Chapter Seven: The Tides of War

Captain Montu of the Centauri Republic Primus Battle Cruiser Centernia was not in a very good mood. For the past couple of weeks someone or something had been attacking Centauri ships and starbases and then disappearing without a trace. Some speculated that it was the work of the Narn but he knew better. The Narn did not have the balls or the resources to openly attack them. But that was a moot point. Given the fact that they could not catch the raiders, his commanders had thought it was only prudent to take their frustrations out on the Narn. That's why his battle group of two Primus Battle Cruisers and three Vorchan attack cruisers were lying in wait in hyperspace near the Corran star system. This was the part of his job Captain Montu hated the most. He had already waited for 12 hours now and he was getting impatient. The wait eventually paid off. A pair of G'Quan class Heavy Cruisers showed up as predicted making their usual patrol. After all, the Narn claimed this system. With a triumphant smile, Captain Montu gave the order the jump back into normal space.

Captain G'Toll was in his ready room when the alarm sounded. He quickly dashed out to the bridge just in time to see a fleet of Centauri warships pouring out of the vortex. One look and he they were in big trouble. The gun ports on the Centauri warships were already open and they came out guns blazing. "Red alert. Take evasive maneuvers. Launch all fighters and return fire at will," he barked out a series of orders without giving it a second thought. But before he could issue any further commands the ship rocked with a series of loud explosions and he was thrown off his feet. Stunned, he quickly looked around and got back to his feet. He was glad that his command staff was still there all in one piece. "Return fire," he yelled again. Turning around to his XO, he demanded, "Damage report."

"Working on it sir," came the reply as the ship shuddered again as another series of weapons fire hit the ship. It wasn't as severe as before and he was glad for it.

"Where are my fighters? Why aren't they out there yet?" he snarled as he could see a flight of Sentri fighters making a run for his sister ship.

"They haven't gotten off yet. It's gonna be another minute before we can get them out."

"Damn it! We don't have the time," he yelled again to no one in particular. He knew it wasn't their fault. The Centauri's had caught them with their pants down around their ankles and were making them pay for it. He was temporarily distracted an officer at the sensor control yelled out, "Two more contacts just showed up sir."

"Damn it. I already have more than I can handle," he thought to himself.

"Sir, they are attacking the Centauri!" He couldn't believe his ears. He quickly turned around to verify it. Son of a gun! The two new contacts of unidentified origin were definitely attacking the Centauri and making a good show of it too. Who were they? Never mind, he had a battle to fight. Once this was over, he had to find out who they were. What was it that the humans said? An enemy of my enemy is a friend of mine. Such sweet sentiments.

Captain Montu couldn't contain his pleasure. His ships were making short work of the junk barges the Narn called warships. Already he could see flames pouring out of numerous breaches in the Narn ships. "A few more minutes and it would be all over," he thought to himself. A puzzled yelp from one of his officers distracted his train of thought.

"Two new contacts sir. Unidentified origin," before Montu could say anything the guy continued, "They are attacking the Henzo. Oh no! They just destroyed it."

Montu couldn't believe what he heard. What! How dare they attack the Centauri Republic? "Destroy them!" he snarled. As one, the remaining Centauri warships broke off their attack on the Narn and turned to face the newer, deadlier enemy. At least they tried, for this new enemy was like no other they had ever encountered. Their ships about the size of the Vorchans were incredibly fast and maneuverable. Centauri warships that had been designed to fight other lumbering behemoths were no match against the new foe. Even when their ships were hit, an invisible shield absorbed the massive energy projected at it. Captain Montu just couldn't believe what was happening. His walk in the park had just turned into a brutal hailstorm. The emperor had to be alerted of this new enemy. "Launch a probe. Inform the emperor," he yelled out. Luckily, the Centernia managed to launch the probe just in time before it went down in a hail of disrupter fire.

Captain TekSha was pleased with his latest handiwork. After several days of coming up with nothing, he had finally run into a battle between the Centauri and an unknown faction. He had observed it for a minute before he had decided to join in when it looked like the Centauri had the upper hand. As usual they did not stand a chance when he entered the fray. He had cut them down without a second thought.

"We are being hailed sir."

"Put them through," he ordered. A large spotted humanoid appeared on screen. After giving him a deep bow, the newcomer addressed him, "I am Captain G'Toll of the Narn Regime. My sincerest thanks to you sir."

He returned the bow and answered, "I am Captain TekSha of the Klingon Empire. You have no need to thank us. The Centauri are our enemy."

"Then that makes us friends, no? As the humans say, an enemy of my enemy is a friend of mine."

TekSha let of a hearty roar, "You are right my friend. Come, we will drink blood wine together."

G'Toll did not know what blood wine was but he did not care. He would drink anything to make a new ally, especially one as powerful as this. He smiled and replied, "We shall my friend."