Worlds Without End, Part XVI

Colonel Kira slowly crawled over another section of debris, trying to get some readings on her tricorder. Unfortunately, it gave her the same response as it had for the past several hours. No lifeforms, nothing. Halva was dead.

Suddenly the tricorder sprung to life, and Kira looked hopefully over the pile of rubble, then spotted the Starfleet uniform. He climbed up the hill as she put away her tricorder. "Anything?" Chakotay asked.

"No more luck here than orbit," Kira reported, looking at the devastation. "They were totally wiped out.

Chakotay shook his head in disbelief as he looked as well. "I can't believe even the Cardassian would resort to this."

"You weren't here for some of the Maquis highlights," Kira replied. "There were a few things you wouldn't think any civilized race would resort to."

"The Maquis or the Cardassians?" Chakotay asked.

Kira smiled, but it was a weary one. "Depends on the day." Her smile faded away as she continued her visual inspection. "Commander, you're a Starfleet officer, you've had combat and command experience." She stepped further up the debris and looked across the desolate landscape. "You tell me: why attack and destroy an insignificant farming colony? It doesn't make any sense."

"If wars were required to make sense, our pasts would all be a lot less ugly. But you're right. This will probably cause a declaration of war, or at least some severe actions towards the Cardassians. The local colonies may begin arming themselves again, just like before the Dominion came, and for what? To destroy a farming planet?"

"Could this be the Romulans," Kira asked. Things had heated up very quickly once the Klingons got ahold of hyperdrives. Like Admiral Jellico, they recognized the devastating speed advantage; unlike him, they were excited at the chance of using it against their old adversaries. The Empire had joined in against the Romulans as well; for the moment, the Federation was staying out of it. "Maybe they're hoping this will force the Cardassians to get involved on their side."

Chakotay shook his head. "They were Cardassian ships. We picked up their warp core signature when we arrived but weren't able to track them. And the energy patterns are consistent with Cardassian weapons. Logical or not, they did do this."

Kira sighed heavily as she continued looking at the remains. "Then it looks like we're going to have a chance to watch hell descend out here all over again."

"Get ready to jump to lightspeed the first chance we get," Leia said as she walked into the cockpit of the Falcon.

Han turned to her with surprise. "What about the co-ordinates?"

"She was lying," Leia said quickly. Her Jedi mind trick hadn't worked, but whether it was due to the Founder's resistance or her own weakness was something she'd probably never know. "Just be ready for an attack."

Seconds later, alarms began sounding around the cockpit. Chewie growled something at Han. "Oh... great."

"Ships coming in," Luke said.

"Yeah, six of 'em," Han said quickly, trying to speed things up.

Jem'hadar fighters swept towards the freighter and opened fire. Han put the ship through all kinds of twists and turns, trying to maneuver away to buy some time. With the limited data in this galaxy the nav computer always took longer than normal, so he wasn't sure how long he'd have to keep this up. Jem'hadar weapons slammed against the shields, and Han tried maneuvers that threatened to overload the stabilizers. Another explosion rocked the ship. "Rear deflector shield is gone," Luke said looking at the instruments.

More alarms sounded. "Now what?" Han muttered, trying to look at a dozen readouts at once and keep the ship from getting atomized.

"It's another ship," Luke said.

"Perfect," Han said through his teeth, jerking the ship around again and cursing the nav computer.

"It's not Dominion," Leia said. "Look."

A small cap ship slipped past the Falcon and fired at the Dominion. They turned and swarmed it, but it was a hopelessly one sided battle. The last ship vaporized in a very short time.

"Thanks for the help," Han said, but just as the nav computer gave him the coordinates a jolt tossed them around the cockpit. "Tractor beam!" Han scowled, then hit the control panel for good measure.

"Alien vessel," the comm said, "this is the Federation Starship Overlord. Prepare to be boarded."

Chewie let out a low growl and Han ran his fingers through his hair. "Well," he said, "the good news is we can stop looking for 'em."

Captain Picard had to give bad news often enough, but this was the kind he could never get used to giving. "As of 0800 hours today, a state of war exists between the Federation and the Cardassians."

The reaction was to be expected. "Well, why not," Riker said sarcastically. "It's been fun the last two times, hasn't it?"

"The Council had no choice," Deanna Troi said. "The people of the Federation are upset about what's happened."

"Innocent people dying," Riker said. "And of course, innocent people don't die in wars."

"The people don't feel safe. They need to know that Starfleet will protect them."

"Starfleet has protected them," Riker said sharply, "but even with a hyperdrive we can't be everywhere."

"After rejecting the Empire's offer, the Council needed to do something to make the people feel safe."

"Starfleet is perfectly capable of patrolling its own borders!"

"I am sure the citizens of Halva would disagree," Seven said. It had dropped a road block into the conversation. As they say, it's not what you say, but how you say it, and how Seven said it was straight and to the point. No malice, no judgment, simple matter-of-factness... it was worse than any possible scolding, and Riker shot her a look with daggers in it. Unfortunately, he had nothing to come back with. Halva was in Federation space, not the demilitarized zone; its destruction was Starfleet's failure.

"The Romulans and the Cardassians have formed an alliance for mutual defense," Picard said, filling the tense silence. "That leaves us in a rather dangerous position. We need ships to help prevent any further invasion, especially along the Neutral Zone. The Federation has asked for help from the Empire."

"How convenient," Riker commented.

"Is there a problem, commander?"

"Just observing, sir, how the Empire gets to deploy their ships in Federation space thanks to this incident."

"You're not seriously suggesting the Empire attacked Halva?" Dr. Crusher asked.

"Who benefited from that attack? The Cardassians? No, no one did. It was pointless slaughter. And yet, the Empire gets to do exactly what they wanted to do before, move their ships into our territory."

"I don't know, commander," LaForge replied. "I mean, the Empire may be a little different than what we're used to, but I can't see them resorting to mass murder."

"You haven't been listening to the broadcasts from Imperial space," Riker said. "This would fit in with things the rebels have said about them."

"Commander," Picard said, "we both looked through those transmissions, and we found a lot of accusations, but very little proof."

"Respectfully, sir, I think this fits in with everything they said. I see no reason to destroy a strategically insignificant farming colony that until two days ago none of us had ever heard of. There is no military reason for them to do that. None. The only reason would be to get the Federation to support bringing in more Imperial ships."

"Not necessarily, commander," Data said. "We have seen on several occasions the Cardassians making moves that seemed unreasonable at them time, but later proved to be part of a much larger plan."

"Are you saying the Cardassians are coordinating some massive military effort based on this instance," Riker asked with obvious disbelief. "I find that pretty hard to swallow."

"I am not saying it is a certainty, commander," Data replied. "I am merely pointing it out because you are continuing to hold to your theory. You have based your belief on a false assumption; that the attack on the Halva colony has an obvious immediate tactical reason. I am merely pointing out that Cardassian behavior in the past does not always fit that view." Riker was about to reply, but Data pressed on. "What is more, the energy signatures found on Halva are consistent with the energy signatures of Cardassian weapons. And Cardassian warp signatures were found in that region. This attack had to be made by a Cardassian ship."

"And who says Cardassians were piloting it?" Riker replied.

"If you are suggesting the Empire staged the attack, I am afraid that is not possible. The Empire would need to take the ship relatively undamaged to use it in this manner. Their only weapon to do so is the ion cannon, which is ineffective. Their other weapons would have rendered the ship inoperable due to the level of damage."

"Regardless," Picard said, "we are at war. Your feelings about the Empire are well known, commander, but we have to accept the situation as it is. Now, if you find credible evidence that supports this position, Will, I'll take it to Starfleet myself, I promise you. I don't like the idea of being deceived into aiding a monster, but our hands are tied until then."

"Yes, sir," Riker said, looking straight down and picking at the desk's surface."

"The Empire is our military ally," Picard continued. "They have the ships necessary to help defend the Federation. Like it or not, we'll be working with them from now on." He picked up a PADD. "Our orders are to proceed to the Neutral Zone to rendezvous with a fleet of ten Imperial star destroyers to help coordinate a defense against any Romulan incursions. We'll need to be at our sharpest. Dismissed."

As everyone got up to leave, Picard asked Data to remain. When they were alone, he spoke. "Data," he said carefully, "I don't want to provoke further distrust, so I'd like your opinion on something. I ask that you not discuss it with anyone else."

"Of course, sir."

"Is there a chance that the Empire could have done this?"

"There is always a chance for most things, sir. However, if your question is whether this is a reasonable chance, I would have to say no. I have discussed the matter at length with Lt. of Nine, and we believe that with the power of their weaponry against a Cardassian ship, and factoring in their ability to acquire such a ship, staff it, and deploy it, all without being traced back to the Empire, is very low. It is more likely this is simply a Cardassian plan, one whose motives are as yet unclear."

"Thank you, Data," Picard said. "Let's hope you're right. If Will is, well," he shifted uncomfortably, "let's hope you're right," he repeated, unwillingly to even take the thought to its logical conclusion, too fearful to see what it would be. "There's another matter I'd like us to discuss. I intend to promote Lt. of Nine to Chief Science Officer."

Data, naturally, reflected no emotion. "She is fully qualified for such a position, captain," he said. "I believe she will perform those duties quite well. May I inquire why I am being removed as Science Officer?"

"Because you're standing still, Mr. Data," Picard said, sitting on the edge of the table and crossing his arms. "The new hyperdrive, the alliance, all this has made me realize how static things have been here, and how much potential is being squandered. You've been an invaluable asset to me over the years, Data... I think deep down I didn't want to lose that. But I believe it's time for you to do the job I know you're capable of. I think it's time for you to take command."

"Thank you, captain," Data said. "But based on prior experience, I am uncertain of how well others would follow if I led."

"That's all part of leading, Mr. Data. I've already spoken to Will; starting tomorrow, you'll be working with him on handling command tasks outside the normal scope of your duties. He'll still be first officer, but I'm sure that in a short time you'll pick up all the nuances. We'll send our reports to Starfleet on your performance and I have every confidence that you'll be promoted to first officer. It may not be on one of the best ships, but I think it's a step forward."

"I appreciate your efforts captain, as well as your interest in my personal development. I will endeavor to live up to your expectations."

"This is what you want, isn't it?" Picard asked.

"Yes sir," Data said. "Though I will miss the friends I have found on the Enterprise, it is true that my development has reached a boundary I cannot pass without change."

"Well, Mr. Data, I believe change is something all of us are just going to have to get used to."

Captain Praji entered Vader's meditation chamber and waited grimly. He'd been the Dark Lord's aide back on the Devastator years ago; with the loss of Vader's personal fleet his ship had been chosen to serve as the command vessel for the time being. It spoke of Vader's faith in his abilities, which was a double-edged sword. He didn't brook disappointment well. "You are familiar with the new Inferno-class vessels?" Vader asked, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, my lord," Praji said. The Inferno -first of the new line- wasn't as large as the Executor, but would serve an intermediate capacity. It was important in the wake of the Borg mess to have the Empire show its strength, much as the Executor had done after the loss of the first Death Star.

"The Inferno will be coming here; you will take command of it, Admiral Praji."

"Thank you, my lord," Praji said.

"I want the ship prepared for engagement very soon, admiral," Vader said, unmoved by thanks. "The Cardassians will be pushed hard; I expect you to be ready when they push back."

"Yes, my lord."

"What is the news of the Tal Shiar and Obsidian Order?"

Praji wet his lips. "We have eliminated many key members of those organizations. However, a few have managed to elude us. I was just preparing to increase our efforts-"

"No," Vader said. "Our attention must remain on the larger issues. Call in our usual contacts."

"You mean- bounty hunters, my lord?"

"Yes, admiral. These alpha quadrant types are unprepared for their harsh methods. See to it immediately."

"Yes, my lord," Praji said, then quickly bowed and left.

The Federation starship grew larger and larger through the viewport of the Falcon. They watched helplessly as the freighter was pulled into a large hangar located at the back of the ship. It was a rather strange looking vessel; the front part was flat and round like a table, connected to the rest of the ship by some kind of thin, neck-like shaft. At the bottom, the shaft widened to about three quarters the diameter of the top part, then stretched back just slightly larger than the diameter. Branching off at about forty-five degree angles were two more shafts on both sides of the ship, which in turn were connected to long cylindrical objects. The whole thing looked like someone had strapped the Falcon onto the head of a duck.

There was a metallic screech and a tearing sound as the Falcon was pulled into the hangar. Han pounded the control panel. "The rectenna!" he said between curses. "I hate the Federation already!"

"Hopefully we'll be able to worry about that later," Luke replied, looking around at the interior of the new ship. He saw several men approaching... men with weapons.

Han activated the landing system as the ship stopped moving, then turned to Leia. "Well, your highness, I've found the Federation."

"Nice," she replied dryly. The soldiers moved in closer, while more personnel entered the hangar.

"Her," Luke said, pointing at the tallish woman in the middle of the group, "She's their leader."

"There's something wrong about this," Leia commented.

Han turned to look at her. "You think?" he said sarcastically.

"No," Leia replied, trying to focus, "there's no malevolence. Just, nervousness, worry..."

"She's right," Luke added, "They're worried about us."

"Good, maybe they'll let us go," Han remarked.

"Whatever's going on, this is not the Federation I was briefed on," Leia remarked, getting up and heading out of the cockpit.

"Where are you going," Han demanded, chasing after her.

Leia continued to walk through the passage. "To introduce ourselves." Han grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Han asked. "There's at least forty soldiers down there!"

"Yes," Leia replied, "and I better convince them not to start shooting at us." She pulled her arm out of his grip and continued.

"Look, I'm not abou...."

"No time to discuss this in a committee," she said, opening the door to the ramp. "Try not to do anything that'll get me killed." Carefully she walked down the ramp, doing her best to keep her hands in plain view. She watched while dozens of weapons followed her every move, feeling their terrifying stare. Using the Force to give her strength, she continued down and walked off, staring at the central group where the leader was. She walked to within ten meters and then stopped.

"Greetings," Leia said, hoping they understood. They looked human, but that didn't mean anything, not in this galaxy anyway.

"Greetings," the woman replied. "Capt. Victoria Price of the Overlord."

"Senator Leia Organa of the Alliance," she replied in kind. They stared across the hangar at one another, Leia probing with the Force. She sensed only concern, and curiosity. "We come in the name of peace on behalf of the Alliance."

"We welcome peace," Price replied. She turned to one of her companions nearby and began talking. Leia noted that he looked perfectly human, except for his ears, which were elongated with pointed tips. They turned back, the alien stepping towards her.

"I sense that you are telepathic," the alien said stepping closer. "I ask that you join me in a mind-meld. It will hopefully answer as many questions for you as it will for us."

Leia probed the alien and detected no attempt at deception. His impression on the Force was very strange, like a hurricane locked in a bottle. He possessed powerful emotions, yet refused to let them surface. "I consent," she replied. The alien walked up and touched her on the side of her head. Images began flooding her mind - thoughts, ideas, experiences that were not her own. Her entire perspective twisted and shifted, and she found it difficult to concentrate on any one thing. Suddenly, the alien pulled away, and it all became clear. Everything they had wondered about in this galaxy made sense, including the Federation.

The alien, his name was Kilvek she realized, turned back to Capt. Price. "Captain," he said quickly, "we have a great deal to discuss regarding the Empire. It seems things are even worse than we thought."

Go To Part XVII
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