OOC Narrator Note: This Post is to be read along with the supporting Subspace communications at the same time. Please make sure you that you follow the links for the communications while reading.
Sector 004, Northern Corridor
Stardate: 53832.05
Just outside of the system: UIH- 0351
USS Repulse NCC-2544
Vice Admiral David Tate, Commanding
During this time the
USS Thunderchild is on the other side of Sector 004 at Starbase 74. With all of her fighters and axillary craft loaded and stored, she is picking up the last of her crew and preparing to get underway once more. It has been an unsettling thirty hours as the
USS Susquehanna had some how slipped under the radar and vanished from the sector. The remaining ships of the 4th Fleet had been called up to assist in the search for the stolen runabout. At the current moment all ships and captains have been following the suggestions from Starfleet Medical in regards to the fugitive, Petty Officer Dolores Traver. Sector 004 has been placed on full alert as Starfleet continues to search for their stolen runabout and the fugitive.
All Federation and Starfleet ships in the Sector have been ordered to keep their sensors active for the stolen runabout. Still the runabout has managed to remain hidden from the search ships. A few reports have surfaced but they ended up being wild goose chases as no runabout was confirmed in the area. Reports of the attack on the
USS Thunderchild has already been issued. The identity of the person responsible has been suspected as Petty Officer Dolores Traver. The report has also included her file from Starfleet Medical and the nature of her escape from their care. Petty Officer Traver has been described as suffering from delusions and should be considered dangerous. The reports instruct that Starfleet Medical should be contacted once the
Susquehanna has been spotted. The chase was on, and Starfleet was not about to allow Petty Officer Traver's flight for freedom to continue much longer.
Within hours of the alert being issued The USS Repulse, under Flag command of Vice Admiral David Tate, has filed a report stating that they have the runabout on their sensors. The
Susquehanna had been spotted by the
USS Repulse heading at warp for the system, UIH-0351. The system is an uninhabited binary star system that holds a pulsar within it. Due to the nature of the twin stars and their interaction, much of the system is covered in a
inversion field. Because of this field, subspace communications and short-range sensors are disrupted. This made traveling at warp within the system dangerous and tracking ships nearly impossible. Once the
Susquehanna was spotted it increased its speed to its maximum warp velocity for the system. Even when the
Susquehanna pushed maximum warp speeds, the
USS Repulse along with her two sister ships could easily be able to catch the runabout before it reached the system.
When the alert hit the Subspace channels, Admiral Tate couldn't help but call off his war games and order his ships in a tight search pattern. During the Dominion War, much of his time was spent as a staff officer to then Vice Admiral Ross. In fact, this was the first time he had commanded a starship since he himself commanded the
USS Thunderchild nearly ten years ago. The
USS Repulse would normally be commanded by her captain, Captain Vakath. When Admiral Tate struck his flag aboard for the war games, he assumed command of the ship. He has yet to give up that command when the alert was issued.
For Admiral Tate, this was personal. When word came out that an intruder attacked Admiral Ross' previous flagship, Admiral Tate made it his personal mission to get to the bottom of it. Based on what little information Captain Campbell's people were issuing to Star Fleet, they didn't know much about the intruder or her goals. All that the Admiral knew was that this woman attacked one of his ships and was now attempting to escape justice. Capturing the
Susquehanna is a priority for the Admiral, who has pushed his ships and their crew to their breaking points running search pattern after search pattern. Captain Vakath's logical mind had made it clear that he thought that Admiral Tate was taking this situation too seriously. After explaining how the Admiral still had friends aboard the
Thunderchild, the pair couldn't avoid a professional disagreement over the issue. Finally Admiral Tate issued his orders and Captain Vakath followed them.
The three mighty Excelsior class starships move in formation at high warp. In lead, the
USS Repulse, Admiral Tate's flagship. Along her left and right flanks flew the
USS Potemkin and the
USS Valley Forge. All three ships were traveling at warp speed with their crews at battle stations. The Admiral wanted to ensure that nothing was left to chances. This area of space was heavily traveled by Orion Pirates and the last thing he wanted to do was get jumped while attempting to apprehend the stolen runabout. As the three larger ships closed on the runabout, the
Potemkin and
Valley Forge started to spread out and gain speed on the
Repulse. The Admiral's plan was simple. Kill the runabout's power and control systems, while the other two ships of his small wing cut off any chance of escape.
It was all about mathematics. The solar system was ten minutes away and the three larger ships were five minutes behind. Everyone aboard all four ships knew that this chase was over. In five minutes, the Starfleet ships would be in range to engage the
Susquehanna. When that happened there would be no place to hide, no place to run. Everyone aboard the three larger ships knew that there was simply no way the runabout could match even one Excelsior, let alone three. Based on its actions, the little
Susquehanna didn't seem to think it was completely helpless as it transferred all available power to its engines. From the sensors of the
Repulse, the engines of the runabout were glowing a bright orange. The little ship was trying everything it could to escape the three larger ships. But again, the numbers simply didn't support the effort. In five minutes, this chase was going to be over. And Admiral Tate knew it. As he leaned back in his chair and smiled while watching the view screen of the little runabout making its futile flight for freedom.
On the bridge of the
Repulse, the situation was calm and collected. Admiral Tate had the crew at battle stations for almost eight hours now. Each member of the crew worked towards the Admiral's goal. That goal was to capture the
Susquehanna. They had the small runabout on their long range sensors for almost four hours, but the Admiral held off notifying the rest of the fleet or Starfleet till he had a positive idea of what they were seeing on sensors. Most of his battle group had already chased sensor ghosts already the sector. They were now spread out across an area and volume encompassing several light years. Despite his order for them to regroup, it would take them hours to comply with the order. A situation that he simply didn't like, and this was just one more reason to exercise a bit of uncharacteristic caution.
Reports echoed across the bridge as they closed on the runabout. Its position, its engine status, and most importantly were the status of its weapons and shields. On the main view screen hung the aft view of the
Susquehanna traveling at warp speed. Captain Vakath looked up from the science station "Sir, the Susquehanna's warp engines are reaching critical mass. Based on the reports from Starfleet Medical would should back off." The voice of the Vulcan was calm, even and collected. "If the pilot is suffering from paranoia delusions, than it is logical to suspect that our pursuit of the ship is only driving the pilot to act more irrational. A logical solution would be to deploy our shuttles and keep our distance while we wait for the rest of the battle group to regroup on us. This way we can allow the pilot to calm down and we can conduct a more safe capture of the fugitive."
Admiral Tate nodded as he watched the runabout on his main viewer, "Understood, but I am ending this now." Admiral Tate was well known for his hot temper and his decisive action in combat. "Captain Vakath, do we have conformation that this is in fact our missing runabout?"
"Indeed Admiral," Captain Vakath said as he nodded and added, "It is."
He turned in his chair, "Com, send to all commands 4th Fleet and Starfleet Command. We have confirmed the location of the USS Susquehanna. We are attempting to capture the fugitive now. With luck, this ordeal will be over in a matter of minutes. Include our current location with tactical data on the Susquehanna."
Lieutenant Yin nodded as he answered, "Aye Admiral. Sending now."
Admiral Tate spun in his chair, "give me a secure channel to both the Potemkin and Valley Forge."
Once more Lieutenant Yin replied, "Channel open Sir."
"Captains" Admiral Tate said as he rose up from his center chair. "Just as I have explained before once we drop out of warp, give me a second and then drop out of warp. Circle around and cut off any hope of reaching that system. If you have to fire, fire to disable only."
Admiral Tate waited for each commander of the two other ships to acknowledge the orders before continuing, "Com, open a channel." He waited a moment for the channel to be opened. "Susquehanna, this is Vice Admiral Tate. You are ordered to power down your engines at once. You are placing your life and that runabout at risk." The channel remained open for a moment with no reply. Finally the admiral ran his hand across his neck for the channel to be closed. "Sensors! What can we see aboard yet?" he asked. The fugitive's ability to create sensor ghosts and shadows has made her very difficult to track across the sector. She was resourceful, for a petty officer and a Captain's Yeoman. However she was in the big league now. This was Fleet and they ran things a lot differently than the cargo ship she was used to. He added, "I would really hate to be chasing an empty runabout."
"Sir" cried out Lieutenant Thelev ch'Ranni. The male Andorian looked up from his tactical station, "Susquehanna's warp field is starting to show signs of destabilizing. She might be going in to a warp core breech."
Captain Vakath turned and scanned the runabout with the science station sensors. "Confirmed Admiral. I am detecting increase levels of fluctuation in her energy output. The readings are being distorted by the dampening field. But what we are seeing could the result of a plasma injector leak in progress.
Admiral Tate moved back to his center chair as he said "Captain, I need those prefix code for the Susquehanna." Once seated he spun the chair to watch the Vulcan at work.
The Command Codes Captain Vakath nodded, "we have them now."
The Admiral spun in his chair, "enter the prefix code and lets shut those engines down before our petty officer blows herself up."
Lieutenant Allyn Kader spoke up from her station, "Sir, the Susquehanna reports acceptance of the prefix code. Commanding the runabout to power down all systems. She is dropping out of warp and coming to a stop." The tactical officer scanned the surrounding space, "Potemkin and Valley Forge are conducting their end run."
"Drop us out of warp right behind the runabout." he paused for a moment than turned to his communication officer, "Com, inform the battle group to stand by.
Send to Star Fleet and all commands 4th Fleet. We have disabled the Susquehanna using its prefix code. We will take the fugitive in to custody momentarily." He smiled as victory was at hand. He never once doubted the ability of his crew to capture a wayward petty officer. "
Com send a secure message to Captain Campbell. Inform him that those stolen files will be returned in just a moment." A grin crossed his face, "Add, just like old times, cleaning up his mess."
Lieutenant Yin confirmed that the messages were sent to their recipients.
He turned back to Captain Vakath, "Scan their computer for the stolen files."
The Vulcan nodded, "I have located the files within the runabouts computer, Sir"
Admiral Tate nodded as he issued the command, "transfer the stolen files back to our computer." Then he righted himself as he started to return to his chair. "Captain Phillips do you have a lock on the fugitive yet?" Captain Phillips was a long time friend of Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell. Admiral Tate and Captain Phillips had actually attended Starfleet Academy together. Now that Admiral Tate was a Vice Admiral, he personally asked for Captain Phillips to be his Chief of Staff.
Over the comlink Captain Phillips' voice rang out, "Sir, I am still not detecting any life forms aboard the ship. That dampening field that is throwing off the transporter targeting scanners. Give me a few more minutes Sir."
Admiral Tate nodded, "Cut through that field Capitan. I want Petty Officer Traver in our sick bay now."
"Aye Sir" Captain Phillips replied.
Captain Vakath looked up from his station with a blank expression. However in his own mind, the logical Vulcan found it strange that the Admiral's own Chief of Staff would be personally operating the transporter. It was strange to say the least. However Captain Vakath didn't mention anything as he continued to scan the Susquehanna.
Admiral Tate scanned his bridge and then motioned for a channel to be opened between his own group. He watched the main view screen as the
Susquehanna hung helplessly in space. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to understand that Petty Officer Traver is suffering from a mental disorder. We do not want to risk any harm to her. The petty officer is a victim of the brutal treatment that she suffered under Cardassian hands. We need to treat her with the utmost respect and compassion. now, Potemkin and Valley Forge focus your sensors to work in unison with our own. Lets cut through that dampening field and beam her in to our sick bay."
Lieutenant Thelev ch'Ranni looked up from his station, "Sir, we have interlink with Potemkin and Valley Forge. Our sensors are cutting through the dampening field."
"Sir, the pilot is attempting to regain control over the runabout" Captain Vakath said calmly.
With a nod Admiral Tate motioned to the Vulcan, "Don't loss her Captain. This woman needs our help. We can't fail her."
Before anyone could say anything more, Lieutenant Thelev ch'Ranni cried out, "Sir!" his voice drew everyone's attention, "The Valley Forge just jettisoned her warp core!"
Admiral Tate turned his chair to look at the tactical station, "WHAT!?" There was disbelief across his face as he slowly stood up from this chair.
It was Captain Vakath who spoke up next, "Confirmed, sensors are detecting the warp core and anti-matter bottles of the Valley Forge twenty meters below her keel and growing rapidly."
Before anyone could react to the new crisis, the voice of the
Repulse's computer came alive as it echoed across the ship. "Warp Core Breach detected"
Admiral Tate reached for his comlink as he heard another voice echo over the intercom, "Computer, prepare to eject the warp core, authorization, Larea omega 894" The voice was of his Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Larea.
"Tate to Engineering! What that hell is going on!?" Admiral Tate ordered.
Over the open comlink everyone on the bridge could hear the computer's voice replying with, "Warp ejection systems enabled."
Lieutenant Larea answered back, "Sir there is no warp breach in progress and I am not issuing these commands. Its some kind of virus in our engineering mainframe. We are trying to shunt it."
Before anyone else could they all heard the mimicked voice of the Chief Engineer issuing another command, "Computer, eject the warp core."
It was in that moment a chime drew the Admiral's attention to his chairs personal data display. He flipped up the data display and read the display. There was anger in his eyes as he realized what the data was saying. While he was reading the data, the
Repulse's massive warp core and her anti-mater bottles were all ejected from the ship. The massive starship's power levels all dropped as main power went off line. The belly of the ship glowed a soft blue as the core rocketed away from the ship. Behind the
Repulse the now near powerless Valley Forge attempted to maneuver on impulse alone. On the far side of the runabout, the
Potemkin suffered the same fate as her two sister ships. Within moments, the all three Excelsior Class starships were brought to their knees as the runabout's power levels returned to normal.
"Sir!" called out the Tactical officer, "The Susquehanna's shields and warp engines, weapons and shields are all coming on line. She getting underway."
The Admiral slammed the data display closed, "Phasers! Target her engines. Maximum power! FIRE!"
The runabout easily dodged the first blast from the
Repulse but caught the second energy beam. Without the
Repulse's main power, the energy level of the phaser was nowhere enough to penetrate the runabout's fully powered shields. The other two starships limped their way in to better firing positions only to have the much more maneuverable runabout whip past them. Zipping between the ships at such close range that their targeting sensors had problems locking on to the runabout. The Excelsiors could barely power their impulse shields, weapons and life support at the same time. The Runabout made sure to leave just enough of a target to draw fire while it continued to maneuver around and among the three larger ships.
What started out as being a one sided chase that was all but over now appeared to have turned against Starfleet. The runabout zipped past the
Potemkin as it raked the larger ship with fire. However this was not normal phaser fire. Instead the runabout fired a antigraviton pulse. Later science sensors would confirmed that the pulse had been a result of a link between the runabout's navigational deflector and its forward phasers emitters. The pulse slammed in to the
Potemkin Deflector shields which were made up of high concentration of gravitons. Weaken due to the loss of main power, the
Potemkin's shields easily buckled and failed.
Ripping past the
Potemkin at full speed, the runabout had one more surprise for the fleet of three ships. Targeting the
Potemkin with its aft phasers, the runabout opened fired on the now defenseless ship. Without shields, the fire from even a runabout could cause critical damage across the ship. However like the forward emitters, these phasers had been set up for a pulse. Though this time it was not a Antigraviton pulse. Instead the runabout fired a series of short-duration bursts of broadband, high-intensity electromagnetic energy. This had the capable of disrupting magnetic fields and producing current or voltage surges in conductive materials via magnetic induction. The effects were seen across the
Potemkin as the lights across the exterior ship started to flicker then go out all together.
Across the
Potemkin auxiliary power failed as the electromagnetic energy ripped through the power distribution systems. Without main power and now with auxiliary power failing across the ship, the
Potemkin became completely helpless. No power to shields, weapons and only minimal thrusters. They barely had enough power for life support. The professional crew of the
Potemkin switched gears as they fought to restore auxiliary power. Still none of them could believe that their ship was crippled by a lone runabout and a mentally disturbed petty officer. The runabout zipped between the
Potemkin's secondary haul and its warp nacelles. The little runabout turned to its next target as the odds rapidly changed in to its favor. Rapidly the
Repulse came in to view as the runabout cleared the
Potemkin.
As it lined up its pass on the
Repulse, it was forced to turn away as the
Valley Forge attempted to rake the runabout with phaser fire. Spinning on its axis and going nose down, the
Susquehanna narrowly avoided the onslaught of incoming fire. The runabout easily dodged around floating warp cores and anti-matter bottles floating within the combat zone. Unable to maneuver, both the
Repulse and the
Valley Forge started to back up from the combat zone. With much larger weapons with greater range, it was a logical action. Both larger ships moved to clear themselves from the floating dangers that now littered the combat zone. While the bottles themselves could not simply destroy a ship, they could act much like a mine. In their weakened state, an explosion near by could prove fatal to either larger ship. Adding a new level of difficulty to the situation, the
Potemkin floating helplessly within the center of the debris field.
The
Susquehanna used its tractor beam on a small group of bottles floating near the
Potemkin and dragged them behind the runabout. As the runabout moved closer to the
Valley Forge it dropped the tractor beam as it switched its own shields back on. The runabout fired its forward pulse at the
Valley Forge, however the shots ripped under the weakened ship. The runabout spun once more as she dodged the incoming fire from the
Valley Forge. Unable to secure a clear shot on the
Valley Forge while dodging intensive fire, the runabout whipped past the aft section of the
Valley Forge refocusing its sights back on to the
Repulse
The
Susquehanna barrel rolled as she dodged a pair of torpedoes fired from the
Valley Forge's aft launcher. Within seconds the pride of the 4th Fleet came in to sight as the
Susquehanna raked the
Repulse's weakened shields with a series of antigraviton pulses. Just like before, the weakened shields bulked and failed leaving the
Repulse defenseless to the next attack. Even knowing what kind of attack to expect, there was nothing they could do to sure up their shields against the antigraviton pulse. Without main power, they were vulnerable to this attack. An attack that the
Susquehanna was driving home with dogged persistence.
As the runabout turned along the dorsal section of the secondary haul, it was the desperate actions of the
Repulse as they fired its dorsal phaser banks. The hit wasn't enough to penetrate the runabout's shields. As the runabout rocketed over the Aft Crew Lounge, it came in to full view of anyone looking out the large windows. Another pair of phaser blasts from the
Repulse's aft type 8 phasers weakened the runabout's shield a bit more but not enough to penetrate them. As the
Susquehanna cleared the
Repulse she fired another series of short-duration bursts of broadband, high-intensity electromagnetic energy. The fire ripped across the
Repulse exposed secondary haul. Within seconds the ship was floating dead in space just like the
Potemkin.
With the flagship of the 4th Fleet drifting helplessly the situation for Starfleet has gone from apprehending a fugitive to a crisis on two of three ships. All that stood in the way of the
Susquehanna and open space was the
USS Valley Forge. Despite being crippled the ship turned to continue the engagement with the smaller runabout. Just before the last of the power levels on the
Repulse failed, the Admiral ordered that a broad band distress signal be sent to inform all Starfleet ships in the area of the situation at hand. It was a blow to a man who took pride in his combat skills. A humbling blow that would not be easily forgotten.
With both the
USS Potemkin and the
Repulse helpless, it was up to the
Valley Forge to stop the runabout. Normally, this wouldn't even be a fight. However with the
Valley Forge stricken without main power, the runabout had a more fair chance of winning this combat. A pair of photons ripped from the
Valley Forge towards the runabout. The smaller ship spun and pitched hard to avoid the incoming missiles. At the same time, the
Susquehanna fired its own microtorpedo at a passing anti-matter bottle.
The explosion engulfed the two missiles and blinded the
Valley Forge's sensors for a moment. It was all that runabout needed to whip around behind the powerless
Repulse. Using the larger ship for cover, the runabout was able to gain a better attack vector. Zipping across the battlefield, the runabout made a sprint for the helpless
Potemkin as the
Valley Forge attempted to hold the engagement. With the
Valley Forge holding back and trying to gain a targeting lock for its powerful torpedoes, the runabout spun about and ran along the side of the [/i]Potemkin[/i]. Crossing the aft section of the secondary haul of the [/i]Potemkin[/i], the
Valley Forge was in the sights of the
Susquehanna. The two ships fired at the same time.
The
Susquehanna's antigraviton pulse slammed in to the
Valley Forge's shields, forcing them to buckle and fail. The torpedo from the
Valley Forge slammed in to the nose of the runabout causing major damage and taken down its shields. The faster runabout would have the advantage still as it ripped past the primary haul of the
Valley Forge leaving it just as helpless and powerless as its two sister ships. The battle was over and three Starfleet ships were left floating dead in space while the
Susquehanna turned for the safety of UIH- 0351. Damaged but not caught, the
Susquehanna's flight would continue for at least one more day.
Aboard the
Repulse the situation on the bridge was chaotic. Everyone was in disbelief over what just happened. In one moment, they had the runabout helpless and ready to be secured. Now, EM surges across the ship were causing havoc on all systems. The communication channels were flooded with situational reports. Each report told the same story, the ship was dead in space and helpless. The
Susquehanna was locked in a battle with the
Valley Forge and there was nothing that could be done to help. Admiral Tate hated the idea that his flagship was nothing more than floating metal in space.
Admiral Tate watched helplessly as the
Valley Forge fought back the runabout. He tapped his comlink, "Bridge to Lieutenant Wyke." Lieutenant Walker Wyke was the flight officer of the
Repulse. Once the Lieutenant replied the Admiral continued, "I want you to deploy our shuttles. You are ordered to pursue the Susquehanna and destroy her at all costs! Protect your computer systems, do not attempt any communication with the runabout."
"Admiral," Captain Vakath cut the Admiral off, "That order contradicts Starfleet Medical's instructions on dealing with this fugitive." Before he could complete his logic objection to the order, the
Repulse rocked violently.
The tactical officer reported that an anti-matter bottle was detonated by the Susquehanna off the port bow. While there was no damage reported it was enough to shake the already bothered crew. Sensors reported that the
Valley Forge was still locked in a bitter battle with the smaller runabout. But it was only a matter of time before the smaller runabout was able to get a more advantageous firing angle on the larger ship. Everyone on the
Repulse's bridge were watching their Captain and their Fleet Commander.
It was Admiral Tate who wasted no time to act, "I am sorry Captain Vakath. I am not going to wait for our ships to be destroyed by that
PETTY OFFICER." It was clear his anger was overriding his judgment but it was what he was well known for. He paused a moment before continuing his orders to Lieutenant Wyke. "Lieutenant....."
Captain Vakath was not about to allow an emotionally charged situation end the life of a mentally disturbed woman. "Belay those orders Lieutenant! Admiral under......" Despite the situation the Vulcan's voice never changed tone. He kept it level and calm.
Anger flashed over the Admiral's eyes as another shock wave rocked the
Repulse. As the two men sized each other up in that second, the battle between the runabout and the
Valley Forge continued. Admiral Tate cut him off, "Security, if Captain Vakath opens his mouth again. Escort him to the brig!" Admiral Tate ordered as he walked up and stared in to the eyes of the Vulcan. There was this look of daring in the Admiral's eyes. He demanded loyalty from his officers and crews and he would be damned if he didn't get it.
Captain Vakath looked in to the Admiral's eyes. He knew that the Admiral would act on his threat. Something to all this wasn't adding up. The
Susquehanna had avoided capture this long. It was logical to assume that it could remain free despite the Admiral's orders. "I will resist no long, Admiral. But I will log my protest with Starfleet Command."
"So be it!" Admiral Tate said. Then he turned to walk back to his chair, "Lieutenant Wyke, you have your orders"
"Yes Admiral," Lieutenant Wyke replied and closed the link.
The
Susquehanna rocketed away as she headed for UIH- 0351. Just as she passed over a group of anti-matter bottles, they glowed blue as they were transported aboard the runabout. Just behind her, six type nine shuttles from the
Repulse and the
Potemkin formed up to give chase. Behind them, three cripple ships from the 4th Fleet hung helpless in space. Already shuttles from the
Valley Forge were being deployed along with engineering pods as they started to collect their warp cores. It would be nearly twelve hours before the ships would have main power back. For the time being the flagship of the 4th Fleet and her escorts were out of the chase.
Quote:Admiral Tate to all Commands, Starfleet 4th Fleet
The stolen runabout, USS Susquehanna has been located and cornered within a large asteroid field within the solar system UIH- 0351, located at Sector 004, 09.246 by K.167. The runabout is using the asteroid field to allude capture. However we have sensor reading that confirm that the runabout is still within the asteroid field. Our shuttles which had given chase were forced to withdraw after taking heavy damage from collisions with asteroids. Currently they have created a perimeter around the field and are waiting for reinforcements.
My group has been crippled by a computer virus that was transmitted from the Susquehanna via a communication link. All three ships are currently undergoing repairs and will be back in action within the next twelve hours. However the Repulse will need to be tugged back to Deep Space Nine as the virus crippled our warp control computer. It would appear that my flagship is out of the chase for the time being.
New evidence has indicated that the over all goal of the Susquehanna is to detonate an anti-mater explosion over Cardassia Prime. I am hereby ordering the 4th Fleet to patrol all Cardassian worlds and colonies between my current location and Cardassia Prime. IF the Susquehanna manages to escape us here, Your orders are to protect these worlds and if necessary, destroy the Susquehanna.
I am ordering the Thunderchild to make best speed to our current location. It is our goal to ensure that the Susquehanna doesn't evade us here. However, if we fail. The 4th Fleet has its orders.
Captains, a word of warning. Do not over estimate your own advantages or under estimate this remarkable petty officer. To do so would leave your ship vulnerable as ours were. You are not to make any communication contact with the Susquehanna regardless of the situation. Disable the ship through what ever means is necessary. Then call for support before attempting to make the capture. Do not repeat the mistake I did! This is an order!
Act Two, Scene One
