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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-Three What You Leave Part II Frenemies
by
Celgress
Star Trek Dimension – September 2375 C.E.
A military base somewhere in Sith Dominion held space Alpha Quadrant
"We'll run the first test firing in two hours fourteen minutes. I don't care if that isn't enough time. I expect you to be ready by then. You have your orders, enact them." A female Vorta spoke to one of the Geonosian technicians who were in the hangar bay via her headset. She then unceremoniously broke the connection. While Geonosians were extremely skilled scientifically they also likely to be overly dramatic a facet of their character she loathed.
The female Vorta took the brief reprieve from her typically hectic schedule overseeing a busy military outpost to consider recent events. While she was pleased, or at least as pleased as any Vorta was capable of being, with the addition of "Dominion" to the official name of the Sith polity by her latest master Lord Vader and his own master, Emperor Palpatine, she was also troubled. In her opinion there had been far too many changes during the last eighteen months or so of her current life. Followers of any organization needed continuity, as well as stability, or they could potentially lose focus or worse become disillusioned with the system they served. Not for the first time in recent days she found herself worried about the future. In spite of a plethora of, frankly, astounding military victories against the Alliance she feared the fragile fabric of the now Sith Dominion was fraying, it may even tear asunder if enough pressure was applied. In her many lifetimes of experience, she had learned rapid change was seldom a good thing. She only hoped things would stabilize before major complications arose.
"What's this?" The female Vorta asked.
The main entrance to the control room slid open and in marched four Cardassian Officers and a pair of prisoners. One of the prisoners was a red-haired female Bajoran Starfleet Officer the other a bearded male humanoid Jedi. Both prisoners held their restrained hands behind their backs. The Jedi also had a blinking Force suppression collar affixed to his neck. One could never be too careful when dealing with Jedi.
"This is Commander Rota the Deputy Intelligence Officer for this entire sector and her Jedi Guardian Zeto Ri." One of the Cardassian Officers said indicating each prisoner in turn. "I would think you'd be interested in interrogating them."
"I wasn't informed of this." The female Vorta said pushing aside the viewfinder of her headset to get a better look at the prisoners and their captors. Her tone indicated she was skeptical of the group at best outright suspicious at worst.
"Perhaps you haven't received the report yet. It isn't surprising. We only captured these two yesterday. We were under a communications blackout w-," The same Cardassian Officer began to explain before the female Vorta cut him off.
"Let me see your orders." The female Vorta commanded.
"Of course," The Cardassian Officer handed her a pad.
The female Vorta read the orders. "These appeared to be valid." She said. "You may take them to the detention block. I'll deal with them when I can."
"Of course," The Cardassian Officer. The group turned to leave but hesitated. The Cardassian Officer gestured at the nearest Jem'Hadar. "Are those the upgraded plasma rifles I've heard so many good things about?" He asked.
"Yes," The female Vorta answered with a sigh. She did not have any more time to waste with these people. Why must they continue to bother her?
"May I inspect one?" The Cardassian Officer said.
"Allow him to briefly inspect your weapon." The female Vorta ordered the Jem'Hadar who did as he was commanded.
"Very nice," The Cardassian Officer said smiling.
Without warning, he fired the rile twice in rapid succession killing the two closest Jem'Hadar almost instantly. His companions pulled out their disruptor pistol killing the remaining Jem'Hadar and the female Vorta while the Jedi shrugged free of his handcuffs. The Jedi retrieved his blue-bladed lightsaber through the Force and skillfully sliced the four BX Commando Droids behind them each into four pieces before the droids could even attack. Kira, Garak, Obi-wan, Demar and Rusot had made quick work of the enemies they took by surprise.
"Hurry we likely don't have much time. Our current mission is to retrieve one of the Breen weapons being retrofitted onto the Sith ships and leave." Kira Nerys urged.
"Right away, ma'am," Gul Rusot grumbled. Kira shot him a withering glare before moving on to help with the task.
Rusot resented taking orders from a Bajoran (a lowly Bajoran of all people, how loathsome), especially one associated with Starfleet. One day he would show them all Cardassians were superior. Obi-wan Kenobi regarded Rusot warily. He did not trust the Cardassian. Best to keep an eye on him.
Deep Space Nine, afternoon
Captain Sisko and his confidant Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax stood in his office having a somewhat heated but friendly debate. "So, is Starfleet or our friends in the wider Alliance actually going to do something about Kai Win being a secret Sith Lord, or not?" Jadzia asked once they had gone yet another round without progress.
"Oh, we're going to do something. I just received orders this morning. the ASCCC (Allied Supreme Command and Coordination Council) has approved a team to be sent to Bajoran. This team has been authorized to take whatever action is necessary to prove Kai Winn is an enemy agent who the Bajorans must remove from power." Sisko said.
"Tough assignment, I don't envy them," Jadzia said as her voice softened considerably. "Do you know who they are sending?
"Me, along with a detail of Starfleet Security and several Jedi," Sisko said. "They feel the presence of the Emissary may calm the Bajorans making them more respective. The Jedi and Security detail are being sent in case Winn or any of her perhaps equally Force sensitive followers become violent, which they and she will in all likelihood once they discover our purpose." He gave the mortified Jadzia a weak smile. "Aren't you going to wish me luck, old man?"
A docking ring, an hour later
Captain Sisko, Admiral Ross, General Martok, and Commander Worf stood at attention as the ring opened to reveal Gowron Chancellor of the Klingon High Council. He was accompanied by his political entourage of four senior Klingon Generals. The entire group was followed by nine Klingon Clone Troopers who were outfitted in full armor including helmets. The Commander of the Clone Troopers could be distinguished from those under his command by a bronze Klingon sash and matching helmet & accents to the rest of his uniform as opposed to the usual uniform dull grey color.
"Welcome back to Deep Space Nine Chancellor," Sisko said greeting Gowron.
Sisko noticed a lightsaber hilt was clipped to Gowron's belt, as well as one to the belts of each of the four generals. Many prominent Klingons had taken to using the exotic weapons with the reluctant blessing of the Milkyway Jedi Order. Because most Klingons who wielded lightsabers were not Force-sensitive the blades remained an almost translucent white.
"It has been too long, Captain," Gowron said with a nod.
"You know Admiral Ross," Sisko said indicating the Admiral.
"We met at Khitomer," Ross reminded Gowron.
"Admiral Ross, of course I remember," Gowron said with another nod. His somber attitude changed immediately when he next spoke with Martok and Worf. He became animated downright happy, at least by Klingon standards. "Martok, the man I came to honor." He then glanced at Worf. "They say you've made him a member of your House. Is this true?"
"It's true," Martok said.
Gowron and Worf regarded each her for a time. Everyone present could feel the tension. "Then what is past is past," Gowron said at last with a forced smile. "If Martok considers you his brother that's all I need to know. I brought a barrel of the finest blood wine, and it must be drunk tonight!" Gowron laughed. He and the other Klingons, including Worf & Martok, then left singing and shouting as they did so.
"I guess we're not invited," Sisko said to Ross.
A conference room, that evening
Following the private ceremony in which the order of Kahless was conferred upon Martok the Klingons, save the Clone Troopers who stood guard at strategic points, milled about talking, drinking, signing and having a good time. "Tell me Martok, how does it feel to be the most famous warrior in the Empire?" Gowron asked while everyone partook of mugs full of blood wine. Other than the late arriving Jadzia, who was technically considered a Klingon due to actions of the past hosts of her symbiote, no outsiders were permitted entry.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve," Martok replied.
"And you have served well," Gowron said. "But you have born the burden of this war for a long time."
"I do it gladly. And I'll keep on fighting until victory is ours." Martok declared in true Klingon fashion.
"No my friend," Gowron said surprising everyone. The room fell silent. "I can't ask you to carry this weight alone forever. It's time for me to take a more active role in this war. As of today, I'm assuming direct command of our military." Worf and Jadzia exchanged troubled glances.
"Chancellor I, I don't understand. Are you unsatisfied with my conduct?" Martok could not help but ask.
"Would I have given you the Star of Kahless if I were?" Gowron scoffed. "You should be happy you are a warrior again; no more meetings, no more after action reports to file, you'll be out there savoring the heat of battle. Oh, how I envy you Martok. I intend to see an end to this war and soon. The Sith and their minions will rue the day they heard my name!" Gowron shouted playing to the room which cheered.
Martok's Quarters aboard the IKS Rotarran docked at Deep Space Nine, several hours later
"First he gives me a medal, then he takes over my command. I tell you Worf it makes no sense." Martok said while fingering his Star of Kahless medallion as he sat dejectedly on his bunk.
"Our people have come to view you as the savior of the Empire, which is something Gowron cannot tolerate. He wishes to be its savior, not you." Worf correctly observed.
"What is he afraid of; that I'll challenge his position? I have no interest in political power. I'm a simple soldier." Martok said in disgust laying his medal aside. "By the Hand of Kahless, I've earned my position. I've risen through the ranks, fought countless battles, and what has he done? Schemed and plotted his way to power. Bah, I hate politicians! They are all dishonorable connivers. How our great Empire ever came to be ruled by such beings is beyond me!"
"His military experience is strictly limited," Worf said. "He is not half the tactician you are."
"Many brave warriors have given their lives in this war," Martok said then with a profound sigh he reluctantly added. "Whatever Gowron's motives are it is our duty as Klingon Warriors to help him defeat the Sith. We owe it to our fallen comrades and the future of the Empire."
"I am honored to be part of your house as I'm sure is Jadzia," Worf said.
"I would like some time alone my friend," Martok said sounding weary. Worf nodded before her left. Martok sat staring with his good eye at the medal. He wondered bitterly if it was worth the price he had and would continue to pay.
The Office which once belonged to General Martok Deep Space Nine the next day, morning
Gowron sat behind his desk flanked on either side by two Klingon Clone Troopers disruptors riles at the ready. "I've been closely examining the strategic situation." He said with a scowl. "We are losing ships one by one while our enemies are preparing to deploy their forces for one final killing strike against us and our allies. This is unacceptable! " He pounded his fist into the desktop. "I've decided we will go on the offense. Later today. I'll order sorties deep into enemy territory. The enemy will learn to fear us once more."
"With all due respect Chancellor, we are barely holding the lines as is. Between the Jem'Hadar, Cardassians, Breen, Tholians and Battle Droids, we are outnumbered nearly twenty-five to one. Then there is the threat of invasion from the other galaxy by way of the Barzan Wormhole to consider. A wiser course of action would be to maintain our defensive stance until our allied fleets create an effective countermeasure to the Breen weapon. " Martok avised beside him stood Worf.
"Did I ask for your opinion, General Martok?" Gowron snarled again pounding his fist on the desktop. "I can see it now. While our allies do nothing we shall save the galaxy through our bravery. You are dismissed." Martok and Worf were then escorted out by a pair of Klingon Clone Troopers ending any further debate.
Former Seat of the Provisional Government now Official Residence of Kia Winn on Bajor, afternoon
Kai Winn sat chatting amicable fashion with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli. The pair were each enjoying a post-lunch Raktajino. Luminara had developed quite a taste for the Bajoran beverage since being stationed on the planet by the Jedi Order following the acrimonious loss of her padawan a few months before. Even though Luminara know it was a bad idea she had become rather good friends with Winn. The two were on a first name basis.
"How fascinating," Kai Winn said when Luminara concluded an explanation of the difference between the Light and Dark Sides of the Force (one of many she had given to Winn since they became friends). "So, unless I am mistaken Luminara the use of passion is what separates Sith from Jedi, correct?"
"That and intent, Adami," Luminara said. "Sith think only of themselves while we Jedi are selfless."
"Luminara, but are Jedi truly selfless?" Kai Winn said. "It seems to me many within your Order care about their own needs more than they do for the greater good. Take Anakin Skywalker or your former apprentice Barriss Offee for example. Both did what they wanted regardless of what was best for others and neither were punished by your Order for their transgressions. What sort of example does their bad behavior set? It sadly reminds me of the hypocrisy of the Federation."
"I must admit I have grown disillusioned by recent changes to our code of conduct," Luminara said. "Sometimes, Adami, I wish there was a better, simpler way."
Kai Winn reached across and reassuringly patted Luminara's hand. "There, there, Luminara, I'm sure when the time is right a better way will present itself to you."
"You truly believe so?" Luminara said hoping against hope for an answer to her crisis of faith.
"I do indeed," Kai Winn said.
"Ruler Winn the people are expecting you." Said the personal assistant of Kai Winn. Ro Laren stood there waiting patiently for her master's acknowledgment.
"Ah, where does the time go." Kai Winn said getting up from her seat. She smiled at the Mirialan Jedi. "I'll see you tomorrow same time for another chat, Luminara?"
"I wouldn't dream of missing it, Adami," Luminara said with a smile of her own.
Kai Winn and Ro Laren walked away. Winn smirked as she thought how easily she was turning Luminara. Soon there would be another Sith in this galaxy to help with her work, one firmly under her control. She need only wait a little while longer.
To Be Continued
Next up - Worf vs Gowron now with lightsabers, Sisko & the Jedi face off with Kai Winn's zombie army, Kirk & co. decide they must do something about the continued Imperial threat from the Barzan Wormhole, Ferenginar is in crisis, Admiral Trench returns oh and Luke & Leia are born! All this and more in the next exciting chapter of "Galaxy at War".
