Chapter 3
Two Borg Cube Vessels rocketed through warp speed, toward Federation space. Flashes of colored light blazed past the cubes as they approached their destination. The Borg Cubes traveled at a rate incapable by any other race. Their technological advances were second to none. The Borg were extremely advanced and they longed for more beings to be added to their collective. It was their driving motivation. Their one voice collective whispered to the drones, giving them tasks to complete. The collective mind worked together toward their current objective; to assimilate the Federation and to return Locutus back to them. The Borg drones knew their mission because the Borg Queen knew their mission. This time we will not fail, hissed the Queen. The Cubes continued toward Federation Space.
=====/////=====
Commander William T. Riker pulled down the front of his uniform as he stood from the U.S.S Enterprise command chair. Riker had taken the late shift and regretted that he had done so. It was late and he longed for sleep. Gratefully, he realized that his shift was almost over. It was mere minutes until 2400 hours. Riker patted his cheeks in the attempt to keep himself awake. The other bridge crew seemed well rested and Riker envied them greatly. Will had been denied the luxury of consensual sleep. His wife, Deanna Troi Riker had been wearing him out with one sexual escapade after another. He had not known real sleep for a very long time. Riker desperately wanted to slug to his quarters and then collapse onto his soft bed. Riker was certain that he could fall asleep immediately but he also knew that his Imzadi would be waiting for him. She would surely have other plans for the ships first officer. I must be getting old if I'm too tired for sex, he thought.
Suddenly, the bridge elevator door hissed opened and Captain Jean-Luc Picard bolted onto the bridge. His movements were like the ones of a frightened cat. Picard entered the bridge quickly, stopped, then shot in the direction of Riker. He was scared. It was obvious by the features on his face. Riker could tell right off that something was not right. The helmsman and operations officer turned toward Picard. His frightened expression made the officers feel uneasy. Something was definitely wrong. Riker was filled with questions that had to be answered. Why is the captain so scared, he asked himself?
"Captain, are you alright?"
"No Number One, something is terribly wrong. Have you heard anything from Starfleet?"
Will shook his head in confusion. Why would Starfleet be contacting the Enterprise at this hour, he thought? The captain was acting strangely and Riker was going to get to the heart of the problem.
"No Captain, Starfleet hasn't tried to contact us in the last twenty-four hours. May I ask what is wrong?"
"We're in danger Will. The Enterprise, the Federation, everyone is in danger!"
The bridge crew looked at one another in fear and disbelief. What was the captain talking about? Why were the Enterprise and the Federation for that matter, in danger? Riker noticed that the crew was beginning to become a little uneasy. He thought it best to discuss the situation in the Captain's ready-room.
"Sir, we better go to some place a little more private. I don't think the entire bridge crew needs to hear our current situation at this moment. Shall we go to your ready-room?"
"Dammit Will, there's no time for that now! Contact Starfleet immediately and patch them through to my ready-room. We'll discuss the problem later. I have to speak with Starfleet now."
Riker's shoulders locked up. He felt belittled in front of the rest of the bridge crew and his pride had been attack, but Will recovered quickly. Riker nodded to Picard as he entered his ready-room.
"Aye, sir." replied the dedicated first officer.
Picard's heart was beating fiercely against his chest. He could not calm himself down. Picard had managed to settle his nerves a few times but the thought of the Borg forced him back into panic. He quickly replicated himself some Earl Gray Tea and then sat down at his desk. Picard sipped the tea as he turned on his computer. The goodness of the tea slid down the back of his throat, filling him with a relaxing warmth. Picard closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts. He needed to settle down before he addressed Starfleet Command. Picard took another sip of the hot tea, then set the mug on the edge of his desk. Suddenly, his Comm Badge chirped and the sound of Riker's voice came through it.
"Riker to Picard."
Picard jumped from the unsuspected sound. He flailed his arms which knocked his tea off the desk. The mug crashed to the ground, spilling the hot liquid. The tea was slowly absorbed by the soft carpet of the ready- room. Picard shook his head lightly and began to laugh. Christ Jean-Luc, get a hold of yourself, he thought. Picard tapped the badge while making a mental note to clean the mess later.
"Picard here."
"Captain, We've contacted Starfleet and patched them through to your ready- room. Admiral Hayes is on the channel. You can take it at your desk computer."
"Thank you, Number One."
"Aye, sir."
Picard scooted his chair closer to his desk and pressed a few keys on the computer. The image of Admiral Hayes appeared on the screen with a flash. Hayes looked haggard as though he had not slept for days. It was apparent to Picard that Hayes had been extremely busy.
"Admiral Hayes, I have some disturbing news."
"Funny, I was going to tell you the exact same thing. It appears you beat me to the punch. What's your disturbing news, Captain?"
Picard was a little confused but he brushed the Admiral's last statement from his mind. He continued with the problem at hand.
"Sir, I believe the Borg are going to attack the Federation."
Hayes flinched from Picard's remark. What's going on here, he thought, how does Picard know about the Borg? Hayes was befuddled that Picard knew about the Borg advance. Hayes had not told the Captain anything.
"How did you know?"
Now Picard flinched. His worst fears had just been confirmed. Picard's nightmares had returned because the Borg Queen and her drones had in fact returned.
"I beg your pardon?" asked Picard, trying not to shake.
"The Borg are going to attack the Federation, Captain. Two Borg Cubes are in route with Federation Space as we speak. Starfleet is planning to form a blockade against the two ships. You were next on my list of people to contact. How did you know about the Borg?"
"Admiral, it's a long story and I'm afraid I don't have time to tell it. I promise, I'll explain later. What are the Enterprise's orders?"
"Well, first of all, I'll need you to speak with your First Officer. Commander Riker will be given command of the U.S.S Farragut. He's one hell of a commander and we'll need his experience against the Borg. Starfleet would like to promote him to the rank of Captain. Regardless on whether he takes the official command, Will must become an acting captain until the threat is neutralized. He'll be acting captain of the Farragut but the ship is his, if he wants it. The Enterprise's orders are to meet up at Starbase 421. The Farragut is docked there and waiting for her Commander. I'll brief Riker when he arrives. The entire Fleet has been ordered to assemble at 421 and to wait for further instructions. Admiral Jellico, Admiral Janeway, and I will be leading the blockade. We'll need your help with the Fleet as well. I'm asking you to be fourth in command of the fleet. Do you accept?"
"Yes, sir. I'll help in anyway I can and the Enterprise we'll be there as soon as possible."
"Excellent news, Captain. I'll see you soon. Hayes out."
Picard's computer screen flashed and Hayes image was gone. Thoughts and memories flooded Picard's brain. He had to get his ship ready for battle against the Borg. Picard tried to recall all of his previous encounters with the Borg. This is not going to be easy, he thought, there is so much to do. Jean-Luc stood from his chair and pulled his uniform down. He sighed heavily as he headed back to the bridge. As Picard left his ready-room and entered the bridge, Commander Riker smiled at him. It was obvious the ship's first officer had forgotten about their proverbial "butting of the heads" that occurred earlier. As far as Will was concerned, the event never happened. Picard was thankful for that. He had not meant to come off so angry while speaking with Riker. Jean-Luc was having a terrible night and he had taken some of his frustration out on Will. Picard slowly approached Riker. The Captain felt as if his feet were anchored to the floor. He could barely move. Picard had to inform Will that they were about to go head to head with the Borg but he did not have the heart to do it. Picard replayed the thought of the Borg attack in his mind. He was having trouble believing his current situation was reality. Facing two Borg Cubes was going to be one of the most destructive events that Picard would ever have to face. Picard stood in front of Riker but could not speak. His mind had frozen. Riker looked puzzled and took the opportunity to speak.
"Captain, I've just finished my shift. I'm about to get some sleep but I was wondering if you would care to join me in a Holodeck program tomorrow. I was thinking of playing my trombone at a club in New Orleans. I could use a fan. What do you say?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible Number One. Something has just come up. I'm afraid I have some disturbing news but I'm can't tell you it now. I want you to contact the Senior Staff and notify them that we have an urgent meeting in twenty minutes. Do you understand? Riker nodded immediately. He knew what his orders were but they were a little unusual. Something must be terribly wrong, Riker thought; why else would the Captain want me to wake the Senior Staff at this hour? Picard sighed once more and turned to the helms officer on duty. He gave the order to take the Enterprise to Starbase 421 at Warp Eight. The helm's officer replied quickly and tapped a few keys at his post. Picard could feel the ship's engines hum and fire the Enterprise into Warp Speed. Stars sparkled past the Galaxy-Class Starship as it raced toward 421. Picard felt perspiration trickle down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly and informed Riker that he would be in his ready- room. As Picard turned from Riker, the Borg's voices crackled in his ears. Picard swallowed hard and shook their voices from his mind. So it starts, he thought.
Two Borg Cube Vessels rocketed through warp speed, toward Federation space. Flashes of colored light blazed past the cubes as they approached their destination. The Borg Cubes traveled at a rate incapable by any other race. Their technological advances were second to none. The Borg were extremely advanced and they longed for more beings to be added to their collective. It was their driving motivation. Their one voice collective whispered to the drones, giving them tasks to complete. The collective mind worked together toward their current objective; to assimilate the Federation and to return Locutus back to them. The Borg drones knew their mission because the Borg Queen knew their mission. This time we will not fail, hissed the Queen. The Cubes continued toward Federation Space.
=====/////=====
Commander William T. Riker pulled down the front of his uniform as he stood from the U.S.S Enterprise command chair. Riker had taken the late shift and regretted that he had done so. It was late and he longed for sleep. Gratefully, he realized that his shift was almost over. It was mere minutes until 2400 hours. Riker patted his cheeks in the attempt to keep himself awake. The other bridge crew seemed well rested and Riker envied them greatly. Will had been denied the luxury of consensual sleep. His wife, Deanna Troi Riker had been wearing him out with one sexual escapade after another. He had not known real sleep for a very long time. Riker desperately wanted to slug to his quarters and then collapse onto his soft bed. Riker was certain that he could fall asleep immediately but he also knew that his Imzadi would be waiting for him. She would surely have other plans for the ships first officer. I must be getting old if I'm too tired for sex, he thought.
Suddenly, the bridge elevator door hissed opened and Captain Jean-Luc Picard bolted onto the bridge. His movements were like the ones of a frightened cat. Picard entered the bridge quickly, stopped, then shot in the direction of Riker. He was scared. It was obvious by the features on his face. Riker could tell right off that something was not right. The helmsman and operations officer turned toward Picard. His frightened expression made the officers feel uneasy. Something was definitely wrong. Riker was filled with questions that had to be answered. Why is the captain so scared, he asked himself?
"Captain, are you alright?"
"No Number One, something is terribly wrong. Have you heard anything from Starfleet?"
Will shook his head in confusion. Why would Starfleet be contacting the Enterprise at this hour, he thought? The captain was acting strangely and Riker was going to get to the heart of the problem.
"No Captain, Starfleet hasn't tried to contact us in the last twenty-four hours. May I ask what is wrong?"
"We're in danger Will. The Enterprise, the Federation, everyone is in danger!"
The bridge crew looked at one another in fear and disbelief. What was the captain talking about? Why were the Enterprise and the Federation for that matter, in danger? Riker noticed that the crew was beginning to become a little uneasy. He thought it best to discuss the situation in the Captain's ready-room.
"Sir, we better go to some place a little more private. I don't think the entire bridge crew needs to hear our current situation at this moment. Shall we go to your ready-room?"
"Dammit Will, there's no time for that now! Contact Starfleet immediately and patch them through to my ready-room. We'll discuss the problem later. I have to speak with Starfleet now."
Riker's shoulders locked up. He felt belittled in front of the rest of the bridge crew and his pride had been attack, but Will recovered quickly. Riker nodded to Picard as he entered his ready-room.
"Aye, sir." replied the dedicated first officer.
Picard's heart was beating fiercely against his chest. He could not calm himself down. Picard had managed to settle his nerves a few times but the thought of the Borg forced him back into panic. He quickly replicated himself some Earl Gray Tea and then sat down at his desk. Picard sipped the tea as he turned on his computer. The goodness of the tea slid down the back of his throat, filling him with a relaxing warmth. Picard closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts. He needed to settle down before he addressed Starfleet Command. Picard took another sip of the hot tea, then set the mug on the edge of his desk. Suddenly, his Comm Badge chirped and the sound of Riker's voice came through it.
"Riker to Picard."
Picard jumped from the unsuspected sound. He flailed his arms which knocked his tea off the desk. The mug crashed to the ground, spilling the hot liquid. The tea was slowly absorbed by the soft carpet of the ready- room. Picard shook his head lightly and began to laugh. Christ Jean-Luc, get a hold of yourself, he thought. Picard tapped the badge while making a mental note to clean the mess later.
"Picard here."
"Captain, We've contacted Starfleet and patched them through to your ready- room. Admiral Hayes is on the channel. You can take it at your desk computer."
"Thank you, Number One."
"Aye, sir."
Picard scooted his chair closer to his desk and pressed a few keys on the computer. The image of Admiral Hayes appeared on the screen with a flash. Hayes looked haggard as though he had not slept for days. It was apparent to Picard that Hayes had been extremely busy.
"Admiral Hayes, I have some disturbing news."
"Funny, I was going to tell you the exact same thing. It appears you beat me to the punch. What's your disturbing news, Captain?"
Picard was a little confused but he brushed the Admiral's last statement from his mind. He continued with the problem at hand.
"Sir, I believe the Borg are going to attack the Federation."
Hayes flinched from Picard's remark. What's going on here, he thought, how does Picard know about the Borg? Hayes was befuddled that Picard knew about the Borg advance. Hayes had not told the Captain anything.
"How did you know?"
Now Picard flinched. His worst fears had just been confirmed. Picard's nightmares had returned because the Borg Queen and her drones had in fact returned.
"I beg your pardon?" asked Picard, trying not to shake.
"The Borg are going to attack the Federation, Captain. Two Borg Cubes are in route with Federation Space as we speak. Starfleet is planning to form a blockade against the two ships. You were next on my list of people to contact. How did you know about the Borg?"
"Admiral, it's a long story and I'm afraid I don't have time to tell it. I promise, I'll explain later. What are the Enterprise's orders?"
"Well, first of all, I'll need you to speak with your First Officer. Commander Riker will be given command of the U.S.S Farragut. He's one hell of a commander and we'll need his experience against the Borg. Starfleet would like to promote him to the rank of Captain. Regardless on whether he takes the official command, Will must become an acting captain until the threat is neutralized. He'll be acting captain of the Farragut but the ship is his, if he wants it. The Enterprise's orders are to meet up at Starbase 421. The Farragut is docked there and waiting for her Commander. I'll brief Riker when he arrives. The entire Fleet has been ordered to assemble at 421 and to wait for further instructions. Admiral Jellico, Admiral Janeway, and I will be leading the blockade. We'll need your help with the Fleet as well. I'm asking you to be fourth in command of the fleet. Do you accept?"
"Yes, sir. I'll help in anyway I can and the Enterprise we'll be there as soon as possible."
"Excellent news, Captain. I'll see you soon. Hayes out."
Picard's computer screen flashed and Hayes image was gone. Thoughts and memories flooded Picard's brain. He had to get his ship ready for battle against the Borg. Picard tried to recall all of his previous encounters with the Borg. This is not going to be easy, he thought, there is so much to do. Jean-Luc stood from his chair and pulled his uniform down. He sighed heavily as he headed back to the bridge. As Picard left his ready-room and entered the bridge, Commander Riker smiled at him. It was obvious the ship's first officer had forgotten about their proverbial "butting of the heads" that occurred earlier. As far as Will was concerned, the event never happened. Picard was thankful for that. He had not meant to come off so angry while speaking with Riker. Jean-Luc was having a terrible night and he had taken some of his frustration out on Will. Picard slowly approached Riker. The Captain felt as if his feet were anchored to the floor. He could barely move. Picard had to inform Will that they were about to go head to head with the Borg but he did not have the heart to do it. Picard replayed the thought of the Borg attack in his mind. He was having trouble believing his current situation was reality. Facing two Borg Cubes was going to be one of the most destructive events that Picard would ever have to face. Picard stood in front of Riker but could not speak. His mind had frozen. Riker looked puzzled and took the opportunity to speak.
"Captain, I've just finished my shift. I'm about to get some sleep but I was wondering if you would care to join me in a Holodeck program tomorrow. I was thinking of playing my trombone at a club in New Orleans. I could use a fan. What do you say?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible Number One. Something has just come up. I'm afraid I have some disturbing news but I'm can't tell you it now. I want you to contact the Senior Staff and notify them that we have an urgent meeting in twenty minutes. Do you understand? Riker nodded immediately. He knew what his orders were but they were a little unusual. Something must be terribly wrong, Riker thought; why else would the Captain want me to wake the Senior Staff at this hour? Picard sighed once more and turned to the helms officer on duty. He gave the order to take the Enterprise to Starbase 421 at Warp Eight. The helm's officer replied quickly and tapped a few keys at his post. Picard could feel the ship's engines hum and fire the Enterprise into Warp Speed. Stars sparkled past the Galaxy-Class Starship as it raced toward 421. Picard felt perspiration trickle down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly and informed Riker that he would be in his ready- room. As Picard turned from Riker, the Borg's voices crackled in his ears. Picard swallowed hard and shook their voices from his mind. So it starts, he thought.