The Blademasters (Closed)

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

D'Lorra nodded, and released a guttural "Huh!" sound, which must have been some kind of acknowledgement; the Klingon version of 'Aye'. Nira would have heard others make the same noise in the same context. D'Lorra punched up the command to transmit to Engineering, demanding a full diagnostic of the weapon. "Engineering reports they will need an hour to complete the diagnostic. That cannon will be down during the checks." she reported.

As Nira stared daggers, or more accurately, jambiyas at Shas, he caught the accusatory look. He seemed to believe that her hard stare was a continuation of what she had been giving him moments before, but then he made the connection. Was she... accusing him? Implying he was somehow to blame? His mouth opened, but before he could object to the look, Kergh shouted out first.

"Do you have something to say to my fellow Battlemaster, Starfleet?" Kergh demanded. "You stare with contempt, after Shas deigned to apologize to you. Are you brave enough to state your thoughts proudly?"

Kergh had not moved from his position, but his gloved hand gripped the edge of his workstation with violent promise. Captain Kohor was fully aware of the exchange, as his seat was in the middle of it all, and Chigorra looked between Kergh and Nira. Neither of the officers stepped in, or said a word; among Klingons, intervening in a dispute only occurred in special circumstances. Perhaps Nira had something to say?

At this time, Nira's own console flashed; one of the K-32's had routed to the TajHu a tactical scan which had detected, just for a moment, an unidentified vessel at the furthest edge of its scanner range. The ship was passing near a stellar gas cloud, and the effects of the cloud meant ship identification was not possible at this far range, nor was communication.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira heard out D'Lorra and the diagnostic to last an hour. The timing's horrible, she thought to herself. We're potentially about to engage pirates and we're without one disruptor cannon? She nodded in acknowledgement and held her gaze at Shas. Long enough for Kergh to shout out at her.

Nira turned her gaze back at Kergh and her glare intensified. Truth be told, while Kergh did remind her of the old Chief Operations Officer, K'Lizh and had a deep-seated fear of Caitians, and the hairy Klingon reminded her of K'Lizh, somehow Nira wasn't bothered by the Klingon. Had she bore the brunt of a Klingon's rage a year ago, she would've quavered like a scared puppy. But her time among Klingons, her friendship and respect she had since joining the crew, and her knowledge of Kergh's and Shas's reputations all combined to make Nira glare back at the hairy weasel who is certainly reputed to have bought his title rather than earned it.

"Engineering's reporting something wrong one of the disruptor cannons," Nira said to Kergh, but keeping her voice loud enough to be heard. "It was working fine when the task force left Pheben. Now it has something unusual has occurred to it, and it's definitely coincidental that Shas should come here and apologize to me just when the error happens. Of course, it could be a coincidence, but the fact that this happens, just when we are in the Danjika System, all while the great chance of engaging Cardassian pirates at the same time..."

She left her sentence hanging to drive the point home: If you or Shas have sabotaged this ship, the ship of an opposing house, in any way, you are going to be sorry.

Noticing the console flashing, Nira looked down and said, "Commander Kohor! One of the K-32s has detected something, its tactical officer has sent the scan over my station. A ship has been detected at the K-32's maximum scanning range, it's passing near a stellar gas cloud. Identifying the ship nor communicating with it isn't possible at this range right now."

Nira glared back at Kergh and snapped, "We'll continue this later," and she bore a mind that, once things quieted down, that she would investigate them further. Of course, even if Kergh wasn't responsible, it was easy to accuse either of them, they being members of a rival house sent on currently unknown orders from a general. Until she found out a different suspect, they were the prime suspects of being saboteurs, and thus traitors, on this ship.

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira heard out D'Lorra and the diagnostic to last an hour. The timing's horrible, she thought to herself. We're potentially about to engage pirates and we're without one disruptor cannon? She nodded in acknowledgement and held her gaze at Shas. Long enough for Kergh to shout out at her.

Nira turned her gaze back at Kergh and her glare intensified. Truth be told, while Kergh did remind her of the old Chief Operations Officer, K'Lizh and had a deep-seated fear of Caitians, and the hairy Klingon reminded her of K'Lizh, somehow Nira wasn't bothered by the Klingon. Had she bore the brunt of a Klingon's rage a year ago, she would've quavered like a scared puppy. But her time among Klingons, her friendship and respect she had since joining the crew, and her knowledge of Kergh's and Shas's reputations all combined to make Nira glare back at the hairy weasel who is certainly reputed to have bought his title rather than earned it.

"Engineering's reporting something wrong one of the disruptor cannons," Nira said to Kergh, but keeping her voice loud enough to be heard. "It was working fine when the task force left Pheben. Now it has something unusual has occurred to it, and it's definitely coincidental that Shas should come here and apologize to me just when the error happens. Of course, it could be a coincidence, but the fact that this happens, just when we are in the Danjika System, all while the great chance of engaging Cardassian pirates at the same time..."

She left her sentence hanging to drive the point home: If you or Shas have sabotaged this ship, the ship of an opposing house, in any way, you are going to be sorry.

Noticing the console flashing, Nira looked down and said, "Commander Kohor! One of the K-32s has detected something, its tactical officer has sent the scan over my station. A ship has been detected at the K-32's maximum scanning range, it's passing near a stellar gas cloud. Identifying the ship nor communicating with it isn't possible at this range right now."

Nira glared back at Kergh and snapped, "We'll continue this later," and she bore a mind that, once things quieted down, that she would investigate them further. Of course, even if Kergh wasn't responsible, it was easy to accuse either of them, they being members of a rival house sent on currently unknown orders from a general. Until she found out a different suspect, they were the prime suspects of being saboteurs, and thus traitors, on this ship.

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

"Hu'tegh!" Kergh shouted in response. Shas, on the other side fo the bridge, was paler now than before. He worked his mouth, but was unable to form words. Chigorra, perhaps seeing that now she needed to step in as First Officer and handle these accusations more formally slammed a hand on her console. "A coincidence it may be, but-" She halted as Nira reported what she discovered; a potential enemy ship! Eyes turned to the Captain, who had been allowing his officers to work out these issues under his observation.

"My Chief tactical officer ordered a full diagnostic of the cannon." he announced, indicating Nira. "If it is... sabotage... that will become known. Until then, all we have is a malfunctioning weapon, and a Battlemaster attempting to recover from his shame." Simultaneously, Kergh opened his mouth, and even Shas himself attempted to blubber out a statement, but a quiet raised hand from Kohor silenced both. "You heard the report; a ship of unknown identification was detected by one of our vessels. We pursue!"

The order to move forward toward this signal was shared with the other ships in the wing. The demand to engage seemed to quell the fight for now, but the tension remained tight in the air. Battlemaster Thontorf removed his hand from his daqtagh, which bore the symbol of his House, K'toh-Maag. Only seconds passed until the dour male Communications Officer on the TajHu Bridge spoke out. "Now that we are closer to the system, Captain, I see two more ships, bearing 039 mark 118. They are distant from the gas cloud. They..." he paused squinting at his screen. A proper Starfleet communications officer would surely have modified his screen text for easier reading... "They are showing Klingon transporter signatures, tagged from our colonies in the Lonar system." Another beep. "And... three ships, bearing 045, mark 240. Too far yet to identify."

Captain Kohor grumbled at this. "Send the transporter signatures to the First Officer to verify. Work with the Communications Officers on the D-32's to scan the three that are too distant." After only a moment, he looked about to his bridge. "Give me your thoughts." he demanded, apparently the Klingon way of asking for suggestions from one's officers.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

"Hu'tegh!" Kergh shouted in response. Shas, on the other side fo the bridge, was paler now than before. He worked his mouth, but was unable to form words. Chigorra, perhaps seeing that now she needed to step in as First Officer and handle these accusations more formally slammed a hand on her console. "A coincidence it may be, but-" She halted as Nira reported what she discovered; a potential enemy ship! Eyes turned to the Captain, who had been allowing his officers to work out these issues under his observation.

"My Chief tactical officer ordered a full diagnostic of the cannon." he announced, indicating Nira. "If it is... sabotage... that will become known. Until then, all we have is a malfunctioning weapon, and a Battlemaster attempting to recover from his shame." Simultaneously, Kergh opened his mouth, and even Shas himself attempted to blubber out a statement, but a quiet raised hand from Kohor silenced both. "You heard the report; a ship of unknown identification was detected by one of our vessels. We pursue!"

The order to move forward toward this signal was shared with the other ships in the wing. The demand to engage seemed to quell the fight for now, but the tension remained tight in the air. Battlemaster Thontorf removed his hand from his daqtagh, which bore the symbol of his House, K'toh-Maag. Only seconds passed until the dour male Communications Officer on the TajHu Bridge spoke out. "Now that we are closer to the system, Captain, I see two more ships, bearing 039 mark 118. They are distant from the gas cloud. They..." he paused squinting at his screen. A proper Starfleet communications officer would surely have modified his screen text for easier reading... "They are showing Klingon transporter signatures, tagged from our colonies in the Lonar system." Another beep. "And... three ships, bearing 045, mark 240. Too far yet to identify."

Captain Kohor grumbled at this. "Send the transporter signatures to the First Officer to verify. Work with the Communications Officers on the D-32's to scan the three that are too distant." After only a moment, he looked about to his bridge. "Give me your thoughts." he demanded, apparently the Klingon way of asking for suggestions from one's officers.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira was more suspicious. The three ships identified as Klingon ships? And three more unknown ships? Nira remembered the briefing, there was mention of three Cardassian ships used by pirates. Perhaps the three Klingon ships were being chased...?

"The new three unknown ships," said Nira, "I believe the earlier briefing did mention three Cardassian ships used by the pirates. If the new unknown ships do register as Cardassian ships, we'll know they're the pirates. Otherwise..." and again, she left the sentence hanging. There's multiple possibilities, but Nira was focusing on the positive; if the next three ships also register as Klingon, Nira hoped it wasn't a trap.

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira was more suspicious. The three ships identified as Klingon ships? And three more unknown ships? Nira remembered the briefing, there was mention of three Cardassian ships used by pirates. Perhaps the three Klingon ships were being chased...?

"The new three unknown ships," said Nira, "I believe the earlier briefing did mention three Cardassian ships used by the pirates. If the new unknown ships do register as Cardassian ships, we'll know they're the pirates. Otherwise..." and again, she left the sentence hanging. There's multiple possibilities, but Nira was focusing on the positive; if the next three ships also register as Klingon, Nira hoped it wasn't a trap.

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

The one-armed helmswoman turned, offering her thoughts. "Captain, we could split our fleet to identify these ships, and engage them." Her twin sister nodded, completing the second half of the thought. "But we would be at half-strength."

Battlemaster Thiq shared out to the Bridge, his eyes on the viewscreen. "The foe that is least dangerous to leave at our backs is the single ship, at the gas cloud. If we place that at our rear, and it is one of the Cardassians, we have less of a threat behind us than if we placed one of the groups of three at our rear." Thontorf grunted in agreement, and Captain Kohor could not argue with the battle-logic.

Captain Kohor sought further details. "Cardassians are more than capable of falsifying the identification signatures of our ship at a great distance. Either party could be our target." He rubbed at his chin, then addressed his Communications Officer. "Belay the scan of the ship at the gas cloud. Order one of the K-32's to join the other Raptor to the ships at 039 mark 118. We will follow the other vessels."

To Nira, he clenched a fist as he gave a command. "Raise shields, but do not power the disruptor cannons. I do not wish to reveal that we have a cannon down."

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

The one-armed helmswoman turned, offering her thoughts. "Captain, we could split our fleet to identify these ships, and engage them." Her twin sister nodded, completing the second half of the thought. "But we would be at half-strength."

Battlemaster Thiq shared out to the Bridge, his eyes on the viewscreen. "The foe that is least dangerous to leave at our backs is the single ship, at the gas cloud. If we place that at our rear, and it is one of the Cardassians, we have less of a threat behind us than if we placed one of the groups of three at our rear." Thontorf grunted in agreement, and Captain Kohor could not argue with the battle-logic.

Captain Kohor sought further details. "Cardassians are more than capable of falsifying the identification signatures of our ship at a great distance. Either party could be our target." He rubbed at his chin, then addressed his Communications Officer. "Belay the scan of the ship at the gas cloud. Order one of the K-32's to join the other Raptor to the ships at 039 mark 118. We will follow the other vessels."

To Nira, he clenched a fist as he gave a command. "Raise shields, but do not power the disruptor cannons. I do not wish to reveal that we have a cannon down."

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

"Aye, Commander," she said. She then proceeded with raising shields. She then looked at the task force splitting. Naturally, the classic tactic of "divide and conquer" can work both ways. While it can leave the fleet at half-strength, if it leads to faster verification and a potential surprise attack if the ships prove hostile, it would prove an advantage.

As she worked and monitored, she wondered why the task force aren't cloaking. Then again, it depended on how friendly or hostile they were.

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

"Aye, Commander," she said. She then proceeded with raising shields. She then looked at the task force splitting. Naturally, the classic tactic of "divide and conquer" can work both ways. While it can leave the fleet at half-strength, if it leads to faster verification and a potential surprise attack if the ships prove hostile, it would prove an advantage.

As she worked and monitored, she wondered why the task force aren't cloaking. Then again, it depended on how friendly or hostile they were.

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

The TajHu cloaked at Captain Kohor's command, and its attending K-32 did as well. The shimmering effect was visible even from inside the ship, and the blood-red Bridge lights dimmed further to a dull organic shade. Next to Nira, D'Lorra grinned, her fanged mouth shining brightly in the darkness. Thontorf had his arms crossed, but his hands were tapping the meant of his forearms, snap-snap-snapping on the leather bracers there. Kergh had turned to a display behind him, bending forward to observe the readouts.

"Maintain Warp 4." Captain Kohor commanded, his deep baritone rumbling through the Bridge air. "Be watchful of your scans. Don't reveal us by pushing the sensors too hard."

Time passed in careful quiet. The Klingons seemed to revel in this gradual stalking of their prey, with the silence interrupted by Thorn's snap-snapping, and the occasional callouts of the movements of the other ships. The two groups of three vessels seemed to be maintaining relatively parallel courses, with occasional corrections. There was no sign of communications between the two groups, but their maintenance of a set distance was too coincidental...

"Captain, we've just verified the ID's of those three transport vessels." Chigorra declared. "They are indeed Imperial ships. They hail from Lonar, and they move supplies from that system to other systems. They are scheduled to be in Danjika for at least another two days." Kohor considered this, and beckoned for thoughts from the Bridge.

"Enlist them in our task." Shas suggested quickly. "They may be transport vessels, but they are servants of the Empire." Surprisingly, Thiq seemed to agree with this tactic. "These Cardassian pirates have destroyed several of our war vessels already. They are experienced. Even a few extra transport vessels might be used to our tactical advantage."

The Captain looked to Nira and D'Lorra, seeking their thoughts. D'Lorra helpfully brought up the tactical data on the three transport vessels for Nira to observe, if needed; each armed with decent weaponry, well-shielded, and decently armored. They were less efficient in their tasks than Starfleet transports, but the Klingon style meant they were more dangerous in a combat situation.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

The TajHu cloaked at Captain Kohor's command, and its attending K-32 did as well. The shimmering effect was visible even from inside the ship, and the blood-red Bridge lights dimmed further to a dull organic shade. Next to Nira, D'Lorra grinned, her fanged mouth shining brightly in the darkness. Thontorf had his arms crossed, but his hands were tapping the meant of his forearms, snap-snap-snapping on the leather bracers there. Kergh had turned to a display behind him, bending forward to observe the readouts.

"Maintain Warp 4." Captain Kohor commanded, his deep baritone rumbling through the Bridge air. "Be watchful of your scans. Don't reveal us by pushing the sensors too hard."

Time passed in careful quiet. The Klingons seemed to revel in this gradual stalking of their prey, with the silence interrupted by Thorn's snap-snapping, and the occasional callouts of the movements of the other ships. The two groups of three vessels seemed to be maintaining relatively parallel courses, with occasional corrections. There was no sign of communications between the two groups, but their maintenance of a set distance was too coincidental...

"Captain, we've just verified the ID's of those three transport vessels." Chigorra declared. "They are indeed Imperial ships. They hail from Lonar, and they move supplies from that system to other systems. They are scheduled to be in Danjika for at least another two days." Kohor considered this, and beckoned for thoughts from the Bridge.

"Enlist them in our task." Shas suggested quickly. "They may be transport vessels, but they are servants of the Empire." Surprisingly, Thiq seemed to agree with this tactic. "These Cardassian pirates have destroyed several of our war vessels already. They are experienced. Even a few extra transport vessels might be used to our tactical advantage."

The Captain looked to Nira and D'Lorra, seeking their thoughts. D'Lorra helpfully brought up the tactical data on the three transport vessels for Nira to observe, if needed; each armed with decent weaponry, well-shielded, and decently armored. They were less efficient in their tasks than Starfleet transports, but the Klingon style meant they were more dangerous in a combat situation.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira noticed the change in shade. She wondered when the cloaking would happen. All the while, she kept her eyes on the sensors. It was no different from being back on the Discovery, station she is on. Her keen observation would be able to spot things just as well with the sensors. She could feel the thrill of the hunt, and she could understand that. Her observational skills she could easily compare to that of a hunter, and hunts, and tracking, was something Klingons understood.

Finally, three of the ships, the ones they were catching up with, have been identified: Klingon transports. Nira could see how they'll come in handy in assisting them. Not just with backing up the task force, but to also potentially use as bait for the pirates. She could see the data brought up by D'Lorra...

"I agree, Chigorra," said Nira. "In fact, I think I can see an advantage to these transports. Supposing we used them as bait to lure in the pirates? Even of Klingon origin, they're still transports, more likely to be attacked than warships like the raptors and the K-32s."

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira noticed the change in shade. She wondered when the cloaking would happen. All the while, she kept her eyes on the sensors. It was no different from being back on the Discovery, station she is on. Her keen observation would be able to spot things just as well with the sensors. She could feel the thrill of the hunt, and she could understand that. Her observational skills she could easily compare to that of a hunter, and hunts, and tracking, was something Klingons understood.

Finally, three of the ships, the ones they were catching up with, have been identified: Klingon transports. Nira could see how they'll come in handy in assisting them. Not just with backing up the task force, but to also potentially use as bait for the pirates. She could see the data brought up by D'Lorra...

"I agree, Chigorra," said Nira. "In fact, I think I can see an advantage to these transports. Supposing we used them as bait to lure in the pirates? Even of Klingon origin, they're still transports, more likely to be attacked than warships like the raptors and the K-32s."

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Captain Kohor heard the assent of his First Officer and the Betazoid acting as his Chief Tactical Officer. "We will pursue the two unknown vessels then, until we can identify them. Signal our cohorts, the task of contacting and organizing the transports vessels shall be theirs."

The Communications officer confirmed this order, sending a low-power signal to the other Raptor. There was some back and forth, and the dour officer spoke out to inform the Bridge of his findings. "Our fellow ships have confirmed the detection of no other uncloaked vessels in the Danjika system, Captain. If there are other ships within the borders of the system, they are hidden from us." He looked back at the text on his screen and continued. "The K-32's report that even their scanners detect no further ion trails beyond those of the ships we are aware of now."

Kohor grumbled at this skeptically. He did not yet want to believe that these were the only ships in the Danjika system, but it was beginning to look as though that very well may be the case. He pressed several buttons on his command chair, modifying the tactical display on the viewscreen of the TajHu bridge.

He turned to D'Lorra and to Nira. "Let us devise possible strategies, given these three new ships in our fleet." he said. "Communications! Get scans of the three transports to my Chief Tactical Officer. I want to know how battle-ready those ships appear to be." Turning back to the two women, he continued. "I'm willing to sacrifice those vessels, as well as my own, but no warrior enters battle planning to die. Think of ways that we can put these ships to use, and I will consider them."

The Communications officer was grumbling at his station, to the point where Chigorra approached and leaned over his shoulder to help. It looked like it might take time to get further details about the three Klingon transports to Nira, so she had time to work with D'Lorra and develop some tactical scenarios.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Captain Kohor heard the assent of his First Officer and the Betazoid acting as his Chief Tactical Officer. "We will pursue the two unknown vessels then, until we can identify them. Signal our cohorts, the task of contacting and organizing the transports vessels shall be theirs."

The Communications officer confirmed this order, sending a low-power signal to the other Raptor. There was some back and forth, and the dour officer spoke out to inform the Bridge of his findings. "Our fellow ships have confirmed the detection of no other uncloaked vessels in the Danjika system, Captain. If there are other ships within the borders of the system, they are hidden from us." He looked back at the text on his screen and continued. "The K-32's report that even their scanners detect no further ion trails beyond those of the ships we are aware of now."

Kohor grumbled at this skeptically. He did not yet want to believe that these were the only ships in the Danjika system, but it was beginning to look as though that very well may be the case. He pressed several buttons on his command chair, modifying the tactical display on the viewscreen of the TajHu bridge.

He turned to D'Lorra and to Nira. "Let us devise possible strategies, given these three new ships in our fleet." he said. "Communications! Get scans of the three transports to my Chief Tactical Officer. I want to know how battle-ready those ships appear to be." Turning back to the two women, he continued. "I'm willing to sacrifice those vessels, as well as my own, but no warrior enters battle planning to die. Think of ways that we can put these ships to use, and I will consider them."

The Communications officer was grumbling at his station, to the point where Chigorra approached and leaned over his shoulder to help. It looked like it might take time to get further details about the three Klingon transports to Nira, so she had time to work with D'Lorra and develop some tactical scenarios.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Being left to devise battle strategies, Nira and D'Lorra took in the chart of the system and the position of the three ships.

"Okay, given we can see that they are Klingon transports," she said, "there's a good chance that if they pick a route going between the gas cloud and where the other two vessels are, they're bound to get pinched in by a two-way flank. That is, if it can be verified those are Klingons on the transports, there's the distinct possibility that they could be captured by the pirates, but we won't know until communications are connected.

"If the pirates attack in a two-way flank," said Nira, "then why don't we outflank them? If they know we're in the system, then we can look as if we're leaving by taking a course away, decloaking in the process, us and the task force, before we cloak again, double back, and catch the pirates in surprise."

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Being left to devise battle strategies, Nira and D'Lorra took in the chart of the system and the position of the three ships.

"Okay, given we can see that they are Klingon transports," she said, "there's a good chance that if they pick a route going between the gas cloud and where the other two vessels are, they're bound to get pinched in by a two-way flank. That is, if it can be verified those are Klingons on the transports, there's the distinct possibility that they could be captured by the pirates, but we won't know until communications are connected.

"If the pirates attack in a two-way flank," said Nira, "then why don't we outflank them? If they know we're in the system, then we can look as if we're leaving by taking a course away, decloaking in the process, us and the task force, before we cloak again, double back, and catch the pirates in surprise."

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

D'Lorra nodded. "No true Klingon would surrender to capture by an enemy. They would fight to the death in the ugliest way. We would see as much on their ships."

As if on cue, the Communications Officer transferred to D'Lorra the scans of the three vessels, made available by the other half of the cloaked fleet. D'Lorra shared the visuals with Nira. The three ships showed no signs of recent battle damage; there were old scars, to be sure, but nothing that weakened their hulls, and nothing that looked as though it had been suffered in the last week or two, to Nira's expert eye. "No, if they were captured, it would have to have been a terribly cowardly tactic to leave all three ships undamaged." the Klingon girl confirmed. "But wise to consider this, Chief!"

The girl grinned, making a fist and pressing it into her abdomen."Strike them, as you struck me here only yesterday, and we will find victory!" she said, laughing. More quietly, she said "Let us brief the Captain on this plan, explain each stage of the proposed moves. He must seek the opinion of the four Battlemasters on his Bridge before he chooses a tactic, do not be insulted when he does so. He must honor their titles." D'Lorra furrowed her furry brow. "To convince them, as well, may be the trick. I recommend using simple terms..."

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

D'Lorra nodded. "No true Klingon would surrender to capture by an enemy. They would fight to the death in the ugliest way. We would see as much on their ships."

As if on cue, the Communications Officer transferred to D'Lorra the scans of the three vessels, made available by the other half of the cloaked fleet. D'Lorra shared the visuals with Nira. The three ships showed no signs of recent battle damage; there were old scars, to be sure, but nothing that weakened their hulls, and nothing that looked as though it had been suffered in the last week or two, to Nira's expert eye. "No, if they were captured, it would have to have been a terribly cowardly tactic to leave all three ships undamaged." the Klingon girl confirmed. "But wise to consider this, Chief!"

The girl grinned, making a fist and pressing it into her abdomen."Strike them, as you struck me here only yesterday, and we will find victory!" she said, laughing. More quietly, she said "Let us brief the Captain on this plan, explain each stage of the proposed moves. He must seek the opinion of the four Battlemasters on his Bridge before he chooses a tactic, do not be insulted when he does so. He must honor their titles." D'Lorra furrowed her furry brow. "To convince them, as well, may be the trick. I recommend using simple terms..."

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira could see the sensor analysis from the Communications Officer as well. "You have a good point, D'Lorra," she said. "There would definitely be signs of a struggle if the pirates attacked them and wiped them all out. Though they'd lose a lot of manpower in the process. If one looks at it this way, one would need slightly overwhelming odds to take down a Klingon crew; after all, depending on the size of a ship, a Klingon crew is roughly equivalent to a small army."

Nira pondered briefly, but she took up D'Lorra's words. "Oh, I won't be insulted," she said. "I'm sure the Battlemasters are likely to come up with something better. Well, I'm not expecting good ones, let alone better ones, from those two," she added quietly, her eyes gesturing at Kergh and Shas.

Nira was being honest, and not boastful, when she said it, as she had when she pointed out Shas's flaws. She often expected her fellow officers to come up with something better if she presented some kind of tactic.

"Okay, then," said Nira. "Let's bring this up with Commander Kohor and the Battlemasters."

She would, of course, expect Kohor to seek advice from the Battlemasters, and they'd be able to see pros and cons in Nira's idea. Though Nira is likely going to expect derisions and insults from Kergh, but she was also expecting Kohor, a member of a rival house, would ignore his words.

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira could see the sensor analysis from the Communications Officer as well. "You have a good point, D'Lorra," she said. "There would definitely be signs of a struggle if the pirates attacked them and wiped them all out. Though they'd lose a lot of manpower in the process. If one looks at it this way, one would need slightly overwhelming odds to take down a Klingon crew; after all, depending on the size of a ship, a Klingon crew is roughly equivalent to a small army."

Nira pondered briefly, but she took up D'Lorra's words. "Oh, I won't be insulted," she said. "I'm sure the Battlemasters are likely to come up with something better. Well, I'm not expecting good ones, let alone better ones, from those two," she added quietly, her eyes gesturing at Kergh and Shas.

Nira was being honest, and not boastful, when she said it, as she had when she pointed out Shas's flaws. She often expected her fellow officers to come up with something better if she presented some kind of tactic.

"Okay, then," said Nira. "Let's bring this up with Commander Kohor and the Battlemasters."

She would, of course, expect Kohor to seek advice from the Battlemasters, and they'd be able to see pros and cons in Nira's idea. Though Nira is likely going to expect derisions and insults from Kergh, but she was also expecting Kohor, a member of a rival house, would ignore his words.

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Nira's presentation appeared to be well-received, with the Bridge officers hmm'ing and grumbling with largely positive noises. Kergh sneered but said little, and Shas sweated profusely in the red,  low heat of the Bridge lighting. The proposal that their vessels outflank the enemy was immediately popular; why couldn't they arrange things this way, outmaneuver their foes in such a fashion?

Kergh took the first opportunity to speak. "We know nothing of our foes, their weaknesses, their assumptions. We are not even certain any of these ships are the Cardassians we seek!" It was a truth, but perhaps not necessary to repeat. All present knew that they knew nothing of these three ships yet.

The reserved Battlemaster Thontorf had his own thoughts to share. "Why shouldn't we order one of the freighters directly toward the suspected enemy? The freighter can forward scans of those ships. If they are indeed Cardassian and they attack the freighter, we can observe their battle tactics and weaponry first-hand."

A moment of silence followed as this proposal was considered. To die in battle was honorable, but would this be a necessary fight? To sacrifice one ship to reveal the nature of the enemy"¦ There was value in this information; to know one's enemy was a weapon to be wielded well. Shas and Kergh seemed particularly concerned over the tactic, but said nothing openly. Something made them hold back their reason for their discomfort.

Chigorra shared her doubts about such a sacrifice openly. "We may be able to use the freighters in such a way that we do not lose them. I am sure House I'Prgho would appreciate the return of all their ships to the Lonar system."

Ahh, there was an answer. The Lonar system was under the feudal leadership of House I'Prgho, of which Kergh and Shas were high-ranking members. But they themselves could not state a discomfort with losing a freighter in honorable combat; such a thing would be cowardly, dishonorable...

Captain Kohor looked to Nira, securing her eye contact before speaking. "Lieutenant, do you believe that we can use the freighters as bait, without sacrificing them to destruction needlessly?"

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Nira's presentation appeared to be well-received, with the Bridge officers hmm'ing and grumbling with largely positive noises. Kergh sneered but said little, and Shas sweated profusely in the red,  low heat of the Bridge lighting. The proposal that their vessels outflank the enemy was immediately popular; why couldn't they arrange things this way, outmaneuver their foes in such a fashion?

Kergh took the first opportunity to speak. "We know nothing of our foes, their weaknesses, their assumptions. We are not even certain any of these ships are the Cardassians we seek!" It was a truth, but perhaps not necessary to repeat. All present knew that they knew nothing of these three ships yet.

The reserved Battlemaster Thontorf had his own thoughts to share. "Why shouldn't we order one of the freighters directly toward the suspected enemy? The freighter can forward scans of those ships. If they are indeed Cardassian and they attack the freighter, we can observe their battle tactics and weaponry first-hand."

A moment of silence followed as this proposal was considered. To die in battle was honorable, but would this be a necessary fight? To sacrifice one ship to reveal the nature of the enemy"¦ There was value in this information; to know one's enemy was a weapon to be wielded well. Shas and Kergh seemed particularly concerned over the tactic, but said nothing openly. Something made them hold back their reason for their discomfort.

Chigorra shared her doubts about such a sacrifice openly. "We may be able to use the freighters in such a way that we do not lose them. I am sure House I'Prgho would appreciate the return of all their ships to the Lonar system."

Ahh, there was an answer. The Lonar system was under the feudal leadership of House I'Prgho, of which Kergh and Shas were high-ranking members. But they themselves could not state a discomfort with losing a freighter in honorable combat; such a thing would be cowardly, dishonorable...

Captain Kohor looked to Nira, securing her eye contact before speaking. "Lieutenant, do you believe that we can use the freighters as bait, without sacrificing them to destruction needlessly?"

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Somehow, Nira wasn't surprised that Kergh reacted as he did, let alone that he was the one to raise objection to her plan. She at first thought he was objecting just because he felt wanton venom against her for taking down fat Shas faster than a ravenous targ to a gormless hippo. But then she noticed they were more concerned than usual as the plan was considered. And the reason for their concern was confirmed when Ambassador Chigorra mentioned that the freighters came from a system controlled by the house of Kergh and Shas.

Nira pondered a moment. Being the greedy fools they are, Kergh and Shas naturally would be concerned of losing profit from their freighters. She therefore decided to modify her tactic a bit. When Commander Kohor raised the question, she was able to reply.

"Yes, Commander," she said. "We can use the freighters as bait without sacrificing them. Therefore, I propose we have at least one of the ships in our task force stick to the frieghters close as an escort, ideally one of the Raptors. Either the Mat'Ha, or us. If the ships head in for the kill, and definitely give an indication of such, then that ship will be able to strike first. The other three ships can outflank them in a triangular formation: the other Raptor in the center and the K-32s on either side. If we strike quickly enough, we can prevent the incoming ships from getting to the freighters."

[Chigorra]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Somehow, Nira wasn't surprised that Kergh reacted as he did, let alone that he was the one to raise objection to her plan. She at first thought he was objecting just because he felt wanton venom against her for taking down fat Shas faster than a ravenous targ to a gormless hippo. But then she noticed they were more concerned than usual as the plan was considered. And the reason for their concern was confirmed when Ambassador Chigorra mentioned that the freighters came from a system controlled by the house of Kergh and Shas.

Nira pondered a moment. Being the greedy fools they are, Kergh and Shas naturally would be concerned of losing profit from their freighters. She therefore decided to modify her tactic a bit. When Commander Kohor raised the question, she was able to reply.

"Yes, Commander," she said. "We can use the freighters as bait without sacrificing them. Therefore, I propose we have at least one of the ships in our task force stick to the frieghters close as an escort, ideally one of the Raptors. Either the Mat'Ha, or us. If the ships head in for the kill, and definitely give an indication of such, then that ship will be able to strike first. The other three ships can outflank them in a triangular formation: the other Raptor in the center and the K-32s on either side. If we strike quickly enough, we can prevent the incoming ships from getting to the freighters."

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Thiq struck his console with his fist, a sign that he approved of the proposal as Nira presented it. Thontorf, who had proposed the sacrifice gambit, nodded in assent; his skin was not so thin as to disapprove of a good plan even if it did not include a tactic he proposed! Kergh ground his teeth; Nira's proposal did not sacrifice an I'Prgho freighter, but the fact that the human girl was finding such success and popularity"¦ it burned at a racist and sexist ego he had been nurturing for decades"¦ Shas seemed to breathe more easily, showing his relief clearly to the Bridge.

Kohor nodded. "œWe shall be the escort." he announced, and to the Communications Officer, he flung a hang into the air in some kind of gesture that could have been meaningless, or full of Klingon subtext. "œInstruct the Mat'Ha to take the center position, and have the K-32's flank it, broadly. Their Captains will find a good distance, I care not how far." The Comms officer began his grumbling work, issuing the orders, and soon the vessels were on their way. The three freighters were brought in, slowly, and their approach was uncloaked and surely apparent to the mysterious vessels in the system, including the one at the gas cloud. The TajHu crept near them, like a watchful father over a child learning to hunt for the first time...

The two unidentified ships responded, they had to respond, as the freighters were on a course that brought them close enough for a proper identification. The scanning data of the freighters, who could more freely conduct their scans, was transferred to the TajHu! The information came in to Nira's station, and to D'Lorra's, thanks to the efforts of the Communications Officer.

The two vessels were Rasilak-class, small, swift destroyers which became somewhat famous in the Dominion War as maneuverable little warfighters. Many of them had been eradicated in that war, which saw the devastation of the Cardassian Union as a political entity, and decades of reparations and reconstructions. The Rasilak design was now nearly fifty years old, which made it venerable compared to the prototype Raptor-class vessels, and the still-fresh K-32 ships. Well-crewed Rasilak ships could be capable and quick-moving foes, but the Raptors would outpace them easily. Tactically, the Rasilaks were equipped with fewer disruptor arrays and fewer photon torpedo launchers than even the Raptors.

The two ships burned their engines, and split up, appearing to wish to approach the three freighters from angular vectors, coming in like two horns. Nira's display revealed that the Mat'Ha and the two K-32's were spreading out as intended, but in the distance, the third vessel was departing the gas cloud, finally revealing itself as"¦

"A bombardier..." D'Lorra muttered. The ship was a Legate-class, a large-sized cruiser configured as a long-range bombardment vessel. It was equipped with photon torpedo launchers capable of projecting fire over a far greater distance. They were like space artillery; slow to move, but with tremendous and deadly ranged capabilities. The Legate, despite its distance, could put itself in a position to deploy its torpedoes against the TajHu and its fellow ships while the two Rasilaks dodged and weaved, or worse, provided targeting assistance for the Legate's torpedoes.

With this knowledge, Nira was in a position where she needed to explain these three ships to the Bridge, and offer suggestions on tactics now that they knew their enemy.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | IKS TajHu | Edge of the Danjika System]

Thiq struck his console with his fist, a sign that he approved of the proposal as Nira presented it. Thontorf, who had proposed the sacrifice gambit, nodded in assent; his skin was not so thin as to disapprove of a good plan even if it did not include a tactic he proposed! Kergh ground his teeth; Nira's proposal did not sacrifice an I'Prgho freighter, but the fact that the human girl was finding such success and popularity"¦ it burned at a racist and sexist ego he had been nurturing for decades"¦ Shas seemed to breathe more easily, showing his relief clearly to the Bridge.

Kohor nodded. "œWe shall be the escort." he announced, and to the Communications Officer, he flung a hang into the air in some kind of gesture that could have been meaningless, or full of Klingon subtext. "œInstruct the Mat'Ha to take the center position, and have the K-32's flank it, broadly. Their Captains will find a good distance, I care not how far." The Comms officer began his grumbling work, issuing the orders, and soon the vessels were on their way. The three freighters were brought in, slowly, and their approach was uncloaked and surely apparent to the mysterious vessels in the system, including the one at the gas cloud. The TajHu crept near them, like a watchful father over a child learning to hunt for the first time...

The two unidentified ships responded, they had to respond, as the freighters were on a course that brought them close enough for a proper identification. The scanning data of the freighters, who could more freely conduct their scans, was transferred to the TajHu! The information came in to Nira's station, and to D'Lorra's, thanks to the efforts of the Communications Officer.

The two vessels were Rasilak-class, small, swift destroyers which became somewhat famous in the Dominion War as maneuverable little warfighters. Many of them had been eradicated in that war, which saw the devastation of the Cardassian Union as a political entity, and decades of reparations and reconstructions. The Rasilak design was now nearly fifty years old, which made it venerable compared to the prototype Raptor-class vessels, and the still-fresh K-32 ships. Well-crewed Rasilak ships could be capable and quick-moving foes, but the Raptors would outpace them easily. Tactically, the Rasilaks were equipped with fewer disruptor arrays and fewer photon torpedo launchers than even the Raptors.

The two ships burned their engines, and split up, appearing to wish to approach the three freighters from angular vectors, coming in like two horns. Nira's display revealed that the Mat'Ha and the two K-32's were spreading out as intended, but in the distance, the third vessel was departing the gas cloud, finally revealing itself as"¦

"A bombardier..." D'Lorra muttered. The ship was a Legate-class, a large-sized cruiser configured as a long-range bombardment vessel. It was equipped with photon torpedo launchers capable of projecting fire over a far greater distance. They were like space artillery; slow to move, but with tremendous and deadly ranged capabilities. The Legate, despite its distance, could put itself in a position to deploy its torpedoes against the TajHu and its fellow ships while the two Rasilaks dodged and weaved, or worse, provided targeting assistance for the Legate's torpedoes.

With this knowledge, Nira was in a position where she needed to explain these three ships to the Bridge, and offer suggestions on tactics now that they knew their enemy.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | IKS TajHu]

Nira could feel hatred burning from Kergh. Despite the proposal to preserve his freighters, she could feel hatred toward her like heat from a furnace. She had no doubt he was going to attack her at the first chance she was alone, so she intended to be prepared if he tried it.

Nira nodded in understanding at Commander Kohor, though she hoped the disruptors would be online and available by the time the attack came. So far, all they had were torpedoes, but hopefully they would be enough.

Soon the unknown ships were close enough for identification...those were Cardassian ships all right. And she thought she recognized the classes...Aunty Parisa often told her, in her childhood, her Betazoid mother, in escaping Dominion-occupied Betazed, was chased by a whole squadron of warships, both Jem'Hadar and Rasilaks, the little Cardassian buggers...and a pair of Galors and at least a Legate, a Cardassian battleship rivaled in reputation only by the Jem'Hadar cruisers and battleships. Now that the memory had reemerged, Nira wondered if she definitely was from a Betazoid House, her mother being so important that a whole task force chased her in her escape...or if Aunty Parisa was exaggerating. But all the same, she wondered if that Legate-class was the same one that led the chase. Seeing how slow it was, Nira wondered how that's the only reason her mother managed to get away: the behemoth couldn't keep up.

"We're in range to identify the ships...Confirmed, Commander," said Nira. "Those definitely are Cardassian ships. Two Rasilaks and one Legate. The Rasilaks are moving to flank us. Well, now that we know what we're dealing with...looks like there's an advantage to see: The Rasilaks may be small and outdated, but they are fast and maneuverable. They can easily dodge any of our fire...or worse, they can provide targeting assistance for the Legate; after all, Legates are slow, but they pack a powerful punch. Granted, we could outflank them, but they'll get too fast for us.

"However," she continued, "if we time it correctly, we should be able to take all three by surprise; we have the advantage of the element of surprise if we use it correctly. If we decloak at the right moment and then let torpedoes fly, we might get a strong volley in. We should hit the weapon systems of the Legate first, it's the most dangerous threat there. Of course, I appreciate hearing additional ideas to counter them."