Detour"
By: Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.08 1600

The Zion silently slipped through the star fields as it made its stealthy approach toward Klingon space.

As then entered sector 000-030-016 the long range sensors detected a ship. The Ops officer turned and reported his findings.

"Captain Hunter, Sir, I concur the ship on the Ops Officer's Long Range Sensor verifies as the Federation Warship USS ESSEX. Confirmed by her known warp signature and Transponder Ident Code, Sir.

"Raising shields to maximum. "

"Helm, change course to intercept the Essex."

Wright was a bit surprised that the Captain would alter their mission to intercept a Federation ship. "Shield up, Red Alert." There was no point in approaching them with our pants down.

"Belay that order Westfall, That won't be necessary Number one. Hard as it may seem, the Captain of the Essex is a very dear friend." said Hunter.

"Sir, they are still the Enemy, aboard a ship of war," Westfall said, coldly.

"Duly noted, Mr. Westfall, stand-by."

As the Zion came into range Hunter turned to Westfall, Hail them Mr. Westfall.

Aye-aye Captain Hunter," Westfall replied.

This is the Maquis Alliance vessel USS Zion, hailing the Federation Ship USS ESSEX, you are requested to acknowledge".

The image of the Essex's bridge appeared on the main viewer, the middle aged female captain stood up from her command seat, "Well, well, Captain Hunter, at long last we meet again." she said.

"Indeed it has been a long time, Miriam." Hunter smiled, "So shall we discuss terms of surrender?" asked Hunter.

She folded her arms across her chest and tipped her head definantly, "Your surrender?"

Hunter smiled, "Well..." he paused thoughtfully, "Why don't you beam over and we'll discuss that matter."

She looked over her shoulder, she'd have to think of a good explanation later for her bridge crew. "All right, but no tricks she said with a smile."

Hunter stood up as the transmission ended, "Number One, you are with me, Westfall, you have the bridge."

"Acknowledged Captain, Transferring Command console to Tactical Station".

Hunter had a good hunch that Wright was as uncomfortable about this as Westfall. As the turbolift closed, Hunter cleared his throat and said, "Its okay Commander, the Captain and I go way back. In fact, I almost proposed to her."

"That is interesting Sir."

Hunter greeted the Essex Captain, "Miriam, I'd like to introduce my first officer, Commander Jonathan Wright... Commander, this is Captain Miriam Munson."

Miriam introduced her first officer who accompanied her, "This is my first officer, Danison."

"Pleased to meet you," said Wright.

"Let's continue this discussion in my ready room shall we?" Hunter escorted her toward the bridge. "So what brings you into the neighborhood?"

"Neighborhood?" said Miriam with a chuckle, "this sector is a sensitive area and highly contested. We're just on patrol, trying to intercept supply runs to Maquis space." She paused,

"Oh? didn't you hear?" said Hunter scratching his head, just behind his ear, "We're getting our supplies from Romulans now." he said with smirk. "We decided we've had enough gaugh."

She squinted her eyes as if to see through his ruse. "So you say." she replied with a smile. "And what brings you to these parts?"

Hunter shrugged, "Oh, you know, just transporting some special passengers to Qon'os."

"Ugh, Klingons." she said. Hunter nodded.

They arrived on the bridge, stepping out of the turbolift, Miriam looked around, "very impressive Captain"

Hunter nodded, "Despite what you've been hearing, the Maquis fleet is every bit as good as a federation ship, if not better."

Sensing Hunter's confidence, she didn't reply. "This way," gestured Hunter.

Hunter brought her a cup of her favorite tea as they settled in to chairs. "How is the family?" asked Hunter.

Miriam sipped the tea, it was just the way she liked it, "They are fine. You know I lost Donald in the battle for the Vulcan passage?" Hunter nodded, "Yes I got the word, I'm sorry."

She nodded, "Its ok..." she said with a pause. "Word in the Federation is that you have captured the Lynx."

Hunter sighed, "Yes, the Lynx's crew revolted and surrendered." Setting her cup of tea down, she inquired, "..and Captain Rogers?"

Drawing a deep breath Hunter replied matter of factly, "killed in action." he said with a nod. "I see..." she said, "Rogers was a man of action." she said introspectively.

Hunter leaned forward, "Miriam, what is the deal with Jenkins?"

A look off confusion crossed her face. "Didn't he defect to the Maquis?"

Hunter shook his head, "No, he killed all my senior officers enroute to Qul Tuq."

Miriam looked genuinely surprised, "Sarik, is he?..."

"No he's fine, Silvio survived also, the rest are gone." Hunter paused to reflect.

"I'm sorry to hear that Ian." said Miriam.

Hunter dismissed his feelings and returned to the question at hand, "then he is indeed gone rouge..." he said turning to Wright. "Commander? what do we know about Jenkins to date that we can share with the Federation?"

'Nothing,' thought Wright. He was not sure what the Captain thought he was doing consulting with the enemy but he was certain that he did not like it one bit. "Jenken's seems to have become an independent contractor in the civil war. He is working with a crew of Cardassians."

Miriam sat back and looked over at Danison and then back to Hunter. "It seems he now has two enemies."

Hunter smiled. That's the way he wanted it.

Miriam changed subjects, "now lets talk about your surrender."

Hunter chuckled, "I must have given you the wrong impression ma'am. I thought you were going to surrender."

Miriam shook her head, "Well, thanks for the tea Ian, I suppose we should be going." She stood up. Her first officer did the same. He looked very uncertain about the situation.

Hunter motioned to him, "Its ok, don't worry." He turned to Wright, "Number One," would you please escort Danison to the transporter room? Miriam and I

will be along shortly."

"Yes sir," said Wright. Turning to Danison he said, "This way." The two first officers left the room.

As the door closed, Hunter turned to Miriam, they embraced for a moment, "It was a long time ago, Miriam" said Hunter.

"It wasn't that long ago," she replied letting go.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay behind?" asked Hunter.

"I can't" she said sorrowfully, "All I can do is hope the war ends soon."

"If you ever change your mind..."

Miriam touched her finger to Hunter's lips. "Don't worry, dear, you'll be the first to know."

They gave each other a last quick hug and headed down to the transporter room. When they entered the room, she joined Danison on the transporter pad and turned toward Hunter. "You should reconsider surrender, Ian, It is your last chance."

"Farewell Miriam."

"Oh and Ian?" she said, "give my regards to Sarik, tell him I wish I had more time to visit with him, but I must be going. I'm sure he'll understand the logic of that."

"Of course," replied Hunter nodding to the transporter crew, "energize."

As they dematerialized, Hunter and Wright returned to the bridge.

Where Westfall reported that the Essex had powered up its weapons and raised its sheilds.

"Westfall, sheilds up, engage the cloak and target the Essex's forward sheild with 1 photo torpedo, minimum yeild. Fire when ready"

"Aye Aye Captain, firing one Mark II Cluster Photon Torpedo Dispersion Pattern Westfall Echo Six Delta. That should give them just enough of a shock to spill the coffee. Thank you Captain, I was wondering how to safely dispose of those Mark IIs. They put out a good light show--for a museum piece".

The Essex's phaser glanced off the Zion's sheilds as a torpedo exploded on its shields sending a slight rumble through her decks.

Helm take us out of here, resume course to Rura Penthe, maximum warp, Westfall, re-engage the cloak.

"Cloak is engaged Captain," Westfall replied.