Battle Part III - Conclusion"
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Riaan, Operations Manager, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Acting Chief Intel Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.27 1620

"Captain, there is a hull breach on deck 5," said Silvio, "The ship's containment fields are holding." Silvio continued scanning his console, "We ahve power fluctuations all over the ship and our shield strength is holding at 70%."

Hunter listened to Silvio as continued down the damage report. He was hoping for a break in the battle to let the ship catch its breath.

Mean while, Riaan was on the COMM, "Computer, locate PO Samuel Manuel."

Computer: "Samuel Manuel is in the holodeck where triage is set-up.

Riaan wondered what Samuel was doing there but knew he was needed here more importantly he was the next best helmsman onboard the Zion.

This is Lt. JG Riaan to PO Samuel Manuel you are needed on the bridge now.

PO Manuel on the way.

Riaan and turned and looked at the Captain, "sir PO Manuel will be here to take over helm."

Hunter nodded.

Taking the Turbolift up Dr. Northrop, stepped out onto the Bridge. She stopped just outside the threshold. It looked nearly as bad as Deck 5 had. Hunter was issuing orders. Commander Wright was at the Helm...and Mr. Silvio was working frantically at the Engineering Station. And of course Mr. Westfall was more than a bit busy at Tactical.

A team of medics carried the helmsman on a grav stretcher and assisted a limping science officer off the bridge.

Riaan knew that Ensign Jonathon should pull through but she highly doubted that he would be back for duty for at least a week as made a mental notation to take him off the duty roaster when she submitted the next crew schedule to the Captain.

Northrop waited till there was a bit of a lull...then stepped up. "It looks like you could use another set of hands, Captain.....and as luck would have it, I happen to have a free pair."

It was a bit of gallows humor...but that was just her.

"Northrop," said Hunter as if he were taking inventory, "yes, man that science station," he said pointing to science station II.and get me a survey of what is happening with the rest of the fleet. Get it to Westfall.

A few minutes later PO Manuel arrived on the bridge and walked over to CONN, he snapped to full attention saluting the Captain, "ready to take over sir,"

Hunter began giving the helmsman his instructions when suddenly Westfall interrupted.

"Captain, I have an incoming transmission from the USS Livingston, "in the open" It's un-encoded, Sir".

"On Screen," said Hunter turning.

"This is Captain Sisko of the USS Livingston to the Maquis ship, surrender now and your crew will be spared."

Hunter stood up and replied, "Captain Sisko, this is Captain Ian Hunter of the USS Zion. I'm afraid I must politely decline your offer, but instead will offer you the same courtesy."

Sisko crossed his arms and replied with a genuinely astounded expression, "What? You are out numbered and out gunned you can't possibly..."

"No, no, no..." interrupted Hunter, "We're just the welcoming committee."

Hunter watched as there was a commotion behind Sisko, his tactical officer began to say something as Sisko made a gesture across his throat.

Then, suddenly the screen went blank and there was commotion from Hunter's tactical officer as well.

"Captain Hunter, we have Tango fleet de-cloaking 10,000 Km off our stern position".

Hunter wiped some blood from his face and muttered, "ah, the calvary, right on time."

"Sir, We're being hailed by the USS Sovereign on an unsecured comm channel" Westfall said, with considerable relief in his voice.

Hunter squinted trying to understand the rationale of using an unsecured channel.

"I'm sure it's meant to be heard by all listening ears "in the clear". Hunter looked at Westfall, "No doubt, well, on screen."

"Tonight's film special Coming up, Sir." Hunter looked at the familiar face which now addressed him. "Captain Hunter, did you save any work for us to do?"

Hunter mustered a smile, "Aye-aye Admiral Picard, we just softened them up a bit for you."

"Splendid." said Picard. "Do you require any immediate assistance?"

Hunter shook his head, "no, we'll be fine."

"Very well then, it appears our Federation friends are trying to leave their own party. We'll take it from here," he said with a reassuring nod.

"Oh, Sir, can you do me a favor?"

Picard turned back toward the screen, "and what is that?"

Hunter gestured with a nod, "if you run into Captain Sisko, tell him he should have at least taken a rain-check."

"Will do Ian, Picard out."

Hunter dropped himself into the command chair and took a couple of deep breaths.

Westfall said in the quiet interlude, "Sir, the Federation fleet is retreating, we've beat..." Before he could finish, his console beeped.

'Incoming transmision from Admiral Picard, on voice-only secured comlink'

"Go ahead Westfall, open the channel."

"Acknowledged, Sir," Jeff said.

"Captain Hunter, I have your new orders."

"Go ahead Admiral," replied Hunter.

"As soon as you are able, you are to proceed to Pacifica for reconnaissance and surveillance. We need to know what is going on there."

"Yes sir," replied Hunter, we'll get underway as soon as possible.

"Out of the frying pan, and into the fire we go," Westfall said, "We should have regrouped with the Alliance reinforcements and annihilated them ALL: personnel, ordinance and transport". He sounded hostile.

"Westfall!" said Hunter in a reprimanding tone of voice.

Then Hunter turned, "Helm bring us about to heading 101, one-quarter impulse."

"Aye-aye."

Hunter turned back to Westfall, signal the task force to regroup.

Hunter sat back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. It was over for now.