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Ryan Horn

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Posts posted by Ryan Horn

  1. Washington: Ms. Walker, let me introduce you to your new quarters.. please note the restraining field.. as soon as you have sufficient restraint.. you can leave.  

    Walker: :: muttering:: Or until I break out.. again.  

     

    Yep.. gonna be an interesting time had by all... :) 

     

    • Like 2
  2. Vetri: LtCmdr, Walker, you are, without a doubt, the most malevolently minded individual I can call to mind - that I'm not married to. Your proposal is precisely the sort of thing I would expect to hear from a deceitful, back-stabbing little sneak with no concept whatsoever of the proper way to behave in this sort of situation.
     
    :: She paused for a moment, letting her words hang in the air, then her stern and sober mask dissolved into something that could almost be called impish.::
     
    Vetri: Well done. Make sure you make a note of any more ideas like it that occur to you, and get this one ready to go by the time the insertion team is ready to go.

     

    Luna - > Hey!  I'm not malevolent!   ;)   The rest fits pretty well though.. ;)

     

    • Like 1
  3. The fact that crossing the neutral zone will start a war/diplomatic incident is actually largely moot.

    You can't ignore the distress beacon, and to do anything about it will break the treaty. And, if as everyone knows by the time they take it, it is in fact a trap. It doesn't matter how stealthy you are, or how obvious. You will be caught.. and you will be destroyed.

    I don't think that my solution changes any of the above.

    The only thing I'd hope for is that my solution is different enough, and creative enough that I minimize the losses.

    And using the shuttles helps minimize the losses and keeps the starship on the right side of the zone. Besides, if I get the view that there are enough Klingon/Romulan/whatever ships to annihilate a shuttle before it can escape, the trap is revealed and I can retreat to get reinforcements.

    At that point it's a numbers game...

    Which is why, having taken the test this way I'd probably not be given a Captain's chair. My response is far too analytical, minimizing and mitigating a bad situation.

    The only solution which I've read that was technically a win was Chekov's who saw the message, said it was obviously a trap..and carried on. Someone else doomed to tactical. *chuckle*

    • Like 1
  4. So.. since I've actually thought this through before... ;)

    My solution.. (here goes)

    The assumption is that this is a trap, however, that whether it is a trap or not lives are at stake.

    I would, as others mentioned send a buoy with the situation.

    Here's where it get's interesting.

    I'd keep the ship on this side of the neutral zone, and deploy shuttles to the Koyabashi Maru. The Shuttles would stay spaced out to near maximum range for transporters. And, as would be broadcast by the shuttles, they would have shield up but weapons down, as they don't want to be damaged by any other active gravitic mines.. (as I recall the reason the Maru is stuck).

    Before any shuttle leaves the area, they are configured that at the point shields drop below 40%, the transporter automatically diverts power and transports everyone in the ship, pilot last. To the nearest shuttlecraft or Federation starship.

    Meanwhile, the main ship is broadcasting the intent and reasons, as well as logging reactions. Yellow alert is on, and course is laid in to meet with the rearmost shuttle at maximum warp.

    Potential responses:

    Enemy attacks a shuttle with sufficient force to destroy it utterly. Other shuttles scatter and flee, Main ship sends message and buoy about situation. Depending on timing, crosses minimally to retrieve remaining shuttlecraft. We mourn the dead sacrificed.

    Enemy attacks multiple shuttles simultaneously, destroying them. I continue to broadcast our intent, but don't cross the line.. We mourn the dead sacrificed.

    Enemy attacks multiple shuttles but don't destroy them. Shuttles withdraw at all possible speed, using the transporters to "hopscotch" across to each other. As described above, transporters ar keyed to the individual shield harmonics allowing them to pass. See first for Ship response.

    Shuttles arrive at Koyabashi Maru without incident. Maru crew are transported onto shuttles, most wounded to least. If it takes multiple trips..they continue. Maru itself is left behind or destroyed depending.

    At worst, 2 people are lost per shuttle destroyed, and the diplomatic incident is minimized.

    And I am assigned to Tactical forever for an excellent solution, but leading from the back.. ;)

  5. A momentary Resistance

    The dark haired woman rushed into the room. Her security reds long since battered and torn from hard use. In the not so great distance, she could hear the rhythmic shuffling of feet headed in her direction. Closing her eyes and swallowing hard, she quickly keyed in the sequence to seal the door behind her. When it failed to move, she cursed and pulled off the control panel, revealing the circuitry underneath. Moments later, she successfully short circuited the controls, closing off the view of a Borg drone just turning the corner.

    Her breathing came out in ragged gasps, and her eyes were wild as she knocked over the furniture near the door making a rude barricade.

    Backing away from the door, she screamed in fear and denial as she heard the pounding on the door. After long moments, she forced herself to turn away from the door and turn on the computer. The isolated console was one of the few on the ship not tied to the main computer core. Her temporary seal wasn’t going to last long, but before it broke, there was something that needed to be done.

    “To whoever receives this message, I am the last remaining survivor of the USS Miranda Hall.”

    …..

    The ship had been going through her normal paces when it happened. While she wasn’t the best ship in the fleet, she’d always gotten the job done well and efficiently. If she hadn’t been caught in the limelight as often as other ships, it was just a matter of time. Which was why, when the battle started, it had been a shock to everyone on board that the Borg had targeted her.

    Their initial insertion on board had come in just below the bridge, almost immediately cutting the rest of the crew off from their leadership. Several decks had been flooded with the attackers before a counter assault could even be attempted. And yet, despite the sudden loss of leadership that hadn’t prevented the crew from fighting back against the invaders. If anything, it had driven them into a frenzy of action. Angered beyond reason, some security members had literally thrown themselves into the fight as they tried to stem the tide of the Borg infection. A tactic that had shocked and slowed the assault for long hours, but had not allowed them to turn them back.

    Taking a more drastic approach, engineering had shut down environmental controls, hoping to raise the heat to levels the drones could not survive. It had made the ship slightly more hostile to the invaders, allowing the poisonous insurgence to be halted, and even momentarily turned back. Unfortunately, the crew themselves could only handle so much of the heat, and a second surge of reinforcements broke through the lines, further spreading the infection.

    Despite their losses, the fight continued. The defenders, forcing the swarm to pay for every deck, even as hope dwindled and faded. After days of fighting, it became less about winning, but enduring long enough for reinforcements to arrive. As days turned to weeks, it darkened to being not even survival, but about depriving the Borg of their victory.

    …..

    The pounding was louder now. The door had been reinforced, but without any power it was just a matter of time. Forcing herself to turn away, she continued with a tremulous voice.

    “Engineering came up with the idea. By scrambling the core, we’d generate a tremendous electromagnetic pulse. The ship would be lost of course, the stroke too much for it to survive. But at least this would be one ship that would not be joined to the Collective.

    I’m sure it would have worked too, had the Captain had been one of the first taken. I’m not sure how they turned her, but we’d no sooner keyed in the startup sequence, before we lost control of the core entirely.

    That was ten days ago. But that was the last time we had any chance. “

    Tears flooded her doey brown eyes. “Now I’m the last one left. I’ve sealed the door, and barricaded myself inside. It won’t be enough. I know that now. But I hope, I pray, that someone else will see this message and avenge us. This is Lieutenant Meh…”

    Before she could continue, the door bowed and then burst inside, metal fragments spraying across the room. Her screams of pain and fear overwhelmed by the repeated chant of her former crewmates.

    “Resistance is Futile”

    …..

    Borg Drone 1 of 20 stood up from where it had fallen. It noted, without emotion, drone 12 of 14 moving away from it, the nannite injector on its arm already folding back inside. The USS Turkina had been under attack for no more than a few moments, and the drone formerly known as Lt. Miranda Hall was the first to have been brought into the collective. She had been the first from the Turkina to encounter the Borg, and despite her body's attempts, the nannites had completed in mere moments what internally had seemed like weeks.

    In a small corner of its consciousness, it recognized the last resistance fading. Moments later all that remained of Lt. Miranda Hall, her biological and technological distinctiveness, was absorbed into the Collective. Moving as the collective ordered, Drone 11 of 20 followed the others of its kind repeating the phrase that has proven so true as it moved forward.

    “Resistance is Futile”

  6. It was an excellent round this time through, as we had 3 of the 4 entries within a single point of each other. We had to call out to the Captain's council to help us get the tiebreaker...

    But..with no further ado...

    Congratulations to Lt. Kevin Breeman with Excision, and our runner up, And New Civilisations - by Mailea Labria.

    Lt. Breeman will be joining the writing challenge judges again, as well as helping us choose the next topic.

    Great job everyone!

    The next round will start sometime next week..as I'm going to be moving..and thus no internet til then..:)

  7. Good Evening all,

    Congratulations again to our last rounds winner, Lt. Jg. Jesse Lawn...who will be joining the judging for this round, and has come up with the following:

    “To Seek Out New Life…”

    In this month’s writing challenge, create a first contact experience with a new unknown species. This may result in a wonderful cultural exchange, or a brutal ship-to-ship space battle. Feel free to choose a Federation first contact scenario, or that of an unrelated people. Be sure and give details about this new encounter!

    Guidelines: To participate, create a new thread. The subject of the thread must be the title of your story. If it is a Work In Progress, denote that with the heart post icon. If your work is complete, use the horizontal arrow post icon. Items not marked with an icon or marked with the WiP icon will not be considered for judging and will be moved to the "Character Cafe" forum at the end of the contest. Your work must be entirely your own. No co-authoring. You are welcome to create any character you so desire, but they must be from the Star Trek universe. No "canon" characters allowed. (i.e.- No one who has been on a show.)

    Want to participate, but can't start a new topic? Why didn't you view the "Read Me First!" forum? You'll need to ask a moderator or Senior Member to create a thread for you!

    Length: No more than 3000 words accepted.

    Beginning Date: Monday, March 8th

    Ending Date: Friday, April 9th.

    See Also: the Writing Challenge Website

    Challenge: “To Seek Out New Life…”

  8. And without any further ado... the reviews:

    What a Strange, Strange World - Lt Cmdr Tal Tel-ar

    Reviewed by Capt. Ben Walker

    All too often people walk around without really seeing the environment around them. Describing Earth as seen by a young Andorian alone would have been an interesting read. But Lt. Cmdr Tel-ar took it a step farther by showing us a section of Earth that any of us in this century would recognize. This wasn't a "Star Trek" story where there were clean divisions, and the humans had gotten over all of their assorted issues. No this was the reaction that anyone not from the docks would have received, made all the more dramatic by it being an alien doing it. Wrapping all of this up with the continuing thread of the Andorian's comparing it to the home he was exiled from was the perfect way to pull it all together. Excellent story, hoping to see more of them!

    Broken - Lt (jg) Jesse Lawn

    Reviewed by Capt. Ben Walker

    I found this story to be an interesting quandry for me initially. Reading the story in a simming format kept throwing me out of the story. Additionally, the concept of a non-space capable civilization having weapons that were able to breach shields, but not destroy the ship utterly, broke through my suspension of disbelief.

    Then I got past those distractions and into the message behind the story and was very impressed. I found myself playing out in my head what was going to happen next. Would the ensign become stronger from the experience, or was she also speaking of herself as being broken? Would she risk her career to send down supplies, or would she follow orders? And if she did follow orders, as is drilled into every ensign...would she in essence be supporting the decision not to intervene? Any story I read that has me questioning what would happen next to the point where I'm asking friends outside of UFoP their opinions on the situation... that shows an exceptional amount of talent. Great job Lt. (jg) Lawn!

    Observational Report: Lt. (j.g.) Ashad Gee

    Reviewed by Lt. Tallis Rhul

    The twist at the end of the entry shows the spark of an intelligent idea here, and the inference that we are watching a scene unfold between two Federation scientists lulls us into a false sense of security. I would have loved to see a little more detail, as there could possibly have been more reference to well-known events or the Federation style of behaviour other than their propensity for explanation. This would add another level of depth to their discussion and really give the reader something to think about without spoiling the illusion that you’ve created. I also enjoyed the casual nature of the conversation, which I feel reflects how much more advanced than the Federation the aliens are.

    Perspective: Lt. Cmdr Karynn Ehlanii

    Reviewed by Lt. Tallis Rhul

    The best word to describe this story is “endearing”, a sentiment that washes over the reader right from the opening few lines. In a world of phasers, ship battles and hostile aliens it can be easy to write something that relies on action and suspense, but the underpinning part of any piece of trek literature is always that feel good factor – the network of relationships that exists between characters.

    The writing style is very descriptive, and conjures up a vivid image of the station’s promenade. It’s also nice to see familiar things, such as a Starfleet uniform, or an Andorian’s antennae, being described in a new light, tying us firmly into the ‘perspective’ theme. The simile that compared the races of the Federation to the different tastes and textures in a fruit salad was a particularly nice touch.

    An enjoyable read!

    Fragments: Lt. (j.g.) Thomas Gregory

    Reviewed by Lt. Tallis Rhul

    The action in this entry is compelling, and there is a definite aura of mystique that flows throughout. It was a little difficult to follow at times (such is the nature of a piece that jumps to different points in time), but I feel it would have had more of a lasting effect if the questions that are raised during the story were answered more clearly by the end.

  9. After reading through the stories, it was a very close...but the judges have determined a winner:

    And now the results....

    Congratulations to.....Lt. jg Lawn with the winning story "Broken" and Lt. Cmdr Ehlanii with the Runner-Up "Perspective"!

    We'll be sending out the reviews in the next few days, and Mr. Lawn, expect a message from me for our next Writing Challenge topic.

    Great job everyone!

    Jesse Lawn's Banners

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    KarynnEhlanii' s Banners

    http://www.angelfire.com/my/lost/C/Banners...0RunnerUpsm.jpg

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  10. Probably takes more then 3 days, especially with the holiday, to get things organized;) After all the last one started mid Nov. Give them a few days to get stuff ready:)

    I'm not sure what the rules are... I know I'm supposed to pick the next topic, which I have. But I don't think I'm allowed to just go and open up the next one....

    I don't know what you mean...it's up there... Well it is now..;)

    Yup, slight delay due to the Holidays...but the new one is out there!

  11. Good Morning all,

    Congratulations again to our last rounds winner, Lt. Jg. Kevin Breeman...who will be joining the judging for this round, and has come up with the following:

    "Perspective"

    Star Trek is a universe which offers quite a few of those, given that it has a whole litany of different sentient races each with its own psychology and biology. Is selling arms to both sides an act of war, or just a business rule? Is it more wrong to show emotion or hide it? What do other races think of the Federation? Let us know what you think is an interesting "Perspective".

    Guidelines: To participate, create a new thread. The subject of the thread must be the title of your story. If it is a Work In Progress, denote that with the heart post icon. If your work is complete, use the horizontal arrow post icon. Items not marked with an icon or marked with the WiP icon will not be considered for judging and will be moved to the "Character Cafe" forum at the end of the contest. Your work must be entirely your own. No co-authoring. You are welcome to create any character you so desire, but they must be from the Star Trek universe. No "canon" characters allowed. (i.e.- No one who has been on a show.)

    Want to participate, but can't start a new topic? Why didn't you view the "Read Me First!" forum? You'll need to ask a moderator or Senior Member to create a thread for you!

    Length: No more than 3000 words accepted.

    Beginning Date: Tuesday, January 5th

    Ending Date: Friday, February 5th.

    See Also: the Writing Challenge Website

    Challenge: "Perspective"

  12. Reviews by Guest Judge Lt. (j.g.) Tallis Rhul

    Children of Earth

    Lt. (j.g.) Thomas Gregory

    The details for the setting of this story were very well thought out, and it made for an interesting read. I enjoyed finding out how Janus’s plan came to fruition, and was able to feel involved in the story from the get-go. The Vulcans in particular were painted in quite a different light to the way they are in the “prime” universe, which was a refreshing touch.

    One of the things I liked best about the story was the feeling that even the animals had sided with the Cardassians. The section that described the executions in Australia was very dark, and very much made me feel that Earth itself was beginning to turn against the Humans that lived there. Don’t be afraid to delve into your characters’ reactions in more detail too.

    A compelling read!

    Real Lips

    Lt. (j.g.) Kevin Breeman

    Sometimes when I’m reading a book, or a passage of prose, or an article, my attention wanders. I never mean it to, but it does. In this case that absolutely categorically did not and could not happen. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for even a second. Maybe it was the first person perspective from which the story is written, or perhaps it’s the fact that everything I read relates to my real life, in the present day, that drew me in. Whatever it was, it intensified throughout the story. By the time I reached the last line, I was totally... engulfed.

    This story takes what we know about the Cardassians and the processes that they use when occupying worlds and it makes them scary again. Terrifying in fact. Not from a horror-genre point of view, but from the point of view that these things happen in parts of the world right now. I also particularly liked the reference to the Christmas message of “Peace on Earth, good will to men”, that was a masterstroke.

    The writing here is descriptive, compelling and powerful, and as you might already have figured, I am seriously impressed.

  13. Cmdr Toni Turner-West's Feedback:

    Escape

    By Kali Nicholotti

    This story was well-written, telling of the plight of a young girl under the occupation of a cruel, merciless race such as the Cardassians, but it also could have been a story told of any oppressed race throughout Earth's history. While it was a very good story, it was reminiscent of any military oppression when many escaped by the acceptance of death, not really adding to the uniqueness of Cardassians to follow the current theme of the Writing Challenge... "What if the Cardassians had occupied Earth instead of Bajor?" That is the only thing I found missing from the work. Good job!

    The Fall from Grace of Gul Monak

    By Tal Tel-ar

    Again I was impressed by the action in Tal's words. It was a hard-hitting story with the excellent discriptions that he always brings to his work, keeping the reader wondering what will come next. In this masterful death of the tyrant, he clearly showed why his own people found justification in bringing about his demise with only a farewell from a member of his family. Excellent story. Well done.

  14. Reviews by Capt. Ben Walker:

    First contact:

    When reading Sci-fi stories in general, and Star Trek in particular, it is rare to see humans acting as they tend to do in real life. Reading through this story, I was struck not by the cruelty of the Cardassians, but the manipulation...and the feeling of a boardroom in modern day. Perhaps it would have been nothing but a futile gesture for those people to have argued with someone in such a position of power. But, instead they take the proverbial "golden parachute" trading humanity for power and prestige. To quote T.S. Elliot in 'The Hollow Men' "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper." Excellent job!

    Wake of Violence:

    This was an interesting take on how the Cardassians took control of Earth, as well as the response of those left. It was an interesting read, akin to the movie Red Dawn back in the 80s where they put forth the concept of Russia doing a surprise attack on the US. An excellent read as well as bringing forth the question as to whether the ends justify the means. Is it acceptable to use genocide to fight off someone who has enslaved your people? Great story, looking forward to reading more!

  15. And as the Writing Challenge Team's holiday gift to you all... the results!

    Congratulations to Lt. Jg. Kevin Breeman with the winning story "Real Lips", and to the Runner-Up, Lt. Cmdr Jhen Thelev with "First Contact"!

    This round had a lot of late entries, but they were definitely worth the wait!

    Mr. Breeman, expect an email from me as we discuss our next Writing Challenge!

    Congratulations again!

  16. (Posted for Lt. jg Thomas Gregory)

    Vulcan Embassy - Earth - Sacramento California

    It was a very sunny day. The kind of perfection anyone throwing a

    celebration would hope for. From where Janus was perched he could see

    the entire courtyard. Security was lax at this high profile event.

    Janus took out his binoculars and focused in on the table at the

    center of the proceedings. The Vulcan ambassador placed a scroll of

    parchment on the table and set beside it two quill pens. Reaching into

    his satchel Janus pulled out his walkie talkie. While physical

    security was tight the Obsidian order was likely monitoring all

    communication so a more primitive form of communication would have to

    be used to ensure secrecy. He clicked on the old school device and set

    the correct frequency.

    Janus: {{Hold your positions until the package arrives. We only get to

    make this statement once.}}

    Several extended moments passed as Janus perched silent and still

    waiting. Finally a Cardassian shuttle landed a few meters from the

    site and its bay doors opened. Three Cardassians stepped out quickly

    and surveyed the pristine area before them. They were security by the

    looks of them, they're movements and mannerisms giving them away.

    Confidently after they gave the 'ok' a tall thin Cardassian Leggat

    walked down the ramp towards the table where the Vulcan Ambassador

    calmly waited. He stopped before him and extended his hand. The Vulcan

    looked down at it and then reluctantly took it in his own. They shook

    as the dozen or so onlookers from the Federation and Cardassian

    delegations applauded.

    Janus: oO Insolent swine. Oo

    Janus' walkie came to life on his belt. He grabbed it and held it to

    his ear. It was his second in command Eris who was stationed 100

    meters west of his position.

    Eris: {{We've got them all in our sights. Waiting for your order.}}

    Janus held the walkie to his chest as he thought through his plan one

    last time and made the final alterations. Bringing his walkie back to

    his mouth he gave his instructions.

    Janus: {{The shuttle is the secondary target. The primary targets are

    the Federation delegation. Save the Cardassians for last. You wont get

    more than 3 shots before your positions are discovered. Make them

    count. Janus out.}}

    From this point forward radio silence would be strictly observed.

    Janus placed his walkie back in the satchel and retrieved his

    detonator. He gave it a kiss as he waited for the package. From his

    vantage point the Cardassian Leggat had just completed his signature

    on the new treaty. The Vulcan Ambassador looked up at the sky and to

    his aides and stepped forward taking the quill from the Leggat. He

    looked down to the parchment and moved his hand down to add his

    signature.

    Janus: oO Traitors Oo

    The Vulcan froze in mid motion as he noticed a red dot appear on his

    chest. He looked up slowly and his eyebrows arched. A shot rang out

    and he dropped in a heap. His two aides were dispatched moments after

    as the ceremony erupted into chaos. The three Cardassian guards

    attempted to form a shield around the Leggat as they moved towards the

    shuttle. Two shots dispatched two guards and the Leggat broke into a

    run toward the shuttle doors. One last sniper shot took out the

    remaining guards as the Leggat boarded his shuttle.

    Janus: oO Welcome to Earth Cardy. Oo

    Janus tapped on the detonator which decloaked a subspace mine two

    meters from the shuttle. Eris quickly locked on with his rifle and

    fired off one shot before bolting from his location. Janus didn't need

    binoculars to witness this watershed moment. The sniper hit ruptured

    the mine and its explosion was deadly. As the shuttles engines powered

    up the explosion cascaded through them causing a chain reaction

    explosion. The scene quickly died down as the shuttle lay ruined. When

    the Cardassian security forces arrived minutes later they discovered a

    United Earth flag among the wreckage and bodies.

    Cardassian Earth Command - Malta - Earth

    Leggat Danube walked briskly into his forward operating center. From

    this post he commanded all Cardassian forces on the planet and the

    Luna camp. His left eye was bandaged up after the attempt on his life

    in Sacramento. His adjunct Gul Demore greeted him.

    Demore: Sir, we have completed our analysis of the Sacramento attacks.

    Danube: Well don't doddle then, tell me the results.

    Demore looked down for a moment and continued.

    Demore: The security logs show at least 4 sniper positions that opened

    fire. We also have evidence that a small sub space mine was decloaked

    and used to destroy the shuttle.

    Leggat Danube clasped his hands behind his back and walked up to the

    large screen where the video played over and over again.

    Danube: Do you see it?

    Demore: I don't understand sir.

    Danube turned to Demore. The Leggat stood beside the hulking screen

    and pointed to the center.

    Danube: They were sending a message Demore.

    Demore: But why at the signing ceremony? That was simply a formality.

    The treaty had already been signed in private.

    Danube: My naive Demore... there were two messages sent. One was for

    the Federation. To let them know... that Earth was not simple property

    that could be given away.

    Demore: ...and the other message?

    Danube: That Demore... ::Danube looked back to the video turning from

    his adjunct. His voice lowered and became darker in tone.:: that

    message was for me.

    The comm station light nearby began flashing. Demore moved over to the

    console and then looked up to Leggat Danube.

    Demore: Sir, there is an incoming transmission for you.

    Danube: Put it on the main screen.

    The video on the main screen was replaced by the image of Janus. He

    stared down the Cardassian Leggat for a moment and then began.

    Janus: Leggat I see you are wounded.

    Danube: Who would I be speaking with?

    Janus: My name is Janus. I represent the Children of Earth.

    Danube: I take it then that you are responsible for the attacks in Sacramento.

    Janus: I am.

    Danube: Strange that you would resort to such hasty measures when I

    mean you no harm whatsoever.

    Janus: Let's get something straight Leggat. You represent an occupying

    force in my native land. We reject the Federation Cardassian treaty

    and will defend the Sol System at all costs.

    Danube: I'm certain if you give me a chance we can work out an

    agreement beneficial to both our parties.

    Janus: The only agreement my group will be party too is one of

    Cardassian withdraw.

    Leggat Danube turned and walked to the side of his adjunct who showed

    him the trace being done on Janus' signal.

    Danube: You know, I could simply send in ground troops to your

    location. Or I could have it bombarded from the air.

    Janus: That would be unfortunate.

    Danube: Now perhaps we can avoid such unnecessary bloodshed and open

    negotiations.

    Janus: I mean that would be unfortunate for you. But if negotiations

    are what you want I will be happy to offer you terms to withdraw from

    Sol Space.

    Danube: You know I'm not going to accept such terms.

    Janus: Then I believe there is nothing else to say.

    Danube: Do you honestly expect to be able to drive us from Earth?

    Janus: Eventually you will come to see Earth is too much for you to handle.

    Danube: You are in error.

    Janus: Also I hope you like working in the dark.

    Janus' image disappeared from the screen as the lights went out.

    Danube: Report!

    Demore: I can't get any response from our systems. It looks like a

    manual shutdown virus was sent back along our trace signal.

    Leggat Danube placed his hands on the console in front of him.

    Danube: Signal the Crishna to beam us aboard. We will use there

    sensors and communications to pacify the surface.

    Luna Underground Base - One Week Later - The Moon

    The Starfleet News Service had long since shut down shop and moved its

    operations outside of what was now known as "Cardassian Space". In

    it's place however news traveled quickly through the newly set up

    "Cardassian Military News Cartel" whose job was to 'inform and

    educate' the new servants of Cardassia of current events. The latest

    broadcast was one of particular interest to Eris. The Children of

    Earth assassination of the Federation and Cardassian envoys at the

    peace summit was played constantly throughout the day. Eris was happy

    to see the Cardassians so blatantly displaying the symbolic and real

    damage they caused but was angered by the response it invoked.

    Eris: oO Cardassian swine! Oo

    The Continent of Australia was featured heavily in Leggat Danube's

    response to the terror attacks. Cardassian shuttles were shown by

    video linkup being loaded with Human Civilians and heading off towards

    the barren center of the Continent. Australia is home to some of the

    deadliest creatures still alive on Earth. From one hundred meters

    above the ground these shuttles slowed and Cardassian officers shoved

    the prisoners out of the shuttle. Their screams were recorded for

    subspace broadcast and the video of the broken bodies being torn apart

    by wild animals was played around the clock. The video switched to the

    face of Leggat Danube.

    Danube: Let this serve as a warning to all Human's. The massacre in

    Sacramento was an act of Barbarity that will not be tolerated.

    Punishment will continue throughout the day. I will not hesitate to

    order more summary executions in this manner should any terrorist

    actions continue. I hope all who are witnessing my actions will keep

    in mind that this all could have been avoided by simply allowing the

    transfer of authority to take place in peace. It's been made very

    clear by the terrorist group "Children of Earth" that their goals...

    nay their desire is too hurt Cardassians. I would suggest to all

    Humans who value their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness... that

    they cooperate and collaborate with us so that together... we can save

    as many lives as possible. For your children, I ask that you throw

    down your arms and work with us to ensure a better tomorrow.

    The banner of the Cardassian military news cartel flashed across the

    screen before the segment aired again from the beginning. In disgust

    Eris his the console and ended the video uplink. Eris walked towards

    the backrooms of the complex. They had been operating out of this

    small cramped base for 3 days preparing for their final plan. The cell

    was only the first trip of many and had a short life expectancy. Eris

    knew this when he volunteered to help Janus. Operations were small

    groups or single individuals carrying out precise plans. No one knew

    each others names and no two cells operated at the same time. When one

    cell completed its mission its operation would shift to a new

    location. After the second mission a new cell would be triggered and

    take over the operations. Eris arrived at the backroom door and placed

    a small cylinder in Janus satchel. He knocked on the door. Janus'

    voice could be heard from the other side.

    Janus: I'm also ready, what is it?

    Eris: Danube has gone 'Pinochet' on us.

    Janus: You didn't think he was going to give in and leave did you?

    Eris: I just wish innocent people didn't have to die for our cause.

    Janus: Innocence is the first thing that has to die for the reality of

    Earth's situation to sink in.

    Eris leaned again the rock wall for support as Janus' words sank in.

    Janus: We are doing the right thing Eris.

    Eris: You don't need to tell me that. I've been ready to do this since

    I volunteered.

    Janus: That's why we've been successful so far. Now it's time to

    finish our job. Do you have the package?

    Eris: I put it in your satchel.

    Janus: Then it's time for me to make a delivery.

    The door opened and Eris peered in. His face broke into an impressed smile.

    Janus: How do I look?

    Eris: Like a pig.

    Galor Class Destroyer "Chrisna" - Docking Port C - One hour later

    Stepped through the airlock were seven Cardassian engineers. They had

    all been reassigned from the Luna base in order for the regular crew

    to get shore leave. The last to disembark wore a heavy black satchel.

    He was stopped by the airlock security officer but after assuring them

    that it he carried several bottles of the finest Kannar they agreed to

    let him pass without inspecting the contents. Of course in the Satchel

    was a bottle of Kannar - among other things - which the security

    guards were happy to accept as compensation for lax protocol. The

    satchel wearing Cardassian Engineer headed to the Engineering bay.

    Launch Bay Luna 4 - Runabout Dysnomia - Our hour later

    Eris programmed in the pre-launch sequence into the Runabout computer

    system and sat back. He closed his eyes and waited for the computer to

    respond.

    Computer: Course complete. Launch commencing.

    Eris looked out the window as the Dysnomia came to life and took off

    from the Lunar surface. Proximity beacons had not picked up his

    Runabout yet as Dysnomia circled around the far side of the Moon.

    Using the gravitational forces of the giant Satellite as a booster the

    Runabout jumped to warp speed and passed 300 kilometers from the

    Crishna as it headed out of the Sol System.

    Galor Class Destroyer "Chrisna" - Main Bridge

    Every light went off at once on the bridge as the little Runabout sped

    past them. Caught off guard Leggat Danube raced to his helmsman.

    Danube: I want that ship! After them!

    The Chrisna began its slow turn while the engines warmed up. As

    Danube stood up and paced the Bridge a Cardassian engineer - his

    satchel absent from his person - entered from one of the turbo lifts.

    Danube: What are you doing on my bridge?

    The Engineer stood firmly as the hull of the Chrisna began to buckle

    under a cascade of energy from the warp core.

    Engineer: My name is Janus.

    Leggat Danube gasped.

    Danube: What?!

    From the lunar surface a brilliant explosion could be witnessed as the

    explosive device Janus left near the warp core caused a chain reaction

    that enveloped the Galor Cruiser in a magnificent blaze before fading

    into a pile of corpses and s[...]. Eris recorded and sent his final

    transmission before setting the auto destruct mechanism on his

    Runabout. His mission was accomplished and now it was time to pass the

    operation on and eliminate any and all evidence of his participation.

    His ship too became a brief explosion among the stars before fading

    into debris floating in space.

    Epilogue

    In the lower caverns of Cheyenne Mountain a small indicator light went

    off. A tall man in a beat up jacket strolled over to his console and

    brought up the message.

    Cadmus: Excuse me, Harmonia? We have an incoming transmission.

    From the shadows in the corner of the room a figure emerged and

    brushed her red hair from her eyes.

    Harmonia: What does it say?

    Cadmus took a deep breathe and read the message aloud.

    Cadmus: Operation Trojan Horse complete. Your orders are to proceed

    with Operation Exodus.

    Cadmus turned to Harmonia and the two shared a silent moment for their

    fallen comrades before she walked over and placed a hand on his

    shoulder. Through the window nearby Harmonia and Cadmus looked out

    over several dozen quantum torpedoes tipped with high yield tricobalt

    devices.

    Harmonia: We have work to do.

    Written By Xander Legere/Thomas Gregory

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