I enjoy writing the Captain Valdez character, I wrote him as a cool and level headed military commander who uses historical tactics to defeat his opponent. I wrote him also as a firm but fair captain (he removed the agony booths and packed them off to the nearest starbase and also removed all other agony devices). To him there are more efficient ways to maintain crew discipline than relying on terror.
He also stopped promotions based on assassination, to get far in his crew you have to have merit and loyalty.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The I.S.S. Oudenarde had to be decommissioned due to damage sustained in the duel at the Badlands, Captain Valdez and his now replenished crew were new assigned to a new ship. The I.S.S. Astute, an Eclipse class Battle cruiser loomed up to the shuttles of crew transferring to the Empire's latest warship class. Captain Valdez and his senior staff had arrived by a Delta class shuttle. Captain Valdez flew the shuttle himself.
After getting the crew settled in, Captain Valdez had them gathered in the shuttlebay and addressed them. "I know this is not the Oudenarde, she was a good ship. Most of you already know me but for you new people I have two rules. One, everyone fights and nobody quits, fail to do your job and I will make life very difficult. Two, promotion is based on merit and loyalty, anyone thinking about killing their way to the top will be dealt with severely. Each of you take a look to the soldier to the left and right of you, those are the people you fight for. We're a proud crew, we get results no matter the odds, long live the Empire". The whole crew saluted and marched out of the shuttlebay in perfect order.
"Teanna, schedule 4 random drills a day. Lets get to work on moulding the new additions to the crew." said Captain Valdez. "I'll try not to terrify them" replied Teanna smiling. "Trianna, I need you empathic abilities. Report any suspicious thoughts to me" Captain Valdez said. "Yes Father" replied Trianna. Lt Clemens soon interrupted with a message from Imperial command. Message read, "Obrom System governor overthrown. The new government is demanding to secede from the Empire. Your orders are to take a small force and deal with these rebels, Good hunting."
"Get the crews to their stations" ordered Captain Valdez. "Captain to Lt Krasnova, set a course for Obrom" was his next order. 4 hours later, the Astute along with a small force of cruisers and 3 intrepids entered orbit of Obrom. Captain Valdez hailed the governor's palace, "This is Captain Nathan Valdez, commander of the force in orbit above you, you have 5 minutes to surrender your forces or risk being wiped out. Your choice"
The rebel leaders did not take the threat well, they sent a hail back with only two words. "No Surrender". "Looks like they want to fight" said Teanna. "All ships, prepare your MACOs for ground assault." ordered Captain Valdez. The cruisers moved into orbital bombardment range as the Intrepids entered the atmosphere. Captain Valdez deployed his shuttles as bombers to support his ground assault. Moments later the Intrepids had landed and 4 companies of MACOs secured the drop zone.
The Imperial forces now deployed the rest of the division to the surface. The rebel defenders were stunned by the speed of assault landings and were slow to respond, the MACOs now broke out of their dropzones as fighters and shuttles attacked the rebel lines of supply and communications. Faced with a ground assault to their front and being attacked from above, the rebel infantry facing the MACOs broke and fled in a rout. From orbit, the Imperial forces bombarded rebel positions in the path of the MACO assault, any settlement suspected of harbouring rebels was wiped out from orbit.
36 hours into the battle, the MACOs broke into the Obrom capital city defense lines and fought their way through the city street by street, building by building and even room by room in some sectors of the advance. Eventually Terran forces encircled the governor's palace and the rebel leaders surrendered the survivors into Terran captivity. Captain Valdez beamed down to take the surrender himself, "Was this defiance to the Empire worth it?" he asked the captured rebel leaders before signalling his troops to make an example of them.
24 hours later, Captain Valdez wrapped up the Obrom operation and all Terran forces were back on orbit. He had achieved his objectives in a short and sharp manner. "Send this report to Admiral Sito" ordered Captain Valdez from his ready room. the report read. "Obrom pacified, all rebel resistance wiped out in a combined space,air and ground operation."
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Veel’Riz had spread his ships into multiple groups cloaked throughout the asteroid field and debris of the system. His forward scouts had reported incoming hostiles, and he decided to use the advantage he currently had, placing 30 Crusaders at maximum range to release their deadly payloads. Then he’d sent 25 drones ships looking like his frigates to both Sol and Andoria… He wasn’t sure if the ploy would work, but the Terrans likely wouldn’t take a risk like that, once they discovered the radiation on the planet. “In the case of beings of the Lowly Terran standard you need only cut out the diseased heart and the beast falls,” his brother had said once long ago… Was it true? The Empire would soon become more powerful than it ever was before, and didn’t even hold it’s true capital- Terra Prime. Even if the Sol system were completely destroyed there wasn’t any reason the Empire wouldn’t be any less of a threat… No, in the long run they’d likely become stronger- fuelling their lust for power and domination because of that loss.
Knowing what was about to happen again, he felt calm, serene. Finally he was told the Molindran ships had entered local subspace, and would be staying there until the word was given to engage. The Vanquisher was currently cloaked at the rear of the first line of the Union force. His thoughts went to Althitha, and he smiled- he’d never thought a member of his family, let alone his (un-known to most) temporally displaced grand-daughter would become High-Protector of the Star Union.
T’Nae’s voice returned him to reality, as the forward scouts withdrew from their skirmish with the enemy’s scouts as Solat brought the majority of Task Force Inquisitor into the system. Then the battle became an abys of madness, as one of the four the Crusader squadrons fired a volley into the path of the approaching Imperials. Admiral Solat however had been expecting Veel’Riz to try this hoping she’d forgo logic and act emotionally and pursue the Romulan frigates and Kronos escorts. Both Commanders knew not to repeat a tactic, and had new tricks for this round. Veel’Riz had given away the location of the first artillery group, but those ships weren’t unprotected when two dozen the Terrans went towards them… As the incoming members of task force Inquisitor were thinned by three Valour cruisers and 11 Dagger class frigates, in addition to the cloaked minefield, the bulk of Solat’s ships engaged the emboldened and unyielding remenants of Battle-group Scythe. Task Force Inquisitor was just as determined to see them wiped from the face of the galaxy.
The Vanquisher alongside the rest of the front line used its cloaked barrage targeting the forwards hostiles, before breaking formation and coming about scattering into the asteroid field. This was the exact situation where the Reapers perfection of his Scourge tactic gave his warbirds an edge in the chaotic asteroids. As the Terrans entered the rockly mess the Union forces continued to flee, the occasional vessel circling around to giving the Imperials a constant reprisal.
All seemed to be going well for the Terrans for several minutes, the warbirds while offering some resistance, continued to fall back. “Is this a trap Admiral?” Valdez questioned. The Vulcan shared that sentiment, and ordered the Vulcan ships to take the lead in the pursuit while the Andorians pulled out of the asteroids which saved half their lives. At that same moment Veel’Riz played his next move; with his destroyers and remaining escorts opening fire on the enemy and forcing the chase to come to a halt. Those ships that tried to break out the asteroids at this point found themselves impacting a mine field. The Romulan warbirds entering a the battle concentrated their fire on the Terran ships- these were Parasite torpedoes- each carrying Veel’Riz’s elite, shock troops, although they were minimally shielded, their size and cloaks did their jobs.
The news was ill received on the I.S.S. Valdez: “Where’d that one-…. Thaeloron grenade!... Get me a telepath they’ve got stealth generators!... Security they’re on the bridge! They’re on-… They’ve got Tholian swords, fall back!”
As the reports came in about boarding parties, armed with specialized weaponry, Solat ordered those ships outside the asteroids to start firing into it. This had the effect of breaking up the space rocks and thinning the Romulan ranks, but unknowingly giving the telepaths hidden in subspace ammunition.
“I’m getting reports of telepathic shields failing on several ships Admiral.” Solat ordered her ships to regroup outside the field, this forced the Reaper to chase them after the Crusaders fired again, huge aqua plasma blasts filling the area, engulfing several vessles. Veel’Riz quickly finished off the entrapped enemies in the asteroids and after failing to lure them back into his arena with some additional volleys. Veel’Riz use of guerrilla tactics was about to end for this engagement- much to his displeasure.
As the warbirds accelerated at the Terrans they were rapidly cut down, the Vanquisher took an indirect hit to its engines, which was now giving away it’s location. Although that wasn’t the worst of the current situation for the Unions veterans, while Trianna hadn’t been able to hack into the warbirds themselves she’d been able to circumvent the systems of nearly 75% of the remaining Drone ships. When Veel’Riz had moved those Drones into a flanking position the Terrans fired on the uncompromised ones, and turned the weapons against their creators.
On the bridge of the I.S.S. Valdez, Solat looked at her beeping telepathic shield- it was buckling under strain. Where were the Molindrans hiding? Her question was answered a moment later, a the Tsunami, along with Five Molindran cruisers, exited subspace, launching it’s full compliment of Cascade heavy fighters and opening with the massive ships lance weapon. The Psionic beam cut through the ships defences as if they didn’t exist.
As the Celestial class entered weapons range of the enemy Solat’s first instinct was to withdraw, although the sudden appearance of the I.S.S. Vendetta and Victoria’s fleet helped to balance the situation. Victoria’s first order was to use a temporal rift to use its gravity to disable as many warbirds as possible as the Paradox dreadnought flew by at full impulse, beam weapons firing in every direction. This action allowed task for Inquisitor to concentrate its firepower on the helpless vessels. The Vendetta went on to engage the Molindrans. However they too had a surprise of their own, as they used telekinesis to grab the asteroids and use them as projectiles against the Terrans.
“Zalnous to Solat; I hate to admit it but the Vendetta is outclassed by that ship, I expect a favour for this!” The man shouted as the ship shook like a drum, under the firepower of the Tsunami. Rishis was heard in the background ordering her crew to activate the Manheim device and use the Iconian virial probes. On and on the battle continued appearing as though there could be no clear victor. On the Vendetta Marion turned to Rishis, “Is there a reason Ran’Karsork isn’t simply absorbing all the enemy lives around us, or is he just not hungry?!” Several torpedoes slammed into the shields.
“Apparently he’s perfectly happy feeding off the dead the fight is currently making!” O’Brien screamed in fury at the aforementioned entity’s arrogance. She then looked to the ceiling in horror as a massive crack started to form. Were they trying to crush her ship!?
Over the next half hour the two sides continued trying to out-maneuver each other, while staying away from the battling dreadnoughts. Although the Tsunami made an attempt to get past the Vendetta and assist the allied fleet. It was the combination of two events that brought the battle to a conclusion. First O’Brien ordered her forces to disengage, as her ship, her beautiful engine of destruction took further damage. The Molindran force now free, moved to the rest of the battle. At the same time however the R.D.W. Vanquisher took a direct hit to her sensor array.
Onboard the Vanquisher, T’Nae checked that her pistol was set to stun. “Computer, activate Chevalier protocol sixty-six.” She shot Veel’Riz, stunning him. “Get the Star Commander into a shuttle, and back to Vanguard Station… Walker had better be right about what he told me.”
After Veel’Riz was beamed down to the shuttle bay, she took his seat and went to fleet wide communications. “This is the Chevalier T’Nae of Vanquisher; Falcon, and Mourn-Raven wings, and anyone without warp drive form up on the flagship… Everyone else retreat immediately, I say again, retreat! We will buy you time to escape!”
As those warbirds staying behind all deactivate their cloaks, those making a break for it sped into the shadows, quickly joined by one of the Vanquisher’s shuttle craft. Solat finished them all quickly, and evaded the Vanquisher overloading its singularity core, flooding the area with radiation.
As the crews of task force inquisitor cheered, and began to coordinate which ships to assist with boarding parties, T’Nae suddenly found herself in a holding cell on the bridge of the I.S.S. Vendetta, looking at a horrifyingly familiar face- wasn’t this one dead?!
Victoria wearing her holographic armor had given control to her captain, who looked at the Vulcan holding her bleeding forehead. “Zalnous said your commander was important to the Empire in the future…. So I’ll settle for handing over Veel’Riz’s most trusted officer and bodyguard to Admiral Solat… My old friend.”
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
The remnants of battlegroup scythe made it in bloodied but not destroyed, the unexpected imperial reinforcements had turned what was planned to be a perfect ambush into retreat. Captain Valdez was back on the Oudenarde getting a head wound treated by Doctor Jorel. "Rough day Captain?" asked Jorel, apart from his duties as ship CMO he was also the spiritual counsellor for the crew. "You could say that" replied Valdez, "to paraphrase the Duke of Wellington just before Waterloo, she humbugged us".
"Humbugged?" asked Jorel, "It's a human term doctor, it means we got out manoeuvred" replied Valdez. "Happens to the best of us Captain, the prophets always have a way of improving one's outlook on life" replied Jorel. "Hows Trianna?" asked Valdez looking over to her bio bed. "She's recovering very well, she'll be ready to be discharged in the next 72 hours" answered Jorel. Captain Valdez needed to get back to the bridge, Jorel insisted on treating the head wound. After being cleared, Captain Valdez went to the bridge.
"Solat, arrange for medical teams to be transported over to the Romulans. Engineering teams as well" ordered Valdez. "Got it Captain" answered Solat, "Bad day sir?." asked Solat. "You're the second person to ask me that today, your counterpart hit us really hard." replied Valdez. "The Star Commander's personal physician asked me to pass you a message." replied Solat handing Valdez the PADD. Valdez read it and his mood improved, the Oudenarde was to head to a starbase near Romulus. The message read "The Star Commander explained the situation to me, we can help with your critical casualty". "Helm set course for Romulus, transwarp on my mark." ordered Captain Valdez. He then gave the signal "Punch it" and the Oudenarde entered the transwarp corridor, in six hours it would be at Romulus.
"I need four volunteers for a search and rescue operation, I know a few of you on this crew are crazy enough to do it." said Captain Valdez to his crew. "What's the job?" asked Lt Flores, "it's rather simple, infiltrate a Terran warship, fight our way to their holding cells and break out a chevalier." replied Valdez. "Count me in" replied Flores. Clemens, Krasnova, Five of Eight and Hunter all raised their hand. "I'll be leading this raid myself, I will not order anyone to do something if I won't carry it out myself. Grab your gear and report to the Flyer" said Valdez. "Solat, keep this ship on it's course to Romulus. The Oudenarde dropped out of transwarp and the flyer launched and set course for Nukara cloaked. "This'll be more fun than Iconia" joked Flores. Everyone onboard smiled, Flores has known for his somewhat dry sense of humor.
The I.S.S. Astute was in port for resupply, Betazed was the homebase for Terran operations in the region. "Imperial propaganda is having a field day" said Commander Teanna Valdez. "After what we did to Obrom, other worlds will get the message that defiance leads only to destruction." replied Captain Valdez. "Nathan, look at it this way. You've loyally served the empire for 20 years, you should be Admiral by now but you turn down the promotion every time they roll it out." replied Teanna. "I like to fly and not be behind a desk on Terra or Betazed." responded Captain Valdez. Teanna handed over a PADD to Valdez, it was DNA locked to only Captain Valdez.
He had attracted the attention of the Inquisition, "The Regent passed on your name for promotion, she said the Inquisition had need of operatives with some unique skills." Teanna said, "no negotiation?" asked Valdez. "Congratulations Inquisitor Valdez, officially you are still an Imperial captain but unofficially you are in between Captain and Rear Admiral." replied Teanna. Inquisition crews were the elite of the elite, Captain Valdez decided to brief the crew in the shuttlebay.
In the shuttlebay the whole crew were formed up into their departments and saluted on masse as Captain Valdez and Commander Valdez marched to the podium. "All of you now must up your game, the nature of the missions we will be asked to do will be tougher and more dangerous than what we have done in the past. Each of you have to be tougher, more resilient and able to do your job in more efficient manner. We've faced long odds before and we've come out victorious as we have always done, now is no different. All hands get to your stations." "I forgot to mention it earlier, but Naynta found out you put her name forward for the Vice Admiral position, she sends her thanks for your support" said Teanna after the crew left the shuttlebay. "She'll do great" replied Captain Valdez.
Captain Valdez now got his orders, the Astute was to link up with a heavy task force and advance on the Aokii system. The Imperial Governor declared for Leeta, an Inquisition armada had been dispatched from Terra to eliminate the problem. Eight hours later, the armada of 20 heavy capital ships, 15 Pathfinder class landing ships and 5 carriers jumped into orbit. General Paris formed up his armada into assault groups. The Astute was in the central Command assault group. "All cruisers and battleships, move into your bombardment positions. Pathfinders commence landing operations" ordered Paris. As the Pathfinders came into land they were met a volley of anti aircraft fire but all made it to their dropzones.
At 1600 hours terran time The 1st Inquisitor Storm division landed under fire and expanded their beachhead and fanned out before securing a circle of hills and broken ground around the beachhead to secure it. 2nd and 3rd MACO were then deployed by Argus shuttles under covering fire of the bombardment groups. By 1900 hours, 6000 troops had been deployed. Now they began to advance, under covering fire of the bombardment groups and fighters they advanced 30 km a day against disorganised pockets of resistance. The closer they got to Aokii's capital, the stiffer resistance got with each settlement in the path of the advance having to be leveled from orbit.
Fighters and shuttles harried the rebel communications, supplies and troop concentrations and the Terran infantry isolated and then destroyed the rebel positions. Paris now deployed his reserves to the ground battle, the 2nd and 3rd Inquisitor storm divisions were now deployed 10 km behind rebel lines with orders to cut the rebel retreat. The landing was on time and soon 2500 rebel infantry were trapped in a narrow valley with Terran infantry blocking both ways out. Rather than waste Terran lives on frontal assaults, the Terran troops set up a ring of quantum mortars and opened fire. Not a soul moved in that pass afterwards.
The Aokii capital was now under attack from 10000 Terran infantry and being bombarded from orbit, soon it was encircled and the attackers fought their way through mouse holing through buildings and back alleys to stay in cover. Some sectors had to be cleared room by room and building by building but the Terran discipline kept the attackers in the fight.
24 hours later, the Terran infantry blasted open the Palace doors and stormed into the building complex. Realising he had no way out, the governor gathered the last of his soldiers and charged into the Terran assault. When the smoke had cleared the governor and his bodyguard were killed along with nearly 4000 rebel soldiers for the whole operation. Terran losses were 1500 Killed, wounded and missing. Aokii was now pacified fully and Inquisitional troops now garrisoned the planet.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Rear Admiral Solat was sat in her war room reading her reports, she knew she owed Victoria O'Brien a favour as O'Brien had delivered her Chevalier T'nae. T'nae was to be kept alive as leverage, the I.S.S. Valdez was on her way back to Nukara. "Admiral, we have contacts at bearing 231/4, they're blocking the route to Nukara" reported Clemens. Solat gave the order to engage the enemy, she had to get back to Nukara.
Captain Valdez and his assault team were getting into position to beam over to the Valdez's cargo hold. "Flores, you got the codes Trianna provided ready? Otherwise this might turn messy real fast." asked Valdez. Flores inputted the Terran codes and the assault team were aboard, soon Romulan breaching pods impacted into the Valdez's hull discharging the elite Romulan storm troops. The raiders soon broke into the corridors and having phaser fights with the Terran crew. Solat deployed her Betazoid commandos to plug the gaps in her defenses.
Watching the security feed from the bridge, Solat immediately recognised the assault team commander. "Put me through to that deck" ordered Solat. Clemens put Solat through, "Captain Valdez, this is most illogical of you. I would ask you for your surrender but I already know your response". Captain Valdez heard that familiar voice and responded "Took you long enough, it's getting fun down here" he replied. "I suspected it was you telling the Romulans our weak spots. The late admiral was my mentor." replied Solat, she was getting more and more annoyed that the intruder would not surrender. "You are lost without him, I once fought a counterpart of mine and that ended in a stalemate. If you know me so well, you'll know I do not frighten easily." Valdez replied back before shooting the wall console.
15 minutes later, Valdez and the rescue team breached the Holding cell area catching the guards unawares, disabling the cell force fields, Valdez woke T'nae up will a prod on the shoulder. "This is an agreeable surprise, I'm not going to ask how you found me but there is another prisoner here that warrants your attention." responded T'nae. Captain Valdez looked into the last cell and saw a face of someone he'd thought he'd lost. "Nathan, what you doing here?" asked the startled Betazoid woman. "Teanna, I thought you were lost to the Borg attack on Vega." replied Valdez. "I'll explain later, someone hand me a phaser pistol." she replied. "I like this phaser pistol" complained Flores as he passed it over. T'nae picked up a phaser rifle asked "Captain Valdez, what are your orders?" Valdez's orders were to fight their way to the extraction point.
"Valdez to Scourge, package secure, we need extraction." At this point, Solat and a squad of Betazoids blocked the corridor, stood to the right of her was Trianna Valdez. "End of the line 'dad' " said Trianna with a smile on her face. "Ah Trianna, always that charm." replied Valdez. Solat signalled Trianna to stand down, "Captain Valdez or may I call you Nathan?" asked Solat, "Captain will do" replied Valdez. "Captain, you've been a thorn in my side for too long, I was expecting Veel'Riz but you will have to do." responded Solat. At that instance power went out, Trianna (prime) had provided a sabotage program which Flores had installed into a computer terminal and then activated.
"Valdez to Scourge, now" and the Scourge transported up all raiders and both prisoners. The Reman captain ordered a course for Romulus and went into cloak and left the area at warp 8. "I owe you that explanation, there was a Terran raid on Vega just before the Borg attack. I was one of over 150 people taken by the Terrans" said Teanna. "Thank you for the rescue, your crew do you credit Nathan." she finished with before getting some sleep. "Captain, I thank you for the rescue, how did you find me?" asked T'nae. "Trianna (prime) found you, I acted on the intel." responded Valdez "Captain, you and your crew have made a friend of the Star Union today."
At Romulus Starbase Captain Valdez and his teams were greeted by Veel'Riz. "We don't leave people behind" said Captain Valdez to Veel'Riz. "Captain Valdez, someone has been asking to see you in medical. From what my doctors say she's a fighter." replied Veel'Riz. Captain Valdez and Teanna entered the infirmary and were greeted by a fully awake Trianna Valdez. "Got a new leg, takes some getting used to." said Trianna. She then saw Teanna, "Mother, I though I'd never see you again" said Trianna hugging Teanna. "We Valdez's should stick together from now on." said Trianna. Veel'Riz watched and smiled, Captain Valdez would now be fully focused on the war against the Terrans. Teanna's intel would be useful, Captain Valdez and Veel'Riz wanted to debrief her as soon as possible. As Teanna left the infirmary, she looked at Trianna, "Next time you decide to go computer breaking because you are bored, restriction of privileges." said Teanna. Captain Valdez knew it was the right Teanna and smiled.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Stardate 2418 Levtro system (Prime universe) Vanguard Station- New Remus orbit
It had been nearly 2 years since the Levtro system had been returned to normal space, and the whole population was breathing a sigh of relief... The diplomatic situation was over. The Breen had sent a fleet, to evict the residents but at this point the Confederacy regretted the attempt, due to their losses.
Soreth looked at the human now seated in her office. He'd introduced himself as a Captain Walker. She really wasn't comfortable having the Pastak, and U.S.S. Astute here, but she had to admit she had little reason not to trust the Federation.
"Let me get this straight," she said standing to look out at the planet. "You want to move this star-base back to our reality of origin, in 2390.... Because the Terrans of that point in history threaten this universe, past, present and future? You've neglected to inform my people that SC Veel'riz is already in the past. A Molindran scientist of temporal importance is dead, and your only option is to get us involved? I agree we'll clone the Commander in our own interests, not yours."
"I will begin calculations, for dimensional transit, but I will not be joining this mission, as brief as it may be." M'tara said, as she left the room.
"I will have several Paladin battleships make the trip as well." Entara Zepoli the Molindran queen began. "However I want my peoples cruisers and frigates to return to their proper place in history."
With no choice Walker agreed.
--19 hours later -- All personel prepare for combat.... Red alert. ----------
Stardate 2390 Briar patch (Mirror universe)
Battlegroup Scythe was closing in on a Terran supply convoy.... The Romulus force had already picked off several of the escorting ships, and currently the freighters were running, unaware of the still encroaching warbirds.
Valdez having been placed in command while Veel'riz was getting medical treatment, looked up from his borrowed temporal communicator in alarm, "Break pursuit! All ships drop to impulse!"
The Terran ships responding to the ISS Thanatos a frigate that had gotten away, registered the new readings, and near unanimously ordered their crews abandon the convoy and turned around.
!!!OMEGA DETECTED!!!
Vanguard Station opened fire on the convoy, and took destroyed it in seconds. As Battlegroup Scythe decloked, seeing the Citadel class structure appear with ten Paladins, Valdez hailed the station.
"High Protector Soreth, to Battle-Group Scythe: Reinforcements as requested. Captain Valdez, I presume? I've been instructed to provide your new ship.... We need to keep this short, in 7 hours we're returning to the present...
------ On board the cloaked Thanatos the crew observed for a few moments, then quickly turned tail, when a Molindran ship approached.
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
Captain Valdez and his senior staff toured Oudenarde for the last time, for the first time in 20 years the ship was silent. "Take the dedication plaque with us, this ship protected us and sheltered us for all them years." said Captain Valdez. "The old girl was a part of us all captain, we cannot leave her to rot in a junkyard." responded Flores. "Elaborate Mr Flores" requested Cmdr Solat, "we ask Trianna to fix up a secure remote control and put the Romulan drone tech on her. We hide the Astute under cloak and ram the Oudenarde by remote control down the Terran throats." suggested Flores.
"Suggestion noted Mr Flores" replied Captain Valdez. Within six hours all crew were transferred to the Astute, Captain Valdez got his crew settled in and got to work. "That remote set up?" asked Captain Valdez. "The old girl is ready for her Viking burial." responded Trianna. The Astute slipped her moorings and towing the Oudenarde, she led a heavy unit of Warbirds out. Part of Task Group Inquisitor had been separated from the group and was isolated and Captain Valdez planned out his attack, he deployed the Remans to his left and the Romulans to his right. "Send her to Valhalla Trianna" ordered Captain Valdez seeing the Oudenarde for the last time. Valdez kept his force cloaked and remotely piloted the Oudenarde into the middle of the enemy group, when the Oudenarde got to within 200 metres of the I.S.S. Katana, Valdez detonated her core destroying 2 terran cruisers outright. The Astute and the the warbirds then cut a path of destruction through the stunned terran forces, phasing in and out of cloak, Valdez and the warbirds wrecked ship after ship before breaking off the engagement. Rather than face RA Solat, the Terran captains surrendered their ships.
Eight hours later the raiding group had arrived at Haakona towing another six captured Terran ships. Teanna and medical teams were on standby to treat the wounded of both sides, Valdez had promised the Terrans that if they surrendered, they would be protected by prisoner of war status. The Terrans co-operated thankful that Valdez had shown mercy. "Nathan, I spoke to your crew. When was the last time they saw a councillor?" asked Teanna. Captain Valdez had to admit that it was a while. "I need a councilor. Teanna you want the job, I'll have an office set up next to the mess hall." asked Valdez. Teanna accepted and Valdez handed over a combadge for her to keep in contact. "Must have been sad to see your old ship for the last time" said Teanna. "A captain and his or her crew have a bond with their ship. The ship becomes a part of us all and we all decided a viking burial was the best way to send her off." responded Valdez. The Astute had performed well in her first action, Valdez now knew he had a ship capable of matching the I.S.S. Valdez in combat. To prepare his crew for the next round, he drilled the crew to perfection. "Some of you newer people are getting three minutes, until you can get to battle stations in less than two minutes, no break, I have all day" ordered Solat. The new cadre of junior officers were not used to this level of drill, Some looked terrified.
"You have a mean XO Nathan." said Teanna watching the newer officers being drilled. "That's why I gave her the job." responded Valdez. "I need my crew at the top of their game, sometimes you have to be firm with them but only when it's required." pointed out Valdez. "Maybe you are pushing them too hard." replied Teanna. Valdez considered the wise council, "Solat, give them one hour to get something to eat and drink" ordered Valdez. "Dismissed" ordered Solat and the trainee officers left for their break. "I timed the last drill, one minute forty five. Good job Cmdr and next time try not to terrify them too much" acknowledged Valdez. "Solat, four tactical drills a day from now on." ordered Valdez. "What was my counterpart like?" asked Solat. "An opponent to be never underestimated." responded Valdez. "Solat, in the coming days, I'm going to need you more as an advisor. You have insight into how she thinks" finished Valdez
................................................................................................................................
Nukara System 2390 (MU)
"New intel from the front, maam" reported Trianna to RA Solat. Solat studied the reports, 3 more of her troop and supply convoys had been wiped out in the space of a week, the task group of cruisers she had despatched in response to the Briar Patch skirmish had also gone dark. "Those traitors" said Solat after reading that her cruiser force surrendered. "At least Oudenarde was destroyed." Trianna soon pointed out that no one was onboard Oudenarde when she exploded. "Very creative captain, turning a starship in a flying mine" Solat noted.
"Trianna, another matter has caught my attention, find out how Captain Valdez and his teams got onboard. Take the Betazoids and scan every crewmember in the sections where we were boarded." ordered Solat. Trianna saluted and got to work, her purge was quick as it was brutal. Crew who had been stunned in the fighting holding their ground were free to go, the crew who panicked and hesitated were marched to the shuttlebay, everyone onboard the Valdez knew what would happen next. Solat walked up and down the lines shooting every tenth crew member. Of the 100 crew who had failed to fight for the ship, 10 were on the shuttlebay floor and the other 90 now knew the price of failure.
"Take that as a lesson, fail to do your jobs, I will shoot you myself" said Solat in a cold and calm manner. Trianna and her Betazoids now walked the decks randomly scanning the crew, any ill thought about the leadership and the war meant immediate arrest. Trianna's reign of terror was just beginning and no one apart from the admiral was safe, Trianna only answered to Solat. "What do we do when we meet him again on the battlefield?" asked Trianna, Solat answered "We defeat him but we do it by fighting intelligently, he's someone not to be underestimated. Signal the fleet to set a course for Celes" ordered Solat. Trianna carried out the order and TG Inquisitor set off at maximum warp.
Meanwhile at Haakona, the Terran fleet movement was noticed, "They're going for Celes, only thing in that system are the old alliance shipyards" noted Valdez. "Strategically, Celes is the gateway into Tau Dewa and Romulan space. We have to hold that system." pointed out Solat. "We do nothing, we lose that system, if we fight people on both sides will get hurt" said Teanna. "Damned if you do and damned if you don't" responded Valdez, "sometimes fighting cannot be avoided, it's a universal truth which is sad but true"
"I'll need you and some medical teams to stay on Haakona station. We may have a lot of wounded and take Trianna with you, I don't want to her to see this battle." said Valdez. He knew it was going to be bloody but he could be pleased his crew would be ready, Valdez intended to defeat Solat and end the war once and for all.
It would take two days to get to Celes at warp leaving a day to prepare the battlefield. Valdez took 100 of the fastest and toughest ships in BG Scythe and entered Transwarp to get to Celes in one day. 24 hours later the fleet arrived and started work on preparing the battlefield. He knew RA Solat would attempt an encirclement, Alliance ships now entered the system and hailed Valdez. "Captain Bellona of the AKS Martok and her battlegroup, we got reports from our scouts about a Terran attack on this system. My warriors wish to fight alongside you. Captain Valdez, it's an honor to meet a fellow warrior" said the Klingon captain.
"Deploy your bird of preys and raptors to the flanks to support the escorts. I'll need your heavier capital ships in the centre. The fleet is to be deployed in three groups, cruisers, battleships and dreadnoughts form the centre, we have to pin the Terran frontline in place. Once the front is pinned in place, the escorts, raptors and bird of preys sweep around the flanks and encircle" All captains understood the plan, the war had to end here once and for all. "Sent a signal to Haakona, we'll need the Molindrans here as well" ordered Valdez.
48 hours later the I.S.S. Valdez and what was left of TG inquisitor entered the system and deployed for battle. Solat deployed her last 20 battleships into her centre with 3 cruiser squadrons 10 strong apiece supporting. The Andorians moved to their flanking positions and got into attack position. "Only 101 ships against my 180" noted Solat. "What are you doing Captain?" questioned Solat, Valdez had the same through of what was Solat planning. Little did she know that Valdez had 60 Alliance ships hiding in reserve ready to strike when given the signal. "Commence assault on their centre then withdraw to bait them out" ordered RA Solat. "She'll try and bait us out, hold position" ordered Cmdr Solat, Valdez had put Solat in command of the battle.
The Terrans attacked and retreated repeatedly but the Allied line did not move and take the bait. Cmdr Solat now opened a gap in her line and Terran Captains disobeying orders charged into the gap, RA Solat had no choice but to order the whole group into the gap. "Wait" ordered Cmdr Solat as the Terran ships got deeper and deeper into the allied line. "Now Lt" ordered Cmdr Solat and Clemens gave the signal. The Alliance Battlegroup now swept into the flanks of the Terran fleet pinning the Terrans in on three sides. Solat now gave the order for the Romulan escorts to sweep round and attack into the rear of TG Inquisitor. RA Solat's force was now completely encircled.
The I.S.S. Valdez was now locked in mortal combat with the Astute, Captain Valdez phasing his ship in and out of cloak was making it difficult for the I.S.S. Valdez's sensors to lock on. Soon the Terran ships were being squeezed into a ever tightening pocket surrounded by Allied ships. Cmdr Solat deployed the Molindrans and soon they were tearing apart Terran ships with their minds. Captain Valdez now signalled the fleet, "Interlock your fields of fire". All ships did and Cmdr Solat reported all ships ready. "All ships fire" ordered Cmdr Solat. The Terrans now trapped and being brought under fire could not retreat. "Bridge to transporter room, Beam RA Solat off her bridge into a holding cell, grab ensign Valdez as well" ordered Valdez.
Valdez had in effect cut off the head of the snake and both RA Solat and Ensign Trianna Valdez were both in Captain Valdez's brig in heavy guard. Without leadership, the Terran forces unable to fight their way out. Cmdr Flores now acting as flagship commander hailed the Astute, "Captain Valdez, you are an honorable soldier, what are the terms for the surrender of TG Inquisitor?" Captain Valdez and Cmdr Solat both settled on unconditional surrender. Valdez delivered the terms by hail, he had the surrender played to all ships on both sides. "Captain, I accept the terms of surrender, these soldiers fought bravely as did yours" responded Cmdr Flores saluting his victorious opponent. TG Inquisitor stood down all ships and followed the Allies back to Haakona having destroyed all their weapon systems as a gesture of surrender.
Captain Valdez now went to the brig, walking along the holding cells, he first looked at RA Solat. "The Federation council will be very interested in you. You thought you could not be defeated but look where you are." said Captain Valdez, he then walked up to Ensign Valdez's cell. "End of the line 'daughter' " said Captain Valdez to Mirror Trianna. "You'll both be put on war crimes charges and will face judgement in a court of law" said Captain Valdez. The allied fleet warped back to Haakona victorious, Star Commander Veel'Riz watched as both Rear Admiral Solat and Mirror Trianna Valdez were marched surrounded by security officers to the holding cells.
Captain Valdez and Star Commander Veel'Riz both decided to have the War Crimes trials at Haakona, Terran captains who had fired on civilian targets and any captain who fired their weapons during the Molindran genocide willingly would also be in the dock. "Something called due process, we must set an example" said Captain Valdez to Veel'Riz.
Teanna on hearing of the victory at Celes ran up to Captain Valdez and kissed him, Captain Valdez was wondering what warranted it. "You came back, the fighting must have been hell." responded Teanna. "It was, too many lives have been lost in this war, many more maimed permanently." replied Captain Valdez. "History will be judge of that Nathan, you and all the crews deserve a rest" responded Teanna. "It cost Trianna her right leg, despite that she came through for us. Without Trianna's unique skills we could not have won this war." replied Captain Valdez.
Trianna heard what Captain Valdez had said and she smiled, "Permission to speak freely?" she asked Captain Valdez. Valdez granted the request, "I've seen too much suffering, my permanent injury and working with mother treating the wounded showed me the truth. When we get back to our time, I request to leave Starfleet and move back to Betazed with mother" said Trianna. Captain Valdez approved the request, Trianna had earned that chance to be at peace with herself. Clemens took the news of Trianna's request well, "Captain, You once said to me that you noticed me and Trianna were close. We're actually a couple" said Clemens to Captain Valdez. "It's true" replied Trianna. Both Captain Valdez and Teanna simply shook Jane Clemens' hand and said "Welcome to the family Jane." Clemens had also decided to leave Starfleet and Captain Valdez accepted her request, Jane Clemens was one of the finest officers he had the honor of commanding and she had served under him for 5 years. Teanna had decided to take a civilian post on Betazed and both Clemens and Trianna were going with her.
Trianna had found she had another talent when she was treating the Romulan and Reman wounded, her experiences led to her working as a unofficial councilor and easing the minds of the Romulan and Reman wounded soldiers as Teanna treated them. Now she wanted to help the combat veterans of her time.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Onboard the Astute, Captain Valdez decided to start questioning the captured Terran commanders. First on his list was Ensign Valdez, Teanna and Trianna both were sat on Valdez's side of the desk with Ensign Valdez (mirror) sat on the other side with both hands cuffed. "Where do we start ensign?" asked Captain Valdez. Trianna (mirror) looked defiantly at her counterpart and gloated about taking her right leg. "She's trying to bait you, rise above it." said Captain Valdez. Trianna took one look at her Terran counterpart, "You have two choices co-operate or the Captain hands you over to the Romulans and Molindrans" said Trianna. "You're bluffing imposter" responded Trianna (mirror).
Captain Valdez now read the charges to Trianna (mirror), "One count of willingly taking part in an act of genocide against the Molindran people, three counts of attacking civilian ships and accessory to the murder of your own troops." Trianna (mirror) stayed silent, Captain Valdez had her backed into that proverbial corner. "You're bothered about a few billion alien deaths, you are weak as is your Federation. Terrans must rule the uncivilised barbarians" responded Trianna (mirror) before spitting in Captain Valdez's direction.
Captain Valdez signalled his guards to march her back to her cell, "if she resists, stun her" he ordered. It was RA Solat's turn and she was marched into the room and put in front of Captain Valdez. "You knew more about my counterpart's operations than any other officer under his command. Who's your superiors and where do we find them?" asked Valdez. Solat looked across the table, "Captain Valdez, if I was to tell you that information I'd be committing treason" replied Solat. Captain Valdez decided to change tactics, "You knowingly committed an act of genocide against an entire people and then attempted to cover up the evidence by destroying the system. In the Federation, you would be classed as a war criminal." Solat was not phased the seriousness of the charges against her. "Admiral, there is also another matter that caught my attention. The recent decimation onboard your vessel after my raid, one of your crew told me everything openly and honestly." Solat just sat there staring at Captain Valdez. "They failed to fight, an example had to be made" said Solat in an attempt to justify her actions.
Captain Valdez simply walked around the table and said "I know you Vulcans have emotions, lets test those emotions." Solat accused Captain Valdez of bluffing, "Captain, trying to get an emotional reaction out of me is futile." responded Solat. That did not phase Captain Valdez, "Whatever you are hiding, I will find it even if it takes all day and I'm thirsty" Captain Valdez now sat down with a cup of coffee in his hand. Teanna and Trianna were both scanning Solat's mind, Solat had thought Trianna to be a weak empath. Little did she know that Trianna had unlocked her Betazoid side's telepathic abilities with the the help of the Molindrans. Despite putting up mental resistance, Teanna and Trianna eventually broke through Solat's mental defenses.
Solat eventually lost control of her emotions and soon information was being divulged in large amounts. "Who are your commanding officers?" asked Captain Valdez in a cold calm manner. "Fleet Admiral Sito Thay, you can find her on the I.S.S. Enterprise at Nukara" answered Solat, Teanna nodded to Valdez that Solat was telling the truth. "Guards take her back to her cell." ordered Captain Valdez. "We won't be hunting this Admiral Sito here, she is not off my sensors yet." said Captain Valdez.
Captain Valdez beamed aboard Haakona station with all his crew and assembled them in a auditorium. Star Commander Veel'Riz decided to listen to what Captain Valdez had to say to his crew. Captain Valdez stepped up to the podium and gave his speech, "When we were asked to assist on this mission, we all had no idea what to expect. We faced long odds and beat them, I'm proud to call you all my crew. We won a victory but at a terrible cost in lives on both sides, some of us sacrificed more than others but we won. To quote an ancient Earth commander at the end of his war, next to a battle lost the saddest thing is a battle won. Never forget the fallen and wounded, their sacrifices were not in vain." The crew all held a one minute silence to remember their comrades and then all saluted their captain. Valdez smiled and saluted his crew, they had earned it. They would be going home, two of his officers had chosen early retirement and civilian life. Valdez decided to give them a lift back to Betazed, they had earned that right now he had a problem. How was he going to appoint their successors?
"What did Mr Flores mean by more fun than Iconia?" asked Teanna, the question had caught Valdez off guard. Gathering quickly, he answered with "Mr Flores has a somewhat unique sense of humour, during the Iconian War, we threw an entire fleet at the Iconian home base of operations. A few made it back out of the armada that started, we were one of those survivors. It's a day we always remember solemnly, that day we became more than a crew. Instead we became a crew become brothers and sisters in arms"
"Look after them Nathan, they're something special. I only spent 72 hours with them and they certainly made an impression, they called me maam when they saw me" said Teanna. "You should be honored, the crew have a lot of respect for you. Mr Flores just invited the entire senior staff to the mess hall." replied Valdez. In the mess hall, The Oudenarde's dedication plaque was now mounted on the wall, Flores had suggested it to be a memorial for their former ship, Valdez agreed and said "carry on Mr Flores"
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
[Center]Stardate 2390 Nukara system (Mirror universe)[/Center]
Agents Roy and R. Craig looked across the table at each other, seemingly discussing the recent convoy losses. While the we're really each observing subtle hand gestures or taping a particular tune. Roy's crew had been trained to be able to have entire conversations like this.
"I heard that Jouster was executed yesterday, that true?" Rachel asked.
Emma stirred her spoon counter clockwise, and moved it down then tapped the right side of her hot chocolate mug thrice. "Yes, but if he talked we'd be dead... How is your project coming along?"
"I'll be ready to implant the computer virus is a couple weeks, I need to do this slowly."
"I found a file from the future, my counterpart will become quite Infamous, here's hoping nobody recognizes me." Emma raised her cup and took a drink, giving herself a whipped cream and cinnamon mustache. "Do you think we'll be back on Terra for Christmas?" She asked outloud, referring to the Federation. Her partner shrugged, wordlessly.
[Center]Star date: 2411, March 27 Batazed system. (Prime universe)[/Center]
Gal’azia took a breath of the new atmosphere- much more used to more humidity. The young Molibdran nearly being overwhelmed by the numbers of telepaths here, her species even now, numbered a fraction of most other humanoid populations. It was a good thing she'd accompanied her peoples ambassador to the Federation on this visit, or she'd have no idea where to go. She liked this planet she decided.
Still time to find her friends, catch up and get some advice on joining starfleet... Despite having become lost again, she smiled.
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
Captain Valdez had given his crew shore leave on Betazed, he had decided to to visit the family and catch up with an old friend. Flores and some of the other officers decided they were going to find the nearest bar and celebrate another year together. Valdez walked into the hospital and immediately Teanna spotted him, "you look good out of uniform, Trianna and Jane will be both happy to see you." she said looking at Valdez's choice of off duty fashion.
"I just hope Mr Flores understands Betazed's laws, it's his first time on this world." responded Valdez. Mr and Mrs Valdez both now walked down into Rixx itself, they spotted Gal'azia looking lost and confused but smiling. "Captain, I have not seen you since the Terran conflict" she said looking confused that Valdez was out of uniform. "Miss Gal'azia, no uniform no rank, I hear you are interested in joining Starfleet." responded Valdez. "I'm also trying to find an old friend, a Trianna Valdez." Gal'azia replied. "We're on our way to meet her and her partner actually, you can walk with us." responded Teanna. Gal'azia and Captain Valdez were discussing Starfleet and Valdez said he would endorse her entry into Starfleet. "You'll find it tough at first but that said, it's a great way to meet new people and make friends. The first Molindran in Starfleet, less than a year ago that would not have been possible" Valdez said smiling. "Your counterpart showed your species have that cruel streak in them but you have shown us that your species has a kinder side to them." responded Gal'azia.
"Any news on the trial of RA Solat?" asked Gal'azia, "Life imprisonment at a secure facility, Trianna's counterpart got a 15 year sentence." responded Valdez. Gal'azia smiled that her people had got justice for the death of her world and civilisation. The Federation had earned the respect of her people and the Romulan Star Union was also opening diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Valdez and his crew had earned their respect and friendship.
Trianna had just finished a counseling session when Captain Valdez, Gal'azia and Teanna walked into her office, "How are the crew?" she asked Captain Valdez, Valdez told her they were fine before asking, "How are you doing?", Trianna was honest about her problems. "I keep waking up in a cold sweat at night, that moment I lost my right leg keeps giving me nightmares, both mother and Jane are very supportive with my problems". Trianna noticed Gal'azia and the two started talking as Valdez and Teanna left them to it. Clemens spotted her old captain and ran up him and asked, "Sir, how are my fellow brothers and sisters in arms?" Valdez said they were fine before Clemens said she had changed her name to Jane Clemens Valdez. "The bridge does not feel the same without you and Trianna there. Why are you wearing a police uniform?" asked Valdez. His daughter in law simply said she had joined the Betazed Police force as a constable. "The war with the Terrans changed me, the good old days aboard the Oudenarde were some of the best of my life. After I left Starfleet, I got a offer from the police force given my experience in Starfleet." Valdez smiled and told her to carry on the good work.
The I.S.S. Astute was back at Betazed on a resupply run, the Inquisition had kept Inquisitor Valdez busy putting out the rebellions caused by Leeta's power grab. "We've got a hail from the Los Lobos sir" reported Clemens, Captain Valdez took the hail in his ready room. "Vice Admiral Lot, congratulations on your promotion." said Valdez, "Likewise Inquisitor, I may have need of you and your crew" responded Vice Admiral Lot. "What do you need my crew and ship for?" responded Valdez. Lot ordered Valdez to beam aboard the Los Lobos for briefing.
Valdez beamed aboard and was met by Naynta Lot herself, Valdez saluted and walked to the bridge with her. "Thank you for your support, loyalty is rewarded" said Naynta. Valdez smiled and did not say a word, Naynta knew Valdez was all business. "When I first saw this ship, it was in a sorry state." said Valdez amazed at the repair quality. On the the Los Lobos bridge, Jodi Iodokar recognised Valdez and told him she had been offered a command of her own, the I.S.S. Cutlass. In Naynta's ready room, Valdez was briefed on the job he was called in for, "Sito has put the fleet on high alert, we're going to war." said Naynta, "Finally, time to make Leeta pay for her treachery" thought Valdez. Naynta had picked up on that thought and smiled, "What I've got in mind is a series of raids behind Leeta's lines hitting supply bases, convoys and isolated groups of traitor ships." Valdez analysed the list of targets mentally looking at the pros and cons of Naynta's plan. "You are concerned Inquisitor, I read your copy of the art of war and made a copy of it myself" said Naynta.
"How can we get two task groups behind enemy lines without being noticed?" asked Valdez, "I'm only taking one, the other group is to draw away traitor attention. After all, all warfare is based on deception." replied Naynta smiling. Valdez approved of the idea, by making Leeta divert resources to protecting her back lines it would give Sito's forces facing Leeta's frontlines a greater fighting chance. Jodi was called into the ready room and briefed on the plan, the Cutlass would provide flank support for the Astute. Valdez beamed back to the Astute and briefed his crew. They would be going to war, Valdez ordered his master at arms and her staff to drill the crew to make sure they were ready.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Lot's raiders were approaching their first target, their target was a traitor supply station. Destroying this base would weaken Leeta's forces on the Breen border. "All ships, form into your wolf packs" ordered Lot, all ships got into their wolf packs and moved into attack position. "Captain Valdez, take your wolf pack and attack their fuel depots at bearing 431.6" ordered Lot.
Valdez got his wolf pack into attack position and swept in shooting up fuel tanks and dilithium refineries in a series of assaults. "Cutlass, swing around and engage their power grids. Squadrons 2 and 3 support Cutlass." ordered Valdez. Jodi understood the order and moved in on her attack run leading two squadrons of Defiants against the traitor power grid. The rest of Lot's battlegroup engaged the supply station bringing down it's shield grid and beaming Quantum warheads into key areas and detonating them. The supply station soon was suffering internal explosions as it's crew fled in the escape pods and shuttles. Lot in no mood for mercy ordered all the escape pods and shuttles shot down, she wanted no survivors.
Battlegroup Lot withdrew having achieved all objectives, Leeta would not be getting supplies from here again. "Next target, Lukari system" ordered Lot and all ships set course. Within 12 hours, the loyalist battlegroup warped into the system and formed up in attack formation. Opposing them was the traitor 7th and 10th Battle squadrons,15 cruisers formed the centre and 10 escorts protected the flanks. Lot had 30 ships and she formed her fleet into 3 groups. The Astute, Los Lobos and the other cruisers formed the centre and Defiant squadrons 2 and 3 deployed into the asteroid field. "Here is our course of action, centre force deploy your ships into a bow formation, we want them to attack in the centre. Flanks, once the enemy is pinned in our centre, swing round and encircle." was the order from the flagship.
The loyalist fleet formed their battle line, the traitors attacked at the bow formation as Lot had intended them to do. "Come into my web" said Lot with a smile on her face. The traitors kept pushing into the loyalist centre as Valdez pulled his group back in a feint withdrawal, the traitors took the bait and soon Lot deployed her hidden reserves to attack the now exposed traitor flanks. The Defiant squadrons led by Jodi from the Cutlass now charged into the rear of the traitor lines pinning them against the centre. The traitors were now trapped like rats in a barrel with nowhere to go. "All ships, form the witch's cauldron" ordered Lot judging it to be the right moment, all ships interlocked their fields of fire and at 500m opened up with a barrage of phaser and torpedo fire. In a matter of minutes it was all over as the traitor fleet was nothing but floating wreckage and the loyalists advanced on the planet itself. Without the fleet there to protect the traitor installations they were easy prey for Lot's wolf packs and what followed was a swift and brutal massacre of the traitor garrison. "I want this sent to all traitors, anyone who opposes the loyalist cause will suffer this fate" ordered Lot. Valdez had advised Lot not to play with her victims in the past but this time it served a purpose.
"Captain Valdez, why did you feint a withdrawal" asked Lot over the viewscreen, "Vice Admiral it was only to draw the traitors deeper into our lines and pin them on 3 sides." replied Valdez. Lot smiled, she could trust Valdez to make decisions independently. "Vice Admiral, next time I'll ask permission" said Valdez. "Please do next time, if that was any other captain, I'd have had him or her shot. Your feint withdrawal proved to be excellent bait, I need captains that are able to read a tactical situation and act accordingly." responded Lot.
"All ships form up and withdraw, excellent work everyone, Captain Valdez you will beam aboard my ship. " said Lot, the battle group withdrew from the system and set a course for the Nakuhl system.
Valdez beamed aboard the Los Lobos and Naynta simply said "walk with me." Valdez walked with her to the holding cells and Lot pointed at Captain Heath. "Why is your ex CO in a holding cell?" asked Valdez, "To cut a long story short, we encountered our federation counterparts. 'Captain' Heath withdrew when her federation counterpart threatened to blow her warp core. I had to take action." answered Lot. "What would you have done if you were in her position?" asked Lot. "Called their bluff" answered Valdez, "Correct answer, I do not like failures, remember that. These Trill here thought they could stage a mutiny, fatal mistake" replied Lot.
Valdez knew he had to be on top of his game, any failure could end up with him in Lot's holding cells. Lot's little lesson had made an impact, "Well an officer has to keep their house in order, otherwise it would be damned unprofessional" said Valdez. Lot smiled and laughed, she understood what Valdez had said clearly. " You may not approve of my methods of discipline but in the end, your loyalty and honor to me and the empire is what I need, too many of my captains have too much ambition and I do not trust some of them. What I'm looking for is an advisor when it comes to planning operations and a loyal right hand officer" Lot said. "Like a first officer?" replied Valdez. Lot smiled as she knew Valdez had no ambition, defending the empire was more important than personal glory to him and high rank. She could also count on his knowledge of military tactics and strategy having found out about Valdez's personal military history library. Valdez as a sign of respect bowed and said "I am samurai, I serve". Lot knew Valdez was honor bound to serve her and he would watch her back.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Mirror Wars 2 (1-4) have not been effected by any changes to the foundry
Mirror Wars 2 (5) ... has. Part of the map has disappeared making it impossible to complete.
Vice Admiral Lot's campaign was going precisely to plan, already two of Leeta's supply stations had been wiped out in quick succession. Naynta Lot was planning her next move with her captains, for the Nakuhl operation she brought in her second battle group. "How do we draw in the traitors so we can wipe them out in one fell swoop?" she asked her captains. The arguments were flying across that table but Lot and Valdez both were sat there quietly listening to the arguments. One of the more bull headed captains, a Captain Cunningham had suggested a frontal assault against the traitor battlefleet stationed in Nakuhl orbit.
Lot dismissed the idea but Cunningham protested and incurred Lot's wrath. "Betazoid freak" thought Cunningham and soon Lot just looked at one of her security officers and Cunningham was dragged out of the Los Lobos ward room and straight into the holding cells. "One less disloyal captain, the rest of you take that as my lesson in opposing me" said Lot. "We need to pick them apart piece by piece, we show them what we want them to see but hide our true strength." suggested Valdez. "You thinking an ambush, Captain Valdez?" asked Lot, Valdez answered with "exactly, we draw them into an area where long range communication is impossible then catch them in a double envelopment from three sides at once. They will only have one way out, backwards before we mobilize our reserves to cut off any retreat."
Lot listened to the idea and asked Valdez to demonstrate what he had in mind, using the holo imagers in the table Valdez presented his plan. "What we do is we place our weakest captains in the centre arrayed in the shape of a bow, strong but flexible and conceal our hidden reserves behind the flanks. The enemy will only see the centre and advance on it, we let them push into our lines carefully faking a retreat to draw them deeper in. The enemy will believe they are winning the battle, let them have but a brief taste of victory before we swing the reserves round to give them that bitter taste of defeat as they become the architects of their own destruction."
Lot listened as some of her captains voiced their reservations about the centre, Valdez pointed out the centre was the key part of his plan, get it wrong and the enemy cuts straight through but get it right the enemy is that compacted together, they would wipe themselves out with their own weapons fire. Lot had heard enough, she approved the plan and appointed her key officers accordingly, "Valdez, you get the centre, Jodi you will coordinate the flanks. I will take position behind the centre with a reserve line of cruisers to support the centre of the frontline. All you go back your ships and brief your crews, I'm giving the go ahead. Good hunting everyone"
Both of Lot's battle groups formed up into their formations as Lot sent out an open signal to bait the enemy into attacking her. The traitors took the bait and advanced into the centre as Lot intended, the four traitor battle groups charged at the middle of the centre seemingly pushing back the loyalists, Valdez now carefully pulled the centre back as the traitors push further in. "Just a little further" said Valdez as he gave the signal for the centre to pull back drawing them deeper and deeper into the loyalist lines. Lot coordinating the battle from the Los Lobos judged the moment to be right and soon the traitors were now caught in a salient as Jodi swept in from both right and left finishing the encirclement.
"Advance" ordered Lot and the pocket was squeezed tighter and tighter with traitor ships being unable to even fire back without hitting each other. "We've got them" signalled Valdez from the Astute to Los Lobos, "all ships form the witch's cauldron" ordered Lot as the loyalists interlocked their fields of fire and let loose with phasers and torpedoes into the tight packed ranks of traitor ships wiping out ship after ship. The traitor commander rather than face capture self destructed his ship and the rest surrendered. "Wipe them out" ordered Lot, everyone obeyed knowing what would happen if they did not and in two hours the battle was over. 120 traitor ships wiped out by only 60 loyalist ships, Lot was one happy Betazoid afterwards. "Everyone, nicely done" was the signal from the flagship and the loyalist fleet soon entered orbit and wiped out the orbital installations before withdrawing back to loyalist lines.
"Captain Valdez, I'm promoting you to Rear Admiral. You are not going to turn the promotion down now are you, my loyal samurai?" said Lot. Valdez was in no position to protest and begrudgingly accepted the promotion, he knew what happened to officers who refused Naynta Lot, the lesson she taught him on the Los Lobos was fresh in his mind.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
@thay8472, what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
@thay8472, what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'll need to play 3 again for the 'feels' but looking at my notes.
*Saving the Terran Empire
4
- Have player work with Sito to eliminate something the Romulans have found on Dewa III.
- Mirror Fluffy
- Explain why telepathic races can't read Sito's mind.
- Vorgons
- Iconians!!!!!
- -Combat Moderate mission-
5
- Alliance's fall.
- Terran Empire (25th, 26th and 30th) participate in the 'Terran Revelation'
- Cause the events that started the third series.
- Combat HELL mission-
@thay8472, what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'll need to play 3 again for the 'feels' but looking at my notes.
*Saving the Terran Empire
4
- Have player work with Sito to eliminate something the Romulans have found on Dewa III.
- Mirror Fluffy
- Explain why telepathic races can't read Sito's mind.
- Vorgons
- Iconians!!!!!
- -Combat Moderate mission-
5
- Alliance's fall.
- Terran Empire (25th, 26th and 30th) participate in the 'Terran Revelation'
- Cause the events that started the third series.
- Combat HELL mission-
Sounds like Sito is going all Imperium of Man (The great crusade in the 40K lore)
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
@thay8472, what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'll need to play 3 again for the 'feels' but looking at my notes.
*Saving the Terran Empire
4
- Have player work with Sito to eliminate something the Romulans have found on Dewa III.
- Mirror Fluffy
- Explain why telepathic races can't read Sito's mind.
- Vorgons
- Iconians!!!!!
- -Combat Moderate mission-
5
- Alliance's fall.
- Terran Empire (25th, 26th and 30th) participate in the 'Terran Revelation'
- Cause the events that started the third series.
- Combat HELL mission-
Sounds like Sito is going all Imperium of Man (The great crusade in the 40K lore)
@thay8472, what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'll need to play 3 again for the 'feels' but looking at my notes.
*Saving the Terran Empire
4
- Have player work with Sito to eliminate something the Romulans have found on Dewa III.
- Mirror Fluffy
- Explain why telepathic races can't read Sito's mind.
- Vorgons
- Iconians!!!!!
- -Combat Moderate mission-
5
- Alliance's fall.
- Terran Empire (25th, 26th and 30th) participate in the 'Terran Revelation'
- Cause the events that started the third series.
- Combat HELL mission-
Sounds like Sito is going all Imperium of Man (The great crusade in the 40K lore)
Long live the Empire! O/
Strength and Honor.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
@thay8472
Could I use the Inquisitor title for a mission I'm thinking of starting? (Very early stages of the script) The protagonist would be the mirror universe version of the player.
This will involve a RSU "invasion" of their original reality in 2410ish.
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
@thay8472
Could I use the Inquisitor title for a mission I'm thinking of starting? (Very early stages of the script) The protagonist would be the mirror universe version of the player.
This will involve a RSU "invasion" of their original reality in 2410ish.
You don't have to ask me to make a foundry mission. By all means go for it mate.
When would it be set in regards to Mirror Wars? Before Sito promotes PC to FA?
what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'm pondering a fed sided story in regards to the MU. I've promised @galatt for awhile I would do a mission with the prime Los Lobos characters.
1) Probably after Sito promotes the PC, I could see this being something like"Ok go deal with this apparent "rebellion", and well see if you're worthy of the title...." The actual scope of the problem would become apparent to the Empire afterwards as opposed to an assumption of small scale power grabs or uprising.
At the moment I've got very little here, my current project has hit a snag because I think building this city might be beyond me... I've even tried grid paper, to plan it out, I just can't get it feeling 'real'... Or like people would actually live there.
2) Oh I'd second that! Been craving having my Prime universe PC meet some of the MW imperial cast. That is if I understand what you're saying right. Would we be opening up a whole can of: "prepare to learn the meaning of fear Imperial scum!"?
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
1) Probably after Sito promotes the PC, I could see this being something like"Ok go deal with this apparent "rebellion", and well see if you're worthy of the title...." The actual scope of the problem would become apparent to the Empire afterwards as opposed to an assumption of small scale power grabs or uprising.
At the moment I've got very little here, my current project has hit a snag because I think building this city might be beyond me... I've even tried grid paper, to plan it out, I just can't get it feeling 'real'... Or like people would actually live there.
2) Oh I'd second that! Been craving having my Prime universe PC meet some of the MW imperial cast. That is if I understand what you're saying right. Would we be opening up a whole can of: "prepare to learn the meaning of fear Imperial scum!"?
1: Go for it. I'll send sliders of any Mirror Wars character if you want to use them.
2: I've thrown a few things into three which will take place in this fed sided story.
* Ask'kaar Prisoners
* Prime Sito in the cell
* Message from Setall
@thay8472
Could I use the Inquisitor title for a mission I'm thinking of starting? (Very early stages of the script) The protagonist would be the mirror universe version of the player.
This will involve a RSU "invasion" of their original reality in 2410ish.
You don't have to ask me to make a foundry mission. By all means go for it mate.
When would it be set in regards to Mirror Wars? Before Sito promotes PC to FA?
what's the next chapter going to be like for Mirror Wars?
I'm pondering a fed sided story in regards to the MU. I've promised @galatt for awhile I would do a mission with the prime Los Lobos characters.
@thay8472 Do you want my crew as characters?
They're all crazy in one form or the other (PTSD from the Battle of Iconia, a battle like that will change a person)
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Stardate 2410/9 I.S.S. Astute, Betazed home base (Mirror Universe)
Rear Admiral Valdez was concerned, ever since his promotion Lt Cmdr Flores had been acting questionably. On the bridge, Flores had been maintaining his cover as Leeta's agent onboard Astute. Now RA Valdez suspected someone on his crew was acting disloyally, "Vice Admiral Lot, good timing I'm in middle of an investigation into a serious matter" said Valdez to Naynta Lot in his ready room. "Keep an eye on Lt Cmdr Flores, I don't trust him" said Lot.
Valdez agreed and asked, "Naynta, I may have to call that favour in." Lot ordered Flores' arrest immediately and her body guard dragged him off the bridge of the Astute. Lot and Valdez both beamed over to the Los Lobos together with Lot's guards and Flores. "Take him to the holding cells" ordered Valdez, the guards looked confused for a moment before Lot said, "You both heard the man, take Mr Flores to the holding cells." Valdez would let Lot have her fun, if Flores was hiding something Lot would find it.
"You wish to join me?" asked Lot and both officers walked into the brig. Flores looked on in horror when Valdez and Lot walked up to his cell and both just smiled. "Mr Flores, meet a friend of mine. This is Vice Admiral Naynta Lot and she has ways of getting answers out of people" said Valdez. "So you're Leeta's mole Mr Flores, don't count on your commanding officer helping you, he asked for my help" said Lot smiling. Valdez got straight to business, "Over the last two months, classified information has been reaching the traitors. I suspected it was one of my officers, your behavior raised my suspicions." said Valdez. "I've always been loyal" protested Flores, Valdez was having none of it. "Let's play a game Mr Flores, good cop, bad cop. Tell me what I want to know and I might spare you but try to deceive me and my friend here has her fun with you, your choice" said Valdez.
Flores did not answer Valdez's questions and Lot decided to force the information out by telepathic means, Lot whispered one word in Flores' ear, "pain" and Flores began to break. "How long have you been Leeta's mole on my ship?" asked Valdez calmly, Flores confessed after Lot threatened another session of the telepathic pain process. "Mr Flores, you betrayed your captain, your crew and the empire. Many loyal soldiers died because of your treachery." said Lot as she had her guards throw him back in his cell. "A gift Naynta, he's all yours to play with" said Valdez, Lot smiled as she looked at her new plaything.
Valdez returned to the Astute and immediately ordered Teanna and Trianna to take the Betazoid security guards and scan every crew member onboard, "Any ill thoughts, arrest them" ordered Valdez. Teanna and her troops got to work. Trianna began her electronic surveillance of the crew. Valdez had decided on a purge, anyone suspected of disloyalty was to be arrested and interrogated. Lot had even lent Valdez some of her most powerful Betazoids to assist. Leeta's spy network onboard the Astute was soon compromised as the conspirators were all rounded up and beamed down to the Regent's courtyard on Betazed.
Regent Papela Lot acted as judge and jury finding all 30 conspirators guilty of treason, "Rear Admiral Valdez, your loyalty will be rewarded. Naynta treat this officer as an ally" said Regent Lot
Post edited by theraven2378 on
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Personality is firm but fair to his crew but he does have that vindictive side with his enemies. Tactically he's a military genius using history as a teacher to win his battles. He gets on with Betazoids and considers Vice Admiral Naynta Lot as a close ally who he can work with when the need arises
Height 5.4 the rest standard but in yellow empire uniform.
Personality is cold and ruthless with her father's enemies but respectful with her family's friends and allies. Cyber Warfare is her speciality
Personality is cold and logical, she's loyal to her captain and friend Nathan Valdez, she's his first officer.
To her captain's enemies she's ruthless and a ends justify the means type when dealing with them
Post edited by theraven2378 on
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
We minions can wait.
If you want to use the Rear Admiral Valdez character, you are entirely welcome to. Having a Thrawn type Terran opponent who uses their opponent's military history to his advantage would be interesting for the PC
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Comments
He also stopped promotions based on assassination, to get far in his crew you have to have merit and loyalty.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The I.S.S. Oudenarde had to be decommissioned due to damage sustained in the duel at the Badlands, Captain Valdez and his now replenished crew were new assigned to a new ship. The I.S.S. Astute, an Eclipse class Battle cruiser loomed up to the shuttles of crew transferring to the Empire's latest warship class. Captain Valdez and his senior staff had arrived by a Delta class shuttle. Captain Valdez flew the shuttle himself.
After getting the crew settled in, Captain Valdez had them gathered in the shuttlebay and addressed them. "I know this is not the Oudenarde, she was a good ship. Most of you already know me but for you new people I have two rules. One, everyone fights and nobody quits, fail to do your job and I will make life very difficult. Two, promotion is based on merit and loyalty, anyone thinking about killing their way to the top will be dealt with severely. Each of you take a look to the soldier to the left and right of you, those are the people you fight for. We're a proud crew, we get results no matter the odds, long live the Empire". The whole crew saluted and marched out of the shuttlebay in perfect order.
"Teanna, schedule 4 random drills a day. Lets get to work on moulding the new additions to the crew." said Captain Valdez. "I'll try not to terrify them" replied Teanna smiling. "Trianna, I need you empathic abilities. Report any suspicious thoughts to me" Captain Valdez said. "Yes Father" replied Trianna. Lt Clemens soon interrupted with a message from Imperial command. Message read, "Obrom System governor overthrown. The new government is demanding to secede from the Empire. Your orders are to take a small force and deal with these rebels, Good hunting."
"Get the crews to their stations" ordered Captain Valdez. "Captain to Lt Krasnova, set a course for Obrom" was his next order. 4 hours later, the Astute along with a small force of cruisers and 3 intrepids entered orbit of Obrom. Captain Valdez hailed the governor's palace, "This is Captain Nathan Valdez, commander of the force in orbit above you, you have 5 minutes to surrender your forces or risk being wiped out. Your choice"
The rebel leaders did not take the threat well, they sent a hail back with only two words. "No Surrender". "Looks like they want to fight" said Teanna. "All ships, prepare your MACOs for ground assault." ordered Captain Valdez. The cruisers moved into orbital bombardment range as the Intrepids entered the atmosphere. Captain Valdez deployed his shuttles as bombers to support his ground assault. Moments later the Intrepids had landed and 4 companies of MACOs secured the drop zone.
The Imperial forces now deployed the rest of the division to the surface. The rebel defenders were stunned by the speed of assault landings and were slow to respond, the MACOs now broke out of their dropzones as fighters and shuttles attacked the rebel lines of supply and communications. Faced with a ground assault to their front and being attacked from above, the rebel infantry facing the MACOs broke and fled in a rout. From orbit, the Imperial forces bombarded rebel positions in the path of the MACO assault, any settlement suspected of harbouring rebels was wiped out from orbit.
36 hours into the battle, the MACOs broke into the Obrom capital city defense lines and fought their way through the city street by street, building by building and even room by room in some sectors of the advance. Eventually Terran forces encircled the governor's palace and the rebel leaders surrendered the survivors into Terran captivity. Captain Valdez beamed down to take the surrender himself, "Was this defiance to the Empire worth it?" he asked the captured rebel leaders before signalling his troops to make an example of them.
24 hours later, Captain Valdez wrapped up the Obrom operation and all Terran forces were back on orbit. He had achieved his objectives in a short and sharp manner. "Send this report to Admiral Sito" ordered Captain Valdez from his ready room. the report read. "Obrom pacified, all rebel resistance wiped out in a combined space,air and ground operation."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Stardate: 2390
Argolis Cluster, future Imperial stronghold planet (Mirror Universe)
Veel’Riz had spread his ships into multiple groups cloaked throughout the asteroid field and debris of the system. His forward scouts had reported incoming hostiles, and he decided to use the advantage he currently had, placing 30 Crusaders at maximum range to release their deadly payloads. Then he’d sent 25 drones ships looking like his frigates to both Sol and Andoria… He wasn’t sure if the ploy would work, but the Terrans likely wouldn’t take a risk like that, once they discovered the radiation on the planet. “In the case of beings of the Lowly Terran standard you need only cut out the diseased heart and the beast falls,” his brother had said once long ago… Was it true? The Empire would soon become more powerful than it ever was before, and didn’t even hold it’s true capital- Terra Prime. Even if the Sol system were completely destroyed there wasn’t any reason the Empire wouldn’t be any less of a threat… No, in the long run they’d likely become stronger- fuelling their lust for power and domination because of that loss.
Knowing what was about to happen again, he felt calm, serene. Finally he was told the Molindran ships had entered local subspace, and would be staying there until the word was given to engage. The Vanquisher was currently cloaked at the rear of the first line of the Union force. His thoughts went to Althitha, and he smiled- he’d never thought a member of his family, let alone his (un-known to most) temporally displaced grand-daughter would become High-Protector of the Star Union.
T’Nae’s voice returned him to reality, as the forward scouts withdrew from their skirmish with the enemy’s scouts as Solat brought the majority of Task Force Inquisitor into the system. Then the battle became an abys of madness, as one of the four the Crusader squadrons fired a volley into the path of the approaching Imperials. Admiral Solat however had been expecting Veel’Riz to try this hoping she’d forgo logic and act emotionally and pursue the Romulan frigates and Kronos escorts. Both Commanders knew not to repeat a tactic, and had new tricks for this round. Veel’Riz had given away the location of the first artillery group, but those ships weren’t unprotected when two dozen the Terrans went towards them… As the incoming members of task force Inquisitor were thinned by three Valour cruisers and 11 Dagger class frigates, in addition to the cloaked minefield, the bulk of Solat’s ships engaged the emboldened and unyielding remenants of Battle-group Scythe. Task Force Inquisitor was just as determined to see them wiped from the face of the galaxy.
The Vanquisher alongside the rest of the front line used its cloaked barrage targeting the forwards hostiles, before breaking formation and coming about scattering into the asteroid field. This was the exact situation where the Reapers perfection of his Scourge tactic gave his warbirds an edge in the chaotic asteroids. As the Terrans entered the rockly mess the Union forces continued to flee, the occasional vessel circling around to giving the Imperials a constant reprisal.
All seemed to be going well for the Terrans for several minutes, the warbirds while offering some resistance, continued to fall back. “Is this a trap Admiral?” Valdez questioned. The Vulcan shared that sentiment, and ordered the Vulcan ships to take the lead in the pursuit while the Andorians pulled out of the asteroids which saved half their lives. At that same moment Veel’Riz played his next move; with his destroyers and remaining escorts opening fire on the enemy and forcing the chase to come to a halt. Those ships that tried to break out the asteroids at this point found themselves impacting a mine field. The Romulan warbirds entering a the battle concentrated their fire on the Terran ships- these were Parasite torpedoes- each carrying Veel’Riz’s elite, shock troops, although they were minimally shielded, their size and cloaks did their jobs.
The news was ill received on the I.S.S. Valdez: “Where’d that one-…. Thaeloron grenade!... Get me a telepath they’ve got stealth generators!... Security they’re on the bridge! They’re on-… They’ve got Tholian swords, fall back!”
As the reports came in about boarding parties, armed with specialized weaponry, Solat ordered those ships outside the asteroids to start firing into it. This had the effect of breaking up the space rocks and thinning the Romulan ranks, but unknowingly giving the telepaths hidden in subspace ammunition.
“I’m getting reports of telepathic shields failing on several ships Admiral.” Solat ordered her ships to regroup outside the field, this forced the Reaper to chase them after the Crusaders fired again, huge aqua plasma blasts filling the area, engulfing several vessles. Veel’Riz quickly finished off the entrapped enemies in the asteroids and after failing to lure them back into his arena with some additional volleys. Veel’Riz use of guerrilla tactics was about to end for this engagement- much to his displeasure.
As the warbirds accelerated at the Terrans they were rapidly cut down, the Vanquisher took an indirect hit to its engines, which was now giving away it’s location. Although that wasn’t the worst of the current situation for the Unions veterans, while Trianna hadn’t been able to hack into the warbirds themselves she’d been able to circumvent the systems of nearly 75% of the remaining Drone ships. When Veel’Riz had moved those Drones into a flanking position the Terrans fired on the uncompromised ones, and turned the weapons against their creators.
On the bridge of the I.S.S. Valdez, Solat looked at her beeping telepathic shield- it was buckling under strain. Where were the Molindrans hiding? Her question was answered a moment later, a the Tsunami, along with Five Molindran cruisers, exited subspace, launching it’s full compliment of Cascade heavy fighters and opening with the massive ships lance weapon. The Psionic beam cut through the ships defences as if they didn’t exist.
As the Celestial class entered weapons range of the enemy Solat’s first instinct was to withdraw, although the sudden appearance of the I.S.S. Vendetta and Victoria’s fleet helped to balance the situation. Victoria’s first order was to use a temporal rift to use its gravity to disable as many warbirds as possible as the Paradox dreadnought flew by at full impulse, beam weapons firing in every direction. This action allowed task for Inquisitor to concentrate its firepower on the helpless vessels. The Vendetta went on to engage the Molindrans. However they too had a surprise of their own, as they used telekinesis to grab the asteroids and use them as projectiles against the Terrans.
“Zalnous to Solat; I hate to admit it but the Vendetta is outclassed by that ship, I expect a favour for this!” The man shouted as the ship shook like a drum, under the firepower of the Tsunami. Rishis was heard in the background ordering her crew to activate the Manheim device and use the Iconian virial probes. On and on the battle continued appearing as though there could be no clear victor. On the Vendetta Marion turned to Rishis, “Is there a reason Ran’Karsork isn’t simply absorbing all the enemy lives around us, or is he just not hungry?!” Several torpedoes slammed into the shields.
“Apparently he’s perfectly happy feeding off the dead the fight is currently making!” O’Brien screamed in fury at the aforementioned entity’s arrogance. She then looked to the ceiling in horror as a massive crack started to form. Were they trying to crush her ship!?
Over the next half hour the two sides continued trying to out-maneuver each other, while staying away from the battling dreadnoughts. Although the Tsunami made an attempt to get past the Vendetta and assist the allied fleet. It was the combination of two events that brought the battle to a conclusion. First O’Brien ordered her forces to disengage, as her ship, her beautiful engine of destruction took further damage. The Molindran force now free, moved to the rest of the battle. At the same time however the R.D.W. Vanquisher took a direct hit to her sensor array.
Onboard the Vanquisher, T’Nae checked that her pistol was set to stun. “Computer, activate Chevalier protocol sixty-six.” She shot Veel’Riz, stunning him. “Get the Star Commander into a shuttle, and back to Vanguard Station… Walker had better be right about what he told me.”
After Veel’Riz was beamed down to the shuttle bay, she took his seat and went to fleet wide communications. “This is the Chevalier T’Nae of Vanquisher; Falcon, and Mourn-Raven wings, and anyone without warp drive form up on the flagship… Everyone else retreat immediately, I say again, retreat! We will buy you time to escape!”
As those warbirds staying behind all deactivate their cloaks, those making a break for it sped into the shadows, quickly joined by one of the Vanquisher’s shuttle craft. Solat finished them all quickly, and evaded the Vanquisher overloading its singularity core, flooding the area with radiation.
As the crews of task force inquisitor cheered, and began to coordinate which ships to assist with boarding parties, T’Nae suddenly found herself in a holding cell on the bridge of the I.S.S. Vendetta, looking at a horrifyingly familiar face- wasn’t this one dead?!
Victoria wearing her holographic armor had given control to her captain, who looked at the Vulcan holding her bleeding forehead. “Zalnous said your commander was important to the Empire in the future…. So I’ll settle for handing over Veel’Riz’s most trusted officer and bodyguard to Admiral Solat… My old friend.”
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
The remnants of battlegroup scythe made it in bloodied but not destroyed, the unexpected imperial reinforcements had turned what was planned to be a perfect ambush into retreat. Captain Valdez was back on the Oudenarde getting a head wound treated by Doctor Jorel. "Rough day Captain?" asked Jorel, apart from his duties as ship CMO he was also the spiritual counsellor for the crew. "You could say that" replied Valdez, "to paraphrase the Duke of Wellington just before Waterloo, she humbugged us".
"Humbugged?" asked Jorel, "It's a human term doctor, it means we got out manoeuvred" replied Valdez. "Happens to the best of us Captain, the prophets always have a way of improving one's outlook on life" replied Jorel. "Hows Trianna?" asked Valdez looking over to her bio bed. "She's recovering very well, she'll be ready to be discharged in the next 72 hours" answered Jorel. Captain Valdez needed to get back to the bridge, Jorel insisted on treating the head wound. After being cleared, Captain Valdez went to the bridge.
"Solat, arrange for medical teams to be transported over to the Romulans. Engineering teams as well" ordered Valdez. "Got it Captain" answered Solat, "Bad day sir?." asked Solat. "You're the second person to ask me that today, your counterpart hit us really hard." replied Valdez. "The Star Commander's personal physician asked me to pass you a message." replied Solat handing Valdez the PADD. Valdez read it and his mood improved, the Oudenarde was to head to a starbase near Romulus. The message read "The Star Commander explained the situation to me, we can help with your critical casualty". "Helm set course for Romulus, transwarp on my mark." ordered Captain Valdez. He then gave the signal "Punch it" and the Oudenarde entered the transwarp corridor, in six hours it would be at Romulus.
"I need four volunteers for a search and rescue operation, I know a few of you on this crew are crazy enough to do it." said Captain Valdez to his crew. "What's the job?" asked Lt Flores, "it's rather simple, infiltrate a Terran warship, fight our way to their holding cells and break out a chevalier." replied Valdez. "Count me in" replied Flores. Clemens, Krasnova, Five of Eight and Hunter all raised their hand. "I'll be leading this raid myself, I will not order anyone to do something if I won't carry it out myself. Grab your gear and report to the Flyer" said Valdez. "Solat, keep this ship on it's course to Romulus. The Oudenarde dropped out of transwarp and the flyer launched and set course for Nukara cloaked. "This'll be more fun than Iconia" joked Flores. Everyone onboard smiled, Flores has known for his somewhat dry sense of humor.
............................................................................................................................................................................
Stardate 2410/8 Betazed orbit (MU)
The I.S.S. Astute was in port for resupply, Betazed was the homebase for Terran operations in the region. "Imperial propaganda is having a field day" said Commander Teanna Valdez. "After what we did to Obrom, other worlds will get the message that defiance leads only to destruction." replied Captain Valdez. "Nathan, look at it this way. You've loyally served the empire for 20 years, you should be Admiral by now but you turn down the promotion every time they roll it out." replied Teanna. "I like to fly and not be behind a desk on Terra or Betazed." responded Captain Valdez. Teanna handed over a PADD to Valdez, it was DNA locked to only Captain Valdez.
He had attracted the attention of the Inquisition, "The Regent passed on your name for promotion, she said the Inquisition had need of operatives with some unique skills." Teanna said, "no negotiation?" asked Valdez. "Congratulations Inquisitor Valdez, officially you are still an Imperial captain but unofficially you are in between Captain and Rear Admiral." replied Teanna. Inquisition crews were the elite of the elite, Captain Valdez decided to brief the crew in the shuttlebay.
In the shuttlebay the whole crew were formed up into their departments and saluted on masse as Captain Valdez and Commander Valdez marched to the podium. "All of you now must up your game, the nature of the missions we will be asked to do will be tougher and more dangerous than what we have done in the past. Each of you have to be tougher, more resilient and able to do your job in more efficient manner. We've faced long odds before and we've come out victorious as we have always done, now is no different. All hands get to your stations." "I forgot to mention it earlier, but Naynta found out you put her name forward for the Vice Admiral position, she sends her thanks for your support" said Teanna after the crew left the shuttlebay. "She'll do great" replied Captain Valdez.
Captain Valdez now got his orders, the Astute was to link up with a heavy task force and advance on the Aokii system. The Imperial Governor declared for Leeta, an Inquisition armada had been dispatched from Terra to eliminate the problem. Eight hours later, the armada of 20 heavy capital ships, 15 Pathfinder class landing ships and 5 carriers jumped into orbit. General Paris formed up his armada into assault groups. The Astute was in the central Command assault group. "All cruisers and battleships, move into your bombardment positions. Pathfinders commence landing operations" ordered Paris. As the Pathfinders came into land they were met a volley of anti aircraft fire but all made it to their dropzones.
At 1600 hours terran time The 1st Inquisitor Storm division landed under fire and expanded their beachhead and fanned out before securing a circle of hills and broken ground around the beachhead to secure it. 2nd and 3rd MACO were then deployed by Argus shuttles under covering fire of the bombardment groups. By 1900 hours, 6000 troops had been deployed. Now they began to advance, under covering fire of the bombardment groups and fighters they advanced 30 km a day against disorganised pockets of resistance. The closer they got to Aokii's capital, the stiffer resistance got with each settlement in the path of the advance having to be leveled from orbit.
Fighters and shuttles harried the rebel communications, supplies and troop concentrations and the Terran infantry isolated and then destroyed the rebel positions. Paris now deployed his reserves to the ground battle, the 2nd and 3rd Inquisitor storm divisions were now deployed 10 km behind rebel lines with orders to cut the rebel retreat. The landing was on time and soon 2500 rebel infantry were trapped in a narrow valley with Terran infantry blocking both ways out. Rather than waste Terran lives on frontal assaults, the Terran troops set up a ring of quantum mortars and opened fire. Not a soul moved in that pass afterwards.
The Aokii capital was now under attack from 10000 Terran infantry and being bombarded from orbit, soon it was encircled and the attackers fought their way through mouse holing through buildings and back alleys to stay in cover. Some sectors had to be cleared room by room and building by building but the Terran discipline kept the attackers in the fight.
24 hours later, the Terran infantry blasted open the Palace doors and stormed into the building complex. Realising he had no way out, the governor gathered the last of his soldiers and charged into the Terran assault. When the smoke had cleared the governor and his bodyguard were killed along with nearly 4000 rebel soldiers for the whole operation. Terran losses were 1500 Killed, wounded and missing. Aokii was now pacified fully and Inquisitional troops now garrisoned the planet.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Rear Admiral Solat was sat in her war room reading her reports, she knew she owed Victoria O'Brien a favour as O'Brien had delivered her Chevalier T'nae. T'nae was to be kept alive as leverage, the I.S.S. Valdez was on her way back to Nukara. "Admiral, we have contacts at bearing 231/4, they're blocking the route to Nukara" reported Clemens. Solat gave the order to engage the enemy, she had to get back to Nukara.
Captain Valdez and his assault team were getting into position to beam over to the Valdez's cargo hold. "Flores, you got the codes Trianna provided ready? Otherwise this might turn messy real fast." asked Valdez. Flores inputted the Terran codes and the assault team were aboard, soon Romulan breaching pods impacted into the Valdez's hull discharging the elite Romulan storm troops. The raiders soon broke into the corridors and having phaser fights with the Terran crew. Solat deployed her Betazoid commandos to plug the gaps in her defenses.
Watching the security feed from the bridge, Solat immediately recognised the assault team commander. "Put me through to that deck" ordered Solat. Clemens put Solat through, "Captain Valdez, this is most illogical of you. I would ask you for your surrender but I already know your response". Captain Valdez heard that familiar voice and responded "Took you long enough, it's getting fun down here" he replied. "I suspected it was you telling the Romulans our weak spots. The late admiral was my mentor." replied Solat, she was getting more and more annoyed that the intruder would not surrender. "You are lost without him, I once fought a counterpart of mine and that ended in a stalemate. If you know me so well, you'll know I do not frighten easily." Valdez replied back before shooting the wall console.
15 minutes later, Valdez and the rescue team breached the Holding cell area catching the guards unawares, disabling the cell force fields, Valdez woke T'nae up will a prod on the shoulder. "This is an agreeable surprise, I'm not going to ask how you found me but there is another prisoner here that warrants your attention." responded T'nae. Captain Valdez looked into the last cell and saw a face of someone he'd thought he'd lost. "Nathan, what you doing here?" asked the startled Betazoid woman. "Teanna, I thought you were lost to the Borg attack on Vega." replied Valdez. "I'll explain later, someone hand me a phaser pistol." she replied. "I like this phaser pistol" complained Flores as he passed it over. T'nae picked up a phaser rifle asked "Captain Valdez, what are your orders?" Valdez's orders were to fight their way to the extraction point.
"Valdez to Scourge, package secure, we need extraction." At this point, Solat and a squad of Betazoids blocked the corridor, stood to the right of her was Trianna Valdez. "End of the line 'dad' " said Trianna with a smile on her face. "Ah Trianna, always that charm." replied Valdez. Solat signalled Trianna to stand down, "Captain Valdez or may I call you Nathan?" asked Solat, "Captain will do" replied Valdez. "Captain, you've been a thorn in my side for too long, I was expecting Veel'Riz but you will have to do." responded Solat. At that instance power went out, Trianna (prime) had provided a sabotage program which Flores had installed into a computer terminal and then activated.
"Valdez to Scourge, now" and the Scourge transported up all raiders and both prisoners. The Reman captain ordered a course for Romulus and went into cloak and left the area at warp 8. "I owe you that explanation, there was a Terran raid on Vega just before the Borg attack. I was one of over 150 people taken by the Terrans" said Teanna. "Thank you for the rescue, your crew do you credit Nathan." she finished with before getting some sleep. "Captain, I thank you for the rescue, how did you find me?" asked T'nae. "Trianna (prime) found you, I acted on the intel." responded Valdez "Captain, you and your crew have made a friend of the Star Union today."
At Romulus Starbase Captain Valdez and his teams were greeted by Veel'Riz. "We don't leave people behind" said Captain Valdez to Veel'Riz. "Captain Valdez, someone has been asking to see you in medical. From what my doctors say she's a fighter." replied Veel'Riz. Captain Valdez and Teanna entered the infirmary and were greeted by a fully awake Trianna Valdez. "Got a new leg, takes some getting used to." said Trianna. She then saw Teanna, "Mother, I though I'd never see you again" said Trianna hugging Teanna. "We Valdez's should stick together from now on." said Trianna. Veel'Riz watched and smiled, Captain Valdez would now be fully focused on the war against the Terrans. Teanna's intel would be useful, Captain Valdez and Veel'Riz wanted to debrief her as soon as possible. As Teanna left the infirmary, she looked at Trianna, "Next time you decide to go computer breaking because you are bored, restriction of privileges." said Teanna. Captain Valdez knew it was the right Teanna and smiled.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Levtro system (Prime universe)
Vanguard Station- New Remus orbit
It had been nearly 2 years since the Levtro system had been returned to normal space, and the whole population was breathing a sigh of relief... The diplomatic situation was over. The Breen had sent a fleet, to evict the residents but at this point the Confederacy regretted the attempt, due to their losses.
Soreth looked at the human now seated in her office. He'd introduced himself as a Captain Walker. She really wasn't comfortable having the Pastak, and U.S.S. Astute here, but she had to admit she had little reason not to trust the Federation.
"Let me get this straight," she said standing to look out at the planet. "You want to move this star-base back to our reality of origin, in 2390.... Because the Terrans of that point in history threaten this universe, past, present and future? You've neglected to inform my people that SC Veel'riz is already in the past. A Molindran scientist of temporal importance is dead, and your only option is to get us involved? I agree we'll clone the Commander in our own interests, not yours."
"I will begin calculations, for dimensional transit, but I will not be joining this mission, as brief as it may be." M'tara said, as she left the room.
"I will have several Paladin battleships make the trip as well." Entara Zepoli the Molindran queen began.
"However I want my peoples cruisers and frigates to return to their proper place in history."
With no choice Walker agreed.
--19 hours later --
All personel prepare for combat.... Red alert.
----------
Stardate 2390
Briar patch (Mirror universe)
Battlegroup Scythe was closing in on a Terran supply convoy.... The Romulus force had already picked off several of the escorting ships, and currently the freighters were running, unaware of the still encroaching warbirds.
Valdez having been placed in command while Veel'riz was getting medical treatment, looked up from his borrowed temporal communicator in alarm, "Break pursuit! All ships drop to impulse!"
The Terran ships responding to the ISS Thanatos a frigate that had gotten away, registered the new readings, and near unanimously ordered their crews abandon the convoy and turned around.
!!!OMEGA DETECTED!!!
Vanguard Station opened fire on the convoy, and took destroyed it in seconds. As Battlegroup Scythe decloked, seeing the Citadel class structure appear with ten Paladins, Valdez hailed the station.
"High Protector Soreth, to Battle-Group Scythe: Reinforcements as requested.
Captain Valdez, I presume? I've been instructed to provide your new ship.... We need to keep this short, in 7 hours we're returning to the present...
------
On board the cloaked Thanatos the crew observed for a few moments, then quickly turned tail, when a Molindran ship approached.
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
Captain Valdez and his senior staff toured Oudenarde for the last time, for the first time in 20 years the ship was silent. "Take the dedication plaque with us, this ship protected us and sheltered us for all them years." said Captain Valdez. "The old girl was a part of us all captain, we cannot leave her to rot in a junkyard." responded Flores. "Elaborate Mr Flores" requested Cmdr Solat, "we ask Trianna to fix up a secure remote control and put the Romulan drone tech on her. We hide the Astute under cloak and ram the Oudenarde by remote control down the Terran throats." suggested Flores.
"Suggestion noted Mr Flores" replied Captain Valdez. Within six hours all crew were transferred to the Astute, Captain Valdez got his crew settled in and got to work. "That remote set up?" asked Captain Valdez. "The old girl is ready for her Viking burial." responded Trianna. The Astute slipped her moorings and towing the Oudenarde, she led a heavy unit of Warbirds out. Part of Task Group Inquisitor had been separated from the group and was isolated and Captain Valdez planned out his attack, he deployed the Remans to his left and the Romulans to his right. "Send her to Valhalla Trianna" ordered Captain Valdez seeing the Oudenarde for the last time. Valdez kept his force cloaked and remotely piloted the Oudenarde into the middle of the enemy group, when the Oudenarde got to within 200 metres of the I.S.S. Katana, Valdez detonated her core destroying 2 terran cruisers outright. The Astute and the the warbirds then cut a path of destruction through the stunned terran forces, phasing in and out of cloak, Valdez and the warbirds wrecked ship after ship before breaking off the engagement. Rather than face RA Solat, the Terran captains surrendered their ships.
Eight hours later the raiding group had arrived at Haakona towing another six captured Terran ships. Teanna and medical teams were on standby to treat the wounded of both sides, Valdez had promised the Terrans that if they surrendered, they would be protected by prisoner of war status. The Terrans co-operated thankful that Valdez had shown mercy. "Nathan, I spoke to your crew. When was the last time they saw a councillor?" asked Teanna. Captain Valdez had to admit that it was a while. "I need a councilor. Teanna you want the job, I'll have an office set up next to the mess hall." asked Valdez. Teanna accepted and Valdez handed over a combadge for her to keep in contact. "Must have been sad to see your old ship for the last time" said Teanna. "A captain and his or her crew have a bond with their ship. The ship becomes a part of us all and we all decided a viking burial was the best way to send her off." responded Valdez. The Astute had performed well in her first action, Valdez now knew he had a ship capable of matching the I.S.S. Valdez in combat. To prepare his crew for the next round, he drilled the crew to perfection. "Some of you newer people are getting three minutes, until you can get to battle stations in less than two minutes, no break, I have all day" ordered Solat. The new cadre of junior officers were not used to this level of drill, Some looked terrified.
"You have a mean XO Nathan." said Teanna watching the newer officers being drilled. "That's why I gave her the job." responded Valdez. "I need my crew at the top of their game, sometimes you have to be firm with them but only when it's required." pointed out Valdez. "Maybe you are pushing them too hard." replied Teanna. Valdez considered the wise council, "Solat, give them one hour to get something to eat and drink" ordered Valdez. "Dismissed" ordered Solat and the trainee officers left for their break. "I timed the last drill, one minute forty five. Good job Cmdr and next time try not to terrify them too much" acknowledged Valdez. "Solat, four tactical drills a day from now on." ordered Valdez. "What was my counterpart like?" asked Solat. "An opponent to be never underestimated." responded Valdez. "Solat, in the coming days, I'm going to need you more as an advisor. You have insight into how she thinks" finished Valdez
................................................................................................................................
Nukara System 2390 (MU)
"New intel from the front, maam" reported Trianna to RA Solat. Solat studied the reports, 3 more of her troop and supply convoys had been wiped out in the space of a week, the task group of cruisers she had despatched in response to the Briar Patch skirmish had also gone dark. "Those traitors" said Solat after reading that her cruiser force surrendered. "At least Oudenarde was destroyed." Trianna soon pointed out that no one was onboard Oudenarde when she exploded. "Very creative captain, turning a starship in a flying mine" Solat noted.
"Trianna, another matter has caught my attention, find out how Captain Valdez and his teams got onboard. Take the Betazoids and scan every crewmember in the sections where we were boarded." ordered Solat. Trianna saluted and got to work, her purge was quick as it was brutal. Crew who had been stunned in the fighting holding their ground were free to go, the crew who panicked and hesitated were marched to the shuttlebay, everyone onboard the Valdez knew what would happen next. Solat walked up and down the lines shooting every tenth crew member. Of the 100 crew who had failed to fight for the ship, 10 were on the shuttlebay floor and the other 90 now knew the price of failure.
"Take that as a lesson, fail to do your jobs, I will shoot you myself" said Solat in a cold and calm manner. Trianna and her Betazoids now walked the decks randomly scanning the crew, any ill thought about the leadership and the war meant immediate arrest. Trianna's reign of terror was just beginning and no one apart from the admiral was safe, Trianna only answered to Solat. "What do we do when we meet him again on the battlefield?" asked Trianna, Solat answered "We defeat him but we do it by fighting intelligently, he's someone not to be underestimated. Signal the fleet to set a course for Celes" ordered Solat. Trianna carried out the order and TG Inquisitor set off at maximum warp.
..............................................................................................................................
Haakona (MU)
Meanwhile at Haakona, the Terran fleet movement was noticed, "They're going for Celes, only thing in that system are the old alliance shipyards" noted Valdez. "Strategically, Celes is the gateway into Tau Dewa and Romulan space. We have to hold that system." pointed out Solat. "We do nothing, we lose that system, if we fight people on both sides will get hurt" said Teanna. "Damned if you do and damned if you don't" responded Valdez, "sometimes fighting cannot be avoided, it's a universal truth which is sad but true"
"I'll need you and some medical teams to stay on Haakona station. We may have a lot of wounded and take Trianna with you, I don't want to her to see this battle." said Valdez. He knew it was going to be bloody but he could be pleased his crew would be ready, Valdez intended to defeat Solat and end the war once and for all.
It would take two days to get to Celes at warp leaving a day to prepare the battlefield. Valdez took 100 of the fastest and toughest ships in BG Scythe and entered Transwarp to get to Celes in one day. 24 hours later the fleet arrived and started work on preparing the battlefield. He knew RA Solat would attempt an encirclement, Alliance ships now entered the system and hailed Valdez. "Captain Bellona of the AKS Martok and her battlegroup, we got reports from our scouts about a Terran attack on this system. My warriors wish to fight alongside you. Captain Valdez, it's an honor to meet a fellow warrior" said the Klingon captain.
"Deploy your bird of preys and raptors to the flanks to support the escorts. I'll need your heavier capital ships in the centre. The fleet is to be deployed in three groups, cruisers, battleships and dreadnoughts form the centre, we have to pin the Terran frontline in place. Once the front is pinned in place, the escorts, raptors and bird of preys sweep around the flanks and encircle" All captains understood the plan, the war had to end here once and for all. "Sent a signal to Haakona, we'll need the Molindrans here as well" ordered Valdez.
48 hours later the I.S.S. Valdez and what was left of TG inquisitor entered the system and deployed for battle. Solat deployed her last 20 battleships into her centre with 3 cruiser squadrons 10 strong apiece supporting. The Andorians moved to their flanking positions and got into attack position. "Only 101 ships against my 180" noted Solat. "What are you doing Captain?" questioned Solat, Valdez had the same through of what was Solat planning. Little did she know that Valdez had 60 Alliance ships hiding in reserve ready to strike when given the signal. "Commence assault on their centre then withdraw to bait them out" ordered RA Solat. "She'll try and bait us out, hold position" ordered Cmdr Solat, Valdez had put Solat in command of the battle.
The Terrans attacked and retreated repeatedly but the Allied line did not move and take the bait. Cmdr Solat now opened a gap in her line and Terran Captains disobeying orders charged into the gap, RA Solat had no choice but to order the whole group into the gap. "Wait" ordered Cmdr Solat as the Terran ships got deeper and deeper into the allied line. "Now Lt" ordered Cmdr Solat and Clemens gave the signal. The Alliance Battlegroup now swept into the flanks of the Terran fleet pinning the Terrans in on three sides. Solat now gave the order for the Romulan escorts to sweep round and attack into the rear of TG Inquisitor. RA Solat's force was now completely encircled.
The I.S.S. Valdez was now locked in mortal combat with the Astute, Captain Valdez phasing his ship in and out of cloak was making it difficult for the I.S.S. Valdez's sensors to lock on. Soon the Terran ships were being squeezed into a ever tightening pocket surrounded by Allied ships. Cmdr Solat deployed the Molindrans and soon they were tearing apart Terran ships with their minds. Captain Valdez now signalled the fleet, "Interlock your fields of fire". All ships did and Cmdr Solat reported all ships ready. "All ships fire" ordered Cmdr Solat. The Terrans now trapped and being brought under fire could not retreat. "Bridge to transporter room, Beam RA Solat off her bridge into a holding cell, grab ensign Valdez as well" ordered Valdez.
Valdez had in effect cut off the head of the snake and both RA Solat and Ensign Trianna Valdez were both in Captain Valdez's brig in heavy guard. Without leadership, the Terran forces unable to fight their way out. Cmdr Flores now acting as flagship commander hailed the Astute, "Captain Valdez, you are an honorable soldier, what are the terms for the surrender of TG Inquisitor?" Captain Valdez and Cmdr Solat both settled on unconditional surrender. Valdez delivered the terms by hail, he had the surrender played to all ships on both sides. "Captain, I accept the terms of surrender, these soldiers fought bravely as did yours" responded Cmdr Flores saluting his victorious opponent. TG Inquisitor stood down all ships and followed the Allies back to Haakona having destroyed all their weapon systems as a gesture of surrender.
Captain Valdez now went to the brig, walking along the holding cells, he first looked at RA Solat. "The Federation council will be very interested in you. You thought you could not be defeated but look where you are." said Captain Valdez, he then walked up to Ensign Valdez's cell. "End of the line 'daughter' " said Captain Valdez to Mirror Trianna. "You'll both be put on war crimes charges and will face judgement in a court of law" said Captain Valdez. The allied fleet warped back to Haakona victorious, Star Commander Veel'Riz watched as both Rear Admiral Solat and Mirror Trianna Valdez were marched surrounded by security officers to the holding cells.
Captain Valdez and Star Commander Veel'Riz both decided to have the War Crimes trials at Haakona, Terran captains who had fired on civilian targets and any captain who fired their weapons during the Molindran genocide willingly would also be in the dock. "Something called due process, we must set an example" said Captain Valdez to Veel'Riz.
Teanna on hearing of the victory at Celes ran up to Captain Valdez and kissed him, Captain Valdez was wondering what warranted it. "You came back, the fighting must have been hell." responded Teanna. "It was, too many lives have been lost in this war, many more maimed permanently." replied Captain Valdez. "History will be judge of that Nathan, you and all the crews deserve a rest" responded Teanna. "It cost Trianna her right leg, despite that she came through for us. Without Trianna's unique skills we could not have won this war." replied Captain Valdez.
Trianna heard what Captain Valdez had said and she smiled, "Permission to speak freely?" she asked Captain Valdez. Valdez granted the request, "I've seen too much suffering, my permanent injury and working with mother treating the wounded showed me the truth. When we get back to our time, I request to leave Starfleet and move back to Betazed with mother" said Trianna. Captain Valdez approved the request, Trianna had earned that chance to be at peace with herself. Clemens took the news of Trianna's request well, "Captain, You once said to me that you noticed me and Trianna were close. We're actually a couple" said Clemens to Captain Valdez. "It's true" replied Trianna. Both Captain Valdez and Teanna simply shook Jane Clemens' hand and said "Welcome to the family Jane." Clemens had also decided to leave Starfleet and Captain Valdez accepted her request, Jane Clemens was one of the finest officers he had the honor of commanding and she had served under him for 5 years. Teanna had decided to take a civilian post on Betazed and both Clemens and Trianna were going with her.
Trianna had found she had another talent when she was treating the Romulan and Reman wounded, her experiences led to her working as a unofficial councilor and easing the minds of the Romulan and Reman wounded soldiers as Teanna treated them. Now she wanted to help the combat veterans of her time.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Onboard the Astute, Captain Valdez decided to start questioning the captured Terran commanders. First on his list was Ensign Valdez, Teanna and Trianna both were sat on Valdez's side of the desk with Ensign Valdez (mirror) sat on the other side with both hands cuffed. "Where do we start ensign?" asked Captain Valdez. Trianna (mirror) looked defiantly at her counterpart and gloated about taking her right leg. "She's trying to bait you, rise above it." said Captain Valdez. Trianna took one look at her Terran counterpart, "You have two choices co-operate or the Captain hands you over to the Romulans and Molindrans" said Trianna. "You're bluffing imposter" responded Trianna (mirror).
Captain Valdez now read the charges to Trianna (mirror), "One count of willingly taking part in an act of genocide against the Molindran people, three counts of attacking civilian ships and accessory to the murder of your own troops." Trianna (mirror) stayed silent, Captain Valdez had her backed into that proverbial corner. "You're bothered about a few billion alien deaths, you are weak as is your Federation. Terrans must rule the uncivilised barbarians" responded Trianna (mirror) before spitting in Captain Valdez's direction.
Captain Valdez signalled his guards to march her back to her cell, "if she resists, stun her" he ordered. It was RA Solat's turn and she was marched into the room and put in front of Captain Valdez. "You knew more about my counterpart's operations than any other officer under his command. Who's your superiors and where do we find them?" asked Valdez. Solat looked across the table, "Captain Valdez, if I was to tell you that information I'd be committing treason" replied Solat. Captain Valdez decided to change tactics, "You knowingly committed an act of genocide against an entire people and then attempted to cover up the evidence by destroying the system. In the Federation, you would be classed as a war criminal." Solat was not phased the seriousness of the charges against her. "Admiral, there is also another matter that caught my attention. The recent decimation onboard your vessel after my raid, one of your crew told me everything openly and honestly." Solat just sat there staring at Captain Valdez. "They failed to fight, an example had to be made" said Solat in an attempt to justify her actions.
Captain Valdez simply walked around the table and said "I know you Vulcans have emotions, lets test those emotions." Solat accused Captain Valdez of bluffing, "Captain, trying to get an emotional reaction out of me is futile." responded Solat. That did not phase Captain Valdez, "Whatever you are hiding, I will find it even if it takes all day and I'm thirsty" Captain Valdez now sat down with a cup of coffee in his hand. Teanna and Trianna were both scanning Solat's mind, Solat had thought Trianna to be a weak empath. Little did she know that Trianna had unlocked her Betazoid side's telepathic abilities with the the help of the Molindrans. Despite putting up mental resistance, Teanna and Trianna eventually broke through Solat's mental defenses.
Solat eventually lost control of her emotions and soon information was being divulged in large amounts. "Who are your commanding officers?" asked Captain Valdez in a cold calm manner. "Fleet Admiral Sito Thay, you can find her on the I.S.S. Enterprise at Nukara" answered Solat, Teanna nodded to Valdez that Solat was telling the truth. "Guards take her back to her cell." ordered Captain Valdez. "We won't be hunting this Admiral Sito here, she is not off my sensors yet." said Captain Valdez.
Captain Valdez beamed aboard Haakona station with all his crew and assembled them in a auditorium. Star Commander Veel'Riz decided to listen to what Captain Valdez had to say to his crew. Captain Valdez stepped up to the podium and gave his speech, "When we were asked to assist on this mission, we all had no idea what to expect. We faced long odds and beat them, I'm proud to call you all my crew. We won a victory but at a terrible cost in lives on both sides, some of us sacrificed more than others but we won. To quote an ancient Earth commander at the end of his war, next to a battle lost the saddest thing is a battle won. Never forget the fallen and wounded, their sacrifices were not in vain." The crew all held a one minute silence to remember their comrades and then all saluted their captain. Valdez smiled and saluted his crew, they had earned it. They would be going home, two of his officers had chosen early retirement and civilian life. Valdez decided to give them a lift back to Betazed, they had earned that right now he had a problem. How was he going to appoint their successors?
"What did Mr Flores mean by more fun than Iconia?" asked Teanna, the question had caught Valdez off guard. Gathering quickly, he answered with "Mr Flores has a somewhat unique sense of humour, during the Iconian War, we threw an entire fleet at the Iconian home base of operations. A few made it back out of the armada that started, we were one of those survivors. It's a day we always remember solemnly, that day we became more than a crew. Instead we became a crew become brothers and sisters in arms"
"Look after them Nathan, they're something special. I only spent 72 hours with them and they certainly made an impression, they called me maam when they saw me" said Teanna. "You should be honored, the crew have a lot of respect for you. Mr Flores just invited the entire senior staff to the mess hall." replied Valdez. In the mess hall, The Oudenarde's dedication plaque was now mounted on the wall, Flores had suggested it to be a memorial for their former ship, Valdez agreed and said "carry on Mr Flores"
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Nukara system (Mirror universe)[/Center]
Agents Roy and R. Craig looked across the table at each other, seemingly discussing the recent convoy losses. While the we're really each observing subtle hand gestures or taping a particular tune. Roy's crew had been trained to be able to have entire conversations like this.
"I heard that Jouster was executed yesterday, that true?" Rachel asked.
Emma stirred her spoon counter clockwise, and moved it down then tapped the right side of her hot chocolate mug thrice. "Yes, but if he talked we'd be dead... How is your project coming along?"
"I'll be ready to implant the computer virus is a couple weeks, I need to do this slowly."
"I found a file from the future, my counterpart will become quite Infamous, here's hoping nobody recognizes me." Emma raised her cup and took a drink, giving herself a whipped cream and cinnamon mustache. "Do you think we'll be back on Terra for Christmas?" She asked outloud, referring to the Federation. Her partner shrugged, wordlessly.
[Center]Star date: 2411, March 27
Batazed system. (Prime universe)[/Center]
Gal’azia took a breath of the new atmosphere- much more used to more humidity. The young Molibdran nearly being overwhelmed by the numbers of telepaths here, her species even now, numbered a fraction of most other humanoid populations.
It was a good thing she'd accompanied her peoples ambassador to the Federation on this visit, or she'd have no idea where to go. She liked this planet she decided.
Still time to find her friends, catch up and get some advice on joining starfleet... Despite having become lost again, she smiled.
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
Captain Valdez had given his crew shore leave on Betazed, he had decided to to visit the family and catch up with an old friend. Flores and some of the other officers decided they were going to find the nearest bar and celebrate another year together. Valdez walked into the hospital and immediately Teanna spotted him, "you look good out of uniform, Trianna and Jane will be both happy to see you." she said looking at Valdez's choice of off duty fashion.
"I just hope Mr Flores understands Betazed's laws, it's his first time on this world." responded Valdez. Mr and Mrs Valdez both now walked down into Rixx itself, they spotted Gal'azia looking lost and confused but smiling. "Captain, I have not seen you since the Terran conflict" she said looking confused that Valdez was out of uniform. "Miss Gal'azia, no uniform no rank, I hear you are interested in joining Starfleet." responded Valdez. "I'm also trying to find an old friend, a Trianna Valdez." Gal'azia replied. "We're on our way to meet her and her partner actually, you can walk with us." responded Teanna. Gal'azia and Captain Valdez were discussing Starfleet and Valdez said he would endorse her entry into Starfleet. "You'll find it tough at first but that said, it's a great way to meet new people and make friends. The first Molindran in Starfleet, less than a year ago that would not have been possible" Valdez said smiling. "Your counterpart showed your species have that cruel streak in them but you have shown us that your species has a kinder side to them." responded Gal'azia.
"Any news on the trial of RA Solat?" asked Gal'azia, "Life imprisonment at a secure facility, Trianna's counterpart got a 15 year sentence." responded Valdez. Gal'azia smiled that her people had got justice for the death of her world and civilisation. The Federation had earned the respect of her people and the Romulan Star Union was also opening diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Valdez and his crew had earned their respect and friendship.
Trianna had just finished a counseling session when Captain Valdez, Gal'azia and Teanna walked into her office, "How are the crew?" she asked Captain Valdez, Valdez told her they were fine before asking, "How are you doing?", Trianna was honest about her problems. "I keep waking up in a cold sweat at night, that moment I lost my right leg keeps giving me nightmares, both mother and Jane are very supportive with my problems". Trianna noticed Gal'azia and the two started talking as Valdez and Teanna left them to it. Clemens spotted her old captain and ran up him and asked, "Sir, how are my fellow brothers and sisters in arms?" Valdez said they were fine before Clemens said she had changed her name to Jane Clemens Valdez. "The bridge does not feel the same without you and Trianna there. Why are you wearing a police uniform?" asked Valdez. His daughter in law simply said she had joined the Betazed Police force as a constable. "The war with the Terrans changed me, the good old days aboard the Oudenarde were some of the best of my life. After I left Starfleet, I got a offer from the police force given my experience in Starfleet." Valdez smiled and told her to carry on the good work.
........................................................................................................................................................
Stardate 2410/9 Betazed (mirror)
The I.S.S. Astute was back at Betazed on a resupply run, the Inquisition had kept Inquisitor Valdez busy putting out the rebellions caused by Leeta's power grab. "We've got a hail from the Los Lobos sir" reported Clemens, Captain Valdez took the hail in his ready room. "Vice Admiral Lot, congratulations on your promotion." said Valdez, "Likewise Inquisitor, I may have need of you and your crew" responded Vice Admiral Lot. "What do you need my crew and ship for?" responded Valdez. Lot ordered Valdez to beam aboard the Los Lobos for briefing.
Valdez beamed aboard and was met by Naynta Lot herself, Valdez saluted and walked to the bridge with her. "Thank you for your support, loyalty is rewarded" said Naynta. Valdez smiled and did not say a word, Naynta knew Valdez was all business. "When I first saw this ship, it was in a sorry state." said Valdez amazed at the repair quality. On the the Los Lobos bridge, Jodi Iodokar recognised Valdez and told him she had been offered a command of her own, the I.S.S. Cutlass. In Naynta's ready room, Valdez was briefed on the job he was called in for, "Sito has put the fleet on high alert, we're going to war." said Naynta, "Finally, time to make Leeta pay for her treachery" thought Valdez. Naynta had picked up on that thought and smiled, "What I've got in mind is a series of raids behind Leeta's lines hitting supply bases, convoys and isolated groups of traitor ships." Valdez analysed the list of targets mentally looking at the pros and cons of Naynta's plan. "You are concerned Inquisitor, I read your copy of the art of war and made a copy of it myself" said Naynta.
"How can we get two task groups behind enemy lines without being noticed?" asked Valdez, "I'm only taking one, the other group is to draw away traitor attention. After all, all warfare is based on deception." replied Naynta smiling. Valdez approved of the idea, by making Leeta divert resources to protecting her back lines it would give Sito's forces facing Leeta's frontlines a greater fighting chance. Jodi was called into the ready room and briefed on the plan, the Cutlass would provide flank support for the Astute. Valdez beamed back to the Astute and briefed his crew. They would be going to war, Valdez ordered his master at arms and her staff to drill the crew to make sure they were ready.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Lot's raiders were approaching their first target, their target was a traitor supply station. Destroying this base would weaken Leeta's forces on the Breen border. "All ships, form into your wolf packs" ordered Lot, all ships got into their wolf packs and moved into attack position. "Captain Valdez, take your wolf pack and attack their fuel depots at bearing 431.6" ordered Lot.
Valdez got his wolf pack into attack position and swept in shooting up fuel tanks and dilithium refineries in a series of assaults. "Cutlass, swing around and engage their power grids. Squadrons 2 and 3 support Cutlass." ordered Valdez. Jodi understood the order and moved in on her attack run leading two squadrons of Defiants against the traitor power grid. The rest of Lot's battlegroup engaged the supply station bringing down it's shield grid and beaming Quantum warheads into key areas and detonating them. The supply station soon was suffering internal explosions as it's crew fled in the escape pods and shuttles. Lot in no mood for mercy ordered all the escape pods and shuttles shot down, she wanted no survivors.
Battlegroup Lot withdrew having achieved all objectives, Leeta would not be getting supplies from here again. "Next target, Lukari system" ordered Lot and all ships set course. Within 12 hours, the loyalist battlegroup warped into the system and formed up in attack formation. Opposing them was the traitor 7th and 10th Battle squadrons,15 cruisers formed the centre and 10 escorts protected the flanks. Lot had 30 ships and she formed her fleet into 3 groups. The Astute, Los Lobos and the other cruisers formed the centre and Defiant squadrons 2 and 3 deployed into the asteroid field. "Here is our course of action, centre force deploy your ships into a bow formation, we want them to attack in the centre. Flanks, once the enemy is pinned in our centre, swing round and encircle." was the order from the flagship.
The loyalist fleet formed their battle line, the traitors attacked at the bow formation as Lot had intended them to do. "Come into my web" said Lot with a smile on her face. The traitors kept pushing into the loyalist centre as Valdez pulled his group back in a feint withdrawal, the traitors took the bait and soon Lot deployed her hidden reserves to attack the now exposed traitor flanks. The Defiant squadrons led by Jodi from the Cutlass now charged into the rear of the traitor lines pinning them against the centre. The traitors were now trapped like rats in a barrel with nowhere to go. "All ships, form the witch's cauldron" ordered Lot judging it to be the right moment, all ships interlocked their fields of fire and at 500m opened up with a barrage of phaser and torpedo fire. In a matter of minutes it was all over as the traitor fleet was nothing but floating wreckage and the loyalists advanced on the planet itself. Without the fleet there to protect the traitor installations they were easy prey for Lot's wolf packs and what followed was a swift and brutal massacre of the traitor garrison. "I want this sent to all traitors, anyone who opposes the loyalist cause will suffer this fate" ordered Lot. Valdez had advised Lot not to play with her victims in the past but this time it served a purpose.
"Captain Valdez, why did you feint a withdrawal" asked Lot over the viewscreen, "Vice Admiral it was only to draw the traitors deeper into our lines and pin them on 3 sides." replied Valdez. Lot smiled, she could trust Valdez to make decisions independently. "Vice Admiral, next time I'll ask permission" said Valdez. "Please do next time, if that was any other captain, I'd have had him or her shot. Your feint withdrawal proved to be excellent bait, I need captains that are able to read a tactical situation and act accordingly." responded Lot.
"All ships form up and withdraw, excellent work everyone, Captain Valdez you will beam aboard my ship. " said Lot, the battle group withdrew from the system and set a course for the Nakuhl system.
Valdez beamed aboard the Los Lobos and Naynta simply said "walk with me." Valdez walked with her to the holding cells and Lot pointed at Captain Heath. "Why is your ex CO in a holding cell?" asked Valdez, "To cut a long story short, we encountered our federation counterparts. 'Captain' Heath withdrew when her federation counterpart threatened to blow her warp core. I had to take action." answered Lot. "What would you have done if you were in her position?" asked Lot. "Called their bluff" answered Valdez, "Correct answer, I do not like failures, remember that. These Trill here thought they could stage a mutiny, fatal mistake" replied Lot.
Valdez knew he had to be on top of his game, any failure could end up with him in Lot's holding cells. Lot's little lesson had made an impact, "Well an officer has to keep their house in order, otherwise it would be damned unprofessional" said Valdez. Lot smiled and laughed, she understood what Valdez had said clearly. " You may not approve of my methods of discipline but in the end, your loyalty and honor to me and the empire is what I need, too many of my captains have too much ambition and I do not trust some of them. What I'm looking for is an advisor when it comes to planning operations and a loyal right hand officer" Lot said. "Like a first officer?" replied Valdez. Lot smiled as she knew Valdez had no ambition, defending the empire was more important than personal glory to him and high rank. She could also count on his knowledge of military tactics and strategy having found out about Valdez's personal military history library. Valdez as a sign of respect bowed and said "I am samurai, I serve". Lot knew Valdez was honor bound to serve her and he would watch her back.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Mirror Wars 2 (1-4) have not been effected by any changes to the foundry
Mirror Wars 2 (5) ... has. Part of the map has disappeared making it impossible to complete.
Vice Admiral Lot's campaign was going precisely to plan, already two of Leeta's supply stations had been wiped out in quick succession. Naynta Lot was planning her next move with her captains, for the Nakuhl operation she brought in her second battle group. "How do we draw in the traitors so we can wipe them out in one fell swoop?" she asked her captains. The arguments were flying across that table but Lot and Valdez both were sat there quietly listening to the arguments. One of the more bull headed captains, a Captain Cunningham had suggested a frontal assault against the traitor battlefleet stationed in Nakuhl orbit.
Lot dismissed the idea but Cunningham protested and incurred Lot's wrath. "Betazoid freak" thought Cunningham and soon Lot just looked at one of her security officers and Cunningham was dragged out of the Los Lobos ward room and straight into the holding cells. "One less disloyal captain, the rest of you take that as my lesson in opposing me" said Lot. "We need to pick them apart piece by piece, we show them what we want them to see but hide our true strength." suggested Valdez. "You thinking an ambush, Captain Valdez?" asked Lot, Valdez answered with "exactly, we draw them into an area where long range communication is impossible then catch them in a double envelopment from three sides at once. They will only have one way out, backwards before we mobilize our reserves to cut off any retreat."
Lot listened to the idea and asked Valdez to demonstrate what he had in mind, using the holo imagers in the table Valdez presented his plan. "What we do is we place our weakest captains in the centre arrayed in the shape of a bow, strong but flexible and conceal our hidden reserves behind the flanks. The enemy will only see the centre and advance on it, we let them push into our lines carefully faking a retreat to draw them deeper in. The enemy will believe they are winning the battle, let them have but a brief taste of victory before we swing the reserves round to give them that bitter taste of defeat as they become the architects of their own destruction."
Lot listened as some of her captains voiced their reservations about the centre, Valdez pointed out the centre was the key part of his plan, get it wrong and the enemy cuts straight through but get it right the enemy is that compacted together, they would wipe themselves out with their own weapons fire. Lot had heard enough, she approved the plan and appointed her key officers accordingly, "Valdez, you get the centre, Jodi you will coordinate the flanks. I will take position behind the centre with a reserve line of cruisers to support the centre of the frontline. All you go back your ships and brief your crews, I'm giving the go ahead. Good hunting everyone"
Both of Lot's battle groups formed up into their formations as Lot sent out an open signal to bait the enemy into attacking her. The traitors took the bait and advanced into the centre as Lot intended, the four traitor battle groups charged at the middle of the centre seemingly pushing back the loyalists, Valdez now carefully pulled the centre back as the traitors push further in. "Just a little further" said Valdez as he gave the signal for the centre to pull back drawing them deeper and deeper into the loyalist lines. Lot coordinating the battle from the Los Lobos judged the moment to be right and soon the traitors were now caught in a salient as Jodi swept in from both right and left finishing the encirclement.
"Advance" ordered Lot and the pocket was squeezed tighter and tighter with traitor ships being unable to even fire back without hitting each other. "We've got them" signalled Valdez from the Astute to Los Lobos, "all ships form the witch's cauldron" ordered Lot as the loyalists interlocked their fields of fire and let loose with phasers and torpedoes into the tight packed ranks of traitor ships wiping out ship after ship. The traitor commander rather than face capture self destructed his ship and the rest surrendered. "Wipe them out" ordered Lot, everyone obeyed knowing what would happen if they did not and in two hours the battle was over. 120 traitor ships wiped out by only 60 loyalist ships, Lot was one happy Betazoid afterwards. "Everyone, nicely done" was the signal from the flagship and the loyalist fleet soon entered orbit and wiped out the orbital installations before withdrawing back to loyalist lines.
"Captain Valdez, I'm promoting you to Rear Admiral. You are not going to turn the promotion down now are you, my loyal samurai?" said Lot. Valdez was in no position to protest and begrudgingly accepted the promotion, he knew what happened to officers who refused Naynta Lot, the lesson she taught him on the Los Lobos was fresh in his mind.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
I'll need to play 3 again for the 'feels' but looking at my notes.
*Saving the Terran Empire
- Have player work with Sito to eliminate something the Romulans have found on Dewa III.
- Mirror Fluffy
- Explain why telepathic races can't read Sito's mind.
- Vorgons
- Iconians!!!!!
- -Combat Moderate mission-
5
- Alliance's fall.
- Terran Empire (25th, 26th and 30th) participate in the 'Terran Revelation'
- Cause the events that started the third series.
- Combat HELL mission-
Sounds like Sito is going all Imperium of Man (The great crusade in the 40K lore)
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Long live the Empire! O/
Strength and Honor.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Could I use the Inquisitor title for a mission I'm thinking of starting? (Very early stages of the script) The protagonist would be the mirror universe version of the player.
This will involve a RSU "invasion" of their original reality in 2410ish.
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
You don't have to ask me to make a foundry mission. By all means go for it mate.
When would it be set in regards to Mirror Wars? Before Sito promotes PC to FA?
I'm pondering a fed sided story in regards to the MU. I've promised @galatt for awhile I would do a mission with the prime Los Lobos characters.
At the moment I've got very little here, my current project has hit a snag because I think building this city might be beyond me... I've even tried grid paper, to plan it out, I just can't get it feeling 'real'... Or like people would actually live there.
2) Oh I'd second that! Been craving having my Prime universe PC meet some of the MW imperial cast. That is if I understand what you're saying right. Would we be opening up a whole can of: "prepare to learn the meaning of fear Imperial scum!"?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
1: Go for it. I'll send sliders of any Mirror Wars character if you want to use them.
2: I've thrown a few things into three which will take place in this fed sided story.
* Ask'kaar Prisoners
* Prime Sito in the cell
* Message from Setall
@thay8472 Do you want my crew as characters?
They're all crazy in one form or the other (PTSD from the Battle of Iconia, a battle like that will change a person)
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Rear Admiral Valdez was concerned, ever since his promotion Lt Cmdr Flores had been acting questionably. On the bridge, Flores had been maintaining his cover as Leeta's agent onboard Astute. Now RA Valdez suspected someone on his crew was acting disloyally, "Vice Admiral Lot, good timing I'm in middle of an investigation into a serious matter" said Valdez to Naynta Lot in his ready room. "Keep an eye on Lt Cmdr Flores, I don't trust him" said Lot.
Valdez agreed and asked, "Naynta, I may have to call that favour in." Lot ordered Flores' arrest immediately and her body guard dragged him off the bridge of the Astute. Lot and Valdez both beamed over to the Los Lobos together with Lot's guards and Flores. "Take him to the holding cells" ordered Valdez, the guards looked confused for a moment before Lot said, "You both heard the man, take Mr Flores to the holding cells." Valdez would let Lot have her fun, if Flores was hiding something Lot would find it.
"You wish to join me?" asked Lot and both officers walked into the brig. Flores looked on in horror when Valdez and Lot walked up to his cell and both just smiled. "Mr Flores, meet a friend of mine. This is Vice Admiral Naynta Lot and she has ways of getting answers out of people" said Valdez. "So you're Leeta's mole Mr Flores, don't count on your commanding officer helping you, he asked for my help" said Lot smiling. Valdez got straight to business, "Over the last two months, classified information has been reaching the traitors. I suspected it was one of my officers, your behavior raised my suspicions." said Valdez. "I've always been loyal" protested Flores, Valdez was having none of it. "Let's play a game Mr Flores, good cop, bad cop. Tell me what I want to know and I might spare you but try to deceive me and my friend here has her fun with you, your choice" said Valdez.
Flores did not answer Valdez's questions and Lot decided to force the information out by telepathic means, Lot whispered one word in Flores' ear, "pain" and Flores began to break. "How long have you been Leeta's mole on my ship?" asked Valdez calmly, Flores confessed after Lot threatened another session of the telepathic pain process. "Mr Flores, you betrayed your captain, your crew and the empire. Many loyal soldiers died because of your treachery." said Lot as she had her guards throw him back in his cell. "A gift Naynta, he's all yours to play with" said Valdez, Lot smiled as she looked at her new plaything.
Valdez returned to the Astute and immediately ordered Teanna and Trianna to take the Betazoid security guards and scan every crew member onboard, "Any ill thoughts, arrest them" ordered Valdez. Teanna and her troops got to work. Trianna began her electronic surveillance of the crew. Valdez had decided on a purge, anyone suspected of disloyalty was to be arrested and interrogated. Lot had even lent Valdez some of her most powerful Betazoids to assist. Leeta's spy network onboard the Astute was soon compromised as the conspirators were all rounded up and beamed down to the Regent's courtyard on Betazed.
Regent Papela Lot acted as judge and jury finding all 30 conspirators guilty of treason, "Rear Admiral Valdez, your loyalty will be rewarded. Naynta treat this officer as an ally" said Regent Lot
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Here's something for you to ponder over. Thanks to @starfarertheta
Captain Nathan Valdez
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198042434174/screenshot/266095116616186425
Just put him into Yellow Empire uniform, height is 6.3 the rest are standard.
Personality is firm but fair to his crew but he does have that vindictive side with his enemies. Tactically he's a military genius using history as a teacher to win his battles. He gets on with Betazoids and considers Vice Admiral Naynta Lot as a close ally who he can work with when the need arises
Ensign Trianna Valdez
http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/257093625795925483/C440FC4E69D9F6250727AF4204D6C9F6417488A7/
Height 5.4 the rest standard but in yellow empire uniform.
Personality is cold and ruthless with her father's enemies but respectful with her family's friends and allies. Cyber Warfare is her speciality
Commander Solat
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198042434174/screenshot/266095116616187216
Height 5.9 the rest standard in Yellow Empire uniform.
Personality is cold and logical, she's loyal to her captain and friend Nathan Valdez, she's his first officer.
To her captain's enemies she's ruthless and a ends justify the means type when dealing with them
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
1) Finish Mirror Wars 3.
2) Do [AEI] Mission that I've been putting off for ages.
3) Do 'something else'
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
If you want to use the Rear Admiral Valdez character, you are entirely welcome to. Having a Thrawn type Terran opponent who uses their opponent's military history to his advantage would be interesting for the PC
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius