And So it Begins "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58209.11 1805

Lieutenant Forrester sharply inhaled and momentarily held her breath as her ops monitor displayed a message. The message was embedded in a prearranged Dirac comb designed to be picked up by the Zion's long range scanners which were configured to analyze the background noise of space filtered through a multiplicity of Fourier functions.

It contained coordinates and data that the ship needed to pass through a veil of deceit.

She turned at the same time the Science officer did. "Sir," she announced to Commander Wright. "We've received the signal."

"Confirmed," said Lieutenant Zent.

Wright pressed a button on the command chair as he stood up, "Captain Hunter to the bridge."

The captain's reply came a few moments later, "I'm on my way."

"Helm," said Wright, "set course bearing 010 mark 0 - maximum warp."

Hunter stepped briskly through the doors of the turbo lift as they opened and strode to the command chair where he exchanged a nod with his First Officer.

"Status Number One?"

"We have received 'the signal' Sir," said Wright. "It's time."

Hunter smiled, "I wonder what took them so long," he commented as he settled in and tapped the intercom button.

"All hands, this is the Captain. Our mission status is go. We will be leaving the area shortly. Hunter out."

He turned, "Number One, has the Pegasus returned?"

"Yes Sir," replied Wright. "They did not have a successful test I'm afraid."

Hunter examined the small screen on his command chair and nodded, "A crucial part of our mission hangs on that little ship."

"Lieutenant Dorton assures us that she will fix the problem," said Wright as he sat down into the chair next to the captain. "I have asked Silvio to give her any resources that she needs."

"Very good. And the crew status?"

"All stations report ready Sir."

"Very well. Helm?"

"Course laid in Sir."

Hunter nodded to Wright, who returned the gesture.

The Captain settled in and stared at the view port a moment and then uttered his command: "engage the cloak and go."