Commander Ash MacKenna - The End of the Line (Part 1)

[Marissa Jeffrey]

((Ops, Deck One, Central Module, Deep Space Thirty Three))

There was little left in the way of power or fight in the central hub of the station's control center. She could still hear the fighting going on just beyond the bulkheads that housed the delicate controls in from the hustle and bustle of everything else, but at this point the fatigue and continuous sensory overload had forced her to tune it out. All that mattered now was the data on the screen, and it was increasingly more depressing as the moments ticked by. 

Her thoughts drifted and for a split second she almost thought she could smell the scent of rain on the tall grass not far from her childhood home. Taking a deep breath, her eyes started to flutter closed as her head got a bit dizzy. Then as suddenly as the scent came, it was replaced by burnt electronics and smoke. She couldn't help the coughing that followed.

Wide awake, at least for that moment, Ash noticed more signals coming through, the telltale sign of one thing and one thing only.

MacKenna: More ships are dropping out of warp.

This would be the final blow to the ever-exhausting band of fighters who had tried to keep the line. She tried to reach out and send her final feelings of warmth and love to Shayne, hoping that her lack of telepathy wouldn't prevent him from knowing that he was her final thought.

Stergis: What the Alliance lacks in brains it seems to make up for in brute force.  

But in the midst of her thoughts of Shayne and all that they would never experience, a different kind of chirp sounded from her station. It demanded her fatigued attention and it got it.

MacKenna: It's the Excalibur!

Now she was awake.

Stergis: I don't believe it.  

What they could see was probably one of the most beautiful things she'd seen in a very long time. Having been on the edge of death too many times, this was one time she absolutely didn't mind the flashy show of a save.

Stergis: I'm still not sure I believe it.  

The speakers crackled to life once more - this time seemingly more strongly.

Nicholotti: =/\= To all Lattice Alliance ships and forces; you have picked the wrong day and the wrong people to bring this fight to. You have ten minutes to withdraw, or I will take care of that for you. Your time starts now. =/\=

There was something about the voice and the words that were spoken that infused everyone around them with another round of energy. Eyes were more open, controls were being used faster, information was flowing for the first time in hours...and Ash let a sliver of a smile through on her tired face. 

Stergis:  Now I believe it.  See if you can get a message through to the Excalibur, we need to reinforce our security teams.  

MacKenna:  On it.

What followed was nothing short of the battle of the century. The lightworks outside made for a great show to those able to see, and outside the bulkheads the sounds of war seemed to slowly edge away. Somehow, another shockwave hit, but this time it seemed to do far less damage to the station and all of them. The Excalibur had done more than turned the tide, she had forced the fatal energies back into the void, and towards the Alliance ships who had remained.

Slowly, the screen started to clear.

Stergis:  They did it.  They actually did it.  The Alliance is running.  Look!  

The sliver of a smile grew unabated. She was too tired to care about anything but the taste of success.

MacKenna: We might just make it through this night.

It was as if the commander of the station was re-energized and set into motion on a path of vengeance. Such a sudden turn in the battle would do that, but Ash found herself glad to be on the woman's good side now.

Stergis: =/\= Attention Lattice Alliance Forces, this is Commander Agatha Stergis, the commanding officer of this station.  Your fleet has abandoned you and is currently in full retreat.  You have no reinforcements or means of escape.  No one else has to die here today. You are ordered to surrender and lay down your weapons.  Surrender and you will not be harmed.  Attack any of our positions or offer resistance of any kind and I promise you will be.  This is our station.  Thirty-Three Stands.  You have two minutes to decide. Stergis out. =/\=

For a moment, the woman slumped against the console and Ash found herself softly repeating the words of the Ronin's first officer earlier in the day.

MacKenna:  Starfleet strong.

That was when the woman laughed - and not just a little. The fatigue and likely shock from her injuries had finally sent her over the edge. At least that was what it seemed like.

Stergis:  Sorry, I just had the oddest thought...it's just...if the Alliance agrees to that surrender?  It'll be the first formal diplomatic success this station has had.  And the Ambassador wasn't even here.  

Another laugh, and Ash shared a bit of a smile. It was over...

TBC

--

Commander Ash MacKenna

Chief Intelligence Officer

USS Khitomer

R238605KN0