Web Of Entrapment
Up Return To Omicron Delta T-Rexeter Web Of Entrapment

 

Table Of Contents

Mission : WEB OF ENTRAPMENT


Art by Linda Olsen 1991

The contents of the Ship Logs are considered to be a "compilation" under the provisions of Title 17, U.S. Code (known as the Copyright Act): that is, "A work formed by the collection and assembling of preexisting materials or of data that is selected, coordinated or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship." As such, it is the property of the ship’s Captain; however, automatic transfer of ownership to STARSHIPS OF THE THIRD FLEET is effected upon publication of this mission by the ship’s Captain ipso facto.

As outlined in Circular 1 (Copyrighted Basics, Library of Congress, Washington DC, USGPO 1989-262-309/12), "copyrighted in each separate contribution to a periodical or other collective work is distinct from the copyright in the collective work as a whole and vests initially with the author of the contribution."

This mission may not be reproduced in any form without the express, written authorization of STARSHIPS OF THE THIRD FLEET.

Prologue

From the Ship’s Log of USS EXETER (NCC-1706), July, 2305

The USS Exeter is en route from the 61 Cygni system transporting supplies to the Federation outpost base of New Berlin on Jarvis VII. Captain Donaree receives a priority encoded message from Fleet Admiral Ken Brannon at Third Fleet Headquarters.

The USS Armistice, a Federation Dreadnought, is lost deep in Tholian space while returning from an exploratory mission. The Exeter is ordered to rendezvous with the Armistice, determine its status and effect rescue if necessary. Top priority: avoid all contact with the Tholians.

"We have received the final log tapes from USS Armistice via Third Fleet Command, captain," said LT Deyanna Rogan, peering up from her communications console.

Captain Donaree turned about in her seat of command, gazing almost transfixed in the direction of the communications officer. "Play the logs, lieutenant."

Over the bridge speakers came a sudden rush of static and garbled electronic sounds. Finally the voice of Captain Richard Franklin, commanding officer of the USS Armistice, broke out over the noise. There was a subdued stress underlying each word as it was spoken, and this did not escape Captain Donaree.

Captain's log Stardate: 2305.03.07: I am dispatching this log to Starfleet post haste in hopes that it will reach there in time to save my ship. While returning from exploratory patrol in Xanthos Star System, the Armistice was intercepted by the Tholians... a race still on uneven terms with the Federation.

That's an understatement, thought Donaree as she remained stiff in the center seat.

We announced our intentions, several times... Explained we were simply returning to Federation space after completing our mission. They proceeded then to attack the Armistice, somehow disabling my ship with an extremely powerful energy burst. They have some kind of weapon that seems to affect system-wide failure in starships. We were powerless to return fire, and we watched helplessly as the Tholians spun their infernal web about my ship.

Captain's Log Stardate 2305.03.07: It has been seven hours since the Tholians have finished their web, completely entrapping my ship. We have no idea what to expect next. We have been able to restore partial power, but scanners are still ineffective. God only knows what the Tholians are planning… on... End of transmission, Captain Rogan.

Kit Donaree felt all eyes on the bridge now focused upon her. She stood and immediately announced, "Mr. Reinke, plot an intercept course for Tholian space, warp 8. We're going in for the Armistice."

The USS Exeter has crossed into Tholian space. The ship remains on red alert.

"Long range scans negative." stated CDR Adam Brannon.

"Noted." Captain Donaree stood once more, "Let’s keep our eyes open."

The ship suddenly rocked to the port side. On screen a triangular ship seemed to appear from nowhere.

"The Tholians," CDR Bacharka shouted from the navigator’s station, "They have a cloaking device."

"Full shields, commander," Donaree ordered in the general direction of Reinke. "I want a channel open to that ship immediately."

"Hailing frequencies open, captain." LT Rogan spoke up.

"This is Captain Kit Donaree of the Federation starship USS Exeter. We are on a rescue mission for one of our ships that is severely damaged. We request permission to continue... It is a matter of life and death."

A long silence followed. Then quite clearly over the ship's intercom came a deep rumbling voice. "I am Va'rrg of the Tholian assembly. Permission denied!"

The lights went out all over the Exeter...