Date: Mon, 16 May 1994 13:45:44 -0700 Reply-To: Highlander TV show stories Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Michael Smith Subject: Treklander Part 14 (Highlander/ST:TNG Crossover) (There can be only one...These are the voyages...) T R E K L A N D E R Copyright 1994 John F. Moore III Part 14 The drive section exchanged blows with the Clarian craft for some time. The Enterprise, having already been weakened, was getting the worst of it. The ship rocked yet again. *Data,* Geordi called from Engineering, *the containment fields on the warp drive are collapsing! If Engineering takes another hit--* "Understood Geordi. Do we still have warp power?" *Yeah, but I wouldn't push it too hard until we canh stabilize the field.* "Helm, get us out of here, best possible speed." The drive section sped away. After a few moments of disorientation, the Clarians followed. "They're gaining," Lt. Kaal said. "Geordi," Data said, "I am about to do something that might be consid- ered...suicidal. Can the ship take full reverse?" *Are you NUTS, Data?! The strain put on the ship at this speed would be tricky if the ship was intact, but in the shape it's in--* "Can you draw power into the inertial dampers? Perhaps that will decrease the strain." *Hell, anything's possible. I'm shutting down all nonessential systems ...that means you may have to deal with emergency lighting only...give me five minutes.* "We do not have five minutes, Geordi. The Clarian ship is faster and more maneuverable than we are currently." Geordi sighed. *I'll see what I can do. Buy me three minutes. LaForge out.* "Mr. Kaal, I want a spread of Photon Torpedoes that will keep the Clarian ship from coming within firing range." Kaal looked at Data quizzically. "Sir?" "The Clarians' Torpedoes have a considerably shorter range than ours. We must keep them beyond that range." Data walked over to Kaal's panel and pulled up a tactical display. "Fire the torpedoes in such a way that the Clarians will have to slow to avoid getting hit, in a conical pattern." Kaal's face lit up in understanding. "With their ship caught in the middle beyond firing range! But why not fire dirctly at them?" "Their shields are more able to take direct hits. No doubt they have boosted frontal shield power. Therefore, I am going to attemp reversing warp speed to get behind them and attack their weaker side before they can react." Kaal set the firing array. "Spread ready, sir. Awaiting your orders." Data returned to the command chair. "Wait until we are aklmost within their firing range, then fire the spread. Boost frontal shields." Data's firing spread kept the Clarians at bay, though they tried to hit the drive section . The few shots that reached the ship weren't enough to penetrate the shields. *LaForge to Bridge, you have your boosted dampers. I hope you know what you're doing, Data.* "Helm, reverse thrust, maximum warp!" The drive section strained under the sudden change in thrust. The inertial dampers were hard-pressed to keep the ship together. The Clarian ship shot by the drive section. "Fire all weapons, now!" The drive section unloaded everything onto the Clarians' rear. The ship shuddered as its rear shield began collapsing. Then, it disappeared. "Sensors are still picking it up," Kaal announced. "Apparently their cloaking system was damaged." "Make them aware of that fact, Mr. Kaal," Data said. A single torpedo was fired, impacting on the Clarian vessel. "They appear to be heading back to Clari III." "Mr. Dhemn, get us there, best possible speed. Bridge to Engineering, damage report?" *We took a beating from that maneuver, but we're still holding together. We can give you warp 3, no higher.* "Understood. I only hope the Ambassador will be all right." =========================================================================