Your Side, My Side, and the Truth (Saber Flashback, Part 2)

Posted on Sat Oct 12th, 2024 @ 2:12pm by Chief Petty Officer Chip Lauder CPMV

3,256 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Boys of Summer
Location: USS Saber, Ready Room
Timeline: 2388, 3 days after the attack on Sagan Prime

ON

Staring into the abyss of space through the ready room window, the haunting notes of Lux Aeterna filled Lauder's ears. Debris of Breen and Federation origin continued to float outside, a silent ballet of twisted metal and destruction.

He reached for Xaras' sextant. For hours he'd been studying the stars and working out where his vessel would be going next. With a completely destroyed navigational system, there was no chance the vessel could plot its own course, and so went about doing a job that only he could do as a trained navigator.

The door chime rang, Lauder's finger darting to pause the music that echoed through the small office space. He zipped up the coat of his uniform and faced the door, "Come."

Sype stepped inside the dark room, the Kreetassan's uniform dusty and blackened from days of hard work. Holding a PADD tightly, as if a defence, they carefully observed the Saber's new commanding officer. She noticed he was holding the sextant.

"Sype," Lauder smiled, "Good morning."

"Morning. We've accounted for everyone," Sype reported. They checked their PADD, "Official count is at 30 survivors."

"We found more crew?" Lauder asked.

"Yes," Sype nodded. "Lieutenant Reynolds was found on Deck 3. She is currently recovering in sickbay. Nurse Platt is confident in her recovery."

"Very well," Lauder nodded. The two Petty Officers shared an uncomfortable moment of silence. They both had the same thought about whether she would challenge Lauder for command of the ship. "I'll be sure to visit her shortly. What's the status of our other systems?"

"Weapons are online, life support is back to normal, power has been restored to most areas and decks have been cleared to make moving around easier. Most hull breaches in critical areas have been patched with the help of the maintenance drones." Sype let out a sigh, "That's where the good news ends, unfortunately. Our communications array has been destroyed irreparably, navigational systems are in a similar state. Warp will be back within the hour, but our impulse engines are a different story. The technicians are projecting days."

"Days?" Lauder echoed.

"The engineering team is stretched, even with any personnel with technical skills seconded to repairs," Sype said. "It would be a different story if we had Chief T'Var."

"Don't go there," Lauder warned.

"Very well," Sype nodded uneasily. "You're working on plotting our next course?"

"I am,"

"The Sagan System, I presume?" Sype asked.

"No, actually," Lauder began. He rounded the desk, placing the sextant on the table. "Those ships were on course for Sagan Prime. With any suck our automated distress systems alerted them to the presence of those Breen vessels, however we can't be certain."

"I see."

"I've been reviewing our sensor data from before the attack," Lauder said, picking up a PADD from his desk, "There were additional Breen contacts that came into range just before we lost sensors. All were headed to the Sagan System. I'm concerned that if we head back that way, we run the risk of encountering those ships again."

"You believe the Sagan System is under siege by the Breen?" Sype questioned.

"Or it has been attacked," Lauder confirmed. "I won't drag this ship into a dangerous situation we're not prepared for."

Sype regarded Lauder for a moment, probing further, "What is your plan, then?"

"We can't remain here," Lauder said, "It's a modern day miracle that we haven't been discovered by the Breen already. There's a rogue planet nearby, we'll use it to obscure our warp signature as we continue repairs."

Sype arched an eyebrow, "I hope you know what you're getting us into, Chip."

"So do I," Lauder replied solemnly.

"I'd better get back to engineering," Sype said.

"Yeah," Lauder nodded. With that, Sype spun on their heel and left the office. Lauder, meanwhile returned to his window, sextant in hand, resuming his listening to Lux Aeterna

|USS Saber, Bridge
|2 Days Later

The bridge, still a mess of twisted metal, blown-out panels and charred fixtures was active once again. The place felt like a home with the children inside it once again, though, as the crew took their stations. Lauder ran his hand over the leather headrest. He knew this is where Xaras had died, and he felt such a strong ownership over that chair and a renewed mission to avenge his captain's death. To avenge everyone's death.

Sype was in place at operations. A number of other crew lined the bridge, including Bath who monitored the engineering station. A separate station had been placed in front of the captain's chair to control help and weapons, per Lauder's request. Surprisingly, his will was done.

"Okay, let's get this show on the road," Lauder called.

Sype's fingers worked over her computer console, "Impulse engines online. Shunting warp power to the nacelles."

"Warp field is coming online," Bath reported. A joyful smile washed over his face, "It's stable!"

"Okay, team, here we go," Lauder said, taking his place in the big chair. The Petty Officer inputted the navigational data he had researched and primed the warp engines for the big jump. "Setting a course for Galen One. Engaging."

A brilliant flash at the front of the ship showed the vessel jump to a speed faster than light, their rebuilt engines carrying them there. Lauder checked a small clock on his screen as the stars shot by. However, the stars began to streak by quicker and quicker.

Bath watched his screen with concern, "Uh, C-captain, we've gone to warp 3.. 3.5... sir..."

"Don't worry about it," Lauder replied.

"Warp 5... warp 6. Sir?"

"It's okay!"

The ship catapulted itself through space, reaching its maximum warp. On the bridge, the deck shook unusually, the stress on the warp engines audible as it whined in protest.

"Just a little longer!" Lauder called. He watched that clock like a hawk. When it reached the time he required, he brought the ship out of warp, the vessel slowing right above a iridescent green planet.

"That's not Galen One," Sype said.

"You're right," Lauder said. "I-I can't explain it."

"I've got a contact!" A crewman called from the sensor console. "Bearing... 53 mark... 120! It's a Breen ship."

"Dammit!" Lauder hissed.

Sype configured the viewscreen to show the orbiting Breen vessel, which disengaged from orbit and came about. "Looks like a cruiser."

"Good, lightly armed, lightly shielded," Lauder said. "Let's go to red alert. Shields up. I'm preparing a firing solution."

The Saber came about, the vessel's bow now on the Breen starship. The Breen vessel took the aggressive stance, their weapons charging, smashing the Saber. Under Lauder's control, the Saber had clearance to return fire, the ship's red hot phasers lashing out and dismantling the Breen vessel's shields.

"Our shields are holding," Sype said. "The Breen vessel's shields are down to seventy percent. They're coming around again."

As another volley hit the Saber's shield bubble, the small, maneuverable Starfleet vessel returned the assault. Another few phaser blasted targeted at their shield emitters destroying their shields.

"Aligning for aft torpedo spread," Lauder reported as he noticed Sype had routed power to the ship's rear shielding.

The Saber screamed into position, Lauder's console lighting up when he had a torpedo lock on the Breen vessel. With the ship's propulsion and life support systems in the Saber's sights, she let loose, a pair of torpedos delivered to the vessel's most critical systems.

Smiles and celebrations on the bridge appeared as the Breen vessel burned in space. Eventually, the explosions and fiery eruptions consumed the enemy vessel as it listed into the atmosphere of the planet, burning up from the outside as it burned up on the inside.

"That's it, we got 'em," Sype reported.

"Score one for us," Lauder grinned. "The first of many."

|USS Saber, Ready Room
|3 Days Later

The doorbell of Lauder's ready room gave its customary chirp. It'd become common place now for most members of the crew, mostly young crewmen, to stop by and say hello. Some had concerns about their families back home- wherever that happened to be- others were grieving friends and colleagues, or didn't think they would live another day.

Lauder had found himself in the uncomfortable, though necessary, position of being an ear to many. He felt lifted of their burdon as he saw Lieutenant Reynolds step through the door.

"Lieutenant," Lauder smiled, "Nice to see you up and about."

"Thank you, Petty Officer," Reynolds replied. "Or should I say, captain? It sounds like you've blazed yourself quite a trail in the past few days."

"We're just doing our duty," Lauder replied humbly. He moved to his replicator, "Have a seat, Lieutenant. Can I offer you something?"

"Just a Vulcan green tea, thank you," Reynolds answered as she took the plush seat across from Lauder's. "Nurse Platt is still unsure about my ingesting of solids."

"I heard you've endured quite the ordeal," Lauder mentioned with a sympathetic smile. He turned to the replicator and made his order, "Vulcan green tea, hot. Coffee, black, double strong, double sweet."

Watching Lauder bring the beverages to the desk, she accepted the warm cup into her hands. "During the attack, I was on Deck 3 with Crewman Bath. An explosive decompression separated us, I was crushed under rubble in an air pocket, though a piece of structural metal had pieced my abdomen."

"How are you doing now?" Lauder asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Still a little worse for wear," Reynolds replied quietly. However, her demeanour changed a little after a moment, "Nevertheless, I'm up and about, I'm alive. Now... I just need something to do."

"Indeed," Lauder nodded, with just the hint of a laugh. "I'm glad you're here with us. Perhaps if you're interested, you can log some hours of light work on the bridge in an advisory capacity. As you would be aware, all our officers have been killed. And though your status as a legal officer prohibits you from command, I would appreciate an officer's perspective on the bridge, especially one who is so well-versed in the Rules of Engagement."

"I'd be happy to provide any assistance I can. I've been reviewing the combat logs from the past few days. I'm pleased to say you have so far conducted yourself lawfully, Petty Officer," Reynolds said.

"Good, I plan to keep it that way," Lauder asserted. "I anticipate several more engagements, however, Lieutenant. We've used the communications systems aboard our shuttlecraft to intercept Breen transmissions. It would seem that the Breen attacked Sagan Prime several days ago, which is why they were in such a hurry when they attacked us in the first instance."

"My next question had been to enquire when you plan on returning to base, Petty Officer," Reynolds said. "Perhaps that gives me a partial answer. Have you considered setting a course for Deep Space 9, or contacting them or another vessel for assistance?"

"With our astrogation and communications systems still offline, I'm reluctant to attempt going anywhere. Even with those shuttle communications systems online, I'm eager to maintain a communications blackout. If the Breen hold the Sagan System, we would be committing suicide by giving ourselves away, let alone returning to port. There's a lot of road between us and Deep Space 9, too, Lieutenant, I wouldn't want to risk it. Especially with a temperamental warp drive. As we've learned, we do not want to be stranded."

"What is your plan, then, Lauder?" Reynolds demanded.

"I plan to take the fight to the Breen where and when we can," Lauder said. "Take back what territory we can, find out what they've done, and make them pay for it."

"Revenge?" Reynolds questioned, "In a situation where you don't even know what happened."

"Oh, we know," Lauder shot back. "And we'll have our pound of flesh."

"And how do you plan to do that without your navigational systems, Petty Officer?" Reynolds asked. "Just how are you deciding where we go next?"

"I'm an accomplished navigator, Lieutenant," Lauder retorted.

"An accomplished navigator who aimed for Galen One and ended up at Yiros?"

"An error with the warp drive," Lauder replied.

"Some would say a convenient error."

"They might," Lauder acknowledged, bristling at the suggestion. "Others might say it was fortunate that we were then able to engage an enemy vessel legally following an attack on our soil."

"Perhaps," Reynolds replied quietly. She stood, "Petty Officer, you will have my support as long as we observe legalities. However, make no mistake about it, we must return to friendly space as soon as possible."

"I will decide when the time is right, Lieutenant, I need evidence that Federation space is safe and that we can return to port unharmed. I remind you that as long as I am in command, any authority or ability to comment that you possess is at my discretion."

"Very well," Reynolds stumbled.

"I'm glad we have an understanding," Lauder replied, not moving from his chair. "Dismissed."

|USS Saber, Bridge
|One Week Later

Crew of the USS Saber, this is your commanding officer speaking. We've been through a lot together, though I am proud to say that as of yesterday, we have engaged and either destroyed or disabled a total of 23 Breen vessels. This is an achievement that few vessels have seen since this conflict started, let alone in such a short time. Today, we engage the Breen once again. We've picked up telemetry of a weapons convoy. By my estimations, this could be destined for captured territory to rearm an attacking force. We need to destroy it. I know we'll all do our best. Lauder out.

Looks of steely determination came over the bridge crew of the USS Saber. They crept through a star system, their limited sensors giving the faintest hints of enemy contact pings, their presence alerted to the crew though sonar-like alerts.

"Crewman Bath, compliments to your ingenuity," Lieutenant Reynolds praised as she observed the young man operating his console. "Using the unique metallurgy of the Breen hull... clever."

"All in a day's work," Lauder smirked from the command chair. "Mister Bath has been one hell of a bright spark on this unexpected journey. It would seem we've brought out some untapped potential. He might just make Chief Engineer."

"Thank you, Petty Officer," Cam replied, a smile beaming from him. He checked the crude detection system again. "I've got them. In orbit of the fifth planet."

"Good," Lauder said. "Setting a course, one-quarter impulse. At this speed, that planet's radioactive atmosphere will hide us until we're on top of them."

"I've got them on short range sensors," Sype reported. "One Breen frigate. Six freighters."

"Our weapons shipment?" Reynolds asked.

"I sure hope so," Lauder grinned. "Sype, I want to give them everything we've got on the first volley. I only want to be mopping up after we've fired out first shots. Make sure all power is directed to weapons."

"Got it," Sype replied.

Lauder looked to Reynolds, "Lieutenant, I still can't believe the Breen's audacity. A neutral star system and a convoy of weapons freighters, orbiting a planet well known for its kemocite deposits."

"It is... troubling," Reynolds admitted.

"A clear act of aggression is what it is," Sype said from their station. "We'll be within weapons range in 15 seconds."

"Let's do this. Red alert, all hands to battle stations!" Lauder called. His attention shifted to the weapons and helm console he'd jury rigged to control half the ship's functions jealously.

From the viewscreen, Reynolds and Bath watched as the Saber entered orbit of the DMZ world. The world below a glowing ball of titanium white, lit the bridge up like a christmas tree, though the brilliance of it all seemed to fade when the convoy finally came into view.

"We are within weapons range," Sype reported.

"Targeting the lead ship," Lauder reported. His fingers danced over the weapons and helm controls as he planned his attack. "Have they detected us?"

"Negative," Bath reported.

"This is one bad day to be a Breen," Lauder smirked.

From behind the Breen vessels, the Saber emerged from a cloudy formation. Before their shields were even raised, the small Starfleet vessel had placed a volley of photo torpedoes on its shield generator, another going for its weapons ports. The freighters, slow and cumbersome began to move off in an attempt to disperse the number of targets available to the Breen vessel.

The Saber stayed with the Breen frigate, which already burned and billowed smoke and plasma. It got off a few lucky shots, which hammered the Saber's reinforced forward shields, but it did little to repel the onslaught from the Federation starship. Another few blasts from their weapons systems and yet another Breen vessel was burning helpless in space.

On the bridge of the Saber the crew cheered as they watched the vessel's hull ripple and rupture, before it exploded, "Yeah!"

"It's not over yet," Lauder reminded the crew. The Saber came about, its bow now bearing on one of the fleeing Breen transport ships. The bulky vessels had barely moved to leave orbit before Lauder had piloted the speedy Saber within striking distance.

"Wait," Reynolds called. Interupting Lauder from firing his weapons again.

"Lieutenant?" Lauder said, raising and eyebrow.

"Should we scan that ship, or board it before committing to destryoing it?" Reynolds asked.

"We're not a customs cutter, Lieutenant," Sype reminded Reynolds.

She leant on a nearby rail, "Lauder, those ships are routinely used to move civilians between worlds. I just think--"

Before Reynolds could even finish her sentence, a torpedo ploughed into the aft cargo compartment of the Breen freighter. She stood, mouth agape as she watched a hull breach grow aboard the defenceless vessel. Another torpedo followed, ensuring the destruction of the ship, as an explosive chain reaction blew the one cargo compartment after another.

"Sype, find me the next one. Send the coordinates to my console," Lauder said coldly.

Reynolds watched on in horror as the Saber found its next target. She could see weapons were hot on Lauder's panel and he was ready to fire at any moment.

"Sype, scan that freighter!" Reynolds barked.

"Belay that," Lauder sighed. "We don't have time."

Reynolds stood her ground, moving towards the ops position, "Sype, I am ordering you. Scan that vessel."

Sype turned in her chair, looking uneasily between Reynolds and their captain.

"Don't be complicit in this," Reynolds begged.

Sype broke. Her hands darted across her console. The Saber's now-limited and broken sensor array providing the data that Reynolds requested, "Eighty lifesigns."

"On a weapons freighter?" Lauder scoffed. "Our sensors are so badly damaged they'd call a grapefruit a person."

"Lauder!" Reynolds called.

"Stand down, Lieutenant, or I will have you put off my bridge."

Reynolds shook her head, "I cannot allow this course of action."

"Too late," Lauder said. Another dosage of torpedoes curing the Breen disease.

"Murderer," Reynolds scolded.

"I think that about does it for you," Lauder spat. "You're allowing your personal feelings to interfere with our mission. Don't think for a second there are any innocent lives out there. Mister Bath, escort Miss Reynolds to her quarters. Place her under guard."

Bath looked to Sype, to Reynolds, to Lauder. He didn't find a friend amongst them.

"Mister Bath, that is a direct order," Lauder said.

"A-aye, Captain," Bath choked. He stepped forward, ushering Reynolds to the turbolift.

Reynolds said nothing as she was put off the bridge. Entering the lift with Bath, she turned to see that the Saber had lined up the next target. As the doors shut, Lauder scored another confirmed kill.

OFF

 

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