Star Trek: The Original Series: Rihannsu: The Bloodwing Voyages by Diane Duane & Peter Morwood Page A

.”
    It was a name Jim recognized from accounts of the Battle of Organia: one of the ships that had invested the planet. “What the hell are they doing here? Mr. Chekov, arm photon torpedoes, prepare to lock phasers on for firing. Mr. Sulu, prepare evasive action but do not execute.”
    “Aye, sir.”
    “Phasers locked on, sir.”
    “Excellent. Hold your fire until my express order, Mr. Chekov.”
    “Aye, sir.”
    “Intruder’s range—”
    “Not a Klingon ship,” Spock said abruptly. “ID is in fact Klingon. But the power-consumption curve is inconsistent with either the old Akif -class or new K’tinga -class warships. Range now six hundred eighty light-years and closing. Course is still not an intersect. If this continues they will pass far above and ahead of the task force—”
    “Another contact!” Uhura said. “Romulan this time. ChR 63 Bloodwing —”
    Jim’s fist clenched, hard. “Course?”
    “Following the first ship,” Spock said. “Closing on it at warp nine.”
    “Uhura, messages to Inaieu and Constellation . All screens up, and battle stations. But if either ship comes within range, do not fire unless fired upon! Let them pass.”
    “Yes, Captain.”
    “We’ll see what they’re up to,” Jim said. “I am willing to be forgiving of an accidental intrusion into Federation space—always supposing the intruders tell me why they’ve come without calling first.”
    “Indications are that the first ship will shortly be unable to tell you anything, Captain,” said Spock. “The ship with the Bloodwing ID is closing on it very—More data; the ship ID’ing as Ehhak is actually a ship of the old Romulan warbird class. Cloaking device in place but not functioning. Ehhak is beginning evasive maneuvers, but they are proving ineffectual. Bloodwing continues to close.”
    “Range—”
    “Two hundred fifteen light-years. Two hundred—Better readings on Bloodwing , now. Its power-consumption curve too is atypical. Warp engines have been boosted, and other alterations are indicated—One hundred fifty light-years—”
    “Time till they cross the Neutral Zone—”
    “At this speed, four seconds.” Spock watched in silence. “ Ehhak has crossed. Now Bloodwing . Visual contact—”
    The screen leapt to life with their images—two Romulan warbirds, both screened, screaming out of the Neutral Zone high above the plane of the Enterprise ’s travel. The pursued ship veered suddenly, trying to shake its pursuer; to no avail. Bloodwing would not be shaken. “Still closing,” Spock said. “One hundred light-years from us. Seventy-five. They will pass within twenty-two point six three light-years of the Enterprise at closest. Bloodwing continues to close on Ehhak . Within firing range. Firing.”
    “Gently, Mr. Chekov,” Jim said, noticing his weapons officer’s twitch. “They’re not shooting at us, not yet.”
    “Noted, sir.”
    “Good man. Result of fire, Mr. Spock—”
    “None as yet. Ehhak is turning again. Toward Bloodwing , this time. Firing now—No effect. Standoff. Firing again—”
    The blast of blinding light that suddenly filled the screen lit the whole bridge like lightning. When it faded Spock said quietly, “Evidently some of the alterations installed in Bloodwing have been to its phaser systems. Their intent was apparently to draw Ehhak into range for quick and certain destruction. Obviously they succeeded.”
    “Noted,” Jim said softly. “ Bloodwing ’s location and course, Mr. Spock.”
    “Its old course took it somewhat past us, Captain. Turning now: fifty-three light-years away on bearing one-ninety-nine mark plus-eighteen. Approaching us.”
    “Status,” Jim said, beginning to twitch a little himself.
    “Slowing,” Spock said. “Screens up, but no sign of further belligerence. Down to warp six now; warp five; holding at warp five exactly, and coasting in toward us. If the Romulan continues along this course, Bloodwing will be paralleling our course at