Persuasion

Zack was sat at the Helm position at the front of the Hellcat, watching the Saucer and Engineering sections of the USS Leviathan-B split into two separate vessels. The Saucer section slowly pulled away from the Engineering section and headed towards the two Jem'Hadar transports that were in orbit above the planet.

The three vessels broke orbit and formed an inverted 'V' with the Saucer taking the rear and headed off out of the system. The Engineering section then broke orbit and headed off in the opposite direction.

"Follow the Engineering Section Lieutenant." Commander Rashad ordered.

Zack ran his fingers over the console and the small heavily armed shuttle followed the Engineering section of its parent ship.

"How long until we intercept the rogue vessel ?" Lieutenant Moss asked.

"Ten minutes." Zack replied.

Moss moved over to Commander Rashad and knelt beside her.

"Commander, could I have a quick word in private." He whispered so no-one else on the command deck could hear. Moss then stood up and headed off the deck down the corridor.

"Lieutenant Dare, you have the Bridge." Rashad announced. "I'll be back in five minutes."

Rashad left the Bridge and followed Moss, finding him in one of the crew quarters. The room was filled with various weapons and bags and Moss was busy checking them over.

Five minutes later, Rashad and Moss both returned to the Command deck and took their positions.

"Time to intercept." Rashad requested as she re-took her seat.

"Three minutes." Zack reported.

"Commander…." Lieutenant Omega stated suddenly. "…. I'm picking up some strange readings from the rogue vessel."

"What kind of readings ?" Rashad asked.

"The power signature does not match the vessel." Tony replied. "It's not generating enough power for a vessel of that size."

"Red Alert." Rashad ordered. "Prepare to de-cloak and fire on my mark."

"Commander, the Leviathan is powering up their weapons and preparing to open fire." Ensign Rustazh announced from the Tactical station.

"On screen." Rashad ordered.

They watched as they saw the Leviathan fire a salvo of torpedoes, watching as all but one torpedoes missed its target. The one torpedo that did hit, caused a devastating explosion and then the vessel was suddenly gone.

"Commander, the vessel was a fake." Rustazh announced. "It was only a shuttle disguised to appear to be the rogue vessel."

"Scan the area for any other vessels." Rashad ordered quickly.

*Where are you ?* She thought to herself. *And how did you know that the Jem'Hadar would be onboard the Saucer section."

"Commander, we've just received a message from the Captain." Lieutenant Omega announced. "We're to remain cloaked and follow them."

"Understood." Rashad ordered. "Helm, follow the Leviathan."

Fifteen minutes later, the Engineering section and the Hellcat had both caught up with the rogue vessel, which appeared to have tracked down the Saucer section and its two Jem'Hadar escorts. All three vessels were travelling at impulse, not warp and Rashad wondered why.

The Engineering section was gaining on the smaller vessel and within moments had fired at the vessel. They watched as the Jem'Hadar vessel fired on the Saucer section, before being hit by the Engineering sections weapons.

Eventually the Jem'Hadar vessel started to limp away from the Engineering section, but long range sensors had also detected the presence of two Jem'Hadar vessel on the edge of the system.

Silently, Rashad disabled the vessels transponder whilst at the same time Lieutenant Moss disabled the communications array.

"Helm, set a course for the co-ordinates that Lieutenant Moss is transferring to your console." Rashad ordered.
Zack checked the co-ordinates and then turned around to look at the Commander.

"Commander, I thought the plan was to return to the Leviathan after the battle and then proceed to our destination ?" He asked.

"Plans have changed." Rashad replied firmly. "The Captain was unsure about waiting around and so ordered me to take another course to our destination. She hoped that having three trails to track rather than two would make things harder for the rogue Jem'Hadar. Now carry out my orders."

"Course laid in." Zack reported. "Engaging on your mark, Warp nine."

"Engage." Rashad stated.

The Hellcat jumped to warp and headed for its next location.

*I just hope this little deception is going to be worth it.* Rashad thought to herself as she watched the Engineering section slowly demising on the viewscreen as Zack piloted their new destination.