Phase Two "
By: Bart "Burner" Reed, Fighter Pilot, [RNPC]
M'Ressha Mikaht, Fighter Pilot, [RNPC]
Maxine Tappert , Computer Specialist , [NPC]
RAWH , Pegasus AI , [NPC]

Stardate: 58209.20 0900

--First Officer's log: The away team having left for their mission on Mars, the Zion has set course for the Saturn moon, Tethys where we will begin intelligence gathering for the second phase of our mission. The crew is preparing the Pegasus, an experimental class of ship for a recon mission to monitor the activity at the ship yard."

***

Commander Wright stepped off the turbolift and made his way into the shuttle bay. The massive room was abuzz with activity. Engineering crew were busy configuring an intelligence gathering module to the Pegasus. This module would allow additional lodging for a covert away team. It would also turn the Pegasus into a mobile intelligence gathering command center with specialized communications monitoring equipment.

Wright scanned the room until his eyes landed upon the felinoid Catian they called Blitzer. "How are we doing?" he said when he had reached him.

Blitzer, who was humming the melody of his favorite Klingon opera as he inspected the contents of supply containers being loaded on the Pegasus, paused and stood up straight. Recognizing immediately he was being addressed by the ship's first officer gave a reflex-like salute as he turned toward Wright.

"Sir, we're just about ready for our mission."

"Very good," said Wright as he turned and watched a crew of marines enter the bay. "It looks like your passengers have arrived."

"Commander," Madge nodded to Wright as she stepped inside the Pegasus and over to Wright's side, allowing the rest her group to come onboard. The Marines all nodded respectfully to Wright as they passed along with varying comments of 'sir' and 'commander'. "It'll only take my boys a wee moment tae stow their gear," she assured the Zion's XO and Blitzer at the same time.

"Good luck," said Wright as he watched them board the Pegasus. When the hatch had been sealed Wright turned and left the shuttle bay.

***

Maxine looked up from where she was sitting at a computer console when the 'troops' arrived. "Calvery's here," she commented to Blitzer in a hushed tone.

Burner watched as the marines stowed their gear. Saying nothing he made his way forward toward the bridge. Climbing a short set of stairs he entered the bridge and took his seat next to Blitzer. "Our guests are getting settled in."

"Excellent," said Blitzer as he checked the status of various ship systems.

"Do you think that engineer got all the Peg's bugs worked out?"

"I dunno," shrugged Blitzer, "he keeps to himself a lot."

"He is a weird one," said Burner. "I tried to get him to visit Miranda's with me, but he said he had work to do. I don't think he leaves his engine room." Burner configured his station for launch.

Blitzer gestured, "Lock in NavComp 2....yeah, weird."

"I've heard of dedication to your job, but this guy takes it to a new level." Burner paused for a split second and then switched topics, "So, you going to let me take her out this time?"

RAHW materialized on the bridge of the Pegasus. "All systems are ready and standing by for your command," she informed the crew.

"Hey baby, how ya doin'?"

"My systems are running at one hundred percent efficiency, doll," the Pegasus AI informed him, and then grinned. She was decked out in a form hugging one piece jump suit that showed off every curve she had. Her hair was in a mass of braids and tiny scales glistened around her hairline, over slightly pointed ears, and down her neck.

Blitzer grinned, "wow.." he said with a purr in his voice.

"'Wow' is not an appropriate response," Rahw pointed out.

Blitzer exchanged a blank look with Burner and then turned to his console. Seeing that engineering had already signaled the ready status, he flipped on the com and hailed the Zion's flight officer, "Flight Control, this is the Pegasus, We're ready."

The com chirped, "Roger Pegasus. You are clear for take off."

Blitzer tapped the comlink again, "Attention crew, Blitzer and Burner are your pilots today and we're about to depart. If you haven't flown with us before, I'd like to assure you there is nothing wrong with the inertial dampening fields, that's just the way we fly."

Blitzer turned toward Burner and nodded. Their voices joined in their usual pre-mission mantra, "show time!"

Then, with his usual garish, Blitzer lifted the pegasus off and nose down accelerated as fast as possible to the maximum take off speed as stipulated by maquis flight regulation section 6 subparagraph 9.

Just as the Pegasus approached the force field, it shimmered and vanished.