Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti - Unexpected

[Marissa Jeffrey]

((Bridge, USS Excalibur - A))

Alerts were sounding from various consoles almost before the ship dropped out of the slipstream, but it wasn't until space had resolved itself around them that Kali noticed the debris field. Reports came in from officers around her speaking of the destruction of a ship, and for a long moment she held her breath waiting to hear if it was one of theirs. Thankfully, when the officer at the science station listed the compounds and eventually identified the ship as being an Alliance vessel, Kali was able to breathe again.

Still, that didn't tell her anything about where the Ronin or Khitomer were because they sure as hell weren't there.

Taylor: Scans are picking up a federation signal, but it's not from either of the ships.

Kali raised an eyebrow and shot a glance over to her first officer.

Nicholotti: Scan exit vectors from the system. I want to know where they went.

A nod from the taller man indicated his understanding, so Kali continued.

Nicholotti: Taylor, locate and lock on to that signal. I have a feeling we will be leaving very soon.

Motion at the helm station told her that the officer was ready to punch it. After a year on the Tholian border, despite a lack of action, her bridge officers had begun to pick up on her tactics and stood ready before her orders were issued. It saved time, which was beneficial in moments like these. Still, there was a long moment of silence in which it seemed like everything except time stood still.

And then suddenly, silence was nothing more than a memory.

Alerts and alarms rang out across the bridge, soon matched with reports as well.

Taylor: Alliance ships in motion, but they are moving away from us. Looks like they are headed towards the cloak.

Kali had a great many questions about the cloak, but now was not the time.

Nicholotti: Target?

A long pause almost made her stand, but Kali knew there was strength in patience. Seconds ticked by

Taylor: A starfleet vessel! Looks like...the Rhine.

Now Kali was on her feet. The war had gone hot and there was little keeping her weapons silent now because she was certain those Alliance ships out there weren't trying to throw the Rhine a welcome party. 

Nicholotti: Put us between those ships and the Rhine, and tractor them aboard. Whoever's on board, get them up here as soon as we can. ::beat.:: Fire at will.

She whipped her head around to the XO and locked eyes for a moment before continuing.

Nicholotti: Lock in a course to wherever the Khitomer and the Ronin were headed as soon as we have them. I have a feeling time is not something we have a lot of.

TBC

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Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti

Commanding Officer

USS Excalibur - A

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