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All characters appearing in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager are copyright Paramount Pictures. All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxy at War: Part Twenty-Eight The Drumbeat of Doom Part III
by
Celgress
Star Trek Dimension - July 2375 C.E.
A Planet in Ferengi Alliance Space Alpha Quadrant, afternoon
The Planet Pabac named after its owner and operator DaiMon Pabac was a miserable, worthless little speck of a world deep inside Ferengi Space. The only notable things about Pabac were its atrocious weather even by the dismal standards of other Ferengi worlds and an overabundance of a native strain of Tri-nucleic fungus. Until recently neither had been of great interest to anyone that all changed, however, when Lord Tyranus of the Sith Imperium ordered his Jem'Hadar be modified to free them from their dependence upon Ketracel-white. Although the Jem'Hadar were eventually genetically modified so they no longer needed the drug to survive their nutritional requirements reminded rather specific. A key ingredient of Ketracel-white was Yridium bicantizine new Jem'Hadar could not digest food unless it contained this additive. Yridium bicantizine was incredibly difficult to replicate in a table form due to its complexity. Thus procuring a steady supply of Yridium bicantizine became of paramount importance for Imperium logistical planers. Fortunately, a solution presented itself Imperium scientists learned the Tri-nucleic fungus of certain Ferengi worlds such as Pabac were naturally rich in Yridium bicantizine. This proved a key factor behind the rise of Grand Nagus Brunt. Tyranus backed Brunt's bid for power because the latter promised the Dark Lord of the Sith exclusive access to all Tri-nucleic fungus stockpiles throughout the Ferengi Alliance. Practically overnight backwater worlds Pabac among them were transformed into industrial agricultural beacons of Ferengi entrepreneurship. There was only one small problem prolonged exposure to unprocessed Tri-nucleic fungus proved toxic to most higher lifeforms. Furthermore, the fungus itself was fragile and needed to be treated with great care when being harvested, so full mechanization was out of the question. Rather than pull valuable droid units form more essential tasks Imperium planners, with the eager participation of their new Ferengi subjects, turned the Fungi Plantation Worlds, as they came to be known, into slave labor operations of appalling scale. Prisoners of war the Imperium had no better use for were sent to die in the dank fungi fields by their millions along with condemned criminals and other "undesirables".
Constant heavy rain and stiff winds wracked the surface of Pabac. Mud was everywhere expect for the spots occupied by gnarled rock formations. The thick dark clouds that covered the planet from pole to pole seldom parted. On rare occasions perhaps once every three or four solar cycles the binary stars which the planet orbited might be briefly glimpsed by a keen observer. Such appearances were considered so special impromptu holidays were often held in their honor.
Quark, Pel, Nog, and Leck shivered. It was cold dreadfully cold. They tried to stay as dry as they could. The yellow rain gear they were issued upon arrival did not make that an easy task. The suits leaked and were dreadfully thin. The four were huddle together within a group of several hundred other prisoners besides a raised platform in front of an imposing gray colored complex out of which stepped a husky middle-aged male Ferengi. He was outfitted in a heavy dark green rain slicker of exceptionally high quality.
"I am DaiMon Pabac owner and operator of Pabac Fungi Corporation." The Ferengi said almost cheerfully in spite of the atrocious weather. "You are here because you are enemies of our mighty Sith Imperium ruled over by Lord Tyranus the magnificent, undisputed Grandmaster of the glorious Sith Order and leader of the Imperium, may his reign last a thousand years and those of his successors forever." On either side of DaiMon Pabac stood two imposing male Hupyrians who were also outfitted in heavy dark gray rain slickers of only slightly lesser quality to that of their master.
DaiMon Pabac and the Hupyrians were flanked by six white & black Aqua Battle Droids specially designed to operate in wet environments even underwater for prolonged periods if need be. Their single red eye stared eerily at the wretched collection of prisoners being inducted into life on Pabac. A much larger contingent of these same droids encircled the prisoners hemming them in tightly.
DaiMon Pabac continued taking a short pause after issuing the standard propaganda line. "If you attempt to escape, you will be executed without question or hope of appeal. If you are discovered stealing Tri-nucleic fungus, you will be executed without question or hope of appeal. Any other offense is punishable by exile to the area beyond the fungi fields security perimeter where nothing can survive for long. Work well you may survive long enough witness the end of the war. Work badly and you shall surely die." DaiMon Pabac accompanied by his personal guards stepped back inside as the prisoners were pushed towards a separate much larger entrance.
Prisoner Barracks, that night
"How are we going to get out of this?" Quark muttered sitting on his flimsy metal frame bunk.
"I wonder what happened to Lieutenant Commander Worf," Nog said from next bunk over.
"He has Starfleet information so he's valuable." Leck reasoned from his bunk that was located across the narrow corridor which separated the extensive scaffolding of sleeping slots, each of which had one filthy brown blanket "My guess he's on Cardassia Prime being tortured as we speak."
"What a comforting thought." Nog said dryly.
"Face facts kid this galaxy is a cruel place. I didn't make the rules I just know them by heart." Leck said.
"It's my fault we're here." Pel said her eyes downcast. She sat on her bunk which was located across from Quark's. "How could I have been so stupid. A handful of mainly untrained civilians with one ship and no popular support. No way our revolution stood a chance. We were doomed from the start. Even if we hadn't been betrayed. I'm such a failure." Pel started to cry her face in her hands.
"Hey now, stop," Quark said. "We'll get out of here, I promise." Leck laughed bitterly. Quark glared at the liquidator who shrugged. "We can't give up hope."
Pel looked at Quark through watery eyes. "You really think we can escape?"
"Of course I do." Quark lied. "We just need faith."
"You'll need more than faith if you wish to leave here while still breathing." An unfamiliar male voice said from the bunk directly above Quark. The upside down head of a male human appeared. He had thin brown hair and a distinctive brown handlebar mustache.
"Who are you?" Nog asked the strange human who appeared to be of late middle age.
"Allow me to introduce myself the name's Harcourt Fenton Mudd businessman extraordinaire and intrepid adventurer. But you may call me Harry Mudd for expediency's shake. " The human male said. "Judging by your words I take it you find the accommodations here less than adequate. A viewpoint I myself share."
"Even if that were true how could you help us?" Leck sneered skeptically. "You're also a prisoner or have you forgotten?"
"I have my ways." Harry Mudd said cryptically.
"Yeah right," Nog said dismissively. "Like Leck said unless you've forgotten you're a prisoner too."
"Ah my body might be bound but my mind is free." Harry Mudd said tapping the side of his head.
"Great he's crazy." Quark said.
"On the contrary. I'm the sanest person here." Harry Mudd said. "What would you say if I told you I have a way off this thoroughly unpleasant planet?"
"I'd say you've been eating too much of what you harvest out in the fields," Leck said.
"How droll," Harry Mudd said. "I'm a time traveler see. I came from roughly one hundred years in the past to escape shall we see some people who did not appreciate my genius. Regrettably I ended up here and was pressed ganged by a group of those cyclopean robots. They mistook me for a common spy. Me Harcourt Fenton Mudd former ruler of the android planet of a thousand delights, but I digress. The device I used to achieve my flight from the past was confiscated. If you four will help me get it back I'll happily take you along during my next sojourn through time."
"Why not get it yourself?" Nog asked his eyes narrowing.
"Because my boy the device is in the office of our esteemed commandant under twenty-six hour a day guard. While I could seek in out on my own I would surely be apprehended in the attempt. I need someone to serve as a lookout and others to help me gain entry. I am ashamed to admit it but my lock picking skills have dulled over the years. So what say you four?"
"It's worth a try I guess." Quark said ignoring the protests of both Nog and Leck.
"Splendid," Harry Mudd said. He tumbled down from his bunk in comical fashion then right himself. He shook Quark's hand vigorously a smile on his plump face.
Lead Ship of Secret Sith Battlegroup somewhere in the Ficus Sector, several days later
Darth Vader lay in bed a red satin sheet draped over his form. On Vader's chest laid Darth Imera her eyes closed. Vader gently ran the fingers of his organic hand through her long blonde locks. Vader could not help but grin. Sex with Imera was certainly an experience. She was so different from Padme. Where Padme was slow paced and loving Imera was wild and passionate. The Force sang in his head when he made love with Imera in a way it never had when had done the same with Padme. They were two halves of the same soul.
Imera stirred her eyes slowly opened a contented smile on her face. Her smoldering gaze met Vader's own. "What are your thoughts, my dark warrior?"
"How lucky I am to have you in my life, my angel of darkness," Vader said kissing Imera on her forehead.
"I am yours now and forever," Imera said.
"As I am yours," Vader said.
A few moments later Imera reluctantly shrugged free on Vader's embrace and got out of bed giving him a full view of her nude body. She glanced over her shoulder coyly at him. "Like what you see?"
"Indeed I do," Vader said licking his lips.
"I'll be back for another round soon," Imera said.
"I'll be waiting," Vader said.
Vader again thought how lucky he was. Two weeks ago he had nothing. He was little more than a slave of the Jedi Order who cared nothing about him or his needs. Now he stood on the cusp of galactic domination a powerful, beautiful woman by his side. At last, life was good.
Vader had felt an immediate connection with Imera when they first met months ago. At the time he had not understood it. He had tried to deny it but there was no denying his destiny. When recently he and Imera reunited under the banner of the Dark Side they quickly engaged in a whirlwind romance of legendary proportions. They vowed to gain ultimate power by any means necessary while remaining loyal only to each other. Yesterday they were wed by Darth Tyranus via hologram in the tradition of the ancient Sith. Tyranus may have harbored suspicions of their closeness not that either Vader or Imera cared. Let the old fool attempt to undermine them it would simply make their eventual victory over him all the sweeter. Tyranus was the past of the Sith Order they were its future. No one could stop them. Not Tyranus, not the Jedi, not the Alliance, no one. To rule the universe was their destiny. Their conquest would begin with Betazed in less than one solar day's time.
Although Vader still carried a torch for Padme he harbored no illusions the former Senator from Naboo would ever leave his double. Padme was lost to him. She had made her choice he had to accept that fact. The only thing that mattered now was the twins growing inside her. They were his as much as his double's. What was more he and Imera could offer the twins a better life more secure life than could Padme and his double. Other than his beloved Imera and his unborn children the only person Vader did not want to see hurt was his ex-apprentice Ahsoka. She had not turned against him as had the other Jedi, including his old master Obi-wan. They had chosen his double over him and they would pay dearly for that mistaken. Vader fervently hoped he could turn the Togruta to the Datk Side where she belonged. Her death would bring him no pleasure unlike that of his other so-called "friends" in the Jedi Order and Starfleet. Their demise would signal his true accession in the Dark Side of the Force. He could hardly wait.
Integration Room, some time later
"I apologize if you've been treated with less than great care by our soldiers." Imera now clad in a black with the hood down said circling Jadzia Dax who was shackled hand and foot to a metal chair. Jadzia's face was heavily swollen and deeply bruised purple. "The Jem'Hadar can be overzealous at times."
"I hadn't noticed," Jadzia said sarcastically.
"I must admit I don't know a great deal about joined Trills. But I'd love to learn more about your kind." Imera said.
Imera flashed a smile at Jadzia that chilled the other woman to her very core. The way Imera continued to circle her reminded Jadzia of the way a predator would circle its wounded prey which had no chance of escape or survival. Jadzia highly suspect the female Darth was toying with her. That they were engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse which had already been decided in Imera's favor. For the time being Jadzia decided to play along.
"Funny I don't know much about Sith or Force users in general. This will be a learning experience for us both."
"Consider this your first lesson," Imera said. She reached out with her right hand Jadzia doubled over in pain. Her midsection felt like it was going to explode. "Force Crush is an ability by which one can place kinetic pressure upon a specific area of an object including a part of a living being. In this case, I'm slowly collapsing or crushing if you prefer your abdominal cavity so as to negatively affect the health of your symbiote. Tell me everything you know about defense plans of the Ficcuss Sector and I'll stop before it dies."
"I don't know anything about the defense plans." Jadzia cried out. "I already told your guards my friend and I came here searching for my husband who is missing."
"Liar," Imera said placing her hand back at her side. "Shall we move on to something, more interesting? How about Force Lightning, or Knowledge Drain or maybe even Force Fire? I've never used any of those abilities before. There are so many interesting possibilities, how exciting." Imera grinned at the panting Jadzia who stared at the Sith with an expression of abject horror. Imera leaned in close whispering in Jadzia's ear. "I assure you before this day ends you'll tell me what I want to know, one way or another."
A Cave on Bajor, night
Lapo Muzeth the young male leader of the Bajoran group the New Path knelt on one knee before a flickering blue life-sized hologram of his mysterious benefactor. His head was bowed low out of respect. "What you ask will be exceedingly difficult, my master."
"Are you refusing an order from me Lapo?" The electronically distorted voice of Darth Hereticious said. An undercurrent of threat was easily detectable in the voice of the Sith.
"No, no, no, of course not, my master," Lapo said not daring to look up at the hologram.
"Good, then your followers will attack the main Governmental Block along with the Shirine of the Prophets in the capital tomorrow as agreed upon." Darth Hereticious said. "Leave none of the politicians alive nor the Shrine standing."
"I beg your indulgence, my master," Lapo said fearing Darth Hereticious was about to end the transmission.
"Speak your mind child." Darth Hereticious said after a short pause.
"Some of my brothers and sisters have expressed reservations regarding the attack on the Shrine. I apologize but their silly religious taboos remain discouragingly strong." Lapo said. "I fear the attack on the Shrine may fail through sheer lack of participants."
"How unfortunate, for you," Darth Hereticious said. A moment later Lapo's vision blurred as everything around him dimmed. He found he could not breathe. "You are experiencing a sample of what awaits you should the attack on the Shrine fail. I would advise you to make certain it does not." the hologram of Hereticious blinked away leaving a distraught Lapo alone with his dread.
Residence of the Kai
Kai Winn stepped off the hologram emitter and threw back her dark hood. She had long suspected Lapo and his New Path might fail her. Good thing she had taken the precaution of commissioning agents of the Orion Syndicate well versed in sabotage and assassination. These would make certain her plans succeeded. Once the attack had occurred she would ordered her loyal personal guards to go to their hideaway and wipe out the New Path disposing of them at a stroke.
Once the Provisional Government was eliminated alongside the seat of the Prophets on Bajor she would step in to fill the dual political and spiritual voids created. Naturally, the terribly traumatized populace would flock to a loving leader. She would next outlaw the worship of the ineffectual Prophets replacing it with that of the Force itself, with herself at the apex. Not long afterwards she would declare Bajor independent of Federation protection and then officially join the Sith Imperium.
Of course, there was also the matter of the Emissary to care off. Oh how Winn loathed Captain Benjamin Sisko. She had seriously considered having the Orion Syndicate kill the pompous human but had decided against it. Sisko's death could not be an easy one nor one that came at the hands of someone other than herself. She and she alone would deal with Sisko. Complicating matters was the fact Sisko's new wife that freighter rat Kasidy Yates had become pregnant. If Winn killed Sisko but the child survived the malcontents of her coming regime would have a symbol to rally around. Something she would not allow. Winnt tried to give the expecting couple a Dark Side charm that would have ensured the child would be stillborn but her attempt failed. According to her metaphysical allies/teachers the Kosst Amojan the Force Ghost of a deceased Jedi Master named Qui-Gon Jinn was working actively against her from the higher lane. It was Jinn who gave Kasidy a dream warning her not to accept any gifts until the child was born, how infuriating! No matter Winn vowed to find another way to achieve her goal and lo and behold one had presented itself.
Winn took off her Sith robes in their place she donned those of the Bajoran Kai. Few beings were so low they would attack a female with child luckily the Force told her the disgraced Gul Dukat was not among them. In spite of finding Dukat personally repugnant Winn decided to arrange his "rescue" from Alliance custody. Using Dukat she would destroy Sisko's world before you took away his life. Her ultimate victory was only a matter of time now she could feel it deep inside.
Things continued to go her way when that fool Lord Tyranus conferred or more exactly thought he conferred the title of Darth upon her. How he called himself a Dark Lord of the Sith yet remained so ignorant of the inner workings of the Dark Side baffled Winn to no end. She had played along, however, even when he informed her his tow younger apprentices would be his heirs not her so as not to arouse his dulled sense of suspicion. She would, of course, have to learn more about Imera and Vader when she could. Perhaps they would prove useful allies in her secret war against that buffoon Tyranus?
Mariposa in the Ficus Sector, morning
On the immense parade ground for as far as the eye could see stretched columns upon columns of evenly spaced freshly minted Alliance Clone Troopers. Their variously colored combat armor gleamed in the morning sunlight. In all, they were ten million strong. The first of many groups to come. They stood at attention ready for inspection by their Starfleet, Klingon and Romulan commanders. Following a three week delay the day of emergence had finally dawned for the troopers. As a result many citizens hoped the balance of war would shifted in the favor of the Alliance, but only time would tell.
The Human Clone Troopers of Starfleet wore a heavy duty version of the spacesuits worn by Starfleet officers while deployed on hazardous missions but with the addition of polarized full face visors. The armor was generally dark grey to black in coloration. The male template chosen was Captain Pike while the female template was Captain Sonya Alexander.
The Romulan Clone Troopers wore mainly dark green armor with a polarized visor most similar to those of Republican clones in design, but with a narrower downward piece as well as a more rounded helmet that resembled the wings and talons of a bird. The male template chosen was Commander Keras while the female template was Commander Liviana Charvanek.
The Klingon Clone Troopers wore armor largely based upon standard grey & black colored Klingon Warrior armor. However, there was an additional helmet with two polarized lenses rather than a fuller face visor like the other clone troopers. Unlike their Starfleet and Romulan counterparts, the Klingons, like the Republic before them, had used no female template. Rather all their clones were those of Koloth the Dahar Master.
Commander Cody had been asked by Alliance officials to say a few words due to having watched over the first batch of soldiers while they matured. Cody stood atop a podium overlooking the new recruits. He took off his helmet and cleared his throat before he spoke. He felt nervous with so many eyes on him. He was acutely aware the proceedings were being broadcast throughout the Alliance and beyond. Here goes nothing he thought.
"Go show them what Clone Troopers are made off brothers and sisters!" He said simply to ruckus applause from the Alliance clones. Unable to think of anything else he felt like such a fool. Quickly as he dared Cody stepped down from the podium to be replaced by a female Romulan dignitary of some description who started giving a long winded speech.
"I made an idiot of myself up there," Cody said ruefully to the young blonde haired female human who awaited him behind the podium.
"Nonsense," The blonde female human said smiling. "You did fine." She was dressed in a simple white tunic and matching pants the typical outfit worn by Mariposians.
"You're just being kind Aibhlinn (Ave-Lynn)," Cody said.
"Not I'm not." Aibhlinn said. She gave Cody a quick kiss on the lips. "Well, maybe just a little."
Aibhlinn was the "sister" clone of the wife of the Prime Minister of Mariposa. Both Aibhlinn and her sister alongside their many other "sisters" were created from the genetic template of a non-Mariposian woman named Brenna Odell. The template along with several others had been acquired through a trade that Cody preferred not to think about. Unlike her "sisters" who were redheads, Aibhlinn had her hair modified so it was blonde. She did this or so she said to better "stand out". Cody likened it in his mind to how many of his "brothers" personalized their combat armor. Cody quickly learned after meeting her that Aibhlinn was different than other Mariposians beyond her cosmetic alteration. Whereas the vast majority of Mariposians wanted nothing more than to be left alone by outsiders Aibhlinn craved engagement with the wider galaxy due to her insatiable curiosity. She was also a tireless campaigner for what she called "clone rights", which lead to many arguments Cody had witnessed with her fellow Mariposians. Over his months on Mariposa Cody found himself falling in love with Aibhlinn. Something he would never have thought possible. He was seriously thinking of seeking a discharge from the armed forces so he could be with her full time.
"Let's get dinner," Aibhlinn urged grabbing Cody's hand.
"But the ceremony isn't over yet," Cody said.
"Trust me they won't miss us, come along," Aibhlinn said.
"Ok," Cody acquiesced.
"That's the spirit," Aibhlinn said with a giggle pulling him along. Cody and Aibhlinn ran off hand in hand.
USS Final Frontier somewhere in Ferengi Alliance Space
Commodore James Tiberius Kirk sat in his office. Across his desk from him sat cadet/acting lieutenant Dorian Collins. She fidgeted with her uniform obviously uncomfortable. In addition to her position as an assistant to Captain Montgomery Scott in Engineering Dorian had been assigned the unenviable position as Morale Officer of the Final Frontier. It was this latter position that brought her before Kirk this day.
"I can't do this anymore," Dorian said. "We've lost over a third of our original crew since we were caught behind enemy lines. Morale is dangerously low but how could it not be?"
"I know things are difficult," Kirk said. "But we need to keep the crew in as high spirits as possible. May I suggest a holodeck resort night. Scotty tells me we have enough ancillary power left to stage one once perhaps twice a week until further notice."
"I would have never thought of that," Dorian said brightening. "Thank you, sir."
"Don't mention it," Kirk said smiling.
Half an hour later Kirk was on the bridge when long-range sensors picked up something rather interesting. It would appear they had stumbled upon the planet Pabac. Starfleet Intelligence reports indicated that Pabac was the chief Tri-nucleic fungus in the entire Sith Imperium. Its facilities were mainly by prisoners of war which made Kirk's blood boil.
"The planet is barely defended. There are no battleships in this system or nearby, only freighters and a handful of small patrol vessels likely operated by Battle Droids." Reported Kornan a young male Klingon Warrior who served as Tactical Officer.
"Is there any indication their planetary sensors have detected us?" Kirk inquired.
"Negative," Ambassador Spock said from his science station. "Sensors indicate atmospheric interference on the planet is exceptionally high." Mr. Spock had joined the crew not long after the events in the Celtris system and Kirk as well as Scotty could not have been happier. In many ways, it was just like old times, too bad the others could not also be here.
"Maintain cloak," Kirk instructed the female Andorian who operator the navigation station.
"Aye sir," The female Andorian side.
They had managed to salvage a cloaking device from a heavily damaged Klingon Bird of Prey several months ago. Although not strictly legal under interstellar treaty the device had proven a lifesaver on more than one occasion. It represented a tactical advantage that Kirk was glad to have.
Kirk paused as a plan of action began to form in his mind. "Spock, what would happen if the Sith Imperium runs low on Tri-nucleic fungus?"
"The Jem'Hadar rations would have to be cut. If the storage persists for an extended period of time the Jem'Hadar may starve." Spack answered in his cold analytical manner.
"Precisely," Kirk said getting out of his seat a madcap energy evident in his eyes. "People I think we've found our next target. We'll liberate the slave laborers of Pabac."
To Be Continued