SIM:NPC Captain Alexander Gregovich - Surprise Attack

(("USS Hallmark, NCC-19226, Main Bridge" Stardate 239004-11))

Gregovich: Damage reports!

::The smoke that filled the bridge made his eyes water slightly. His mind cast around the bridge, ensuring that the crew was keeping their cool. As needed, considering the Cardassians had actually opened fire.:: ::Terrel at Tactical gave the damage report.::

Terrel: Sir, shield strength is at 34%, minor damage to starboard nacelle. Hull breach on Deck 13, emergency force fields in place and holding.

::Gregovich breathed a sigh of relief. There was still some confusion in the minds of those around him. But if he hadn't sensed the deceptive thoughts of the Cardassians, there would have been a lot more damage. In fact, there might not have been a Hallmark.::

Terrel: ::Touching a control.:: Reports coming in, USS Yamato and Galaxy have sustained major damage. USS Knox reports severe structual damage. They are attempting evacuate non-essential personnel.

Gregovich: Have the Armagossa pick them up. We need--

::The Cardassians' minds gave them away. The three same ships opened fire again. This time, the Galaxy was the target. The Yamato and Galaxy both returned fire but the Galaxy-class ships would not last long against the assault. The surprise attack had already weakened them considerably. If the assault was kept up, lives will be lost.::

Gregovich: Helm, take us into the fray. Tactical, load torpedoes.

::"Aye sirs" were given and the Sovereign class ship surged forward. Strangely enough, the other two Cardassian vessels had moved away from the conflict, not engaging the three Galaxy class ships. Curious, he extended his mind in that direction and saw that they were shocked as well. They appeared to have no hand in this conflict and that made them innocent... for the moment.::

Gregovich: Terrel, do not engage the two not firing. Innocent bystanders.

Terrel: Aye, torpedo lock acquired.

::The quantum torpedoes flashed forward and impacted the lead ship. A disruptor beam lanced out and hit the forward shields. The Yamato began to tow the Galaxy away, the Galaxy's impulse engines completely neutralized.:: ::It came to Gregovich's complete surprise when the Knox surged forward. Lifeboats had been launched and were making a beeline for the Yassengoro and Federation vessels. Already, the Yassengoro frigates were moving in to assist. Sensing what was going to happen, Gregovich ordered a hail.::

Gregovich: Get me the Knox! NOW, DAMN IT!

::There was a second or two of silence.::

Terrel: Sir.... she is refusing the hail... she is on a collision course.

Gregovich: No..... no..... NO!

::He slammed his fists into the arm rests. He knew who was flying the ship. Frantic to get through, he opened his mind. His mental awareness searched out the Knox's life forms and found only a few on the bridge. There she was...::

Gregovich:~Don't do this to me! We can get you and the others out!~

::There was a minute or two of silence as the Knox got even further into the Cardassain formation. The three ships had targeted the incoming ship and were ripping her apart. What shields were left flared and failed. Shot after shot penetrated the hull. Duranium peeled back, showing the skeleton of the ship.::

Gregovich:~Please, Jania, get out of there!~

Jania:~There is no way. If we don't stop these guys, the council is dead and the assassins win.~

::Gregovich was slightly confused. What assassins? Then he felt it. The Knox had a Betazed onboard. They must have picked up on it first. Just as he was now. Still, he pleaded with his grandaughter.::

Gregovich:~We can get them, just give us time...~

Jania:~There isn't any left... look, grandpap, there is something happening in the Dassy's government. These people are terrorists. If they want explosions, I will give them explosions.~

::Gregovich stood. He watched as the starboard nacelle toar free. The Knox was beginning to lost its structual support. Yet, her course was still true.::

Jania:~I am sorry.... please tell Eddy that I love him... and take care of JJ for me....~

Gregovich: No.... ~No! Don't!~

::The bridge officers glanced at the captain but he ignored them. He concentrated on Jania. He could feel her tears rolling down her face as her free hand laced between her husbands, Rick as he remembered.::

Gregovich: Target their engines! Target the Knox's impulse engines! We have to stop them!

Terrel: ::Quietly.:: Sir... their SIF have been compromised.... if we fire, they are destroyed.

::Cursing, he watched, through Jania's eyes, as time was finally up. He disconnected at the last second. On screen, the Knox plowed into the lead ship. The Cardassian vessel and the Knox exploded, the Knox ripped apart. The starboard ship was caught in the blast and also breached, her warp core blowing in a brilliant white light. The third cruiser had survived the blast and was limping away on impulse.:: ::A Yassengoro cruiser fired a single torpedo. It blinked as it darted through space. It passed through what shields were left on the Cardassian vessel and went through the hull. It then exploded with extreme violence. The Hallmark's shields flared as some of the debris hit the ship. And then it was over.:: ::Gregovich had fallen to the deck, hands bracing him up on his knees. The tears were real.::

Science Officer: ::Hesitantly.:: Sir?

Gregovich: Are....are there any survivors?

Science Officer: ::Shaking head.:: No sir. Even if they were lucky, the explosion has incinerated everything.

::The captain nodded. He stood slowly and wiped the tears from his face with one hand. He looked at the men and women who served him. They were concerned with their captain. Gregovich nodded once more and gave out orders.::

Gregovich: Give me a status report on the remaining ships, have the Confederacy assist us in pick-up, and get me the Federation ambassador in this sector. We have a problem on our hands. Prep the Sickbays for wounded. There is going to be some inbound. I will be in my ready room. I have a few calls to make.

Terrel: Sir, is there anything we can--

::Gregovich began walking away, glaring at his first officer.::

Gregovich: No, just do what I said, commander.

::He didn't wait for a reply and simply walked through the doors. He fell into his chair and cried. His responsibility for Jania Johnson had been shot through until it was Swiss Cheese. He felt he could have saved her....::

::Then, the tears shut off.::

Oo Enough crying. There is duty now. oO

::Sighing and gathering himself up, he began to place calls. One of them actually was connected. USS Apollo, NCC-71669.::