After making the repairs that had been caused by the escape of Blake and his comrades the Valkyrie finally met up with it’s saucer section, and once again the ship was whole. The main crew arrived back on the main Bridge where Watt relieved Tompkins.
“I trust your journey passed uneventfully Commander.” said Watt.
“Not as eventful as yours from what I hear Captain.”
“Very well Commander Tompkins. You are relieved.”
Tompkins then took up his usual post as operations manager. At the same time Amarus re-took the tactical station, and almost immediately his sensor panel began to flash.
“Captain, I’m picking up a distress signal from a one man craft.” he reported.
“On screen.”
“I am unable to comply. It appears to be some sort of repeating message, giving the current state of the ship and it’s coordinates.”
“I’m getting the coordinates now Captain.” said Tompkins. “Shall I lay in an intercept course?”
“Certainly Commander. Ahead warp five.”
“At warp five we will reach the vessel in six minutes.” O’Rourke reported.
Six minutes later the Valkyrie arrived at the given coordinates and found the small ship. Tompkins conducted a sensor scan.
“I’m picking up life readings, but I haven’t seen their kind before.”
“Is the pilot injured?” asked Sutek.
“From what I can tell, yes.” Tompkins replied.
“Then beam him directly to Sickbay.” ordered Watt. “Commander Sutek, you have the Bridge.”
A short time later Watt arrived in Sickbay to see Singh treating the patient. A rye smile appeared on his face when he saw who he was. Singh, however, was confused.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before!” he said. “His total anatomy is a mixture between that of a human and that of a snake!”
“Doctor, you have no idea who your patient is.” said Watt. “Your patient is none other than the Snake, a notorious criminal wanted in half of the quadrant.”
Watt then activated his communicator.
“Watt to Bridge. Commander Sutek, how long would it take us to reach Altor?”
“At warp five, thirty-six hours.”
“Then set a course for Altor Mister Sutek, and contact Captain Podley of the Demeter City Police Department. Let him know we have apprehended the Snake and are more than willing to ‘hand him over’, so to speak.”
“Understood, Captain.”
Watt turned to Singh.
“When you’ve finished treating our ‘guest’ contact Mister Amarus and have him transported to the Brig.”
Watt left Singh to his work and began to think that there may be something good coming out of this mission after all.
Admiral McCloud marched into Servalan’s office, a copy of Watt’s report on Blake’s escape in his hand. Upon arrival in the officer he saw Servalan in conference with Commander Sleer, and another copy of Watt’s report on the desk in front of her.
“Leave us Commander Sleer.” Servalan beckoned. “I believe Admiral McCloud wishes to speak with me alone.”
McCloud said nothing, instead waiting for the reluctant Sleer to leave the office.
“I see you’ve read Captain Watt’s report on Commander Blake’s escape.” Servalan said.
“I have.” McCloud replied in a stern tone of voice. “And I’ve also read what you’ve got to say about it. How can you say that Watt and his crew were responsible for their escape? The Valkyrie was being hit by a tide of massive shockwaves that damaged some of their systems. Command Blake and the others took advantage of the situation to take control of the ship.”
“And when they encountered the alien vessel Captain Watt let Blake, Avon and Stanis go to the alien vessel and escape.”
“Blake volunteered. He knew that Watt couldn’t risk any of his crew after Commander Sutek was incapacitated. You know that as well.”
“It is precisely because of that that I am issuing a warrant for the arrest of Captain Watt and his entire crew. Reports are coming to me that the Valkyrie is headed for Altor. Commander Sleer should be contacting the Demeter City Police Department any time now to give them their orders.”
“You’re wrong about this Servalan. Watt did all he could. If you arrest him you will be throwing away everything he and his ancestors ever stood for.”
“The orders have been given Admiral. If you disagree with them I can always find a new commander-in-chief!”
McCloud knew that he had been backed into a corner. Slamming the pad onto Servalan’s desk he stormed out of the office.
“Standard orbit power.” Sinclair ordered as the Lohengrin came to a stop.
“This was the alien vessel’s last known position.” Xon reported.
Travis paced up and down the deck. His impatience was clear for all to see.
“Can’t we get on with it?” he snapped. “Blake could be a hundred light years away by now!”
“Mister Tarses, begin a long-range scan of the surrounding systems.” Sinclair ordered.
Alexander then attracted Sinclair’s attention.
“Captain, can I speak to you in private?”
Sinclair hesitated for a moment.
“Very well, in my Ready Rom. Commander Shelby, you have the bridge.”
Travis seemed annoyed that he had not been given command of the ship. This was apparent when Shelby took the centre chair.
Inside the Ready Room Sinclair seated himself at the desk.
“Well Counsellor?” he asked.
“It’s Commander Travis sir. Something doesn’t feel right about this mission, about him. Don’t you find it odd that we were about to make a breakthrough in the Cardassian case when we were suddenly called away, allegedly by the President herself?”
“I’ve had the same feeling ever since we went back to Earth Counsellor, but what can I do? As you said, these orders come from Servalan herself, and…”
Suddenly Sinclair’s communicator sounded. It was Xon.
“Captain Sinclair, please report to the Bridge.”
Seconds later Sinclair and Alexander entered the Bridge and joined Xon at his science station.
“What is it Lieutenant?” Sinclair asked.
“I believe I’ve detected the alien vessel, two light years away, but I’ve also detected another ship.”
“I checked the flight plans for this sector before I came aboard.” said Travis. “There shouldn’t be any other ships in the area apart from us and Blake.”
“It would seem your findings were inaccurate Commander.” said Xon. “The ship I have detected is a Federation starship, Oberth-class. It appears to be on a direct heading for the alien vessel.”
Sinclair turned to Travis.
“How many ships did the President send after Blake? You said we were the only ones.”
“We are.” said Travis. “I have no idea what a science vessel could be doing here.”
“Can you get a registration on that ship Xon?” Sinclair asked.
“There isn’t any.”
“Then it appears our task may be a little harder.” said Sinclair.
The Demeter City Police Department was, as always, a hive of activity. One particular hive was the office of Captain Podley as he sat in front of his communications screen. The door opened and Lieutenant Patrick Brogan, his second, entered.
“Ah, Brogan, I thought you’d want to hear this first-hand! Come over here!”
Brogan joined Podley behind the desk and looked at the screen. The image of Captain Watt looked back at him.
“Captain Watt, tell Brogan what you just told me!”
“You’ll be pleased to know Lieutenant that we have captured someone on your most wanted list.”
“Who?” asked Brogan.
“Two hours ago we picked up a distress call from a small one-man craft. The injured pilot was none other than the Snake himself!”
“The Snake!” said Brogan. “We’ve been after him for six months! When can you get him here?”
“We are currently en-route to Altor and we’ll be there in about thirty hours.”
“Good.” said Podley. “We’ll make arrangements to take him off your hands. Podley out!”
The screen went blank, and Podley leaned back in his chair as a broad smile appeared on his Creaon face.
“Looks like this won’t be such a bad day after all!”
Then Took entered the office.
“Captain, there’s a call coming in from Starfleet Security, from Commander Sleer.”
“Probably something about the Snake.” said Brogan.
“Alright, put it through.”
The image of Commander Sleer appeared before Podley and Brogan.
“Captain Podley, I have orders from you from President Servalan. I understand the Valkyrie is en-route to Altor.”
“They are.” Podley replied.
“Upon arrival at Altor you and your officers are to arrest Captain Watt and his entire crew.”
“Arrest them?” said Brogan. “On what charge?”
“On aiding in the escape of Roj Blake, Kerr Avon and Jenna Stanis.” Sleer replied. “I have transmitted a copy of the arrest warrant. You should be getting it any time now!”
Then Romik entered, a compu-pad in his hand.
“Captain, I’ve got an arrest warrant here, but I think there could be some mistake here. It’s a warrant for the arrest of…”
“There’s no mistake officer.” said Podley. “Just give it here!”
Podley snatched the pad out of Romik’s hand.
“This appears to be in order Commander Sleer. But tell me, once we’ve arrested the crew what happens to the families, and the ship itself?”
“As you can see from the warrant only the senior crew and a few junior officers will be charged. The rest will be returned to Earth. As for the Valkyrie a team from Qualor II will arrive in a few days to collect the ship.”
“Isn’t Qualor II the Zakdorn scrap yard?” asked Brogan.
“Yes it is Lieutenant Brogan.” Sleer replied. “The Valkyrie is to be de-commissioned. You have your orders Captain Podley. I will leave you to make your plans. Command out.”
Once again Podley leaned back in his chair. This time, however, there was no smile on his face.
“What was it you said about not being such a bad day?” asked Brogan.
“I trust your journey passed uneventfully Commander.” said Watt.
“Not as eventful as yours from what I hear Captain.”
“Very well Commander Tompkins. You are relieved.”
Tompkins then took up his usual post as operations manager. At the same time Amarus re-took the tactical station, and almost immediately his sensor panel began to flash.
“Captain, I’m picking up a distress signal from a one man craft.” he reported.
“On screen.”
“I am unable to comply. It appears to be some sort of repeating message, giving the current state of the ship and it’s coordinates.”
“I’m getting the coordinates now Captain.” said Tompkins. “Shall I lay in an intercept course?”
“Certainly Commander. Ahead warp five.”
“At warp five we will reach the vessel in six minutes.” O’Rourke reported.
Six minutes later the Valkyrie arrived at the given coordinates and found the small ship. Tompkins conducted a sensor scan.
“I’m picking up life readings, but I haven’t seen their kind before.”
“Is the pilot injured?” asked Sutek.
“From what I can tell, yes.” Tompkins replied.
“Then beam him directly to Sickbay.” ordered Watt. “Commander Sutek, you have the Bridge.”
A short time later Watt arrived in Sickbay to see Singh treating the patient. A rye smile appeared on his face when he saw who he was. Singh, however, was confused.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before!” he said. “His total anatomy is a mixture between that of a human and that of a snake!”
“Doctor, you have no idea who your patient is.” said Watt. “Your patient is none other than the Snake, a notorious criminal wanted in half of the quadrant.”
Watt then activated his communicator.
“Watt to Bridge. Commander Sutek, how long would it take us to reach Altor?”
“At warp five, thirty-six hours.”
“Then set a course for Altor Mister Sutek, and contact Captain Podley of the Demeter City Police Department. Let him know we have apprehended the Snake and are more than willing to ‘hand him over’, so to speak.”
“Understood, Captain.”
Watt turned to Singh.
“When you’ve finished treating our ‘guest’ contact Mister Amarus and have him transported to the Brig.”
Watt left Singh to his work and began to think that there may be something good coming out of this mission after all.
Admiral McCloud marched into Servalan’s office, a copy of Watt’s report on Blake’s escape in his hand. Upon arrival in the officer he saw Servalan in conference with Commander Sleer, and another copy of Watt’s report on the desk in front of her.
“Leave us Commander Sleer.” Servalan beckoned. “I believe Admiral McCloud wishes to speak with me alone.”
McCloud said nothing, instead waiting for the reluctant Sleer to leave the office.
“I see you’ve read Captain Watt’s report on Commander Blake’s escape.” Servalan said.
“I have.” McCloud replied in a stern tone of voice. “And I’ve also read what you’ve got to say about it. How can you say that Watt and his crew were responsible for their escape? The Valkyrie was being hit by a tide of massive shockwaves that damaged some of their systems. Command Blake and the others took advantage of the situation to take control of the ship.”
“And when they encountered the alien vessel Captain Watt let Blake, Avon and Stanis go to the alien vessel and escape.”
“Blake volunteered. He knew that Watt couldn’t risk any of his crew after Commander Sutek was incapacitated. You know that as well.”
“It is precisely because of that that I am issuing a warrant for the arrest of Captain Watt and his entire crew. Reports are coming to me that the Valkyrie is headed for Altor. Commander Sleer should be contacting the Demeter City Police Department any time now to give them their orders.”
“You’re wrong about this Servalan. Watt did all he could. If you arrest him you will be throwing away everything he and his ancestors ever stood for.”
“The orders have been given Admiral. If you disagree with them I can always find a new commander-in-chief!”
McCloud knew that he had been backed into a corner. Slamming the pad onto Servalan’s desk he stormed out of the office.
“Standard orbit power.” Sinclair ordered as the Lohengrin came to a stop.
“This was the alien vessel’s last known position.” Xon reported.
Travis paced up and down the deck. His impatience was clear for all to see.
“Can’t we get on with it?” he snapped. “Blake could be a hundred light years away by now!”
“Mister Tarses, begin a long-range scan of the surrounding systems.” Sinclair ordered.
Alexander then attracted Sinclair’s attention.
“Captain, can I speak to you in private?”
Sinclair hesitated for a moment.
“Very well, in my Ready Rom. Commander Shelby, you have the bridge.”
Travis seemed annoyed that he had not been given command of the ship. This was apparent when Shelby took the centre chair.
Inside the Ready Room Sinclair seated himself at the desk.
“Well Counsellor?” he asked.
“It’s Commander Travis sir. Something doesn’t feel right about this mission, about him. Don’t you find it odd that we were about to make a breakthrough in the Cardassian case when we were suddenly called away, allegedly by the President herself?”
“I’ve had the same feeling ever since we went back to Earth Counsellor, but what can I do? As you said, these orders come from Servalan herself, and…”
Suddenly Sinclair’s communicator sounded. It was Xon.
“Captain Sinclair, please report to the Bridge.”
Seconds later Sinclair and Alexander entered the Bridge and joined Xon at his science station.
“What is it Lieutenant?” Sinclair asked.
“I believe I’ve detected the alien vessel, two light years away, but I’ve also detected another ship.”
“I checked the flight plans for this sector before I came aboard.” said Travis. “There shouldn’t be any other ships in the area apart from us and Blake.”
“It would seem your findings were inaccurate Commander.” said Xon. “The ship I have detected is a Federation starship, Oberth-class. It appears to be on a direct heading for the alien vessel.”
Sinclair turned to Travis.
“How many ships did the President send after Blake? You said we were the only ones.”
“We are.” said Travis. “I have no idea what a science vessel could be doing here.”
“Can you get a registration on that ship Xon?” Sinclair asked.
“There isn’t any.”
“Then it appears our task may be a little harder.” said Sinclair.
The Demeter City Police Department was, as always, a hive of activity. One particular hive was the office of Captain Podley as he sat in front of his communications screen. The door opened and Lieutenant Patrick Brogan, his second, entered.
“Ah, Brogan, I thought you’d want to hear this first-hand! Come over here!”
Brogan joined Podley behind the desk and looked at the screen. The image of Captain Watt looked back at him.
“Captain Watt, tell Brogan what you just told me!”
“You’ll be pleased to know Lieutenant that we have captured someone on your most wanted list.”
“Who?” asked Brogan.
“Two hours ago we picked up a distress call from a small one-man craft. The injured pilot was none other than the Snake himself!”
“The Snake!” said Brogan. “We’ve been after him for six months! When can you get him here?”
“We are currently en-route to Altor and we’ll be there in about thirty hours.”
“Good.” said Podley. “We’ll make arrangements to take him off your hands. Podley out!”
The screen went blank, and Podley leaned back in his chair as a broad smile appeared on his Creaon face.
“Looks like this won’t be such a bad day after all!”
Then Took entered the office.
“Captain, there’s a call coming in from Starfleet Security, from Commander Sleer.”
“Probably something about the Snake.” said Brogan.
“Alright, put it through.”
The image of Commander Sleer appeared before Podley and Brogan.
“Captain Podley, I have orders from you from President Servalan. I understand the Valkyrie is en-route to Altor.”
“They are.” Podley replied.
“Upon arrival at Altor you and your officers are to arrest Captain Watt and his entire crew.”
“Arrest them?” said Brogan. “On what charge?”
“On aiding in the escape of Roj Blake, Kerr Avon and Jenna Stanis.” Sleer replied. “I have transmitted a copy of the arrest warrant. You should be getting it any time now!”
Then Romik entered, a compu-pad in his hand.
“Captain, I’ve got an arrest warrant here, but I think there could be some mistake here. It’s a warrant for the arrest of…”
“There’s no mistake officer.” said Podley. “Just give it here!”
Podley snatched the pad out of Romik’s hand.
“This appears to be in order Commander Sleer. But tell me, once we’ve arrested the crew what happens to the families, and the ship itself?”
“As you can see from the warrant only the senior crew and a few junior officers will be charged. The rest will be returned to Earth. As for the Valkyrie a team from Qualor II will arrive in a few days to collect the ship.”
“Isn’t Qualor II the Zakdorn scrap yard?” asked Brogan.
“Yes it is Lieutenant Brogan.” Sleer replied. “The Valkyrie is to be de-commissioned. You have your orders Captain Podley. I will leave you to make your plans. Command out.”
Once again Podley leaned back in his chair. This time, however, there was no smile on his face.
“What was it you said about not being such a bad day?” asked Brogan.
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