(Chapter III: Flight into Eclipse)

Carter's World, Maquis System, Imperial Protectorate

Aleksei and Cal Hudson walked quietly through the back alleys of Heritage trying to reach a garage where the Maquis agent had hidden a secret transporter. Along the route, Cal had been trying to explain the methods in which a transporter operated. The more Aleksei learned, the less comfortable he felt.

"I am suddenly not feeling comfortable with this method of travel."

The idea of Aleksei's body being broken down into an energy stream and copied in a distant location was not an idea he relished. Cal Hudson on the other hand was completely oblivious to the concepts.

"Don't worry about it, Imperial. The species of the Milky Way have been using this form of travel for hundreds of years."

Cal Hudson didn't even turn his head as he spoke. He merely kept moving. The number of Stormtrooper patrols had increased ever since the Draconis had arrived in system and Aleksei and Calvin had decided that speed was their best defense.

Aleksei reached out with the Force and could sense all the life around him. It was difficult to pick out the life of the Stormtroopers from the 'background noise' of the planet, but due to the cloned nature of a vast majority of troopers, it was possible to pick them up if they were near by.

"Commander Hudson, it could be argued that many of the species in this galaxy are merely races of a single species, given the level of viable interbreeding I have read about."

Cal Hudson turned around and flashed an amused smile. "Interesting theory. We're here. Let's transport to my shuttle and get out of here."

Aleksei nodded. "Agreed. Though, I am still not very enamored with the concepts behind this mode of travel."

Imperial Star Destroyer, Draconis

Ro Laren and several other Maquis leaders stood on the bridge of the Star Destroyer Draconis and waited as Captain Seldi spoke with his first officer, Commander Tyrin and his Xindi associate L'taros. The three sentients spoke in a language that Ro Laren couldn't understand. As they spoke, Commander Tyrin motioned for one of the armored 'Stormtroopers' to approach. The armored soldier moved silently and efficiently over to the officers. Captain Seldi said something rapidly and returned the sharp, mechanical salute of the Stormtrooper. He then smiled and replaced the small translator unit he had taken out of his ear during his impromptu meeting with his officers.

"Commander Laren. We have just received word from all of the major Maquis factions. Six factions, including yours of course, have agreed to the generous offer. Nine factions have respectfully declined."

Ro Laren had expected many of the factions to resist the Imperial offer. She could understand their reluctance. In fact, she could easily list the factions that had accepted and declined the proposal. That didn't matter now. Now, integrating the worlds of her faction into the Empire was her primary focus.

"That is unfortunate, but I can not make the decision for the other factions."

Captain Seldi nodded. "True, but your faction has agreed to join the Empire. As such, the military wing of you faction is now part of the Imperial army and navy. Your personnel file states that you worked in the Federation Navy for a time, correct?"

Ro Laren looked out the viewport of the massive warship. "Yes, Captain Seldi. I served on the flagship, the Enterprise for a time."

Captain Seldi smiled. "Excellent. In the interest of a successful integration of all Maquis forces into the Imperial Armed Forces, I wish to extend an officer's commission for the rank of Commander to you, Ro Laren."

In that moment, Ro Laren knew the Maquis had died. The other factions could cling to the illusion that they were still relevant, but they were going to be crushed between the Cardassians, Federation and Imperials. The only chance Ro had to avenge the Bajorans murdered in the Occupation and punish the Cardassians for their numerous crimes was in the Empire. Only in the Empire could Ro show the Federation the folly of their current weak government.

"I accept the commission, Captain." Ro snapped to attention and saluted.

Captain Seldi returned the salute. "Very good, commander. There is one of your replicators in the materiel center. Retrieve a proper uniform and report back to the bridge as soon as possible. I'll need your knowledge to identify several sensor readings we have detected, understood."

"Aye, sir."

Deep Space Nine, United Federation of Planets Bajoran Protectorate

Chief Miles O'Brien sat at a stool in Quark's Bar and rubbed his face. He had been trying to decrypt the intercepted alien signal and had nearly succeeded. Then, after eight hours, the encryption shifted to a new set of random ciphers. He had informed Commander Sisko and was ordered to rest. O'Brien was more than happy to follow that order. He had spent the entirety of yesterday with his family, and due to the lighter workload created by Commander Sisko's absence, O'Brien had decided to take an extended lunch break.

O'Brien looked up from his lunch and motioned for Quark.

"Hey Quark. You have some good contacts off station. Have you 'erd anything about this situation in the DMZ?"

The Ferengi bar tender walked over and shrugged. "I've heard from several traders that the Xindi have something to do with it. Sort of."

"Sort of?"

A second voice questioned. Miles turned around and saw that the source of the voice was Julian Bashir. Julian Bashir was the chief medical officer on Deep Space Nine and one of O'Brien's best friends on the station.

Quark nodded. "From what I've heard, the Xindi have joined something they call THE Empire. It gets better. Evidently, the Empire met up with the Maquis and split the movement. Several of the Maquis factions actually joined the Empire. Brace yourselves, gentlemen, this next fact will shatter your tiny little hew-mon minds."

Julian Bashir shook his head in annoyance. "Well come on! Shatter our tiny little hew-mon minds."

Quark smiled darkly. "The Empire is full of hew-mons."

Chief O'Brien practically shouted. "And you haven't shared this information with us until now because!"

Quark stared back at the Federation officers. "Because Morn just told me."

Julian and Miles turned to face the Lurrian regular. Morn, possibly the most popular sentient on the station, shook his head innocently and motioned to Quark.

Quark gave a pointy-toothed smile. "He was just about to leave and speak with Major Kira about this discovery." Morn gave a thumbs up and then used the same thumb to motion to the Promenade.

Quark gave a dejected sigh. "All right. You know, I might as well close the bar while you're gone."

Morn frowned and waved.

Miles and Julian spoke in unison. "Bye Morn."

Julian quickly returned his focus to Quark. "You said human."

Quark opened his eyes wider. "Powerful hew-mons."

Chief O'Brien leaned forward. "How powerful are we talking about here?"

Quark looked around the room nervously. He knew that there were at least three Tal'Shiar operatives on the station. Quark had no way of knowing if they were in the bar. He was pretty sure that the Cardassians, Klingons, Gorn, Talarian and Tzenkethi each had at least one agent on the station and the Ferengi wasn't sure if those agents were buying information from some of the shady characters that haunted his establishment. Quark was proud of his bar's reputation as an Information Bazaar. Feeling more confident, he motioned the two Federation officers closer.

"More powerful than the Dominion. Three of their ships turned the surface of Usho to glass."

Quark put on his best 'poker face'. "I'd tell you to send a Federation ship to investigate, but I don't think you'll make it to Usho before there ships jumped in from all over their territory on top of you."

Quark motioned to his brother Rom. "Rom, take over."

Rom gave his famous jubilant smile. "Of course brother."

Quark walked out from behind the bar. "Is Sisko back?"

Bashir answered with hesitation. "He isn't due back with the Defiant for at least another four hours."

Quark leaned against the bar. "We'll wait until he gets back. The good captain will want to hear this and I want to negotiate a profitable agreement for the exchange of this information."

Imperial Star Destroyer: Draconis

Commander Ro Laren of the Imperial Navy stood off to the side as Captain Seldi finished listening to a report from a junior officer. As the young lieutenant saluted and returned to his station, Captain Seldi motioned Commander Ro over.

"Commander Laren, I am in need of your experience. We have been monitoring several unmanned devices that Commander Borya of the Raven believes are probes. However, they are not transmitting any data. Can you identify these contacts?"

Ro stood at attention.

"I am confident that I can, provided I see a translation of the sensor data. I cannot read Auerbesh yet."

Captain Seldi looked Ro over.

"A situation that needs to be remedied. The sensor station to your left has been reprogrammed by a few of our translator droids. It is in Tionese."

Zev motioned to his right. Commander Ro walked over to the console and began studying the sensor data. The strongest unknown contacts were definitely Federation probes. Laren's brow narrowed. Some of the probes had been launched from the Enterprise. A second much weaker sensor reading was a subspace disruption. She quickly amplified the sensor power allotted this station and felt the shock wash over her.

"Sir, the Federation probes are the least of our worries. The second sensor reading is a Cardassian fleet. I'm estimating at least 150 ships."

Captain Seldi walked over. "This could be a problem. What is their estimated time of arrival?"

"Unknown, all I detected was the subspace wake left by the fleet. The Cardies are holding position at the shipyards of Torros III. With the sophistication of our sensors, we would have a heads up of eight hours from the moment the Cardassian fleet departs from Torros III."

Zev chuckled at the Terran phrase Commander Ro used.

"That is more than enough time to bring in reinforcements from the Xindi sector and from Enclave. Tell me, commander, how would you compare Cardassian capabilities to the Borg."

Commander Ro wheeled around, eyes wide with shock. "Compare the Cardassians to the Borg? Sir, you might as well compare a drop of water to an ocean."

Captain Seldi grinned. "Then we have nothing to worry about. If the Cardassians fight with the same tactical impotence as the Borg, this will be a short decisive victory."

Commander Ro took a step forward. "You sound like the Borg aren't a threat, sir!"

Captain Seldi's grin broadened.

"They aren't. Captain Tai-Shuen of the Wyvern led a small group of ships against one of the Borg Capital ships. The battle lasted about 50 minutes. Evidently, it took about a minute for the Borg to recite some ridiculous chant. I hear that Captain Lewis punished his gunnery crews for having a 90 hit ratio. Those damn cubes have a target profile bigger than an obese Hutt."

Ro Laren stood in stunned silence at the casual dismissal of the Borg evident in Captain Seldi's voice. The Alpha and Beta Quadrants had lived in fear of the Borg since the Battle of Wolf 359. Her mind was racing. If the Borg weren't a significant threat to the Empire, what was?

"How… how many ships did Captain Tai-Shuen have at his command?"

Captain Seldi continued to smile triumphantly. "Seven, including the Wyvern. My cousin, Captain Alyssa Cairo, was at the battle. She is in command of a Tartan-class patrol cruiser, a picket ship really, and her ship's shields never dropped below 20."

Ro Laren shook her head, as if trying to wake from a dream. "Incredible. Sir, this information is a stunning revelation. I humbly request that we turn our focus back to the Federation probes."

Captain Seldi took a deep breath and motioned with his right arm. "Of course, commander. I am curious as to why the probes are not transmitting data consistently."

"Federation probes have very sensitive sensors and survey equipment installed within them. Starfleet Doctrine calls for the probe's status to be monitored at all times, but a minimum amount of data be transmitted. I always assumed that this was a measure to protect against the data being stolen by hostile forces. However, with some of the… foolish decisions made by the Federation in the past, I can not give a definitive reason."

"Understood, Commander Laren. I take it destroying these probes would be seen as an act of aggression?"

"Possibly, sir. Captain Seldi, sir, I feel I must inform you of a mistake you have been making."

Captain Seldi raised an eyebrow. "And what mistake would that be, commander?"

Laren gave a slightly amused smile. "Sir, you have been calling me by my personal name. My family name is Ro. Bajorans place the familial name before the personal."

Zev gave a polite military bow. "I apologize, Commander Ro, for my breech of proper military protocol."

Laren felt her self blush slightly and fought to regain her composure. "No need to apologize sir. Is there any other tasks I am needed for?"

Captain Seldi gave a curt nod. "Indeed there is. I need you to meet with our Commander of Fighter Operations. I want a report outlining how the fighter and bomber contingent of the fleet will be coordinating with the Maquis Raiders in the inevitable battle with the 'Cardies'. This report is to be ready as soon as possible."

Commander Ro snapped to attention. "Aye, aye sir!"

Captain Seldi nodded sharply. "Dismissed Commander!" The Bajoran Imperial officer shoot off a sharp salute and walked briskly towards the Fighter commander. Captain Seldi could not help but be impressed with the new officer. She would make an excellent ally.

Carter's World, Maquis System, Imperial Protectorate

Cal Hudson activated the generator for the hidden transporter and rubbed his hands together eagerly as he walked over to the console and tapped in his authorization codes. As the transporter's systems came online, Calvin walked towards a locker and removed two vacuum suits. He tossed one over to Aleksei and started to put his on.

"You'll be needing that." Aleksei caught the space suit and stared dubiously at Commander Hudson. "Trust me. Use that Force you've been talking about for the past hour."

Aleksei closed his eyes and concentrated. Calvin was right. He was going to need this. "I just hope my associates haven't activated a planetary shield yet."

Calvin finished putting on his gloves and turned to face Captain Jakari. "Planetary shields? How effective are these things?"

"Strong enough to withstand a full, continuous bombardment from an Imperial-class Star Destroyer for four standard months."

Aleksei heard a low whistle. "Damn. Then we need to leave now. You suited up?" The Imperial nodded. Calvin walked over to the transport pad. Aleksei followed and stood slightly behind the Maquis. "Computer, two to beam out. Initiate Program Archer-Theta Nine."

Aleksei opened his mouth to ask what Calvin was doing when his entire body was enveloped in light. Captain Jakari was most definitely not becoming an advocate for this mode of travel.

Unnamed Asteroid in the Maquis System

The Imperial and Maquis fugitives materialized on the surface of a small asteroid near the edge of what was now called the Maquis system on all Imperial charts. Cal Hudson carefully pulled his way towards what appeared to be a small crater. He opened a panel and was about to enter a security code when Aleksei reached out and pulled him towards the asteroid.

"TIE fighter patrol. Wait a second."

Aleksei's voice sounded distant and mechanical through the small sub-space radio. Cal Hudson glared at the Imperial when suddenly a glint caught his eye. Off in the distance, a pair of TIE/ln fighters cut through the void in a standard combat space patrol.

Cal Hudson nodded. "Good save. How did you see them at that distance?"

Aleksei shrugged his shoulders, but the bulky environmental suit obscured the gesture. "I didn't. I sensed their apprehensions and eagerness through the Force. There is bloodlust out there. It feels… dark."

The Federation officer-turned Maquis rebel-turned Federation officer turned back towards the panel. "So you are saying that emotions fuel the Force?"

"For the Sith, not the Jedi."

Cal Hudson finished entering the code and watched as a sizeable hatch opened from the face of the asteroid. "You seem to know a great deal about an outlawed religious order."

Aleksei chuckled inside his helmet. "I studied the unauthorized histories before leaving for the Cardia military academy."

Cal Hudson entered the asteroid and Alek followed closely behind. Inside was a Federation Type-6 shuttlecraft. The pair entered the vessel and activated the life-support systems. After a few moments, Cal Hudson removed his helmet and walked towards the cockpit.

Aleksei followed Hudson to the cockpit and shook his head. "Why didn't you just teleport us into the shuttle and save us the risk of being seen by those TIEs?"

Hudson was busy typing in commands as he answered. "Because the materials in this rock play havoc with transporters." Hudson typed in a second set of commands. "Sit down, we're leaving now!"

Aleksei took a seat. "Excellent. So, how many hours do you think Federation Intelligence will debrief us?"

Calvin Hudson gave a grim smile. "I hope you brought your toothbrush."

Aleksei's face pursed as he sat in confused silence. The remark went so far over his head, it might as well been in orbit of Coruscant. Calvin Hudson turned his head and chuckled. He then piloted the craft out of the false asteroid and laid in a heading for Federation space. As the small warp-capable craft accelerated towards the edge of the system, a strong presence in the Force started probing the space around the shuttle. In an instant of horrible realization, Aleksei felt the order to fire on them. The source of the order was like a signal fire of hate, fury and a sense of betrayal.

"EVASIVE MANEUVERS!"

Aleksei screamed with every ounce of command in his being. His combat training and limited battlefield experience took over. Realizing that the only chance they had for survival was to trust completely in his connection to the Force. Commander Hudson looked over at the Imperial officer.

"What? I've got no warning." Suddenly alarm klaxons range throughout the cockpit. Cal put the shuttle into a sharp dive just in time to avoid a barrage of ion blasts. Cal pulled up in order to get a more stable warp-bubble for the transition to warp speed. "What the hell was that?"

Aleksei keyed in a command for aft cameras. The image of a Carrack-class cruiser was rapidly enlarging on his screen as the fast capital ship gained on the small craft. Aleksei was curious about this particular Carrack. Standard weapons configurations for that class of warship did not include heavy ion cannons, though Captain Jakari had heard reports that certain paramilitary organizations within the Empire had replaced some of the standard ion cannons with heavy caliber ion weapons. Aleksei checked his sensors for the tell-tell sign of a swarm of TIE fighters or of an Immobizer-418 firing up its gravity wells. Aleksei chuckled grimly at the image of Captain Darius Falion discovering that the Chapterhouse had helped capture a Jedi infiltrator. Wouldn't he be thrilled?

"It's a Carrack-class light cruiser. IFF readings say it is the… Crimson Wraith. Stang! Two Vindicator Heavy cruisers and a Xindi Aquatic capital ship inbound from the port side! Inbounds are targeting us! We need to make the jump to light speed. Now!"

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Cal Hudson stabbed a key on his LCARs console and the small craft accelerated to its maximum speed of Warp 4.5.

The Imperial capital ships that Aleksei thought were on an intercept course ignored the small craft as it jumped to warp speed and opened hailing frequencies to the Crimson Wraith. Inquisitor Tzarik seethed with fury at the escape of the Force wielder. Worse, he was being prevented from pursuing his quarry by these inferiors.

Tzarik activated the communication station on the bridge. "What is the meaning of this interference!"

A harsh looking Imperial Captain appeared in the view screen. "Inquisitor Tzarik. You are ordered by stand down and relinquish control of your vessel to Commander Zhak."

The Inquisitor sneered at the officer. "Under what authority?"

Captain Soontir Bresk of the Vindicator-cruiser Eriadu Citadel bored into the Darksider with steely grey eyes.

"Military Code Krenth-Qek Niner. During a state of War, all capital ships are to be under the command of an Imperial Navy officer."

Hijad Tzarik yelled into the communicator. "Then how am I suppose to track the Jedi!"

Captain Bresk let an annoyed sigh escape. "Command has authorized the use of a Skipray Blastboat for your purposes. I am ordered to escort you and the Crimson Wraith to Carter's World for briefing on the evolving situation."

Tzarik's yellow eyes burned like a furnace of hate and darkness. "And if I refuse?"

Captain Bresk flashed a foreboding lopsided smile. "Then our Xindi allies will teleport you into this system's star or into the middle of an asteroid. Either way, you will die a most gruesome death."

Tzarik clinched his fist and shook it violently at the captain of the Eriadu Citadel. "Those treasonous bastards in the Provisional Council put you up to this!"

Captain Bresk shook his head like a parent lecturing a young child. "I have no idea what you are talking about, Inquisitor. You have two minutes to comply."

Hijad narrowed his eyes. "I accept the offer of the Blastboat."

Captain Bresk nodded politely. "A wise choice, sir. Set your heading 3-Orenth, Mark-4."

The Helmsman of the Crimson Wraith acknowledged before Hijad could protest. "Acknowledged, setting heading to 3-Orenth, Mark-4."

Hijad shook with rage. He should have killed that arrogant little man for his impudence. However, the Inquisitor knew that his vessel couldn't stand up to the combined firepower of the three vessels. If Hijad was going to destroy the Jedi and their treasonous collaborators, he needed to survive. Accepting this temporary defeat was the only chance he had of complete victory later. Darth Siddious, his master, would have the heads of the traitorous bastards. He swore it.

USS Lagrange NCC-26374

Captain Logan handed the datapad back to the ensign and walked toward her personal quarters. Halfway through the process of entering the command to open the door to her room, a sense of premonition told her to head to the bridge. NOW! She practically jogged to the nearest turbolift and in the process almost ran into Lt. Leah Sor. Sonya had known Lt. Sor since the pair's days at the Academy. In fact, Sonya considered Leah her closest confidant on the ship.

Leah wrinkled her forehead in a worried expression. "Something is bothering you."

It really wasn't a question. Instead it was a statement of concern. Sonya knew that she couldn't hide her emotions from Leah. Leah was a Betazoid, a race with a natural empathetic ability. The Lagrange was lucky to have a Betazoid counselor, which were surprisingly rare considering their natural talents. Captain Logan knew she might as well try to explain what just happened.

"Yeah, I guess. I was about to go back to my room to get some sleep. All of the sudden, a sense of premonition flooded over me. Something is coming. I feel…"

Leah followed Sonya into the turbolift. "Feel what?"

Sonya leaned back against the wall and told the computer to head to the bridge. "I can't describe it in words. I don't know what it is."

The Betazed Counselor sighed. "This must be driving you crazy. You hate not being in control. I'm surprised you ever made it through the academy."

Captain Logan chuckled. "And what is that suppose to mean?"

"I'm saying that you hate not being in control of your own destiny."

Sonya walked onto the bridge with her friend in tow. "And there is something wrong with that?"

The Lt. brushed a strand of dark brown hair from her eyes.

"Not really. Oh, and lay off the Platonic method of teaching. It's starting to bug me."

Captain Logan turned to her counselor. "Sorry, Lt. Sor."

Captain Logan's first officer, a male Tellarite named Toron Khosk, looked up in surprise. "Captain, I was just about to contact. Sensors just detected a shuttlecraft approaching at Warp 4.5."

Captain Logan walked to her command chair and sat down. "How long before the unidentified shuttles arrival?"

Commander Khosk stroked his beard. "Ten minutes ma'am."

Captain Logan took a deep breath. "Unless we have received word about the opening of the Cardassian-Xindi War, we will wait here to see about this shuttle."

Commander Khosk leaned against the railing off to the side of the captain's chair. "That should fit in with our orders. Do you want me handle this shuttle business? You need sleep, Captain."

Sonya looked over towards Toron and smiled. "No, Ron. I can manage for ten minutes. Could you contact the Enterprise and inform them of the situation? Also, find out anything you can on the current situation."

Toron nodded and chuckled. "Of course, Captain."

The Tellarite officer headed over and started to contact the Enterprise. Captain Logan sat and closed her eyes. Lt. Sor tapped Captain Logan on the shoulder almost immediately.

"I know you aren't that tired, Captain."

"I feel like everything is about to change, Leah."

The Betazoid counselor gave an incredulous look. "It is more than that though. You literally sense something out there and you fear it, because you don't know what it is."

Captain Logan smiled. "When you are right, you are right."

Moments later, a young Vulcan ensign spoke up from the conn. "Captain, sensors have detected a type-six shuttle craft several hundred thousand kilometers off the starboard section of the Lagrange."

Captain Logan perked up. The feeling she had was intense now. Sonya knew what she had to do.

"Open hailing frequencies, Ensign."

The young ensign keyed in several commands. After a few brief moments, he turned his head slightly and addressed the captain.

"Channel open, ma'am. The shuttle is responding."

Captain Logan stood up and straightened her uniform. After taking a deep breath to calm herself, she spoke to the ensign.

"Unidentified shuttlecraft, this is the USS Lagrange. Do you copy?"

Nearly instantaneously, the image of a dark-skinned, middle aged man wearing a Starfleet command division uniform sitting in the pilot's seat took center position on the view screen.

"USS Lagrange, I am Commander Calvin Hudson, Starfleet attaché to the former Federation colonies in the DMZ. I…I am turning myself in and will face any and all charges brought against me. Also, I have a… guest, with a request."

Captain Logan took another deep breath and smiled. "Of course. I will do my best to aid in the fulfillment of that request."

The camera shifted its focus from Commander Hudson to a human male wearing a strange military tunic that no one on the Lagrange's bridge could recognize. It was brown in color and adorned with what several crewmen believed was a simple rank insignia. The human male had steel-colored eyes and brown hair.

"I am Captain Aleksei Jakari, formerly of the Imperial Navy. I am requesting political asylum."

The simple and direct request caught Captain Logan completely off guard. She wasn't sure what this 'Captain Jakari' was talking about. Was the Imperial Navy he mentioned from the Mirror Universe or something else?

"I will have to beam you aboard to begin discussions about granting you political asylum."

Aleksei Jakari chuckled. "If I may humbly request that the shuttlecraft is permitted to land. Having my body broken down into an energized data stream and then reassembled once in a day is enough."

Captain Logan flashed a glance at Toron and then returned her attention to Captain Jakari. "Of course…If you have transporter phobia, we will endeavor to minimize that experience."

Aleksei smiled. "I wouldn't exactly call it a phobia. It is just that in my home galaxy, this mode of travel is not used. In fact, in the entire 25,000 years of historical records available, this technology is never motioned."

Captain Logan tried to hide her confusion. "Alright. Um, you have clearance to land in shuttle bay 2."

Commander Hudson replied. "Shuttle bay 2, aye." The connection was cut and the view screen shifted from an interior shot of the shuttle to an exterior view of the craft maneuvering towards the aft shuttle bay. Captain Logan practically leapt up from her command chair.

"Leah, Ron and Tyson. You three are with me. Time to meet our guests."

Calvin Hudson guided the shuttlecraft on the easiest course to the Lagrange's shuttlebay. As the craft banked around the Ambassador-class ship's port nacelle, Hudson turned his attention to Alek.

"You know, it is okay to admit you have transporter phobia."

Aleksei smiled. "I really don't have a problem with it. It is just I felt it would be best to give the Captain time to assemble a group to met us. If my hunch is correct, she will bring the empath that was standing behind her along for the welcome."

Cal turned and faced Alek. "You've been in this galaxy less than a week and you already know that Betazoids are empaths? Wait, never mind. The Force 'told' you."

Aleksei laughed loudly. "Commander Hudson. I'm glad I met you. It is nice to know someone who can temper his caution in the face of the unknown with strong convictions. You truly are an explorer."

Calvin Hudson flashed a stern glance at Aleksei. "You are the single most difficult person to read I have ever met, Imperial. It's like you are struggling to find yourself."

The Imperial closed his eyes and slipped into deep thought. "You are absolutely correct, Commander Hudson. I am struggling to find myself."

Captain Logan, Commander Toron Khosk and Lt. Leah Sor entered the shuttle bay and waited in a chamber for the craft carrying Commander Hudson and Captain Jakari to land in the shuttle bay. Toron shifted nervously and Captain Logan struggled to focus on the whisper she felt at the edge of perception.

Lt. Sor closed her eyes and concentrated her empathic abilities. "There is something… unique about this Captain Jakari."

Captain Logan lost her focus as she turned towards her ship's counselor. "Really, is that from an empath's perspective or from Leah's perspective?"

Lt. Sor smirked. "An empath's, I assure you captain."

Toron rubbed his beard. This was Ron's standard display of concern and it was not lost on either Captain Logan or Lt. Sor.

"You really don't like greeting these two do you Ron?" Captain Logan smiled at the shorter officer. The smile was met with a dismissive snort.

"Sonny, I don't like this. This 'Captain Jakari' is obviously lying! He isn't extra-galactic! He is obviously a human and humans are an Earth species! Parallel evolution on the scale he is implying is sickeningly impossible! The odds…"

Captain Logan turned her attention to the landing shuttle. "I know lively intellectual discussions are a core cultural aspect of your people, Ron. But now isn't the time. Time to great our guests."

Calvin tapped out a few commands and stood up from his seat. He looked at Aleksei as he straightened his uniform.

"Well, come on Imperial. Time to meet our hosts."

Aleksei quietly and quickly rose from his seat. His annoyance was beginning to border on anger. That anger was slowly becoming a siren song, attempting to twist Aleksei into the very thing he wanted to fight against.

"Commander Hudson, I have had the decency to address you with your rank and familial name. I would appreciate it if you could return the favor."

"Very well, Captain Jakari. I'll indulge you."

"Thank you, Commander Hudson."

Commander Hudson did not respond and walked out of the shuttle. Aleksei took several calming breaths and followed closely behind. Alek emerged from the small craft and entered into a very clean shuttlebay. The bay held only a few shuttles. Aleksei didn't focus on the numbers very long, but estimated that there were likely no more than four. Captain Jakari's attention quickly shifted to the group of Starfleet officers entering the shuttlebay. Aleksei had been struggling to firmly connect to the Force since he realized his sensitivity. Even with that handicap, he could sense the Force in these three individuals.

Deep Space Nine, United Federation of Planets, Bajoran Protectorate

Captain Benjamin Sisko grinned broadly as he exited the Defiant's docking berth. His Bajoran second in command, Major Kira Nerys greeted him. Almost instantly, Captain Sisko noticed something was bothering Major Kira.

"How bad is it, Major?"

Major Kira Nerys shook her head. "The situation isn't bad for Bajor, this station or the Federation. The Cardassians, however, could be in some serious trouble."

Captain Sisko and the Major walked towards the Operations center. Benjamin was curios to find out why Major Kira was putting so much faith in the Xindi's chances to defeat the Cardassians. The Xindi had been withering in severe isolation since 2154. The Cardassians on the other hand were a major galactic power.

"Major, do you actually believe the Xindi can defeat the Cardassians?"

"Quark and Morn can explain better than I can. Morn's had dealings with the new order on Xindus II."

Captain Sisko took a deep breath as the door to Ops hissed open. "I have a bad feeling about this."

USS Lagrange NCC-26374

Captain Jakari had joined the senior officers of the Lagrange in what he assumed was a conference room. A polished wooden table sat in the center of the room. The chairs surrounding the table were luxuriously padded. This room was a commentary on everything Aleksei had seen so far on this ship. The Federation placed a strong emphasis on personal comfort and aesthetics. Everything Aleksei had witnessed on board this vessel was disturbingly similar to the design philosophy to the late Republic.

"This vessel is very luxurious for a warship. I wish the conference room in the Raven was this comfortable."

Captain Logan smiled warmly. "The Lagrange isn't primarily a warship. The main purpose of the Lagrange is exploration."

Captain Jakari nodded. "Interesting… I take it private vessel ownership is nearly unheard of."

Sonya's interest was captured. "Private starship ownership is very rare. Very few individuals inside the Federation possess personal vessels. Is it common in your galaxy?"

"Fairly common. I own a small SoroSuub yacht, myself."

Lt. Sor approached and tapped her captain on the shoulder. "Captain Logan. May I speak with you in private?"

Captain Logan turned to face Aleksei. "If you'll excuse us, Captain Jakari."

Aleksei smiled and gave a polite bow.

"Of course, Captain."

As the two female officers moved to converse about something, Aleksei found his focus continually returning to Captain Logan. She was attractive physically and in the moments where he saw her through the Force, she was radiant. Aleksei had seen and had his share of attractive women. Many of those were the daughters of wealthy industrialists, governors or other well-to-do's that were associates of his father. Alek despite physical attraction had never truly considered any of his previous encounters worth pursuing deeper. Something about this Federation captain had captured his attention.

Outside the conference room, Sonya turned her attention to Lt. Sor. "Yes, Lt.?"

The Betazoid stared past her commanding officer. "I am sensing no dishonesty from this Captain Jakari. Either he is telling the truth or truly believes he is an extra-galactic human."

Sonya could attest to that sentiment. Somehow, she decided that she could trust Aleksei. "I believe we can trust him."

"That brings me to another troubling aspect I have felt in this entire exchange. You have been completely trusting of our guest. I must be blunt, Captain, I have felt a strong sense of… fascination from you directed towards this man."

Sonya was about to respond when a chime was generated by her communicator. It seemed the conversation between Leah and herself about Captain Jakari would have to wait.

"Captain Logan here."

Commander Khosk's sprang from the communicator. "Ma'am, the Cardassians have just publicly declared war on the Xindi."

Leah shot a concerned look at Captain Logan. Sonya, for her part, hid her worry well. "We're on our way."

As the pair headed for a lift, the door to the conference room opened. Aleksei Jakari strode out with a look of concern and distant contemplation on his face.

"Captain, may I join you on the bridge?"

Enclave System, Enclave Sector

The members of the Provisional Council sat around the circular table. Only a few members were actually present on Enclave's surface. Moff Thomas Matale sat at the head of the table. Admiral Zel and General Samoht Geobaldi sat off to the Moff's left. Other members of the council present on Enclave were Kato Taki representing the Kuat Drive Yard interests and Captain Olich Tai-Shuen of the Imperial-Star Destroyer Wyvern. Jha-Tkaha was a Xindi Aquatic and voiced the position of the Xindi. Captain Zev Seldi had declared himself the Maquis representative in the absence of Commander Hudson. Councilor Jha-Tkaha and Captain Seldi took part in this emergency meeting via the newly established Holonet relay stations. Moff Matale opened the meeting with the grave news.

"Associates, we are at war. The Imperium Navy and Army have already devised a strategy that will bring the Cardassians to their knees and demonstrate our power to the galaxy. Admiral Zel, if you will…"

Admiral Zel inserted a datatape into a slot in the table. A map detailing the disputed territory appeared in the holoprojector in the center of the table.

"My fellow councilors, our strategy lacks subtlety and relies completely on overwhelming force. After Captain Seldi and his two Fleet Elements utterly destroy the Cardassian Fleet massing at the planet known locally as Torros III, a Xindi fleet will depart from Xindus and destroy the Cardassian space station known as Vokar Nor. Also, a group of Acclamators led by Ghania will attack and occupy Drenok II. If the Cardassians do not sue for peace after these operations, we will annihilate them as a spacefaring civilization."

Councilor Jha-Tkaha's hologram mimicked the Aquatic's floating motion perfectly. "The Xindi will offer our shipyards, troops and fleets to defend the Imperium. Including this…"

A hologram of a spherical ship replaced the starmap from Admiral Zel's presentation.. Data written in both Auerbesh and the Xindi script scrolled along the image. Around the table, the Imperials murmured excitedly among themselves. The Aquatic fidgeted, uncomfortable with the loud gasp from Councilor Taki. It took the Aquatic female a moment to compose her thoughts before she continued.

"This is the design of an updated superweapon. Magister L'taros recovered it from the archives only hours ago. With the threat of Cardassian and Borg aggression, we feel the use of this weapon is justified. If we combined the basic design with the advanced technology of the Imperium; our union will last ten thousand years."

Kato Taki flashed a toothy, threatening grin.

"Now that we are safe from the prying gaze of Palpatine's cultists, I can freely share a piece of intriguing information. The shipyard we were to build was to be a secret construction facility for the Emperor's pet ship design, the Eclipse. This unique Star Dreadnought possesses a weapon that would mesh perfectly with the Xindi superweapon…"

Deep Space Nine, United Federation of Planets Bajoran Protectorate

Captain Sisko rolled his baseball around in his left hand as he listened to the reports from his command staff. A massive Cardassian fleet was approaching a world that was once a Federation colony. Major Kira Nerys was leading the briefing. The Bajoran Militia officer took a moment to straighten her bright red uniform.

"As you can see, Captain, the Xindi have pulled many of the new ships out of the system. The small craft, designated by groups of 12, have completely disappeared from the probes sensor readings. The remaining ships are based in a loose formation based around these four ships." Major Kira circled a group of four arrow shaped ships in a diamond formation.

Chief O'Brien got up and pointed at the rear ship, another arrow-like design. This ship however, was markedly different from the other Xindi vessels. The rear vessel had two large globes protruding from the center of the craft.

"Does intelligence have any idea what the hell these things are for?"

Major Kira shook her head. "No, our best estimates are either a communications vessel or a shield ship."

Captain Sisko put down the baseball and locked his hands together. "Why would the Xindi withdraw most of their forces from the combat zone?"

Major Kira nodded.

"According to a transmission from the Lagrange, the 'Imperials' as the Xindi and Maquis are calling themselves have a non-subspace based propulsion system called hyperdrive. One Captain Aleksei Jakari and Commander Calvin Hudson have made claims that it is faster than even transwarp. Based on information from Captain Jakari, he believes that either the Imperials are confident in a small force to defeat the Cardassians or they are planning an ambush."

Captain Sisko practically shot out of his chair. "Did you say Calvin Hudson?"

Odo, the chief of security for the station, spoke next. "According to the tactical officer of the Lagrange, Commander Hudson turned himself in because; 'The Maquis are dead. They've traded their principles for power.'"

Jadzia Dax looked around the room. "Is there anyway to contact the Xindi and find out what is really happening on their end?"

Captain Sisko looked down at his science officer. "No, the Federation hasn't had diplomatic contact with the Xindi in over 200 years."

Odo sighed. "So what exactly are we going to do?"

Benjamin Sisko turned and stared out the window of his office as a group of freighters entered the Celestial Temple. "Wait and watch, Odo. Wait and watch."

Carter's World, Maquis System, Imperial Protectorate

Captain Seldi opened and closed his hand in an overt display of his anger. The Inquisitor had not only attempted to kill one of his closest friends, but had taken an action which could have possibly accelerated the Cardassian's attack schedule. This foolish Force-user was a thorn in the side of the Provisional Council. Captain Seldi decided that it was time to remove the thorn.

"Inquisitor Tzarik, before I grant you access to the Blastboat that is graciously being provided for you, I demand an explanation for your actions."

"You are not in a position to demand anything! I am a Dark Side adept of the Emperor!" The Inquisitor hissed.

"And I am unimpressed. Take your Blastboat and pursue your 'Jedi'. You are fortunate that we have graced you with that much aid. Any further attempts to interfere with the actions of the Provisional Council will be seen has a hostile attempt to overthrow the Emperor's duly appointed Moff and establish a Dark Side based theocracy."

Zev was so disgusted by this creature that he lost all interest in hearing the Inquisitor's attempts to defend his actions. Tzarik had tried to kill Aleksei! The young captain was practically a nephew to Zev. The urge to force this man to leave Imperial space overwhelmed Captain Seldi.

"I'll kill you!"

Hijad began to reach for his lightsaber, when the doors to the conference room opened and a pair of droidekas rolled into the room and unfurled into their combat forms.

"I think not. Depart in peace or leave in pieces, Darksider."

"This isn't over! I will have your heads for this treason!"

Without waiting for Captain Seldi to gloat, Hijad Tzarik rose from the chair and stormed out of the Imperial Headquarters.

After the Inquisitor had left, Captain Seldi activated a ComUnit and entered a specific code. In a brief moment, Commander Ro Laren's voice poured from the unit.

"Commander Ro here. How may I be of service Captain?"

"Commander, inform the Eriadu Citadel to escort that Sithspawned Inquisitor to the closest jump point."

"Aye sir. Captain Seldi, I have an update on the incoming Cardassian fleet. The estimated time of arrival is four hours."

Captain Seldi took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. "Thank you, Commander"

Commander Ro's voice softened slightly. "You're welcome sir."

After ending the communication with Commander Ro, Captain Seldi switched to another Comm Channel.

The voice of L'taros crackled to life. "What do you require, my friend?"

"I need you to contact Enclave. Inform them that our dear Inquisitor has departed and the Cardassians have nearly arrived."

The voice of the Xindi Arboreal swelled with pride and exuberance. "I will be honored!"

Captain Seldi closed his eyes in thought. "L'taros, has Commander Karath transferred to the Crimson Wraith yet?"

L'taros nodded on the other end of the audio connection. "He transferred ten minutes ago."

"Very good. I'll meet you on the bridge."

USS Lagrange NCC-26374

Captain Jakari and the Federation officers stepped off the turbolift and onto the bridge. Sonya walked over and sat in her command chair. The other officers took their positions. Aleksei stood off to the side of the bridge. The first thing Alek noticed was the control consoles. There was no physical buttons or switches. Everything on the Lagrange had a feeling of frailty.

Captain Logan leaned back in her chair. "Yellow Alert! Activate the cameras on the probes. I want to see what is going on at that location."

The screen on the bridge flashed once and the image of the Imperial Fleet Element was clearly visible. Aleksei stepped forward and stared quietly at the screen.

"Where are the fighter patrols?"

The Tellarite first officer shouted across the bridge. "What are you talking about?"

"There…" Aleksei pointed to the four large dagger shaped ships on the screen. "you can see the Imperial Star Destroyer Draconis, the Victory-class Star Destroyers Unforgiving and the… Raven, my former command. The other ship is the Interdictor Chapterhouse. Each ship carries at least 2 squadrons of fighters. The question remains, where are they?"

The human manning the tactical station looked up. "Cardassian fleet coming out of Warp! Over 100 ships!"

Imperial Star Destroyer Draconis

Captain Seldi stared out of the transparisteel viewport at the approaching Cardassian fleet. He couldn't help but feel some disgust at the design of the Cardassian ships. The vessels looked more like a fish than a proper warship. He heard Commander Ro Laren, newly promoted to executive officer, walk up behind him.

"Sir, the Cardassians are hailing us."

Captain Seldi nodded. "Patch it through."

A small screen had been placed off to the side of the bridge in order to facilitate communications with the various races of the Milky Way Galaxy. The screen shifted from a black background with a white Imperial Symbol to the face of Legate Nakarn of the Cardassian Union. Legate Nakarn was a typical Cardassian in all appearances, except that he had a large scar on his left cheek.

Captain Seldi made no attempt to hide his disgust.

"Attention ships of the Cardassian Union! You have violated the sovereign territory of the Imperium. If you do not withdraw immediately, we will be forced to utterly annihilate the military forces of the Cardassian Union."

The subtle announcement of independence form Palpatine's distant Empire was not lost on Ro Laren. This development was unimportant to the former Maquis because her loyalty was to Captain Seldi and his comrades in this galaxy, not some sorcerer ten million light-years away. Commander Ro dutifully translated Captain Seldi's warning, despite knowing full well that if the Captain wished it, a computer translation could be used.

Legate Nakarn growled angrily. "Territory of the Imperium? Joining with the Xindi gave you pitiful Maquis terrorists delusions of grandeur! You may have found some big ships, but you will still fall before my fleet's might!"

Captain Seldi activated his translator and shouted at Legate Nakarn. "May the Gods of your people grant you mercy because your scum will receive none from the Imperium!"

Captain Seldi cut the transmission and turned to Laren.

"Laren! Contact all commands, commence Operation Lightsaber! Lt. Ikan! Send this transmission to Enclave: Unfurl Mandalore's Banner!"