The Search

Posted on Sun Aug 24th, 2025 @ 1:47am by Captain Andre Hunt & Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale & Jysol Elim & Commander Thomas Carey & Lieutenant Commander Mattys Plaatjes & Atys Tur & Warrant Officer Steve Baxter

1,165 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Trillius Prime
Location: Various

The Meridian cruised through the system as they conducted a grid-by-grid search for the pirate ship. It had been twelve hours since the guest diplomat arrived on board and about eight hours into their search. They managed to narrow it down to two possible targets, but due to be unable to be at two places at once. They currently were maintaining contact with several smaller patrols that were a part of the grid search.

On the bridge, there was complete silence which was interrupted by the sound of the turbolift doors opening. Captain Hunt stepped onto the bridge, making his way over to the center chair. Looking around, everyone was at their post, diligently working. "Baxter any word from the patrols?"

"Nothing yet," the communications officer replied. "No chatter regarding any attacks or suspicious activity."

Kenneth rubbed his chin as he thought about the next course of action. It had only been twelve hours, which was still fairly early considering they were looking for a ship that was likely doing everything to remain hidden, until they were ready to strike. Turning his attention to his first officer, Hunt was on the verge of answering a question when the communications alerted the bridge to an incoming message.

"Captain a patrol just sent out a distress call from a colony in grid thirteen. A mining colony on Omar II."

Emily set the course at the helm for Omar II before even being instructed to do so. "At warp seven we can be there in sixteen minutes."

"Make it happen," Hunt ordered. "Carey take us to red alert." This order was followed by him tapping the comm on his chair. "McEntyre get your people down to the shuttle bay for that extraction."

"Aye sir. Red alert. Tactical systems up." Carey replied as he worked his station.

The Meridian jumped into warp on course to Omar II. Hopefully the L'Diran's wouldn't cause to much damage on that mining facility. Even if they managed to get what they needed there was no chance of escaping. A fight was inevitable, unless they decided to surrender which was unlikely to take place and Captain Hunt knew it.

Looking up sharply from his console monitor, Plaatjes' mouth set into a narrow, firm line as the klaxons blared. 'All right men,' he called out, making eye contact with a Denobulan petty officer who seemed frozen in place. 'You know the drill, report to your teams, and keep the ship together. Keep your damage control kits close for the call eh.' He raised his voice further, 'you know what to do, you've all trained for this!'

Moments later the Meridian dropped out of warp, with shields already powered up. On the main viewer the Starfleet vessel moved closer and closer Omar II. Breaking out of orbit they could see the L'Diran pirate ship which they encountered a few days prior making a run for it.

"We'll be in weapons range in forty seconds," helm reported.

"Comm hail that ship," Hunt instructed.

"Channel open," said Baxter.

"This is Captain Andre Hunt of the USS Meridian. L'Diran vessel power down your engines and prepare to be boarded."

Elim looked at the senor of the Meridian moving in rather quickly. Based on their previous scans, there was no way they were going to outrun this ship. And they definitely couldn't match them in fire power. Turning his attention to his superior. "They'll be in firing range in twenty seconds. What is your orders, Captain?

"Surrender is not an option," Tur responded. "Fire on that ship."

Looking at his Captain, unsure why he would he would got at the more powerful. Elim turned his attention to their pilot and weapons officers who were just as in shock as he was. "You heard the Captain."

Doing as instructed the pilot turned the ship in an attack position, as they brought their cannons online.

"Cannons online, ready to fire."

"Helm evasive pattern Delta Two," Hunt ordered. "Thomas target their weapons array and fire when ready."

"Without verbally acknowledging the order, Douglasdale rolled the ship hard. The L'Dira fired off four shots in rapid succession. Three missed while one made contact.

The ship shook slightly, the shot hit, but it wasn't that serious, and the shields were able to withstand it, taking only a 8 percent decrease. "Returning fire Captain." He replied as he fired the cannons and the phasers as well.

Avoiding one hit, but unable to evade the others, the enemy vessel's haul took on serious damage. The L'Dira had a strong haul to their ship, but lacked anything close to shields to defend itself. On the bridge, several sparks and small explosions came about the bridge. Looking up from the tactical station, the man turned to face the First Officer. "That energy shield on that ship is preventing us from causing an real damage."

Sighing, Elim looked over at Tur. "This isn't going to go in our favor Captain."

"Patience and return fire," the pirate Captain mumbled.

Viewing the damage pirate ship, Hunt looked over to the tactical station. "Take out their engine. Remember we want them alive."

"No cool fireworks, got it." Thomas stated, "Locking on to weapons now sir." He tapped a few buttons. "Direct hit. Their forward weapons array are disabled."'

"Thomas don't sound too disappointed. Still the possibility of some very cool fireworks before this all comes to an end." Staring at the enemy ship was no longer moving, Hunt couldn't help but to smile at the quick victory. "All departments report damages and injuries."

'Engineering is clear - minor injuries, sprains and twisted ankles mostly,' Plaatjes responded cheerfully over the comm. 'Seems like there's minimal damage across the ship - looks like those pirates were as effective as a wet paper bag, Sir.'

The Captain chuckled a bit. "This isn't over yet. Until the MACOs bring back this Captain, we're still in this."

'Aye aye, Captain,' Plaatjes responded over the comm. 'Engineering will keep doing our bit til we're out of this - but please, don't scratch the paint too much!'

"No promises Chief."

"Shields are back up to full strength... for someone thats making a problem for people in the area, they don't seem to be much of a match." Thomas replied

"Captain the shuttle just launched and reported to getting ready to breach," Baxter reported.

"Maintain constant contact with the MACOs," the Captain ordered. As soon as he gave the order, he was interrupted by an alert.

Emily tapped the panel bringing the main viewer. "We have two smaller pirate ships on an intercept course. Must have been hiding behind the moon."

Andre sighed. "Thomas that answers you're not a match question. Standby to engage."

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Commander Thomas Carey
Executive/Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian

Lt. Commander Mattys Plaatjes
Chief Engineer
USS Meridian

Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

Warrant Officer Steven Baxter
Communications Officer
USS Meridian

 

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