"Into the Unexpected"

The Taurus had been docked at Star Base 375 for nearly 5 hours loading up on supplies and equipment for the Federation Outpost in the Gamma quadrant and new personnel. It was only 15 Star Fleet personnel rotating with 15 others on the outpost. The trip was to take a total of 5 days there and back. It seemed rather dull and boring assignment for Commander Buford however he thought it would be good shake down cruise, to get to know his staff and crew better.

Commander Buford decided on a staff conference where he could both meet and brief his staff on the mission. AJ went over the personnel records of his senior staff and then left for the conference lounge. Upon stepping in AJ took a few seconds to look at the small lounge and his officers. " Captain on Deck!" Chief Thomas Hawk barked upon seeing the Commander walk in.

"As you were." Buford replied giving a smile to the Vulcan sitting at the end of the table opposite his seat. Buford then took a seat and began his welcome.

"I've met Chief Hawk and Lieutenant Vossik before. The Chief a few days ago and Vossik well it's been ten years since we've served together. I hope we can all work well together and become a close family.

This is my first command, so I am sure some of you are a little uncertain. Please don't be I have a lot of faith in my abilitiesand yours.

We're to leave the star base in 30 minutes, for Juno III in the Valris System in the Gamma quadrant. A scientific outpost filled with Star Fleet officers and Civilian scientist are there studying 23,000 year old ruins of a bygone species. It's the Star Fleet personnel that are rotating out. So we are going to ferry some replacements and equipment.

Only important thing is I've yet been assigned a Chief Tactical Officer. So until I find a replacement, Chief Hawk your acting Chief Tactical officer." Buford said giving a friendly grin. Hawk just nodded his head as if it were acceptable.

"Alright dismissed get settled in and get ready to depart." Buford left and waited patiently to leave finally the time came. The Taurus left Star Base 375 and head towards the Bajoran wormhole. Many of the crew had never been through the wormhole so on the eight hour of the journey the senior and bridge staff watched the view of the wormhole on the view screen.

Two and half days later the USS Taurus neared Juno III, however as they were nearly to the planet the ship received a distress call from Juno III. "Sir I'm picking up a distress call it's highly distorted." Chief Hawk said from tactical.

Buford's heart sank."What is it something serious or terrible." Play it on the comm channel Chief." Buford ordered.

<This Lieutenant Commander Wayne. We've been ambushed by a group of Jem'Hadar soldiers. They've stolen science equipment and injured 9 people and killed 4. We require immidate medical assistance.>

"Commander, this Commander Buford Captain of the USS Taurus we will be to your location shortly please stand by. Buford out." While Buford herd and replied to the message Chief Hawk detected a ship entering warp as the message was replied.

"Commander I detected a vessel leaving sensor range a few seconds ago at Warp 4.5. I have good reason to believe it's them." Hawk said looking at the Commander.

What to do? Do I help the outpost or go after the attackers. Buford asked himself. I'll do both.

"Ensign Davis take us within transporter range of the planet. Lieutenant Floten and Doctor Kahfre will beam down with medical equipment and 12 marines in case the Jem'Hadar return. The Moment we leave orbit follow that warp signature Ensign." Buford said walking behind the helm control.

"Aye sir."

The medical and security detachment of Marines beamed down and were then left by the Taurus as it chased after the attackers. The ship was nearly caught when Lieutenant Lune the Taurus Chief OPS officer and Chief Hawk picked up another ship in distress right in there path.

"Sir a Jem'Hadar Attack ship is adrift and loosing power." Lune replied after reading it on the sensor read outs.

"All stop. On main viewer." Buford replied. The attack ship was leaking plasma and the power was fluxiating. "Is that the ship?" Buford asked as Vossik stood by the science station and reported.

"Highly unlikely. The damage is from another Dominion ship."

"What the hell they doing attacking their own kind?" CHief Hawk asked out loud.

"Seven Jem'Hadar and one Vorta still alive aboard the ship. " Lieutenant Lune responded.

"Not for much longer if we don't get them off. Their power relays and warp core are overloading." Vossik responded.

Buford Tapped his comm badge. " Lieutenant McQueen meet me in Transporter room One with 6 security officers. Chief your with me. Vossik the bridge is yours. Move us out of the explosion as soon as we have the Dominion personnel aboard."

Buford met the security detail in the transporter room all were armed with phaser rifles. Buford looked at the transporter operator and gave an order." Beam them over Security protocol Alpha 1 9 Charlie Gamma 3." That was a security measure that didn't allow weapons to beam over with the Dominion personnel.

Eight shapes took form on the transporter padd all but one looked around in amazement looking for their weapons. " Hold it right there or I will fire at you." Buford said as the Jem'Hadar looked eagar to rush the Star Fleet personnel.

"We've saved you from your ship. It appears we are looking for the same people."

"Humans, we can kill them easily." One of the Jem'Hadar said looking at the Commander in his eyes then a Vorta women stepped forward.

"No! Ramata Clan. We are at peace with Star Fleet. Thank you commander. The Vorta female said stepping forward off the transporter PADD. "We are grateful. May I speak with you privately?"

"Yes. Lieutenant escort the Jem'Hadar to Cargo Bay 1 till I decide what to do?"

Now what. This is getting to be more then I bargained for. Buford said as he walked with the Vorta female.