Steven Kodaly: Think about the nature of Rigelians. You'll get your answer. That, or read the first section of this chapter.
Worker72: Interesting idea, Minbari on Vulcan. Gonna be easy to spot a bonehead there, no?
DuQuesne: Vorlons are slow. They take the long view on events in the galaxy. But yes, they're starting up their war machine.
Vulcan Combat Cruiser Ni'Var
Earth-Vulcan border
Captain Sopek watched as the Enterprise warped away on the main viewer.
The crew of the Enterprise had been chagrined to find that the Rigelian vessel was a real Rigelian scoutship. They had tried to make amends to the occupants, to no avail. Lord Cobaryn, along with Ambassador Lekev, had lodged formal protests to the Earth government on subspace radio. Their respective governments at the Rigelian Trade Commission and at Coridan have been informed of this incident, so this had the potential to become an interstellar incident.
Sopek thought it was not too surprising. Captain Archer had rushed and stumbled all over the quadrant, disrespecting local sovereignties. It was a wonder he didn't offend many more governments than this. Perhaps it was to the credit of Humanity's unusual penchant for making friends despite the actions of a few individuals. Certainly, Vulcan diplomats had worked to keep the Klingon Empire from sending a battle fleet to Earth when their courier, Klaang, was shot at Broken Bow.
As soon as the Rigelian ship returned home, Captain Jonathan Archer would learn why he shouldn't be traipsing all over the galaxy, stepping on people's feet and making mistakes that could cost Humanity their homeworld. That possibility almost came true with the Xindi Conflict and it remained to be seen if the Romulans and Minbari would realize that possibility as well.
He wondered if these events didn't foretell Humanity's, or Earth's, status as a magnet for galactic trouble.
On the main viewer, the Rigelian scoutship oriented itself on its course to Coridan. It vanished into its own warp flash.
"Set a course for Vulcan. Warp 4."
Nothing happened.
Confused for a moment, Sopek whirled his command chair toward the officer manning the helm console. She was silently gazing at him.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The officer merely stood and watched Sopek silently.
Arching an eyebrow, Sopek calmly said, "Major Malden, you are risking the charge of insubordination. That is not logical. Follow my orders."
The major still stood silently, giving no indication that she heard Sopek at all. The captain heard the snick and the soft hum of a hand weapon activating behind him.
Turning to the noise's source, Sopek found his instant conclusion to be correct: his executive officer was pointing a particle pistol at him.
"I repeat my question: What is the meaning of this?"
"The charge is treason."
Sopek raised an eyebrow and cocked his head. "I was unaware you have adopted the Human proclivity for the melodramatic. On what basis do you make the charge, Tellus?"
"It would be logical for us to expedite this matter. First, we monitored the Human ship's pursuit of a Rigelian scoutship. We concluded that the Humans were violating the Coalition Compact and moved to intercept them. I must add that you persuaded us to that conclusion and ordered the interception once we agreed."
"I fail to perceive the reason for your actions. I must add that your actions constitute insubordination, even mutiny."
Tellus inclined his head, conceding the point. However, he wasn't finished. "Secondly, we and our sensors were focused on the Enterprise. At that point, the Rigelian ship was still in sensor range, but moving away at high warp. When we learned that the vessel the Humans were pursuing was Romulan, we decided to pursue and apprehend the vessel as well. We quickly found the vessel on our sensors, laying in a different course than previously. During the pursuit, I had to be certain that we were apprehending the correct vessel, so I extrapolated the route it would have taken had it not changed course. I discovered a Vulcan combat cruiser at the approximate coordinates."
Sopek glanced down at Tellus' particle pistol. "I still fail to perceive the reason for this."
Tellus' eyes flicked to the other bridge officers. It was a delicate situation. The Vulcan High Command had never experienced a mutiny on one of its ships.
"The Rigelian ship we apprehended was the same one we escorted from the Coridan border. The Humans informed us that the vessel they were pursuing was a drone-ship of the type that was encountered before the Romulan War. I concluded that the Romulans employed their holographic emitters to disguise themselves as a High Command combat cruiser during our confrontation with the Enterprise."
Sopek leaned back, resting his hands on the command chair's arms. "An error."
Tellus countered, "A choice. Your choice, Captain Sopek."
Two other officers stepped forward to flank the seated Sopek. Major Malden didn't need to announce that the captain was now under arrest.
"It is illogical to resist." Tellus lowered his pistol. "This event has the traits of a conspiracy. I surmise that Lord Cobaryn is involved, but he has diplomatic immunity. Identify your co-conspirators. In exchange, I shall attempt to persuade the High Command to permit your retirement as an alternative to being charged and brought to trial. Sub-commander Loret, record everything said by the prisoner."
"Yes, sir."
Sopek glanced at Tellus. There was a hint of hauteur in the fallen captain. "You cannot prove it."
"On the contrary. We still have the records of the orders to escort the Rigelians, the sensor records. The Vulcan Council will convince the Rigelian Trade Commission to apprehend and question Lord Cobaryn. Logic and his testimony could only give the conclusion that we've extrapolated. The High Command will not look kindly on this incident."
Raising a hand toward the main viewer full of stars, Sopek said, "You have betrayed Vulcan."
An eyebrow jumped on Tellus' forehead. "An interesting point of view. Enlighten us as to why you undertook this action."
"I am trying to save Vulcan. The alliance with Andoria, Earth and Tellar cannot be trusted, Commander. The Andorians still lust for our fall. The Tellarites prefer to look after their own interests. They have proven that when they withdrew all of their military forces from the war with the Minbari. The Humans still resent our superiority. All of them resent our abstinence from the war with the Romulans. The Humans…they have the arrogance of Andorians, the stubborn pride of Tellarites, and too often as driven by emotions as Klingons. History has proven that it takes very little to convince the Humans to transform themselves into an empire. Once transformed, it further takes very little for it to become a repressive regime that rules with a rod of iron." Anger glinted in Sopek's eyes very briefly. "The Syrannites dominating our government prefer to be blind. We are trying to save Vulcan from all that."
"Who is 'we'?"
"The universe was a well-ordered place before the Kir'Shara. We all knew our roles. We have a destiny."
"'Destiny.' An illogical and nebulous concept. You speak of the future. If you weren't Vulcan, I would conclude that you fear the future and the changes it brings." Tellus' eyes glinted with accusation. "Fear…is an emotion."
"We seem to forget that even our internal peace, calm and silence are emotions," Sopek countered. "Our very desire to isolate and remove emotions is an emotion itself."
"I am not qualified to judge your motivations. Sopek, you can still mitigate the offense. Who are your co-conspirators?"
Sopek looked down and up at Tellus. "I do not remember."
Disturbed, Tellus studied the former captain. "Vulcans do not lie. Is that…a lie?"
Sopek stood up. There was no defiance in the set of his jaw, only a calm acceptance even though his standing spoke of defiance. "A choice." Though Sopek's face didn't show any emotion, the crew knew that if he wasn't Vulcan, the captain feeling smug about throwing that word back in Tellus' face.
Commander Tellus came to a conclusion.
Tellus, showing nothing on his face, purposefully approached Sopek. Soon, they could feel each other's breath. They stared into each other's eyes. Commander Tellus raised a hand up toward Sopek's cheek, fingers moving in their inquiry. The captain realized what the commander was going to do. He pulled away, but Tellus grabbed his arm. The older Vulcan still struggled to throw off the commander's grasp. Tellus then grabbed the nape of Sopek's neck and pulled him close.
The bridge crew watched silently and stoically as Sopek widened his eyes in grim anticipation of the mind-meld.
Again, Tellus' fingers moved over the captain's cheek, seeking the katra points. Resistance was illogical. The commander concentrated. Soon, Tellus has delved into Sopek's mind.
Speaking as one, Tellus and Sopek said, "Major Talok."
Major Malden was startled. "It would seem he's not the only one in the High Command with ulterior plans. The V'Shar should be informed immediately." Urgently: "Are there others?"
"Administrator…V'Las."
Now the whole crew stirred at that name. V'Las had vanished in the aftermath of the Kir'Shara's revelation and the fall of his regime. This meant that he was still around, wreaking havoc in the region. "Are you recording this, Sub-commander?" Malden inquired of Loret who replied in the affirmative.
"Admiral…Valdore."
Malden looked at Loret. Their faces were blank. She said, "I do not know of any admiral named Valdore."
Tellus also wanted to know the answer. He delved deeper into Sopek's mind. The captain had thrown up a wall to block Tellus' probing. He shifted his fingers to cover more of the katra points. The wall still blocked him. Still staring into Sopek's eyes, Tellus brought up his other hand to touch the katra points on the other side of the captain's face.
The doubled power of the probing caused Sopek to gasp. The wall held. Tellus pushed harder, causing Sopek to moan in pain. His unblinking eyes began to well up with tears from the effort of resisting the probing.
Slam. Sopek uttered a louder moan. Major Malden winced. As far as she knew, it was the first time they've witnessed the mind meld in such a violating way. Other officers began to show signs of being uneasy with this.
The aging Vulcan man grunted as Tellus slammed harder into the wall. He felt Sopek try desperately to resist. Then a name floated up into Tellus' mind: Chuihv. He grabbed at the name, feeling it become part of his knowledge. The commander's eyes widened as he knew that Chuihv was Sopek. He was a double-agent for the Vulcans and the Romulans. Was it possible that the name Valdore was for another such double-agent high up in the High Command ranks?
Still, he wanted to know more. The information about Sopek's double-agent status was intended to distract him. Who is Valdore? Pressing his fingers deeper into the captain's face, Tellus opened up his own primal Vulcan emotions and added it to the power of his assault on Sopek's wall. The captain cried out and Tellus gasped in shared pain. The wall shattered. The intensity of the younger Vulcan's emotion poured down the link into Sopek, transfixing the older Vulcan—open-eyed, open-mouthed, anguished, like a man being burned at the stake in his mind. Then an image came up out of the haze of pain. It was that of a tall muscular man with the hard look characteristic of the Andorian and Human military.
Tellus was puzzled. Except for the unfamiliar checkered uniform, the man appeared Vulcan. Tellus spotted a round window over the unmoving man's shoulder. Through it were the buildings of a large city, its architecture unfamiliar. One of the buildings had a large golden globe on top with a predator bird perched on it. Tellus knew the name of this world: Romulus.
Gasping, he snapped his attention back to the unmoving Admiral Valdore.
Tellus' fingers came away from Sopek's katra points, breaking the connection. The commander's mouth was still open in the gasp of shock and exhaustion. Sopek, his mouth slack, shuddered and trembled. The aging captain still stared into the commander's eyes, quivering from the whole ordeal.
Commander Tellus brought himself back under control and stepped away from Sopek, tearing his eyes away from the ousted captain.
A heavy silence reigned in the bridge. The crew had been witness to a violation. Tellus walked away, his back straight but his shoulders were now stooped under a burden. He was still reeling from the experience.
Tellus now understood why Rigelians were chosen to deceive: they shared a similar physiology with Vulcans so that they could be properly termed a vulcanoid species. He looked all around at his fellow Vulcans. Were they ready to hear this? Sopek had folded his hands in front of himself and was looking down at the deck, offering nothing for the question. Tellus now bore the burden and the responsibility of the secret.
Some knowledge comes with a high price.
Vulcan's lost brethren have been found.
Reunification.
Cheron System
The gray planet was a testimony of the ruin of war.
Cheron was once host to an ancient humanoid civilization that destroyed itself in a civil war. The Cheronites had been evidently concerned with their skin colors. Sub-commander Chulak sighed, watching as his breath fogged the cold glass of the port window, obscuring the dead world, like the fog that rode the winds blowing through its dead cities.
If only the Humans were still as concerned about skin colors so that they destroyed themselves. That would leave the Romulans free to achieve the dream of Reunification without the Coalition in the way. Without the Humans, the Andorians would have gone to war with the Tellarites. Without them, the Vulcans would have conquered Andoria, precipitating a war that would weaken both sides. In such a state of affairs, the Romulan Star Empire would move in to pick up the pieces, save Vulcan from the ruin of war, thereby reuniting the sundered species. All would enjoy the order and progress of the Senate and People of Romulus.
Now war threatened to ruin the dream of Reunification.
Chulak looked over at the dry-dock containing a warbird under construction. Structurally, it was completed. Aesthetically, the artisans were still painting the bird of prey on its underside. Once it was finished, the ship would receive a name from the Senate. This tradition was enacted only when the Empire was in a state of war. Beyond, he could see other dry-docks and warships in various stages of construction.
Ever since the debacle with the telepresence drone-ship program before the Earth War, Chulak studied the Humans. Other Romulans didn't share his fascination with their enemy. The sub-commander had reasoned that to understand the enemy is to more easily defeat the enemy. Nonetheless, he didn't understand why the Humans needed to highlight the comedic exploits of a red-haired housewife or four elderly women living together, or to focus on the clearly fictional adventures of a military organization utilizing a ring-shaped matter transmission device, or to watch as a Human race is slaughtered and forced into a space-based nomadic life by bipedal machines, or to observe sporting events that had no apparent purpose aside from leisure. The strangest and most interesting was the notion that Humanity could one day master the very fabric of time and space; however the fact that the machine of such power would look like an old wooden blue box made it more laughable than terrifying.
Still, one could learn a great deal from a race's modes of entertainment.
Behind Chulak, the circular double-layered door slid apart. To his surprise, he found Admiral Valdore standing in the doorway with a scowl on his square-jawed face. As always, Chulak felt intimidated by the admiral's hulking size and powerful build. The larger Romulan man strode around the large round table in the room.
"Where is Khre'riov Lasus?"
Snapping to attention, Chulak replied, "He is preparing for the briefing, Daise'Khre'Enriov." The sub-commander made sure to pronounce the admiral's rank properly. In Human terms, Valdore would be Principal Senior Commander-General, or Chief Fleet Admiral. Despite the failure of the telepresence drone-ship program before the war and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment, Valdore had returned to the Imperial Fleet and become powerful as the war progressed. Offending him would not reflect well on Chulak, his family or on his patron-sponsor, Admiral Lasus.
"Good. The briefing will be quite educational."
The sub-commander dared not look up at the admiral. He refused to wonder for whom it would be educational.
"I have heard of your…interest in the Humans, Erei'riov Chulak." Valdore gave Chulak a smile that was just a shade warmer than any expression that he usually wore.
Chulak's back stiffened. The admiral may be the supreme commander of the war, but he wouldn't tolerate any mockery of his honor. Mnhei'sahe. "Daise'Khre'Enriov, did not the Imperial War College teach to study the enemy for weaknesses and to exploit them?"
"Be at ease, erei'riov. I agree and I'm using it."
The smaller man was relieved.
"It is perhaps fortunate that you have aligned with Lasus' family." Valdore's tone was carefully neutral. Then his tone became slightly warmer: "His father, Deihu Mezen was one of my mentors."
Chulak was suitably impressed. Senator Mezen was an Imperial Hero: He was the key figure in making Romii, the white dwarf star system distantly orbiting the Romulan System, a major base of the Star Empire; he won battles in the campaigns to imperialize the colonies Chaltok and Sotarek soon after the Vulcan ship T'sannu was shot down over Romulus; and he participated in the conquest of the Reticulan homeworld in Tranome Sar. Now he understood why the admiral was being neutral about his association with Mezen's son: Lasus had to live up to his father's legacy, which he had yet to do.
The round door slid open. Admiral Lasus stepped through and looked up, startled. Valdore smoothly bowed his head and gestured toward the table. Behind Lasus, Senator Vrax gave Valdore an aristocratic sour look before turning to the table. Senator Colius, coming from behind, took note of this exchange and took a seat between him and Valdore. His aide, Commander Galathon nodded his respects to Valdore and Chulak. Following him was Military Tribune Soterus who quickly seated himself at the table without waiting for the others. He was escorted by Praetorian Guardsman Sorus. The governor of Cheron would be busy managing the urgent fleet constructions in the system, so she couldn't be here.
This was the most powerful gathering of officials outside Romulus. If the Coalition knew, this would be the opportunity to strike a blow to the Romulan hierarchy. Unlike the Tal'Shiar, none of the allied enemies had agents in the other side. Added to that was the protection of a large fleet in the Cheron System, so Valdore was not too worried about an assassination strike. Still, guards and security checks were used throughout the space station.
Of all the newcomers, Chulak was the most impressed with Senator Colius. The silver-haired old man was one of the very few Praetors to retire long before dotage or death took them. He led the Star Empire through the Imperialization Crisis before surrendering the Praetorate. Nowadays, he spent his time sitting and observing the doings of the Senate and using his skilled oratory to influence while refusing offers of other powers like the consulship. Why, he even refused the position of Imperial Legate whose rank stood only between the Empress and the Praetor though the power was ceremonial. Empress T'Lel IV herself held him in regard high enough to create the Praetor Colius Award to be awarded to worthy senators.
Tribune Soterus took out a white lagga flower from underneath his cloak and tossed it onto the center of the table. It had thorns on the stem and the head was crowded with petals. Chulak was surprised at this very traditional gesture. In ancient times, the white lagga was hung or painted on the ceiling as a sign that anything said in councils or under the influence of alcohol was to be kept confidential. The sub-commander wondered at the unnecessary need to point out that the briefing was secret. He concluded that Soterus was influenced by the manners of the Imperial Court. Was Soterus advertising his proximity to the Empress?
Senator Vrax was frowning at the lagga flower. Clearly, he didn't care much for Soterus' advertisement of Courtly influence. He looked at the men around the round table. "Did you get the news about Xerius?"
A scowl flicked across Valdore's face. Some of it was directed at Lasus. "I would have thought that Afvillhei Xerius learned from his military experience enough to follow orders." Valdore's refusal to acknowledge Governor Xerius' military rank was a mark of his disappointment. This disappointment also extended to Admiral Lasus who had given the orders for Xerius to go into Coalition space. "Instead, he got greedy. The price: a small fleet and hundreds of good Rihannsu soldiers!"
As he took a breath to calm himself, Valdore took comfort in the fact that the governor of Rhei'Ilhne managed to take down the entire Starfleet force at the Dulisian System with him. So it wasn't a total loss.
Cynically, he thought that it troubled the Senate only as far as forcing them to name a new governor for Romulus' farthest colony. Admiral Valdore said, "Even so, Xerius has exposed a weakness in our ships. I've ordered the Imperial Fleet to line the hulls with kelbonite, a refractory metal capable of deflecting or interfering with scans and the transporter, and magnesite, a mineral which can interfere with sensor and transporter functions."
The others in the meeting indicated their agreement by gesturing or commenting positively.
"We have the updated battle plan for Andoria." The main viewer on the wall between the door and the port window activated. "The assault force will consist of Fleet III Devron, Fleet IX Romii and Fleet VI Inaieu. The plan is to hit the system in two waves. Fleet III will approach from the Galactic Rimward." The main viewer changed to a simulation of the assault.
Lasus bowed. "Thank you, Daise'Khre'Enriov."Chulak wondered that if he succeeded, he would reap great honors. He didn't like to think what would happen if the attack failed. After all, he was Lasus' aide and therefore associated with whatever happens to Lasus.
Valdore continued speaking. "My assignment, Fleet IX will attack from the Galactic Coreward. Its objective will be this structure." Pressing a command, he caused the main viewer to zoom into the depicted star system. Hanging against the backdrop of a ringed ice-colored gas giant was four struts with what appeared to be a series of solar panels running down each of the struts. It had the look of a dry-dock, but the structure didn't seem to be a cohesive piece, which was unsafe for starship construction. If Chulak's judgment was right, the structure was much too large to be a dry-dock when compared to the ships scattered around the gas giant Andor.
"What is it?" wondered Soterus aloud.
"Intelligence suggests a new technology for interstellar travel. If possible, we will capture it for study. If that proves difficult, we will destroy it."
Vrax frowned as he studied the placement of enemy vessels around Andor. "Some of those ships aren't Andorian. Or Hevamsu."
Chulak could see them: a few ships that appeared blocky. Several of them were even shaped like bricks. One of them appeared to be quite large and keeping station by the dry-dock-like structure.
Tribune Soterus leaned forward with interest. "The Tal'Shiar has received intelligence of a new ally that the Hevamsu found. Apparently, it is another Hevamsu star-faring nation. I believe we encountered some of their ships during our attack on the Hevamsu colony at Qualor."
Lasus frowned uneasily. "Like it is with us and the Vuhlkansu?"
"Possibly. Except that they call themselves the Earth Alliance."
"Maybe they're a lost colony?" wondered Senator Vrax aloud.
"Be as it may, Deihu," interjected Valdore. "Qualor revealed that the ships of this 'Earth Alliance' are slow and difficult to maneuver. Arrain Telvor should be returning to Rihannsu space soon with detailed intelligence on this race. Still, I believe we can handle them."
Lasus leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, eyes alight. "We could use the main plasma cannon on our warbirds to take them out."
Chulak smiled in anticipation of seeing those bars of white hot light spearing through enemy vessels, killing them instantly. Xerius had tried using the one on his warbird, but not effectively even though he had speared a Starfleet vessel with it. Valdore's reply soon dispelled the anticipation.
"The plasma cannon technology was intended to be used in ships far more advanced than we are capable of building, with a far greater energy reserve. Firing them uses virtually all the ship's power. So they should be used as a last resort. We must choose our time and place wisely." Valdore glared pointedly at Lasus for a moment. "Once fired, the warbird cannot navigate or fire other weapons for up to a minute, depending on the power channeled from the fusion reactor. There's barely enough power to maintain artificial gravity. This leaves the ship vulnerable. A lot can happen in a minute."
Soterus' expression tightened. "Even so, we will use whatever means at our disposal to defeat the Coalition and achieve Reunification."
The other men silently looked at the tribune, very conscious of his escort, Sorus, whose hand now hovered near the sword at his belt, the only weapon permitted in the chamber. As Military Tribune, Soterus was a representative of Praetor Lai. In Earth terms, Military Tribunes were the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the head of state. Therefore, he was answerable only to the Praetor and the Empress, and that was reinforced by the presence of Sorus who was a member of the Praetorian Guard. As shown in his use of the lagga flower, it was likely he frequented the Imperial Court itself. Soterus looked at Valdore and said, "Continue."
"Fleets III and IX will enter the system at the ninth hour on the 15th of Tasmeen," the Romulan Fleet Admiral said as he directed the display on the main viewer to reflect his briefing. "Fleet VI, coming straight from Pvarto, will enter the system thirty minutes after the ninth hour." Pvarto was the Andorian name for Gamma Virginis. Until a colony could be founded and named by the Senate, the Romulans would use that name. "Riov Galathon will lead Fleet VI."
At that, Captain Galathon bowed his thanks.
"The fleet will be escorting troop transports for the invasion."
The men exchanged looks of surprise. Lasus wondered aloud, "Is that wise? This is the Andorian homeworld we're talking about. Any force attempting an invasion of Andoria would be up to its neck in blood—its own! If they don't freeze first!"
"We have no intention of fighting them on their homeworld. We will use atomics on the major regions. Most of our troops will land at the Northern Wastes and take the Aenar cities. Since the Aenar are pacifists, we can move in at leisure."
Senator Vrax, along with the others, was reeling from the enormity of the plan. "We've used atomics on the outlying enemy colonies and outposts, but never on a world with almost a billion inhabitants! Even if we removed the main resistance points, just holding the ice planet will be more trouble than it's worth."
Senator Colius agreed. "The Star Empire cannot afford nor would tolerate a quagmire. We might end up creating a wasteland to achieve peace."
Valdore bowed his head to the senator. "Deihu, Andoria's worth is only in breaking the enemy's morale. We will continue bombing the planet until the government surrenders. If they value their citizens' lives, they have to surrender. If not…." The admiral looked at the lagga flower. Was there regret in Valdore? "Havrannsu troops will counter any resistance given by the Andorians and the less pacific Aenar. We will keep only the Aenar cities only as long as we could transport all of the inhabitants to ch'Havran for our use. After Andoria, the Andorians will have only the colonies at Beta Hydri, Yadalla, Weytahn and Draken. Without the homeworld to support them, the colonies can't stand on their own. After the war, we could use the planet as a penal colony."
He caused the main viewer to zoom out of the Andorian System until the area around Gamma Virginis could be seen. A new green arrow appeared below those stabbing at Andoria, this time moving toward another star system below Gamma Virginis. "In relation to Draken, Fleet II Aidoann and Fleet IV Devron will deploy in a diversionary attack at Draken before we break orbit for the assault on Andoria. That will draw forces away from Andoria. The orders for them are that if the resistance is not too strong, they are to destroy the Draken colony." Valdore gave everyone a level look. "Study your assignments, officers. We can't afford mistakes." He stood, a clear indication that the briefing was over. The other men stood as well. "We leave for Pvarto at the second hour tomorrow. Remember, gentlemen, we are living in a time when we could finally achieve Reunification. The Elements grant that future generations will recall us just as we recall the Tel'laa'vor."
Chulak's chest swelled in patriotic pride. Tel'laa'vor was an epic poem composed by Japell during the reign of the Ruling Queen T'Rehu. It told of the founding of the Romulan people, their Exodus from Vulcan, their landing on Romulus as well as the conquest of Remus. It was the story of legends, of heroes overcoming adversity, enemies and even nature itself. Every Romulan child knew the story. As such, the words of Tel'laa'vor were treated almost as scripture even though it wasn't considered divinely inspired.
In all his studies of the Humans, Chulak could find only the Aeneid for comparison. A pale comparison, in his personal opinion.
"If all goes well," stated Valdore, "we will need not worry about the Andorian Empire anymore. After Andoria, we'll have only the Hevamsu to overcome in our way to Reunification."
Quadrant 14
Narn Regime
Nobody told her that she would be dealing with children instead of diplomats.
If she was Human, Ambassador V'Lar of Vulcan would have thrown up her arms in disgust and stormed out of the conference room long ago. Certainly, she felt tempted to nerve-pinch the two primary "negotiators." For a brief moment, she allowed herself to imagine the stunned expression on the faces of Londo Mollari and G'Kar as they are temporarily put out of their misery.
She glanced across the table at the empty chair. The Earth commercial telepath had some time ago excused herself, showing signs of distress, perhaps a headache. V'Lar had learned that intense emotion in close proximity was hard to block and telepaths need breaks. It was not surprising with the bickering representatives present. Still, Talia Winters was needed to peel away Londo's and G'Kar's lies and secrets until they are both left with the logical conclusion that they are better served by an amicable agreement than by conflict. Though, as long as the diplomats shouted themselves hoarse, what was the point?
"Gentlemen," she interrupted in a voice that was carefully measured. "We have ranged far from the point of the discussions." And indeed they had. G'Kar of Narn had spent much of the morning in a tirade about the Centauri failure to make amends for their rule on Narn, while Ambassador Mollari, representing the Centauri Republic, countered with arguments that revolved around Narn "terrorism" and their lack of respect for the Centauri border. As was all too common with emotional beings, when their logic failed, they raised their voices. The present disagreement had escalated into a shouting match. They had been repeating their points over the past 2.3 hours. Both sides had stopped listening to each other long ago. Perhaps they never listened to each other right from the beginning of their historical interaction.
"Regarding the matter at hand," V'Lar continued with a patient look at both representatives, "the Narn representative has yet to discuss the Centauri proposal for a cessation of hostilities, a resettlement of borders and a peace treaty."
"That's because it isn't a proposal!" G'Kar snapped, his red eyes flashing. "It's a demand!"
Londo's hair crest trembled in his anger. "Narn ships have been crossing the border! These unprovoked attacks must stop!"
V'Lar almost sighed. She wondered once more whether this negotiation was a complete waste of time. Briefly, only a heartbeat long, she entertained the notion of using the Vulcan High Fleet to force an agreement. V'Lar immediately dismissed that as counterproductive. They had tried a variation of that before the Battle of Signet and the moment the High Fleet was distracted, the Narns and Centauri regressed. She also wondered whether it would be better for the Narns and Centauri to go to war with each other, vent all of their emotions, their hatred and their bloodlust until they are exhausted into peace. However, that wouldn't be conducive to the efforts to gain diplomatic influence for the Vulcan Confederacy and to generate assistance for the Earth Alliance in its war with the Minbari. Besides, considering their mutual history, it was highly likely they might continue fighting until both sides are extinct, possibly pulling neighboring worlds into the conflict.
"The attacks will stop when the Centauri government stops sending hostile ships across the border into Narn space!"
"You took Ragesh 3 and Quadrant 37! They're supposed to be our conduit for trade! That's in the treaty! What possible reason is there for the slaughter of unarmed civilians?"
"Curious! We wondered the same thing when you invaded our world. The wheel turns, does it not, Ambassador?"
"Faugh! We should have wiped out your kind when we had the chance!"
"What happened? Run out of small children to eat?"
"Gentlemen!" V'Lar interrupted again, her voice hard and demanding attention. As one, their eyes turned to her and she let a silent moment pass as she gave appraising looks at both of them. V'Lar indulged in a momentary fantasy of spreading the teachings of Surak among both races' governments. "The purpose of these negotiations is not to discuss the failings of the past, but to focus on the future."
"The Centauri has a record of expecting us to fall in line! They impose treaties on us by force!" G'Kar immediately pointed out.
"That's because if we don't, you'll keep taking planets from us!"
"That's because your time has come and gone! It's our turn now! One night, you'll wake up and find our teeth at your throat!"
"Augh!" Londo spread his arms in a dramatic gesture of disgust, before thrusting a finger at the Narn. "Keep this up, G'Kar, and you'll push us too far! When that happens, you won't have a planet to protect!"
Ambassador V'Lar almost sighed again. She let her eyes wander over to the window at the stars. She could see the planet and the Narn space station of Quadrant 14. Some Humans had commented that the planet looked like someone tried to invent a pizza ball and got messy in the process. That sounded like a most unflattering description, whatever a pizza was. The space station, however, looked formidable. It had three arms extending from the central dome, though their undersides were connected by what appeared to be an upside down city with no streets or windows. A Narn heavy cruiser was docked at one of the arms. Several Narn Frazi-class fighters were making their patrol rounds. The Narn had proudly said that it'd take a large Centauri fleet to defeat the station's defenses, and the Centauri, for once, agreed.
They were on the Vulcan command ship Shirasna. The rest of the Vulcan fleet that survived the battle at Signet was in the system. That was the concession the Vulcan Council made to Emperor Turhan to insure the safety of his representatives in a Narn-held star system. That had the added benefit of maintaining the illusion that they were on neutral territory for this negotiation.
She blinked in momentary surprise as the local jumpgate visibly activated. There wasn't any arrival in the schedule.
The energy generated by the enigmatic mineral Quantium 40 flashed and crackled in sequence down the jumpgate's struts. The energies converged and tore a hole through the film of reality separating the hell-colored maelstrom of hyperspace from normal space. V'Lar knew there was nothing gentle about the process. It was a barely contained explosion of energy lethal to anything foolish enough to get in the way.
Many ships came out of the vortex in quick order. Starfleet, Andorian, EarthForce, even Vulcan ships made up what was quickly apparent as a large allied armada. The size and the composition of the fleet surprised even the worldly Ambassador V'Lar. Starfleet had sent an NX, NWs, Neptunes and Deltas. The Andorians had their top ships of the line in the armada—only the ships guarding Andoria were better. The Earth Alliance outnumbered the Coalition forces with Olympi, Hyperions, Novas, Artemises, even the upgraded Olympi called the Delos. Dispersed throughout the fleet were Vulcan Suurok, Surak, Kir, and Maymora classes ships. There was even a command ship of the same type as the Shirasna. It was then she noticed that some of the Earth ships were small, boxy atmosphere-capable craft resembling Earth's 20th and 21st century heavy military air transports but with the wings folded for space flight.
It was an invasion force.
Almost unnoticed, the two antagonistic ambassadors had stopped their argument to observe the event with widening eyes.
V'Lar didn't hesitate. She smoothly rose to her feet, drawing everyone's attention.
"I recommend a recess," she said, her voice tone accepting no disagreement. "Let us adjourn for today." Already, she was striding out of the room, not waiting to see how Londo and G'Kar reacted.
-/\-
Sonovar of Minbar gazed at the image of the massive force gathered within. He frowned at the Vulcan ships that could be seen in the enemy fleet. "Where is this? What is the meaning of this?"
"It's at Quadrant 14 right now. Doesn't this mean the Narn are colluding against you, hmmm?"
The Minbari looked down, frowning. It was indeed troubling. "Londo Mollari, what would you have us do?"
The Centauri diplomat glanced sideway at the port window. The quarters that the Vulcans provided him on their ship were Spartan, yet elegant. Still, he'd prefer the ostentation of Centauri noble quarters any day. He turned back to the tachyon communication console that the Vulcans installed for their guests. He made sure that the encryptions were still running and secure. "They are selling stolen weapons to the Earthers. Now they're opening their space to your enemies. They need to be punished!"
Sonovar lifted his head, his eyes becoming hooded as he looked down his nose. "We know your motivation for bringing this to our attention. The Narns have been attacking your border worlds and outposts. You wish us to do your job for you."
"The Narns are trouble-makers. By selling weapons stolen from us, they would have you attack the Centauri Republic—"
"How is that different from what you are doing now?" retorted Sonovar.
Londo had to take a deep breath to prevent himself from screaming at this thick-headed Minbari. Maybe their head bone had something to do with their brain capacity. "The difference, my dear Sonovar, is that we Centauri strive for peace and order. Have not the Centauri Republic pursued trade and diplomacy all these years since our empire fell? The Narns would see the whole galaxy burn and take advantage of it by conquering their own empire in the ruins."
"Again, what would you have us to do?"
The Centauri raised a wagging finger. "Ah now we get to the core of the conversation, my friend. If we use the Royal Navy to punish them, there will be war. Such a war would be disastrous not only for both sides, but also for most of the neighbors around us. Emperor Turhan does not wish for that to happen. If you would do some of the punishment, the Narns wouldn't dare go to war. Oh, they'll bluster and wail about the unfairness of facing your wonderful warcruisers, but they'll stop harassing the galaxy. And you'll be able to protect yourself from your enemies at the same time." Londo grinned, revealing sharp teeth, and nodded vigorously. "That is hitting two rocks with one bird, yes?"
"What?" Now the Minbari man was confused.
Waving a hand dismissively, Londo amended, "Oh, just one of those Human sayings. Never mind that. They never make sense."
Sonovar seemed to be thinking. If he believed Londo and reported to his superiors, the Narn Regime would be added to the list of enemies that the Minbari needed to punish, as well as help eliminating the armada's threat. "What's the destination of the fleet?"
Londo personally regretted this. Doing this would prolong the war and would compound the error he made that disrupted the peace negotiations between the Humans and Minbari at Epsilon. But Centauri Prime took precedence over all. If he didn't do anything, the Narns through the demon G'Kar would manipulate the Coalition into smashing their way through Centauri space to Minbari territory. In the wake of that fleet, Narn ships would follow to pick up the pieces, gain planets in Centauri space, thereby gaining half the distance to Centauri Prime itself. Even if the Coalition left the Centauri alone as they went through their territory, the Narns would pretend to join their fleet only to make surprise attacks at Centauri colonies.
And the painful thing of it all was that the Emperor was likely to do not one thing about it. It was up to Londo to do his patriotic duty. What's one more secret to regret? The memory of G'Kar's insults burned. "Sonovar, the fleet's—"
The door to his quarters slid open. Londo whirled around, opening his mouth to shout at the rude interruption.
Four Vulcan security officers flanked a Starfleet admiral and a Centauri Royal Guardsman. They walked in and leveled their pistols squarely at Londo. "Lord Mollari, you are under arrest," said the Guardsman.
Sonovar could see everything happening. Immediately, he cut the communication link. The screen went dark.
"On what charges?" cried Londo.
The admiral stepped forward. "Espionage, endangerment of lives, murder by proxy, treason."
"WHAT?!" Londo couldn't believe it. The Royal Guardsman was stepping forward and held out a rolled parchment in his immaculate white glove. Keeping the parchment rolled and closed was a yellow cord tied with an intricately complex knot. A gold-flecked red wax seal had been pressed onto the knot. Londo's eyes widened. The Yellow Warrant. A warrant signed by the Emperor himself.
Londo couldn't breathe. The document signified the fall of House Mollari. According to Centauri law, if he's found guilty of treason, Londo would be executed and the properties of his House would be confiscated by the government unless the guilty party falls on his sword.
He really couldn't breathe. The room seemed to be closing in on him. A tight burning pressure gripped his chest. The end of House Mollari. He winced as he grabbed the elbow of his right arm. Shooting pain. A hand seemed to be squeezing his chest until there was blooming pain.
Londo Mollari collapsed.