CHAPTER ELEVEN
"Worf, Report!" Picard ordered.
"Five minutes until Borg intercept. The Star Destroyer is targeting the Borg."
"Just as I suspected Number one, They wont risk destroying their prize."
"Captain we are being hailed by the surface."
"On screen."
"Captain Picard our fighter squadrons are launching as we speak. They should rendezvous at your coordinates in a few moments." Leia said.
"Thank you Princess. Our first priority is the Borg vessel. I believe your squadrons would better serve us in a back up capacity. I would like you to keep an eye on the star destroyer, while we deal with the Borg."
"Of course Captain. In this case I don't mind letting you take the lead."
"Thank you princess. I only hope your confidence is not misplaced."
"I don't think so Captain." The screen was again filled with the looming image of the Imperial Star Destroyer.
"Captain, how far do you intend to trust the Imperials desire to posses the Enterprise? At some point you have to figure they wont want us allied with the Rebels and destroy us for spite." Riker asked under his breath.
"If we cant have you, nobody can. I have thought about it Number One. However I believe that Vader is desperate for our technology. I think I can play this hand to the finish."
Riker smiled, and said; "Remind me to invite you to our next poker game, I'd like to see how you bluff a Klingon." He glanced up at Worf.
"Two minutes to intercept."
"It is time. Bring Ayaman forward." Two drones led him to the narrow room that served as the bridge. The screen held the waiting vessels, his own and that one of strange design. Yet it seemed he knew about this vessel, the one they call Enterprise. How did he know? He understood warp technology and yet he had never heard of it. He understood the weapons, the Phaser banks and the torpedoes. He understood the Tritanium hull, the thickness, where it was weakest. He knew that over one thousand people were aboard, this he understood well. They depended on him to add to the collective these children of the federation. They understood their fear. But fear was irrelevant. Once they were a part of the collective they would understand that the Borg were only trying to improve their way of life, to progress. Ayaman stared blankly at the screen. Yes, he could see now, he could see how simple the concept was; the individual did not matter, only the Borg as a whole could attain perfection.
The Borg cube slowed to impulse and took a triangular position to the waiting ships. His mind searched, reaching out to those waiting in the darkness. Where?
"Worf, lock on Photon torpedo's. Wait for my command." Picard ordered.
"Captain, hail from the surface."
"Captain, this is Luke. I must caution you. Something is wrong."
Picard paused for a second and glanced at Riker. "What is it Mr. Skywalker." He said a little impatiently.
"Captain there is a presence aboard the Borg vessel."
"Mr. Skywalker, we are running out of time, please get to the point."
"The force, Captain, I feel it's presence aboard the Borg vessel."
Picard turned to Worf, "How long until the Borg's weapons are in range?"
"Forty-five seconds, sir."
"Mr. Skywalker we are going to beam you aboard, I will need your help in this matter."
"I'm ready."
"Worf lower the shields long enough to bring him aboard, and then have a security detail escort him to the bridge."
"Yes, sir."
"Captain the Star destroyer is moving to intercept the Borg, they are powering weapons."
"Well, number one, the battle begins." Picard said as he took his seat.
"Data, you have studied the technology of this vessel, can their shields hold?"
"At first Captain, but The Borg no doubt will adapt. It's only a matter of time."
The turbo lift door's hissed opened and a security officer escorted Luke Skywalker on to the Bridge of the enterprise.
"Mr. Skywalker, you said there was a presence aboard the Borg vessel?"
"Yes Captain, I can feel it. It's there."
"And what kind of danger is it to us?" Picard asked.
"I'm not sure. He's searching, for...something." Luke shook his head thinking. "...Or someone! He's looking for someone!" He exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Picard asked confused.
"Someone to manipulate, Captain. Someone he can control."
"Explain."
"The, force ,Captain, can be used on the weak minded to control them, cause them not to see, or to do something they wouldn't ordinarily do. For instance if he could get inside someone here on the bridge, he could tell them to lower the shields or power down your weapons system."
Picard paled as the concept sank in.
"Well Mr. Skywalker I assure you there are no weak minds on my bridge. However, Data, I want you to monitor all vital functions, shields, weapons, engines, life support. Make sure they are all on line and functioning properly. You might prove to be the only one impervious to these manipulations."
"Captain the Star destroyer is firing!"
They watched as the weapons fired harmlessly at the Borg vessel it's blasts absorbed by the superior shielding of the Borg Cube. The Borg returned fire. The Star destroyer's shield generators held with minimal damage.
"Captain, The Rebel squadron is in formation off the port bow." Worf reported.
"Helm, heading 5436 one quarter impulse." Picard ordered.
"Trying to flank them, Captain?" Riker asked.
"In a sense number one, I think that maybe we can get an advantage if the Borg are trying to adapt to two different technologies. They may make a mistake."
"Captain the Aft shields are offline!" Worf said.
"Data report!" Riker yelled.
"The Aft shields were taken off line in engineering. Attempting to bypass main inputs."
"Captain the Aft shields are back on line."
"LaForge!" Picard yelled into his communicator.
"LaForge here."
"Commander I want all non essential personal out of engineering and all basic functions accessible only by you or your assistant."
"Yes sir"
"How are we doing with the crystal Geordi?"
"Like I said before Captain warp two is about all we can get, maybe a little more. And that's not enough to outrun their light speed technology. We'd have to get warp four at least."
"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Picard said.
"Captain the Star destroyer has changed it's heading!"
"Confirmed Captain they are now on a collision course with us." Data said.
"What the devil is going on?" Picard yelled leaping out of his chair.
"Evasive maneuvers!" Riker ordered.
"Strange. Now they have changed back to their original heading." Data tilted his curiously at the consol.
"I think a little gremlin must be running loose over there as well."
"Gremlin, sir?" Data asked.
"Later, Data." Picard said, the corner of his mouth twisting slightly upward.
"Hold position here. Worf target their shields and weapons. Full spread! Fire!"
The Photon Torpedo's left the Enterprise, their orange glow bright against the dark of empty space. The bridge crew watched, hoping that at least one would cause some damage. At least one. You rarely got more than one chance with the Borg. The Borg shields brightened at the impact, absorbing most of the torpedo's strength.
"Minimal damage to shields, Captain." Worf Reported.
"I want another spread. Also Phaser's. I want them fired in four second increments. Each volley I want adjusted to a different shield harmonic. Fire when ready."
On screen the Star destroyer fired laser cannons, bolts by the thousands were absorbed into the Borg defenses. Tie fighters began to swarm the cube, being picked off like so many annoying insects.
The Enterprises Phaser's fired intermittingly at the Cube, testing it's defenses, it's weaknesses.
"The Borg shields are holding, Captain, but we have damaged them." Data reported.
"Captain we are being hailed by the Star Destroyer." Worf said.
Picard glanced at Riker. "On screen."
The Image of Vader filled the screen. In the back ground the bridge was alive with the duties of battle.
"Captain I know My son is aboard. He know doubt has informed you of the presence of the force with the Borg. If we are to defeat them I believe that he and I most join together and focus on this one. There are so many voices I cant do it by myself."
Picard turned to Luke who had been standing off to the side.
"Can this be done? Can we turn the tables on the Borg?" Picard asked.
"I don't know. It's possible. Luke said nervously.
"I cannot order you to do this, nor will I ask your superiors to order you. But if it will give us a chance, a small window of opportunity, then I must request that we try. If you think it can be done."
Luke looked at the image on the screen. He had told Vader he would rather die than ally himself with the darkside. He heart pounded. Could he do this? What was it his uncle once told him? If you are clean and you touch something clean you will remain clean, but if you are clean and touch something dirty you will be dirty. Could he align himself with Vader for this task, only in this one instance and remain unaffected? He looked at the crew of the Enterprise, all eyes fixed on him. He must. Lives were at stake. He could feel the Evil of the Borg, had the first instance he came in contact with them. They must not be allowed to continue.
"Yes I will." He said quietly.
Picard smiled slightly and pointed the empty chair next to his.
"Search inside yourself Luke. Reach out. You will find me." Vader said.
Suddenly the Enterprise rocked violently!
"Captain the Borg are returning Fire!"
"I wonder what took them so long." Riker asked rhetorically.
"Shields holding Captain."
Luke took the seat and closed his eyes. He found himself wondering the dull gray corridors of the Borg ship. Vader at his side. No words exchanged. Just voices in his head, thousands of them calling to him, he stumbled. He felt the tight grip of Vader's hand pulling him up, steadying him. "You must remain focused. Don't listen to them all. You must sort through them as if you were trying to find a familiar voice in a crowded room." He told him. Luke looked up at Vader and nodded. The crowd of voices began to quiet, until only one remained.
"What is it you search for? The voice asked.
They did not answer.
"Luke Skywalker? Anakin?" The voice called to them as if their own mother had called.
Luke's heart almost stopped at the name. Anakin! His father's name!
"What is your name?" Vader asked already knowing.
"I am Ayaman."
"No! But Pragan Casser is your name!" Vader said loudly.
Borg drones filed passed unaware of their presence.
"Search yourself you know this to be true." Vader continued.
"I am Borg, I am Ayaman. Do you fear me Anakin?" The voice said in a monotone.
Vader ignored the question. Following the voice they continued on, turning down unfamiliar corridors, passing by drones working with technology they did not understand.
"Why are you here?" The voice asked.
No answer.
"I sense fear in him." Vader said.
"Ahead. He is just ahead." Luke said.
The hall opened up into a narrow room. One drone stood with his back to them staring out at the battle that raged before him.
"You must stop Pragan." Vader said in a kindly voice.
"We only seek to better the quality of life for everyone."
"Search yourself, Pragan, is your life better now than it was before. I know your still inside. I feel your sadness, your anger. You must let go of the Borg. Reach out, find yourself."
" I am Borg now, perfection....." His voice trailed away.
"Turn off the shields, Pragan." Luke said.
"You must turn them off." Vader added.
Ayaman the Borg stood motionless and stared almost blankly at the screen. Pragan Casser the man watched the battle. He could see the Tie fighters darting around firing at the giant cube. They were being swatted down like an annoyance. He screamed. Some of those were his friends! Men who he had trained with, fought with, laughed with. He could not let this go on!
"Captain! The Borg have lowered their shields!"
"Fire Mr. Worf! Full spread!" Picard yelled.
The Enterprise and the Titan unleashed a barrage of fire power that sent the Borg cube reeling.
"They are attempting to bring up their shields, Captain." Data said.
"Don't let up, Mr. Worf"
Suddenly The Borg ship shook violently! A Photon Torpedo struck the mid section of the wounded vessel and exploded almost splitting the weakened sub structure in half. A series of small explosions ripped away at the exterior of the ship while the two large vessels kept pounding away. The ship tore in two and imploded on itself suddenly and then with one final devastating heave it exploded in a shower of fire and torn metal. Debris shot out, impacting some of the small Tie Fighters trying to flee the dying cube.
"Report Data!"
"The Borg vessel has been destroyed. We have sustained minimal damage to the outer hull. The Star destroyer has sustained moderate damage to their drive systems. It will probably be a few hours before they can bring them on line again."
"Monitor their every move, Data. Any change, no matter how insignificant, I want to know about it." Picard ordered.
"Geordie, I want reports from all stations, I want this ship ready to move as soon as possible."
"Yes sir. We have shields at eighty-percent. Engines warp two maximum. If we have to make a run for it Captain, I suggest we take advantage of this opportunity and go while the getting's good."
"Captain I have to get back to the surface. We're pulling out, like your engineer said we will be going while we can." Luke said.
"Yes of course. When will you be ready?"
"I'm not sure, but most of our ships are already launched and the base has been dismantled, so we should be underway soon. I will be sure and let you know as soon as I am on the surface."
"Very well. Thank you Luke, that makes twice you have proved a very valuable presence aboard the Enterprise."
Luke looked around the bridge.
"You know Captain, another time another place I could see myself here. This is a wonderful ship and a good crew. you should be proud."
"I am Mr. Skywalker, more than you know." Picard responded.
"Number one will you escort Mr. Skywalker to transporter room three."
"Yes of course."
"Captain we are ready to go when you are." Leia's voice sounded tired over the com.
"Princess we will be taking a heading that will return us to the original coordinates where we first appeared in your time. It is our intention to get back to our galaxy and our time."
"Just as I suspected, Captain. Have you figured out how to trigger the opening of the hole?"
"We have some workable theories but nothing concrete. I am sure we will have something when we arrive."
"Good. Two squadrons of fighters and the Falcon will be escorting you back to your coordinates and try to see you safely back through. I will be taking us to our new base. So thank you Captain, this is where we part ways."
"Yes of course Princess. Your assistance has been invaluable. On behalf of myself and the Enterprise crew we bid you farewell and good luck."
"Thank you, Leia out."
"This is commander Wedge Antilles we are ready and awaiting your orders, Enterprise."
"Mr. Worf please send our heading and......"
"Captain we are being hailed by the Titan."
Picard sighed, straightened his uniform stepped up to the middle of the bridge. "On screen."
"Captain Picard You will power down your engines and prepare to be boarded. The Enterprise is now the property of the Imperial Empire." It was a face Picard had never seen before. Thin and pale with a sharp nose, the young officer was visibly nervous.
"I must confess despite all the warnings to the contrary I am a bit surprised. We were promised safe passage back to our time."
"You are being charged with aiding and abetting the Rebel alliance, your ship and your crew are here by seized and impounded."
"Intimidation, Captain? You will have to do better than that!"
"Surrender or be destroyed!"
"You will do no such thing! Your engines are off line and if I were you I would be very careful about who you threaten, one of these days some one will call your bluff!" Picard drew his hand across his throat and Worf cut the signal.
"Luke tells me these particular fighters are equipped with hyperdrive technology, So As I was saying before send our heading to them and lets get out of here."
"Helm bring us around heading 2567 mark 399 warp two! Engage!" Riker ordered.
"Captain long range sensors are picking up two more star destroyers on an intercept course!"
"Captain we will reach our coordinates exactly one hour and four minutes from now."
"Just enough time to defeat an empire and open a spacial anomaly we nothing about to travel not only through time but space as well, piece of cake!" Riker said.
Data turned around; "Cake sir?"
"Later Data."