The Iwo Jima was cruising along what was supposed to be its last course ordered by Major Boyle. This would be the end of a 13-day patrol along the border and near the DMZ. Tensions were mounting between the Federation and Mullurans. It was nearly 0230 hours and hardly any of the senior staff were on the bridge. Lieutenant Vansen was in charge during what was referred to jokingly as the swing shift.
Admiral Wallace had ordered a intense patrol and mapping of the area between the DMZ and Federation space. Wallace wanted to avoid a possible disaster if and when the Mullurans struck first.
A young human male in his early 20's was standing over at the tactical station when the ship's sensors indicated a distress call near the DMZ. The young corporal quickly sounded the alarm to Lieutenant Vansen.
"Lieutenant I'm receiving a distress call from the G'Kar merchant vessel
Jekish, they appear to be under attack. They are at 45 minutes away at maximum warp." The Iwo Jima was only capable of warp 8.9 for 3 days. Lieutenant Vansen quickly stood up and tapped her comm badge.
"Major Boyle, this is Lieutenant Vansen. We've recieved a distress signal form a G'Kar vessel requiring assistance."
[Understand Lieutenant try and raise the the G'Kar ship and find out their situation. Put the ship under yellow alert. I'll be up there with Captain Bicardi ASAP.] Shannon walked over to the second tactical station and began to analyse the distress call.
The distress call was automated and made nearly 32 minutes before the Iwo Jima recieved it. It appeared to repeat itself. What ever else was on the message was so badly garbled it couldn't be dechipened from the computer.
Boyle arrived with Bicardi and walked strait to his seat and demanded a report.
"I have nothing really new except that it is automated and was sent 32 minutes before we recieved it, sir."
"Very well Lieutenant. Take the helm--maximum warp. Captain, power up phaser banks 1-3. Keep torpedoes loaded in bays 1-2."
"Aye sir."
The Iwo Jima raced towards the merchant ship's last known position and arrived nearly an hour and half after the message was sent. Bicardi scanned to find only two damaged ships. One was nearly destroyed; the other was lifeless and floated in space.
"Major, I have two ships on sensors. One is of Nausciaan design and is heavily damaged. Three escape pods have been jetisoned. The second ship has hull breaches over 67% of the hull. I read 12 dead G'Kar." The Kilngon was very puzzeled with this information as was Boyle.
"Captain, what was the damage to the G'Kar ship caused by?" Bicardi scanned the ship and had an answer very shortly.
"The Nausciaan ship." He then scanned the Nauscian ship. "The Nausciaan ship was in turn damaged by a particle degenerator." Now he was even more puzzeled.
"I take it that the G'Kar vessel in no way in hell inflicted that sort of damage." Boyle said scratching his chin.
"Major Jackson, Major Boyle here. I want you to take five Marines and meet me in the conference room in twenty minutes. Captain, could you project the escape pod's path?"
"Yes, it will take some time nearly an hour if not more sir?"
"Well, you have one hour, Captain."