Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti - Power to Win the Battle, Knowledge to Win the War

[Marissa Jeffrey]

((Bridge, USS Excalibur - A))

Kali watched at the various teams reported away. Marine strike teams transported aboard the station and began the task of clearing out any remaining Sheliak or Tholian infiltrators. Knowing those officers well, she was glad that she was on their good side; those who had chosen to lay siege to 33 by boarding would not be facing anything near pleasant.

On the screen, a veritable cloud of fighters emerged from their launch bays and made moves to engage enemy fighters that were left after the apparent fight that left more than just two Federation ships adrift in space. That was going to be an interesting report to read for sure. 

Medical and engineering teams stood by waiting for the all clear so that the Khitomer and Ronin could lower their shields momentarily and accept the help. It sure looked like they needed it, but having gotten this far, neither dared lower their shields with enemy ships still trying to decide to run or attack. Those who chose the latter were going to find out just how sharp the Blade was. 

Silently she monitored her fire at will order as her tactical and helm officers worked in symphony to stay between the wounded ships and those who were still trying to attack them.

 
Raedai: Why did the Alliance send troops to the station? To wipe out most of the defenders, they just had to destroy the life support system. It is not prepared for their needs, they have to make a new one. And those that survived would have problems with having to wear vacuum suits, so it would be easier to kill those that remained.

It was an interesting question, though her dealings with the xenophobic races in the area were limited. She had read a report on a mining operation not long ago that had been using a kidnapped Starfleet crew to do heavy labor. Perhaps that was part of it. 

Nicholotti: We don't understand them any more than they understand us. The only difference is that we make the attempt.

Her eyes didn't move from the viewscreen as she watched a frigate move around the Excal towards the Ronin. Power seemed to flicker and surge on the ship, as if the arrival of the Blade had helped them find that last wind.

Raedai: Unless they are looking for something that needs the life support of a humanoid... or someone.

A pause settled only momentarily as the Romulan's Vulcan counterpart agreed.

Alieth: That is... logical. But who or what could be so important as to make all this display?

Kali wondered if slavery couldn't actually be it. 

Nicholotti: They may be attempting to secure a...forced workforce. It's happened here before.

The details weren't as clear in her mind as they might have been if she'd had time to pull up the reports but as things were they were technically in the middle of a firefight.

Alieth: Commodore, can we contact the station? Can we contact the Ambassador's offices or Commander Stergis?

Raedai: Response

Nicholotti: We've been trying. I have hoped that they have heard us at least and have the hope of backup, but we've heard nothing back so far. Once the Marine teams reach the operational core, we should have some limited comms though.

Another look that was less than favorable. Kali couldn't blame the woman though. Nothing really felt right about any of this.

Alieth: If the initial assault was aimed at taking out something... or someone, it makes sense that they would send the smaller ships first. It would give them time to get whatever it is they were looking for, and make a tactical withdrawal when the Leviathans arrived.

It was a sound tactical analysis to be certain, but it was missing one core component, and that was the central ideas of Alliance leadership.

Alieth: Only then would it be time to destroy the station, and strike a blow towards their domination of this sector... at the same time as they concealed the theft they had carried out. The Fleet would never have known, they would assume that whoever or whatever they had stolen was destroyed with DS33. A master plan.

Raedai: Response

Nicholotti: I am sure there will be time to understand this after they are gone.

Alieth: We cannot be sure unless we contact DS33 or one of the ships. But first that vessel would have to be deactivated.

It appeared that the Ronin then launched a shuttle of some kind and Kali narrowed her eyes as what few enemy fighters remained seemed to hone in on it. She looked to the marine on her bridge and issued redirection orders.

Nicholotti: Divert the fighters.

Raedai: Response

The Vulcan officer nodded with confident firmness.

Alieth: The lieutenant can give you more technical details, but a pulse of the main deflect at the moment they activate the weapons will completely destroy them.

A quick look to the large burned out hulk of a ship drifting among a veritable cloud of debris made her wonder if that had already happened here.

Raedai: Response

Nicholotti: Do we feel that is needed at this juncture? Would it ensure success?

It already seemed as if they were winning; the larger, damaged leviathan ships had bugged out and many of the smaller ships were flittering away. Only a few and a handful of fighters remained, and with the new updates to the Excalibur shielding, coupled with her full powered and array of weapons, she felt confident that instant destruction wasn't exactly necessary, especially since she didn't know the risks.

Alieth/Raedai: Responses?

Kali nodded thoughtfully as the fighters swarmed and yet more enemy ships faded out. An explosion near the shuttle drew her attention back and she smiled slightly.

Nicholotti: It may be that we have already won this battle, but that very plan may win the war.

With time to refine it and get the timing and power down, they would have an actual chance against the Alliance. It was something she would send back to the ships on the border as soon as they were able. The static of an incoming comm lit up the speakers on the bridge. She had to struggle for a moment, but she heard a voice through the din.

Khitomer/Ronin: =/\= Responses? =/\=

TAG/TBC

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Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti

Commanding Officer

USS Excalibur - A

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