Wes's Story, Pt2

[Wes Roberts 0]

Revenge

Kressari Star System

Kalandra Sector

 

The Revenge hovered near the edge of the system, all active systems shut down, making her a hole in space. Her passive sensor suite, however, had recorded a small skirmish between Alpha Jem'Hadar and Starfleet in the system. Wes sat in the center seat of his ship, listening to his master gunner, Gaerth Bryne. “Captain, multiple derelict vessels, Starfleet and Dominion. And a couple of independent merchantmen that were caught in the crossfire.”

“Looks like they ignored the NOTAM Starfleet sent out,” Khaiell commented.

Wes's eyebrow rose. “What ships?”

“The Maersk Algol, cargo ship, and the Cunard Victoria, passenger liner.”

“Mr. Scrimgeour, begin powering up our active systems. Let's at least get a scan on our potential prizes.”

“Aye sair.”

 

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Starfleet Intelligence Datafile

Pirate Ship Revenge

Accessed 15 October 2383

 

The Revenge has had a long history of different ships and configurations. 200 years ago, she was an aged Bonaventure-class, mounting railguns and lasers. After the NX ships were retired, a refit was done, squeezing in a Warp 5 power plant, phase cannons and photonic torpedoes. As the Daedalus-class ships were coming offline, the Hotspur disappeared while on her way to the boneyard. There were reports of her having become the newest version of the Revenge. Her next two major refits, if one wanted to call them that, included replacing the older Daedalus-class engineering hull with scavenged Constitution-class hulls and nacelles from first and second generation Constitutions lost in combat. Her final configuration at the time of the Battle of Caer Bannog, included a scavenged Intrepid-class saucer and the weapons pod from a rollbar-variant Miranda.

 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

 

As soon as the Revenge's warp core powered up, active sensor pulses pinged back off the Algol and Victoria. “Captain, crew spaces on the Maersk Algol have been vented to space; she's sitting in a lovely cloud of frozen atmosphere. No lifesigns detected.

“The Cunard Victoria, however, has 3000 lifesigns. Propulsion is damaged, and bridge vented to space.”

“Well then. Prepare two boarding parties. EV suits for the team assigned to the Algol and a large compliment of engineers for the Victoria.” Making sure his mask and bandanna were in place, Wes stood, and moved to the center of the bridge. “Egeanin, bring us along side the Victoria. Boarding parties away as soon as they're assembled in the transporter rooms, and tie us into the liner's communications network.

“Khaiell, take charge of the Victoria's boarding party.” The Romulan first mate nodded, and left the bridge of the Revenge.

“We're tied in, Captain. Engineering teams have beamed aboard both the Victoria and the Maersk Algol.”

Wes cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen aboard the Cunard Victoria, good day to you. I am, if you haven't figured out, the Dread Pirate Roberts and your ship, your valuables, and yourselves are now mine. Don't think Starfleet is going to ride to your rescue, simply because I've captured your ship. Your captain ignored a Starfleet Notice To All Merchantmen to avoid this region of space. And, well, the fleet engagement that occurred, has pretty much eliminated their presence in this sector. So, I would appreciate it if you sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip to your new home.

“And to the crew and any military personnel who might be passengers aboard—Please, no thoughts of heroics and attacking my prize crew. I'd hate to have to space the lot of you. Revenge, out.”

“Captain, the Maersk Algol is underway. We've also got multiple lifeboat beacons in the debris fields. Orders?” A flash of light marked the container ship's jump to warp.

“As soon as the Victoria's underway, we'll be magnanimous and retrieve the survivors. After all, it's not sporting to let those valiant beings die a slow death of suffocation and dehydration. They'll be our “guests” aboard. Under heavy escort, of course. Inform Mr. McLintock to have our 'best quarters' made ready.”

Egeanin nodded.

 

-=-=-=-=-=-

Federation News Network

News Bulletin

16 October 2373

 

“Starfleet has confirmed reports of the loss of Task Force 7.35 in the vicinity of Kressari star system. The battle, which also claimed two civilian ships, the Maersk Algol and the Cunard Victoria, lasted the better part of 36 standard hours, according to sensor logs retrieved from ships lost. Starfleet has also confirmed there were no survivors, from either the civilian ships or the task force, despite the presence of ejected lifeboats.

“There are reports, however, that the Revenge was seen in the area, and Starfleet is continuing to investigate those reports.”

 

=-=-=-=-=-=

With the Revenge safely at warp with the Victoria, Wes left the bridge in the able hands of his Betazed HOPS officer, and returned to his at sea cabin. Maighdin gave her lover a sultry smile as he entered and threw his weapons belt and mask on the desk. “That went over well,” he muttered, before flopping on to the couch.

“As well as can be expected, my Lord?” Maighdin moved closer to him and began to work the tension from dealing with both the prisoners and a delegation from the senior surviving crewmembers of the Victoria.

“Yeah, pretty much. I'd forgotten how much I hate dealing with Starfleet officers at times. At least Commander Dent was, at the very least grateful for rescue.”

“Yes, I heard. Perhaps you should invite several of the officers to dinner. It would be the sporting thing to do.”

“Of course,” Wes replied, as he twisted around and pulled Maighdin on to his lap. “I never could refuse you, my dear.”

 

tbc