"Storming The Castle" - Part 11 - Finale
Posted on 241409.16 @ 7:02am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari
Mission:
Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: Various locations
Timeline: Backlog
== Bridge, USS Corsair ==
“THEY CAN SEE US”, shouted the Corsair's tactical officer.
Ramius jumped to his feet. They were so close to the enemy. At such close range they were finished if the Agincourt managed to obtain a positive target lock.
Seconds ticked by like hours as the bridge crew collectively held their breath.
“PHASER CANNONS AT 100 PERCENT”, shouted Lt. Redstone. "OPTIMAL FIRING RANGE, TARGETS LOCKED!"
Ramius outstretched his arm forcibly pointing at the Agincourt which loomed large on the Corsair’s viewscreen. “ALL WEAPONS – FIRE NOW!”
The obsidian hull of the Corsair closed in like a predator stalking wounded prey. Suddenly the blackness of space was ripped asunder as the Corsair’s twin saucer mounted phaser cannons exploded to life. Parallel beams of crimson energy tore across the expanse that separated the Corsair and the Agincourt with awesome fury. Asteroid debris from the Agincourt’s rampage disintegrated into nothingness as it was enveloped by the sheer power of the beams. A split second later the twin energy beams tore into the Agincourt’s formidable shields surrounding her starboard warp nacelle. Four quantum torpedoes were only a microsecond behind shimmering like blue diamonds against the blackness of space. The energy release upon impact was tremendous illuminating the entire area like a miniature star for several seconds.
Ramius put his hand over his eyes to shield them from the intensity of the explosions erupting before him.
As the intensity of the energy subsided the Corsair could see the destruction it had wrought.
“Captain, the Agincourt’s rear shields have totally collapsed! They are venting drive plasma and have suffered extreme thermal damage to the aft sections of the ship. She’s attempting to withdraw!”
A collective cheer erupted on the bridge which was quickly silenced by several alarms.
“The phaser cannons have overloaded the power grid”, Redstone shouted. “Weapons are offline. Shields are critical. Damage control teams are reporting a fire near the port cannon phaser coils. There are radiation alarms on deck 3, section 10-15!”
“Get the fire under control”, Ramius shouted. “Have security assist any injured. Assign as many people as needed to contain the fire and rescue the injured. Observe radiation protocols in the affected area. Helm, get us to the station best possible speed!”
== Hangar Bay – Communications Station, Epsilon-12 ==
Akina looked out at the empty hangar deck from the navigation station. He hadn’t imagined dying in a station hangar a million miles from anywhere, but at least he died fighting for something. He had few regrets. The explosion would scatter his atoms throughout the universe where he could invisibly sail the endless black sea content that he had made a difference…
The navigation board suddenly lit up. The computer indicated impulse power was now available. “AKINA, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR! GET US THE *%@# OUT OF HERE”, shouted the chief over the intercom.
Punching the console, Akina engaged the abused impulse engines and activated the ship’s RCS thrusters. He poured on the power hoping that the damaged docking clamp would give way…hoping he had caused enough damage to… Suddenly the ship jolted backwards and accelerated. The sound of wrenching metal as the freighter tore itself free of its moorings and docking connections echoed throughout the cavernous ship. Just as they were clearing the spacedoors Akina’s wrist suddenly chirped. Oh no. They had run out of time.
“HANG ON CHIEF”, Akina shouted pushing the engines and thrusters to maximum and engaging what remained of the freighters shields. He quickly diverted all available power to shields and propulsion as he gripped the console in front of him.
As the freighter slid from its moorings with increasing speed, Akina could see the hangar deck awash in fire as electrical systems and plasma taps exploded in giant plumes of rainbow tinged flame. Energetic blue plasmas quickly expanded into crimson as they swirled across the deck engulfing machinery, support pillars, and finally obscuring his view completely. Akina sat entranced by the spectacle before him transfixed on the absolute beauty of his destructive handiwork.
Suddenly the fire that danced before him changed direction and leapt toward him as if reaching out trying to pull the freighter back into the collapsing hangar. Akina gripped the console before him as the freighter was overtaken by the shockwave of the escaping gasses.
== Bridge, USS Corsair ==
The Corsair came to a stop above the station. Nearby the USS Agincourt slowly turned despite its damage hoping for one last lucky shot.
“Transporter room”, Ramius shouted. “Do you have them? Transporter room? Do you have them?”
“Away team aboard sir”, came the delayed response. Again, a muted cheer erupted on the bridge.
“Helm, move us out of here!”
“Transporter room to bridge. The away team compliment is two shy. I repeat we are missing two crewmen!”
Ramius turned to his first officer with a look of horror upon his face. “Who is missing?”
“Captain Akina and Commander Kusinagi are not with the away team sir!”
Ramius felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach. “Did we miss them?”
“Sir, the station…look”, Redstone shouted.
Ramius turned as the station’s hangar bay erupted in a ball of plasma. Various external structures that protruded from the rocky asteroid suddenly exploded. The screen was suddenly awash in rocky debris and shredded fragments of twisted, burning steel. The Corsair shook momentarily as the last vestiges of the explosion shockwave grazed the ship’s battered shields.
The asteroid remained, but its side had been blown apart exposing the twisted wreckage of its interior and core to the harsh vacuum of space. What had been a communications station moments before was now nothing more than a ruined rock protected by an impenetrable shield of rocky debris and razor sharp metals. Starfleet wouldn’t be using this area again.
“They…they weren’t there”, came the stunned voice of the transporter chief. “I..I don’t know where they could have been.”
Ramius fell into his chair. He could feel Director Ascari nearby though it seemed the man was just as stunned as everyone else. The hostility he anticipated, the “I told you so” that was coming never happened.
“Captain. This is Lt. Brighton..sir…the chief and the captain they went aboard the freighter to rescue the crew. Maybe they made it out?”
“Freighter?” Ramius turned toward operations. “Scan the debris field! Look for the MSV Echo!”
“Radiation levels are intense. I’m having trouble…wait! I’m picking up a faint automated distress beacon. I’m sending the coordinates to the helm now.”
“Definitely the freighter sir. It took a hell of a beating. Still seems to be in one piece. Lifesigns!”
“Beam them aboard!”
=== Twenty Minutes Later ===
“Hail them.”
A static filled image of the USS Agincourt’s bridge filled the viewscreen. The Agincourt’s bridge bore the scars of combat evident by various scorch marks and bundles of hanging cable.
“Captain Ramius”, a battered Captain Vertima stated from his chair. The arrogant captain was speckled with the hallmarks of combat. “Have you returned to gloat? Perhaps to finish us off? You destroyed our warp nacelle! We barely have enough emergency power to clear the debris field. Are you satisfied?”
“Are you through”, Ramius coldly asked from his chair.
Vertima grimaced. “What is it you want?”
“We have the entire compliment of the station’s crew as well as the crew from a docked supply freighter aboard. They are uninjured and are being cared for. I would like your permission to approach so we can beam them aboard. I have already contacted Starfleet Command on your behalf. Rescue ships have been dispatched and will arrive within 24-48 hours.”
Vertima was without words for a time. “Why? Why would criminals and traitors do such a thing? "Is this a deception so that you can move in for the finishing blow Ramius?”
“Why would I ask your permission if I planned on killing you anyway”, Ramius asked. “We will approach with our shields down as a sign of good faith. Do we have an agreement?”
“Very well.”
“Helm move us into transporter range.”
A few moments passed as the two ships drew closer. “We’re in range sir.”
“I’m sending coordinates”, Vertima stated.
“Initiating transport”, Lt. Redstone indicated from tactical. “Transport complete. They have them.”
“Captain Vertima”, Ramius stated.
“Wait”, Vertima shouted. “That ship of yours. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Where did you come by such a ship?”
“Luck mostly. The dedication and professionalism of those who serve aboard this ship makes it what it is. Beyond that, it is just another starship. My crew believes in what they fight for and that is what makes this ship and crew truly unique. Can you say the same?”
“Eloquent words from a small man aboard a single rogue starship.”
“One rogue starship that bested its superior on the field of battle. Tell your superiors this Vertima: I’m coming for them. Each and every one of them. Freedom and justice will again prevail and the name of the USS Corsair will strike terror into the hearts of the unjust wherever it is whispered.”
“I’ll see you again Captain Ramius. And next time, your cheap parlor tricks will not being enough to save you or your valiant crew of traitors.”
“If our paths cross again on the field of battle know this Vertima, I will grant you no quarter nor show any mercy. I will destroy you and those like you who would sacrifice the sanctity of life simply in the name of orders. A coward such as yourself does not deserve to sit in that chair. If we meet again, I promise you I will relieve you of it.”
Ramius motioned for the channel to be cut. “Get the shields up in case that fool decides to sacrifice himself for those he serves back on Earth! Helm, take us out of here as soon as we’ve cleared the debris field.”
Ramius made his way to the turbolift. “Number One, you have the conn. I’ll be in sickbay.”
== Sickbay, USS Corsair ==
“So the docking clamp was locked in place. We couldn’t move. The station captain had ordered it locked. I guess he didn’t fall for our ruse quite as well as he had hoped. So anyway, there I was with seconds to spare and I ran out with my phaser rifle…”
“YOU DIDN’T TELL ME THE DOCKING CLAMP WAS STILL ATTACHED?!”
Ramius entered sickbay. It was a sobering sight. There were far too many people here being treated for injuries lined up on the biobeds.
“Captain”, Doctor Keith Durandal stated as he walked over.
“How are our patients?”
“Fine. Just a few minor injuries. We had some radiation exposure, exhaustion, burns…nothing serious. I’m keeping a few of these pirates here overnight for observation as a precaution. They’ve had a generous dose of pain medication so they’re a little punchy just to warn you.”
“Thank you doctor.”
“Don’t mention it. As for you captain, I have a prescription for you as well.”
“Me”, Ramius asked. “I’m not injured.”
“No, but I’m ordering you to get some rest. And I’m the one person aboard this ship who can give you an order. Don’t make me sedate you again…”
“I don’t think that will be necessary Doctor. I also don’t know why I come down here anyway. It’s always bad news.”
“CAPTAIN”, two voices rang out in unison.
Ramius walked over to two men lying on separate biobeds. Each wore a giant grin a side effect of the medication they were currently under.
“I was just telling Sai here about the docking clamp that almost got us KILLED!”
“WAIT…KILLED? YOU NEVER MENTIONED THAT?”
“I’m mentioning it now. Oh and the fact I set the explosives with a faster fuse. I think I left that out as well.”
“Wait, you mean we could have had MORE time”, the engineer shouted. “LET ME AT HIM! I’ll KILL HIM MYSELF!”
Ramius chuckled holding back the flailing engineer. “Good work Kusinagi. I don’t think we would have made it without that subspace interference.”
“Just doing my job sir. Making the impossible, possible right?”
Akina grabbed the captain’s uniform. “Wait a minute”, he stated as if an inebriated state. “Are you saying that you charged in to rescue us without a plan?”
Ramius smiled. “Well I was confident the Chief here would think of something. He always does.”
Akina closed his eyes and fell back into his pillows. “I don’t want to think about how many times I almost died today. Who’s idiotic idea was this again? They should be shot for even coming up with…such..a plan and….”
Ramius looked on as the captain fell asleep in mid-sentence.
“He had a busy day”, Kusinagi stated.
“As did we all.”
“Well I agree with Akina for once. Whoever dreamed up that plan should be shot. Oh, one more thing, the bag on the floor there contains everything we managed to offload from the central communications core. Logs, communications, encryption mechanisms. Lt. Brighton and Alorr have more also. I’m putting in for commendations for those two. They really were brilliant. Anyway, give that to you know who. That should keep that desk jockey occupied for a while. If he’s reviewing communications logs he won’t be dreaming up new and exciting ways to get us all killed.”
“I’ll be sure to tell Director Ascari that. Word for word chief.”
“What? RAMIUS? YOU CAN’T tell him…”
“Relax chief. Ha. I’ll make sure he receive the data. For now, get some rest old friend. You’ve earned it and more.”
“Damn right”, the engineer stated with a yawn. “Oh one more thing”, Kusinagi stated as his eyes grew heavy.
“How’s the ship? You didn’t set half of the saucer section on fire again did you?”
“You can chastise me about the scorch marks later. Get some rest.”
“Aye.” The engineer also quickly fell asleep. Ramius collected Kusinagi’s tool bag from the floor.
“Those two finally asleep? Good. I thought I might have to give them something more.”
“Keep an eye on them doctor.”
“Ramius?”
“Hm”, the captain asked turning.
“We barely made it out of there in one piece today didn’t we?”
“It was much closer than I preferred. Why do you ask?”
“Can we really wage a one ship crusade against the entire universe? I’m not saying we should roll over and surrender, but is it worth the price? We were lucky today. Can you live with the high cost when our luck runs out?”
“I ask myself that question all the time doctor. I..I don’t know. Someone has to stand against the corruption that has infected the Federation. If we don’t can we just sit by as other struggle and die on our behalf? Can we look ourselves in the mirror by doing nothing?”
“No…I suppose not. It’s just…the engineer sees mechanical costs, the intelligence officer sees an intelligence value, I see…I see the human costs.”
Ramius placed his hand on the doctor’s shoulder. “We have to stop them or die trying. If we don’t that human cost will only rise and extend far out into the Federation itself, to other races, and distant places. Evil knows no boundaries or limits. It must be confronted where it is encountered. We both know there is always a price to pay. The questions are always the same…how much will it cost and when is the payment due?”
“Don’t quantify it like that”, Durandal chided the captain.
“We were victorious today”, Ramius said quietly. “Let us celebrate. Anticipating the future is something best left to oracles and gods and I don’t think either of us are qualified to fill those shoes. How about a drink?”
“As long as you’re buying. Let me wrap a few things up here.”
“I’ll be in my ready room.”
Ramius left the sickbay filled with muted melancholy. They had been victorious today, but what of tomorrow? Was the doctor right? Were they arrogant to think they could take on a galactic power? Perhaps they were. Ramius had no regrets. He was surrounded by friends and a dedicated crew who believed in their cause. If death was in their future how better to meet it?
They had won. He would take comfort in this victory and the next as long as the universe permitted him to walk his own path fighting for nothing more than the ideals he held within his heart.
~ FIN ~
================================
Captain Sebastian Ascari
Director, Starfleet Intelligence (Deposed)
Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair
Captain Zane Akina
Starfleet Intelligence
Commander Sai Kusinagi
Chief Engineer, USS Corsair
Commander Keith Durandal
Chief Medical Officer, USS Corsair
Lt. Alexander Redstone
Tactical Officer, USS Corsair
(Various NPCs)
