Chapter 36: Revelations
Reviewers:
angelus288: Hives are massive. They can extend over a dozen kilometers above the surface, and al least as far below. On the lower levels people are packed like sardines. Probably the Star Trek galaxy.
grayangle: You'll find out where it leads soon. Vail is badly injured. Her fate will be revealed later.
BGTom: You're right. The attack should rattle some cages. Starfleet will likely get assistance soon. So how did the Breen attack Earth during the Dominion War? Did they take Starbase 7 then?
oblivionkight7: There may be. If there are they won't remain undetected for long.
DarkOZ: Thank you. The Custodes guard the Emperor. They do little else.
RegisSantia: I'm glad you liked it.
armyman16: Vail didn't turn to Chaos. She was being controlled ever since she was attacked on her way to Halloway's quarters a few chapters back. She was basically a puppet. Actually I have read every 40k novel ever written and have all but two of the codex books. Perhaps destroy was too strong a world. It is well documented that a single powerful rouge psyker can lead to a world falling to a chaos attack. In the novel Crimson Tears it shows that Dark Eldar can move an entire world into the Warp. That is what I meant when I said to destroy a world. And the Emperor's ultimate attack has the power of a supernova. The Federation may have been purged if they had encountered the Inquisition first, but they were found by the Space Wolves and are now under the protection of the Mechanicus. Trek technology may lack the raw power of the Imperium, but its true strengths lie in areas such as medicine and communications. We all have our own preferences. I am planning on starting a pure 40k story that you will probably like soon.
The Sithspawn: Glad you enjoyed it! I hoped you would like it. Probably. Now that's an idea! Consider it done! Still, even that fleet may fall once Shadowclaw's secret weapon is completed.
Lennox RH: Thanks, I was hoping it would be good. The losses were light because arco-flagellants are used to attacking things right in front of them, not breaking down every door they come across and kill one guy. That is likely. What are the Red Line Fleets? You mean the ships in mothball? Something big is about to happen to Vail. You'll see what very soon. Long live the Emperor!
Vortex Inferno: Thanks. I'm glad I did something you liked.
Olafur: Glad you agree. You'll find out who the allies are soon.
Klingon Chancellor Martok was the last to enter the High Council Chamber. Since the attack on Quonos three days ago, he had been supervising the reinforcement of the planet's defenses. With two of the Empire's largest shipyards having also fallen to attacks the same day as the assault of the Klingon homeworld, the Defense Forces were stretched thin. Even with the help of the Federation, whose forces had been badly damaged in a conflict with the Borg, the tide was turning in favor of the Cardassians.
Once the Chancellor took his seat the meeting came to order. Martok was handed several reports, one of which he slammed into the stone table, producing a loud slap.
"How can this have happened?" He asked. "Two of our primary shipyards destroyed, hundreds of ships lost, Quonos itself attacked, all with no warning at all?"
"We are obviously being targeted a race we have never encountered before. Sensor readings gathered during the attack on the Vor'Toth shipyards have revealed that our new enemy possesses a technology that enables them to hide from any of our sensors," Fleet Commander Te'gor replied. He inserted a data chip into the controls for the screen at the center of the table. A recording of the attack was played out of four rotating screens so all could see it. They watched as the space around the Vor'Toth shipyards was suddenly filled with black ships. A slower replay revealed a slight distortion just before they emerged.
"Were our ships able to gather any data on their propulsion systems?" Councilor Kre'toth asked.
"The ships were protected by a powerful stealth technology. However, we were able to analyze their engine emissions. I believe we can adapt our sensors to identify the special distortions their drives create when they emerge. However, it would only give us a few moments warning. Their drives appear to operate in a dimension other than subspace. That is likely how they are able to avoid our sensors so easily until they emerge."
"We must act quickly," Martok said. "If we can defeat the Cardassians in one fight and crush them, we will be able to begin searching for this new enemy. It is clear that they are far more dangerous."
"But we have less than a thousand ships Chancellor. If we gathered enough to face the Cardassians it would leave many of our key worlds vulnerable to attack."
"That may be, but as it is none of our fleets would be able to defend against a forced of these black ships. I will speak with Starfleet. They are facing an invasion by the Breen and will likely not be able to spare many ships."
A few minutes later the council adjourned. The Klingon fleet would gather together and take the main Cardassian fleet head on. If they could defeat the main fleet, the Cardassians would be forced to pull back, giving the Klingon Empire time to catch its breath and plan its next moves.
In orbit, oblivious to sensors and visual sight, a ship had overheard the entire meeting. On board the invisible ship, a figure swathed in shadows consulted a data pad. It tapped several commands into a nearby computer and felt the ship begin to move. It would proceed under impulse until it cleared the system and then warp to its next destination. Soon, the shadows that were darkening the Quadrant would be driven away, and the truth revealed.
In Cardassian space, just a few light-years from the Klingon War front, Gul Kentaur consulted the tactical star chart in his ready room. The Klingons had recently pulled back several of their strike groups from the front, leaving their colonies exposed. Kentaur's face broke into a cruel smile. The Klingons would finally pay for all they had done to the Cardassian people. Suddenly there came a knock on his door.
"Yes," he replied. The door slid open and Glin Tresto entered. "You bring news?"
"Yes sir. Reports indicate the Klingon fleets have begun puling back from seven sectors. Central Command had given orders that our fleet is to push forward and claim the Klingon colony on Drakish five."
"Good, prepare the fleet for-" suddenly the ship gave a great lurch. Both officers were nearly knocked to the floor. ""Gul Kentaur to bridge! What is going on!"
"We are under fire sir, but sensors cannot detect any ships in the vicinity." The ship shook again, this time the shudder was accompanied by a flicker of the lights.
In space, the Keldon 2 class cruiser Denral's shields suffered from another barrage of disruptor fire. They were already down to half strength and falling quickly. The battlecuiser, and the ships around her, fired their own weapons blindly, eventually hitting the shields of a cloaked ship. A small part of a wing became visible and the vessel warped out.
"Pursuit course!" Gul Kentaur ordered.
"But sir, our orders are to-"
"I know our orders! That ship was able to sneak up on us and nearly destroy us. If we can capture it Central Command will surely reward us. Now pursuit course!" As the familiar sight of rushing stars filled the view screen, Gul Kentaur allowed his mind to begin imagining what he would be given when he discovered the secrets of this mystery vessel.
The starship Enterprise, along with a fleet of nearly fifty vessels, was traveling at warp nine to Starbase 7. The Breen assault fleet would be forced to stop there and replenish their energy and power reserves before making the second leg of their journey into Federation space. If they could not reach a diplomatic solution, Picard was under orders to destroy Starbase 7 and deny it to the Breen. Without the supplies, the Breen would be forced to slow their attack until their own supply lines could be established, giving the Federation time to create a hardened defense around Earth and other key systems.
Captain Picard was reading through a pile of data pads, barely managing to keep his eyes open. Just a few hours ago he had received a request for aid from Chancellor Martok. He was planning a final push against the Cardassians to drive them back. Admiral Ross was gathering the few ships he could. Like Picard, he hoped that the recent series of attacks by a new and unknown race would give both empires a reason to stop their war.
"Riker to Picard," his communicator beeped.
"Picard here."
"We're coming up on Starbase 7."
"I'm on my way," Picard replied and slowly got up from his seat, his legs and back cracking at the sudden movement.
By the time he got to the bridge, the fleet had dropped out of warp. Commander Riker was waiting in his chair with a steaming cup of tea for his captain, who was practically asleep on his feet.
"Thank you Number One. Any reports of ships in the region?"
"Nothing yet. If the reports are right the Breen should arrive in about twelve hours."
"Have all ships deploy their defense satellites and prepare for combat," Picard ordered. Each ship in his fleet had been carrying components for one or more tactical defense platforms. They were armed with three phaser arrays and a single torpedo launcher.
"Gul, we are approaching the Federation border," Kentaur's first officer reported.
"And the ship?"
"It is maintaining course and speed. However sensors are reading a slow drop in its power emissions."
"Continue course. If we encounter Federation ships we will tell them we are chasing an enemy vessel. They will allow us to claim it, and if they do not we will fight our way out." Kentaur knew that even with the eight Galors and his Keldon, a Federation battle fleet would outclass them. But this new ship would be worth it, or so he hoped.
On board the Enterprise, Ensign Kent was manning the sensor station, which suddenly lit up with nearly a dozen contacts.
"Captain, sensors are picking up nearly a dozen ships entering the sector."
"What kind of ships?" Riker asked.
"Eight Cardassian Galor cruisers, one Keldon battlecuiser and a ship they seem to be pursuing. I'm getting almost nothing on it. It's cloaked but it seems to be suffering damage to its cloaking generator. That explains how the Cardassians are tracking it."
"Can you open a channel to the Cardassians?" Picard asked.
"Yes sir," Kent replied. A few moments later the image of a Cardassian Gul filled the viewscreen, and he did not look happy.
"Captain Picard. I am Gul Kentaur. My fleet was just attacked without provocation by the ship we are pursuing. Will you assist in disabling it? Once the ship is in my possession my ships will leave Federation space immediately."
"Gul Kentaur, my fleet is currently preparing to intercept a Breen battlefleet."
"I am aware of your situation with the Breen. However, if that ship is allowed to penetrate deeper into Federation space, I will have no choice but to continue pursuit. Neither of us wants a fight Captain. Assist me and once the Klingons are vanquished, perhaps our two empires can make peace," Kentaur said. He did not mean half of what he saying of course, but he knew how to play the diplomat very well.
Picard was silent for a long while. "Very well Kentaur. We will assist you, but in return I want to know everything about why that ship attacked you."
"Of course Captain. You have my thanks."
After the channel was closed Riker spoke up.
"He's probably lying."
"I know Number One, but the last thing the Federation needs right now is a fight with the Cardassians. Once the ship is stopped I promise I'll find out what's going on."
Ten minutes later the Cardassian fleet and their target dropped out of warp. What happened next was the last thing either of them expected. Six Klingon Birds of Prey and a Vor'cha cruiser decloaked and hailed Picard.
Captain Picard was a very confused man. At first he had thought the Klingon vessels had come to rescue the vessel the Cardassians were pursuing, but Commander Ko'Tar had been sent after a probe had decloaked in orbit of Quonos and broadcast a message calling the Klingons to Starbase 7.
"Sir, what are we going to do?" Ensign Kent asked.
"Captain, the unknown vessel is delcoaking!" Worf cut in. Picard watched as a massive vessel that vaguely resembled a Bird of Prey shed its cloak of invisibility. "We are being hailed."
"Open a channel, and route it to the Klingon and Cardassian ships as well," Picard replied, and a moment later an image of, to everyone's surprise, a Reman, appeared.
"Captain and Commanders, we, re the Reman Warbird Scimitar. We are responsible for bringing you here. We have, information. Information you will find is vital to your continued survival."
"Any why exactly should we trust you?" Gul Kentaur asked. "You attacked us first!"
"It was the quickest method of bringing you here. We are sending transporter coordinates. Bring as many guards as you wish, but come quickly," the Reman said, and cut the transmission.
"Status on the ships?" Picard asked.
"They are all maintaining their positions. Their tactical systems are armed, but they have not locked targets yet," Worf answered.
"What are you going to do?" Riker asked.
"I would think that's obvious. I'm going to accept the invitation. Mr. Worf, you're with me. Have security team meet us in transporter room three. Number One, you have the bridge."
Five minutes later Picard and seven security officers were standing in a cold chamber with a large view port atop a flight of stairs. Two Reman guards were at both of the doors. Commander Ko'Tar and Gul Kentaur were both present as well, each with over a dozen guards.
Finally, after nearly twenty minutes, a figure robed and hooded man entered the room, accompanied by the Reman who had asked them here.
"Thank you all for coming," the man said is a voice Picard found somehow familiar. "I hope you'll forgive the darkness. We're not comfortable in the light."
"Why have you asked us here?" Picard asked.
"As my colleague has told you, I possess information you will find most useful. It concerns the new race that has recently been running rampant around the Quadrant. If you will all observe the screen." A large wall screen was revealed and played the first battles of the Klingon Cardassian War. However, where the footage had cut out both times before, this one kept playing and showed the ships that had staged the attacks shimmer and change into those that had attacked both Picard's Badlands fleet and the Klingon shipyards. "My vessel observed both of the attacks, and I have come to the conclusion that these ships belong to a race not native to this Quadrant, or possibly even this galaxy. They are also in league with the Romulans."
"What!" All three officers present exclaimed at the same time.
"Allow me to show you." The screen changed to a view of the Badlands base Picard had discovered. They all watched as the Breen fleet that had vanished there months ago was set upon by over two hundred vessels, including twenty Romulan Warbirds. But these Warbirds were black and fired weapons the same as the unknowns. "If we can convince the Breen that this data is true, we can put a stop to both of the wars that are ravaging this Quadrant."
"You speak with wisdom," Commander Ko'Tar said. "But if we are to believe you, I would at least wish to know your name."
The man stepped down to the middle of the stairs. "Computer raise the lighting four levels," he spoke. The Remans stepped back as the lights swept away the shadows and the man removed his hood. Everyone fell silent. The man was human.
"You may call me Shinzon," he said. Picard was speechless. With the exception of a slightly crooked nose and a scar along one check, he was looking at a mirror image of himself. "Now, shall we?" He asked, gesturing to one of the doors. Everyone slowly fallowed the Reman guards as they filed out. "Computer return lighting to previous level," he called as he followed the rest out.
As the future of two wars was being decided, Earth was having a situation of its own. Five hours ago a micro-wormhole had appeared five million kilometers from Earth. Scans had confirmed it to be an interdimensional distortion.
Admiral Paris was in Starfleet Engineering Core. Lieutenant Barclay was describing his plan.
"So you see, if we use the Midas Array we can send a message through the rift with a good chance of it coming out the other side intact. If there's anyone there they'll hear it."
"But what if they prove to be hostile Mr. Barkley?" Admiral Paris asked.
"Then at least we'll know. Besides, I've discovered the rift has almost the same quantum signature as the one that destroyed the Valiant and five other ships five months ago. It's possible that this rift, wherever it leads, may very well be the same place where our lost ships are if they survived."
"Very well, proceed," Admiral Paris said. If Barkley was right, and that rift did indeed lead to wherever the ships that had vanished were they had to try and contact them.
An hour later the Midas Array powered up and sent a simple message through the rift: Captain Halloway, can you hear this? This is Starfleet Command." Now all they could do was wait.
How was that? Well, Shinzon finally made his move. Will he be able to convince the Breen of the truth? Will Starfleet's message reach the Valiant? What could possibly happen next? Keep reading and find out. In the next, chapter the Emperor will finally awaken, and the mystery of Serina will be revealed. What will happen then? Find out in the next exciting chapter of A New Age. See ya then, and don't forget to review!
ENTILZA