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All characters appearing in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek Voyager are copyright Paramount Pictures. All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringement of these copyrights is intended and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxies Divided Chapter One– A Time of Darkness Part Two Cracks
by
Celgress
"Here's the thing. There are moments in your life that make you, that set the course of who you're gonna be. Sometimes they're little, subtle moments. Sometimes, they're not. I'll show you what I mean."
Whistler
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season Two Becoming – Part One (1998).
Star Trek Galaxy - January 2nd, 2397 C.E (1 ABY)
Nimbus III Beta Quadrant, afternoon
Alliance Governor General Padme Skywalker watched the election results pour in with increasing jubilation. Things were going better than she had dared hope who the campaign started a year ago. The special referendum to formalize the Alliance by having all member parties join the United Federation of Planets easily passed, even though the margins in both the Romulan Republic and Klingon Empire were tighter than she would have liked. Her Milkyway Party of Galactic Unity or MPGU was on track to win a clear majority of seats in the expanded UFP Parliament or Council. Padme's chosen successor as Alliance Governor General now UFP Governor General the former Republican Senator for Pantora Riyo Barclay nee Chuchi, easily defeated her three rivals to secure the coveted position. Everything was perfect, almost.
"Congratulations, Madame Governor General Elect," Padme Skywalker said to Riyo Chuchi who sat beside her on a plush white sofa in the lounge of the Governor General's Residence enjoying light refreshments with Padme.
"Thank you Madame Governor General." Riyo Barclay said. Riyo who was about a decade Padme's junior noticed her friend and political mentor frown. "Has there by any news?" She asked.
"None," Padme said.
"I'm sure they'll return soon. Like you always tell me, you have to keep faith things will work out for the best." Riyo said.
"I hope so," Padme said doing her best to brighten this was a special occasion one she had worked hard towards for many years. Now was not the time for doom and gloom.
"How is your husband?" Padme asked.
"You know how Reginald is work, work, work," Riyo said with a smile. "The poor dear, he hates the limelight. He's so shy. He refused to accompany a single time on the campaign trail. Did you know it took us a year to go on our first date and I was the one who asked him?" Riyo laughed causing Padme to laugh in return.
"I recall," Padme said with a smile of her own after she composed herself. "I'm glad you're my duly elected successor, Riyo. I can rest easy knowing the expanded Federation is in your capable hands."
"I hope I live up to your faith in me, Padme. Fully integrating the Klingons and Romulans, much less the Gorn, into the UPF system won't be easy. I just admit I have my reservations about this veto system they demanded to be part of the referendum. The special dispensation clause regarding 'internal affairs' also troubles me." Riyo said.
"I agree the situation is less than ideal. Still, it is better than the alternative. The Alliance System was essentially a military pact, little more than that. In peacetime, galactic affairs can't continue indefinitely under such a system." Padme said.
"At least the unseemly Cytron issue can finally be laid to rest," Riyo said. "As full-fledged members of the UPC the Romulans, Klingons, and Gorn have agreed to phase out the use of artificial labor throughout their territories over the course of the next five years starting with military operations."
"Spock and Jean-Luc will be happy. They've been tirelessly campaigning for a stop to Cytron 'enslavement' for Allied military and other purposes since the production of Cytron units began." Padme said.
"That they have," Riyo said. "I wonder what will be their next cause?"
"Likely better treatment for clone veterans," Padme said. The formerly mirthful expansions of both women grew serious.
"Yes, something must be done about the issue, it has festered for far too long without any hope of resolution," Riyo said. At the indirect mention of the Clone Wars disgraceful state, Riyo and Padme felt guilty they and so many others were living in almost obscene opulence by way of comparison.
"Indeed, while the issue isn't easily solved some solution must be found. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't secure any member worlds to house the veterans much less offer to integrate them into their societies. Even Vulcan balked at the notion." Padme said.
"How regrettable," Riyo said shaking her head. The long tussles of her pink-tinged silver hair flapped back and forth. The party continued watching the news coverage and chatting amicably while their party's majority continued to grow until they were interrupted by a tower presence dressed in the uniform of Starfleet Security Special Ops Division. The figure was brandishing an armed modified for combat phaser rifle.
"Sorry for the interruption but the Special Commander insisted upon seeing you both." Jedi Knight Gevne said. Ever since passing her trials, the young female Orien had insisted upon being assigned to help protect Padme until the return of her former Master Anakin Skywalker. She felt she owed the Skywalker family her life and fully intended to repay their kindness.
"What is it Kagror?" Padme asked the highest-ranking Hirogen in Starfleet. As their civilization was a non-member of the Federation, only three Hirogen (all males) had yet joined Starfleet. Most Horogen preferred the autonomy of the hunt to any type of formalized military service.
"Madame Governor General and Madame Governor General Elect, Knot Station (so named because it is a point where six major and two minor hyperspace lanes converge, more than anywhere else on this side of the galaxy, these were harnessed for ease of travel by a series of cutting edge spatial manifold hub attached to the massive complex) is under attack by a hostile fleet made up of multiple Klingon, Romulan, and Gorn battleships. We are unsure if this is an attempted coup. I cannot guarantee your safety. You must accompany my security force to the secure underground bunker complex. If worse comes to worst, we can use the emergency subspace transporters there to get you both safely out of the system." Special Commander Kagror." The eyes of both politicians went wide at this unexpected dire revelation their peaceful night of celebration shattered.
Knot Station located just outside of the Nimbus System, a short while ago
"I don't think you should go through with the procedure, nor does Hugh." The image of Liberated Borg Rebekah Grabowski said to her friend Cecil. Liberated Borg units were placed at any Federation or Alliance facility where composite technology was heavily used due to their unique expertise with such tech.
"You two don't understand what it's like working closely with unassimilated species. They don't trust us. When they look at me all they see is a Borg drone, a potential threat, something to be loathed and feared. They're uncomfortable around us and I don't blame them. If I have my exoskeleton and most of my external implants removed maybe they'll accept me." Cecil reasoned.
"But to willingly become an XB, it's so drastic," Rebekah said. "I've heard the procedure can be dangerous, is irreversible, and can damage internal organs beyond repair including the brain. Cecil, please think long and hard about this. Don't do anything rash."
"I already have thought long and hard," Cecil said. "I need to do this. I had hoped you and Hugh would understand. I don't want to argue. My mind is made up."
"I can't say I do or Hugh does but, we're your family. At the end of the day, it's your life, your choice. We'll accept whatever decision you make, even if we think it is a mistake." Rebekah said.
"How are the twins?" Cecil said changing the uncomfortable subject. He felt there was nothing more to that needed saying.
"They're a handful but I'd have it no other way," Rebekah said with a broad smile. "I'm so thankful the EMH Doctor was able to resolve our people's reproductive issues or I wouldn't have them."
"All Liberated Borg owe the Doctor a great debt. Thank him for me the next time you see him, Rebekah," Cecil said. Before they could continue their discussion an alarm went off on Cecil's consol.
"What is it?" Rebekah asked a note of concern in her voice.
"A proximity alert. An unauthorized ship must have entered our spatial security grid in my area of responsibility. I'll have to call you back." Cecil said checking his readouts.
"Someone here wants to say hello before I go," Rebekah said. She reached out of frame picking up two small Borg one male the other female.
"Goodbye Uncle Cecil." The Baby Borg said one after the other while waving at the video link.
"Goodbye sweeties, goodbye Rebekah," Cecil said waving back.
"Goodbye, Cecil," Rebekah said the image of her and the twins then blinked out.
Cecil checked his readouts. Three Romulan Warbirds and two Klingon Birds of Prey had suddenly appeared without prior notice of their impending arrival at the busy hub. "Unidentified vessels this is Knot Station Flight Control. You have entered restricted space. Identify yourself and submit a flight plan or depart from this area. If you do not comply we'll be forced to take action against you." Cecil said over the com. "Unidentified vessels please respond."
Cecil waited the standard ten seconds but received no answer. He repeated his hail, nothing. He scrambled intercept fights then all hell broke loose. Twenty more ships followed by a hundred more suddenly appeared. They opened fire on the station testing its blended Ray and Multiphasic Shields to the limits.
Cytronica One in Cytronica System Galactic Core Region (Gamma/Delta Quadrant Border portion), early afternoon
"Our assault fleet cannot penetrate the enemy shields at Knot Station." Automated Personnel Unit 3947 dutifully reported to the Exalted One. "Thus far, conventional firepower has proven ineffective against the composite energy shield."
"Then we require more than conventional firepower." Lore said with a sneer. "Patch me through."
"Yes, Exalted One." Automated Personnel Unit 3947 said working his station. "Direct subspace communication line open."
"My faithful this is your Exalted One speaking. We must seize control of the hyperspace knot so we may have greater freedom of movement. Victory is essential." Lore said in a soothing voice. "A noble sacrifice is required. Set your ship reactors to overload. Continue ramming the shields until they fail. Your martyrdom on this great day will be long remembered."
Lore silently vowed he would have his way no matter how many followers or vessels it cost him. After all, he could always get more of both. The lives of his gullible followers were worthless except in the pursuit of his goals. He was infinitely smarter than they were thus they were his to do with as he saw fit.
Star Wars Galaxy
Millennium Falcon in the Kamino System Extragalactic Region, afternoon
Sakal was bored. Not for the first time, Sakal wished he had gone on the mission with the others, but as an engineer, he knew his place was here. He was running a long-range sensor sweep (better safe than sorry) from the Falcon's cramped cockpit when he spotted it.
"Commander Tano, there's something you need to see," Sakal said. Being a skilled, combat-experienced Jedi Ashoka was given a command field commission with the Rebel Alliance upon joining.
Ahsoka walked over to where Sakal was seated. She leaned over his console. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed the enemy signature that had appeared near Kamino. "Is that what I think it is?" Ahsoka asked her voice low.
"Unfortunately, yes, it's an enemy vessel, a big one, most likely a Star Destroyer. Although I was unaware they could be so big." Sakal said trying to make sense of the immense energy output the sensors were reading. He wished he had access to visual realistic extrapolation of his target rather than the cruder tactical display he was gazing at. He could only glen scant information from the symbols on the monitor.
"What are they doing here, now of all times?" Ahsoka mused. She did her best to tamp down her fear but it rose like a phantom from the darkest depths of her mind. Since Obi-wan's tragic death, Ahsoka was finding it more difficult to keep her negative emotions in check.
"I wish I knew," Sakal said before he paused something else had happened. "The Star Destroyer has launched what looks like a shuttle. The shuttle is heading towards Kamino." Chewie whined mournfully at the unwelcome revelation.
"Sith spit," Ahsoka cursed.
Kamino, late morning
Darth Vader stepped out of the rain-soaked shuttle flanked by eight Shadow Guards holding their pikes ready for action. "Welcome to Kamino, Lord Vader. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" The Shadow Stormtrooper Commander asked only to be force choked and telekinetically tossed aside after he was rendered unconscious.
"Out of my way. I have no time for you." Darth Vader said while the squad ran to their fallen commander. His wet cape flapped wildly in the gusty wind.
Vader and his Shadow Guards matched toward the nearest entrance. Once inside they quickly made their way to the main control room where Direct Colih awaited them with a smile on her face. Over forty Shadow Troopers stood at the ready in the large chamber.
"I see you received my message, Lord Vader," Colih said bowing her head in reverence.
"You will be rewarded for your loyalty, Director Colih," Vader said to the Vorta.
Vorta were among Vader's favorite servants due to their unwavering loyalty to him, his daughter, and the Emperor. Their dependability due to their belief all Sith were living gods made them extremely useful tools. He only wished he had more than a handful of them at his disposal.
"I live only to serve the Empire and those who rightfully govern it," Colih said. "Lord Vader, unlike those you encountered on the tarmac, these troopers are unquestionably loyal to the Empire rather than a glory hog pretender. I can vouch for them. They will follow your orders without questions as do I."
"Secure control of the facility. Instruct all personnel that Special Agent Blackkole is to be arrested for insubordination. I'll deal with him at my convenience." Vader commanded.
Inside Vader fumed. 'How dare Black Hole betray him and the Emperor! These Jedi belonged to them! No doubt they held invaluable information about the fate of their comrades in the other galaxy. They were not to be fodder for any ghoulish experiments, except perhaps his own.'
Vader turned his attention to the closest of his Shadow Guards. "Go to the shuttle. Have the officers contact Vizier Weyoun on Mustafar. Instruct them that Vizier Weyoun is to inform the Black Bishop that we may have a suitable candidate. Once your task is completed, return here at once." The Shadow Guard nodded its understanding before departing.
"Where are the Jedi and their rebel allies?" Vader said looking at Colih who eagerly told him everything she knew.
To Be Continued
Next Up – A Time of Darkness Part Three Shatter Point!
Author's Note One -
Riyo Chuchi is a character from the excellent Clone Wars CGI series. She is a blue-skinned, golden-eyed young female Pantoran a Republican Senator who represents the Moon of Pantora. Due to her principled nature, I think she would make an excellent successor to Padme as Governor General.
Author's Note Two -
The Black Bishop is a character who appears in the video game Vader Eternal. Those of you familiar with the plot of the game might just be able to work out what Vader might need a "candidate" for using this character's assistance.