Chapter 8 – Galactic War

"Where is the Borg when you need it?" Tuvok mused.

"Sir?"

Tuvok gestured to the viewscreen. It showed the distribution of Federation and allied forces within the Galaxy. "The Unaffiliated are spread thin across the quadrant, battling both the Splinter and the Dominion on multiple fronts."

Tom Paris shook his head. "At least the Splinter retreats as soon as it meets any sort of resistance. These Jem'Hadar we're going against are altogether different."

Tuvok continued to study the display. "They fight to the last, and they seem thick about Bajor." His sphere was travelling by trans-warp to Bajoran space to aid in the defense of Federation lines. Indeed, the symbols surrounding Bajor, Deep Space Nine, and the Bajoran wormhole indicated a large concentration of enemy ships. The rest of the Unaffiliated were scattered about the Alpha Quadrant, with various Federation and Klingon battle groups. They confronted two enemies, although the Borg Collective also battled with them in fights against the Splinter.

"Dominion forces are taking advantage of the situation as the Federation and Klingons divert resources to fight off the Splinter," Tom commented. He appeared tired.

"Mister Paris, when was the last time you regenerated?"

"I got in a couple hours yesterday."

"As long as we retain this Borg technology in our bodies, we need to remain diligent in our regeneration schedule."

Tom was disgusted. "I can't wait to get this all removed. Commander Chakotay says they're already removing Borg implants from the people at the settlement." An alarm suddenly sounded and Paris glanced at the pillar near him. "We're coming up on the coordinates. Preparing to leave trans-warp."

"Charge all weapons," Tuvok replied. Discussion of their eventual liberation from what the Borg did to them would have to wait. "Acquire targets and fire at will once we're clear."

The sphere entered normal space near two Jem'Hadar battleships. Multiple plasma pulses converged on the shields, and the sphere returned with a barrage of fire of its own. The space on the outskirts of the Bajoran system was filled with coherent energy and explosions from photonic weapons. Shields on ships from both sides glowed hot as they attempted to dissipate the energy. There was several minutes of continuous fighting. Tuvok didn't have to issue commands, his bridge team was well-rehearsed after several such engagements. Instead, he studied the battle. The Federation's flagship, Enterprise, was at the center of the conflagration, but holding its own with an array of smaller starships and birds of prey. The Federation ships were outnumbered, and it became clear to Tuvok that the addition of the single Unaffiliated sphere would not tip the balance. He could call for reinforcements, but they were likely needed where they were and might not reach Bajor in time. Besides, there was no Splinter activity currently in the area.

"Open a channel to Enterprise," Tuvok ordered. "We need to coordinate a withdrawal."

Tom didn't get a chance to carry out the order. From behind the enemy's right flank, a barrage of green energy lances erupted, seemingly from empty space. The effect was devastating. Multiple Jem'Hadar vessels exploded immediately. Their shields in that section must have been minimized to better protect them from the Federation and Klingon lines. The bulk of the enemy fleet turned to face this new threat, and then another barrage of lances raked over their rear defenses from the other side. In seconds, half of the Jem'Hadar fleet was destroyed. Their vessels, now surrounded, circled to engage the newcomers, and as they did, it became clear who the newcomers were.

"Multiple Romulan warbirds are decloaking," Tom commented. "I count twenty-eight in total."

"They're diverting power to their shields," Tuvok commented. Power that had cloaked their vessels and concealed their arrival. Now their cloaks were no longer needed. "Concentrate all fire on the nearest Jem'Hadar vessel and advance in-system."

With Romulan help, the remaining battle was a rout. The Romulan fleet dispersed in all directions, many forming behind Enterprise and coordinating their attacks The Jem'Hadar did not retreat, encircled and fighting to the last. In the end, they were utterly defeated, every vessel vaporized or destroyed.

"Stand down weapons," Tuvok ordered after the last explosion dissipated.

"The lead Romulan warbird is hailing all ships," Tom said. "Audio only."

"Put it up."

"Federation, Klingon, and Unaffiliated Borg vessels, this is Commander Ejiul of the Romulan Third Fleet. We are here to join forces with you in defense of the quadrant."

"You couldn't have come at a more opportune time."

Tuvok recognized the response as coming from Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise. The flagship of the Federation fleet appeared scarred, with several scorch marks across its saucer section, although the nacelles glowed a healthy blue.

"If you have not yet received a transmission from Starfleet, the Romulan Star Empire and Federation are currently working out the details of a joint defense agreement on Earth, to include plans for a defense against the Borg Collective once the Splinter has been destroyed. I have been ordered to make my ships available to you."

"Is the Klingon High Council part of these negotiations?" the ranking Klingon captain asked. Tuvok recognized his voice, one of Martok's generals in this sector, although he didn't recall his name. He had interacted with so many different captains and generals and commanders these past several days it was hard to keep them straight.

"Sir," Tom Paris interrupted, turning to Tuvok. "We're receiving another transmission over trans-space. It's from Captain Janeway."

Tuvok turned his attention to Mister Paris, tuning out the conversation between the various captains. They would be recording it all and could review it later if necessary. "What is it?"

"There's a massing of Splinter vessels near Cardassia Prime. It appears they've come back. Captain Janeway has requested we rendezvous with her battle group if we're done here."

Tuvok nodded and turned back to the ongoing conversation.

"… advance to Deep Space Nine, since it is now minimally defended by the Dominion."

It was Captain Picard speaking. They were apparently discussing and deciding on the next course of action. Tuvok opened the channel. "Gentleman, if I may interrupt. This is Commander Tuvok in command of the Unaffiliated sphere. We've just received word that Splinter vessels are massing again near Cardassia Prime."

"Why would we go to their defense?" the Klingon representative replied in disgust.

"The Splinter can't be allowed to assimilate the population of any planet," Picard countered. "That includes those still under Dominion control."

"We shouldn't abandon the gains we've made here at Bajor," the Klingon replied.

"What is your recommendation commander?" This was from Commander Ejiul. He sounded calm and level headed compared to the Klingon.

"I agree with the Klingon general," Tuvok replied. "Enough vessels should remain here in system to retake Deep Space Nine with the rest making best speed to Cardassia Prime to engage the Splinter and possibly Dominion forces there. Two vessels can accompany my sphere in the trans-warp conduit."

"I would like for my ship to be one of those vessels," Commander Ejiul replied. "The remaining Romulan fleet will depart immediately for Cardassian space."

"Klang, are your current forces in system enough to retake Deep Space Nine?" Picard asked.

"If you leave the Intrepid and Columbia, we will retake it within the hour."

"Captain Chang and Captain Ramirez, you are under the command of General Klang. All other Federation vessels, make best speed to Cardassia Prime."

"Kaplah!"

Intrepid and Columbia fell in place behind Klang's bird of prey, and the other Klingon vessels left in formation to follow them.

"Commander Tuvok, Enterprise will be the second vessel within your trans-warp conduit. We are ready whenever you are."

"Understood. Position your ships behind my sphere on either side. We'll initiate the conduit when we're in formation."

#

"This is the Borg. Federation vessels, engage the Splinter spheres in sector three five twelve. Unaffiliated cubes, form a line between the planet and the sun."

"Acknowledged," Captain Janeway replied. "Our spheres will remain in orbit and reinforce the blockade above the surface."

"Beware of Dominion vessels in that area."

Janeway shook her head and had to smile. Coordinating the defense of Cardassia Prime with the Borg Collective as Dominion forces, also defending the planet, fired upon them as well. Extremely complicated keeping everything straight and who was on whose side.

"Keep blocking their transporters and fire on any Splinter vessel that comes close," Janeway ordered.

The Splinter kept probing the perimeter of the planetary defenses as more vessels arrived in system. Federation, Borg Collective, and Dominion. If past encounters were any indication, if the odds became too steep, the Splinter would withdraw in mass. Currently, however, it searched for a weakness. Phasers, photon torpedoes, energy lances, plasma pulses. The space around Cardassia Prime was alive with artifacts of the battle. The plasma from the discharges in the upper atmosphere danced along the planet's magnetic field lines forming bright and pulsating auroral displays in both hemispheres. The charged particles collided with the thin air both ahead and below them creating the ethereal light, and also produced a soft glow against the sphere's electromagnetic shields. Despite the circumstances, Kathryn marveled at the beauty of the display. In short order, however, the sphere shook from an impact of weapons bringing her out of her revelry and back to the battle at hand.

"That was a Jem'Hadar warship passing below us," Ayala commented. "Shields are holding."

"Fire on any vessel that fires on us," Janeway amended with another shake of her head. As she watched, it became clear the Jem'Hadar were equal opportunity defenders. They simply fired on all non-Dominion vessel. At least the Cardassians and Breen seemed to be more discriminating.

"This is the Borg. Resistance is futile. Dominion forces withdraw or be destroyed."

"The Collective appears to be getting tired of the Jem'Hadar's duplicity," Janeway mused.

"Ma'am, Commander Tuvok's sphere has just entered the system. He's accompanied by a Federation Galaxy class starship and a Romulan Warbird."

Everyone turned to see Captain Janeway's reaction. "Romulans," Marina Jor said to no one in particular.

Janeway pursed her lips. The last major power in the region appeared to have just entered the war. She had heard the rumors in recent days, and apparently they had been true. "Now things are getting interesting."

#

The trans-warp conduit dissipated and there before them was Cardassia Prime. All around where a hundred or more ships locked in battle. Included amongst those ships were a multitude of Borg cubes and spheres. Many undoubtedly part of the Unaffiliated fleet, but others in the Borg Collective or the Splinter. Picard could sense the Hive Mind was near, almost hear it in his thoughts. The sight of its ships gave him a deep sense of dread. Perhaps he should have listened to Admiral Nechayev when she suggested he avoid contact with the Borg during this new confrontation, but now here he was. Like it or not, he would have to face his fears and demons concerning the Borg yet again.

Picard turned to his helmsman. "Locate the nearest Splinter vessel ensign," he ordered. He then sat back further in his command chair. Securing himself for the battle.

The helmsman glanced at sensors to locate the tell-tale subspace signature of the Splinter. Fortunately, the Unaffiliated Borg had provided a method of telling one cube from another. "Bearing one three four mark two."

"Bring us about," Picard replied. "Number One, target the vessel and open fire when we're in range."

His First Officer, Commander William Riker, was manning weapons. Suddenly a spread of photon torpedoes leapt from Enterprise towards the cube. Most impacted the shields and exploded, shaking the cube but producing minimal damage. Immediately afterwards, Enterprise shook itself from impacts of weapons fire.

"That wasn't from the Splinter vessel," Riker said. "Six Jem'Hadar ships are closing on our position."

Picard nodded. The flagship of the Federation made too tempting a target. He was about to order a return of fire, when the comm was engaged.

"Enterprise, this is the Borg. Move off to eight three mark four, maximum impulse."

The Borg. Picard hesitated. Wasn't it the enemy too? Could he forgive it for what it had done at Wolf 359? What it had done to him? Enterprise had just recently stopped it in yet another attack on Earth, one that had taken them to Earth's past, Zephram Cochrane and first contact with the Vulcans. Seeing all its ships now, why had it only invaded with a single cube then? Was the Borg toying with the Federation? Alynna had been right. Perhaps he shouldn't be here. How could he work in concert with the Borg? He didn't trust it. How could he?

But then again, he didn't trust the Dominion either.

"Helmsman, bearing eight three mark four! Maximum impulse!"

The Jem'Hadar were no match for the Borg Collective cubes. As Enterprise dove out of the way, twelve cubes converged and targeted the Jem'Hadar that had attacked Enterprise. After their destruction, the Borg didn't stop there. For the time being, it ignored Splinter vessels and targeted the Jem'Hadar instead. All about them, Dominion ships were being destroyed.

"Captain Picard, this is Commander Ejiul. We're ten kilometers off your starboard bow. Form up beside my vessel and engage the Splinter spheres out system. The rest of my fleet is about to arrive and will strike from the opposite direction."

A classic maneuver. Picard leaned forward. "Ensign, make it so."

"Aye sir."

"Number One, prepare to fire all weapons when we're in position beside the warbird."

Seconds later, both ships opened with all batteries and phaser banks. The spheres retaliated, but soon enough, just as at Bajor, a barrage of green energy lances, seemingly from empty space, raked across the spheres' flank. Many were destroyed outright, and others were disabled and disengaged. The arrival of the Romulan Third Fleet tipped the balance.

Moments later, another message came across the comm. "The Splinter is in full retreat."

Picard couldn't be sure, but it sounded like Kathryn Janeway. He had met her once many years before. Sure enough, trans-warp conduits formed in all directions and Splinter cubes and spheres started leaving the system.

"This is the Borg. We will contact you when the Splinter reappears."

And with that, the Borg Collective cubes and spheres started opening trans-warp conduits and leaving the system as well, presumably in pursuit. In less than a minute, the ships were all gone.

Enterprise's communications officer turned towards Picard. "Sir, we're being contacted on multiple channels. Commander Ejiul wishes to discuss our plan to defend against the Borg Collective once the Splinter is defeated. Captain Janeway wants to coordinate with you on where to position Federation and Unaffiliated assets to prepare for the next battle." The communications officer hesitated and pressed the earpiece closer to her head. She suddenly looked surprised. "Captain, the Cardassian Central Command has just contacted us. They wish to discuss terms for their immediate surrender."

#

Annika looked at herself again in the mirror. Instead of Borg armor, there was pink skin and loosely fitting clothes. On the top of her head was a short crop of blonde hair. Nearly eighty percent of the Borg implants that had invaded her body for the majority of her life had been removed, and within the camp there was a Vidiian doctor who claimed she would be able to remove the rest. She looked almost fully human, save for a few implants still visible above her eye and on her hand. She turned slightly to the side to see the profile of her abdomen. A very slight bulge this early in the pregnancy, but evidence of the new life growing within her. The baby was fully human, the doctors had told her, and so the father was undoubtedly one of those from Voyager. She was considering asking one of the doctors to make a genetic match to determine who the father was, but as of yet hadn't suggested it.

"Yes you look beautiful," Axum said, stepping up behind her. Axum placed his hand on Annika's shoulder. He too now appeared much as he did in Unimatrix Zero, most of the Borg implants having been removed. Curiously, however, Annika didn't feel the same as she did when in Unimatrix Zero. All Axum wanted was to abandon the others and have the two of them go off on their own. Escape from the threat of reassimilation by the Borg. He also seemed to only reluctantly tolerate her desire to carry her child to term, which disturbed her greatly. So much had happened, and she was confused by her feelings. She and Axum had been together for so long, but…

Just then, Chakotay entered the room as well. Annika could feel Axum tense, and she turned around in such a way that Axum's hand fell back down to his side. Chakotay looked good and was completely free of Borg implants. More and more of the drones in the encampment were undergoing the transformation, with more Unaffiliated vessels dropping off additional drones every day. "Is there news from the Alpha Quadrant?"

Chakotay seemed uncomfortable. He had been more distant in recent days, which saddened Annika. It was obvious he didn't care much for Axum, although the two seemed to tolerate each other well enough in her presence. "We just received a trans-warp signal from Captain Janeway. She's returning here with a delegation of representatives from various Alpha Quadrant worlds. They want to get our input and discuss options regarding how to deal with the Borg Collective once the Splinter is eliminated."

"How close are we to defeating the Splinter?"

"Projections are the Splinter will be completely destroyed within twelve days."

That was so quick. Events seemed to be accelerating. Annika stepped away from the mirror and closer to Chakotay. Axum followed behind her.

"And then the Collective might turn on us here on this planet," Axum commented. He missed no opportunity in pointing out their vulnerability and his desire to leave.

"What of the Dominion War?" Annika asked Chakotay, instead of countering Axum.

"Jem'Hadar forces are in full retreat. Most have already returned to the Gamma Quadrant through the Bajoran wormhole. Both the Cardassian Union and Breen Confederacy have sued for peace."

Again, how quickly circumstances changed. Annika marveled at the pace. How could they possibly keep up with it all?

"And so the Federation agrees that the Collective is preparing to attack now that the end of the war is near," Axum persisted.

Chakotay hesitated, but finally nodded, acknowledging Axum's point. "That is why the delegates are coming here, to plan a defense away from the fighting in the Alpha Quadrant. They also believe we'll have much to offer."

"When will they arrive?" Annika asked.

"Captain Janeway's sphere is already in system, escorting two other vessels. They will be here shortly. I've come to collect you to attend the deliberations."

Annika smiled to herself. Everyone but Chakotay looked to him as the single leader of the Borg Unaffiliated settlement here on the planet. He was a capable and charismatic leader, but also included others in significant decisions. He often turned to her for advice, with Grenell perhaps a close second.

The three of them left the room and walked down the hallway. They were in a converted section of Annika and Chakotay's original cube. It still retained the feel of a Borg vessel, although interestingly the knowledge of where they were and what it served as now made it less disturbing. Some light from outside filtered in through makeshift windows. They entered a larger room that served as a gathering area. It was already ready for the arrival of Captain Janeway and the others.

Grenell stepped up to Chakotay when they entered. "Captain Janeway has just signaled. They have entered orbit and are asking permission to beam down."

Chakotay nodded. "Tell them they are free to proceed."

Moments later, multiple transports took place, all with subtlety different energy patterns. In what Annika recognized as a Borg transport, Captain Janeway arrived along with another member of the Unaffiliated Borg. Lieutenant Ayala, if she was not mistaken. In what must have been a Federation transport beam, a balding older captain materialized alongside a Klingon general with an eye patch. With them were an Andorian, a Tellerite, another Klingon, and some other Star Fleet officers as well. One of the officers had a decidedly strange complexion. Finally, three Romulan representatives arrived.

"Welcome to our settlement," Chakotay said and then gestured to the table that took up the center of the room. "Please, let us get started immediately. If we could all take seats and first introduce ourselves."

The representatives moved to the table and began to sit. Chakotay sat at the head of the table with Grenell taking a seat beside him. Chakotay gestured to Annika to sit on the other side, and both she and Axum came up to the table. When everyone was seated, Chakotay stood back up. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Chakotay. I, along with Grenell and Annika will be representing the interests of the Unaffiliated Borg settlement here on this planet." He had gestured to both of them as he said their names. He sat back down and then seemed to add as an afterthought, "And this is Axum, also of the Unaffiliated Borg."

Captain Janeway stood next, and touched a Borg implant on her skull. "You are looking better, Chakotay," she said with a wink. Clearly, she wished to be rid of the Borg armor and implants as well. "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway, currently commanding one of the Unaffiliated Borg spheres. I, along with Lieutenant Ayala, will be representing the Unaffiliated Borg forces currently engaged in the defense of Alpha Quadrant systems."

Next, the Romulan captain stood. "I am Commander Ejiul of the Romulan Third Fleet and this is Subcommander Rujal and Subcommander Verook. We will represent the interests of the Romulan Star Empire in these deliberations. Part of the recently signed non-aggression pact and agreement between the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and the Romulan Star Empire is to develop a strategy for joint defense of our territory from the Borg Collective. We are greatly motivated to develop this strategy."

The balding Star Fleet captain was the next to stand. "Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise."

Annika gasped slightly as she finally recognized the man and made the connection. Of course. Captain Picard… and Locutus of Borg. She glanced around the room to see if anyone had seen her involuntary recoil, but fortunately no one had noticed and were all focused on Picard.

"I am joined by Ambassador Shrell and Ambassador Nor Gurfosh, both members of the Federation Council. We will be representing the United Federation of Planets during these talks. Also here with us are Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi, my ship's counselor, and Lieutenant Commander Data, my science officer."

Ah, Commander Data. Annika had heard of the artificial lifeform. No wonder he looked so different.

Finally the Klingon representative stood. "General Martok of the Klingon Empire." He sat back down, not bothering to introduce the other Klingon beside him.

Chakotay again took the lead. "As we all know, the Borg Splinter is expected to fall within the next two weeks. The question that is weighing heavily on all our minds is what the Borg Collective will do once the threat of the Splinter is eliminated."

"The Dominion has been defeated," General Martok said. "With the Borg Collective in a weakened state, perhaps instead of developing a strategy for joint defense, we should combine our forces and go on the offensive." He glared at Commander Ejiul. Mistrust between the Klingons and the Romulans apparently still existed.

"We can hold our own against their cubes in defensive battles," Captain Picard pointed out, "But even with our combined forces, it will be difficult to defeat them."

"Is not the fact that the Borg is essentially one consciousness its fundamental weakness?" Martok continued. "A single point of failure. If we seek to attack the Hive Mind directly, cut the head from its body, so to speak, the Borg would fall in quick order."

Axum shook his head. "You don't understand the nature of the Borg. Every drone, every cybernetic system within the Collective is a component of the Hive Mind. To completely destroy the Hive Mind, you would need to destroy all of it. Far from being its weakness, this unity distributed amongst all of its parts is the source of the Borg's strength."

"Indeed. As we have seen in this latest example, even when over half the Borg Collective was fractured away into the Unaffiliated and Splinter, the core of the Collective itself remained unified and strong," Picard commented. "It is dangerous, perhaps more so now."

"And like it or not, the Borg Collective has been a strong ally to us this past week in our defense of the Alpha Quadrant," Captain Janeway pointed out.

"You trust the Borg?" Martok shot back.

Janeway shook her head. "No. But I agree with Captain Picard. Even in their weakened state, if we initiate a full scale war with the Collective, it will be difficult to defeat and many ships and perhaps even worlds will be destroyed in the process."

"Then as I said before, we must formulate a defense against the Borg," Commander Ejiul reiterated. "One that will deter them from expanding into the Alpha Quadrant to assimilate new worlds."

"Years ago on Enterprise, we developed a topological anomaly," Picard offered. "The shape was a paradox that couldn't exist in real space or time. We speculated that, as the Borg attempts to analyze it, it was designed so that each approach it took would spawn an anomalous solution. The anomalies were designed to interact with each other, linking together to form an endless and unsolvable puzzle."

"Total system failure within the Borg was projected to occur after several hundred computational cycles," Commander Data added.

"Quite ingenious," Axum commented, "but the Borg would have identified the anomaly well before that and splinter the mind to isolate the affected parts. Similar to what it had to do anyway when Enterprise reintroduced that drone back into the Collective. I believe you called it Hugh."

Picard looked surprised, but didn't respond.

"What of this pathogen that created this current crisis for the Borg?" the Andorian ambassador Shrell asked. His antennae twitched slightly as all those about the table turned to face him.

"What of it?" Chakotay asked.

"How was it created? How did it splinter the Borg's Hive Mind into the three components we see today?"

Chakotay rubbed his chin. "Certain drones within the Collective had a defect that allowed them to interact in a place we called Unimatrix Zero during their regeneration cycle. Annika, Axum, and I were three of those drones. In Unimatrix Zero, Axum wrote the code to create the pathogen. I still retained my consciousness in the cube after regeneration, so I was able to use Axum's algorithms to reprogram my nanoprobes. The pathogen was delivered by injecting the nanoprobes into a Borg Central Plexus, a communications node that allows the Hive Mind to reach out and stay interconnected through trans-space. The intent of the pathogen was to allow those drones with the defect to retain knowledge of Unimatrix Zero outside of regeneration."

"The pathogen, however, had unintended consequences," Annika continued. "In addition to retaining our memories, a cascade within the Hive Mind split it apart to what we see now." Of course Chakotay's abbreviated account also skipped some major incidents the two of them had to overcome, not to mention the disabling of the Vinculum.

"Unintended consequences indeed," General Martok scoffed.

"Could that pathogen be replicated?" Commander Data asked.

"Unlikely," Annika replied. "The Borg have undoubtedly adapted. It would have no effect."

"Could another pathogen be created? One that would deter the Borg from assimilated any of our worlds."

"It's…" Axum began, but then stopped. All eyes turned in his direction. He now seemed to be meditating, his eyes closed, but was likely just thinking about the problem.

Annika realized it would need to be significantly different than the first pathogen, and perhaps carried by all individuals the Borg might encounter, like an inoculation, such that any attempt at assimilation would release the pathogen into the Collective. Everyone in the Alpha Quadrant would have to be treated.

Suddenly Axum opened his eyes and nodded. "I think I have an idea."

#

Author's note: Please review. I'm projecting two or three more chapters to go… Sorry to those who tried to read this soon after I posted. Something happened and it came up as one big paragraph. Thank you scifiromance for letting me know! And thank you dustin2 for pointing out that spelling error.