Resistance is Futile - Phase One

[CAPT Huckabee]

//:Captian's Log Stardate 2411.09.11
NCC-91777, Captain Huckabee

I've not had time for keeping my logs up to date here lately. To think of the actually breathing room we did have fighting the Klingons seems like a distant dream.

The North Carolina has been fighting close to the Sol system as I last reported our station was. I was surprised to find that my first officer Cmdr. Eliza Martinez was actually keeping count of how many Borg ships we were sending to their end. In total appears we have destroyed 145 ships in this sector alone. It seems by keeping this count she has kept moral up. I've overheard in the mess crew members eager to reach the 200 mark. I even was told by my Chief science officer that our Reman friend Lorix was talking about putting on a EV suit and painting our kills on the hull. It seems he has taken up an interest in Earth's world wars history. Lt. Cmdr Jackson has been pushing her engineers to keep this ship going. I was wondering how this contact with the Borg would affect her even though it has been 2 years since we recovered her from a destroyed probe, but she seems more hell bent on making them pay more then anyone of us could imagine.

Word from fleet is the boss man himself and his ship are missing. Unfortunately we have been unable to locate any sign of the Tico. If Admiral Fortin was on his way back to Earth he would have to of went through us. I take pride in having an Admiral that fights. Hopefully the worst has not come to him. Alia currently assigned the task of keeping an eye out.

Currently we are making best speed to Kinkaid station. We received a distress call from Capt Greenhaven asking for any ships nearby to assist in it's defense. Last word I recieved was that Capt Jason and the Lassen was already there and Commodore Mavendorf and the Leyte Gulf were underway there also. It will be good to join up with them again. I just pray we are not to late to assist. It seems the Borg decided to lay speed bumps along the way. We should be arriving in the next 15 minutes.

//:End log Stardate 2411.09.11

[Jason32]

Jason: "Number one, damage report!

Number One: "We've lost main power, Borg have taken over Deck 15 and continue to take over the ship. Weapons are gone and sensors are offline."

Commo Officer: "Sir, incoming message from the Leyte Gulf."

Jason: "On screen!"

Commodore Mavendorf: "Report"

Jason: "We're dead in the water sir. Weapons gone, including the Cannon. My engineer reports it was transported by Fleet Captain Greenhaven before the damn Borg could get to it."

Mavendorf: "Well, at least you have some good news."

Jason: "Sir, we have a new problem."

Jason: "My science officer reports the Borg on my Engineering Deck are implementing the Borg 'Royal Protocol' "

Mavendorf: "They are trying to build a new Borg queen! "

Jason: "It appears so sir. Hopefully, Code Black will destroy the Lassen BEFORE the protocol is finished. But we dimply don't know."

Number One: "Sir, the final survivors have beamed over to the Leyte Gulf."

Jason: "Understood. You and the Engineer beam over immediately. I will follow shortly."

Jason: "Commodore, can you contact Fleet Captain Greenhaven, see if they can speed up the process of Code Black. If a new Borg Queen is established here in this sector, we might as well give up."

Mavendorf: "I'll see what I can do. Prepare for transport."

[Morgan Shackelford]

Security Log
U.S.S. Valley Forge
Stardate 89300.45 - 89300.48

*FILE START*

"Bring up tactical overlay and sensor reports for Kinkaid." Admiral Shackelford's face was grimly lit from below by the tabletop display in pale shades of greens and blues.

"Time?" He inquired, seemingly of no one.

Commander Karma didn't even bother looking up from her panel. "ETA is 5 minutes, sir."

Commander Scipio eyed the Admiral. "Sir, receiving a broadband transmission from Kinkaid on an encrypted channel. Code Black protocols enacted; all ships are advised to vacate the area."

"Open a shipwide comm channel, please." Shackelford stoop upright, at ease, composing himself. Flowery, inspiring speeches were never his forte.

"Channel open."

The Admiral's voice boomed throughout the ship. "In moments, we will be dropping out of warp near Kinkaid Station. I know that all of you know what is being asked of you... these are our brothers out there, give them your ultimate focus, your very best. Our total contact time is estimated at 4 minutes, 25 seconds."

"All tactical teams to your sections. Damage crews stand by. Transporter teams, you have 35 seconds to get as many people off any disabled ships within range as you possibly can before we raise our shields. Weapons, ... indulge yourself. Get the Borg's attention off the main line."

"Engineering, prep the Subspace Field Modulator and spool up the Red Matter Capacitor. All hands be advised, Attack Pattern Alpha 5 goes hot at +35 seconds."

"May God be with us All."

The comm channel closed. Silence descended over the Combat Bridge as the Officers of the Valley Forge mentally steeled themselves for 4 and half minutes of Hell.

*FILE END*


Security and External Video Logs
U.S.S. Leyte Gulf
Stardate 89300.48 - 89300.55

*FILE START*

A ball of blinding light pierced the darkness on the other side of the Borg cubes that were vectoring on the Leyte Gulf.

Commodore Mavendorf slowly stood from her Command Chair, chaos and fire raging on the bridge around her.

Her Chief Science Officer shouted over the din. "It's the Valley Forge, sir! ... her shields are down...?"

Mavendorf's heart leapt. "You crazy sonofabitch."

Deadly phalanxes of phasers and disruptor beams vaulted from the Valley Forge in all directions. Probes started exploding, spheres turned to, racing to the Forge's drop in point, trying to lock it in a web of tractors. For a few seconds, they almost succeeded; until the cruiser focused all beams on the nearest two spheres, obliterating them within a few seconds of each other.

The nearby cubes reversed away from the Leyte Gulf; spitting out a hail of plasma torpedoes in unison with the Unimatrix vessel the Forge had placed itself between.

Mavendorf could only watch as the deadly volleys approached the Forge and cutting beams tore through her hull, spilling fire, gas and bodies out into the vacuum of space.

The Valley Forge suddenly blossomed in a pale blue light as energy poured into her now activated shields, rapidly changing to a dull green glow as they reversed polarity almost instantly. The beams coming from the Forge seemed to double in intensity and luminescence, cracking through the armor of the oncoming cubes. More spheres moved in, throwing out tractor beams to no effect as the Valley Forge's hull took on a sickly hue of translucent purple and suddenly skipped through space, momentarily appearing in two places at once. The oncoming Borg stuttered, their confusion paramount.

The initial image of the Forge faded away, as the true vessel turned its tail to the Leyte Gulf, speeding away on near full impulse. The Borg in the area pursued, leaving the main battle line the rest of the 7th had formed behind.

As another blinding white flashed signifying the Valley Forge had managed to warp away from the combat area, Mavendorf remembered to start breathing again.

She blinked. "Let's take advantage of this. Get some tractors on these nearby vessels and let's see if we can tow them to a safe distance."

*FILE END*

Security Log
U.S.S. Valley Forge
Stardate 89300.55 - 89300.56

Lights flickered on and off on the Combat Bridge of the Forge, damage control control teams frantically bustled about extinguishing small fires as they popped up. Klaxons blared throught the ship, bathing everything in a blood red veil.

"Sir, you aren't going to believe this."

Shackelford would believe anything after making it through that gauntlet. "What have you got, Commander?"

"Picked up a distress call on wideband... sir, it's the Tico."

Shackelford's eyes widened. "On screen!"

"Pull up all the data we've received from the rest of the Fleet." Shackelford stared intently at the tabletop display. "And shut off those klaxons."

The bridge fell silent except for the sounds of the extinguishers.

"Hmmm... triangulate this new information with the distress beacons the Callaway picked up, and factor in the information we received from the Phalanx."

A new picture started to formulate itself on the board. Commander Scipio, the Forge's only borg crewman, ambled over to the display.

"What's your analysis, Commander?"

"Information is still vague, sir... but this seems to be pointing us in the direction of the Sirius Block. Based on the various reports, I'd suggest picking up the search at or near the Briar Patch."



"Helm, best possible speed, Briar Patch," Shackelford ordered. "And get this information out to the Fleet immediately."

*FILE END*

((Participants are asked to conduct a Borg Red Alert DSE in the Sirius Sector and report their findings. As before, try to avoid specificity or conclusive findings on the Tico's disposition or location.))

[Runaz]

I watched as the Valley forge warped in and saved a lot of people i wasn't sure why she came in as the code black was sent out but i'm glad she did with the fire we were taking it wasn't only stupid but more so had our core breached near the federation line we,ll lets just say that it would have been a nightmare for our side.



"Captain we have contact a group of Borg coming into the fight they are filling the back lines of the borg fleet SIR! there's another large contact, looks like another command ship came in on the left flanking us, SIR incoming probes that thing is spewing them out, i count 30 and rising"

"Understood commander, helm bring us to that flank bearing 58.34.7 get us down thier necks. Tactical open fire on all targets along that bearing, tear those probes apart, The fleet needs more time to evacuate"

from all over the bridge in unison the officers in my once senior staff's locations shout out "FOR THE 7TH. FOR STARFLEET. FOR ALL"

"Marian get up to the bridge i have a plan"

[Cleo Mavendorf]

Mavendorf scanned the tactical display, the Valley Forge's inspired insanity had given the fleet a window and she intended to use it "Number One check and make sure no one is left on any disable ship in our vicinity please."

"All scans reading clear of starfleet personnel at this time sir." Three reported after a moment

"Plot a course for Earth Space Dock, warp factor six." Mavendorf ordered.

"Course laid in sir."

"Engage!"

Three moved her hand across the console and activated the warp drives...but instead of the smooth acceleration to warp everyone expected...there was a jarring crash that threw anyone not seated off their feet.

"REPORT!" Mavendorf shouted above the blaring of emergency klaxons.

"Warp drive is offline Sir!" Three shouted back.

"WHY?"

"Apparently the Borg placed a bomb in the containment field generator and it detonated when we tried to go to warp...estimate total failure in 52 seconds!"

"Jettison the core!"

Three's hands flew over the console and a slight shudder was felt "Warp core jettisoned sir."

"All hands stand by to abandon ship! Number One, hail the nearest ships...have them evacuate the ship."

"Aye sir"

Mavendorf got up and strode purposefully to her ready room "Notify me when everyone is off Number One...I have some things to take care of before I leave the ship."

[xivim]

Battle for Kinkaid Station:

"Sir, the Leyte Gulf just dumped her warp core. Its going to breach! They are requesting emergency transport."

Greenhaven looks at the Opps Officer "Beam the survivors aboard."

Borg beam weapons ripped into the hull of the Mackinaw as she dropped her shields to engage transporters. The entire front quarter of the Port Side was ripped to shreds. Power faltered, but backup systems came online. The shields came back up, holding under the incredible punishment.

A Com Chirp can be heard over the battle sounds "CIC to Captain Greenhaven. Our Data link is completely gone. Reading indicate Kinkaid will go critical in 2 mins 15 seconds."

Greenhaven "Acknowledged. Make ready the Kinkaid,s Grav-Pulse. We need to hold the Borg here until Code Black activates. Get me Fleet Wide."

The comm officer motions that the channel is open.

Greenhaven: "Attention all hands, you are ordered to retreat immediately. ALL UNITS, RETREAT!! Engage Black-Alpha, Warp out at any vector, any speed. All units are ordered to rendezvous at Starbase 39. Grav-Pulse will fire in 1 minute. Good luck, Greenhaven Out"

Greenhaven "Bring the modified shields online, and fire the Grav-Pulse in exactly 1 minute."

((Code Black will activate Around 7am EDT, Tuesday Morning. Fit in any last combat posts you want. After that, its reports about escaping the battle, getting to dock, AAR's and debriefs by command.))

[CDR Hunter]

Captain's Log
USS Callaway NCC-97771
Stardate 241109.11
/0514 Hours Ship Time
It's been almost 24 hours since our last engagement with a Borg battlegroup in Argelius Sector. We've been drifting slowly with our energy signature masked as best we can while Commander Yamata and his engineers work around the clock to bring the port nacelle and the dorsal shield generator back online. Any Borg vessel that came upon us now would find easy prey. Patience is normally one of my strengths but today has been challenging. The battle for Kinkaid station rages as I speak, but here I am dead in space, by choice. I find myself staring at the Callaway's plaque mounted off on the port side of the bridge, her motto taunting me constantly. The Universe Will Reward You for Taking Risks on Its Behalf... Was this the wrong choice to make? Should I have said the hell with it and just plunged into the fray with the rest of the fleet at Kinkaid Station? My heart tells me yes, but the cold logical part of me says it would just have been a waste of my ship and crew. We wouldn't last three minutes with only half power and nothing but a bare hull to protect us on one side.

I guess it doesn't matter now. The decision has been made. On the advice of my first officer, a served ship's counselor, I've retreated to my ready room for a few hours of sleep. Full power to the warp drive should be back in a few hours./

/0848 Hours Ship Time
Ensign Woosipyewoo, my industrious insectoid communications officer woke me up about thirty minutes ago. We were able to receive a few snippets of a comm signal from the USS Ticonderoga. The bearings would place her somewhere in the Briar Patch along the Sirius/Regulus border. Still no word from Kinkaid Station though. I've had ordered the helm to lay in a course for the Briar Patch and engage at maximum warp as soon as it's available, which should be in a matter of minutes. The engineers are buttoning things up right now. Kinkaid Station is in the same general direction so if we need to divert, we can./

[Captain Talbot]

Captains Ready Room-USS Challenger
Star Date 2011.09.12

sparrow794 wrote:

Incoming sub space signal relayed from Starfleet Command via 7th Fleet HQ Message follows /PRIORITY ONE URGENT AND ENCODED STARDATE 2411.09.01 MSGID PINNACLE TO ALL VESSELS FR UFPHQ SUBJ ALERT STATUS RED HEAVY BORG INVASION UNDERWAY ALL SECTORS ALL BLOCKS BORG FLEETS BREAKING THROUGH IN FORCE SIZE OF 30-40 SHIPS PER CONFIRMED REPORTS OF PREVIOUSLY UNENCOUNTERED COMMAND VESSELS, DESIGNATE UNIMATRIX 47 STARFLEET COMMAND IS PLACING ALL FLEETS ON RED ALERT ALL VESSELS ENACT PROTOCOL 272 SWEEP AND CLEAR ALL RALLY POINTS ENGAGE BORG INCURSIONS IN FORCE THIS IS NOT A DRILL REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL ALL VESSELS ENACT PROTOCOL 272 SWEEP AND CLEAR ALL RALLY POINTS ENGAGE BORG INCURSIONS IN FORCE MAINTAIN HIGH VIGILANCE COORDINATE WITH KDF FLEETS WHEN POSSIBLE TEMPORARY CEASE FIRE ENACTED WITH KDF STAND TOGETHER MAY GOD BE WITH US ALL GOOD LUCK //SB1 SENDS

I reread the message on the padd a third time, just to wrap my brain around it. I then picked up a second padd and read it again as well,

sparrow794 wrote:

/PRIORITY ONE ALPHA ENCODED STARDATE 2411.09.05 MSGID TICO TO ALL 7TH FLEET VESSELS FR USS VALLEY FORGE SUBJ SEARCH AND RESCUE ALL CONTACT LOST WITH USS TICONDEROGA ALL VESSELS COMMENCE IMMEDIATE SEARCH LAST KNOWN POSITION REGULUS ENACT CONTAINMENT SEARCH GAMMA ONE COORDINATES FOLLOW

This message was just as disturbing as the firs one. The Fleet Adm. was a well respected officer, and his loss would be felt across the entire fleet. That would not do.

Tapping the terminal on my desk, "Computer, display the most current after action reports and logs of the 7th fleet."

The terminal came to life and the reports started filling the screen, I realized that the majority of the fleet was engaged with the Borg and that the Phalanx, Callaway and the Valley Forge were getting some info on the Tico's last known position. I hated the fact that I wasn't with my fleet mates, but the Challenger had been ordered back to ESD for refit, and I was going to take command of an Advance Cruiser named the USS Atlantis. I've been told that she has been outfitted with the new Mk XI Antiproton beam arrays, thank god I took that extra training in beam weapons. It will be a big change from commanding a Fleet Escort.

The door chime sounded, "Enter". It was my XO Commander Napier. "Yes Jim, what is it?" "Sir, we have docked and the crew is disembarking, what are your orders?" I looked at my XO and replied " 24 hour liberty, then everyone is to report to their stations on the Atlantis." "Aye sir..." he hesitated..."permission to speak freely sir?" I raised an eyebrow..."whats on your mind Jim?" He looked unsure at first, the squared his shoulders, "Sir, whats going on, you have been locked up in here ever since you got those priority messages from Star Fleet, do you mind cluing me in on what the scuttlebutt is sir?"

I half smiled at him, Jim was always a straight forward individual. As I spun the terminal to face him I said "read this". As he read the reports, his mouth opened with an audible pop. "Damn sir," was all he could say. "Exactly" I replied, "go get some rest Jim, I need you at peak performance in 24 hours." He smiled back at me, "Aye Aye sir." and he turned an left the room.

24 hours later, I walked onto the bridge of the Atlantis, and looked around, "status report number one?" Napier looked up from his console and replied "All stations report ready sir." I nodded, "very well", I walked to the command chair and sat down, and activated the ship wide communications, "to all hands, this is the captain, reports have been coming in form all over the fleet about the Borg invasions. As well there was a distress call intercepted by the Valley Forge from the Ticonderoga. Adm Shackelford is conducting a search and rescue mission and has asked all of the fleet to report any info received concerning the Tico's whereabouts. Our main mission is to assist the fleet in defending the system against the Borg invasion. You all have the necessary training and I know I can count on all of you to preform your duties admirably. That is all..Talbot out." Looking at the helm, "Mr. Herrick, take us out."

[Runaz]

Marian entered the bridge and i pointed to my ready room and i followed her in

"Captain?"

"i'm going to get the fleet enough time to get out before that grav pulse, and i need you to modify the forward guns to fire faster and about 50% higher than normal. use the new warp core tie in the additional power we have and make sure to rout thru the new eps condiuits."

"Aye Captain. Captain what may i ask are you needing this for?"

"I'm goign to ram this ship into that new command ship taking heat off the flank and i want the probes destroyed on the way in."

"Sir won't that detonate this new core Starfleet told us to protect at all costs?"

"yes but the 7th is my main priority, evac the crew and brief the rest of the senior staff, i have to make a call to starfleet HQ"

"Aye sir" Marian saluted and left my office


"Computer encode message prority ONE code :Alpha Black Beta Green Theta White: Starfleet this is the U.S.S. Essex the crew is evacing to 7th fleet vessels capable to taking them. the senior staff and the Essex is remaning behind to clear out a threat to the fleet's escape."


as i stepped onto the bridge i saw the pods break off the hull and head straight toward the fleet the 2 runabouts heading off to warp, just then a squad of probes flew past and started firing on the pods, for the first time this whole battle i let my emotions out and a tear dripped on my battered uniform as i watched the crew of the Essex disapear in a series of explosions

"Marian excute the power enhancments, helm ramming speed and course to that command ship, Tactical que up a spread of cannon and Quantum fire take out the probes ahead we need to get thru"
my crews hands buzzed over thier controlls as the Essex turned i saw probably 40 probes infront of us and a big ass ship at the end of a guantlet, something this ship wasn't designed to take, be if hell opened up on the borg, this was it. Cannons fired Hundreds of tetryon bolts and the last 50 Photon Torpedos headed out infront of destroying over 30 ships leaving about 10 left for us to fight thru.

"nice work people, Tactical target the center of the command ship, Helm plot a course keeping us on a straight line to the center, Marian get the core preped to over load, do'nt let the borg figure out what we are doing, and Science i need that reman shield online, now."

"Tactical start firing, helm Excecute, Science power them up"

"Keep those cannons firing and pump out the last 50 quantums as fast as the launchers can take them. we won't need them for long push them past the limits"

The U.S.S. Essex streamed past the remaining probes following a mass of torpedoes and cannon fire a hole in the borg shields form the tetryon cannons doing thier job keeping the shields down in that one spot and the torpedoes follwed into the hull carving a hole in the massive structure the essex passed thru the shields into the hull still firing everything she could with shields just abotu to fail

"Marian detonate the core"
A massive explosion split the craft in two pieces minor explosions streaming thru is two halfs, one side begins to 'fall apart at the seams' followed by the other half experiancing minor explosions along its outer a Hull, a Sphear exits the side thru a spherical portal similar to those on a Cube, and jumps into transwarp.

[Cleo Mavendorf]

Mavendorf returned from her ready room to a silent, empty bridge. She had transmitted the ships loga and her own personal logs to Starbase 639 and now she was alone...she had not beamed out...in fact...she had disabled her combadge to make locking onto her a bit harder.

She walked slowly to her command chair and sat down...her gaze moved to the main viewscreen and the battle still raging outside...she felt oddly at peace for the first time in a long while as she watched the silent explosions of ships...both Federation and Borg.

"I don't know why you are doing this..." Three's voice startled her and she half turned to see her XO standing slightly behind her "But I will not allow you to throw your life away like this Cleopatra."

Mavendorf sighed "I'm tired Three...I've been at this all my adult life...and I'm tired and want peace...is that so hard to understand?"

"No it is not." The former Borg said as she moved to stand beside the command chair "But will this truly grant you the peace you seek? Or just oblivion?"

"Does it matter?" Mavendorf asked softly as a particularly large explosion lit up the viewscreen.

"I once was trapped in a form of oblivion..." Three said as she rested her hand on the smaller woman's upper arm "I would likely still be trapped there...if you hadn't rescued me from the Collective."

"How many have I failed to rescue though?" Mavendorf said darkly "How many did I simply destroy?"

"Circumstances did not always allow you to rescue everyone Cleopatra." Three said as she gently pulled her Commander to her feet "You saved the ones you could...that is all anyone can ever do."

Mavendorf did not reply..she found her eyes locking on Three's as the taller woman helped her up.

"You have people who count on you Cleopatra..." Three said as she pulled the smaller woman into a gentle hug "People who love you."

Mavendorf's eyes went wide as she found Three's lips pressing to hers. After a second she found herself returning the kiss. She was a bit surprised...Three had never been a very open or affectionate person...after a moment the kiss ended and Three Spoke again "If you do this...then I will be here with you Cleopatra."

"Kali-Ma." Mavendorf said softly

"What?"

"It is my name." Mavendorf said quietly "Kali-Ma Noonien Singh...you have the right to know the real name of anyone you would die with."

"The Hindu Goddess of Death..." Three half smiled "Your parents must have had an odd sense of humor."

Mavendorf shook her head and looked into Three's eyes "You know what you are getting into if we pursue this Three...my track record with lovers is a bit...bad."

"Katya." Three replied "My name was Katya...and I think you are capable of making a relationship work if it is something worth while...if Ch'Bargth had not been assimilated I feel you and he would still be together."

Mavendorf nodded and then straightened her shoulders "Just so we understand each other...Katya."

"Then you are ready to proceed...Kali?"

Mavendorf tapped Three's combadge "Emergency beam out for two."

There was a hum and then transporter effect engulfed them...the Leyte Gulf's bridge was silent...lights blinked on consoles and displays...and a timer continued to count down.

[Anton Mercer]

>> Captain's Log <<

Stardate 2410.09.10

We've been sitting in space dock for near two weeks now, as we awaiting final checks on the repairs to the Valkyrie. We had a "scuffle" with some of the first Borg to invade the Omega Leonis Sector Block.

We received a distress call from several Klingon ships while on patrol in the Pi Canis Sector near Klingon space. There were two other ships in the area so we crossed the neutral zone to render assistance. What we had to fight... I don't think anyone one of use was prepared for. We were able to launch an experimental holo-drone, that was able to to capture our fight. I've reviewed the recording and noticed several hicups and a time gap in the footage. I can only assume there were glitches or it was hit.,,

"7 of 10" .... Does that mean there are ten of these "command" ships? And what of this Unimatrix 47? What does it all mean? The fleet has already had many encounters with the Borg since this incident that I refer to, and have recently heard about the attack on Kinkaid Station. I only hope it doesn't come to Code Black. I;ve also received word that Admiral Fortin has gone missing and last clue's pointed toward the Badlands, The Valkryie will head there, once repairs are complete.

>>End Log<<

[xivim]

"God speed Essex" Greenhaven mummers as the Essex slams into the Unimatrix Ship, causing the entire vessel to blow to bits. A single sphere emerges and begins to move away.

"Target that sphere, dont let it escape."

Tactical "Too late, its entering Transwarp. Im detecting multiple Starfleet Combage signals on the sphere. It appears the rest of the borg are preparing to jump into Transwarp as well."

"dammit. Fire the Grav-Pulse. And beam everyone left on the Gulf over"

Borg ships slow to a crawl as an invisible wave emanates from the station. The Veiwscreen shows the wave over take the Leyte Gulf, and move closer and closer to the Mackinaw, the only ship that has yet to leave... or can leave.

"Transporter room 6 to the bridge, im having trouble re-materializing them. Something is interfering with the Matter Stream. I am going to engage redunt-"

Opps "Sir, the transporter system was just blow out by a massive thermo-electric shock. Transporters offline"

"Bridge, we have them."

Greenhaven "Warp 3, NOW!"

In a brilliant flash, the mackinaw jumps to warp, as the Grav-Pulse traps the remaining Borg with the station.

Opps "Sir, the Core will overload in 15 seconds."

"Bring up visual from the probes"

"Aye sir"

The screen shifts to show an external shot of the station. Borg ships are trying to move away from the station as they detect the immense energy build up. What remains of the station crackles and glows as the Solaric Core finally overloads.

A giant level 17 Shockwave expands from the station, moving faster then light. Borg ship after ship are vaporized as the wave atomizes all matter in its path. The probes record until the last second, when they too are obliterated.

Greenhaven "Wait... go back to Time Index 018.5..... what is that? Magnify"

The image coalesces into the silhouette of a Borg probe jumping to Transwarp.

Tactical "It appears one probe was able to escape..."

Greenhaven sighs, then turns to the ready room. "I'll be in my ready room. I want damage reports in 20 minutes. Get us to Star Base 39 as fast as possible. We need to meet up with the rest of the fleet, asses our remaining strenght.


--------------------------------

5 hours later

The mackinaw drops out of warp, near the perimeter to Star base 39. Plasma exhaust is leaking from both nacelles, whole sections of the hull are missing everywhere.

Greenhaven enteres the bridge, and seats himself at the captains chair. His first officer looks up, and hands him a padd. "Updated damage report sir."

Greenhaven grunts as he scrolls through the data. "Warp coils are fried, Micro fractures in the core, Hull damage to over 68% of the ship. Transporters, Lifesupport, Shuttle bays, holodecks, replicator... dammit, what the hell is actually working?!?!"

Opps looks up. "uhm, i think the viewscreen is working"

"hmph"

"Sir, Star base 39 is hailing us."

"On Screen"

"This is Star Base 39, do you require assistance?"

"Yes, were going to need repairs asap. Im also going to need a link up to starfleet command, our long range transceiver is offline"

"Ah yes. Im assigning you Slip 29. There are currently 19 other ships from the battle that have arrived, we have been putting them in our priority repair list. unfortunately it looks like over half will have to be scrapped"

"To be honest sir, we dont even know where this battle has taken place. Its all over the news, but no one knows the location."

Greenhaven "Thats because the stations very existence was classified. I need an exact listing of what ships have made it back."

"uh, yes sir. Were you the Fleet CO?"

Greenhaven sighs as he responds "No, i -Was- Kinkaid Station CO... not that there's anything left to command"

"Oh my.... ok, i will have someone put that list together, and im going to set up a priority link to Starfleet Command."

Greenhaven "Thank you"

Opps "Sir, line is open"

"This is Fleet Captain Greenhaven, CO Kinkaid Station. I must inform you that Kinkaid Station has been destroyed, i repeat destroyed. Code Black has been activated. We have arrived with the remainder of the support fleet at Star Base 39. Please be advised, the Borg are mounting massive attacks. We suffered heavy losses, totals are being calulated. Require new orders. Greenhaven out"

Greenhaven "Get me fleet wide"

Opps motions that the channel is open

"This is Greenhaven. I need damage and casualty reports from every ship. I have informed Starfleet Command of the outcome of the battle."

"I want you all to know that even though we lost Kinkaid Station, we succeeded in what we set out to do. Almost all of the civilians in and around the Station are safe. We saved Thousands of lives today. I am proud of every one of you."

"Too many good people laid down their lives today, to save those they didn't even know. All of us lost friends out there. But now is not the time to Grieve. We may have more ships crawling in. Sort your ships out, then do what you can to help those in worse shape. I know you can do it. Greenhaven out"

[Cleo Mavendorf]

Transporter room 6 USS Makinaw:

"I've got a lock on two Chief!"

"Energize!"

"Energizing..WAIT! I lost one...attempting to reestablish...."

"What do you mean you lost it?"

"I don't know...I had a lock and then it was gone..wait..there it is...I have it again...energizing"

The transporter effect shimmered into two women on the pad. One was an obvious former Borg with short white hair in a starfleet uniform...the second was also an ex Borg...with long white hair and wearing an unfamiliar uniform.

As the transporter effect faded Three turned to her Captain and froze...instead of the raven hair and starfleet uniform she was used to...Cleopatra was white haired...wearing a skinsuit that bore the insignia of the Terran Empire...and several Borg implants were visible on her face.



"Well...this is unexpected." This Cleo said as she took in her surroundings and raised a phaser pistol.

Three exploded into to action...her foot lashing out and knocking the phaser from the duplicate's hand.

This Cleo launched a palm strike that impacted Three's sternum, sending her flying across the transporter pad to impact against the wall.

Three Bounced off the wall and came to her feet swiftly "GET SECURITY DOWN HERE NOW!" she ordered as she assumed a fighting stance and blocked the duplicate's route to the door. The Transporter Chief slapped his combadge and called for security. He didn't know what was going on...but whatever it was couldn't be good.

This Cleo smirked at Three as she launched a blinding fast series of kicks and punches that the Ex-Borg was hard pressed to block "I'll give you this much: You aren't nearly as docile as MY Three...she's a useful pet...but not much for standing up to me."

Three launched her own series of attacks...which were almost casually blocked to her dismay "Where is Cleopatra?"

This Cleo laughed "Cleopatra? Yours still uses that name here? How quaint...I haven't used that name since that bastard Shackleford handed me over to the Borg for assimilation."

Three's heart sank as her worst fear was confirmed...this was most certainly NOT her Cleopatra...her Commander had indeed somehow been replaced by the mirror version.

Security arrived just then...taking in the uniform with a Terran Empire badge they leveled phasers and the order was given "STOP! Stand where you are or we will open fire!"

The Duplicate laughed as she managed to grab Three and hip tossed her at the security team. One of the security officers fired...the stun beam impacting something that shimmered several inches from the Duplicate's body as the energy was absorbed.

"Her Borg implants are active! You'll have to remodulate!" Three said as she disentangled herself from the two security officers she had been thrown into. She had a very bad feeling about this...she knew Cleopatra was the product of some very precise genetic engineering...active Borg implants would maker her even stronger and tougher.

"You won't have time for that." This Cleo snarled as she moved to the still standing security officer...she grabbed him and bodily threw him into the Transporter Chief and his assistant...all three going down hard.

Three was up and moving...her right hand reaching out to touch the Duplicate...Borg implants she had not used since she was freed from the Collective activating...two thin needles extending from her fingers...puncturing the duplicate's side and injecting nanoprobes.

This Cleo's eyes widened in surprise as she felt herself losing control of her body...she did not understand...she should have been immune to Borg nanoprobes..."What...have...you...done...to...me...Bitch..."

Three watched, outwardly clam as the Duplicate sunk to the floor and lost consciousness...she had gambled that the Mirror Universe Borg nanprobes were different enough from this universe that the Duplicate would not be immune to them...she had lucked out. "Place her in full restraint and lock her down in the brig...I want a constant guard until she wakes up."

"Yes Sir." The security team leader replied as he and another of his team picked up the Duplicate and carried her out.

Three showed none of the inner turmoil she was going through as she followed them to the brig. Her face remained impassive as the woman with the face of her Love was restrained hand and foot and then locked to a bunk in a cell...measures usually only used for either the completely insane or those still infected by the Collective.

Three stood outside the cell, watching the unconscious Duplicate and silently swore to herself that she would get her Cleopatra back...no matter what it took.

[Captain Talbot]

As the Atlantis cleared the spacedoors of ESD, I watch as my crew is hard at work, and was overwhelmed with pride at the fact that they were working like a well oiled machine. They were ready for anything the Borg would throw at them, whether it was on the Challenger, or here on the Sovereign class Advance Cruiser. I activate the comm channel for engineering.

"Bridge to engineering"

"Engineering, Jones here."

"You have any problem finding the engine room?"

"It wasn't to hard sir, but I did"

"Excellent, stand by,"

I looked at the helm officer.

"Mr. Herrick, set a course for Starbase 39, warp factor 7."

Lt Herrick glanced back at me, and replied,

"Course plotted and laid in sir."

"Engage"

As the ship cruises purposefully through the void heading to meet up with the fleet, I called a meeting with the senior staff to explain the current situation. After finishing the comm channel chirps.

"Talbot here."

"Sir we have arrived at Starbase 39"

"Acknowledged", I look at the staff, and smile. "Stations please." They exited the observation lounge and headed to the bridge. I followed behind them and head for the Chair. I look at my chief tactical officer, Lt Lativ, "Open hailing frequencies with the Mackinaw", his fingers tap his console, "Hailing frequencies open."

"This is USS Atlantis standing by."

[VADM pRett]

Not long after the brief shore leave for Commodore Scott's wedding anniversary celebration had ended, the Phalanx departed Earth Spacedock to patrol for more Borg incursions.

"Captain p'Rett, message incoming from the Valley Forge."

Nodding his head at Phyll'mos Tyln, his Andorian Chief Tactical Officer, he replied, "Onscreen, Commander."

The starfield of warp travel was replaced by the more grim than usual visage of Admiral Shackelford.

[Captain, this will be brief and to the point.] As if you're anything but, Admiral, Borannus chuckled to himself, inwardly, genuine admiration and respect for the 7th Fleet's Chief of Staff infusing his being. This was an Admiral that wasn't afraid to get in the thick of things and get his hands dirty, if needed. We need so many more like him. [Based on information you and others have provided, we're going to focus our search for the Tico near the Briar Patch region. Your orders are to make best speed there, and conduct search operations, while also engaging any Borg incursions. Report back to me the moment you have anything.]

"Acknowledged, Admiral. I'll notify you the moment I have any information of interest. Phalanx out."

Shackelford gave one his usual brusque nods before the communication terminated and the starfield returned to the viewsceen.

"Commander Ayermolle, make best speed to the Briar Patch. Commander Tyln and Grimrod, be alert for any Borg incursions as we go."

All three bridge officers nodded and bent to their tasks. Engine power surged and thrummed through the decks as the Assault Cruiser lept to Warp 14 and pointed its nose towards the Briar Patch.