The Dominion attacks Betazed, giving Uhura a chance to reunite with the man she'd fallen head-over-heels and heels-over-head for while Kilowog meets a very special somebody. Also, Khan will be returning to Qo'noS for renegotiation.

Chapter Dix!

A new day had dawned on the Lair, day 1 of the war. Guy banged construct pots and pans as he called out "Rise and shine, folks! It's morning briefing time!"

Once everyone had gathered in the living room for briefing, the table turned on and a holographic image of Admiral Heihachiro Nogura appeared. He was an elderly Asian man who had taken over as the de facto head of Starfleet after the demise of Alexander Marcus. Good morning, Tomorrow Knights. That's your team name, right? I like it. he spoke.

"Good morning, Admiral Nogura." said Kirk. He was eternally thankful that the admiral had permitted them being an official Starfleet Black Ops Team and lent them this home to use as a lair. After all, this team was already the strangest thing to ever grace the universe—eleven humans, out of which four were from an alternate reality and another one was his evil twin, two half-Vulcans who were two different versions of the same person, one Korugarian(he was uncertain whether such a species existed in this universe), one Bolovaxian, one Astonian(again, he had no idea if such a species was out there), two unknown aliens(namely Jaylah and Indigo-1), two Klingons, one Romulan, one Artificial Intelligence, one cat and one highly dangerous Augmented criminal. But Nogura had seen their worth, and noticed that they were united under a common goal.

As you can see, Lantern Onagan'matod is now dead. He used his last words to tell us all about the Dominion. said Nogura, and sent them video footage of the whole scene.

In the video, the Jem'Hadar Lantern was explaining to the Admiralty how dangerous the enemy was, and also about its social systems. Turns out the Dominion was being operated by a caste system. The whole state was being ruled over by a near-mythical race known simply as the Founders. They were the creators of two genetically engineered species—one was the Vorta, a species not unlike any other, as in consisting of males, females and something in-between, and they acted as field commanders, administrators, scientists, and diplomats. Dr. Yolnut, the man who had discovered emotional energy and developed the siphoning devices, was Vorta. Another was the Jem'Hadar, created only to serve as dogs of war. As you might already know, those folks had no females or something in-between, only males and they were all basically clones of one another.

According to history books, the Founders dwelt in a giant mechanical structure located at the heart of the Empire, called the Capital. They were believed to be all-powerful, and the most powerful out of them all was their supreme ruler, Lord Okaia.

After his explanation was finished, the man dropped dead due to the lack of ketracel-white and his ring flew away to find another candidate.

The good news is, the Bolovaxian Union agreed to aid us. said the admiral, much to Kilowog's delight.

"Hold up." said Kilowog. "Did you just say...Bolovaxian?"

Indeed I did, Lantern Kilowog. The Bolovaxians are among the most renowned warriors in the universe. I'm reminded of that fact every time I see how well you handle fights, replied Nogura.

"I...I don't understand. The Bolovaxians are a peaceful species..." said a very confused Kilowog.

"Different reality, remember?" said Khan, slugging the Green Lantern on the shoulder. He then added "Better luck next time, poozer." before moving to the other side, leaving Kilowog speechless.

At the sight of Khan, Nogura said Oh, Lantern Commander Singh! I am very sorry about what happened to the USS Vengeance. If you lead us to victory in the war, all your criminal records will be erased and whatever enraged you in the first place will be compensated for.

"I am...much grateful, Admiral Nogura." said the Dawnbreaker. He felt Saaya brush against his ankle, and made a harmless construct to hoist her up to his shoulders, causing many of his teammates to go "aww!".

Nogura swallowed the lump in his throat, and announced We are dividing the ships into fleets, the Enterprise will be in the Seventh Fleet. Lantern Mogo will serve as a base of operations for the Federation Alliance militia, he has agreed.

"One more thing, Admiral Nogura." Khan said.

What is it, Lantern Commander Singh? I am glad to help, the holographic image replied.

"Can I bring my kitten aboard the Enterprise? She'll be lonely, without me or Jaylah." asked the Red Lantern.

The admiral nodded. Given the level of your power, I trust you to keep her safe in a galaxy at war.

"Did you hear that, James T.?" said Jaylah. "Higher authority said yes. Saaya's coming with us, whether you like it or not."

The holographic image died down, indicating that briefing time was over. "Alright, team, it's off to work we go!" said Kirk, and in a flash, everyone was getting ready.

"I heard you're making a playlist." Jaylah whispered in Khan's ear.

"Indeed." Khan whispered back. "I was inspired by you."

At the Starfleet docks, the team watched as a Bolovaxian ship landed. An armored Bolovaxian woman stepped out with her escorts. "Greetings. I am Warlord Aldar of Bolovax Vik, it is an honor to work alongside you all."

"Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise, leader of the Green Lantern Corps." said Kirk as he shook hands with Aldar, her large hand easily dwarfing his own. This is my bondmate Commander Spock, my cousin Lieutenant Eugene Kirk and his bondmate Lieutenant Spol."

Said "cousin", who was actually Anti-Matter Kirk, shrugged at the antics of his alternate self. Of course, the Green Leader had given his all in fabricating false identities for both him and Anti-Matter Spock, and, believe it or not, it paid off.

Without further ado, Aldar moved on to the next person and Kilowog's eyes trailed after her.

"What's the matter, Kilo? You look a little moony." said Hal.

"I...uh..." Kilowog couldn't speak. He was busy staring at the warlord.

"O-o-h, somebody's in love!" Guy taunted.

"Knock it off, Guy." said John.

Suddenly, a hovercar pulled up next to everyone and a male Betazoid with blonde hair stepped out. Uhura recognized him as Omal Nexi, the man she'd fallen for.

"Hello, everyone." said the Betazoid Ambassador. "I received a transmission from my home planet's Ruling Council. It says...Betazed had been invaded by the Dominion. Our defense systems are obsolete and undermanned. The planet was theirs in less than ten hours."

"Oh, no." said Kirk. "With Betazed in the hands of the Jem'Hadar, the Dominion is in a position to threaten Andor, Tellar, Alpha Centauri and even New Vulcan..."

Meanwhile, Omal was talking to Uhura. "Oh, I remember you! You're that lady from Yorktown!" he said. "You said you're the Chief Communications Officer for the Enterprise..."

"Why, yes, I am!" said the African.

"I'd been looking for you." Omal replied. "Ever since I ran into you back at that starbase, I couldn't get you out of my mind. I wanted to talk to you more but...you just ran away, so I was a bit sad. Just then, I received the news that Betazed was invaded, and the distress signal they sent could still reach Earth, but I took it upon myself to alert the Enterprisers, out of hope that I might just end up seeing you again."

Uhura smiled. "I'm sorry for just running out on you. At the moment I saw you, I couldn't help myself. I wasn't my usual confident self, I had become too shy. If you still wanna talk, then I'm happy to do so."

While looking at Uhura and Omal, Kilowog wished he could talk to Aldar like that.

LATER...

"What?" asked Kirk. "But sir, it might not be enough! Permission to send the Seventh Fleet to Betazed."

"Sorry, captain, but the Second Fleet will suffice. The Interceptor is one of our most advanced ships, simulations have proved that she is more than capable to go head-on against a Jem'Hadar battle cruiser." said Admiral Richard Barnett.

Hearing the conversation from a corner, Khan thought it was stupid. If the Seventh Fleet was sent to Betazed, he could just initiate a blackout and wipe out the Dominion forces occupying the planet...

As if she read his thoughts, Jaylah piped up. "This is ridiculous." she said. "Who knows what weapons they have in store? But you, you're so much worse. And you proved that many times over. If only they could see what James T. and the other greenies have experienced..."

"Thank you, Jaylah." replied Khan.

"But please, don't do anything reckless, yer better than dat. An' right now, we shoulda stick together, as a team." Scotty added.

"Noted, Mr. Scott." said the Augment, still eyeing the man he was supposed to work under with a quite disappointing glare.

"Right now, the Seventh Fleet is scheduled for more important business." said Barnett. "It will be sent to the Klingon Empire and warn them about the threat of the Dominion."

Guy perked up at the news, and turned to Shenara. "Oh, that's great! Maybe you and your daddy can convince them to join the Alliance..."

"That's none of your business, toDSaH." growled the Yellow Lantern. "Father and I are already traitors for still following Sinestro."

"Okay, fine." Guy grunted out. "I didn't want it anyway, knucklehead."

Something snapped in Khan's brain at that moment as his mind jerked back to something he did before he became the Dawnbreaker. Khan, you utter moron! Why did I go ahead and do that? If I never did that, Sinestro would still be in charge of the Klingon Empire and everything would be easy as pie...

~FLASHBACK~

"You know who I am." said the Red Lantern. "The last time I was on this planet, I slaughtered an entire squadron of you. And that was without my family by my side. Surely you realize that my victory is inevitable...so why waste your time and mine? Besides..." he said as he got himself off the ground, holding the corpse of Larfleeze by its snapped neck. "I have a mutually beneficial proposal for you."

"This is the second time a stranger with a ring has invaded the highest sanctum of our empire!" roared a Klingon Council member.

"We pledged allegiance to Sinestro because he promised to end the Federation once and for all." added another. "What more could you possibly offer?"

"Freedom from Sinestro." Khan said, and threw the corpse of Larfleeze in front of the Council. "This grotesque animal told me of Sinestro's plan, and how to follow him to the planet Oa. Once I acquire the power Sinestro seeks, we will invade the heart of the Federation together in numbers they cannot withstand. Earth will be mine, and you will have your empire back. So shall we continue battling against ourselves...or create the future together?"

~END FLASHBACK~

The Augment took a deep breath, and said "Sirs, I think sending an entire fleet there could be viewed as a declaration of war, so I request, only I will venture to Kronos and try to negotiate with the Klingons."

"Wait, wait, wait." said Jaylah. "I don't know Klingon-speak but there's no way in hell I'm just sending you over there alone. Aside from James T. and Montgomery Scotty, you're the first true friend I've had in ages. I'm with you."

"Take me over there, too. I have all the evidence you need." said Aya.

"Hey, ugly...I mean, Dawnbreaker...we've got a score to settle, don't forget that." Guy chimed in.

"Oh, trust me, I'd fly circles around you." Khan laughed.

Guy laughed too. "Anyways, I ain't gonna let those knuckleheads beat you to a bloody pulp before I get a chance to do so."

"We're a crew, and crews stick together." said Hal.

Lastly, much to everyone's surprise, Sinestro raised his hand. "Count me in." he said.

"But Thaal..." Hal began.

"I know, sweet fire, I know." said Sinestro as he put an arm around his par'Mach'kai. "I might get snipped, I know that. But I have the embodiment of fear under my command, and as somebody who ruled that barbaric empire before, I could at least...try, right?"

"Alright, Knights, score settled, right?" said Kirk. "We're not just gonna let our ultimate weapon wander off into hostile territory with no backup."

"Correction, Captain Kirk." said Saint Walker. "Not a weapon. Our Ultimate Hope."

"Am I allowed to get a word in?" asked Spock.

"C'mon, guys." said John. "We've seen what he's capable of. His ring's all the backup he needs."

"But we're still going with him. Who knows if he'll just switch sides?" Kirk shot back.

The Admiralty couldn't help but laugh at the team's antics. So it was decided. The Enterprise, with the Tomorrow Knights on board, would be sent to Qo'noS.

In all honesty, the Klingon High Council wasn't expecting their new ally to just barge in like that after weeks of no contact, with the traitors, their former emperor, a number of Federation goons and a Romulan by his side and an Earth animal on his shoulder. "What happened?" asked a member. "Why are you dressed like that? At least you're still upholding our end of the deal, right?"

"Um, not exactly." said Khan, in perfect Klingon.

"What?" said all 24 members of the High Council, rising from their seats, anger evident in their faces.

"You see, there's a new threat out there. The Dominion. The Federation's in cahoots with the Romulans and the Bolovaxians to defeat it. I've been recruited by this new Federation Alliance to be their Ultimate Hope, and I offer my sincerest apologies for not upholding our deal, but right now, the whole Alpha Quadrant is in jeopardy. Back then, I asked if we'll continue battling against ourselves or if we'll create the future together. Lieutenant Uhura?"

"Yeah, he did say that." Uhura said. "But if you don't join the Alliance against this new threat, there will be no future. Who knows if they're growing stronger by the minute, with all the new powers they've acquired? Please, this is a truce we're calling for."

"A truce?" growled yet another Klingon Council member. "This is most absurd. Whatever you're planning, we won't fall for it. And you, human, what gives you the right to do this?" he said, pointing at Kirk."

"I do." the captain smirked. "I am the Green Lantern of Space Sector 2814, and the leader of the Green Lantern Corps." Uhura translated the line in Klingon, and Kirk gestured at Aya. "Miss Aya?"

Aya smiled, and showed footage of the Tomorrow Knights fighting against Dominion forces. "This is where we're at right now." she said. "And we didn't make all of this up, we swear. There are armies incomprehensible. Lord Sinestro?"

Sinestro swallowed the lump in his throat, and spoke. "I just know it. All of you have hearts in there, somewhere. I speak from experience. Once, I fought to instill fear in every corner of the universe. Now, I fight to protect those that are precious to me." With that word, he exchanged a loving glance with Hal. "You've got to have something you value. If you wish to protect them, then we must come to an accord."

All 24 council members were at a loss for words. Aside from their honor, they did have their responsibilities and something else more...personal.

It was Khan's turn again to speak. He cracked a confident smile, and said "I did a lot of research on you people. You are not just a group of warriors, honor is not just war. You can bring great honor to the Empire if you help us defeat the enemy. Please?"

"F-ine." the High Council agreed.

"We agree, and once everything's over, we go our separate ways peacefully and in future we can continue on as enemies." one of them said.

"Team—mission accomplished!" said Kirk, and they all made their way out.

As they were heading back to the Enterprise, the Klingons stopped dead on their tracks. "What's wrong?" asked Sinestro.

"Sire, if you will pardon us, we have someplace to visit." said Tirrok.

And so, everyone changed their course to stop in front of a quite big house, where they met a female Klingon. "Who is she?" asked Guy, watching Tirrok speak to her.

"That's Karana. My mother." Shenara replied. "She and Father parted ways when Father refused to renounce his loyalties to Sinestro, and I, as you humans would put it, had been a "daddy's girl" from the start, which resulted in Mother cutting her ties with me as well. But...seeing our liege make amends with that friend of yours, I suppose Father began wishing to patch things up with Mother too."

"Ouch." said Guy.

"I never had the chance to reconcile with my mom." Hal added. "But Shenara, as your...um...Empress Consort? I say that you shouldn't wait for yours."

"qatlho', Sir Jordan." said the Yellow Lantern, expressing her gratitude with the Klingon equivalent of "thanks". She then moved in the direction of her parents, screaming "vav! SoS!"

One not quite nice conversation later, Karana pulled both her husband and her daughter into a tight hug. Everyone smiled, and Guy even shed a tear. Uhura and Ferris, as Star Sapphires, could feel the familial love overflowing from the three and were glad everything worked out. Sulu saw the whole thing as well, and he made up his mind to confess everything to Ben and Demora after all the hardships were over.