Story:Star Trek: Federation Legacy/The Price of Liberty

A Starfleet vessel is under attack, and red alert sirens are blaring all over the ship. On the bridge, the crew is trying to hold the ship together.

"Ensign, fire photons!" the captain orders.

"Aye, sir," replies Ensign Jason Fredricks, who is manning the tactical console.

There is an explosion.

"Sir, shields are failing... Structural integrity is at 32%!" the ops officer states frantically.

The captain's face looks grave as he stares at his opponent on the viewscreen.

"This is it then," he whispers solemnly to himself.

The enemy vessel, a Klingon Vor'cha battle cruiser, fires another volley of torpedoes.

Fredricks' console explodes in front of him. He yells in pain as he falls to the floor.

He suddenly sits up and looks around him, realizing that he was having a nightmare. Everything seems as it should be; nothing is out of place. He gazes out his apartment window at the well-lit city of downtown San Francisco.

He breathes deeply. "Calm down, buddy, you're getting too anxious. It's just graduation. Everything's gonna be okay," he reassures himself as he goes back to sleep.

The following day, at the Starfleet graduation, a group of cadets are lined up on both sides of the stage. Many people are in the audience, mostly friends and family. Several admirals are sitting behind the podium. One of them walks up to the microphone to speak.

"Thank you all for coming today to the Starfleet Academy class of 2408 graduation! First, I would like to thank our amazing Academy staff for..." she continues speaking inaudibly in the background.

Fredricks and Lucas Wells are sitting with the other cadets, talking.

"This is it... You brought your speech, right?" Wells asks Fredricks.

Fredricks looks over at him. "Of course I did," he says smugly.

Wells chuckles. "Okay, it better be good."

An admiral walks over to Fredricks.

"Jason, are you ready? You're up," he tells him.

"Uh, yeah..." Fredricks replies in a slightly nervous tone.

"Knock 'em dead," Wells tells him.

The female admiral introduces him. "And now, I would like to introduce one of our graduates, Jason Fredricks."

The crowd applauds as he walks up to the podium.

He clears his throat. "Thanks everyone; they, uh, wanted one of the graduates to come up and speak, and it looks like they picked me..."

Several chuckles are heard in the audience. Fredricks lets out a nervous chuckle as well.

"I'd like to thank all of the admirals and Academy staff for putting up with me through these four long years. I hope I can give something back to you all with my service in Starfleet. I also want to thank my parents for always being there for me," Fredricks pauses to read ahead in his speech. He clears his throat again. "I've wanted to go out and explore the stars since I was just a kid, and now my dream is finally coming true. Thank you for helping me achieve my goals and become a Starfleet officer."

He takes a step back from the podium as the crowd begins to applaud.

"Thank you Mr. Fredricks," the female admiral says to him as he walks off the platform.

He returns to his seat next to Wells.

"So, how bad was it?" he asks.

"Eh, I've heard better," Wells replies.

The female admiral continues speaking. "It is my pleasure to announce the names of the graduating Class of 2408! Hannah Freeman, Ernie Hauser..."

As she calls each name, the graduates walk up to the platform one by one.

"...Jeffery Davis, Dylyp Azeli, Lenerea Mendel..."

Fredricks groans at the mention of Mendel's name.

"What's wrong?" Wells asks, noting Fredricks' disgust.

"Nothing." Fredricks shakes his head. "Just bad memories."

"...T'Vrell, Tala Jones, Elisa Flores..."

"Ooh, there's a cute one..." Wells says.

Fredricks lightly smacks the back of Wells' head.

"What was that for?" Wells rubs his head.

"You know what it was for." Fredricks smiles.

"...Stan Philips, Charles Oni, Serov, Lucas Wells..."

"Oh, that's me," Wells says.

He walks up to the platform.

"...Sofia Wenner, Daniel Harvey, Zarva, Jason Fredricks..."

Fredricks walks onto the platform.

"Here you are, son," an admiral says, handing him his graduation certificate.

All of the students face the audience. The crowd applauds.

Fredricks reports to the assignment office at Starfleet Academy the following day. He walks up to Lieutenant Ferra, the personnel officer.

"Name?" Ferra asks.

"Jason Fredricks," he replies.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Fredricks. Captain Taggart wanted to talk to you. He's in the office behind me."

Fredricks proceeds to the office where Captain Masc Taggart is waiting for him. Taggart is sitting down, reading over some duty rosters. He notices Fredricks walk in.

"Oh, just the man I wanted to see!"

He stands up and extends a hand toward Fredricks, to which he shakes, returning the greeting.

"You wished to see me, sir?"

"Yes. I've heard of your skills in weapon tactics. You're the kind of officer that I need on the bridge of the Leviathan."

"The... Leviathan?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?"

"No, sir. I've heard a lot about her, sir. A fine ship from what I'm told."

Taggart chuckles. "Indeed; she's served me well for six long years. Now... About that position, what do you think?"

"What position would it be, captain?"

"My tactical officer, of course. That is, if you're up to the challenge."

"Aye, sir. I am."

Taggart nods in approval. "Good. I'll see you onboard later today. You should report to the shuttlebay, and meet up with the other senior staff."

"Aye, captain. Thank you," Fredricks smiles gratefully.

"No, thank you, ensign."

...

Fredricks enters the main building, and enters a turbolift. He exits the turbolift into the shuttlebay on the upper level, and walks over to the bar where some other cadets are chatting. One of the officers turns around to look Fredricks over.

"What ship you get put on, newbie?" the rather buff human asks, in a strong Irish accent.

"The Leviathan," Fredricks replies, trying to get the bartender's attention.

"Heh, looks like you got the garbage scow of the fleet. I'm going to the Khitomer myself," the red-headed cadet grins. "Name's Daniel Harvey, by the way, but people call me Buck."

"Why do they call you that?"

"Because, if you try anything stupid, I'll break your face, got it, cadet?"

"Yeah, I got it, Buck. Wait a minute, I remember you now, you were the school bully, right?"

"Oh, so you've heard of me? Eh, Fredricks?"

"Yeah, but what I don't get is how an immature brat like you ever managed to graduate. Saying, 'the Academy is strict' is an understatement."

"You want to go, punk? I'll take you down, right here, right now."

"I don't wanna fight you, Buck. You're not worth losing a career over."

Fredricks takes his drink and begins to walk away.

"Get back here and fight me, you little coward!"

By now, all the other cadets are staring at the two of them in shock. Fredricks sips his drink calmly.

"Hey Fredricks, was your dad as yellow as you?" Harvey jeers.

"Leave my father out of this."

"Ooh, looks like I hit a sore spot. What you gonna do, cry?"

Fredricks clenches his fist, about to strike, but one of the higher-ranking officers steps in.

"Enough, both of you! Get to your designated shuttles and prepare to leave!"

"This ain't over, Fredricks," Harvey says, shoving Fredricks out of his way.

Fredricks walks up to the deck officer, who raises an eyebrow at him.

"All cadets leaving for the Leviathan stand here; all leaving for the Khitomer, stand over there," the officer tells them.

The cadets line up. He walks beside them, reading off a list of names.

"Ernie Hauser?"

"Here," Hauser responds.

"Hannah Freeman?"

"Here."

"Jhael Onika?"

"Here."

"Jason Fredricks?"

"Here," Fredricks nods at him.

"And... Vance L'eher?"

L'eher nods.

"You will be boarding Shuttle 7."

They walk over to the shuttlecraft and board it. The shuttle takes off and heads for Earth Spacedock, in orbit of Earth.

...

The cadets are all sitting inside the shuttle as it exits the atmosphere.

"Hi, I'm Hannah," Hannah Freeman says, directing her attention to Fredricks.

"Jason Fredricks," he replies.

"Man, what was all that about back there?" Vance L'eher asks.

"I don't take shit from people," Fredricks replies. "I managed to survive four years at the Academy without bumping into that jerk, and I don't care to meet him again."

"Guys, look!" Jhael Onika blurts out, pointing out the viewport of the shuttle.

They all look, and see the Leviathan docked inside Earth Spacedock. The shuttle continues closing with the Leviathan.

"The U.S.S. Leviathan, Miranda-class cruiser, registry number: NCC-93151, crew complement of 200, maximum speed: Warp Factor 9.2," the Saurian continues, as if reading from a starship manual.

"She's a nice ship," Freeman manages, gazing at the Leviathan with awe.

"I dunno, seems kinda small..." Ernie Hauser comments.

"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts," the pilot answers.

"Shuttlecraft Zeus, you are clear for docking," the dockmaster says over the comm.

"Acknowledged," the pilot replies. He turns to the cadets. "Alright guys, here we go."

He docks the shuttle with the Leviathan.

Eight months later...

The mess hall door opens and Fredricks walks in. Crusoe, the bartender, notices him.

"Can I get you something?"

"Yeah, I'll take a Saurian Brandy," Fredricks replies.

"Comin' right up."

Just then, Lucas Wells walks up to him.

"Jason?" he asks, almost in disbelief.

"Lucas... when did you get assigned to the Leviathan?" Fredricks asks in a puzzled tone.

"A couple of days ago, actually. I came aboard when the Leviathan was docked at Earth Spacedock. But anyway, how are ya?" Wells asks him.

"Pretty good. I've been keeping busy," Fredricks replies.

"Here you go. One Saurian Brandy," Crusoe interrupts to give Fredricks his drink.

"Thanks," Fredricks replies, turning his attention back to Wells. "Do you know where our next assignment is?"

"Imaga I hear," Wells says, taking a gulp of his drink.

"Imaga? There's nothing of interest in that system," Fredricks replies, raising an eyebrow.

Wells shrugs.

The captain's voice is heard over the intercom. "Attention crew of the Leviathan, this is Captain Taggart. We've just received a distress call from the S.S. Break Even. We are moving in to assist them. All hands to the ready!"

...

Fredricks and Wells walk down a corridor as other officers run by them.

"Hey, you two! Where you headed?" a voice calls them from ahead.

"I'm headed for the bridge, sir," Fredricks answers the officer.

"Alright, come with me," the officer tells them.

They come to the end of the corridor and enter a turbolift.

"Bridge," the officer tells the computer.

The turbolift makes a whirring sound as it begins to move.

"Where'd you get assigned?" Fredricks asks, turning to Wells.

"Bridge, same as you."

"Science station?"

"Yep," Wells replies, nodding.

"Oh, Lucas, this is Commander Fuller, the new first officer. Sir, this is my friend Lucas Wells," Fredricks introduces the two.

Fuller nods at Wells. "Henry," he says.

"Huh?" Wells looks puzzled.

"My first name is Henry, but if the anyone asks, you don't know that," Fuller says, smiling.

The turbolift doors open, and they walk onto the bridge. Captain Taggart turns to greet them.

"Number one, there you are," Taggart says.

"Number one?" Fuller questions.

"Oh, just something I picked up from my former commanding officer," Taggart chuckles.

Fuller nods. "May I present Ensign Lucas Wells, the new science officer. He graduated with several honors in chemistry and the physical sciences."

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Wells. Please take your station." Taggart waves Wells to the science station.

"Sir! We're nearing the position of the S.S. Break Even," the conn officer reports.

"Alright," Taggart acknowledges the officer. "Scan the system for any hostile vessels."

"Aye captain," Ensign Koja Nara, the ops officer, replies.

"Drop us out of warp," Taggart tells the conn officer.

"Sir, may I ask what we are looking for?" Wells asks.

Taggart opens his mouth to speak, but Nara interrupts him. "Sir, I'm detecting a Klingon battle cruiser decloaking. They're charging weapons!"

"Raise shields!" Fuller orders.

"Too late! Brace for impact!" the conn officer yells.

The ship quakes violently as the Klingons' torpedoes rip into the hull of the Leviathan. Nara's console explodes in her face. Wells runs over to her and checks her pulse.

"She's dead, captain."

Taggart turns back to the viewscreen. "Evasive maneuvers, prepare to return fire."

"Sir, another volley of torpedoes!" Fredricks shouts.

The Leviathan shakes like a ship at sea in the middle of a maelström. A bulkhead falls from the ceiling, crushing the conn officer.

"Sir, we can't raise the shields, and weapons systems are offline," Fredricks reports from his station.

His console starts beeping.

"Klingon boarding parties are beaming in all over the ship, captain!"

"Security teams, find and take down the intruders!" Fuller says over the comm. He turns to Taggart. "What in the blazes are Klingons doing this far into our space?"

"I don't know."

"This is engineering, we need help down here!" the chief engineer shouts frantically over the comm. "The Klingons are... Ahh!"

The message fades to static.

"Fredricks, take a team to engineering," Taggart orders.

"Aye, captain," Fredricks complies.

Wells follows Fredricks into the turbolift.

"Deck 6, engineering," he tells the computer.

...

When the turbolift arrives at its destination, they exit onto Deck 6, where Vance L'eher and Jhael Onika are waiting for them.

"Sir, the chief engineer is dead. We managed to kill a few Klingons, but we can't retake engineering without more people," Onika tells Fredricks.

"This is all we've got. We'll have to make do."

L'eher sighs. "Here goes nothing..."

The four of them charge into engineering, taking the Klingons by surprise. One of the Klingons pulls out a bat'leth and races at Fredricks. Fredricks ducks and rolls to avoid the Klingon's swing. Meanwhile, L'eher and Onika manage to subdue several other Klingons. Fredricks barely avoids being impaled, and then lunges at the Klingon's knees, knocking him backward. The Klingon stumbles to his feet, and returns the gesture with a palm to Fredricks's face. Wells notices the struggle and points his phaser at the Klingon, careful not to hit Fredricks. He fires a quick burst with his phaser, and takes out the Klingon.

"Thanks," Fredricks says, breathing a sigh of relief.

The foursome presses on, backing the remaining Klingons into the corner. A few of them manage to transport back onto their ship.

"Ha! Cowards," L'eher laughs.

Fredricks taps his combadge. "Captain, we've secured engineering."

"Good, please return to the bridge. I'll need you at tactical if the Klingons try anything."

"You guys got everything under control here?" Fredricks asks L'eher and Onika.

"Don't worry about a thing, sir. This engine room is well looked-after," Onika replies.

"Good." Fredricks smiles. "Come on, Lucas."

The duo leaves engineering and heads for the bridge.

Moments later, they exit onto the bridge. No sooner than they step out of the turbolift, a group of Klingons transports onto the bridge.

"How long until we can have shields back up?" Taggart asks the stand-in tactical officer, not noticing the Klingons.

"Captain, look out!" Fuller yells, seeing the Klingons.

He pulls out his phaser, but a Klingon stabs him with a d'k tahg blade before he can use it. Fredricks and Wells are quick to react, and shoot two of the Klingons. The lead Klingon grabs Taggart and beams onto his ship with Taggart in tow.

"Captain!" Fredricks yells, too late to save him from the Klingons.

"Ugh," Fuller groans, having taken a knife to the chest.

"We've got to get a doctor up here, now!" Wells says, kneeling down beside Fuller.

Fredricks taps his combadge. "Ensign Fredricks to Dr. Murray, come in please. Dr. Murray?"

"This is Ensign Julia Cromwell, I'm afraid that Dr. Murray is dead."

Fredricks shakes his head. "Could anything else go wrong today?"

"I am a nurse, sir. I will be right up," she continues.

"Thank you," he replies.

"Fredricks..." Fuller says in almost a whisper, his head propped up on Wells's leg.

"Sir?" Fredricks asks.

Fuller beckons him closer with his index finger.

"I need you to take command of the Leviathan. I can't..."

"Sir, you're gonna be alright. Ensign Cromwell will get you fixed up."

Fuller shakes his head. "No, Fredricks. You have to salvage this mission. It's... What the captain would want. It—it's up to..." He trails off, struggling to take in air.

Wells looks at Fredricks worriedly. "Jason, it looks like that blade pierced his lung. I don't think he's gonna make it."

Fredricks slumps down into the captain's chair. He opens the ship's comm channel.

"This is Ensign Jason Fredricks to all personnel. Captain Taggart has been captured by the Klingons, and Commander Fuller has been critically wounded. I am hereby taking command of the Leviathan as of stardate 83164.0."

...

Cromwell enters the bridge, with some other officers.

"I brought some people to help on the bridge. I didn't know how many officers up here were hurt or injured."

"We're the only ones left," Fredricks replies.

Fuller gasps loudly. Cromwell runs over to him.

"It's going to be alright, sir. Everything's going to be fine," she assures him.

Wells looks at her with anticipation. After looking Fuller over, she looks up at Wells and shakes her head.

"There's too much blood in his lungs already. I can't do anything for him."

"Ernie Hauser, reporting for duty, sir," Hauser tells Fredricks.

"What's your specialty?"

"I'm an astrometrics scientist, but I don't think you'll have much use for that up here."

"No, not really."

"I am also a pilot."

"Good, take the conn then."

Hannah Freeman comes up to Fredricks next.

"I can handle communications, sir."

He nods.

"Ensign Charlie Morgan, sir," Charlie Morgan introduces himself. "I can take the ops station, if you need me too."

"Alright."

"Jason," Wells pipes up suddenly. "Fuller's dead."

Fredricks sighs and puts his head in his hands.

"Is the Break Even still out there?" he inquires.

"Sir?" Morgan asks.

"The... Ship we were here to assist."

"I'm not detecting any nearby vessels, sir."

"What? That's impossible—it was right there, before the Klingons attacked. At least, the distress call seemed authentic enough..."

"It's possible that the distress call was sent by the Klingons," Freeman suggests.

"So... It was all a ruse to lure a Federation ship here to attack and pillage?"

"It would appear that way."

"Jason, I'm detecting some residual antiprotons in the area—it may be coming from a cloaked vessel," Wells adds.

"Can we go to impulse?" Fredricks asks.

"Not yet, sir," Hauser replies.

Fredricks sighs. "Send a distress call to any Starfleet vessel in the area."

"But sir, if the Klingons are out there, they'll surely intercept it," Freeman points out.

"I know. Send the message, and then send a second one two seconds after."

"Alright."

She does as Fredricks says.

"A piggyback?" Wells inquires thoughtfully.

"Hopefully they will focus on the first signal and miss the second," Fredricks replies.

"What if it doesn't work?"

"Then we're all dead."

Suddenly, a Klingon vessel decloaks.

"Sir, they are hailing us," Freeman reports.

"On-screen."

A stout Klingon appears on the viewscreen.

"This is Captain Kadek of the I.K.S. Chot. You will be pleased to hear that we have picked up your distress signal and relayed it to your friends at Starfleet. We sent the message via an old Earth method, so it should reach them in three to four... Years." Kadek grins.

"Where's Captain Taggart?" Fredricks asks, standing to his feet.

"Your captain is safe, for now."

"What do you want?"

Kadek chuckles. "What makes you think I want something?"

"Come on, Kadek, you wouldn't have gone through this kind of trouble if you didn't aim to get something in return."

"You're very smart, for such a young officer. Yes, I do want something, ensign. I want your most recent information on the Federation's fleet strategy along the border, and the technical readouts of your vessels. If you give these to me, I will allow your captain to live. If not..."

He gestures at one of his officers, and the officer drags Taggart into view, throwing him down at Kadek's feet. Kadek pulls out his d'k tahg and holds it at Taggart's throat.

"It is your choice, ensign."

"Fredricks, how is the Leviathan?" Taggart asks.

"She's holding together, sir."

"Commander Fuller, is he...?"

Fredricks shakes his head, and Taggart understands.

"Then it's up to you to get the Leviathan out of here," Taggart says, holding his hand to his head where it is bleeding.

"We won't leave you, sir!" Fredricks assures him.

"I'm not worth it. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Get the ship and crew to safety... Number one."

Kadek looks up at Fredricks.

"Well, Fredricks? What is your decision?"

"Farewell, captain," Fredricks replies, saluting Taggart.

"Goodbye, ensign. Good luck!" Taggart nods at Fredricks.

Fredricks signals Freeman to end the communication.

"We're not going to just leave him there, are we?" Wells asks.

"Are their shields up?" Fredricks inquires.

"No, but..." Morgan starts.

"Ready phasers."

"Sir, phaser banks are offline."

"Torpedoes?"

"Same."

"Then get this damn ship moving. We'll ram them."

"Jason? Are you crazy?" Wells protests.

"Hauser, is there a problem?"

"No, sir. Diverting auxiliary power to the engines," Hauser replies.

Just then, the U.S.S. Renown warps into the system.

"The Renown is hailing us, sir."

"On-screen."

"This is Captain Vo'Lok of the U.S.S. Renown. How can we be of assistance?" Vo'Lok asks.

"You got here just in the nick of time, sir. Our weapons are disabled, and Captain Taggart is being held on that Klingon ship."

"Leave the Klingons to us." The channel closes.

The Chot opens fire on the Renown. Both ships exchange fire for several minutes, until the Renown scores a lucky hit to the Chot's engine. The Klingons cease-fire and begin backing away.

"Get a transporter lock on Captain Taggart and transport him to sickbay," Vo'Lok tells his ops officer.

"Aye, sir."

The ops officer attempts to get a lock on Taggart.

"Sir... I'm having trouble establishing a transporter lock."

"Captain, the Klingons are going to warp!" the tactical officer yells.

"Lay in a pursuit course."

"Captain, I'm receiving a distress call from another Starfleet vessel. It's the U.S.S. Khitomer," the communications officer reports.

Vo'Lok sighs. "Open a channel to the Leviathan."

"Open, sir."

Fredricks looks up hopefully at Vo'Lok. "Did you get him?"

"Unfortunately, we were unable to retrieve the captain..."

"Then we've got to go after them."

"No, ensign, we cannot. Your ship is still in no condition to fight, and we must now assist the U.S.S. Khitomer."

"We can't abandon Captain Taggart."

"I am sure that Captain Taggart was prudent enough to inform you of the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few?" Vo'Lok says, lips pursed.

Fredricks sighs. "Yes."

"Are you in need of any extra personnel?"

"We need a tactical officer... At least."

Vo'Lok nods. "We will send a group of officers over to assist you, as well as some repair teams."

"Then we'll join you in assisting the Khitomer," Fredricks volunteers.

"Very well, I suppose that would be acceptable. Can you go to impulse?"

"Hauser?" Fredricks asks of Hauser.

"Yes, sir. Engines are back online."

"Good. We will depart as soon as you are ready, ensign. Renown out."

"Sir, we have confirmation from the transporter room. Repair crews are aboard," Morgan reports.

"Understood. Helm, match course and speed with the Renown. Engage."

To be continued...