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Well we all can't Super Star Posters

"Eleas: I think you're right. IIRC his eyes were silver (gotta check on that)."

Heh. If I happened to be right, I'll start the Swedish edition of Pravda.

"Well we all can't Super Star Posters "

I guess you'd be the first to know about that...

*dodges thrown objects*

OK, a nice treat...Ch. 8 for all those keeping count...


Chapter 8: Command Decisions


Darth Nemesis stood at the head of the large conference table. Seated around the table were the captains of his fleet. 26 seats were filled, one was empty, the Captain of The Izman had been lost during their engagements with the Borg. The Star Destroyer captains sat together, nearest the head of the table, where Admiral Kittaine sat holding court. Captain Branna sat to his immediate right and to his left sat Captain Tarsi, who was eyeing Branna with barely restrained anger. Branna shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, deciding that perhaps his little joke at Tarsi’s expense had not been such a good idea at all.

“I will not lie to you, aside from the fact that I am sure that you have already found out the truth from your eyes in ears here on the Emperor’s Will. We are far from home and out of out time.” Kittaine began.

Some of the captains exchanged furtive glances.

“Nevertheless we are Imperial officers and we will act accordingly. Now is not the time to let discipline slip.” Kittaine warned.

“Admiral if I may.” a woman’s voice spoke up. Kittaine nodded.

“Captain Belladonna?”

Belladonna, captain of the Relentless, was the only female captain in the entire room, she was tall and lean, her dark eyes were always calm and cautious. She never spoke loudly, never tried to stand out from the crowd of commanders. Many that had served with her compared her to one of the great cats. She seemed quiet and lazy, but when the hunt was on she was a fury. Belladonna had come to accept the fact that she would not ascend much higher in the ranks, one of the few female star destroyer captains in the empire, she was resigned to never commanding a fleet or ascending to Admiral. However, she was a consummate professional officer and she absolutely refused to ply her charms to get ahead. Not that Kittaine would ever accept such offers, the man viewed them all as family. It would be akin to a beloved daughter attempting to seduce the father.

He had protected her and nurtured her on her rise up the ranks. She owed him much and would, as any other officer here, gladly lay down her life for the Admiral. As for the black clad boy that stood behind Kittaine…he was another matter altogether.

“If it is true that we have been flung 3,000 years into our future and far away from home, is there a point to this exercise of obtaining data from the Federation regarding wormholes and the like? Why not simply conquer this entire galaxy? The natives here are ridiculously primitive, we could destroy their assembled fleets in several engagements, and have a new empire to call our own.”

Several of the captains nodded their heads in agreement. Kittaine frowned.

“Let me answer that question. The emperor’s last message was an order to return as soon as possible so that we could join in a final battle that would destroy the rebellion. I intend to follow my master’s orders to the letter as should you all if you are loyal Imperial Officers.” Nemesis replied sternly, eyeing each commander in turn.

Some of the commanders grumbled, not taking kindly to the veiled insult.

“I was merely pointing out a possibility.”

“There will be time for conquest soon enough. But Lord Nemesis is correct. We must find a way back home. The probe droids we have dispatched in the last few days have begun transmitting. This galaxy, while large and open for conquest, is lacking in some very necessary materials for our technology to continue to thrive. Luckily, tibanna gas is rather abundant here, a byproduct of mining one of their most precious resources, a crystal called Dilithium, so our weapons systems will remain fueled, but there seems to be no raw materials for us to build more dura-armor. Neutronium forges are no where to be found. This will makes thing harder for us as time goes on. The technological base of our foes is such that we will spend decades trying to bring it up to a standard that we can be comfortable about.”

“First thing to go are those damned warp cores.” Tarsi spat. “Did you know that those things are prone to explode for any reason? The Federation ship I captured very nearly exploded before we could secure her and my technicians were forced to baby sit the damned thing until we got here and finally shut it down.” Tarsi complained, shoving a pen away from him to show his disgust.

“We ran across a similar problem when we fired the superlaser, their reactor system on the entire continent started exploding.” Branna added then instantly kicked himself as Tarsi openly glared at him from across the table. He just HAD to bring up the sorest point of all…Tarsi had missed the firing of the superlaser.

“In the end, we will eventually degrade down to their level, our systems will run down, our spare parts will run dry and we will have to start making due with what technology is readily available.” Kittaine added thoughtfully.

“By the emperor I will certainly not serve on a vessel that is essentially a flying bomb!” Tarsi exclaimed.

“I think we are all in agreement with Captain Tarsi.” Captain Jan-Her added. He was the commander of the Executioner and a life long friend of Tarsi’s. They went to the academy together, served on the same ships and now they captained vessels in the same fleet. He was the second part of the triumvirate as many commanders in the fleet dubbed them. The three finest stardestroyers in the fleet, given the duty of always taking the lead in battle.

“Our greatest concern becomes how then do we make for home? I do not relish hyperspacing for three thousand years and arriving six thousand years out of time.” Captain Vash added in a soft whisper. He was the third leg of the triumvirate. Commander of the stardestroyer Inexorable, he never spoke above a low whisper, some said that it was because of an old war wound inflicted by rebels, others said he simply did it for dramatic effect. If labels could be applied to these three capable commanders, Vash was the thinker.

“And I do believe that we have an answer to that problem.” Nemesis replied, waving someone in. Two stormtroopers escorted in Admiral T’Vok and Mara Jade. The stormtroopers snapped to attention and stood by the doors. T’Vok strode up to the table without fear and stood at attention, letting the assembled Imperial commanders stare at him for a long moment. He did not flinch from the attention, only noting a slight ripple of unease form some of them as they recognized that he was not human.

“Commanders, I present to you Admiral T’Vok of the Romulan Star Empire. He is the liaison of the Romulan government and I have just appointed him overall commander of all Romulan armed forces.”

T’Vok nodded to the assembled humans.

“I am here to serve.” he replied evenly. The shame of the defeat was still sending ripples through Command, hundreds of officers had committed suicide over the last two days. T’Vok was trying to stop the flood of such brash actions. He believed in the superiority of the Romulan people and culture, now this empire had arrived out of nowhere and taken from them that pride and sense of purpose and destiny. But T’Vok would not allow them to take his own personal pride. He could bend but he would not break.

“Admiral, please tell us what you told me.”

“There is a race that can help you in your quest for a wormhole back to your world.”

“Oh? I thought the Federation was our best chance at that.” Tarsi replied wanly.

“They are part of the federation and they would be the ones the Federation would turn to if they were confronted with the same question.” Some of the commanders were leaning in, listening more closely.

“They are a race of scientists, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. They are the Federation’s scientist’s caste if you wish to look at it that way.”

“Odd, our current review of Federation records from the Thunderchild’s computer core does not indicate a caste system.” Branna interjected.

“The Federation likes to delude itself into thinking that it is something more than what it actually is, a benign dictatorship that classifies its citizens by the skills they seem to gravitate to. Humans are the warriors of the Federation for example.”

“So, you see, we have a resource to tap. Imagine an entire world of scientists, dedicated to one goal, finding a way back to the empire.” Nemesis declared.

“When do we begin?” Tarsi replied with a wolfish grin after a moment of silence from the assembled commanders.

Nemesis glanced down at Tarsi and smiled in return.

“Captain Tarsi, I have decided to give you the honor of leading the attack that brings this world under our domination.” Tarsi nodded to Nemesis, flashing Branna a smile.

“You and Captain Jan-Her will lead the attack on the planet, I will give you all the ground troops you need. There is one major caveat.”

“My Lord?”

“I want civilian casualties kept to an absolute minimum. I want the planet taken relatively intact, you are not authorized for orbital strikes against any facilities that are scientifically orientated, only military structures may be destroyed with impunity.”

There was a shadow of disappointment on Tarsi’s face that was barely perceptible unless one was looking closely before he nodded in agreement.

“Of course, my lord.”

“If I may ask, where will the rest of the fleet be while Tarsi is covering himself in glory?” Belladonna asked pointedly.

“We will be otherwise occupied, Captain. In reference to this, I want all commands to run battle readiness drills until further notice.” Kittaine answered. The commanders exchanged knowing glances and Tarsi started to look suspicious.

“You do realize of course, My lord that standard Imperial protocol calls for three Stardestroyers to be deployed for maximum effect during planetary assault?” Jan-Her asked casually.

“Indeed, I am well aware of standard Imperial policy, which is why I am giving you extra assets to assist you in the operations.” Nemesis replied coolly.

Tarsi looked up in interest.

“The Romulan fleet is going to make its first appearance as our allies in battle. The Romulans are familiar with the target area and the people so they will provide on site intelligence and advice. Their ships will also help plug any gaps that an extra stardestroyer would have done in their stead.”

Tarsi frowned slightly.

“I’m going on a planetary assault mission with provincial forces.” He muttered to Jan-Her who nodded slowly and eyed T’Vok disdainfully.

“How well do you know the target system?” Tarsi asked sharply.

“It has been the focus of many of our missions in the past. It will be a homecoming of sorts for us all.”

Tarsi nodded slowly.

“I am glad to see we are all in agreement.” Kittaine cut in, giving Tarsi a measured glance. Tarsi took the hint and quieted down.

Tarsi was a good commander, without a doubt his finest warrior, but he had the political and diplomatic sense of a stone. Tarsi was like the family’s favorite guard dog, ready to attack and pounce but knew much of nothing else. Kittaine still loved him like a son, there is no one else that he trusted more to guard his flank during a crisis, which was why he was unhappy with nemesis’ choice of Tarsi for the assault. The other mission was far more dangerous to the entire fleet and he would have been far more at ease knowing that the Adjudicator would be in front guarding the fleet as it always had.

“We shall begin briefing on the planetary assault mission, pay close attention admiral T’Vor, your fleet will be supporting Tarsi and Tarsi does not hesitate to wade into battle, he will need to be certain that you and your men know their part.” Kittaine announced. Tarsi nodded to himself. Kittaine always watched out for him, knew his concerns. Kittaine was letting him know in his far more diplomatic way that he agreed that Tarsi should not be attacking with a provincial fleet guarding his flank. But he was an Imperial officer and he did as he was told.

T’Vor nodded slowly, fighting the urge to scream at this human that he had led entire Romulan fleets into battle, how dare he treat him like a raw conscript. But he held in his anger, he lit it simmer and he watched, because in the end, there would be a final resolution to a question that had troubled his people for centuries.

Nemesis held out his hand and a hologram sprang up on the table. The commanders all focused on the yellow arid world.

“Commanders of the empire, I present to you our new target. The Federation world: Vulcan.” Nemesis declared.






“I can’t believe that they’re not killing us.” Jason Archer breathed. On the screen there were hundreds of cubes, spheres, tactical cubes, more ships than any Federatioon vessel had ever seen in one place.

“Seven?” Janeway asked from the science station, she kept one eye on the sensor readouts. They were gathering more information on this Borg fleet than any other starship before, even Voyager. The Borg were not bothering to jam them at all, in fact the Borg were ignoring them completely.

“A fleet of this size has never been gathered before as far as I know. The fact that they are ignoring us is telling. We are regarded as unworthy to even assimilate. We are not worth the energy or effort.”

“We’re one of the top line Federation warships, what is there about us not to assimilate?” Archer replied incredulously.

“It would seem to indicate that the Borg have found something else far more important or powerful to assimilate.” Seven replied with an arched eyebrow. He found himself staring at her a moment too long and turned away quickly.

“What do you think, Captain Janeway?” Archer asked.

She frowned slightly and looked down at her senor readings.

“I think that this is an intelligence coup for us. I’m getting data we never had before concerning the Borg. It is as if they have just turned all their attentions to their new target and we no longer exist.” She looked up at the screen. A transwarp conduit opened on the far side of the fleet and a dozen more tactical cubes flashed out, coasting to a quick stop. “But whatever it is, it must be powerful beyond belief. The Borg are not ones to worry about losses when it comes to assimilation. This new target must be nearly unassailable.”

“This fleet is larger than any single fleet that ever engaged species 8472.” Seven added, and eyed the captain curiously as he made a diligent effort not to look in her the eye.

“What in the world?!” Janeway exclaimed. On the screen several tactical cubes had slowly gathered together and now they were docking with each other, one tactical cube against the other. More tactical cubes began the docking process, stacking up on top of one another or sliding in to the side. Before long over 100 tactical cubes had merged together and there was an enormous single cube floating nearby.

“Power readings are off the scale on that cube.” Janeway reported, not believing what she was seeing.

Seven however looked more resigned than anything else.

“Do you know what that is?” Archer asked, noticing Seven’s lack of surprise.

“That is a Strategic cube. The Borg rarely need to create one, in fact it has only been created three time in the entire history of the Borg. The strategic cube is designed to obliterate worlds or subjugate entire quadrants. They are extremely power and drone intensive, the Borg have rarely seen need to create more than one or two, One is always on patrol near Unimatrix 001.”

“What sort of weapons are we talking about?”

Seven frowned.

“A tactical cube’s upper offensive capabilities have never been tested. I imagine them to be on the order of several hundred tactical cubes in offensive capability, if not more. The links between ships allow for a greater power generation capability through the use of subspace accelerators than the individual cubes combined.”

“So it’s not as if that strategic cube has the capabilities of a hundred tactical cubes, it is a quantum leap up in power and weapons.” Janeway added.

“Indeed.”

“This is not good.” Archer muttered.

“Why have you never told me this before?” Janeway asked seriously.

“You never asked.” Seven replied calmly. Janeway frowned. “The chances that we would encounter a strategic cube were infinitesimal. I saw no need to alarm you or burden you with useless information.” Seven added.

Archer stared up at the screen, chin resting on one hand, elbow on the command seat’s armrest. He breathed softly for a moment, weighing his next decision carefully.

“I think we should stay. The data that we are gathering is invaluable to the Federation. Who knows what this could lead to? Perhaps this new power is something we can deal with, something we can bargain with and maybe even form an alliance.”

“Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.” Janeway warned with a soft smile.

“Of course, Captain.” Archer sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes.

“You could use some rest, you’ve had the con now for over two shifts. Whatever is going to happen, some sleep won’t hurt.”

“Would you have taken that advice if Voyager were in the middle of a Borg armada like this? With those…strategic cubes out there!” Archer replied, indicating the fleet on screen.

Janeway nodded sagely.

“When I was younger, no, but you have a captain here on the bridge right now that is relatively fresh, and I wouldn’t mind holding the fort for you while you grabbed some sleep. Besides, my sensors just picked up more than half the fleet going into regeneration mode. Whatever it is that they’re going to do, they want to be well rested for it.” Janeway replied and gently motioned for Archer to go to the turbolift.

“I’m doing this under protest.” He replied sardonically as he took one last look back at the screen. His eyes drifted over Seven for a heartbeat before he made his way to his turbolift.

“Your protest is duly noted.” Janeway called out after him as he leaned his head against the wall of the turbolift while the doors closed. Janeway watched the turbolift for a moment then looked over at Seven.

“Why do I get the feeling that the strategic cube should be more frightening to us?” she asked her.

Seven glanced back at the screen before answering.

“The fact that they have assembled a strategic cube and they also have this massive armada to assist it tells me one very important thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Perhaps resistance is not so futile after all.” She answered.






The bridge of the Valhalla was immaculate and clean. The crewmen moved around in an odd clockwork like precision, odd until you noticed that they were all replicas of Data. The bridge stations of this Refit Sovereign class cruiser were more streamlined and centralized. The tactical station was by far, the largest of the bridge stations. A panoramic display was built around the station, giving the crewman a holographic 3 dimensional view of the battleground. All sensors were tied into the tactical station giving the crewman unparallel access to information on their target and location. There was no science station. This was a warship, plain and simple. This was not an odd compromise between science and war that had marked the development of Starfleet vessels since nearly the beginning.

Even the captain’s chair had small tactical displays at the ends of the armrests that allowed for a quick 360 degree view of all that was going on around his ship. He took quick note of the changes down to this new class of Sovereigns, or as Durant was found of saying, the “true” Sovereign, the way ity was originally designed before Starfleet got its hands on the design and tried to make it more, acceptable, to the Federation.

Instead of the single torpedo turret positioned under the primary hull, there were three such turrets, one slung under the main deflector dish, one sitting on the aft hull. It gave the Valhalla a definite boost in firepower. There were extra phaser banks placed strategically around the ship and the warp core he had inspected pumped out more power, power that was directed to the offensive systems. This vessel lacked the labs and family facilities that most Federation ships had. It was a weapon of singular purpose. Part of Picard was offended by the design emphasis. He truly believed that the Federation was different than many of their more belligerent neighbors. The existence of a ship of this kind made it seem like they were not so different as he wanted to believe.

“Are you sure about this?” Durant asked him. He was standing by Picard who was sitting in the command chair watching his “crew” commit final checks.

“Yes, I am Captain Durant.” Picard replied.

Durant eyed R-7 and leaned in close to Picard.

“They’re not designed to be…creative. They’re extremely limited in their roles. I have reservations about you taking one of the androids as a first officer.” He whispered.

Picard smiled.

“He is a familiar face, Captain.”

Durant frowned heavily but nodded.

“As you wish, captain. R-7 is fully briefed on all the new weapons and defensive systems we’ve installed. The fleet is gathering and we should be ready to launch in 1 hour.”

“I’ll be ready to Captain. Do we have any more information regarding your informants from Romulas?”

Durant nodded.

“It’s been confirmed by one of our deep range spy probes that the Romulan Empire has surrendered to this new enemy force. They are massively powerful Picard and they have a weapon of mass destruction that can crack continents with a single shot.”

“They could be more powerful than the Borg.” Picard breathed.

“That’s why I’m not charging in, phasers blazing.” Durant replied solemnly. Picard eyed him humorously.

“Really?”

“Let’s just say that I have taken the advice of a man far wiser,” he nudged Picard. “And older than I.”

Picard smirked.

“That is good news Captain. When the time comes, the Valhalla and I will be ready to join you.”

Durant smiled.

“I’m sorry about the name, captain, but the Shadow fleet’s founder had a thing about Norse Mythology.”

“I noticed. It could be worse, he could have enjoyed Aztec culture or all our ships’ names would be quite a mouthful.” Picard replied. Durant laughed and started to walk away, he paused and turned to R-7.

“Watch out for him, R-7. You have a big responsibility.”

“I am well aware of my responsibilities as first officer. I am the first of my model to be given this post. I shall endeavor to complete my duties to the best of my abilities.”

“I have no doubt, R-7.” Picard replied fondly.

“Captain, see you on the flipside.” Durant said and walked off the bridge.

“The flip side, Captain?” R-7 asked innocently.

“Not important, R-7.” Picard paused and smiled mischievously. “You heard everything he said about you, didn’t you?”

“My aural sensors are far more sensitive than the human norm. I’m sure Captain Durant did not mean for me to hear the words. I of course took no offense and in fact agree with him.”

“Oh?”

“I have downloaded a complete database of our tactical systems as well as tactical and strategic treatises and texts. While I can imitate any strategy that has ever been committed to writing, I have no facilities to create one on my own.” R-7 explained matter of factly.

“We never know what we are capable of until we experience it, R-7.” Picard replied warmly.

“I precisely know my limitations, Captain.” R-7 replied without hesitation.

“We shall see, R-7. Now let’s take a look at our fleet.”

“Aye, Captain.”

The view screen activated and Picard stared at the armada that was gathering behind his ship. The Valhalla was nearly dwarfed by the flagship of the shadow fleet, the Bunker Hill. Behind them, hundreds of starships were slipping from their gantries or berths. They were all dangerous, up gunned versions of their Starfleet counterparts, armed with 27th century technology and ready to fight for the Federation. Picard nodded to himself.
When the command came, the Federation would have to let slip the dogs of war and he had no doubt that when that happened, they would indeed be the Federation’s avenging angels, to use Durant’s metaphor.

OMG! I refereshed the screen and just as I did he posted this!

Ha I am the first one to view it!
It means nothing! Nothing at all!
(now to acutal read it)

Ok I acutal read it now good stuff keep it up
(Don't fall out on us though keep that Empire going strong )

Very good chapter, and I agree with Bean the Imps must keep on kicking ass.

Just to keep everyone on the Imp side happy, this is simply the calm before the storm....from this point on, the relentless march begins and the Federation's going to find out what gigatons of power can do....

Don't lose heart though Trekkies....the Federation has something on their side that the Imps don't....heroes.

Hmm hmm excellent guess in the end RSK will have to fight the Sith after the Imp fleet mysteriously made it back or something like that....

I sense something BIG is going to happen.

Stravo, have you by chance played the Star Trek: Armada games? You've just described an upscaled Tactical Fusion Cube in this last chapter. Gamewise, the TFC is made by fusing eight TCs together (and is far more powerful than the eight by themselves are -- it's usually endgame if a player puts one of these together), but your version of a 5x5x5 cube is even nastier.

Yes a Super Nasy Enorumus Ship

(*cough superlaser cough )

Lucky they have the Sith there to let em know its coming

Datana wrote:Stravo, have you by chance played the Star Trek: Armada games? You've just described an upscaled Tactical Fusion Cube in this last chapter. Gamewise, the TFC is made by fusing eight TCs together (and is far more powerful than the eight by themselves are -- it's usually endgame if a player puts one of these together), but your version of a 5x5x5 cube is even nastier.

Actually Datana, I played the original armada game, I'm guessing the Fusion cube is in the sequel because I don;t remember it, but I just thought it was a natural extension of their geometric shapes. Its seems natural that they could link up like that to become more powerful. And as for you Mr. Bean....STOP reading my outlines....

Cool. The TFC is from Armada 2, which is the only Armada game that I've played; I assumed that it would have been in the first as well. Keep up the good work, as it's been a very entertaining read up to this point. I know that I could never put out something like this, as I've never had that creative "spark" when it comes to writing. Looking forward to more.

It is Fantastic.....u've drawn my attention in deeper than any other fanfics i have read.

Cyaround,
Jason
P.S.- I can't wait for the next chapter.

Exactly, this one's truly fascinating. It grips you and won't release you, and you sit there hungering for new chapters.

Well, your humble author wants his fans to know that depsite the technical difficulties this board is having...I want to make sure that my readers are fed the latest chapters hot off the presses.....so here we are...Chapter 9




Chapter 9: Vulcan’s Forge


The planetary defense network of Vulcan did not realize that they were under attack until the long range subspace relay was destroyed by a quick salvo from the Adjudicator as it flashed out of hyperspace, followed closely by the Executioner. The two stardestroyers raced to Vulcan not stopping or slowing down at all.

The planet loomed ahead as well as the small defensive fleet that had been stationed there since the end of the Dominion war. A collection of a dozen starships were now facing the stardestroyers.

“Status?” Tarsi snapped as he stood facing the view port, hands clasped behind his back.

“We are receiving hails from the planet and the fleet in orbit.”

“Let them eat static. Close in on the planet, tell the Executioner to begin the turn now, we will meet in high orbit and squeeze that fleet between us.”

“Aye captain.”

The planet loomed closer, the starships standing out now like bright stars. Targeting data was generated on each ship and Tarsi grinned with satisfaction as he caught sight of the Executioner rapidly swinging in on the other side of the fleet. The starships began to scramble into a tight defensive position. Tarsi shook his head.

“Fools.” He hissed.

“Federation fleet is giving us one last chance before they are forced to open fire.” The communications officer reported, a slight tremor in his voice, as if he were stifling a laugh.

Tarsi smiled viciously.

“Let’s not keep them waiting, open fire.”

The Adjudicator coasted in close to the wall of Federation starships and suddenly a storm of green turbolaser fire erupted from her hull, followed seconds later by a devastating salvo from the Executioner.

Starships were exploding in rapid succession as their shields were instantly overwhelmed by the massive volleys, many of their captains unable to give a single order before the ships were torn completely apart. The defensive wall suddenly broke as the surviving starships pealed away from each other, streams of angry red phaser fire and photon torpedoes exploding out at the stardestroyers.

Tarsi sneered at the explosive display on his shields.

“Now they break formation?” He turned to his weapons pit. They all had looks of barely restrained joy on their faces. Tarsi’s aggressive nature was contagious and his crew soon shared his warlike spirit.

“Teach them what it means to oppose the Empire, boys.”

“Aye captain.” They replied eagerly.

“Executioner reports weapons fire from the surface, it is light and intermittent. Looks like some form of torpedo launchers.”

“Tell Captain Jan-Her to begin orbital bombardment of defensive facilities.”

“Acknowledged.”

Tarsi turned back to the view port in time to watch one of the starships break apart, one nacelle blasted off by a turbolaser strike, another nacelle ripped away by a flack burst from his heavy turbolasers then one last blast dead center destroyed the ship, all shots in rapid succession.

“Status of Federation defensive fleet?”

“Three starships remain, one is badly damaged and limping away, and the other two are breaking away trying to engage their warp drives.”

“Keep flak fire on the fleet, it should keep them from going to warp, deploy the 14th squadron to finish them. Prepare to enter orbit and assist Executioner in the bombardment.”

“Sir! Picking up transmission from provincial forces, eight starships have just come out of warp on the far side of Vulcan. They are using the planet’s sensor shadow to close with us undetected.”

Tarsi nodded.

“Perhaps they are not completely incompetent. It matters not. Tell our allies to deal with those starships. Communications send a transmission to Vulcan.”

“Ready sir.”

Tarsi stood imperiously, hands clasped behind his back.

“People of the planet Vulcan, you are currently under attack by forces of the Galactic Empire. In the name of the emperor, stand down and surrender or we will commence general bombardment of your civilian population centers. Your Federation security forces have proven completely impotent against our might. Resistance will only cause millions of deaths, surrender insures survival.” T’Vok had stressed that any communications with the Vulcans should lay things out logically. Their entire society seemed to be devoted to logic. What did one expect from scientists?

“You have two minutes to comply or the bombardment begins with your capital city and continues outward until the crust of your planet is ripped apart underneath your feet. Feel free to scan the ships in orbit and you will see that we have more than enough power to deliver on this threat. The time begins running as soon as this transmission is over.” Tarsi nodded to his communications officer and the holoimager switched off.

“We’re being scanned, sir.”

“Good.”

“Sir, I am forced to remind you that Lord Nemesis was extremely clear that no attack on population or civilian facilities was authorized.” His XO said lowly. Tarsi nodded.

“I know, but they don’t know that, Commander. If they truly honor logic they will see that they have absolutely no choice. Logical people are not suicidal.”

“Sir, provincial forces are signaling that they are engaging Federation starships.”

“Excellent, let’s see what they can do.”




Eight starships were quickly racing along Vulcan, closing rapidly with the invaders.

“This is Captain Helando, divert all power to weapons and prepare to deliver and alpha strike to the lead starship. Maybe we can knock out their shields if we catch them by surprise. Follow my lead and focus our fire on the same target. It may be our only hope in taking them down.”

As the starships crossed the terminator into day a dozen enormous green warbirds shimmered into view surrounding the Federation ships.

They did not wait, the warbirds unleashed a withering barrage of fire and the Federation starships broke formation, most badly damaged, venting plasma and debris. The return fire was precise and powerful. Several warbirds were forced out of position, one was slowly plummeting down to the planet, power systems destroyed.

“Concentrate your fire on that Akira, Warclaw and Steelwing drop back and cut off the Federation avenue of escape.” T’Vok ordered calmly as he deployed his fleet to counter the Federation attack. He had hoped to have struck a more decisive blow with their first salvo, but unfortunately that was not the case. Federation starships were becoming far more resilient, the D’Derix class warbirds were an aging design. Unfortunately, the Romulan Empire simply lacked the resources to replace or refit the fleet. They had nearly bankrupted themselves building the massive warbird fleet. The praetor who created this fleet had been obsessed with creating the largest ships and largest fleet in the galaxy. He had succeeded but it had crippled the empire for more than a generation.

He secretly hoped that one day, despite their shame, this empire may pull them out of the slow decay they had suffered for so long. But they would have to be taught that Romulans were not just provincials.

One of the starships exploded as the fleet started to find its range. Several torpedoes exploded on his forward screens, rocking the ship. T’Vok held onto his command chair.

“I want this battle over, now!” He spat.

“Calling in reinforcements.” His XO snapped and nodded to the communications officer. Several more warbirds declaoked further out and started immediately firing into the center of the firefight.

Soon enough, the Federation ships were reduced to debris and plasma. One starship limped along, a nacelle destroyed and a massive hole in its primary hull.

“Should we destroy it?” His XO asked.

T’Vok stared at the maimed starship. He briefly considered destroying the vessel, he had the seen the horrors inflicted on the captured starship crew back on Romulas. It would be a mercy. But he also decided that it would gain his fleet a little more respect if they could provide more sources of information for the empire.

“Finish off the engines and board her. I want to present Captain Tarsi with some prisoners.”

“Yes, Admiral.”

To have come to this….proving to another captain that his fleet and people were worthy allies. Why did he lie to himself? We are nothing more than glorified slaves.




“Time is up in ten seconds, captain.”

“Are they going to call our bluff?” His XO asked.

“If they decide to, then we’ll have to do this the hard way. Are the assault transports loaded and ready?”

“Yes captain.”

“Captain, transmission from the planet’s surface.”

“Go ahead.”

“This is Jaren of Vulcan. Your weapons are indeed powerful enough to do as you threaten, our defensive fleet has been destroyed in an unprecedented and unwarranted act of violence.” “Just get to the point.” Tarsi muttered to himself. “We therefore see no other logical alternative than to surrender in order to avoid genocidal actions on your part. We are standing down and switching off all defensive systems. However, I do have one concern.”

Tarsi arched an eyebrow. He nodded to his communications officer who opened a channel.

“This is Captain Toman Tarsi, please relate this concern, and be quick about it. If you are trying to buy time for those eight starships to round your planet be advised that our provincial forces have dealt with them.” Tarsi replied curtly.

“Captain Tarsi, we are well aware of the Romulan treachery in this action, however my concern is more of a long term one. Considering that your society obviously has no care about civilian populations and the casualties your actions may cause we are concerned that our population will suffer horribly when Starfleet counterattacks begin. You must realize that this action will be considered an act of war by the United Federation of Planets and they will react accordingly.”

“I am aware of the possibility of counterattack and in fact welcome the chance to vaporize more of your valiant Starfleet.” Tarsi replied coldly.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as if the response had been unexpected.

“The question then turns to retaliation.”


“Ah, you are concerned that we will retaliate against your population should the Federation attack?”

“Correct.”

“Do not be concerned, Jaren, once an enemy system has surrendered to the Empire we consider you part of our territory. Your people and world will be protected by the Imperial fleet from now on. And I assure you, we will do a far better job than your ineffectual Starfleet.” Tarsi replied.

“I see. Then there is nothing else to discuss. Vulcan surrenders to your forces.” Jaren replied coolly. There was no sense of emotion in his inflection. Perhaps the Romulans had not been exaggerating when they said the Vulcans had abandoned emotion in lieu of logic.

“Excellent. Prepare to receive our forces which will commence landing operations immediately. We will have a list of scientists and mathematicians, your world’s finest I believe. They are to report to your largest science facility for a special project that is to commence immediately. Inform your citizens to go on with their lives as they have before, the only thing that will change for now are the flags fluttering overhead, otherwise you are now a protectorate of the Galactic Empire.”

“It shall be done. Jaren out.”

Tarsi stood quietly for a moment, head bowed in thought.

“Sir?”

“Victory, my friend, a bloodless one at that. An entire world taken, our cause advances and we are one step closer to being home.”

“Then why do you look so glum?” His XO asked.

Tarsi scowled.

“There is no challenge. We slaughtered them like children. I’ve had better fights against half starved rebels then against this “Starfleet”.” He spat the word like venom. He turned and looked out the view port at the world he had just won for the empire.

“Is there no one in this galaxy that can challenge me?”







“Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise, that’s correct, NCC 1701, no A or any other letter in the alphabet. I am requesting permission to enter the wormhole immediately.” Kirk replied to the skeptical communications officer of Deep Space Nine.

“Jim, quite frankly, that HAS to be the ugliest space station I have ever seen.” McCoy muttered.

“I don’t know, kind of looks like K-7 don’t you think?” Kirk needled.

“You only say that because we were just there a little while ago, I swear, we’re still finding those little fur balls in the damndest places.” McCoy replied.

The screen shimmered again and a beautiful young woman was on the screen, she was short, short black hair, and spots running all the way from her head down her neck.

“This is Ezri Dax of Deep Space Nine. I was informed that you’re claiming to be Captain James T. Kirk. That museum piece of a starship is a nice….touch.” Her voice trailed off as she focused on Kirk’s face. McCoy grinned smugly.

“What in the world is going on? What are you doing here? Sir.” She added hastily.

“Well, Why I’m here is a question that we’re still trying to answer, what I want o do now, is enter the wormhole.” Kirk replied.

People were starting to crowd around Ezri, staring over her at the screen. Some were pointing and whispering loudly. Kirk took it all in stride.

“A guy could get used to that.” McCoy whispered. Kirk shot him an annoyed glare.

Ezri snapped her head around.

“Do you MIND?”

The crowd very reluctantly began to disperse.

“Sir, entry to the wormhole is restricted by order of the Federation counsel. The wormhole leads to the Gamma quadrant and Dominion space. We just had a rather bloody war against them and we don’t want to do anything that could provoke them again. Traffic is restricted to sanctioned scientific missions or errands of mercy.”

“I understand that, Lieutenant Dax, but this is an errand of mercy in many ways. It seems that the Federation has been attacked by an unknown alien menace. I have been in contact with certain parties that have informed me that some answers to this alien menace lies within the wormhole. I don’t have any intentions of passing through the wormhole and entering contested space.” Kirk replied calmly but flashed his infamous smile. McCoy fought the urge to roll his eyes.

She blinked and it seemed like she was blushing.

“Sir, I have no knowledge of these events, but I am under strict orders.” She paused as if just realizing something. “Sir, did you say that you were contacted by someone?”

“That’s correct,” Kirk leaned forward as it dawned on him as well. Sisko had been in command of this very station. “Someone whom you might have known.”

“Benjamin?” She whispered.

Kirk nodded.

Ezri grinned.

“I knew it!” She glanced around suddenly aware that she had said it too loudly. She turned back to the screen. “I know I’m not supposed to do this, thankfully Captain Benteen is down on Bajor doing a survey, so I’m going to turn a blind eye captain, but whatever you do, make it quick.”

Kirk nodded.

“I understand completely, Lieutenant. And thank you so much.”

“My pleasure captain. Maybe after all this excitement is over you can come aboard and tell us a story or two over drinks.”

“Much obliged, I think I’ll have to take you up on that offer.” Kirk replied with a boyish smile.

McCoy grumbled something under his breath.

Suddenly there was commotion behind Ezri and communications officer hurried down to Ezri, handing her a report and whispering in her ear. Ezri frowned.

“Never rains but it pours.” McCoy whispered.

“Don’t you have sick people to attend to?” Kirk stage whispered in return.

McCoy frowned.

“Uh, Captain, I have direct orders from Starfleet command to detain the Enterprise and the science vessel Sagan. It seems that you left Starbase 109 without permission of Commodore Chang. He has demanded that you be detained to halt any more contamination of the timeline. Three starships will be here in six hours to escort you back to Starbase 109.”

“Three? They have three starships to bring me back but none to try and rescue Captain Ochoa?” Kirk replied hotly.

“These are my orders, sir. I’m sorry. I’m sending the runabouts Danube and Rhine to escort you into docking bay 12. There you will hold until the starships arrive.”

“Two small shuttle craft type vessels approaching.” Spock reported evenly.

“Understood, lieutenant Dax. I guess we’ll have that drink a lot sooner than I thought.” He replied coolly.

“I’m sorry sir.” She replied hesitantly and switched off the channel.

Kirk turned to Uhura.

“Get the captain of the Sagan, tight beam.”

“Aye Aye sir.”

“Time until those runabouts get here?”

“They will be in range in two minutes.”

Kirk turned to face the screen as Captain Entebbe appeared.

“The word captain?” Entebbe asked.

“The word is no, I am therefore going anyway.” He replied.

“We’ll be right behind you, sir.” Entebbe replied grimly.

“Captain, I can’t ask you to take this risk with me.”

“Sir, with all due respect, we’ve been with you from the beginning and we’re not going to turn back now. The Federation is under attack and it seems like you and I are the only ones who see the threat clearly.” Entebbe replied sternly.

Kirk nodded slowly.

“Well, I guess then there’s no talking you out of it, make for the wormhole, full impulse.”

“Acknowledged, Captain.” Entebbe replied.

The Enterprise and the Sagan rotated and began advancing on the wormhole.

“Sir, we’re receiving frantic hails from both the runabouts and DS9. They’re demanding that we stand down.”

“We didn’t hear that, Uhura, too much interference.”

“Yes sir.” She answered with a small smile.

“Runabouts closing fast…they’re arming weapons.”

Kirk nodded but his face remained impassive as he watched the spot where the wormhole lay loom on screen.

“We are 20 seconds from the wormhole.” Sulu reported.

“Runabouts are 10 seconds from interception.” Spock reported.

The bridge was silent as they continued forward.

“Shields keptain?” Chekov asked lowly.

“No, Mr. Chekov, let’s make those boys have to fire on an unshielded vessel.” Kirk responded.

“Runabouts sending one last warning, captain.”

Kirk nodded.

“5 seconds to wormhole.”

“Torpedoes inbound!” Spock warned.

The bridge crew braced themselves, but they passed several meters between the Sagan and the Enterprise and exploded. The vessels shook but there was no damage.

“Warning shots.” Sulu surmised.

“We are at the wormhole’s event horizon.”

The screen flashed, nearly blinding the bridge crew as the wormhole opened. The Enterprise and the Sagan plunged into the wormhole and as quickly as it exploded open it flashed close leaving the two runabouts in pursuit to coast to a stop.

Ezri rested her head on one hand and sighed heavily.

“This is going to be a long day.” She muttered.







Archer sat at the mess hall table slowly sipping on his rather strong coffee. He was staring at the table top lost in thought. Janeway’s latest sensor logs were neatly piled by his side. He had read through them and as she predicted absolutely nothing had happened while he slept save that several more cubes had come in to join the fleet. The Borg had continued ignoring them completely.

Someone slid into the seat opposite him at the table. He looked up and nearly did a double take.

“Captain.” Seven acknowledged him casually and started writing something on a datapad.

“Seven.” He answered and seemed to be weighing something. “Uh, how is it that you came by us on this mission?” He asked and winced. Yeah, real smooth, you’re a regular James Kirk.

Seven looked up from her writing and eyed him curiously.

“You requested my presence on this mission.” She replied flatly.

“Oh, yeah. Frankly, I didn’t think you would come. You made it pretty clear you wanted nothing else to do with Starfleet.” He answered with a smile. Seven eyed him critically.

“My position on Starfleet has not changed, however a Borg threat to the Federation cannot be ignored. I know them intimately and I could be of assistance.” She added.

“Hmm, imminently logical.”

“And you?” She asked.

“Me? I’m just a young captain trying to learn the ropes of this business. I was given command of the Defiant after Captain Sisko disappeared on Bajor. They wanted someone to command her other then the captain of the station this time around and so it fell to me.”

“You have performed your duties adequately.” She stated.

He stared into her eyes for a moment.

“Thanks. I guess I’m no Katherine Janeway, but give me a few years and I just might get more than adequate.” He replied wanly.

“Did my assessment wound your ego?” she asked innocently, slowly putting the datatpad down and folding her hands over each other as her attention focused on the young captain.

“Who me? No. I’ve just got a lot of…preconceived notions about me that I have to deal with.” He answered, some shadows clouding his face.

“Because of your great grandfather?” She asked. She cocked her head for a moment and examined him closely. “There is a strong resemblance.”

“Yep, Good old Jonathan Archer, first starship captain in Starfleet history, the first human to go out there and explore the stars. He must not have liked it because he basically ordered my grandfather not to go into Starfleet. Eventually though I guess it’s in our blood. Here I am the first of the Archer’s since to be made captain of his own starship.”

He smiled at her and she suddenly found herself intrigued by the young man.

She began to speak but decided against it.

“What?” He asked curiously.

“It is nothing.”

“No, come on, you’re the smartest woman I’ve ever known, I’m sure you were going to bring up an important point.”

Janeway started to walk into the mess hall and paused as she saw Seven and Archer sitting together on the far side. He was looking intently at her and smiling. She looked for all the world to be shyly ignoring the attention. Janeway smiled softly and nodded.

It should be this way. She was glad. She turned and walked away.

“I hardly think that I am the smartest woman you have ever known!” She protested.

Archer smiled and sat back for a moment.

“Trust me, I don’t know any woman that could write a paper on transwarp conduits and their relation to subspace domains that did not put me to sleep.” He replied and laughed. She smiled hesitantly.

“Was that a compliment?” She asked.

He leaned forward again.

“You betcha.” He replied then noted her discomfort with his closeness. He frowned for a moment and sat back quickly.

“I’m sorry, I guess I should leave you to your work.” He started to get up, taking his mug with him and cursing himself severely.

“Wait.”

He paused.

“I would like to hear more of these…compliments Captain.” She seemed to be searching for more words. “And I promise to listen to you despite your adequacies.” She added and flashed him a weak smile. She felt asinine.

The response was unexpected.

“Of course, Seven.” He replied respectfully and sat back down. His smile was broad and open and she found herself quite unable to look away.

Suddenly the alert sirens wailed and red lights flashed every where.

They heard Janeway’s voice over the com.

“The Borg fleet has gone to high alert, we are picking up a strange spatial distortion coming in, looks like some form of inter-dimensional passageway and it’s terminating at this point. All crews to battle stations! Captain Archer, to the bridge!”

Archer stood up immediately and reflexively reached out and helped Seven stand. At her touch he felt a shock run down the base of his spine and he sighed.

“Right this way Seven.”

She did not look well.

“What’s the matter he asked as they raced out of the mess hall.

“I can hear the Collective’s voice in my head. They are preparing for battle…the enemy they have been waiting for is coming.” She looked up sharply at him. “They are deploying the Strategic cube.”

Archer shook his head as they made their way to the turbolift.

“Their timing is as bad as mine it seems.” He muttered.

“Pardon?”

He smiled at her as the doors closed.

Wow this one is my favorite chapter so far.
And you stopped just before a major fleet engagement! Now I can't sleep again! Damn you!
I like the way you describe the battles, it's adequate and despite realistic firepower estimates it doesn't read like warsie masturbation, very good.

“Is there no one in this galaxy that can challenge me?”


“Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise,...

Now that one's just great, a sign of the things soon to come.
Excellent.

Excelent, very intresting

Cpt_Frank wrote:

"Is there no one in this galaxy that can challenge me?"

"Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise..."

Now that one's just great, a sign of the things soon to come.
Excellent.

Ditto.

*Bows down to Stravo* We're not worthy, we're not worthy!

The day you belive any man is better than you is the day your right
~Mr Bean



Let that one go on the record books for ya

Guys, I'm so glad you picked up on that quote because that is PRECISELY what I wanted to convey. Mr. Bean Congrats on your council membership, well deserved I say.

*Bows down to Stravo* We're not worthy, we're not worthy!

Please please, it is an honor for me that my writing is met with such enthusaistic response form obviously discerning and smart bunch like you guys.

It is an honor to have been able to assist you in my own, small way, Stravo. I was very surprised and VERY pleased to see how quickly you took my advice and ran with it. Really a great story you've come up with, Stravo. It's a real pleasure to read.

BTW, congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Bean.

OMG...!!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG....YOU GOT TO FINISH THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!!!!
You left me hanging in dead space....I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT!!!!
And like Cpt.Frank i don't think i could sleep either...i need the next chapter....

Cyaround,
Jason
P.S.- You should prolly publish it...under the section "Science fiction-fiction" and a glossary of all canon facts whew..that could sell millions of copies.