The Game Begins

Posted on Wed Aug 13th, 2025 @ 9:29pm by Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant JG James Phoenix

3,920 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Wounds From the Mirror
Location: USS Washington
Timeline: Present

ON

Placed in the shuttle now connected to the underside of the Washington, Imik sat waiting for the correct time to transmit her fake messages. She had researched which vessel was closest to her ship, and now sat composing a series of messages to fool the mirror aliens. With luck the fact an Ojnas vessel was somewhat closer than they thought, would cause the mirror aliens to commit an error and allow the Washington to capture them. All she needed was the first message to come from the bridge, for this she had chosen Lieutenant Phoenix as he could employ all his skill and add to the deception.

James kept a firm hand on the tactical station while he focused on the console in front of him, awaiting the order to send Imik the message on the shuttle. The adrenaline from the day's earlier events had already worn off and he needed to stay focused and not think about Ash until he needed too. He wished he could be apart of the rescue team, but he also knew that the SEJO team was more than capable of a mission like that.

He was certain there would be more adrenaline-inducing events to come in the coming hours to help him focus on his duties. He looked at Jon from the tactical station. "Ready to send the first message on your mark Commander."

Jon looked at the chronometer and nodded, "Send the message James. Now it begins." He observed.

"Aye sir" he said as be pressed a few buttons to send the following message to Imik: To any ships in range, this is the Federation Starship Washington. We are under attack, requesting immediate assistance. "Message sent."

"Excellent. Now it's up to Imik to sell the idea and hope our mirror friends are listening as we hope." Jon replied.

Hearing the message, Imik responded. =/\="This is Ojnas vessel 22319 responding to Federation Starship Washington, please send co-ordinates and number of enemy vessels. My Sinkahue Calmalus Nazine requests all relevant information regarding the enemy."=/\= With the first messages sent, it was now the mirror aliens who if monitoring transmissions should react. Imik waited for the next message, she wanted to be fighting the aliens but this illusion was her only way to assist the Washington for now.

Hearing Imik's transmission, Jon looked to James, "Alright James, time to sell this, send the reply with all relevant information as requested."

He typed the following into the console: One warship with immense power and a large crew complement. We believe there are more coming. They crippled us. The enemy's bearing is 003-mark-270.42.

Phoenix tapped send. He had to be realistic. Too much information would potentially reveal the trick to the Terrans. What he wrote was a mere exaggeration, but enough to do the trick. "Message sent."

"Very good. Now let's hope our mirrors were listening as well and this spurs them into acting both hasty and rashly." Jon replied.

Receiving the message, Imik waited for what seemed the correct time before responding. =/\="We have your location pinpointed, we are close and will inform you of our ETA once we are closer. My Sinkahue urges caution as the attackers may be monitoring our transmissions. 22319 has the resources on board to assist you, is there any other matters you require our help with?"=/\= This statement held enough information to hook any listener, but not enough to give precise details of what that listener might face once the Ojnas vessel arrived.

James tapped a few more buttons for a new message: Thank you for responding. The only other thing is there is a lot of them. When you send teams, send enough to overpower them if you can.

"Excellent. Now let's see if we get the results we're hoping for." Jon replied as James finished sending the message to the Onja's ship.

This message made Imik smile, now she could now send her message that she hoped would cause problems and a little panic amid the mirror aliens. =/\="Numbers of personnel will not be a problem, we are carrying relief troops for one of our outposts".=/\=

"Looks like we have an army sir" Phoenix said with a shit-eating grin after he received Imik's response to the message.

Phoenix typed another message: Thank you again 22319, we'll be ready for your arrival.

Jon allowed a smile to come to his face. "So it does James, so it does. Thank goodness there was an Onjas ship close by." He finished with a wink.

"Let's just hope they buy this" Phoenix added as he checked his readouts on the tactical console.

USS Sabre.

Deep within the bowels of the enemy ship sat an operator listening, and what he heard wasn't good for him or his ship. But if he reported it he would face the pain booth, because he wasn't supposed to be monitoring the Human ship. His job was to simply watch for any other vessels approaching their position, then launch the torpedoes and report it to the bridge. But boredom can be a strong driver, and so he began to monitor the enemy transmissions. He had been briefed about the Ojnas, in fact he had hoped they would appear. But not like this, not in the numbers being hinted at. Swallowing hard he pressed the comms button, "Styegar to the bridge, we have a problem."

USS Washington

The silence dragged on, Jon looked to James, "Anything? Any sign that they believe the story we fed them?"

USS Saber

In Sickbay where Mirror Jon was cruelly torturing Sam he picked up the frightened voice of the operator assigned to monitor the Washington's com traffic. He growled in annoyance and tapped his combadge, "Grayson to all teams, be advised Onjas vessels arriving to support Washington. Stop your advances return to Saber at once."

USS Washington

Imik now had a strange feeling, an Ojnas was attempting to contact her. BUT that couldn't happen, the nearest Ojnas vessel was 72 hours away. *I am Mariasan the communicator for Ojnas vessel 22319, answer me now and explain why you disrespect us in the fashion that you do.*

This could be problematical, if that vessel used the comm system their ruse would be for nothing. How could she inform Jon without alerting the mirror aliens? The link might work, but would Jon understand the situation? *Jon, Jon. We have an unusual situation, the vessel we used for our deception has arrived and demands an explination.*

Jon felt a presence through his link at first he thought it was Sachzny but then he realized it was Imik and she was telling him that the Onjas vessel they were using to trick the mirrors had arrived and wanted an explanation.

*Alright Imik, tell them the truth, that no disrespect was intended. Tell them we have a situation with Mirrors aboard the Saber as well as combating them here but our situation is under control. Ask them to standby as a favor to the Federation.*

On getting a response from Jon, Imik smiled to herself. He had been training hard if he could now hear and answer her, after this was over she must praise him correctly. *Understood Jon.*

Imik now hastily explained what was happening and why they had used the Ojnas vessel in the manner they had, the response from the Ojnas surprised her.

*My Sinkahue has listened to your explanation, and wishes to know if we can assist. We carry no extra crew, but do carry a section of Assault Marines. A new type of unit which requires a use in which they can prove themselves.*

She passed this information onto Jon and waited for his response, would he could he use the offered Ojnas help? Or would keep to his request to have them stand by.

*Assault Marines? We could use them in watching the Mirrors we capture as well as supporting our forces on the Saber. How many are their number? And if they want to prove themselves this is the perfect situation for them.* Jon answered.

"Sir, the Mirrors are retreating to the Saber" Phoenix called out.

"Excellent." Jon replied, "Let's make sure there aren't any lingering behind to catch us unaware. Run security sweeps of all critical systems and departments."

"Copy that Commander" James replied as he sent an internal message to the security teams.

Having got numbers from the Ojnas ship, Imik now relayed it to Jon. *Jon, it would appear they have a small unit of about 30 Marines. Their Sinkahue has deployed them as two platoons of 10 Marines straight on to the Sabre, and one platoon of 10 on to the Washington as support to our own Security.* This was more than she hoped for, Imik also hoped it helped Jon and the Washington Security teams and other units on the Sabre.

*Thank you Imik. This is wonderful news. Please pass on my sincere appreciation to the captain of the Onjas ship for his willingness and assistance in this matter.*

As soon as the Ojnas appeared on the Sabre, they began to eliminate the mirror beings. Their orders were simple, release any Federation prisoners and support any Federation Security teams. They used their psychic abilities to distinguish between mirror and Federation, as the mirror beings couldn't hide their Psychotic thoughts from the Ojnas.

"Sir security reports that the Mirrors have beamed back to the Saber, and the Ojnas Marines have transported aboard our ship and the Saber" he reported and then fell silent. As far as he knew Ash was still aboard the Saber, and the mirrors had retreated despite the Ojnas beaming aboard. Naturally, he was anxious.

"Excellent. Keep me apprised of the situation." Jon replied simply.

One platoon of Ojnas Marines now found several Federation prisoners, men and women who had been tortured and now suffered extreme injuries. =/\="Marine platoon 01 to Federation vessel Washington, we have located captured Federation personnel many badly injured through torture. Request you lock on to our position and beam them to your sick bay, most are Human but one appears to be a betazoid female. Please respond Washington."=/\=

"James. contact transporter control and beam the injured back here to our Sickbay." Jon said calmly.

"Aye sir" he typed the message quickly before receiving a response from the transporter chief. "They're transporting aboard now Commander."

"Get a report from Sickbay on the number of our people that were recovered and the extent of their injuries. Give them time to assess the wounded before asking for the report." Jon answered.

"Request sent" he said after sending the message. He felt even more anxious now. Was she there?

Jon nodded, "Now we wait and that is the hardest thing in the world right now." He noted.

"Tell me about it" James chuckled nervously as he folded his hands together before releasing. His console beeped. "Sickbay reports another few moments. They're still confirming identities just in case."

Almost straight after the first report, another one arrived. =/\="Federation vessel Washington, this is Rathshu (Lt. JG) Acki of Marine platoon 02. I have found several female Federation prisoners, some have been wounded in combat but others show clear signs of torture. I request you beam them out by locking on to our location, there are about six females two who have been severely tortured."=/\= What appeared to be an Ojnas curse could be clearly heard before the communication was closed.

"Understood Rathshu Acki, we're locking onto your location as we speak. Preparing to transport the Federation personnel you have recovered directly to Sickbay. You help in this matter is greatly appreciated." Jon replied sincerely.

=/\="These scum of the universe will reap what they have sown, my Marines will exact vengeance from each and everyone we encounter. Rathsue Acki out."=/\= It was clear that this Ojnas combat unit was not out to take prisoners, their anger was there on display.

Imik meanwhile continued to monitor the situation, she had communicated with several of the Ojnas on board 22319 and now decided to inform Jon that normal comms could be used as the Ojnas now fully understood the situation.

James finally got a notification from Sickbay. "Commander, I have a report from Sickbay" he called out. "They have most of our people, but there are still a few of ours that are still unaccounted for" he reported. Did that mean Ash?

Jon nodded and then spoke, "Tell our security teams and the Onjas to check every cabin. Our people could have been dumped in some, also any space big enough to hold a body."

"Copy that sir" James typed the message into the console fast. "Message sent Commander."

Jon turned to face James, "Do we know who among our people and the Saber's crew is still missing?"

"Sickbay reports that Doctor Howard is still missing" He looked at the report more. "They also report that Captain Parker is still on the Saber as well as-" he froze solid.

He stood there, more silent than he should have. James looked up at Jon again. "Lieutenant Ashlynn Regan" he added, his voice unsteady. He attempted to correct himself. "There's no word on anyone else sir."

=/\="This is Mariasan to Marine platoon 03, prepare to transfer to the alien vessel, platoons 01 and 02 have suffered casualties and are to transport to the Federation vessel."=/\= The message was clear and simple, uninjured Marines from 01&02 would join 03 and fight as a combined force. Information would be sought for captives taken by the mirror aliens, they would be the main priority of 03's mission.

"We're taking on the Ojnas casualties Commander" James reported. He caught his breath, trying hard to keep his composure.

"Very good Lieutenant. Instruct our people and the Onjas marines to continue to sweep the Saber in a effort to find and locate all missing and unaccounted for Federation personnel." Jon answered crisply.

Imik had returned to her cabin, now she appeared in the transporter room in full Ojnas uniform. "Rathshu Acki, I request permission to join you and the Assault Marines when you return to the alien vessel." Acki turned to see who was talking and nearly choked, "Sinkahue? You are a pilot why would you risk your life in ground combat?" Imik shook her head, "On this Federation vessel I am a Kie-Rathshu, but I have taken part in ground action before. I am also the Security chief and some of my people are on the alien vessel, I should lead by example." The Marine Lt. JG now noticed the small gold star on Imik's shoulder board, "You hold the 500 star, not only do you out rank me. You also have more combat engagements than I, it would be my honour if you joined us Sinkahue."

The Ojnas Security chief now pressed her Federation communicator, "Imik to Grayson, I will be joining the Ojnas Marine detachment when they transport over to the Sabre."

On the bridge Jon heard Imik's call and smiled to himself. He had wondered how long it would take her to get involved in the assault on the mirrors. "Understood Imik." He replied simply and then added, "Do be careful. I don't want to explain to Sachzny that you got hurt in an assault on a Federation ship."

"The Terran Empire Sabre is not a Federation vessel, and Sachzny would ask why I had not engaged them sooner. I will be careful, I must lead by example to my people." Imik moved with the other Ojnas as they lined up to transport to the Sabre, soon she would be fighting along side other Ojnas once again. That made her feel good, she was a fighter and an Ojnas who now fought for the Federation.

"Message sent sir" Phoenix replied to Jon before falling silent. He maintained his focus on the tactical readouts to distract himself from his thoughts.

Jon heard Imik's reply and looked over at James. "They will find Lieutenant Reagan. Try to relax and concentrate on your job."

"Yes sir" James said simply. He appreciated Jon's reassurance. He was trying his best to concentrate. He had no choice in the matter. He took a breath. He had no choice. He kept telling himself that to force himself not to think about what could happen. It was working.

As she appeared on Sabre with the Marines, Imik quickly went to ground and into cover. Acki used hand signals to Imik to get her and her five companions to exit their beam in point and go right, nodding her head she moved off and followed the orders of Acki even thought he was her junior. One of her Marines now edged up and pointed to his scanner, "Life signs Sinkahue," he whispered. Two different readouts were being displayed, one of four and another of two, the four were very simply mirrors as a further scan showed Acki and his section had engaged them. So Imik now turned her attention to the two others, their location seemed to show them secreted in the Jefferies tubes and in a difficult location to get to.

Moving in the general direction, Imik and her group edged slowly forward. Despite the fact the mirrors were retreating they still held vital parts of the Sabre, if anyone of them wanted to engage engines and escape the Washington and 22319 they could easily do so. Splitting her group in two, three had orders to get to and hold the engineering department. Imik and her two now headed for the two life signs in the Jefferies tubes. Were they mirrors or Federation? Only time would tell, but Imik knew of two Federation prisoners they needed to find. She hoped they had found either both or at least one, now to find out and get back to the beam in point before the mirrors got their act together and escape in the Sabre.

Not too far away, Mirror Phoenix hovered over Ashlynn, who had been in and out of consciousness. Her wounds could be treated, but if her wound's were delayed too much longer then her life would be on a severe timer. James kept assessing her, and replacing any bandages as necessary. He also kept assessing Ashlynn's counterpart, that way she'd remained unconscious. As much as stunning her went against his nature, he respected the fact that Starfleet operated in that way.

They would have to leave soon. The duo had stayed there for longer than they should have due to the seclusion of the area. The other Mirror's would come looking for the Terran Ashlynn. She likely hadn't reported in. The only other reason they hadn't left yet was in the off chance that they'd be rescued soon. At least she would. James would be lucky not be shot on sight by the Ojnas.

He noticed Ash wake slowly. He didn't say anything at first until he heard her groan. His head snapped towards her. "You good?"

"What do you think?" she muttered before going under again. Phoenix checked her pulse. She was still there. For now.

Before he could do anything else he started hearing boots moving towards them. Boots moving fast. He readied his phaser, but remained crouched in front of Ash, but facing away from her. He didn't have a tricorder on him so there was no way of knowing if it was the rescue party or his 'colleagues'. He prayed that his stance would show the Ojnas that he wasn't hostile towards them, while hopefully not showing a sign of surrender to the Terrans.

Jon waited anxiously on the Washington for any word on the missing Washington personnel along with missing Saber crew. So far nothing.

Following the tricorder, Imik and the Marines now approached the location. Using his psychic ability a Marine informed the Washington Security chief that one of the pair was a mirror, "Ready weapons, it could be using a Federation prisoner as a shield." Imik stated, and deployed on each side of the hatch. A swift movement and the hatch was open and four phasers pointed at the pair in the Jefferies tube, "Drop your weapon and exit the tube, release the Human female or we will take further action." A Marine began to concentrate on the mirror alien, sending painful and blinding aching through his head. Another swift move and the mirror alien was now captured, dragged from his hiding place and thrown to the floor and secured roughly.

"Lieutenant Reagan, you are safe now and we will transport you to the Washington." Imik placed a hand on Ash's arm, =/\="Imik to Washington, one wounded Federation female to beam to sick bay. Lieutenant Phoenix, you may wish to make your way to the sick bay also."=/\= A small smile crossed her face as she thought about her 2i/c's happiness in being reunited with Ash.

Glancing down at the mirror Phoenix her mind was in turmoil, should she capture him or execute him? "Now mirror alien, your life is in the balance. What you say or do next will decide if you live or die, why did you take Lieutenant Reagan prisoner?" A Marine now grabbed mirror James and pulled him up to face Imik, "Talk alien or your life is forfeit to me!"

"I'm not his prisoner" Ash muttered. "He saved me. Don't kill him" she said and then fell unconscious right before she was transported to sickbay.

"What she said. I owed my counterpart a favor. I hate these people who took over the Saber. I was acting as a spy" he looked at the mirror Ash who was still unconscious. "Mirror Shran killed her when my counterpart was stuck in my universe. James told me of her death, which turned out to be a fad. She's the one who masqueraded as the real Ashlynn and busted Shran out of the Washington."

Turning round at the sound of someone approaching, Imik saw the other half of her section appears. "Engineering?" She asked, a Minshi (Ensign) responded. "Already under Federation control, we were not required so returned here Sinkahue." She nodded then turned back to the mirror James and pointed, "Secure him and take him to the brig aboard Washington, our medical staff can assess him when they have the time." As she spoke the mirror Ash was herself beamed away to the brig, she would not be releasing anyone from Imik's confinement anytime soon.

Heading back to the beam in point, Imik and her squad checked cabins and little hide-a-ways for any Federation prisoners. Any mirror aliens found were either captured or killed depending on their actions, at the beam in point Imik watched the prisoners being secured and taken to Washington. Turning back to her small squad she bowed, "My thanks and may your houses be proud of your actions this day, I now return to my vessel blessings on you all." She stepped to one side and was beamed back to her ship and friends, she hoped this problem was now solved and over.

Back on the Washington, James heard Imik's call. Internal panic struck. He knew it was likely Ash, but was she alive? =/\="Thank you Imik. I owe you one"=/\=.

James turned to Jon. "Sir?" he asked to confirm if he was alright to leave the bridge.

Jon looked at James, "I think your presence can be better served in Sickbay James. Go."

Without missing a beat, James paged a relief officer. As he moved towards the lift, he looked at Jon. "Thank you."

Jon nodded and waved him off the bridge.

OFF

 

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