A House Divided
Chapter Two
Crusher was still swinging when she materialized and she caught her captor off guard, landing a cross to his nose. There was a sharp pain in her hand, and blood began coursing down the man's face.
"Oww. Cut it out, bitch!" The angry insurgent drew his arm back and socked Crusher in the temple. She felt a wave of nausea and her sight grew dim. Still, she struggled mightily until someone grabbed her shoulders firmly from behind.
"You will stop fighting now, Doctor." An authoritive spoke from behind her. Crusher stilled, and blinked several times, trying to clear her vision. She did not recognize her location, but looking around she could see she was in a large cavern, and there were several rebels struggling with two other Starfleet doctors from the Genesis medical center that had been attacked.
"Tell the others to stop as well, or they will be killed." Beverly got the impression he wasn't kidding.
Crusher raised her voice to carry over the din. "Chopra, Thompson - stand down." The pair settled and turned toward her. Their respective captors began moving them toward Crusher's position. Standing at attention, Crusher took in the man who had spoken. He'd released her and now stood in front of her. Two armed rebels stood nearby, weapons trained on the Starfleet officers.
"I am Siohban. Welcome to the resistance, Doctor Crusher."
*********
Picard stormed on to the bridge. He roared as he moved. "What the hell happened down there, Will!"
"Doctor Crusher contacted Lieutenant Peel minutes ago to request assistance, while you were on with Nechayev." Riker was hot on the Captain's heels. "The rebels were storming the medical center. We beamed two teams down there and were able to stifle the attack." Will stood at attention in front of Picard. "But not before Crusher and two other doctors were taken by the rebels. We're holding the remaining fighters for questioning."
"I want you talking to them personally, Will. Find out their objective in taking our people." Sternly, Picard turned to Data at opps. "Data - find the missing crewmen. I want them off that planet now."
"Aye sir." The android looked skeptical, but rose and walked off toward a rear science station.
"Sir. The Hera is arriving with Admiral Wolf. They are hailing us." A young ensign spoke timidly from the conn.
"Very well. Respond and have her Captain and the Admiral beam aboard the Enterprise the moment they're within range." Picard's tone was atypically harsh, but he was in a bad mood. One day in orbit, and the situation had already escalated beyond their control. Starfleet be damned - it was time to come up with a new strategy for dealing with New Genesis.
*********
"Have they made their demands yet?" Admiral Wolf turned to Picard, her voice calm.
"No. They have not yet contacted us. We are currently questioning the insurgents we captured during the attack." Picard's tone was low and clipped. Admiral Wolf and Captain Matta had beamed over from the Hera an hour ago. After a briefing regarding the general situation on New Genesis, they had all turned their attention to the abduction of the Starfleet officers.
"Very well. As soon as we hear from them Picard, notify me. I will deal with them directly." Wolf was all business, her tone betraying nothing. "Do you have a rescue plan in place?"
Picard frowned and tapped his comm. "Mr. Data. Please join us in the observation lounge." He cut the channel and turned toward the windows, waiting. The pale android walked in momentarily, standing at attention and waiting for Picard, who appeared not to notice his arrival. Riker cleared his throat, and Picard turned toward the rest of the conferees.
"Mr. Data - a report please on our efforts to locate the crewmembers?" Picard eyed him expectantly.
"Surface scans have not revealed anything. As you know, Starfleet has been unable to ascertain the location of the main rebel command center. It has been surmised that they are employing a cloaking technology. It is their main tactical advantage, and has enabled them to continue their resistance." Data delivered the message dispassionately, though he supposed one might find the situation frustrating.
"Then it is time to change strategies, Mr. Data. What is the condition of our intelligence?" Picard looked from the android to the Admiral.
Data again responded. "Information from the ground is decidedly unreliable. We have several field agents, but their information is only as good as those who provide it to them - and the rebels have a well-developed counter intelligence operation."
Riker broke in. "Basically, they've got us chasing our own tail." He looked to the captain, rubbing his beard.
Picard grumbled. "This situation is intolerable. It is a mire of poor execution and ill-conceived strategy." His innuendo was not subtle.
"Captain Picard. I would remind you of your responsibilities." Admiral Wolf's black eyes blazed. "It is simply foolish to believe that Starfleet could continue to turn our back on the chaos that raged on that planet. When we began our occupation months ago, the Cardassians had already gained favor in the governing council. It was only a matter of time before the entire regime fell to them. If we allowed them to take New Genesis, this entire sector would be as good as lost to the Cardassians. And the Federation is unable to sustain further defections from our citizens near the neutral zone." Eyes still smoldering, Wolf turned from Picard to address the entire room. "The Federation is weak. The Cardassians, the Romulans, even the Ferengi - they all smell the blood in the water. The sharks are circling gentlemen."
Picard sat quietly. Wolf's estimation of the situation was correct. The Federation, long a bastion of power in the entire quadrant, was falling prey to the rising ambitions of their enemies. After one hundred years of unquestioned Federation dominance, the balance of power had begun to shift. The Borg invasion years ago and their continued threat forced the Federation to bulk up Starfleet's military might, leaving diplomatic efforts short-staffed. Engineers had been focusing on larger, stronger, faster ships with massive firepower. While effective in fighting small numbers of large Borg vessels, they were useless in ground wars, and ineffectual against quick-striking forces targeting isolated Federation outposts.
New Genesis was a prime example of the result. Ignored for years, the colony had fallen further and further from the Federation, and into the hands of Cardassian manipulations. "Has diplomacy really fallen so far, Admiral?" Picard came out of his reverie.
"Cardassians and Romulans are not interested in diplomatic solutions. Neither are the guerillas down there. They are interested in power." Wolf met his gaze. "And the Ferengi will ally themselves with whoever's on top at the moment."
Matta jumped in. "Face it Picard. We need a show of power here - and we need to get it into the heads of all our citizens sitting on the fence that their way of life is on the verge of ending. The Federation has coddled them too long. Those insurgents have no idea what they're getting themselves into, throwing in with the Cardassians."
Picard was grave. "I need little schooling in the ways of the Cardassians, Captain. But had the Federation met these people's needs in the first place, we would not be in this situation now." He stared at the man opposite him.
Wolf jumped in. "Enough, Captains. We could continue this indefinitely, but I think we can all agree that this is not the time or place. Another challenge awaits us."
As if on cue, Lieutenant Peel's voice filled the conference room. "Captain Picard. The rebels are hailing us, sir. We have them onscreen."
The conferees rose, briskly headed for the bridge. Picard tapped his comm. "Acknowledged Lieutenant." His countenance remained grave - he was distinctly unhappy with the situation, and his lack of control over it. His stomach clenched as he thought about Admiral Wolf negotiating, or, more horrifically, not negotiating, for Beverly Crusher's life.
*********
"I am Siohban, head of the New Genesis Alliance for Independence. I will speak with Captain Picard." The man on screen was imposing. Tall and roughish, a long, thin scar trailed down the left side of his face. Handsome, his dirty blond hair was in disarray, and his dark eyes sparkled with anger.
"I am Admiral Phillipa Wolf, of the United Federation of Planets. You will be dealing with me, Siohban." The tall full-figured brunette stood at full height, directly in front of the viewer. She was flanked by Picard on the right and Matta on the left. Riker stood behind the trio, at the Captain's chair. The air on the bridge was distinctly charged.
"I will deal with whoever has authority over our prisoners." Siohban spoke forcefully.
"You will deal with me, Siohban. Why have you taken our people?" Wolf's tone remained level, her posture and gaze unwavering.
"Your people will provide necessary medical care to the Alliance. They will make themselves useful, or they will be dispatched. So far they have not been useful. They refuse to treat our wounded." Siohban spoke the last with contempt.
Picard's mind whirled. It was inconceivable to him that Crusher would refuse to treat patients. While he was incredibly proud of her for following Starfleet orders in the face of her rebellious conscience, he recognized how difficult it must be for her, and his heart was heavy.
Wolf also recognized the superior performance from the personnel. It would be a shame to lose them - but they could not afford to give an inch to the rebels. To do so would only expose Starfleet to further attacks and hostage situations. "Siohban, the Doctors are following standard protocol. They will not render aid. Now. We are prepared to liberate our people by force, but we are reluctant to take that step. Let us first discuss a timetable for their voluntary release."
"Absolutely not, Wolf. We will not be releasing the prisoners now, or in the future. We did not take them for fun, Starfleet - we took them because good people have been injured in our efforts to stop your occupation." Siohban practically spit the words, his contempt palpable. "Now. Let me demonstrate to you that we are serious." He stepped backward, and motioned to someone out of viewer range. The three Starfleet captives appeared at the side of the screen. While they looked unharmed, Picard noticed that Crusher was covered in blood. He prayed that it was not her own.
Siohban grabbed a young woman roughly by the arm. "State your name, Starfleet."
The woman stood valiantly, but her voice wavered. "Ensign Diana Thompson." She had only been on New Genesis a month, having been posted there after a year on a deep space mission, her first out of the academy. Her uniform was torn and streaked with mud, as were those of the others.
Siohban shook her arm roughly, and pulled a phaser from his belt, which he held to her head. "Now, Starfleet, it is time to change your orders. These personnel will assist us, or they will die."
Wolf remained tall, her shoulders square. Her voice was authorative and her response firm. "We will not change our orders, Siohban. We will not negotiate with the Alliance. We seek peace for New Genesis, and it will not be reached by suborning terrorism."
"You do not understand me, Wolf. These people are not hostages, they are prisoners. We will not be releasing them. They will be useful, or they will be dead." Siohban was clearly frustrated now.
"And you do not understand me, Siohban. Starfleet will not negotiate." Wolf now took a step forward, emphasizing her position. Her voice was low and calm.
"Very well." Siohban's tone was resigned, and he inclined his head to the Admiral. He held the young ensign's arm more firmly, and discharged the phaser at her temple. The woman cried out, as blood trickled from her mouth and ears. She fell to the ground immediately. Behind her, Doctor Chopra cried out. Crusher stood rigidly and silently, but her eyes were far off and unfocused.
On the bridge of the Enterprise it was deathly silent. Picard's worst assessment of the situation was materializing. One did not need to be familiar with Chopra or Crusher to read the fear in their eyes. Each realized that Starfleet would not be negotiating their release. And they had just witnessed the result of that policy first hand.
Siohban spoke, breaking the silence. "Useful, or dead, Starfleet. We will contact you again tomorrow." The connection was severed, the image of the rebels replaced with a vista of New Genesis, and the Hera serenely orbiting the war-torn planet.
Wolf turned sharply to Picard. "Get a lock on that message. I want our people out of there." She motioned impatiently to Matta. It was not difficult to see that Wolf was rattled, but her voice remained level. She met Picard's challenging gaze. "Contact me in two hours with tactical options. I will be in the Capitol building on the surface."
Picard nodded, acknowledging the order, he stepped forward and tugged crisply at his uniform. "Admiral, I recommend against you beaming down to the planet at this time. As you can see, the situation is still unstable." Picard spoke slowly. It was clear he was extremely distressed by the events that had just transpired.
Wolf stepped toward Picard. There was a subtle challenge in his words and posture. Clearly the admiral was not ruffled. She placed an arm on his shoulder. "We will not lose those people, Jean-Luc. We're getting them out of there. As for me, I will not send officers into danger only to cower in safety onboard the Hera." She paused, meeting Picard's gaze. Finally, she spun on her heel and headed toward the lift. "I'll be expecting your communication in two hours." She stepped into the lift. Matta nodded at Picard before joining the Admiral. Wolf was slightly taller than the Captain, and in her currently enraged state seemed to tower over the man. The doors closed on the pair, Wolf's face graven, and Matta's clearly distressed. Chopra had been previously posted to the Hera.
Picard turned toward his bridge crew. "Number One. Data. Peel. I want you all on this. I want to see options in one hour." Picard stared at Riker, who only dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I will be in my ready room."
The three officers converged at the rear of the bridge, silently meeting the others' gazes. Their task was not enviable, but each were committed to getting their people out. The stakes could not be higher.
*********
Siohban turned to the remaining Starfleet personnel. He was unaffected by the man, Chopra. He seemed soft and easily controlled. The woman, on the other hand, he suspected would be a problem. According to his understanding, she was the highest ranked and would be useful for keeping Chopra, and any other medics they could get, in line. If he could get her to cooperate, that is. She'd been nothing but trouble since the abduction. They'd lost their last Alliance doctor a month ago during a Starfleet raid, and the situation in camp had been almost intolerable since. They'd had to watch several friends die of easily curable wounds. Morale was suffering, and Siohban had planned the abduction from the medical centers to put the Alliance back on track. While he had expected reaction from Starfleet, he had not anticipated resistance from the doctors.
He addressed the woman. "Why will you not cooperate? We have people who are suffering. You can help them." He gestured to the fallen woman. "You see that resistance is lethal. Do what you have sworn to do and save your own lives in the process. I have no wish to kill you. But I will." His unkempt hair fell into his eyes, and he swept it back absentmindedly.
Crusher had struggled to get to the ensign, but was being held back by a fighter. She gazed sullenly at Siohban. "We will not be bullied, Siohban. Starfleet will not negotiate with you, and we will not cooperate." She looked at him with undisguised disgust.
"Then your deaths will be as useless as your final days." Siohban walked past her, and Crusher spit on him as he passed. It wasn't exactly Starfleet protocol, but she had been horrified by Thompson's senseless death. She was tired, hungry, dirty, and likely to die in the next day. Given the situation, she made little effort to keep her naturally volatile temper in check.
Her action was met with a dizzying blow to her abdomen from the butt of the gun held by a guard. She doubled over, but refused to cry out. Siohban paused, and stood over her as she succumbed to dry heaves. "I understand your sentiment, Doctor. Know that I regret my actions. I plead with you to reconsider your own inaction."
With that, he continued out. Two other guards grabbed Thompson's body and dragged it with them. Crusher and Chopra were left as the guards engaged a force field across the entrance. The quiet hum was momentarily drowned out by Crusher's low moans. Chopra came to her side, and gently grabbed her shoulders, helping her make her way to a nearby bunk. She promptly rolled over onto her side, clutching her stomach. "That wasn't the smartest thing I ever did." She coughed a couple times for emphasis.
"Maybe not - but I wish I had the guts to do it." Chopra smiled and rubbed her back. They'd been working together for the two months Crusher had been posted to New Genesis, and had developed a warm friendship. There was something about him that reminded her of Wesley.
"Thanks." Crusher smiled meekly and sat up. "Let's just hope the Enterprise comes up with a way to get us out of here." She gestured to their accommodations, a small cavern split off down a short corridor from the main rebel base camp. There were two creaky bunks and a dirt floor. Outside a guard stood with her back to the cell.
They'd been taken to the infirmary earlier, and both had been saddened by what they'd seen. While clean and sterile, the room had been crowded with multiple patients, suffering with everything from broken bones, to infection, internal bleeding, major and minor flesh wounds, and everything in between. Most could be easily healed. It took all her will not to break orders and treat them, and she was still wavering.
"Sira, are we doing the right thing?" Crusher favored Chopra with a plaintive look, and continued to rub her now very sore stomach.
Chopra gazed back. He stood and began to pace. "I don't know Beverly. We're following orders. I'm pretty good at that usually, but this is a tough call."
Crusher chuckled. "Well, I'm not good at following orders under the best of circumstances, and I'm sorely tempted now. To be honest, I don't even want to be on New Genesis. I'm not sure what Starfleet is doing here."
Chopra stopped pacing and turned toward her. "I actually volunteered for this posting." Crusher's jaw dropped at the revelation, and he continued. "My sister and her family settled near the neutral zone on Kato II five years ago. They were killed during a Cardassian raid." His eyes were dark, as he reflected on his loss. "The Cardassians are monsters, and they're intent on crushing the Federation. I'm glad to be part of any effort to stop them. As far as I'm concerned, we're being too generous. Starfleet should simply take over New Genesis."
"But what about the colonists? Don't they get a say in their own governance?" Crusher's tone was not angry, but resigned. Though she didn't agree, she was able to see the other side of the issue. But only after numerous rounds of heated arguments with Jean-Luc.
"And just how much will they have to say after the Cardassians take over?" Chopra again sat beside her. "I know you don't agree with the occupation Beverly. But I'm with Starfleet on this one."
"Well let's just hope we don't get the opportunity to die for that commitment." Crusher laid her hand on Chopra's and gave it a gentle squeeze before lying back down. "Since they don't seem intent on feeding us anytime soon, let's get some rest."
He smiled crookedly and walked over to his own bunk. "I hear that." He laid down, his head resting on an uncomfortable and pungent pillow. "Pleasant dreams." He laughed when a second pillow sailed across the room, landing on his head. "Bad planning again, Doc. Now I've got two and you've got nothing."
"Think again Lieutenant." Crusher stood over him and grabbed the pillow back. "And just be glad I don't order you to give me yours." She arched her brow and walked back to her own bunk. She'd barely been on it a minute before falling into a deep sleep, the first longer than an hour in two days.
*********
"We've narrowed the possibilities to six locations." Riker sat in a chair opposite Picard, sighing. "Sensors are unable to confirm what we've found. The six we've got are based on topographical analysis and intelligence from the field."
Picard frowned at the padd in front of him. "Hardly an encouraging scenario, Number One. Is that really the best we can do?" Picard's obvious disappointment stung all the officers present.
Peel spoke from her position on the couch. "We may be able to narrow the search further, but we'll need time."
"Time is a luxury we do not have, Lieutenant." Picard fell silent and gazed intently at Livingston, who was serenely unaware of his surroundings. "Send tactical analysis reports of all six locations to Admiral Wolf. Let her know that the reports are preliminary, and that we will have the parameters better defined within the next hour."
Riker rose, recognizing Picard's comments as a dismissal. "Aye sir." Peel and Data filed out. Riker turned. "We'll get them out sir."
"I know, Will." The Captain did not meet Riker's eyes. His gaze was intent on a spot on the wall, and it was clear his thoughts were lightyears away. Riker exited silently.
*********
Admiral Wolf reviewed the tactical layouts from the Enterprise. From her office on the planet, she had a sweeping view of what, at one time, had been one of the most beautiful capitals in the Federation. She sighed heavily.
Wolf knew what was at stake, and she knew her orders. She wanted to bring Picard in on her job here. There were few better diplomats in Starfleet. But he was too close to this one, and they had no room for error. She'd signed off with Nechayev and D'pel only moments ago. They'd not authorized her to give in on the issue, and Wolf was afraid they'd lose Crusher and Chopra, which would be yet another blow to the Federation.
For a year now they had been in the very preliminary stages of developing a medical fleet. The brass had listened when the fleet captains had clamored for expanded diplomatic efforts, and the medical ships would serve their own internal needs, as well as serving as a good public relations tool. The front-runner for heading the development and execution was Beverly Crusher, who would head the medical flagship at launch. She was their best physician and an experienced command officer. She'd hated her time at Starfleet Medical, but none disagreed that she'd worked wonders for its administration. Her current predicament put them in a bind. She was a valuable asset.
If that weren't bad enough, she and Nechayev had spoken very briefly and off the record about Picard's possible reaction to Starfleet passively letting Crusher die. No one was exactly clear about the nature of their relationship, but it was understood that Picard was on the fence about Starfleet involvement at New Genesis in the first place. He might react badly should Crusher fall victim to their policy there. They needed him now, and they needed him at his best.
As she weighed all this, Admiral Wolf glared at the data in front of her. The Enterprise staff had been able to narrow the possible strike targets to four, which was still too many. Time was running short. She estimated they had another eight hours or so before the rebels made second contact. Sighing again, she turned back to the window. "Rock, or hard place. Which do you chose, Phillipa?"
*********
Beverly groaned as a hard, angular object prodded at her shoulder. She awoke quickly, and grabbed at whatever it was that had disturbed her sleep, her eyes flying open. She recognized it as a riffle. It was quickly pulled away, and brought back down hard, into her shoulder. She stifled a yelp.
"Wakeup, Starfleet. Breakfast." Beverly sat up, and saw Chopra rubbing his eyes, also turning in his bunk to rise. There were two guards in the cell with them, one with a riffle trained on her, the other focused on Chopra. A third walked in with two steaming bowls. Crusher's hopes rose when her stomach rumbled loudly - whatever was in the bowls smelled edible.
She and Sira exchanged hopeful glances. The three guards retreated, guns on them the whole way. They exited and reactivated the force field.
"You'd think we were the violent insurgents." Crusher's tone was caustic as she turned to the offerings beside her on the bunk.
Chopra laughed. "They probably just don't want to get in the path of your expectorate." He picked up his own bowl and stirred. It was some sort of bland porridge. He gave it a try. "Not bad. Not good, but not bad."
Crusher eyed her own helping dubiously. She tried a spoonful, and finding it palatable, began eating with gusto. "If we decide on a hunger strike, count me out. I'd never cut it." She stopped halfway through, setting her bowl down. "Don't finish it all. Who knows if we'll get seconds."
Sira smiled and set his aside. "I bet it just tastes terrific cold." He stretched and stood. Crusher mirrored his actions. "How long do you think we slept?"
Crusher ran a hand through her hair, which was mangled with clumps of blood and dirt. She assessed the state of it and her muscles. "Maybe eight hours, give or take one or two."
Chopra ran a hand through his own spiky hair, which was in a comical state. "Sounds about right, I guess." His mood turned, and his voice became unsteady. "How much longer do you think it will be before they contact the Enterprise again?"
"You mean how much longer do you think it will be before one of us dies?" Crusher saw no need to beat around the bush. It was pointless, and, if Chopra really were about to die, disrespectful. "I don't know." He was visibly shaken. Crusher walked over, sitting beside him. "I know you're scared Sira. I am too."
The young man smiled over at her unsteadily, clutching her hand desperately. "I don't want to die, sir." He seemed very young. Crusher turned toward him fully.
"I don't want to die either. I don't know what the right thing to do is. Sira, if you want to break ranks and start cooperating, I will not stop you. I've gotten to know you pretty well, and I know you became a doctor to help people, not to fulfill a political agenda." Crusher searched his eyes. She hoped she could distract him from his fear, at least for a while.
He smiled. He loved medicine. His dark eyes twinkled as he responded. "And what about you, Doctor Crusher? Would you be so easily swayed?"
"I don't know, Sira. I know that first and foremost I'm a healer. But I have seen what the Federation has done for so many people. I have my differences with them, with a lot of things they do. But serving on the Enterprise, serving with Jean-Luc," she paused for a moment, and her mind wandered. She shook her head slightly and turned back to Chopra. "Let's just say that it's made me realize there are things larger than myself."
Chopra saw her eyes shining with pride for the work she'd done in her lifetime, and he felt the same. "As I suspected. I may be afraid, Doctor, but I'm committed. I don't know that if I die now it will help to stop the Cardassians. But I believe that if the rebel alliance here succeeds, the Federation will suffer. And I will not be a part of that."
Crusher smiled at the young man. "Well. That leaves us one option. We've to get out of here."
The two turned as the force field behind them switched off. "You can stow any ideas you've got about escape. Like I said, we will kill you. No one in the Alliance has any love for Starfleet. Their aim will be good."
Crusher rose and stared the man down. "What do you want, Siohban?"
"I just wanted to make sure you enjoyed your breakfast." He sneered. "And to let you know that we will be contacting the Enterprise in two hours. Are you sure you won't reconsider your decision?"
Now Chopra rose "We will not help you, or the Alliance. You believe that you're helping your people, and that's honorable. But you're terrorists, and you're helping the Cardassians destroy this planet. And that's deplorable."
"Your precious Federation ignored us while our people were slaughtered, starved, and persecuted by the Cardassians. It was not until we became strategically critical that we finally earned their attention. And as soon as they did fix on New Genesis, they took us by force. They installed a puppet government. They had no respect for our autonomy or our values. How is that so different from the Cardassians you say you hate?" Siohban glared down at the young man.
A high blush rose on Crusher's cheeks as she stepped toward the leader of the resistance. "The Federation may not have done what it should have here on New Genesis. But it would never willingly harm your citizens, and you know that they will relinquish control back to you as soon as this sector is secured." Her pitch rose steadily as she continued. "And how can you despise the Federation while allying yourself with the very people who are responsible for this chaos? Do you really believe that the Cardassians won't just enslave you once they have control here?"
"You're quite fiery, aren't you doctor?" Siohban laughed. "If we were indeed as stupid as you believe us to be, we would have been defeated long ago. No, doctor, we would as soon die as let the Cardassians control this planet. These weapons, some of our personnel - we are aligned with the Maquis, with a little help from the Ferengi. But as long as Starfleet believes we are allied with the Cardassians, we know the planet will never fall to them."
Crusher shook her head in disbelief. "Siohban, if you stopped the armed rebellion now and made your alliances clear, the Federation would gladly work with you to ensure your people's safety. How many people have to die to satisfy your moral high ground?"
"I know your precious Federation better than you think you do, Crusher. As soon as they think they've got us under control, their attention will wander again, leaving us vulnerable to the Cardassians." Siohban turned and walked away. As the force field was reactivated, he called over his shoulder. "Less than two hours. You have your choice, doctors."
Chapter Two
Crusher was still swinging when she materialized and she caught her captor off guard, landing a cross to his nose. There was a sharp pain in her hand, and blood began coursing down the man's face.
"Oww. Cut it out, bitch!" The angry insurgent drew his arm back and socked Crusher in the temple. She felt a wave of nausea and her sight grew dim. Still, she struggled mightily until someone grabbed her shoulders firmly from behind.
"You will stop fighting now, Doctor." An authoritive spoke from behind her. Crusher stilled, and blinked several times, trying to clear her vision. She did not recognize her location, but looking around she could see she was in a large cavern, and there were several rebels struggling with two other Starfleet doctors from the Genesis medical center that had been attacked.
"Tell the others to stop as well, or they will be killed." Beverly got the impression he wasn't kidding.
Crusher raised her voice to carry over the din. "Chopra, Thompson - stand down." The pair settled and turned toward her. Their respective captors began moving them toward Crusher's position. Standing at attention, Crusher took in the man who had spoken. He'd released her and now stood in front of her. Two armed rebels stood nearby, weapons trained on the Starfleet officers.
"I am Siohban. Welcome to the resistance, Doctor Crusher."
*********
Picard stormed on to the bridge. He roared as he moved. "What the hell happened down there, Will!"
"Doctor Crusher contacted Lieutenant Peel minutes ago to request assistance, while you were on with Nechayev." Riker was hot on the Captain's heels. "The rebels were storming the medical center. We beamed two teams down there and were able to stifle the attack." Will stood at attention in front of Picard. "But not before Crusher and two other doctors were taken by the rebels. We're holding the remaining fighters for questioning."
"I want you talking to them personally, Will. Find out their objective in taking our people." Sternly, Picard turned to Data at opps. "Data - find the missing crewmen. I want them off that planet now."
"Aye sir." The android looked skeptical, but rose and walked off toward a rear science station.
"Sir. The Hera is arriving with Admiral Wolf. They are hailing us." A young ensign spoke timidly from the conn.
"Very well. Respond and have her Captain and the Admiral beam aboard the Enterprise the moment they're within range." Picard's tone was atypically harsh, but he was in a bad mood. One day in orbit, and the situation had already escalated beyond their control. Starfleet be damned - it was time to come up with a new strategy for dealing with New Genesis.
*********
"Have they made their demands yet?" Admiral Wolf turned to Picard, her voice calm.
"No. They have not yet contacted us. We are currently questioning the insurgents we captured during the attack." Picard's tone was low and clipped. Admiral Wolf and Captain Matta had beamed over from the Hera an hour ago. After a briefing regarding the general situation on New Genesis, they had all turned their attention to the abduction of the Starfleet officers.
"Very well. As soon as we hear from them Picard, notify me. I will deal with them directly." Wolf was all business, her tone betraying nothing. "Do you have a rescue plan in place?"
Picard frowned and tapped his comm. "Mr. Data. Please join us in the observation lounge." He cut the channel and turned toward the windows, waiting. The pale android walked in momentarily, standing at attention and waiting for Picard, who appeared not to notice his arrival. Riker cleared his throat, and Picard turned toward the rest of the conferees.
"Mr. Data - a report please on our efforts to locate the crewmembers?" Picard eyed him expectantly.
"Surface scans have not revealed anything. As you know, Starfleet has been unable to ascertain the location of the main rebel command center. It has been surmised that they are employing a cloaking technology. It is their main tactical advantage, and has enabled them to continue their resistance." Data delivered the message dispassionately, though he supposed one might find the situation frustrating.
"Then it is time to change strategies, Mr. Data. What is the condition of our intelligence?" Picard looked from the android to the Admiral.
Data again responded. "Information from the ground is decidedly unreliable. We have several field agents, but their information is only as good as those who provide it to them - and the rebels have a well-developed counter intelligence operation."
Riker broke in. "Basically, they've got us chasing our own tail." He looked to the captain, rubbing his beard.
Picard grumbled. "This situation is intolerable. It is a mire of poor execution and ill-conceived strategy." His innuendo was not subtle.
"Captain Picard. I would remind you of your responsibilities." Admiral Wolf's black eyes blazed. "It is simply foolish to believe that Starfleet could continue to turn our back on the chaos that raged on that planet. When we began our occupation months ago, the Cardassians had already gained favor in the governing council. It was only a matter of time before the entire regime fell to them. If we allowed them to take New Genesis, this entire sector would be as good as lost to the Cardassians. And the Federation is unable to sustain further defections from our citizens near the neutral zone." Eyes still smoldering, Wolf turned from Picard to address the entire room. "The Federation is weak. The Cardassians, the Romulans, even the Ferengi - they all smell the blood in the water. The sharks are circling gentlemen."
Picard sat quietly. Wolf's estimation of the situation was correct. The Federation, long a bastion of power in the entire quadrant, was falling prey to the rising ambitions of their enemies. After one hundred years of unquestioned Federation dominance, the balance of power had begun to shift. The Borg invasion years ago and their continued threat forced the Federation to bulk up Starfleet's military might, leaving diplomatic efforts short-staffed. Engineers had been focusing on larger, stronger, faster ships with massive firepower. While effective in fighting small numbers of large Borg vessels, they were useless in ground wars, and ineffectual against quick-striking forces targeting isolated Federation outposts.
New Genesis was a prime example of the result. Ignored for years, the colony had fallen further and further from the Federation, and into the hands of Cardassian manipulations. "Has diplomacy really fallen so far, Admiral?" Picard came out of his reverie.
"Cardassians and Romulans are not interested in diplomatic solutions. Neither are the guerillas down there. They are interested in power." Wolf met his gaze. "And the Ferengi will ally themselves with whoever's on top at the moment."
Matta jumped in. "Face it Picard. We need a show of power here - and we need to get it into the heads of all our citizens sitting on the fence that their way of life is on the verge of ending. The Federation has coddled them too long. Those insurgents have no idea what they're getting themselves into, throwing in with the Cardassians."
Picard was grave. "I need little schooling in the ways of the Cardassians, Captain. But had the Federation met these people's needs in the first place, we would not be in this situation now." He stared at the man opposite him.
Wolf jumped in. "Enough, Captains. We could continue this indefinitely, but I think we can all agree that this is not the time or place. Another challenge awaits us."
As if on cue, Lieutenant Peel's voice filled the conference room. "Captain Picard. The rebels are hailing us, sir. We have them onscreen."
The conferees rose, briskly headed for the bridge. Picard tapped his comm. "Acknowledged Lieutenant." His countenance remained grave - he was distinctly unhappy with the situation, and his lack of control over it. His stomach clenched as he thought about Admiral Wolf negotiating, or, more horrifically, not negotiating, for Beverly Crusher's life.
*********
"I am Siohban, head of the New Genesis Alliance for Independence. I will speak with Captain Picard." The man on screen was imposing. Tall and roughish, a long, thin scar trailed down the left side of his face. Handsome, his dirty blond hair was in disarray, and his dark eyes sparkled with anger.
"I am Admiral Phillipa Wolf, of the United Federation of Planets. You will be dealing with me, Siohban." The tall full-figured brunette stood at full height, directly in front of the viewer. She was flanked by Picard on the right and Matta on the left. Riker stood behind the trio, at the Captain's chair. The air on the bridge was distinctly charged.
"I will deal with whoever has authority over our prisoners." Siohban spoke forcefully.
"You will deal with me, Siohban. Why have you taken our people?" Wolf's tone remained level, her posture and gaze unwavering.
"Your people will provide necessary medical care to the Alliance. They will make themselves useful, or they will be dispatched. So far they have not been useful. They refuse to treat our wounded." Siohban spoke the last with contempt.
Picard's mind whirled. It was inconceivable to him that Crusher would refuse to treat patients. While he was incredibly proud of her for following Starfleet orders in the face of her rebellious conscience, he recognized how difficult it must be for her, and his heart was heavy.
Wolf also recognized the superior performance from the personnel. It would be a shame to lose them - but they could not afford to give an inch to the rebels. To do so would only expose Starfleet to further attacks and hostage situations. "Siohban, the Doctors are following standard protocol. They will not render aid. Now. We are prepared to liberate our people by force, but we are reluctant to take that step. Let us first discuss a timetable for their voluntary release."
"Absolutely not, Wolf. We will not be releasing the prisoners now, or in the future. We did not take them for fun, Starfleet - we took them because good people have been injured in our efforts to stop your occupation." Siohban practically spit the words, his contempt palpable. "Now. Let me demonstrate to you that we are serious." He stepped backward, and motioned to someone out of viewer range. The three Starfleet captives appeared at the side of the screen. While they looked unharmed, Picard noticed that Crusher was covered in blood. He prayed that it was not her own.
Siohban grabbed a young woman roughly by the arm. "State your name, Starfleet."
The woman stood valiantly, but her voice wavered. "Ensign Diana Thompson." She had only been on New Genesis a month, having been posted there after a year on a deep space mission, her first out of the academy. Her uniform was torn and streaked with mud, as were those of the others.
Siohban shook her arm roughly, and pulled a phaser from his belt, which he held to her head. "Now, Starfleet, it is time to change your orders. These personnel will assist us, or they will die."
Wolf remained tall, her shoulders square. Her voice was authorative and her response firm. "We will not change our orders, Siohban. We will not negotiate with the Alliance. We seek peace for New Genesis, and it will not be reached by suborning terrorism."
"You do not understand me, Wolf. These people are not hostages, they are prisoners. We will not be releasing them. They will be useful, or they will be dead." Siohban was clearly frustrated now.
"And you do not understand me, Siohban. Starfleet will not negotiate." Wolf now took a step forward, emphasizing her position. Her voice was low and calm.
"Very well." Siohban's tone was resigned, and he inclined his head to the Admiral. He held the young ensign's arm more firmly, and discharged the phaser at her temple. The woman cried out, as blood trickled from her mouth and ears. She fell to the ground immediately. Behind her, Doctor Chopra cried out. Crusher stood rigidly and silently, but her eyes were far off and unfocused.
On the bridge of the Enterprise it was deathly silent. Picard's worst assessment of the situation was materializing. One did not need to be familiar with Chopra or Crusher to read the fear in their eyes. Each realized that Starfleet would not be negotiating their release. And they had just witnessed the result of that policy first hand.
Siohban spoke, breaking the silence. "Useful, or dead, Starfleet. We will contact you again tomorrow." The connection was severed, the image of the rebels replaced with a vista of New Genesis, and the Hera serenely orbiting the war-torn planet.
Wolf turned sharply to Picard. "Get a lock on that message. I want our people out of there." She motioned impatiently to Matta. It was not difficult to see that Wolf was rattled, but her voice remained level. She met Picard's challenging gaze. "Contact me in two hours with tactical options. I will be in the Capitol building on the surface."
Picard nodded, acknowledging the order, he stepped forward and tugged crisply at his uniform. "Admiral, I recommend against you beaming down to the planet at this time. As you can see, the situation is still unstable." Picard spoke slowly. It was clear he was extremely distressed by the events that had just transpired.
Wolf stepped toward Picard. There was a subtle challenge in his words and posture. Clearly the admiral was not ruffled. She placed an arm on his shoulder. "We will not lose those people, Jean-Luc. We're getting them out of there. As for me, I will not send officers into danger only to cower in safety onboard the Hera." She paused, meeting Picard's gaze. Finally, she spun on her heel and headed toward the lift. "I'll be expecting your communication in two hours." She stepped into the lift. Matta nodded at Picard before joining the Admiral. Wolf was slightly taller than the Captain, and in her currently enraged state seemed to tower over the man. The doors closed on the pair, Wolf's face graven, and Matta's clearly distressed. Chopra had been previously posted to the Hera.
Picard turned toward his bridge crew. "Number One. Data. Peel. I want you all on this. I want to see options in one hour." Picard stared at Riker, who only dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I will be in my ready room."
The three officers converged at the rear of the bridge, silently meeting the others' gazes. Their task was not enviable, but each were committed to getting their people out. The stakes could not be higher.
*********
Siohban turned to the remaining Starfleet personnel. He was unaffected by the man, Chopra. He seemed soft and easily controlled. The woman, on the other hand, he suspected would be a problem. According to his understanding, she was the highest ranked and would be useful for keeping Chopra, and any other medics they could get, in line. If he could get her to cooperate, that is. She'd been nothing but trouble since the abduction. They'd lost their last Alliance doctor a month ago during a Starfleet raid, and the situation in camp had been almost intolerable since. They'd had to watch several friends die of easily curable wounds. Morale was suffering, and Siohban had planned the abduction from the medical centers to put the Alliance back on track. While he had expected reaction from Starfleet, he had not anticipated resistance from the doctors.
He addressed the woman. "Why will you not cooperate? We have people who are suffering. You can help them." He gestured to the fallen woman. "You see that resistance is lethal. Do what you have sworn to do and save your own lives in the process. I have no wish to kill you. But I will." His unkempt hair fell into his eyes, and he swept it back absentmindedly.
Crusher had struggled to get to the ensign, but was being held back by a fighter. She gazed sullenly at Siohban. "We will not be bullied, Siohban. Starfleet will not negotiate with you, and we will not cooperate." She looked at him with undisguised disgust.
"Then your deaths will be as useless as your final days." Siohban walked past her, and Crusher spit on him as he passed. It wasn't exactly Starfleet protocol, but she had been horrified by Thompson's senseless death. She was tired, hungry, dirty, and likely to die in the next day. Given the situation, she made little effort to keep her naturally volatile temper in check.
Her action was met with a dizzying blow to her abdomen from the butt of the gun held by a guard. She doubled over, but refused to cry out. Siohban paused, and stood over her as she succumbed to dry heaves. "I understand your sentiment, Doctor. Know that I regret my actions. I plead with you to reconsider your own inaction."
With that, he continued out. Two other guards grabbed Thompson's body and dragged it with them. Crusher and Chopra were left as the guards engaged a force field across the entrance. The quiet hum was momentarily drowned out by Crusher's low moans. Chopra came to her side, and gently grabbed her shoulders, helping her make her way to a nearby bunk. She promptly rolled over onto her side, clutching her stomach. "That wasn't the smartest thing I ever did." She coughed a couple times for emphasis.
"Maybe not - but I wish I had the guts to do it." Chopra smiled and rubbed her back. They'd been working together for the two months Crusher had been posted to New Genesis, and had developed a warm friendship. There was something about him that reminded her of Wesley.
"Thanks." Crusher smiled meekly and sat up. "Let's just hope the Enterprise comes up with a way to get us out of here." She gestured to their accommodations, a small cavern split off down a short corridor from the main rebel base camp. There were two creaky bunks and a dirt floor. Outside a guard stood with her back to the cell.
They'd been taken to the infirmary earlier, and both had been saddened by what they'd seen. While clean and sterile, the room had been crowded with multiple patients, suffering with everything from broken bones, to infection, internal bleeding, major and minor flesh wounds, and everything in between. Most could be easily healed. It took all her will not to break orders and treat them, and she was still wavering.
"Sira, are we doing the right thing?" Crusher favored Chopra with a plaintive look, and continued to rub her now very sore stomach.
Chopra gazed back. He stood and began to pace. "I don't know Beverly. We're following orders. I'm pretty good at that usually, but this is a tough call."
Crusher chuckled. "Well, I'm not good at following orders under the best of circumstances, and I'm sorely tempted now. To be honest, I don't even want to be on New Genesis. I'm not sure what Starfleet is doing here."
Chopra stopped pacing and turned toward her. "I actually volunteered for this posting." Crusher's jaw dropped at the revelation, and he continued. "My sister and her family settled near the neutral zone on Kato II five years ago. They were killed during a Cardassian raid." His eyes were dark, as he reflected on his loss. "The Cardassians are monsters, and they're intent on crushing the Federation. I'm glad to be part of any effort to stop them. As far as I'm concerned, we're being too generous. Starfleet should simply take over New Genesis."
"But what about the colonists? Don't they get a say in their own governance?" Crusher's tone was not angry, but resigned. Though she didn't agree, she was able to see the other side of the issue. But only after numerous rounds of heated arguments with Jean-Luc.
"And just how much will they have to say after the Cardassians take over?" Chopra again sat beside her. "I know you don't agree with the occupation Beverly. But I'm with Starfleet on this one."
"Well let's just hope we don't get the opportunity to die for that commitment." Crusher laid her hand on Chopra's and gave it a gentle squeeze before lying back down. "Since they don't seem intent on feeding us anytime soon, let's get some rest."
He smiled crookedly and walked over to his own bunk. "I hear that." He laid down, his head resting on an uncomfortable and pungent pillow. "Pleasant dreams." He laughed when a second pillow sailed across the room, landing on his head. "Bad planning again, Doc. Now I've got two and you've got nothing."
"Think again Lieutenant." Crusher stood over him and grabbed the pillow back. "And just be glad I don't order you to give me yours." She arched her brow and walked back to her own bunk. She'd barely been on it a minute before falling into a deep sleep, the first longer than an hour in two days.
*********
"We've narrowed the possibilities to six locations." Riker sat in a chair opposite Picard, sighing. "Sensors are unable to confirm what we've found. The six we've got are based on topographical analysis and intelligence from the field."
Picard frowned at the padd in front of him. "Hardly an encouraging scenario, Number One. Is that really the best we can do?" Picard's obvious disappointment stung all the officers present.
Peel spoke from her position on the couch. "We may be able to narrow the search further, but we'll need time."
"Time is a luxury we do not have, Lieutenant." Picard fell silent and gazed intently at Livingston, who was serenely unaware of his surroundings. "Send tactical analysis reports of all six locations to Admiral Wolf. Let her know that the reports are preliminary, and that we will have the parameters better defined within the next hour."
Riker rose, recognizing Picard's comments as a dismissal. "Aye sir." Peel and Data filed out. Riker turned. "We'll get them out sir."
"I know, Will." The Captain did not meet Riker's eyes. His gaze was intent on a spot on the wall, and it was clear his thoughts were lightyears away. Riker exited silently.
*********
Admiral Wolf reviewed the tactical layouts from the Enterprise. From her office on the planet, she had a sweeping view of what, at one time, had been one of the most beautiful capitals in the Federation. She sighed heavily.
Wolf knew what was at stake, and she knew her orders. She wanted to bring Picard in on her job here. There were few better diplomats in Starfleet. But he was too close to this one, and they had no room for error. She'd signed off with Nechayev and D'pel only moments ago. They'd not authorized her to give in on the issue, and Wolf was afraid they'd lose Crusher and Chopra, which would be yet another blow to the Federation.
For a year now they had been in the very preliminary stages of developing a medical fleet. The brass had listened when the fleet captains had clamored for expanded diplomatic efforts, and the medical ships would serve their own internal needs, as well as serving as a good public relations tool. The front-runner for heading the development and execution was Beverly Crusher, who would head the medical flagship at launch. She was their best physician and an experienced command officer. She'd hated her time at Starfleet Medical, but none disagreed that she'd worked wonders for its administration. Her current predicament put them in a bind. She was a valuable asset.
If that weren't bad enough, she and Nechayev had spoken very briefly and off the record about Picard's possible reaction to Starfleet passively letting Crusher die. No one was exactly clear about the nature of their relationship, but it was understood that Picard was on the fence about Starfleet involvement at New Genesis in the first place. He might react badly should Crusher fall victim to their policy there. They needed him now, and they needed him at his best.
As she weighed all this, Admiral Wolf glared at the data in front of her. The Enterprise staff had been able to narrow the possible strike targets to four, which was still too many. Time was running short. She estimated they had another eight hours or so before the rebels made second contact. Sighing again, she turned back to the window. "Rock, or hard place. Which do you chose, Phillipa?"
*********
Beverly groaned as a hard, angular object prodded at her shoulder. She awoke quickly, and grabbed at whatever it was that had disturbed her sleep, her eyes flying open. She recognized it as a riffle. It was quickly pulled away, and brought back down hard, into her shoulder. She stifled a yelp.
"Wakeup, Starfleet. Breakfast." Beverly sat up, and saw Chopra rubbing his eyes, also turning in his bunk to rise. There were two guards in the cell with them, one with a riffle trained on her, the other focused on Chopra. A third walked in with two steaming bowls. Crusher's hopes rose when her stomach rumbled loudly - whatever was in the bowls smelled edible.
She and Sira exchanged hopeful glances. The three guards retreated, guns on them the whole way. They exited and reactivated the force field.
"You'd think we were the violent insurgents." Crusher's tone was caustic as she turned to the offerings beside her on the bunk.
Chopra laughed. "They probably just don't want to get in the path of your expectorate." He picked up his own bowl and stirred. It was some sort of bland porridge. He gave it a try. "Not bad. Not good, but not bad."
Crusher eyed her own helping dubiously. She tried a spoonful, and finding it palatable, began eating with gusto. "If we decide on a hunger strike, count me out. I'd never cut it." She stopped halfway through, setting her bowl down. "Don't finish it all. Who knows if we'll get seconds."
Sira smiled and set his aside. "I bet it just tastes terrific cold." He stretched and stood. Crusher mirrored his actions. "How long do you think we slept?"
Crusher ran a hand through her hair, which was mangled with clumps of blood and dirt. She assessed the state of it and her muscles. "Maybe eight hours, give or take one or two."
Chopra ran a hand through his own spiky hair, which was in a comical state. "Sounds about right, I guess." His mood turned, and his voice became unsteady. "How much longer do you think it will be before they contact the Enterprise again?"
"You mean how much longer do you think it will be before one of us dies?" Crusher saw no need to beat around the bush. It was pointless, and, if Chopra really were about to die, disrespectful. "I don't know." He was visibly shaken. Crusher walked over, sitting beside him. "I know you're scared Sira. I am too."
The young man smiled over at her unsteadily, clutching her hand desperately. "I don't want to die, sir." He seemed very young. Crusher turned toward him fully.
"I don't want to die either. I don't know what the right thing to do is. Sira, if you want to break ranks and start cooperating, I will not stop you. I've gotten to know you pretty well, and I know you became a doctor to help people, not to fulfill a political agenda." Crusher searched his eyes. She hoped she could distract him from his fear, at least for a while.
He smiled. He loved medicine. His dark eyes twinkled as he responded. "And what about you, Doctor Crusher? Would you be so easily swayed?"
"I don't know, Sira. I know that first and foremost I'm a healer. But I have seen what the Federation has done for so many people. I have my differences with them, with a lot of things they do. But serving on the Enterprise, serving with Jean-Luc," she paused for a moment, and her mind wandered. She shook her head slightly and turned back to Chopra. "Let's just say that it's made me realize there are things larger than myself."
Chopra saw her eyes shining with pride for the work she'd done in her lifetime, and he felt the same. "As I suspected. I may be afraid, Doctor, but I'm committed. I don't know that if I die now it will help to stop the Cardassians. But I believe that if the rebel alliance here succeeds, the Federation will suffer. And I will not be a part of that."
Crusher smiled at the young man. "Well. That leaves us one option. We've to get out of here."
The two turned as the force field behind them switched off. "You can stow any ideas you've got about escape. Like I said, we will kill you. No one in the Alliance has any love for Starfleet. Their aim will be good."
Crusher rose and stared the man down. "What do you want, Siohban?"
"I just wanted to make sure you enjoyed your breakfast." He sneered. "And to let you know that we will be contacting the Enterprise in two hours. Are you sure you won't reconsider your decision?"
Now Chopra rose "We will not help you, or the Alliance. You believe that you're helping your people, and that's honorable. But you're terrorists, and you're helping the Cardassians destroy this planet. And that's deplorable."
"Your precious Federation ignored us while our people were slaughtered, starved, and persecuted by the Cardassians. It was not until we became strategically critical that we finally earned their attention. And as soon as they did fix on New Genesis, they took us by force. They installed a puppet government. They had no respect for our autonomy or our values. How is that so different from the Cardassians you say you hate?" Siohban glared down at the young man.
A high blush rose on Crusher's cheeks as she stepped toward the leader of the resistance. "The Federation may not have done what it should have here on New Genesis. But it would never willingly harm your citizens, and you know that they will relinquish control back to you as soon as this sector is secured." Her pitch rose steadily as she continued. "And how can you despise the Federation while allying yourself with the very people who are responsible for this chaos? Do you really believe that the Cardassians won't just enslave you once they have control here?"
"You're quite fiery, aren't you doctor?" Siohban laughed. "If we were indeed as stupid as you believe us to be, we would have been defeated long ago. No, doctor, we would as soon die as let the Cardassians control this planet. These weapons, some of our personnel - we are aligned with the Maquis, with a little help from the Ferengi. But as long as Starfleet believes we are allied with the Cardassians, we know the planet will never fall to them."
Crusher shook her head in disbelief. "Siohban, if you stopped the armed rebellion now and made your alliances clear, the Federation would gladly work with you to ensure your people's safety. How many people have to die to satisfy your moral high ground?"
"I know your precious Federation better than you think you do, Crusher. As soon as they think they've got us under control, their attention will wander again, leaving us vulnerable to the Cardassians." Siohban turned and walked away. As the force field was reactivated, he called over his shoulder. "Less than two hours. You have your choice, doctors."