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Description
Terran Imperial Governor Solomon Cooper shares frightening intelligence gathered from behind rebel lines from the partially rebuilt shipyards at Starbase 234 with the recently arrived trio of captains. Timochenko is building a monster! My OC's by www.deviantart.com/s2ka .

Governor Cooper, accompanied by Fleet Captain Marco Julian Cruz, Captain Providencia Castro, Captain Laura Black and Dr. Amira Ashley stare amazed at the three dimensional holographic image of a new, warship, a great giant of a ship, with three warp nacelles and bristling with weapons. A monster of a ship that is obviously being built for one reason. The subjugation of the Terran Empire.

"It seems that Timochenko and his people have been busy!" Governor Cooper says. Concern can be heard in his voice. "His engineers recently arrived at Starbase 234 with a huge prefabricated drydock brought in from his temporary shipyards in Klingon space. This thing is inside."

Captain Cruz's brown eyes widen slightly in surprise at the sight of image being projected by the intelligence console. He begins to closely examine the ship's image, spotting weapons ports and signs of it having an armor reinforced hull. The three huge nacelles are obviously capable of producing high warp speeds, possibly making this ship capable of out running anything currently being fielded by the Imperial Starfleet.

"This thing is real?" Cruz asks. "They're actually building this thing, this isn't a mock up or projection?"

Cooper, nodding his head slightly sighs deeply.

"According to our analysis and other gathered intelligence, it is very real and close to completion..." Cooper says.

"That thing is a beast!" Captain Laura Black says excitedly as her brown eyes stare at the rotating hologram.

"My father used to tell me stories about old Terra, back when there were the old nation states, back before our people were united as the Terran Empire..." Cooper says eerily... "Before the last world war... when those states would send nuclear powered vessels across the oceans and park them off an opponents coastline and point ballistic missiles at them in a threatening manner... This thing could reach Terra in days, out running anything we have, and shower the entire planet with photon torpedoes before anyone knew what was happening!"

"Gods! Who designed this thing? Are there more of them being built?" Castro asks incredulously.

Cooper presses on the console's computer control panel, pulling up a Terran Starfleet personnel file. The picture of a tan skin, male, Terran flag officer appears as a holographic image next to printed text.

"This thing is the brainchild of Rear-Admiral Sulimon al-Sharif, Timochenko's engineering chief of staff..." Cooper says. "He ran Timochenko's shipyards and construction specialists. He's a Patrician and a career officer who helped design and build the ISS CHERON, the late Emperor Georgiou's flagship."

Cruz nods his head as his eyes narrow, recognising the man being shown now.

"I know him..." Cruz says flatly. "He is a skilled engineer and brilliant designer. If he designed this monstrosity, it definitely is a sound and dangerous weapon. Admiral al-Sharif is meticulous, his designs are known for being tough, well engineered, and resilient. From what I can see, it would take a dozen starships to bring this thing down."

Cruz puts up the ship's hologram on again and begins explaining what he can make out from the image.

"Look here," he says, pointing at sections of the primary and secondary hulls. "I can see signs of a dozen phaser banks and shield generators. There's multiple photon torpedo launchers and a huge torpedo tube mounted in the rear. By the size and number of nacelles this thing is sporting, I estimate she can do warp 9 to 9.5 easily... I'm also seeing signs of ablative armor on the hull which could make her a very hard nut to crack."

A low, involuntary whistle issues from Laura Black's lips as she listens intently to Cruz's observations. The captain, a veteran commerce raider, is impressed by this ship's potential speed and firepower.

"I like her!" Laura Black says, smiling slightly. "She's a predator! An alpha predator and a war winner!"

Dr. Ashley shakes her head in disagreement as she looks over the hologram. Being a medical doctor and not an engineer or tactician, her reaction to the ship the opposite of Captain Black's. Standing near the captain she crosses her arms, a concerned expression on her beautiful face.

"That thing is what nightmares are made of..." Ashley says, as a chill crawls up her spine. "How the devil are we to deal with that monster if it is deployed? Timochenko will no doubt assign a fleet to support it and escort it. We'd need to deploy three combined task forces to even try and stop it."

Laura Black slides close to Ashley, flirtingly bumping her hip into the doctor's, as she whispers in her ear.

"Don't worry beautiful, I'll keep you safe... and warm..." Laura says seductively in very low tones to Dr. Ashley. "Let's have a drink together after the meeting... Yes?

Castro and the others don't seem to notice the flirtation as they continue to analyse the intel and the discussion turns to options.

"The doctor is right.." Castro sighs as she studies the ship's details. "We've got to kill this monstrosity before it can be used against us. Strangle it in its 'crib'! I will head out in twenty-four hours with my POTEMKIN and fourteen ships that'll be ready. I'll attack and destroy it before it can be launched!"

Cooper, Cruz cut their eyes admiringly at Castro. Her trademark fearlessness and willingness to leap in where angels fear to tread bring slight smiles to the men's faces and a supportive wink from Laura Black.

Cooper shakes his head at her proposal.

"Nooooo Pulli, you'd never get within five light years of that thing before Timochenko's fleet destroys you and your squadron." Cooper say calmly. "He's brought ninety percent of his fleet back across the border and has fortified his positions. He's deployed deep space mine fields, and prefabricated defensive deep space weapons platforms. Some are manned, some are automated and programmed to fire upon enemy ships. They are particularly nasty things, usually camouflaged and packing enough punch to destroy a starship that wanders into their range."

Castro frowns sourly at Cooper's words knowing that he's speaking the truth. Cursing faintly under her breath in frustration.

"Timochenko's got listening posts deployed out there as well, scanning far and wide providing early warnings to his forces..." Cooper continues. "It's as if a wall has gone up out there. He's about to take Starbase 24 in a few days, because its commander is defecting and opening the 'gates'."

All eyes turn to Cooper as he shares more intel.

"Timochenko will get a key starbase fully intact and about sixty starships that are assigned to that base and under that sector's commander." Cooper reports.

The assembled officers all spout out foul expletives while gripping their daggers in anger at the news of more Terrans becoming traitors to their Empire. Treason is one of the few things that make Terran violently angry.

"Fucking bastards!" Cruz shouts.. angrily "Traitors! They all have to be hanged!"

"Hanging is too good for them!" Laura Black hisses in disgust. "They gotta be killed nice and slow... I've got a few ideas.."

Castro says nothing as she seethes in building anger.

"Assholes!" Ashley spits as she grips her dagger in anger.... "More traitors... can it get any worse?"

Cooper's own anger nearly bursts through his measured poise. In the 'old days' his disgust would've definitely mirrored theirs. But now, as a leader of Senatorial Forces, who is trying to save the Empire from the forces of a madman and his traitorous followers, he has to keep control and his eye on the bigger picture. A clear mind, measured and careful strategy along with Terran 'ruthlessness' are needed for victory. Because death will be the reward for losing this war....

"Yes it can..." Cooper says. "But if we move quickly, carefully, ruthlessly and decisively, we can prevent it."

Cooper leans forward over the console and speaks again. This time in lower tones...

"It has come to my attention that the Terran Governor of Andoria plans to defect to Timochenko as well..." Cooper says. "He doesn't have the support of all of his officers so he is hesitant for now. He's trying to get these officers transferred surreptitiously and has arrested a couple on trumped up charges..."

The others lean in, listening carefully as the governor continues.

"I want to move against him quickly and arrest him.." Cooper says calmly. "The governor and all of the officers he's managed to persuade to commit treason! But we can't just move against him with force. If we do, we will lose assets that we cannot afford to lose with Timochenko pounding at the door..."

Castro smiles as she grasps what the governor, her old captain, is thinking about doing to neutralise this budding threat...

"Aaaahh.. Yes sir! I think I understand what you want to do!" Castro says, grinning wolfishly. "We have to get in there by stealth and subterfuge... a squad, armed with weapons and an Imperial warrant from the Senate. But we'll first have to get close enough to him without drawing much attention."

Cooper and Cruz smile approvingly at Castro as she formulates a possible plan of action right there...

"Yeah... I can lead a team there, disguised as Imperial Inquisitors with a prisoner or two.." Castro explains as the idea comes to her. "Inquisitors cannot be denied entry to any Imperial facility or ship and their movements are classified, so the governor wouldn't be able to verify where they're coming from... can you furnish us with Inquisitor's uniforms and identification?"

Cooper smiles with the pride of a master watching his student take the lead and show that they've learned their lessons well.

"Yes! I can put that together for you..." Cooper says confidently. "But I suggest that you don't lead this mission, you're too well known and would be recognised. We can change your appearance some and you should be a lower ranking member of the team. Don't speak much and keep yourself in the background until necessary."

Castro nods in agreement. Cooper's suggestions are wise and prudent.

"You're right, sir.. and I'll do that..." Castro says. " We'll need a ship, a shuttle painted with Inquisitor markings. I suggest that a squadron of ships follow us but stay just outside of sensor range. They will be the muscle behind us when we take the governor. We'll make sure that the defensive grid is taken down so that these ships can come in to prevent any of the ships in the system from fleeing or firing upon us. If what you said is true, we'll find allies among the Terran troops and the Andorian subjects. I think the 'blue skins' will be happy to help us secure the planet."

Cooper nods slightly in agreement with Castro's tenative plan. He knows that it will have to be fine tuned but he has confidence in her ability to do that.

"Okay Captain Castro, get me your complete plan and a list of things you'll need by tomorrow morning.." Cooper says "I want a list of your team members too. I will send two people who can make contact with the Andorian resistance when you get there. The resistance will be given a full Imperial pardon if they help you, and swear allegiance to the Empire. They will make great soldiers for our side."

Castro salutes as she recieves her instructions.

"Yes sir! I'll have everything ready for your approval by 0900." Castro says cofidently. "I already have someone in mind to 'lead' the team... or at least be the one to do all of the talking... Dr. Ashley.. she'd be able to bullshit the devil himself... just the person to talk our way in!"

Ashley's mouth drops open as she hears Castro's perposal, completely shocking and surprising the doctor.

"Now wait a damn minute!" Ashley shouts angrily. "I don't know what you're thinking Captain Castro... I'm a doctor, damnit, not a commando!"

"And you're a soldier of the Terran Empire, doctor! Don't forget that!" Cooper interjects forcefully.

Remembering her oath as a soldier, Ashley snaps to attention and salutes.

"Yes Governor Cooper... I hear and obey!" Ashley replies.

Laura Black smiles seductively at Ashley, catching the doctor's gaze. Laura walks around the doctor as she stands at attention, stopping behind her to whisper in her ear again...

"Don't worry beautiful, I'll loosen you up before you leave..." Laura says as she pinches Ashley's rear end slightly. Causing the doctor to blush.

Cruz has still been examining the data on the new enemy ship even as Cooper and Castro hammer out a plan to deal with the Andorian situation. His concern weighing heavily on his mind as he listened to the others talking. This ship must be delt with.

"What about this ship, sir?" Cruz asks, sounding very concerned. "We can't let that thing get loose!"

Cooper turns his gaze back toward the fleet captain, but before he can say anything, Laura Black interrupts...

"I'll take care of the 'beast', sir." She says nonchalantly.. "I'll blow her up in her own drydock!"

Dr. Ashley turns her incredulous gaze toward Captain Black after hearing Laura's bravado.

"Are you mad, Captain Black?" Ashley says, potentially overstepping her rank by addressing a superior officer in that way. "Didn't you hear the governor say that thing is too well defended? An entire fleet couldn't fight its way through to attack it."

Cooper grins slightly at the doctor's words.

"She's right, Captain..." Cooper says calmly. "In spite of the doctor's near insubordination, she is correct. You'd never get close and we can't spare ships for a suicide mission."

Laura Black steps forward with her trademark smirk on her face. She is full of self confidence and it is evident in the unconscious swagger in her step.

"Oh I don't need a fleet, governor.." Laura says confidently. "I'll only need my own ship and crew. We'll proceed to Klingon space by way of Romulan territory. We have charted a 'goat's path' course that skips along their frontier just outside their sensor net."

Laura punches up a three dimensional map of the Romulan, Terran, Klingon borders showing where they intersect. She runs her finger along the map, revealing the course that the MARAUDER would take.

"Then we'll emerge in Klingon space right behind the 'Murmansk Madman's' lines. He's gotta be getting supplies sent to him from his bases in Klingon space because he can no longer be supplied by Starfleet logistics anymore...."

Laura Black can now see that she has piqued their interest. She breaks her plan down further for them.

"I'll bet he's got a fleet of chubby little supply and auxiliary ships stripping those Klingon planets of everything useful and making scheduled deliveries to his fleet at Starbase 234. He probably feels that his rear area is so secure, he's got minimal security forces guarding it. Besides, he needs his best ships with him, fighting in the offensive!"

Cooper and the other officers listen intently to Laura's plan. Castro, the one officer who knows Laura best, smiles with pride as her old friend confidently explains her bold plan.

"My people will quietly grab one of Timochenko's supply ships heading to Starbase 234," Laura continues. "We'll kill most of the crew and take their place, then take that ship into the shipyards at 234. We'll find a way to get aboard that beast, kill some of the technicians working on it, plant a few explosives in the warp core and ship's magazine, then get back to our captured supply ship and wait for the explosion. When that beast goes up it'll send Timochenko's people into so much confusion and panic that we'll be able to slip out, unobserved and rendezvous with the MARAUDER. Then we'll quietly slip back here the way we came.. a piece of cake!"

The governor and Fleet Captain Cruz stare at Laura for a minute with expressions of utter amazement at the boldness and bravado of her plan. They couldn't believe what they have just heard coming from an Imperial Starfleet captain. Terran are known for their elan, fearlessness and brutality in battle, but this plan is on another level.

Cruz laughs slightly then looks over to Cooper who was burying his face in his palm, in disbelief at what he's just heard.

"You know, her plan is crazy enough to work!" Cruz says

Cooper looks up slowly from his palm at Cruz then laughs.

"Maybe.. It is unorthodox enough to work.. If executed perfectly..." Cooper replies as he turns his gaze to Laura who stands there with her arms crossed and a confident expression on her face.

"It will work, sir..." Laura Black replies, unfazed. "This is the type of job that my crew and I do! We're commerce raiders and we have to come up with 'out of your ass' tactics all the time.."

Castro walks over to her old friend and claps her hand on Laura's shoulder, proudly. She turns toward the governor with her wolfish grin... "Out of you ass?"

"It's definitely a crazy plan sir!" Castro says, sure of her friend's abilities. "And this bitch is crazy enough to actually pull it off"

Cooper and Cruz trade glances for a moment as Ashley shakes her head in disbelief. The two men nod in agreement.

"Captain Black, your plan is a 'go'..." Cooper says. "As I just told Captain Castro, I want your complete plan by tomorrow morning. Let me know what resources. Both of you have come up with plans that are long shots at best. But without anything else better on the table, we'll go with them. I don't have to tell you two that the fate of the Terran Empire hangs in the balance... Dismissed!"

Cooper salutes them and they all snap to attention, returning his salute and shouting...

"Long live the Empire!" They say in unison.

They exit the governor's Control Center and pour out into the corridor. Cruz smiles at Castro as he slides in beside her. She wraps her arm around his and smiles as they begin to walk down the corridor. Lt. Gabby Gutierrez, Castro's bodyguard follows at a discreet distance. Laura Black takes Ashley's hand and walks with her. The doctor casting a perplexed expression as the captain continues flirting with her...

"So you really believe that we can do what we've planned, Marco?" Castro asks warmly.

"Yes I do!" Cruz replies without hesitation. "I know both of you and your reputations. If anyone can pull that shit off, it's you two!"

Laura Black laughs out loud.

"Hah! You're right about that!" Laura says loudly "And we'll have fun doing it!"

Then turning her attention to Dr. Ashley, Laura smiles suggestively.

"I'm going to have some fun tonight... playing 'doctor'!" Laura says in lower tones.

Ashley stops waking for a moment, pulling Laura over to the side of the corridor. She looks over at Laura, staring the attractive yet pushy captain in the eye...

"Captain Black, I've never been with another woman!" Ashley declares forcefully. "I'm not gay!"

Laura Black returns Ashley's gaze with even greater intensity as she presses her firm, warm, body close to the doctor's, making contact. Ashley is several inches taller than Laura but that is no problem for the captain. The feel of Laura's body next to hers instantly seems to send a jolt of electricity throughout the doctor's body. She blushes deeply as she feels her panties getting wet beneath her uniform.

"Don't worry about that doctor..." Laura says warmly. "Nobody's perfect!"

Laura then stands on her tippy toes and kisses Dr. Ashley softly on the lips.... The doctor feels her inhibitions melt away....

"Get a room, you two!" Castro shouts over her shoulder as she walks arm in arm with Cruz.. trailed by Gabby and another bodyguard.. one of her detail.

"Let us all have one night of forgetfulness... we could very well die soon!"

In The Mirror.. After The Dash! Welcome To Vulcan!

Description
Terran Imperial Governor Solomon Cooper shares frightening intelligence gathered from behind rebel lines from the partially rebuilt shipyards at Starbase 234 with the recently arrived trio of captains. Timochenko is building a monster! My OC's by www.deviantart.com/s2ka .

Governor Cooper, accompanied by Fleet Captain Marco Julian Cruz, Captain Providencia Castro, Captain Laura Black and Dr. Amira Ashley stare amazed at the three dimensional holographic image of a new, warship, a great giant of a ship, with three warp nacelles and bristling with weapons. A monster of a ship that is obviously being built for one reason. The subjugation of the Terran Empire.

"It seems that Timochenko and his people have been busy!" Governor Cooper says. Concern can be heard in his voice. "His engineers recently arrived at Starbase 234 with a huge prefabricated drydock brought in from his temporary shipyards in Klingon space. This thing is inside."

Captain Cruz's brown eyes widen slightly in surprise at the sight of image being projected by the intelligence console. He begins to closely examine the ship's image, spotting weapons ports and signs of it having an armor reinforced hull. The three huge nacelles are obviously capable of producing high warp speeds, possibly making this ship capable of out running anything currently being fielded by the Imperial Starfleet.

"This thing is real?" Cruz asks. "They're actually building this thing, this isn't a mock up or projection?"

Cooper, nodding his head slightly sighs deeply.

"According to our analysis and other gathered intelligence, it is very real and close to completion..." Cooper says.

"That thing is a beast!" Captain Laura Black says excitedly as her brown eyes stare at the rotating hologram.

"My father used to tell me stories about old Terra, back when there were the old nation states, back before our people were united as the Terran Empire..." Cooper says eerily... "Before the last world war... when those states would send nuclear powered vessels across the oceans and park them off an opponents coastline and point ballistic missiles at them in a threatening manner... This thing could reach Terra in days, out running anything we have, and shower the entire planet with photon torpedoes before anyone knew what was happening!"

"Gods! Who designed this thing? Are there more of them being built?" Castro asks incredulously.

Cooper presses on the console's computer control panel, pulling up a Terran Starfleet personnel file. The picture of a tan skin, male, Terran flag officer appears as a holographic image next to printed text.

"This thing is the brainchild of Rear-Admiral Sulimon al-Sharif, Timochenko's engineering chief of staff..." Cooper says. "He ran Timochenko's shipyards and construction specialists. He's a Patrician and a career officer who helped design and build the ISS CHERON, the late Emperor Georgiou's flagship."

Cruz nods his head as his eyes narrow, recognising the man being shown now.

"I know him..." Cruz says flatly. "He is a skilled engineer and brilliant designer. If he designed this monstrosity, it definitely is a sound and dangerous weapon. Admiral al-Sharif is meticulous, his designs are known for being tough, well engineered, and resilient. From what I can see, it would take a dozen starships to bring this thing down."

Cruz puts up the ship's hologram on again and begins explaining what he can make out from the image.

"Look here," he says, pointing at sections of the primary and secondary hulls. "I can see signs of a dozen phaser banks and shield generators. There's multiple photon torpedo launchers and a huge torpedo tube mounted in the rear. By the size and number of nacelles this thing is sporting, I estimate she can do warp 9 to 9.5 easily... I'm also seeing signs of ablative armor on the hull which could make her a very hard nut to crack."

A low, involuntary whistle issues from Laura Black's lips as she listens intently to Cruz's observations. The captain, a veteran commerce raider, is impressed by this ship's potential speed and firepower.

"I like her!" Laura Black says, smiling slightly. "She's a predator! An alpha predator and a war winner!"

Dr. Ashley shakes her head in disagreement as she looks over the hologram. Being a medical doctor and not an engineer or tactician, her reaction to the ship the opposite of Captain Black's. Standing near the captain she crosses her arms, a concerned expression on her beautiful face.

"That thing is what nightmares are made of..." Ashley says, as a chill crawls up her spine. "How the devil are we to deal with that monster if it is deployed? Timochenko will no doubt assign a fleet to support it and escort it. We'd need to deploy three combined task forces to even try and stop it."

Laura Black slides close to Ashley, flirtingly bumping her hip into the doctor's, as she whispers in her ear.

"Don't worry beautiful, I'll keep you safe... and warm..." Laura says seductively in very low tones to Dr. Ashley. "Let's have a drink together after the meeting... Yes?

Castro and the others don't seem to notice the flirtation as they continue to analyse the intel and the discussion turns to options.

"The doctor is right.." Castro sighs as she studies the ship's details. "We've got to kill this monstrosity before it can be used against us. Strangle it in its 'crib'! I will head out in twenty-four hours with my POTEMKIN and fourteen ships that'll be ready. I'll attack and destroy it before it can be launched!"

Cooper, Cruz cut their eyes admiringly at Castro. Her trademark fearlessness and willingness to leap in where angels fear to tread bring slight smiles to the men's faces and a supportive wink from Laura Black.

Cooper shakes his head at her proposal.

"Nooooo Pulli, you'd never get within five light years of that thing before Timochenko's fleet destroys you and your squadron." Cooper say calmly. "He's brought ninety percent of his fleet back across the border and has fortified his positions. He's deployed deep space mine fields, and prefabricated defensive deep space weapons platforms. Some are manned, some are automated and programmed to fire upon enemy ships. They are particularly nasty things, usually camouflaged and packing enough punch to destroy a starship that wanders into their range."

Castro frowns sourly at Cooper's words knowing that he's speaking the truth. Cursing faintly under her breath in frustration.

"Timochenko's got listening posts deployed out there as well, scanning far and wide providing early warnings to his forces..." Cooper continues. "It's as if a wall has gone up out there. He's about to take Starbase 24 in a few days, because its commander is defecting and opening the 'gates'."

All eyes turn to Cooper as he shares more intel.

"Timochenko will get a key starbase fully intact and about sixty starships that are assigned to that base and under that sector's commander." Cooper reports.

The assembled officers all spout out foul expletives while gripping their daggers in anger at the news of more Terrans becoming traitors to their Empire. Treason is one of the few things that make Terran violently angry.

"Fucking bastards!" Cruz shouts.. angrily "Traitors! They all have to be hanged!"

"Hanging is too good for them!" Laura Black hisses in disgust. "They gotta be killed nice and slow... I've got a few ideas.."

Castro says nothing as she seethes in building anger.

"Assholes!" Ashley spits as she grips her dagger in anger.... "More traitors... can it get any worse?"

Cooper's own anger nearly bursts through his measured poise. In the 'old days' his disgust would've definitely mirrored theirs. But now, as a leader of Senatorial Forces, who is trying to save the Empire from the forces of a madman and his traitorous followers, he has to keep control and his eye on the bigger picture. A clear mind, measured and careful strategy along with Terran 'ruthlessness' are needed for victory. Because death will be the reward for losing this war....

"Yes it can..." Cooper says. "But if we move quickly, carefully, ruthlessly and decisively, we can prevent it."

Cooper leans forward over the console and speaks again. This time in lower tones...

"It has come to my attention that the Terran Governor of Andoria plans to defect to Timochenko as well..." Cooper says. "He doesn't have the support of all of his officers so he is hesitant for now. He's trying to get these officers transferred surreptitiously and has arrested a couple on trumped up charges..."

The others lean in, listening carefully as the governor continues.

"I want to move against him quickly and arrest him.." Cooper says calmly. "The governor and all of the officers he's managed to persuade to commit treason! But we can't just move against him with force. If we do, we will lose assets that we cannot afford to lose with Timochenko pounding at the door..."

Castro smiles as she grasps what the governor, her old captain, is thinking about doing to neutralise this budding threat...

"Aaaahh.. Yes sir! I think I understand what you want to do!" Castro says, grinning wolfishly. "We have to get in there by stealth and subterfuge... a squad, armed with weapons and an Imperial warrant from the Senate. But we'll first have to get close enough to him without drawing much attention."

Cooper and Cruz smile approvingly at Castro as she formulates a possible plan of action right there...

"Yeah... I can lead a team there, disguised as Imperial Inquisitors with a prisoner or two.." Castro explains as the idea comes to her. "Inquisitors cannot be denied entry to any Imperial facility or ship and their movements are classified, so the governor wouldn't be able to verify where they're coming from... can you furnish us with Inquisitor's uniforms and identification?"

Cooper smiles with the pride of a master watching his student take the lead and show that they've learned their lessons well.

"Yes! I can put that together for you..." Cooper says confidently. "But I suggest that you don't lead this mission, you're too well known and would be recognised. We can change your appearance some and you should be a lower ranking member of the team. Don't speak much and keep yourself in the background until necessary."

Castro nods in agreement. Cooper's suggestions are wise and prudent.

"You're right, sir.. and I'll do that..." Castro says. " We'll need a ship, a shuttle painted with Inquisitor markings. I suggest that a squadron of ships follow us but stay just outside of sensor range. They will be the muscle behind us when we take the governor. We'll make sure that the defensive grid is taken down so that these ships can come in to prevent any of the ships in the system from fleeing or firing upon us. If what you said is true, we'll find allies among the Terran troops and the Andorian subjects. I think the 'blue skins' will be happy to help us secure the planet."

Cooper nods slightly in agreement with Castro's tenative plan. He knows that it will have to be fine tuned but he has confidence in her ability to do that.

"Okay Captain Castro, get me your complete plan and a list of things you'll need by tomorrow morning.." Cooper says "I want a list of your team members too. I will send two people who can make contact with the Andorian resistance when you get there. The resistance will be given a full Imperial pardon if they help you, and swear allegiance to the Empire. They will make great soldiers for our side."

Castro salutes as she recieves her instructions.

"Yes sir! I'll have everything ready for your approval by 0900." Castro says cofidently. "I already have someone in mind to 'lead' the team... or at least be the one to do all of the talking... Dr. Ashley.. she'd be able to bullshit the devil himself... just the person to talk our way in!"

Ashley's mouth drops open as she hears Castro's perposal, completely shocking and surprising the doctor.

"Now wait a damn minute!" Ashley shouts angrily. "I don't know what you're thinking Captain Castro... I'm a doctor, damnit, not a commando!"

"And you're a soldier of the Terran Empire, doctor! Don't forget that!" Cooper interjects forcefully.

Remembering her oath as a soldier, Ashley snaps to attention and salutes.

"Yes Governor Cooper... I hear and obey!" Ashley replies.

Laura Black smiles seductively at Ashley, catching the doctor's gaze. Laura walks around the doctor as she stands at attention, stopping behind her to whisper in her ear again...

"Don't worry beautiful, I'll loosen you up before you leave..." Laura says as she pinches Ashley's rear end slightly. Causing the doctor to blush.

Cruz has still been examining the data on the new enemy ship even as Cooper and Castro hammer out a plan to deal with the Andorian situation. His concern weighing heavily on his mind as he listened to the others talking. This ship must be delt with.

"What about this ship, sir?" Cruz asks, sounding very concerned. "We can't let that thing get loose!"

Cooper turns his gaze back toward the fleet captain, but before he can say anything, Laura Black interrupts...

"I'll take care of the 'beast', sir." She says nonchalantly.. "I'll blow her up in her own drydock!"

Dr. Ashley turns her incredulous gaze toward Captain Black after hearing Laura's bravado.

"Are you mad, Captain Black?" Ashley says, potentially overstepping her rank by addressing a superior officer in that way. "Didn't you hear the governor say that thing is too well defended? An entire fleet couldn't fight its way through to attack it."

Cooper grins slightly at the doctor's words.

"She's right, Captain..." Cooper says calmly. "In spite of the doctor's near insubordination, she is correct. You'd never get close and we can't spare ships for a suicide mission."

Laura Black steps forward with her trademark smirk on her face. She is full of self confidence and it is evident in the unconscious swagger in her step.

"Oh I don't need a fleet, governor.." Laura says confidently. "I'll only need my own ship and crew. We'll proceed to Klingon space by way of Romulan territory. We have charted a 'goat's path' course that skips along their frontier just outside their sensor net."

Laura punches up a three dimensional map of the Romulan, Terran, Klingon borders showing where they intersect. She runs her finger along the map, revealing the course that the MARAUDER would take.

"Then we'll emerge in Klingon space right behind the 'Murmansk Madman's' lines. He's gotta be getting supplies sent to him from his bases in Klingon space because he can no longer be supplied by Starfleet logistics anymore...."

Laura Black can now see that she has piqued their interest. She breaks her plan down further for them.

"I'll bet he's got a fleet of chubby little supply and auxiliary ships stripping those Klingon planets of everything useful and making scheduled deliveries to his fleet at Starbase 234. He probably feels that his rear area is so secure, he's got minimal security forces guarding it. Besides, he needs his best ships with him, fighting in the offensive!"

Cooper and the other officers listen intently to Laura's plan. Castro, the one officer who knows Laura best, smiles with pride as her old friend confidently explains her bold plan.

"My people will quietly grab one of Timochenko's supply ships heading to Starbase 234," Laura continues. "We'll kill most of the crew and take their place, then take that ship into the shipyards at 234. We'll find a way to get aboard that beast, kill some of the technicians working on it, plant a few explosives in the warp core and ship's magazine, then get back to our captured supply ship and wait for the explosion. When that beast goes up it'll send Timochenko's people into so much confusion and panic that we'll be able to slip out, unobserved and rendezvous with the MARAUDER. Then we'll quietly slip back here the way we came.. a piece of cake!"

The governor and Fleet Captain Cruz stare at Laura for a minute with expressions of utter amazement at the boldness and bravado of her plan. They couldn't believe what they have just heard coming from an Imperial Starfleet captain. Terran are known for their elan, fearlessness and brutality in battle, but this plan is on another level.

Cruz laughs slightly then looks over to Cooper who was burying his face in his palm, in disbelief at what he's just heard.

"You know, her plan is crazy enough to work!" Cruz says

Cooper looks up slowly from his palm at Cruz then laughs.

"Maybe.. It is unorthodox enough to work.. If executed perfectly..." Cooper replies as he turns his gaze to Laura who stands there with her arms crossed and a confident expression on her face.

"It will work, sir..." Laura Black replies, unfazed. "This is the type of job that my crew and I do! We're commerce raiders and we have to come up with 'out of your ass' tactics all the time.."

Castro walks over to her old friend and claps her hand on Laura's shoulder, proudly. She turns toward the governor with her wolfish grin... "Out of you ass?"

"It's definitely a crazy plan sir!" Castro says, sure of her friend's abilities. "And this bitch is crazy enough to actually pull it off"

Cooper and Cruz trade glances for a moment as Ashley shakes her head in disbelief. The two men nod in agreement.

"Captain Black, your plan is a 'go'..." Cooper says. "As I just told Captain Castro, I want your complete plan by tomorrow morning. Let me know what resources. Both of you have come up with plans that are long shots at best. But without anything else better on the table, we'll go with them. I don't have to tell you two that the fate of the Terran Empire hangs in the balance... Dismissed!"

Cooper salutes them and they all snap to attention, returning his salute and shouting...

"Long live the Empire!" They say in unison.

They exit the governor's Control Center and pour out into the corridor. Cruz smiles at Castro as he slides in beside her. She wraps her arm around his and smiles as they begin to walk down the corridor. Lt. Gabby Gutierrez, Castro's bodyguard follows at a discreet distance. Laura Black takes Ashley's hand and walks with her. The doctor casting a perplexed expression as the captain continues flirting with her...

"So you really believe that we can do what we've planned, Marco?" Castro asks warmly.

"Yes I do!" Cruz replies without hesitation. "I know both of you and your reputations. If anyone can pull that shit off, it's you two!"

Laura Black laughs out loud.

"Hah! You're right about that!" Laura says loudly "And we'll have fun doing it!"

Then turning her attention to Dr. Ashley, Laura smiles suggestively.

"I'm going to have some fun tonight... playing 'doctor'!" Laura says in lower tones.

Ashley stops waking for a moment, pulling Laura over to the side of the corridor. She looks over at Laura, staring the attractive yet pushy captain in the eye...

"Captain Black, I've never been with another woman!" Ashley declares forcefully. "I'm not gay!"

Laura Black returns Ashley's gaze with even greater intensity as she presses her firm, warm, body close to the doctor's, making contact. Ashley is several inches taller than Laura but that is no problem for the captain. The feel of Laura's body next to hers instantly seems to send a jolt of electricity throughout the doctor's body. She blushes deeply as she feels her panties getting wet beneath her uniform.

"Don't worry about that doctor..." Laura says warmly. "Nobody's perfect!"

Laura then stands on her tippy toes and kisses Dr. Ashley softly on the lips.... The doctor feels her inhibitions melt away....

"Get a room, you two!" Castro shouts over her shoulder as she walks arm in arm with Cruz.. trailed by Gabby and another bodyguard.. one of her detail.

"Let us all have one night of forgetfulness... we could very well die soon!"

In The Mirror.. After The Dash! Welcome To Vulcan!