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Message #:335
Time to look for the author...***1931 - "Finder's Keepers" by Capt. Hunter |
SNIP:
Mike Hunter grumbled, as did Jack Archer. Sakkath inclined his head in respect......while Ross looked nervous. It was he who spoke first. "Jim......I never wanted to be a politician."
Jim focused on him. "Neither did I. They tried to convinced me to be one. Now I'll convince you. Plus, with you there, it'll be easier for me to do what needs to be done."
Now everyone's jaw dropped......including Sakkath's. The only thing Jim offered by way of response was an enigmatic grin.
ON:
Mike stepped forward. "What are you planning on doing??"
Jim shrugged. "What I should've done before. I've let too many people dictate what I was doing in the past. I've been swayed and strayed from my own course. I'm not a politician, despite all of your hopes. I'm not even a starship captain......despite the longevity of my career. What I am......what I've always been......is a pilot. That pilot got channeled into being squad leader......and from there cadet commander, then mission leader, department head, second officer, first officer, and finally captain. Funny thing is......I was kinda good at it."
Ross nodded. "When you weren't being a pain in the ass......you were great at it. I'm not sure if there are many in the 'Fleet who coulda hung on like you did with Challenger."
Jim flinched at the mention of his lost ship. "It's funny. The pain from her loss still hurts......like it was yesterday. Endeavour was a lovely ship......but she wasn't mine. She should've been Imari's. She deserved her. Or th'Dani."
Mike finally lost his cool. "Can we get back on topic here?? We have a crisis!!!! What are we gonna do????"
Jim looked over at his older brother. "You're going to back Ross. He'll make a fine president. >From there, you'll have to take action against the Orion Syndicate. Make it big, flashy and formal. That'll keep them busy."
Ross stared at him. "You're going back in......aren't you??
Jim nodded. "I have to. There's a chance Columbia survived. If she did, I have to go see."
Ross shook his head. "I can't help you anymore......you know that."
Jim laughed......really laughed. "Sure you can. You become president, and make Archer there the new Chief of Starfleet. That'll be a lot of help. The next thing you have to do is make the technology for sliding open to all."
All the room's occupants nearly dropped in surprise. Jim did his best to placate them. "It's the only way to make the technology useless to the Orions......and maybe get our hostages back."
Archer piped up. "What's to stop the Orions from just sending them to the slave pits......if they haven't already??"
Jim pointed at Archer. "You......and the pressure Starfleet will put on the Syndicate. I mean real pressure Jack. Stop every ship and search it......trade embargos, stop trade routes from being used, hike up costs for fuel and docking permits, you name it. Make them sweat. Then......you and Ross can name your price. Get our people back."
Mike slumped down in a chair. "This still doesn't help our 'other' problem Jim."
Jim went and sat in the chair next to Mike. "I know. But we have to first convince everyone that fighting each other isn't helping. To be able to do that......I need a clear conscience. And I can't get one unless I find out if my friend's are still alive. Soooooo......I'm gonna need a favour. An HCS-3......rigged with weapons. It's the best variant for a mission like this, with two small shuttle pods and enough hard-mounting points for weapons to give her real sharp fangs."
Mike nodded. "I'll see one's flown to Earth. Who's gonna go with you??"
Jim smiled. "Nobody. I'm not being a leader anymore. I'm being what I've always been. A solo pilot."
********************
SNIP:
"So Columbia had drifted......until she'd fallen into a system with a 'dirty' G2-Type yellow dwarf. Following along with her had been the surviving Orion ship......equally disabled. Both vessels had managed to reach the orbit of the only inhabitable planet in the system."
ON:
The HCS-3 dropped out of warp on the edge of a starsystem with a 'dirty' G2-Type yellow dwarf. It was messy little system, full of navigational obstructions and sensor ghosts. But, according the sensor data......it had the only planet capable of supporting humanoid life in this area.
Jim cruised slowing into the system, sensors on maximum. Two tritanium signatures reflected back at him from orbit of the Class-M planet......one with a very familiar silhouette. A Federation Nova-class starship......that had seen better days. Also in orbit was an Orion warship......that had also seen better days.
Sensors showed that there were people on the surface of the planet. Using targeting scanners, he managed to mass-transport the non-Orions back to the Columbia. He then did a commbadge check, found the one he was looking for, and beamed her back to Columbia as well. It wouldn't do to leave Commander Imari down there.
Once that was accomplished......he pulled to the bow of the starship and engaged the towing tractors of the HCS-3. Though small in size, the little ship was a veritable tugboat......pulling the larger vessel out of orbit and away from the system. Jim then set a course for home, and engaged the warp drive.
Phase one was complete.
