Act Six: "Beachhead"

Odo stood in the rain and watched from the roof the compound on Gontosa Prime. Explosions were starting to rock the area and he needed to be there. He could see the Kelvan army moving forward, their tanks and ground vehicles preparing for a full attack.

They had landed one week ago and had been building a considerable sized military force, strong enough to overtake the hundreds of Jem'Hadar soldiers already stationed here.

"Founder . . ." said the rather annoying Vorta from his left.

"I'm not a Founder. I'm a Changeling. My name is Odo."

"My apologies, er, Odo. I was about to suggest a much more safer place for you. The army will be at any moment."

"I am well-aware of that. And I can leave any time I want too. I'm not worried."

"Of course. It was merely a suggestion."

"Yes. And you made and I've heard it. Now go!"

The Vorta made himself scarce and Odo continued his vigil towards the horizon. The army would be approaching soon. Very soon. He watched, almost emotionlessly, as the Jem'Hadar were ordered to march forward.

That was when the explosions began. The Kelvans opened the first volley upon the Dominion's greatest warriors, scattered four sections of their lines. But the Jem'Hadar were bred not to care and continued onward, weapons preped. A few more explosions were fired, but before the Jem'Hadar First ordered the full charge.

Odo observed as energy weapons were unleashed outwards, falling upon the first line of Kelvan warriors. Blood was spilling everywhere, but he did not leave. Explosions grew closer and closer as part of the Jem'Hadar was cut.

The Kelvans had cut a swath through the Jem'Hadar forces. The compound was under attack now. The Jem'Hadar pushed to keep the line closed, but it was too late. Too many of the Jem'Hadar had been pulled back.

While the Jem'Hadar continued their campaign against the Kelvans, one could easily see the strain it was now having on the great warriors. Even more explosions were smashing into their lines and were now bashing away sections of the compound itself.

Odo sighed and walked inside. The Vorta was standing there, looking both nervous and expecting.

"Is there something the matter?" he asked.

"Yes. But I suppose there's no concern for that now. The Kelvans are overtaking us. Order all personnel out of this compound. As soon as all the Vorta are gone, I want you start to beam up as many of the Jem'Hadar as possible."

"I'm afraid that's impossible. The Kelvans have seventeen ships on their way. They will be here within the hour."

Odo sighed frustratedly. The compound was rocked with another attack. "Alright. Alright!"

The Changeling joined the Vorta and the pair made for a landing facility in the center of the compound. A Jem'Hadar ship was waiting for them. Odo took one look back before making it up the ramp.

It didn't matter that they were bred to fight and that was it. He knew that there was life in the Jem'Hadar. If his relationship with Kira Neryes had taught him anything, it was that. All things had life in them. All things.

The compound rumbled with explosions as the ship took off and headed into orbit. Immediately, it was joined by five other Jem'Hadar ships. The six of them headed to Warp Eight and in the opposite direction of the planet.

Another world had been lost. And with it, another life.

***

Janeway looked out the viewscreen and considered the option one last time. "Are you sure?" she asked.

"Positive. We have no other choice," Rojan answered.

"Chakotay?"

The Native American Captain reflected for a brief moment. "I don't see any other choice."

"Agreed then. Mr. Paris, Mr. Tuvok?"

Voyager's engines turned up and flashed. The ship went to Warp Nine immediately and shot passed the Musaka vessel. As it did, Voyager unleashed a barrage of phasers and torpedoes. The vessel took a few minutes to recover, allowing Voyager to plow ahead towards Kelva. Not quite the entrance they wanted to make, but still.

"The vessel is following us at Warp Five, Admiral," Tuvok reported.

"Damn," she whispered. "Continue on course, Mr. Paris."

"Aye Captain."

She stood up and faced Rojan. "So," she stated bluntly, "now what do we do?"