STAR TREK - THE KELVAN CONQUEST
As stated before - this is for entertainment purposes only. I can gain no profit from this.
This book is for the fine people at TNN and the Sci-Fi Channel, who put on the classics and get me moving!
STAR TREK – THE KELVAN CONQUEST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
Book Four: "Invasion"
Act One: "Surrender"
Deep Space Nine maybe one of the most important space stations in the galaxy. A pass way between the powers of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Placed near the gateway of the Gamma Quadrant. An integral part of the communications line between Starfleet and the Delta Quadrant.
But despite its position and lot in life, Deep Space is still somewhat secluded in its position near religious hotspot Bajor. Word has yet to reach them about the unusual activity in Sector 1784.
So, Colonel Kira Neryes wasn't expecting much when she stepped out of her office. Ops was running normally and the station was going about its day after a restful nights sleep.
"Colonel," Lieutenant Nog addressed her as she made her way down to the situation table.
"Good morning, Nog. Anything new today."
"Nope. My father has some work today in Upper Pylon Three, but other than that – the station is running perfectly fine."
"Good, good. I . . . "
Suddenly, everything around Kira Neryes began to just . . . slow down. Her eyes squinted as she tried to make out what was happening. Then, she heard a strange voice coming from behind her. Kira knew she had heard before, but not for the longest time. What – who was it?
"Colonel?"
The sound of Nog's voice snapped her out of it. Her legs felt wobbly. The lights seemed a bit brighter.
"Colonel? Are you alright?"
She paused, looking at him with somewhat new eyes. Something bad was going to happen. And soon.
"Yeah. Yeah, Nog. I'm fine."
Kira then turned tail and walked back into her office.
***
"What do we do now?" asked Alexander. His father, Worf, sat on a rock and looked up towards the stars. The remainder of his crew made their way around the two or three bon fires they had started up. These Klingons were getting restless.
"I'm not sure, Alexander. We must somehow get back to the Empire – tell them what has happened."
"And what has happened?"
"The Kelvans have come with an invasion fleet."
Alexander paused in thought. "Father, I thought the Kelvans were neutral in all things."
"Yes. But let us remember they first came to our galaxy to conquer it. And not all Kelvans are peaceful. Five years ago, I fought two of them on Deep Space Nine when they attempted to steal Engineering tools."
"Two of them? With your bare hands?"
"Yes."
"You are great warrior, father."
"And you are swift in becoming one, son," said Worf. "But no matter what warriors we be, Alexander, I can not yet get us off this miserable planet."
Suddenly, there was a rustle from the trees not far from them. Worf stood up quickly, followed by his son and – soon – the rest of the Klingons.
"Come out from there!" Worf ordered.
About thirty Romulans stepped out from the woods. Sela led them. Each one had a disrupter trained at the Klingons. The Klingons – only twenty-five strong – held both disrupters and other weapons of the Empire.
"Damn it," Sela cursed.
"Drop your weapons. You will be our prisoners," Worf commanded.
"You Klingon idiot. There's no point. We're dead even. You have more weapons that we do, but we have more people than your do. We can only hope to - "
"Then we shall die in battle!" Worf exclaimed.
"NO!" shouted Sela. "You buffoons, you - "
Suddenly, there was a rumbling noise from above. Both groups looked up in time to catch a small Kelvan-like ship coming to the surface some twenty kilometers away.
Worf and Sela looked to each other.
"They're coming to finish us off. We don't have much time."
Worf paused. "Agreed."
"Our only chance for survival is if we work together. Trust me, I don't like it anymore than you do. But we need."
"We cannot trust you."
Sela pondered. "Then for every Klingon, there will be a Romulan. Since we have more Romulans than you do Klingons, the Klingon will carry double the artillery. I hate this, but we don't have a choice and our only hope is to cooperate."
Worf eyed her. "Alright. We'll do it then."
"Then let's head out!"
***
The Enterprise streaked across Federation space, heading towards Deep Space Nine. They were still twenty-four hours away.
"Admiral," Picard said as the two sat in his Ready Room. "We are facing a tragedy."
"I'm well aware of that," Janeway said uncomfortably. "The entire galaxy does not stand a chance."
"There must be some way we can do this. Do you know the exact process?"
Janeway leaned back. "Now that Omega has been delivered, the Federation, the Ferengi, the Klingons, and the Romulan will issue their immediate alliance with the Kelvans. All starships that are not needed immediately are to report to the nearest starbase. There, they will wait."
"Can't we head back to Earth? Try and stop the signing?"
"No. The treaty was signed two weeks ago. The Federation was first, then the Romulans and the Ferengi, and the Klingons should have done so this morning."
Picard sighed. "I suppose the only thing we can do now . . . is stage a very large, three-fold takeover."
"Yes. But we don't have the power to do that."
"I believe we can gather some. The Cardassians have yet to sign the treaty. Maybe with the Breen . . ."
"Maybe. But we're going to need some more help from the separate governments," Janeway said. "Though we both know a lot of Captains that would be more than willing to go for this."
"I agree. Admiral Janeway, I do believe we've got a plan forming . . ."
***
Kira Neryes looked out the window of her office, her mind still reeling from the strange event earlier that day. What was that that struck her so hard? What was she facing down?
She sighed and picked up the baseball that Benjamin Sisko had left on Deep Space Nine. It had been nearly two years now since the War ended and the reckoning in the Fire Caves. The Prophets had smiled upon all.
But, if they had, then what was this?
"Colonel," Nog spoke through the comm-line.
"Go ahead, Nog," replied Kira, tapping her badge.
"We've just received word. Eight-teen Klingon vessels are on their way here, requesting docking privileges."
Kira ruffled her brow. "Who is commanding this fleet, Lieutenant?"
"Chancellor Martok. He wants to speak with you as soon as he arrives."
"Grant them permission to dock and then send him in here."
Soon enough . . .
"This is outrageous! Exiled from my own people!" Martok shouted, pounding his fists on the table-top.
"Apparently so, Chancellor," Kira replied.
"I suppose that's former Chancellor now," he sounded off. "This is impossible! It goes against everything we stand for!"
"Colonel Kira," a communications officer announced through the comm-line. "We've just been informed that a very important transmission will be broadcasted to all stations and all worlds."
"Chancellor?"
He nodded and the pair left the Officer and entered Ops. She nodded. The Main Viewer showed nothing but the symbol of the Ferengi, Romulan, Klingon and Federation governments. Then, suddenly, four figures appeared.
Liquidator Brunt of the Ferengi Alliance. Federation President Eli Decker. Senator Mogard of the Romulan Star Empire. And Van'dora of the Klingon Empire.
"Greetings," said Decker. "We are speaking from the world that was once set out to be the 'Planet of Universal Peace.' Nimbus Three. It was here that negotiation between the Romulan, Klingon, Ferengi and Federation powers took place with an empire from the Andromeda Galaxy – the Kelvans. In exchange for a formal alliance between the five governments, the vastly superior Kelvan Empire has allowed us a place with them as they begin their colonization of our galaxy. Any other species wishing to take part in this alliance may do so. Sadly, as a result of these negotiations, many leaders and diplomats have been exiled from the governments. Anyone willing to rejoin, may do so in the understanding that their protests will be falling on deaf ears.
"Thank you for your time. Nimbus Three out."
Act Two: "Unproportional Response"
The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E sped at Warp Eight towards Deep Space Nine. Admiral Janeway had immediately contacted Colonel Kira Neryes, asking her to ask First Minister Shakaar to the station the join them. The Admiral was surprised by some of the others that would be joining them.
Grand Nagus Rom had been kicked out of the Ferengi government. The same situation existed with Chancellor Martok. Apparently both had flocked to Deep Space Nine.
Janeway knew that they wouldn't be alone. In a few hours, a small vessel would be arriving from Earth carrying Admiral Ross, Paris, and five others. A few Captains would be joining them as well, but not many. Of course, commanding the vessel, is none other than Captain Chakotay with Lieutenant Commander Harry Kim.
"This is going to be very difficult, Captain," said Janeway.
"It will be – at first. But I believe that once we can get these people convinced, we can convince the others," Picard replied.
"And how much do we show them?"
"As much as we can, Admiral."
***
The Enterprise arrived at DS9 five hours later.
"Admiral," greeted Kira, "if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know what is going on here," she asked now.
"All will be explained, Colonel," said Janeway. "We have to wait for the others to arrive."
Kira sighed deeply and irately. "By your say-so, Admiral, then."
The crew of the Enterprise dispersed; restricted by orders not to discuss what had happened on the Enterprise just previous. Many lounged in Quark's Bar. Others, we directed straight to the Holosuties.
Picard and Janeway spoke to no one and remained on board the Enterprise. A few hours passed by and the USS Robinson arrived from Earth.
The doors of the airlock spun open. Out bounded Admiral Ross.
"Admiral Janeway – I'm hoping there's a good reason for this," he spouted.
"Oh, there is."
"Hmm. Colonel."
"Good afternoon, Admiral."
Admiral Paris was next to venture out. He immediately took the hand of his son, Tom and Tom's wife, B'Elanna.
"Hello, son. B'Elanna. Actually, I have a bit of a surprise for you."
Harry Kim walked out next, carrying their daughter, Miral. The two parents smiled ear-to-ear with joy as they brought their daughter into their arms.
"Oh hi," B'Elanna said, taking her child. "Mommy's missed you so much."
"And Daddy, too," Tom interjected.
Chakotay walked out next. After greeting his Captain, he hugged Seven of Nine. He had missed her during his time away.
"There is much we must speak about," said Seven.
Chakotay looked towards Janeway. "I suppose so."
Janeway cleared her throat. "Well," she began, "as much as I would like to continue this reunion, there are more pressing matters to discuss. We will meet in the station's Ward Room in one hour."
***
Meanwhile, across the galaxy, in the Delta Quadrant . . .
The Vada are known throughout the region as a scattered people. The Borg ravaged their planet, but a handful was able to escape. Ever since, the Vada have attempted to defeat the Borg. They even gained the Borg's secrets to Transwarp.
So, whatever brought them to Neelix's door was beyond him.
"We have heard of your time on the Alpha Quadrant vessel called Voyager," said one of the pair, Mantora.
"Well, yes. I also communicate with the Federation sometimes," Neelix answered.
"Then what has been said is true. You have faced the Borg many a time and triumphed. Is that correct?" asked Mantora further.
"I wouldn't say triumphed. We survived by the skin of our teeth, if that's what you mean."
Mantora leaned back on Neelix's couch. The other Vadaian – Bora – leaned forward. "Ambassador Neelix, you may not have heard yet, but the Borg Collective has collapsed upon itself. We are presented with a remarkable opportunity to move and destroy their homeworld."
"Destroy it? How?"
"We have assembled a vast fleet of starships. Kazon, Vidiians, Talaxian, Hirogen, Malon, and the Krenum – along with some of our own vessels."
"Well, other than the Talaxian ships, how does this relate to me?"
"Ambassador, considering your vast experience with the Borg, we are giving the placement of Supreme Commander of this fleet. You would be in command."
***
Dr. Julian Bashier sat back in his Infirmary, wondering what was wrong with this strand of DNA he was staring at. It was part of the Genetic Research Project he was working with back at Starfleet Medical. Suddenly, though, his thoughts were snapped away by the sound of a familiar voice.
"Julian?"
He spun around and saw Kieko O'Brien and her two children, Molly and Kira-Yoshi. What were they doing there?
"Kieko? What's going on? Why are you here?"
"Miles sent us here. He's gone off on some sort of secret mission. Before he left, he wanted us to be here. Said it was the safest place to be."
"What is he talking about?"
"I'm not sure, but he knew something was going to happen. Something big."
***
Colonel Kira Neryes frustratedly entered the Ward Room of Deep Space Nine. Inside sat a number of people. Seven of Nine and Admiral Kathryn Janeway from the former starship Voyager. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher from the Enterprise. Admirals Paris, Ross, Benedict, and Graystone. Chancellor Martok was there as well as First Minister Shakaar.
"Ladies and gentlemen, now that we have all arrived, we may begin . . ." stated Janeway. "Nearly Eighty years ago, an alien race from the Andromeda Galaxy called the Kelvans came to our own galaxy in the hopes of colonizing it. Within ten millenia, their own galaxy will be uninhabitable due to radiation levels. These Kelvans had traveled Two Hundred years to our galaxy, only to have their vessel destroyed when they reached the energy field that surrenders it.
"After assuming human forms, Rojan and his people took control of the USS Enterprise, which had been under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. Kirk convinced Rojan that to be on the Enterprise for Two Hundred years would require the Kelvans to remain in their human forms. Rojan eventually conceded to Kirk and turned the Enterprise around and he and his people colonized a world in Sector 1784.
"Twenty years later, though, Rojan's underling Tomar resented the peace treaty that Rojan had and the Federation had created. And since Andromeda Galaxy's Kelvans didn't know of it yet, he developed a faster communication system and told them to invade. With this faster communication came the ability to transcend Warp Speed. Kirk was once again asked to investigate and he and the rest of the crew were able to stop Tomar rebellion. But still, the transmission was sent.
"The Kelvans sent a scout ship and for the past sixty years, were waiting for their time to make their move. With the recent war against the Dominion and the losses the Borg has taken, the time is now perfect. They have been using a mind-controlling viral agent to force the Federation, the Klingons, the Ferengi, and the Romulans to sign a peace treaty with the Kelvans. It is being negotiated on Nimbus Three. It should be completed and signed by the end of the week.
"In the meantime, the Enterprise and the crew of Voyager were to construct the Omega Particle. The Borg developed one as well. This served as a sort of 'peace offering' to the Kelvans. For the Borg, it has been a death sentence. As far as we know, the Borg's central network has suffered greatly."
"What do you propose we do, Admiral?" asked Kira.
"I think I'll let Captain Picard answer that question."
Picard stood up. "I believe are best plan here is to distract the four different empires."
Martok stifled a laugh. "And how do we do that?"
"We rebel. Gather what resources we can; pull together as many people as we can. Call in old favors and create new ones. We keep them distracted long enough to expose and possibly free them."
"Free them? How so?" asked Paris.
"We have a cure, developed by Dr. Crusher and myself," said the EMH. "One squirt and we're under control."
"But it must be done before the end of the week. After the peace treaty is signed, the Kelvans' invasion force comes and begins to conquer any remaining power. They're already working on the Dominion. They snuck in some ships into the Gamma Quadrant a year and half ago," said Picard.
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed Ross, interrupting the mood with a bit of his own sense. "You're asking us to fight our own people as a form of distraction!? That's mutiny!"
"These are not our people," said Martok. "Our leaders are being mindcontroled. Our people are being used."
"And when our people see how far we are willing to go to prove the truth, the more convinced they may be to join us."
"It's a longshot," said Janeway, "but it's the only one we have. Perhaps we can go to some of the other powers for help. The Cardassians, maybe. Bajor."
"I'm not sure about Bajor," Shakaar said bluntly.
Ross nodded in agreement. "And if Bajor is unwilling to be involved, then we can not risk having Deep Space Nine involved."
"Agreed," said Kira. "Though I believe this is the only course of action left."
"Same here," said Graystone. "I will begin contacting as many people as I can. Inconspicuously."
"Me too."
Martok nodded. "There are many houses that owe me debts. They will gladly join me in this battle."
"Good. Then, let's get started."
***
A few hours later, the meeting was finished and everyone drifted in one direct or another. There was word that a Ferengi convoy with the recently exiled Rom was on its way. Janeway and Picard figured it wouldn't be hard to talk him into retaking his place as Grand Nagus. Just wave some Latinum in front of him.
Until then, they had some bigger things to deal with.
Lieutenant Commander Reginald Barclay had arrived with everyone else and up until now, was mostly dealing with it in Quark's Bar.
You can imagine his joy at seeing Admiral Janeway and Captain Picard heading over to join him for a drink.
"Hello Barclay," greeted Picard with a grin.
"Reg, good to see you again," said Janeway with a warm smile.
"Captain, Capt – er, Admiral. Have a seat."
"Thank you."
Picard and Janeway sat down across from Barclay. "So, things seem kinda grim," said Barclay. "What's all the run around for?"
"Reg, we've got a problem and we could use some serious help . . ."
Across the Promenade, Colonel Kira walked by the Bajoran Temple. As soon as she did, though, she felt a slight tingle across her neck. She turned around and stood staring at it for a bit. Something wasn't quite right here . . .
She felt herself pressed whether or not to either go into the Temple or head back to her quarters. Curiosity, as always, won and she headed over and into the Temple. She entered and found it unusually empty. Kira shrugged her shoulders and she walked over to the Orb of Contemplation.
For some reason, she felt compelled to drop the force field before it and open it up. Her soft, yet strong hands dropped the force field. She paused for only a moment before she opened the case.
Then, she did it.
Light filled her eyes. Wind was heard as it flew around her. The once light thumb of her heart was now thundering.
And then she saw the dark figure before her.
"I can't believe it . . ." she muttered in astonishment.
"Yes. But you must hurry. Page 47, passage 3 of the Book of Hoopo."
"What's there? Why?" she asked the figure
Sadly, her questions fell upon deaf ears as the figure disappeared in a brilliant light and she was back in the temple. Just as she was about to reach for the Book of Hoopo, she realized with whom it was she was talking to. It was the Emissary.