INCOMING TRANSMISSION
STARFLEET PERSONNEL, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH
PRIORITY ONE COMMUNIQUE
AUTHORIZATION ALPHA-BETA-1879-GAMMA

TO: Captain Chod, USS Broadsword
CC: Commander K'anis
FROM: Admiral William Crenshaw, Starfleet Command 
STARDATE: 10109.15 
RE: Mission Orders 

Captain :
You have been ordered to return to Starbase 13 to assume command of the USS Broadsword. Several members of the Armstrong crew are to accompany you. The Armstrong is to be left in orbit around Research Facility 13133 to assist with repairs to the station.
Take the Shuttlecraft Excalibur and return to Starbase 13 and assume Command. The rest of your crew will meet you at the ship. Further orders will await you there.

Admiral William Crenshaw
Starfleet Command

[At back of shuttle, stowing gear.]

"Well all, as soon as you're all settled, we are clear for launch. Give me a system report and we can get under way. Lets have a smooth trip." Chod takes his seat in the shuttle and begins to review the crew manifests for the newly commissioned Broadsword.

[Entering the Excalibur, duffel in hand]

K'anis stepped through the hatch of the shuttle, looking from side to side to see who was already there. Actually, with his Antican senses that was not necessary as he would most certainly be able to 'smell' whoever was there.

For now, just Captain Chod had arrived. "Grretings, Captain", K'anis said in his deep booming voice. "Reporrting as orderred, sirr", he finished and stuffed his bag in a holding compartment in the back of the shuttle.

He took the liberty to man the flight console till Lt. Mortimer get there and start the pre-lunch sequence. "All systems checking grreen, Captain. We arre ready to deparrt as soon as the others arrive", the former XO of the Armstrong informed his Ferengi commanding officer.

'Former XO of the Armstrong', K'anis thought to himself as his skilled hands tapped the console properly to warm up the engines. 'Newly appointed XO of the USS Broadsword', he smiled, showing off his sharp fangs and wondering of the new hunts they would face in the near future.

That made him very excited.

[Aboard the shuttle Excalibur]

"All shuttle systems check out for flight, sir," Regin said to the Captain, as he heard the XO give the green light as well. "I've also got my toolkit ready, just in case I need it. Not that I'm expecting anything, of course." Regin decided to stop before he put his foot any further in his mouth.

Moving to the back of the shuttle, Regin pulled out an engineering tech report and began reading, hoping for a quick transfer to their new assignment.

[On the Shuttle]

Mazer nodded at K'Anis, Chod, and the others, and took his seat quietly. He had grown quite accustomed to the Intrepid Class Armstrong ... it was going to be hard to get accustomed to the larger and somewhat more complicated Akira Class. Glancing over at a nearby console, he makes a quick check of the shuttle's offensive and defensive systems. 

"Captain, everything seems to be in order. We should be ready if we run into trouble ... which I doubt."

[On Shuttle, ready to launch.]

"Well then, lets get underway. Systems check out, and I'm hoping along the way we can get some more detailed scans of the region. Starfleet has kind of turned its attention away from this sector in the last few years, I think they'd like some updated scans. I'll handle that from here, just get us underway. Oh, and Lt. Mazer, there have been reports of illicit activity in near here. I know its on the other side of Starbase 13, but we don't know where they are based out of yet. Keep an eye out, please." Chod activates the console, configuring it for Astronavigation scans, and settles back for the trip.

[On the Shuttle]

Mazer listens to the Captain's orders for departure, and slightly rubs his eyes. After the entire situation with the multi-dimensional aliens, and the sudden order to leave the Armstrong, he hasn't gotten much sleep. "And now there's the possibility of illicit activities in the area?" he thinks to himself. "That's EXACTLY what we need." 

You didn't need to be a tactical wizard to figure out that a sole Federation shuttle wouldn't be much of a match for a pirate vessel ... unless of course they were a twelve year old decaying Andorian freighter. "Here's hoping for a safe trip ..." he mutters, not even considering the fact of jinxing.

[On the shuttle, at Flight Control]

Noticing that all those that were expected had arrived, K'anis took upon himself the task of piloting (something he particularly enjoyed but had not much of a chance after becoming an XO).

Everyone had settled on a separated console and were going over different tasks, so he finished the pre-flight check and COMMed the bridge for clearance.

"Arrmstrong, this is the shuttle Excaliburr requesting clearance for departurre. We have a flight plan to Starbase 13.", he spoke not sure whom would be up there right now.

"Zachary here, Commander", answered the acting commanding officer. "You are cleared to go. Have a safe trip and send news on how that shinny new Akira-class holds it out"

"Will do, Mr Zachary. Take carre of the Arrmstrong. She's a fine ship", with that the Antican closed the channel and made the final adjustments as the shuttlebay doors began to open. The infinite star field was visible through the growing gap.

Without turning, K'anis spoke over his shoulder to the others. "We are on ourr way", he said as he took the Excalibur in a last fly-by around the Armstrong and finally veered away.

With the touch of a button, the Excalibur crossed the barrier of light moving at warp speeds.

[Aboard shuttle.]

As the Excalibur began its journey away from the Armstrong, Chod couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic. True, he had gained nothing a normal Ferengi would consider valuable, no traditional profit. Still, he had learned knowledge, information that would increase his "value" in Starfleet. He had also gotten to trust the people he was now traveling with. Turning his attention to the Science Scanners, Chod begins to update the navigational charts of the area and looks forward to arriving at the Broadsword.

[On Shuttle.]

While charting the local system, Chod notices something unusual. "Long range sensors are picking up an intermittent energy source bearing 013 Mark 45. Looks like a ship, but I can't get a good lock at this range with these sensors. Any idea if there are any ships in..." The Comm System picks up a message, interrupting Chod's train of thought. "Who is that? Lets put it on audio."

[Aboard the shuttle]

Hearing the Captain's order, Regin checks the readouts. "Captain, we're receiving a distress call from the SS Wallaby, looks like an automated call." Continuing to look at the sensors, Regin gathers more information. "It's too far away to tell much more, and there aren't any other ships on sensors."

Unable to tell anything more, Regin sits back from the console. "We're just a shuttle, Captain. There really isn't much we could do to help a ship in distress - we don't even have a Doctor with us." He pauses for a moment. "But you do have a darned good engineer with you, so that is a plus." Regin smiles, and waits for the CO's reply.

[On the Excalibur, at Flight Control]

As if he had been unconsciously expecting for it, Cmdr. K'anis began to work furiously in his console upon hearing the information from both Chod and CEO Regin.

He split his console in two windows, one showing a schematic view of the area with the relative position of the Excalibur and the freighter and another listing the technical information on the freighter itself.

"Sirr, I have the data on the SS Wallaby", K'anis told the Captain and the others. "Thirrd-class neutrronic fuel carrier. Crew, 81. Passengerrs, 300"

From the schematic view, the Antican completed the briefing. "Starcharts report a gravitic mine field dating from the time of the Cardassian Wars at 013.55, which may have been in the freighter's course and can be the cause of the distress call"

"Despite Mr. Regin's concerns, I recommend we investigate further and send a message to Command. I have an intercept course laid down and ready. The Wallaby is 12.3 light years away and we can get there within the hour at maximum speed"

Done, K'anis waited as the Ferengi CO weighted the value of such a course of action.

[On Excalibur.]

"Very well, lay in a course, but keep us away from the minefield. Lt. Mazer, raise shields. With just a shuttle, we can only hope they are repairable. We can't carry more than a few. I'll inform StarFleet."

Turning to the Comm System, Chod opens a Channel to Starbase 13. "This is Captain Chod aboard the Excalibur. We have detected a freighter in trouble, and are moving to provide whatever assistance we can. We request further aid at our location."

Glancing again at the report of the freighter and its location, Chod doesn't think the mines were the cause. "Lt. Mazer, keep Tactical sensors on full, something is fishy around here."

"Captain Chod, this is Starbase 13. We have dispatched the starship Gwendolyn, and she should be arriving within a few hours. Be advised, we were receiving a distress call from the Wallaby about half an hour ago. Something about a raid, and Long Range Sensors detected a vessel exiting the Wallaby at high Warp." The voice over the Comm system gives word of help, but a few hours is too long.

"Well, lets move in."

[On the Excalibur]

Mazer nodded at his Commanding Officer and raised shields, refraining from pointing out that the shuttle wouldn't stand a chance against even the poorest of Orion Raider vessels, if they are indeed who is responsible. Commander K'Anis, after all, did report that there were Cardassian Gravimetric mines in the area ... but Starbase Thirteen had stated that it might be a possible pirate attack. With a few taps of the nearby console, the shuttle's minor sensor array begins a careful examination of the surrounding area for any tell-tale signs of cloaked vessels, warp trails, weapons' use, etc. 

"Hopefully," he mumbles. "It'll be enough."

[Aboard the shuttle] 

Hearing the Captain's orders, Regin begins preparing for the worst. If the Wallaby was hit by mines, the most likely damage was to the front of the vessel, unless the mines were magnetic, in which case the damage would be more similar to weapons fire, also the likely damage from a pirate attack. Regin looked up the schematics of the Wallaby, and looked over the more likely hit areas. If pirate attack, number one would probably be engineering, since the class carried no unusual engines or shielding - the target of the pirates was more likely a passenger or something a passenger had brought on. 

Pausing in his musings, Regin realizes that he's reverting to tactical mode, where his original training started. Of course, it would help him to know where the damage was likely to be, but it would help Mazer more, since he is probably the one who will be dealing with the issue of the cause of the damage to the Wallaby. Regin writes down his thoughts on a padd and hands it to Mazer, and then returns to determining the most likely damage, and how that can be fixed.

[At Science Console, as the Excalibur enters the Wallaby's system.]

"Scans are showing 376 Life Signs aboard, but the minefield seems to be disrupting the scans. If these readings are correct, all 376 are located in the cargo bays, and I can detect none of the ship's registered neutronic fuel. I don't detect any vessels, either, although I've only done a cursory sweep. Ship is damaged, but intact."

Chod wonders about the number of life signs. First, it is five less than K'anis reported were aboard. Second, why would all the passengers be in the same compartment? Chod knew his abilities, however, and he trusted his crew to help him locate the answers.

[On the Excalibur, at Flight Control]

Hearing Captain Chod's report, Cmdr. K'anis set short-range sensors for a continuous scan pattern for the gravitic mines in the area as he brought the shuttle to sub-light. Smooth and precisely, K'anis took the Excalibur closer and closer of their target.

The Antican then turned his attention to forward sensors and began an analysis of the freighter's outer hull for any signs of a raid. "5 crewmembers unaccounted for, and no neutronium fuel left...odd", K'anis thought about the Captain's earlier report. "What that could indicate? a kidnap?"

While the computer processed the information being collected, K'anis swirled his chair to face his crewmates, addressing the Ferengi. "Captain, I'd advise we keep strict COMM silence. Until we have solid evidence either in favor or against pirate presence in the area, it'd be a good idea not to warn them Starfleet is here. Perhaps we should consider boarding the Wallaby"

Turning to face forward again upon the computer's chirp, K'anis read the information and informed the rest of the crew. "I've located an airlock compatible with Starfleet issue on the starboard side of the freighter, Captain"

[On shuttle.]

"I think at this point, we have no choice. There is no reason why all the lifesigns present should be in the Cargo bays. For that matter, there is no reason any of them should be there. Comm silence it is as well. Although we aren't detecting anything of any apparent value, we may be looking at what we see wrong. We go over as a group. Until we know what is going on we don't want anyone alone."

Chod has to wonder if they are too late, but quickly pushes it out of his head. Old habits die hard, and to think the cargo is the only thing of value on a ship with 381 people is something he can't do for long. Making a final scan of the other side of the airlock to ensure its safe, Chod prepares to enter with his crew.

[On the Excalibur]

After reading the PADD that Mr. Regin handed him, Mazer mulls over the information that has been provided thus far. He glances out the side window at the vessel as Cmdr. K'Anis maneuvers them toward a docking port. Both the XO & CO have voiced their theories on possible scenarios, and Mazer decides it's time to voice his.

"Before we board the vessel we must take into consideration that the five missing may 'have' been crewmembers killed by boarding intruders. If so, then it stands to reason that the intruders may have herded the remaining occupants into the said cargo bays. The loss of fuel doesn't yield any explanation, especially if these are pirates we are dealing with. Has it been confirmed that there are mines in the area?" 

[If so]

"Then the missing life signs may have been killed in whatever collision occurred. However, that does not explain the arrival at these specified areas. Unless, of course, life support has been damaged."

[If not]

"If the vessel has been boarded, then the earlier distress call which stated that there were mines may have been an attempt to 'throw off' any rescuers. To make it seem like this was an accident instead of an attack.

He turns to look at all of them, "Either way. I recommend extreme caution."

[On Excalibur, monitoring Science sensors.]

"There are mines, but they are out of the vessels flight path. I don't think that is what happened here. It looks to me like the ship was actively attacked. Weapons burns hit in separate locations with a fair degree of accuracy. Of course, caution is mandated. For right now, we're going in together and heading to lock down the Bridge. Once that is done, we will evaluate the situation further. Commander K'anis, see if you can dock the ships. Then we will proceed carefully."

Checking his Phaser his Phaser, Chod hopes it won't be necessary. Setting his Tricorder to scan for atmospheric conditions continually, he gets set for docking.

[At Flight Control]

Commander K'anis had been monitoring the Excalibur approach continuously for the past minutes, prepared for any last minute reaction needed. The telemetry checked OK thus far. K'anis kept close enough to the Wallaby as to permit clear scans of the freighter but far enough as not have the Excalibur involved in any incident.

Upon the Captain's orders to proceed, the Antican isolated the docking airlock and programmed the flight computer precisely. He opted for a slow but sure approach.

"Docking procedure initiated, sir", he told his CO and the rest of the crew. "Completion estimated in 3 minutes. I've checked the atmosphere inside and life support is fully functional and we'll be able to proceed inside immediately"

Timely, a deaf 'thud' could be heard. K'anis checked the instruments while finishing to outfit himself for the Away Team mission. "Docking complete"

[On the shuttle, approaching the door.]

Nodding to K'anis, Chod makes his final checks on his equipment. Turning around, he asks "Is everyone ready? Any special precautions you want to take before we go in?"

[In the freighter's decompression chamber]

With no further delays, Cmdr. K'anis checked manually the connection to the Wallaby's airlock and got it open. A low hiss could be heard as the pressure equalized.

Cautiously, the Antican stepped inside with Lt. Mazer by his side. Both cast their wrist lights in the dimly lit entrance corridor. Seemingly, only emergency lighting was available in this part of the freighter.

"We arre clearr, Captain", he told Chod who was bringing the rear with CEO Regin. "We can proceed to the control centerr at your discretion"

K'anis was eager to get to the bottom of this whole story. Too many pieces of the puzzle were lacking still.

[On the S.S. Wallaby]

Shining his wristlight through the hatch, the Trill Tactical Officer takes a step forward quietly. Commander K'Anis is by his side, with Mr. Regin close behind. He can sense the tension in the air. Obviously, something is amiss ... and he had a bad feeling they would find out what before they reached the apparently "trapped" inhabitants of this starship.

[Passing through Air Lock.]

"OK, according to the deck plan from the computer, the Bridge is just through that door and around a bend. Although the lifesigns are coming from the other end of the ship, I believe we will get a better idea of what is going on from the Bridge. Any objections?"

[If there are no objections.]

Chod follows Commander K'anis and Lieutenant Mazer closely. While there is nothing obviously threatening, he knows his officers wouldn't have it any other way. 

As they find the door to the Bridge unlocked, Chod makes a final scan.
"I can't detect anything threatening. No active life signs, no unusual energy readings. I am detecting traces of weapon's residue and some bio signs, however." Chod sighs, realizing what his readings mean. "Well, lets see who was here, shall we? As soon as you are ready, open the door."

[Entering Wallaby's bridge]

Commander K'anis looked around the messy command center of the freighter. The dim lights and heavy smell of smoke did not prevent him from quickly assessing the situation.

"Most certainly an attack, Captain", the Antican told his Ferengi CO and the others.

As he made his way around, K'anis came across a body laying on the floor. His training kicking in, he knelt besides him and tried to feel any lifesign. Sighing, he turned again to the others. "I've found someone here, looks like the pilot. He's dead."

With no imminent threats, a course of action began to form in K'anis mind. "Chief, check the freighter status. Get me a damage report and see if the Wallaby can be made operational again", the Antican told Lt. Regin.

"Mr. Mazer, I think it's about time we see to those crew locked in the cargo bays. Check their status and if there's someone from the crew among them that can give us some insight into what really happened. Also, a head count would come in hand. See who we are missing here", he instructed the CTO.

That done, he turned his attention to the weapons blasts on the bridge. Running his tricorder, he got some interesting readings. "Looks like a Type 3 disruptor"

[On Bridge of Wallaby.]

"Some of the blasts are disruptor, but these over here appear to be Phaser Blasts, and these appear to be Compressed Energy Beams. Whoever attacked them, it wasn't a unified Power. Lets get this ship headed to Star Base, if Mr. Regin has no objections, lay in a course and get us home. The ship's passengers and crews will need to prepare a report, and it appears they will need some repairs. I'll head down to the Cargo holds with Mr. Mazer, I don't want anyone alone until we are sure things are secured. Mr. Mazer, after you."

Picking up his Tricorder, Chod prepares to accompany Mr. Mazer to the Cargo hold.

[En route to the Cargo Bay of the Wallaby]

Upon the XO's order, Mazer pulls out his phaser & tricorder and begins to make his way from the Cargo Bay where the inhabitants of the vessel are supposedly held. Accompanying him is Captain Chod, which makes Mazer exceedingly nervous. If something has indeed happened, then he would rather be alone to face it ... rather than having to worry about the Captain's safety. He thinks to himself, "And to think, we haven't even reached the Broadsword yet ..." 

Mazer chooses to use the jefferies tubes to reach the deck on which the cargo bays are located as he is fearful of using the turbolifts. Scanning the area, he leads the Captain toward the life signs. "Sir, remain behind me and out of sight just in case there's something here that we are not aware of," he states quietly as they approach the entrance to the Cargo Bay. Phaser set on stun and ready to fire, he walks forward and presses the opening access hatch to the bay ...

[Following Lt. Mazer towards the Cargo bays.]

As the Cargo bay doors open, Chod can see the crew inside, unconscious. As he enters behind Lt. Mazer, a quick scan shows they are all unconscious and a bit more indepth scan shows that they have been sedated with a gas. They also appear to be waking.

Starting to help them to their feet, Chod holds off on the questioning. Deciding it is better to get them alert first, he tries to let them know everything is going to be OK.

"Everyone, please be calm. My name is Captain Chod, and we're here to help. Remain calm, and I would like the passengers to return to their quarters, and the crew to report to their stations. My crew has started the ship towards Star Base 13, where you will all be treated and the ship will be repaired to ensure its safety."

Within a few minutes, the passengers have returned to their quarters and the crew has regained control of the vessel. On the Bridge, Chod learns from the First Officer that they were attacked by Pirates, demanding 3 of the passengers, a Mr. Smarteac and his wife and child. They also took the Captain, claiming he knew too much of what had happened. 

The last bit made Chod wonder. How much could the Captain know that the rest of the crew didn't? Something isn't right with that, but the Starbase investigators will have to look into it. 

Right now, looking out the viewport, he can see the Starbase and, in orbit around it within its dry dock frame, the Broadsword.