Chapter VI: The Past Fulfilled

The Lert Ship brought back memories of the Tagret. My Command ship in the Cardassian Militia. My first officer Grent, in the Engine Room trying to get things running. We are patrolling the Federation-Cardassian Border, where there were reports of a Romulan presence.

"All clear, no traces of Romulan Warbirds." Stated Glinn Grad.

"Gul Rannian, there is an incoming mission from Legate Damar." informed Glinn Rep.

"Put it on the main screen." I said as the image of the Demetrus Outpost changed to the face of Lagate Damar, the one in control of this section of space. His face was grave, as if to give bad news.

"Gul Rannian, A rouge Dominion vessel, believed to be controlled by the Federation, has attacked a Ketracel White Facility. You have been assigned to go find them. Don't come back empty handed." And with that the channel closed. He was a very straight-forward person. One of those people who do everything by the book. That annoyed everyone.

"Any ideas as to where we start?" I asked

"I am picking up a Jem'hedar Battle cruiser."

"Hail them."

"No response."

"Engage them. Ready all weapons."

"Weapons ready"

"Target their propulsion systems."

"Engines targeted."

"Fire." The display showed the torpedoes missed by a good 30 kilometers.

"They are hailing us."

"Put it on the display." The face of a Jem'hedar soldier appeared. I am guessing that he was angry.

"You have fired upon our vessel. State your reasons."

"A Ketracel white Facility has been destroyed by one of your battle cruisers. You did not respond to our hails so we assumed that you were the culprits."

"Well you are wrong. We as well are in search of the terrorists. We were supposed to maintain communication silence so we do not alert the fugitives."

"I see what is your registration?"

"743 Alpha9."

"Very well. On with your investigation." That was not good. We could have blown the whole operation. I decided that it was time to move. "Helm, search the database for any missing ships and cross reference their warp signatures. I want a report on my desk by 1200." The time passed very slowly. Failure for this mission would result in death as all crimes. But who's death was an unknown. Exceptional Soldiers were often spared for their crimes. Their families were not so lucky. In Cardassian Society all crimes are punishable by death. My wife, Kara, and my son Dreak were both at risk. This mission would decide the fate of my family. This thought weighed heavily on my mind. I pushed the thought from my head. Glinn Rep, and Glinn Grad approached me with a data PADD. "There is one ship unaccounted for. We have detected it's warp signature and we are tracking it now." Stated Glinn Rep.

"Very good work. I want hourly reports." My family will be spared at last. Family was number one in Cardassian culture. Even if it means your life. We tracked this warp signature to five different planets. We soon found what we were searching for.

"The warp signature ends here. I am putting it on the display." The Screen showed what looked like a probe, not a Dominion Vessel.

"What is this? This is Federation Technology! They need to be found!"

"Gul Rannian, There is a trilithium charge inside. It might detonate soon." This frustrated me but I had to leave.

"Get us out of here!" My only chance of saving my family gone. At the hands of the federation. Those diplomatic pigs will pay.

"Gul Gefferin, there is a transmission from Legate Damar."

"In my quarters." I knew this would happen.

"Gul Gefferin, what news do you have for me?" Asked Legate Damar.

"We found the warp signature and we followed, only to be led to a probe emitting a false signature. We have nothing to go on."

"You have failed the militia. You do understand that it is grounds for capital punishment."

"Yes, I do."

"You are one of the best officers. So you are spared, but as for your family, Kara and Dreak. They will take your place." I wanted to protest but I knew it would not help. I bit back my tongue. I did not wish to make things worse than they already are. "Yes." I stated.

I addressed the crew. "The Cardassian Government has decided to give Capital Punishment to my family for my failure. I have decided to take the risk with the Federation Probe." The crew got to work as soon as I stopped talking. A half hour later, we arrived at the probe. "Can we neutralize the Trilithium charge?"

"A tetryon beam should disarm the charge."

"Very well do it." The golden beam of tetryon particles hit the probe and covered it.

"The trilithium charge has been disarmed"

"Get it into the cargo bay." I wanted to see this thing up close. The walk to the cargo bay was a long one. But it was worth it. I walked through the door and saw Grent.

"What is it?"

"It is not Federation, but Romulan."

"Romulan? Are they working with the Federation?"

"It would seem so. Just a week ago they were on the brink of war."

"That is strange. Maybe they are provoking a battle with the Federation."

"I do not know but we have to report this to Damar."

"It would seem so. See if you can access it's systems."

"Yes." Maybe this would free my family. The odds were unlikely. Damar was one to stick to his decisions. But it was worth a try. There is nothing I wouldn't give to know that they are safe.

"Sir entering the defense perimeter." I snapped to reality. These flashbacks were odd. Nothing like this has ever happened before.

"Take us in nice and slow. We do not want to alert them."

"Aye sir."