The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 14
"Engineering. Is it possible to transport life forms of the Pennsylvania through their shields with these advanced transporters ?", the commander apparently had an idea.
"Ensign Louis here sir. We could use the transponder codes of the Pennsylvania to lower the starship's shields. We have the codes. We can use them any time."
As he nodded to Nadine at tactical commander Arthur gave permission to use the transponder codes. But when the codes were used, nothing happened. The Maquis probably had disconnected or changed the transponder system. At the same moment the major's runabout came to a full stop. The shields were to weak to force the Alpha into the shuttlebay through the station's shields.
"Sir, the Pennsylvania is now in torpedo firing range. Sir I said ..."
"I have heard you ensign ! We need a way first to get the people of that ship first. We don't know who they are exactly and what is going on. We need answers and they are the only ones who can give them to us. An Intrepid Class vessel is no match for this station. They cannot hurt us." As the commander tapped his combadge he continued to speek: "Louis how is the progress on the transporters ?"
"Sir our shields are down !", Nadine interupted.
"Sir, Louis here. Something very strange happened. The shields were down for only half a second. Runabout Alpha was pulled into the shuttlebay with a tractor beam. It happened awfully fast. Nothing like that, I have seen before."
Nadine confirmed that the shields were back up. The Pennsylvania was closing in. Within twenty seconds the starship would be in the range of the DS2 phaser. Nor Nadine at tactical, nor the two engineers could prevent that the phaserbank was getting fully charged. They had to do something now, if they wanted to save anybody on that ship. The time for the last suggestions had come. During this silence in ops, it was possible to hear everyones heart beat.
"Attention commander Arthur, this is the EMH in sickbay. I have just dismissed two of you officers, who had only minor injuries. I have the impression that there are crewmembers on this station who try anything to ..."
"We're kind of busy here Doc," the commander had not been disturbed, "please call me later on the subject."
Before the Doc could say "very well" the channel was closed. The USS Pennsylvania was now an easy target for the weapons of Deep Space 2. Although the targetting scanners were locked on the starship, no weapon fired. Then Deep Space 2 was in the firing range of the Pennsylvania. The Maquis seemed to hesitate.
"That's it ! Of Course !", shouted the major who was entering ops with a new officer.
Without turning around the commander agreed. The Maquis wanted to board the station and take it over. To transport to the station they had to lower their shields. At that moment the DS2 crew could take action ... at least if the DS2 computer would let them. But now there was a little problem. The shields of the station were up.
"Mister Davis, welcome aboard. We can do introductions later." and as the commander pointed to the communications station he added: "I have the impression that you don't have to be instructed about the situation. Nadine, you, Marianne and the cadets prepare cargo bay 1 for receiving our guests from the Pennsylvania. Install a containment field in which they can be transported. Neutralise all their weapons."
As the XO took over tactical, Luke installed himself at the station which would be his to control. Communications were of line.
"The Pennsylvania has come to a stop at exactly ten thousand kilometers from the station. Scanners indicate a large group is gathering in the transporter rooms." then the XO showed some confusion: "I have the impression sir, that they don't see that our shields are up."
"We cannot control our shields, Jan. But if they can't see them ... try to get a lock on as many as you can in case we can get them in the cargo bay. Ensign Luke, any progress ?"
"Sorry sir. Communications don't seem to be under our control. I'll try some tricks."
Ensign Luke just said that without any emotion. Or at least he didn't show it. The shields of the Pennsylvania were down. The shields of DS2 were down almost simultaneously. The DS2 CO looked at his first officer. The major wanted to push some buttons, but the crewmembers of the Pennsylvania were alredy beamed over in cargo bay 1.
"Everything on this station is fixed", wispered commander Arthur, "and we cannot change it."
The transport was complete. Shields were back up. The Pennsylvania exploded in one huge ball of fire. Autodestruction ...