In memory of James Doohan (1920-2005) “Here’s to ya, Lad…”
Previously on Star Trek: Eagle Star… “Captain, there is a Dominion dreadnought entering the system,” Dana said, off of her console. “On screen,” Bruce replied. The image of the immense battleship popped onto the viewscreen, the sight of it making Bruce’s blood run cold. Somehow, he prayed, that this would not take him back in time to the loss of the Fearless. He tensed in the captain’s chair, but didn’t allow his voice to show it, “Yellow alert. Bring shields and weapons to ready. Let’s see what they want first.” “They’re hailing us.” Dana said. “Put it through.” The image of the dreadnought was replaced by the image of a man, a human, wearing an unfamiliar uniform. It was not that which made Bruce short of breath, it was the man’s face; half covered by a silver metallic mask, the other side with a deep scar about the eye. He said, in a low growl, “I am Commandant Erik Diabolus.” Bruce rose from the captain’s chair and strode toward the viewscreen, “Commandant Diabolus, I am Captain Bruce J. Space of the Federation starship Eagle Star.” “Your presence in here is a violation of Avkar territory. You have one hour to leave the system peacefully.” The screen blanked back to the image of the dreadnought slinking closer to the Eagle Star. Bruce sat down in the captain’s chair, thinking. “Captain,” Dana said, breaking his reverie, “They’re raising their shields and powering their weapons.” Bruce tapped the communications control on his chair, “Eagle Star to away team.” “Doran here, Captain.” “Stand by for transport back to the ship, Commander. We’ve got a problem.”
And now, the conclusion… Captain’s Log – Supplemental The away team has returned to the Eagle Star from the surface of the planet, with an artifact of unknown origin. In the meantime, we confront another mystery, someone who could be called a ghost from the past. My past. “What the hell is he doing here?” Dana asked. “It’s a safe bet that whatever the reason, it’s not good,” Bruce said, resuming his seat on the bridge after quelling his shock at seeing Erik Diabolus commanding a Dominion dreadnought. Kevin and the other members of the away team, strode onto the bridge taking their various positions. When Sandarklan had taken the conn, Bruce said, “Take us to just outside the system, Mr. Sandarklan, then hold position.” “Aye, Captain,” the Jem’Hadar replied, working the console. The Eagle Star slid away from the planet as the dreadnought assumed orbit around the planet. Kevin, who had just taken his seat, said, “What’s going on, Captain?” “Erik Diabolus commands that dreadnought, which just chased us out of the system.” “Diabolus? I thought, for sure, he was dead a long time ago.” “Didn’t we all, Commander? One thing’s for certain, things aren’t going to go the way we planned for this mission, not if he’s here.” “Nope.”
“Dana, keep an eye on that ship,” Bruce turned to Cammy, “Ensign, I need an analysis on that artifact you found on the planet’s surface. Whatever it is, it must be valuable or Diabolus wouldn’t have wanted to get us out of that system so badly.” “Aye, Sir.” “We’re outside the system, Sir. Engines to station keeping.” Sandarklan said. “Maintain yellow alert. Commander, you have the Bridge.” Bruce replied, “I’ve got to think about this.”
Personal Log, Lt. Cmdr. Dana Space – Supplemental I can’t fully express the shock I feel at this moment at seeing Erik Diabolus alive after all this time, but if we have survived this long, it is possible that he survived too. The question becomes then, how this affect Bruce? Considering their history together, this situation could turn more than just nasty. Yet, that was a long time ago, and maybe Bruce will find a better way. I hope so. Commandant Erik Diabolus watched as the Federation starship left orbit and headed away. He grated to his science officer, “Scan the surface for the artifact.” “Scanning, Commandant,” a moment later, “Commandant, I can’t find the artifact. The energy readings are no longer there.” “What?” Diabolus stormed out of his command chair for the science station; the artifact’s readings were gone from the surface of the planet. Damn you, Space, he thought, you’re always meddling in things which do not concern you. The science officer was saying, “—Federation crew must have taken it.” “Of course they have taken it and we will take it back,” Diabolus replied, “Pilot, make ready a course to attack the Federation starship. Slow approach. Let them think themselves safe, before we pounce.” “At once, Commandant.” Diabolus returned to his command chair, sinking into it. He liked the Avkar for their loyalty; don’t question orders, just do it. He would need their help; Space would prove to be a cunning opponent, but not infallible, all just a matter of re-finding Space’s weakness and then exploiting it. Simple, very simple, he thought. “Report, Ninth Sandarklan.” “I have identified the leader of the attacks on our territory. It is a human, named Erik Diabolus. He is leading the Avkar. The Starfleet captain appears to have some history with him.” A long pause followed. Sandarklan thought about asking another question, but his superior, no doubt, contemplated the next move he would make. The Avkar had been troublesome for sometime, and with this human leading them… Well, that did not pose well for these new relations formed between the Federation and the Dominion. “We must stop this human from inciting more rebellion among the Avkar. Their insurrections have caused enough problems for the Dominion.” “The Starfleet crew has found a powerful object near the Avkar’s territory. We could use that to our advantage.” “Explain?” “The artifact found by the Starfleet crew emits a unique and powerful energy. I am certain the Dominion could make use of this energy source. It will give us an advantage over the Avkar.” “Has Starfleet determined how to make use of this energy source yet?” “Negative, as of yet.” “We must acquire the secret of these artifacts. We will send ships to your position. Your orders are to learn what you can about the artifact and find some way to stall Starfleet’s investigation into this energy source.” “And if the Avkar arrive to cause trouble.” “The Avkar will be Starfleet’s problem, Ninth Sandarklan. Our mission is to gain the power of these artifacts and use it to put down the Avkar rebellion once and for all.” Understood.”
“Commander Space,” Xanthus Talkart said, “I’m reading an unusual access to the communications grid on Deck Six, Section Twenty-One. Can you confirm?” Dana ran her hands across the communications panel and read the monitor, “I’ve got an access to the system, but no transmission appears to have been made off the ship.” “Then it might be going somewhere else in the ship.” “Trace it, Lieutenant.” She joined Talkart at the tactical station, watching him as he worked. A moment later, Talkart said, “There it is. Deck Nineteen.” “Right at the main communications relay for the ship.”
Episode #102 “Like An Eagle, Part II” Written By Michael A. Slagenweit Cammy Spencer was scanning the spire with a tricorder when Bruce strode into Science Lab Four. She said, briefly glancing up from the scanner, “Captain, the energy readings we recorded on the planet have disappeared.” “What? How could it have happened?” “I don’t know, Sir. All I do know is that when I got back here from the bridge, the readings were gone.” Bruce leaned closer to the spire and the artifact gave out a flash of light. Bruce took a step back and Cammy scanned again with the tricorder. Bruce asked, “What is it, Ensign?” “This is incredible, Captain. The energy readings are back, and stronger than before.” “Are you sure?” “Take a look,” She handed him the tricorder and Bruce read the display. Sure enough, the object emitted high energy readings. This artifact was certainly nothing like he had ever seen before. All those late nights with Professor Galen, Space thought, had the professor ever run across something like this? Doubtful, the professor had never been this far out. Bruce asked, “Could these things be related to the Tetrahedrons found in the Briar Patch?” “To be honest, Captain, I don’t think so. I don’t know much about the Tetrahedrons, but this doesn’t seem to fall in with what I know. My guess, and this is purely a guess, is that these spires are more related to the Bajoran Orbs than the Tetrahedrons.” Cammy replied. “Then, I’d suggest talking to some the Bajorans in the crew. They might be able to help. In the mean time, we’re going to need to get back to that planet. There has to be something else there, something—“ Haze covered the setting sun, as Bruce looked out over the landscape, a job his mother had been proud of. Haze? Fog, perhaps? No, it’s summertime, couldn’t be fog? Smoke! Something burning? What? No! The house, the house on fire! He ran toward the blaze, frantically searching for water, a fire extinguisher, anything to stop it. As he ran, he saw the car pull into the drive, and the two young men getting out. He recognized them, as they were not the fire department or the police, they were himself and his twin brother, Ted Space. “We’ve got to get them out!” Young Bruce Space shouted over the noise of the fire. Captain Space closed his eyes; this was a memory, a memory he’d felt better forgotten.
“Bruce, there’s no time! He’s got to be around here!” Ted shouted. “Over there!” said, pointing to a figure, madly dashing from the rising flames toward the backyard cornfield, “Come on, Ted! We can head him off!” Being avid runners, the pair caught up with the culprit of the blaze, Erik Diabolus, near the edge of the house. Bruce, though the sweat and smoke running into his eyes, managed to get a quick look at the suit Diabolus wore; blood spattered, knowing full well from where it came. That, and the automatic clutched in Diabolus’ hand. Captain Space, a mere shadow in this memory, clenched his eyes closed, the moment too painful to bear the first time and now having to relive it. He opened them again; he’d have to watch this. “Diabolus!” Bruce shouted. Diabolus hissed, “You’re too late, this is the end. The chase is done.” “How could you? Why?” Bruce’s words came out in a jumbled mess, to which Diabolus ignored, instead turning back to the burning building behind him. The man seemed to have an amused look on his features, dark, sinister, yet amused; almost as if the pain and suffering to which he caused meant nothing. He couldn’t help but admire the composure he saw on Diabolus’ face, betraying no emotion, while his was a solid mask of anguish. “Why, you ask? You’ve always had the good life, Bruce. And what do I have? Nothing! Nothing!” “You had the chance to make something of yourself, Erik! To be the better man! Now look at it, murder and death.” “Better death than torment, eh Bruce?” In a swift jerk, Diabolus raised the gun at Bruce to which Bruce reacted to in the nick of time. Grabbing the gunman’s wrist the barrel was sent into the air, while Space tried to wrench it free. Seeing his brother struggling against the other man’s strength, Ted jumped in, trying to wrestle Diabolus down. Diabolus fought back, a strength Bruce had not thought the other possessed. Instead of forcing the assailant to drop the gun, the brothers managed to push him back toward the flames. Diabolus could feel the heat pricking at his skin even underneath the fabric of his suit. He managed to get his gun hand loose from Bruce, took a wild swing, sending the brothers sprawling away. The path, clear, he could shoot. Diabolus raised his gun to shoot at Ted, when Bruce made a lunge at him. The blow knocked Diabolus back into to the flames. A terrible shriek rose into the air as Bruce managed to get out of the way. The Spaces looked back at their enemy, now engulfed in flame. There was nothing to be done, for anyone in that inferno. Captain Space, observing from a distance, turned away. “Captain?” Cammy asked, “Captain, are you all right?” “I’m fine, Ensign. I just zoned out for a moment. I’ll be fine.” “You’re sure?” Bruce smiled, though the memory still wrenched around the back of his mind. Best to tell Dana, he thought. Bad memories like this can land you back in therapy. She might have some way to get past this. He was about to ask something more about the spire when Kevin’s voice over the intercom interrupted him, “Red Alert! Captain to the bridge!” Kevin was intent on the viewscreen when Bruce and Cammy got to the bridge. Bruce said, taking his chair, “What is it, Commander?” “Take a look.” Bruce looked up and saw Diabolus’ dreadnought. What the hell? They’d followed them. Why? What could he be after? The artifact, that had to be it.” “Dana, open hailing frequencies.” “Frequencies open. No response.” “Keep trying. Lieutenant Talkart, what is their weapons compliment?” Xanthus worked his console for a moment and then said, reading the display, “Twelve conventional Dominion phaser banks, six tetryon torpedo launchers, and integrated hull armor. An impressive armament, Captain.” “We can be impressed at the modifications later. Ready our weapons.”
Cammy said, “They’re moving into an attack posture.” “Let’s beat them to the punch. Helmsman, attack pattern delta.” Sandarklan tapped out the pattern into the console and the Eagle Star shot at the dreadnought, phasers blazing at the Avkar ship. Though Diabolus possessed the bulkier ship, he managed to evade the attack, returning fire. The Eagle Star came about to give chase, Talkart targeting the dreadnought’s engines, about to fire when… “Something’s wrong!” Xanthus shouted, “I’m detecting an overload in the phaser power couplings.” Bruce tapped the comm. panel, “Bridge to Engineering.” “Engineering, Captain.” “What’s going on? We’re detecting an overload in the phasers—” Bruce didn’t get a chance to finish, interrupted by a series of explosions. The sensors officer said on Diabolus’ ship, “Their weapon systems are disabled, Commandant. Some kind of overload.” Diabolus smiled. Anyone who saw his grin knew terrible occurrences transpired to create it. He grated to his tactical officer, “Target their weapons and shields. Don’t destroy them, just disable them. I want that artifact.” The artifact, Diabolus thought, the key to un-paralled power; the key to the conquest of the slave master Dominion, then the high and mighty Federation. Peace was not the answer to ending suffering and strife for the Avkar, war was. The Dominion falling to the Federation had been as inconceivable as impossible. Yet it had fallen… And the Avkar were now ready to take their true place in the Quadrant and later the galaxy. Now it was time to make their move; time for a truly superior race, a master race, to take power. Not just take power, but to wield that power. To kill Bruce Space? All in a day’s work for the master race, but also all in good time “Quantum torpedoes!” Bruce shouted. “The entire weapons array is off-line, Captain!” Xanthus replied, “Shields at seventy-three percent.” Kevin ordered, “Evasive maneuvers, helmsman.” “Aye, Sir.” Bruce said to the comm. system, “Engineering, I need those weapons back on-line.” “We can’t, Sir. Something’s blocking us out.” “Maximum power to the engines. Helm, take us back to the planet.” Dana broke in, “The planet, Captain?” “The planet, Commander,” Bruce replied, “Take us into the atmosphere. If Diabolus has any sense, he won’t follow us.” “Laying in course, Captain,” Sandarklan said. The Eagle Star shot out from under a fuselage of weapons fire, speeding back toward the planet. Diabolus’ dreadnought gave chase. Sandarklan kept the ship moving avoiding the pursuing ship’s attempt to hit their engines or slow their escape. Diabolus watched the Eagle Star dodge the shots he sent after them, amused, but disturbed as well. They were heading back toward the planet; he couldn’t allow that. Bruce Space could not know the secrets of the artifacts. “We’ve reached the planet, Commandant. The Federation ship is entering the atmosphere. If they go in there, we’ll lose them.” Though Diabolus knew what Bruce was doing, he thought two squares ahead. Get them when they come out. You’re too slow Bruce, he thought, thinking in such two-dimensional terms. He said, “Slow to impulse and enter synchronized orbit near their location.” “Now entering the atmosphere, Captain,” Dana said, “We’ll be encountering some shearing forces as we cross atmospheric boundaries.” “Keep a firm hand on the helm, Sandarklan.” Bruce replied. “Forces settling,” Cammy added. “Hold station, helm.”
Sandarklan brought the ship to a stop and said to Cammy, “Location of the dreadnought, Ensign?” “They’re holding orbit 500 kilometers of our starboard bow, just outside the atmosphere.” “Waiting for us to come out of hiding,” Dana added, grimly. Bruce ignored the grimness, leaning back in his chair. Diabolus had the upper hand now, but Space always made sure he carried an ace up his sleeve. All just a matter of hitting him when he least expected it. For now, he had to see to his ship.
Captain’s Log – Supplemental We’re holding position in the atmosphere of the planet where we located the spire artifact. Damage control teams are seeing to our crippled weapons. Meanwhile, I’ve had Ensign Spencer run scans for more artifacts. So far, she’s come up dry, but something about this planet compels me. I almost feel as if I’ve been here before, though I couldn’t have been. All I know right now, it that I have to protect this planet. Whatever Diabolus is after, it’s big. After dropping into Sickbay to check on how Dr. Al-Rashid was doing, Bruce and Kevin headed by Main Engineering. Though unconventional in her methods, Bruce found her wisdom insightful and her empathy for patients great. “When’re you going to tell them?” Kevin asked. “About what?” “About Diabolus. Sooner or later, someone’s going to figure out he’s as old as we are and start asking questions.” “I can’t worry about that right now. I’ll tell the crew about him, just not right now. Now, we need to figure out what these artifacts mean. They reacted to both you and me. That has to mean something.” The turbolift stopped and the pair stepped out onto Deck Sixteen. Main Engineering wasn’t always the disaster area Bruce anticipated. People bustled about all right, working to get the weapons systems back on-line as well as fixing the damage from the battle, but it all seemed controlled; neat and orderly. Impressed, Bruce asked a crewman who’d taken charge. “No one really, Sir, but Lieutenant Thompson has been helping to coordinate.” They found Thompson working on a plasma conduit; sitting on the housing as he worked. Thompson, a black man with a carefully trimmed goatee and hair, had forgone the uniform jacket, working in his vest instead. An equipment belt encircled his waist. An old school engineer, Bruce thought, probably trained in the Montgomery Scott school of engineering: “the right too for the right job.” Bruce and an engineering friend, Izak Ison, had enjoyed many a scotch with Scotty while vacationing on Argelius. Thompson certainly looked to have his style. “Ensign Arvis, you can restart the flow in this conduit. I think I’ve got all the junk out.” Thompson said in an American south drawl. He hadn’t yet noticed Bruce and Kevin observing. “Aye, Sir.” “Start the flow slowly, Ensign. Last thing we need to do’s to dump a whole bunch of warp plasma into the engine and flood her.” “Now that’s a term I haven’t heard in a long time,” Bruce said. Thompson, now noticing his captain standing there, jumped down off the conduit and sprang to attention, “Thompson, Andrew John. Lieutenant, junior grade, engineer, Sir!” “Lieutenant, at ease before you snap like a rubber band,” Thompson relaxed and Bruce continued, “Status report?” “All power to the weapons array was cut off. There’s only one way that could have been done.” “Sabotage.” “Yes, Sir.” “Any suspects?” “Nope. Who ever did it also got to the engines. Ensign Arvis and I have taken care of the engine problem. Crewman Umaro and Ensign Carson are finishing the repairs on the weapons. They should be finished within the hour.” “Excellent work coordinating, Lieutenant. You just might make chief engineer.”
“Thanks, Captain, but I’m just doing my job.” “Talkart to Captain Space.” Bruce tapped his commbadge, “Space here.” “Captain, you might want to get up here.” When Bruce and Kevin exited the turbolift, they found Xanthus and Dana standing together at the tactical station. Dana said, “Captain, we have an unauthorized access to the communications grid.” “We found the access earlier, but couldn’t find who the culprit was until.” Dana added. “Engineering found that the weapons systems were sabotaged as well as the warp engines. I think this person might be one and the same,” Bruce said, “Let’s see what you’ve got, Lieutenant.” They watched the security display of the culprit. As he did, Bruce’s face fell into a deep scowl. When it was over, Bruce said, “Bring him to my ready room.” Twenty minutes later, Bruce sat behind his desk, buried deep into Will Durant’s The Life of Greece to conceal his frustration, when his door chime signaled. He pulled off his reading glasses and said, “Come.” Lieutenant Talkart and Commander Doran escorted Sandarklan into the room. Bruce set the book and his glasses on the desk. Bruce kept the glasses just because he’d wanted some th connection to the time he knew best, 20 Century Earth, though his doctors through the years continually offered to correct his vision problems. “I like knowing that I have a couple of flaws,” he told them. Rising from the chair, he continued, “Gentlemen, give us the room.” “Captain?” Talkart asked. “I’ll be all right, Lieutenant.” Talkart and Doran left the room and Bruce grated, “I want an explanation, Crewman. You sabotaged our systems. Why? The Dominion knows something about these Avkar, something you haven’t told us. So you’d better tell me now, because if I don’t push you out the nearest airlock, Talkart will.” Sandarklan said, “Captain, I did not intend to deceive you.” “You could have fooled me.” “My superiors ordered me to sabotage the ship. No one was supposed to be hurt. They felt they could finish off the Avkar insurrection themselves.” “And in doing so, you left us vulnerable to the Avkar attack. If we hadn’t gotten out of that mess when we did, Diabolus would have certainly gained possession of the artifact and you’d have nasty situation with your superiors.” “I apologize, Captain.” Bruce stared into the Jem’Hadar’s eyes. Somehow, he thought Sandarklan’s apology sincere. Though a simple apology would not make amends for the situation which he had placed them in. He replied, “You need to determine where your loyalties lay, Sandarklan. You may be a Dominion officer, but you serve on a Federation vessel now. This means that your loyalty needs to be with your current ship and your current crew. People will be counting on you.” Sandarklan glanced away. Serving with Starfleet, he thought, was a much different experience than serving the Dominion. In the Dominion, one pledged his loyalty to the Founders alone, not the ship or crew. Loyalty meant something much different to Starfleet than it did to the Dominion. He looked back at Bruce, “I believe I understand, Sir.” “Let’s hope so, Crewman. I won’t tolerate this on my ship.” “Understood, Sir.” “Dismissed.” Sandarklan was about to turn away when a thought occurred to him. He said, “Captain?” Bruce was back behind his desk, his teacup back in hand. He set it on the saucer as he replied, “What’s on your mind?” “The Dominion is sending ships this way.” “I know, but Starfleet is also dispatching a taskforce here. I suggested to Admiral Bolter that he contact the Dominion to request assistance. I surmised the Avkar were rebelling against the Dominion somehow. Normally, I might sympathize with the Avkar. The Dominion oppressed
them, just as they had with any other species they’ve conquered; but with Commandant Diabolus leading them, I know he won’t stop with the Dominion. He’ll want to destroy both the Federation and the Dominion, in order to establish his own empire.” “Something we would be wise to prevent here and now.” “Exactly.” “Captain, you are indeed wise.” “I appreciate that compliment, Mr. Sandarklan.” Jem’Hadar were not known to give them and to actually hear one, brought Bruce a moment of relief. He might have gotten through all of that Dominion genetic engineering to find something akin to humanity in him, he thought. Bruce continued, “Since we need your knowledge of the Avkar and how they think, I’m not going to throw you in the brig. However, take this as a warning Sandarklan, if you have any thoughts about betraying us again, I will let Talkart tear you to shreds. Is that clear?” “Yes, Sir.” “Then let’s get everybody together for a briefing and plot our attack.” Sandarklan said, indicating a map of Section AC-21, “The Avkar were conquered by the Dominion nearly seven hundred years ago. They are reptilian-humanoids, but not suited to a life of combat. Avkar scientists made many breakthroughs which increased the Dominion’s ability to produce Jem’Hadar at accelerated rates, not to mention enhanced genetic engineering processes.” “According to your report, Mr. Sandarklan, their planet is basically one big swamp,” Dana said. “Correct, Lieutenant Commander.” He tapped a control panel and brought up the schematic of the Avkar’s home planet, “They are technologically advanced and were quite productive during the war. At the same time, the Avkar have been the most rebellious of all the races the Dominion has conquered. Ever since being conquered, the Avkar have maintained a constant insurrection.” Thompson, invited to the briefing, said, “So why should we help the Dominion, who has been intent on re-conquering these people?” “I was thinking the same thing,” Kevin said. “I have no answer for that, Commander, Lieutenant. I can say that if the Avkar continue this rebellion, they will no doubt continue to develop genetic engineering processes of which can have devastating consequences. They also have the potential to develop weapons of terrible power.” “Part of which, Erik Diabolus has accomplished by stealing a Dominion dreadnought and outfitting it with more weapons the Dominion never considered.” Bruce said. “Perhaps not, Captain,” Cammy broke in, “But at the same time, he left the vulnerable engineering support braces intact.” “Something we can exploit.” Xanthus added. “Agreed, Mr. Talkart. Lieutenant Thompson, I’m going to be counting on you to ensure our systems are at their peak.” Bruce said, “We have to hold out until Starfleet gets here. The Dominion is sending ships here, but their intent is uncertain, so we will need to be prepared.” A brief silence sat in the room, broken by Xanthus Talkart, “We’re with you, Sir.” The Eagle Star crew responded to the crisis which had befallen them with the efficiency of a crew which had been together through anything and everything, giving one hundred ten percent of their energy, despite having been together for only a short time. Bruce, returning to the bridge after another walk through, tapped the control to open the inter-ship communication system. He knew that after what the crew had given, he needed to reciprocate with something, but all he could think of were words, “Attention all hands, this is the captain. My mother once asked me, ‘Bruce, if you could be anything, what would it be?’ I told her, ‘Mom, I want to be an eagle. An eagle is a noble creature and will defend its home.’ Though we came here with peaceful intent, our goodwill has been seen as a weakness. We’re out here in this unexplored frontier, now forced to protect our new home from those who would take it away from us. Like an eagle, we’re noble and our cause is just. And we will succeed.”
Bruce looked about the bridge and received affirmative gestures from his officers. He continued, “So ends my speech. Red Alert! All hands to battle stations!” The bridge lights darkened, status indicator lights switching to red. A feeling of tension rose as Bruce said to Sandarklan, “Course 042. Mark 018. Take us up.” “Aye, Captain.” Sandarklan replied. Talkart said, “Weapons to ready, Sir.” “As soon as we clear the atmosphere, target his engine support braces. We want to damage him enough to force him out of the system. Not destroy him.” “We’re clearing the atmosphere,” Cammy said, off her console. “Fire!” Talkart jabbed his controls and the Eagle Star shot a volley of phasers and photon torpedoes at the underbelly of Diabolus’ dreadnought. Caught off-guard, Diabolus couldn’t counter attack as fast as he might. The Eagle Star swung around in a reverse arc, getting off another volley when Diabolus finally got his bearing. Of course, once he did… “I think we pissed him off, Captain,” Kevin said. “I’ll send him a copy of violins playing ‘Cry Me a River’.” “Captain?” Dana asked. Being the communications officer, she maintained an ear for people talking to other people. “I’m joking, Dana. Mr. Sandarklan, attack pattern omega.” “Acknowledged.” “Cammy, what’s Starfleet’s E.T.A.?” “Another fifteen minutes, Sir.” Kevin said, “The shields might not hold out for that long against his armament.” “Shield status?” Bruce asked. “Eighty-four percent,” Talkart replied. “Make every shot count, Lieutenant.” Talkart put his efforts into taking out Diabolus’ power systems, rationalizing that it would take out his weapons systems too. Though scoring several hits, it didn’t seem to slow the beast, or slay it for that matter. Meanwhile, Diabolus’ counterattacks proved more than the Eagle Star could handle. Bruce anticipated a pummeling, but not one as they were receiving now. “Shields collapsing, Captain. Now down to forty-six percent.” Talkart shouted over the racket of explosions. “Space to Engineering, auxiliary power to the shields.” “Aye, Sir.” Thompson’s voice replied. Bruce glanced at Kevin, whose expression said, “it’s not going to be enough.” Though quitting was not generally in Bruce’s vocabulary or nature, he’d long ago learned when to walk away from a fight. That is until the fight became personal, such as it had with the Remans aboard the Fearless. This fight too, was personal, but not one that superiority with weapons would win. “Mr. Sandarklan, lay in a course for DS-15,” he said, dejection in his voice. As he was about to give the order to engage— “Wait, Captain! I’m reading a squadron of Jem’Hadar attack ships!” Cammy blurted, “They’re targeting Diabolus!” “Belay that order, helmsman! Bring us about. Attack pattern alpha. Fire at will!” Bruce ordered, dejection changed to elation, “Dana, send my compliments to the First of the lead ship and give them our tactical data.” “Understood, Sir.” With more targets shooting back at him now, Diabolus switched back to a more defensive posture, something he did not relish doing, not when he controlled the high ground against Bruce Space. His ship damaged? Could Space actually win this battle now, with these Dominion “friends”? No. Ridiculous. No, he, Commandant Erik Diabolus would prevail! Like the Gauls under Caesar, he would triumph! No longer an insignificant insect under the Dominion’s thumb, or a puppet for the pathetic United Federation of Planets. No, he had bigger plans to bring to fruition; bigger fish to fry. Space had the artifact, true, but in the end, he would possess them and their secrets; the secrets of ultimate power!
“We’ve damaged his port nacelle, Captain,” Cammy said, excited, “They’re limping.” Bruce rose, “Commander Space, open a channel to Commandant Diabolus. Perhaps he will be in a mood to chat?” “Aye, Sir. Hailing frequencies open.” Diabolus image popped on the viewscreen, his bridge looking not much better than the Eagle Star’s. Bruce thought for a second, that he might have saw a bead of sweat roll down Diabolus’ unmasked cheek, but he dismissed the thought as he realized he sweat too. Bruce said, his voice low and carrying a touch of ice to it, “You’re damaged, Erik.” “Your point is?” Diabolus asked, just as icy. “I’m telling you to leave this system, peacefully. I’m pretty certain the Dominion has standing orders to destroy you, but since we were here first, the Dominion recognizes my authority in this matter. So, I am giving you this opportunity to depart back to your own territory.” “And if I refuse?” Bruce turned to Cammy, “Ensign Spencer, current position of the Starfleet taskforce dispatched from Deep Space Fifteen?” They should be in weapons range in a couple of minutes,” Cammy replied. Bruce turned back to his opponent, “Let’s see, that makes it thirteen to one. Not very good odds, Erik. Your hand is pretty weak, here.” Diabolus folded, “This battle is yours today, Bruce, but this war between us is far from over. I will return.” The image of the Avkar commandant disappeared, replaced by the image of his dreadnought slinking out of the system as a cluster of Federation starships approached. Bruce resumed his chair, thinking, …And I’ll be waiting for you.
Captain’s Log – Stardate 59007.5 Repairs on the Eagle Star are completed. The taskforce Admiral Bolter dispatched to the system we have dubbed “New Horizon”, is setting up a science research facility on the planet. Though already having an enemy here, I feel refreshed to know that we’re also working to make friends with our former enemies and this crew has truly come together in a way I have never seen before as a starship captain. Without the Dominion’s help, we would not have survived this. Well, what can I say, The Adventure Continues… The door chime of Kevin’s quarters rang and he said, “Come in.” Bruce walked in as Kevin had gone back to the piece he had been playing; what amazed Bruce about Kevin’s ability on the piano was that he’d taught himself how to play. He said, “Nice piece.” “Thanks. Mozart.” “I just got done telling the rest of the senior officers about Diabolus.” Kevin stopped and looked up at Bruce, “They took it okay?” “I’m certain they’re thinking it’ll turn into a personal vendetta one day and I’ll drag them down with me, but they took it well.” “They’ve got a point Bruce.” “I know, but that’s why I have you and Dana, the moral conscience. I didn’t take this mission looking for a fight. I came out here to find something new and wonderful about the galaxy we live in.” “That’s why we’re all here, Captain. ‘Just over the next horizon…’, isn’t that how Captain Archer put it?” “Exactly.” “Then let’s go.” The turbolift doors on the bridge slid open, Bruce and Kevin took their seats and Bruce said, “Crewman Sandarklan, set course… well…” he couldn’t think of a way to go, so many places as yet unseen, “ah, just pick some course at random.” Sandarklan computed a course in his console, as everyone else cracked a grin. A great crew, with a willing spirit. “Engage!”
Star Trek: Eagle Star Episode #102 “Like an Eagle, Part II” Written By Michael A. Slagenweit Based on “Star Trek” Created By Gene Roddenberry Star Trek®, Star Trek: The Next Generation®, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine®, Star Trek: Voyager®, Star Trek: Enterprise®, and all associated marks are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures Incorporated. All rights reserved. No infringement is intended. No profit whatsoever is coming from the use of "Star Trek" by this fan fiction. No part of this fan fiction may be reproduced or otherwise copied without express written permission of the author.