Chapter 11

Building Bridges

Vegeta fastened the scouter upon his ear, tapping it a couple times as arrows began to flash upon it's glass window over his right eye. Standing up, it was beginning to come clear to Captain Picard and Commander Riker why the devices were called such things. As the Saiyan gazed about the room, a circle would appear as the four triangles were flashing with it. Then a series of symbols appeared on it as well. Up until now the communications device seemed to provide little other use.

Once Vegeta pinpointed the place of concern, he waited until it would stop climbing in numbers before he stood up. The single digit number only told him one thing. It did not seem to have that much life energy on board. Tapping off the scouter, he left the communications open when he heard a crackling in the ear before clear voice was spoken.

"Lord Vegeta, we found the ship. Its roughly half the size of a planet and has taken out another fleet of ships. What are your orders, Sir?" The voice came through the earpiece.

"Stay out of its path, return home. Vegeta to Tarble." There seemed a silence in the room as Vegeta began to take charge of the situation on his home world.

Tarble replied promptly. "Tarble speaking."

"Get the Elites ready to battle. We may need to pull in our alliances as well with the Namekians. See if they can start gathering the Dragon Balls. If all goes to hell, at least we'll have a way to repair the damage done. We may have to go to war if further intelligence warrants it." Vegeta's scowl deepened, a snarl twisting his features. He knew precisely what he was speaking of before he tapped off the scouter.

Danar raised a brow as did Picard, the former finally breaking the silence. "You really think it that serious? You took out a fleet of Cardassian ships as though we were defenseless."

Vegeta nodded lightly. "We'll have to speak with each sitting leader from the major Empires. That means we have to pull in the Ferengi, Romulans, Cardassians, Klingons, Saiyans, and the Federation. Those are the ones known to be the most powerful within the Alpha Quadrant. Somehow I do not think the Borg would really listen. We'll use Planet Vegeta as a base of operations and command center."

Picard seemed dumbfounded for a moment. "You're asking for nearly the impossible. You would have a war on your own planet, bringing everyone together like that."

"Do you want to win against this thing or do you want to just let it destroy your galaxy?" Vegeta questioned back in a tone that sounded rather alerted and irritated.

Gul Danar stood and then looked at Vegeta. "You have a neutral ground where all of us could bring a few representatives. I could see it happening. Though having to be in the same room with the Klingons may seem hard to stomach."

"This is bigger than your petty squabbles right now Gul Danar. I'll ask you the same question. Do you want to win, or do you want your home destroyed? Put it in terms like that, I'm rather sure that they will put their bickering aside for at least a few days to overcome this new threat." Vegeta stood up to meet the challenge, his tail tightening about his waist. "Your move, and I would not wait too long for the sake of your Empire."

In the briefest of moments, the two stared at each other as though in a stare down. Vegeta's intense gaze seemed to rage with an unquenchable depth. His fierce gaze enough to make the Cardassian back a step or two. "I'll speak with the Central Command to make the arrangements." With that stated, Gul Danar would return back to his ship.

Vegeta stood for a moment before he looked over to Picard once more. "There is always another way, Vegeta." The Captain said with quiet patience.

"Sometimes there isn't, Captain, and to defend a greater balance, action must be taken." Vegeta replied, his tone now quiet once more as he straightened up. Returning to his quarters, he would don the Saiyan uniform once more. He was not about to link the Federation with his coming actions. They would have to make their own decisions.

Tugging on the gloves, the Saiyan looked over to Will Riker as he came into the Saiyan's quarters. "I thought for sure the Cardassians were going to do much worse when spoken to like that."

The warrior only glanced up as he pulled on the armor, pulling it on like another shirt. "At the end of the day, the thing most races want is to live. Play on that, you can often get their attention. I have to return to my home to prepare to guide the vessels through to the planet. You wanted to know what it was to be a Universal Warrior. Here's your chance to really get an in depth look."

As the chime to the door again sounded, Vegeta answered shortly to invite the person in. The Captain looked at the warrior as the doors slid behind in a whispered sound. "Getting those four in one room is going to be like committing suicide or worse, making your world a ground for battle."

"How quickly people seem to forget. Just a handful of us took out a fleet of Cardassian ships without breaking sweat. They won't be able to get too far when they're on my planet. It would be foolish to attempt a coup de gras when they're surrounded by a race far superior to them in strength and speed." The King replied in a rather confident tone. "For me to be neutral, I must not have any affiliations with any one group, Empire, or Federation, save for my own."

Placing the scouter on, Vegeta tapped it. "Caulis, Kadesesh, get some scouts ready to receive ships from the Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Ferengi, and Federation. We will have to guide them through the Typhon Expanse." There was not another word stated before he turned to the other two. "I'll suspect by now the Cardassians have told their new allies in this conflict what was going on."

As Vegeta made his way to the main shuttle bay, he opened the door to the pod and stepped inside, sitting down to get comfortable. "I will see you all in about a week. That will give plenty of time for everyone to rendezvous outside the Typhon Expanse so that we can guide them safely in." Once the door was shut, the others left while Vegeta took off toward Planet Vegeta.

In the Cardassian ship however, Gul Danar was beside himself. "Who does he think he is trying to order around the Cardassians? Get in contact with the Romulan and Ferengi councils and lets see what they think about this. Set coordinates to the Romulan Empire."

The thought of having to team up with the Klingons as well as the other three powers was almost too much for the Gul to stomach. Little time was wasted as they reached the demilitarized zone of the Romulan Empire. Once they reached Romulan space, they slowed to warp five until they came to Romulus.

Inside the Senate building, the three races would again meet. The Praetor of the Romulans sat down at the table, his calculating gaze shifting to the greedy Ferengi, and the fierce Cardassian. "We have to think of what is going to happen if we don't team up. The Federation and the Klingons have also been alerted to the predicament that we have witnessed now entering Cardassian territory." The Praetor stated as he pressed his fingertips together.

"There is a powerful race now set up in the Typhon Expanse, known as the Saiyans, Praetor. I suggest not underestimating them. Their pods are much faster than any ship we know of, even the mighty Federation. They disabled a fleet of Galon class starships without effort." Gul Danar stated with a tinge of disgust.

"When they had one on the Enterprise, they had been able to detect a cloaked ship as well. These Saiyans seem to be very advanced and extremely powerful. I am interested to know their plans and what they intend to do. I will send a ship with a couple delegates to the Typhon Expanse, however, one problem remains. That area of space is known for its anomalies. I will have to see how they intend to allow us in to their space." Praetor Neral said more with intrigue. Up until recently, the galaxy had only a handful of major players. Now there seemed another, more powerful group to make their home here.

"The Ferengi will only go if there is something of value to us. Seeing as how our fragile alliance is hanging on by the proverbial thread, it seems even the three of our people have yet to see what these Saiyans are capable of. How do we not know that they are in alliance with this vessel?" The DaiMon said in a hissed tone, his caution leery about anything to do with another race, especially one rumored to be that powerful.

"I have seen it with my own eyes. Their King was aboard the Enterprise when we talked. He had ordered his elites ready to battle. The Saiyan does not appear to be that powerful, but a few of us have already encountered them. They seem to be about like the Klingons. If they say something, you can most likely stake your life on it that they will uphold their word. Those eyes though…they're almost hypnotic, almost evil in appearance." Danar answered the Ferengi. "Let us call this decided and see what this race is really up to. I say lets recall our forces until we know exactly how these Saiyans plan to handle the situation."

The Praetor and DaiMon would glance nervously at each other but would ultimately agree. Whatever was going to happen, they may have a solution. Getting in their own respective ships, the three different classed ships took off toward the Typhon Expanse.

"What do you mean we are being summoned for this meeting?!" The Chancellor nearly screamed in his gruff voice. The Klingon was not amused by the invitation extended by Picard. "To think that we would ever come to a place where Romulans and Cardassians are is outrageous!"

Picard only waited for the voices of dissent to quell before he again tried to reach out to him. "There is a threat that may need everyone's help. Think of the glorious battle that could be had. Unless, of course, you want the Cardassians and Romulans to claim the laurels of battle. The meeting is held on a neutral planet. We will have a couple Admirals with us as well. It will be held on Planet Vegeta, with another race of warriors, far stronger than any race we have ever come across."

Sitting back in the chair, the Chancellor looked around at his council and then nodded. "I will send two birds of prey ships. Governor Torak and Commander Nu'daq will attend the meetings. Where exactly is this Planet Vegeta?"

"It's located in the Typhon Expanse. The Saiyans are there to help guide the ships through the anomalies that may present themselves in our path. We will look forward to seeing them at the meeting." Jean Luc stated as he turned on heel and promptly left the Great Hall.

Vegeta looked to the screens that indicated where each of the ships were. "Caulis, Kadeesh, get a team together. Make sure not to go too fast. Their larger ships take much more maneuvering space than our pods and they're also much slower. I'll contact Kakarrot on Namek and see where they are right now in gathering the Dragon Balls."

The Saiyan King was well aware of the notion of sitting each person down and was quickly gathering information. Heading for the Meeting Hall where he would set the chairs in a circular motion, enough space between so that they weren't bumping elbows. Cooks were starting to make the food while he began to finalize the preparations for their arrivals before sending the team out to meet the other ships.

Banners were unfurled, the Saiyan symbol flying behind him as the others corresponded to where each would sit, their unique hangings draped behind each. As the warrior turned another Saiyan came up behind him. "Sire, they are about three hours out. They have begun to guide the ships through, each at a separate point. Also, we have initiated gravity damping fields so that they are not weighed down by our gravity."

"Good, where is the ship now that we are going to be speaking of?" Vegeta inquired as he took the panel from the hand of the guard and turned it on.

"It seems to be within the Cardassian borders, my lord. However all fighting has ceased for now. I would suspect that they are waiting for the outcome of this diplomacy meeting. With so many warring factions, are you sure they will behave, Sire?" Zorn stated quietly, his hand upon his chest in respectful questioning.

Vegeta looked over the information and nodded. "Its only for a short time, but with any luck, maybe we can knock some sense into them and make them see that they are more powerful together than they are bickering amongst themselves. Besides, I don't think they really want to challenge a Saiyan. If so, a brief demonstration most likely will quell any disputes."

As the ships came to the borders, they did sensor readings, each knowing the other was there, but having each one matched up with a Saiyan pod helped to ease the tensions of how they were going to get through. They were coming in together, no one in front of the other, guided meticulously through the anomalies. As they passed two pulsars and several other hazards, each one began to respect to some degree the difficulty of living in this sector of space.

Once the binary system of the Saiyan home came up, there was little question in each of their minds that if they had to navigate it without the guides, it would have been nearly impossible. Each leader would step to their forward view screens and when the majestic planet came to view, the pods careened toward the surface, looking like small comets raining down on the planet.

For a moment there were no words between ships nor the planet. They stared at the massive planet, red in splendor, like a blood ruby, flecked with white and golden clouds. The planet was rather massive as well, nearly ten times Earth's size. The binary system kept away a good majority of the threats, the suns acting like shepherds guarding the flock of planets.

"Such splendor and beauty, it seems to surpass even that of Romulus." The Chancellor stated to the Senator. There was only a nod of agreeing before the panel started to light up with the coordinates of where to beam down to.

As each group came down to the planet's surface, they noted the lights almost medieval feel of the castle that towered into the heavens. The smooth surfaces rounded, spires scraping the heavens with a more futuristic feel to it. As each of the races landed, they stood gathered in the hall before a Saiyan guard came around the corner. With a fist to the chest, and a forty-five degree bow, he did not look down.

"Lord Vegeta greets you all, and thanks you for coming. My name is Kadeesh. I am to take you to the Meeting Hall where the conversation will take place." Motioning them along, the Saiyan tapped the scouter. "Sire, our guests are here and we're headed for the Meeting Hall."

Touching the surface of the stone inside, it was so precisely cut that no known tool had been known to cut so perfectly. Each stone fit in place without the need of mortar. The stones themselves seemed polished and smooth in spite of their rough appearance. Tiles on the floors were also of no exception to the pain-staking detail that was presented. Moving through the long corridor behind the Saiyan, each member was looking at the grandeur of the castle, and more, they had not yet reached the designated area.

So intense was the marvel that even the Ferengi seemed awe struck. The sounds of their steps, reverberated through the hall, as they passed several rooms. The healing tanks in the medical facility within seemed well more advanced. The tanks allowing for the ability to restore a person to perfect health, monitors connected to each one allowed for them to be cared for without the need for hands on medical.

In another room came the computers. About ten Saiyans manned those consoles, one of them seen to have the object located in the Cardassian sector. They had been monitoring from this far, and it seemed to be a primary focus as a report was generated and Caulis stepped out and slipped past each of the delegates. The language was sophisticated and more complex than they could hope to ever decipher but soon the door closed, The briefest glimpse had the Romulans looking at each other.

The Cardassians however, looked at the scale of the structure, the flat ceiling giving way to a very high, vaulted Throne room. A line of guards stood at perfect attention on both sides of the carpet. The throne at the head of the room seemed to display strength. In a rough and rudimentary way, the massive room seemed to span for a good hundred meters, and a ceiling to make the room enormous by any standards. They could almost picture their ship fitting inside this room alone, with it just being half as wide as their ships.

Looking at Picard, the Admiral whispered quietly. "To think the Saiyans have this kind of technology, hidden in plain sight, its simply breath-taking. The time it would take to build such a structure would take years, and even then, the precision of the cut stone, not even lasers could match that."

Giving a light smile, the Captain only whispered in reply. "It also seems to have quelled the disputes as well. I think they are all marveling at the advancements this race has. They are a proud race, one that has many accomplishments in their records. No crime, no monetary system, everything here, is done on a Code of Honor. That Code is their only law."

Kadeesh listened to each of the parties whispering in their hushed tone. Reaching a large fifteen foot door, the Saiyan stopped and turned to them. "When the King enters, stand to show respect. If you wish to do the full Saiyan salute, stand at attention, bring the right fist to the heart in the center of your chest, and do a forty five degree bow. Do not look down, nor lower your head." With the description, Kadeesh also demonstrated the bow as well.

"Find your seats in front of the banner which indicates your Empire, Federation, and such things like that. We have taken care not to set combating factions too close together." When Kadeesh finished, he turned and the doors slid open on their own volition. Stepping through, he would stand off to the left of the door as the others entered.

As each race found their seats, other guards came out from a separate set of doors and brought to each delegate their native food selections. So well polished were the mannerisms that the Universal Warriors seemed well above the smaller squabbles that infected each of their races. At one time, the covers were lifted and food had been served. As they stepped back, a second wave would come in, placing the appropriate drinks with the appropriate people before they seemed to melt away once more.

Two guards took their place at the door as Kadeesh would move now to a third door and disappeared momentarily. Each of the delegates were impressed with the speed, the efficiency, and the timing of each one, like a huge coordinated dance. Any reason for bickering at this table had been taken away. There was no first person to be served, nor a last. Even the lone empty seat had been served accordingly.

For a moment, no one seemed to know what to do. Several had come looking for ways to find fault with the Saiyans, others simply came to enjoy it. The Klingons looked about the table as well, noting how the round table offered no head, nor foot. There was not one greater than the other, each equal. The elegant banners hung with pride behind each race, being a good ten feet tall for each one.

"All rise King Vegeta." A voice rang out and only when the delegates had stood, did they turn to face the door where they had been called to their feet. Looking to each other they would each decide to give the proper bow, seeing no dishonor in it.

When King Vegeta finally appeared, he was dressed in the Royal attire. The gold banded uniform gave way to the shouldered armor. The Saiyan Crest was upon his left breast, emblazoned in crimson. On the shoulders, the gold round pins held the cape in place, black on the back side, red inside. His tail wrapped about his waste like a belt as a crown piece dipped down in the center of his forehead, blue sapphires set by silver studs in between them. Around his neck rested an Amulet, denoting his status as a gold band rested around his left arm. White boots and gloves topped the outfit, making it look rather crisp and clean.

Returning the proper bow, Vegeta made a simple gesture palm up and swept to the left. "Please, seat. We have much to talk about." Turning his head, he nodded once. "Caulis, take your team and go to the Cardassian space. Let me know if the ship crosses the predetermined boundary."

"Yes my lord. Kumiko, Pinnu, Ruttsu, Tommah, you're with me." Caulis called out as they headed for the launching pad. They left in such a fashion that it impressed even the strictest of command around the table.

Before sitting down, Vegeta stood in front of his seat. "I want to thank everyone for coming. Let us eat and after we'll speak of a plan to resolve this situation brewing in the Cardassian space. I have sent out a small party to keep tabs on the vessel. Should it cross a certain point, I will be notified so that it gives us time to respond."

Once the Saiyan King took his seat, the others began to eat as did he. However, his usually hurried style of eating was reduced to a picking at the food. What happened next, would hinge on each of these people to work together. How that happened would be up to each of the delegates sitting around this table. So far, no one squabbled and bickered. Being here seemed to have not only taken them off guard, but also made them realize that the situation was serious enough for each to be summoned.

Until now, the Saiyans had not even been heard of by the Federation. Others in the galaxy were now just starting to grasp that they were here. Vegeta ate a few bites before one of the guards came in and gave a light bow. Zorn moved about ten feet from the table before he spoke. "My lord, the Borg are wishing contact with you personally. Apparently they have been suffering at the hands of this vessel as well."

The table grew silent as Vegeta looked up at Zorn. "Bring me my scouter. We'll see exactly what they want."

"Yes Sire, right away." Zorn came to attention before running from the room to carry out the order.

"If the Borg are truly feeling threatened, then this is about what I had thought the scale of threat it would be." Vegeta merely stated before taking another bite of food.

"You mean to bring the Borg here so that they could assimilate us?!" Several of the others stated, nearly yelling as they pushed their chairs back.

"Calm yourselves and have a seat. You forget that this is much larger than your prejudices and fears. Hasty thought, makes for hasty reactions. Need I remind you all that hasty reactions make for dire mistakes that could lead to your destruction?" Vegeta stated calmly, taking another bite.

As the unease grew in the room, Vegeta could sense the tenseness in the atmosphere. Zorn would come in again with the scouter and then offered it to his King. "Your scouter, my King." He said simply, offering the device to him.

Vegeta took the scouter and put it on tapping on it. "This is King Vegeta of the Planet Vegeta. What is the reason for this contact?" The tone was cold, calculated. His gaze narrowed as he listened, noting each of the others, and their now growing curiosity.

"I am the Borg." A female's voice came in over the earpiece. "This vessel in the Cardassian space has laid waste to a lot of the Delta Quadrant. My people are on verge of annihilation. Would you permit me to come to your meeting?"

Vegeta looked to the others as he watched the situation carefully. "No one is to be assimilated. No vessels are to be attacked nor assimilated. Here, you are not the most powerful. You will come and leave in peace, and it will only be you. Your cube vessels can stay in the Delta Quadrant. I will have scouts out that way as well. So much as break this, and you will be destroyed. These are my terms. Do you agree or not?" There was no fear in the Saiyan King's voice, only the cold, disdain of the thought of having them here. However, he also knew their intelligence gathering capabilities.

"I agree to the terms." The Borg Queen stated in her usual cold, but seductive manner. "How will I get there?"

With a motion of his hand, Zorn again ran from the room, already knowing what was going to be summoned for. "There will be an escort for you and a Saiyan Pod. However, take any technology from it, or try anything funny, and it will self destruct. I am very guarded with Saiyan technology. To put it lightly anyway, it's well beyond your comprehension. Expect arrival in about one hour."

The Saiyan did not wait for an answer before tapping off the instrument and leaned forward. "There are two main reasons we should speak with this race. First, they have been fighting this vessel longer. They may have a name for whatever this thing is. Second, they could assist in the battle. In the end, is that not our main goal, to defeat this vessel before it wipes out the galaxy?"

"This is insane." The Admiral stated, before he spoke up, standing up as he leaned on the table with his hand, shaking a fist. "They have destroyed countless planets, assimilated innumerable civilizations. Bringing them here is courting with death or assimilation."

"They even attempt such acts, and they will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. I have only a dozen warriors out there right now. I have an army that I can call at my command. The power at my fingertips alone causes entire galaxies to tremble with fear should they harm those the Saiyan Empire decides to defend. The Borg would be nothing to me. If the Borg do not play nice, I have other allies across the Universe that could be here quickly to assist. Lets not burn the bridges before we cross them." Vegeta sternly said as the Admiral stood down, taking his seat once more.