GradiTrek: Meltdown
By Ayn BlackFox

3103.921 Outer Territory - Alpha Sector

Captain's Log 3103.921.0304: "After helping the inhabitants of Xoxi Prime with an invasion from a so called rival planet, Star Command has ordered the U.S.S Iris to Outer Territory where Out Post #12 is located. I am unclear as to what has happened but I feel it for the better if we go out and help. "

"Commander Archer, how far are we away from Out Post 12 are we?" Captain Morgan asked from his chair on the bridge. The older male rabbit, sits slightly side ways in the car uneasy about going to the Out Post. His second in command, Commander Archer, one of a handful of bob-tailed canines, looks over his control panel and starts to press a few buttons. He looks over at the captain

"At this rate of speed we will be there in 2 hours 13 minutes." Archer said with a bit of a nod. "We currently at half impulse power. At full impulse..." He presses a few buttons again. "Arrival is 1 hours 10 minutes."

Morgan shakes his head, not approving the times. "Take us to warp Commander. We need to be there with in the next 45 minutes."

Lieutenant Commander Bokoa nods at Morgan and then presses a buttons on his control panel. Bokoa is one of the many Chakats on board. It takes just a few seconds for the warp to kick in and propel the Class 2 ship to warp speed. Morgan keeps the view screen on despite what his crewman say. He stares blankly at the screen as the stars only appears at continuous streaks by them. They all look at the view screen before Morgan turns it off. They look around a bit and then continue to work.

"I will be in my ready room if you need me." Morgan said standing up. "Archer you are in charge of the bridge." He walks away from the chair and heads to a door behind the helm controls. The bridge remains silent as the captain leaves.

Morgan sits down at the table which has several folders on it. He moves them to the side and the sits down. He sighs a bit looking over the table. He starts to think of the days where the ready room was used a bit more. His mind drifts in thoughts where he is in the ready room giving orders to his top ranking officials and everyone worked together. He smiles a bit and shakes his head as the door chime interrupts him.

He looks at the door to see the ship's counselor standing there. He waves her over and then smiles a bit. "Counselor, what brings you here?" He asked.

Counselor Selle sits across from Morgan looking at him. "I just got a feeling the something was amiss. So I came to talk to you, captain It seems like you are the cause for this feeling I am getting."

Morgan knew that she had E.S.P and there was no getting out of it, weather he lied to her or not. "I am just concerned. Why would Star Command send us to the Outer Territory? No one really come out this far."

"Maybe we were the closest to the area." Selle said speaking softly. "No matter what captain I am always here to help you."

"I know. I am just thinking about this "mission". What if something goes wrong?" He said letting all he had on mind out. He pauses a bit and then clears his throat. "Sorry, I am over reacting."

Selle nods a bit. The P.A chimes and Morgan is called to the bridge. Selle keeps watching as Morgan stands up and look out of the window. He nods at Selle and then leaves the ready room. With a smirk watches and stays in the chair. "Poor captain He needs a lover."

Morgan enters the bridge and looks a round a bit. "Status?" He asked to see what answer he could get.

"We have arrived at Out Post 12." Archer said looking over at the captain who walks to his chair. "There appears to a sub-space anomaly 3000 meters ahead of us. The Out Post Commander says that we should come inside. He has information for us."

"Agreed. Find out what that anomaly is. Stand by on Tactical Alert just in case." Morgan said. "Commander Archer come with me please."

With a nod, Archer follows Morgan into the transporter room. Morgan looks at the security officer working the station. "Two to beam aboard the Out Post."

The officer looks over at the captain "Not docking with the station?"

Morgan nods. "Tactical reason." He said vaguely as he and Archer step up on the transporter. The officer sets the coordinates of his computer. A column of light surrounds the captain and Commander Archer. As the columns lifts, they are beamed off the ship.

On board the Out Post, both Morgan and Archer reappear in the same column of light. Archer pulls out a scanner and then turns it on and moves around with it. Morgan follows but stays quiet. He that something is terribly wrong. It's too quiet. They down the hall a bit before they are greeted by the Out Post Commander, Commander Riek.

"Your timing could not be better." Riek said. "We have a series problem here. I am sure you are aware of the subspace anomaly that circling the station."

"Yes we are. Can you explain what it is?" Morgan said. "I am on a tactical stand by until we figure what it is." Archer nods a bit.

It is nothing to be afraid of. It is just one of the ships that docked here. It broke free has been on a run away course since. We called for help but they have showed up so we called for Star Command help." Riek said. "Our normal support comes from the Gradian LynxFleet from Oran II." He crosses his arms a bit.

"I see." Morgan said before looking at Archer. "How far is Oran II from here?"

Archer rubs his head and then shrugs a bit. "I am not familiar with Oran II."

Riek looks at Archer and then back Morgan again. "Android?"

"No. He's human. Just thinks he's one." Morgan said. "Any-who, the Lynx Fleet should have been here by now."

"You know of the Lynx Fleet?" Riek asked rubbing the back of his head.

"Yes. I have served on one of their Battleships." Archer said with a half smile.

Morgan's communicator beeps. He sighs a bit and then removes the communicator from his side. "Morgan."

"Sir, a vessel has dropped out of wrap in front of us." Bokoa said. "They are requesting assistance."

"OK. I will be aboard shortly." Morgan said looking at Riek. "You ship will be saved. Commander Archer." He turns and heads back to the spot where they were transported to. "Two beam up." In a flash they are beamed away from the outpost.

They reappear in the transporter room of the U.S.S Iris. Morgan holds Archer in place. "Morgan to bridge. Tell the captain that me and my support are coming aboard." He receives an "acknowledged" from the bridge and then looks at the transporter room officer and then nods at him. Just he did before, he beams off the Iris and over the opposite ship.

On the opposite ship, Morgan and Archer look around. The ship is quiet. There no personal in the immediate area. They start down the corridor. The smell of burnt rubber lingers. Archer pulls out his scanner and turns it on. They turn a corner and walk down until they reach a larger hallway with several door on each side. They head to where they think the front of the ship is. Archer's scanner beeps once making them both look around them. Archer calls it odd and they move on.

They spot the door to the lift system and decide to see if it operational. The lift doors open. They step on and head up to the main deck. Archer looks at Morgan and then nods. They agree that something is terribly wrong. The lift stops and the doors open showing the the mangled bridge. Several of the workstations are burnt out with only the view screen on shop the Iris in front of them. The ship's captain comes up to them. His clothing is dingy and he holds a wrench in his hands. He pants a bit and then nods at Morgan and Archer.

"I... I am captain C.J Basset of the I.B.S Boau. You most be the ones Star Command sent?" He said apparently out of breath.

"Yes we are. What happened here? Where is the crew?" Archer asked putting his scanner away.

"Several computers went down during a test run with a new fuel system. The old one leaked Tharivium into the warp drive generator. Star Command sent the specialist in to clean everything out before we returned to the Outpost." Basset said. "Whatever caused the computers to short out, has sent the drive system into over load. We can stop the ship but not for long. There are only four assigned crewmen here. One being my head of Engineering and three of his best workers. They down trying to stabilize the system.""

Just then the ship stars to move. It is turns and starts to fly away from in front of the Iris. Morgan looks around a bit and then looks at the terminal next to him. "Dang it that warp drive self engaged." Morgan said as he pushes a button on then terminal. "Engineering, this is Captain Morgan of the U.S.S Iris. What is your status?"

"Captain this is Lt. Commander Feyat, head of engineering. I can not stabilize the warp drive system. Me and my crew are still working on it."

Morgan stands up and then presses his communicator on his shirt. "Morgan to Iris."

"Read you captain" Bokoa said.

"We have jumped into warp and traveling," He leans in and looks at the screen. "Warp 1.2. Are you following?"

"Yes captain we jumped in right behind you at 700 meters and holding." Bokoa said.

"Good stay close while we try to figure this out." Morgan said shutting off the communicator. He looks at Basset and then sighs a bit.

Basset turns and looks away. "This is not good."

The ship goes quiet as Commander Archer looks at the computer terminal. He inputs some codes but does not get a response from the computer. Him and Morgan sigh a bit. Basset looks over the maintenance logs to see what could happened during maintenance at anytime to probably cause this major malfunction. There is no word from engineering either. Basset starts to give up hope but keeps to himself. He looks over at Morgan and Archer as they repeatedly try to access the computer mainframe.

A few minutes later, a computer that was previously off turns on. Basset looks over at the walks over to the terminal. He smiles a bit and then pushes a few buttons. It shows that weapons and shields are offline still and then warp drive is heating up. He goes back over to maintenance logs and then looks over them again to see if missed something. He finds it strange that the Warp Drive is starting to heat up. The ship is shaken a bit as it warp jumps again. Basset goes back to terminal and reads that they are traveling at Warp 3.6 He groans and then turns on the view screen and looks out at the streaks of light.

Morgan's communicator beeps and gets a confirmation that the Iris is still following but is further back at 1300 meters but will speed up and close in. Morgan looks at Basset and then crosses his arms.

"I think I have figured it out." Basset said. "According to maintenance logs, before he had the fuel system replace, there was a minor leak in the Tharivium shuttle tubes." Basset said holding up a finger. "When then new fuel system was installed, the leak was supposed to have been fixed BUT there no record of a S-Tube replacement."

"Shouldn't the shuttle tubes be replaced when a new fuel system is installed?" Archer asked.

Morgan shakes his head no. "S-Tubes are only replaced when there is a large, gaping hole in them. Large being more than 1 in. Other than that, they can be patched up with tube sealer."

Basset blinks. "The fuel system was installed by specialist from a planet passed the Outer Territory in the Beta Sector."

Morgan and Archer look at each other and then look at Basset. "Exactly where from?" Morgan asked. "Only Star Command trained officers should work on any ship under Star Command's jurisdiction."

"Chako..Aiey!" Basset screams as the he threw off balance and into the wall. The ship jumps up to Warp 7 suddenly. The computer beeps loudly and and displays a warning.

Morgan looks at the computer screen and then sighs a bit. "We warp jumped again and then forward stabilizers are failing because of the back to back warp jumps." He presses a few buttons to try to get the forward stabilizers to hold. The communicator comes on.

"Engineering to Bridge. We have lost control of the computer down here."

"Copy that, switch all control to the bridge." Basset said. "Then you guys take it easy. I will call if we need support."

Morgan looks at Basset. "There is little I can do to stop this thing. Even with all my knowledge on Starships I do not know how to correct the problem. I am sorry." He looks at the screen and sees that the speed is increasing slowly.

Archer blinks and then presses a few buttons on the console. "At the current rate of acceleration we will reach maximum warp in 11 minutes. I do not think we are going jump warps again."

Morgan sighs and then looks at Basset. "How fast can this ship go?"

"Warp 9.5 is maximum before the computer governs speed." Basset said with a nod. "We have governed the warp drive out before. It slowly drops the ship out of warp."

Morgan turns on his communicator. "Morgan to Iris."

"Bokoa here."

"Wow you are still with us?" Morgan asked a bit. "What is your status?"

"We are having a bit of trouble keeping up. The last warp jump was a bit harsh. We have three injuries. None serious." Bokoa said. "How are things over there?"

Morgan sighs a bit. "Not good, we are racing out of control. Are the pulse torpedoes online?"

"Yes but at this speed it will be a bit dangerous to fire them." Bokoa said.

The computer beeps and the ships starts to slow down. Morgan rubs his head and then looks at the computer screen. He then looks at Archer and Basset who just looks back at him. The shakes head in disbelief. "Odd." He says lowly. The communicator comes on.

"Engineering to bridge."

"Go ahead." Basset said hoping for good news.

"We manage to jam the injectors and stop the flow of Tharivium." Feyat said. "It should hold for the time being."

Basset sighs in relief. "Good. Maybe we can get down to fixing this."

"We will work on it, captain" Feyat said.

The goes silent as it continues to slow down. Basset works on another station restoring controls to engineering. Morgan and Archer continues to look the terminal they are on, trying to find a source of a possible leak. A transmission comes in from Iris letting Morgan know that are directly behind them. Morgan tells them the situation and keeps them on standby.

Over 2 hours pass and the Boau finally comes to a stop running on impulse engines. Morgan continues to work on the terminal as Archer walks around the main deck with his scanner. The ships remains quiet except when the scanner beeps. Basset leaves his terminal and then goes down and look at the monitor by his chair. He rubs his chin and then gets an idea.

Morgan looks at Basset. "You got something?"

"Yea, I got a feeling that the patch on the shuttle tube my have failed." Basset said. "But it leaves the notion if the hole has grown."

"Any logs about the size of the hole?" Morgan asked as Archer walks back over.

"Captain I am reading high levels of Tharivium being circulated in the vent shafts." Archer said.

"So there is a leak!" Basset said. "I wonder why it's not showing up on the computer."

"I got a feeling is a slow leak but gets worse when the warp drive is active." Morgan said. "I am going to beam back aboard the Iris and makes some notes." He presses the communicator on his shirt. "One to beam up." Just then is is beamed back aboard the Iris.

Morgan slips his way back to his quarters and then sighs. He locks the door and then sits down at the desk. He moves all the papers off the desk and the lays his head down on the desk. He closes his eyes and then slowly drifts off to sleep.

Morgan finds himself dreaming that he is his ready room looking over some papers. He the door chime sounds and Morgan tells the whoever is trying to enter to come in. He looks up to see the counselor Selle looking at him. She walks in slowly, swaying her hips from side to side. She stands in front of the table and winks at Morgan before sitting on the table. Morgan figures that something is different about Selle. She has never walked like that towards him. Her eyes are much wider than they normally are. Morgan blinks and then sits back in his chair watching as the bright gray Skatian stare back at him.

A bit surprised Morgan, starts to question Selle but stays silent and watches as Selle start to unzip her uniform. Morgan blinks and continues to watch her. His eyes grow wide as Selle parts her uniform and rubs over her chest softly teasing Morgan a bit. Morgan can only watch as the tall alien feline slowly slips out of her spandex uniform. Morgan sits up a bit and then blinks. His maw opens a bit in surprise as Selle slides the uniform down exposing her breast to Morgan. She rubs over them with her paw like hands, winking at Morgan.

Hypnotized, Morgan continues to watch the teasing Selle. He leans in a bit more, resting his arms on the table. Selle keeps rubbing over her breast softly looking at Morgan, winking at him slyly. She slips of the table and then slides out of her uniform showing her white panties which are slightly stained. Selle rubs against her panties, spreading her legs a little. Morgan blinks and then slides his chair back and keeps watching Selle touch herself. He grunts a bit as he start to erect and it presses against his uniform. He grunts and shifts in his chair watching as Selle keeps rubbing herself.

Suddenly Selle gasps and then blushes a bit. Morgan blinks and then then rubs his chin as Selle starts to take her panties off. Selle keeps a blushing a bit as she steps out of her panties. She walks around then to where Morgan is sitting as he turns in the chair to face. She walks next to him and rubs over his chest softly. Her tail brushing against him softly as she passes by. She rubs over his shoulders and slowly moves her paw like hand down to his chest. She slowly unzips the top of the suit and then slips her hand down and rubs over Morgan's firm muscular chest. Morgan lets out a soft moan as the top of his uniform is removed, his chest rubs slowly by the soft delicate hand of Selle.

Before he knows it, Morgan is has been stripped of his uniform. Selle walks around to the front of Morgan holding a hand to his chest. She stares down at Morgan and the moves her hand down and grabs Morgans erection and strokes it softly. Morgan lets out a soft moan and arches his back a bit. Selle smiles and then leans in and kisses the tip of the member. Morgan gasps a bit and then blushes slightly. Selle giggles and the moves her hand away and then straddles Morgan. Her long legs curl around Morgans and spreads his legs. She grins and then rises herself up. She grabs his penis and then slowly lowers herself down onto Morgan's erection. She gasps and then bites her lip a bit feeling the large member spread her.

Morgan grits his teeth and moans softly as Selle slowly slides down onto Morgan. She gasps again and places her hands on Morgan's shoulders still lowering herself down on to Morgan. With a long low moan, Morgan places his hands on her hips and guides Selle down until she has taken all of his length into her. He smiles a bit and then gives Selle a light kiss letting her move her flexible hips against him. She moans and then growls lustfully at her captain as she rides him. Morgan gasps a bit again and then moans out feeling the tight vaginal passage squeeze against his member.

Suddenly Morgan springs awake and looks around a bit. The room is quiet. The red light on the door is still on showing that room door is still locked. He stands up and feels over his body softly. He sighs a bit and then stands up. He walks around the room a bit to find his bearing and then looks out the window at the Boau. He nods a bit to himself and then goes into the closet. He pulls out a a fresh uniform and quickly changes into it. He fixes his head hair and then puts his badge on. He presses the communicator.

"Morgan to bridge." He said a bit sternly trying to shake off some lag.

"Bokoa here." Bokoa replied sounding a bit sleepy.

"What is the status of the Boau?" He asked.

"Still stationary, sir." Bokoa replied.

"Good good. Bokoa you can go take the rest of the day off. Get some rest. Let Orovan take your place until you are rested." Morgan said.

"Yes sir."

"I am returning to the Boau." He said and then turns the communicator off. He unlocks the door and then waits for it to open just to find counselor Selle standing there. He blinks and then looks at her wondering why she is just standing there. She softly kisses him on the lips and then walks away. Morgan stands still watching as Selle walks away. He starts to wonder if she was responsible for his dream. He shrugs a bit and then heads towards the transporter room.

The looks at the officer working on and nods a bit to him. He stands on the platform and beams aboard the Boau. He walks to bridge where Archer and Basset are sleeping. He smiles knowing that they have worked the pas few hours and need a rest. He looks over the computer screen trying to see if he can locate the leak. He wonders if Iris's scanners can find the leak but decides against it. He sits down and looks over the computer screen. He types in a few commands and then waits.

The computer beeps and gives a pass message on all leak test. He rubs his head and then tries a more in depth test. He rubs his chin and watches as pass messages appear on after the other. He groans a bit and presses his communicator. "Computer, scan for any Tharivium leaks that can't be detect on B-Class NS-103 computer." He waits and receives a "No Tharivium leak detected" response from the Iris' computer. Morgan sighs and then types a bit on the computer. He looks over the screen and then crosses his arms as the computer works. He looks over to see Archer twitch a bit. He smiles and then looks at the computer screen.

The computer suddenly stop and then turns out. Morgan blinks and then tries to turn the computer back on. He groans then looks over the other computer that Basset was looking at earlier and it's screen it off too. Suddenly the ship shakes violent and then jumps into light speed with warning alarm going off as the computers come back on. Basset and Archer wake up and then scramble over to the computer.

"What happened?" Archer asked as Morgan types on the computer.

"I ran two diagnostic test and even has the Iris scan for leaks but there no leaks. Even now, I am not getting a leak." He said as he switches from one screen to the other.

Basset is over the other computer and looks over Archer and Basset. "A power loss?"

"Engineering to bridge. That momentary power loss has reactivated the warp drive. It is not responding either."

Suddenly both computer screens turn red and start to flash a bit. The over head PA comes on with the computerized voice: "Warning! Warning! Warp Core is reaching critical Temperature."

They all look at each other and then try to find out how to cool the warp core. Bokoa comes over the communicator and screams a bit at him trying to get his attention. Morgan tells the frantic chakat to calm down and follow them. They look at one computer as Morgan inputs a command to send Natromium into Warp Core to cool. A hum is heard but is quickly stops as the computer halts the request and says low Natronium.

Morgan tries to inject the Natronium again but it fails. He groans and then gets out of the seat pounds the wall. His anger clouds his judgment as he paces around the bridge before the ships jumps warp again with the warning alarms going off. The computer announces from the over PA that the Warp Core is reaching critical temperature. They scramble to try to cool the warp core but each attempt fails. They continue to work not hearing anything from engineering. The computer alarm continues to sound. Morgan looks at the computer and then shakes his head.

"I am going down to engineering." Basset said. "My men have been too quiet over the pass few minutes Something is wrong." He said. "Can you handle the bridge?"

Morgan nods a bit. "I have engineering experience under my belt or else I would not be in here." He said getting a nod from Basset who leaves the bridge quickly.

Basset makes his wave down to engineer but stops feeling that the air around him is getting warmer as he reaches the engineering room. He walks slowly and then walks into the engineering room. He is greeted by a blast of hot air that knocks him down. He pants a bit and then enters the room, feeling like he's walked into an oven. His engineering crew lay unconscious on the floor. The touches on and feels that they are burning up. He looks around and seeing the view screen into the warp core shows the warp core glowing bright than it said be. Something seem to fall and make a hissing noise as it contacts the warp core. He gasps and then runs out of engineering.

Morgan and Archer look over hearing footsteps. They blinks watching as Basset returns. "What happened?" Morgan asked.

Basset holds up a finger and catches his breath. "Tharivium is leaking on the warp core." He said panting a bit.

"But there are no leaks." Archer said.

"It is coming down in large globs. That means the shuttle tubes have broken off." He said as he calms down. Suddenly the ship shakes again and then computer alarms a bit differently.

"Warning! Warp Core has reach critical temperature. Approaching Warp 9.1." The computer announces.

"What about engineering?" Morgan asked.

"They are... dead. The engineering room is hot. I don't think they knew what hit them." Basset said.

"We have to stop this ship!" Archer said. "but what can we do?"

The ship beeps again. "Warning! Maximum warp has been reached. Warp Core has entered Meltdown phase."

Morgan looks at the screen. "We are Warp 9.4 and still accelerating. With this class ship. It start to have structural failure at 9.65."

"Warning! Enemy ship approaching." The computer announces.

Morgan looks at the screen again. "Two HUGE ships coming in at bearing 134 Mark 1."

"Who could it be?" Archer asked at the scanner shows the ships coming in Fast.

Basset looks at the screen. "I don't know. They are huge ships and I don't know of any ships that big."

"What ever they are. I hope they came to help." Morgan said.

Following the run away Boau, two ships from the Lynx Fleet are chasing the ship at Warp 9.8. Leading the chase is the L.B.S Panther the second largest ship of the entire fleet. It chases with it's wings open, showing it's Six laser guns and the rail gun. The refitted ship being bigger and stronger than it's preceding unmanned version. The once exposed power cores shielded on the top and bottom with the new hull outfitting. Behind the Panther is the L.B.S Leopard, the smaller circular ship being the only one in the fleet of its kind. Like the Panther, the Leopard was refitted to be a manned ship making it bigger and stronger than the preceding model. The unique part of the ship is the spinning top that process the core shields spins slowly as it follows.

Inside the Panther, Captain K.C Malton sits in his chair staring at the view screen. His crew works silently at the various stations. Captain Malton stands and then clears his throat. The large hybrid Serval Leopard looks around to see that his crew is working. He can over hear the chief of Security talking with the other security officers to keeps the halls clear of unnecessary travel. He walks closer to the view screen and then nods a bit. He turn and then walks back towards his chair as the crew watches him. "Number one, can you tell me how long until we reach the Boau?" He asked with his deep voice.

Sitting next to the captain's chair is Commander Verren, a blond haired jaguar chakat presses a few buttons on his control panel. "At the current rate of speed 19 minutes. This includes if the Boau does not warp jump." Shi said looking over at the captain

"Captain, sensors indicate that Boau is incapable of jumping warp." The chief of security said being a one eyed gray wolf, Lieutenant Baret. "There is a major leak in the Tharivium fuel lines."

Malton shake his head. "We don't have "19 minutes". Commander Verren take us to warp 11 same coordinates."

"Yes captain" Verren said. "Should we alert Captain McSean of the warp jump?"

"Yes, tell him this is priority one." Malton said sitting back down in his chair.

Inside the Leopard crew on the bridge watches as they tail behind the Panther. The captain, Oin McSean watches through the view screen as his crew work a bit more noisy than those on the Panther. The control panel behind him beeps loudly. He turns and looks at the officer behind him.

"Captain we are being hailed." The officer said being a long haired canine. "It is the Leopard."

"Open a channel." McSean said.

The officer opens a channel and then all attention goes to the view screen. Captain Malton appears on screen and does not look happy. "Prepare to make a warp jump to warp 11."

"We copy Malton. Powering up to make a warp jump." McSean said and closes the channel.

Suddenly both ship drastically speed up and continue to the chase the run away Boau. On the Leopard, McSean tell his crew to stop the rotation of the core shield deflector. The rotating shield stops and pursuit continues.

Back on the Boau, Morgan looks over the computer and then shakes his head. Basset paces around the bridge wondering what should be done to try to stop the ship. The warning alarm goes off again and the computer announces structural failure in 8 minutes. Morgan fist waves at the computer and then presses a button. He crosses his fingers and then waits to see if he gets a response. The computer stays silent and screen remains constant as he waits for the computer to finish working. The computer beeps again. "Starting emergency cool down cycle." The overhead system announces. Morgan sighs a bit and waits to see if his planned worked.

Suddenly a warning alarm goes off again a bit different from the others it is higher in pitch. "Warning! Warp Core Meltdown in 7 minutes." Morgan face palms and then shakes his head. He pounds on the console and then leaves the chair. He walks over to Basset and starts to pace with him. Archer blinks and takes a seat at the work station and starts to look over the computer. He rubs his chin and then types in something. He receives and out of service message making him raise an eyebrow. He tries again and then looks at the screen as it takes him to a different screen. He presses a button and it shows the status of the fuel lines. He looks over the information and then looks at the stumped captains.

"It is is possible to shut down the fuel modulator?" Archer asked not sure about the older ships.

Basset stop and looks at Archer. "Not from the terminal. It would have to be done manually in the connecting tubes behind the warp drive console."

"Can we get to them?" Morgan asked.

"No. The heat down there is too intense. No one could reach the lever with out burning up." Basset said. "And this ship has enough fuel of 14 hours of maximum warp."

Morgan sighs a bit and then starts to pace again. The computer warning alarm sounds again. "Core Meltdown in 5 minutes. Structural failure in 6 minutes. Ships approaching at high velocity. Arrival time: 4 minutes 15 seconds." Morgan groans a bit and then walks into the ready room.

Captain's Log 3103.921.0421 I am aboard the Boau still during a Meltdown situation. There is very little we can do except to hope that the ship that are coming at friend ships. Me and Captain Basset are stumped as to how to stop this meltdown from happening but Commander Archer is still working on it. I start to wonder if this is it for me. My last mission as a Captain of the U.S.S Iris.

Morgan closes his eyes ignoring the sound of the PA. He sighs a bit and then looks out the windows seeing everything fly by him in a flash. He crosses his arms and sits still hearing Basset make his own log from outside. He sighs a bit and then looks away from the window. He listens a bit as Archer seems to ranting a bout the computer systems. Morgan keeps his eyes closed.

Morgan wakes up and looks around a bit. He rubs his head as something does not seem right. He walks out on the bridge and blinks seeing Basset and Archer standing by a door. He walks over to them and then looks to see Basset trying to pry a door open. "What is going on?"

Archer smiles a bit and looks at him. "Lynx Fleet is here and we are trying to open the door to the transporter room so we can be beamed aboard."

"Excellent. I like the sound of that." Morgan said. "Why isn't this door opening?"

"It's jammed. The mechanism seems to have locked up." Archer said.

They watch as Basset slowly pry's the door open. The lights in the transporter room seem to fade off and on. They are step into the transporter room and the up on the transporter platform. Basset calls up Captain Malton and tells him tree to beam up. Morgan sighs in relief and then waits for the transporter to take him away. They get a message back that something is not allow them to transport. Morgan leaves the transporter room saying that he will lower the shields to see if that will allow transport. They agree to wait on Morgan.

Morgan run out and goes over the computer. He pushes a few buttons trying to find the shield controls. He scrambles a bit as the computer pulls up the shield control. The computer keeps warning about the Warp Core Meltdown. The ship shakes a bit as then warp core overloads. Morgan is told to hurry up. He gasps a bit and then presses a few buttons and lowers the shields. He leaves the terminal and then dashes over to the transporter room. Just as he reaches the door it slams shut and locks. Morgan pounds on the door and pulls on it, trying to open the door. The door does not budge. He kicks the door and runs over to the terminal and tries to over ride the locks.

He gasps as the airlock releases and then door opens. He sprints over into the transporter room but he is too late. Basset and Archer disappear slowly as they are beamed aboard the Panther. Morgan lowers his head and then walks out of the transporter room. He goes back to the terminal and then types a few things in. The computer comes on and voices over: "Warp Core Meltdown has began. 30 Seconds until complete drive failure. He looks on the view screen and watches as the Panther turns and flies away followed by the Leopard. The ship shakes violently as laser fire hits the ship. He blinks and calls them crazy but realizes that it's Morris code. He drops to his knees and then sobs a bit. The message was: "Thanks".

On board the Panther, Archer and Basset watch as then Boau jumps into warp with an explosive flash of light. The warp core having exploded. Archer looks away from the screen and then runs from the bridge. Basset lower his head as Malton places his hand on Basset's shoulder.

He was a brave captain He will be missed." Malt son said he keeps his eyes on the view screen. Two minutes later, there is an explosion in the distance. Malton lowers his head. He takes Basset down to his new quarters until they can get back to Outpost 12.

Several hours pass and then Lynx Fleet ships are cruising back to the Outpost to save gas. Basset, having not even changed clothes lays on the bed. He sobs softly and then stops when the over head PA chimes. "Captain Basset and Commander Archer please report to the ready room. Repeat: Captain Basset and Commander Archer please report to the ready room." Basset wipes his face and then leaves his quarters. He walks down the hall and then meets up with Commander Archer who has changed clothes and is smiling.

"Why are you smiling?" Basset asked.

"This is my first time on a Lynx Fleet ship. They are amazing but HGUE. I am actually gotten lost." Archer said looking at Basset. "I am sure Captain Morgan would have liked it."

Basset sighs a bit as they walk down the long hall. Other workers on board step aside paying their respect to the two officers who just suffered a loss. They arrive at the ready room which is guarded by two tall, burly huskytaurs. They are let into the ready room where Captain Malton is sitting alone.

"Basset. Archer." He said calmly. "Although Captain Morgan has been lost. We picked up something that I think you want to a hear." He pulls up a small voice recorder and then sets it on the table. He pushes a button and then voice recorder comes on:

Captain's Log final 3103.921.0429 I only have 45 seconds so I will make this brief. Tell my crew on board the Iris that they can move on with out me. I have lived my days and I wish them the best. I know it is not my time to go but I feel something is telling me is it. I put message aboard an escape capsule hoping the last hyper drive explosion will propel the capsule back the way I came. The other escape pod is jammed in the locks. I can't free it the pod used to send this message has a fuel leak. Basset. Archer. Take care. Captain Jonathan Tyler Morgan.

Archer and Basset look at each other as Malton turns off the voice recorder. "Apparently his planned worked. The capsule was found out by our sensors traveling at warp 12. Only this D.V.R was inside." Malton said as Basset and Archer look back at him. They remain slight as Malton looks back at them. "No other capsules where detected with in Sensor range."

End

Captain's Log 3103.921.1300 I hid in the escape capsule that I thought was stuck. The Boau exploded and I black out. I woke up in the capsule but not in space. I looked out the view port and seen that I was in a grass field. I will explore this strange place and update as the day progresses. Signed. Captain J.T. Morgan.

The End