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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.

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Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxy at War: Part Forty-Two What You Leave Part I Vader's Master Plan

by

Celgress

Star Trek DimensionSeptember 2375 C.E.

USS Voyager near the Barzan Wormhole Beta Quadrant

"Captain Janeway the ASCCC (Allied Supreme Command and Coordination Council) delegates have conferred. We've decided under no circumstances are you to allow that vessel safe passage through the Barzan Wormhole." Admiral Alynna Nechayev said her dour image dominated the main viewscreen of Voyager's bridge.

After much wrangling, Nechayev had withdrawn her resignation and decided to remain publicly quiet about the use, or lack thereof, of the Metreon cascade Device. The price of her silence had been an appointment as vice Commander-In-Chief of Star Fleet Command. Nechayev would serve directly under Spock answerable to none save him and President Kirk (at the pleasure of who she technically served). A development many in Starfleet found troubling.

"Understood," Captain Kathryn Janeway said.

"Very well, good luck Captain, Nechayev out," Nechayev said before her image flicked away to be replaced by the Starfleet Logo.

"Hail the Wrath," Janeway instructed. Tuvok followed her order. A second later the cheerful image of a rather familiar male Vorta filled the viewscreen. "I regret to inform you that your request for safe passage through the Barzan Wormhole has been denied by my superiors. I suggest you depart this system at once so matters will not deteriorate." Janeway said preempting the Vorta from speaking first.

His friendly expression abruptly darkened. "This is an outrage. We are on a peaceful mission. You have no right to impede us." Weyoun said.

"A peaceful mission that requires the use of a warship rather than a shuttlecraft, really," Commander Chakotay said.

"Wrath belongs to our head of state Lord Vader. We are merely transporting his property to his new place of residence in the other galaxy." Weyoun said. "Surely you do not want to interfere in our internal matters?"

"Trade with the other galaxy in military hardware, including dual-use technology, has been embargoed by decree of the ASCCC. As commanding officer of the Barzan Worm Blockade Task Force, I cannot allow you to pass. You have five minutes to leave the system or we'll open fire." Janeway explained.

Surprisingly a smile quickly returned to Weyoun's face. "As you wish, Captain Janeway." He said with a slight bow. His image then blinked away.

Sure enough, the Wrath departed from the system before five minutes had elapsed but remained just beyond its border. Although the Wrath was a powerful vessel in its own right (being a hybrid of former Dominion and former CIS technology) alone it was no match for the ten Alliance vessel currently located directly in front of the Barzan Wormhole. A fact the crafty Weyoun was more than aware of.

"That was easy." Lieutenant Tom Paris half-joked.

"A little too easy," Janeway said.

"Do you think he's up to something?" Chakotay asked.

"Naturally, but what?" Janeway said.

Another five minutes passed before Janeway received her answer. A transmission came in via the Barzan Wormhole from the other galaxy. Displayed on the bridge viewscreen an image of an irate Darth Vader standing on the bridge of his new Imperial I-class Star Destroyer. In front of the towering Dark Lord of the Sith knelt two rows of ten Alliance prisoners their hands and feet tightly bound. These rows were flanked by twin rows of as many Clone Troopers. These soldiers stood to either side of Vader. They surrounded the prisoners in a semi-circular formation. The prisoners were primarily made up of Betazoids and Risians, all of which look terrified.

"Now what," Chakotay whispered his voice filled with trepidation.

"Attention," Vader said in his deeply resonant electronically enhanced voice. "The action I am about to order is your responsibility. It will cease only when you agree to allow my ship the Wrath unfettered access to the spatial anomaly." Vader paused then casually stated. "Be advised these prisoners who stand before you represent only a small fraction of our total compliment. Execute five of the prisoners my soldiers." The Clone Troopers cut down five random prisoners with their blaster bolts. Their heartless actions elicited screams from the remaining prisoners. "Execute five more prisoners," Vader said. Five more prisoners were slaughtering decimating the row closest to Vader. "Execute f-," Vader began only to be cut off by a fanatic Janeway.

"Stop," Janeway screamed.

Vader put up his left hand signaling for the Clone Troops to cease their assault, for now. "Do you accept my demands?"

"I'll grant the Wrath passage through the Barzan Wormhole on two conditions," Janeway said.

"State your proposal," Vader said.

"All Alliance prisoners are to be released into my custody. Nothing enters our galaxy from yours nor will anything else be allowed through the Barzan Wormhole," Janeway said.

"Your proposal is acceptable," Vader said without hesitation. "I'll send half of our total Alliance prisoner compliment to you now the remainder will be sent upon arrival of the Wrath. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Captain Janeway."

Once securely in his home galaxy, Vader would have the Wrath stripped down and studied by Imperial experts. They would be kept busy for many months if not years digesting all the information. No doubt they would glean much from its transporters, replicators, Jem'Hadar, Vorta and other unique technological and biological innovations.

"I'm afraid I can't say the same, Lord Vader," Janeway said.

"I care not about your feelings, Captain Janeway. However, I do expect you to honor our agreement. Any attempt at betrayal will result in severe penalties not least of which will be the demise of half the number of our Alliance prisoners." Vader said. "I'm sending the initial group of prisoners now." Vader's image blinked away.

Janeway let out the breath she had been holding in. How was ever going to explain this to Admiral Nechayev? The other woman would have her head on a platter when Nechayev heard the news. Janeway fervently hoped others such as Commander-In-Cheif Spock and President Kirk would be more understanding of her actions.

Star Wars Dimension September 19 BBY

Dathomir the Outer Rim one standard solar day later, afternoon

Three Imperial dropships landed in a clearing. Their doors opened with a hiss to reveal hundreds of Clone Troopers, Battle Droids and Jem'Hadar each with their weapons at the ready. Vader strode forward after emerging from the central ship. Vader never being the type to command from the rear he would lead his troops headlong into battle.

Vader ignited his blood red lightsaber which shone eerily in the perpetual orange-tinged gloom of Dathomir. "Fan out, eradicate everything that moves. By imperial decree, this planet is to be sterilized. Kill anyone present. Leave no witnesses." Vader ordered. "Onward to victory!" Vader declared pointing forward with his lightsaber.

"Victory is life!" The Jem'Hadar enthusiastically thundered.

"Battlegroup Shadow, go," Vader said. Half the Jem'Hadar shrouded their movements no longer visible to the naked eye.

Vader's warriors spread out into a loose formation behind him as he marched forward into the looming forest. It was not long before they encounter fierce resistance. A shower of energy arrows rained down upon them from above.

"Our foes have made their opening gambit," Vader said. "Immolate the forest. Deprive them of cover. Remember of strategy here is one of scorched earth."

The soldiers fired their blasters at the trees which quickly caught on fire. Driven from their hiding places the Night Sisters emerged. They attacked the soldiers taking out many of the Battle Droids but far fewer of the Clone Troops and none of the still visible Jem'Hadar. The resulting Imperial counterattack all but wiped out the Night Sisters who were caught between the burning trees and the soldier dominated pathways. Vader himself slew many with his lightsaber. A few badly injured survivors limped away deciding facing a forest fire was better than facing Imperial blasters and vibroblades.

"Continue forward," Vader commanded. "I sense or true targets are close." Vader led his soldiers out of the burning forest toward a cave entrance out of which flowed a green mist. "In here," He said. Inside Vader killed an ancient Night Sister and her two guards with his crimson blade. Vader next came face to face with Mother Talzin and her wayward son Darth Maul.

"Surprised," Maul said baring his teeth at Vader.

"Not at all. I was sent here to destroy you, traitor." Vader said.

"So you're Sidious' new apprentice. I expect someone, more handsome." Maul taunted.

"I'm more than a mere apprentice. I'm Sidious designated successor. I'm the true heir to the legacy of Darth Bane rather than a placeholder like you were. I am the Sith'ari." Vader pridefully proclaimed.

"Are you now," Maul said with a chuckle amused by the utter seemingly delusional arrogance of this armored upstart.

"Leave Dathomir or suffer." Talzin threatened as she got between her offspring and Vader.

"Step aside witch unless you want to die out of turn. I won't warn you again." Vader said.

"Foolish boy," Talzin said. "My undead warriors will make short work of your pathetic toys while I finish you off."

A horde of hissing Night Sister zombies filled the chamber emerging from several interior passageways. They attacked the Imperials. Vader, however, did not flinch.

"Shadow strike," Vader said.

The shrouded Jem'Hadaer appeared on the opposite side of the Night Sister zombies who were caught in blaster crossfire. The zombies were literally torn apart. Maul seeing his advantage evaporate dashed down a tunnel. Talzin meanwhile produced a wavering green energy blade which she used to attack Vader.

"Stupid witch," Vader said blocking her magical blade with his lightsaber. "Your feeble powers are but a pale imitation of the Dark Side abilities I possess. Allow me to demonstrate."

Vader pushed Talzin back with the Force. He held her several feet away from him suspended in midair. He relished in the panic he saw on Talizin's face when she realized she could not break free of his force grip. Vader reached out with his free left hand and made a fist. Blood erupted from Talzin's mouth and eye sockets. Vader had crushed her heart causing it to explode her eyes quickly followed suit. Force Crush was a new ability Vader had picked up only a few short days ago. Talzin was his first victim of this ability due to him completely outclassing her in Force power and skill level.

Upon the violent death of Talzin the Jem'Hadar broke out into loud chants of "We serve the Sith!", "Lord Vader is our god!, "The Emperor is god of gods," and, "Victory is life". Their fanatical behavior frankly unnerved the Clone Troopers who remained silent throughout though many fidgeted in place.

Vader's Imperial I-class Star Destroyer in Hyperspace, several hours later

"The Dathomirians and Mother Talzin are no more. Dathomir has been laid waste, my master." Vader reported while he knelt on one knee before a life-sized blue colored hologram of his master.

"What of Maul?" The Emperor asked.

"He eluded me, master." Vader reluctantly confessed.

"How unfortunate your success on Dathomir was incomplete, my apprentice." The Emperor said while his thin lips curled into a sly smile.

"Deprive of his base of operations and support system Maul will be of no consequence to us moving forward." Vader reasoned. "We can locate then eliminate him at our leisure."

"Perhaps," The Emperor said. "Or perhaps Maul will go underground. If he does he'll prove far more elusive in the future. Be mindful of your pride Lord Vader. You still have much to learn, apprentice. I'll contact you again when I have a new task for you, farewell."

"Farewell master," Vader said before the transmission was cut.

Inside Vader was seething but outwardly he remained calm. He hated when Sidious (or anyone) pointed out his mistakes. He only tolerated the behavior without complaint because he needed Sidious and likely would for years to come. Sidious was a fount of knowledge and Vader fully intended to drain every precious drop.

Vader rose to his feet. He left the communication chamber to find Weyoun patiently waiting for him. Vader had to admit he enjoyed having the little Vorta around. Weyoun was one of the very few beings Vader could trust without fear of betrayal, unlike the increasingly slimy Imperial officers who constantly surrounded him. Weyoun would never stab Vader in the back Weyoun's religious devotion to the Sith Order precluded such an occurrence. This was why Vader insisted Weyoun be transferred from Cardassia Prime to serve as part of his personal retinue before he departed the other galaxy. Besides Vader strongly suspected Weyoun would not have functioned well under the command of the restored Gul Dukat. The pair detested each other from what he knew of the situation. Better they remain apart separated by two galaxies than be constantly at each other's throats.

"Walk with me Weyoun," Vader said gesturing for Weyoun to follow him which the Vorta gladly did.

"Of course, Lord Vader," Weyoun said falling in lockstep with Vader.

"May I ask. How is the Emperor?" Weyoun asked after a moment.

"He is displeased Maul was not apprehended on Dathomir and eliminated," Vader said.

"While Maul's escape was regrettable I'm sure next time he will not evade you, Lord Vader. No one can evade you for long." Weyoun said with deep conviction.

"If only that were true," Vader said wistfully. "When we return to Imperial Center (the new name proposed name for Coruscant floated to the Imperial Senate by Emperor Palpatine) I'll appoint you as my personal assistant. You'll report only to me."

"I am at a loss for words Lord Vader. My honor knows no bounds. Rest assured your faith in me be rewarded" Weyoun said beaming.

"Of that, I have no doubt," Vader said.

The two walked through a pair of double doors into a secure area of the ship after Vader entered an access code. It was to here that Neimoidian technicians from the Wrath who were well versed in former Dominion biotechnology had earlier transferred Vader's special project. In a human-sized tube filled with a violet liquid which emitted a soft glow floated a small organic being, a humanoid embryo.

"Ah, Lord Vader. It is a pleasure to see you." Said a female Vorta scientist named Cenih greeting them. "You'll be pleased to know the embryo is developing normally. All indications are the parent genomes have proven compatible."

"I am indeed pleased by your news," Vader said. "What of Force potential?"

"Preliminary findings point towards the embryo possessing an exceptionally high level of Force sensitivity. So high, in fact, it has already inadvertently interfered with some of the monitoring equipment. But, one would expect nothing less given the parents." Cenih said.

Vader placed his gloved palm against the section of tube in front of the embryo. He swore he could feel a connection with it in the Force. While yet weak the connection was present. He removed his hand from the surface of the tube and stepped away.

"Do everything to ensure the embryo thrives. The survival of my daughter is vital to the long-term future of our Empire." Vader said.

"Yes, Lord Vader," Cenih said dutifully.

Vader knew the old ways were dead. Not just the dogmatic approach of the Jedi but of the Sith Rule of Tow as well. The Sith'ari had arrived to sweep away the obsolete and bring forth the innovative. Did the prophecy not stated the Sith'ari would destroy the Sith and remake them? While Sidious was an unparalleled dark genius (there was not disputing that much) who had brought the Sith Order to unprecedented highs of success he had also made a fatal error. Even Sidious would not live forever. When Sidious ultimately died the Empire he built would fracture them crumble and the Sith Order fade unless a clear line of succession was established. A dynasty was required one which would stand the test of time. Vader would be the first link in that unending chain between the old and new through the future daughter he produced by combining his genetic material with that of his beloved Imera (thank you Cardassian obsession with genetic sampling). Vader's daughter would marry the child Galen Marek producing a powerful lineage of Force users who would rule both the Empire and Order alike forever. Vader would be rightfully remembered not only as the most powerful but also the greatest Sith Lord who ever lived or ever would live. His name would echo down through the ages eclipsing the likes of Exar Kun, Vitiate, Nihilus, Bane, Zannah, Plagueis even Sidious. It was his destiny.

To Be Continued