Crossing Back "
By: Riaan, Operations Manager, [PST]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.23 1900

Hunter leaned on the arm of his chair. His fingers rubbed the whisker stubble on his chin as his gaze was transfixed on the splendor of stars streaking past the main view port.

The USS Zion warped through space, nearing the edge of the Klingon Empire. Flanked on both sides were Klingon escorts, the D'Kuul, a K'Tinga class cruiser and the Degetha, a Vor'Cha class cruiser. All three ships flew in tight formation and uncloaked.

"Status Mr. Iverson?" inquired Hunter.

The helmsman recomputed the navigational data and replied, "about 10 minutes Sir."

"Steady as she goes."

Hunter turned his head to Wright who was studying reports on his console. "Well Number One?" he said.

"Ten minutes until we can put this whole prisoner saga to rest," said Wright, "I am glad to be rid of those prisoners." Wright paused, "The Doctor tells me that she is ready to re-attach my hand now."

"Excellent Number One."

"I would like your permission to take the day off tomorrow to have the operation done," Wright smiled, "I am eager to have my hand back."

"I'd certainly think so."

Several long moments passed.

"Sir?" interrupted the helmsman, "We are approaching the Klingon Empire's boundary."

Hunter nodded, "Okay, take us out of Warp, go to full impulse."

"Aye-aye"

"Captain Hunter: The Klingon escort ships are dropping out of warp, and have matched our current course and speed. I must say, they're admirable tacticians" said Westfall.

"Open a channel to the Degetha." Said Hunter.

"Secure Channel is open to the Degetha, you have Audio/Visual feed," Westfall replied.

"On screen." said Hunter with a nod.

Westfall completed the communication circuit, encrypting the link to the common protocol, and smiled, as he noted everything worked the way it *should*. He made a mental note to have the encryption protocols checked by the new computer specialist who had recently arrived aboard the USS Zion.

The Klingon commander appeared on screen, Hunter stood up and approached the main viewscreen.

"Thank-you for the escort Captain ...and may the dust from your wagon wheels blind the eyes of your enemies."

Hunter smiled and chuckled to himself as the Klingon looked about trying to understand the old Irish toast. The Klingon turned back to Hunter and merely said "Qa'Pla" as his viewer went black and the starfield returned."

Hunter sat back down in the command chair and looked at his console. He tapped the companel on his chair, "Silvio, we're leaving Klingon Space and we've got a lot of ground to cover, are we ready to make a break for it?"

"Engage Sir," came Silvio's confident reply.

"Riaan, status?"

"Sir both Klingon Officers from the exchange program have beamed safely back to their vessels and our crew are back onboard safely, we are ready to get underway," replied Riaan looking at Captain Hunter.

"Very well," replied Hunter. "Westfall? tactical status."

"All stations report manned and ready, all weapons systems are available, no other vessels other than our escorts, the cloak is operational, and our shield harmonics are modulating, both the internal and external sensors have been re-tuned to 99.05% of maximum specification".

"Sounds good, ok, let's go home." Hunter tapped the com button again and said, "This is the captain. We are leaving Klingon space and heading for home."

"Helm, lay in a course 272 mark 90, warp 9....engage."

As the helmsman executed the command the Zion accelerated into a blur of light.

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58205.29