Waiting to Exhale

[Chirakis 1]

Waiting to Exhale

 

 

During the past few hours an uneasy stillness had descended on the CT, not unlike the eye of a storm. In this case, however, the second onslaught would not be a mere repeat of the first. It would be a storm unto itself, possibly one of unimaginable proportions. Aegis was apparently the first stop on a Breen rampage through the Alpha Quadrant.

 

During her tenure with the Maquis cell commanded by Michael Eddington, Kirel had brief encounters with the Breen. The memory was not one she relished, yet she counted the experience as valuable. It had given her an unbiased view of a formidable enemy, something of which not many alive could boast. It had also left her with a profound respect for one of the most ruthless species in the Alpha Quadrant.

 

Several minutes passed before Kirel realized she had been standing mid-CT, staring at the main tactical board, mindlessly watching the fleets reposition themselves. With the diplomatic stalemate somewhat resolved, the ships of the Ferengi Alliance, the Federation, the Cardassian Union, and the Romulan Star Empire seemed to be reforming in defense of Sky Harbor Aegis. A question concerning the chain of command disturbed her thoughts until she realized those fleets had collaborated during the Dominion War. Hopefully that cooperation would play itself out this time as well.

 

 

In Kirel's estimation, the ships of the Ferengi Alliance were best to lead the defense, with those of the Cardassian Union a close second. Ferengi trade negotiations with the Breen must have given them insight. Negotiations were, after all, little different from the strategies of war: posture – position – attack – defend – regroup. The Ferengi had proven their worth in that regard many times.

 

The Cardassians, on the other hand, had fully allied with the Breen. For a brief time they occupied an embassy on Breen itself; surely that had taught them something. But would the CoC be acceptable to the others? Would they object even when their very existence was threatened? That remained to be seen.

 

One thing was certain: the Breen would show no quarter. Furthermore, they shunned open close combat. They would attack in stealth – hence, the fading in and out reported by Cdr Brown aboard the Portland. Yet, the fading puzzled Kirel as much as it apparently puzzled Cdr Brown. Approaching in stealth required full operable cloaking. Torak's words came to mind: "We've lost them. Again." Strange indeed.

 

With Porter off-duty, Kirel had kept a close watch on the CT, hoping Captain Muon would arrive soon. At last sighting, Aegis had just over twenty hours to prepare. Though he probably did not need reminding, Kirel had advised Centurion Jorahl to check and possibly adjust the tritium mix on their power generators. All departments were on standby. Non-essential personnel would soon be evacuated.

 

Once again Aegis prepared for war.