Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 319 The Unexpected Klingons (Third Update)
After a quiet and efficient journey within the warp bubble, the Enterprise successfully escaped faster-than-light travel and arrived at its destination—the Genesis system.

When the newborn planet appeared on the main view screen, the bridge fell silent.

It is not completely stable. There are still magnificent auroras caused by energy turbulence in the atmosphere, and faint lights from new geological activities can be seen in some areas of the surface. The whole planet is like a newborn baby, still adapting to its own existence, and the evolutionary process is far from over.

As Carroll had previously informed us, the outer perimeter of Genesis' orbit had been sealed off by a small Federation fleet.

Several escort ships and scientific observation vessels patrolled at a safe distance, strictly prohibiting any unauthorized vessels from approaching this planet full of unknown and potentially unstable factors.

Kirk ordered communication with the Enterprise to inform the commander of the blockade fleet about this special scientific expedition mission directly authorized by the Federal Congress.

After rigorous identity verification, mission code confirmation, and multiple layers of approval, the blockade fleet finally allowed the Enterprise to cross the blockade line and enter a closer observation orbit.

“Maintain a safe distance, Sulu,” Kirk ordered cautiously. “Scan the entire planet and prioritize building a comprehensive environmental model. Scott, closely monitor the effects of gravity and radiation on our ship.”

“Scanning, Captain.” Sulu skillfully operated the control panel. “The atmospheric composition is still in dynamic equilibrium, and the nitrogen-oxygen ratio is close to the breathable standard, but abnormal energy residue and unknown organic compound signals have been detected.”

"The hull shields have been adjusted according to environmental parameters and are currently stable," Scott's voice came from the engine room. "However, the spatial readings here are still a bit... off."

They did not rush to send shuttles or use teleportation systems to land.

With Chen Yu's suggestion and Carroll's approval, the science team decided to first use the Enterprise's powerful sensor array to conduct a thorough "physical examination" of Genesis.

The huge main view screen is divided into multiple windows, displaying different data streams: geological structure scans, atmospheric circulation models, heat distribution maps, changes in magnetic field strength, and life signs detection, although currently only the simplest microbial and plant community features are shown.

Carol and her team, along with Chen Yu, were intently analyzing the continuous stream of data.

Chen Yu's massive body was connected to a data interface of the scientific station. His processing core was processing multiple pieces of information in parallel at a speed far exceeding that of the federal computer, constructing his own unique analytical model.

He would occasionally raise some key questions or point out anomalous energy fluctuation patterns that might be missed by federal standard scanning protocols.

Meanwhile, another crucial task was also underway—searching for Spock's remains.

“Scan for signals from the photon torpedo bays of a specific type,” Kirk said, his voice tinged with barely perceptible tension. “The search area is focused on the approximate orbital region of our launch during the Genesis event.”

Uhura skillfully adjusted the sensors, filtering out background noise, trying to capture the faint beacon signal belonging to the Federal Photon Torpedo Container.

Sarek stood quietly behind the bridge, his Vulcan face still calm, but his tightly clenched hands revealed the turmoil in his heart.

Dr. McCoy did not appear on the bridge; he remained in the infirmary to avoid any unpredictable interference from Spock's Katra within him, which was so close to his body.

Time ticked by, and the sensors scanned the planet's surface and near-Earth orbit.

The terrain of Genesis was far more complex than they had imagined. Newly formed mountains, deep canyons, and ever-changing clouds all made the search difficult.

Preliminary reconnaissance in orbit is proceeding in a tense but orderly manner, with the Enterprise like a patient hunter, carefully searching for its target from a safe distance.
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Just as the Enterprise's science team was engrossed in analyzing the complex data of Genesis and searching for signals from Spock's remains, Sulu's tense voice broke the focused atmosphere on the bridge: "Captain! Long-range sensors have detected high-energy warp signals! Three... identified as Klingon cruisers! They are approaching Genesis at high speed in attack formation!"

"What?!" Kirk jumped up from the captain's chair, his sharp gaze fixed on the main view screen. Three conspicuous red threat markers were rapidly approaching from the edge of the star map. Klingons! What were they doing here? And with such a clear target!

"Immediately alert the blockade fleet!" Kirk ordered sharply. "Increase shield power, and put all posts on yellow alert!"

However, the Klingons acted swiftly and decisively.

They were clearly prepared and anticipated the federal blockade.

Two of the bird-wing ships used precise firepower feints to attract the attention of the outer Federation escort ships, while the third ship, like a desperate dagger, disregarded its own damage and forcibly tore through the Federation fleet's not-yet-fully-secured blockade with an extremely risky trajectory and speed!

"A Klingon cruiser has broken through the blockade! It's entering Genesis's atmosphere!" Uhura's voice was filled with shock.

Everyone witnessed that heart-stopping scene: the Klingon cruiser, trailing a scorching contrail from high-speed friction with the atmosphere, resolutely hurtled towards the surface of Genesis like a meteorite, eventually disappearing beneath the clouds.

One of the Federation frigates tasked with the interception was also severely damaged by the Klingon ships' desperate charge. The other two Klingon ships, having achieved their cover mission, used their superior maneuverability to break free of the encirclement and quickly withdrew from the battlefield, clearly not intending to engage the reinforcing Federation fleet head-on.

"They've landed..." Scott's voice came through the communicator, filled with disbelief. "These lunatics forced their way onto the planet before it stabilized!"

A deathly silence fell over the bridge. The situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse!

The Klingons paid a heavy price, managing to send a force to the surface of Genesis before the Enterprise could.

Their purpose is self-evident—to create technology.

This planet itself is the most direct and valuable proof of the power of the "Creation Device".

Whether it's acquiring geological and biological samples or searching for any remaining technological devices or data, all of these hold an irresistible attraction for the power-hungry Klingon Empire.

“Scan the approximate landing site of the Klingon landing module!” Kirk quickly regained his composure, but his tone was extremely serious.

"Trying, Captain! But the planet's energy interference is too strong; we can only determine a general hemispherical region," Sulu reported.

Chen Yu's crimson optical lens captured all of this.

His synthesized voice broke the tense silence, carrying a cold, analytical tone: "An unexpected variable. The Klingon intervention, with its clear military characteristics, makes an encounter with the expedition team highly likely."

He turned to Kirk and offered the most realistic advice: "General Kirk, given the current situation, I reiterate that Mann's team must immediately be placed on high alert. The expedition's landing plan needs to be reassessed, and we must assume that engagement with Klingon ground forces is possible at any location."

Kirk's face turned ashen.

He not only faces the question of how to properly rest in peace with his dearest friend, but now he also has to deal with a fierce alien military force that is trying to seize the Federation's top technological secrets, and the enormous threat this poses to the lives of all mission members.

"Confirm Mann's squad's readiness." Kirk's voice was firm. "Science team, prioritize analyzing the areas that the Klingons might be interested in, those most closely related to creation technology!"
We must get there before them, or at least find out where they went!

(End of this chapter)