Milky Way Galaxy
Gamma Quadrant
USS Enterprise
Bridge

"Admiral's Log Supplemental: We have been at warp for two solar days now, keeping out of range of the Dominion fleet that is following us. Rather than use the hyperdrive, we intent to distract the Dominion long enough to give the Remee time to escape. They already have a head start but all the more time we can give them the better. Mr. Spock has analyzing the damage we suffered from just facing three Dominion ships. Our shields proved ineffective against their weaponry, meaning that we are vastly outnumbered and outgunned.

If the Dominion captures this ship and makes their way to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, they would have a large advantage over not just Starfleet but the Klingons, the Romulans and the other surrounding powers. I can only hope we can prevent such an outcome."

End Log

Kirk closed his log and looked around the bridge, making sure everyone was at their posts. After the brief but troubling battle with the Dominion, the Enterprise had been on yellow alert for the last two days. They couldn't afford to lower their guard while still trapped in enemy space but they also needed to continue buying the Remee as much time as they could.

This was about more than just survival.

This was about more than just learning about what lied out there.

This was about saving a people and their way of life.

Starfleet was more than just exploring strange new worlds and seeking out new life and new civilizations.

It was also about coming to the aid of those who could not defend themselves.

The Federation and its directives was meant to bring the light of civilization to those willing to accept and embrace it.

To try and put behind the old savage ways and accept a different line of thinking.

To be willing put your life on the line when trying to stand up for those who cannot stand on their own.

Risk was part of the game when you chose to sit in the Captain's chair.

And Kirk had taken many risks since the first time he had sat in this chair.

"Admiral."

Kirk turned and glanced at Spock. "Yes, Mr. Spock."

"Our long range scans have detected a squadron of Dominion ships. They are on the very edge of our sensor range and are seemingly holding at warp seven." Spock reported.

Kirk frowned. "Are they trying to track our movements?"

"Unknown for sure, Admiral. We know their maximum speed is warp seven so we know they cannot overtake us." Spock answered.

Kirk rubbed his chin. "They could be hoping we exhaust our fuel and power long before they do. Or trying to lure us into a position where they can attack us."

"A logical assumption." Spock conceded.

Still, Kirk had a bad feeling and he knew what happened most of the time when he had a bad feeling.

Xxx

Engineering

Scotty more than once believed he had the most important job on the ship which was keeping the ship intact through all the shenanigans they have somehow lived through.

Sure, the Captain commands the ship but the Engineers keep the ship from flying apart.

With the Enterprise maintaining warp while in hostile territory, it was up to him and the rest of the engineering crew to keep their pride and joy running as good as possible.

It was tough job but someone had to do it.

Scotty just turned away from the main console to take a deep breath and do some mental calculations. Being at constant warp would eventually put a drain on the ship's power and fuel reserves. It would take far less to simply hyperdrive back to Federation space but when one worked in Starfleet, sometimes the simplest solutions were not always the right ones.

Just as he was about to turn back to work there was a flash of light and a fist slammed into Scotty's face, knocking him down.

"Do not move!"

Scotty glanced up, eyes widening to see one of those Jem'Hadar brutes in the engineering.

Only it wasn't just one.

An entire group had appeared, having seemingly beamed into engineering and were now aiming their weapons at the stunned crew.

"No one move!"

Xxx

Bridge

Kirk and Spock spun around as pillars of light appeared around the bridge and solidified into Jem'Hadar, holding their weapons on every crewmember.

"Admiral Kirk."

Kirk slowly turned around to see Weyoun standing in front of the main view-screen with a please smile on his face.

"I believe we have a conversation to continue."

Xxx

Admiral's Log Supplemental:

Despite our best efforts, we have been captured by the Dominion. Later scans and reviews done by Mr. Spock confirmed that in addition to their phased polaron weapons that can bypass our shields, Dominion transporters have a much longer range than Federation transporters. They are estimated to be able to reach over three light years and still bypass our shields. They secured the ship by beaming into all vital areas such as engineering, the bridge and auxiliary control.

I have never been caught off guard in such a way before and if we make it back to Federation space, I intend some formal requests at Starfleet for improving ship security.

End Log

The Enterprise was now surrounded by six Jem'Hadar Attack Fighters, all of them in position to 'escort' the flagship of the Federation fleet to a Dominion starbase. Kirk remained in the command chair with two Jem'Hadar guards keeping an eye on him while another one kept his rifle aimed at Sulu as he plotted a new course.

"A Dominion fleet is waiting to rendezvous with us." Weyoun stated, pacing in front of the helm and navigation station. "They will escort us back to our starbase where you will be detained and the secrets of your hyperdive is studied. If you are willing to impart the information to us and save us the trouble, I will put in a good word for with the Founders and I am sure they will relocate you to a suitable planet."

"To be your slaves." Kirk said bluntly.

"To be our new citizens and our envoys to your Federation." Weyoun corrected smugly as he faced Kirk. "Slavery is such an ugly term."

"But an accurate one nonetheless." Kirk retorted. "You will find no one on the Enteprise willing to give you the information."

"I've heard those words before." Weyoun had a silky smile on his face now. "And I was never surprised by how quickly some turned on their own just to survive."

"You will be surprised by how resilient my people are, Weyoun. They knew the risks when they took an oath to serve in Starfleet." Kirk had to fight the urge to stand up and punch that smile off of Weyoun's face. "We will not bow down and become slaves to a ruthless dictatorship."

"Admiral, the Dominion is only ruthless in how we try and bring order and stability to the universe. So many worlds and species have fought and killed each other for such petty reasons but the under the Dominion they flourish." Weyoun turned away from Kirk to look at the viewscreen. "We are more alike than you might think. You spread out, you chart the galaxy and you bring in everyone around you to join your Federation, gaining vast resources, people and knowledge to further expand yourselves while promising safety and security for all who wish to join."

"We don't force everyone to join us, Weyoun." Kirk coldly said. "You will find there is a great difference between us."

"I am sure there is." Weyoun turned back to face Kirk. "But it matters little. All you need to know now is that this ship and crew are now the property of the Dominion. Cooperate and you will be treated well."

"And what happens after you get what you want?" Kirk questioned.

"You will be released to live on a planet of our choosing, given proper supplies to survive and build yourselves new homes." Weyoun answered, stepping around the helm and navigation stations and stopped in front of Kirk. "Those that cooperate fully will be rewarded the best privileges all subject worlds in the Dominion enjoy. This is the best offer you will ever, Admiral. I suggest you consider your answer very carefully."

Kirk looked around the bridge, seeing everyone at their posts looking to him.

They knew what his answer would be and he knew what they expected him to say.

"Weyoun, after careful consideration…" Kirk slowly said as he stood up and looked Weyoun in the eye. "I formally reject your offer but I offer you this one chance: withdraw back to your ships and return to your ships or be prepared to risk interstellar war with the United Federation of Planets."

Weyoun closed his eyes and sighed as he stepped back. "So it's going to be that, huh? Very well. Lock the crew up and we'll tractor this ship back to the nearest outpost. Keep the crew mostly intact. We'll still need them to show us their hyperdrive."

A Jem'Hadar shoved Kirk back while the rest of the crew were forcefully removed from their chairs and escorted to the turbo-lift while the nearest Dominion ship placed the Enterprise under a tractor beam to tow it with them.