The Hour of The Wolf
Chapter Thirty

Authors note:-
Just to clarify, last chapter I mentioned I wanted to end the storyline. I didn't mean the story! There's just so much I want to get done and I felt that playing politics was strangling the story. Hence this chapter. we'll get back to the Federation, the Enterprise and all the legal troubles shortly. Until then enjoy.

Cyblus strode into the dark audience chamber. Before him the Imperious Leader sat on his Throne Chair, high above the room in a single shaft of bright light. Cyblus had been summoned by his Leader. Recently resistance by the Dominion had increased. Making progress more costly in terms of resources and supplies. They had gone as far as denying Cylon expanses in some sectors and in rare cases even been able to reclaim systems that had been conquered.

In a very real sense this was the first significant threat the Cylon Empire had encountered since the Twelve Colonies of Man and drastic measures had to be considered. It was Cyblus's responsibility to convince the Imperious Leader of this 'By your command.' He announced his presence.

The Throne Chair rotated to face him and the eyes of the Imperious Leader flashed as he disconnected himself from the vast database network. 'Cyblus, so good of you to come.' The human head within his chest said. 'We were just debating what to do next.'

'Indeed.' The main head announced looking down at him. 'You have had more contact with our latest enemy then any other Commander. Your input will be invaluable.'

'It is my duty to assist you, Leader.' Cyblus announced, as he was programmed to.

'Our current choice is binary.' The Imperious Leader told him. 'To continue our campaign, destroying this so called Dominion, or to retreat. The projected expenditure of resources alone suggest the second. However Baltar is concerned that our enemy will not see wisdom. That they will instead chose to continue this war, despite it's ultimate futility.' He gestured to his right and a transmission screen came to life on the wall beside him. It showed Cyblen, the Leader's chief data archivist. The Throne Chair rotated again to allow the Leader to observe both his subjects at once.

The transmission was from deep in the Super-Basestar that they were currently on. Cyblen could not join them in the Chamber as he was permanently hardwired into the vast network. His role was to oversee resource management and it's allocation. Behind him the image showed dozens of data miners inputting and cross-referencing countless giga-quads of information over and over again. 'As ordered I have completed multiple simulations of all possible outcomes. Statistics show a 72.4 percent outcome that this conflict will consume more resources than it would gain. From an economic perspective this war is unproductive.'

'Cyblus?'

'I agree with this assessment. Using our current tactics the losses we will incur are too great.'

'Retreat?' the human head asked.

'Negative. You're primary assessment was incorrect.' Cyblus told him, 'There is a third option. Escalation.'

'Elaborate.' The Imperious Leader ordered.

'Our current approach to this conflict has been only to engage where required. We have actively avoided the expenditure of resources. The enemy have not. This is the reason for their success. Proposal; We must respond with our forces in strength.'

'This level of proposed expenditure exceeds registered guidelines for engagements.' Cyblen warned.

The Imperious Leader raised a hand, a gesture that told them the human head was in command at this moment. However it was the Cylon mind that spoke; 'Simulation.'

Cyblen seemed to deactivate as the databanks behind him flickered into activity. After several centons the analyst returned to normal. 'Simulations inconclusive.'

Cyblus took a step forward, asserting his position. 'Re-Calculate. Include protocol Annihilation.'

'Protocol annihilation?' Repeated the human head shortly before the Throne Chair turned back to face him completely. 'A bold move.'

'79,3 percent probability of total Cylon victory.' Cyblen announced, after he had re-run the simulations. 'Resource expenditure within acceptable limits.'

'We have the required location?'

'Brain scans of selected prisoners have independently confirmed the data. Target has minimum defences. A strike with overwhelming force without warning, or mercy, will end organised resistance to further expansion and resource procurement.' Cyblus informed the Imperious Leader of his own tactical projections.

'Simulations agree, however 42% chance of retaliatory strike within first two centares after protocol completion. Rising to 100% after seventy-two centares.' Cyblen warned.

The Imperious Leader appeared to sink into the Throne Chair as he diverted power to his multiple computron-brains. 'Acceptable.' He announced after a short while. 'We will accompany the attack, to witness it personally. Cyblus will command the Imperious Fleet. Divert all otherwise non-committed Basestars to occupied systems. Have them prepare for attacks, they are ordered to sacrifice territory if required. Draw the Dominion forces away from their staging areas, over extend their resources. Isolate remaining resistance and crush it.'

The same basic tactics used during the Civil War. Preserve your own resources while forcing the enemy to expend their own. With a sharp bow Cyblus saluted. 'By your command.'

From the Throne Chair the combined form of Lucifer and Baltar, known collectively as the Imperious Leader, had watched the expansion of the Cylon sphere of influence. Since being victorious in the Cylon Civil War they had cut a swath through their own galaxy and reached this one. Far larger, rich in resources and with little organised resistance.

With the competition of the Annihilation Protocol not even the so called Dominion could threaten them. With them shattered the scattered civilisations under their former rule would try to organise a defence. Multiple simulations showed they would enter into small alliances. While the Cylon forces halted their advance, strip-mining the sectors they already controlled, those hasty alliances would begin to fracture. Without the constant threat of the Cylons to unite them their natural, organic, distrust of one another would take control. In the ensuing chaos Cylon forces could take what they wanted.

Disconnecting from the database the Imperious Leader activated his observation screens. Surrounding the Audience Chamber he'd had vast projector screens built into the Chamber. While having all the information directly downloaded into his own data banks was more efficient the part of them that was Baltar still preferred to use his senses. Giving them first hand perspective on the battles faced, while remaining secure in the most powerful war machine in the cosmos

The Super-Basestar was a marauding Cylon capitol, armed with more than a dozen Mega-Pulsar cannons, a score of missile batteries and near countless Turbo-Laser turrets. It alone could lay waste to whole sectors. It had the ability to construct anything from Centurions to other Basestars and carry them to engagements. It was from here he would witness the death of the so called Dominion.

As they entered the system the screens came to life. The one to the right showed an overview of the area. Identifying planets, moons and other ships, as well as their relationship to them. To the left was a split screen, showing direct communication with the Basestar commanders and Cyblen, the recourse manager.

The central screen showed the view outside, as if there was a large window. It showed what was outside, known as the Omarion Nebula this dark but otherwise unimportant particle cloud was the hidden capitol of the Dominion. The target planet was stuck in a perpetual twilight, the small sickly star it orbited choked by the swirling dust clouds. Rendering the visible light spectrum almost unusable. With a few mental commands the forward screen flickered and began rendering a composite of the non-visible spectrums.

There were two Dominion Cruisers and four Fighters between the Super-Basestar and the target. The Fighters fell back as the Cruisers accelerated forward. Aiming to engage in a head to head battle. From the vast tactical databanks at his command the Imperious Leader calculated they would endeavour to delay the attack, give any evacuation time to begin 'Begin.' he ordered.

Cyblus, in his burnished gold plating, responded 'By your Command. Disengage Basestars from docking. Launch Raiders. Begin Protocol Annihilation, primary phase.' Primary phase was to blockade the planet and activate jamming systems. Preventing any escapes or reinforcements from interfering. It also involved the destruction of all enemy forces.

One by one the Commanders disappeared from the screen. As the Basestar's disengaged their direct communication lines were severed and the jamming signal made all but direct data bursts almost impossible. They could still receive brief updates and relay basic orders, but little else. Not that it was needed. Protocol was written

While they began the mission the Imperious Leader turned his attention to the tactical display. The Cruisers were on a collision course. Already firing their small energy missiles into the Super-Basestar. It's skin was twice the thickness of other Basestars but even here, in the deep core, the Imperious Leader sensed the detonations. Were they to continue their course the two ships could collide with them. That would do noticeable damage, even to this vessel.

Cyblus was aware of this. 'Targeting Mega-Pulsars.' The gold plated Commander announced. 'Removing resistance.' The Imperious Leader looked at the forward screen. Several bright sapphire shots from the main weapons hit the Cruisers. Each one causing devastating damage.

After the first salvo the pair of them were badly damaged. One was out of control, knocked off course from the secondary explosions. The other began a slow tumble it's prow dropping but otherwise it was still going to hit them. The Imperious Leader felt Baltar's eyes glance to the communications screen. Cyblus was already giving orders. 'Concentrate fire on the second ship.' They ordered. A second salvo burnt through what was left, detonating the power core. The third and fourth reduced what remained into a molten slag that bounced off the hull like rain. 'Turbo-Laser turrets, track remaining vessel. Destroy it.'

With another mental command they brought up a reference file. What they knew about this class of vessel and superimposed the plans over the target on the forward screen. 'Cyblus, target identified. Main power core.'

The information was fed into the targeting system. The gold plated Commander recognised the advantage and followed the implied orders. Concentrating the Turbo-Lasers on the core the resulting explosion destroyed it too.

As what remained of the Human Baltar took savage pleasure from the wanton destruction the rest of the Imperious Leader watched the tactical display. The dozen Basestars were taking position around the planet. A small set of markers pointing out locations where the Fighters had been intercepted.

Another set of markers appeared to rise from the Dominion Homeworld. Indicating transports, escape ships carrying perspective survivors. Before protocol they would have been left alive. Calculations originally showing psychological benefit to allowing survivors to spread fear. However after the refugee fleet from the Colonies of Man caused more damage than it simulations had predicted during it's escape the new guidance called for zero survivors.

One at a time the icons flickered and inverted, showing their destruction. Once all the escape ships had been destroyed the circumference of the planet was complete. 'Begin second phase.' they ordered.

Cyblus turned to the screen. 'By your Command. Deactivate jamming field.' With the jamming deactivated computron assisted targeting was now possible. Sensors swept over the planet; detecting energy sources, fuel depots and most importantly for this protocol life signs.

While they only had one sample of the Changeling lifeform the Imperious Leader had Cyblen and his archivists categorise their readings. 'Cyblen, identify targets. Forward to Cyblus.'

'By your Command.' The Imperious Leader followed Cyblen's data feed. There were a few scattered life signs, recognised as Vorta, but there was also a concentration of something that alined with the final readings of the shapeshifter they had executed quantrons earlier.

'Targets received. Missile lock confirmed.' Cyblus announced. 'All Basestars, launch.' At his command two dozen missiles, armed with pluton warheads were fired. A few centons later the missiles had already reached the upper ionosphere. Once they hit the stratosphere they detonated, spreading radiation across the most densely populated sections of the planet. Harmless against mechanical life, pluton radiation broke down protein. In small concentrations it caused advanced decay in plants and low level animals, at these levels all organic life would be exterminated.

Cyblus returned to his screen to address the Imperious Leader. 'The planet is broadcasting distress calls. There is also a transmission from the surface. They wish to communicate.'

Turning the Chair to face the left screen the Imperious Leader accepted the transmission. It was the half formed, almost clay like, features of the shape shifters. Behind them was a rock face. The primitive creatures had obviously tried to hide what technology they had in the planet's crust. 'Speak' The Imperious Leader ordered sharply.

'We are the Founders of the Dominion. You will regret this.' They blustered as the planet was rocked by explosions. Loose stones and dust falling around them. 'Our forces will respond, they will destroy you for this.

'Incorrect. The Dominion is extinct.'

'The Dominion is forever.' They warned.

'Only as long as you live. Cyblus, execute phase three.' With that the Imperious Leader ended the communication. The penultimate phase was the longest. Total destruction. From their strategic positions the Basestars began raining Mega-Pulsar blasts on the planet. The Super-Basestar added it's own firepower to the destruction. Blast after blast eating away at the planet. Vaporising mineral and metal one shot at a time.

After centares they stopped. There was nothing left. The fourth and final phase was for the Cylon fleet to leave.

It was several days before Dominion forces could respond to the attack at the Omarion Nebula. The homeworld of the Founders was supposed to be a secret. The Cylon attack had been a complete surprise.

The first to arrive had expected a battle. The distress call had mentioned a ship larger than ever seen before and an entire fleet of command ships. what they found was a burning world.

The female changeling had arrived with the second wave of reinforcements. She had been lucky, if you could call it that. Overseeing the breeding of the latest Jem'Hadar meant she was one of only a handful of Changelings not on the homeworld during the attack.

Now she stood on the observation deck, looking out at what was once home. Where the Great Link had been now there were pools of molten lava. Toxic ash clouds drifted across the boiling surface. It's ruddy red glow even brighter than the sun in some places that weren't entirely covered. The whole world was an inferno, with lighting storms raging from all the charged particles in the air. It was impossible to tell if there were any survivors, not that they would last long if there were. An incredible radiation field permeated space. Blinding sensors and making approaching any closer lethal. Even to Changelings.

'It's all gone.' One of her fellow survivors said aloud. There were four of them here. Another one on the way. All that remained of her people and the Great Link. Five Changelings lucky enough to be spared this horror.

'The Link must be avenged. We must strike back.'

'How? We are no match for this.' The other waving at the devastated world before them.

'We should rebuild. Find somewhere else. Somewhere new.'

'So few of us?'

'There is still the hundred. They could return.'

'Enough.' The Female interrupted. 'That is the future. We are the Link now. We must lead together. Not argue and bicker amongst each other like solids' She held out her hands. 'Link with me and each other. Then we can decide.'

Together, in the glow of their dead world, the last of the Founders made the first steps to rebuild.

As word spread of the attack so did sightings of new, bigger and stronger Jem'Hadar. Orders went out for more Cruisers and Fighters as shipyards began producing at capacity. Weapons of all types from plasma disrupters to energy torpedoes were being made in every corner of the Dominion.

The message was simple; The calm before the storm was over. Now, what had been feared for so long was known to be true. There was only one way the Cylon Dominion War would end. With the total annihilation of one side, or the other.

End Chapter Thirty