“Captain, the Cardassian destroyers have dropped under warp. Intercept in ninety seconds.”
“Helm,
bring us about, course 175, Mark 030, full impulse. Engage.” Captain Veal
opened a com-channel to the three ships in her small task force. “Everyone,
change of plans. Captain Carey you and the Leigh
take out the target. Demeter and Gettysburg
will cover your back. Valkyrie will
keep the new arrivals busy. As soon as the job is done, warp out to Starbase 47
as planned. Good luck. Veal out.”
The
El-Dorado class heavy frigate Leigh
Brackett changed course and disengaged from the Hideki-class attack ships
she had been fighting, her place taken by the Demeter
and the Gettysburg, who had so far
stayed out off a direct engagement to harass the Cardassians with long-range
torpedo fire.
“All
right,” Tarin Veal addressed her bridge crew as two Cardassian destroyers
loomed larger and larger on the Valkyrie’s
main viewer. “We have to keep those two occupied for just three or four
minutes.”
“Dar,
target both ships with photon torpedoes. Fire when ready. We have to get their
attention. Rishana, once we are engaged try to keep us between the Leigh
Brackett and the Cardassians. The Leigh
is slower than we are and once she warps out she needs a head start on those
destroyers.”
“Understood.”
Rishana Hagen sounded relaxed and she felt that way. The attack had been going
well so far. Probes and decoys launched three days ago had prompted the
Cardassians to concentrate their forces around one of their forward supply
bases, leaving only a token force to protect the Argus Array. While the Valkyrie
had initially been tasked with the destruction of the array, the Leigh
Brackett was just as capable of doing the job and the Valkyrie was more than enough to keep two destroyers at bay for a
few minutes.
“Torpedo
spread fired,” Commander Enikal reported from the tactical station. A second
later: “They avoided most of it, but it sure got their attention.”
“Tactical,
prepare another torpedo spread, short range, proximity fuses. Helm, we’ll go
right through them at max impulse, then bring us around as soon as they start
evading our torpedoes. Dar, phasers as soon as we come around, attack pattern
Sierra-Three. Execute.”
A
salvo of torpedoes streaked from the Valkyrie,
but stopped dead in front of the Cardassian destroyers. As the Valkyrie
rolled and sliced through the Cardassian formation the two ships were for a
moment too busy avoiding what they knew amounted to mines in their path.
Compared to the smaller Cardassian ships the maneuver of the Galaxy-class ship
seemed slow and ponderous, but Lieutenant Hagen still finished the Valkyrie’s
turn in time to allow Dar Enikal a good shot at one of the Cardassian
destroyers.
The
ship was weakened from the previous torpedo attack, but the Cardassian’s
shields withstood the phaser blasts. Now the destroyers came around and the real
battle began.
*****
Under
the onslaught of the Leigh Brackett’s
phasers and torpedoes the Argus Array quickly disintegrated, some drifting-off
parts torn asunder by internal explosions.
The
Demeter and Gettysburg disengaged from the few remaining Cardassians, and
followed the Leigh’s example,
warping out at their best speed on a course to Starbase 47.
One
of the two Aberax-class destroyers was adrift, launching lifeboats, and the
other had better things to do than follow a clearly superior ship, as the Valkyrie
went to warp.
Tarin
deactivated her holographic display and looked up at the main viewer and an
image of the slowly disintegrating Starfleet sensor platform. “Too bad,” she
muttered to herself. For years the Argus Array had been one of Starfleet’s
most valuable long-range sensor platforms, but it was better to destroy it, than
to allow the Cardassians to use it to spy on the Federation.
“Status
report.”
Commander
Enikal checked his display. “Damage to secondary life-support and dorsal
phaser arrays. We have a few wounded, but nothing serious. I’ll have a full
report in a few minutes.”
Tarin Veal rose and took a step forward. She slowly turned, meeting each of her officer’s eyes. “Well done everyone.” She completed her turn and looked at her helmsman. “Rishana, slow down to warp eight. As the Cardassians are not following us there is no need to push the engines so hard.”
As
Lieutenant Hagen slowed down the Valkyrie
from her top speed of warp 9.8, Moira O’Shea spoke up. “Captain, during the
battle we received a priority two message from Ambassador Olson on Talkha.”
“Priority
two?” It had only been four weeks since her speech to the Talkhan Council of
Ministers and three weeks since Ambassador Olson had started to negotiate a
cooperation agreement with the Talkhan government. That seemed hardly enough
time for developments that required use of a high communications priority.
“What was the message, Moira?”
“Just
a request to get in touch with him as soon as possible.”
“Then
we should not keep the Ambassador waiting. Patch me through to Talkha and put it
on the main viewer.”
After
a few seconds the rearward view of the Argus Array’s debris was replaced by
the image of a middle-aged human.
“Ambassador
Olson. What can I do for you?”
Gustav
Olson frowned. “To be frank, I am not sure about that. I assume you know about
my mission here?”
“Of course.” Tarin knew that the Federation had sent Olson to negotiate a deal between Alek, Talkha, and the Federation. Some people didn’t like the idea of the economic cooperation Tarin had suggested, as negotiating it would mean another delay in the trade between Alek and the Federation. But both Alekians and Talkhans had latched onto the idea, so the Federation had dispatched Olson to conclude a deal that would benefit all parties.
“Well,
you see, the talks started quite well, both on the trade agreements and
establishing formal diplomatic relations between Talkha and the UFP. But for the
last few days I had a feeling that the Talkhans and Alekians have been keeping
things from me, that something was going on I was not privy to.” The
ambassador took a deep breath and his hands started an unconscious kneading
motion.
“Thirty
minutes ago we registered a massive surge in com-traffic on Talkha. It started
with a planet-wide transmission from their government center, but now anyone is
starting to talk with everyone else. It’s a miracle their com-net can handle
the traffic.”
Tarin
had a hundred questions on her mind, but she knew Olson wasn’t finished.
“You see, the thing is that the Talkhans won’t even talk to me about it.
They have requested - demanded would be the more fitting word - to talk to you.
And a few minutes ago Minister Tretyak asked me to relay a request to Starfleet.
The Talkhans want the Valkyrie back
here as soon as possible.”
“I
see,” Tarin slowly replied. “One moment please, Mr. Ambassador.” She
turned towards Commander Enikal and made a swift cutting motion across her
throat. As the Bolian nodded to her, Captain Veal stepped to the operations
station. “Moira, what is the status of the task force?”
“All
operational and on their way to Starbase 47. No Cardassians in pursuit and our
ships should reach the Starbase in thirty-six hours.”
“Good.”
Tarin Veal turned to the helm station. “Rishana, increase speed to warp
nine.”
As
she straightened, Tarin addressed her XO without looking back at him. “Dar,
open the channel again.”
“Ambassador
Olson, we are en-route for Starbase 47 which puts us on an almost direct course
for Talkha. We could arrive at Talkha...”, she checked the readout on the
helm-console, ”...in about four days, provided Starfleet agrees with the
Talkhans that our presence is warranted. Now perhaps you could arrange a
com-conference with the Talkhans, so we can both find out what has suddenly
become so important.”
*****
“Minister
Tretyak, good to see you again.”
“And it is good to see you again,” Tretyak enthused. “The people of Talkha are looking forward to meeting you again.”
“So
would I, Sir, but I am afraid that Starfleet has ordered the Valkyrie to complete certain operations along the Cardassian border.
Unless given a very compelling reason, Starfleet Command is unlikely to send us
to Talkha any time soon.”
Tretyak smiled widely. ”Of course. I do understand your position, Captain Veal. But I am certain your superiors will agree with me when I ask for the Valkyrie to transport a Talkhan delegation to Earth.” Tretyak apparently enjoyed the confusion evident on both Tarin’s and Olson’s features.
“You
see Captain, an hour ago we have asked our people to vote on an application of
Talkha for Federation membership. The first results signal a strong majority in
favor and I don’t expect that to change in the final results.”
Tretyak leaned back in his chair and stapled his fingers and smiled widely. “That’s why I would like to have you back on Talkha, Captain, to pick up a Talkhan legation and bring us to Earth to apply for our worlds membership in the United Federation of Planets. You made this possible for my people and I think it’s fitting to ask for your help in taking the next step along the road, wouldn’t you agree.”
*****
Admiral
Fairchild refilled her teacup and added a little sugar. The ancient set of china
was the only thing about Admiral Avanessian’s office she really enjoyed.
Elinor
Fairchild had always found her friend’s office to be a little too modern, a
bit too functional, for her own taste. Computer displays everywhere,
synthetic-fiber upholstery, too much gleaming metal – their taste in furniture
was one of the few things the two Admirals did not share.
“It looks like the Talkhans have taken a real liking to Captain Veal,” Fairchild remarked between two sips. “What do you think, should we honor their request and order the Valkyrie back to Earth?”
“Well,”
Admiral Avanessian slowly started and drummed his fingers on the desk. “I had
enough time to think about what you said a few weeks ago and having the Valkyrie
back at Earth just before the first round of elections could be seen as a
political gesture on our part.” He took a deep breath. “I am not sure if
that would be in our best interest or not, and it still leaves the problem of
what stance the Earth Republic will take on the Talkhan request.”
“I
wouldn’t worry about that. I had my staff look into it and at the time Talkha
was colonized the Earth Republic readily granted sovereignty to every privately
funded colony - at least if it was what we would now call a dissident colony.
Seems the majority on Earth was happy to get rid of everyone who would question
the ardor about the Federation, but never cared too much what became of them.”
“Yes,
we were certainly not perfect, were we?”
Elinor
Fairchild almost laughed out loud, but then settled for a humorless smile. “Oh
come on. We are far from perfect even today. Just listen to us. We should be
happy to welcome back Veal as a hero and we let politics get in our way at every
step.”
“Hmm...”
Arkady Avanessian slowly swiveled his chair from side to side and his eyes
narrowed. “That is an interesting thought... Maybe we should grant the
Talkhans their request and welcome Veal and the Valkyrie
back, not just as diplomats, but as heroes as well.”
Admiral
Fairchild knew when her friend was on to something and generally trusted his
instincts, but this time she had her doubts.
“And
how do you suppose we could do that without turning it into an even bigger
political gesture?”
“First
of all, Veal is really what you might call a hero, at least to the general
public.” He raised a hand to stop Fairchild’s reply. “Let’s not get into
what we think of her, but let us just think from a point of view outside of
Starfleet for a moment.”
As
Fairchild slowly nodded Avanessian went on. “Since the war Veal has won us two
important battles, one against the Romulans at Vulcan and one against the
Cardassians at the Argolis. Concentrating on the former leaves us more options,
as it was the more widely publicized event. What if we bring the Valkyrie back to Earth to honor Veal and her crew for their success
during that crucial battle? And if we emphasize her more diplomatic success with
the Talkhans at the same time we could paint her as just a Starfleet officer
doing what needed to be done at Vulcan, not some kind of war hero. The Talkhans
have given us the perfect excuse to bring the Valkyrie back to public attention. Maybe we should even give her
another medal.”
“You
know that this is what Montego will try to make it look like, Arkady? An excuse,
nothing else.”
Admiral
Avanessian refilled both their cups and when he looked up a smile lit his often
stoic features. “Only if we propose this. If a prominent Vulcan started
floating the idea around, who could complain?”
“Let
me guess, you are thinking of Ambassador Satek or Admiral Sortek.”
“Satek
would be the better choice. Sortek is one of the JCS and while we know that he
makes all his choices based on pure logic, some people may choose to ignore that
fact. And I am certain Satek will support the idea if we approach him the right
way.”
Admiral
Fairchild shook her head theatrically. “To see you turning into so much of a
politician. I am not sure whether I should be frightened or disgusted.”
Arkady
Avanessian answered her accompanying wink with one of his own. “That’s all
your fault, Nora. You got me thinking this way and now we’ll have to live with
it.”
*****
“This
is highly unusual, Minister Tretyak,” Tarin replied after she had recovered
from her surprise. “Even if Talkha wants to join the Federation the usual
process would be to file an application with the Federation Council and wait for
them to initiate the first stage of membership evaluation.”
“And
such an application should be run through a local representative of the
Federation, if there is one,” Ambassador Olson added in a caustic voice.
“I
know all that,” the Talkhan conceded, “but there is more.” Tretyak’s
congenial smile slowly vanished from his face. “Our Alekian neighbors have
entered a trade agreement with the Federation and, while they can see how the
proposed new arrangement would benefit everyone, they are inclined to stick to
the letter of the deal they made with the UFP. I suppose you both realize how a
more direct application for Federation membership could benefit all parties
involved.”
Ambassador
Olson took both answer and question right out of Tarin’s mouth: “Yes, we can
see that. If Talkha became a member of the Federation we could involve your
world in our trade and the Alekians would still deal with the UFP. But that
doesn’t explain why you requested, or should I say insisted,
on the Valkyrie as transport.”
“Ah, well.” Tretyak sighed, for a moment apparently uncertain if he had made the right decision, and Tarin couldn’t blame him. Going from isolation to a possible Federation membership in a few weeks must have surprised the Talkhans at least as much as it surprised Tarin.
Before Tarin could think about the role she might have played in the process, Tretyak took the word again: “Even if the Federation Council decides to follow all the established protocols, my government still wants to create formal diplomatic relations between Talkha and the UFP. That includes opening an embassy on Earth, but an embassy needs an ambassador and that task has fallen on my shoulders. While I know that the Valkyrie has important duties along the Federation border, I do believe that Federation protocol calls for an appropriate vessel to transport an ambassador.”
Tarin
nodded. “And appropriate is usually interpreted as a ship that can defend
itself from any conceivable danger while providing amenities fit for a
diplomatic reception at the same time. But there is more, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Minister Tretyak’s uncertainty finally found its way to his face. “As you
know, we Talkhans are somewhat... inflexible. While we have realized that
joining the Federation may provide the solution to our problems, many of my
people still know little about the Federation itself. To them you are the Federation, Captain.”
Before
Tarin had time to react Tretyak went on: “I know how this must sound to you. I
wish things were different and that we could just let you go about your duties.
Alas, I am one of those who still know precious little about the Federation.
Before I arrive on Earth I want to learn as much as I can about Starfleet and
the Federation. And I trust you and your crew more than anyone else to provide
me with the knowledge I need. That’s why I would like the Valkyrie to return to Talkha.”
*****
“It
sounds like a plan to me,” Admiral Fairchild replied after a few seconds.
“Very well, I will talk with Ambassador Satek, but if he doesn’t want to do
it we should not force the issue.”
“Perhaps
not,” Arkady Avanessian replied. “On the other hand I have a feeling we will
have to take a more active hand in steering the Valkyrie
mission, sooner or later.”
Elinor
Fairchild slowly nodded as she worried her lower lip. “True. The Valkyrie
was always intended as a symbol of our strength, but we always wanted to target
Starfleet, not the general public. If Veal ever gets it into her head to use her
popularity for political gain it would be hard to stop her. Certainly not
impossible, mind you, but damaging to all of us.”
“I
wouldn’t worry about that. Veal is not someone who meddles with politics –
it’s not in her nature.”
While
Admiral Avanessian looked at his colleague straight-faced, inwardly he worried.
The Valkyrie had been his brainchild,
but now that child was starting to take her own steps in a direction he could
have little control of. What he would do about it, or if he should do anything
about it, Avanessian was still undecided. Than again, that was a bridge he would
cross when he reached it. There were more immediate matters to discuss.
“Have
you heard the latest rumor?”
“Depends
on what you are referring to. I hear a lot of rumors through my staff.”
Avanessian
started to swivel his chair left and right before he answered. “I heard that
Charles Fisk wants to do a story on the Valkyrie.”
“Really?
I wonder how he wants to do that. Without direct access to Veal he would have to
rely on information that is readily available. The PIB has access to all our
non-classified files, but that is hardly the information I would expect someone
like Fisk to base a story on. I wouldn’t expect him to use second-hand
information. And even he can’t know yet that the Talkhans want Veal to take
their ambassador to Earth.”
“That
is what worries me.” Avanessian stopped his restless motion and exhaled
sharply. “Fisk is as impartial as we could wish for in any reporter, but he
knows a lot, perhaps too much. He must have a high ranking source within
Starfleet. I am certain of that, but I still have no idea who it might be.”
Admiral
Fairchild shook her head slightly. “I know, but there is little we can do
about it. He has never revealed any classified information to the public. And we
don’t have enough for an internal investigation, even if we had the manpower
to spare. So far Fisk has proven impartial, however well informed he may be.”
“So
you think we should allow him access to the Valkyrie
crew for interviews? As soon as the news-nets find out about the Valkyrie
returning to Earth they will all ask for it.”
“If he wants to, why not?” Fairchild reclined in her chair and took another sip of tea. “If Veal is as apolitical as you say, why shouldn’t we allow Fisk to reveal that to the general public? As for the rest, perhaps it’s best to leave that decision to Veal. If we want to make the best of the public attention she has attracted we should avoid drawing any attention to us.”