Stardate: 70307:0001
Title: To Know When To Fold 'Em
Author: Captain Khavok
Time: after "War Isn't Pretty"
Scene: Bridge


The Captain sat next to his Executive Officer on the bridge managing to look as unruffled and calm as usual. Abby was learning his small tell tale signs of tension and noted that he was under a lot more stress than he was letting on.

Alex looked at the communications officer who shook her head in silent response, the Captain had asked for the third time if any response had been heard from the Ambassador.

"What do you think of the ship withdrawal," Abby asked.

"It could certainly, make it a more dicey proposition to leave. Are all hands accounted for?"

"All except the Ambassador."

"Sir, I have an analysis of the fleet's withdrawal," Mock stated, "they are covering a lot of territory and scans are lighting up most of the sector."

Khavok nodded, "prepare to disengage from Starbase 9, bring us up to full power. Be ready to engage ablative armor."

Tapping his com badge the Captain insisted, "Thess its time to move. I need you on the ship now."


=/\= Ambassadorial Quarters, Starbase 9 =/\=

An annoying chirping sound penetrated Thess' rapport. Disturbing the tranquillity and depth of sharing he/they had achieved. There was a certain insistence to it and both of them got where they were by following instinct when necessary. Loathe as they were to begin the process of swimming up through the levels of rapport they both knew it was necessary.

They parted then each in awe of the level of comprehension of self they had achieved. Both men were amazed at the revelation of the universe and their place in it. Helping each other back into their robes Thess answered the hail finally. Not a moment too soon as it turned out.

Seconds later a slightly startled and perturbed Ambassador materialized on board the Relentless.


=/\= USS Relentless Bridge =/\=

[Captain, we've got the Ambassador onboard. He doesn't look happy but he's here in one piece.] Kal reported.

"Acknowledged," the Captain replied curtly.

"Helm, plot us a course though the picket. Soon as we're clear take us home."

"Aye-Aye, Sir," Andrews replied.

"What about the bomb?" Abby asked.

"It's going to have to take care of itself. I don't like the hand we've been dealt and its time to change the rules. The crew comes first."

"Priority one transmission from the Admiral sir," Comm stated.

"On screen."

[Alex, what are you doing? Stand down] Admiral Foster ordered.

"Admiral this hurts more than you will ever know, but I am refusing your orders."

Alex gestured curtly to end the transmission, "engage ablative armor, ahead full impulse. As soon as we're clear take us to maximum warp."

"Hopefully we won't have to demonstrate the capability of our armor," Khavok said mostly to himself.

At minimum safe distance Andrews punched the ship into maximum warp deftly weaving the ship though their opponents. When they were clear enough to make the jump without injuring other ships in the vicinity, it was with great relief that the Captain gave the order to take them home.


====================
Captain Alexander Khavok
Commanding Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
====================