"Multiple attempts to assimilate species 5-6-1-8 have failed. The defensive capabilities of the Federation are able to withstand us. We require a new strategy to organize their assimilation. An opportunity exists to undermine the planet's history and destabalize political and societal relations in the quadrant. It will be possible to dominate the Alpha Quadrant. Cube 3192 from Unimatrix 0-0-1 will initiate procedure 6-5-9-0-2 by proceeding through the transwarp hub to a sector outside the range of Federation sensors."
The cube departed the unicomplex and glided towards its goal: transwarp conduit 37-42-9. The trip was relatively uneventful, but the cube exited transwarp near a previously nonexistent structure.
"Station identified. Federation Deep Space station in orbit of Ivor Prime. The Federation has established a colony. It must be destroyed, or species 5-6-1-8 will continue to resist us." The station offered little resistance. But then, of course, resistance was futile.
Small skirmishes occurred throughout the remainder of the trip to Earth, but no major resistance was encountered. "Long range sensors indicate a large resistance near the third planet of the Sol system. As expected, the fleet is attempting to resist us there. Prepare for battle. Assimilation is futile at this juncture. Upon completion of procedure 6-5-9-0-2 the vessels will cease to exist. We will require as many drones as possible to facilitate the assimilation of species 5-6-1-8. Vessels are approaching. Prepare for battle. Maintain speed, warp 9.975."
The Starfleet ships flew in closer to the Borg cube, starting to fire upon it. The cube was efficient. It continued upon its course without stopping, firing on any ship which came too close.
"Vessel Identified. U.S.S. Endeavor on intercept course, grid A-1-5. Initiate directive 4-2-1."
Two Borg, disfigured beyond recognition of their original species, exited their regenration alcoves and joined the mass of cybernetically enhanced beings, joing them in their tasks of repairing, targeting, destroying, all the while recieving orders from the collective. "U.S.S. Defiant, U.S.S. Bozeman withdrawing from battle. Concentrate fire on the Defiant."
Earth grew closer with each passing second. "We are within range. Hail all capable receivers within range, on all frequencies. We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinciveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
As if in response to the Borg claim, the vessels began to fire at an even faster rate. A photon torpedo hit the Borg cube, and the section of the mighty vessel behind the bulkhead was exposed to vacuum. "Alter shield frequency. Triangulate shields to maximize energy absorbtion in the affected area. Set new course 0 mark 2-1-5. We have passed the defensive blockade. Vessels are pursuing."
One ship pressed its luck and came too close to the massive cube. A tractor beam locked onto the saucer section, and the Borg cutting beam sliced through the ship, exposing most of to to vacuum, and removing the threat it posed. "U.S.S. Lexington disabled." The ship got out one more transmission, detailing its crew status, before a core breach destroyed it.
As the cube neared Earth orbit, one last vessel approached from subspace.
"Vessel Identified. U.S.S. Enterprise. Enterprise declared primary target. Do not allow Enterprise to be destroyed." The Borg intercepted messages flitting between the ships, attempting to create a strategy that would defeat the cube. And then it was found.
"As expected, Jean-Luc Picard has used his knowledge of us to guide the fleet. Vessels are firing upon the central plexus. Diversionary measures are now complete. The Federation ships are focused on the cube. Launch sphere. It is the only vessel capable of creating the disruption. Once the sphere is in position, initiate procedure 6-5-9-0-2-B." The sphere was smaller and much faster than the cube. "Enterprise is pursuing the sphere, but it should not pose a threat. Initiate chronaton particle release."
The sphere proceeded through the temporal rift it had created.
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It's hard enough getting used to a 37 hour day, let along being awakened just after turning in for the night. J, therefore, wasn't thrilled to be awakened at this early hour, and he made that clear in his tone when he entered the main hall. "What's up?"
"Sat 42 picked up this image." K said, showing the live feed on the egg display.
"Who are they?" J asked.
"They don't match anything we've seen before," Zed replied. "They're not responding to our messages."
"That ship looks like a perfect sphere," J said, amazed. "Any idea what they're after?"
"We don't know. Wait a minute..." Zed trailed off as he watched the ship begin to rotate and fire charges of some kind at the planet.
"They're firing on the surface," K said. "This is gonna be one hell of a coverup to pull off. Bob, where are they firing?"
"--- ------ --- ------ -- ------ -------," Bob replied.
"Upper Montana... looks like there's a small settlement there."
"You gotta be kiddin'," J said. "Who could they be shooting at in that little shanty town?"
"Slick, come on," K called to him. "Coverup first, ask questions later."
"At least this shouldn't be so bad," J said. "Just a few country folks that could do without a few memories." J was optimistic, but K was surprisingly silent, even for him.