Topic: ST:Tigermoth - Silent Enemy

[James Smith]

Hello all. Long time, and all that. Been meaning to start posting here again, but Uni has been taking up all my time lately.

I'd started working on Vengeance again, but then found this one in my archive CD-RW. Started editing bits of it, before I knew what was going on I'd re-written a large portion of it   I'd always wanted to come back to this story anyway, so now is as good a time as any.

************
Silent Enemy 1 - The Evil That Men Do...


Lisa Smith rolled over, knowing what to expect.

Yep, he's gone.

She sat up in bed, and glanced at the wall clock she'd put up in their quarters yesterday. 7:30. He wasn't supposed to be on duty for another hour, especially after having worked around the clock for 3 straight days fixing the ship after her refit.

Lisa sighed. Suppose I better go find him.

***

USS Tigermoth-A.
Engine Room.

Captain James Smith knew he was in trouble. He tried desperately not to grin as his new wife went off at him for going back to work so soon.

"Alright Lisa, I promise not to work too late on this today. Besides, it's almost done now."

"You're going to kill yourself if you keep this up." Lisa grinned ruefully as Smithy pulled himself out of the Jeffries Tube he'd been working in. "Remember what Mack said? You're supposed to be looking after yourself these days!You aren't 60 anymore, you're well over 80 and you're going to run into problems if you keep stressing your body like this."

"Well, you weren't exactly helping last night when you launched yourself at me."

"Me? You were the one doing the launching!"

"Well....maybe. But you could have said no! Or claimed you had a headache!"

Lisa laughed, and put her arms around him. "But if I'd done that, we wouldn't have had any fun at all."

Smithy returned the embrace. "True. Can you run a quick piece of test code through that console? Just finished switching all the isochips back into the proper slots...I even labelled the buggers so that those Utopia Planitia engineers wouldn't screw up. I swear they do it on purpose now."

Lisa began poking at the console. "When does Dave get back?"

"Couple of hours. I'm going to enjoy this quite a lot."

"You behave! Just 'cause he got promoted doesn't mean you can start making fun of him!"

"What d'you mean 'start'? I've always made fun of him....just now I can do it with him wearing a really silly uniform."

***

Bridge.

"Go on, say it."

"Say what, Dave?"

"You're dying to. I know you too damn well Smithy, now say it."

"Alright then, if you really want me to say it." Smithy cleared his throat. "Admiral on the Bridge!"

Admiral David Harriman shook his head. "Thats going to kill a part of me everytime someone says it."

"You'll get used to it." Smithy grinned, leaning on the bridge rail regarding his CO. "That uniform really doesn't look right on you."

"Doesn't feel right." Harriman settled into his chair. "How are we set? You fixed all the stuff Starfleet broke?"

"Most of it. Still not got the cargo bay transporter working, I have a feeling the power relay to the whole setup is just not connected because everything else checks out. Trouble is, I'll have to have deck 6 apart to check that theory."

"Define 'apart'?"

"I mean apart. All the wall panels off, deck up, celiing off. If I can narrow it down to a specific section, then I'll have a lot less work to do."

Harriman shook his head. "Get the specifics then, I'm not having you tear a whole deck apart. You're pulling too many shifts as it is. And why the hell is the relay on deck 6?!"

Smithy was about to reply but both men turned as the comms console started beeping. "What is it, Ensign?"

"Receiving a distress call sir. Very faint. I think it's the Apollo."

"USS Apollo. That's Captain Bentimec's ship. They were exploring the area surrounding the Gatrellus Nebula. Put the call on speakers."

".......under attack......unidentified.......don't answer our hails......severe damage........."

"Message has been cut off, sir. Jammed at the source."

Harriman came out of his chair. "Ensign, inform the base and Starfleet Command that we are departing to respond to Apollo's distress call."

"Aye, sir."

"Smithy, I want all possible speed. Did Starfleet complete the modifications to the power grid?"

"I've been over the grid with my people. We shouldn't have any more problems like we did against the Imperials."

"Good. Helm, set a course for the Apollo's last known position. 1/4 impulse till we clear the dock, then punch it up to Warp 9 and transfer speed control to Engineering. I want to see what this ship can do with the recent upgrades. Smithy, you mind taking the Engineering station up here?"

"No problem, Admiral."

Harriman grimaced. "You're going to enjoy that, aren't you?"

"Certainly am, Admiral."

"You're a bad man."

***

USS Apollo.
Bridge.

"Report!"

"Main power is offline, aux is coming in! We've lost the port impulse engine, forward torpedoes, and dorsal phasers!"

Bentimec staggered across the shaking bridge to man Tactical, stepping over the unconcious body of his first officer. "Lieutenant, how many of them are left?"

"We've destroyed three, disabled two more. Two are still operational, and closing on our aft."

"I see them." Bentimec watched in satisfaction as two of his torpedoes found a target. "One down, one to go."

The ship shuddered as the remaining vessel unleashed another barrage.

"Aux is offline! All systems going offline!"

Bentimec watched as the vessel closed in for the kill. "At least we put up a fight."

"Receiving a new contact, sir! I think...yes, it's the Tigermoth!"

***

USS Tigermoth.
Bridge.

"Target their weapons, fire phasers."

"Aye, sir."

Harriman watched as the enemy ship rocked as the phasers sliced into it. "I'd say the phasers are definitely getting full power from the new power grid."

Smithy threw him a quick glance. "Told you they'd work fine."

"The enemy ship is retreating, sir. They're heading into the nebula."

"Hail the Apollo."

"She's responding, audio only. Patching you in, sir."

"Tigermoth, do you read us?"

"Affirmative, Captain. I take it you require assistance?"

"Definitely."

"We're engaging tractor beam. We'll transport medical and engineering teams aboard your ship when you're inside our shield envelope."

*****************
*****************

[James Smith]

************
USS Apollo.
Deck 5, Section 5A.


"What a mess."

"Watch your step, Rivers. I don't want to have to beam you out of space, these forcefields aren't exactly at full power."

Rivers looked at Smithy. "Would have been nice if you warned me about that before I volunteered for this mission, sir."

The older man grinned. "Hey, they're fine for holding the air in, and I guess they could probably take an impact. I'd just rather not challenge them."

"I'll do my best. Something about this looks odd. The duranium, here. What is that?"

Smithy bent down, cursing in his mind as his knees protested. Maybe Mack has a point...I don't remember my knees always being this bad.] "The glittery look it's got. According to the tricorder, it's completely altered the moecular structure of the metal."

"Kind of like what a low power phaser beam does to the surface of certain metals?"

"Yeah, only in this case we're talking more than the metal surface. This whole superstructure beam is....yep, it's all been altered. Here, watch this." He bent down, grabbed the end of the beam and tugged. The end came away easily.

"Now, I know you aren't human and all that - but how on Earth is it possible that you just ripped the end off a duranium H-beam?"

"It's been made extremely brittle, and the inter-molecular forces are now weakened to the point that you could rip it apart with your bare hands. Even with them chicken-bones of yours. Here, bag this bit up and take it back to the 'Moth. I'm going to see how Lisa is doing with recovering their computer logs."

***

Computer Core Room.


"Hey kid. How are you getting on?"

Hey, not bad. Check this out - got sensor logs of the first weapon hit on their hull. See this beam here, fires on the hull for 2.4 seconds, then this pulse hits the same area the beam hit, causing massive damage. What kind of weapon can do that?"

"Rivers and I were looking at some of the affected areas. Judging by this, the beam is affecting the molecular structure of the metal - we found the duranium has been made very weak and brittle. The pulse shatters the weakened duranium."

"Nasty."

"Yeah. Kind of reminds me of the ISC plasmatic pulse weapon."

"The PPD? You think these attackers were the ISC then?"

"Maybe. These sensor images don't match anything we know about ISC ships though, and we battered their forces to hell during the last battle against them."

Lisa frowned. "Still, we shouldn't rule it out."

"No, we shouldn't. Better get your kit together, we're almost back at Starbase 63 to drop the Apollo off. Next destination is Earth."

"Starfleet wants us back at Command?"

"Yeah. Dave's report must have panicked them, and since we're only a couple of days away I guess they want to talk this one through in person."

Lisa nodded, as she finished packing up her field kit. "I'm reliably informed that you won't be needed in the Engine Room, or on the Bridge tonight."

"Orlatrel. Bloody traitor." Smithy regarded her. "I hope he at least put up some kind of fight."

"I'm very persuasive. So as soon as we depart SB 63, you're to report to your quarters. And I don't care if you're my superior officer, it's still an order, mister. Ask Dave."

Smithy grinned at her. "Alright then. I promise, as soon as we leave the base."

"Good. Lisa kissed him as she tapped her comm badge. "Smith to Tigermoth....two to beam over."

*****************
*****************


Missed that off the last post, not sure why it didn't copy over. Anyway, more in a couple of days.

[James Smith]

************

Spacedock II.
Starfleet Headquarters.

Admiral Wallace stared out of the window in his office, watching the traffic flowing into the base. How on Earth do we still have this many ships after three wars in 15 years? Utopia Planitia must be cranking them out at full tilt.

He spotted the ship he'd been waiting for. From a distance, she could almost pass for the Constitution class that she'd been back in the 2250's. In the intervening years, she'd been a BonHomme Richard refit, an Enterprise refit and following many years mothballed she had become a ship class of her own - Tigermoth class.

He tugged his uniform straight. Time for the briefing. I hate being the bearer of bad news.

***

Conference Room 1.

"Good Evening. This briefing is classified. Several days ago, the Federation Starship Apollo came under attack near the Gatrellus nebula. The attack was eventually ended due to the intervention of another Starship, USS Tigermoth, but the Apollo received severe damage due to a weapon never before encountered. Starfleet Command has requested that TacFleet send several ships into the area as a patrol force."

Admiral Wallace looked around the table, eventually finding the man he was looking for. "Admiral Harriman, you will command this patrol force. Take a small fleet to the Gatrellus system, try and find the base of operations for these attackers." The comm panel beeped. "Wallace here."

"Sir, Starbase 63 reports that they are under attack. They've driven off one wave of ships, but long-range sensors reveal more are on their way and will be there in 39 hours."

Smithy and Harriman immediately jumped to their feet. "Harriman to Tigermoth, prepare to beam us over. Admiral, We'll head over there now at best possible speed. We'll be expecting some backup behind us."

"You'll get it. Good luck, gentlemen."

Harriman nodded as the familiar tingle of a transporter beam filled him.

***

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Helm, what's our speed?"

"Now reading....factor 9.982 sir. Engine Room reports that they are attempting to increase speed."

Harriman listened to the whine deep in thr bowels of the ship, trying to hear the increase in speed. He caught it. "Now?"

"Sir, we're off my scale. At a guess, I'd say we're at around factor 9.999-something."

"Engine room, what's our exact speed?"

Smithy's voice filtered through the comm system. "Somewhere into the ludicrous range. Factors aren't an exact science at this speed, suffice to say we're going faster than we're supposed to be able to."

"Are we going to damage the ship doing this?"

"Unlikely. I've boosted the SIF and ID fields, the power grid and cooling are coping nicely. I'm on my way up now, Orlatrel can handle this from here."

"Acknoweledged. We're approaching SB-63. " Harriman stood. "Drop to Impulse as soon as we enter Warp Shutdown point. Go to Visual."

He scanned the screen, frowning. Something was wrong here. "I don't see the base. Are we on full mag?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ops, full scan of the area."

He looked back as Smithy exited the Turbolift. There was a look on his engineer's face that he recognised from the past encounters they'd been involved in. The look that said "Something bad has happened here.'

"A vision?"

Smithy stepped down into the middle of the bridge, all the while not looking anywhere except the main screen. "I'm not sure." He shook his head. "But I know that the base isn't there any more."

"Confirmed, sir." Ensign Riley turned from her position at Ops. "I'm reading a fine dust where the base was, some gases, fuel film. It's as if the base disitegrated."

"Helm, hold our position here. Comms, send a message to Admiral Wallace, give him a copy of our sensor logs and request further instructions."

"Aye, sir."

"Smithy....I want to talk this one through. Grab Orlatrel and Rivers, meet me in the Computer Lab. I want to go over the Apollo's records again."

***

Computer Lab.

"Admiral Wallace has asked us to return to Spacedock II. We're heading home with the rest of the TacFleet force, so will be there in around 30 hours from now. I want to know just how bad this is."

Smithy sighed. "It's not good. SB-63 had the latest in defense shields, weapons, the works. It was our latest station, built to serve as a command post in future conflicts. That's why TacFleet had operating control, not Starfleet Command."

Lisa pointed to the main screen. "I've managed to reconstruct some more of the Apollo's sensor log. This is the first strike, here. It just went straight through the shields, as if they weren't there. The initial blast took out their port impulse engine, which also meant that they couldn't go to warp as the last knocked out the PTC to the port nacelle."

!And the Intrepid class can't be reconfigured easily to run with one nacelle."

"Yeah, the computer program is far too complex. I recommended to Starfleet that they switch the program ages ago...guess they haven't done it yet."

Orlatrel looked up from a console that he and Rivers had been poking at. "Looking at the metal we recovered from the Apollo, we can't replicate what this weapon does. I would have said these attackers were way more advanced than us, but that leaves a couple of questions."

Harriman frowned. "Which are?"

Smithy spoke up from a padd that he was reading. "One, the attacking ships were easily damaged by Apollo's weapons so what kind of shield technology are they using? Two - why did it take so long for the second wave of ships to reach the base? That last one I can answer - they travelled there at impulse speeds."

Lisa nodded. "In fact, we have no warp signatures, no evidence of M/AM power readings, no evidence at all that they even use normal warp drive."

"Tou say 'normal' warp?"

"I have our sensor image of the remaining attacker leaving the Apollo attack. Notice the strange effect here, in subspace?"

Harriman looked. And saw.

"Stutter Warp?"

Rivers nodded. "Just like an old Romulan Bird of Prey type Warbird."

"And since they needed power for a big assault on the base, they wanted to save power and not use FTL speeds as Stutter Warp is very inefficient."

"Exactly." Smithy got up and began tapping commands into the computer. "I've uploaded all of our findings into a file and sent it over to TacFleet. Hopefully, we'll be able to find out how we can protect against this weapon. One advantage a few ships have, including us...the Neutronium armour generators."

"And we still have no idea who they are, what they want or where they're coming from."

"We need some recon doing, and fast."

Smithy nodded. "I know who to ask if recon is what we need."

************
************

[James Smith]

************

IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.


"You guys are getting harder to track down."

Captain Thulinuk's teeth poked out of a very Klingon smile. "I would have thought that you would relish a challenge. Are you going soft in your old age James?"

"I'm going to forget you even suggested that. Where's the demolition expert?"

"Right here." Captain Pat Sheehan leaned into view of the main screen. "Just fixing a console here, all our engineers are busy."

"You didn't break the ship?"

"The Romulans had a damn good try. I'd have said they're getting the hang of taking on these Vampire class ships."

Sheehan got up and stood next to Thulinuk. The Klingon finished giving orders to the engine room, then returned his attention to the main screen. "What can we do for you, James?"

"Well, TacFleet is asking if you'd mind doing a little recon for us. We need a small ship that can go in, get data, and if neccessary fight her way out."

"Any intel at all?"

"Sending you all we have. Don't make a decision yet, read up on it and buzz us back when you have an answer."

************
************

Missed the end of a part again....here it is anyway. I'm off to bed.

[Grim Reaper]

I don't think i've seen this one before. Gimme more!

[Iceman]

Yeah its a repost. I think that last part is new.

[James Smith]

LOL Grim. Okay, here's some more. Iceman, hope you enjoy this

************

IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

"Slow us to one half, engage cloaking device."

Thulinuk eyed the Gatrellus Nebula on the main viewscreen. What secrets are you hiding from our allies? What dangers do you shroud?

Sheehan joined tje Klingon in the centre of the bridge. "Whats our game plan?"

"The same plan as all of our strike missions - we go in, we find out what is happening, and we destroy something."

"Sounds good to me."

"Helm! New course, take us into the nebula. Tactical, scan ahead - I want to know the instant you pick something up."

************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"I have spoken with Captain Sheehan, Admiral. The IKV Mortum Hesta is engaging in a recon mission into the Gatrellus Nebula." Harriman stood, eyeing the image of Admiral Wallace on the main screen.

Wallace frowned slightly. "You believe that these attackers are based in the nebula?"

"It seems highly likely. The nebula has never been explored, little is known about what is inside it."

"Very well. Let us hope for a peaceful resolution to all this....but we should also plan for a non-peaceful resolution. I am recalling all TacFleet vessels that can be spared to form defence fleets, we will try and prevent any fighting from becoming widespread. Admiral Harriman, I am placing the TacFleet under your command until further notice."

"Very well, Admiral. We shall update you when the Mortum Hesta reports in."

************

IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

"Sir, new contact. Bearing 010 mark 14, range 12000 kellicams."

"Helm, lay in new course 010 mark 14. Tactical, remain under cloak."

Sheehan studied the screen, looking for something beyond the swirling blue gases that had dominated the view since they entered the nebula. "There....upper right quadrant. Full mag."

"Magnifying."

Looming out of the blue mass, the outline of a large station began to take shape. Thulinuk eyed it, a Klingonesque snarl featuring prominently on his face. "Not a good target for an all out assault. Fire message beacon with Tactical report from our sensors, let the Tigermoth know what we have found. Also, advise that we are remaining in the nebula to 'gather intelligence'."

Sheehan leaned in, speaking sotto voce. "By gather intelligence, I assume you mean board this station."

"Yes."

"And I can't talk you out of this plan?"

"No."

"Let's get suited up then, since we can't transport through the cloak."

************

Airlock 4.

"Depressurising. Watch your step, Klingon."

"Same to you, human."

The two men floated away from the ship, parked as close as the helmsman had dared to get to the hull of the space station. Up close, Sheehan could now make out the strange colour of the metal. "What the hell is this? It isn't painted, this is the colour of the metal. Very greenish tint to it."

"Have you located an entry point?"

"Yeah, here. According to the tricorder, there's a room behind here. An empty one, looks like a storage bay."

"No door?"

"Nope."

"Good. You get one end of the evac blister, I'll begin setting up this end."

The two men worked, arranging a bubble around them and clamped it to the hull, sealing themselves in.

"Phaser or Disruptor?"

"Hey, this is a Klingon mission even if it is for Starfleet. We use your weapons."

Thulinuk nodded. "Set disruptor level 6, narrowest beam configuration."

"Set."

"Fire!"

Air rushed into the evac blister as the disruptors bit into the metal. Sheehan blinked. They were inside. He took a quick scan. "Breatheable, Oxygen-Nitrogen atmosphere."

Thulinuk stepped forward, opening his helmet up. "This architecture....is familiar."

Sheehan looked around. "You know, it does look very similar to....Romulan. This writing here...is Romulan. Damn!"

"We have a problem. If these people are affiliated with the Romulans, the entire Alpha and Beta Quadrants could be plunged into chaos."

"No change there, then." Sheehan grimaced, thinking for a second. "Wait, there's a console over there. Lets see what we can look at."

He hurried over, Thulinuk following closely. "Lets see....yeah, this looks Romulan alright. Lets see if it has the same command path structure."

Thulinuk glanced at his tricorder. "Base alarm has been triggered. They might have detected our presence in here."

"Give me a few seconds, uploading as much as I can into my tricorder. I'll decipher when we're back on the Hesta."

"You broke in that quickly? Remind me never to annoy you."

Sheehan grinned. "A few more seconds."

Both men could hear the shouting on the other side of the main door to the storage bay. Thulinuk could see the door being melted at the edges. "Time to go. We'll do this the way we did on that Romulan Warbird. You get the door, I'll get the fools."

"They're coming through. Three....two....one....mark and move!"

Sheehan flipped his helmet on and dived towards the evac blister as Thulinuk dropped his visor down and began firing at the force coming through the door. Sheehan fired at the blister as he jumped.

The blister popped with a dull thud, sweeping Sheehan out of the room as the air rushed out. Thulinuk dived after him, leaving the security forces scrabbling for hand holds to avoid being pulled out.

Both men flew through space, spinning wildly until both came to a rather abrupt stop.

"Touchdown!" Sheehan felt around for the switch, watching in satisfaction as the airlock opened up. "After you."

Both men made their way into the airlock, sealing it behind them and repressurising. The internal door swung open and Thulinuk was immediately on the intercom. "Bridge! Helm, set course out of the nebula, full impulse!" He looked back at his human friend. "I hope that data was worth that little stunt...I hated it the first time and I hated it that time."

"And it was your suggestion both times."

"And in Kahless' name I do not know why I thought it was a good idea."

************
************

[Sirgod]

What James is not teeling you...

Todays his Birthday.   

Happy Birthday James.

Stephen

[James Smith]

What James is not teeling you...

Todays his Birthday.   

Happy Birthday James.

Stephen

Sorry to rain on your parade here Stephen - but it ain't my birthday for a few days yet Thanks though - you guys just go ahead and get any random dancing smilies out of your system!

[Grim Reaper]

"And in Kahless' name I do not know why I thought it was a good idea."

LOL

But i'm not sated any time soon m8... Gimme more

[James Smith]

"And in Kahless' name I do not know why I thought it was a good idea."

LOL

But i'm not sated any time soon m8... Gimme more

LOL...mate, I'd never get any Uni work done if I tryed to keep you sated! Ah well, in the middle of building a comp for a friend atm, so will post either later on or tomorrow.

BTW, is it wrong for a nearly-21 year old to be listening to Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen? Got that on my stereo right now, and I'm getting some funny looks from my neighbours!

[Lieutenant_Q]

Just ignore them, they obviously have lousy tastes in music 

[Grim Reaper]

James m8... uni's a bitch atm?

[Iceman]

It seems he's always ridiculously busy. Every time I see him online its around 4am his time. heh.

[James Smith]

It seems he's always ridiculously busy. Every time I see him online its around 4am his time. heh.

LOL, yeah life has been like that a bit lately. You ever get those weeks where you just want the whole damn world to leave you alone for a while so you can actually get something done?

Well, I'm finally on top of at least some of my work. The uni dumped a couple of projects on us, expecting us to fix their f**kup with the Formula Student race car (for those who've never heard of them, unis across the UK, US and a few others get a team of students together and build a single seater bike-engined race car for a competition). Coventry's is always crap due to lack of funds/development/reliability, and they've handed us last years car and told us to make it work. Oh joy. So far, we've replaced about 60% of it with better parts.....I hope the students that built it last year didn't get their bloody degrees, as they know f**k all about race car dynamics.

[Grim Reaper]

you got some in progress pics?

[James Smith]

Bump. Got some to post, just editing it a touch. Should be posting this weekend anyway!

[James Smith]

I love my approximate deadlines. 

************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.
1437hrs Earth Standard Time.

"Captain's Log, supplemental. It has been three weeks since the Mortum Hesta returned with the tactical information gathered from inside the Gatrellus Nebula. Thulinuk has gone back to Qu'Onos to rejoin the Klingon Tactical Operations fleet, while Captain Sheehan has stayed aboard the 'Moth. This has given him the opportunity to spend some time with an old friend."

************
Recreation Deck.
Section 5.
"The Royal Oak".

"Well I'll be damned.....you rebuilt our old pub here?"

Sheehan stared in delight at the room. Smithy parked himself on a bar stool, needing to take the weight off his knees. Better go see Mack later, don't want these to give out now. "Yep. Before I set the self-destruct on the original 'Moth I downloaded all her technical schematics including the various improvements I'd made, so Starfleet wouldn't lose any operational data."

"And those schematics included the pub."

"Exactly." Smithy regarded his friend. "Usual?"

"Please." As the older man hobbled round to the other side of the bar Sheehan frowned. "You getting old or something?" The look he got told the story. "Ah. You seen Mack about it?"

"Nope." Smithy poured a fairly large measure of Saurian brandy into a glass and slid it over the bar to Sheehan, and poured himself a large Scotch. "Lisa keeps trying to get me to see him."

"You should take her advice."

"I will, when I get around to it. With all the preparations TacFleet has been making in this sector I haven't had much time off from getting this ship ready."

Sheehan set down his now empty glass, nodding at Smithy's offer of a refill. "Is the 'Moth really that far away from battle readiness?"

"Not any more, but it's been round the clock work. Deck 12 was in pieces yesterday. The more problems I fix the more I turn up. This ship....she's been through an awful lot. Much more than she was designed to. We keep adding stuff to her, re-wiring stuff, bypassing stuff....no ship can take the amount of jury-rigging we've had to do here without it beginning to show."

"You'll get her into shape."

"I will. But I shouldn't have to. When this latest scare is either defeated or just goes away, I'm taking her to Spacedock II and tearing her apart. And while I'm at it Starfleet is going to get an overhaul. I'm fed up of the mess that the higher levels of the fleet are in....it's time to change all that."

"You'll get no argument from me." Sheehan sighed. "Life used to be so simple. Then the Dominion came along. And now we seem to be in a constant state of war."

Smithy nodded. "That will have to change. I'm fed up of fighting, fed up of patching up hull breaches. Fed up of writing to families expressing my condolences. Maybe Metcalf had a point....maybe the Federation really needs a drastic change."

"You don't believe that."

"Not in the way Metcalf wanted. But a change of similar magnitude - a complete overhaul of the upper levels of Starfleet. A widening of TacFleet's responsibilities."

"That's the soldier talking. What about the guy I met 20 years ago, the one who found the alien ruins on Destrax 5? Who expanded the Federation's knoweledge of hyperlight travel beyond the limits most scientists had come up against?" Sheehan leaned in closer to his friend. "The Federation will survive this. Starfleet will survive this. Yes, the fleet needs to change...but that's not our concern right now." He broke off, staring at Smithy. "What?"

"I don't know....I just got a flash in my mind. The two of us, here....celebrating. Celebrating something." He shook his head, as if trying to loosen the memory. "Goddamn El-Aurian genes."

Both men looked up as the Red Alert siren sounded. "Senior officers, report to the bridge."

************

Bridge.

"How many ships?"

"Over 1500 sir. Moving at sublight speeds. Configuration matches the ones that attacked the Apollo."

Harriman turned as Smithy and Sheehan dashed onto the bridge, staring at the tactical display on the main viewer. Smithy stepped down to Harriman, eyes glued to the screen. "Not good."

"Indeed. Status of the ship."

"All tactical and defense systems are as ready as they're going to be. But I wouldn't advise taking that fleet on with the ships we have here."

"Agreed. Helm, set course for TacFleet rendez-vous point A14. Engage, maximum warp. Ensign, general TacFleet hail. Inform the fleet that we'll make a stand at A14, then open a channel to Earth."

"Aye sir, sending TacFleet hail....channel is open to Federation Council, Admiral."

The tactical display disappeared, replaced with an image of the Federation leaders. Pesident Jaresh-Inyo spoke first. "Admiral Harriman, you asked to speak with the Council."

"That's correct, sir. I have a recommendation, in case we fail to stop all the attacking ships from getting through."

"I'm aware that you want us to engage the planetary defense system that TacFleet set up. We want to use that as a final alternative. What is the status of the TacFleet?"

"We're forming a defense at point A14, sir. I need the Fedeation Council to approve the transfer of all SciFleet ships graded Tactical Level 3 and above to our fleet temporarily."

Jaresh-Inyo looked around the table before returning his gaze to the screen. "I'm sorry Admiral, but the council has decided that the threat isn't great enough for that measure to be taken yet."

Smithy broke in, stepping forward. "Mr President, may I speak candidly?"

"By all means, Captain Smith."

"What in the name of hell do you mean, 'the threat isn't great enough'?! These attackers destroyed a TacFleet base, and practically destroyed a Federation starship, using a weapon that we've never encountered before. We have tactical scans of a large base in the Gatrellus Nebula where they came from. There's a fleet of 1500 ships heading this way right now. And you guys don't think thats a slight problem?"

"Correct, captain. Admiral Harriman, TacFleet will make a stand at A14 with the ships they have now. We will assign more ships if they are needed later. For now, make do." With that the image faded from the screen.

Lisa looked over at Harriman appalled. "What on Earth are they thinking?"

Smithy shook his head. "I don't know that they are thinking." He glanced at his CO. "Dave, we can't hope to beat that fleet off with what we have. We have good ships, we just don't have the numbers."

Harriman sat back in his chair, deep in thought. "Helm, time to reach A14."

"12 minutes, sir."

"Tactical, estimated time till the attackers reach A14 if they stay at current speed."

"About 2 hours after we get there, Admiral."

"2 hours....2 hours to come up with a plan to use 234 ships to beat off over 1500." He looked up at his friends and shipmates. "Conference room. Now."

***************
***************

[Grim Reaper]

It's always nice to have friends, esp. the kind of friends with ridges on their forehead and a tendancy towards ... how shall i say this... kicking as on a interstellar scale.

But then again perhaps you have an other ace up your sleeve?

[Iceman]

I got money that says its my characters Klingon contacts!

lol

"Definitly feeling aggressive tendencies, Sir!"

[James Smith]

See, this is the problem with Tigermoth fics. We all know that the Klingons have to come in, kicking ass. I haven't actually decided how I'm going to get TacFleet out of the hole the Fed council just dug them....maybe it'll be Klingons to the rescue, maybe it won't. Just gonna have to wait and see what happens 

[Grim Reaper]

or a hit and run tactic? If their travelling speed is any indication those guys aren't too fast... Alpha strike and go. And perhaps the klingons are occupied elsewhere with a fleet of enemies of their own?

[Scottish Andy]

24th January, Smithy? C'mon, give us more! This is a good story, and you're keeping up the Brit side of things. You're a good storyteller, and I love your Spaceballs references and your Red Dwarf signature (one of my favourite ever Red Dwarf scenes, btw).

I'm telling you, we want more, so get on it! And don't give us any of this "real life" malarkey! (j/k)

PS. How are you getting on with your exams, projects--and that go-cart?

[James Smith]

***sneaks into the thread*** Been a while hasn't it? 

Silent Enemy 2 - Zero Hour

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Conference Room.

"If the Defiant groups can stay tight with them then great, we can leave cruiser and Galaxy wings to act effectively as mobile weapons platforms."

"Sabre and Longbow wings can team up with the Defiants, they're in about the same size class."

"Right. Did we get word from the Klingon fleet yet?"

Sheehan glanced up from his PADD. "No numbers yet, they said that the fleet would be 'sizeable'."

Harriman nodded. "Good. This formation looks like it should stand half a chance of lasting longer than 5 minutes."

"Half a chance is right." Lisa glanced over at Smithy. "Have the carriers reported in?"

"Yeah. We have 250 Peregrine and Eagle fighters ready to launch. If they can stay in close with the enemy ships, run in behind the Defiant groups, then they should be able to deal some damage."

"Good." Harriman glanced at the board. "Here they come. Stations."

*************

USS Peacekeeper.
Bridge.

"Report battle readiness."

"All sections, all decks responding ready sir."

S'Taelh sat back, studying the Tactical plot and inputting data. "Helm, follow this course. Tactical, provide torpedo cover for the Defiant wings as ordered. Ops, how far away are the Klingons?"

"10 minutes. Still no indication of their numbers, sir."

"Well, we shall have to let Admiral Harriman worry about that, it is not our job to do so."

*************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Helm?"

"Ready, sir."

"Ops?"

"Standing by."

"Tactical?"

"Phaser banks charged. Torpedo turret loaded, secondary tubes loaded. Shields to maximum, armour deployed."

"Engineering?"

"Damage control teams on standy. Intermix set for maximum power generation."

Harriman nodded, then tied into the fleet comm. system. "All ships, prepare to engage the enemy at will as they come out of Warp."

Everyone on the bridge steeled themselves. Smithy stared at the Tactical plot, a thought nagging at him. He shook his head, trying to clear it, but it wouldn't leave him. Lisa glanced at him, concerned.

"What's wrong?"

He looked at her, a smile just creeping onto his face. "It's alright. Don't worry. Lets go to work."

*************
14:52

"Defiant wings, fighter wings, engage."

"Cruiser wings are taking up their positions, Galaxy wings moving forward to provide torpedo coverage."

The bridge rumbled underneath them, as the blue streaks of weapons fire flashed across the space between the fleets. Harriman glanced over at tactical, the glance he got reassuring him that the shields could handle the weapons at least as well as they handled most. "Fire at will, but do try and concentrate on the cluster of ships in the centre."

"Aye, sir."

"We're losing a lot of fighters sir. Defiant wings report that at least 20 have been destroyed."

"Have the fighters get tight in with the enemy ships. And I mean tight, I want those pilots to be able to see in through the windows."

"Relaying the order, sir."

Harriman moved across to the engineering stations. "Smithy, how's the grid holding?"

Smithy glanced up from his work. "So far, it's holding but it won't for very long. I'll have to cut back on the power eventually, so be prepared to lose the secondary torpedo tubes and some phaser coverage when I do have to drop the power down a few notches."

"Alright. But keep her in maximum power mode until you absolutely have to cut back."

"Will do."

Harriman sat back in his chair. "Any word on the Klingons yet, Tactical?"

"They're coming in now, sir. I read 250 ships."

"That'll have to do. Signal the Klingons that we welcome them, and invite them to engage wherever they like."

"Relayed, sir."

Another hit shook the bridge, this time much harder. "Report."

"Shields at 59%. We can't evade their fire, there's kust too many of them."

"Well, do your best. We won't last long if those shields start to get below 30%."

Lisa glanced over. "I'm re-routing power from the batteries to stabilise the shields."

The Ops officer half-turned, a look of alarm on his face. "Sir, the Peacekeeper is having to withdraw, they have a coolant leak. The Klingons have lost 22 ships, we've lost nearly 40 and 36 fighters. And another wave of enemy ships is coming in!"

Harriman stared at the Tactical plot, his face unreadable. "Smithy, time for that plan B you talked about 2 hours ago. How soon can you implement it?"

"Right now. But...."

"But?"

"We'll lose a lot of systems temporarily. And if the shields go down, then we'll be a sitting duck."

Harriman looked at the Tactical plot, then back to his friend. "Implement it."

"Aye."

*************

A probe launched out from the Tigermoth's port torpedo tube. It passed by some of the enemy ships, who left it having bigger targets for their weapons. It reached the centre of the enemy formation and then stopped.

On the Tigermoth's bridge, Smithy began rerouting all available power to one system:  the Deflector dish.

The last thing that many of the enemy craft saw was the dish on the Tigermoth lighting up and a blue beam firing from it. It struck the probe.

*************

Bridge.

"Sir, the weapon detonated successfully. Reading massive losses in the enemy fleet, it caught them completely off guard."

"How soon until those other enemy ships get here?"

"10 minutes at maximum."

Harriman nodded, then went over to Smithy. He could see from the board that things weren't entirely okay with his ship now. "Lets hear it."

"We've lost all weapons except for the Quantum torpedo turret temporarily. Warp drive is offline for the moment, that'll be back in a minute. But shields are down to 10%, and I can't regenerate them yet."

Harriman nodded, and tapped a button on his chair. "Peacekeeper, are you still in the field?"

"Confirmed, Admiral."

"S'Taelh I need you to swing by here, get most of our crew off as we discussed."

"We will be there in a few seconds Admiral."

Harriman closed the comm link, and pushed for the internal link. "All hands, this is Admiral Harriman. Those of you grade 2 and below, report to transporter rooms. Sickbay, that goes for you all too. Get yourselves and any wounded over to the Peacekeeper."

"Transporter control here, sir. We're commencing evacuation to the Peacekeeper."

"Good." Harriman shut off the comm link, and glanced at Smithy. "Anything?"

"Shield regen just isn't happening. There's too much interference from the deflector dish to re-establish a graviton flow." He glanced up from his work. "You better hope the armour can hold for a little while."

*************
*************

[Grim Reaper]

« Reply #20 on: 26-01-2005, 19:51:31 »

« Reply #23 on: 26-05-2005, 16:55:32 »

***sneaks into the thread*** Been a while hasn't it?

No it hasn't.

It's been f*cking long!



Good to see you again m8. How's life? Where have you been?

[James Smith]

I've been various places. Mostly concentrated on Uni work for a while, and sorted out bits on the Oldsmobile while trying to occasionally find time to write. As you might have guessed, I didn't find much in the way of time....

Oh, and then there was the hospital stuff. I ended up in there 4 times last month with fairly major trouble in my left knee. An old injury that just wouldn't heal properly got worse rather quickly, and I had some blood-flow problems through it. 'Tis on the mend, but it shall be a while yet and I probably need it operated on. One word sums up my feelings about all that:



Bugger.



I made a decision when I eventually found some time to write more of this fic to take it to a fairly dark place with regards to events in my version of the Trek universe. I'm not sure just how far I'll take it yet, but I do feel like taking the bodycount even higher than I have before.... 

[Grim Reaper]

Oh, and then there was the hospital stuff. I ended up in there 4 times last month with fairly major trouble in my left knee. An old injury that just wouldn't heal properly got worse rather quickly, and I had some blood-flow problems through it. 'Tis on the mend, but it shall be a while yet and I probably need it operated on. One word sums up my feelings about all that:

Sounds f*cked. Get well soon I'd say but it seems i'm late. Still, get better.

I made a decision when I eventually found some time to write more of this fic to take it to a fairly dark place with regards to events in my version of the Trek universe. I'm not sure just how far I'll take it yet, but I do feel like taking the bodycount even higher than I have before..

mmmm... Sounds rather promising

[Scottish Andy]

Damn, Smithy, I'm real sorry to hear about the troubles you've got. I hope your knee straightens itself out (or gets straghtened out) soon. My Dad has a knee problem too. It can really screw you up, so take good care of it.

As for your story: nice installement, but I'm not really sure about the really high body count... With all these types of fics around, Starfleet will run out of ships all the way from the NCC-7xxxx's down to the Daedalus-class NCC-150's  in a year!

Have bad, dark stuff happen to your characters, not your Empire!

[James Smith]

More from the demented JRS writing labs.

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Alright then. Helm, we have minimal shields so I want to avoid as much weapons fire as possible. Don't worry about putting us out of firing range or attitude, we only have one weapon working anyway."

"Aye, sir. Any particular evasive pattern?"

"Something......creative."

Raising a smile from the helm officer Harriman turned to Ops. "Lieutenant, get down to the shuttlebay and prepare Lancaster 1 and 2 for launch. Just in case. Lisa, take over at Ops."

"You got it." Lisa nodded at the Ops officer as he hurried to the turbolift. "I'm tracking incoming hostiles, the Klingon fleet is turning to engage them head on.....I think they're trying to break the enemy formation."

"Well, we better help out I guess." Harriman tapped the fleet comm button on his chair. "All ships, engage new hostile contacts. Galaxy and cruiser wings, go wider this time and fire torpedoes with proximity warheads. Defiant wings, follow the Bird of Prey squadrons and do as much damage as possible."

"Fleet is moving. Enemy will be in weapons range of our forces in 2 minutes."

Harriman hurried back to the engineering station. "Anything?" The look he got told him not to expect good news. "This isn't anything the simulations predicted. Why?"

"I don't honestly know. Maybe the shield harmonics are slightly out of spec, or the regen emitters are out of sync, or the deflector dish is holding some residual charge somehow. But I cannot get any kind of reinforcement to the shields at all. I don't know, maybe we made a mistake in the settings for the graviton beam somewhere."

"I don't think we could have. Lisa wrote the program, you checked it and then I did as well. I doubt all three of us missed a duff calculation. Keep trying anyway."

Smithy nodded. "Listen Dave. I just remembered something - keep a watch on the two Negh'Vars. Thulinuk mentioned something about a new trick they'd found in the Klingon Labs of Doom."

Harriman raised an eyebrow. "When did they start calling the weapons factory that?"

"I'm not sure. I don't really think I want to know what goes on there though, knowing Thulinuk."

A flash on the viewscreen returned Harriman's attention to it. "Report?"

Lisa glanced at her board. "The Klingon fleet has engaged the enemy, Defiant wings are following them in as ordered."

Harriman sat back. "Helm, take us in on an erratic course. Tactical, fire Quantum torpedoes in bursts of four. Smithy, do we have phasers yet?"

"Just the forward banks."

"That'll have to do. Shield status?"

"Still low. One hit and they'll be gone."

"Helm, make it very erratic."

*************
IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

Sheehan stepped out onto the bridge, having just arrived from the Peacekeeper. He immediately went to the centre chair. Thulinuk glanced up, and grinned a particularly toothy smile even by his standards. "We're just about to head right at them. The Negh'Var and Voodieh are falling back to ready their little disruptor surprise. I doubt it will be as effective as the Tigermoth's little stunt but considering the numbers we face anything would help."

The tactical officer interrupted them. "Sir, Squadrons 1 through 9 ready to execute their run. The Negh'Var and Voodieh are in position."

Thulinuk leaned forward. "Begin the run. Disruptors to full, pulse firing mode. Be ready on my signal to move quickly out of the way."

He watched as enemy ships disintegrated under the disruptor fire. He also spotted pulse phaser fire. "Tactical, transmit to our Starfleet friends that they may need to move out of the way on our command."

"Signalled, sir."

Thulinuk watched as the enemy continued to rain fire down upon the Klingon and Starfleet ships. He turned to the Tactical station. "Well?"

"Not yet.....wait, message coming in. They're in position."

"Helm, hard over. Signal the fleets!"

*************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

A massive green flash lit up the viewscreen. Harriman immediately turned to Lisa. "That was the Klingon surprise I guess?"

"Yeah, a massive disruptor pulse. Actually more like a wave....reading a lot of enemy ships damaged or destroyed, but more keep coming in." She looked up at him. "We can't keep this up, we may have to fall back."

"Agreed. But we don't really have many places to go back, unless we make a stand near Sol."

Smithy turned to face his CO. "Better than staying here. And it would give us some time to get our shields working again."

Harriman nodded. "Alright." He tapped his fleet comm panel. "All Starfleet ships, this is Admiral Harriman. Prepare to fall back to TacFleet RV point A1A." He glanced back at Tactical. "Put me through to the Klingon lead ship."

"Aye, sir. You're on Admiral."

Thulinuk appeared on the viewscreen. "Admiral, we are preparing to withdraw to rendez-vous with more of our forces. We shall meet you at Sol."

"Okay. See you at the next party." Harriman switched back into the Starfleet channel. "All ships, head for A1A. Any ship requiring major repairs should head for Utopia Planitia first." He turned his attention to the helm. "Set course for Utopia Planitia. Maximum warp."

*************
*************

[James Smith]

And more.

*************
Utopia Planitia Observation Platform.


Harriman stared out of the window at his ship, reading the report on the PADD in his hands. He turned as Smithy arrived. "Any luck?"

"No. The regen system is fried, the radiation from the deflector dish damaged several key circuits. I've powered the shield grid off completely, but as you know it'll take at least an hour before we can bring them back up with any kind of field strength."

"Okay. Admiral Wallace has asked me to assume command of the Victory so he can stay on Earth to co-ordinate the TacFleet forces with the rest of Starfleet. The enemy fleet appears to be preparing to warp to Sol soon, our spotters show them to be readying their formation. The Klingons are arriving here now, they have 380 ships."

"Right." Smithy turned to leave, but couldn't hide the fact that he was limping. Harriman stopped him. "You been looked at yet?"

"I'm alright."

"No....no, you're not. Sit down a second." Harriman grabbed the first aid kit off the wall and waved the medi-tricorder over his friend. "You've been going well past the exposure limit for theta radiation. How long have you been experiencing symptoms?"

Smithy sighed. "About a month. Look, it's not affecting me too badly yet."

"Yes, it is. You're heading for permanent damage if you keep this up. Now, I'm heading over to the Victory - you are staying put. And thats an order."

*************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Smithy sat at his station, monitoring the shield grid status, his thoughts on the battle about to take place just outside the Sol system. No word from them yet, but they must be getting close now. He turned as the turbolift doors opened to admit Lisa.

"Hey kid. What are you doing still here?"

Lisa tossed a sandwich to him and leant on the bridge rail. "I figured you would need some company. Why didn't you tell me you were ill?"

Smithy took a bit out of the sandwch, and swallowed. "I didn't want to worry you. You have enough to keep you occupied without having to think about my health."

"You're really dumb sometimes." A rueful grin lit up her face. "Come here."

The two embraced, holding each other tightly. Lisa gazed up into her husband's eyes. "Promise me. No more triple shifts, no more avoiding medical check-ups, no more disobeying orders to stop working."

"I promise." He hugged her tighter. "I suppose we'd better find out what the fleet is doing."

FLASH

"Sir, the Voodieh has been destroyed!"

"Evasive action!"

"Hull breach!"

"New contacts, bearing 213 mark 14. It's...."

"Withdraw to..."

"Did they make it?"

FLASH


"James? James?"

FLASH

Faces blurred, swam. Explosions. Time itself blurring.

FLASH

Smithy blinked. "I think something's happening. Take the helm, I'm engaging the automation controls."

Lisa dashed to the helm, and brought the engines online. "Where are we going?"

"Take us to the Earth defense squadron. I need to talk to Wallace and the Council."

*************

Earth orbit.

"We've lost contact with the Klingon and TacFleet forces, the enemy appears to be jamming us."

"Sir, I recommend that you fire up the Sol Defense Network. The enemy would need much more firepower than they appear to have right now if they want to crack that. We'll take the ED squadron out to RV with the fleet and lend a hand."

"Very well. Good luck Captain."

*************

USS Victory.
Bridge.

Harriman watched in satisfaction as three more enemy ships crumbled under the Victory's phaser barrage. The bridge rumbled underneath him, a brief shower of sparks jumping from a few auxilliary control boards. "Shield status?"

"Down to 42% Admiral. More enemy ships are coming in!"

Harriman gripped the arms of his chair as more shots landed on the Victory. A massive explosion lit up the viewscreen. "Report!"

"Sir, the Voodieh has been destroyed! The Klingons are taking heavy losses!"

"Evasive action! Try and draw some of the enemy fire away from the Klingons to allow them time to regroup. Are comms still jammed?"

The reply was swallowed up by a huge bang reverberating through the ship. Everyone hung on as the Victory keeled over to port, the intertial dampening field lagging behind the sudden change in direction.

"Hull breach! Sections 21 through 25 on decks 3 and 4!"

"Seal off those sections, use the emergency transporters to get anyone out of there."

"New contacts, bearing 213 mark 14. It's the Earth Defense squadron, sir. The Tigermoth is with them."

Harriman stared at the screen. "What's the shield status of the Tigermoth?"

"Can't get a precise reading, but if they were at full power we'd be able to tell. They aren't."

He watched as the Tigermoth spat a burst of quantum torpedoes at a group of enemy ships, socring multiple hits. The ship managed to evade most of the return fire. Looks like Lisa's on the helm, I don't know anyone else who flies like that.

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Lisa frowned. "They're closing in on us, I'm running out of room to work with." The bridge shook underneath them. "Hang on." She put the ship into a sharp drop.

Smithy gripped the edges of the Tactical console. "Nice. Remind me to add that one to the library of evasive patterns."

"Do you see the Victory?"

"Yeah. She's got a hull breach, not lost too many systems though. I'm reading heavy losses in the Klingon fleet. Looks like the Voodieh is gone."

"What about the Hesta?"

"Don't see her....there's that much interference I can't pick out anything that small." He looked up. "We've got even more ships coming in. Where the hell are they all coming from?!"

Lisa threw the ship into an erratic, weaving course trying to avoid the weapons fire that the new arrivals were unleashing. She was only partially successful, several bursts finding their mark. "Dammit, these guys are everywhere!"

"Shields are losing power....I'm diverting as much power as I can to them. Hope it's en-"

He didn't get any further, as a huge explosion rocked the bridge. He was dimly aware of Lisa hanging onto the helm console fighting to regain control of the ship. "James! I need some extra power to the impulse engines!"

"Diverting!" The shaking eased as he watched Lisa smooth out the ship's course. "We took several hits to the port nacelle, we're venting drive plasma. I'm trying to shut the valves off.....there, got it." He read the screen, not liking what he saw. "Port nacelle is heavily damaged. Switching the warp entry program to account for that if we have to move."

Lisa nodded, then turned back to her console as it beeped. "I'm picking up a hail....I think it's Dave. Putting it on speakers."

"All ships, this is Admiral Harriman. Withdraw to.......BP.........sec....23. Repeat, withdraw to....."

"Lost him again. The jamming must have been reinforced."

"Doesn't matter. See if you can spot the Victory and follow her."

"Got her, she's going to warp. Following."

Smithy heard and felt the familiar sounds of the warp drive powering up. Something sounded off though.

"We're at warp 3, best we can manage on one nacelle."

"Do you hear that?"

Lisa turned. "Yeah. What is that?" She got her answer soon enough. On the screen a shimmering tunnel appeared. "Wormhole!" She began trying to bring the ship out of warp, but the time distortion affected her immediately.

Smithy looked around. He wasn't affected by wormholes the way most lifeforms were, a happy by-product of his El-Aurian genes. His vision was still affected, but his perception of time remained normal. The ship pitched around underneath them, throwing Lisa out of her chair. He ran down to the helm, and began trying to shut off the starboard nacelle. "Come on, shut down dammit." With a resounding thud, the ship dropped out of warp and back into normal space. He bent down to check on Lisa.

"Lisa, can you hear me? Lisa?"

Her eyes struggled to focus on him. "What....?" She passed out.

Smithy thought for a second. "Computer, is the phase cloaking device online?"

"Affirmative."

"Cloak the Tigermoth."

"Done."

"Right." Smithy looked down at Lisa. "Lets get you to the medical bay." He picked her up and carried her to the turbolift. "I doubt that little wormhole trip did you any good."

*************

Sickbay.

Lisa's eyes fluttered open. Her vision blurred, then cleared. "What happened?"

Smithy smiled down at her. "The ship was pulled into a wormhole when we went to warp. Your brain couldn't cope with the temporal distortion, and you bumped your head when you fell off your chair." He helped her to sit up. "How d'you feel kid?"

"Bloody awful. Where are we?"

"Sickbay." He was rewarded with a light punch on his chest. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. The computer says we're holding position near the Karlon system. But sensors aren't picking up any ships, any Federation markers, any comm. relays. It's odd. The computer is running a diagnostic on the sensors now. Trouble is.....I think they may be accurate."

"What do you mean?"

Smithy stared at a computer screen. "I can't feel anyone near our position. I should be able to.....but it's like there's no-one out there." He looked back to Lisa. "Are you well enough to move?"

"I think so."

"Come on then, lets get back to the bridge and see just what's going on here."

*************

USS Victory.
Bridge.

"We've arrived at the Briar Patch entry marker, sir."

"Good. Ops, scan for the Tigermoth. Did they make it?"

*************
*************

[Grim Reaper]

WTF What in the name of Luc happend?

[James Smith]

WTF What in the name of Luc happend?

 

You may find out later.

[James Smith]

**************
USS Victory.
Observation Deck.

Harriman stared out at the vast clouds of the Briar Patch. Temporary box docks had been set up since they entered the region 3 weeks ago, and ships were moored in them getting repairs. He turned as a young lieutenant entered. "Report."

"There's still been no sign of the Tigermoth, sir. The probes that were sent out found no trace of wreckage along our course. More Starfleet ships have arrived back here, they met up with the 7th fleet after the last engagement with the enemy."

"And what about the enemy ships?"

"They appear to be holding position outside the Sol system. Their fleet keeps increasing in size, they're coming out of the Gatrellus Nebula in groups of around 40." He shifted nervously. "They outnumber us now 16 to 1, Admiral."

Harriman sighed. "Thank you lieutenant, but I didn't require the reminder." He turned to the window again. "Do we know if the Sol Defence Network is still up?"

"The probe didn't get that far. We would need to cloak it to get past the enemy fleet..."

"And it wouldn't be able to scan properly if it was cloaked." Harriman finished for the younger man. "Very well. Inform me when the 4th fleet is ready to depart."

**************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Level 4 diagnostic complete. No errors found."

"Computer.....is there any chance that you're wrong?"

Lisa was rewarded with a fairly confused beeping. "I'll take that as a 'don't have a clue what you're on about' then."

She turned as Smithy exited the turbolift. "I tell you what, you can make great time down those corridors when there's no bugger on the ship. I just eyeballed all the sensors. Let me guess, level 4 found nothing."

"Zip."

"There is nothing wrong with them. I cleaned them, swapped the coils out for new ones from the stores. They are in tip top condition."

Lisa frowned and dropped into a chair. "So what the hell happened then? Did we rip a hole in space-time and end up in a parallel universe? Because the last thing we need right now is some Imperials after us."

"Yeah, that would be a bit much wouldn't it? No, as near as I can make out we haven't jumped universes. If we've travelled in time it hasn't been far as the star shift isn't pronounced. Now the diagnostic has finished I'll let it run down a star check."

**************

USS Victory.
Bridge.

"Approaching the Sol system, Admiral."

"Drop out of warp as far in as you can. Signal the rest of the fleet to do so." Harriman's gaze was locked onto the main viewer. "Ops, whats the status of the SDN?"

"I'm reading fluctuations in the defense shield over Earth. Ships are pouring out of the Utopia Planitia complex.....they must be launching everything out of the mothball yard."

Harriman jumped to his feet. "Let's see it."  The viewer zoomed in on the ships. "Open a channel."

"Something's blocking us. I'm reading....oh boy."

"What is it?" He got his answer soon enough. The viewscreen changed to a vew of Earth. An Earth obscured by hundreds of ships, all firing on the defense shields. Spacedock II was destroying many of them but more arrived to take the place of any that were destroyed. "My God...helm, take us in! Lieutenant, I need to get comms back. See if you can break through the jamming."

"Working on it, sir!"

Phaser beams lanced out from the Victory, biting into the enemy craft near her. Phaser and torpedo fire poured in from the rest of the 4th fleet and from some of the mothball ships. The bridge rumbled under a brief spatter of return fire, but for the most part the enemy concentrated their attention on the defense shield.

"Sir, I have short range communication back up!"

Harriman sat back. "Open a channel to Command"

Wallace's image appeared on the screen. "Admiral, our sensor grid is being jammed. What is the situation up there?"

Harriman was about to reply, when the image dissolved into static. "Ops?"

"The jamming strength has increased again. Sir, the shield grid. I think it's..."

He didn't get any further, as the viewer told the story. The shield winked out. Several enemy ships moved to a couple of positions over the planet and fired.

Harriman stared. "Ops, where did they target?"

The lieutenant checked the board and slumped. "Starfleet Command, and the Federation HQ in Paris. They're both.....gone."

The admiral wasted no time grieving over what had just happened. "Tactical, target enemy ships and fire at will. Ops, see if you can break the jamming again...as soon as you do, tell all the ships to fall back to the Briar Patch again."

**************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Smithy sat pondering what he'd just found out. Wondering if he should wake his wife to tell her. Probably should let her sleep a while longer. He went over to the engineering station and ran the routine maintenance check of the cloak. Still normal. Good. The last thing I need right now is that breaking.

He returned to the Ops console and re-checked the scan he'd run an hour ago, bringing up the data from the damaged relay satellite they'd come across, hoping it would say something different. It didn't.

**************

Lisa opened her eyes, and glanced at the wall clock. 6:30. 4 hours. Guess James didn't want to wake me. She got up and grabbed one of her off-duty outfits from the wardrobe. Not like I'm on active duty right now. Besides, my shift doesn't even start for another 3 hours.

**************
Bridge.

Smithy turned as the lift doors opened to admit Lisa. "Hey. Sleep alright?"

Lisa nodded. "Yeah. Any news yet?"

"Yes. And none of it good. You better sit down."

Lisa dropped into the helm console chair next to her husband at Ops. "What did you find?"

"A relay satellite. It's been damaged, but the memory banks still function. The star check finished, and I confirmed it with the satellite. We've jumped forward almost 6 years."

"6 years.....so, where is everyone?"

"Thats the thing. I'm picking up no Starfleet communications chatter, no ships. The base in orbit over Karlon 3 is gone. I can't raise anyone on normal frequencies, and we're too far away to try any Klingon ones."

Lisa nodded. "So what d'you want to do then?"

"Head for the Klingon border. I don't want to try Earth.....I'm afraid of what we might find." He got up and began poking at the engineering console. "I've re-written the warp entry program to take into account the imbalance we have in the one working nacelle, so no more wormholes. We're good for warp 5."

"We're a week away from the Klingon border then, unless you want to try that warp 'highway' that Starfleet found."

Smithy mulled it over. "Think the ship can take the strain?"

"Won't know until we try." Lisa grinned at him.

He grinned back. "I love you."
**************
**************

Just a short bit for y'all there.

[Scottish Andy]

Another good installment, Smithy, keep it up!

[Grim Reaper]

Nice posting interval. And I see your getting quite the bodycount in this one... Perhaps we can get a glimpse of the aliens' motivation for this carnage?

[James Smith]

All shall be revealed soon, Grim. Have no fear about that.....I'm currently doing a final edit of the next part so I may throw it on here later if I finish.

[James Smith]

Okay, last night didn't happen as a friend had a small crisis she needed help with. But, onwards. I've brought forward this part a bit, as the next section didn't have much going on and I wasn't that happy with it anyway.

Silent Enemy 3 - The Return
**********
IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

"Approaching the enemy patrol. Range....5000 kellicams."

"Prepare to go to full impulse the moment we drop the cloak. Target the lead ship." Thulinuk stared at the tactical plot on the main screen. "There are more of them than when we first saw the patrol."

"Range 2500 kellicams."

"Tactical, drop cloak and go to battle status. Helm, full impulse!"

The Hesta shot forward, firing disruptor bolts as she went. Two enemy ships dissolved under the barrage, the rest evading the fire and returning it with interest.

"Shields holding, sir! We destroyed the lead pair, the others are coming about."

"Erratic course. Fire at will."

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Well, she's holding. God only knows how she's managing it though."

Lisa flashed her husband a quick grin. "Whoever built the frame of this ship, I wish they'd been there to do the rest of the assembly."

"It would have probably solved a few problems." Smithy glanced down at his board. "Hmm. I'm picking up an energy surge ahead. Reads like disruptor fire."

"Uh oh. Are we still under cloak?"

"Yeah, whoever it is won't see us. How long until we can intercept?"

Lisa consulted her screen. "A couple of minutes. Should be getting a visual soon."

"Got it now." Smithy brought up the view the sensors had. "Looks like the Hesta...and a number of those ships. The Hesta is taking a fair old pounding." He got up and hurried over to Tactical. "I'm getting ready to divert power from the cloak to shields and weapons."

"Right. Dropping out of warp in 4...3...2...1...mark!"

**********
IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

"Shields down to 32%!"

"Evasive action! Concentrate your fire on that ship there!" Thulinuk stabbed a finger at a ship on the Tactical screen and staggered back to his chair on the shaking bridge.

"Captain! New contact! It reads as....."

"What? Who is it?"

The tactical officer simply stared at the main screen. Thulinuk followed his gaze, and his eyes widened. "What in the name of Kahless?!"

The ship on the screen began laying into the enemy ships, who scattered after the opening volley of fire. A few of the stragglers were vapourised, the rest managing to go to warp.

"Captain, we're being hailed..."

Thulinuk stared at the tactical officer for a few seconds. "On....on-screen." The viewscreen showed static for a couple of seconds and then cleared.

"You look like you just saw a ghost."

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Transporter Room.

The pad lit up, a blue beam coalescing into the form of Thulinuk. He stepped off the pad, shaking his head in wonder. "You're supposed to be dead, you know."

"Thats right. I just haven't stopped moving yet." Smithy stuck a hand out, the Klingon grasping it in a firm handshake. "See, not a ghost."

"Evidently." Thulinuk looked his friend up and down. "What happened? Harriman told me that you never made it to the Briar Patch...that was 6 years ago. Where were you all this time? And what happened to the 'Moth? She looks a lot more beaten up since the last time I saw her."

"Come on up to the bridge,and I'll tell you all about it. Lisa's waiting for us."

The two men headed for the turbolift. "So, Lisa is with you. You have no idea how much Harriman misses you two. In fact, you probably have no idea whats happened since that battle do you?"

"No. You better fill us in."

**********
Bridge.

Smithy slumped in the centre chair. "So....the Federation as we knew it is gone. Hell, the entire Alpha Quadrant...."

Thulinuk regarded him somberly. "The last we knew, Starfleet had set up temporary home in the Briar Patch. We've seen glimpses of them over the past couple of years, occasionally appearing and attacking patrols." He slid an isolinear chip into one of the computer banks, and brought up it's contents. "We've called these aliens 'Gatreliians', for want of a better name. As Sheehan and I thought when we first encountered them, we believe them to be a Vulcanoid race, similar in many respects to the Romulans. The Vulcans raised the possibility that they are from the original group of Vulcans who broke away to form the Romulan Star Empire."

Lisa gazed at the screen. "So, they settled in the Gatrellus Nebula rather than continuing on to the Romulus-Remus system. Why did they attack when they did?"

"The Apollo. She was exploring the area in more detail than other ships had done before." Smithy shook his head. "But where did they get the materials to build what they have? There is nothing in the nebula to build with."

Thulinuk nodded. "Sheehan proposed that they had help. From the Romulans." He slotted another chip in the reader. "Last year, we took the Hesta into Romulan space undercover....and found this."

Tactical plots sprang up on the screen. Smithy looked them over, frowning. "Lisa, what d'you make of this?"

Lisa zoomed in on the section he was pointing to. "A convoy, maybe? Thulinuk, are you saying that they run cloaked convoys across to the nebula?"

"Not just cloaked. Otherwise the tachyon grid on the border would catch them. We're not sure how they've managed to evade it, but it appears that the Romulans have once again got the edge in cloaking technology."

"So, in exchange for materials to build a fleet....the Gatrellians have swung the balance of power in the galaxy towards the Romulans."

"And no doubt the Romulans will soon be coming in to take over. Vulcan is still unharmed, the Gatrellians haven't attacked them yet. The Antares yards were stripped out by Starfleet and the remains destroyed by the Gatrellians. The Karlon base is gone. We have no intel as to the status of the Sol system, but it appears that after the Gatrellians killed the Federation and Earth leaders they left Sol and concentrated on other targets. Several worlds have been destroyed, the Gatrellians building on the remains. They haven't gone into the Briar Patch yet though. We aren't sure why."

"I am." The two men turned to Lisa. She brought up a tactical display of one of the enemy ships. "Look at the shield harmonic range. It's set up for energy weapons, the navigational shields set up for space dust. Neither shield grid could cope with the gas clouds of the Briar Patch, they're tuned for the conditions of open space and the Gatrellus nebula only."

Thulinuk frowned, confused. "Whats so special about the gas clouds in the Briar Patch? Most of the elements are the same as the Gatrellus nebula."

Smithy grinned, suddenly comprehending. "The metaphasic radiation. We found after the Ba'ku incident that ship hulls are weakened under heavy exposure, thats how the Enterprise-E was able to destroy the So'na ships that pursued her. And since the Gatrellian shields don't block gas...."

"The gas hits the hull and can ignite if it hits a weapons port." Thulinuk finished. "You must go to the Briar Patch and join up with the Starfleet forces there. Sheehan tells me that they've built new ships there with the equipment from the Antares yards. They should be able to patch this old suv'Qa tiger up. Tell Starfleet that the Klingon Empire has readied a large fleet away from the prying eyes of the Gatrellians. We stand ready to drive the Romulans and their allies out of the Alpha Quadrant."

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Right, we're approaching the Briar Patch. Dropping to impulse."

Smithy brought up the visual on the main screen. "Damn....it really is beautiful."

"Yeah." Lisa smiled at him. "Bet Starfleet is going to be a little surprised at us turning up."

Smithy laughed. "Well, let's go surprise them. Take us in, best possible speed."

**********
Briar Patch Complex.
Control Centre.

"Admiral, reports are coming in from the patrols. The Gatrellians have left the Rigel and Groken systems, they suffered heavy losses against our new ships."

Harriman read the PADD, nodding. "Relay my congratulations to the 8th Fleet."

He stood, staring out into the Briar Patch. The ensign beside him shifted nervously. "Is anything wrong, Admiral?"

"No, no...I just thought I saw something out there." Harriman looked out again, and turned to the Operations controller. "Commander, are you picking up any ships on a course to the station?"

The commander looked at her board. "I'm picking up a fairly small signature....might be a cloaked ship. Shall I raise the defensive screen Admiral?"

"Negative. Where is it now?"

"It's about 500 kilometres away, slowing to a stop. It's decloaking."

The main screen switched to the image of the new arrival. Harriman stared. It can't be! "Ops....magnify the markings on that ship."

The viewer zoomed in. Harriman's jaw dropped.

"Receiving a hail, sir." The commander's face had gone completely pale. "Sir....it's Captain Smith."

The viewer switched images, and the admiral found himself staring at a man that he'd thought was dead.

"Everyone looks like they've seen a ghost today."

**********
Docking Port 1A.

Harriman skidded to a halt just as the doors began to open. Smithy stepped through. "Smithy....how....?"

The two men shook hands, Smithy grinning as he took in the new uniform Harriman was wearing. "I see they haven't improved those at all. And those pips still don't look right on you."

Lisa stepped through and grabbed Harriman in a hug. "Good to see you again Dave."

"Good to see you both as well. I'd thought.....I mean, when you didn't show up at the Briar Patch we scanned for any trace of you. What happened?"

"A wormhole. Listen, we'll tell you all about it over dinner. I for one am starving." Smithy looked around. "Nice place you have here Dave. The admiralty finally get you out of starship command?"

"You're looking at the highest ranking officer left. How much do you know about whats happened?"

Lisa sighed. "Thulinuk told us most of the story, we met up with him before heading here. Got some info from him for you, actually."

"Okay. Come on this way then, lets get you guys some food so you can tell me all about it."

********** 
Rec Hall.


Sheehan strolled into the room. "Hey Dave, hey Smithy." He came to an abrupt halt, realising what he's just said and turned. His eyes widened. "Smithy?"

Smithy shared a grin with Lisa. "Looks like we're three for three on people seeing ghosts." He got up and grabbed Sheehan in a hug. "How are you, mate?"

"I'm....great." Lisa got up and hugged him as well. "What happened to you guys? The last any of us knew, you didn't show at the Briar Patch."

"We got pulled into a wormhole when we tried to warp away from the battle. Ended up taking us all the way to Karlon and dropped us off 6 years after we left." Smithy guided him into a chair. "We took the warp highway from Karlon to the Klingon border where we met up with Thulinuk. Apparently the Klingons are massing a large fleet at Qu'Onos, I think they intend on giving the Romulans some serious pain."

"Which will cut off the materials that we believe the Gatrellians have been getting, and we can then set about removing them from Federation space." Harriman rubbed his eyes. "Well, we can't do any of that until we have our fleet ready. And that means some work needs to be done on the 'Moth. How bad is she at the moment?"

"The port nacelle is scrap. Shield generators will need a complete overhaul, there's blown out PTCs all over the place." Smithy tossed back the remainder of his drink. "What kind of facilities have you got here?"

Harriman and Sheehan's faces lit up. Harriman smiled. "Oh, you are just going to love this..."

**********
**********

[James Smith]

Right, I was going to leave this bit for a while. However, Mr Iceman informs me that it would be cruel not to post what I have if it's ready so here it is. 

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Engine Room.

"Lower....lower...woah, stop. That's it." Smithy rubbed the sweat off his forehead. "Lock that down there, guys. Ensign Lomax, go to the environmental controls and start wiring up the temperature control. I'm fed up of boiling in here, and I suspect everyone else is as well."

"Aye, sir."

Smithy turned as the doors hissed open. "Orlatrel!"

The Andorian grabbed his former CO in a hug. "I just got back from a patrol on the Galaxy, the admiral filled me in. I've apparently been demoted from chief engineer back to under you."

"Not exactly. They've got me commanding the 'Moth now, since Dave's officially retired from ship command. You're chief engineer of the Tigermoth-A now."

Orlatrel stared at Smithy. "I....I don't know what to say..."

"Say thank you. And then start ordering this mob."

"Right. Thank you, Captain." He enjoyed the grimace that he got from Smithy and began surveying the state of the engine room.

Smithy leant against a bulkhead as Orlatrel began ordering the engineering team. Lisa came in and joined him. "Is he enjoying himself?"

"As he always does." Smithy turned to her. "The new computer core installed?"

"Yep. And it interfaces with the ship much better than the old one did. Should solve many of the problems we had with speed of response."

"Good." Smithy looked round the engine room. "Unbelieveable what Starfleet managed to do in those 6 years."

"I know. Transwarp drive made practical, new shield technologies, more reliable phaser crystals and coils....I guess they had an awful big incentive to improve their technology." She handed him a PADD. "Latest intel. A probe made it all the way to Sol."

Smithy scanned it. "So, Spacedock II is a total loss but Earth itself was left pretty much untouched after their initial attack. And they didn't even go near Mars or Jupiter."

"Yeah. I wonder why?"

"Maybe they had a bigger target in mind. Not sure what it could be though." He grinned at Orlatrel's ranting about missing components in the background. "I'm not going to miss that game."

"Get off. Of course you are." Lisa put her arms round him. "Mind, I'm not going to miss you playing that game. All that lost sleep, all those missed meals."

Smithy planted a kiss on her forehead. "You seen the bridge yet?"

"They replaced the bridge module?"

"Nah, I made them modify the old one. Wouldn't be the Tigermoth without that carpet. But the new consoles are all kinds of spangly."

"Well, come on then Captain, lets go look."

Smithy winced. "Now I know how Dave feels when I call him 'Admiral'...."

**********
Briar Patch Complex.
Observation Platform.

Harriman watched as space-suited figures crawled over the exterior of his old ship. She looked different now. In the fortnight since she'd returned, scarred but unbeaten, she'd received a complete refit. New, rounder nacelles for the transwarp drive. A new warp core to power them and a massively uprated power grid. Extensions on her engineering hull to accomodate new systems that had been added. New shields, more powerful weapons, even her paintwork was different. She'd had the undivided attention of the entire engineering team at the Briar Patch Complex. He smiled, thinking about how long the refit would have taken before all this had happened. Still as beautiful as the day Smithy first showed her to me in Spacedock. Seems so long ago now.

His thoughts drifted back to his first ship, the original Tigermoth, lost in the battle to save the Federation from the insanity of Robert Metcalf. He'd let her die with dignity in space rather than return home and get picked apart in some drydock. After what she'd done for her crew she deserved to go out with a bang. He gazed at the ship before him, marvelling at how a ship built in 2250 could still be at the cutting edge of technology. Guess the Klingons have it right after all, no need to replace all those old ships. Just keep refitting them until all that's original is the basic frame.

Harriman turned and headed for the Control Centre. The patrols should be reporting in soon, and the Klingons should have sent a return message....I hope we have some good news.

**********
IKV Mortum Hesta.
Bridge.

"We're receiving a message from Starfleet, Captain."

Thulinuk glanced back at the Tactical officer. "Let's hear it."

"This is Admiral Harriman. We are preparing our forces for an assault on Gatrellian positions in the Alpha Quadrant. We also have a force ready to assist you in the push into Romulan space."

Thulinuk stood. "Transmit to Starfleet, scramble code TH-1B6. We have received and understood message. Suggest that force for Romulan attack rendez-vous with us in Sector 018."

"Transmitting, sir."

The captain nodded. "And now, we wait for the signal."

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

The sounds of a working ship filled the bridge. The low hum and soft beeps were music to Lisa's ears. She exited the turbolift and stepped down into the command area, looking around.

The bridge now had a full complement. Lt Commander Moss at Ops, Sheehan at Tactical, Ensign Hall at the helm, Various ensigns filled the other stations. She flashed a quick grin at Sheehan. "So, you got lumbered with us huh?"

"Yeah." Sheehan grinned back. "I haven't got the time to rejoin the Hesta, so they're gonna have to do without my sparkling personality for a little while."

Lisa turned, as Smithy stepped out of the turbolift. "Captain on the bridge!" She cringed as several ensigns snapped to attention. I knew that would happen. I swear to God, I don't know why they teach you to do that...

Smithy glanced around. "As you were." He looked over at Sheehan, who could barely contain his glee at seeing him in a captain's uniform. "One word out of you and we'll get to see if keelhauling is possible in space."

"Hey, I'm saying nothing."

Smithy laughed. "Yeah, but you're thinking it." He turned to his wife. "Well, Dave promoted you. I'm sure that makes you one of the youngest first officers in Starfleet history."

"Probably does. Strange times, huh?"

The two took their seats, Smithy noting the change to the comm panel on the arms of his seat. He poked at a control. "Bridge to engine room."

"Orlatrel here, sir."

"Are all your teams aboard now?"

"Confirmed. I'm still waiting on some spare parts, just in case. Should be here in 5 minutes."

"Okay. Bridge to sickbay."

"Thurlok here, Captain. All medical teams are aboard. Our CMO is on his way to the bridge, he wanted to greet you in person."

Smithy shared a puzzled look with Lisa. "Thank you Dr Thurlok." He turned to Lisa. "Who are we getting as CMO?"

"No idea. Dave didn't include the name in the listing he gave me."

The turbolift doors opened, and Smithy stood. His face lit up. "Mack?"

Doc Mackenzie scowled across the bridge at him. "I might have known they'd get you in that damned centre chair one day." He floated across the bridge in his hoverchair, meeting Smithy and Lisa halfway. "You two could drive a man to drink. You disappear for 6 years, suddenly re-appear and I don't even get any word from you."

"You were on the Venture, we couldn't get a message to you." Smithy and Lisa both smiled as Mack launched into a tirade about the state of the sickbay, Lisa only just able to stifle a giggle. Both were thinking exactly the same thing: Same old Mack.

"And another thing....where in the hell are my batteries for this piece of junk?" Mack bashed a fist down on the left arm rest. "I'm not going to last long on this set."

"Relax, doc. I had them sent straight to your office." Smithy turned the hoverchair round and propelled it gently towards the turbolift doors. "Now, report to your post doctor. Thats an order."

"Enjoy it while it lasts, Jimmy." Mack called back at him as he entered the lift. "Because I'm not spending any longer on this bucket of bolts than I have to." The lift doors closed on his scowl.

Smithy turned to Lisa. "Well, wasn't that nice?"

"Just wait till you get to his age and see how you feel about things." Lisa returned to her seat, and glanced at her comm panel as it beeped. "We're being hailed by Dave."

"On-screen." Smithy smiled at the image of his friend and former captain. "Standing by, Admiral."

"Hope you've got everything squared away now, as it looks like the party's starting. Proceed to Sector 18 under cloak. You'll meet up with the Klingon forces there, and a small Starfleet force. You'll be heading into Romulan space to wipe out their cargo lines that the Gatrellians rely on. Meanwhile, the main Starfleet force will concentrate on the Gatrellians themselves."

"Who's leading that force?"

Harriman smiled. "You'll find out, I'll have him hail you once you clear the Briar Patch. Good luck, Smithy."

"To us all, Dave."

The screen faded to black, and then to the visual of the Briar Patch and the docking scaffold. "Engine room, bring engines on-line. Helm, thrusters at station keeping. Lisa, signal the dock that we're ready to depart."

"Signalling.....they confirm, and we have permission to launch."

"Helm....take us out."

The Tigermoth slid forward, clearing the dock and heading out on her way once more.

**********
**********


**edited some of my lousy spelling, any remaining errors are wrong for good**

[Iceman]

Also good to see quick updates. Keep it goin man.

[James Smith]

Going to have to be tomorrow now, was working on a bit but got called away  - some alcohol needed drinking.


 

[James Smith]

**********
Romulan Escort Cruiser RIS Torlamak.
Bridge.


Commander Vorlon stirred uneasily. He didn't enjoy these cargo escort missions, and while he recognised them as essential to the coming strike he still wondered if it was right to trust the Gatrellians. They've become so different to us since they broke away. They went against our wishes and left Earth mostly untouched, they refuse to give us their weapons technology even though we supply them the materials they need to survive. Our leaders must have their reasons for allowing this to continue, they don't seem to share my reservations.

He was interrupted in his musings by a shrill alarm from behind him. He turned. "What is it, Centurion?"

"I'm picking up contacts on our convoy path. I believe it's a small group of ships."

"Gatrellians?"

"No, Commander. I don't believe so. I think they're Klingon. Bird of Prey type vessels, I'm reading 4 signatures."

"Monitor their communications. Tell the cargo ships to stay on course, we will deal with these Klingon ships if need be."

The ships came into focus on the viewer. Vorlon eyed them intently. "Do you have anything from their communications yet?"

"Yes, Commander. It sounds like they've been seperated from their patrol group. One of the ships is running on auxiliary power. They will be in weapons range in 6.2 cycles."

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Transwarp velocity in 4...3..2...1...mark."

Smithy settled back, listenening to the hum of the engines as they propelled the ship to speeds he'd always dreamed of travelling at. He looked over at Lisa, who smiled back at him. "Bet you want to be down in the engine room right now, huh?"

"Nah. I'm pretty comfortable here. Besides, I don't have the time right now to learn how to operate a transwarp core and nacelle setup."

Lisa consulted her panel. "Well, Dave said you'd be getting a call any minute now..."

beep beep beep

"...and here it is."

"On-screen." Smithy stood, wondering who Dave had found to lead an attack.

The image on the screen resolved into the bridge of an Achilles class ship. The man in the centre chair stood up, and stepped forward.

"Smithy? Lisa?"

"Kieran?"

Admiral Kieran Forester blinked in confusion at seeing his old friend alive. "It really is you. How....I mean...." He shook his head. "You have no idea how good it is to see you guys."

"Good to see you too Kieran." Lisa got up and stood next to Smithy. "So, Dave's got you leading the merry little assault on the Gatrellians."

"Yeah. When Starfleet set up home in the Briar Patch I found myself reactivated. We tossed a coin to see who'd get to command a ship and I won."

"You'd finally taken my advice and retired out there huh? Nice to know that some people pay attention to me." Smithy grinned at seeing his old friend looking so damned young again. "You look pretty good for an old guy."

"You look rather good for a dead one." Kieran glanced at something off-screen. "Listen, we're getting close to our first target. We'll have to catch up soon. Good luck there."

"Good luck to you as well. See you soon old friend."

**********
IKV Mortum Hesta.
Klingon Attack Force 1.
Bridge.

"Coded message coming in from the forward patrol. No contact yet, the anti-cloaking scanners haven't picked up anything yet. Not even any neutron radiation."

"They're probably still too far away for radiation traces to be picked up. Are the Starfleet ships here yet?"

"We're waiting for one more. I belive they're arriving now."

Thulinuk turned as the screen switched to show the new arrival. "Well, she's certainly looking better than when we last saw her. Hail the Tigermoth."

Smithy's image replaced that of his ship. "Standing by, Captain. Apparently you're leading this little operation."

"Indeed. Enter formation with us, James. We will do deeds worthy of song today." He stabbed a button on his chair. "All ships, engage."

**********
USS Hyperion-D.
Bridge.

Kieran had just about recovered his composure after the joy of hearing from his friends again. I don't know why I was worried. That man just refuses to die. "Signal the fleet, ready to execute the plan on my mark."

"Signalled, admiral."

He glanced over at the Tactical display. The fleet he had was almost as large as that which they faced. Nearly equal numbers for the first time. We may actually pull this off.

Standing, he thought back to all the battles, all the wars over the years that he'd been in Starfleet for. This....is where it ends. No more war, no more weakened Starfleet barely able to repel invaders. He recalled what Sheehan had told him, about how Smithy had said it was time for a change. His features hardened with determination. "Engage."

**********
IKV T'Mar.
Bridge.

"Preparing proximity charges, sir."

"Fire when ready. Lets see if we can illuminate their plasma trails."

**********
RIS Torlamak.
Bridge.

"Sir, I'm picking up an energy surge from the Klingon ships."

Vorlon's head snapped round. "Energy surge? A weapon signature?"

"I believe so." Everyone on the bridge looked up as several torpedoes appeared on the screen. Vorlon could see that they were going to miss, but their slow speed triggered a thought.

His thought was confirmed as the torpedoes detonated. The tactical console lit up in alarm. "Sir, our plasma trail! It's reacted to their torpedoes, they know exactly where we are!" The centurion glanced back down at his board, and swallowed. "A large fleet has just dropped out of subspace, Klingon and Starfleet ships."

That was the last voice that Vorlon heard, as the bridge exploded around him.

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Smithy watched as the convoy ships came apart under the weapons fire. "Well, thats what you get for running your impulse plasma mixture too rich I guess. What's our next target Thulinuk?"

"Sending the co-ordinates now. A large Gatrellian fleet has been sighted heading for the Gatrellus nebula, we believe that they are heading back to help defend it against the Starfleet attack."

"Right. Helm, lay in a course for the Gatrellus nebula. Thulinuk, am I right in thinking that the Tigermoth is the only ship here with transwarp?"

"I think so. You go on ahead, see what those new engines can do."

"See you when you get there. Tigermoth out." He tapped his comm badge. "Smith to Olatrel. I want everything this ship has."

"Aye, Captain."

"Helm, engage. Maximum transwarp."

**********
USS Hyperion-D.
Bridge.

"Shields holding, admiral."

Kieran glared at the enemy ships on the screen. "Torpedoes, make them break off."

"Got them, sir. Reading heavy damage."

The bridge rumbled and shook under more fire from enemy ships arriving. "Are those torpedo ships in position yet?"

"Yes sir!"

Kieran patched into the comm link. "Fire."

He watched in satisfaction as the Gatrellian base station crumbled under the torpedo barrage. Within seconds the ships had done their work, the base reduced to a cloud of debris and plasma. "Alright, lets get the remaining ships. Helm, evasive pattern Alpha-3-5."

"More ships coming in, sir. We just lost the numbers advantage."

Kieran swore under his breath. "We'll just have to make sure we make our shots count."

Gatrellian ships flashed past the viewscreen, their shields illuminated by weapons fire from the Hyperion. Kieran could see other Starfleet ships struggling with the numbers of ships that were attacking them.

"Sir, I'm picking up another ship coming in. I think it's the Tigermoth!"

**********
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.


"Cover the Venture, give them some time to get sorted. Open a channel to the Hyperion." Smithy made his way over to the comm. station.

"Good to see you, mate. Are the Klingons coming?"

"They're a few minutes behind. Hopefully they won't be long, we see more enemy ships coming in on our sensors."

"Yeah, we see them too. Lets go to work."

Smithy closed out the connection and returned to his chair. He glanced over to Sheehan at tactical. "Target and fire at your discretion."

Sheehan flashed a quick grin. "Aye, Captain."

"Helm, evade as much of their fire as you can without hampering our own weapons' effectiveness." He settled back, and turned to Lisa. "You're right."

She threw him a quizzical look. "What about?"

"I do miss it. Right now I feel like I should be....juggling power requests, and ordering a group of young people to keep equipment working under conditions that it was never supposed to, and yelling at whoever's in this chair."

Lisa smiled. "Like I told you before, I certainly won't miss you doing that job. Anyway, we haven't heard from Orlatrel ye-"

"Engine room to bridge. Would you please tell Mr Sheehan to rest the forward phaser banks for a minute? The cooling setup for the coils can't cope."

"Well, I'll ask him Orlatrel. No promises though." Smithy glanced over at Sheehan, laughing as his tactical offiver rolled his eyes. "Humour him. I don't want to start my career as commander of this ship having a blazing argument with the guy doing my old job."

"Alright." Sheehan vented his frustration on the enemy ships that headed anywhere near torpedo range. He glanced over as his console alerted him to new signatures. "Looks like the backup has arrived."

The enemy ships scattered as the Klingon and new Starfleet arrivals poured in. They began to run, most getting to warp speed before they could be destroyed.

"Track their course. I want to know where they're headed." Smithy glanced at his wife. "Open a channel to Kieran and Thulinuk."

"On-screen."

"Looks like we won round 1 then gentlemen."

"Certainly looks that way. Sheehan's calculating their course." Smithy looked over at him. Sheehan mouthed one word. "And it appears that they're on a direct course to Romulus."

"Romulus?" Thulinuk scowled. "So, where are we heading now?"

"Sol. There's still a large group of Gatrellian vessels just outside the solar system, and it's time they were removed."

**********
**********

Just a short part to welcome an old friend back into the Tigermoth universe.


EDIT - I missed a bit off the end of this when I posted it. Added it back in. Hopefully I'll post some more tomorrow if I get around to editing the next part up.[/b]

[KOTH-KieranXC, Ret.]

Enter K-Fo, stage left. Cue explosions. Great way to bring in the good admiral, Smithy, on a wave of asskicking.

[James Smith]

Enter K-Fo, stage left. Cue explosions. Great way to bring in the good admiral, Smithy, on a wave of asskicking.

Well, I couldn't let the fic get past page 2 without K-Fo and his trusty ship appearing

[Grim Reaper]

James!

I'm terrible sorry I did not reply sooner! I've been busy because I finally entered the real world. I've got a real job now. No internship or extension of an internship.

I love the way the story is going now. I wonder about the Romulan motivation. I think that Romulan captain has it right... They must have a good motivation to enter an alliance on such infavourble terms

[James Smith]

James!

I'm terrible sorry I did not reply sooner! I've been busy because I finally entered the real world. I've got a real job now. No internship or extension of an internship.

I love the way the story is going now. I wonder about the Romulan motivation. I think that Romulan captain has it right... They must have a good motivation to enter an alliance on such infavourble terms

Heh, 'tis okay Grim. I figured you'd be along in a while.    Interesting that you mention the Romulan terms with the Gatrellians, as I've been working on this very subject. Not entirely certain how to resolve some of it yet....bah, I'll think of something.

More shall be posted soon. I'm in the middle of some uni work at the moment, and spent most of this afternoon and night helping a mate with some calculations for his - I'm starting to hate the sight of stress-strain equations and free-body diagrams.

[Scottish Andy]

Yes! Finally caught up on this again. I don't know, leave for a week or so and you just run away with it!

Good work with the story, keep it up and can't wait for more!

EDIT: On second thoughts, I can wait a little. I have Larry's story to catch up on and comment about, S'Tasik's story to start, and numerous other little bits and pieces to look into.

Yeah. Hold that thought, and that next chapter. *grin*

[James Smith]

Just a quick note - I am without reliable internet for a short while (gotta love the UK's pre-historic network), more will be posted as soon as I can.

[James Smith]

****************
****************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Hold position here helm, give everyone a chance to form up."

Smithy ran a hand through his hair, studying the tactical plot on the main screen. More and more ships had entered the area, and now Romulan ships were joining the mix. He shot Lisa a look. "I see the Romulans decided to join the party."

"Just what we needed, huh?"

"Yeah. Bridge to Engine Room."

"Orlatrel here."

"Is she ready?"

"I've completed the modifications to the phaser coils' cooling system. Shields are recharged to full capacity, armour is at 100% integrity. She's good to go."

"Thanks." Smithy stared at the screen, his features hardening. "Helm, full ahead. Tactical, target as soon as we enter weapons range. Ops, I want target updates sent directly to Tactical. Communications, keep a channel open to Main Engineering."

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more." Sheehan frowned at his screen. "There sure are a lot of them."

"Better not miss then." Smithy leant forward as the enemy fleet sprang into focus on the screen. "Mind, you really aren't wrong. Tigermoth to Hyperion."

"Forester here."

"Kieran, how d'you want to play this one?"

"Not sure really. I always favour the simplest solution usually though."

"Straight at them it is then." He closed the connection and turned to Sheehan. "Looks like I'm sticking to those orders. Don't miss."

"I'll try."

Everyone stared intently at their console, except Smithy who had his gaze firmly locked on the screen. "Here they come."

****************

RIS Neirhh.
Bridge.

"The Federation fleet is accelerating sir. Their course....they are heading straight for us."

The Romulan commander scowled at the tactical plot. I notice the Gatrellians are hanging back, putting us right in the firing line. This was an ill-advised union from the start. "Hail the Gatrellian fleet commander, inform him that we will need more ships."

"Sending the message sir." The young officer worked the controls, sending the message. He frowned. "I'm not receiving any confirmation of receipt."

****************

Gatrellian Cruiser TH-1947.
Bridge.

"The Romulans are pleading for more ships."

"Then we shall give them more ships. Execute Order 1 helm."

****************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Smithy gripped the armrests of his chair as the intertial dampening field lagged behind the erratic course the ship was on. Sheehan shot him a quick look. "Four more Romulan ships damaged, three destroyed. We're overwhelming their lines."

"Good." Smithy glanced over at Lisa. "Fleet status?"

"The Gemini and Republic are withdrawing, both have serious damage to their power systems. The Thunderer, Viking and Ulysses are damaged but can continue to operate." She frowned as her board flashed an alert. "The Gatrellians are starting to move now, but they don't appear to be making an attack run on us."

Smithy started at the screen. "They aren't. Helm, hard about! Lisa, get the fleet back away from the Romulans!"

The screen lit up with plasma explosions as the Gatrellian ships opened up on the Romulan fleet. Within seconds the Romulans dissolved into a cloud of plasma and debris, the Gatrellian ships punching through it and turning away.

"All ships, pursuit course. Engage!" Smithy shook his head sadly. "I should have seen that one coming a lot sooner."

"Why would the Gatrellians turn on them?" Sheehan shook his head. "Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me." He glanced down at his board. "They're coming to a halt. And....hailing us. They're asking for you."

Smithy frowned. "A, how do they know my name? And b, why do they want to talk all of a sudden? They've been completely silent up until now. Never mind, put them through."

The image of the Gatreliian bridge sprang up, Smithy noting the Romulan-esque architecture. Two Gatrellians flanked a chair with it's back to the screen, their faces hidden by masks and helmets. And Smithy suddenly knew, without question, who was in the centre chair.

"Show yourself."

The chair turned, it's occupant hidden in shadows. It then moved forward, revealing him.

"I love what you've done with the Tigermoth, James. Very modern. All kinds of innovations. Didn't I tell you I'd be back? Didn't I forsee the fall of the Federation? You didn't believe me at the time, or perhaps you did....perhaps this is all part of the Grand Plan. Either way....you can't stop me this time."

Smithy's face bore a wry smile. "Same old Bob Metcalf. Same old delusions, same sense of self-importance....same arrogance.....same murderous jumped-up little git that I probably should have killed a long time ago."

Metcalf grinned. "Same old James Smith. Do you still see the Universe the same way as you used to? Do you feel the shifting of the vortex? I had an epiphany you know....I see as you see."

Smithy sighed. "You went into the Nexus....but thats not the whole story is it? You didn't get all the way in before you were pulled back."

"I was torn back out." Metcalf's eyes flashed with anger. "I was so close to understanding you....so close to working out why I'd not been able to defeat you. And the answer was taken from me. But of course....it wasn't. It just needed a little time, and suddenly I saw everything in a new light."

Lisa turned to Smithy, muting the audio. "Dave's signalling. We have Klingon reinforcements coming in, 5 minutes away now. They're going to use the Sun to screen their entrance."

"Good. Sheehan, co-ordinate with the fleet. Get ready for when the Klingons enter the stage." He restored the audio. "Bob...do you honestly see the same things I do? Because if you do, you should know exactly what I know. You should know that the Federation will survive this, and everything else that will be thrown at it."

"You see the path that you want to see. I see another. You know that as well as I do.....that the vortex is fluid, changing. Every decision, a new layer comes into being. Every path is taken."

Smithy sat back, and regarded his former CO for a minute. He actually knows what it all means. This just took a really dangerous turn....a man like him with the power to see the vortex.

His musing was interrupted by Metcalf. "I understand that you married the girl who killed my wife....ah yes, there she is. I see your name in the vortex a great deal, Lisa. I'm not sure I understand why yet, but you are very important to the Universe."

So, there are limits to what he knows. That gives me a slight edge at least. Smithy turned to Lisa. "He's right, you know. You are pretty important to the fabric of the Universe. He doesn't know why, he can't see it." He turned back to the screen. "But I know. I know and have always known. And d'you know what else I know?"

"What? What could you know that I don't?"

"I know that there's a fleet of Klingon warships about to open up on you." He closed the channel, and watched as disruptor fire rained down on the Gatrellian fleet. "Helm, attack pattern Theta-Five, full impulse. Sheehan, target at will. Lisa, get the fleet moving."

A chorus of acknowledgements filled the bridge. Lisa glanced sideways at him. "What did he mean?"

"You mean, about you and the vortex?" Smithy grinned at her. "Don't you like a little mystery in your life? Never mind, I will tell you....just got to find the words to do it first."

****************
****************

Notes:

Yay, a new part! I had this idea rattling around in my head a while back. For those of you wo have no idea who Bob Metcalf is, he featured in "Return of the ISC" on the old Taldren board. He also has a starring role in "Vengeance", which I'm still not happy with the story of yet so that won't get posted on here until I am.

I realise that this part had just raised a number of questions regarding certain characters - but in the end it will make clear why Smithy gets those flashes of insight, why Lisa got into Starfleet while still probably too young for it, and why she ended up on this ship married to someone who can see pretty much all of Creation.

Now, I promise I won't leave it as long in between parts this time. No, I mean it.

You can trust me   

[Grim Reaper]

Notes:

Yay, a new part!

I agree

I realise that this part had just raised a number of questions regarding certain characters - but in the end it will make clear why Smithy gets those flashes of insight, why Lisa got into Starfleet while still probably too young for it, and why she ended up on this ship married to someone who can see pretty much all of Creation.

great, i'm looking forward to it!

Now, I promise I won't leave it as long in between parts this time. No, I mean it.

You can trust me   Grin

.... (need i type more?)

[Scottish Andy]

Thanks for the new part, Smithy! Glad to see someone making a comeback to the boards. Looking forwards to more.

[James Smith]

****************
****************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"They're running." Sheehan glanced over at his CO. "Metcalf's ship is being covered by a group of ships, looks like he plans to live to fight another day."

"Project their course." Smithy stood and crossed the bridge to Sheehan's station. "Well?"

"They're headed for home, and that big pile of Gatrellian ships just outside the nebula. You want to continue pursuit?"

"Better not, the fleet is in no condition to take on that many enemy vessels. Lisa, patch me in to Kieran and Thulinuk."

"Channel open."

"Kieran, I reckon it's best if we call it a day here. Get the fleet back up to full strength and then we can make a renewed assault."

"I concur. All the crews could use some time from battlestations as well. Thulinuk?"

"Agreed. We have more ships coming in from the Drell Shipyards and will need time to get them co-ordinated into the FK Alliance fleet.[/b]"

"Alright. The fleet will hold here. Kieran.....I think we better go plant the flag back on Earth."

***************
Starfleet HQ.
San Fransisco.

Smithy picked his way carefully over the rubble, making his way over to Kieran who was standing in what remained of the entrance hall. "They did a number on the old place, didn't they?"

Kieran looked around sadly. "There's barely a wall standing." He turned back to Smithy. "Did Lisa manage to raise the cloaked stations yet?"

"Yeah, we eventually found the right frequency. I'm pretty impressed about those mass transporters, they certainly managed to get everyone off the planet pretty quickly. Just sorry that it was too late to save the Council."

"The new Council is arriving from Vulcan soon. They want to know what the plan is."

"Plan?" Smithy shot his friend a broad grin. "What plan?"

***************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Captain's Quarters.

"You seriously don't have a plan?"

"Nope."

"What did Kieran say?"

"Not much, just a nervous giggle." Smithy rubbed his eyes and returned his attention to the PADD in front of him. "Last intelligence report said that the Gatrellians were building something. Something big."

"A station, maybe?" Lisa glanced at her husband. "Fits in with Metcalf's mentality, from what you told me."

"It's a possibility. I don't think he's planning on stopping at the Gatrellus Nebula though."

"Bridge to Captain Smith."

"Go ahead Sheehan."

"Just got word from one of our patrol groups. That huge Gatrellian fleet just walked right into Romulan space. Headed right for the Romulus-Remus system."

"And after yesterday's performance, I doubt that they're still allies. You suppose there's much we can do about it?"

"They haven't got a prayer. That fleet is just going to walk right through their space bulldozing anything in it's path. You know, this is probably the first time I've ever felt sorry for the Romulans."

"Has Dave's ship arrived yet?"

"Be here in less than an hour with the new Federation Council. Still haven't got a President, but it's a start."

"Alright. I'm going to practice my poker face for the Council. Let me know when they arrive."

"Will do."

Smithy closed the connection, and turned to Lisa. "Look...I'm still not sure how to say this, so I'll just come out with it. When my mother's people went into the Nexus, it gave them an ability to see more of space-time than other sentient life. The ability varied with each person. At least one person could be a part of several space-time streams and retain knowledge of them all. Another was able to see into the future of his particular space-time stream."

"And your mother?"

Smithy closed his eyes, remembering her. "She could see everything. All of space, all of time, the changes brought about by every decision. Her ability to use it wasn't too good though - she could see it, she just couldn't describe it or act on it. By the time she'd made sense of it it would be too late. So she just let it flow through her, and lived as a normal person. She met and married my father, and I was born with her 'insight'."

"But you can see things as they develop, even before they develop. Your ability to use it is...."

"Better than Mum's." Smithy finished for her. "I see the entire Universe. I see it, and feel it, move. And I can alter the way certain time-streams develop. I still have limits of course - if something has to happen to fit the Grand Plan of the Universe then I can't see it, can't change it. But for anything else, it's fair game. Temporal Investigations has had to devote an entire bank of M19 computers to me."

He rose and stared out of the window into space. "Several people in this galaxy are important to the Universe. Metcalf knows this much. He doesn't know why they are, so he sees them as a threat. One of them was the commander of the Karlon 3 base, Captain Shorll. An Andorian."

"And the Gatrellians destroyed the base, killing him."

Smithy nodded sombrely. "Want to guess who another is?"

"A Romulan?"

"Yep. Admiral Tarlonak. He'll be leading the defence against the Gatrellians I expect. In fact, he will be dead within the hour. I can't change that now, just as I couldn't change the death of Trell. What I can do, is stop another very important person dying."

"You mean..."

"You." Smithy turned to her. "Sometime soon, within the next Earth decade, a foreign power will invade the galaxy. It will be repelled, as it was before."

"Before?" Lisa's eyes widened. "The Andromedans?"

"They will attack, and they will be defeated. It will unite all the governments in the galaxy. It won't be the final conflict of course, others will follow the Andromedans eventually from other galaxies. But it will mean that our galaxy is strong enough to prevail. Certain people need to be alive in order for us to be able to defeat the Andromedans. If one of those people is alive, we can do it."

"So, Metcalf is killing the people who you know will help defeat the Andromedans."

"He doesn't know about that. All he sees is people more important in the space-time fabric than him, which makes you a threat."

Lisa sat down on the edge of their bed. She looked up at Smithy. "What am I going to do that's so important?"

"No idea. There's just a ruddy great question mark in my mind. Whatever it is, it must be bloody good. Especially now that it's you on your own, unless Winston Churchill comes back to life. He was also important in the galaxy. Maybe we ought to go back and grab him from 1945." Smithy took her hands in his own. "Metcalf has to go through me to get to you. If he tries, I will kill him."

"All senior officers, report to the bridge. Council ship is entering the Sol System."

Lisa stood, and the two held each other for a few moments. Smithy kissed her on the forehead. "Come on, lets get back at it."

****************
****************


Just a short piece to set the next part up. Anyone fancy Metcalf's chances of surviving his next encounter with Smithy? 

[Potemkyn]

When's the next installment a com'in?




Mike

[Grim Reaper]

I'll bet there be some nastly suprise. Perhaps you can reuse a part of you old story (something big, green and ....)

[James Smith]

************
************
Federation Building.
Birmingham, England.
Earth.
1100hours Earth Standard Time.


Smithy walked out of his meeting with the Federation Council. Man, am I glad that's over. And with a plan approved. Either politicians are getting easier to persuade or I'm getting far too good at this.

He hurried down the steps and made his way to the transport co-ordinates. Something was nagging at the back of his mind, and it was worrying him. He hadn't felt like this since the last time his path had crossed his former captain's. He thought of all the bitter arguments they'd had on the Excalibur. The huge battle that had led to the destruction of the original Tigermoth. The second war against the ISC, and Metcalf's return and subsequent capture. I could have killed him, but oh no. I had to be the bigger man, had to arrest him rather than kill him. How many people did I kill with that decision?

"You didn't kill them."

Smithy stopped, and turned. "Getting inside my head again? You know you aren't supposed to do that, Q."

He sat on a park bench, Q joining him. "For a dead man, you don't look too bad. How did you cheat it this time?"

"Thought you Q were omnipotent. You ought to know the answer."

"I could find out, but it's much easier if you tell me. Very well......time hole.....travelled forward 6 years.....and so on. Very boring. Jean-Luc would have found a much more exciting way of escaping that battle."

"I'm not Picard."

"Yes. You're much more interesting. We've had our eyes on you for some time." Q stared at him thoughtfully. "How is it that you've never truly used your wonderful talent?"

Smithy shook his head. "What, and blow the integrity of the space-time continuum sky high? It's barely stable as it is without me poking holes in it. And while we're on that line of questioning, how is it that you've never used your talent to put an end to this?"

"'This'?"

"Come on Q. Don't play dumb with me. You know what Metcalf might do."

Q thought for a second. "If I let you in on some secrets, will you promise not to tell anyone it was me who told you?"

************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"A battleship?"

"Not just a battleship. A very big battleship. According to my source, Metcalf started construction on it soon after Lisa and I went into that wormhole. He intends to go rampaging through space destroying anyone he sees as a threat. I intend to do what I should have done a long time ago. The Tigermoth will go on ahead under phase cloak and get me onboard his ship. I'll find some way of disabling it from the inside, then the fleet can come in and put it out of commission permanently along with the rest of the Gatrellian fleet if need be."

"We almost have the numbers together to do that. The Klingons have brought in every ship they could find, the Cardassians have sent ships. And the Romulans are mounting a stand against the Gatrellians in Romulan space. Alright, I'll co-ordindate things on this end and update the Council with the edited highlights of the new plan. Good luck Smithy."

Kieran's image disappeared from the screen. Smithy closed his eyes for a second, clearing his mind, before re-opening them. "Helm, set a course for the Gatrellus nebula. Maximum transwarp."

************
Starship 'Galactic Domination'.
Bridge.

Robert Metcalf read the information in front of him. "So, a large Federation fleet is massing with Klingon and Cardassian fleets. Numbers?"

The Gatrellian who handed him the padd turned back from his work to answer. "Unknown at present, our sensor probes have been destroyed."

"Very well." Metcalf walked over to the window at the rear of the bridge. You're coming for me aren't you? Do you honestly believe that you can beat me?

Before you had the advantage. You could see ahead, see the paths that the time-streams were heading down. Now I see as you see.....and I will beat you.

************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Ready Room.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"How d'you mean?" Smithy glanced up at his wife as she paced back and forth. "You're going to wear out my new carpet doing that."

"I mean, is facing Metcalf on your own a good idea? Can't you at least take Sheehan with you?"

"Sheehan's needed here for when I've got the battleship's defences down."

"A security detail."

"They'd get in the way."

"Me."

"That....would not be a good idea."

Lisa stopped pacing. "Why the hell not? You took me along to the pirate base when we were trying to find Metcalf's superweapon. You took me along when trying out the Spitfire. You've taken me along on some of the most dangerous, harebrained missions ever. What's so different this tme?"

"You know what, you're right. There is nothing that different this time." Smithy sat back and sighed. "If I don't take you along I might fail. I mean, you are the perfect person to take along when you want to bring a ship's defences down due to your computer knowledge. But if you do come along.....I have to keep you safe."

"How about you don't worry about that. I can take care of myself, and I'll be armed. Now, show me the plans of this ship so we can work something out."

************
************

Just another short part. More coming soon.

[Scottish Andy]

Good stuff, Smithy! Keep it coming!

[Grim Reaper]

Dude i like your posting interval!

[James Smith]

I'm currently writing up what will probably be the final confrontation in this fic - it'll stretch over several parts due to the length, but I want to get it all written up in a basic form first. By the end of the weekend the first part will definitely be up 

[Jaeih t`Radaik]

Excellent news, Smithy! That's what I'm doing right now with 'Kestrel': making sure she's ready to fly again so there isn't an unexpected "loading" screen to slow down the posting interval.

I'm nearly done... really I am.

Honest!

[Grim Reaper]

Excellent news, Smithy! That's what I'm doing right now with 'Kestrel': making sure she's ready to fly again so there isn't an unexpected "loading" screen to slow down the posting interval.

I'm nearly done... really I am.

Honest!

[James Smith]

*************
*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

Sheehan glanced over at Ops. "Are they onboard?"

"Confirmed, sir."

"Helm, take us out to the rendez-vous co-ordinates. And now....we wait."

*************
Starship 'Galactic Domination'.
Section 12A-3.

A Gatrellian officer hurried along the section, his break almost up. You don't want to be late. Not after what happened to that other officer....

He stopped, hearing a muffled noise from one of the alcoves in the bulkhead. He cautiously approached the source of the sound.

Whump[/b]

Smithy grabbed his unconcious body and stuffed it into the alcove. "You won't do that next time." He motioned to Lisa to come out of her hiding spot.

"I'll get these charges planted on the control relays. Meet you at the rendez-vous?"

"Provided the plan doesn't end up changing. Good luck."

"And you." Lisa quickly kissed him and was gone.

Smithy stood alone for a few seconds, eyes closed. This was it. You feel my presence Bob? I'm making no attempt to hide it. I'm coming for you.

*************
Bridge.

Metcalf stirred uneasily. You're here.[/b] He motioned to the security commander. "Anything to report?"

The commander left the conversation he was having to stand next to Metcalf. "Lieutenant Rarnax hasn't reported in for his shift."

"Section 12, begin your search there. I have a feeling you'll find him."

The commanded saluted and left, leaving Metcalf alone to his brooding. What do you intend to do James? Take on my entire crew? You can't hope to win.[/b]

*************
Lisa finished placing the final charge and closed off the access port. All done. Now for part 2. She glanced at her watch. 18 minutes. I hope James is okay.

*************
The two guards never even saw Smithy coming. He lowered the pair gently to the ground, before placing them inside a storage compartment.

Smithy attached an electronic skeleton key to the door controls, working quickly. The door slid open, and he hurried through into the next section. One of the doors leading to the vessel's control centre was at the end of the corridor.

He felt a strange calmness overtake him, as pieces of the puzzle started to assemble themselves in the right order in his mind. Bob, Bob, Bob. How can you not see it? It's all so simple.

*************
Bridge.

"We found Rarnax, sir. He was in alcove A-3. Alive but unconcious."

"Stunned?"

"No, there was no nadion trace. He was knocked out by someone's fist."

Metcalf nodded. "Yes. That doesn't surprise me."

Both men turned as a security patrol entered the bridge. The leader saluted. "Sir, we found this woman attempting to access an engineering section." He pushed Lisa forward. "She was armed with this phaser."

Metcalf took the weapon, examining it. "Ah, new design. Much better ergonomics. Nice." He stared at Lisa. "So, do I kill you now or do I wait and see what your husband has planned? Yes, that'll work. I had to watch my spouse die at your hands....now you can watch James die at my hands."

"You're insane." Lisa struggled to keep any trace of fear out of her voice. Keep calm, everything is going to plan.

Metcalf turned to the patrol leader. "Any word on where he is?"

Before the leader could answer, the bridge rocked under an explosion and one of the bridge doors dissolved into flame. Several bridge officers were sent flying, almost everyone failing to stay on their feet. Smithy stepped through, and regarded the choas he'd just created with a dangerously calm note in his voice. "Right here Bob."

*************
*************

And there's the opening part of the final confrontation. I hope you all enjoy the ending, I'm certainly having fun writing it.

Excellent news, Smithy! That's what I'm doing right now with 'Kestrel': making sure she's ready to fly again so there isn't an unexpected "loading" screen to slow down the posting interval.

I'm nearly done... really I am.

Honest!

Hehe, sounds good Jaeih 

[Grim Reaper]

what a classic indiana jones / arnold / silvester entrance!

I'm curious about the plan (and I wonder why smithy agreed to take that much risk with lisa. That's betting a lot. I mean, if Metcalf shot her -> end of story...

[James Smith]

and I wonder why smithy agreed to take that much risk with lisa. That's betting a lot. I mean, if Metcalf shot her -> end of story...

Calculated risk. Metcalf is very prone to "Bond villain/Dr Evil style" methods of killing people, he wants revenge at the same time as wanting them dead.

Besides, if Smithy hadn't taken Lisa along she'd have probably stopped sleeping with him for a bit as punishment 

[Potemkyn]

Impressive.  

You may continue       




Po~

[CaptJosh]

In re Lisa's response had she not been taken along. We've an old saying south of the Mason-Dixon line...

"If mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy."

Looks like she has him well trained.

[James Smith]

*************
*************

Lisa broke free of the security officers and dived behind a console as Smithy laid down a burst of phaser pulses across the bridge. "You sure know how to make an entrance!"

"Thanks, I try!" Smithy ducked in behind a pillar as the Gatrellians began unloading disruptor bursts at him. "I think I might have annoyed them!"

"You think?!" Lisa checked her watch. "You think they're annoyed now, wait five seconds!"

Smithy caught the beginning of the rumble from deep within the ship. "Here it comes. Get ready to make a swift exit!" He ducked as the overload caused by Lisa's bombs sent sparks flying across the bridge. "Now, time to go!" The pair dashed off the bridge, Lisa grabbing a phaser from Smithy's belt as they retreated.

Metcalf groggily got to his feet, shaking his head to clear the ringing sound. He grabbed a couple of the security men. "You! Come with me! The rest of you, get this ship operational again! Unless you want the Federation fleet to kill every last one of you!"

*************
USS Hyperion-D.
Bridge.

Kieran stood as Sheehan's image sprang up on the screen. "The fleet's just about ready to move in. Any more readings on the shield status of Metcalf's ship?"

"The last scan we did before returning here showed their screens as being down. There's a large force of smaller Gatrellian ships returning to the area though, and they stand between our fleet and the battleship."

"Then we'll have to smash our way through. See you on the other side."

"Will do."

The viewscreen switched back to the tactical plot. Kieran glanced sideways. "Tactical, prepare the ship for multi-vector assault mode." He keyed his comm panel. "All ships, this is Admiral Forester - engage." He returned his attention to Tactical. "Engage multi-vector assault, place the sections in tight formation with the primary hull. Interlinked shields."

*************
Starship 'Galactic Domination'.

Smithy flattened himself into an alcove as a disruptor beam scorched the bulkhead near him. One second, two seconds, three seconds. He dived out, firing a quick burts of phaser pulses down the corridor. Rolling quickly to his feet he set off after Lisa.

He caught up with her at the next section. "How much charge have you got left in that phaser?"

"About 40%. You?"

"12% in the rifle, my hand phaser is still full. Still got 3 photon grenades mind." He turned and fired a quick burst from his rifle as Lisa fired several shots, dropping 3 of the pursuing soldiers to the deck. "Listen, you hear that?"

Lisa nodded. "Sounds like they're getting control and power back. Dammit! What do we do now?"

"Engine room. I've got grenades, I intend to use them. Come on."

*************
Metcalf stalked down the corridor in a white hot rage. His mind was totally fixated on one thing. Where are you? Come out and face me you son of a bitch! Face me!

He let his mind scan the area, trying to pick out any trace of Smithy. Come on James, I know you're out there...

*************
Smithy glanced behind him. "Damn. He's trying to find me."

"Metcalf?"

"Yeah." Smithy grabbed the grenades and handed them to his wife with the phaser rifle. "Get to the engine room. Plant these on the core and blow it up once you're past the fire door. I'm going to lead Metcalf the other way. Hopefully he'll be fixated enough on me to oblige."

"I'm not leaving you."

"That's right, you're just going in the opposite direction for a little while." He silenced her objection with a quick kiss. "Just get going, I'll see you at the transport co-ords."

*************
Section 14D-3.


"I've been waiting for you."

Metcalf stood with his disruptor raised. "You know, it's been too long since we did the whole gun-fight thing. You remember the fun we had last time?"

"I remember you shooting me in the shoulder. As I recall, my aim was somewhat better. Pity I had the weapon on stun really. I'd have saved the galaxy an awful lot of bother."

"So why didn't you kill me, hmmm?"

Smithy considered the question. "You know, I honestly have no idea. Maybe I'll find out when I do kill you."

Metcalf laughed. "You're insane. Your fleet is a long way from here, you're trapped on my ship, and there is nothing keeping me from killing you."

"Really? Then why am I still standing here then? I think it's because I still know something you don't."

"You aren't standing." Metcalf lowered his aim, firing a quick burst into Smithy's left knee that knocked him over.

Smithy rolled half up, rising onto his right knee. "Guess I asked for that. I'm kinda glad that S'Tasik taught me the Vulcan control techniques for ignoring pain, because I suspect that this hurts right now."

"You're right, there is something I wish to know. And you're going to tell me, or I'll tear this ship apart looking for your wife. So tell me.....how do I use this power?"

"Use it? What d'you mean, 'use it'?" Smithy stared at him. "It's simply knowledge of possible futures. If by use it you mean how do you make one come true, you have to go affect every last causality node. Frankly, there are easier ways of living."

"But you don't do that. You affect the outcome of events in some other way."

Smithy grinned. "Hate to break it to you Bob, but if I could do that I'd still have a left knee. You're talking about powers that only beings like the Q Continuum have, simple knowledge of the future can't hope to compete with that."

"You're lying! I know you are!" Metcalf's voice cracked as he got angrier. "This power is more than that! It elevates us to the levels of GODS! YOU WILL TELL ME HOW TO USE IT!!!!"

Smithy shook his head. "You really have flipped your lid haven't you?" He turned slightly so Metcalf couldn't see what he was doing behind his back. "Tell you what - since you asked so nicely, I'll tell you how to spread yourself across the entire universe."

"The universe....how?"

"Well, it's very simple really. Stand there, and let this overloaded phaser blow you up." Smithy keyed a final button on the phaser behind his back and threw it to Metcalf's feet. Then he dived as far as he could.

The explosion shoved him down the corridor, overwhelming his pain control technique. Then there was nothing but darkness.

*************
Engine Room.

Lisa planted the final grenade on the coolant system and headed for door, pausing only to knock out one of the engineers with the blunt end of the phaser rifle. Closing the blast door, she activated the detonator. Warning alarms immediately sounded.

"Coolant leak. Warp core breach in 10 minutes. Main power systems off-line."

"Thanks computer, but I'd kind of guessed that." She hurried off down the corridor. You best be alright James, or I'll be really pissed off at you.

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Three more ships destroyed sir, but there's still no gap in their lines."

"I see it." Sheehan stabbed at the comm panel. "Orlatrel, how's she holding up?"

"Coolant systems are still within tolerance. Looks like we finally got something right with this setup."

Sheehan returned his attention to the screen. "Shield status?"

"We're down to 43%, armour integrity is still at 100%. We've lost twelve ships from the fleet though, and many more are taking serious damage."

"Order the Venture and Galaxy to come out wider, they can't fight properly in as close as they are. And get me a channel to the Hyperion."

"Channel open, sir."

Sheehan made his way over to a comm station and activated it. "Kieran, I have a plan."

"I hope it's a good one, we just lost two more ships."

"It's a good one alright, how much hydrogen can you spare?"

"Hydrogen?" Kieran's image stared out of the screen with a look of confusion that slowly turned into a grin. "You can't be serious."

"I'm always serious. How much can you donate?"

"Enough. When d'you want to try it?"

"Any time now. We'll make our way over to you." Sheehan closed the connection and returned to the centre chair. "Helm, get us over to the Hyperion's primary section. Engine room, prepare to vent hydrogen from our storage tanks."

*************
*************

That's enough for now. More soon folks. 

[Grim Reaper]

Hydrogen? Are we gonna light some fires?

[Scottish Andy]

"Spread yourself across the universe," hmm? I liked that one!

As for the Hydrogen, are you gonna make the GD go Hindenburg on us?

[James Smith]

Hydrogen? Are we gonna light some fires?

Maybe 

As for the Hydrogen, are you gonna make the GD go Hindenburg on us?

Maybe 

Right, the next part - I'm at home right now, and won't be back near my computer until Tuesday evening. Look for an update on Wednesday. Hopefully y'all will enjoy it

[Potemkyn]

Okay - I'm curious too.  Will this be like the Enterprise E in the Briar Patch, dropping their warp core?

Na - that's too simplistic. 


 


Po~

[Jaeih t`Radaik]

Po, I've always thought that the SFC Lyran and Hydran ships were far prettier than their original SFB counterparts. What do you think?

[KOTH-KieranXC, Ret.]

Hey, Smithy, I just had a quick question: What years do all of your stories take place in? We used to have a huge fanfic timeline up somewhere, but I think that went down with the old Taldren boards.

[James Smith]

This fic is set post-Nemesis. I'll dig out my time-line today and throw it on here.

Next part is on the way, just editing something that I'm not quite happy with yet.

[James Smith]

*************
*************
Silent Enemy - The End

*************
Starship 'Galactic Domination'.
Section 14D-3.

Lisa skidded to a halt as she saw what remained of Metcalf. What the hell happened? She glanced further up the corridor. "James!"

Smithy lay on his back, his breathing slow and shallow. The trousers of his uniform were soaked in blood around his left knee. Lisa knelt beside him, running her tricorder over him and not liking the results. "James, can you hear me?"

His eyes blinked open, focussing on her face. "Sorry hon, did you say something? I was a little busy trying to die." He struggled up onto an elbow, groaning as he did so. "I'm gonna pay for this I expect. I can't feel much of my body right now."

"You've got nerve damage from that disruptor wound." Lisa looked at her watch. "4 minutes, that's all you have to hang on for. Then we can get you to the 'Moth. Think you can make it?"

"I'll certainly attempt it." Smithy lay back down, and his mouth curved into a small smile. "You know, you look really pretty from this angle."

Lisa smiled back. "You always say that."

"It's always true."

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"We're in position Commander. Admiral Forester is signalling that the Hyperion is ready to begin."

Sheehan stared at the screen, his expression hardening. "Vent the secondary storage tank on my mark. Helm, I want a low impulse shallow turn, lets get a large gap made."

"Aye sir."

"Mark and move."

"Venting tanks."

Sheehan's gaze never left the screen. "Any effect?"

"Not yet...wait, got something. Magnifying on the screen."

The view switched to a couple of the ships in the middle of the hydrogen cloud. Sheehan could see the hydrogen flowing over the weapons ports, and the beginnings of ignition. "Wait for it, those boys are about to go pop."

It didn't take long, fires breaking out all over their hulls and swiftly putting them out of control. One began breaking up, and the other inevitably followed quickly. Enemy ships scrambled to get out of the cloud and those not in it began turning away from it.

*************
USS Hyperion-D.
Primary Section Bridge.

"It's working Admiral! The Gatrellians are scattering to avoid the hydrogen, a hole is forming in their line!"

Kieran let a satisfied smile creep onto his face for a moment. "Alright, let's get some people through. Order the Defiant wing, and Groups 3 and 5 to get in there. Is the Tigermoth heading in?"

"She went in as soon as the Gatrellians started moving, sir. She's almost clear."

"We'll stay here and mop up. Tactical, reintegrate the ship as we may need the power now. As soon as that's done, target and fire at will. Order the rest of the fleet to do the same."

*************
Starship 'Galactic Domination'.
Section 14D-3.


Lisa ran her tricorder over Smithy as he drifted in and out of conciousness. "Just another couple of minutes. They'll be here soon." She fought the urge to try her comm. badge again, and lost. "Lisa to Tigermoth. Lisa to Tigermoth, come in!"

"zzzzzzzzzz..........zzzzzzzzzzz...........ere. Repeat, this is Tigermoth, Sheehan here."

"Sheehan! How close are you? James is hurt, and the warp core here will be going critical in very short order! We could really use a quick beam-out."

"Stand by, we need to get in closer thanks to the radiation from that battleship's core. One more minute."

Lisa picked up the change in pitch of the power grid's humming, and slumped against the bulkhead. "We don't have that minute."

*************
USS Tigermoth-A.
Bridge.

"Transporter room, I don't care how weak the lock is. Get them out of there!"

"Re-aquiring lock and energising now, Commander."

Sheehan breathed, eyeing the bridge chronometer. Six seconds. "Well?"

"Got them!"

"Helm, hard about! I don't want to be near that ship when it goes up. Signal everyone else to get clear!"

The battleship lit up as the core went critical, breaking up and dissolving into a huge plasma explosion. Sheehan closed his eyes. "That was a little too close. Alright - helm get us back to the fight. Those Klingon reinforcements should be arriving soon."

*************
Transporter Room.

The room sprang into focus as the materialisation effect dissipated. Lisa immediately knelt down beside Smithy. "Get a medical team here. Quickly."

"We're here, don't get impatient now." Mack floated into the room, flanked by a couple of orderlies. "Hmm. That doesn't look too good. Get him dosed up on painkillers and onto that stretcher." He looked up at Lisa. "Phaser?"

"Disruptor."

"Alright. Come on you two, get him to sickbay." He moved his chair to let them pass. "We'd have gone straight to sickbay with the transport, but the lock wasn't good enough to bring you in without the main transport chamber. You're wanted on the bridge I believe."

"I'm not leaving him."

Mack sighed. "Alright, but don't get in the way."

*************
Bridge.

"Here come the Klingons."

Sheehan watched as the screen was filled with weapons fire from the new arrivals. "That got them scattering. Tactical, lets get them finished off. Have group 6 follow us."

*************
*************

The finale will be along later this week folks. It'll tie into K-Fo's little vignette that he posted recently, and into the Andromedan arc later down the line with it. Gonna hopefully go back and redo Vengeance sometime soon, and do justice to it this time round as I really like it as a battle of wits between Smithy and (the now late) Metcalf. It also fills in a lot of Smirhy's past, and of course explains just why Smithy and Metcalf don't like each other.

[Potemkyn]

Po, I've always thought that the SFC Lyran and Hydran ships were far prettier than their original SFB counterparts. What do you think?

They are much more elaborate - indeed!  I agree with you.  Though, some of the Lyran vessels look a bit odd with a head jutting  out of the center section.  Nice touch, like a cat leaping upon it's prey.  I would like to have seen the BC/BCH and DN/BB with a cleaner Tri-hull instead of the freighter hull they used.   

Like driving a barge, I tell you!   

Po~
<Mike>

[KOTH-KieranXC, Ret.]

I really like the Lyran, Hydran, and Rom models that Thu11s did a while back. He kept the color schemes and some design elements from the SFC models, but also made them look a lot more like their SFB counterparts as far as basic hull forms.

[James Smith]

The only Thu11s ships I really played with a lot were his Gorn models, and they were excellent. I liked the blend of SFB shapes with SFC style textures.

[kadh2000]

Verrah Nice.

[Grim Reaper]

I can't wait to see the rest smithy!

[James Smith]

Been looking at the timeline for the Tigermoth fics, and went back for a quick edit. This is probably the definitive timeline for everything set in my little corner of the Trek universe now, taking us up to where I am in the story now.

2255 - NCC 1719 USS Triclore enters service with the Federation 'Shadow Fleet'.

2262 - USS Triclore refitted to Bonhomme Richard specification.

2275 - USS Triclore heavily damaged in combat with Romulan vessels. Refitted to Enterprise specification.

2290 - USS Triclore mothballed.

2332 - James Smith assigned as chief engineer of NCC 26517 USS Excalibur. Following shakedown runs Excalibur is placed under the command of Captain Robert Metcalf.

2355 - Saber class NCC 61843 USS Tigermoth (named after the de Havilland DH82 biplane) begins shakedown. Captain David Harriman assumes command.

2356 - Following the incident at Tor'Etek Prime, James Smith transfers to NCC 61843 USS Tigermoth as chief engineer. Tigermoth is evaluated as a scout design, performs beyond Starfleet's expectations.

2360 - Robert Metcalf is promoted to Admiral.

2361 - USS Tigermoth returns to Utopia Planitia for refit to upgrade her sensor and computer systems to latest designs.

2371 - Dominion War begins. USS Tigermoth refitted with upgraded weapons and defences.

2373 - Borg invade Federation space again. USS Tigermoth assists in the destruction of the Borg ship. USS Triclore is brought out of the mothball yards and work begins on completely rebuilding her to OSF Valiant specification.

2375 - Dominion War ends. Starfleet is reorganised into two seperate groups, SciFleet and TacFleet. SciFleet becomes the exploration arm of Starfleet, while TacFleet takes on the role of defense. USS Tigermoth is assigned to TacFleet following a complete redesign of her defense and weapons systems.

2377 - USS Tigermoth receives a new computer upgrade, along with more improvements. Several cadets are assigned to Tigermoth including Lisa Fisher, a computer systems expert. Robert Metcalf develops a new superweapon, and threatens the Federation with destruction. The crew of Tigermoth and several other vessels defeat him. Tigermoth is heavily damaged during the incident, and is destroyed soon after due to a warp core breach.

2378 - USS Triclore is recomissioned as NCC 61843-A USS Tigermoth, assigned to TacFleet. The ISC attack Federation space. Kieran Forester assumes command of NCC Hyperion-C, S'Tasik assumes command of NCC 78253 USS Peacekeeper. Robert Metcalf re-appears, in league with the ISC. The ISC are defeated along with Metcalf.

2379 - Many TacFleet ships receive defense upgrades. Forces from an Imperial universe attack the Federation. S'Tasik is killed. Shortcomings surface in the power grid design of USS Tigermoth-A, and by the time the Imperial forces are defeated the ship is in a poor state of repair. Work begins on redesigning and refitting the ship, the work is completed and the ship returns to duty with TacFleet. David Harriman is promoted to Admiral, but retains command of the Tigermoth-A. James Smith is promoted to Captain, remaining chief engineer of the Tigermoth-A.

2381 - USS Apollo is attacked near the Gatrellus Nebula. Starbase 63 is destroyed. The Gatrellian War begins. Recon by IKV Mortum Hesta discovers a large base in the nebula. Gatrellian ships attack Federation space, winning several major battles. Sol Defense Netowrk is brought online. TacFleet suffers heavy losses and withdraws to the Briar Patch to regroup. USS Tigermoth-A goes missing, and after a few weeks is presumed destroyed.

2382 - TacFleet forces under the command of Admiral Harriman head for Earth to try and remove the Gatrellian fleet. The mission is a failure, Starfleet Command and the Federation headquarters are both destroyed. Spacedock II is heavily damaged. The defence grid around Utopia Planitia is brought online, protecting it from the enemy forces. Starfleet sets up home in the Briar Patch, and begins rebuilding it's forces.

2383 - The Karlon base is destroyed. Over the next few years, battles are fought across the quadrant between Gatrellian forces and TacFleet.

2387 - USS Tigermoth-A emerges from a wormhole near the Karlon system. Captain Smith takes the ship to Klingon space and meets up with the IKV Mortum Hesta before heading to the Briar Patch to rejoin the TacFleet force. The ship is repaired and refitted with many upgraded systems, including transwarp drive.


***************

That brings us to the year this fic is set in. The Andromedan invasion will probably occur in 2395, and that information is important if K-Fo's last PM to me is anything to go by. I'll leave you all to figure out what that might mean on your own.... I'll probably start work on that story as soon as I finish the aftermath of this one.

The aftermath will hopefully get posted tomorrow night. If it doesn't.....just wait longer. 

[Jaeih t`Radaik]

Thanks for the timeline, James. Just wondering what OSF Valiant specs are.

Good ending to the story, but the battle as a whole does all seem rather rushed: boom! This happens...boom! That happens...boom! So does this! Almost no breathing space.

PS. Isn't it amazing how history repeats itself? ISC, Imperals, Andromedans... *smile*

[Commander Maxillius]

Yeah, I found myself reading the story at a skim pace.  Not because I was trying to hurry through it, but because your pace is soooo fast!

I have no idea how to slow ya down though.

[James Smith]

Probably the engineer in me. I was reading over the story the other day and you're right - it does move at a hell of a pace, far too quickly in fact. I may well return to it and flesh it out soon.

Thanks for the timeline, James. Just wondering what OSF Valiant specs are.

Regarding the Valiant specs - Wicked Zombie made a 24th century Connie refit model for SFC2/OP/SFC3 called the Valiant. Basically a Connie refit/movie Enterprise ship with TNG style hull plating, new nacelles, new deflector dish and some other mods. He read one of the Tigermoth stories and made some alternate textures for it with the Tigermoth name and NCC number.I forget who came up with the version of the backstory that I use regarding this ship (maybe I did, maybe WZ did, maybe some random bloke in a pub did) but it goes something like this:

The Omega Sector Fleetyards had drawn up a plan to refit a Constitution type vessel. Starfleet pulled a ship out of mothballs to donate to them, and they set to work building the ship that would become the USS Valiant. The initial nacelle design that they used had some problems, but Starfleet was impressed with the design. The OSF gave Starfleet the specs in order for them to build their own version of the Valiant. The USS Triclore was pulled out of the mothball yards and work began on modifying her:

Weapons -
14x Type 12A burst-fire phaser banks
2x photon torpedo tubes
1x quantum torpedo turret

High capacity shield system
Phase cloak (hey, why obey the treaty if the Romulans won't?)
Ablative armour
Boosted SIF system

Following the second war with the ISC she was outifitted with a neutronium armour generator. The war against the Imperial universe  showed that the power grid really couldn't cope with the uprated systems so she was pulled into the yards following the end of the conflict and modified. She remained in that configuration until she was reuinited with the TacFleet forces during the Gatrellian war. She is currently outfitted with the above weapons spec but now has a transwarp drive and numerous other upgraded systems. She stiil retains the original Constitution class frame underneath all the new tech, which could be seen as a problem if it wasn't such a sound design.

PS. Isn't it amazing how history repeats itself? ISC, Imperals, Andromedans... *smile*

Yeah. Odd that. 

[James Smith]

We-e-ell.....a little later than anticipated. That's uni life for you I guess. 

This would be the ending of this chapter in the Tigermoth universe. While I've been away, I got some more background written as to where I want to take this universe and it's characters....I'm just not that certain how to get there yet. But I figured that I'd better at least end this story, and foreshadow some of what is to come.

*****************
Recovery
*****************

Starfleet Medical Facility.
Manchester, England.
1242hrs Earth Standard Time.


"Oh for crying out loud..."

Lisa grabbed hold of her husband's arm as he attempted to get up. "What did the doctor say?"

"Dunno, wasn't listening." Smithy shook his head, trying to clear some of the fog left over from the medication. "I'm alright."

Lisa let go, but remained close as he shakily walked over to the water dispenser. "Dave called earlier, said he needed to see you."

"Did it sound important?"

"He said it wasn't time critical."

"Then it must be important." Smithy sipped at the water, and grimaced. "I'll be glad to get back to the 'Moth. At least her water's safe to drink."

Lisa followed him back to the biobed. "Hopefully you'll be out of here soon. Mack wants to deal with your recovery personally, says he won't trust anyone else."

"Typical Mack."

"Plus, there's the small matter of defending the Federation. We lost a lot of ships...a lot of people."

Smithy brushed a strand of hair out of his wife's eyes. "You okay?"

Lisa smiled at him. "I'm not the one in hospital."

"I know, but...."

"I'm fine. Or at least, I will be once you're out of here and we're both back out there." She waved a hand up. "Don't think I've spent this much time on Earth since I was at the Academy." She turned and kissed him. "I'll go call Dave. Back in a minute."

Smithy watched her go, and lay back on the bed. He glanced over at the neighbouring bunk. "So, you wanna tell me what you're in for yet?"

Keiran opened one eye. "Hmm?"

"Come on, out with it. Starfleet wouldn't have kept you in here if it wasn't important."

"I'm fine, really. Just got a dose of radiation." Keiran shot him a glance, knowing that he hadn't sounded convincing and changed the subject. "What d'you suppose Dave wants?"

Smithy shook his head. "No idea. But I've got a feeling I'm not going to like it."

The door hissed open, Lisa crossing quickly to Smithy's bed. "Get up and dressed. Now."

Smithy raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"Plenty. Get up, we need to get to the 'Moth."

"Alright, alright." Smithy grabbed his trousers out of the drawer underneath the bed, while Lisa fished his boots out of the cabinet. "Is Dave up there now?"

"Yeah."

"Okay." Smithy shot a look at Keiran. "Look after yourself mate."

"You too."

*****************

USS Tigermoth-A.
Earth Orbit.


Harriman sat in the observation lounge, staring down at the planet. He never got tired of this view. Workbees floated by, heading for the dock scaffolds that contained ships that weren't badly damaged enough to have been sent to Utopia Planitia. He glanced down at the PADD in his hands, wishing that the news it had brought wasn't true.

"Dave?"

He turned, finding Smithy staring back at him. Concern was etched into his friend's face. "Hey. I'd have come down to you, but I figured this way we'd get you out of that hospital quicker."

"Not that I'm ungrateful for that....but you wanna tell me what this is about?"

Harriman motioned him over to the bar, fishing a couple of glasses and a bottle out from behind it. "My secretary handed me this PADD earlier. Take a read."

Smithy took the PADD, and glanced over it. "Special communique......all TacFleet divisions......security tasks now under control of new Special Operations Division? What the hell is this?"

"That....is what's about to be announced across the Federation network in about a half-hour's time. It goes on to say that they will be taking over TacFleet's ships, and that they will eventually be replaced with an all-new series of ships specifically designed for one thing only."

"Combat."

"Along with crews solely trained in combat. They're trawling for volunteers to help set this thing up as we speak."

Smithy stared down at the PADD. "It says here....'Special Operations Division will not be a part of the overall chain of command in Starfleet. It will instead exist as a seperate entity, that can call on Starfleet when situations require it.' So these people have ultimate say in the defence of the Federation, and TacFleet has effectively been put out of a job."

"Thats what it boils down to."

"But that's madness!"

"Quite true." Harriman handed him a drink. "It gets much worse. Not only does Starfleet have absolutely no control over them, neither does the Federation Council."

"Who do they answer to?"

"The President. And only the President."

Smithy swallowed the drink in a single gulp. "So...the security of the Federation is effectively in the hands of a military that has no ties with the governments of the people they're supposed to protect. Oh, just wonderful. What have the other main players said about this?"

"Chancellor Martok went ballistic, predictably. The Romulans have said nothing, which can't be good news. The Cardassians have severed diplomatic ties." He sipped at his drink, and sighed. "Effectively, the entire galaxy is pissed off at the President for doing this. Which of course leads to the other big problem."

"Which is?"

"While you were under, the elections for the new President took place. You know a guy called John Maxwell?"

"As in, former head of Starfleet Engineering John Maxwell?" Harriman nodded, and Smithy groaned. "Yeah, we banged heads a few times."

"He's the new President. And upon his election, the Council extended the powers of said President. They've effectively made him a dictator with the power he has now."

"Fools." Smithy scowled at the PADD. "So, it boils down to this: 'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?'." At Harriman's questioning look, he translated. "From Juvenal's Satires. It roughly means 'Who guards the guardians?'"

Harriman nodded. "Well, TacFleet is still here for now. And when this new outfit takes over there'll still be some ships that these guys don't want. Scroll down the PADD, there's a preliminary list of ships that they know for certain that they don't want in the new outfit."

Smithy skimmed it quickly. "The Jensen.....Levi.....Godfrey.....Doohan.....Herriott.....and what d'ya know? The Tigermoth."

"Official reason is that she's old. Unofficially.....the President was told in no uncertain terms - hands off."

"You have anything to do with that?" Harriman shrugged, and Smithy took that as confirmation. "Well, thanks for the heads up. What will you do now?"

"I've been posted to the new Spacedock III at the Antares shipyards. Overseeing construction of the new Starfleet. Start next week."

"Funny coincidence - the Tigermoth has to go to Antares for some final repair work." Smithy grinned at his former captain. "Fancy a slow cruise?"

*****************
Bridge.

"Captain on the bridge!"

"At ease." Smithy glanced around the new bridge module that had been fitted. "Nice. Very nice." He moved around, inspecting each console with a delighted grin. "All stations, confirm launch readiness. Ops?"

"Sensors and scanners show ready, sir."

"Helm?"

"All moorings cleared. Thrusters at station keeping."

"Communications?"

"Dock signals clear, Captain."

He keyed his comm badge. "Engine room?"

Orlatrel answered immediately. "Intermix set. Impulse and warp power at your discretion."

"Any objections from the rest of you?" He looked around. There were none. "Alright. Helm, set a course for the Antares Shipyards." He glanced at Lisa, sat next to her, and flashed a smile at her before leaning forward. "Take us out."

*****************
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[Grim Reaper]

The federation with a pure warriors fleet, and a dictator like president? Sounds to me they're going toward the alternate universe

[James Smith]

The federation with a pure warriors fleet, and a dictator like president? Sounds to me they're going toward the alternate universe

Having just come out of the 4th major war in not that many years (Dominion, ISC, Imperials, Gatrellians), it seems to me that some people in the Federation would welcome a "pure warriors fleet" How it'll pan out now that they have that...well, the next chapter in the Tigermoth series is underway so I guess we'll find out.