Star Trek: Mjolnir - Dogs Of War

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter One =/\=​

Stardate 57610.32 (August 11, 2380. 09:06 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir docked with Starbase 12
Gamma 400 System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“Captain’s Log Stardate 57610.32

The Mjolnir has been at Starbase Twelve for a standard week while Commander Gorsach an’ his team have been busy conducting repairs an’ routine maintenance on virtually every ship-board system. Ahm pleased tae note that Lieutenant Gratakka has been doing such a fabulous job filling the position o’ Chief Tactical an’ Security officer that ah’ve made it permanent. Speaking o’ new additions tae the crew, Starfleet assigned us a new member o’ the senior staff, an Intelligence Officer in the form o’ a Lieutenant Malcolm Washbourne. Ah have tae admit ah dinnae ken why we need an intelligence officer, but far be it from me tae second guess command. His duties onboard, aside from to acting as a liason tae S.I. will be tae operate the holo-mask an’ act as the combat tracking officer in combat situations..”

Once he was finished speaking Callum pressed a control on the top of his desk to Callum the recording of the captain’s log and file it in the computer’s database. Walking over to the replicator Callum placed an empty bottle that had held lime pick-a-pop on the receiving slot and pressed the recycle button causing the replicator to dematerialize it with a miniature transporter effect. As the bottle disappeared Callum walked to the desk and the long metal box that sat on top of it. Opening the box Callum gently lifted out the eight hundred year old Clan MacLeod greatsword, which bore the name MacLeod on the arch of the handguard where the blade met the hilt, before he walked around the desk and reverently placed the ancient sword the wall mounts that he’d had engineering install. As Callum took a step back to look at the greatsword hanging on the wall his combadge chirped to signal that he had and incoming hail waiting for him.

After setting the bottle down on the desktop and tapping his new combadge, an outline of a silver Starfleet delta on top of two vertical gold quadrangles, to open the comm-link Callum said, “MacLeod. Go ahead.”

“Commander Rel, Captain.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge, “We’re receiving an incoming code forty-seven transmission.”

“Transfer it here, Commander.” Callum said ordered as he adjusted how he was sitting in the chair and reached over to the desktop monitor.

“Aye, sir. Rel out.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge before the comm-link quietly clicked closed.

Turning to face the monitor Callum pressed the control on the desktop that caused the monitor to rise out of the desktop and click into place. Looking at the monitor Callum tapped the ‘ACCEPT’ icon on the monitor causing the United Federation of Planets logo appeared on the monitor screen.

“State authorization for access to the communication.” The computer stated evenly.

“MacLeod gamma-six-delta-one.” Callum replied.

“Access granted. This is a Code Forty-Seven transmission.” The computer stated, “It is not to be discussed with fellow officers unless deemed absolutely necessary. There will be no record of said transmission.”

“Understood. What is the delay from source.” Callum asked.

“Twenty standard hours from time of transmission at Earth.” The computer replied.

“On the monitor.” Callum said.

Seconds later the monitor sprung to life with a prerecorded message from none other than the famous Admiral Nyota Uhura herself.

=/\=​

Just over fifteen minutes later Callum walked onto the bridge and, as he headed for the center seat he heard the ship’s newly assigned intelligence officer, Lieutenant Malcolm Washbourne, announce his presence on the bridge as he popped up from the new Intelligence and Combat tracking station on the port bulkhead just aft of the ops station.

“CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!” Malcolm barked to draw the bridge crew’s attention As the pips of a full lieutenant shone in the reflected light from the overhead lighting contrasting sharply with the black Starfleet Intelligence uniform undershirt collar.

“As you were.” Callum said before bridge staff sprung up from where they were sitting, “There’s nae need tae call attention when ah enter a room, Lieutenant. All station, make preparations for departure. Ah want tae get underway as soon as possible.”

After a round of ‘aye,sir’’s Damrus said, “Captain, we’re receiving an incoming communication from the Starbase.”

“The Starbase? What is it?” Callum asked as he turned to face Damrus.

“A large self-sustaining space-borne structure that serves as Starfleet’s base of operations for the sector. But that’s not important right now.” Damrus said barely managing to keep a straight face.

“A large…?!” Callum said trailing off with the surprise evident in his voice, “Was that a joke, Commander?”

“Possibly.” Damrus said as he was unable to suppress a wry grin any further, “But what’s not a joke is the incoming communication from the Starbase. There seems to have been an incident on the station, Captain. A drunken Klingon was apparently getting a bit to touchy with one of the waitresses in the station’s bar. That’s when our man intervened and was forced to get physical with the Klingon. By the time security arrived a display on the promenade was broken and our man had the Klingon in a head lock.”

“Who is it?” Callum asked with a sigh.

“Senior Chief Petty Officer Ez’targic.” Damrus replied.

“A Klingon and a Royadinian fighting. Tae be honest ah kinda wish that ah had been there tae see it. It must’ve been quite the sight.” Callum said with a chuckle. Continuing on Callum said, “Notify the starbase that ahm beaming over tae deal with this personally. You’re in command until ah return.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied before turning back to his station to signal the station as Callum headed for the starboard exit.

=/\=​

Once he reached the transporter room Callum stepped up onto the transporter platform and had himself beamed over to the Spacedock class Starbase Twelve where he materialized on an identical transporter platform. Standing in front of the transporter platform was a rubenesque Bolian ensign with a support services gold undershirt on underneath her uniform tunic.

“Captain MacLeod?” The Bolian asked.

“Aye, that’d be me lass. Who would ye happen tae be?” Callum replied as he stepped off of the transporter platform.

“Ensign Toya, Station Security. If you’ll come with me, Captain, I’ll escort you to security. Commander Rhodes is waiting there to speak with you.” The Bolian said.

Gesturing towards the door Callum said, “Lead the way, Ensign.”

“Aye, sir.” Toya said before turning towards the door.

Moments later Callum followed ensign Toya into the security office and past the front desk before heading down the corridor that led into the holding cell area where he saw the station’s chief of security, Lieutenant Commander Garven Rhodes, standing there.

Seeing ensign Toya standing there Lieutenant Commander Garven Rhodes said, “Thank-you, ensign. You’re dismissed.”

After ensign Toya responded with an ‘Aye, sir.’ and left the holding area Rhodes turned off the force field that confined the two meter tall Royadinian – who like all members of his species – looked like a bipedal iguana.

“Lieutenant Commander Garven Rhodes, XO and Chief of station security.” Rhodes said introducing himself.

“Captain Callum MacLeod, CO USS Mjolnir.” Callum said introducing himself in kind.

“Now that you are here your man is free to go. I had to follow regulations and hold him till we talked.” Rhodes spoke.

“Technically we have nae talked aboot Mister Ez’targic yet.” Callum said as the reptilian non-comm stepped out of the holding cell and moved so he was standing behind and to Callum’s right.

“There were plenty of witnesses and they all corroborate Mister Ez’targic’s account of events and that he wasn’t the aggressor. The Klingon was drunk and getting a little too touchy-feely with the waitress. From what I hear it was a short fight and your Senior Chief was far more restrained than most people would be in his place.” Rhodes said, “The only reason we brought him in was because regulations required that we hold him until we spoke to his CO. He’s been nothing but cooperative and respectful. He’s even shown genuine concern about his opponent’s condition.”

Turning to face the burly Royadinian non-comm Callum said, “You’re with me, Chief. When we get back tae the ship ah want ye tae submit a full report on what happened and have it tae me within half an hour of us beaming back.”

“Aye, sir.” Ez’targic rumbled in his deep baritone tone before the two of them turned and left Starbase Twelve’s holding cells.

=/\=​

As he stepped off of the transporter pad Callum nodded at non-comm who was standing at the transporter console in front of the transporter platform before he looked at the non-commissioned Royadinian security officer he had beamed onboard with and told him he was dismissed before he tapped his combadge to open a comm-channel.

Walking out of the transporter room Callum walked down the corridor until he reached the nearest turbolift alcove and pressed the ‘Call’ button to summon a turbolift. Moments later the turbolift door whooshed open and Callum stepped out onto the bridge.

Walking across the bridge towards the center seat watching as Damrus stood up and stepped to the side so he was standing next to the captain’s chair.

Sitting down in the center seat Callum looked at Damrus and said, “The bridge is mine, Commander.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said before turning and walking back to the first officer and communications station.

“Commander Rel, Get Starbase Ops on the comm-link. Its time for us to get underway.” Callum said the next morning as he sat in the Mark Seven center seat as the Mjolnir orbited the station.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied as he began tapping instructions into his console. A moment later he spoke up saying, “Starbase Twelve’s Ops is standing by.”

“Operations, this is the Mjolnir, we are requesting clearance tae depart.” Callum said as he shifted in the Mjolnir’s center seat.

“Mjolnir, You are cleared for departure. We are transmitting an exit flight plan now, please maintain thrusters at one quarter until you are clear of the superstructure and do not exceed one quarter impulse until you clear the outer marker.” The voice of the Starbase Twelve’s on duty flight control officer said coming from the bridge’s overhead comm speaker.

“Understood, Operations. Thank-ye. Mjolnir out.” Callum replied.

“Captain; the docking clamps have been released, all umbilicals have been retracted, all hatches are secure. We’re operating on our own power.” Navesh reported from the Operations station.

“Understood, Commander Tymoshenko.” Callum said, “Lieutenant Nerah, port an’ starboard thrusters at station-keeping, activate the bow thrusters at one quarter and back us oot o’ our berth.”

“Aye, sir.” Nerah said as his fingers danced across the helm console as he guided the Mjolnir’s movements. A moment later he continued on saying, “We have cleared the docking port, Captain.”

“Understood, bring us aboot an’ put us in the exit lane for departure.” Callum said as he sat in the Mark Seven Command Chair in the center of the bridge.

“Aye, aye, sir. Coming about… Altering course heading to one one five mark zero… we are in the lane on our assigned outbound trajectory for departure.” Nerah said as he guided the Mjolnir’s movements causing the viewscreen to show an ever changing view of space in front of the ship.

After a momentary silence Nerah spoke up saying, “We have cleared Starbase Twelve's flight control zone and are free to navigate.”

“Lieutenant Nerah, lay in a course for the Chal system and engage at warp nine on course for the Chal system once we clear the outer marker.” Callum ordered.

Once the Mjolnir banked out of orbit of Starbase Twelve it glided forward at full thrusters through the station’s flight control zone on course for the outer perimeter so they could go to warp. Once they had passed the outer marker the ship seemed to perceptibly stretch forward as if the saucer section seemed to be trying to escape from the rest of the ship. Much like an elastic rubber band, the aft end of the ship snapped forward as the it accelerated to warp, vanishing into a flash of light.

“Ahm getting a drink from the replicator. Does anyone want anything while ahm up?” Callum asked as he stood up.

“No thank-you, sir.” Gratakka said from tactical.

“I’ll have a Bolian tonic water, sir.” Damrus said from the first officer and communications station.

When no one spoke up after Damrus finished speaking Callum looked around as he said, “Commander Tymoshenko? Lieutenant Nerah? Ensign Collins, Lieutenant Vhela? Lieutenant Washbourne?”

“Nothing for me, sir.” Nerah said after turning from the helm to face Callum.

“Me neither, sir.” Malcolm said turning from the Intelligence Station.

“I’ll have a Bolian tonic water, too.” Navesh said after turning to face Callum.

“Make that three, sir.” Vhela replied from the science station.

“No thank-you, sir.” Dorian said from her post at the auxiliary control station in the alcove at the aft of the bridge as she tapped a message into her console and sent it to her girlfriend – the ship’s Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Melina Pax.

Having all his answers Callum walked over to the bridge’s replicator before he spoke to the computer saying, “Computer, ah need one lime pick-a-pop an’ three Bolian tonic waters.”

Seconds later the replicator hummed and the receiving platform lit up with a silver glow that formed into a clear bottle filled with a bubbly green liquid and three silver thermal mugs, each with an image of a Starfleet combadge above the words USS MJOLNIR NCC-87652, all sitting on a tray. Picking up the tray Callum walked over to Vhela and held out the tray offering her drink to her Before carrying on. Once the last mug was taken from the tray Callum walked back to the replicator and, after placing the tray on the receiving slot pressed and taking his bottle off of it, pressed the ‘recycle’ button causing it to be dematerialized in a swirl of silver light and sparkles. Taking a sip from his bottle Callum turned from the replicator and walked back to the captain’s chair before he sat back down.

“Captain, is there a reason we are heading to a backwater world like Chal?” Damrus asked from his station in between sips from his mug.

“There is, Commander.” Callum said after turning to face his Eskan XO, “Have the senior staff in the conference room in ten minutes an’ Ah’ll bring everyone up tae speed. Ah’ll be in mah ready room.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Two =/\=​

Stardate 57610.46 (August 11, 2380. 10:21 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Just outside the Gamma 400 System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

Walking through the door that led from the Mjolnir’s bridge to the rectangular conference room and saw the conference table with the senior staff sitting around it. Walking to the head of the table Callum began talking.

“Ah ken ye are wondering why we’re going tae the Chal system.” Callum said as he sat down at the head of the table, “Admiral Uhura herself has a mission for us. She has reason tae believe that the Cabal or their allies will attempt an assassination. We are being sent there to prevent it an’ hopefully capture the operative for interrogation.”

“Who are we being sent to protect?” Gatakka asked.

“A retired Starfleet Captain by the name of James T. Kirk.” Callum said nonchalantly.

“WHA?! “ Gratakka exclaimed, “Captain Kirk is dead. He died on Veridian Three helping Captain Picard defeat a madman.”

“That IS what is generally believed.” Callum said, “However the circumstances immediately following the incident on Veridian three are highly classified, hence why its generally believed that Captain Kirk is dead. But suffice it to say he is very much alive.”

As far as most of the Federation knew James T. Kirk HAD died helping Captain Picard defeat the genocidal plans of the El-Aurian Tolian Soran What they didn’t know was that immediately following that his remains were stolen from the surface of Veridian Three by a group of renegade Romulans and brought to secret base where Kirk was brought back to life by technology provided by the Borg, who had allied with them in an ill-fated attempt to destroy the Federation.

After giving Gratakka a couple of seconds to process Callum said, “Once we reach Chal Captain Kirk an’ his son, Joseph, will beam onboard. Commander Tymoshenko, please assign them the best family level guest quarters we have. Lieutenant Gratakka ah want ye tae assign them a protection detail, but tell your people tae be discrete they are our guests not prisoners. Lieutenant Washbourne, ah want ye tae see what information ye can dig up on the Suliban Cabal. Any new information might be significant.”

“Any questions?” Callum asked.

“Are we expecting any other living legends to come onboard? Ambassador Spock? Admiral McCoy? Grand-Admiral Chekov? Captain Sulu?” Gratakka said with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Not this time.” Callum said honestly, “Last ah heard, Ambassador Spock is still on Romulus acting as the official Federation envoy. As for Admiral McCoy, Grand-Admiral Chekov, an’ Captain Sulu the last time ah talked with them they were going tae remain on Earth for the foreseeable future.”

Enjoying the look shock on Gratakka’s face Callum said, “Any other questions? Anyone?”

When no one spoke up Callum said, “In that case, ye all can consider yourselves dismissed. Please return tae your stations. Commander Rel, ye have the bridge ah’ll be in mah ready room.”

=/\=​

As Callum was sitting behind the desk in his ready room reading from an oversized PADD the door chime sounded indicating that someone was waiting outside the ready room on the bridge waiting to come into the ready room.

“Enter.” Callum said saying Starfleet’s standard command/invitation that Starfleet personnel used to let someone who wanted to enter know it was okay to do so.
Seconds after Callum said to enter the ready room doors whooshed open and in walked both Melina and Dorian.

“What can ah dae for ye lassies?” Callum asked as the two women walked up to the ready room desk.

“We were hoping to discuss something of a personal nature. If that’s okay, sir.” Melina said sheepishly.

“Of course, what’s on your minds?” Callum asked.

“Well…” Melina said with a nervousness in her voice that wasn’t typical for her, “Do you remember when we ran into you and Navesh on Starbase Twelve?”

“Ah dae.” Callum said in his thick Scottish brogue, “If ah recall correctly ye had gotten turned around and were having difficulty locating the starbase’s Klingon restaurant.”

“Yes, sir.” Melina replied, “Well we found the restaurant and had a wonderful dinner. After dinner Dorian had quite the surprise for me… she asked me to marry her!”

Taking Dorian’s hand Melina continued on saying, “I said yes. Which brings us to why we were wanting to speak to you. We were both hoping that you would agree to perform the ceremony.”

“O’ course ah will!” Callum said enthusiastically with the joy he felt for the two of them clear in his voice, “Have the two o’ ye thought about where ye would like the ceremony tae happen?”

“Yes, sir we have.” Dorian said chiming in, “With your permission we would like to have a small service and reception in the observation lounge. We would like to limit the guests the senior staff and few other crew members. Chief Veran has already agreed to cater it, with your permission of course.”

“Sounds like a good idea tae me.” Callum, said, “Permission granted. Is there anything else that ye need o’ me at the moment, ladies?” Callum asked.

“No, sir.” Melina said, “We’ve got a lot of details to discuss first.”

“In that case ye can consider yourselves dismissed.” Callum said, “Make sure tae keep me in the loop.”

“Aye, sir.” Melina and Dorian said one after another.

=/\=​

That evening Malcolm lay on the bed in his cabin reading from intelligence reports from a PADD when his combadge chirped. Setting the PADD down beside him Malcom tapped his combadge to open the channel to find out who was trying to get a hold of him.

“Washbourne, go ahead.” Malcolm said.

“We’re receiving a communication for you, sir. It’s marked priority and is on a secure frequency.” The disembodied voice of the Beta shift ops officer said coming from the combadge.

“Route it to my cabin.” Malcolm said as he hopped off of the bed and walked over to the bulkhead mounted console.

Once he had walked the few steps to the console Malcolm pressed the accept button that was flashing on the screen. Seconds later the viewscreen showed the image of a Rigelian man, Vasily Zeitsev, sitting in a dimly lit, non-descript office that gave no signs as to where he was.

“Agent Washbourne.” Zeitsev said, “We need to talk.”

“I see that you’re still one for the dark and ominous vibe. Have you ever considered playing some music in the background to add to the effect? Maybe a little well timed thunder and lightning outside of a frosted window?” Malcolm said snidely.

“Watch it, Agent Washbourne.” Zeitsev said, "It would be a shame if your genetic...status came to light."

"Don't threaten me." Malcolm said.

"I wasn't." Zeitsev lied, "I was merely stating a fact."

“What do you need?” Malcolm asked neutrally.

“The Mjolnir’s current mission.” Zeitsev said, “Its crucial that the Suliban not succeeded in their efforts to eliminate Captain Kirk. Section Thirty-One has long term plans for Kirk. If the Suliban were to be successful it would be very… inconvenient… for Section Thirty-One. You are to keep him alive, no matter the cost. Everyone aside from Kirk is to be considered disposable should the need arise, Understood?”

“You know that Kirk is alive?!” Malcolm asked trying to hide his surprise, “I just found out myself.”

“We do. Section Thirty-One knows MANY things that are not commonly known.” Zeitsev said, “Do you understand your instructions, Agent Washbourne?”

“Understood. I’ll do my best.” Malcolm said.

“See that you do.” Zeitsev said.

“Understood.” Washbourne out.” Malcolm said before he pressed the end button closing the channel. Continuing on once the screen went black he said, “Computer, delete all records of that communication. Authorization Washbourne delta epsilon gamma four red.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Three =/\=​

Stardate 57616.34 (August 13, 2380. 14:03 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir en route to Chal
Interstellar Space, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“MacLeod here, go ahead.” Callum said after he had tapped the combadge attached to the fabric of his uniform tunic on the left side of his chest with the first two fingers of us right hand.

“Sorry to interrupt but we’ve detected a ship on an intercept course. According to sensors they’re really pushing their engines hard to try to intercept us.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said Coming from the combadge.

“Understood, Commander. Ah’ll be there right away. MacLeod oot.” Callum said before tapping his combadge to close the comm-link.

Walking through the door that led from the Mjolnir’s bridge to the rectangular conference room and saw the conference table with the senior staff sitting around it. Walking to the head of the table Callum began talking.

Mark seven captain’s chair as Damrus stood up and returned to the XO/Communications station wordlessly turning command of the bridge.

“Report.” Callum ordered. Continuing on he asked.

“We just got a clear reading on the ship.” Navesh said, “She’s a Loadstar class freighter. The SS Red Star out of Beta Nigelian Three.”

“Try hailing them, Commander Rel.” Callum ordered.

Seconds later Damrus said, “They are responding, sir.”

“On screen.” Callum ordered as he straightened up in his seat.

Seconds later the image on the Mjolnir’s viewscreen was replaced with the image of a full figured Human woman with silver hair appeared on the main viewscreen.

“Starfleet! Thank goodness, I am so happy to see you.” The silver haired woman said.

“Ahm Captain Callum MacLeod o’ the Starfleet vessel Mjolnir. How can we be o’ assistance?” Callum asked taking the diplomatic approach.

Her smile faltered as she said, “I’m Alana Jones, the first mate of the Red Star. Its our Captain, he’s not doing well. Although he’d have a fit if he knew I’d altered course and were pushing our engines this hard because of him.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Callum said.

“The old cuss won’t go to a medical facility and he’s starting to decline... won’t eat, sleeps most of the time but not very well, needs help to get around. He’s as ornery as a Capellan power cat and as weak as a kitten.” Alana answered.

“Where are ye heading?” Callum asked rubbing his thumb against the inside of the right armrest.

“Back home to Beta Nigelian Three.” Alana said, “Or at least we were before we detected you. We can head wherever need be. Our holds are empty ‘cause we just finished hauling a load of industrial replicators and atmospheric scrubbers.”

“Maintain your current course and throttle down to a safe speed. We’ll increase our speed tae compensate. Once we rendezvous, Ah’ll have mah first officer beam over with our CMO for a quick visit and we’ll take things from there.” Callum said.

“Thank-you, Captain.” Alana said gratefully.

“You’re welcome. We’ll contact you when we’re in transporter range. Mjolnir out.” Callum said

Once the viewscreen reverted to the familiar effect of a starship traveling at warp Callum turned to face Damrus and said, “Make arrangements with the good doctor to beam over once we rendezvous with the Red Star, Commander.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied, “Permission to leave the bridge?”

“Granted.” Callum said, “Dinnae take any unnecessary risks when you’re over there Commander. Ah dinnae want tae have tae break in a new XO.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied with a chuckle as he stood up. Looking at Nerah he said, “Increase to maximum warp, Lieutenant.”

=/\=​

“Captain’s Log Stardate 57616.49

The Mjolnir rendezvoused with a civilian freighter, the Loadstar class freighter SS Red Star, tae provide emergency medical aide tae her Captain. Doctor Pax reports that she has been able tae stabilize his condition. The first mate o’ the Red Star advised that they will head directly for their home port o’ Beta Nigellan where their Captain – who is also her father – has agreed tae undergo a cardiac replacement surgery. Now that we are back underway for Chal ah find mah-self wondering what trouble we will get in tae with the Suliban.”

Deciding that he needed to stretch his legs Callum stood up, after ending the recording, and headed for the exit that led to the bridge. Walking out the door Callum saw Damrus begin to stand up from where he was sitting in the center seat and waved him back into the seat as he continued walking across the bridge while he spoke.

“The bridge is still yours. Ahm just passing through, Commander.” Callum said. Continuing on he said, “Ah’ll be in the observation lounge if ye need me.”

"Aye, sir." Damrus said acknowledging Callum’s order and sitting back down in the center seat as he continued to cross the bridge.

Walking through the space between the first officer’s station and the tactical station Callum walked into the auxiliary control alcove at the aft of the bridge and around the freestanding master system’s display before walking through the doorway at the aft of the alcove. Once he walked through the doorway Callum walked down the corridor and past the doors on the starboard side that led to the escape pod that was designated for on-duty bridge crew and the Jefferies tubes that led to the rest of the ship. On the port side of the corridor directly across form the doors on the starboard side was the door that led to the head for deck one. Once he reached the end of the corridor Callum walked through the door at the end which led into the large rear facing rectangular observation lounge twice the size of his quarters with a bank of floor to ceiling windows that offered a view of space. Walking over to the windows Callum looked out into space thinking about their mission to safeguard one of Starfleet’s most legendary Captains and why now, of all times, Starfleet decided to assign an Intelligence officer to the Mjolnir.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Four =/\=​

Stardate 57624.55 (August 16, 2380. 14:00 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

The red-orange star blazed brightly in the center of the main viewscreen, providing a welcoming glow for the Mjolnir and her crew as Callum looked at the viewscreen from the Mark Seven captain’s seat.

“We’ve entered the system boundary and are proceeding towards Chal.” Nerah said turning from the helm to face Callum the next morning.

“Understood, Lieutenant. Take us oot o’ warp an’ in tae the system at full impulse” Callum ordered the Mjolnir’s chief flight control officer, “What’s our ETA to the planet?”

“Forty minutes, sir.” Nerah explained, “We have to take an indirect route because of the positioning of the gas giants and asteroid belt.”

“Sounds like fun… not!” Navesh chimed in from the ops station.

“Its nothing that I can’t handle.” Nerah replied matter-of-factly, “I was top of my class in fight school and have the second best time for the Ceres flight range. The only pilot with a better time than me was known as the ‘Highlander’.”

“Hmm.” Callum said with a chuckle in his voice, “Its good tae ken that mah record still stands.”

Turning from the helm with a look of shock on his face Nerah said, “You’re the Highlander?!”

“At your service.” Callum said with a smile on his face, “Not that ah dinnae trust the autopilot, but if ye would nae mind I’d feel a lot better if ye were facing the helm.”

“Of course, sir.” Nerah said as he turned back to face the helm console, “Just out of curiosity how did you get your call sign.”

“My squad gave it tae me because o’ mah last name. Ah share it with a fictional character from a twentieth century Earth movie called ‘Highlander’.” Callum said.

Turning to face the Intelligence station he asked, “Are there any other Starfleet ships in the sector, Lieutenant Washbourne?”

Once he’d checked his console Malcolm said, “One. The Albacore class border service cutter Bluefin. According to records her current assignment is to patrol near the Molari Badlands.”

“The Bluefin… isn’t that Captain Akinola’s ship?” Damrus asked.

“It is.” Callum replied.

“Do you know him, sir?” Damrus queried.

“Naw, but ah did have the pleasure o’ briefly meeting him at Star Station Echo a few years ago.” Callum said, “At the time ah gave serious thought aboot transferring tae the border service tae serve under him, but there were nae any openings on his ship at the time.”

“You were willing to transfer to the Border Service?!” Nerah asked with surprise.

“Aye, Lieutenant, ah was. Captain Akinola is one of the most experienced commanding officers in all of Starfleet, much less the Border Service. Ah ken it dinnae seem particularly appealing tae ye, but in spite o’ opinions tae the contrary the Border Service is nae the red-headed step-child o’ Starfleet. They are Starfleet officers serving in a branch o’ the ‘fleet that provides a valuable service tae the Federation.”

As the rest of the bridge crew listened to Callum espousing the virtues of Captain Akinola and the Border Service, Malcolm tapped a series of commands into the Intelligence and Combat Tracking station pulling up the HECTOR program’s programming data. Looking at the coding he saw the override subroutine that Prolasch had added and smiled a half smile. Moments later the smile was wiped from his face when he saw the Section Thirty-One coding that would prevent the override subroutine from working and would allow the hologram to take control of all command functions. Feeling a sense of disgust and anger at the fact that Section Thirty-One hadn’t even told him about the fact that the HECTOR program would be able to seize control of the Mjolnir. Tapping a series of commands into his console Malcolm deleted the preventative coding block. Once the programming block was deleted Malcolm dismissed the window with the HECTOR program data and went back to performing diagnostics on the holo-mask.

=/\=​

“Captain, we are receiving a hail from the Chal Navigational Control department.” Damrus reported a half hour later.

“Onscreen.” Callum said as he straightened up as he sat in his seat.

Seconds later the viewscreen on the bridge’s forward bulkhead came to life as its multi-spectral imaging sensors creating the image of a Chalchaj’qmey man with brown hair, brown eyes, Klingon ridges and Romulan ears.

“I am Traffic Controller First Class Thoon of Chal Navigational Control. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?” Controller Thoon said.

“Ahm Captain Callum MacLeod o’ the Starfleet ship Mjolnir. We’re requesting permission tae enter orbit, Controller.” Callum said.

“Permission granted, Captain. You are cleared to enter they system and enter orbit. We will transmit a flight plan and orbit for your vessel to maintain while you are here. You and your people have permission to come to the surface, providing that you comply with all local ordinances while you are here. When you wish to leave contact us and we will assign you a flight path out of the system.” Controller Thoon said.

“Thank-ye, Controller. Mjolnir out.” Callum said before the viewscreen reverted to a view of space in front of the Mjolnir as the Diligent class ship cruised towards Chal.

“We’ve received the flight and orbital plan, Captain. We’ve been assigned a priority flight plan into the system. I’m transferring the course to the helm.” Damrus said a moment later.

“Flight and orbital plans received.” Nerah said as his fingers danced across the helm console, “Altering course as speed accordingly. ETA to orbit is six minutes and twenty five seconds.”

“Very good, Lieutenant.” Callum said. Turning in his Mark VII Captain’s chair so he was facing the first officer and communications station he continued on saying, “The bridge is yours, Commander Rel. Ah’ll be in mah ready room.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said acknowledging Callum’s order and standing up so he could assume the center seat as Callum began to cross the bridge as he headed for the ready room.

Walking across the bridge past the helm and ops stations and the Mjolnir’s dedication plaque Callum walked into the ship’s ready room. Once Callum had walked into the ready room he walked past the blue outlined octagon of the ready room’s holo-communicator to the desk. Once he was seated behind the desk Callum tapped a button on the LCARS control panel on the desktop that caused the monitor to rise and lock into place and entered a Chal personal communications identification code to hail.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Five =/\=​

Stardate 57624.64 (August 16, 2380. 14:53 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir in orbit of Chal
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“Captain, Chal Capital City Transport Center reports ready to beam two onboard.” Ensign Rita Tanenbaum said from the transporter control console after Callum had walked into transporter room one.

“Thank ye, Ensign. Energize” Callum replied.

Twin columns of silver light appeared on the transporter platform and quickly formed into a boy with Klingon ridges, Romulan ears and Trill-like spots and a middle-aged Human wearing a plain tunic and trouser set and carrying a non-descript duffle bag

“Welcome onboard.” Callum said with a grin as he spoke to James Kirk and his son Joseph.

“It’s good to see you again.” The elder Kirk said, “Its too bad about the circumstances.”

“Ah agree with ye on that one Cap… Jim.” Callum said catching himself before Kirk could correct him, “On the plus side ah’ve got a new orbital sky-diving program where ye dive through the atmosphere of a Class T ultra-giant tae land on a tropical beach o’ an M class planet.”

“Sounds fun.” Kirk said as he and Joseph stepped off of the transporter platform.

“If ye will come with me ah’ll show ye tae your quarters.” Callum said.

“By all means, lead the way.” Kirk said with a grin.

=/\=​

Moments later Callum was standing in family quarters with the two Kirks as he said, “Ah hope this quarters will do.”

“It will be more than good enough.” Kirk replied.

With a nod of his head Callum said, “If there is anything ye need while ye are onboard, please dinnae hesitate tae ask. There is one o’ the new style o’ combadge for each o’ ye on the coffee table. We’ve also arranged for a discreet security detail given the circumstances.”

“Thanks.” Kirk said more concerned about Joseph’s safety than his own.

Changing the subject Callum said, “If ye want a good meal ah suggest that ye swing by the mess hall an’ check oot our new galley. Our chef can do some miraculous things with what he has.”

“What do you think, Joseph? Should we check it out?” The elder Kirk asked the younger.

“Sure, dad.” Joseph said with a grin and a teasing tone in his voice, “It’ll be a nice break from your ‘cooking’.”

“Hey!” Kirk said in mock indignation.

“If neither o’ ye mind ah’ll be getting back tae the bridge.” Callum said.

“By all means.” Kirk said, “I know a Captain’s work is never done.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Six =/\=​

Stardate 57625.03 (August 16, 2380. 18:19 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
Suliban Cabal cruiser Vengeance
Approaching Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“Send a burst transmission to Shilin informing him that we are on approach to the target’s world.” The Commander of the cruiser said to the Suliban woman, Nillian, manning the operations station.

“Yes, sir.” The Nillian replied back. Seconds later she said, “Transmission sent.”

“What’s the status of the cloak?” The Commander, a man named Trelin, asked.

“Online and working normally.” The woman replied, “Nobody can see us.”

“Perfect.” The Commander said with a malevolent tone in his voice as he stood up, “I’ll be making sure the interrogation chamber is ready for our guest.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Seven =/\=​

Stardate 57624.82 (August 16, 2380. 16:30 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir in orbit of Chal
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“So?” Melina said to Prolasch as they stood in the Mjolnir’s sickbay , “You said you have something to show me.”

“I do.” Prolasch replied. Continuing on he said, “Computer, activate the Emergency Medical Holographic Program.”

Suddenly in a flash of holographic static a brown haired an fair-skinned holographic human in a science division uniform with no rank insignia on the teal uniform collar appeared facing Prolasch and Melina two meters away from them.

Looking at the two of them standing there the EMH spoke to them saying, “Please state the nature of the medical emergency.”

Ignoring the hologram Melina looked at Prolasch and said, “It’s our Mark Four EMH.”
Clearing his throat the EMH repeated himself saying, “Please state the nature of the medical emergency.”

Looking at the hologram Prolasch said, “There’s no emergency. I brought you online to show off the new enhancements to your program.”

“New enhancements?!” The EMH said with a snippy tone in his voice as he ran a quick diagnostic on his program, “My programming hasn’t been modified.”

“That’s because I haven’t brought the upgrades online yet you yarliq-brained hologram.” Prolasch quipped back, “I thought that you’d want to be online for the big moment.”

“I know that Starfleet’s going to start rolling out the mark five soon, but I’ve been working on tweaks to the mark four for months, in my spare time.” Prolasch explained.

Continuing on he spoke to the computer saying, “Computer activate EMH enhancement program Gorsach alpha.”

Suddenly the EMH wavered live a wave was passing through his body then disappeared in a flash of holographic static before reappearing standing there in a more relaxed stance before it spoke to Prolasch and Melina.

“How can I help you.” The EMH said with a relaxed and friendly tone in his voice that made him seem like he was a completely different person. Looking at Melina he continued on saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Pax. My name is Marcus.”

“So you gave it a name and changed its greeting protocol.” Melina said in an unimpressed tone.

“Yes.” Prolasch conceded before continuing on and saying, “But I did more than that. I also reinforced his matrix for long term use and added additional personality subroutines to smooth out the rough edges inherent to the program; I’ve basically turned him into a LMH. It was actually quite hard.”

“That’s what she said!” The hologram blurted out.

Looking at Prolasch the doctor gave him a questioning look clearly intended as a wordless recrimination for the hologram’s innuendo laden comment.

Shrugging Prolasch said, “Its part of the additional personality subroutines to smooth out the rough edges. One of my colleagues, Lieutenant Commander Reginald Barclay, provided that particular subroutine.”

“Well, since you worked so hard on improving the program I’ll give it a fair chance.”

Shrugging Melina said. Looking at the Mark two EMH he continued on saying, “What did you say your name was?”

“It’s Marcus, Doctor Melina.” The EMH said, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“You can start by making sure that all the tricorders in sickbay are properly calibrated and fully charged.” Melina said.

“Aye, sir.” The EMH said before walking away towards the bulkhead where the medical tricorders were sitting in the tricorder charging station

=/\=​

“MacLeod here. Go ahead.” Callum said after tapping his combadge as he sat behind the desk in his ready room.

“Commander Rel, captain. We’ve received a message from the surface. Apparently routine scans of the system’s asteroid belt have detected some unusual sensor readings in the asteroid belt and the planetary officials are asking that we investigate.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from the combadge.

“How far away is the asteroid belt?” Callum asked.

“Fifty-four point six million kilometers, sir.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge.

“Do we have the coordinates o’ the readings?” Callum asked.

“Yes, sir. They transmitted them along with the request to investigate.”

“Very well, commander. Recall any crew that are on the surface. Ah’ll be there shortly.” Callum said.

“Aye, sir. Rel out.” Damrus’ voice said from Callum’s combadge before the channel quietly clicked closed.

“No rest for the wicked.” Callum said to himself after the channel closed. As he turned and headed for the exit.

=/\=​

“Report, commander.” Callum said as he walked onto the bridge through the starboard entrance a few moments later and headed for the center seat seeing that the members of the senior staff whose duty stations were on the bridge were manning their stations.

“All crew have beamed back onboard and a course has been laid in to the coordinates. We’re ready to engage at full impulse at your command.” Damrus said turning to face Callum as he stood up vacating the captain’s chair.

“Very good, commander. Resume your station please commander.” Callum said. As Damrus returned to his position at the XO/Communications station Callum continued speaking, “Lieutenant Nerah…engage.”

=/\=​

“We are five minutes out from the coordinates where the life sign was detected.” Damrus reported as he stood up and stepped off the dais that held the captain’s chair.

“Understood.” Callum said. Continuing on as he sat down in the center seat he said, “The bridge is mine, Commander. Please return to your station.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied formally before he turned and returned to the first officer and communications station.

“All stop, Lieutenant Nerah. Hold this position.” Callum ordered from the captain’s chair, “Commander Tymoshenko, begin sensor scans. Commander Rel put the coordinates on screen, let’s figure out what’s out there.”

“All stop. Aye, aye sir.” Nerah reported as he brought the Mjolnir to a full stop.

“Aye, aye captain. Beginning full sensor sweeps.” Navesh said as she worked the controls on the lower console of the ops station.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied as the viewscreen switched from a view of space in front of the ship to a computer generated short range visual display.

“Mhac na galla…” Callum muttered cursing in Scottish Gaelic. Switching back to Federation Standard English he said, “That’s a gormagander!”

“I thought that gormaganders were extinct.” Damrus said from the XO/Communications Station.

“You’re not the only one.” Gratakka said in from the tactical station on the other side of the bridge in his Nausicaan accented Federation Standard English.

“Based on these readings she appears to be pregnant.” Vhela said from the science station, “Permission to launch a probe to study the gormagander at close range?”

“Permission granted. Launch the probe when ready but have it maintain a respectful distance, we dinnae want tae spook the beastie.” Callum said.

“Aye, aye sir.” Vhela said as she worked her console, “Sending the scan parameters to Ops.”

Seconds later Navesh said, “I’ve got them. Uploading the programing to the probe… and the probe is away.”

“Ah wish we could stay an’ study the gormagander but our mission is tae protect Captain Kirk an’ apprehend the would be assassin an’ it’ll be a lot easier tae catch them if we’re in orbit o’ the planet instead o’ hanging in space by the asteroid belt. Lieutenant Nerah take us back tae Chal, full impulse. Commander Rel send a message tae sector command advising them o’ the gormagander an’ that we’ve launched a probe tae study it. The Federation Zoological Institute may want tae dispatch a team to study the gormagander. They may even want tae relocate it tae a designated sanctuary system.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Eight =/\=​

Stardate 57624.84 (August 16, 2380. 16:40 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
Suliban Cabal cruiser Vengeance
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“The Starfleet vessel has left orbit. Its heading for the system’s asteroid belt.” Nillian reported from the cloaked Suliban cruiser’s helm.

“Keep an eye on them.” Trelin replied, “I’m going to tell Velin that its time to for him to go down to the surface.”

“Do you really think those… things… the Jaurdians bred will work?” Nillian asked.

“I don’t know.” Thelin replied before heading for the exit, “But Shillin says that we’ve been ordered to use them, so we use them.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Nine =/\=​

Stardate 57626.65 (August 17, 2380. 08:30 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir in orbit of Chal
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

"Its time tae bait the trap, Commander Rel." Callum said, "Send a general message tae the Chal Medical authorities requesting the medical records o' the Kirk family."

"Aye, sir." Damrus replied before he began tapping commands into his console.
"Lieutenant Gratakka, what's the status o' our safety net?" Callum asked turning to face the burly Nausicaan.

"On-line and at one hundred percent. I personally fit and activated Captain Kirk and Joseph's transport inhibitor bands personal shields." Gratakka reported, “You could fire a phaser a them till the power cell ran dry and you wouldn’t harm them. And the arm bands will fry any transporter that tries to beam either of them away.”

"Where did ye get the specs for those nifty gadgets, Lieutenant Washbourne?" Callum asked turning to look at Malcolm.

"Unfortunately that's classified, sir." Malcolm said honestly, carefully omitting the fact that they were recently developed Section Thirty-One tech.

“I’m not sure that I like having to trust gadgets from the spooks at S.I.” Gratakka grumbled as he glared at Malcolm, “ Scratch that. I KNOW I don’t like it.”

“We’re all on the same side, Lieutenant.” Callum said chastising the Nausicaan while secretly agreeing with him.

“Yes, sir.” Gratakka replied sullenly. Continuing on he said, “What’s an acceptable level of damage to any would be assassins, Captain.”

“They need tae be able tae talk an’ don’t dae anything that Doctor Pax cannae fix.” Callum answered.

“Yes, Sir!” Gratakka said with a fearsome grin on his face and a wicked glint in his eyes, “That still leaves me lots of room to have fun”

“Don’t forget that you’re a Starfleet officer, Lieutenant.” Damrus said with a cautionary tone in his voice.

“Yes, sir.” Gratakka said, “But I AM a Nausicaan; and certain things come along with that in spite of my general distain for my people’s ways.”

Hearing the turbolift door whoosh open Callum looked over and saw Captain Kirk and his son walk onto the Mjolnir’s bridge and look around for a moment surveying the bridge.

As Callum stood up he announced, “Captain on deck!”

While Starfleet protocol technically didn’t require Kirk’s presence to be announced, as he was retired from Starfleet, it seemed correct to Callum given Kirk’s fame and significant contributions and actions for and on behalf of Starfleet and the Federation.
Before anyone else could stand Kirk said, “Please, no formalities.”

“Is there anything ah can dae tae help you?” Callum said with a smile as he stepped away from the mark seven center seat.

“Joseph was hoping to see the bridge.” Kirk explained pointing at his son with his thumb and a flick of his wrist as he said his son’s name.

“Of course it is, Captain.” Callum said. Gesturing to the center seat he said, “Would ye care tae sit down?”

“None of that.” Kirk said, “Its Jim, remember?”

“O’ course.” Callum said.

“Good. Now that we have that sorted out, that is your seat. My days of sitting I the big chair are past. I’m good standing and watching.”

“Could I look at the stations?” Joseph asked looking at Callum full of youthful exuberance.

“Of course.” Callum said making a sweeping gesture encompassing the bridge as he sat back down in the center seat.

As Callum watched the two Kirks slowly walked from station to station engaging in some brief conversation with each officer manning the station. Once they reached the tactical station Joseph looked at Gratakka with awe.

“You’re a Nausicaan, right?” Joseph asked.

“That’s right. I’m the tactical and security officer, Lieutenant Gratakka.” The mountainous Nausicaan said as he extended his hand to the young Chalchaj’qmey while trying, unsuccessfully, not to seem to imposing and fearsome, “Its nice to meet you.”

“Same here.” Joseph said politely as he shook the Nausicaan’s massive hand.

Standing up and stepping to the side Gratakka gestured to the seat behind the freestanding console that was the tactical station as he said, “Feel free to sit down. It’s a pretty comfy chair.”

Once Joseph had sat down Gratakka pointed to various controls and readouts explaining what each one was.

“I’d let you shoot down a satellite, or give your planet’s moon a new crater but we’d both get in trouble for that.” Gratakka said with a deep gravely laugh after showing Joseph the phaser controls.

“Joseph, We’ve taken up enough of their time.” Kirk said prompting his son.

“Okay, dad.” Joseph said sullenly. Looking at Gratakka he said, “Thank-you, Lieutenant.”

“None of that.” Gratakka said with a chuckle, “Call me Gratakka.”

Looking at Callum as he spoke the elder Kirk said, “We were going to head to your mess hall. Would you care to join us?”

“It would be mah pleasure, Jim.” Callum said as he stood up and stepped away from the Captain’s chair. Looking at Damrus he said, “The bridge is yours, Commander Rel. Let me ken if anything comes up.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as he stood up from the XO/Communications station to head to the center seat to assume command of the bridge.

“Bye, Gratakka!” Joseph said excitedly.

“Bye, Joseph.” The mountainous Nausicaan said, “I’ll see you around.”

Once they had reached the turbolift alcove Callum pressed the call button to summon a turbolift. Once it arrived and the doors had opened Callum followed the Kirks into the turbolift car and, as the doors closed behind him while he turned to face them, ordered the turbolift to take them to deck five forward. Moments later the doors whooshed open and Callum stepped out and began walking down the corridor to head to the mess hall.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Ten =/\=​

Stardate 57626.8 (August 17, 2380. 09:49 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
Outside Capital City, Chal
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“Can I help you?” An elderly Chalchaj’qmey man said as he walked up to the modest cabin that James Kirk had built for himself and his since passed wife Telani.

Whipping around in surprise the camouflaged Suliban, Drel, who was disguised as a human said, “Oh! You surprised me.’

“Can I help you?” the elderly Chalchaj’qmey repeated getting suspicious of the stranger snooping around.

“Maybe.” Drel lied, “I’m looking for my Uncle James.”

“You may be waiting for a while.” The old man replied, “Jim had some business that came up last minute. He asked me to watch the place, ‘cause he wasn’t sure when he’ll be back.”

Trying to hide his frustration Drel said, “Do you know where he went? I came a long way to see him.”

“He didn’t tell me where he was going.” The old man said, “Just that him and Joseph would be beaming up to a Starfleet ship once he got off the comm-link with me. For all I know he’s not even in the system anymore.”

“Thanks.” Drel said, “If he contacts you could you not say anything about me being here. I want to surprise him.”

Without saying anything the elderly Chalchaj’qmey uttered a disapproving grumble and turned away and walked back down the path that led to the cabin.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Eleven =/\=​

Stardate 57626.8 (August 17, 2380. 09:49 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir in orbit of Chal
Chal System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

As Callum was sitting behind the desk in his ready room reading from an oversized PADD he decided that he wanted to listen to one of his favorite songs, which happened to remind him of Navesh , Callum began tapping commands into the LCARS control panel on his desktop. Moments later the ready room was filled with the sound of a twentieth century human musician’s voice singing.

“Oohh Are you gonna take me home tonight?
Ah, down beside that red firelight
Are you gonna let it all hang out?
Fat bottomed girls
You make the rockin' world go 'round..."

=/\=​

As the music finished playing the ready room’s door chime sounded to let him know someone was waiting in the corridor to enter. Figuring there was really only one way to find out Callum spoke up saying the standard Starfleet invitation/command of ‘enter’ to let whoever was waiting in the corridor know that they had permission to enter the ready room. Seconds later the ready room door slid open with a whoosh allowing Prolasch to walk into the ready room.

Once the two of them were alone in the corridor Callum looked at Prolasch and said, “What’s on your mind, Commander?”

“Well, sir.” Prolasch said, “I was reviewing the maintenance logs and I noticed that Lieutenant Washbourne had made a modification to the HECTOR program. So I looked closer and I saw that he deleted a block of programming.”

“Hmmm.” Callum said.

“That’s what I thought too. So I looked closer and the programming block he deleted was designed to prevent any override subroutine that may be added on from working.” Prolasch explained, “If he hadn’t deleted it my override wouldn’t’ve worked and we wouldn’t have found out until we tried to use it and failed.”

“Hmm, he never mentioned anything tae me aboot this.” Callum said.

“Me neither.” Prolasch said, “But it seems that we owe him one. His deleting that programming block has potentially saved our lives. If it had been left intact that programming block would’ve allowed Hector to take control of the ship and we wouldn’t’ve been able to do anything to stop him.”

“Continue tae look for anything else the Lieutenant may have modified without telling us and let me know, but keep the search to yourself. Ah dinnae want tae alarm the crew or alert Lieutenant Washbourne until ahm ready tae talk tae him aboot it.” Callum said.

“Aye, sir.” Prolasch said. Continuing on he said, “With your permission I’ll head back to Engineering.”

“Of course, Commander.” Callum replied.

Once Prolasch left Callum found himself alone in the corridor wondering about Malcolm and hoping, somewhat optimistically, that Malcolm had been looking out for his shipmates by deleting the programming block.

=/\=​

“Prepare to die, Kirk!” Velin said as he stood in Captain Kirk’s quarter’s pointing a phaser at Kirk.

“I don’ think so.” Gratakka said menacingly as he stepped out of the shadows in the dimly lit room and hoisted Velin off his feet and held him in the air by the collar with one hand while effortlessly pulling the phaser from Velin’s hand with his free hand.
In an impressive show of strength Gratakka crushed the poorly made Rigellian phaser and dropped it to the floor before tossing Velin across the room as if he was a rag doll. In one fluid motion Gratakka pulled his phaser from its holster on his hip and fired it at Velin. A look of confusion crossed his face as the phaser beams spread out as if hitting a force field then flowed to the center of Velin’s chest like water going down a drain.

“What the frak?!” Gratakka cursed.

“It’s a Jaurdian creation.” Velin explained as he stood up, “It provides protection against directed energy weapons.”

“That won’t be a problem.” Gratakka said menacingly as he drew a fearsome looking Nausicaan knife, the size of a short-sword, from the sheath at the small of his back and charged at the would be assassin.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Twelve =/\=​

Stardate 57659.51 (August 29, 2380. 09:09 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir docked with Starbase 12
Gamma 400 System, Sector 25712, United Federation of Planets

“The interrogation of the Cabal operative that Lieutenant Gratakka apprehended was very informative.” Callum said from the seat at the head of the table in the conference room, “According to our prisoner their allies, the Jaurdian, are planning an invasion.”

“Where is their staging area?” Malcolm asked.

“In orbit o’ CD-30 1812.” Callum said.

“Well they’re not much of a threat from that distance.” Prolasch said.

“You’re going to tell us we’re being sent to deal with the them, aren’t you?” Gratakka said.

“Ye are right, Lieutenant.” Callum said.

“Mange covered deities! Don’t they realize that it’ll take us over six months just to get out that far! Those paper pushers in command need their heads smacked against a frellin’ wall!" Prolasch grumbled interrupting Callum.

"Risk is our business. If you’re so opposed it ahm sure that we could make other arrangements. Perhaps transfer off o’ the ship would be more tae your liking, Commander?" Callum asked keeping his voice neutral as he chastised the surly Tellarite engineer.

"No, sir." Prolasch said, "This ship would fall apart without me here to keep things running."

"Ahm sure we could make do; an’ ahm pretty sure that Starbase Twelve could use someone tae scrub the station's EPS grid an’ de-gauze their transporter rooms." Callum asked still managing to keep his voice light and neutral.

"I'm sure, sir." Prolasch said sullenly, properly chastised.

Pressing a control on the desktop Callum a three-dimensional schematic appeared over the table and slowly rotated. The diagram was of some kind of warp-sled that Prolasch remembered having seen in passing some years before.

“As ah was about tae say, that’s where this comes in. This is the Mark-III Heavy Warp Sled. It was designed after Wolf Three-Five-Nine incase the Federation was overrun by the Borg. The plan is that we’ll dock with a sled that’s already on the way tae meet up with us. Then we’ll spend aboot twenty days traveling at warp nine point nine nine seven which will get us tae the vicinity o’ the Jaurdian staging area a lot quicker than we could on our own.”

“Anyone have anything they want tae ask about the mission?” Callum asked. When no one spoke up Callum looked at Navesh and said, “Where dae we stand consumable wise, Commander?”

“We’re good to go. We were just re-provisioned a month and a half ago.” The curvy Orion operations officer said, “We’ve got enough consumables to last us for two years. If we were to initiate grey mode we could stretch it to just about three. If we completely relied on Chief Veran for basic sustenance and only used the replicators for emergency parts replacement and medical use we could stretch it to three and a half.”

“Hopefully it does nae come tae that.” Callum said, “Ye all can return tae your stations. Commander Rel, ye have the bridge. Contact the Starbase an’ make preparations for immediate departure. Ah’ll be there momentarily.”

As the senior staff stood up and headed for the exit Callum turned to face the viewport and watched various classes of shuttles hurry about their business while he wondered about their upcoming mission.

=/\=​

“Report, Commander.” Callum ordered as he walked onto the bridge moments later.
“All decks report ready, sir.” Damrus began. “The last of the crew reported back onboard a few minutes ago, and all preflight checks show green.”

“Ahm glad tae hear that, Commander. Its time for us tae get under way.” Callum said as he say down in the center seat, “Signal all sections tae prepare for immediate departure an’ get the starbase ops on the comm-link."

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said with a grin on his face before turning and walking back to the first officer and communications station. A moment later he continued on saying, “All sections report ready for departure and Starbase Ops is standing by.”

“Operations, this is the Mjolnir. We are requesting permission to depart.” Callum said as he shifted as he sat in the center seat.

“Mjolnir this is Starbase operations. Hold position and standby for departure. We’re current waiting for the Gibraltar to clear the lane.” The dockmaster responded.

After a couple moments of quietness the voice of the female dock master on duty said, “Mjolnir you are clear for departure. We are transmitting your departure heading now. Do not exceed one quarter impulse until you clear the outer marker.”

“Understood, Ops. Mjolnir oot.” Callum said.

Once the comm-link quietly clicked closed he said, “Take us oot, Mister Nerah. One quarter impulse till we clear the outer marker.”

“Aye, sir.” Nerah said as his fingers danced Nerah the helm console as he guided the Mjolnir’s movements, “Coming about... Altering course heading to one one five mark zero. . . we are in the lane and ready for departure.”

Moments later the Bajoran helmsman said, “We are free and clear to navigate, Captain.”

“Understood.” Callum ordered. Once he finished tapping the LCARS control panel on the arm of his chair Callum said, “Ah’ve sent the coordinates for the rendezvous with the warp sled tae your station. Lay in a course an’ engage at warp nine when ready.”

Suddenly, the ship seemed to perceptibly stretch forward as if the saucer section seemed to be trying to escape from the rest of the ship. Much like an elastic rubber band, the aft end of the ship snapped forward as the it accelerated to warp, vanishing into a flash of light.

=/\=​

"Docking complete, Captain. We're full connected to the warp sled." Navesh said, "Diagnostics confirm we have full control of the sled's systems."

"Understood, Commander." Callum said, "Lieutenant Nerah lay in a course for the CD-30 1812 system an' take us tae warp."

"Aye, sir." Nerah said as his fingers danced across the helm console inputting commands.

Within seconds the viewscreen showed the familiar starburst effect of a ship accelerating to warp speeds.

"MacLeod tae Engineering." Callum said after tapping his combadge.

"Engineering. What’s so glurking important?” Prolasch grouse through the comm-link,

“I’m trying to get the number two intercooler flushed.”

"How's your interface with the sled functioning down there, COMMANDER?" Callum said emphasizing Prolasch's rank.

After pausing a moment to check some readouts Prolasch said, "Its smoother than a Deltan's back...."

"Ah'll take that tae mean it meets your standards an’ let ye get back tae your work. MacLeod oot." Callum said cutting Prolasch off interrupting his politically incorrect response.

Once the comm-link quietly clicked closed Damrus said, “I’ll remind Prolasch to mind his P’s and Q’s, Captain.”

“That’s appreciated, Commander. But make sure tae keep it unofficial this time, Commander.” Callum said hoping a reminder about proper protocol would be enough.

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said as his console beeped at him. After reading the message on the console he said, “Captain, Chief Veran asked that we let you know that he’ll be making something called ‘haggis and clapshaw’ this evening.”

“Ach, a man o’ good taste!” Callum said, “Ah just may have tae promote ‘im. Have ye ever had haggis?”

“Can’t say that I have.” Damrus replied, “What is it?”

“When its made in the traditional way it’s a sheep’s stomach stuffed with the animal’s heart, lungs, an’ liver minced and mixed with barley. But ahm pretty sure that we dinnae have a sheep onboard for him tae slaughter for the ingredients. So it’ll be more like a large sausage stuffed with seasoned meatloaf.”

“Do I even want to know what ‘clapshaw’ is?” Damrus asked cautiously.

“Oh, that’s just mashed potatoes an’ turnips mixed with milk, butter an’ chives.” Callum said with a laugh, “Its nothin’ tae be scared o’. But haggis an’ clapshaw is a good hearty meal that’ll put hair on your chest.”

“Well, in that case I’ll be avoiding the mess hall like it has the Terellian plague.” Navesh said chiming in from Ops with a grin on her face causing the entire bridge crew to laugh.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Thirteen =/\=​

Stardate 57664.9 (August 31, 2380. 08:50 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar Space, United Federation of Planets

As the Mjolnir flew through the blackness of interstellar space at warp nine, Callum walked onto the bridge and headed for the center seat to relieve the Tigan and watched as she stood up and stepped to the side so she was standing beside the center seat while the rest of the alpha shift bridge crew were briefed by the gamma shift crew that were manning their stations.

“Report, Lieutenant?” Callum asked Tigan.

“Lieutenant Brooke reported that that the secondary impeller in the Deuterium tank is running hot and recommends that it be replaced. I have forwarded the work order to Engineering.” Tigan replied.

“Understood.” Callum said. Continuing on he said, “The bridge is mine, Lieutenant.”

“Aye, sir. I stand relieved.” Tigan said formally relinquishing command of the bridge.
As Callum sat down in the captain’s chair Tigan and the rest of the gamma shift bridge crew filed out of the bridge and into the turbolift to go off duty.

“Computer, begin day watch.” Callum said to the computer causing it to begin the day watch. Continuing on as the doors Callum as the doors closed behind the last of the gamma shift bridge crew he said, “All stations report.”

“All offensive and defensive systems are on hot standby.” Gratakka reported from the tactical station on the bulkhead to Callum’ left.

“The intelligence database, combat tracking and holographic masking systems are online and available for use at any point, sir.” Malcolm reported from the Intelligence and Combat Tracking station.

“Primary and secondary systems are fully operational, as are the back ups.” Navesh reported from where she sat at the ops station, “The environmental system is producing a standard M class atmosphere in all pressurized areas of the ship and the grav plating is producing a standard one gee field in all areas with gravity.”

“All communications systems are online and operational, sir.” Damrus reported from the XO/Communications station on the bulkhead to Callum’s right.

“Fabulous, folks.” Callum said. Turning to face the XO/Communications station he said, “Ye have the bridge, Commander Rel. Ah’ll be on mah ready room.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus replied standing up from his seat to walk to the center seat and assume command of the bridge.

Looking at Navesh as he stood up Callum said, “Commander Tymoshenko, you’re with me.”

“Aye, sir.” Navesh said with a slightly surprised tone in her voice as she stood up at her station and followed Callum off the bridge as Dorian headed over to the ops station to take over.

Once they had walked into the ready room Callum looked at Navesh as he headed for the replicator and said, “What would ye like? Ah dinnae ken aboot ye, but ahm starvin’ ‘cause we did nae have breakfast.”

“It doesn’t matter to me.” Navesh said walking over to the desk as Callum reached the replicator.

Addressing the computer Callum said, “Computer give me replicator entrée one eleven with an lime pick-a-pop an’ replicator entrée one nineteen with an iced jumja tea.”

“Awe…” Navesh said as the trays with their favorite meals and drinks materialized on the replicator’s receiving platform.

=/\=​

Half an hour later after Callum had picked up their empty dishes and had the replicator recycle them before he returned to his desk Navesh said, “I really should be getting back to my station, with your permission of course. I’m still on duty after all.”

“Permission granted.” Callum said giving Navesh permission to leave.

“See you in a bit?” Navesh asked as she stood up.

“Aye, o’ course lass. But ahm going tae dae some paperwork before ah return tae the bridge.” Callum said, “Ah’ve been putting it oof longer than ah should.”

“I’ll see you later.” Navesh said before she turned and headed for the ready room’s exit to return to the bridge.

=/\=​

Callum was sitting at the desk in the ready room when his combadge chirped to signal that someone was trying to reach him through the comm-system. Tapping his combadge with the first two fingers of his right hand to open the channel Callum opened the comm-link.

“MacLeod here.” Callum said.

“Commander Rel. Sir.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from his combadge, “Sorry to disturb you, sir. However we’ve received a priority one message for you The handshake data indicates that it was relayed by Starbase Twelve, but originated on Chal”

“Route it here, Commander.” Callum said.

“Aye, sir. Rel out.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from Callum’s combadge before the comm-link quietly clicked closed.

Turning to face the monitor Callum pressed the control on the desktop that caused the monitor to rise out of the desktop and click into place. Looking at the monitor Callum tapped the ‘ACCEPT’ icon on the monitor causing the United Federation of Planets logo appeared on the monitor screen.

“Computer. What is the delay from source.” Callum asked.

“Fifty-two standard hours from time of transmission at Chal.” The computer replied.

“On the monitor.” Callum said.

=/\=​

“Since the days o’ the first wooden sailing ships one o’ the most pleasant duties o’ a Captain has been the privilege o’ joining two people in the bonds o’ matrimony.” Callum said to the assembled group, “Today ah have the pleasure o’ uniting Melina Pax and Dorian Collins in marriage. However, before ah declare them married they have chosen to recite their own vows.”

“I join with my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go; whatever you face I will face.” Melina said looking Dorian in the eyes after the two of them had turned to face each other, “For good or ill, in happiness or sadness I take you as my wife and will give myself to no other.”

Looking at Melina staning in front of her Dorian said, “I join with my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go; whatever you face I will face. For good or ill, in happiness or sadness I take you as my wife and will give myself to no other.”

Turning back to Callum as they still held hands they looked at him eager to hear what he was about to say.

“If anyone here knows o’ any reason why these two people may not be joined together speak now or forever hold your piece.” Callum pronounced. After a pause to allow anyone who wanted to speak the chance to do so he continued on saying, “In the sight o’ your shipmates, and in accordance with the laws o’ the United Federation o’ Planets and the customs o’ the Human an’ Trill people, It is my extreme pleasure tae now pronounce ye wed.”

With a grin on her face Melina took Dorian in her arms and dipped her as the two of them passionately kissed. Easing her back to a standing position as they still kissed the two of them reluctantly broke their kiss and turned to face the gathered crew and smiled as everyone in the observation lounge began applauding them.

“Ladies an’ gentlemen, ah present ye the newlyweds.” Callum announced proudly.

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Fourteen =/\=​

Stardate 57714.2 (September 18, 2380. 09:09 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Interstellar Space, Beta Quadrant

“Sled deceleration in five, four, three, two… slowing to sub-light,” Nerah announced as the warp sled dropped out of warp. After a journey of twenty days the Mjolnir had finally reached their destination coordinates. Nerah glanced back from his console.

“We’re secured from warp speed, Captain.”

“Acknowledged, Lieutenant,” Callum replied. “Lieutenant Vhela, begin passive sensor readings of the surrounding area. Let’s take a look around while trying not tae attract any undue attention.”

“We’re reading all stop, Captain.” Nerah reported from the helm seconds later.

“Sensor returns coming in now,” Vhela said her eyes riveted to her displays as the hyper-sensitive passive sensors drew in the energy signatures in their vicinity, “Low frequency subspace activity, but no significant communications activity within four light-years detected, sir. No signs of any vessels, installations, or artificial constructs of any kind within the same radius.”

“Okay,” Callum assessed. “Switch tae active scanning.”

“Active scanning, aye,” echoed Vhela as she powered up the starship’s powerful sensor arrays.

“Any vessels or outposts?” Callum asked.

Vhela’s hands swept across her console with practiced ease as she narrowed the scanning parameters and zeroed in on a nearby star system. “However, I'm detecting a sizeable contact six-point-two light-years distant at bearing one-zero-five, mark seventeen in the CB-30 1812 system. Based on these readings I’d say we’re in the right place. It looks like is a Jaurdian ship-yard… if you can call it that since they seem to be ‘growing’ the organic portion of the ships before installing the cybernetics.”

“Continue scans.” Callum ordered. Turning to look at Damrus he said, “Ye have the bridge, Commander. Ah’ll be in mah ready room.”

=/\=​

As Callum sat in his ready room reading from a large PADD his combadge chirped signaling that someone was trying to reach him. Putting the PADD into sleep mode and setting it on the desktop Callum tapped the combadge on his chest to open the channel.

“MacLeod, go ahead.” He said after tapping the combadge.

“Commander Rel, Captain.” Damrus’ disembodied voice said coming from the silver outline of the Starfleet delta on top of two vertical gold quadrangles on his chest, “We have three… bio-ships… on approach, sir. They just dropped out of warp and their weapons and shield systems appear to be active. From the readings they appear to be Jaurdian fighters.”

“Understood, Ahm on mah way. MacLeod oot.” Callum said as he stood up and rounded the desk and hurried towards the door.

Exiting his ready room and walking out onto his bridge Callum noticed Chief Petty Officer Patrick Reese standing guard at the door to the turbolift. Walking towards the captain’s chair as Damrus stood up and returned to the XO/Communications Station wordlessly turning command of the bridge over to Callum.

“Put the fighters on screen, Commander Rel.” Callum ordered.

Seconds later the viewscreen sprung to life with the image of a trio ships in a triangular formation as they closed on the Mjolnir on one side and an overhead tactical view on the other side. Each of the approaching ships looked like a grey cybernetic wasp with a cockpit window near the point and a pair of cylindrical warp nacelles that looked like scaled down versions of the nacelles of a United Earth NX Class starship mounted on a short T-shaped nacelle pylon that extended up from a point three quarters of the way along the dorsal hull between the cockpit and the impulse engines at the aft of the ship.

“Open a channel.” Callum ordered as he sat in the captain’s chair.

After a couple seconds Callum heard a click from the overhead comm-speaker that indicated the channel was open. Straightening up in his seat Callum took a deep breath and began to speak to the alien pilots.

“This is Captain Callum MacLeod in command o’ the United Federation of Planets Starship Mjolnir. We are here seeking to establish peaceful relations with Jaurdian Triumvirate; please respond.” Callum said.

Not taking his eyes off of the real-time image on the viewscreen on the bridge’s forward bulkhead Callum anxiously waited for a reply as he began almost unconsciously drumming on the inside of the command chair’s armrest with his thumb.

“Any response, Commander Rel?” Callum asked after a moments pause.

“Negative, sir.” Damrus reported, “They are clearly receiving us but are apparently choosing not to reply.”

“Well… they cannae say we didn’t try. Close the channel, Commander Rel.” Callum said.

Continuing on as he heard the comm-link clicked closed Callum said, “Status o’ the incoming ships, Lieutenant Washbourne?”

“They are still approaching. We will be within range of their weapons in twenty seconds.” Malcolm reported. Seconds later Navesh continued on saying, “We will be within their weapons range in eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two…”

Suddenly the Mjolnir rocked as six particle beams, much like the phase cannons of the United Earth Starfleet NX class starship Enterprise, impacted against the ship’s forward shields one after another.

“Forward shields are holding.” Malcolm reported from Intelligence and Combat tracking station as red alert lights began flashing throughout the ship automatically,

“They were just grazing shots and they appear to be holding their fire now.”

“Those were warning shots.” Callum said, “They’re expecting us tae strike colors.”

“Strike colors, Captain?” Damrus asked with a puzzled look on his face not understanding what Callum was alluding to.

“Its an old Terran naval term. It means that they are expecting us tae stand down an’ surrender.” Callum explained, “Open a channel, Commander.”

After a couple seconds Callum heard a click from the overhead comm-speaker that indicated the channel was open.

“This is Captain MacLeod on the Mjolnir. We have no desire to engage in combat but we will defend ourselves; please respond so we can talk like civilized people.” Callum said.

“Any response, Commander Rel?” Callum asked not taking his eyes off of the real-time image on the viewscreen on the bridge’s forward bulkhead after a moments pause.

“Negative, sir.” Damrus reported.

“Close the channel, Commander Rel.” Callum said.

Suddenly the Mjolnir rocked again as six particle beams once again impacted against the ship’s forward shields one after another. This time they were direct impacts instead of grazing shots and were followed by a second volley in quick succession.

“Forward shields are holding.” Malcom reported from the Intelligence and Combat Tracking station as the ship rocked under the impact of the weapons fire.

“Lieutenant Gratakka, limit your shots tae their weapons emplacements and shield emitters.” Callum ordered, “Attack patterns at your discretion, Lieutenant Nerah.”

“Captain, I strongly suggest that we treat the Jaurdian vessels as alpha level hostiles and respond accordingly.” Malcolm said speaking up.

“You heard mah order, Lieutenant Gratakka.” Callum responded.

“Aye, sir. Firing phasers.” Gratakka said from the tactical station as his fingers danced across the tactical console.

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah replied once Gratakka finished speaking as he began guiding the Mjolnir through different attack patterns with the skill of an experienced fighter pilot.

As the Mjolnir bobbed and weaved under Nerah’s skilled guidance beam after beam of collimated orange-gold phaser energy surged from the Mjolnir’s forward phaser arrays and impacted against the shields of the alien fighters exploding in a brilliant flash as they unleashed their destructive potential on the enemies shields and underlying weapons emplacements. Within moments of sustained phaser impacts the shields on the fighters flickered and failed leaving the underlying weapons unprotected. Seconds later the weapons ports were reduced to slag by the Mjolnir’s phaser beams.

“Captain, the fighters are breaking off and going to warp. Heading for system CB-30 1812.” Malcolm said from the Intelligence and Combat Tracking station.

“Stand down from red alert, Lieutenant Gratakka.” Callum ordered, “Lieutenant Washbourne, continue to monitor the fighters. Commander Tymoshenko, coordinate damage control efforts with engineering.”

 

[Callum MacLeod]

=/\= Chapter Fifteen =/\=​

Stardate 57714.38 (September 18, 2380. 11:11 Federation Standard Starship Time.)
USS Mjolnir
Approaching System CD-30 1812, Beta Quadrant

As the Mjolnir dropped out of warp as it approached system CD-30 1812, home of the Juridian Triumvirate invasion force shipyard, the system’s red-orange sun blazed brightly in the center of the main viewscreen bathing the system in a welcoming glow. Sitting in his ready room, engrossed by the text on his PADD Callum was slightly startled when his combadge chimed.

“MacLeod. Go ahead.” Callum said.

“Commander Rel, Captain. We’ve entered the system boundary of CD-30 1812.” Damrus said.

“Understood, Commander. Ahm on mah way. MacLeod oot.” Callum said before he tapped the silver outline of a Starfleet delta on top of two vertical gold quadrangles.
Moments later the ready room allowing Callum to walk across the bridge towards the center seat as Damrus stood up and stepped to the side so he was standing next to the captain’s chair.

Sitting down in the center seat Callum looked at Damrus and said, “The bridge is mine, Commander. Please return tae your station.”

“Aye, sir.” Damrus said before turning and walking back to the first officer and communications station.

“What dae we have on sensors, Lieutenant Vhela?” Callum asked turning to face the science station.

Working her console and reviewing the sensor data displayed on the console before she spoke the curvy Barzan woman said, “There’s a lot of debris and rogue objects in the system. Most likely from a more violent formation then other systems. Sensors are also detecting two class D planets, three dwarf planets with highly irregular orbits, one M class planet, an abnormally dense asteroid belt, and three class J gas giants.”

“Is there anything remarkable about any of the planets?” Callum asked.

“Negative, sir.” Vhela reported, “Neither the two inner planets or any of the dwarf plants are capable of supporting life.”

“Where is the fleet-yard?” Callum asked.

“In orbit of the fourth planet. Sensors are detecting fifteen dry-dock frames each with a ship being grown in each one. There is also a central station presumably for coordinating the construction crews and the construction of the ships. Sensors are also detecting a trio of ships like the ones we ran into before.” Malcolm reported from the intelligence and combat tracking station.

Bracing himself for the coming battle Callum said, “Take us in, Lieutenant Nerah.”

“Captain, We have three… bio-ships… on approach, sir.” Malcolm reported from the intelligence and combat tracking station, “We will be within range of their weapons in eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two…”

Suddenly the Mjolnir rocked again as six particle beams once again impacted against the ship’s forward shields one after another and were followed by a second volley in quick succession.

“Forward shields are holding.” Malcolm reported from the Intelligence and Combat Tracking station as the ship rocked under the impact of the weapons fire.

“Lieutenant Gratakka, target an’ fire phasers at your discretion.” Callum ordered,
“Attack patterns at your discretion, Lieutenant Nerah. Commander Rel, bring the countermeasure systems on-line.”

“Communications jamming active. Photonic counter measures ready, Captain.” Damrus reported as the Mjolnir began transmitting the song ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ by the Human composer Richard Wagner on a loop on all subspace frequencies to jam the Jaurdian’s ability to send communications.”

“Pop chaff, Commander.” Callum ordered.

“Aye, aye sir.” Damrus replied pressing the glowing indicator on his console that said ‘LAUNCH’.

On the aft dorsal hull two articulated panels next to the emergency plasma exhaust vents retracted and a torpedo-like cylinder was launched out of each opening by an electro-magnetic launch system. The devices hung in space for a moment until their onboard computers recognized an enemy targeting scanner and caused them to detonate with a blinding flash designed to interfere with targeting sensors.

As the Mjolnir rocked once again Damrus said, “The countermeasures have disrupted their targeting lock, but it won’t be long before they reacquire the lock.”

“Aye, sir. Firing phasers.” Gratakka said from the tactical station as his fingers danced across the tactical console.

“Aye, aye sir.” Nerah replied once Gratakka finished speaking as he began guiding the Mjolnir through different attack patterns with the skill of an experienced fighter pilot.

As the Mjolnir bobbed and weaved under Nerah’s skilled guidance beam after beam of colimnated orange-gold phaser energy surged from the Mjolnir’s forward phaser arrays and impacted against the shields of the alien fighters exploding in a brilliant flash as they unleashed their destructive potential on the enemies shields. Within moments of sustained phaser impacts the shields on the fighters flickered and failed leaving the fighters unprotected. Seconds later three burst of light flared into existence as each of the fighters exploded into a rapidly expanding sphere of debris and flaming plasma.

“Take us tae the ship-yard, Lieutenant.” Callum ordered, “Fire at any targets as soon as ye can, Lieutenant Gratakka. Commander Rel, ye have control o’ the torpedo launchers. Load a volley o’ quantum torpedoes in tae the forward launchers an’ hold for my order tae fire.”

Under Nerah’s guidance the Mjolnir accelerated towards the massive ship yard with its phasers firing as the they rocked under the impact of Jarudian phaser fire.

“Captain, I’m picking up significant flare activity from the star.” Vhela said from the science station, “If we target the right spot with a particle beam we could trigger a massive flare that would take out the entire shipyard.”

“Brilliant!” Callum said as the Mjolnir rocked under the impact of multiple Jaurdian phase cannons, “Send the coordinates tae the helm an’ start work on the particle beam. Commander Tymoshenko, Bring the metaphasic shielding on line. Commander Rel, fire the quantum torpedoes in the forward launchers.”

“Firing phasers!” Gratakka said from the tactical station as the Mjolnir was rocked by the impact of more Jaurdian phaser fire.

“Coming to one-two-three mark four five.” Nerah reported as the Mjolnir banked and raced towards the sun at break-neck speeds.

“Torpedoes away! Impact in six seconds!” Damrus reported from the XO/Communications Station.

Seconds later four golden lights from the quantum torpedoes sustainer engines flew from the Mjolnir’s forward torpedo launchers as they sped away on course for one of the monolith Jaurdian drydock frames. Slamming into the nearest side the first couple of torpedoes, in concert with the repeated phaser impacts, opened a hole in the Jaurdian shields allowing the remaining ones access to the alien hull itself where they detonated each tearing a hole into the ship causing secondary explosions that created significant amounts of damage that helped tear the drydock frame apart.

As the drydock frame exploded the Callum tapped his combadge and said, “MacLeod tae Engineering.”

“Engineering, Gorsach here.” Prolasch’s disembodied voice said a moment later.

“Prolasch we’re going tae inducing a solar flare. Dae we have enough shield power and stability tae create metaphasic shields. We’ll also need tae create a particle beam tae induce the flare.”

After a moment long pause that he used to check with the computer Prolasch spoke, “Shields are at a high enough power level, just barely, and they are stable enough as they are. The warp core’s fully operational so power for the particle beam and power to reinforce the shields, if we have to, shouldn’t be a problem.”

“That’s exactly what ah was hoping tae hear. Get on it. Use all the ship’s resources an’ personnel that you need. Bridge out.” Callum said before he pressed the comm button to close the channel.

Five minutes later Prolasch checked the primary systems station to find out the status of the systems modifications that would allow them to safely enter the photosphere of the system’s sun.

“The shield nutation is synchronized with the warp coils output and the warp field has been wave-mapped to match the shield envelope geometry.” Prolasch said.

“EPS fluctuations are at minimal and the shields radial force compensators are set to automatically recalibrate themselves using the structural integrity field’s base value as a guide every fifty-five microseconds.” Ez’targic said.

“Fifty-five microseconds? The procedure calls for the shields to be recalibrated half as often, every one-hundred-ten microseconds.” Prolasch said as he checked with the computer and saw that the shields were properly calibrated for the stellar corona and that the deflector dish’s emitters had been properly phase shifted up the spectrum by ninety-three gigahertz to turn the deflector dish into a precision particle beam cannon.

“Better safe than sorry, sir. know about you but I’d rather have the shields adjusted more than necessary, it makes me feel safer. After all, We’re flying into the flaming hot atmosphere of a star and stopping for a moment.” Ez’targic said.

With a grin Prolasch tapped his communicator. “Engineering to Bridge. The shields and deflector are ready to go.”

“Good work, Prolasch. Keep an eye on the shields I dinnae feel like getting a major sun burn today. Bridge out.” Callum’s voice said a moment later. Once he closed the comm channel Callum turned to face the science station before he continued. “Lieutenant Vhela, have ye found us a target?”

“Yes, sir, I have.” Vhela said.

“Good. Transfer the coordinates to the helm.” Callum said before he turned back to face the viewscreen, “Lieutenant Nerah, plot a course for the coordinates an’ engage at full impulse.”

Seconds later the star began growing larger and larger on the Mjolnir’s viewscreen as the ship flew closer towards its target. The bright orange light of Klendathu spilt forth from the viewscreen bathing the entire bridge in a bright orange glow that grew steadily brighter as they approached the star. As the brightness grew to near blinding levels a viewscreen filter program activated and reduce the light to more tolerable levels.

“Hull temperature at one thousand kelvin and rising according to the computer’s expected curve.” Navesh reported from ops. Moments later she spoke again, “Hull temperature at nine thousand kelvin and rising. Radiation levels at ten thousand rads and rising along the expected curve.”

“We’re five minutes out from the point where we need to stop to fire the particle beam.” Nerah reported as the Mjolnir plunged ever deeper into the stellar corona.

“Hull temperature at fifteen thousand kelvin and rising. Radiation at fifty-five thousand rads.” Navesh reported.

“Take me out of the oven, mom. I’m done.” Nerah joked moments later as the life-support systems chilled the air in an attempt to maintain a comfortable temperature while the Mjolnir drew closer to its target.

“Ah hear that.” Callum said as he drummed on the arm of his chair with his fingers.
Minutes later, as the Mjolnir flew through the flaming hot orange corona Nerah spoke up again. “We’re two minutes from the target coordinates.”

“Commander Tymoshenko, charge the tractor beam emitter, prepare to target and fire on the instability.” Callum ordered.

A moment later, after pressing buttons on her console Navesh reported, “Tractor beam emitter charged. Instability targeted and the deflector is ready to be discharged.”

“We’re in position to induce the solar flare.” Nerah said seconds later.

“Initiating tractor pulse.” Navesh reported from Ops as her hands flew over her console.

The particle beam surged forth from the Mjolnir’s tractor beam emitter and impacted on the star’s photosphere before it continued into the star where it further destabilized the growing instability that would have eventually become a solar flare even if the Mjolnir had decided to do nothing to accelerate when it would have erupted. Within moments of the start of the particle beam hitting the photosphere the instability erupted into a full blown, and very large, solar flare that was on a direct trajectory for the Jaurdian shipyard. As the solar flare flew towards the shipyard Navesh deactivated the deflector dish modifications cutting off the particle beam.

“Take us oot o’ the corona.” Callum ordered as the lead fringes of the flare began licking at the station’s shields causing them to flicker more brilliantly than they had when the Mjolnir had been firing at them. As the Mjolnir flew from the corona and re-entered normal Garav reported that the solar flare had reached the ship-yard.

“On screen.” Callum ordered.

Seconds later the image of the station and its wildly flaring shields filled the Mjolnir’s viewscreen. The flare enveloped the just before the ship-yard exploded in a brilliant display of its own.

“No signs of any survivors or any debris large enough to pose a hazard to navigation through the system. Approximately ninety nine point nine seven five percent of the ship-yard has been reduced to vapor and particulate with the remainder being fragments no larger than six centimeters across.” Malcolm reported.

“Lieutenant Nerah, take us back tae the warp sled. Its time for us tae go home.” Callum ordered.

“Aye, sir.” Nerah reported as he began tapping commands into the helm console that guided the ship into a course out of the system to rendezvous with the warp sled.

The adventures of the Mjolnir’s crew will continue in…
Star Trek: Mjolnir – Into The Wilds​