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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.
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Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxies Divided Episode Three – A Time of Darkness Part Four Desperate Measures
by
Celgress
Star Trek Galaxy - January 2nd, 2397 C.E (1 ABY)
Picard Chateau Earth Alpha Quadrant, night
"Congratulations Spock your lifelong dream has been achieved; unification between the Vulcan and Romulan peoples is a reality," Picard said toasting his friend. A raucous group of Picard Family members and friends watched the election returns roll in from across the galaxy with mounting optimism. Somewhere in the throng was Picard's wife, son, and daughter-in-law but he wasn't sure exactly where.
"Indeed, and let us not forgot the Remans. Now comes the next stage unification with the Watraii. Our family will not be whole until all four subgroups come home." Spock said.
"A tall order," Picard said with a chuckle. "But if anyone can do the impossible you can Special Envoy."
"I wish I possessed as much faith in my abilities as you do, Jean-Luc," Spock said.
"I'm sure things will work out. How can they do otherwise? This is a historic day, a triumph for freedom and progress. Anything is now possible." Jarandi La Forge (called "Randi" by her friends) said. Next to the young woman who looked smart dressed in her blue and black Starfleet science division uniform hovered an Exocomp. The bars on Jarandi's collar indicated she held the rank of lieutenant junior grade.
"Ah, the enthusiasm of youth," Spock said.
"I barely remember having such enthusiasm. Then again, it has been a long time since I was young." Picard joked.
"You are not old, sir. You are experienced." The Exocomp who was named Peanut Hamper said in a feminine voice. "You are not thinking of retiring, are you? Please don't, you were my favorite instructor at the Academy. If not for you I never would have taken Starfleet seriously and found my true calling xeno-linguistics." She added in a panic. The Exocomp's exterior was painted to reflect the uniform of a science officer lieutenant also junior class.
"No, Peanut Hamper, I'm not retiring. You won't get rid of me so easily." Picard said with a wink.
"I'm relieved. I was on the brink of an overload due to worry. My circuits thank you, sir." Peanut Hamper said. Like most artificial lifeforms, Peanut Hamper had great difficulty grasping the subtleties of humor even after years of living among biological lifeforms.
"See, nothing to worry about, Peanut Hamper," Jarandi said to her best friend. "My parents send their regards, Jean-Luc. They wanted to be here but dad is still lobbying to launch a rescue mission for survivors of the USS Titan Disaster."
"An entire militarized galaxy populated by slaves to a hateful ideology, how dreadful. My circuits shiver at the thought." Peanut Hamper said beeping in distress.
"Indeed it is," Spock said.
"How is your brother, Hodq? His assignment providing security to the Clone Worlds isn't an easy one." Picard asked.
"He's disillusioned," Jarandi admitted. "He's shocked such places are allowed to exist in a grey area just beyond the Federation's official borders."
"A sad commentary on our socio-political system," Spock said.
"I have heard Ex-Clone Troopers are simply lazy or perhaps stubborn. Others cannot help them improve their situation no matter how hard others try." Peanut Hamper said. "They refuse to adapt."
"Peanut Hamper, that's not nice." Jarandi admonished her friend.
"Nor is it accurate," Picard said. "They were bred for war, they know no other existence."
"We Exocomps were originally built for engineering yet we adapted to learn other trades. Why can not the Ex-Clone Troopers do the same?" Peanut Hamper reasoned.
"Principally because no one will give them that chance. Everyone is afraid of them. No one wants Ex-Clone Troopers settled on their worlds or in a neighboring system due to their violent past." Picard said.
"You're scared of them Peanut Hamper and so are many others," Jarandi said.
"I regret my words. I spoke rashly and from a place of ignorance." Peanut Hamper said beeping mournfully.
"Regret is the first step towards action, don't let it be the last," Spock said.
"Wise words, sir. I shall commit them to my memory banks forthwith." Peanut Hamper said.
"How are things with your wife? Is it true your thinking of starting a family?" Picard asked Jarandi feeling there was nothing more to be said about the unpleasant topic of the Ex-Clone Troopers. Nearly twenty years ago he and others had tried to prevent the unfolding tragedy only to fail. A new generation would hopefully find the elusive answer they could not.
"We already have. The genetic sequencing tests went well or genomes are compatible. The embryo was implanted last week. There have been no signs of rejection." Jarandi said excitedly. She patted her still trim midsection. "We decided I'll carry the child. I'm a marine xeno-biologist stationed on a non-military vessel my line of work is far less risky than Gevne's. A Jedi Knight is in constant danger." Jarandi's tone turned somber. "Sometimes I wish I hadn't fallen in love with a Jedi but I did. Don't get me wrong, being a Jedi is everything to Gevne it saved her life, as she puts it, so I'd never ask her to give it up. I do worry about her state of mind especially with her master Anakin Skywalker missing in the other galaxy. I hope we'll see each other soon. She promised she'll take some time off once the new Governor General is fully sworn in following the transitional period so she can be with me during at least part of the pregnancy."
"Congratulations on your soon-to-be-born first child. You and Gevne will make fine parents." Picard said with a reassuring smile. He placed his hand on the young woman's shoulder.
"Thank you, Jean-Luc," Jarandi said softly.
A few more minutes passed in ideal chit-chat. "Shayasi (Seey-Ash-ee) you made it," Jarandi exclaimed to the striking aqua-marine-skinned female who appeared from out of the crowd to whom she gave a quick hug. "I thought you were visiting my brother?"
"I was but regrettably duty calls. Alas, the drawbacks of a long-distance relationship." Shayasi said in a voice that held a pleasing musical quality.
Shayasi's slim elegant form was clad in a typical brown Jedi robe. Her black eyes twinkled with intelligence and an undercurrent of mischievous energy most suspected she inherited from her father. From her skull grew six tentacle-like appendages the top four were relatively skinny and short whereas the bottom two were quite long and thick. These longer "tentacles" were draped over her shoulders and ample chest. Her dainty facial features and hourglass body type would be considered beautiful by most humanoid species (and a few non-humanoid ones). Her name was derived from the Vulcan word for "beloved" Ashayam.
"So, your father is finally letting you leave the Halka System unaccompanied?" Jarandi teased.
"He'd rather I not take out of sector assignments even though I completed the trials six months about but mother and I can be very persuasive when we so desire. We decided it is time I spread my proverbial wings." Shayasi responded.
"Haha, true, for a Jedi Aayla has quite the temper when provoked little wonder Kit is afraid of her," Jarandi said.
"Jarandi you talk as if my mother is a rabid targ she is nothing of the sort," Shayasi said feigning offense. "She simply holds strong opinions about certain subjects as do I. Father knows better than to challenge both of us on a topic when we agree." She added with the slightest grins. "He is a wise Jedi."
"Hey, something is happening." A young male Romulan Lt. commander advised. Sure enough election coverage had been replaced by an ominous emergency broadcast emblem with instructions to remain calm the automatic messages then started.
An Unknown System Delta Quadrant
"There are eight planets and two space stations in this system life signs all Borg." The helmsman of USS Monitor a male Bolian said. There was more than a hint of apprehension in his voice. "A vessel is approaching rapidly on an intercept course. It's a cube."
"I hope this works," Narissa said under her breath as she got up from her command chair. "Drop the cloak and lower our shields. We don't want to be seen as a threat."
"We're being scanned." The tactical officer a female Klingon reported as a bright green beam bathed the bridge from left to right. "They've locked on a tractor beam." She reported as the bridge rocked.
"Remember, maintain your composure commander. Don't show fear." The first officer said from his seat. He was none other than the legendary former Obsidian Order operative Elim Garak. Garak was the picture of placidity a stark contrast to the other members of the bridge crew (save Narissa) who appeared anything but composed.
"We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile." The multilayered voice of the Collective rumbled ominously.
"Borg vessel I am Narissa a commander of Section Thirty-One I wish to negotiate a mutually beneficial exchange with Princess Epsilon. I know she controls this branch of your Collective. I wish to speak to her directly." Narissa said firmly while showing no (outward) fear.
"Negotiation is irrelevant. You will be assimilated." The Collective declared.
Narissa nodded at her signal a data packet was transmitted to the Borg Cube. "This is a sample of the knowledge we are willing to share. The knowledge is not present on our vessel nor do we know where it is stored at this time so assimilating us would be of no benefit. If you don't disengage your tractor beam we will destroy ourselves." Narissa said. "You have five seconds to comply." She began counting down before she reached zero the tractor beam disengaged. Narissa vanished in a wash of green transporter energy.
"What do you want in exchange for the knowledge you showed us?" Epsilon said dispensing with pleasantries.
Narissa took a moment to regain her composure. The transporter process had taken far longer than any she could recall previously endured. She actually experienced the sensation of having no form but only a mind it was a disconcerting sensation. There was little doubt in Narissa's mind she was many light-years from her ship she might even be in a different quadrant or outside the galaxy altogether.
"Military assistance against the Cytrons who are presently threatening our interests in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants," Narissa said.
"Very well," Epsilon said surprising Narissa how readily the young Borg agreed to her proposal. There must be a catch Narissa thought she was not to be disappointed. "In return, I want the knowledge you showed me plus access to the Iconian gateway your organization recently discovered on a lifeless planet in the Gamma Quadrant/Alpha Quadrant border region."
Narissa blinked it took her a moment to respond. She had not expected this. "How do you know about that?" She asked.
"I am Borg. I know everything, almost everything." Epsilon answered arrogantly.
"I can't give you what you want. My fath-, my superiors would never approve." Narissa said.
"In which case, our deal is off. You and your crew will be assimilated." Epsilon said. "Other than the Iconian gateway technology you have nothing to offer I cannot obtain unassisted with time and effort. Our negotiations are at an end. You will make an excellent drone in my contingent once your foolhardiness is superseded by my pragmatic will." Epsilon turned and began to walk away. Meanwhile, four drones emerged from their alcoves to surround Narissa.
"Wait, I'll, I'll give you what you want!" Narissa shouted. She had to save the Federation no matter the cost. She could deal with this Borg later, right?
The four drones halted then retreated from whence they came. "You have made the right choice, the only choice you could make," Epsilon said turning to face Narissa. She flashed the other female a sly smile. "It has been a pleasure doing business with you. I shall be in touch soon to work out the details of our exchange. Be advised, Narissa, if you attempt to betray me you will suffer a fate far worse than mere assimilation. Unlike my mother, I fully grasp concepts such as hatred and vengeance towards those who have wronged me and mine."
Despite a lifetime of spy training, Narissa broke out in a cold sweat before the transport beam again claimed her. She hoped was doing the right thing? She knew there was no other choice. The Cytrons must be dealt with if that required a deal with the devil so be it.
A planet within Cytron Space, morning
"He sits like a monstrous parasite at the heart of this sector using the resources and labor he extorts from our people to build his disgusting armies of hate, Cytrons," Kellin said her voice filled with anger.
"You must understand we Ramurans are pacifists. We believe in the sanctity of all lifeforms. Until he came we were a closed society all but unknown to the greater galaxy. We avoid other species in part because we desire to avoid conflict. Normally we would never employ bounty hunters, but he's pushed us too far." Kellin's companion Curneth said. He ran his hands through his hair nervously. The pair had been selected by what little remained of the once-powerful Ramuran government to arrange this distasteful business. Their mission was to save their people before Lore no longer found them useful.
"He calls himself the Exalted One a decidedly pretentious name for such an evil creature but his real name is Lore, maybe it rings a bell?" One of the Mandalorian-Risians nodded her helmeted head in recognition. "Destroy Lore and you will become legends for all time," Kellin said. "Lore is a Soo-,"
"How much?" The helmetless Freebus an older man with short grey hair and a nasty diagonal scar on his face asked. He was the leader of the group of the five Mandalorian-Risians the most notorious bounty hunters in the entire galaxy. He had interrupted Kellin who showed no sign of stopping her latest diatribe.
"Thirty million bars of Gold-Pressed Latinum," Curneth said. "That is the currency you prefer, correct?"
"One-hundred," Freebus said. "We get twenty million each plus expenses half of the base price upfront."
"Deal," Kellin said earning herself a dirty look from Curneth. "We want him gone the sooner the better."
"We'll leave once we receive the retainer," Freebus said. He and his group beamed out after he tapped a couple of buttons on his right gauntlet.
"Why did you promise them one-hundred million bars plus their expenses? We don't have that much! We only have fifty million for this operation including our overhead!" Curneth yelled.
"We'll find the extra somehow," Kellin said dismissing his concerns. "No price is too great to be rid of Lore and his followers."
To Be Continued
Next Up – Things continue to escalate.
Author's Note One –
Ramurans are featured in the Voyager episode "Unforgettable".
Peanut Hamper is from the Lower Decks episode "No Small Parts". I felt her character was done dirty being the first Exocomp with a name featured in Star Trek she deserved better than a punchline.
Author's Note Two -
Shayasi (Seey-Ash-ee) is an OC of mine. She is inspired by all the excellent fan artwork out there of a hypothetical pairing of Kit Fisto x Aayla Secura which is in turn inspired by Star Wars Legends martial that strongly implied a romantic connection.
For those of you worried that Quinlan Vos (who I had previously hinted might be paired with Aayla) will be left out in the cold do not be. I have someone else in mind for him. You will see exactly who soon (in the next chapter or two).