Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.
-=oOo=-
Beverly and Doctor Selar studied the information Antona had sent on radiant fluid baths.
"Well I'm impressed enough to want one. It's going to take up one of the larger rooms by the time we store the tanks and everything. Let's see which ones we can use."
"I suggest we simply use cargo bay twelve. If we like the technology, which is likely, we will can build our own version, or have it built. There is little point in making permanent room alterations until we have the final design," said Selar.
"That would make it easier to get something going for Killashandra," noted Wesley.
"I could stand outside to insure she has privacy," volunteered Lars.
"I can easily instruct the computer as well," said Wesley.
Lars sighed. "Sure, let's do that."
Beverly smirked. She then contacted Antona and arranged transport. Three hours later Wesley had a working radiant bath. Diana and a delighted Killashandra walked in and were not seen for hours. The next morning Killashandra reported for a brief exam before going back to work.
"Well you definitely sold us on those baths. Wesley and the others will work on a less temporary model. You look considerably better than yesterday."
"They do help. Can that one be used again?"
"Yes, though we don't have the equipment yet to reprocess the fluid, so it will be less effective. We are going to get it and copy it. We just probably won't have it by this evening."
"Good. As far as I'm concerned, keep me from all the headaches of crystal thrall and give me a radiant bath I can use regularly and I'll be your loyal servant."
"Your more than welcome to apply you know."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Interesting."
-=oOo=-
The next day Killashandra worked an almost a twelve hour shift before she finally asked Diana to port her back. Diana was in ten forward at the time. They were both exhausted when Killashandra ported her back.
Killashandra saw Lars and said, "Sorry, I truly meant to honor our deal."
"Don't worry about it. Let me help you get to the bath."
"Food first. I need food."
"Of course."
Lars ended up having to slowly hand feed her as she struggled to stay awake. He then helped her to the cargo bay with Diana following.
"Come in. You can keep me from drowning," said Killashandra.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm the only one being naked and you can look away. Now please come."
He gently helped her into the empty bath before Diana helped her out of her clothes while he looked away. Then the radiant fluid ran. Once it covered and obscured her Killashandra tiredly said, "You can turn around."
Diana yawned then turned to him. "You may not believe it, but being in a partial merge with Killa all day and keeping that damned crystal from messing with her has also exhausted me. I don't need a bath, but I'm going to replicate a sleeping roll and lay over here. You are going to keep eyes on Killashandra and make sure she doesn't fall asleep and slip under. Understand?"
"Yes."
"There are straps that are missing," slurred Killashandra.
"I'll make sure your safe. Promise," said Lars.
Diana touched her com badge. "Computer, I have a request."
"State request."
"Act as a secondary check on Killashandra's health. If she slips dangerously into the fluid, wake us up and summon help."
"Confirmed. Emergency monitoring commenced."
"I was going to do it," said Lars.
"I don't doubt it, but the computer is less likely to fall asleep itself."
"You can still do your part, particularly if you get me a glass of tea," begged Killashandra.
"Alright."
The next morning Killashandra crawled back into the sick bay. She was the only singer using the Enterprise. Doctor Selar was there and gave her a quick exam. She was about to head out when the doctor said, "I'm sorry. You are not cleared for further work."
"This is needed. Please, it is one more day," said Killashandra.
"I'm sorry. You would be, in my judgment, risking a fatal injury if I permitted it. I can permit you to go down, but you cannot use that cutter in your current condition."
"My quota is needed to finish today."
"I agree, so we must find another way."
"Can I do it?" asked Lars.
Doctor Selar considered. She said, "The odds of infection are high, and you lack the required training. It will not work. Diana may be able to due to all her time in the merge, but the danger would be high, and she too would likely be infected." She tapped her com badge. "Commander Data you are required to replace Killashandra Ree today. She medically is unfit to use her cutting device. Please come to sick bay immediately."
"I am on my way."
Data arrived three minutes later.
"Have you familiarized yourself with the process of using her cutter?" asked the doctor.
"Yes, I have reviewed all the information available on their profession."
"Good. Hopefully she can help you out. I'll give her a hypospray with a mild stimulant. She is to use it no more than once an hour. I want you to make sure she does not exceed this."
"I understand."
"My cutter is in my shuttle. Diana can port us down." Killashandra nodded.
"Eat first. I can tell you have not." The doctor opened a cabinet and pulled out a metal flask that she handed to Killashandra. "Drink."
"What is this?"
"Nutrition. Most say it tastes horrible. Drink it anyway."
Killashandra downed it in one long drink then grimaced. "That's almost as bad as the stuff Antona forces on us."
"Likely for similar reasons. I will have more beamed down for lunch and dinner."
"I understand. Let's finish this."
-=oOo=-
Data sung a clear note and with amazing precision used Killashandra's cutter to begin excising crystals, never once being affected. Killashandra stayed nearly a hundred feet away so as to be less affected by the sonics. After his sixth crystal he turned off the cutter and walked back to pack it.
"Your really making all of us look bad. Excellent job Data. I envy your ability to not be affected."
"I have often wanted to know what it would like to be human. I believe we will reach the end of this formation in another three hours and have exceeded our quota."
"We should have had you down here from the start. I think I've been doing more than any two others, thanks to all Diana and your crew's help, and I think you are nearly doubling that rate."
"Thank you." He finished packing and went back to work.
Two and a half hours later the circuitry in the infrasonic blade died.
"I believe we have met our quota. We should return. I shall repair your tool if you like."
"Don't bother. It's due for replacement anyway. Let's put it in the shuttle. The fisherman can make me a new one, though he still will want the old in exchange. For that matter, this may be the last I cut. Let's go."
"Fisherman?" asked Data.
"That is the nickname of the person who makes our custom cutters. He spends most of his free time fishing."
"Ah."
They were beamed back to save Diana the effort. Lanzecki send out people to recover her shuttle and cutter while the Enterprise waited on the others to finish for the day. Lanzecki personally carried Killashandra's cutter to the fisherman. He looked it over reverently and then plugged it into the diagnostics port. "She fried the main emitter and power subsystem?" he asked in surprise.
"The android from their ship used it, apparently very credibly if you will check her numbers."
The old man looked at the total, including what Enterprise reported. "She is set for life, if she is not stupid. This is, I'm afraid dead. I won't repair it. She is well past the max hours limit. It should have been replaced a week ago from what I can tell."
"They didn't have time."
"So I see. I may save this, just to show it is possible to wear one of these out without breaking it being a clumsy crystal addled fool."
"Don't make her a new one yet. She may not return."
"That will kill her. Why ever would she want to commit suicide?"
"They have found a way around it, though it is limited. Telepaths can energize our symbionts without crystal and there is another way, though it is needed in the other universe right now."
"Your taking advantage I hope. Your getting old. A few more trips to the ranges..." The fisherman trailed off.
"I know, and I am. I can't afford it now. They are going to make sure a telepath is assigned to Shankhill. We have wanted one anyway to ship crystal."
"Good. Hate to see us having to break in a new Guildmaster."
"Gee thanks."
"Don't mention it."
-=oOo=-
A week later all the satellites were in place. They had been using the transporters to, for lack of a better term, infect the population with the spores. It was debatable if they should have seeded the spores on Romulus, but it was a moot point. All it did was change the timeline for the world to spread the spores. In the event they figured out how to phase them out, or even decided to, they would deal with it then. They may not reach a critical level aboard a ship with filters and only one or two aboard, but billions was another matter.
Sela regretted never being able to go home. She looked to the left. Faile was there at her side. "Thank you for keeping me company."
"It is not a problem. Until this disease is eradicated, it is a threat to my quadrant. I do not intend to return until the threat is eliminated. Thankfully, it seems it is beginning to burn out on Cardassia and here the symbiosis should kill it. I just hope we got it all."
"They think another percent will die from the symbiosis."
"More would have died and kept dying without it," said Faile softly.
"I know, but I still hate it."
"How is your baby?"
"She is well. There is nothing to feel yet of course, but my doctor insists she is well, and I think I feel something from her."
"A telepathic touch so soon?" asked Faile.
"Nothing so formal. Just something."
A month later she finally heard the news she had been waiting for. No more would die from the virus, nor from symbiosis. It would still take years to be sure Romulus was cleansed of the virus and there had been no decision on the spores. The time for quick decisions was over. The Vulcans had duplicated their satellites in effect anyway. They still needed the white crystal, but they had figured out how to modulate a safer power source to get the same effect.
In time they planned to extinguish the artificial singularities used and replace them with the Vulcan version, though they would be made on Romulus. The satellites would need maintenance twice a year, but that was considered much safer.
Q appeared once more. "Congratulations. I have been given permission to make sure this is truly ended, but you all did the hard part."
"I don't suppose you can undo all the spores and such?" asked Sela.
"No, that was the choice you made. For what it is worth, I think you will be wiser for it. Living longer doesn't guarantee wisdom, but you now have a greater potential for it."
"Thanks for helping with my baby and the rest," said Sela.
"A beginning must be made. Various could have done what I did. It was no big deal, other than me making it easier to teach. Telepathy somehow seemed to help that other universe navigate its way into the future. That was what I was hoping for and certainly I have no regrets. It has, so far, worked better than I expected."
"That one world was certainly an exception."
"There was a single empath on the islands on that world. She was the first to detect what they were doing. I don't count that a bad contribution."
She nodded.
"What of Killashandra? Did that Larhs ever make any progress with her?" she asked out of curiosity.
"They seem to be enjoying each other quite a lot, the one time I peeked."
"That's good."
Q snapped his fingers and Lars and Killashandra appeared.
"What are we doing here?" asked Lars.
"Q likes to play games. Don't worry about it. I'm sure he will return you when he is done," said Sela.
"I was just curious about something. Tell me Killashandra, would you care for a child?"
"That's not possible, not for me."
"It is for me. You have part of what is required already."
Killashandra blushed furiously. "Pervert."
Q smirked. "Is that a yes, or a no?"
"I would love to have Lars's child."
Q turned to Sela. "Mind if I borrow an egg and a bit of your genetic structure?"
"I suppose I'd be a hypocrite if I did, but I will want to visit your child. She is going to be one quarter Romulan after all."
"Less actually. I mostly needed a healthy egg, plus a few genes related to telepathy from your Romulan side and two minor genetic improvements, plus a bit of your own energy."
"Why telepathy?" asked Killashandra..
"The child will be stronger for it. I can skip it though if you want."
"Whatever is best for our child. I'm just glad to have one," said Killashanra.
"You can't sing crystal, not until after the birth. Get energy from a telepath, if need be, but absolutely no crystal singing until after the child is born. Stay off Ballybran and Romulus as well. I'm making sure your child stays free of the symbiosis, but that depends on not testing it."
"I kind of quit anyway. Lars was debating going to Ballybran or Romulus to try to match my lifespan. I told him to wait till he was sure."
Q snapped his fingers. There was a flash of light. "All done. His lifespan will be a little shorter since I had to balance things, but you now have the same life span and the same symbiosis."
"This is wild. Everything is so much clearer," said Lars.
"Did you hear that. He just shortened your life," said Killashanra.
"So, he said he made it the same. I'll take that. We have to have at least what fifty years together," said Lars.
"Add a one," said Q in amusement.
"So 51 years together."
"In front of the 5."
"One hundred and fifty. Your kidding?"
"There are no guarantees, but that spore is a very useful house guest. Unless you catch me in a good mood again, or get really creative, this will be your only child, so do take care." Q waved and vanished.
"I can't believe I'm going to have a baby," said Killashandra.
"Well that is the normal outcome of that particular," said Lars.
She elbowed him.
"Shutting up now."
Killashandra smiled.
"Where were you before this?" asked Sela.
"Deep Space Nine."
"I'll give you a ride. It is past time I check up on my restaurant." She then turned to Lars. "Out of curiosity, can you sing?"
"He sings divine. We have the best duets," said Killashandra.
"Oh good. I may drive the other Ferengi out of business yet," said Sela with a chipper tone.
-=oOo=-
After they got there, Sela considered the newest development as she, Faile, Killashandra, and Lars walked into the now renamed Quark's Bar.
"I was under the distinct understanding that you were not allowed back on the station," said Sela.
"What can I say? Kira loves me," said Quark.
"I find that very unlikely," said Faile with a voice dripping in sarcasm.
"Well it is true."
"Let's ask her," said Sela, who used her own abilities to ask her to come.
"There is no need to do that," insisted Quark.
They waited five minutes for Kira to show up.
"Is there a problem?" asked Kira.
"No, but we were quite curious why this one was here," said Faile.
"I'm ashamed to admit that Quark found a large amount of Bajoran artifacts that were stolen by the Cardassians. His price was us forgiving him. I started to say no, but Will agreed. He figured he will be here for a few weeks till he does something else we can use to kick him out again," said Kira.
Sela smiled. Quark shivered.
"Hello everyone. I'm sure you all remember Killashandra. Well tonight to celebrate we have her fiance Lars Dahl who is just as good a singer," said Sela.
"Your a vicious woman," said Quark in an almost admiring tone.
"Yes, I am, and I heard about what you were involved in. If you harm me or mine, or anyone I care for, I swear to you, in front of all these people, I will end you."
"And I'll help," chimed in Kira.
"That's all behind me and she was never in any danger," said Quark.
"You are a fool. Fortunately, you aren't an important enough one to be worth my personal attention. Be very sure you do not become it. Now where is the Cardassian," said Sela.
"Garak left. After what his people did, he didn't think staying was safe," said Kira.
"Very wise."
-=oOo=-
Jeff looked out over all the people that had assembled to see them. They had quickly given up at the restaurant and moved everything down to the new sports stadium that was now finished where the ore processing and antique reactor used to be. Miles O'Brien walked over and pulled the sheet off a very impressive grand piano. It had the feel of great age, and he could see some minor nicks on it.
"They pulled the crystals from another minor organ on Optheria and transferred them here in case they were needed. Since they were not, I managed to get this from Bajor and carefully made the modifications to make it use the former Optherian crystals. It's the closest I can come to making one of those organs, but it has no electronics or anything like what they had," said Miles.
"May I?" asked Killashandra.
"Feel free. I can build it, but I don't pretend to have any skill in playing. Dax did test it though and she was very impressed."
Killashandra sat and after limbering herself up began playing several practice pieces.
"You will have to give me another ten minutes or so. I am deeply out of practice, but this is a very lovely instrument."
"I'll say, Dax didn't sound remotely that good," said Miles.
"This is probably a priceless instrument. You have done wonderful work. I can detect no imperfections, not even in the slightest. The mistakes are all mine," said Killashandra.
"Thanks."
Killashandra turned to Lars. "We practiced Alchemy of Love, and I think I can manage the Piano. Shall we give it a try?"
Lars smiled and nodded. He pulled out his own guitar of a case, and before long they began.
Come to you across the divide
looking out a wrinkle in time
there is nothing less I would do
than to stand up for truth
In the cold dark ways
of this lonely place
I will warm you, hold you
A gold shield glistens
and your breath quickens
I stand close by over you
Two hands held strong and sure with
the power of one
reach out past the walls
that can hold you
We are guardians and warriors
come form somewhere to mind
what creates you and shapes
the Alchemy of Love
There is a chain of light
out across the endless skies
and I see the energy that
reflects me in your eyes
and keeps us both alive
and keeps us both alive
Evening and the shadows will come
to destroy what we have done
but always will the power of love
shine a light bright as the sun
When the cold dark waves on
the shores break
I am around you, found you
A gold sword fires and night expires
a long night surrounding you
They swiftly demanded another. Lars suggested Peter Cetera's Glory of Love. Killashandra agreed. The Rowan, Deanna and then all of their family on the station appeared. Deanna held out her hand to the Rowan who smiled and took it as Lars sang and Killashandra played.
Tonight, it's very clear
Cause we're both lying here
There's so many things I wanna say
I will always love you
I would never leave you alone
Lars seemed to be singing only to Killashandra, when in the second verse Killashandra, Deanna, and the Rowan joined in. Deanna and the Rowan also danced. They were still wearing their usual uniforms, but it didn't matter.
Sometimes, I just forget
Say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you crying
I don't wanna lose you
I could never make it alone
I am a man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of love
Whenever Lars would say man the women would all say woman.
It's like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time, I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away
I am the man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero that your dreaming of
We're gonna live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of love
We'll live forever
Knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
Quark walked in to see what was going on. "You have everyone here and your not even charging? Disgusting."
"Go away Quark," said Kira.
"Fine. What is the world coming to?" Quark left.
They sang several more songs, with Lars taking a turn at the piano, but before long it was getting late and everyone but Kira, Miles, Sela, Deanna, Rowan, Killashandra and Lars left.
Killashandra turned to Kira. "You will make sure this is secured? This is, as I said, possibly priceless. You dream of being able to play on something of this quality."
"We will. The white crystal may be required if we if we are wrong and the virus spreads. We will secure it when it is not in use. I was actually wondering if you would consider a concert on Bajor."
"Sure, though I'd like us to get some serious practice in first."
"I don't think anyone but you will notice," said Kira dryly.
"You know, I was denied the position of soloist so very long ago. I stalked off in a fit of pique and then I let myself be seduced by this random crystal singer, and the rest is history. The symbiosis fixed my voice. My old mentor would be shocked if he could see me sing before so many."
"Well we could invite him, I guess. Might be tricky to pick him up," said Kira.
"I'm over a hundred years old Kira. He is long since dead."
"Oh. You look no older than me."
"Crystal singing does keep you young, but it also erodes your mind and makes you sterile. It is only with Q's and Sela's help I can have this child, well and Lars of course."
Lars smiled proudly.
"We are fairly sure that children will be possible for my people. People will have to leave Romulus and be young enough, but it should work, at least with a little help," said Sela.
"So, we have found the fountain of youth. That's could be a problem," said Kira.
"Almost certainly," said Deanna softly.
-=oOo=-
Benjamin Sisko walked through the promenade. This was the position he was considering taking some time ago and passed up. He walked into Riker's office.
"You pulled a lot of strings to get me here," he said before sitting down.
"Just curious and honestly was considering moving on myself. I was half hoping you might reconsider," said Will.
"You think I could do a better job? I seriously doubt that."
"Very little of that was my work. I had good people helping me."
"What possible reason would I have for endangering my family? The Borg could have cost me my family so easily, assuming I didn't die as well," said Sisko.
"The people that prevented much of the Borg invasion are here. Some will come with me. Jadzia Dax still recommended you."
"I had wondered what had happened to him."
"Her. She is a young woman now."
"I see. You must think me a selfish man."
"Not really no. You would have access to Calliope if you stayed. The Defiant we got awhile back has been fully wrung out and solid. We even have a Romulan cloaking device, though I'm currently planning on using that from time to time. We also have a copy of the device that was developed to allow us to go back and forth to the other universe."
"Sounds fun. What is it you want from me?" asked Sisko.
"I want you to take over and keep things calm. If you run into a problem, you can contact me, Starfleet, or the Enterprise. Much of our family is staying here for now. They can contact help as well. The station has enough firepower to fight off several starships itself, and Calliope, for as old as it is, has been seriously upgraded. The station is reasonably secure. The Cardassians are crippled. The Romulans are allies now as is the Dominion. You are to enforce the rules, which mostly mean not going there without a good reason, and on their side you do what they approve, or you leave. They obey our rules on this side."
"So your relations aren't perfect then."
"No, they are decent, but they still insist on the agreement. There is some very limited trade, but every I is dotted. The Founders refuse to deal with Ferengi. They also expect you to block anyone who is wasting their time or will not deal fairly. The Federation will back your decisions."
"I'm surprised. The Federation is big about free travel."
"We have to deal with reality. Q gave us a preview of the alternative. I believe that among all sides Dominion, Cardassian, Romulan, Federation, close to ten billion were dead. If you agree to take this job, you will enforce the treaty."
Sisko nodded. "A lot died on Romulus. Close to a billion before it was over. More on Cardassia."
"More died on Cardassia because Federation resources were helping Romulus. All we did there was make sure no ships spread the plague. Thankfully Q was able to make sure the virus was ended, including any possible research or knowledge that could recreate it."
"He waited till after you mostly dealt with it," noted Sisko.
"He apparently is limited by his people at times. He gets to help, but not unlimited. He has been a friend. Even then he gave several useful hints."
"I see. And my authority?"
"It would be your station. In the event my family decides it is not safe here, we would of course remove them. I don't see that happening anytime soon, but they might also just find someplace they like better. For now though, they can and likely will help you. To the best of my knowledge the Borg is the biggest threat we still face, and there is no reason to believe this station is a more likely target than Earth."
"Telepaths?"
"Yes."
"It's never that easy," said Sisko.
"They also believe you are the emissary to the prophets, but evidently you failing to take the job initially has cooled some of that," said Riker.
Benjamin shrugged. "You think this place may be safer than Earth against the Borg?"
"I can't predict the Borg, but if you are respectful and treat the Founders with due respect there is a good chance, if the worst happened, they might accept refuges. It was certainly in the calculations we made as a family."
"Why not keep Calliope and leave the Defiant here?"
"The warp drive core on Calliope is fine, but it doesn't have a huge amount of life span left to it, before a major refit is needed. With continuous travel it would have to be replaced within two years, and to be honest, there is a good chance she will be recycled when it hits that point. I still have a request in, but it made more sense for me to take the Defiant. It is not that the Defiant is stronger. It is mostly just newer, and doesn't require as large a crew," said Riker.
"So, its a perfectly good ship, and as long as its not under continuous use it could last what, decades?"
Will nodded.
"Who would you be taking with you?"
"Rowan, Deanna, Faile, Arjin, Neela and from the Enterprise Doctor Selar and Worf. I wanted Data as well, or Miles, but they turned me down."
"Neela got into some trouble didn't she? I did read the station logs."
"It wasn't that serious, and she has serious potential. She was feeding information to Vedek Winn, because she believed it was right. She no longer does. She is a dang good engineer. Miles personally recommended her. He half wanted her back on the station, but given that puts her directly where her loyalties might be divided, he couldn't make that recommendation."
"So eight people. I helped on the Defiant design. That sounds about right," said Sisko.
"Doctor Bashir will have a word with you at some point. He was not impressed with the sick bay."
Sisko shrugged. "WIth the Borg we expected the battles to be short enough there was no point. We needed maximum firepower and defense."
Riker nodded. "Even so, we plan to stop by Vulcan and get some upgrades to sick bay. Additional equipment will be moved into the room set aside for the medic. There is a different room she can use."
"That's about the best you can do. There is no more space," said Sisko.
Riker nodded.
"I'm curious how you stabilized the design. We never did figure out how to."
"We got volunteers from Romulus, Vulcan, and the Founders to help finish solving the problem. Part of the solution was the systems involved in the cloaking device. The solutions they have for active control of power systems are very impressive."
"So the design remains inherently unstable. Your just covering for it with better computers and systems."
"More or less."
"Are there any concerns about giving cloaking tech to these Founders?"
"Not really. They are familiar with it and have their own designs. They pointed out a half dozen ways to penetrate the cloak which quite annoyed the Romulans, but now they know what they have to fix. The Romulans did sign our removal from the treaty not to develop cloaking devices."
"That still leaves the Klingons," said Sisko.
"Yes it does, and they seem in no hurry to sign off. That being said, this is technically no longer a Federation ship. It is half owned by the Romulans."
"A legal fiction?" asked Sisko.
"More or less. Their tech is certainly good enough to build the ship. Basically, we aren't going to advertise the cloaking device and we aren't going to use it often, nor should you mention it in any logs. Officially, we are not breaking the treaty."
"Because you didn't develop it or manufacture it."
Riker nodded.
"I'll talk to my wife and son. We will see."
"Thanks."
"For what it is worth, this looks like a much more promising outpost than it did before. You and your team and everyone involved here have done good work."
Riker nodded. "Was there anything else?"
"I did notice the Ferengi you got rid of was apparently back."
"Kira made a deal to get back some priceless artifacts that I, reluctantly, signed off on. If he steps out of line, ban him again. Don't put up with anyone making your job harder."
"I won't."
Will nodded.
"You know, you could potentially get the Romulans to create cloaks for more ships."
"Possibly, though that would be pushing our luck. The Klingons will ignore one ship, mostly because we show no weakness and the Borg remain a serious threat. If we deliberately antagonize them, they probably won't."
"Your probably right," said Sisko.
-=oOo=-
Quark met them as they were about to board the Defiant.
"Quark, is there a reason you are here?" asked Riker.
Quark held out his hand. Riker didn't take it. He withdrew it.
"I just wanted to let you know, I'll do what I can to protect your family."
"I'll hold you to that. Ben has already promised to be no more lenient than I was. You endanger or fail to pass on information that is needed to protect people on this station, and in particular our family and you will never be back at best."
"I know." Quark held out his hand again. Riker shook it.
Quark turned to Faile who simply said, "Keep your word and we will see. The Ferengi have a reputation that does not incline us to deal with you."
Quark nodded.
-=oOo=-
On the bridge of the Defiant Faile said, "I figured it out."
"You read his mind," accused Deanna.
"I gave Celeste a few tips," said Faile without admitting anything.
Riker laughed. "My wife is more than able to handle that Ferengi if it comes down to that. Quark's scheming is nothing on Lwaxana when she has a mission."
"True, my mother is very capable. I'm glad she chose to stay with our children," said Deanna.
"Where to now?" asked Faile.
"We have one more coming," said Riker.
"Sela?" asked Faile.
"Yes. Also Killashandra and Lars. Would you care to tell them we are ready?" asked Deanna.
"Sure."
A few seconds later a very pregnant Sela appeared on the bridge, followed quickly by a slightly less pregnant Killashandra and Lars.
"Ready to go see your sister?" asked RIker.
"I'll give it a try. Aldea seems a good place to give birth. I wish I could go home, but I obviously cannot."
"We also are eager to see it, and possibly live there for awhile," said Killashandra.
"I'm sure you will love it. They are the planet of artists and dreamers. Perhaps that has changed some, but I doubt it is that much," said Riker.
"So set course for Aldea?" asked Arjin.
"Please do and engage at warp six when your ready."
They entered warp.
"I'm just glad to be behind something that can run warp six continually without major issues. I felt guilty every time I pushed Calliope at such speeds."
"I'm nearly certain that a new warp core will be found or built for her. We have too much invested in her to just let her become useless, but in the mean time she can serve DS9 for a long time with the one she has."
"We could probably provide an artificial singularity to power the ship and the updates required, provided you took at least one or ideally two full time Romulan officers," said Sela.
"I'll mention it to Ben. I'm not sure he is there yet. For me, well, if one wants to work here and you recommend them, I have no objections."
"I do not know if anyone is available. Those that can have children suddenly feel the need after all our losses."
"Of course. It wasn't a request. I was merely stating that it was something I'd be open to," said Riker.
She nodded.
-=oOo=-
"Captain's log. We dropped off Sela, Killashandra, and Lars. It seems Sela and her mother's sister are getting along okay and we are cautiously optimistic. They are going to remain there for at least a year, and perhaps longer. It truly is an idyllic place and we wish them the best."
"Captain, you are required on the bridge," said Worf.
"Be right there."
He walked onto the bridge. There was no ready room in the Defiant. She was too small a ship. "What do we have?"
"We have detected a large asteroid or a small moon, depending on how you want to define it. It is a wanderer and will intersect a pre-warp civilization in several months," said Neela.
"Can we divert it, ideally with them never knowing?"
"Yes. Faile, Rowan, and Deanna might have to help, but we should be fine. It's just going to take almost a month."
"Can't be helped, unless there is a ship better suited to the mission."
"Any other Federation ship would tie up hundreds to up to a thousand people in the case of the Enterprise," said Worf.
"Then, let's get to work."
"We are still an hour and a half out," said Arjin.
"Okay, connect me with Starfleet, and I'll let them know."
-=oOo=-
Two weeks into their work they blew out their tractor beam emitters, despite trying very hard not to do that.
"We can likely finish, if we must, but would rather not have to try to do all the work. That is a big mass with a lot of momentum," said the Rowan.
"Agreed. Connect me to Enterprise."
"Captain Riker. It is good to hear from you."
"I wasn't sure how far away you are, but we need you, or someone to help finish this job diverting this asteroid. We could also use help rebuilding our tractor beam emitters. This is a nice ship, but it isn't as easy to fabricate new things here."
"How far Data?"
"Seventeen hours at warp 7."
"Make it so."
"Will that do?" asked Picard.
"It should be fine. We will keep at it, as best we can. Thanks for the save."
"All part of the job. Just seeing a ship with that small of a crew do such a large task makes it very likely they will restart the line, or perhaps something similar."
"We have no complaints. We knew we were running at the edge. We didn't have a choice."
"Understood. We will be there soon."
-=oOo=-
Data and Neela began work on first analyzing the current failure and then designing and fabricating a new emitter array. A week later the Enterprise and the others finished safely diverting the danger and repairing the Defiant.
They were now close enough to the planet to pick up signals from it with only a six minute delay. Their ships remained hidden behind the asteroid.
"I'm getting a video report from the planet that is quite troubling," said Arjin.
"Show it," said Riker.
"We are here in the largest school in the region where a mass shooting is reported to be taking place."
"Get us closer now," snapped Faile.
"Engage cloaking device. Get us there Arjin."
Cloaking device engaged. Entering and exiting warp. We are now above the area in question.
The three joined hands.
"Explain your actions if you can," said Riker.
"A bullet from his weapon was arranged to bounce off a metal plate on a door and enter his head. He is dealt with. We are carefully trying to slow the bleeding of nearly twenty, without being obvious. We wanted to do more, but the prime directive," said Deanna.
"Are they all going to live?"
"Six were dead before we knew about it. We cautiously think the others will live, though a couple may be crippled."
Riker swallowed.
Picard appeared on screen. "We are monitoring the situation. Can you report status?"
"Six dead. We killed the killer, though they won't know it was us. They are trying to keep twenty from bleeding out without revealing ourselves."
"You have to let me go down," said Doctor Crusher.
"I will go. They are humanoid. I can match their form. Give me the tools. I can help," said Faile desperately.
"They already have dozens of medical personnel on site," said Arjin.
"Captain RIker, I'm not your superior, but I urge no further action that will be detected. Once they are alone, we can risk sending down our doctors and doing some subtle work and trying to hide it," said Picard.
"Agreed, though I don't like it. Faile, you will be part of the landing party. If someone is seen, it should be you. Doctor Selar, please prepare as you can."
"I would like to bring Beverly and her team here. Our cloaking device makes this the place we should deploy from."
"Of course. I assume you guys can port them here."
"We can," said Rowan.
-=oOo=-
Riker sat at the small desk in his quarters on the Defiant.
"Captain's log. One of the children nearly died in the hallways of the overloaded hospital. Fortunately, Faile and Doctor Selar had prepared for the occasion. Faile flowed around the doctor, faking clothing and the slightly different appearance along with the head crest they had. They then ported to a hidden room and quickly walked out before pushing the patient into the room and treating him. The pairs quick actions saved a young boys life. Arjin managed to modify the hospital records and get a doctor assigned to that room and patient so everything should be good now. He also adjusted the initial crude records so there were no discrepancies. I would also like to note the Enterprises medical staff. They did several other interventions. All were smooth and undetected. We remained above the planet for an additional two weeks to confirm it. I just wish we could do something to discourage the crazy spread of lethal weapons without restriction that was a problem on that world, but we sadly could not. If they knew about us, they would probably demand even more of them."
-=oOo=-
"Captain's log. We spent the last two months halting a famine. Rowan was dropped off on a world with a huge surplus of food and the power she needed to do her job, while this ship, Faile, and Deanna went to the colony on Malak Five which had suffered a crop disease that nearly wiped out all of their food supply. I am relieved that disaster was prevented. The rest of the crew also performed exemplary work helping the Malak residents adapt and overcome the problems they had. The same effort before would have taken dozens of starships."
-=oOo=-
"Captain's log. We are heading at high warp to Earth. Faile has been requested to speak to the Federation council there. We will of course be accompanying her."
-=oOo=-
They arrived at Earth. Onboard the Defiant they heard over the view screen, "We would liked all of you to undergo a detailed medical exam before speaking to the Federation council."
"For what purpose?" asked Doctor Selar curiously.
"To be sure you are medically healthy and not infected with the virus."
Deanna wasn't visible in the video. She shook her head in negative.
"Denied," said Riker.
"Excuse me Captain. Did I mishear you?"
"No, but I'll not have my people abused. Doctor Selar is one of the top doctors in Starfleet. We have also been checked recently by Doctor Bashir, and not that long ago by Doctor Crusher. I will not permit this."
"It is a direct order."
"Denied."
Arjin quickly manipulated his console, turned around and engaged at warp nine.
"Where are you going Defiant? You are disobeying orders."
"I'm sorry, your connection is breaking up. I can't seem to make out what you are saying, but unfortunately we have a priority mission. Defiant out," said Riker.
"There are now two Starships pursuing us. They will overtake in twenty minutes," said Arjin.
"Let us get the heck out of here. Walking into this obvious trap is a really bad idea," said Rowan. All three leaned back in their chairs joining hands with Rowan in the middle.
"Arjin set us a clear course to the Enterprise and activate shields at maximum. When you have it, drop us out of warp."
"We are on that course now."
"We have the ship," said the Rowan.
"We should be there in fifteen minutes," said Deanna.
"What the hell is going on on Earth?" muttered Riker.
"I think there was a parasite in that guy, not like Dax. Something else," said Faile softly.
"Well this is bad. Can we communicate with Enterprise?"
"No, not until we are out of this and you don't need to tell us to hurry," said Rowan.
"We are informing Sisko on DS9 via our children," added Deanna.
"They will inform my people," added Faile.
"Don't forget the Romulans. We need to get a message to Aldea as well," said Riker.
"Too far away for contacting Sela, unfortunately, at least if she isn't paying close attention, and she is not," said Rowan.
"Thanks for questioning that. I almost went along with it. It was ridiculous, but not completely surprising," said Riker to the doctor.
"Illogical behavior is always to be examined for the actual cause," said Doctor Selar.
"Agreed."
-=oOo=-
Captain Picard was just drinking his tea when he suddenly heard, "Yellow Alert. Captain to the bridge immediately," in Data's voice. He took his tea with him.
"What is it?"
"The Defiant just came out of one of the telepath assisted trips. Captain Riker is now requesting communication."
"Weren't you just at Earth?"
"There is trouble. We went there, then the official started insisting all of us get detailed medical exams right away. When Doctor Selar called them out on the nonsense they made it a direct order. When I refused they tried to overrule me like some rookie. I saw Deanna's head shake. The others sensed some of it. I sent to Arjin to get us the hell out of there. We left at Warp nine and two ships were chasing us right away clearly going beyond their rated speeds to do it. Faile reports it is some kind of symbiont, except not. It's not a Trill. It's taking over at least that guy. We have already warned DS9 and are warning Aldea as we speak. The Founder and Romulans will be warned shortly."
"Okay just to cover bases. Doctor Crusher to the bridge."
"On my way."
"I assume you don't sense that thing in any of us."
"We have checked everyone on the bridge," said Rowan.
"You can check Doctor Crusher when she gets here, then I want you to beam over one at a time so we can check you. Yes, I know your fine, but let's be sure, so we have something to tell people."
"Alright," said Riker.
"She is fine," said Faile as she open the door. Faile ported over first.
"Doctor Crusher. Some very serious allegations have been made. Most likely we are dealing with a covert invasion of Earth, but please check Faile to be sure."
"Alright."
She pulled out her tricorder and spent a couple minutes scanning. "She matches the baseline on file. She is fine."
The rest ported over. Doctor crusher repeated her scans. "They are all fine."
"Incoming priority message from subspace command," said Wesley.
"Move out of the view," said Picard. They moved to the sides of the bridge.
"Go ahead."
"Jean-Luc, we have some very disturbing news. It seems the changelings have taken over the crew of the Defiant, or at least that is our best guess. We demanded a routine medical examination and they shot out of here at warp nine. They are not to board the Enterprise. That is a direct order."
"My CMO has already confirmed that they have not been taken over. You are mistaken."
"Then you are to arrest them and proceed to Earth at maximum warp."
"On what charge?"
"Failure to follow the chain of command and suspicion of treason."
"Will Riker is no more a traitor than I am, nor are any of the others. You are mistaken. Perhaps something is going on on Earth?"
"We would have detected such. You have your orders. Starfleet out." The screen changed back to a view of the Defiant.
"I am going to violate orders and likely bring this ship into conflict with whatever is going on on Earth because we have reason to believe there is an actual takeover of command positions. If anyone has a problem with this tell me now," said Picard.
"We are with you captain," said Wesley.
"I didn't take a survey, but I'm sure the crew of the Defiant is with us," said Riker.
"I know. I'm just trying to figure out how to deal with this."
"We could pick up our family from DS9. We may be able to search from the cloaked ship and find all those infected and port them into the ocean or something," offered Rowan.
"I will not send the Defiant in there alone. Earth is too well protected. Data, will you and Geordi go build a cloaking device. I realize the headaches that may cause, but we need it," said Picard.
"We could ask Sela if we can borrow Romulan ships," said Faile.
"That isn't better. It is just a different mess. We have to either clean this up ourselves or bring enough different allies that it somehow doesn't look like an invasion," said Picard.
"Good luck with that. Any group we bring will look like an invasion," said Riker.
"I know."
"I'll start right away. May we begin by examining the one on the Defiant?" asked Data.
"Go right ahead. Computer add command authorizations to USS Defiant to Commander Data."
"Does second officer commander Worf concur?"
"I do," said Worf.
"Authorizations updated."
"Data, before you go, erase any possible avenue of remotely controlling this ship, then do the same on the Defiant," said Picard.
Data nodded and got started.
"It would be possible me to replace at least one of the ones infected. Others could replace others. I don't recommend it, for reasons which are likely obvious," said Faile.
"It would just feed into any propaganda. That is a last resort at best. I'd like to go pickup your family on DS9. Faile, do you think the Dominion would consent to protecting Deep Space nine? I'd like ideally a couple ships from them and a couple from the Romulans.
"That shouldn't be a problem. That much I could authorize myself if need be."
"Aldea can run their shield. I assume a few months will cause no problems we can't fix, right?" asked Picard.
"It will set back the repairs, but yes, we can repair it," said Data.
"And staying indoors when possible will make sure they remain safe if UV levels rise. What else can we do?"
"Vulcan," said Doctor Selar.
"Agreed, connect me to Spock."
"You are online."
Spock was wearing a rumpled robe.
"I hope I didn't wake you," said Picard.
"It is not important. Why are you calling?"
"We have reason to believe their is an invasive species on Earth. Something in the chest or stomach taking over Starfleet on Earth. It isn't a Trill."
"What proof do you have for this?"
"It's mostly my impression from afar. We didn't stick around long, but they have already tried to hunt us down and told Picard we were all changelings," said Faile.
"Your main bridge recorder creates cryptographically signed recordings, does it not?" asked Spock.
"It does. Shall I send the entire incident?" asked Data.
"Please do so, along with any related data."
"You will have it shortly. I have a similar recording from the Defiant," said Data.
"I am receiving now. I will review it and contact you shortly. Spock out."
"He may not believe us fully without touching our minds," said Deanna.
"He will not ignore the possibility," added Doctor Selar.
"Send out copies of all this. Let's shine as much light on the issue as possible, yes even include all of our comments," said PIcard.
"We probably should not be here for much longer after those messages are sent," said Riker.
"I'd like you to remain here Will. Worf can take her to DS9. Data, Geordi, do what you need to do."
"I need to beam over to the Defiant now," said Data.
The Rowan waved and he was suddenly there.
"That works," he said via the connected screen. He then proceeded to sit down and begin reviewing the cloaking device. Geordi beamed over a few seconds later and then the rest of the crew, save for Riker. Ten minutes later they entered Warp, but not before giving Spock their planned destination so they could be contacted easily.
-=oOo=-
Spock forwarded copies of the information to the high command before he even opened it. The information was circumstantial, but he was inclined to believe them. There was little that currently needed done to defend Vulcan. They were still at high alert. Spock contacted the Romulan high command.
"Ambassador Spock."
"Senator Pardek, I have recently received troubling news."
"We just received information from the Enterprise, and then more. Is that what you refer to?"
"It is."
"What do you make of it?"
"I am inclined to believe they are correct. Proof, is, however, required." Spock read an incoming message then added, "My request for a fast courier ship has been approved. I am going to meet the Enterprise and get that proof."
"We have a request to send two ships to defend DS9."
"That would be appreciated. Obviously, you could do your own investigation if you were there."
"We will get them on the way. I somewhat hope that this information is wrong. Hope is, however, not a strategy."
"No it is not. Have you had any other effects from the symbiosis?"
"We all like the symbiosis a great deal and currently plan to keep it for those on Romulus. It complicates life, but that decision is not one we regret."
"Spock nodded. The Vulcan high command remains interested, though I believe it very unlikely to be authorized for Vulcan. A colony world, is, however, likely."
"I would expect it to go well. You had no problems with those sent?"
"One died, but that is consistent with your results. More work is required before we explore this further, but we appreciate your cooperation. I will see your people on DS9."
"You are not sending a capital ship?"
"I suspect they will call on a couple Dominion ships to add to their defense. The likely greater issue will be Earth. The Federation cannot be permitted to be eroded from the inside like this, if that is indeed what is happening."
"No it cannot." Spock nodded. His counterpart did as well and the connection was dropped.
-=oOo=-
"Jadzia, what do you make of the reports sent?" asked Sisko.
"Their family would know if any of them have been compromised. They were the ones that first contacted us. I have no doubt it is Starfleet we need to be worrying about."
"Does anyone have a clever idea how to fix this mess?"
"I assume the priority here is to hold this station. According to the updates from the Enterprise they are requesting allies, but they need to go through the wormhole to ask the Dominion."
"I'd have like to make that decision, but I do tend to agree. Kira how are we doing for manning Calliope?"
"We have a minimal crew on now, and two additional shifts on standby, all Bajoran."
"Are they ready?"
"They could use Miles and Jadzia's help."
"The problem is we need them here. Am I wrong old man?"
"Right now that is likely correct. It could change," said Jadzia.
"Kira, can you take charge of Calliope? I know it is the difference between leading the Bajoran's here and on the ship, but your the best choice I can see."
"Alright. I'll make it clear that Odo is next in the Bajoran chain of command."
"Thanks."
Sisko tapped his Com badge. "Ops to Odo."
"Odo here."
"I want all station traffic halted, entering and existing until medical scans can be done. You are familiar with Dax's symbiont?"
"I am."
"It's not one of those, but it is something. Figure out how to do what needs done and get it done. You can call up as many Bajorans as you want. Kira is placing you in command of those on the station. Just scan them as you do it."
"Celeste is here now. She has volunteered to help me check my staff. She knows what to check for."
"That works."
"We are getting to work now," said Odo.
Sisko turned to the doctor. "Help him, but first scan us."
"I've been doing it since the message came in. We are all who we say we are," said Bashir.
"Kira, call up more Bajoran forces from Bajor. Get them here. We will check them as we go. No one goes around in less than a group of four."
"I'll get right on it."
"I assume I should wait for an escort," said Bashir.
"Until we can get a handle on what is going on yes."
"Piper wants to come here," said Jadzia.
"That's another right?" asked Sisko.
"Yes."
"Go ahead."
Piper appeared on the bridge and then turned to Sisko. "I regret to say we have violated more than a little bit of privacy, but at least not thoughts."
"What did you find?"
"We found one and only one. Michael Eddington from Starfleet Security. I've already tipped Celeste off and Odo knows. How do you want to proceed?"
"Sisko to Odo."
"Odo here."
"Where are you?" asked Siko.
"In my office, waiting for your call. Eddington is in his room."
"Dax, Miles, grab a phaser. Odo bring additional security and meet us outside his room. Heavy stun."
"Understood."
"I'll come with you," said Piper.
"You are not a part of Starfleet yet. Go back where it is safe."
"Fine." She vanished, though clearly a bit annoyed.
-=oOo=-
Celeste was with Odo when they arrived.
"Why are you not somewhere safe?" whispered Sisko.
"You need me. He is. He is talking to a cloaked ship," she whispered.
"He is asking for beam out. I can stop him."
"Let him go. If they fire a lot of people are going to die," whispered Sisko.
"To me," whispered Celeste, and suddenly her entire family popped in around her.
"What are you doing?" All of their wells flared visible and bright white.
"Trying to knock them all out. They are resisting. Disabling systems instead."
A loud bang was heard.
"Sisko we just had a phaser just blow off one of our upper pylons. The ship is now visible. I think we lost four. Sending help," said Kira.
"Sorry, it took longer than we hoped to disable it all, and they sensed our attempts to knock them out," said Celeste.
"Their ship is now dead in space," said Piper.
"I'll get people up there," said Odo.
"Good. Go."
"We are sorry for those that died. We could not see a better action. The risks if that ship were free," said Celeste softly.
"I'm not blaming you. You saved lives. You are certain they are secure?" asked Sisko.
"They are trying to remotely activate things on the station, but we are keeping them from moving." Celeste swallowed. "They are tearing their bodies apart fighting us."
"How long can you hold?"
"Twenty or thirty minutes, though there may already be nothing left to save. Their minds appear destroyed. They are horrible," said Piper in disgust.
"Mother says that you need to board and secure the ship. That those are Captain Picard's orders. They are two point three hours out," said Celeste.
"Can you get us over?" asked Sisko.
"No. It is rather difficult to try to keep them in one piece without splitting our focus more," said Celeste.
"Back to the transporter then. Let's move it," said Sisko who managed to pick up Quark with his own disruptor on the way.
-=oOo=-
They arrived into a scene of madness. Men and women who had ripped bones out of sockets as they struggled to move. Doctor Bashir immediately began scanning.
"They all have them."
"Can you do anything?"
"They already destroyed their hosts brains. I recommend ending this," said the doctor grimly.
Sisko fired. "Heavy stun has no effect. Increasing."
He tapped up to maximum before anything began to happen and it was slow, before it slowly dissolved the human shell, leaving the monster in the stomach before destroying even that.
The others began the grim duty as well. They stopped when there was four left. Celeste and the others ported over.
"Can you tell us anything?" asked Sisko.
"Both our mothers have insisted we wait. We can control four easily enough," said Piper.
"Fine, but if they so much as twitch in a way that causes concern, I want them killed. You are not to be endangered," said Sisko.
A couple minutes later Rowan, Faile, and Deanna arrived.
"We brought our pod to the station, then ported here. We three have this one. Hold the others," said the Rowan.
"This is going to be disgusting," said Faile.
"We still have a job to do. Let's do it," said Deanna grimly.
The mockery of a man screamed as three prime talents focused on it in the kind of forced rapport they had sworn to never do. Ten minutes later the living corpse dropped dead.
"Kill the others," ordered Deanna.
Sisko, Dax, and Miles fired before Deanna and the Rowan ended up spewing all over the floor.
"I am no less offended by what I saw, but obviously don't have a stomach like them. Thankfully that ship was about half of them. It is difficult to focus. Most are on Earth. The rest are on different starships spreading," said Faile.
"I need names," said Sisko.
"Record," she said.
Sisko tapped his com badge. "Computer begin secure recording."
"Recording begun."
Faile slowly listed off all they had learned. The list had three hundred and four names. Rowan added two more and Deanna added one they apparently missed.
"Is that all of them?"
"No, just all he knew. There will be more. The others might have known more, but we couldn't do it again, and we won't ask the kids to do that," said Deanna.
"I'm sorry you had to do that," said Sisko.
"She should have not had to," snapped Lwaxana.
Sisko nodded, not disagreeing.
"The Enterprise and Defiant are almost here. Celeste, Piper, I hate to ask," said Rowan.
"You never had to," said Piper.
"What about this ship?" asked Sisko.
"We wrecked it fairly badly. It's not flying anytime soon," said Celeste.
"Data, Geordi, and Neela will be here soon to help go through it, but your more than welcome to start," said a wan Deanna.
"I want to get the Troi family off this ship and check over Deanna and Rowan at minimum. I'll check over you as well Fail, but I'm not sure I'll be able to tell a great deal," said Bashir.
"Do it," said Sisko.
"I am physically fine," said Faile.
"We will get started," said Dax.
-=oOo=-
The Enterprise arrived. The Rowan and Deanna were ordered into a radiant bath to recover. The children were highly suggested to take a turn afterwards. Picard, Riker and all their command staff met onboard the Enterprise, with Faile coming in last.
"I need to take a runabout and go to the Gamma quadrant. Arjin has volunteered to fly. I am here briefly if there are more questions while Deanna and Rowan recover."
"Shouldn't you too be resting, with how traumatic that apparently was?" asked Picard.
"I need to return to the Link. I need this, and they need to know."
"Mr. Data, make sure she has a copy of all we know to take with her. Mr. Worf, please go with them. Guard them with your life," said Picard.
"Understood."
"I'll transfer the data to the runabout now," said Data who got up to do that.
Worf followed Faile out.
-=oOo=-
Arjin quickly entered the position required to announce their arrival upon entering the Gamma quadrant. Two Jem'Hadar ships immediately confronted them. Faile activated the view screen.
"Founder."
"I am tired. I do not wish to wait. Beam myself and Arjin to your ship."
"I have been ordered to guard you," said Worf
"Beam that one as well. See that this ship is unharmed."
"At once Founder."
"Keep our destination secret to them, but bring me home. I have urgent news."
The ship entered Warp speed and the main viewer went blank.
"How long?"
The Jem'Hadar hesitated, before motioning her towards the station and then uncovering a display. She nodded.
"It will be a couple hours. I must regenerate. Arjin, will you please?"
"I will."
"Worf, they will not permit you to bring your weapon down. I am in no danger here. You may choose."
"Then I will leave it here, but I will not fail to obey my command to protect you."
"Very well."
-=oOo=-
"I feel like I am abusing your friendship," said Faile.
"I don't believe you are. How can I help?"
"Please remove your shirt and lay down on the bedroll."
"Alright."
He tried to get comfortable, but it wasn't particularly comfortable. Fail sat by him, leaned over and kissed him so very softly. She did so for several minutes before just dissolving into a pool of liquid that lay on his chest. He did his absolute best not to move or disturb her, keeping his breathing as even as possible when suddenly he felt her mind.
"Just a light rapport, if your willing. I don't want to be alone now," said Faile.
"Alright."
-=oOo=-
The elder met them on one of their new worlds.
"I need to know what is going on Faile."
"Arjin has a data crystal, or you can get a copy from our ship. I will share as much as I can with you directly, and then I am going to spend at least a day healing my mind in the Link. Please help them."
The elder held out her arm. Faile joined it and her expression grew into a grimace. She didn't break the link. They stayed like that for almost twenty minutes.
"Foul things," snapped the Elder. Faile started towards the Link.
"Hold Faile. Give me a moment to get my bearings then I will answer their questions. You are in no condition to be bombarded with them."
Faile sighed and turned to Arjin who hesitantly put his arm around her and pulled her to him. Worf stood back by a tree, saying nothing.
After several minutes the Elder joined the link. It took almost an hour before she returned, clearly more haggard by the process.
"The Link demands they be destroyed. She turned to the Jem'Hadar commander. "We are going shortly. Make sure we have at least ten ships."
"That may take about an hour to arrange, assuming I have them meet us at the passage."
"That is fine." She turned to Arjin. "The crystal?"
He quickly pulled it out of his pocket then ever so carefully let go of Faile before handing it to the Jem'Hadar who had his hand out. Faile leaned back into when he was done.
"I want our space searched for these creatures starting with standard priorities. You have the data on that crystal. If they exist they are to be exterminated. I do not believe any amount of torture will cause them to reveal secrets. Just kill them, then examine any thing they leave behind for anything of value."
"Yes Founder."
"Now beam the pair of us up. We have work to do."
They vanished.