Captain Wallace sat in his office going over what he was going to do for Colonel Tarik's Marines. He had told them that replacements and reinforcements would arrive in 8 hours. That was almost 10 minutes ago. Wallace walked around in his office.
I have to lead this. After all, I've been in a number of battles like this. The Mullurans are going to fight this battle to the last man. I must be allowed to lead this. I will lead this, Wallace thought to himself as he stepped out of his office. He looked down at the bridge staff and saw them looking up at him. Commander Mallory was over at the communications station.
"Ensign K'Tag, take 15 of your Security detail and meet me on the Arizona. Bring 8 photon grenade launchers."
"Ensign Razek, ready the medical teams." Wallace paused and looked over at Garek near Engineering.
"Commander, prepare the Arizona for departure." Wallace walked down and over towards the transporter buffer that was on the command deck. "Mallory, SB901 is yours."
"Wait Captain," Mallory said walking towards Wallace.
"What Commander?"
"Sir, it's been only 7 hours since you returned from sickbay, and 13 since the Arizona's return. Wouldn't it be more understandable to allow another ship out there to lead a rescue?"
"No! It's my invasion plan going to hell. I need to get them boys out of it," Wallace said turning back towards the transporter.
"Sir, I protest this. You seem to be wanting to right a wrong from your past and it's clouding your judgment," Mallory said grabbing Wallace's left arm. He pulled away and stepped onto the transporter pad.
"Captain, I protest this!" she cried out loud.
"Very well. File a complaint and put it on my desk."
The Arizona left its berth and headed towards the planet. The Sutherland was enroute to help bring support of any kind to the almost completely out numbered Marines. Wallace had an idea of how he was going to save the situation from complete disaster. He thought long and hard as the plan become more clearer on the trip back to the planet.
It had been almost 7 and half hours since the Arizona left the safety of Supply Base 901. Captain Wallace made a few trips out of his ready room the past several hours. The plan was going to work, Wallace told himself. He walked over to the mirror and sink and splashed some water on his face. As Richard rubbed the cool water on his face the door to his ready room opened giving a little more light to a room that was rather dim for lighting. Richard reached over and picked up a towel and patted his face dry and turned to see Commander Loran.
"Yes Garek?" The Captain usually referred to his XO on a first name basis.
"So Rich, you going to tell me the plan?" Garek was getting a little uneasy as they drew closer to the planet, not knowing exactly what was going to happen.
"I'm going to lead a relief team of 32 personnel. You and the Sutherland will stay around to monitor communications between the Mullurans and the planet. Your job will be to kill any supplies or reinforcements from reaching the planet." Richard walked over to the desk and picked up a PADD and handed it over to Garek.
"If something is to happen to me I want this delivered to my daughter, and parents." He looked at Garek who was trying to understand what was just asked of him. Garek didn't say much, but shook his head in agreement.
"You're a good Captain, Richard. I know you always were unsure of yourself as a leader but you are brave and courageous man. One of the bravest men I've ever known sir. You're never afraid to put your life on the line for the good of the men or the outcome of the mission." Garek looked down at the floor and purple carpet. Wallace tapped his shoulders.
"Yeah well. I do what has to be done. I am more afraid of living and dying an old man in my sleep rather then dying in battle. It's more my style. I am not going to say I'll die in this battle. However some things are uncontrollable." Wallace walked around to his desk and stared out the view port.
"You know how many men died on our side the past three months?" Wallace crossed his arms and stared out the window.
"No, I stopped looking a while back," Garek replied looking at the reflection of his Captain.
"15,630," Wallace spouted out as he turned around and looked at Garek. Garek was not sure of the count but knew that it was going to be high after the Jem'Hadar's last offensive that sealed their fate.
"That's a lot of names," Garek said shaking his head.
"Yes, too many. Every time I read the KIA stats it ticks me off. I have to lead this battle. Bring some sort of closure to this damn war or it'll repeat itself."
"Sir, may I ask what happened on AR-558? You seem to be either hiding something or wanting to right a wrong." Garek looked his friend and commanding officer in the eyes. Wallace shook his head no and walked towards the door to his office.
"Sir, I know what the history books say. However you and every other soldier that fought there feel as if it was unnecessary." Garek pleaded.
"It was simple murder. A fight to stay alive. You never knew when anything would happen. Now excuse me Commander, I have to lead a relief expedtion." Wallace walked out onto the bridge and saw K'Tag at Tatical. "Ensign get the men ready to move out. Meet me in cargo bay 1."
Richard went to his quarters and took off his tunic and walked over to the closet. Richard took out a new tunic and vest, and web belt that looked worn and used. The web belt was over 10 years old. It contained two forward pouches which one housed the combat tricorder. The second pouch contained 12 power packs. On the suspender part was a old special sheath for Wallace's Mek'leth. In the corner of the closet was a suitcase of sorts. Wallace took it and placed it on the table. He opened it up to reveal a small belt that contained two slender knives. The belt went over Wallace's left thigh. Wallace took off a piece of cloth that covered two weapons. One was a type 2 phaser. The second was Type 3 phaser rifle -- the 2372 double handle rifle. Wallace picked up the hand phaser placed it on the right suspender strap. Wallace then slung his rifle over his left shoulder.
Maybe Commander Mallory was right. I'm chasing a ghost. This must be done, Richard thought to himself as the comm channel beeped. Wallace tapped his comm badge. "Yes."
[Captain we are above orbit of the planet.]
Richard began to feel uneasy inside his head. "Very well. K'Tag prepair the men and ladies for transport. Wallace out."
Captain Wallace walked into the Cargo bay and saw his company. Most of them were younger than him. He looked them over and saw the pride they had in their faces. Some had fear but masked it when they saw Captain Wallace standing in front of them. It was a common fact on the station that the new crew feared Wallace more then the enemy.
"Listen up. Stay down and keep your wits. No heroics until I give premission." The company laughed as Wallace gave a snicker at his own words. "Saddle up, lock and load. Commander Loran beam us down."
[Yes sir.]
The Company disappered in the transporter beam as did the ship's view to the company.