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.