Chapter 59

Reports From Behind Enemy Lines

On board Deep Space Nine

December 14, 2377

6pm

Captain Stephen Ashcroft and President Garrison Hollifield met in the conference room, pouring over the paltry amount of reports they had received from Cardassia Prime. They knew that those sent behind the lines were going to have a difficult time, but they could not imagine how difficult. Two of their operatives had managed to get off the Cardassian homeworld and were on their way here. The Whitestar was expected shortly, and the wait was excruciating. The Whitestar was running on radio silence, to avoid being tracked by any of the Ragendora or their allies.

"Ever get used to waiting for stuff like this," Ashcroft asked Hollifield.

"No. In my vice presidency and my presidency, we had our fair share of missions like this. President Luchencko used to let me run them for her because of my military background, as well as the fact it allowed her to concentrate on other things. The Telepath War had its fair share of moments like this, as friends of mine within the Corps as well as among the rogues took forever to report back to me. Or it seemed like it did."

Ashcroft leaned back in his chair and reread the report on the PADD for, what seemed like, the hundredth time. Neither one of them were patient people, but had to learn patience in their respective careers.

General Kira Nurys entered the room, followed by the station's chief of security, Odo, and the look on her face told Ashcroft what he needed to know. "We just saw Whitestar 412 jump into Bajoran space. They're making their way here, along with their escort."

"Good. Lock onto their signal and beam them out if the enemy decides to attack. Their information is vital to this effort, so we need to take every precaution we can.," said Hollifield.

"Good idea, Mr. President. I'll get right on it.," said Kira, and she left with Odo.

Ashcroft released a held breath and leaned forward, cradling his face in his hands. "Damn. I'm glad you thought of that! I didn't even think of an attack," said Ashcroft.

"Think nothing of it. The idea just came to me and I figured it would be a wise precaution. Trust me, if we had transporters on Earthforce vessels, we'd have been more effective as a military force in the past."

"True, but only until your enemies developed their own about five minutes after you gain the tech.," replied Ashcroft.

Hollifield leaned back and laughed, saying, "Have I told you that I like the way you think?"

His friend chuckled, "Nope, but I kind of got the idea!"

About half an hour later, Ro Laren and Thomas Riker entered the room. Ashcroft and Hollifield got up and shook their hands, ignoring the fact that both of them were in heavy Cardassian makeup and costume.

"Sorry for the charade, Captain, Mr. President, but I thought it was wise to keep it up while we're here.,' said Riker.

Hollifield nodded, "Good idea. The Tellurite freighter as well as the Corvellian transport arrived at the same time, so if there are spies here, at least we've been able to put confusion in their minds. Your ride back will be here in about twelve hours, so we need all the info you have quick."

"No rest for the weary, I take it.," said Laren.

"We'll sleep when we're dead. Right now, we have to prolong that fate as long as we can. So, what have you got for us," said Ashcroft, without emotion.

Riker placed a couple of data crystals into the reader and the screen came to life. "I'm downloading all the information that we know into the computer. I've wished we could have gotten more out to you before this, but the damned Cardassians have jammed up most of the frequencies."

Hollifield grunted and said, "That's to be expected. We're just glad to have gotten as much as we have. We've got a few new recruits that'll be joining you on the mission."

Riker said wistfully, "Wished we had some of those technomages that you've told me about."

Alwyn spoke up, "And so you have!"

Riker and Laren spun around in their chairs. Not missing a beat, Ashcroft turned to President Hollifield and asked, "So how long has he been in here?"

"He came in right behind Thomas and Ro. Let's just say you've had one all along, but I wanted to sneak him on Cardassia."

"Slick! So what have you got in addition to Laren and Riker's reports, Alwyn," asked Ashcroft.

Alwyn put forth his hand and produced a three dimensional display with his tech. "They're building new ships like mad. Apparently they either found or managed to salvage some of the old Jem'Hadar shipyards, so they've been busy building new ships. I also snuck into a facility where they are producing new Jem'Hadar warriors much faster than previously thought."

Riker nodded and said, "It seems like the Ragendora are behind this."

"I agree. Their technology is way ahead of any of ours, so it's to be expected. Alwyn, any idea as to how fast they are producing new warriors," said Ashcroft.

"Approximately three times faster than before. Mind you, it still takes them a while to fully mature. They've not sped up that process, only in the production capacity have they achieved this success."

Laren looked at Hollifield and said, "We need to act now to stop them!"

Hollifield shook his head. "We're not quite ready yet for that. We're still training new operatives, some from the old Martian underground,
and some from Vir Cotto's Legions of Fire that aided us in liberating Centauri Prime. If we launch an insurrection, we need to pick the time and place to launch it, because we'll only have one shot at making it successful."

Laren inclined her head and sighed, "As much as I hate to say it, Mr. President, but you're right. So when should we expect these new operatives?"

Ashcroft took the question and answered it, "We'll be sending new agents your way over the next few weeks and months. Each will have coded instructions from us as to what we need, as well as any information we can send your way to help you out. How have you been doing in making any contact with the Cardassian underground?"

"We've had limited successes, mainly because they're not much of one. But we have made some contacts, and we're looking to expand them.," commented Riker.

Ashcroft sighed and said, "No one said that this would be easy, or quick. You guys have done extraordinary work, and I want you to send the same message to the agents there. It'll help boost morale. Your ship should be loaded shortly. We'll beam you on board, and Alwyn will create an illusion to make it seem like you are getting on board another ship."

Riker and Laren nodded and got up. Before they left, Hollifield said one last thing. "Just understand that we know all too well how difficult this is, and that it may seem like we may never be able to make all of your work pay off. We have plans in the offing to capitalize on the information you've sent us, but in order to make them work, we need as much as we can get. Godspeed and good luck to you both!"

They left, leaving only Alwyn, Ashcroft and Hollifield in the conference room. Alwyn said, "Good idea about the illusion, Captain. I'll head down to the docking pylons and be ready to cast the spell."

"Thanks, Alwyn." Alwyn left, and the two men returned to their chairs. They each uploaded the new information into their PADDs and began studying the new intelligence.

"You'd think we'd not have to cram for test anymore after graduating college," Hollifield mused.

Ashcroft snorted and said, "This makes me yearn for the days when I was studying Federation law at UNC. And I thought that was hard!"

They both chuckled ruefully and settled down to study.