Chapter 7: Fall of Qo'noS

The cargo ships slowly lumbered across the landscape. The sun was hidden by grey clouds, which ever darkened, threatening to rain on them. The twenty guards of the ships rode on hovercraft, pacing back and forth, their guns hanging loosely at their sides. No trouble could or would be expected. Not so far in the very center of the Klingon Empire. After all, who would dare fight off twenty thousand heavily armored, kick-your-butt-in-a-second, Klingon warriors?

The captain of the guard sat, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Not only was foodstuff in these transports. But, also items of a more organic, living nature. He just hoped they would get to the capitol city before any unwanted visitors showed up.

"Captain Duras," the head driver called out, "You look worried. What is it?"

"Maybe not anything," he replied.

"You sure?' he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Let me just say I would be more at ease if these were in First City," he replied, talking about the transports. He did not even so much as looked up when he talked.

"Don't worry about it," the man replied, chewing on a piece of bread, "We'll be there by nightfall."

"Perhaps," he said, standing up, "But, all the same, I would like to be on my guard."

The driver shrugged as he fiddled with one of the controls.

The sun was setting off in the distance. There was still two hours yet to go before reaching the capitol. Everyone was getting anxious. Why were they still this far off? They should be within sight of First City by now. The low hum of the ships were growing louder as night approached and the wildlife went to their holes or nests.

Then, without warning, the ships let out a long, low groan and slowed to a complete stop. There was a bustling of vulgarity as the drivers tried to get their vehicles to start again. Some tried what seemed to be a very old technique which involved slamming their fists on the engine starters and shouting streams of vulgarity.

Then, the guards' hovercrafts crashed into the ground, spilling all of them off them. They were in a jumbled tangle on the ground, and having an extremely hard time extracting themselves from each other.

" Hu'tegh!" Duras shouted as a foot kicked him square in the nose, breaking it, "What's going on?"

A driver looked confused at the mess. This couldn't happen by anything he could reason. It simply did not make sense. It just didn't make since.

Duras got disentangled from the group and walked towards the skiff, holding his nose as blood rushed from the nostrils. "What is the reason for this delay?" he again asked, a dangerous edge to his voice.

"Sir!" a guard shouted, reached for his disruptor, "Watch out!"

But, the warning was too late. His head went flying off as the disruptor fire swept it clean off its shoulders. The man drawing his gun was shot down by a bolt of blue energy, which left a smoking gap where his stomach should have been. Soon, seven Romulans were surrounding the guards. The Romulans laughed, their faces unseen by the long black robes shrouding their faces.

"You didn't see us coming, my pompous Klingons," the leader, who had a larger nose, "Or, is the appropriate name, petaQ? I have never gotten it quiet right."

"I got a name," another one said, "Imbeciles and dumbbells."

The guards were not so easily scared. They at once all pulled their disruptors, but, the attackers were much faster. Most were shot down before they even pulled their weapons out of their holsters, and the few that pulled them out didn't even get a shot fired off as they were racked with disruptor fire. The drivers tried to run, but almost immediately stopped when two of the five were shot in the backs as they run and slammed face first into the cold dirt.

"Now," the leader said, "All of you just sit down and cool off, my fat fellows. May I ask what you have in these ships?"

"Food stuff and clothing for First City," the head driver replied, "Nothing else."

"I am picking up life forms," the black robed man said holding up a tricorder, and when he said that, all the remaining six tensed up. The leader slowly strode up to the leader, and against his will the man was slowly dragged up onto his feet, the man pulling out a knife and the blade was less than a centimeter from his face.

"Did you not say you carry only food stuff and clothing for First City?" he snarled, "Or, are you mistaken."

"Once in a while we transport some of the animals from the rain forests to the butchers in the city," one of the other drivers said, "So in fact, he didn't lie."

"Did I ask you what they were?" the leader demanded.

"No, but I-" the man was shot in the head and the other two drivers looked at the body in shock, looking at the smoking hole where his nose had just been.

"If any of you so much as cough without my asking you too," the leader snarled, throwing the head-driver to the ground, now sniveling like a mangy cur, "You will die."

"What do you think is in there?" one of the other black robed men asked.

"There are intelligent life forms," he said, pointing to the first car.

"I'll check it out," the other man said, and bringing out his disruptor, and cutting a five foot circular hole in the wall with a couple shots. He grabbed the piece with his hands and yanking hard the piece fell out onto the ground, dirt exploding up from the area as the large metal slab smacked the ground. He climbed in and disappeared into the truck. He soon returned with a blank look on his face. The leader looked at him, then watched him fall face first onto the ground. The leader rushed up to him, and saw the hole in his back.

"You have come here unbidden," an calm voice said, "You will find it hard to leave."

A bat'leth was seen and out strode a large man, a Klingon by the looks of him. The leader jumped back and they all pointed their disruptors at him. They knew this Klingon.

"Ambassador Worf," the man sneered, "You have interfered with the affairs of the Romulan Empire for the last time."

"Indeed?" Worf replied, "I have waited a long time for this moment, my stupid pointy eared friend. Your business is an end."

"Indeed, I share your sentiments" he said, "I have waited a long time for this moment, my dog faced friend."

Suddenly, the side of the second cargo ship exploded and out jumped a tall human, wearing an Admiral's uniform. In one hand he had a phaser and in the other hand he carried his own bat'leth.

"Admiral Picard," the man said, "You have made a grave mistake coming here tonight."

"No, it is you who have made a mistake," he retorted, and the other three cargo ships exploded and out rushed fifty heavily armed Klingons, aiming their disruptors at them, "And this time, you are outwitted and out gunned, Romulan scum."

The man did not wait. "Get out of here!" the leader shouted as fifty bolts came flying towards them. As they ran they fired back at the Klingons. Seven fell, but three of the Romulans were shot down as they ran.

Worf jumped out and attacked one of Romulans, who turned and swung at the Klingon with the same grace as a windmill. Worf jumped over his head and when he landed on the ground, the man fell with a split open head. Picard took his bat'leth and took down two with quick rapid slashes.

The leader shouted into a comlink he had. At the same time, a large green light appeared and slammed into the ground taking out all twelve Klingons in the lead, vaporizing them. Before they could pursue any further, the Romulans were gone as they transported out.

Worf gripped the bat'leth, "We have done well, Admiral."

Jean-Luc nodded his head as he put his away. "But, those two are still out there," he said, surveying the deaths of over thirty men.

"It will take a long time," Worf said, "before they can cause more trouble."

"I don't get why the Romulans would attempt to take on the Klingons in their own capitol planet," Jean-Luc said, trying to ponder the events and information now thrown into light.

"There is something more going on," Worf muttered, "But if anyone can outdo them, it will be you. Good thing you got called from Ambassador Spock about it."

Jean-Luc nodded in agreement and they turned to the grisly task of looking after the dead and wounded, "But why would Ambassador Spock happen to know about it?"

Worf shrugged, "I do not know Admiral, he did not say how he came across the knowledge of the meeting."

Picard sighed and rubbed his head with his hand. "Let's get back up to the Enterprise."

"Agreed," Worf nodded his head.


Data sat alone in the empty Crew Lounge. No, he wasn't the original Data. His original designation was B-4, but, shortly before Data's date with fate onboard the Scimitar, Data had transferred all memories and personality data from his own positronic net to his "brother" having the foresight and wisdom to do such a thing.

But, this didn't kick in until Geordi La Forge had been able to get an emotion chip created that was almost exactly like Doctor Soong's chip that had been made for Data.

And yet, despite the obvious fact he was not the original, people still treated him like a valued member of the crew. Something he appreciated. And as always, the android's placid, neutral expression still somehow managed to convey his wonder, curiosity and idiosyncratic zest for life.

Picard soon arrived and slumped down onto the chair opposite the android, the concern of his thoughts expressed on his aged face. Data, in the good grace he had acquired over the years, handed a small server and cup to the Admiral, who looked surprised.

"What's this?" he asked, taking the cup and server.

Data smiled as he replied, "Earl-Grey Tea. I've been saving this for you. I've noticed recently you drink some to relax as well as other things."

Picard slowly sipped the tea, smiling as the warmth rushed throughout his veins. "They say a person can become so familiar with another that all a person has to do is throw a look, and his mind and intent is laid bare. I seem to have underestimated your observation skills Captain Data."

Data watched Picard lean back and close his eyes, the weariness not really lifting off his shoulders. How he had never truly wished to become a Captain of the Enterprise, knowing the vigorous and prestige history behind the name. But, his promotion had come sooner or later. And here he was, the only android captain in Starfleet.

"So…" Data drew the Admiral to the issue on hand, "Were you successful at stopping the raid?"

Picard opened his eyes and slowly nodded, "I have to say, this mission had a happy ending."

Picard carefully took another tiny sip, savoring the flavor before finally swallows. How he enjoyed his tea. The joy it brought to him. Data would have mimicked Picard. Taking a tiny sip, savoring the flavor and finally swallowing. But, the last time they had drank together, was the last time the original Data had had any happiness. He almost felt it a taboo to repeat something that ominous.

"Sir," Data said, "I notice you are not totally truthful with me on the subject. The mission might have been a success, but something is bothering you."

Picard sighed, "Indeed, you do know me well."

"May I inquire into what exactly that might be?" Data pressed, "I could guess at it, but, I have also noticed a slight disposition with humans to express such things at their own time."

"A lot of stuff really," Picard admitted, "Romulans have never been particularly daring. But, with Ambassador's Spock's message that we were only able to get the phrase, "…raid on Qo'noS by Rom…" out of a message at least three minutes long is also enough to make me worry. But, Romulans raiding Qo'noS itself? It unnerves me. And I am particularly aware of this feeling because Will Riker still has not been released by the Cardassians. I could really use his counsel right now."

Data raised an eyebrow, "And this makes you 'unnerved'?"

Picard shrugged, "Well. I suppose it does a bit. I'm glad that the Enterprise and Invincible can be here but I'm going to miss Riker if this is just the preliminary movements of a larger conflict. I feel... incomplete without him."

"That is because you know how he reacts under pressure," Data commented, " You can predict specific reactions and behavior and are comfortable in the knowledge of his competence as an officer and a warrior."

Picard nodded his head firmly, "Yes. But, frankly, I have Worf and the Defiant to rely upon as well. The Defiant, despite her age, is a tough nut. Especially with Worf at the helm."

He took another sip of tea. And he began to try to work out everything in his mind.

"Seeing those Romulans today made me think about some of the choices the Federation has made that were a mistake during my career," Jean-Luc muttered, "Trying to keep us away from the battle at Sector 001... not being more careful towards the Romulans... Pulling our forces back to only three points in the entire Federation. All the choices that have led us to here. A raid on Qo'noS."

Data shook his head, "The choices made cannot be undone. Only acted against or acted with."

Picard looked Data in the eye and said, "Let us hope that we don't have to act with an aggressor enemy."


"Captain," the voice of a woman came over the comm system.

"Yes Commander Ter'la," Data replied, "Data here."

"Will you come to the bridge?" she asked, "I think we have a problem."

The two old comrades passed a glance as Data said, "What is it?"

"We aren't sure," she replied, "can you come and take a look with us?"

"On my way," Data said, and the two arose from their chairs and walked out of the room and headed towards the turbo lift.

They soon strode on deck, and walked over to a console, where a Vulcan female, who looked as if she was barely entering her 60's, leaned towards a science station near the science officer.

"Report," Data ordered, and the glacial calm first officer reported, "There is a strangely dense amount of particles that have appeared in the atmosphere of Qo'noS in the southern hemisphere."

"Can you tell what the particles are?" Data asked, looking at the unusual spike in the radiation on the planet.

"Show us the planet of screen," Picard ordered and the obedient crew soon had the planet on screen, but it didn't really show anything, so, he ordered, "Magnify the southern hemisphere."

The view shifted to the lower hemisphere, and a green cloud was steadily covering the sky. Picard's eyes narrowed. He knew this radiation from somewhere. But, where was it that he remembered it from.

"Sir," the security officer said, "We are being hailed by the capitol."

"Onscreen," Data ordered, and the face of Emperor Kahless appeared.

"You Federation petaQ!" he spat, "I knew you disliked us, but, I never knew you would be so wicked as to fire biogenic weapons at our planet!"

"This is Captain Data of the Enterprise," the android said, turning and walking up to the hand rail placed a hand on it, "What do you mean? We have not fired on your planet with any such weapon."

"You lying Targ," the Klingon emperor snarled, "Our people are being turned into dust by this cloud! Seven cities have already been wiped out along with all animal life and every plant!"

"Confirm that," Data ordered.

After a short pause, Ter'la replied, "He is correct Captain. All life forms on the lower hemisphere are gone."

"I would inform you it would be in your best interest to start an evacuation," Data informed Kahless, "We will endeavor to find out what is going on."

Kahless cursed and the communication closed. They noted with alarm that the cloud had increased in speed and area by twelve percent and the cloud had by that time completely covered the southern hemisphere and was advancing towards the north.

Picard slapped the rail. "Thalaron radiation. That's it!"

"I concur," Data agreed, "However, I must remind you, only once has thalaron radiation been used, and that was the Romulans."

"But we chased the Romulans away," Picard shook his head.

"Actually," the Vulcan interjected herself, "we were never able to find the Romulan ship."

"Then they could still be here," Picard said in alarm.

"Actually," Data said shocked, "They are."

No one had the keen sight of Data, and as he said that, the ship shook as the ship was hit. Three times the ship was hit, and the ship rocked as the inertial dampeners were taken off line.

"Shields up!" Data ordered jumping over the ramp to his command chair, "Power to all phasers and photons."

"Sir," the tactical officer reported, "They've knocked out shields and automatic firing is offline."

"Switch to manual firing," Data ordered.

"Send out an order to the Invincible and Defiant," Picard calmly gave the order, hurrying down the rise to the center of the bridge, "Order them to haul their butts over here now!"

An explosion from the communications threw the communications officer backwards, her hands burned and her eyes blinded by the shattering debris that had cut deep into her pupils. Another officer ran up to take her place and cursed at the damaged console.

"Communications offline," the tactical officer barked, and another explosion sent the Vulcan spiraling over the rail, and she hit the ground at such an angle, her neck snapped, "Sensors are offline too."

"Engineering," Data shouted, "Get us out of here!"

"Can't sir," Chief Nog's voice came back, "Our engines are offline."

"Can you give us thrusters?" Picard demanded.

"No sir," Nog snarled, "Thrusters are part of the engines. We are going nowhere fast."

"Hull breaches on levels 6, 8, 9 and 10. Emergency force fields are in place."

"Gravitation is offline in the mess hall."

"We're losing life support."

"Who are these people?" Picard angrily snapped, "How did they get us with our pants down?"

"Maybe if you kept your pants-" Data meant to joke, but seeing Picard glare, instead said, "We aren't going to win this one."

Right as he said that, the firing stopped. One second. Then two, then ten, then a whole minute passed with no more firing. Picard and Data passed a glance, not sure why they weren't dead.

"Why haven't they finished us off?" he asked.

A signal beeped, "Admiral, you are being hailed. You personally."

Picard sighed. "Onscreen."

The screen flickered, and the face of a human-Romulan hybrid woman with short blond hair was smiling widely at him. She looked with smug superiority at Picard, and there was a loathing in her eyes. As one who has been waiting for a long time for this moment.

"Hello, Picard," Sela gloated, "I just wanted you to know that was for your participation in preventing us from helping the Duras Family back during the Klingon Civil War. I won't destroy you. Not today anyways. I want you to know that I will be at my new base of Deep Space Seven if you want to play the game again."

The screen flickered off and, a ship decloaked, a Scimitar-Class, before cloaking again and warping away, taunting the Enterprise to try their luck again. And below them, they saw the last of the planet disappear under the green cloud, and not a single ship from the surface.