Maximum Warp
"
By: Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Stardate: 58204.28 0900
Engineering was putting the finishing touches on the system and would be ready to go on schedule.
Operations had almost finished cleaning up the aftermath of the fighting. All ships crew had been accounted for with the exception of Crewman Johnson. All auxiliary craft had been recovered with the exception of one shuttle.
Security reported that all prisoners have been accounted for with the exception of Birkoff. All prisoners were now secured.
Sickbay reported that all injured crew had been released. Lieutenant Silvio has been released but has not yet been authorized to return to duty. The Prisoner called Mason was still unconscious in sickbay. A security guard was posted in the event that he awoke.
Wright pondered the recent events as the continual stream of status reports continued scroll past his terminal. It had been a stressful time. He hoped that the introduction of a full time Morale Officer would help to ease the stress on the ship. It was a long way to Rura Penthe.
"Sir," said the helm officer, "Engineering reports all systems are ready."
Wright was about to reply when the Captain enter the bridge from his ready room. Wright stood up and said, "All systems are ready Captain."
Hunter nodded as he energetically took the command chair. "Alright Number One, Tactical, what is your status?
Our warp core power output is at Maximum, weapons and defensive systems are all online and fully operational, all ship's departments report ready.
"Sensor report?"
"There are no ships within maximum sensor range." came Westfall's reply.
Helm, set a course for Rura Penthe, maximum warp. The helmsman looked back at Hunter, "Sir, course laid in, ...maximum warp" He said arching his brow.
Hunter settled back into the command chair. "Engage."
*** The Captain of the Laborieux watched on his monitor as the familiar blue and red glow of the Zion's warp nacelles grew brighter as the ship came about. It accelerated into a flashing streak and vanished into a distant glimmer of light.
***
Westfall, Engage the cloak.
A moment later the the Zion shimmered and faded away.
"Captain Hunter, the Cloak is engaged and functioning at optimum levels, the power output is smooth, no anomalies reported that could render us visible.
"Hopefully the crew will put this distraction behind them." said Hunter.
"I am sure they will bounce back. I think making Ensign Favor a full time Morale Officer will help." Wright frowned, "I am more concernd about what we might run into on our journey," repleid Wright
"Are you concerned our route could be compromised?" inquired Hunter.
"Two of them escaped, They might have called for reinforcements. I feel much better now that we are moving again. We were sitting ducks there for a while."
Hunter stared at the star fields streaking by for several moments, it did feel good to be moving again.
"Yep." said Hunter softly.
Hunter used his console and changed the forward display. It now displayed a stellar cartography map.
Hunter studied the map, then looked at Wright, "How fast do we want to get there?"
"At warp 6 it will take us over a month to get there." Wright paused as if thinking about it, then smiled, "How about continuing at maximum warp?" Wright held no stong desire to vacation on Rura Penthe. He wanted to get this mission over with and get back to QulTuq to have his hand fixed.
Hunter smiled, "I agree Number One, but I think Silvio might have something to say about running the engines at maximum for 15 days.
Hunter looked over to Westfall, "Sensors?"
Westfall rechecked his console and reported: "Nothing within maximum sensor range, and nothing on any of the communication bands. We are running silent."
"Thank-you Mr. Westfall."
"You're welcome Sir."
Hunter turned over to Wright, "Maximum warp it is, Helm, maintain course and speed."
"Aye-Aye Sir."
Hunter settled back into his seat and resumed reading reports and logs.