In the Thick of It

Posted on Sat Jun 7th, 2025 @ 6:46pm by Lieutenant Marques Hunt
Edited on on Sat Jun 7th, 2025 @ 10:46pm

1,163 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Tales of the Twenty-Third Century
Location: USS Houston in the Beta Thoridor System- Klingon Space
Timeline: 2286 Four Months After Funeral

The USS Houston had been one of 11 Starfleet vessels that crossed into Klingon space on a destination to the Beta Thoridor system. This system was known as one of the major sources of Dilithium for the Klingon Empire. Four months ago, the Task Force had arrived to the Neutral zone as a show of force. But it seemed like that show of force did nothing but provoke Klingons who felt this was a challenge and gave them something to prove. The Federation was still not in an active war. But over the last four months, there was active fighting and quite a bit of death and ship losses on both sides.

Tired of this back and forth, Captain Ricky Barron got with 10 other Captain's making the decision to cross into Klingon space with the plan to kick their jagged teeth out. And the way to do that was sneaking to the Beta Thoridor System and taking out their primary source of Dilithium. It was agreed upon and the 11 ships proceed by crossing through the Azure Nebula. Upon across they were on a clear path. Little did they know, the Klingons were a very strategic group of warriors and had allowed them to come out of that nebula making a direct line into the system. Upon entering the system, they were met with 14 D7's and 6 Bird of Preys that decloaked.

Now they were actively fighting as they were trying to fall back. Twelve minutes into the battle, five of their ships had been destroyed. USS Houston a Miranda class ship was trying to fight their way out of this situation. The Chief Helm Officer had injured his head and was carried out to sickbay. The Assistant Chief Helm Officer had been on his way to the bridge but had been killed when a conduit in the corridor exploded. Being the next person up, Marques replaced Captain Barron who was given orders from the helm seat.

"Marques get us out of here the best way you can," he ordered. "Tactical keep firing at anyone in our path."

"Aye sir." Hunt looking at the viewer, started flipping at the control, going outside the normal parameters of the current regulations. Looking at the Bolian navigator, next to him. "Start shooting."

Lieutenant Jere Poly looked back the Ensign and did exactly as instructed. As the Houston pulled under a D7, it fired at the underbelly, causing damage while taking out one of the warp engines.

"Keep doing more of that shit," Barron shouted as a panel behind him exploded causing an individual behind him to fall to the floor in pain.

"We got two D7's pursuing us. But we are clear from the battle," the communications officer announced.

Sitting down in the center chair, Ricky looked around the damage on the bridge. "Get us back to the Nebula. We can shake them in there."

"Aye Sir," the Ensign responded. Sitting at the helm, Marques couldn't help but to wonder how did a plan that seemed like a good idea, could go horribly wrong so quickly. The plan was to strike a crippling blow to the Klingon Empire. Now they were one of several ships that survived the failed attempt. The Houston itself had multiple injuries and several deaths.

Looking back at his Captain, the young man could see the look of confidence was completely gone. And there was a look of panic that peeked through the attempt to remain steadfast.

"Are those ships still in pursuit?" the Barron questioned.

"That's affirmative," the replied came from Rosling at communications. "Don't think Klingons believe in letting an enemy escape."

The Captain rubbed his forehead. "I guess allowing us to run back to Federation space with our tails tucked between our legs just isn't enough for them. Hunt how long until we reach the nebula?"

"We reach in four minutes." As soon as he answered the ship rocked from weapons fire. "Their trying to get us to drop out of warp."

"Aft torpedoes."

"Direct hit," the navigator responded. "One of the ships is slowing down and the one behind it has increased speed."

The Miranda class managed to keep a head of several shots coming their way, but the last two made contact. Reports from engineering began coming through. What was left of the shields was now down. Again, another barrage of shots hit the rear of the ship. This time there were reports coming through of four hull breaches on decks seven and nine.

Just ahead the within thirty seconds was the Azure Nebula. Which hopefully would be their saving grace. Ricky leaned forward in his seat. Through the main viewer, he could see the D7 closing in on his ship. "Fire the aft torpedoes at will."

The USS Houston fired off several torpedoes at the D7. Seven to be exact. Three missed, but four hit their target. The Klingons slowed a bit, just as the Starfleet vessel entered into the nebula. Ensign Hunt sighed in relief, but that relief was short lived as reports from around the ship came over the comm. Emergency shields were holding up in some places, but others weren't so lucky.

"Ensign maintain our course," Captain Barron ordered. Getting the on the comm, he began to order rescue teams to try to save those who stranded on decks that were quickly running out of oxygen. There were way too many calls requesting medical assistance. And he could only imagine the number of deaths that still hadn't been reported. This had been his worst defeat since commanding the Houston and that didn't sit right with him at all.

Standing from his seat the Captain paced back and forth in frustration, before eventually kicking the bulkhead. The whole bridge remained in silence. Taking a few breaths, Ricky Barron peacefully returned to his seat. "Rosling as soon as we clear the nebula. Get me in contact with Starfleet Command ASAP. I have some serious explaining to do."

The Communications officer simply nodded in response. Nothing needed to be said. This was an unsanctioned plan that had completely failed. Whoever survived this was going to seriously have their heads on the chopping block. And it was clear that Barron knew this to be a fact.

Marques Hunt turned his eyes back forward to the view screen. This mission alone, taught him several valuable lessons. One, he hated the Klingons now more than ever. Two, this seemed like a good idea and if it had succeeded. Then they be receiving a lot of praise. But instead, this was a horrible defeat. Fortunate doesn't always favor the bold. Three, why the hell didn't anyone anticipate that their primary resource wouldn't be completely protected. The intel that was received was false or someone got it completely wrong.

==========
Captain Ricky Barron (NPC)
Commanding Officer
USS Houston

Lieutenant Jasmine Rosling(NPC)
Chief Communications Officer
USS Houston

Ltjg. Jere Poly(NPC)
Chief Navigator
USS Houston

Ensign Marques Hunt
Flight Control Officer
USS Houston

 

RSS Feed