Worlds Without End, Part XXVIII

Moff Jerjerrod and his closest aides remained on one knee as the shuttle door opened. Down the ramp, ever so slowly, came the hunched form of Emperor Palpatine. He signaled Jerjerrod to rise, who quickly did so and came into step just behind the Emperor.

"How goes Thrawn's operation?" the Emperor asked as they passed row upon row of stormtroopers at full attention.

"Eighty-three Borg worlds destroyed sir," Jerjerrod quickly replied. The Death Star had been employed as part of a shakedown, far from the eyes of the galaxy. After the destruction of the last Death Star, the Emperor had insisted they make certain all possible problems were worked out before it was revealed. "There was little resistance from the Borg; they seem to see the wisdom of staying out of our way."

"Very well," the Emperor replied, dismissing the Moff's answer. "The Borg are no longer your concern."

"Yes, your excellency," Jerjerrod replied, happy to hear the words. He'd had just about enough chasing the alien cyborgs around the Milky Way, and having to do so at the beck and call of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

"Set your course for the alpha quadrant," the Emperor said. "We have a small rebellion to deal with... and it is high time these pitiful backwater systems learned the true power of the Empire."

Seven was at work in Science Lab 1 when Data arrived. "I did not have the opportunity to welcome you back upon arrival," Data said. "I am relieved you are all right."

"Thank you, Data," she said. She hesitated. "I was informed about your review. I am sorry Starfleet did not recognize what you can contribute."

"I must admit continued disappointment," Data said. "But since that will not alter the outcome I am endeavoring to focus on other tasks."

Seven was uncomfortable, unsure of how to proceed. "I was informed that you refused to return to your previous position."

"Yes," Data said.

"To protect my career."

"Yes. As the only android in Starfleet, I have encountered many obstacles in my career, despite my successes. As the only Borg in Starfleet, it is conceivable you may face similar ones. I would not wish to have you suffer the same misfortunes I have."

"I am... grateful," Seven said. "And humbled by your generosity."

"You are my friend, Seven," Data said. "I could not forgive myself if I harmed you in any way if it could be avoided." He held out a PADD. "While you were gone I began an investigation into the rebel from the prison. I have discovered his identity."

Seven took the PADD. "Who is he?"

"Commander Skywalker!"

Luke paused and turned, catching sight of one of the officers from the Overlord. He stopped as she quickly rushed through the base. "Yes, ensign?" he asked.

"The captain said you were interested in the Federation officer at the Tsunkatse match," the ensign said. "She had one of our contacts get a copy of her file for you to look over."

Luke took the PADD. "Thank you," he said. The ensign nodded and went on her way while Luke switched on the PADD.

"Commander Luke Skywalker," Seven read aloud.

"Lieutenant Seven of Nine," Luke said as he looked at the PADD.

"No record of any biological parents," Seven said.

"Was assimilated by the Borg at a young age," Luke said. "Spent most of her existence as a Borg drone."

"Was raised by his aunt and uncle," Seven said. "They died in a tragic accident."

"The whereabouts of her parents remain unknown," Luke said.

"He has no known relations," Seven continued.

"No family," Luke said with a shake of his head. "Took an interest in Starfleet after removal from the Collective."

"Joined the Rebellion after his family perished," Seven said. "Devotion to the cause was absolute."

"She has been unwavering in her dedication to duty," Luke said.

"Despite his lack of formal training, he was given a commission and rose to a position of authority."

"In a rare exception to protocol, she was given a commission without attending Starfleet Academy, and is now serving as a senior officer on the Federation flagship."

"He possesses superhuman combat skills and is considered extremely dangerous."

"She possesses Borg enhancements to her physiology that put her strength and agility beyond the range of any human being."

"Shows an unusual attachment to his droids."

"Tends to be more forthcoming with artificial intelligences -holograms and androids- than her humanoid colleagues."

"Skywalker refused Lord Vader's personal invitation to join the Empire."

"Seven of Nine resisted all efforts by the Borg Queen to return her to the Collective."

"No romantic attachments," they said.

"Intriguing, is it not?" Data asked as Seven continued looking through the Imperial file on Skywalker

"Yes," she said distantly. "Broke into a maximum security station and freed a captive. Devised advanced aerial speeder tactics. Destroyed a heavily-armored personnel transport on foot. Wiped out a criminal organization with only a handful of support personnel. Killed a ten-meter tall monster while unarmed. Single-handedly destroyed a gigantic battlestation."

"It is a most unique career," Data said. Seven nodded. "Am I to ascertain from your behavior that you still have some form of attraction towards this individual?"

Seven looked uncertain as she lowered the PADD. "I am unsure of how to describe the way I feel, Data. This individual is amazing, his accomplishments staggering. I am... intimidated by the breadth of his talents."

"I feel you are doing yourself an injustice, Seven," Data said. "Your own talents are impressive."

"They do not feel that way," Seven said. "And in the wake of my experience with the Tsunkatse, I feel even more of an inadequate human being."

Data shook his head. "I agree with the captain; you did what the situation required. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

"When he looked at me," Seven said, "when I was fighting the Wookiee... I felt ashamed of myself."

"You sought his approval?"

Seven hesitated. "Yes," she admitted. "And the expression on his face said he did not. I do not understand this, Data. He is only words in a file and images on a screen, but I cannot help but think about him." She put the PADD down. "Yet I know that these feelings cannot be taken to their logical conclusion, that this effort is doomed from the start. And I... I recognize in myself that I would likely be too frightened to speak to him beyond what my duties required."

"Perhaps you should discuss this matter with Counselor Troi-"

"No," Seven said emphatically. "She is a human, I have observed their behavior. She would encourage this kind of thinking."

"And you feel it should not be encouraged?"

"As I said, taking this to its logical conclusion, I know that I could never become involved with this individual." She looked at the PADD, still lying there on the table. "Even if he and I were on the same side in this conflict, he is beyond my reach. All the councilor would do would encourage me to continue my irrational interest in this individual, or attempt to redirect me towards an achievable target. Neither of those is acceptable."

"Then I am afraid I can provide no further advice, Seven, as this goes beyond my own experiences."

"I know," Seven said. "But the mere act of discussion has helped, and for that I thank you."

"You are quite welcome," Data said. "Have you decided how you will proceed?"

"The only logical way, I will endeavor to not think about him."

After the celebrations had died down throughout the New Alliance, reality, as it usually does, came crashing in to ruin the party. The victory was an unbridled success, establishing not only the effectiveness of the New Alliance, and thereby improving the declining morale of late, but also gave a good chance to field test the new T'lix ships. Only a small number, eighty-two in all, had been refitted before the battle; with this success General Riklin was able to get permission to retrofit entire fleets of the ships for the war effort. And losses had been minimal for their side - two D'deridex, six Galors, six T'lix, and five from the X- or B-wing fighter squadrons.

The first unified blow was a success, and that brought her almost as much joy as the safe return of Luke. She had to admit, she'd almost didn't tell him about the mission, such was her fear of a trap, but it looks like it all worked out. The Death Star plans were being given a thorough examination; hopefully, someone could figure out a way to stop it before another Alderaan came.

All that good news, however, was soon overshadowed. Elim Garak had arrived with information on a combined Federation-Imperial fleet that was preparing for an assault on Cardassia Prime, one intent on crippling all possible resistance. Reinforcements were impossible; the number of hyperdrive capable ships were too few to make a difference. Gul Tulvek was pushing for the New Alliance to prep for a counter-assault, and Leia found it difficult to argue against it, except for the fact that it would likely fail and cost them all much needed resources.

It was then that one of the aides came in and whispered something in her ear, and a cloud overwhelmed her. "Gul Tulvek," she said, her voice shaking, "I'm afraid I have grave news. The counterattack will not be necessary."

"I don't understand," he said. "How is that grave news?"

"Because the Empire isn't intent on conquering Cardassia," she said sadly. "It intends to destroy it."

"He's coming here?" Talva asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice. As always, the Dark Lord betrayed nothing about his own feelings he wished to keep concealed.

"That is correct, ambassador," was Darth Vader's reply, his voice causing shivers in the spine of even Amb. Talva. "While he is pleased with your progress, the fleet performance has... disappointed him." Bad news, Talva realized - Lord Vader may be a casual murderer, but the Emperor had virtually no tolerance for mistakes. Working under his eye was like working with a loaded blaster at your temple.

"What does he hope to accomplish," Talva asked, more to himself than out loud.

"With the involvement of the Rebellion we're going to have to accelerate the plan," Vader said. "It is necessary to bring the war to a swift end, before the rebels begin gaining support in this galaxy as well."

"In other words," Talva said dryly, "we're going to get very brutal very fast." And you'll want me to clean up the mess, he thought.

"Yes," Vader said, as if it was a non-issue. "His involvement will be limited, until he is satisfied that things are moving as planned. When they are, he'll return to his side of the wormhole." It was left for Talva to draw his own conclusions. Not treasonous in the least, Talva thought, but the implication was there - we would take our rightful place as the rulers of the galaxy. The more Talva thought on it, the better the idea was. He and Vader were a good match. Vader knew how to co-ordinate and maintain the military presence, and he was an astounding figure of power. Talva, on the other hand, was the face of the Empire to the Federation. All of the events that Lord Vader detested as beneath him was where Amb. Talva truly shined. The Federation politicians fell into line like so many nerfs at a few well chosen words, and Talva loved every minute of it. Yes, things were going to be good, very good... so long as the Emperor's brute force tactics didn't ruin everything.

"Very well," he said, and gave the Dark Lord a slight bow before leaving. He walked, thinking very hard, through the decks of the Star Destroyer, making his way to the main hangar. As he walked into the hangar he watched a small shuttle land, too small for a troop or equipment transport. Curious, he turned to the deck officer. "What's on board that shuttle?"

The man tapped a datapad and looked up at the ambassador. "I'm sorry, sir, but the information on this transport has been classified by Lord Vader himself."

Fuming slightly, Amb. Talva strode towards his own shuttle. There were a few wrinkles in this partnership this would need to be fixed before much longer.

"Come," Picard said as the door to his quarters chimed. It was Seven. "Yes, lieutenant?" He wondered if it had anything to do with what had happened with the Tsunkatse; it didn't.

"I've completed my analysis of the destruction of Deep Space 9," Seven said. "I believe you'll want to see it immediately."

Despite being in his uniform undershirt he followed her to Science Room 1. She touched several panels and the image of a Cardassian ship appeared on the viewer. "This is the Galor-class ship that destroyed Deep Space 9," she said. "This ship has been damaged previously and been improperly repaired, as can be evidenced by microfractures throughout several hull segments."

"I hope you brought me down here for more than this?" Picard said.

"Yes." She tapped some more panels and a scrolling chart appeared. "This is the lifesign scan of the vessel that we recorded during the attack."

Picard examined it. "All I see are Cardassian lifesigns," he commented. "Why is this important?"

Seven tapped more keys. "I have isolated the readings," she said. "Re-examine them." The screen was filled with ten different bio-readings. Picard looked and suddenly realized...

"They're all the same," he whispered.

"Yes. Five hundred and four identical bio-readings on board the Cardassian ship."

"I doubt the crew is well-disciplined enough to breathe together," Picard said.

"Perhaps the beatings were sufficient," Seven replied.

Picard looked at her quizzically. "I beg your pardon."

Seven hesitated. "I apologize; it was an attempt at humor." She continued touching the panels and the bio-signs changed shape. "The bio-signs were designed to mask the signals given off by those actually on board. A skeleton crew of only thirty-eight."

Picard examined the readings. "Is this what I think it is?"

Seven nodded. "Yes. The occupants are human."

Picard was aghast. "Is there any way this could be wrong," he asked, a desperate man afraid of the truth he was being shown.

"There is a 1.2% chance," Seven said. "However, it is reasonably clear that there were human beings on board that ship, and they were the ones who fired upon Deep Space 9."

Picard tried to think but it was difficult. How could such a thing have happened? He was beginning to almost regret the decision to investigate this disaster; his ignorance had truly been bliss compared to the present. "Alright, we know they're human," he began, thinking aloud. "So, what humans would have had such motivation."

"It's unlikely the Federation did this," Seven said. "There is little to be gained in destroying our own station."

"Agreed," Picard said. "Which narrows the choices rather substantially. Who would have the means to overpower, repair, refit, and staff a Galor-class ship?"

"The Empire," Seven said evenly.

"Or the rebels," Picard replied.

"No, captain," Seven said. "The Empire is the only one who could have done this. The attackers had to know about the attack before it occurred, or they wouldn't have arrived so quickly. They had to have had a facility to create the helium matrix weapon that was within two hours of the Bajor System, which means they were operating inside either Cardassian or Federation space, or within the Demilitarized Zone. The attackers had to have knowledge of how to construct and deploy such a weapon. And they would only do it for a clear tactical reason. That leaves only the Empire."

Picard stood in silence, unable to believe what he was hearing. "It was the Empire who launched the attack," she continued, "and so were capable of informing their ship when to arrive. Their arrival was at a precise point in the battle, just before the Cardassian ships were forced to retreat, making their arrival seem like an effort at reinforcement, yet never requiring them to identify themselves or engage the enemy. The Empire could have produced the weapon in the nearby Demilitarized Zone on board a Star Destroyer, which has more than sufficient power generation without using a warp core. And the Empire clearly gained from the destruction from the observed political support it now has in its war against Cardassia."

"But how did they know how to make the weapon?"

"While I was not able to directly confirm it due to my abduction, it is consistent with Imperial procedure that they would attempt to learn about the Borg through detailed examinations of destroyed Borg ships. Due to the redundant designs, information is easily preserved even when a Borg vessel is lost." Picard thought, trying to find an alternative to Seven's points, hoping to prove that she was mistaken, horribly mistaken. "The only power that exists capable of fitting all the known facts of this case is the Empire."

"Do you know what you're suggesting," Picard muttered in horror.

"Yes," Seven replied grimly, "the Empire destroyed Deep Space 9 to further a political invasion of the Federation. It's probable they were also responsible for the unprovoked attack on Halva which precipitated this war." She saw the look on his face. "I'm sorry, captain."

"Don't apologize," Picard said quietly. "You've opened our eyes, lieutenant." He shook his head in quiet disbelief. "And I can only hope it's not too late."

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