Star Trek: The Next Expansion

By Oberon

Many thanks to Entilza for the fine Beta'ing.

Chapter 1: The brother I never knew I had

The heat coming from the triple suns was enough to boil water on the surface of Polgraph II. This planet was not the healthiest place in the universe but it was a necessary place. Necessary that is, for the nobles to line their pockets with credit and decorate their houses in fine gold. For generations the locals had slaved in the mines, unearthing precious ores to fuel the political and economical machine of the House of Refa.

The Polgraphan people had evolved on this harsh world and were fully adapted to the arid climate. Water to them was precious, not the metals in the ground. Yet thousands died each year in the mines, an offering to their Centauri masters. However, this place was as much a punishment for their overseers as it was for the conquered.

The Centauri that were sent to Polgraph II were nothing more than rejects – people who had fallen far out of favor, or the destitute with nowhere to turn. Governor Carn Marray was one such person. At one time he had had a bright future with a possible seat in the centaurum, once he inherited it from his uncle. But the stars had turned against him, or so his cousin the seer said. He had been the captain of a warship in the service of Emperor. For a man of Carn Marray's age it was considered an achievement of some measure.

One day he was personally given a mission from the Emperor himself: to subdue the rebellion on Polgraph without damage to production. Carn was given 3 capital ships and 5,000 ground troop for the task. It seemed easy enough, Carn had figured. Come in with a show of force, if the Polgraphns still didn't give up then start executing random people. The only problem was, it didn't work. Polgraphns rebelled, and after generations of oppression the rebel fractions didn't care how many of them the Centauri killed.

This was when Carn was persuaded by the previous governor to negotiate with the elders of the Polgraphan people. Carn successfully convinced the elders that further rebellion would only lead to the complete destruction of their people, as the Centauri would never abandon such a resource rich world. In exchange for turning over the rebels the Polgraphns would get improved living and working conditions. It was all a lie of course. Once the rebels had been made an example of, the Polgraphns returned to work like before. It was a great success for man of Carn's age, too great in fact. It made enemies of many who now saw the upstart as a threat. One of these men who were jealous of Carn was a close relative of Lord Refa. Refa managed to convince the Emperor to reassign Carn as the military governor of Polgraph in order to keep the Polgraphns from rebelling in the future. And so Carn had been marooned on this rock for the last 10 years, rotting away in cheap booze and cheaper women.

The temperature in the Governor's house was just a few noticeable degrees lower than what the workers outside endured. By midday not even the temperature controls could keep the house from being a steam room, at least not with the secondhand cooling units they ran off of. Governor Carn Marray lay in a drunken stupor, a half empty bottle of Brivari clenched in one hand, slowly dripping into an evaporating puddle on the table. A knock on the door came. It was ignored. The next time it was more insistent.

"Governor," Carn's aid called out from the other side. "Governor, are you ready?" When there was no response the aid tried to force the doors open. "Carn, I'm coming in."

The Centauri aid was a middle aged man named Vol Tensus. He was the previous governor when Carn Marray had replaced him. He didn't resent Carn of course; the drunkard was as much a victim of circumstance as him. In some way Vol almost pitied him. Vol found the stench of the room overpowering.

"Carn wake up. Carn!" He kicked the governor lightly but the man only murmured in response.

He kicked him again, harder this time, but the drunken Centauri only rolled over with a bottle still in hand.

"Carn, Lord Refa will be here in 6 hours."

Vol didn't know whether Carn had heard him.

"Lord Refa, Carn." He said close to the other man's ear.

The Centauri's eyes snapped open. The first thing he saw was Vol. He winced.

"By the maker, you're an ugly woman." He tried to get up but his head hurt too much. "Where are Mariel and Morella?"

"They left already Carn." He grabbed the governor's hands and pulled him to a standing position. "Come on. Let's get you ready for Lord Refa."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The spaceport was a meshwork of unsecured girders and support beams held in place by the strategic placement of a dozen wielding points, painted white to resist the heat as much as possible. Built into the cliff face of the Oale Mountains on a cost effective basis, the port was perhaps the only place on Polgraph with a higher potential for accidents than the mines. The entire operation was a monument to the improbable – 275 days of accident free performance.

Carn Marray stood proudly in the communication center, dressed in his finest suit and with the same Brivari bottle from his hose still in his hand. His aid beside him tried his best, but was becoming increasingly frustrated, to get Carn ready.

"Jump gate activated," a sweating technician called out.

"Lord Refa is early," Carn commented.

The swirling vortex into hyperspace opened, from it came a ship that greatly resembled a large predatory bird.

"That is not Lord Refa's ship."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Shortly after the death of Commander Parax a breakthrough in hyperspace physics had been made, allowing much of the current subspace technology to be used in hyperspace. The iTemet/i had been traveling in hyperspace at warp one, following an unknown stream of tachyons for the last two months. Finally they had reached what appeared to be an intersection for several of these tachyon emissions.

The news of Commander Parax's death was not well received back home. Argelian's failure to capture the alien craft or avenge the Commander became a point of personal shame and public dishonor. "This mission is nothing but an embarrassment," Argelian couldn't help but think. One ship, far from home, sent deep into hyperspace with no communication or backup. It was not a sign of support from the Romulan senate. "I might go so far as to say they want us to disappear." The subcommander suspected there was more to this though. "The entire goal of the expedition may very well be an elaborate setup to keep Tal'aura in power while stripping support from Admiral Donatra." Certainly, many of the ships already lost on this expedition had been commanded by allies of Donatra or her supporters. Of course Argelian knew better than to ever voice these thoughts to the crew. Two months with no stars and no communication, nothing but the twisted abyss of hyperspace would test the discipline of any Romulan.

"Subcommander, we are approaching the source of the tachyon signals." The crew had been waiting for this moment. Still, there was no point in rushing things.

"Analyze the source," Argelian ordered.

"It appears to be a hyperspace gate nearly identical the one we had entered."

"Will it respond to our activation signal?" This was a diplomatic mission after all and a first contact situation. It would be too suspicious and might provoke an attack if the iTemet/i exited hyperspace under its own power while a hyperspace gate was available. Such action might be misinterpreted as a sneak attack.
"I believe so,"

"Sent the signal," Argelian ordered.

The iTemet/i exited the Gate and found itself in orbit over the second planet in a trinary star system. The crew released the breath they had subconsciously held back. The space around them was clear; there were no waiting warships ready to shoot them down the moment they came out of hyperspace. This had been the crew's main fear all during their trip in hyperspace, that they might come out on the other side only to meet their end at the hands of some unknown terror, with no warning and no honor or acknowledgement for their sacrifice.

"Give me a full scan of the system," Argelian too felt a weight lift from his chest.

"Subcommander, our hull is being bombarded by tachyon particles." Lieutenant Rhiana stood rigidly over her science console. Some would have mistaken her for a Vulcan if it wasn't for the ridges over her eyebrow. "It's coming from the surface of the planet."

"Communications?" The Lieutenant affirmed. Argelian signaled the comm. Officer.

The alien that met him on the main screen was the last thing Argelian expected to see.

"Human?" How could they have colonized so far into the Beta Quadrant? Despite conventional thinking the creature before him did indeed appear to be human, though dressed like none Argelian had ever seen. The alien looked surprised. He was a fat man with hair that stood up in a semicircle around his scalp.

"I am Carn Marray, military governor of Polgraph. And you are, sir?"

Argelian realized his slip but he also saw the governor's eyes. The man had no recognition of Romulans, which was strange indeed. If they were human, how was it that they did not know of the Romulan Star Empire – the enemy of the Federation for generations? It was a question he would have to ask later. "I am subcommander Argelian Mirok of the Romulan Star Empire. We have come a long way on a mission of exploration."

"How did they get here? Are they really humans? If not, why is it that they recognize humanity?" Argelian's superiors would find the answer for these questions most fascinating.

"Interesting. And you are alone in this area of space?" The man had an ethereal bright shine in his eyes, like he had just seen an unguarded treasure. Argelian recognized that look. He would be easy to manipulate.

"We have several ships exploring this area of space. However, you are the first people we have contacted."

"In that case, welcome to the Centauri Republic, the great Lion of the galaxy!" Carn proclaimed. "Perhaps you have heard of us?"

"Unfortunately Governor we have not had that pleasure. You see we are from a fair distance away and only recently discovered hyperspace travel."

It was a strange moment; both Centauri and Romulan were thinking almost the same thing. Prey, that's what they thought of each other. Only Argelian did a better job of hiding it.

"How is it then subcommander, that you know of the Earthers and not of the great Centauri?"

The subcommander was engrossed by what this Centauri was saying. Many strange and interesting possibilities were being presented.

"I was not aware human was a species in this part of space. The word human is a greeting used among our people, the exact meaning of which has been lost to history." The Centauri seemed to have bought the story. He didn't press the matter further.

"I have many questions subcommander."

"As do I, Governor Carn. Perhaps we should meet in person to discuss our potential relationship further."

Carn didn't immediately reply. His mind was turning furiously. "I would like that. However, there are several matters I must attend to. If it is not too much to ask, please stay in orbit while we attend to these matters."

"Of course governor, we will await your call."

"One more thing subcommander. We are expecting quite a bit of traffic from the jump gate in the next few hours. If you could please take up position at these coordinates…" A nod from his science officer indicated the coordinates had been received.

"I understand governor Carn. iTemet/i, out."

The screen cut out. Argelian looked to the pilot.

"The coordinates are on the far side of the planet."

"Very well, set a course."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

At the precisely scheduled time, Lord Refa of the Centauri arrived at one of his family holdings in the Polgraph system. He had come to Polgraph to personally investigate the decreased productivity of the recent months. Polgraph was the economic backbone of the Refa house and an important resource to the Republic.

As Refa relaxed in his luxury shuttle with a cup of Brivari, an aid came up.

"My Lord, the governor has been waiting for two hours."

Refa stood up, adjusted his stylish suit and checked his image in the mirror.

Outside, Refa was greeted by a dozen soldiers in military formation. They all looked like they had their finest uniform on, the ones that haven't been worn in ages and didn't quite fit anymore. On the other side were governor Carn and his aid.

"Ah, my Lord Refa you honor us with your presence." Carn bowed deeply, the hatred in his eyes was quickly hidden away. "Welcome to Polgraph…"

Refa spoke before Carn had the chance to finish. "Governor… Carn is it?" Carn had something to say to that but Refa didn't give him the chance. "I'm here to investigate certain rumors. I hope for your sake they are only rumors."

"Let me assure you my Lord that they are nothing more than baseless lies and false accusations."

"Yet word of rebellion and mismanagement has reached even the Emperor's ears. No governor, I think there could be some truth to these lies if it was spoken by so many. Yes?"

"The Emperor…?"

"Yes, the Emperor, and he has ordered me to personally investigate the matter."

Carn went pale. He felt the need to throw up, and it wasn't because of his hangover. "Let me… Let me reassure you Lord Refa, there is no rebellion nor will there ever be."

"We shall see. In the meantime I will be spending the next few days assessing your situation." Refa had the look that he expected something and it took Carn a second to catch on.

"Oh, oh. My Lord, I have prepared a feast in your honor. If you could grace us with your presence later tonight…" Refa walked passed him without another word not even paying him another thought. Carn had seen into Refa's eyes. There was no sense of recognition. In some ways this made him hate the man even more.

The governor escorted Refa to the guest quarters. As he left he didn't notice his aid had stayed behind.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Subcommander, a ship is approaching from the far side of the planet."

"Tactical analysis?"

"Anti-matter reactors, several energy cannons and missile launchers with nuclear warheads. Approximately 300 Centauri on board. They are hailing us."

Argelian did not answer.

"Sir, shall we reply?"

"Not yet. Lieutenant, can you access their data core without being detected."

"Attempting now… I have achieved access. I am downloading their data. It is encoded but we should be able to decode it in time."

"Open a channel."

A different Centauri appeared before the Romulans, this one much slimmer than the last and with a much more arrogant expression on his face.

"I am subcommander Argelian Mirok of the Romulan Star Empire. I was under the impression that governor Carn would be contacting us." If the Centauri took offence he didn't show it.

"Greetings subcommander. I am Lord Refa of the noble House of Refa – one of the rulers of the Centauri Republic. And as for Carn, he is merely governor of a small outpost. He does not have the authority to negotiate on behave of the Republic."

"I see. And may I assume you have that authority?"

"I do. If there are no objections subcommander, I would very much like to meet in person."

"Agreed, perhaps you would like a tour of our ship?"

"I will be delighted. Shall we say in one hour?"

"In one hour then," Argelian agreed. The screen went blank. Argelian turned to Lieutenant Rhiana. "Has the programming been completed?"

"It should be convincing to their sensors."

"Good, tell the crew to get into position."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Lord Refa's shuttle had been directed to a large bay toward the aft section of the iTemet/i.

"They must not get many visitors," Refa commented as he observed the pilot take his shuttle into the alien ship. For one thing the bay was entirely too small, just enough room for one shuttle. The bay doors closed behind him.

"Nitrogen oxygen atmosphere. The bay is pressurized, my lord."

Refa, along with his trusted aid and contingent of Centauri centurions were greeted by the Romulan delegation that had been waiting for them. For a second time that day Refa was welcomed by a military salute. The alien that greeted them was a female. Just by looking at her Refa could tell she was a very cold woman, not unlike a proper Centauri woman of noble birth..

"I am Lieutenant Rhiana Gias; I am to take you to the subcommander." She gestured to one direction. Refa took it as a sign to follow.

"Tell me, Lieutenant. How is it that you speak our language?" Refa asked his guide who seemed to be content to just lead them though the halls.

"We have developed a device called the Universal Translator which quickly and efficiently translates many languages."

"Even languages you have yet to learn?"

"Yes. The device operates by sensing the intentions behind the words and compares the grammatical and semantic structure of your sentences to our known language database."

"Fascinating, you must have encountered may races to have developed a library large enough for this translator to work."

It was a loaded question but the Lieutenant had already prepared a response. "On the contrary, we are a relatively isolated people. There must be many similarities between our two languages."

Refa and his guards followed Rhiana while the Romulan Uhlans followed the Centauri. Eventually they reached a large double door that opened with a loud mechanical hiss in response to their approach. The Centauri never noticed the holodeck doors faded away as they followed the Lieutenant inside.

"This is our engineering section," Lieutenant Rhiana explained. "The iTemet/i is powered by 3 of our largest fusion reactors with a maximum power output of almost one billion gigawatts."

"Very impressive." Refa noted. The Centauri lord stood over the transparent partition that separated him and the reactors - the 3 massive cylinders that extended downward. To Refa it was anything but impressive.

"The main engines are our next stop. I believe you will find our propulsion system most interesting.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Lord Refa finally reached the conference room where subcommander Argelian waited. By that point the Centauri lord was quite bored with the Romulan's attempts to impress him. His mind numbing tour did not raise his opinions any. "Still these Romulans had something to offer," he thought back to the reactors and engines, they were most unimpressive. Their protein re-sequencing technology on the other hand… Something to exploit.

"Jolan Tru, Lord Refa. I am Subcommander Argelian. It is an honor to meet you at last." Refa sized the man up. He was thin and held himself rigidly. Typical military, Refa decided silently. Refa responded with his own greeting. The trusted aid stood behind him.

"I'm sure you have many questions and I'm happy to answer them." Refa told the Romulan.

"Indeed I have many questions, first and foremost is what has been on our minds for some time. What is the Centauri Republic?"

"The Centauri Republic is an ancient institution that dates back almost a thousand years of space travel. Our territory is vast, with many protectorate worlds that had joined us for protection from the dangers of the universe. You will not find a more advanced race than the Centauri in this part of the universe. Does that satisfy you subcommander?"

"And what of your government?"

"Our main governing body is the Centaurum, a forum with a representative body which I am part of and have significant influence."

"Your governor spoke of a race called 'Humans'. I am curious, are they part of the Centauri Republic as well?"

"They are a minor power that occupy several systems far away from here. Your people bear remarkable resemblance to them but even more so to us." Refa's mind turned with the possibilities. Finally he decided on a course of action. "Tell me subcommander, was there ever a time in your history when your people migrated from another part of the galaxy to where you are now?"

The look of surprise on Argelian's face told Refa everything he needed.

"Yes, how is it that you know of this?"

"A long time ago," Refa began. "The Centauri controlled much of the galaxy. We had colonies far and wide."

Argelian had seen recordings of Ambassador Spock back in the day. The Vulcan did a gesture with his eyebrow. Argelian was hard pressed to suppress the urge to imitate the old Vulcan.

"This might be hard to believe but it is possible our two people are related. Our physical similarities; this form we share is such a rarity among the stars. Imagine it subcommander, two brothers separated by the vast distances of space, reunited at last after millennia of separation. Think of the wonders we can achieve together."

Argelian took a moment to recompose himself, but by all accounts he appeared to be at a loss for words. "If that is true," he paused. "Then there is much we need to discuss."

About an hour later the talk between Argelian and Refa seem to have reached a climax.

"It is agreed then. Our ambassador will arrive here in exactly 4 months."

"And I will be here, waiting." Refa had to control the laughter threatening to undo everything. This was too easy, he thought. And now there was only one minor detail to attend to.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Back on Polgraph, Carn Marray had received a summons from Lord Refa.

"Ah, Carn come in, come in." he motioned for the other Centauri to enter. "You wouldn't believe the conversation I had in the last few hours."

Carn had a feeling where this was going. After Refa had suddenly returned to his ship there was only one thing that could have happened.

"Yes, Carn. Vol betrayed you."

Carn was going to faint in a second.

"But I like your style. You know, I could use someone like you by my side, someone who can think on their feet." He starred straight into Carn's eyes. "But if you ever think about double crossing me, I'll make being the governor of a backwater world like Polgraph seem like heaven."

Carn could not agree fast enough.

"Oh, one more thing. Tell no one of the Romulans. Let's keep this our little secret." Carn nodded and accepted the glass of Brivai Refa offered. It was far better than the slosh he was used to drinking. "To the future."

"To the future," Carn replied.

To be continued... in Chapter 2: The Catalyst

Coming... sometime next week. I think.