"Wolf pack"
 by Lieutenant jg T'Kang
 Chief Tactical Officer - USS Tempest


Not understanding the crews unending desire to make him the 
pit of their jokes, T'Kang glanced around for a "kick me" sign 
and sniffed his arm pits quickly; just to verify no one blasted 
him with lilac scented perfume again.   When he was satisfied, 
the grumpy Klingon decided humans just act strangely when on 
board a starship cooped up in Space dock and returned his 
attentions to the duty at hand.


"Ensign Borns, begin running the simulation for Cadet Soran."  
The Chief Tactical Officer commanded.

Borns gave a knowing nod, tapping the controls to begin the 
simulation.  He remembered not too long ago when it was he 
who was standing at the Tactical station wondering the same 
thing Soran was right now.  * what is the Klingon going to throw 
at me? *

"Long range sensors have detected something. . ."  Soran 
stated, "I'm increasing the gain to obtain a better reading."

T'Kang crossed his burly arms stubbornly as Ensign Borns 
watched.  He remembered the Klingon doing that too. . . right 
down to the disapproving facial expression.

"I am waiting Cadet. . ." T'Kang growled impatiently.

To Soran it must have seemed like an eternity before sensors 
got a good reading.  In actuality it was only a few moments, but 
with a bad breathed Klingon standing by impatiently waiting for 
an answer, it seemed like a very long time.  "It appears to be 
eight small attack craft approaching in tight formation."

"Can you identify the class Cadet?"  T'Kang asked.

"Trying,  it is difficult sir.  They appear to be using some sort of 
a stealth field that is partially scrambling our signals. "  Soran 
explained.

"What would the suggested course of action be for your 
commanding officer Cadet?"  T'Kang asked pointedly.

Soran looked up.  "They are heading in fast, on an intercept 
course.  They are unidentified and using some form of 
scrambling field.  I would have to go with my instincts and say 
they are hostile.  I'd recommend raising shields immediately 
and hailing them to try and determine their intent."

T'Kang pressed his lips together as if he were evaluating 
Soran's answer.  Borns watched on.  He remembered that 
expression too.

"Very good Cadet.  Raise the shields and hail the approaching 
vessels.  We are in simulation mode so you may use the 
proper controls."  The Klingon explained.

"This is Cadet Soran of the USS Tempest to approaching 
vessels.  Please identify yourselves and specify your intentions 
or we will be forced to defend ourselves.  Please respond."

"What is our shield strength?"  T'Kang asked.

"Shields at 100 percent.  Checking scanners.   So far no 
response to my hail sir.   Sensors are detecting power buildup 
in enemy vessels.  I believe they are preparing their weapons."  
Soran explained.

"Have you identified the ship type yet Cadet?"  T'Kang asked.

"No sir.  Still unable to get a solid reading from long range 
sensors."  Soran replied.

"Distance?"  T'Kang called for, his arms still crossed.

"Less than five hundred thousand kilometers and closing."

T'Kang unfolded his arms, a bit put off.  "Had it occurred to you 
to activate the main view screen at maximum magnification 
Cadet?"

Looking up from his tactical instruments, Soran smiled coyly.  
"It should have sir.  Activating now."

T'Kang turned along with Ensign Borns to look at the main view 
screen.  In actuality the Tempest was safely docked at the 
Starbase, allowing the bridge to be placed into full simulation 
mode while anchored safely to the spacedock moorings. All 
controls and holo images displayed were part of Lieutenant 
T'Kang's tactical simulation.

The view screen showed the ship traveling through space, and 
eight Spectre Class Fighters approaching in a combat 
configuration.

"They look like the new Spectre Class Fighters sir."  Soran 
admitted.

"That they are Cadet.  I trust you read through the briefing 
report Lieutenant Commander Lee distributed earlier?"  
T'Kang asked.

"Yes sir.  But since the Spectre Class Fighter is a Federation 
design, shouldn't that mean we should stand down from yellow 
alert?"  Soran asked.

"What does your gut instincts tell you Cadet?"  the Klingon 
asked.

"Well sir, they didn't answer our hails, and they are in attack 
formation.  They are also using a stealth field of some sort to 
scramble our sensor signals.  I think the safety of *this* vessel 
should be my first priority over being neighborly to another set 
of Federation ships.   I'd suggest keeping the shields in place, 
at least until we know what's going on with these vessels and 
why they are bearing down on the Tempest."  Soran answered 
honestly.

T'Kang unfolded his arms.  "A very wise decision Cadet.  
Resume simulation."

Soran looked down at his station.  "Enemy ships have broken 
off into two groups of four.   The first wing is closing and 
preparing to fire."

"So now that their intentions are known, it's time to find out how 
well you read the Lieutenant Commander's technical briefing 
on the Spectre Class Fighter.   What will you do now Cadet?"  
T'Kang asked.

Behind Soran, Ensign Borns watched.  He remembered when 
it was he that was getting drilled and asked all the tough, life 
and death questions in a simulation.  Though watching the view 
screen, he had to admit he was looking forward to seeing what 
the Spectre Class Fighters were capable of in a battle.  Even if 
this was just a simulation.