CHAPTER I: THE FALLEN AND THE MERGED
Waypoint Aeur, Unknown Regions
The swirling vortex of hyperspace faded and the starfield of real-space returned as the Imperial and civilian ships reached the first of four waypoints on their journey. The Imperial ships were arranged in a formation commonly referred to the 'Bantha Herd'. Warships formed a defensive ring around the colony ships, civilian vessels and a lone Ithorian Herdship. 'Bantha Herd' formations had existed since the earliest days of space-faring civilization, predating even the Old Republic. Precious little knowledge existed about Pre-Republic Galactic civilization, despite the existence of computers and other electronic databases. The mystery of why so many civilizations from the ancient times had vanished was something that had always fascinated the historian in Captain Jakari. History progressed in a stream of cycles. The cycles that dominated the flow of history rarely encountered a discovery or stimulus that fundamentally alters the march of historical cycles. However, such discoveries and stimulus were required by the universe to renew herself.
Captain Jakari walked slowly towards his personal quarters. The room was shrouded in darkness and shadow. The shadows transformed the quarters into an unrecognizable collection of items. The details of a picture of Aleksei standing with his father upon his graduation from the Cardia military academy seemingly blurred. The shadows clouded everything. Alek never found comfort in the shadows. He reached over and found the switch for the lights. The light flowed forth and the shadows retreated to a handful of places the light could not reach. Light brought forth the details of the room. The light brought comfort. Aleksei breathed out deeply and let his emotions and concerns melt away. In this moment, Captain Jakari's horizons expanded. He could connect with the entire ship. Beyond his ship, Jakari could perceive several bright spots through out the fleet. He also felt a shroud in this new expanded existence that clouded an area of the fleet. Suddenly, he experienced the sensation of a knife slicing through the fabric or reality. The approaching echo created literal pain in Aleksei. The young captain fell to his knees as wave upon wave of disruption assaulted his being.
Admiral Zel leaned forward and stared at the sensor readout. Tobias grimaced and could see the confusion and worry on the ensign manning the station. Ensign Tyson was running through every possible sensor configuration and even attempting several user-created settings. The ensign let out a sigh as he rubbed his face with both hands.
"Sir, there is some kind of sensor ghost approaching rapidly and I've attempted every conceivable type of sensor sweep I could think of. I've even attempted a subspace scan. No matter what I do, I fail to get a concrete reading. I'm sorry sir."
Admiral Zel stood straighter and adjusted his jacket.
"There is nothing to apologize for ensign. Continue your valiant attempts. I will contact the other commanders and see if they have had any success in getting a solid sensor reading on this sensor anomaly."
Ensign Tyson stood and saluted sharply. "Aye sir."
Ensign Tyson quickly returned to his station and revived his attempts to secure a useable sensor reading. Admiral Zel nodded and faced a Lieutenant standing to his left. The Lieutenant was an enlisted man, not an academy trained officer. Admiral Zel crossed his arms and let out a deep breath. The enlisted lieutenant shifted quietly before speaking.
"Admiral Zel, sir. As ordered, the other ships have been contacted. The fleet has responded with similar reports. None of their sensors can lock down this sensor ghost. The only point of agreement is that the anomaly is not a fleet."
The lieutenant finished his quick report and stood silently at attention. The fear of Darth Vader was rampant in the fleet and this officer was evidence of the Dark Lord's dread reputation being applied to all aspects of the Imperial Navy. Tobias Zel knew he had to establish trust with his crew. The Admiral smiled warmly and nodded.
"Excellent, Lieutenant. Contact the fleet and relay orders to continue scanning this anomaly. We need to find a route to escape the gravity well projected by this… echo."
The hesitation before the word echo was not lost on the lieutenant. The lieutenant's fear subsided, but did not vanish as he saluted his commanding officer.
"At once sir."
The lieutenant turned and headed for a communications station. Admiral Zel continued to pace around the bridge of his Star Destroyer. This situation was confounding! An entire fleet was trapped in a gravity well that shouldn't exist. Strangest of all, the gravity and spatial distortions seemed to come in waves. Tobias Zel wished he could cause the distortions to dissipate through his will projecting itself upon reality. Reality, however, rejected Tobias Zel's wishes in a fury incapable of being matched by the ships at his command. Torrents of energy suddenly lanced from nothingness. Red and yellow discharges streaked among the fleet. The Dreadnaught-heavy cruiser Lyshao was struck by a discharge of energy that was easily 500 meters wide. Admiral Zel instinctively ducked lower even as his mind reminded of the futility of the action. Suddenly, pain wracked his body as his wind left him. There were 16,000 soldiers on that ship! The realization of the loss of life was devastating. In this moment he was thankful he could not touch the Force. A memory of Jedi General Elise Mai writhing in physical and mental anguish at the Battle of Yag'Dul as the Separatist hypervelocity cannons shredded Acclamator after Acclamator. One hundred thousand soldiers had never made it to the surface of the planet. The horror that this situation could turn the disaster at Yag'Dul into a mockery of death seized him. Tobias Zel quickly fell back on his training and ordered evasive maneuvers and damage control teams on standby. As Tobias was screaming for helm to enter into a maneuver that could only be described as utterly desperate, the entire ship was engulfed in a bright yellow glow.
Unknown Sector, Unknown System
The YT-1930 light freighter drifted listlessly in space. Onyx Caretaker was scarred by the energy discharges from the storm. Inside the disabled private vessel, Ry Vaan leaned over a terminal feverously trying to get engines and other systems back online. The majority of the ship's systems had gone off-line when the safeties detected the obscene amounts of energy outside the ship. But the energy was outside the ship, the levels of power to cause the safeties inside the ship to switch on had to have been insane! What the hell had happened out there? Ry Vaan entered a command into the console and prayed that this one actually turned something back on.
Ry turned to face the centrally located cockpit and shouted to Alessia. "Did sensors come back on?"
Alessia's voice responded quickly. "Sensors and communications! Sometimes I think I love you!"
Ry smiled warmly.
"Love me? Why would you do that? I'm going back to the engine room. Could you see if you can reach someone on the comm.?"
Alessia and Ry Vaan had a very 'informal' marriage. He wouldn't change a thing about his life with Alessia. However, he would change the current situation with his ship. He needed to get sublight and hyperdrive back on.
Alessia's enthusiasm and warmth was comforting. "Aye sir. Now move your ass! I want to fly not float!"
Ry gave a mock salute. "Yes ma'am. Would you like me to bring you some stimcaf while I'm back there, master?"
"Oh shut up, you!"
Victory Star Destroyer Raven
The echoes were maddening. Thousands of voices had screamed out in terror during the energy storm. Aleksei opened his eyes slowly and realized he was lying in the Raven's infirmary. He sat up and looked around the room. It was nearly empty. The doctor strode across the room with a datapad in hand. There was worry written all over his face.
Aleksei greeted him. "I pray I was the only crewman to be here because of the storm?"
The doctor nodded. "You were the only one that had to stay this long. There were a few minor cuts and bruises. You, however, were unconscious for eight hours."
Aleksei sat up and took a several deep breaths. "Do I have medical clearance to return to duty?" Aleksei watched as the doctor debated within himself.
Finally, the doctor let out a deep sigh. "There isn't anything wrong with you that I can determine. You have medical release, but don't push yourself."
Aleksei turned and left the infirmary. Physically he was fine. However, the doctor could not feel the echoes that had just recently begun to dissipate. Captain Jakari returned to his quarters and changed into a new uniform and headed to the bridge. Aleksei strode on to the bridge and was greeted by Commander Borya.
"Captain, it is good to see you up and about again. We are in a peculiar situation."
Aleksei walked towards a sensor station and realized that the star charts weren't synching with the readings. "I seem to have found it."
Commander Borya shook his head, a combination of confusion and exhaustion.
"Our sensors just came back up an hour ago. Contact with a large part of the fleet has been severed. We have visual and communications contract with the Unforgiving, Day of Night, In Service Bound, Black Dawn, Sanction, Savant, Echo, Bare Truth, Honorable, Enduring, Agility, Chapterhouse, Portrait, Falcon, Calico and Kiln-48. There are also two colonial vessels and a Lucrehulk assault freighter at the edge of system."
Aleksei keyed through the recent sensor and communication logs. There were weak hyperwave transmissions at an unknown distance. Long range scans were detecting subspace transmission on an abnormally high level. Captain Jakari pulled his attention away from the sensor station and faced his executive officer.
"This is extremely troubling, Commander Borya. I'll contact the other commanders. I need you to have a damage report prepared within the hour. Then you need to get some rest."
Commander Borya snapped to attention and saluted with precision. "Aye sir."
Carter's World, System N1-34c, Federation-Cardassian Demilitarized Zone
Leto Martin shook as he reread the sensor readings in front of him. An enormous unknown fleet had just materialized at the edge of the system. It was if some trickster deity had just transported a battle group of unfathomable power at the edge of this supposedly safe system. The Unknowns didn't have a single ship smaller than 300 meters and every single one was actively scanning! Fear took hold of the young Maquis and quickly and nervously opened and shut his hands. The only distant glimmer of solace was the fact that the Unknown battle group was not the hated Cardassians. Leto's attention returned to his console. The Maquis facility remained hidden. His fear was consuming him. The young human idealist tried to fight the wellspring of panic within him. His superiors. They had to know. Leto skittishly tapped in the inter-base communications command and called for the Commander. Leto knew that she would not like to be woken up less than two hours after returning from a raid, but…but she had to know.
Leto let out a deep sigh, a futile effort at pushing out his fear. "Commander Ro…I, we have a situation that needs your immediate attention."
The young Maquis could swear he heard a near feral growl on the other end of the subspace radio.
"Corporal. I haven't slept in over thirty-six hours."
"This, coincidently, is the number of what appears to be small one-man fighters entering the system."
Leto grimaced as he heard the gasp of surprise and the ruffling of bedsheets on the other end of the connection.
"There are more sensor contacts aren't there…" The reply was not a question. It was a statement overflowing with nervousness.
Leto nodded, even though the movement would remain unseen.
"Yes ma'am. There are several hundred of the small fighters and twenty capital ships in a holding pattern at the edge of the system."
Commander Ro Laren grimaced in the dark of her quarters. "Is the fleet Cardassian?"
The subordinate Maquis sighed loudly.
"That is the only good news at the moment. The fleet is not Cardassian. Hell, this fleet doesn't resemble anything else in the galaxy. Including the Borg."
Thank God. Ro Laren stared at the celing. Sleep would have to wait another few hours.
"I coming up to the command center. Contact the other Maquis leaders. They'll want to know about this."
Would they? This fleet could either be our salvation or our damnation. I could be destroying us. Ro Laren's doubt clawed at her. Slowly, the Bajoran rose from her bed and walked towards her meager personal wardrobe. Ro covered her mouth in shock as she realized she was whispering a prayer to the Prophets. She hadn't said the Prayer of Subsistence in over a dozen Federation Standard Years. The claws of her fear grew sharper.
Victory Star Destroyer Raven
The protocol droid poured a glass of caf in typical droid mechanical silent precision. The Imperial commanding officers were sitting around the conference table of Captain Jakari's ward room in contemplative silence. Aleksei looked over to Balit and nodded. Aleksei sat up straight and smiled warmly."Well, comrades, I believe we are caught between Kessel and the Maw. I have invited all of you here to discuss what course of action that will be taken. All of us have seen the same sensor readings. The rest of the fleet is out there. Unfortunately, we cannot link up with Admiral Zel because, I have come to believe, we are no longer in our Galaxy."
Shock and confusion ran through a large number of the commanding officers. Aleksei knew that the emphasis placed on certain key words was initiating thought processes that would allow for a quick decision. Whether the thought processes were the correct one or not would be the question.
Captain Darius Falion of the Vindicator-class; Immobilizer-418 subclass interdictor, Chapterhouse put down his cup of caf with an excessive amount of violence and practically shouted at the assembled group.
"Another galaxy? You're mad! That is impossible!"
Balit Hesh closed his eyes and shook his head.
"You've seen the same sensor readings we all have. If we were in our Galaxy we would have already linked up with an Imperial Navy unit and established contact with the rest of the fleet. We're barely able to detect the other ships in the fleet, but they are out there! Again, our navicomputers refuse to even compute a jump solution because of the discrepancies between our star carts and the available sensor data."
Lt. Commander Richard Markin of the In Service Bound spoke up next.
"If the other ships are out there, we still have hope. Linking up with the main body of the battle group is our best and only chance of returning home. I believe that finding localized star charts and reestablishing contact with Admiral Zel."
Aleksei hid his mental response well. A commander that is the embodiment of his vessel's name? A very rare thing indeed.
Captain Usat Cooper crossed his arms. "Where do you propose we procure an accurate star map?
"I may have an answer." T
he assembled military captains turned their attention to the civilian captain who had made the suggestion. The source of the voice was a blue-skinned, red eyed Chiss. The Civilian Captain of the Colonial Vessel Besh-1138 sat in a relaxed position with his fingers interlocked. His eyes were thin slits of red. Balit Hesh found his appearance strikingly and disturbingly similar to Vice Admiral Thrawn.
Commander Tyler Naj took a sip of his caf and smirked arrogantly at the Chiss Captain. "What would you suggest?"
Mitth'adi'uson fully opened his eyes for the first time in the meeting.
"As I civilian, am I allowed to see the sensor logs from the military vessels? The sensors of my ship are no where near as precise as the military's sensors. However, I have detected an area of increased subspace transmissions from the fourth planet of this system. It is possible, that this…hub could contain information that could aid us."
Commander Michael Zhan nodded and crossed his arms. "The Portrait has detected this region of increased subspace activity as well."
Captain Jakari centered himself and expanded his perceptions. The planet was populated. Populated by fearful individuals. It was a dark feeling, a cold feeling. The fear that radiated from that planet forced Aleksei to ensure that the Battle Group take necessary precautions.
Signs of life?"
Commander Michael Zhan nodded slowly. "Several. Whoever is there is using heavy subspace jamming in attempt to mask their presence, sir."
Captain Falion snorted. "Hyperwave-based ECM?"
Lt. Commander Markin gestured broadly. "None, sir. I will be the first to admit that the sensor package on the In Service Bound is nearly outdated."
Civilian Captain Mitth'adi'uson closed his eyes in thought again. "If they had hyperwave jamming, we would have already confirmed and removed the source of the jamming."
Captain Falion begrudgingly conceded that the civilian was correct. "True. I suggest that we immediately move to seize this hub."
Captain Jakari emphatically disagreed. "No. We do not need to create enemies in this place!"
Captain Falion practically leapt out of his chair and growled at Captain Jakari. "What do you suggest? Negotiation? Bartering? Weakness!"
Balit Hesh motioned for calm.
"Gentlemen! This bickering is pointless! I agree with Captain Jakari, but I am willing to compromise. I propose that this battle group enter the system and attempt to establish communication. If our requests are rejected or if the time required to successfully gather the data we need exceeds a reasonable amount, we will use any means necessary to get what we want."
Many of the assembled officers voiced their agreement with Balit's brief proposal. Aleksei breathed out deeply as he allowed his perception to retreat inwards. Captain Falion grimaced at the same time. "Fine. We will make contact. I hope that you know what you are doing, Captain."
Unknown Sector, Unknown System
Admiral Zel returned the salute of Captain Ladon and disabled the holonet receiver. Captain Atton Sanoit approached his direct superior and waited as the Admiral turned around. The Admiral was as exhausted as every other Imperial Naval personnel.
"Captain, I pray you have good news." The voice of the Admiral was forlorn.
Captain Sanoit nodded.
"For the first time since the storm sir, I do. We have confirmed that the three missing colonial vessels are still out there. The Wyvern has just transmitted a signal to the Draconis. Captain Tai-Shuen and Captain Seldi are waiting to communicate with you sir."
Admiral Zel smiled broadly and warmly through the fatigue. "Excellent! Before I speak with the good captains, what have are scouts reported about this system?"
Atton Sanoit stood straighter as he returned his Admiral's smile.
"A treasure trove. The system has two inhabitable planets and two inhabitable moons. Also, the spacer rabble has reported that the 6th Orbital possibly has a higher Tibana gas concentration than Bespin."
Admiral Zel rubbed his hands together greedily. "Wonderful! Wonderful! Captain, you have exceeded even my highest expectations. There will be a glowing commendation on your service record for this. Now, get some rest. I will handle this situation for awhile longer."
Captain Sanoit started to recommend that the admiral also get some rest, but decided to simply follow orders. Sleep beckoned like a siren's song. "Thank you sir."
Admiral Zel saluted his executive officer and smiled inwardly as the gesture was quickly and perfectly returned despite the obvious fatigue in the younger officer. Atton was a loyal and capable officer and was undoubtedly on the short list for a promotion to Admiral. However, such rewards were to be delayed until the small fleet could regroup and discover a way to return home. The first step towards that beautiful goal was getting his meager forces together. Several of the colonial vessels were assumed to be with the missing fleet elements. This was a situation unheard of. Admiral Zel's only hope came from the officer core serving on this mission. Captains Seldi, Sanoit, Tai-Shuen and the others were extremely capable. In fact, part of Tobias was relieved that Captain Seldi was leading one of the missing groups, now dubbed 'Fleet Group Draconis'. Captain Seldi was a top-tier commander. The loyalty and considerable experience possessed increased Admiral Zel's own confidence. Quickly keying in a series of commands, Admiral Zel took his position in front of the holonet receiver as the grey holograms of Captain Zev Seldi and Captain Tai-Shuen materialized. The two subordinate officers saluted and Admiral Zel promptly returned the salute.
"Captain Seldi, Captain Tai-Shuen. Let me be the first to commend you on your loyalty."
Admiral Zel knew he had to make sure that he kept the loyalty of these captains. Tobias Zel was no fool. He had heard the calls from some officers to establish mini-empires because of the hopelessness of their situation.
A broad grin appeared on Captain Seldi's face.
"Let me thank you, Admiral. However, there are important matters which I must bring to your attention. We have made contact with a collection of sapient species. According to our translation droids, two of the species speak rare dialects of two known languages. I am preparing to open negotiations for star maps and intelligence data."
Captain Seldi continued and outlined his estimations on this coalition's capabilities and level of technology. The estimates were less than impressive.
Captain Tai-Shuen gasped with a strange combination of disgust and humor. "You could take that entire territory with an Acclamator and two Tartans!"
Admiral Zel nodded sagely. "An interesting proposition. Carry on. We have no way of knowing how long we will remain in this area of the universe. Having a secure and established economic base will be a boon of immeasurable importance."
Captain Seldi stood straighter. "Of course sir. Sir, if I may humbly ask about the fate of the fleet…"
Admiral Zel smiled. "Surprisingly, captain, the situation is not as bad as we were led to believe. We lost none of the Imperial Star Destroyers and we are attempting to contact the only remaining isolated fleet element. Once we have made contact with Fleet Element Unforgiving, all ships military and colonial will be accounted for."
Captain Seldi was visibly relieved. "Excellent news sir. Are there any detailed orders I should be aware of?" Admiral pondered for a moment all possible contingencies. He quickly realized that the capable captain of the Draconis had already prepared for all realistic scenarios and even some scenarios that up until a standard day ago would have been deemed completely impossible.
"Only one, captain. I wish to be informed of your Fleet Element's situation and progress in your efforts to bring this alien coalition under the command of the New Order. Carry on Captain Seldi."
Captain Seldi snapped to attention. "Aye sir. Fleet Element Draconis will report on our situation and progress every 12 standard hours."
Admiral Zel returned the salute as the holonet transmission from the Draconis fizzled out. Tobias promptly turned his attention to Captain Tai-Shuen.
"Captain, have you been able to confirm the sensor readings detected by the Kilgore?"
Captain Tai-Shuen's narrow eyes narrowed further. "Aye, admiral. There can be no doubt. The sensor contact is a large ship using some unknown form of sub-space based propulsion. We estimate that the contact will arrive within the next 16 hours."
Admiral Zel took a calming breath. Sixteen hours was more than enough time to make defensive preparations.
"Very good. Inform the Colonial Vessels and the Lucrehulk-class assault freighters to enter the system's interior. Send the Tartans and Carracks to defend the civilian ships. I want the fleet in a defensive stature capable of defending the system to the best of our limited capacity in six hours. Maximum fighter patrols."
"Aye sir… Permission to speak freely?"
Captain Tai-Shuen's response was puzzling. Olich was generally a cautious officer who rarely questioned or even considered questioning orders. This sudden change intrigued the admiral.
"Granted, Captain Tai-Shuen."
Captain Tai-Shuen sighed. "Sir, why don't we send a few ships and an Interdictor to intercept this vessel and determine its intentions? Waiting here for an attack has the potential to be a disaster."
Admiral Zel was impressed. Olich Tai-Shuen was not known for aggression, and under the circumstances a simple search and destroy mission was incredibly aggressive action. However, he could not argue with the captain's logic. Until they had established a secure foothold in the galaxy, their current location could not be compromised.
"Very well. Gather a small force. You may led the assault. Depart quickly and good luck."
The commanding officer of the Wyvern practically beamed.
"Aye sir. I will not disappoint you."
Olich quickly saluted and the transmission ended. Admiral Zel knew that he had forgotten to order Captain Tai-Shuen to inform him of the ships he would be taking. Tobias wasn't worried about any of his Imperial Star Destroyer captains. He was worried, however, about his own fatigue. Captain Sanoit was no doubt asleep or almost asleep. He knew that he had to keep functioning for a few more hours.
Deep Space Nine, United Federation of Planets Space Station; Bajoran Protectorate
Jadzia Dax tapped at her LCARS console in a state of fatigue fused with confusion and frustration. The unknown signals were increasing and many of the most powerful signals were concentrated in the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone. Were the Cardassians testing a new weapon or sensor package? What of the Maquis? The signals were in no way connected to the realm of subspace. Almost all technology in the Milky Way was based off subspace principles. Even the Borg and Dominion used subspace technology. Jadzia Dax, as a Trill Symbiote host, could call upon the collective memories of the Dax Symbiote. Jadzia's eyes closed as she slipped into the river of memories and experiences of Dax. She found nothing that could explain these readings. As her brown eyes opened, her old friend, mentor, ward, subordinate and commanding officer Benjamin Sisko was standing with arms crossed in front of her.
"Something wrong Old Man?" Commander Sisko gave a warm, bright smile.
Jadzia had known Benjamin personally for five years, but the Dax Symbiote had known Sisko for almost thirty years. The bond between Jadzia Dax and Commander Sisko was a strange Father/Son/Big Brother/Little Sister relationship. They could be completely honest with each other.
"Actually, sir, there is something wrong. Remember those weak sensor readings we detected about nine hours ago?"
Benjamin's smile weakened, but was still warm and inviting. "Yes, what about them?"
Jadzia sighed and ran her hands through long brown hair. "They are increasing in strength and number. The most troubling thing is the location and properties."
"What about them?" Benjamin's smile continued to weaken and his eyes narrowed.
"Nearly ninety percent of the signals are not subspace based. Worse, the strongest signals are coming from the Cardassian DMZ."
Commander Sisko's smile disappeared. "Are these signals of Cardassian origin?"
Lt. Dax shook her head tiredly. "No idea. Chief O'Brien is working that angle. He has more experience dealing with Cardassians than I do, even with the combined knowledge of the Dax Symbiote…"
Commander Sisko nodded. "All right. Get some rest Dax." Dax returned the nod and left ops. Commander Sisko turned his attention to Chief O'Brien. "Chief, bring me up to speed."
Chief Miles O'Brien smiled as he shook his head.
"Aye sir. Dax told you about the basics about these signals, there not subspace based and the like. While she was trying to locate the source, I was looking at the signals itself and I can tell you two things for sure."
"All right. Go ahead." Benjamin was not being comforted by the chief's uncertainty.
"Whatever created this signal is more advanced than anything else in the galaxy by several magnitudes. Also, the encryption is impressive. I've spent the last three hours trying to break it. I thought I had success after about an hour and a half. I only broke the first of twenty three levels of encryption and the ciphers are getting more complex. The computing power allotted to me can't handle the job."
Commander Sisko was beginning to feel tendrils of worry and anxiety creeping up his neck. "Is the signal Cardassian?"
Chief O'Brien smiled weakly. "That's the good news. The Cardies don't have the capacity to generate these type of signals and transmit them at the distances these transmission are being sent."
Commander Sisko breathed deeply. "How far?"
"Somewhere near the Galactic Core."
"Starfleet has to know about this. I'll contact Earth. Chief, I want a report on this signal as soon as possible."
Chief O'Brien nodded. "Aye sir." Commander Sisko was not looking forward to this communiqué to Starfleet Command.
Carter's World, System N1-34c, Cardassian-Federation Demilitarized Zone
Commander Ro Laren awoke with a start as someone shook her. She looked up and saw a very grim Cal Hudson. The worry, no terror, was overwhelming. Ro sat up straight and frowned. The air in the command post was thick with fear and anxiety.
"Sorry, sir…What, what is going on?" The fatigue was not making her sound capable or useful. The Bajoran woman feared being useless and marginalized more than anything.
Commander Hudson attempted to call upon his courage, but could only find bravado. "We are being hailed by the fleet you detected earlier. Damn our luck! Representatives of the three largest Maquis factions are here discussing plans to move towards total independence. And now this."
Ro Laren could only stare at her commander. "Have we responded?"
Cal Hudson looked away. "No, not yet. We're trying to reroute their communications through a holodeck."
Ro Laren's surprise was evident. "Wha…Why would we do that!"
Commander Hudson's patience had reached its breaking point under the strain of the situation. "Because we've tried everything else!"
Laren lowered her eyes and sighed. "Sorry sir. Perhaps we should head to the holodeck and see if we can make contact."
Cal Hudson smiled. "It's alright. Let's go."
Aleksei Jakari turned to face the holograms of the commanding officers in the small unit now known as Fleet Element Unforgiving. The main body of the fleet had just made contact with Balit and now the commanding officer was briefing the rest of the Fleet Element on the situation.
"Admiral Zel has been informed of our attempts at communications. He has relayed orders that we are to proceed with the utmost caution. I am…" He paused as his hologram appeared to punch in several keys on a console. "transmitting the report prepared by Captain Sanoit of the Sølvdrage."
The report transmitted by Captain Hesh outlined the situation of the fleet's primary element, the efforts of Captain Seldi to open negotiations with the as-yet-unnamed alien coalition and the system being secured for use as a temporary colony. For all the chaos of the Tempest that had brought them to this unknown galaxy, the cost in personnel and materiel was minimal. The boost in morale among the crews of FEU was tangible.
Captain Hosak Kun excitement was not easily contained like his military counterparts.
"Excellent! That is the best news I've heard since we departed from Yaga Minor!"
The assembled commanders smiled. Aleksei was surprised to see that even Captain Falion was grinning broadly. After the argument the day before, part of Aleksei doubted he could even smile at all.
Captain Jakari realized that Commander Borya was approaching from behind and turned to face him. "Yes Commander?"
Commander Borya gave a quick military bow and looked his commanding officer in the eyes.
"Sir, we have made contact with the subspace communication hub."
There was almost no hint of apprehension in the Commander's voice, but Aleksei Jakari managed to pick up on it.
"Sir…" Gregory paused for the faintest moment and the holograms of the other commanding officers inched closer to their holonet transmitters. "The operators of the communications hub are human."
The eyes of everyone within earshot of the stunning announcement went wide. The holograms of Commander Tyler Naj and Captain Usat Cooper glanced at each other in shocked confusion.
Balit Hesh was the first to recover and took a quick, sharp breath before speaking.
"I will report this development immediately. Aleksei, you can't keep the operators waiting! Good luck Gentlemen." Balit's hologram winked out as the other commander's holograms nodded and faded.
Aleksei suddenly felt very nervous, yet excitement tugged at the back of his mind. Humans! Here? This could be a miracle! The Imperial captain closed his eyes and took several carefully timed breaths and found his center. It was time to begin this momumentous event. Captain Jakari motioned a 3P0-type translation droid over to his position. The droid shuffled over to the captain and bowed in the typical mechanical nature expected of a droid. Aleksei collected himself and stepped in front of the communication transceiver. For the Empire.
Carter's World, System N1-34c, Federation-Cardassian Demilitarized Zone
Cal Hudson stood in complete silence as he stared at the figures that appeared in front of him. A spindly humanoid robot stood straight and practically gleamed. The 'eyes' of the robot glowed with a cool orange light. A small slot in the general location of a mouth on most humanoids was the only other feature on the head unit. The droids body was painted an interesting shade of black. Clearly, this mechanical creation was a mass-produced model. That observation was overshadowed by the organic being standing next to the android. He was human. There was no mistaking it. The human was wearing a simple khaki military uniform consisting of a simple tunic and a pair of slacks. On the man's left chest was what Cal Hudson assumed was a rank insignia. The insignia was consisted of two rows of colored squares on a silver bar. The top bar on this particular officer was red, with the bottom bar consisting of three blue pegs. The person wearing the uniform was a well kept, handsome person. Cal wagered the officer was in his thirties. The officer glanced at the assembled Maquis with piercing brown eyes. The Maquis commander took a deep breath and decided to open these negotiations.
"Greetings. I am Commander Cal Hudson of the Maquis." Cal's instincts told him to demand why these warships had been actively scanning and had come into the system with weapons and shields powered up. The sheer numbers of detected ships and estimated level of firepower suggested that such demands would be suicidal. Commander Hudson waited in the uneasy silence that followed.
"One moment please…" The K-3P0 droid cocked its head in the typical translator method signifying he was attempting to discover the language being spoken. Captain Jakari felt the language was familiar, a relic in more ways than one. The droid's voice shifted from dry and mechanical to almost smug with victory. "Sir, I have translated the language being spoken by the 'Maquis'. It is Tionese, Captain."
Captain Jakari smiled inwardly. He had studied Tionese in his History of Pre-Republic civilizations at the Cardia Military Academy. He wouldn't be able to speak fluently, but his basic understanding of the language placed Aleksei in a favorable position.
"Excellent, I am familiar with this language. However, I want you to continue speaking for the time being."
The droid's photoreceptors brightened. "Of course sir. What shall our response to Commander Cal Hudson be?"
Aleksei smiled. "Open response channel and translate everything I say five seconds after I finish speaking it. I want their responses translated within 3.5 seconds."
An ensign outside the transmitter's visual range entered the commands into the computer. "Channel open, Captain."
Captain Jakari nodded to the droid and turned towards the transmitter and spoke in Galactic Basic. "Greetings, Cal Hudson of the Maquis. I am Captain Aleksei Jakari of His Imperial Majesty's Victory-class Star Destroyer Raven. I wish to assure you that the Imperial Navy and Commission for Refugees and Relocation have no hostile intentions against the Maquis. A series of unfortunate events have somehow sent us extremely far off course and per Imperial Naval procedures, the active sensor sweeps were necessary to insure the safety of the civilian ships and the Fleet Element."
The five second pause worked as expected. Aleksei felt the anxiety and worry in these Maquis. He was in control whether this mysterious group knew it or not. Cal Hudson and his aides waited patiently for the K-3P0 to finish his translation. A passage from the Empress Teta Treatise of the Martial Art sprang into Aleksei's mind; The greatest victories are won before the battle awakens.
Ro Laren leaned over and spoke softly to Leto. "Did you understand any of that?" The voice of the officer was smooth and sounded aristocratic in Laren's ears. Leto answered first with a whistle.
"I actually understood some of that! I heard Cal's name, Maquis and Aleksei! That guy has an old Terran name."
Ro nodded, she had heard the same thing. "Could this fleet be from the Federation?"
Leto gave a dismissive grunt. "Not unless it's from a different dimension, Mirror Universe or some other reality like that."
Deep Space Nine, United Federation of Planet's Bajoran Protectorate, Operations Center
Commander Sisko smiled politely as the visage of Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Galaxy-class heavy-cruiser/explorer Enterprise appeared on his monitor. Benjamin knew that there was absolutely no reason that he should distrust Captain Picard. After all, Picard was nearing living-legend status and was a true Federation Patriot and hero. He was also the man who was once been Locutus of Borg. Locutus had led the Borg at the Massacre of Wolf-359; Sisko could never call it the 'Battle' of Wolf-359.
"Captain Picard, it is a pleasure."
Captain Picard gave a very warm smile.
"Indeed. Starfleet command has informed me of your situation. The Enterprise is heading for the DMZ to rendezvous with the Lagrange and the Potemkin. Admiral Leyton has ordered that all sensor readings and findings are to be routed through Deep Space 9. Have you managed to discover anything since you contacted Earth?"
Commander Sisko shook his head. "No sir. Chief O'Brien is trying to get through the encryption on the signals we intercepted."
Jean-Luc nodded quickly. "O'Brien is an excellent officer. He'll crack that encryption."
Commander Sisko sat back with the tips of his fingers pressed against each other. "Chief O'Brien has my utmost confidence. Is there anything else I need to know?"
Picard nodded. "Other than the fact that you are exceeding all expectations at your current assignment at Bajor? Nothing yet. As I said earlier, Starfleet has placed you and Deep Space Nine in command of this mission."
Commander Sisko smiled for the first time ever in front of Captain Picard. "Thank you sir. We should keep communications open; there is something about this situation that is very troubling."
Captain Picard's rich voice responded candidly. "I agree completely. The Enterprise is on Yellow alert and I've passed on recommendations to the Lagrange and Potemkin to do the same until we can ascertain the nature of the signal's origin."
"A wise choice. If things get out of hand, retreat to the station. Starfleet has recently updated our defense systems. We can take anything the Cardassians can throw at us."
"Let us hope it won't come to a military confrontation. We will keep you informed, Picard out."
"Good Luck, captain." Sisko cut the transmission and closed his eyes.
Imperial Star Destroyer Draconis, Unknown System
The heavy turbolasers of the Draconis lashed out with an unholy fury at the orbital defenses protecting the planet where the attack against the Xindi Council planet was launched. Captain Zev Seldi had inserted his Fleet Element into a third civil war that had recently erupted between the Xindi. The faction the Imperials had decided to support possessed the primary shipyards, industrial and agricultural worlds. Captain Seldi was nearing an agreement with the Xindi Aquatics, Arboreals, Insectoid and Primates to have the Xindi Expanse become an Imperial protectorate. Ambassadors from the Reptilians, fearful of and prejudiced against humans had stormed out and declared war. The Xindi Council had informed Captain Seldi that the Reptilians had been exiled years before and were seeking to conquer their genetic cousins. Now, the Reptilians were paying for that foolish desire. Captain Seldi stared out at the massacre unfolding outside his massive war ship. It really was a waste. But if the Reptilians wanted to commit suicide, it was not Zev's place to stop them.
Captain Seldi spoke to his first officer without even turning to face him.
"Inform the Firefox, Unyielding and Charioteer to commence orbital bombardment of the enemy biological weapons facilities."
The young commander acknowledged his orders and quickly began to contact the ships singled out by Captain Seldi. L'taros, the Xindi Arboreal liaison to Captain Seldi, quietly approached.
"Honored Captain, I am unfamiliar with the technology of the Empire. Will the bombardment be enough to truly remove the scourge of the Reptilian biological weapons?"
Captain Seldi turned and gave a polite military bow.
"Actually, Magister, the bombardment may in fact be overkill. However, if the weapons are as virulent as your intelligence predicts, we can not afford to handle this situation too causally."
Magister L'taros began to respond, but a flash caused him to recoil slightly. He quickly turned to the viewport and his mouth opened wide as explosions rocked the Reptilian fortress world of Usho. Zev Seldi chuckled as L'taros stumbled to the viewport.
"Impressive isn't it?"
Zev Seldi walked over and stood beside the Magister. L'taros took a deep breath and turned to face the Imperial captain. L'taros had doubted the alliance between the Xindi loyalist forces and the Empire at first. No longer. The automated factories producing untold number of hideous Bioweapons were now being cauterized. The Reptilian forces were being routed throughout the Expanse. In this battle alone, seventy-three Reptilian light cruisers and sixteen of their precious dreadnoughts had been obliterated. The planetary defenses, long thought all but invincible, had been eradicated in less than three hours. Magister L'taros of Clan A'kan was a Xindi patriot and had long dreamed of the day when the Xindi could reassert themselves on the galactic stage. Early in his career in the Defense Force, he merely wanted for his people to be a power. As part of the Empire, L'taros believed his people could be of the power. Through the Empire, the Xindi would regain the respect they had lost after their manipulation by the Sphere Builders. L'taros, a stoic being by nature, smiled. Victory was at hand!
Unknown Space, Unknown System
Captain Tai-Shuen stared out into the empty expanse of the void. The small battle group he had managed to scrape together sat at the edge of some nameless system. The Interdictor, Assail activated its gravity well generator and took a position in the center of the Fleet Element. The other ships, the Agincourt, Ghania, Kilgore, Axiom and the Ballard were arranged around the Wyvern in a simple defensive posture. Olich would have preferred a more complex ambush situation, but because the fleet had only begun to install the star maps provided by Captain Seldi, prudence was the driving force behind all deployments outside of Enclave.
Captain Tai-Shuen turned to a nearby sensor station and addressed the young crewman operating the console.
"Has our quarry changed course or speed in the past hour?"
The lieutenant shook his head as he continued to track the inbound vessel.
"No sir. Speed and direction have remained constant for the last three hours. They will pass through the Interdictor field in less than one hour."
Captain Tai-Shuen nodded. "Very well." Olich produced a comlink from his belt and activated it. "All ships! This is Captain Tai-Shuen of the Wyvern, assume General Quarters! I say again General Quarters!"
The ships in the meager Fleet element responded and quietly began the waiting game. Fleet Element Wyvern seemed to be trapped in a single moment in time.
Suddenly, Captain Wavir Antilles' voice erupted over the comm.
"Gravity Well generators have the incoming vessel! It'll be pulled into real space in 5, 4, 3, 2…"
As Captain Antilles finished his count-down, a massive cubical vessel appeared in the viewports of every Imperial vessel. A young officer touched the comlink in his ear and called for his captain's attention.
"Captain Tai-Shuen, we are being hailed." The lieutenant flipped a switch and the sound of a thousand voices filled the Star Destroyer's bridge.
"We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
The Lieutenant turned in confusion and raised an eyebrow. "Sir, the translation is accurate. How should we respond?"
"Tell them that they can go to hell! Contact all commands! Fire at will!"