Captains Log: Stardate 50015.2
We are enroute to Starbase 250. After our last engagement with Dominion Forces, we have exhausted our supply of Tri-Cobalt Devises and are down to less than 60 quantum torpedoes. The tally after the last battle was Jem'Hadar-10 USS Toronto- 42. We kicked ass! I also believe that the Federation is going to win this war
The crews as well as I are looking forward to forget about this bloody war for the next few days.
The interior of Cmdr. Larson's quarters was dark. The lights had been dimmed, and she was fast asleep in her bed.
"The Time is 05:45." Called the dull voice of the computer.
As Larson rolled over she groaned. As she started to get up something pop up in her mind.
"Computer. What is today's date?" She asked in a sleepy voice.
"It is Stardate 50015" replied the computer.
"No, no. I mean what is the date on the old calendar?" Larson always hated Stardates and preferred the old dates.
"Today is November 11th 2376" The computer confirmed her fears.
"I hope he isn't going to do it again." Said Larson as she got out of Bed.
The interior of Harkness's quarters were dimly light. Harkness came out of the shower, only wearing a towel walked to his room. In there he put on his bathrobe and walked out to the living room.
Once there he headed for the Replecator.
"Computer. 2 eggs sunny side up, 4 strips of Canadian bacon, and hash browns. Oh yeah a Large Coffee Double Cream double sugar." He said with a sleepy voice. Harkness was never a morning person. His Father and Brother were but he was not.
As the Replecator hummed, his order appeared. He removed his plate and the mug and sat down on the couch. Once he was seated he took a sip of his Coffee.
"Ugh. This is 24th century, and the replecator still can't make a good pot coffee." He placed down the Mug in disgust.
"Computer. Search the computer database for the Movie 'The Hunt for red October'. Released in late 1980's." Asked Harkness, this was one of his Favorite movies.
"Entry found." Stated the computer.
"Play on monitor."
The monitor in his room switched to a view of a huge submarine. On it was two officers talking about the weather.
The Bridge of the mighty battleship was a hum of activity. In the center of it all was Larson in the command chair. She looked very nervous. She was worried that her Captain would do what he did every year onboard the Ontario.
"Computer time." She said with an agitated voice.
"The time is 10:55" replied the computer.
"Commander is there anything wrong? That is the third time you asked the computer what time it was." Asked Cmdr. March who was working at his console.
"Ah it is nothing Commander." She replied.
Just then the doors to the ready room slid open.
"CAPTAIN ON DECK!" yelled the yeoman that was working next to his door.
Harkness walked over and took his seat.
"Cmdr. Larson would you please put me on Speakers for the whole ship." Asked Harkness, Larson knew what was coming next.
"Aye, Aye sir. Ready." She replied with an uneasy voice.
"Attention. Would you all stop what you are doing for a brief announcement?" He stopped for a second and looked around the bridge. Everyone was at attention.
"On this day 458 years ago. The First World War ended. This war was thought to have ended all wars. But 21 years later the Second World War started. And when that war ended there was a tradition started called Remembrance Day. On this day at 11 am everyone would stand at attention for a moment of silence. So today I would like to continue this. But first off I would like to read a poem written by a Canadian Doctor during the First World War. It is called 'In Flanders Field'
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, saw dawn, felt sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields."
As Harkness finished reading the poem, the computer announced "The time is 10:59:50"
Harkness waited for a few seconds.
"Ten hut."
The Bridge was quite. Everyone was at attention and still. The Marines were saluting the air. Harkness glanced to the clock that was on his console. It read 11:01.
"At ease" Harkness broke the silence. "At one point chances are that someone in your family, participated in one of the three world wars that gripped earth. So I thank you for your participation in today's ceremony. Captain Charles Harkness out." Harkness ran his finger across his throat to single to Larson to End transmission.
As Larson ran her fingers across her console, Major Rapoport's console beeped. Rapoport was a new addition to the crew. He was the new Chief of Security.
"Captain, a vortex has opened 20 million KM directly in front of the ship."
Harkness who had taken his seat looked puzzled. "What? Onscreen."
As Harkness gave the order, the screen jumped into place. On it was a blue opening in space.
Harkness still looking confused stood up.
"Yellow Alert. Ensign Jenkins move us back 3 quarters impulse."
"Aye, aye sir." Responded the eager young Ensign.
"March, launch a probe into it. Let's see what it is." Ordered Harkness, who was very nervous around unknown 'rifts' in space.
Harkness walked over to March's console and hit a few buttons.
"Sir." Rapoport yelled in a concerned voice. "There are ships coming out of it."
"Red Alert. Scan those ships Major." The klaxons went off as Harkness headed for his chair again.
"Sir, they appear to be Federation ships." Rapoport said in a confused voice.
"Is that all major?" Asked Harkness, he realized that there was something wrong.
"Well sir. There are about 13, no make that 14 ships coming out. And the lead ship is a Toronto class." Replied Rapoport.
Harkness was not the only one confused by that statement.
"Are your sensors working Major? They must be because the Toronto is the only Toronto class ship that is on Active Duty."
"I know sir." Rapoport was getting frustrated. He continued. "Sir what ever it is, it is damaged badly. In fact sir, all the ships in the convoy are damaged. Whom ever they are, they were in a big battle."
Everyone on the Bridge looked at the screen with their mouths open.
As the Toronto floated in space the large Convoy moved out of the Rift.
End Teaser.
Harkness still looking stunned, turned to his First Officer.
"Larson id the lead ship."
Larson ran her fingers across he station.
"Sir, her markings indicate that she is the HMCS Toronto."
Harkness looked down at her, he had herd of the Prefix HMCS but he could not put his finger on what it was.
"HMCS. That is it. Her Majesty's Canadian Ship." He yelled out with pride.
Dubins who was working at his station with his head down, jumped up at the word Canadian.
"Canadian ship? Didn't Canada leave the Commonwealth in 2001?"
Harkness looked over at him.
"Yes they did, you know your history well Col." He replied.
Dubins started to blush. The only reason he went into the Marine Core was that he failed at school, and History was his worst subject.
"Ok I think it is time that we break the silence. Cmdr. Larson open Hailing frequencies."
"Open sir." She responded with a shaky voice. She had a feeling that something was wrong.
"This Captain Charles Harkness of the Federation Star ship Toronto."
He spoke to the air.
He waited a few moments, as he looked at the Bridge, he wondered where the ships in front of him came from.
"Sir we are receiving a response." Larson said looking up at her Captain.
"On screen Commander." He ordered. He was anxious to see his counter part.
The screen flickered into place. On it was a young man, no more than 25. He was wearing a Blue Canadian uniform. It was brunt just below his chest. His face was covered with soot, and he had a bad cut on his chin.
"I am Captain Tom Varvaresos, of the Canadian Starship Toronto." The Young man was obviously having a bad day. And Harkness did not want to provoke him.
"Captain, could you beam over here so we can talk?" Harkness wanted to find out why there was a ship the same as his.
"Captain Harkness, I am very busy. We just had a battle with the Gerries and we are badly damaged. So if you would just fuck off. And if I were you I would leave this system. The damn Nazis think they are going to win this war."
Harkness looked up with surprise. "Gerries? Nazis?" he blurted out.
Varvaresos was looking confused.
"Yes captain. The allies are going to loose this war, if you do not get your head out of your ass."
Harkness did his best not to laugh. "Um captain. I think you better come over here. There is something we have to talk about."
Getting frustrated, Varvaresos hit the console to his left.
"Jesus Christ Harkness, we are at war! My ship and my convoy are damaged and we need to make repairs ASAP. I really do not have time."
Harkness looking at the screen, he really wanted to tell him in person that the Nazis were defeated 400 years ago.
"Varvaresos, the Nazis were defeated over 400 years ago. World War 2 ended hundreds of years before your great grand father was born"
The look on Varvaresos was one of shock. His jaw dropped.
"Ok. Captain, with all due respect, I am not a bloody fool. And if you expect me to believe this um· Bull shit, you are bloody insane."
Harkness looked at his 'counter part' and tried to figure out why he was so stubborn.
"I think we still need to talk." Harkness was doing his best not to get angry.
The captain on the screen looked very annoyed.
"Look Captain Harkness. I am busy and I really do not want to talk to you." The young Captain was a fish out of water. He really did not know how to conduct conversation with a fellow command officer.
"Look Varvaresos, my ship is the USS Toronto, Toronto Class Battleship. Your ship is the HMCS Toronto, Toronto Class Battleship. Something is not right when two identical ships met. Don't you agree."
This confused the hell out of the young Captain.
"What the hell. I think you are right. I will beam over."
The screen Flicked to the View of the HMCS Toronto.
Harkness looked around the Bridge and let out a sigh of relieve.
"Well. Larson you will join me in Transporter room 4. Col. you have the Bridge."
Larson stood and walked over to the Turbolift.
* * *
The transporter room was dark; the Chief Petty officer who was working the controls looked somewhat depressed. Probably due to the fact that the War with the Dominion was dragging on, this had an effect on people.
Harkness and Larson entered the room.
"Captain, we have received the signal, shall I beam him aboard." The Chief asked.
"Make it so." Harkness ordered.
The Transporter pad light up as a mass materialized.
The man on the pad looked very worn down, more so than the Chief, his uniform was black with soot.
"Lt. Tom Varvaresos reporting as ordered sir." Harkness looked shocked.
"Um Lt. I meant that the Commanding officer of the Toronto was to beam over."
Looking down, Varvaresos spoke up. "Well sir. I am the Commanding officer of the Toronto. Captain Sheerin was killed 2 weeks ago, and I was appointed Captain."
At the sound of Sheerin, Larson looked up. Before Harkness took command, the Captain on the Toronto was Dave Sheerin. He was later killed during the battle to take DS9. Larson was quite close to Captain Sheerin, and his death hit her hard.
"Well Captain Varvaresos, would you like to get a drink?" Harkness asked, he wanted to learn all that he could about his Universe.
Varvaresos nodded his answer he walked off the Pad.
* * *
Once in Harkness's ready room, Varvaresos took a seat on the couch, Harkness was at the replecator.
"What's your poison?" Harkness asked jokingly.
"I'll have a scotch on the rocks." Varvaresos asked with out looking at Harkness.
"Computer, two scotch's on the rocks. Er·" Harkness looked over at his guest. "Would you like anything to eat, Captain Varvaresos."
Varvaresos looked up, "Thank you, no. And Captain can you call me Tom."
Harkness smiled. "Computer 2 scotches on the rocks."
The replecator hummed as the two drinks appeared.
Harkness took the glasses and walked over to Tom.
"So captain·um·I mean Tom, how did you mange to come to, um· how should I say this. This universe."
Varvaresos looked over at Harkness.
"Well sir, I have no idea. We had just fired a volley of Quantum Torpedoes at a Germany ship and um·" Varvaresos tried to remember. He strained, as a vessel in his head became evident.
"Well." He continued. "All I remember is the bridge being rocked. And fall inconsequence, and then being woken by your hail."
Through the window behind the couch, the rift in space opened again.
As Harkness was reaching for his drink the red alert lights in his ready room went off.
"Captain to the Bridge." The computer in its cold voice ordered.
Both men jumped from the couch and ran to the door.
As Harkness came running through the door, he ordered. "Report Cmdr.?"
Larson stood from the captain's chair and walked to her place to the right of the Captains Chair.
"Captain another ship has come through the rift." Larson replied with a nervous voice.
Harkness took his seat. "On Screen" he ordered.
The screen switched from a view of the HMCS Toronto, to a view of a Galaxy Class ship.
Harkness looked over to his visitor. "Do you know what ship that is?" He asked.
"Yes Captain. That is the IGS Bismarc."
Harkness then looked over to Zavi who had just taken his post from an ensign.
"March, scan that ship. I want to know what it is." He barked.
Zavi ran his fingers over his console.
"Sir, basically it is a Galaxy class ship" He hesitated. "Except for the fact that it is 1900 meters long."
Harkness eyes grew large.
"What the hell. The largest Galaxy class ever built was the Enterprise and that was only 600 meters." Harkness had a gut feeling that the Bismarc was not here for a nice conversation.
Harkness turned back to the view screen.
Varvaresos looked down at Harkness, "sir, I should get back to my ship. I know the way to the transporter."
Before Harkness could say a word Varvaresos was already at the turbo lift.
Larson's console light up like a Christmas tree.
"Sir the Bismarc is locking weapons on the Convoy."
Harkness had to make a decision. Either help the so-called allies or leave.
The Bridge went quite as the Bismarc fired its phasers at a Defiant class ship destroying it before it could return fire.
End Act 1.
Begin Act 2
Harkness eyes grew as he watched the Bismarc rip the convoy to bits. He didn't want to violate the Prime Directive, but he also didn't want to see this carnage.
"Cmdr. Larson. Open a channel." Harkness ordered. He hoped he would not have to attack.
Larson looked up at him and nodded.
"This is Captain Charles Harkness of the Federation Starship Toronto. You have violated Federation space, and if you do not cease your attack I will be forced to intervene." He spoke to the air.
"Sir" yelled Rapoport. "They have locked weapons on us."
Harkness did not want to destroy the unidentified ship.
"Very well." He said with a hesitation. "Major, lock phasers and Quantum Torpedoes on the Bismarc. Target their weapons. Jenkins attack pattern Harkness-Omega-4-5-2." Harkness ordered. He was still hoping he could resolve this with out killing anyone.
"Sir they are firing phasers." Rapoport said with a shaky voice.
The Bridge shook as the blast hit the shields.
"Return fire." Ordered Harkness. He was uneasy about attacking this ship.
The Toronto's phaser banks on the saucer section came to life. 3 beams of bright light came out and stuck the Bismarc directly on the neck of the giant battleship. As it hit. The Toronto's alter ego swung around and fired a bright white light. It engulfed the entire ship.
The light covered ever corner of the Bridge. People had their heads in between their knees cause of the pain it had caused. On the view screen the HMCS Toronto moved in close and locked a Tractor Beam. The last thing Harkness wanted was to be brought into this conflict, and that was what was happening. Varvaresos had doubled crossed him
The Bridge was covered with bodies. The alert lights still flashing. Harkness was on the floor at the base of his Chair. As the bridge lay still, the computer tried to wake them up by sounding a horn. Since this did not work both the EMH and EEH appeared beside the bodies.
"Please state the nature of the Medical Emergency." A medium bald man asked as he looked around.
He walked over to Captain Harkness who was snoring.
"Captain, this is the EMH, are you alright." The hologram asked.
Harkness did not respond to the verbal attempts by the EMH.
While the EMH tried to revive the Bridge crew, the EEH took a look at the ships systems.
"All systems seem to be operating at 100%." The medium sized man said. He looked at the bridge, and then disappeared.
Looking away from his patent, the Doctor muttered to him self. "Just because he is a Engineering Program, he thinks he does not have to help."
After saying that he took out his tricorder. He scanned Harkness.
"Computer. Release massonite through the ventilation system. 45 parts per meter."
Harkness started to cough. And rolled over.
"Well it seems that my work is done here." The Bald Dr. said looking around the bridge.
"Wait Doctor." Harkness coughed out.
"What is it sir." The Doctor said looking down at his patent.
"What happened?" Harkness asked as he got up.
He Doctor replied looking straight into the eyes of Harkness.
"The ship was hit with a Anti-massonite. Everyone was knocked unconscious, for about 30 minutes."
Harkness looked around "Thank you Doctor." He said with out looking at him
"Very well captain." The Doctor then disappeared.
Everyone on the bridge was getting up from the floor.
"Report Cmdr." Harkness ordered.
Larson clawed her way back to her console, and pressed a few buttons
"All systems are running in the norms. No sign of Enemy ships. Sir."
Harkness looked around, he knew that there was something wrong, but could not put his finger on it.
"Resume course to Starbase 250. I just hope that our new assignment will destroy the Germans." Harkness said with a hesitation.
The Bridge crew erupted in cheer.
"Engage Ensign." Harkness said looking at the view screen.
The Toronto's warp nacelles moved into place, and then with a flash the Toronto was in Subspace.
Captains Log, supplemental:
We have been ordered to meet with the USS Enterprise in the Kennedy system, there we will receive a full complement of Quantum Torpedoes, and get our orders.
Sickbay was quite, only a few patents, and Michelle was resting in her office. He feet were on the table and she was leaned back in her chair reading the report by the EMH. There were a few things she did not understand so she decided to ask him her self.
"Computer, activate EMH program" she said looking at the report.
The bald man reappeared. "Please state the nature of t·h·e. Hello" He asked not looking down at the desk.
"Down here doctor." Michelle said looking at the bald man. "There is something I need to ask you about the report you submitted?" Michelle asked looking up at him.
"What is it?" he replied.
"In it you said something about a Captain Tom Varvaresos beaming over to talk to Char·" She stopped. Harkness and her decided not to call each other by their first names in the presents of the crew. "I mean Captain Harkness. Who is captain Varvaresos?" She asked.
The Bald man looked confused. "He was the captain of the HMCS Toronto, that crossed into our universe. Don't you remember?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
The Doctor then proceeded to tell Dr. England about what had happened.
When he finished Michelle sat there with a blank face.
"Oh shit." She finally mustered something out.
* * *
The senior staff was called to the Observation room to tell them what the EMH had told Michelle. They were all sitting around the table looking at each other when Captain Harkness and Col. Dubins entered. The stood to attention.
"At ease" Harkness said taking his seat. "Dr. England would you like to tell the rest of the Staff what you just old me?" He looked in her direction as he said this.
She got up and proceeded to tell them.
"How do you know that the EMH program was altered by the Anti-Massonite discharge." Asked Major Rapoport.
"I don't but I think that something is wrong, because massonite is not a natural gas. So what ever did this to us wanted to wipe our memories." She said looking at Harkness.
Harkness was about to say something when he was interrupted by the voice of a bridge officer.
"All senior staff to Bridge."
They all stood and walked out of the room.
As Harkness entered the Bridge, he ordered "report". The Duty officer reported.
"Sir the USS Enterprise is under attack from several German cruisers."
Harkness took his seat. "Red Alert. Put it on screen Major."
The screen flickered to a Sovereign class ship being attacked by 3 Intrepid class ships.
Harkness did not know if this was his battle, and he did not want to make any rash decision.
Looking over at Dubins. "Col. Send in 3 fighters. With orders to only attack if fired on."
Dubins hit a few buttons and sent the order down to the Marine Launchers.
"Away sir" he said looking at Harkness
As the Fighters approached the fighting ships, a phaser beam hit them from one of the Intrepid class ships.
End Act 2
Begin Act 3
Harkness store at the screen with disbelieve. He could not believe that he was about to be sucked into this battle.
"Captain we are being hailed by the Enterprise, it is Captain Riker."
Said Rapoport with a bit of skepticism. Jon had been under him on the Hood a few years ago, and had been good friends with him.
"On speakers Major." The Bridge speakers came alive.
"Yo, you Canadian Ass holes, we are under attack here, get your asses in gear." That was the voice of Riker, but it was not Riker, thought Harkness who only knew of Riker through other people.
"Move us in closer ensign, Major lock phasers on the lead ship, and fire when we enter range. Col. Send in another wave of fighters." Harkness barked his orders with out thinking.
The Toronto moved in and fired, hitting the first ship and sending it to hell. The other ship broke off its attack and jumped to warp.
"Incoming message from Captain Riker, sir." Larson said with out looking up from her monitor.
"On screen Cmdr." Harkness said softly.
The screen jumped into place, on it was Riker with a torn uniform and a cut on his face just under his right eye.
"Thanks, we owe you one." Riker said with a hostile tone.
"Your welcome Captain."
"Well Harkness is it? The people of the Untied States of America are thankful for your help. And also Captain we have your orders for you."
Harkness did not want to take the orders if Dr. England was right.
"Yes what are they Captain?" He asked with a quiet voice.
"You are to proceed to Wolf 359, where you will destroy the Head Quarters for the Germans. I envy you Captain. Riker out."
The screen turned off and Harkness looked over at Larson.
"Stand down from battle stations. Colonel RTB the fighters." Harkness ordered; he was unsure of his next move.
"Col. Dubins you have the Bridge. Larson come with me." Harkness motioned towards his ready room.
"Yes Sir." Dubins got out of his seat and walked over to the Captains Chair.
Once Larson and Harkness entered the ready room. Harkness took a seat behind his desk and gestured to Larson to take a seat across from him. Harkness finally got time to re-decorate his office. On his desk was a hockey puck. On the top was a painted picture of a blue maple leaf. On it printed in white letters it said "Toronto Maple Leafs". Behind Harkness desk was a painting of the Space Shuttle docking with the Space Station Mir from the late 20th century. To the right up the stairs to the couch and replecator was a model of an Intrepid Class ship, and a Toronto Class.
"What is your take on this Melissa?" Harkness asked, in his deep voice.
"Well sir. I think we should not attack till we know what is going on. I suggest we stay here for a bit and try to proof or disproof the EMH's story." She said softly.
"Agreed, I think the first thing we should do is try and find this 'Captain Varvaresos.'" Harkness said this quietly.
"I'll set up a link with the Canadian Computer. Sir." She noticed that Harkness was in deep thought, and she knew from her experiences on the Ontario not break his though.
"Uh· make it so." He went back to his thought.
"Yes, yes I know that admiral." Melissa was getting annoyed, and it was showing in her tone. Her office was a bit smaller than the Captains Ready room, but just as comfortable. Her desk was the usual Starfleet one, glass, with a wood finish. On it she had a picture of her family. To her right was the living area, same as Harkness's couch a chair, a 2-meter wide monitor and a replecator.
"I am sorry Cmdr. but we are at war. I just cannot reveal the position of the HMCS York." The York was the ship that Varvaresos was in command of; she was the sister ship of the Toronto only 400 meters smaller.
"What the hell do you expect us to do Admiral." Larson did not know this man, but she already wanted to kill him.
"I suggest that you do your mission Commander, and I feel that Captain Harkness has lost his mind, it is up to you. Take command, and no charges would be pressed against you." The man on the monitor winked and continued. "Till you get back Melissa. Starbase 223 out"
The screen changed to the Canadian Flag. Larson hit the button and in rage, nearly breaking it.
"Fuck·.". The door chime cut her off.
"What." She yelled out.
The doors parted, and Lt. Cmdr. March walked in. He was carrying a PADD.
"Cmdr. Larson. Here are the ops report you asked for." He placed the PADD on her desk.
"Thank you Commander." She blurted out, she wanted to be left alone, and made It quite clear with her tone.
"If you excuse me Commander March, but I have a tonne of work to do." She motioned for him to leave.
"Yes sir, sorry, sir." And with that, he headed for the door.
Larson picked up the PADD and started to read it.
"Gotcha." She yelled out.
* * *
Harkness was sitting down on his couch in his ready room sipping a cup of coffee and reading some reports.
He was startled when the Door Chimes went off.
"Come." He said.
The Door opened and Melissa Larson walked in with a big smile on her face.
"Yes Commander, what can I do for you." Harkness said looking at her big smile.
"I think I found where our ship is." Her mood had changed completely since her conversation with the Admiral.
"What did you find?"
"Well sir, ops recorded something while we were out. It looked like a subspace wake or something. So I ran scan for any patterns in it. And the computer found a pattern and translated it into a set of co-ordinates. I believe that the York or what ever the hell that ship is called is right now. I also found a message in it saying. 'Come here when you are done'." Larson was very excited, also very proud of what she found.
Harkness placed his coffee down and stood.
"Very well then. I just hope we can find answers." He headed for the door and Larson took the cue to follow him.
"Captain On Deck" Yelled Dr. England whom was sitting in the Captains chair.
"Thank you Dr." Harkness said as he took his seat. And looked over at Larson, an unspoken order.
"Ensign Jenkins, set course 2-3-4 Mark 0-0-2, warp 6"
Larson took her seat.
"Engage." Harkness ordered.
The Toronto made 90 degree turn and the Warp Nacelles moved into place with a low hum. With a bright flash she was gone.
End Act 3
Act 4
Captains Log: Stardate 50016.5
We are about 3 hours away from the set of co-ordinates that Commander Larson found. Once we get there hopeful we will be able to do something. Till then we are in the dark.
The Bridge was quite, Harkness was sitting in the Command Chair, Larson was to his Right, Dubins post was vacant, a ensign was manning the Weapons, March was running scans at Ops and Jenkins was at the helm.
"Sir, we have arrived at the co-ordinates." Jenkins said in her strong voice.
"Drop us out of warp. RED ALERT." Harkness ordered as the Lights on the bridge darkened and the red lights blinked on the walls.
Dubins entered from the turbo lift at the back of the Bridge and took his post.
"March scan the system." Harkness ordered with a plane voice.
"Sir a Toronto Class ship is 30 million KM to port sir." March replied in a strong voice.
"Is it the York?" Larson asked.
"Yes sir." Replied March in an excited voice.
Harkness looked around; he did not know what the best course of action would be.
"Hail them Mr. Rapoport" He ordered, in a loud voice.
"They are hailing us sir" Rapoport said with a bit of surprise.
"On screen Major." Harkness just decided not to ask why he was surprised.
The screen jumped to Captain Varvaresos. He was wearing a new clean uniform and the cut on his head was healed.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked with an abrupt voice. He was obviously annoyed that the Toronto had arrived.
"Well Captain Varvaresos, that is the question we have been asking ourselves considering that we were brought here against our will." Harkness was bluffing, he did not know if this was his universe, he was going on the Report that the EMH and what his gut told him.
"How the fuck do you know that? There was no way." Varvaresos was confused as hell, he did not see through the bluff.
Harkness's plan worked. "Well Captain the way I see it is, you transport us back to my universe and we forget this incident, or I get the information from your ship and go back and come back here and help the Germans. It is up to you. Also you might want to note that I have more destructive weapons on board my ship than, 5 of your ships. So I suggest you go with the first suggestion." Harkness said, he knew he had Varvaresos in the trap.
"Very well captain. I will send you back. But it will take about 3 hours to set up the vortex."
Harkness nodded his answer, and look over at Larson. Larson hit a few buttons and turned off the viewer.
"Well it looks like we are going home people, good work." Harkness yelled out, he was excited.
"Larson you have the Bridge, I will be in my Ready Room"
He stood and left the Bridge.
Once in his ready room he took a seat behind his desk. He picked up his lucky puck and ran his fingers over it.
He placed it down on the desk, and hit his COMM badge.
"Harkness to Dr. England." He spoke to the air in his usual calm voice.
"England here Captain, what can I do for you." The air responded.
"I was wondering, if you would like to join me in my ready room for a drink or something." He said in a nervous tone. He had not been this nervous since his first date when he was 15.
"I would gladly sir. Be there in a minute." She replied in a soft soothing voice.
"England out" the COMM channel closed.
Harkness let out a sigh of relief. He was never A Ladies Man.
He sat there for a minute trying to think what he should do when Michelle arrived.
Dr. England was standing in the little hallway that connected the Ready Room to the rest of the bridge. Michelle had not been involved with anyone since her husband died 4 months ago. And she was rather nervous about jumping into the Pool again. She finally got the courage to press the doorbell.
"Enter" The door replied.
She walked in; the room was brightly lit. Harkness was sitting on the couch. He looked more nervous than Michelle did.
"Ah Michelle. Come in, take a seat." He said, he voice was very shaky. He looked like he was about to puke.
"Sure·" She had no idea what to say, her mind was telling her to leave and her gut and heart were telling her to stay.
She walked over to him-stumbling on the stairs that lead to the living area- she took a seat next to him. Both were very cautious, not making any sudden movements.
"Um·er· would you like· um· anything· to er· drink?" Harkness barley got that sentence out of his mouth.
"Yes please." Michelle said rather quickly and nervously. "Coffee please, white, no sugar." She said abruptly.
Harkness got up-tripping over the glass coffee table-and headed to the Replecator.
"Computer. 2 coffees, one white no sugar, the other double cream, double sugar." Harkness said looking deep into Michelle's eyes.
The Replecator hummed and the two drinks appeared. Harkness did not notice that they were there, and kept on staring deep into her.
"Um· Captain. The coffees." Michelle reminded Charles in her soft voice.
Harkness picked up the mugs and carried them over to the couch.
He sat down beside her, still looking into her brown eyes.
She took a sip from her mug, and some dribbled down the edge, and her pants.
"Ah crap." She said in an annoyed tone.
"May I use your head." She asked in a soft voice.
Harkness, who had not been paying attention, herd something totally different from what she said.
"Of course you can give that to me, I would love you to give me that." He said with a half smile.
Michelle just looked blankly into his face, not too sure what to say after such a comment.
Harkness just sat there, he realized something was wrong. Ah shit, did you say what I thought you said? He thought to him self.
Trying his best to rectify the situation
"Um· of course you can use the head." He pointed to in the direction of his personal head.
As she entered the door, the ship rocked and the alert lights started to flash in the Ready Room.
"Now what?" Harkness said in an angry tone.
He ran to the door. Once he got through it he ordered "Report Cmdr."
Larson whom was sitting in the Command chair got up.
"Sir 3 ships have dropped out of warp. They match the design of the Galaxy Class Starship." She said in her usually deep voice.
Harkness looked around. "Dubins, scramble 15 fighters. Major lock all weapons on the lead ship. Were going in." Harkness barked the orders, as it was second nature for him.
The Fighters flew out of the launchers at super speeds, going towards their targets, firing all weapons. The phaser blast seemed to bounce of the shields of the 3 massive ships, but the photons did a bit more damage. The York swung around to the aft of the 3 ships firing all her weapons.
On the Bridge of the Toronto Harkness sat they're watching the 16 ships attacking the 3 ships.
"Captain, the shields on the 3 galaxy class ships are not very strong, and could be taken down with a few Quantum Torpedoes." Rapoport said with surprise.
Harkness looked over and nodded his order.
The Toronto had only been hit once and had no damage to the exterior. She came around and fired 3 white torpedoes at the first ship. The first one hit weakening the shields, the second dropped them. And the third hit the Engineering sections, causing a warp core breach, which engulfed the entire ship. The remaining ships targeted all their weapons on the Toronto.
"Report." Harkness yelled as the bridge rocked.
March responded in a shaky voice. He never liked battle, and that is why he left the Special Operations core of Starfleet.
"Shields down to 67 percent, we have a plasma leak on deck 59 section 3467D."
Harkness hit his COMM Badge. "Bridge to Engineering."
The COMM system responded. "Lynch here sir."
"Transfer all available power to the weapons"
The COMM was turned off.
Harkness turned his chair to Rapoport.
"Major, fire all Quantum Torpedoes at the remaining ships."
"Yes sir." Jon replied with a big smile.
The Toronto moved in a fired 15 quantum Torpedoes. Each hit different points on the two remaining Galaxy Class ships. Each ship was destroyed in seconds after being hit.
The bridge erupted with joy as the 2 ships turned into space dust.
Harkness looked around with pride with his crew.
"Good work everyone." He said. He was bursting with Pride.
March had a little smile on his face, but that quickly changed when his Console lit up like a Christmas tree.
"CAPTAIN." He screamed out. His face was pale.
"What is it." Harkness said in a worried voice.
The Bridge quieted down, as he was about to say what was wrong.
"Sir there is a warp core breach in progress. It must have been that last phaser hit. I estimate it will implode in 4 minutes." He said very quietly.
"Bridge to Engineering." Harkness called out in a sad voice. This brought back memories of the Ontario. He waited and again tired the hail, but no one responded.
He looked over at Larson.
She hit a few buttons and looked up. Her face was also pale.
"No life signs on that deck sir. All 250 are dead."
Harkness stood, he was even more concerned now. He looked over at March. "Dump the core now!" He had to give the order. It was either 100 men or 2250 men.
The Toronto sat there as a circular door opened on the underside of the mighty battle ship. And out came a long cylinder shaped warp core. It did not move very far from the ship. It just stopped. Alongside it were the bodies of all the Engineers.
Harkness just store at the screen in Awe. Usually warp core ejections shot the core away from the ship.
"Sir. She will blow in 3 minutes." March screamed.
"Jenkins. Course 225 mark 112 full impulse. ENGAGE." Harkness yelled out.
"Sir Impulse and thrusters are down." She cried out.
"Were screwed." A yeoman at the back of the bridge manning the Science station yelled out.
"We are not yeoman." Harkness shut him up.
Harkness thought for a second. "Could a Marine Fighter tow it away from us?" He asked looking at Dubins.
"Yes sir, but they are 8 minutes away at Maximum impulse sir."
Harkness was getting desperate.
"Could you scramble a fighter to get it Col.?" Harkness asked.
"Yes but it would take about 6 minutes to get it ready." He said with in a disappointed voice.
"SHIT!" Harkness sat down in his Chair. He was getting ready to order the evacuation of The Toronto.
Major Rapoport stood and ran to the Turbolift. No one noticed him leave.
End Act 4
Begin Act 5.
The Bridge was still awe stricken not many of them had been so close to death. Harkness knew if he ordered the EVA of Toronto. All escape pods would be destroyed. Harkness was an Atheist by birth, and at this moment, he was hoping that he was right about his believes.
"Sir a Halifax has taken the core in her tractor beam and moving off at full impulse!" March yelled out with joy.
"What?" Harkness was very surprised. "Who is piloting the fighter? Hail it." Harkness voice was high pitched.
"It is Major Rapoport sir." Larson said with shock.
"On screen Commander." He ordered.
The screen switched to the view of the Cockpit of the Halifax Class attack Ship.
"Jon. What are you doing?" Harkness asked in disbelieve.
"Well Captain. This is most honorable way to go don't you think? I can get the warp core out to a safe distance Captain, but I will not be able to get away in time. I must thank you Captain, my time onboard the Toronto has been some of the best in my life." He was choked up.
"1 minute 20 seconds till it goes Captain" Harkness barely herd March as he said that.
"Well Jon, we are in your debt Major. Is there anything I can tell your family?" Harkness only briefly looked at his BIO just before he came aboard.
"Yes there is Captain. Can you tell my Fiancée I love her, and that we will be together again, someday. Till then Captain. Tell her to be strong. Good Bye."
The screen turned off.
Harkness looked over at March.
"Gamma radiation has broken the signal sir. It will go in 20 seconds."
"On screen" Harkness ordered.
As the screen switched to the fighter, Harkness had to take his seat. His knees were buckling.
"Thank you Major." Harkness said as he looked at the screen.
"5 seconds." March said, he was holding back tears.
Dubins saluted him, Harkness rarely did that but for this he stood and raised his hand to his head.
The whole bridge was lit by the flash from the explosion, and with that. Major Jonathon Rapoport was gone.
Bridge rocked as the shock wave hit the ship.
Harkness took his seat. "Report." He ordered his heart just was not in it.
"We should have main power online with in the hour sir." Larson replied.
"You have the Bridge XO." He said as he walked to the Ready Room. All he wanted was a big Glass of beer.
* * *
In his ready room, all Harkness could do is stare at the remains of the warp core and the Fighter.
He was startled when the doorbell went off.
"Yes." He said.
Dr. England walked in. She was wearing her uniform from before, still had the Coffee stain on the leg.
"I just came up to see how you were doing." She said in her usually soft soothing voice. She noticed that he was depressed.
"I am doing fine." He lied, and she saw right through it.
"I know you are not. Jon's death has hit everyone onboard. He was a nice guy. Although I wished I knew him better." She said looking at Harkness.
She sat down beside him. And placed her hand on his knee.
"What he did was very noble, and he is going to get the highest honor Starfleet can bestow. I'll make sure of that." He was started to feel a bit better.
He looked deep into her brown eyes.
They then moved closer. Then there lips met. He finally got what he wanted. Her, he thought this is going to be a good thing