer frowned as he thought over the starships stituation. He didn't want civilians near them, due to the site of the ships interiors. Last thing he needed was children being truamatized.

"Lieutenant, what's the status of the evacuation?"

-G'tarkin, Bridge-

T'Sa nodded slightly, agreeing with what Ian was saying.

"We'll stop him," she whispered, "One way or another, we'll do it."

She looked up to Ian and studied the face for a moment. This man was hurt in the worst way by fito. Well, one of the worst way. Betrayal hurt. T'Sa was sure the pain of the deaths hurt more.

"Maybe," she continued to whisper, "We can find a way to allie the rest of the fleet, and neghboring governments. IF we can get them to see what is going on here, maybe, just maybe we can turn the tides againts Fito."

[Spellbinder Marik]

-G�Tarkin Quarters-

N�Tran had settled into an uneasy meditation. He began going over his life and the things that led to his current suffering.

-Romulus, Several Years ago-

Lt. N�Tran Ditex was in a compound sparring with Lt. T�Rell. They�d just recently been promoted and were enjoying a new priviledge of the rank. Access to a simulator. The com chirped.
�Lt. Ditex, report to the central city hospital immediately.�
N�Tran left the simulator and went to the hospital. He didn�t know what this was about. He�d already had his physical for the current cycle. A Nurse pulled him aside.
�Your father is dieing Lieutenant. It won�t be long now but he wanted to speak with you.� N�Tran nodded. Part of him wanted to break down but years of training had taught him not to waiver in any situation. N�Tran entered the hospital room.
�Father, I am here.� D�uwal opened his eyes. His breathing was labored.
�N�Tran, son, come closer.� N�Tran went to his fathers side.
�Congratulations on your promotion. Keep up the good work and you�ll be a commander in no time.� N�Tran looked at his father. Until now N�Tran had always seen his father as an invincible godlike figure. In the end though age finally caught up with him.
�Father, I am sorry I couldn�t have made you prouder of me. I�m sorry for all the times I disappointed you.� D�uwal smiled weakly.
�Son, I�ve never been more proud of you than I am right now and you never really disappointed me.� N�Tran took his fathers hand. It was icy cold.
�Then why have we not spent more time together father?� D�uwal spoke, his voice getting faint.
�I�got so caught up in my work�didn�t mean for it to happen. N�Tran, promise me�you�ll take a more active role in your sons life�� A monitor overhead flatlined.
�I promise father.� At the time though N�Tran didn�t have a son. N�Tran threw his training out the window and wept at the side of his fathers body�

-G�Tarkin, Quarters-

��I promise father.� N�Tran looked up. He was back in the quarters on the G�Tarkin. N�Tran knew that his fathers death had hit him hard. He didn�t know that the impact went as deep as it did. N�Tran hadn�t been able to keep the promise he�d made to his father. Kiris resented him for leaving. N�Tran had let himself become his father. Perhaps it wasn�t too late. Hopefully it wasn�t too late.

+ 3 Dilithium. Good char. development/emotion.

Founder

[Founder]

-G�Tarkin, Bridge-

Ian pulled from the embrace and rested one arm against the bulkhead, continuing to stare out of the view port.

"Yeah," He said absent mindedly, "I guess..."

He wondered how long it would be before they would reach DSG...

-DSG, Turbolift-

Jones thought about it for a moment.

"So far," He said, "Only minor problems, but everyone should be evacuated within the next hour."

[Spellbinder Marik]

-G�Tarkin, Bridge-

Satil had returned to the bridge. He�d also resumed his post at the helm.
�Captain,� Satil said addressing Kor�Tagh, �We�ve entered the Chaltok system.�
Kor�Tagh nodded. He�d noticed that the Romulan had a new found respect for him. Kor�Tagh pressed a button on his chair.
�Kor�Tagh to Ditex.� There was a pause.
�Ditex here.� N�Tran responded.
�We�ve reached the Chaltok system. Would you and the others like to transport back now?� Kor�Tagh heard some rustling over the comline.
�I�ll meet the others in the transporter room. Ditex out.�

[Lord Borg]

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

T'Sa looked down and shuffled slightly.

"I don't know what to say..."

T'Sa looked at Ian. She thought back to when Thomas died. The call she had to make to him. The tears she held back while they talked over the subspace com. The tears the flowed though the night untill she fell asleep from exhaustion. She looked out the viewport. So many stars. They seemed so insignificant, so far off. Some had no worries in the quadrant, while others, blinked out millinea ago, while others faced the threat of people like Fito. T'Sa frowned inside. There was a time, where Starfleet was truely, a peaceful arm, of exploration. Were vessels were made for defensiver pouposes. Now.... T'Sa sighed.

"We've faced threats before, we'll face this one."

-DSG, Turbolift-

Archer nodded. He looked to Jones.

"What class is the Madras?"

Archer frowned at the thought of the crew. He couldn't remember why it sounded farmiliar.

"The Captain? Are you aware of the captain's name?"

[Founder]

-DSG, Turbolift-

Jones brought up the ship's records in his mind, a technique he had thanks to his cybernetic half.

"The USS Madras-Ambassador class," He reported, "Captain Joanne Taylor. Deceased."

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

Ian noticed they mentioned something about the Chaltok system. One of the systems near the Vega one, where DSG was. He wondered what they were doing there. Ian looked back at T'Sa.

"I know..." He said.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Turbolift-

Archer sighed and shook his head sadly. The doors to the turbolift opened as it came to a stop. Archer steped out of the turbocar.

"Captain Xavier will be upset to hear that name."

Archer looked back.

"She's an...old aquaintence of ours. Her reputation precedes her, Mr. Jones."

Archer walked down the corridor solomly. He looked at the crowd of people that were being evacuated.

"She was a unique captain, perhaps a bit...estentric, maybe even a bit..."

Archer smiled at the memories of their meetings.

"Let's just say, she was one of the most uniqe officers you'd ever meet."

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

T'Sa looked around on the bridge. The crew were moving about as if Ian and T'Sa were not even there.

"Come on," she whispered.

"We can't do anything here, let's get out of their way."

T'Sa made a slight motion for him to follow.

"I don't want them to hear," she continued to whisper, "About my...condition."

T'Sa knew that Ian deserved to know, timeing was perhaps not the best, but they had a while before arrving anywhere safe, that is, before they'd get back to the station. She looked at Ian.

"You also need to get your mind on differnt things."

[Spellbinder Marik]

-G�Tarkin, Transporter Room-

�Ditex to Bridge, Captain Xavier, if you and your crew are coming hurry it up.� N�Tran waited around.

-Salara, Bridge-

T�Rell, Laura and Kiris all looked at the viewscreen. In the next few minutes they�d be taking control away from N�Tran. It wasn�t something they looked forward to.
�Are they onboard yet?� T�Rell shook his head.
�Not yet.�

[Founder]

-DSG, Corridor-

The corridor was packed with civilians, all of them being herded into transports that were docked at the station. Two Federation ships, not part of the 5th fleet, were also loading some of the civilians. Jones felt a pang of guilt for the loss of Ian and Jonathan's friend.

"Starfleet will lament her loss sir." He said to Archer.

He pushed past a family of Bajorans and continued after Archer, not really knowing where he was headed.

-G'Tarkin, Bridge-

Ian got up to follow T'Sa when he got the call from N'Tran. The man was apparently going somewhere, but he had no clue where. Why was he asking for the captain and his crew to join him? Whatever it was, it could be important. T'Sa wanted to speak with Ian on her condition, but he wanted to do that on DSG. The Klingon ship was no place to discuss something like that.

"T'Sa," He said, "We'll talk about it on DSG. Let's deal with this problem, then I can put my complete focus on helping you."

He turned and headed for the transporter room, not sure if T'Sa wanted to follow or if she simply wanted to be alone.

-G'Tarkin, Transporter Room-

Ian walked in to see N'Tran preparing to beam somewhere.

"Admiral," He said, "Where are we going?"

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Corridor-

Archer followed moved though the crowd, looking over the faces of many people in fear. He smiled at a small child he saw, who returned the smile. Archer steped though the crowd and though the airlock tube that lead the the Madras. Entering the ship, Archer frowned at the sight of the damage. He could see from the various colors on the rug, and the walls, many people where in the area when various breeches occured. He motioned for Jones to continue following.

"We'll mourn them later. Let's get to the bridge"

-G'Tarkin-

T'Sa nodded and followed Ian. He had a point, it would be better to continue on the station. T'Sa remained quiet in the transporter room.

[Spellbinder Marik]

-G�Tarkin, Transporter Room-

�We�re transferring back to the Salara. Then we�ll continue on to your station and amicably part ways.� N�Tran stepped onto the transporter pad.
�Ditex to Salara, Energize.�

[Founder]

-USS Madras, Bridge-



The USS Madras was docked inside of the station, heavily damaged. Phaser scarring was all over the hull. Dead bodies litered the interior and bulkheads were left unintact. Jones followed Archer into the bridge and looked around. He felt out of place while studying the others. The other officer's uniforms were completely disheveled and dirty. Jones and Archer of course were in clean uniforms. The two men must have looked like a pair of God sents. Commander Westmore noticed the two and approached Archer. His sleeves were rolled up and an old scar was visible on his left wrist.

"Captain Archer," He said, "Welcome to the Madras."

He nodded to Jones whom returned the nod back. Jones leaned over to Archer and whispered.

"Sir?" He said, "Permission to assist in assessing repairs."

-Salara, Transporter Room-

They beamed over to the Romulan warbird after Ditex gave the order. Ian couldn't tell if it was his imagination or not, but N'Tran spoke with a very bitter tone. The Klingon's words rang in his ear. He rematirialized on the other ship, hoping to see his chief engineer and astrometrics officer was ok.

[Lord Borg]

-USS Madras, Bridge-

Archer shook the Commander's hand. He nodded to Jones.

"Granted, also, see what can be done about getting the crew somehting to eat. After a month of emergancy rations,"

Archer looked to Westmore.

"I would imagine a change wouldl be nice."

Archer nodded again to Jones then spoke to the first officer of the ship. Well, now he would be the commandng officer.

"Commander, I only wish this was under better circumstances. I...knew your Captain."

Archer looked at a display screen that was flickering.

"What's this about not getting reenforcements?"

Archer asked, bringing up a topic from an earlier talk.

-Salara, Transporter Room-

T'Sa shifted and stepped over towards Ian. She looked around carfully at the surroundings of a Romulan vessel. She sighed internally, being on one again, so soon.

[Spellbinder Marik]

-Salara, Bridge-

N�Tran hastily went to the bridge. He was eager to get this over with as soon as possible. It was clear by now that he�d never get through to Xavier.
�Helm, Set a course for Deep Space Guardian, Warp 8.� The helmsman nodded. N�Tran entered his ready room and sat down. He pulled the suit off and threw it into a corner. He pulled a normal uniform top back on. He picked up a PADD that contained everything that had happened to them since he�d been away. Kiris�s friend, Cory Taylor had proposed the idea that saved the ship. N�Tran made a mental note to speak with him about it. There was a chirp at the door.
�Enter.� N�Tran said without looking up.
�Welcome home sir.� It was T�Rells voice.
�Funny you should mention home. After we drop the Starfleet people off we�re going back to Romulus. We�ll handle this our way.� T�Rell didn�t need to hear anymore then that. He knew N�Tran wasn�t thinking strait.

T�Rell cleared his throat.
�Then sir you leave me no choice. Under article 14 paragraph 12 of the Romulan Command Code of Conduct I, Commander T�Rell relieve you, Admiral N�Tran Ditex of all duties and privileges until further notice.� N�Tran looked up.
��and I thought you didn�t have a sense of humor.� T�Rell didn�t wavier.
�I�m not joking sir.� N�Tran looked into T�Rells eyes. He was right, he wasn�t joking.
�You�re saying I�m mentally unfit to serve as commanding officer?� T�Rell stepped forward.
�If we go back to Romulus now we�ll be certainly killed. If not by the Nautolians then by Sela. I cannot and will not allow that to happen.� N�Tran stood up.
�Ditex to Security, Report to my ready room immediately.� T�Rell shook his head.
�The crew already knows I was planning to do this sir. Laura and Kiris are backing me too.� N�Tran threw the PADD at T�Rell. T�Rell managed to duck before it hit him.
�This is mutiny! You know that!� T�Rell shook his head.
�No sir. This is a friend trying to help his friend.�

+ 2 Dilithium. Well written.

Founder

[Founder]

-Salara, Transporter Room-

Ian noticed N'Tran rush out of the transporter room for some reason. There was definitly an air of hostility coming from him. Ian didn't need to be an empath to realize it. He shot a look towards T'Sa and followed after the Romulan, heading for the bridge...

-Salara, Bridge-

The Federation captain stepped onto the bridge and noticed a rather awkward silence. N'Tran was no where to be seen, nor was Kiris and Cory.

"Where are the...Starfleet officers that were onboard?" He asked anyone who was listening.

-USS Madras, Bridge-

The commander nodded, "Yes, she knew the captain of DSG apparently. She said she wanted to visit. Apparently, it had been a long time since they spoke."

He sighed sadly when Archer mentioned no reinforcements. An officer approached him and handed him a PADD. Westmore read over it and then nodded, approving it. The officer took back the PADD and rushed towards a console. He looked back at the captain of the hospital ship.

"I'm not sure sir," He explained, "Starfleet said they didn't have the ships or resources to pull us from the Neutral Zone. They said nothing more then that. With all due respect, I'm just a commander. I don't have the authority to argue with the brass. All I know is...the fleet was exstatic when we heard we were diverted to a space station. It may not be a vacation, but at least we have a starbase nearby to repair and switch out officers."