Computer Core 15 minutes and counting. . . .

Jobs nervously tapped in his access code to the computer core room. Seat had formed on the techs brow as he fumbled twice with the code. A third incorrect attempt would definitely lock him out and the Olympic would be doomed.

Comporting, soothing words from Sathut was enough to calm the tech for one final try. Taking a deep breath, Jobs carfully concentrated on putting his code in. After he punched in the last number, there was a brief hesitation before the door finally slid open. His knees felt weak, yet his job wasn’t finished yet.

With Galens in the lead and Sural right behind, the two opened fire with their phasers on every person within the room. There was time to figure out who was friend or foe after they regained control of the computer. A brief firefight ensued, but Sural’s team manaed to clear the room.

Ishtar and Sathut practically dragged Jobs to the main console while Sural and Galens stood watch for any other intruders. . . .

Bridge-12 minutes and counting

After leaving the fake bridge, D’vash new he would be needed at the Bridge to input his command codes, if Sural’s team was successful.

He burst onto the Bridge and gave the key phrase to Harding and Oberon to confirm his identity. As he finished, the real XO noticed his imposter bound and unconscious. There was also another unidentified person with Captain’s pips on the Bridge discussing the situation with Collin and Pretha. Introductions were made as the XO was brought up to date. He looked at Pretha with concern as the recent events were relayed to him. He would have to take the CMO’s and COS’s word that this new captain was who he claimed to be. The two officers both vouched that it was true.

D’vash waited, hopinf they would soon have word from Sural that they has regained control. . . .

Computer Core-5 minutes and counting. . . . .

At three different times, Sural and Galens had had to open fire to keep fake crew from entering the computer core, and three times they had done so successfully. The corridor outside the room began to look like a mass grave as bodies of unconscious crew members began to litter the hallway.

Jobs, with the assistance of Ishtar and Sathut manning other consoles, was finally able to flush the computer of the altered AI and regain control. “WE’VE GOT CONTROL,” Jobs yelled, before slumping into his chair with relief.

Sural commed the Bridge and relayed the good and bad news. The question now was if they would have enough time to deactivate the auto destruct. Three command rank officers were needed to stop the countdown. Sural, as the Chief Engineer would be one. . .

With the irrating Vulcan calmness Sural spoke his command code to the computer. Level one command code was accepted and the first light went green. The CE informed the Bridge. . . .

Bridge-2:30 and counting

Those on the Bridge let out a sigh as Sural’s commands were accepted and the first light turned green.

Quickly, D’vash entered his access codes and the 2nd level light turned green. With a final order, the XO turned command of the Olympic over to the new CO.

This would be the moment of truth. Would the computer recognize Jasar as the CO and would his access codes work to stop the auto-destruct. . . .

The first order was a go as the computer responded that Capt. Hamilcar Jasar was now in command of the ship. Jasar added his command codes and waited. The clock on the main viewscreen continued to countdown from 10 seconds.

At 00:03.74, the 3rd tier light turned green and the calm voice of the computer spoke. “Auto-destruct has been deactivated.”

A collective sigh went through both the Bridge and the computer core. Except for Sural, who calmly stated in a very Vulcan-like manner “It appears the destruction of the Olympic has been averted. Welcome aboard, Captain Jasar.”

Epilogue

The first order of business was getting the security department cleared. Between Oberon , Sathut and Harding, they began the process of weeding out the Mirror ‘Verse imposters, and rounding them up.

The brig was way too small, so the imposter were being held in one of the cargo bays under heavy guard. All 100 had been accounted for, minus the fake Ens. Gully that had been killed.

As the command crew debated on what should be done with the imposters, a blue, crackiling energy field surrounded the Olympic. The smell ozone filled the air and the energy permeated the ship. After a few moments of intense pain, the energy dissipated as quickly as it appeared. A report from the Cargo Bay said the imposters had disappeared. There was no trace that they had even been aboard the ship.

After lengthy discussions the crew reached the conclusion that the imposters were transported back to their own universe to face whatever consequences they would for their failure to get control of the Olympic or destroy her. . . . . . . .or were they?!?!?

The End. . . . ?