Act Two, Scene Three

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53843.47
Acts of Valor
Almost two days since the Battle of DS9 (2377)
USS Thunderchild

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The short lived but intense coup within the Cardassian Union ended less than twenty four hours after it began. If not for the crew of the USS Thunderchild, a combined attack from Breen and rebel Cardassian units would have paved the way for the a new anti-Federation Government on Cardassia Prime. The plan was brilliant in its creation and aided by Captain Phillips, Admiral Tate's Adjutant and Senior Intelligence Officer of the 4th Fleet. Starfleet's 4th Fleet would have been all but powerless to stop the coup during the critical stages of the attacks. With hundred of thousands of lives on the verge of being effected, the Coup could have upset regional balances of power for decades to come. However despite all their planning and plotting, none of this came to pass.

Hailed for his heroism and command abilities, Captain Jackson Campbell of the USS Thunderchild lead his crew leading up to the coup and stopped it before it as it started. It was Captain Jackson and his crew that discovered a vital leak that revealed that an ultra secret Communication Command Protocol had been lead. This protocol had the ability for someone to use it to locate and track any Starfleet or Federation ship. With it, the movements of the 4th Fleet could have been easily countered. Thanks to this discovery, the leaked protocol was canceled and a new one reissued along a secured line. Starfleet ships would hold the same shroud of war as any other ship in space.

Lacking the ultra secret protocol that had been provided by Captain Phillips, the Breen warships remained on their side of the boarder when the Coup started. This alone tipped the scales back in to the favor of the 4th Fleet and the Loyal Cardassian military. To further weaken the coup, Lieutenant Junior Grade Mordecai Noonia discovered that the Rebel Cardassians had infected the Cardassian and the 4th Fleet with a Sensor Virus. This virus would allow Rebel ships to approach Loyal Cardassian or Starfleet ships without detection till the Rebel ships entered in to visual and weapons range. The virus was meant to allow the rebel ships to have the ultimate surprise on the defenders. Once again, it was because of the betrayal of Captain Phillips that the virus had infected every ship of the 4th Fleet. However, thanks to Lieutenant Junior Grade Noonia this horrible virus was discovered and eliminated. Hundreds of Starfleet personnel owe this one eager Lieutenant Junior one hack of a thank you!

Without the help of their sinister Sensor Virus, the ships of the 4th Fleet and Loyal Cardassian ships were able to see the coming attack well in time to be ready for it. There was no surprise attack and no easy victory for the Coup supporters. Despite their set backs, this didn't stop a large number of rebel ships to make a futile attempt to rob power from the Cardassian people. During one such battle, which has already been tagged, the Battle of DS9 (2377), our brave pilots of the newly refitted USS Thunderchild held off wave after wave of rebel fighter. These attacking fighters were a mixture of left over Jem'Hedar and Cardassian fighters. Once more, Captain Campbell proved the superior tactics of the Federation. But most importantly was the wisdom of Starfleet in its development of its first carrier, the USS Thunderchild

The Battle of DS9 (2377) has already resonated across the entire sector. Not only did the USS Thunderchild survive the battle, her fighters were not only able to defend Deep Space Nine but were also responsible for the limited losses suffered by both Federation and Loyal Cardassian Forces. Only twenty six Starfleet personnel and five Loyal Cardassians were killed during the intense two hour battle. But not one Starfleet pilot was lost during the battle. This was due to the superior training in recovery by the deck crews of the Federation. While it is unclear the scope of the losses suffered by the rebel Cardassians, it is expected to be high by many assessments. Of those twenty six lost by the Federation, fourteen were lost when the weapon's pod of the Thunderchild took a pair of direct hits from an attacking fighter. Among the losses was Lieutenant Kinchlirah, a Klingon Warrior who served aboard the ship as an exchange officer. She gave up her life to ensure that her fellow shipmates could launch their escape pod safely. Her death was felt deeply among the entire ship as she was well liked and her death served to save others

Shortly after the battle, the IKS Negh'Var and a hand full of supporting ships arrived at Deep Space Nine. To the surprise of many, the Chancellor of the Klingon Empire himself came to give his daughter, Lieutenant Kinchlirah, a traditional Klingon death ritual. Her body now free from its spirit was disposed of as Lieutenant Kinchlirah was sent on her way to Sto-vo-kor as all good warriors were. After the death ritual, the IKS Negh'Var and her ships returned to Klingon Space as the USS Thunderchild continued repairs at Deep Space Nine. While the rebel Cardassian forces still remain at large and the carry, the Kelish poses a threat to regional security, do not fear. For the USS Thunderchild and her fighter wings will be remaining in the region to provide direct security support.

The fugitive known as Seònaid Melville, who had been a decorated Starfleet Marine turned traitor still remains at large. Lance Corporal Melville had escaped medical custody just over six months ago. During her months of planning she hijacked the runabout USS Susquehanna and used it for her own goals. She managed to remain off of Starfleet Security's senors till just over a week ago when she planned and carried out an attack on the USS Thunderchild as it had just departed from its dry docks. She then later planned and carried out an attack on three more ships of the 4th Fleet. This attack left the three ships helpless as Lance Corporal Melville continued her rampage of terror across the sector. Her next encounter was on Terra Nova where she badly wounded four bounty hunters before making her escape. Following her twisted goals of destruction, she attacked a pair of Klingon Bird of Preys. After stealing a cloaking device from one of the crippled Bird of Preys, she turned her sights on Deep Space Nine.

It was there where Lance Corporal Melville's trek of terror came to an end. She attempted to sabotage the station's communication network. However her attempts were thwarted by the Deep Space Nine personnel and the Lance Corporal was placed in custody. It is unclear at this time, if the actions of the Lance Corporal had anything to do with the coup or if she was an active member of the Coup. It has been discovered that Lance Corporal Melville had spent almost a year in Cardassian custody at the infamies Velos VII internment camp. It has been suggested that her will had been broken and was convinced to work on the behalf of the rebel Cardassians. This begs the question, could this poor woman have been saved before she was triggered by those rebel Cardassians? That answer will not be known any time soon, as Lance Corporal Melville escaped custody during the Battle of DS9 (2377).

According to official reports, a loss of power in the medical facility where she was being guarded gave her the opportunity to over power her guards and escape. While there is no evidence as to how she escaped the station, it is clear after numerous searches by both Starfleet and Bajorian personnel that she is not on the station any more. Her whereabouts are still unknown at this time. However she may be able to run, but she will never be far ahead of the long arm of Starfleet. Admiral David Tate has stated that "this fugitive, who is most likely the most dangerous fugitive of our time will be captured and brought to answer for what she has done. This I assure you."

Reassuring words....

On a side note, the body of Dr. Kennard Campbell has been brought home. He was discovered by one of his aides with a self inflicted phaser wound to the side of his head. His suicide has come at a tragic loss to the Federation as well as the Cardassian Union. Dr. Kennard Campbell was leading relief efforts in some of the worst hit areas of Cardassian Prime. A number of his aides had reported that his behavior took a turn for the worse after he had a private conversation with his son Captain Campbell. The family has planned for a private funeral in three days. Dr. Selina Campbell is expected to make a rare public appearance for the funeral.

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