Indeed. Although the Seven/Luke stuff is done very well. The consequences of Skywalker's actions seem to be nigh nonexistant.
In fact, I was expecting Starfleet to say something along the lines of : "Join us? After what you did on Earth and Vulcan? No kriffing way."
Unity III: Against All Odds, Redux (Complete)
Moderator: LadyTevar
Another good chapter as always, though I'll say it would be nice to know what's happening in the Klingon/Romulan beyond that the Klingons are winning.
And here I'd always thought the Romulans would curbstop the Foreheads if the Feds stayed out of it. Element of surprise, I suppose.
And here I'd always thought the Romulans would curbstop the Foreheads if the Feds stayed out of it. Element of surprise, I suppose.
"I want to mow down a bunch of motherfuckers with absurdly large weapons and relative impunity - preferably in and around a skyscraper. Then I want to fight a grim battle against the unlikely duo of the Terminator and Robocop. The last level should involve (but not be limited to) multiple robo-Hitlers and a gorillasaurus rex."--Uraniun235 on his ideal FPS game
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
consequences wrote:Absurdly minor nitpick: I believe the appropriate traditional spelling of the dumb guy saying: 'her her her' is actually 'hurr hurr hurr', to prevent possible confusion to the audience, who may think that the dumb guy is picking out his three latest targets to attempt to ravish, as opposed to be generically stupid.
Also, there seems to have been a great deal of time gone by without Han attempting revenge for Chewie, or even stewing ineffectually over why its no longer possible.
That said: 'hurr hurr hurr, fic good, want more'.
Ok, I'm glad I wasn't the only person that noticed that...... but as always, good update.
CERC
Sum Senatus
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
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Sonnenburg
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Thank you for the positive responses. Regarding the issue of Luke's treatment, I figured that Vader's conversion offered some precedent for how Luke's own return would be received. For the most part, Vader was a pariah, but wasn't really considered a criminal except to the Cardassians. Luke is pretty much a pariah (like he said in the previous chapter, the reason he's stuck on the station is because no one's going to listen to him preaching the Jedi way). The only people who are really willing to be decent towards him are on the station, since no one would be so stupid as to antagonize the new CO by giving her husband the cold shoulder.
Obviously, of course, there is the issue of Han and Leia. Leia obviously completely forgave her father and Han was able to eventually set aside his animosity towards him as well. Of course, what Skywalker did was personal, so it does go much deeper; this is why neither of them really want anything to do with Luke after this. Intellectually they know he wasn't really responsible, but it's impossible not to take what happened personally. As Sebastian put it, Han's hatred isn't going to dim even in his own time. Tomorrow we're going to see a bit more of this.
As for Parks... I wrote what I did because I think he wouldn't antagonize someone he might someday need to save their asses. What he said was disappointing but believable... if he laughed riotously, then asked Luke to ask him a second time, only to respond with even more laughter, well...
Regarding the Romulan/Klingon thing: remember that the Romulans were involved in the various conflicts with the Borg while the Klingons weren't, so the Klingons have the advantage in that regard.
Obviously, of course, there is the issue of Han and Leia. Leia obviously completely forgave her father and Han was able to eventually set aside his animosity towards him as well. Of course, what Skywalker did was personal, so it does go much deeper; this is why neither of them really want anything to do with Luke after this. Intellectually they know he wasn't really responsible, but it's impossible not to take what happened personally. As Sebastian put it, Han's hatred isn't going to dim even in his own time. Tomorrow we're going to see a bit more of this.
As for Parks... I wrote what I did because I think he wouldn't antagonize someone he might someday need to save their asses. What he said was disappointing but believable... if he laughed riotously, then asked Luke to ask him a second time, only to respond with even more laughter, well...
Regarding the Romulan/Klingon thing: remember that the Romulans were involved in the various conflicts with the Borg while the Klingons weren't, so the Klingons have the advantage in that regard.
Chuck
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Sonnenburg
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- Joined: 2002-11-05 08:35pm
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This is a longer chapter, so I'm posting it a little early (make sure to read 33 if you haven't yet). There will be another chapter posted on Sunday.
Part XXXIV
The Vendetta. Nineteen kilometers of high technology that personifies the principle of rule by fear. Surrounding it, fifty star destroyers painted black and speckled with starlight like moving pieces of the night itself. Together they move in an unwavering path towards the Klingon Empire, the most powerful unpacified force in the Beta Quadrant.
Though, not for much longer.
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Riker looked around the table during his staff meeting. Some newer faces, he noted, reflecting the changes that had taken place since the end of the war with the Borg.... was it over a year already? It was the kind of thing you didn’t forget easily. He pushed it aside and went to the task at hand.
“There’s a lot at stake,” he said with absolute seriousness. “The Federation once again faces dire circumstances.”
“Doesn’t it always,” Lightner said grimly.
“We’ve faced more than our share,” Riker agreed, “because we’re the flagship of the Federation. We are the best that Starfleet has to offer, and we need to once again rise to the challenges that are put to us.”
“We’re going to need everyone on top of their game,” Geordi said. “Sharon,” he said to Lt. Comm. Sullice, “I want all duty shifts ready in Engineering so any damage can be dealt with quickly.”
Riker nodded in agreement. “This is probably the most dangerous threat we’ve faced since the Borg, and we need to be ready for the worst. Commander,” he said to Borui, “Dr. Crusher is still on Sanctuary. We can use an extra hand in Sickbay.”
“Understood,” she said evenly, her normally sarcastic tones gone in the face of the danger of the situation.
“We need everyone at their absolute best,” Riker said. “Dismissed.”
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The imposing Imperator-class star destroyer turned slowly in space as the Klingon ships flitted about it, their weapons having little effect on the behemoth. One by one their turbolasers picked out the tiny Bird of Preys as they tried in vain to batter down their shields. The larger Klingon ships were concentrating their fire on the Vendetta, but were fairing rather poorly as well.
Captain Fawlyn watched them with quiet pleasure. They were an unworthy adversary overall, like the Dominion. Inferior aliens, he thought grimly. What hope could they possibly have against the might of the New Order?
He mopped his brow and tugged his collar. It was getting warm, he noticed irritably.
“Sir,” said one of the officers suddenly, “ships coming out of hyperspace.”
“What?” he said, not sure whether to be pleased with further targets or upset with the disruption.
“Federation ships,” he said. “Over seventy of them.”
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“Hail the Klingon flagship,” Admiral Jellico ordered. A moment later they saw Chancellor Martok on the bridge of his ship, his surprise unmistakable at the sudden appearance of his former allies. “Worf?”
“Chancellor,” said Worf, standing tall on the bridge of the USS Protector, “we understand you are under attack. We’re here to offer our assistance.”
This is it, thought Jellico from the captain’s chair. Do we do it? Take a stand, get involved?
It had taken some convincing, but with the assaults on distant Klingon colonies the Federation finally woke up and realized that the Imperials weren’t going to stop until the entire galaxy was theirs. And of course, thanks to some wonderful lack of foresight on their part, the Romulans hated them. That left the Republic as their only ally, and they were still recovering from the Borg. The Klingons were the last real help the Federation could hope for, and that meant going in and getting it through the only means they understood.
Of course, this was all incidental to Jellico. He believed they should get involved because it’s the right thing to do. The Empire shouldn’t be able to waltz in and overrun territory just because they were the strongest, and it was up to the Federation to make sure that kind of behavior stopped. But there was no denying the positive benefits of gaining the military aid of the Klingons. And that’s why Worf was here. As the Federation’s ambassador to the Klingons and a member of Martok’s own house, he brought a sense of legitimacy to their efforts.
One thing Jellico didn’t approve of was his small entourage, specifically his chief advisor. Victoria Price had been a captain in Starfleet, but because of her treasonous behavior some years back she’d been dismissed from service. She was one fourth Klingon, although you wouldn’t know it to look at her. But Worf found her a capable advisor and Jellico needed him to accomplish this mission, so he put aside his personal distaste for the woman and instead focused on their mutual goal.
They watched the Chancellor bounce around as his ship was hit again. “We welcome any aide you may offer,” Martok replied. He vanished, leaving the approaching battle to fill the screen.
“All ships this is the Protector,” Jellico said with a smile. “Engage the Imperials. You are authorized to use any force necessary to repel these invaders.” He turned to his tactical officer. “Charge the main cannon,” he said quickly, “Let’s show these Imperials what we can do.”
The Federation vessels peeled off and approached the star destroyers as they continued their brutal assault on the remains of the Klingon fleet. The 1.2 kilometer Protector continued its straight approach towards a speckled ship, shuddering as it came under fire from its turbolasers. Almost one quarter of all its power generated went towards structural integrity fields, inertial dampeners, and warp fields, but watching the ship move was worth it. Despite its incredible size and mass it glided through space in a way that seemed almost impossible, executing turns that looked to tear it in half as it managed to twist out of the Imperials’ weapon sites, its phasers dancing across the star destroyer’s shields.
“Fully charged,” came the message.
“Fire!” Jellico ordered.
A yellow beam launched from below the deflector and crashed through the shields. The black surface vanished to reveal the steely-grey color below, the edges of the blast glowing red with energy. Lights flickered across the damaged ship as the Protector sailed past and turned for another assault.
“They’ve sustained damage to 8% of their outer hull.”
“That’s all,” Price said nearby.
“Don’t let it fool you,” Jellico said with pride, “You could fly a Miranda into that hole. Re-charge, let’s finish her off.”
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Crewman AG-1195 wiped the sweat from his pale face as he continued to watch the approaching Klingon ships. He passed his information on to the relevant gunners based on his observations, but it grew more and more difficult as the screen blurred. His hand shook as he tried entering a command, and he paused while he allowed himself a chance to refocus.
“Wake up,” the crewman next to him said with a shove.
“I’m awake!” he replied, shoving the other man back and onto the floor. “Mind your own kriffing business!” The ship vibrated as a quantum torpedo hit. “Now look what you did,” he scolded him.
“Crewman, back to your post,” said the deck officer.
AG-1195 glared at him. “I’m at my post,” he sneered. “Are you blind?”
The deck officer pulled his blaster and shot him square in the chest. “Everyone get back to your post!” he roared. “Pay attention and do your duty, or you’ll be next!” He put the pistol back in its holster, noting how his hands were shaking. This fever was getting worse; he hoped the battle ended soon so he could head down to the infirmary to get something.
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The Protector shook violently as two star destroyers tried to outmuscle it. “Direct hit,” the tactical officer reported. “Deck thirty-one.”
“That’s near engineering,” Jellico said with a worried tone. “Force fields in place?”
“Yes, but the power is fluctuating.”
“Admiral,” came the voice over the comm, “we’re losing control of core #2. We need to power down before we breach.”
“We’re stuck right now commander,” Jellico said. “Is there an alternative?”
There was a moment’s pause. “We can re-enforce the magnetic containment, but we’ll need to physically access the main coolant tank to allow us the time to make the adjustment, and I don’t have the people to spare.”
“I’ll go,” Worf said.
“That won’t be necessary,” Jellico said. “We need you here.”
“I’ve done your diplomacy,” Worf said, “now it’s time to be a warrior, even if it is in this small fashion.”
Jellico considered quickly, knowing there was little choice; the Klingon would probably just do it anyway. “Level 32,” he said, and Worf nodded and went off.
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Quantum torpedoes raked the side of the star destroyer as the Enterprise sailed past, turning to avoid the barrage of turbolaser bolts. It twisted away and looped back, bringing its phaser cannon into alignment and fired, tearing into the side of the huge warship. Its phasers stabbed at the damaged ship as it sailed over, shaking under the Imperial counterattack.
“Shields at 65%,” Lightner said as the ship shuddered again.
“Recharge the cannon,” Geordi ordered.
“Evasive maneuvers,” Riker said, as the ship twisted and came about again. It was an uphill battle; the star destroyer was larger and better armed, but the Enterprise was more agile. It was their only edge, and Riker was determined to make the most of it.
More torpedoes slammed into the hull as the Enterprise passed overhead, but one of the heavy turrets got lucky. When you pack that kind of firepower, you don’t need to be lucky very often. The Enterprise spun out of control under the force of the impact.
“Shields down! Hull breach on decks nineteen to twenty-three!”
“Seal those decks,” Geordi ordered, stepping over to the damage control station.
“Sir,” Lightner said, quickly, grabbing the Commander, “There’s a power-“ The console exploded, knocking him to the ground. Geordi checked his pulse quickly. “Medical emergency,” he said as he tapped his commbadge.
“Laforge, take over,” Riker ordered, and his second officer stepped over Lightner’s bleeding form to the tactical display. The Enterprise came back and launched towards the ship responsible, phasers and torpedoes tearing into the hull. Joined by several other vessels, the Enterprise continued its onslaught until the power grid was overwhelmed and the ship exploded.
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“Unacceptable,” Admiral Hellis said from his flagship, the Vendetta. “These are Federation ships! They’re not capable of inflicting this kind of damage against us unless we are incompetent.”
“Take us ahead,” Captain Jarrol said. “Prepare to fire all weapons.”
“Belay that,” said Hellis. “We need to remain in this position to prevent the Klingons from breaking our flank.” He thought for a moment. “Launch the fighters.”
“Yes sir,” he replied, but there was no disguising his concern. He spoke quickly to his subordinate and the order went out. “Fighters are preparing to launch,” he said. “Are you sure this is wise sir?”
Hellis nodded. “We’ve lost the element of surprise. It’s time to regain it.” He watched the battle. “Concentrate on their flagship,” he said. “The Federation may retreat if it’s lost.”
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The Enterprise, flanked by two Defiant-class starships, made a run across the surface of the closest star destroyer. While phaser pulses and quantum torpedoes slammed into its shields, the Enterprise let loose with a blast from its phaser cannon, ripping through their opening to bite deep into its hull and rip out the upper decks.
“TIEs coming in,” Laforge said.
Riker looked at him curiously. “They’re sending in fighters?” He looked back at the screen. “They must really be desperate.” The ship shook under another barrage of turbolaser fire. “Cameron, use the phasers to target the fighters; Geordi, keep us on task, we don’t want them distracting us.”
The Enterprise's orange beams reached out, snatching fighters as they approached. They swarmed about like gnats, approaching the larger vessels and letting loose with their weapons. But the majority of them were heading towards the twisting form of the Protector.
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Captain Fawlyn mopped the sweat off his face as he watched the continuing battle, the Federation ship doing its best to evade their turbolaser fire, but it was only postponing the inevitable. They were smaller, weaker, inferior; it was only a matter of time before they too would crumble, just like the Dominion.
“Sir, the admiral is ordering a full assault on the Federation flagship.”
Fawlyn glared at him. “What does he think we’re doing,” he grumbled. “We don’t need him to tell us the obvious.” He watched in anger as the ship twisted away again. “Kriff!” he said, kicking the nearest panel. The officer there looked at him with disapproval, but returned to his station. “What are you looking at?” he demanded, and punched him so hard he hit the floor. “If you all actually stay focused we might manage to hit them!”
As he finished speaking a squad of TIE Bombers flew past the window towards the evasive form of the Protector.
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Worf ran down the hall on deck thirty-two, gripping a PADD as he watched the readout carefully. On his right side the battle was clearly visible through the large windows that lined the deck. He reached the spot and tapped some instructions on the panel; a large section of the wall withdrew, revealing a series of pipes and valves. He tapped his commbadge. “I’m in position,” he said quickly.
“Look for valve 3B and turn it counter-clockwise,” the engineer said. “Stop when you feel some resistance.”
He grabbed the valve and turned. “Now grab the handle with the yellow grip and turn it counter-clockwise.” He grabbed and heaved, finally snapping it over. There was a whirl and a clicking sound, and then a gush. “It looks like it-“
“Worf,” said Jellico, interrupting the transmission, “there’s fighters converging on your area. Get out of there.”
Worf turned and saw the bombers approaching through the window. He was about to run when he saw several green dots. Green? Proton torpedoes are bluish-white. Regardless he ran as the shimmering green form grew, hoping the shields would hold. He glanced back as it reached the shields.
And passed right through them.
The torpedo passed through the wall and into the conduits he’d just adjusted. And then it exploded. The fireball spread both ways down the hall, picking up the Klingon and throwing him through the nearby bulkhead. He was dead before he reached the floor on the other side.
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“Hull breaches on decks thirty to thirty-two!” the tactical officer reported.
“Those weren’t proton torpedoes,” Jellico said quickly. “They must be using some variant on a photon torpedo, matching it to our shields.” He mulled for a second. “Set our shields to a random frequency every few seconds; that should hopefully stop them.”
“I don’t think so,” said Price, looking over the tactical officer’s shoulder.
“I didn’t ask your opinion,” Jellico said testily.
“It’s not a proton or photon torpedo, although it is similar to both. But it’s getting through because of a temporal flux.”
“What?”
She looked up at him. “It’s passing through our shields because it’s not really there.”
“That’s impossible,” Jellico said. “The Empire doesn’t have that kind of technology.”
The ship shuddered as more torpedoes impacted. “They do now,” Price said.
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“The Protector has taken heavy damage,” said Geordi.
“Take us about,” Riker said. “Try to draw off the fighters-“ The ship rocked under the impact of another assault.
“Direct hit, deck thirteen.”
“Cameron, get those fighters off our back,” Riker said, stepping closer to the screen to get a better view of the battle. He almost fell as the ship was hit again.
“Direct hit, deck twenty-one,” Geordi said. “Sir, the impact has damaged the power distribution modules for the phaser cannon.”
“How bad is it?” Riker asked.
Geordi looked at the readings. “Pretty bad. I don’t think it can take another shot without overloading the whole system, the charge won’t hold.” He continued his scan as the ship lurched. “Yeah, the coils have been damaged. Sorry sir, she’s off-line.”
“I guess we do this the old fashioned way,” Riker said.
The ship’s phasers and torpedoes changed, targeting the tiny fighters, trying to swat them out of the sky; all the while attempting to evade the deadly chronoton torpedoes and green turbolaser fire.
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“Excellent,” Hellis remarked as he observed the battle’s progress. “I’d call this a successful test.” He peered off towards the Protector. “Finish it,” he growled.
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“The systems for core #2 are failing!” the engineer said over the comm. “It can’t be stopped; we’ll have to eject it.”
Warp Core #2, Jellico thought quickly. That provides power for most of their weapons, half the shield grids, the hyperdrive, life support on the lower decks. “Re-route power to the hyperdrive from Core #1,” he ordered. “We’ll have to withdraw for right now.”
“That won’t send a very good message to the Klingons,” Price observed.
“I’m interested in allies, not martyrs,” Jellico said hotly. “We’ll need to get back, find a defense against these new weapons of theirs.”
“Sir, we can’t re-route power to the drive,” she said over the comm. “The explosion has physically cut the lines; we’ll have to replace them before we can even try it.”
“Damn,” Jellico said, wracking his brain. We can’t fight, we can’t run away. It looked like there was only one choice.
“Surrender?” Price said, reading his mind.
“I can’t see much of an alternative,” he said with defeat. “We’re losing this battle anyway; let the rest escape and we’ll surrender.” His communications officer sent out the message to withdraw as he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. No other choice. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, nothing to do... but...
“Wait to eject the core!” he shouted as he jumped out of his chair, pushing the tactical officer out of the way.
“Are you insane?” Price said as his hands rushed over the controls. “We’ll be destroyed if we don’t eject.”
He looked up briefly and smiled. “Exactly.”
“So much for no martyrs.”
“Oh no,” Jellico said as he shook his head, “we’re not giving up that easily. Engineering, eject on my mark. Three, two, one, mark!”
The warp core fell out of the bottom of the ship, its matter-antimatter reactor giving in under the relentless demands of physics and exploding with colossal energy as the Protector vanished.
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Captain Fawlyn put down his blaster as he watched the expanding ball of energy, a smile growing on his red face. “Goooood,” he said slowly as he nodded with approval. “Inferior.” He turned and shot his deck officer as he reached for his weapon. He turned, checking the bridge for any other troublemakers, delighted that none remained. “Good,” he said to the emptiness, “Now things can get done right around here.”
He turned as the communicator flashed, walking over with annoyance. “What?” he demanded as the flipped the switch.
“The Admiral wants you to sweep the area,” the crewman on the other end said. “He’s concerned that the ship may not have been destroyed.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he rebuked him. “Of course it’s destroyed, we just saw it.”
“Who is this?” came the startled and annoyed reply.
“None of your damn business,” he said reproachfully. “The ship’s destroyed and that’s the end of it.”
There was quiet for some time, and then a reply. “This is Admiral Hellis. Give me the captain.”
“This is the captain,” he snarled. “What do you want?”
“Captain, I want you to investigate that debris field immediately; I’m not entirely convinced-“
“I don’t care whether or not you’re convinced!” he barked at him. “The ship is blown up and that’s it. I’m getting back to destroying the kriffing Klingons.”
“Captain,” there was a pause on the other end, “Fawlyn, you are relieved of command. Commander Gravid, you’re in command; check out that debris field.”
He slapped the comm controls. “You can’t relieve me! I’m in command of this ship! Me!” He turned and shot the controls, then looked around the bridge for inspiration. Ah...
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“Sir,” Laforge said, “the admiral is ordering us to withdraw.”
Riker watched the explosion of the Protector, unable to believe it had gone this bad this fast. He thought of his old friend... “Goodbye Worf,” he said quietly.
“Sir,” the helmsman said. “Should I lay in a course?”
Riker watched the furious battle. “I suppose we don’t have a choice,” he said. But then his brow furrowed and he stepped closer to the screen. “What’s happening?” he asked.
“Captain?”
“That star destroyer,” he pointed. “What’s it doing? There’s no ships in that area.”
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“This is your captain speaking!” Fawlyn screamed. “I order you to open fire!”
“Sir,” said the uncertain voice on the other end, “That’s our command ship.”
“Not for long! Fire!”
There was quiet. “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t! You’re on his side too, aren’t you!” Fawlyn paced the floor. “You’re all on his side, every one of you bastards.” He stormed over to the controls. “Then you can die with him,” he snarled as he stabbed at the controls.
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They watched the star destroyer’s engines flare and it quickly accelerated towards the underside of the Vendetta. Unfortunately the main guns were located on the upper surface, and the ones that were battering away at the smaller ship didn’t have the strength to destroy it in time. It crumpled into the lower surface and exploded, knocking the huge vessel off its axis from the force, power flaring across the ship.
“The command ship has suffered heavy damage,” Laforge reported in shock. “Multiple hull breaches, randomized power failure, loss of their lower shields, two of their docking bays are gone.” He looked up. “They won’t be causing trouble for much longer.”
“No,” Riker said, watching the ship’s slow movement through space, watching the various malfunctions. No, it was down for now. For now. But they’d repair it; it’d be just as dangerous and unstoppable in no time. The Federation would face it again, and next time they wouldn’t be this lucky.
Sometimes, destiny gives you only one chance...
“Sir,” the helmsman said, “Our course?”
Riker looked over at him and then back towards the Vendetta. “I’ve never been very good at retreating.”
“I don’t think Starfleet will like it if you break another of their ships, sir” Laforge said.
“I imagine not,” Riker said. The ship lurched as two chronaton torpedoes slammed into it, tossing the captain to the floor. “Pity they’re not here to say ‘no.’”
“Captain-“ Laforge began.
“Time to play cowboy. Bring us around,” Riker ordered as he picked himself up off the floor and moved to the center of the bridge. “Charge the phaser cannon.”
“Sir,” said Laforge, “I said the coils-“
“I heard you,” Riker snapped. “Do it!” His first officer hesitated, but his hands moved quickly, pumping power carefully into the system as the instruments screamed at him. “Steady,” Riker ordered, as the gigantic shape of the Vendetta filled every corner of the screen. “We’ll never get another chance like this,” he said resolutely.
“Chance for what?”
“Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it.”
“Charge in five seconds,” Laforge said.
The gunners aimed wildly, trying to catch the Galaxy-class starship as it weaved towards the bulge of its reactor core. Its shields were down, but the heavy armor would still take almost anything thrown at it; but not the full blast of the Enterprise. The ship lurched as a turbolaser struck the saucer, causing more explosions on the bridge; still they pressed on, because that’s what they do.
“Charged,” Laforge called.
Riker stumbled under an impact. “Fire!” he cried.
The red beam lanced from under the saucer and collided with the underside of the reactor core. The armor crumbled and collapsed under the firepower, and then a blinding white light spread from it, and flames began erupting across the ship. Admiral Hellis and his bridge crew were devoured in the inferno as it crackled along the length of the ship. The fleets watched in astonishment; the Federation with adulation, the Imperials with disbelief. It was a miracle. Unfortunately, some miracles demand a price.
The first claimed was Lt. Comm. Sullice, who had been trying to reinforce the shielding around the reactor. Main Engineering was consumed in a white-hot expansion of debris as the core breached. The explosion ripped almost instantaneously through the decks, vaporizing metal and spreading poisonous gases as it moved unchecked through the ship, at last tearing into the saucer section and the bridge itself, where Captain William T. Riker and Commander Geordi Laforge watched the Vendetta burn as well. Debris spread into space, but twisting away, spinning under the force of the blast, a piece of metal proclaiming the words “USS Enterprise” announced who was responsible. Countless times it and its namesakes had stood between the Federation and destruction, unafraid to rise to any challenge. This was no different. They were the Federation’s greatest heroes... but nothing lasts forever.
Part XXXIV
The Vendetta. Nineteen kilometers of high technology that personifies the principle of rule by fear. Surrounding it, fifty star destroyers painted black and speckled with starlight like moving pieces of the night itself. Together they move in an unwavering path towards the Klingon Empire, the most powerful unpacified force in the Beta Quadrant.
Though, not for much longer.
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Riker looked around the table during his staff meeting. Some newer faces, he noted, reflecting the changes that had taken place since the end of the war with the Borg.... was it over a year already? It was the kind of thing you didn’t forget easily. He pushed it aside and went to the task at hand.
“There’s a lot at stake,” he said with absolute seriousness. “The Federation once again faces dire circumstances.”
“Doesn’t it always,” Lightner said grimly.
“We’ve faced more than our share,” Riker agreed, “because we’re the flagship of the Federation. We are the best that Starfleet has to offer, and we need to once again rise to the challenges that are put to us.”
“We’re going to need everyone on top of their game,” Geordi said. “Sharon,” he said to Lt. Comm. Sullice, “I want all duty shifts ready in Engineering so any damage can be dealt with quickly.”
Riker nodded in agreement. “This is probably the most dangerous threat we’ve faced since the Borg, and we need to be ready for the worst. Commander,” he said to Borui, “Dr. Crusher is still on Sanctuary. We can use an extra hand in Sickbay.”
“Understood,” she said evenly, her normally sarcastic tones gone in the face of the danger of the situation.
“We need everyone at their absolute best,” Riker said. “Dismissed.”
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The imposing Imperator-class star destroyer turned slowly in space as the Klingon ships flitted about it, their weapons having little effect on the behemoth. One by one their turbolasers picked out the tiny Bird of Preys as they tried in vain to batter down their shields. The larger Klingon ships were concentrating their fire on the Vendetta, but were fairing rather poorly as well.
Captain Fawlyn watched them with quiet pleasure. They were an unworthy adversary overall, like the Dominion. Inferior aliens, he thought grimly. What hope could they possibly have against the might of the New Order?
He mopped his brow and tugged his collar. It was getting warm, he noticed irritably.
“Sir,” said one of the officers suddenly, “ships coming out of hyperspace.”
“What?” he said, not sure whether to be pleased with further targets or upset with the disruption.
“Federation ships,” he said. “Over seventy of them.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
“Hail the Klingon flagship,” Admiral Jellico ordered. A moment later they saw Chancellor Martok on the bridge of his ship, his surprise unmistakable at the sudden appearance of his former allies. “Worf?”
“Chancellor,” said Worf, standing tall on the bridge of the USS Protector, “we understand you are under attack. We’re here to offer our assistance.”
This is it, thought Jellico from the captain’s chair. Do we do it? Take a stand, get involved?
It had taken some convincing, but with the assaults on distant Klingon colonies the Federation finally woke up and realized that the Imperials weren’t going to stop until the entire galaxy was theirs. And of course, thanks to some wonderful lack of foresight on their part, the Romulans hated them. That left the Republic as their only ally, and they were still recovering from the Borg. The Klingons were the last real help the Federation could hope for, and that meant going in and getting it through the only means they understood.
Of course, this was all incidental to Jellico. He believed they should get involved because it’s the right thing to do. The Empire shouldn’t be able to waltz in and overrun territory just because they were the strongest, and it was up to the Federation to make sure that kind of behavior stopped. But there was no denying the positive benefits of gaining the military aid of the Klingons. And that’s why Worf was here. As the Federation’s ambassador to the Klingons and a member of Martok’s own house, he brought a sense of legitimacy to their efforts.
One thing Jellico didn’t approve of was his small entourage, specifically his chief advisor. Victoria Price had been a captain in Starfleet, but because of her treasonous behavior some years back she’d been dismissed from service. She was one fourth Klingon, although you wouldn’t know it to look at her. But Worf found her a capable advisor and Jellico needed him to accomplish this mission, so he put aside his personal distaste for the woman and instead focused on their mutual goal.
They watched the Chancellor bounce around as his ship was hit again. “We welcome any aide you may offer,” Martok replied. He vanished, leaving the approaching battle to fill the screen.
“All ships this is the Protector,” Jellico said with a smile. “Engage the Imperials. You are authorized to use any force necessary to repel these invaders.” He turned to his tactical officer. “Charge the main cannon,” he said quickly, “Let’s show these Imperials what we can do.”
The Federation vessels peeled off and approached the star destroyers as they continued their brutal assault on the remains of the Klingon fleet. The 1.2 kilometer Protector continued its straight approach towards a speckled ship, shuddering as it came under fire from its turbolasers. Almost one quarter of all its power generated went towards structural integrity fields, inertial dampeners, and warp fields, but watching the ship move was worth it. Despite its incredible size and mass it glided through space in a way that seemed almost impossible, executing turns that looked to tear it in half as it managed to twist out of the Imperials’ weapon sites, its phasers dancing across the star destroyer’s shields.
“Fully charged,” came the message.
“Fire!” Jellico ordered.
A yellow beam launched from below the deflector and crashed through the shields. The black surface vanished to reveal the steely-grey color below, the edges of the blast glowing red with energy. Lights flickered across the damaged ship as the Protector sailed past and turned for another assault.
“They’ve sustained damage to 8% of their outer hull.”
“That’s all,” Price said nearby.
“Don’t let it fool you,” Jellico said with pride, “You could fly a Miranda into that hole. Re-charge, let’s finish her off.”
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Crewman AG-1195 wiped the sweat from his pale face as he continued to watch the approaching Klingon ships. He passed his information on to the relevant gunners based on his observations, but it grew more and more difficult as the screen blurred. His hand shook as he tried entering a command, and he paused while he allowed himself a chance to refocus.
“Wake up,” the crewman next to him said with a shove.
“I’m awake!” he replied, shoving the other man back and onto the floor. “Mind your own kriffing business!” The ship vibrated as a quantum torpedo hit. “Now look what you did,” he scolded him.
“Crewman, back to your post,” said the deck officer.
AG-1195 glared at him. “I’m at my post,” he sneered. “Are you blind?”
The deck officer pulled his blaster and shot him square in the chest. “Everyone get back to your post!” he roared. “Pay attention and do your duty, or you’ll be next!” He put the pistol back in its holster, noting how his hands were shaking. This fever was getting worse; he hoped the battle ended soon so he could head down to the infirmary to get something.
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The Protector shook violently as two star destroyers tried to outmuscle it. “Direct hit,” the tactical officer reported. “Deck thirty-one.”
“That’s near engineering,” Jellico said with a worried tone. “Force fields in place?”
“Yes, but the power is fluctuating.”
“Admiral,” came the voice over the comm, “we’re losing control of core #2. We need to power down before we breach.”
“We’re stuck right now commander,” Jellico said. “Is there an alternative?”
There was a moment’s pause. “We can re-enforce the magnetic containment, but we’ll need to physically access the main coolant tank to allow us the time to make the adjustment, and I don’t have the people to spare.”
“I’ll go,” Worf said.
“That won’t be necessary,” Jellico said. “We need you here.”
“I’ve done your diplomacy,” Worf said, “now it’s time to be a warrior, even if it is in this small fashion.”
Jellico considered quickly, knowing there was little choice; the Klingon would probably just do it anyway. “Level 32,” he said, and Worf nodded and went off.
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Quantum torpedoes raked the side of the star destroyer as the Enterprise sailed past, turning to avoid the barrage of turbolaser bolts. It twisted away and looped back, bringing its phaser cannon into alignment and fired, tearing into the side of the huge warship. Its phasers stabbed at the damaged ship as it sailed over, shaking under the Imperial counterattack.
“Shields at 65%,” Lightner said as the ship shuddered again.
“Recharge the cannon,” Geordi ordered.
“Evasive maneuvers,” Riker said, as the ship twisted and came about again. It was an uphill battle; the star destroyer was larger and better armed, but the Enterprise was more agile. It was their only edge, and Riker was determined to make the most of it.
More torpedoes slammed into the hull as the Enterprise passed overhead, but one of the heavy turrets got lucky. When you pack that kind of firepower, you don’t need to be lucky very often. The Enterprise spun out of control under the force of the impact.
“Shields down! Hull breach on decks nineteen to twenty-three!”
“Seal those decks,” Geordi ordered, stepping over to the damage control station.
“Sir,” Lightner said, quickly, grabbing the Commander, “There’s a power-“ The console exploded, knocking him to the ground. Geordi checked his pulse quickly. “Medical emergency,” he said as he tapped his commbadge.
“Laforge, take over,” Riker ordered, and his second officer stepped over Lightner’s bleeding form to the tactical display. The Enterprise came back and launched towards the ship responsible, phasers and torpedoes tearing into the hull. Joined by several other vessels, the Enterprise continued its onslaught until the power grid was overwhelmed and the ship exploded.
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“Unacceptable,” Admiral Hellis said from his flagship, the Vendetta. “These are Federation ships! They’re not capable of inflicting this kind of damage against us unless we are incompetent.”
“Take us ahead,” Captain Jarrol said. “Prepare to fire all weapons.”
“Belay that,” said Hellis. “We need to remain in this position to prevent the Klingons from breaking our flank.” He thought for a moment. “Launch the fighters.”
“Yes sir,” he replied, but there was no disguising his concern. He spoke quickly to his subordinate and the order went out. “Fighters are preparing to launch,” he said. “Are you sure this is wise sir?”
Hellis nodded. “We’ve lost the element of surprise. It’s time to regain it.” He watched the battle. “Concentrate on their flagship,” he said. “The Federation may retreat if it’s lost.”
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The Enterprise, flanked by two Defiant-class starships, made a run across the surface of the closest star destroyer. While phaser pulses and quantum torpedoes slammed into its shields, the Enterprise let loose with a blast from its phaser cannon, ripping through their opening to bite deep into its hull and rip out the upper decks.
“TIEs coming in,” Laforge said.
Riker looked at him curiously. “They’re sending in fighters?” He looked back at the screen. “They must really be desperate.” The ship shook under another barrage of turbolaser fire. “Cameron, use the phasers to target the fighters; Geordi, keep us on task, we don’t want them distracting us.”
The Enterprise's orange beams reached out, snatching fighters as they approached. They swarmed about like gnats, approaching the larger vessels and letting loose with their weapons. But the majority of them were heading towards the twisting form of the Protector.
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Captain Fawlyn mopped the sweat off his face as he watched the continuing battle, the Federation ship doing its best to evade their turbolaser fire, but it was only postponing the inevitable. They were smaller, weaker, inferior; it was only a matter of time before they too would crumble, just like the Dominion.
“Sir, the admiral is ordering a full assault on the Federation flagship.”
Fawlyn glared at him. “What does he think we’re doing,” he grumbled. “We don’t need him to tell us the obvious.” He watched in anger as the ship twisted away again. “Kriff!” he said, kicking the nearest panel. The officer there looked at him with disapproval, but returned to his station. “What are you looking at?” he demanded, and punched him so hard he hit the floor. “If you all actually stay focused we might manage to hit them!”
As he finished speaking a squad of TIE Bombers flew past the window towards the evasive form of the Protector.
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Worf ran down the hall on deck thirty-two, gripping a PADD as he watched the readout carefully. On his right side the battle was clearly visible through the large windows that lined the deck. He reached the spot and tapped some instructions on the panel; a large section of the wall withdrew, revealing a series of pipes and valves. He tapped his commbadge. “I’m in position,” he said quickly.
“Look for valve 3B and turn it counter-clockwise,” the engineer said. “Stop when you feel some resistance.”
He grabbed the valve and turned. “Now grab the handle with the yellow grip and turn it counter-clockwise.” He grabbed and heaved, finally snapping it over. There was a whirl and a clicking sound, and then a gush. “It looks like it-“
“Worf,” said Jellico, interrupting the transmission, “there’s fighters converging on your area. Get out of there.”
Worf turned and saw the bombers approaching through the window. He was about to run when he saw several green dots. Green? Proton torpedoes are bluish-white. Regardless he ran as the shimmering green form grew, hoping the shields would hold. He glanced back as it reached the shields.
And passed right through them.
The torpedo passed through the wall and into the conduits he’d just adjusted. And then it exploded. The fireball spread both ways down the hall, picking up the Klingon and throwing him through the nearby bulkhead. He was dead before he reached the floor on the other side.
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“Hull breaches on decks thirty to thirty-two!” the tactical officer reported.
“Those weren’t proton torpedoes,” Jellico said quickly. “They must be using some variant on a photon torpedo, matching it to our shields.” He mulled for a second. “Set our shields to a random frequency every few seconds; that should hopefully stop them.”
“I don’t think so,” said Price, looking over the tactical officer’s shoulder.
“I didn’t ask your opinion,” Jellico said testily.
“It’s not a proton or photon torpedo, although it is similar to both. But it’s getting through because of a temporal flux.”
“What?”
She looked up at him. “It’s passing through our shields because it’s not really there.”
“That’s impossible,” Jellico said. “The Empire doesn’t have that kind of technology.”
The ship shuddered as more torpedoes impacted. “They do now,” Price said.
--------------------------------------------------------------
“The Protector has taken heavy damage,” said Geordi.
“Take us about,” Riker said. “Try to draw off the fighters-“ The ship rocked under the impact of another assault.
“Direct hit, deck thirteen.”
“Cameron, get those fighters off our back,” Riker said, stepping closer to the screen to get a better view of the battle. He almost fell as the ship was hit again.
“Direct hit, deck twenty-one,” Geordi said. “Sir, the impact has damaged the power distribution modules for the phaser cannon.”
“How bad is it?” Riker asked.
Geordi looked at the readings. “Pretty bad. I don’t think it can take another shot without overloading the whole system, the charge won’t hold.” He continued his scan as the ship lurched. “Yeah, the coils have been damaged. Sorry sir, she’s off-line.”
“I guess we do this the old fashioned way,” Riker said.
The ship’s phasers and torpedoes changed, targeting the tiny fighters, trying to swat them out of the sky; all the while attempting to evade the deadly chronoton torpedoes and green turbolaser fire.
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“Excellent,” Hellis remarked as he observed the battle’s progress. “I’d call this a successful test.” He peered off towards the Protector. “Finish it,” he growled.
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“The systems for core #2 are failing!” the engineer said over the comm. “It can’t be stopped; we’ll have to eject it.”
Warp Core #2, Jellico thought quickly. That provides power for most of their weapons, half the shield grids, the hyperdrive, life support on the lower decks. “Re-route power to the hyperdrive from Core #1,” he ordered. “We’ll have to withdraw for right now.”
“That won’t send a very good message to the Klingons,” Price observed.
“I’m interested in allies, not martyrs,” Jellico said hotly. “We’ll need to get back, find a defense against these new weapons of theirs.”
“Sir, we can’t re-route power to the drive,” she said over the comm. “The explosion has physically cut the lines; we’ll have to replace them before we can even try it.”
“Damn,” Jellico said, wracking his brain. We can’t fight, we can’t run away. It looked like there was only one choice.
“Surrender?” Price said, reading his mind.
“I can’t see much of an alternative,” he said with defeat. “We’re losing this battle anyway; let the rest escape and we’ll surrender.” His communications officer sent out the message to withdraw as he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. No other choice. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, nothing to do... but...
“Wait to eject the core!” he shouted as he jumped out of his chair, pushing the tactical officer out of the way.
“Are you insane?” Price said as his hands rushed over the controls. “We’ll be destroyed if we don’t eject.”
He looked up briefly and smiled. “Exactly.”
“So much for no martyrs.”
“Oh no,” Jellico said as he shook his head, “we’re not giving up that easily. Engineering, eject on my mark. Three, two, one, mark!”
The warp core fell out of the bottom of the ship, its matter-antimatter reactor giving in under the relentless demands of physics and exploding with colossal energy as the Protector vanished.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Fawlyn put down his blaster as he watched the expanding ball of energy, a smile growing on his red face. “Goooood,” he said slowly as he nodded with approval. “Inferior.” He turned and shot his deck officer as he reached for his weapon. He turned, checking the bridge for any other troublemakers, delighted that none remained. “Good,” he said to the emptiness, “Now things can get done right around here.”
He turned as the communicator flashed, walking over with annoyance. “What?” he demanded as the flipped the switch.
“The Admiral wants you to sweep the area,” the crewman on the other end said. “He’s concerned that the ship may not have been destroyed.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he rebuked him. “Of course it’s destroyed, we just saw it.”
“Who is this?” came the startled and annoyed reply.
“None of your damn business,” he said reproachfully. “The ship’s destroyed and that’s the end of it.”
There was quiet for some time, and then a reply. “This is Admiral Hellis. Give me the captain.”
“This is the captain,” he snarled. “What do you want?”
“Captain, I want you to investigate that debris field immediately; I’m not entirely convinced-“
“I don’t care whether or not you’re convinced!” he barked at him. “The ship is blown up and that’s it. I’m getting back to destroying the kriffing Klingons.”
“Captain,” there was a pause on the other end, “Fawlyn, you are relieved of command. Commander Gravid, you’re in command; check out that debris field.”
He slapped the comm controls. “You can’t relieve me! I’m in command of this ship! Me!” He turned and shot the controls, then looked around the bridge for inspiration. Ah...
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“Sir,” Laforge said, “the admiral is ordering us to withdraw.”
Riker watched the explosion of the Protector, unable to believe it had gone this bad this fast. He thought of his old friend... “Goodbye Worf,” he said quietly.
“Sir,” the helmsman said. “Should I lay in a course?”
Riker watched the furious battle. “I suppose we don’t have a choice,” he said. But then his brow furrowed and he stepped closer to the screen. “What’s happening?” he asked.
“Captain?”
“That star destroyer,” he pointed. “What’s it doing? There’s no ships in that area.”
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“This is your captain speaking!” Fawlyn screamed. “I order you to open fire!”
“Sir,” said the uncertain voice on the other end, “That’s our command ship.”
“Not for long! Fire!”
There was quiet. “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t! You’re on his side too, aren’t you!” Fawlyn paced the floor. “You’re all on his side, every one of you bastards.” He stormed over to the controls. “Then you can die with him,” he snarled as he stabbed at the controls.
--------------------------------------------------------------
They watched the star destroyer’s engines flare and it quickly accelerated towards the underside of the Vendetta. Unfortunately the main guns were located on the upper surface, and the ones that were battering away at the smaller ship didn’t have the strength to destroy it in time. It crumpled into the lower surface and exploded, knocking the huge vessel off its axis from the force, power flaring across the ship.
“The command ship has suffered heavy damage,” Laforge reported in shock. “Multiple hull breaches, randomized power failure, loss of their lower shields, two of their docking bays are gone.” He looked up. “They won’t be causing trouble for much longer.”
“No,” Riker said, watching the ship’s slow movement through space, watching the various malfunctions. No, it was down for now. For now. But they’d repair it; it’d be just as dangerous and unstoppable in no time. The Federation would face it again, and next time they wouldn’t be this lucky.
Sometimes, destiny gives you only one chance...
“Sir,” the helmsman said, “Our course?”
Riker looked over at him and then back towards the Vendetta. “I’ve never been very good at retreating.”
“I don’t think Starfleet will like it if you break another of their ships, sir” Laforge said.
“I imagine not,” Riker said. The ship lurched as two chronaton torpedoes slammed into it, tossing the captain to the floor. “Pity they’re not here to say ‘no.’”
“Captain-“ Laforge began.
“Time to play cowboy. Bring us around,” Riker ordered as he picked himself up off the floor and moved to the center of the bridge. “Charge the phaser cannon.”
“Sir,” said Laforge, “I said the coils-“
“I heard you,” Riker snapped. “Do it!” His first officer hesitated, but his hands moved quickly, pumping power carefully into the system as the instruments screamed at him. “Steady,” Riker ordered, as the gigantic shape of the Vendetta filled every corner of the screen. “We’ll never get another chance like this,” he said resolutely.
“Chance for what?”
“Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it.”
“Charge in five seconds,” Laforge said.
The gunners aimed wildly, trying to catch the Galaxy-class starship as it weaved towards the bulge of its reactor core. Its shields were down, but the heavy armor would still take almost anything thrown at it; but not the full blast of the Enterprise. The ship lurched as a turbolaser struck the saucer, causing more explosions on the bridge; still they pressed on, because that’s what they do.
“Charged,” Laforge called.
Riker stumbled under an impact. “Fire!” he cried.
The red beam lanced from under the saucer and collided with the underside of the reactor core. The armor crumbled and collapsed under the firepower, and then a blinding white light spread from it, and flames began erupting across the ship. Admiral Hellis and his bridge crew were devoured in the inferno as it crackled along the length of the ship. The fleets watched in astonishment; the Federation with adulation, the Imperials with disbelief. It was a miracle. Unfortunately, some miracles demand a price.
The first claimed was Lt. Comm. Sullice, who had been trying to reinforce the shielding around the reactor. Main Engineering was consumed in a white-hot expansion of debris as the core breached. The explosion ripped almost instantaneously through the decks, vaporizing metal and spreading poisonous gases as it moved unchecked through the ship, at last tearing into the saucer section and the bridge itself, where Captain William T. Riker and Commander Geordi Laforge watched the Vendetta burn as well. Debris spread into space, but twisting away, spinning under the force of the blast, a piece of metal proclaiming the words “USS Enterprise” announced who was responsible. Countless times it and its namesakes had stood between the Federation and destruction, unafraid to rise to any challenge. This was no different. They were the Federation’s greatest heroes... but nothing lasts forever.
Chuck
Indeed, an end fit for the Enterprise.
I thought that whatever the TIE Bombers fired were always green, though. IIRC, they were in Shadows of the Empire, though I know that video games are non-cannon.
I thought that whatever the TIE Bombers fired were always green, though. IIRC, they were in Shadows of the Empire, though I know that video games are non-cannon.
"I want to mow down a bunch of motherfuckers with absurdly large weapons and relative impunity - preferably in and around a skyscraper. Then I want to fight a grim battle against the unlikely duo of the Terminator and Robocop. The last level should involve (but not be limited to) multiple robo-Hitlers and a gorillasaurus rex."--Uraniun235 on his ideal FPS game
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
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consequences
- Homicidal Maniac
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Ghost Rider
- Spirit of Vengeance
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- Location: DC...looking up from the gutters to the stars
At least in your universe most the ST crew go out with style instead of sorta...well kinda nothing much. 
MM /CF/WG/BOTM/JL/Original Warsie/ACPATHNTDWATGODW FOREVER!!
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
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Crazedwraith
- Emperor's Hand
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Yes, "unstable". Entire legions of genetically identical men, a monoculture just waiting for a little something to push it a littleArrow wrote:Excellent chapter. I loved how unstable the clones were, and Riker and Company went out in style.
"Okay, I'll have the truth with a side order of clarity." ~ Dr. Daniel Jackson.
"Reality has a well-known liberal bias." ~ Stephen Colbert
"One Drive, One Partition, the One True Path" ~ ars technica forums - warrens - on hhd partitioning schemes.
"Reality has a well-known liberal bias." ~ Stephen Colbert
"One Drive, One Partition, the One True Path" ~ ars technica forums - warrens - on hhd partitioning schemes.
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Sonnenburg
- Official Dave Barry Clone
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- Contact:
Thanks very much. Yeah, I wanted to see the Enterprise going down in a way that would mean something, and that it wouldn't be either a deliberate suicide. The Enterprise has always been about playing the long odds, it seemed to me a fitting way for her to finally go out... to win the day even though the odds caught up with her.
As for why the clones were unstable, the next part is going to explain what happened.
As for why the clones were unstable, the next part is going to explain what happened.
Chuck
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Sonnenburg
- Official Dave Barry Clone
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Part XXXV
Annika stared at the footage playing out on the small display in her office, finding it hard to believe possible. The Enterprise destroyed with all hands... some things just shouldn't be allowed to happen in a just universe. All her friends, all the old members of her department...
Luke put a comforting hand on her shoulder; she reached up and took it, squeezing it tightly. "There's nothing you could have done, if you'd been there," he said quietly. "You realize that right?"
Annika covered her eyes and nodded. "I find no comfort in that thought."
Luke pulled her to her feet and embraced her. "I've been there, Annika; seen lots of friends die senselessly from all of this. There are times when you have to put aside your feelings and do the job in front of you." He patted her back. "This isn't one of those times. Let yourself grieve, because you don't know when the time will come when you won't have the luxury."
Annika clung to him and cried, but not much, not compared to what she had during the long days of their separation. It broke her heart to think of all those people that she loved dead, but in truth it was still too abstract a thought. And she had to admit, it was hard not to find comfort in Luke's arms, no matter how cheesy it may sound to anyone else. Beverly had told her before the wedding that a husband was someone you could force yourself to be impossibly strong for, and someone you could show how weak you sometimes needed to be.
The comm buzzed. "Commander Skywalker," came Moore's voice. "There's a message coming through from Romulus for Mr. Skywalker. Shall I route it to your office?"
"Yes, commander," Annika said, releasing Luke. She activated the screen; it was Leia. For a moment she wondered if this was to try to patch things up, but it was clear from her expression this was all business.
"Annika," Leia said. It wasn't short but it didn't feel quite as warm as it used to. Guilt by association, no doubt, but Annika didn't care. "I need to speak to Luke about a Republic matter."
Annika stepped aside and Luke stepped in front of the screen. "Hi, Leia."
"Hello." It was decidedly cold. "I assume you've heard about the recent battle between the Empire and the Klingon/Federation fleet?"
"Yes, we heard. Tragic."
"Very much. I'm speaking with the Romulans soon in the hopes we can align ourselves for mutual defense, but I'm worried about what will happen if the Empire continues their aggression. Right now, I don't think that even with the Katana fleet supplementing our ships that the Republic and Federation can hold them back."
"The Imperial war machine is as powerful as ever," Luke agreed.
"There are reports that things are even worse," Leia said. "And I think we need to prepare for the worst: the conquest of the Republic. If that's the case, we're back to the days of the Rebellion, and that means we need to find places to hide."
Luke nodded. "You need to get some small, isolated bases set up in case we lose."
"Exactly. I heard you were looking to do some work for Starfleet; I thought perhaps you could provide some service to the Republic once again. We don’t have a whole lot of people left with Rebel experience like you."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Luke said.
Leia swallowed and looked away for a second before glancing back at the screen. "Let me be honest, Luke. I'm only contacting you because the Republic is possibly on its deathbed, and I will not allow my personal feelings to ever get in the way of that. But don't think that this changes anything. The Republic needs you; Han and I don't. I trust we understand one another?"
Luke audibly breathed through his nose. "Perfectly," he said. "And I will do whatever I have to if it keeps the Republic alive." Leia nodded and cut the channel; Luke covered his face with his hands as if exhausted.
"You okay?" Annika asked, the Enterprise now forgotten.
"I'll be fine," Luke said. "We make choices, we live with them." Of course, the consequences had been great; this was Leia actually being nice by comparison, and Han... Han had made it clear that Luke was never to speak to him again; it was obvious he was doing his best not to pull out his blaster just at the sight of Luke. The close ties he had forged with them over the years were now forever lost. They could forgive Vader... but not him.
It was Annika's turn to pull him close. "They'll come around in time," she told him. "It's just still too fresh."
"What I did in their home..." he said, obviously unable to comprehend that even a dark side of himself could do those things. He looked up at her, and she could read his expression. She knew what that same side tried to do to her... she knew some of the threats it had made against her when it battled Luke near the end.
"Skywalker," Annika said slowly, "was everything you are not. Listen to me," she said, lifting his head so he was looking into her eyes. "I killed and assimilated my own people at Wolf 359. Let me tell you what everyone has told me: you had no control. You're not the one who did this."
Luke's jaw trembled as he looked into her face. "I tried to kill you," he said in a voice that could barely be heard.
"That wasn't you," Annika insisted.
"It... was a part of me."
Annika wasn't sure what to say. "I asked you once if you accepted that I am Borg, and you proved to me that you did. No matter what the different parts of my nature are, you still love me... do you honestly think I love you any less?”
Luke's eyes were red-rimmed, but he forced a smile to his face. "How can you be so good to me?"
Annika smiled back. Because I don't deserve you, she thought. I wasn't supposed to have you, but I do. Life gave me the luckiest of all breaks, and I never let myself forget that. So every day I wake up and promise that today I'll do something that proves I'm worthy of being yours. "Just go out there and make me proud, sweetie."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Clutching a datapad, Gen. Delric Taar, commander of the Imperial military and the Emperor’s chief military advisor, strode through the capital of Bastion towards the man who was the very center of the Empire. He barely slowed for the guards as he approached, stepping inside with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he felt slightly vindicated, but on the other, he felt the fear that all messengers do who have bad news. “General,” the Emperor said politely enough from his elevated throne, surrounded by his alien bodyguards, his Sith partner standing nearby. “You're here to report on the attack on the Klingons?”
“Yes sir,” Taar said, tapping the datapad. “The Klingon forces suffered heavy casualties and are unlikely to mount a strong counter attack of any kind. They were aided by several Federation ships, but were forced to withdraw.”
“Then the first battle was a success.”
Taar smiled, but there was no humor to it. “On the contrary, it was a defeat. We lost thirteen star destroyers plus the Vendetta. The remains of the fleet withdrew.”
“Are you saying we lost to the Klingons?” Darth Whind said skeptically.
“Yes, my lady. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“That is not possible,” the Emperor said. “The only reason for such a defeat would be sheer incompetence.” He leaned forward. “Your incompetence, general.”
“Yes,” Taar said, holding his head high. “The campaign that I gave to Adm. Hellis has fallen short. In my plans I failed to consider that ships commanded and piloted by clones presented an unstable element for our side and could in fact turn on us, as they did. I should have anticipated their inefficaciousness, given their flawed nature.”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed at him. “What exactly are you saying, general?”
“I’m saying that the clones were unreliable, as we should have known from the beginning. There is, after all, a reason why we limit cloning to ground level troops, not people in command of mile-long starships.”
“Nonsense,” Darth Whind dismissed. “I supervised the process personally; they did not suffer from any mental imbalance due to the procedure.”
“No, but they suffered the same physical vulnerability.” Taar looked at his datapad. “A prion of some kind, transmitted in the same manner as the common cold. It causes fevers, sneezing, coughs, some slight tremors, and eventually madness and death.”
“Are you saying we face a plague of some kind?” the Emperor said. “What is this prion?”
“A type of infectious particle, differing from a virus because of its lack of a nuclear protein. And as for the plague, the answer is yes, although not exactly what you’re thinking.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well this is a deadly biological weapon,” Taar continued. “Unchecked it would wreak untold havoc. Incubation is long enough to allow it to be spread and communicability rate is near 100%. The victims won’t recognize their condition until it’s too late, and even if they did there’s no cure. The result of such a disease in the general population would be chaos: fear of the plague, citizens and law enforcement driven mad and turning on each other, hospitals becoming war zones, med droids suffering complete breakdown in the face of this insolvable problem. This is not a natural phenomenon, your highness; this is a weapon of war.”
“What can we do to stop it?”
“Nothing,” Taar said simply. “It’s too late; the infection has spread so far that it won’t make any difference what we do. You see, your excellency, you, I, everyone in the Empire is immune to this prion with one exception: your clones. They possess a rare mutation which makes them susceptible to this particular disease. It’s only a matter of time before they’re all wiped out.”
Darth Whind looked incredulous. “They just happen to be vulnerable to this particular disease?”
Taar looked at her with impatience. “This is a weapon, created by and thrust upon us by an enemy who exploited our weaknesses, and that is what cost us not only our most recent battle but the Imperial flagship and the finest officers and crews in the Imperial Navy. We underestimated the ruthlessness of our opposition and overestimated our own abilities to manipulate nature to our whim, despite what we know. Clones are by nature dangerous because of their vulnerability to disease as a group; one falls and they all fall. We knew that and chose to ignore it, and now must live with it.”
The sound of the Emperor’s heavy breathing caused him to pause. He could see his pent up anger, but it wouldn’t stop him from saying the truth. The clones were a mistake; he’d said so all along. Somehow, he couldn’t take pleasure in being right. “You say this is a weapon,” the Emperor said finally. “Who used it?”
“We’re not certain,” Taar said. “The Republic-“
“You mean the rebels,” the Emperor said hotly.
Taar stopped. “Of course, your highness. The rebels certainly would have the means, as would the Federation. There are others who are capable of producing such a weapon, but they’re far less likely. The Romulans, for example, wouldn’t have done us the service of confining it to the clones, they’d have decimated us with a pandemic like no other.”
The Emperor was quiet. “Have the infected ships withdrawn and begin efforts to re-staff them.” He stepped out of his throne and came down to where a hologram of the galaxy sat, his guards moving with him as he walked. He examined the shape carefully. “I grow tired of the annoyance of the Federation,” he said with malice in his voice. “Their bloated sense of self-importance disgusts me.” He looked up to Delric Taar. “I want them crushed. I want their homeworld seized intact and their leaders brought before me to be made examples of. I want the rest of the galaxy to look at the Federation and shiver in remembrance.”
Taar nodded, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. “As you wish,” he said hollowly.
“You’ll take command of the 132nd division, 158th, 171st, 190th, and 213th. They will be the hammer to smash the Federation.”
“Five divisions?” Taar said, unable to hide his disbelief. “That’s almost three thousand star destroyers, and three times as many support craft.”
“Yes,” the Emperor said. “I want the entire quadrant seized. No opportunity for retreat and all resistance crushed. I want them destroyed!”
“Sir,” Taar said, looking at the map. “Those ships are in those positions for a reason. We need them to maintain their presence to protect against bandits, prevent incursions by rebellious and alien forces, and to maintain order. We-“
“They are my ships and they will do what I wish,” the Emperor said firmly.
Taar stopped, then he opened his mouth to say yes. No, he thought. You know this isn’t right. You’re endangering the Empire and its people for no good reason, and you can’t stand there and pretend that it’s something you can ignore. You hate this position, but it’s yours, and you took an oath to perform it to the best of your abilities. “They are your ships, your highness,” Taar said slowly. “And I will send them anywhere you wish.”
“Excellent,” the Emperor said, turning and walking back towards his throne.
“But as your chief military advisor I must tell you that this is a mistake.”
The Emperor stopped and looked back at him. “What did you say,” he asked darkly.
Taar stood his ground. So what if he died; at this point he’d come to hate his life anyway. Trapped behind a desk and telling other people to go out and kill on orders from above, orders that were mad. He had joined to fly and now he had become a bureaucrat, the sum of everything he ever hated about the military. No, he wasn’t going to do it. There comes a point where you've got to draw the line. “I said that I will obey your orders no matter what, your highness. But I believe that this decision is dangerous and self-destructive.”
The Emperor turned and stepped down the stairs towards him, and Taar had to admit the chill in his soul. He knew what the man was capable of, but he refused to give in under that gaze. The Emperor stepped before him and peered into his eyes. Then he quickly turned and walked back up towards his throne. “The Judgment has just arrived,” the Emperor said as he returned to his seat. “An Inferno-class, I believe. That will serve as your new command ship.”
“Yes sir,” Taar said evenly.
“Your responsibility will be to anticipate the threats that will take place during the campaign and deal with them. Any potential attack or act of rebellion must be eliminated in the swiftest manner.”
“Yes, your excellency.”
The Emperor turned to Darth Whind. “You will oversee the attack. See that my orders are carried out.”
“Yes, my master,” she said, nodding in respect.
“I shall make the necessary preparations,” Taar said, and the Emperor nodded to him. He turned and walked past the guard who had been standing near him. In some small way it was a victory. Of course, there was no denying that overall, it was just another defeat.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Annika was laying on the exam table when Dr. Crusher and station CMO Dr. Tuval arrived, the former wearing a smile while the latter had a typically stoic Vulcan look. "What is it? You're naming a new disease after me?"
"There will be naming involved," Crusher said, "but not by us. Annika, we have no idea how, but you're pregnant."
Annika stared. "You're not pulling my leg, are you Beverly?"
"I assure you, commander," Tuval said evenly, "the matter has been thoroughly examined. That is why I asked Dr. Crusher to come up from Sanctuary to confer. It is a mystery, but you are definitely pregnant."
Annika was breathing heavily, unable to believe it. Of course, she'd known since Sebastian arrived that such a thing might possibly happen, but- but now? And without any efforts to somehow make it happen? "What's the long term picture look like?" she asked.
"Your womb itself is healthy," Crusher assured her. "You'll be able to carry the baby to full term without a problem. The baby is healthy and strong; the chance of any problems -even with your unique physiology- is virtually nonexistent."
Annika dropped her head back and wept with joy. She put a hand on her stomach, closed her eyes, and silently thanked Luke for giving her this most precious of all gifts.
There was no time to celebrate; before they could continue the yellow alert came up and Moore sent out a message for Annika to come to operations. She wiped her eyes in the turbolift, then marched onto the deck. "Situation report?"
"Federation-wide alert, commander," Moore said quickly. "The Empire has invaded the Federation."
"Any coming this way?"
"Not yet, sir."
Annika nodded; they were okay for the moment, but only the moment. "All civilians are to be relocated to Sanctuary on the double." The security chief nodded and got on that. "What are Starfleet's orders?"
"Resist if it’s a viable option," Moore said, "but if it's hopeless, you are authorized to surrender the station."
Annika nodded. "Send the latest tactical updates, reports on our defensive projections, and any long-range sensor readings that may be anomalous to my office. Ready the crew for battle drills, but wait until we've cleared the civilians off the station first. I want all Starfleet personnel armed and ready for combat if we're boarded, I don't care if they haven't fired a phaser since they left the Academy." Moore acknowledged and Annika marched into her office and looked at the information coming up on her screen. Were they coming this way?
No, she thought as fear gripped her. They're going to Earth.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Battle of Wolf 359 referred to by the only Borg officer in Starfleet remained infamous. It was infamous because it was slaughter; the Federation had been poorly armed and had only a handful of ships able to fight.
A lot can happen in fourteen years.
Over a hundred fifty ships took up a protective position around Earth, capital of the Federation. Another sixty stood near Utopia Planetia as major repairs were under way for the many ships damaged during the defense of the Klingons the week before. Apparently the Empire was out for revenge; they had overrun several outer worlds in Federation territory already. It took little time to realize their true target, and Starfleet moved accordingly.
Amongst the potpourri of starships floated a ship that had spent years trying to get to this very spot. The Intrepid-class USS Voyager held its position as they waited for the arrival once again of Imperial forces.
“Long range scans have something,” Harry Kim said from Ops. “Coming in at Warp 14.”
“Red alert,” Janeway said.
“Stand by all weapons,” Chakotay ordered.
They waited tensely. That’s all there was left to do; wait and hope they pulled through again. Given the fury of the latest assault, they were naturally lacking in optimism. Janeway’s trembling hand ran over her face. “They’re not coming here,” she said quietly. “Not yet.”
Chakotay looked at her. “What makes you say that?”
“They’re going to Mars first,” Janeway said distantly.
“Captain?”
Janeway could see the explosion in her mind’s eye so clearly... “Inform Starfleet to abandon Utopia Planetia,” she said.
Harry looked uncertain. “What reason should I give, captain?”
“Just do it!” Janeway snapped.
Harry looked over at Chakotay, then activated his controls. “Aye captain.”
Chakotay stepped over to her side. “Captain, what’s this about?”
“It’s about stopping the destruction of everything we’ve struggled to maintain!” she said.
Harry looked up. “Captain, Starfleet is asking for a reason to abandon the facilities.”
“Tell them the Empire’s going to destroy them!”
Chakotay looked sympathetically at Harry. “I think they’re going to want more than that,” he said to Janeway.
“Listen, I know what will happen!” she said. “Don’t ask me how, because I haven’t the foggiest idea, but they will destroy everyone there unless they leave now! Please, Chakotay, trust me on this!”
Chakotay didn’t know what to say. “Captain, it’s not me you have to convince.”
An alarm sounded. “They’re here,” Harry said quickly.
“More precisely, near here,” said Tuvok. “Approximately eight-seven million kilometers.”
“Confirmed,” Harry said. “They’re at 015 mark 2.” He looked up, visibly shocked. “Near Mars.”
“On screen,” Janeway ordered. The red planet appeared. “Magnify.” Immediately the screen zoomed in to show the monstrous shape of a star destroyer unlike any they’d ever seen. Its very appearance was menacing as it moved slowly before Earth’s neighbor.
Chakotay stared at the ship appeared on the screen. “What the hell is that?” he said softly.
“Eclipse-class star destroyer,” Janeway said quietly. She had no idea where the name came from, but there it was, in her head.
“The ship possesses five hundred heavy turbolaser cannons, five hundred fifty small turbolasers, ten gravity well projectors,” said Tuvok as he looked at the readings. “I am detecting nine hundred thousand lifeforms on board.”
“The Empire’s been busy,” Chakotay observed.
“Orders coming in from Starfleet Command,” Harry said. “We’re to maintain position here in case this is a ruse to draw us away from Earth.”
“It’s not a ruse!” Janeway snapped. “They’re going to fire their superlaser!”
Chakotay glanced over at Tuvok, wondering if the two of them needed to relieve her of command, but Tuvok looked down at his beeping console. “I’m reading a power build-up inside the ship,” Tuvok said
“No!” she said, wringing her hands in frustration as she saw the flare come from the end of the ship. It struck the surface of the red planet and immediately there was an explosion. An area some fifteen thousand kilometers in diameter tore apart under the force of the blast, radiating outward with incredible energy. There was no time for anything, and they watched in disbelief as Utopia Planetia and the ships there were consumed by the expanding field of planetary shrapnel. Nothing could survive the intensity of the assault.
“How did you know?” Chakotay asked.
“No time,” she said. “This is just to distract us, the real fleet is going to be here very soon. We need to...” She trailed off as she saw them drop out of hyperspace. Star Destroyers, hundreds of them, now flanking the giant and moving as one. Slowly, but persistent, one destination on their mind: Earth. And she couldn’t stop them. She could see them in her mind so clearly that she swore it was actually happening in the moment. Earth, and the Federation, was about to fall.
Annika stared at the footage playing out on the small display in her office, finding it hard to believe possible. The Enterprise destroyed with all hands... some things just shouldn't be allowed to happen in a just universe. All her friends, all the old members of her department...
Luke put a comforting hand on her shoulder; she reached up and took it, squeezing it tightly. "There's nothing you could have done, if you'd been there," he said quietly. "You realize that right?"
Annika covered her eyes and nodded. "I find no comfort in that thought."
Luke pulled her to her feet and embraced her. "I've been there, Annika; seen lots of friends die senselessly from all of this. There are times when you have to put aside your feelings and do the job in front of you." He patted her back. "This isn't one of those times. Let yourself grieve, because you don't know when the time will come when you won't have the luxury."
Annika clung to him and cried, but not much, not compared to what she had during the long days of their separation. It broke her heart to think of all those people that she loved dead, but in truth it was still too abstract a thought. And she had to admit, it was hard not to find comfort in Luke's arms, no matter how cheesy it may sound to anyone else. Beverly had told her before the wedding that a husband was someone you could force yourself to be impossibly strong for, and someone you could show how weak you sometimes needed to be.
The comm buzzed. "Commander Skywalker," came Moore's voice. "There's a message coming through from Romulus for Mr. Skywalker. Shall I route it to your office?"
"Yes, commander," Annika said, releasing Luke. She activated the screen; it was Leia. For a moment she wondered if this was to try to patch things up, but it was clear from her expression this was all business.
"Annika," Leia said. It wasn't short but it didn't feel quite as warm as it used to. Guilt by association, no doubt, but Annika didn't care. "I need to speak to Luke about a Republic matter."
Annika stepped aside and Luke stepped in front of the screen. "Hi, Leia."
"Hello." It was decidedly cold. "I assume you've heard about the recent battle between the Empire and the Klingon/Federation fleet?"
"Yes, we heard. Tragic."
"Very much. I'm speaking with the Romulans soon in the hopes we can align ourselves for mutual defense, but I'm worried about what will happen if the Empire continues their aggression. Right now, I don't think that even with the Katana fleet supplementing our ships that the Republic and Federation can hold them back."
"The Imperial war machine is as powerful as ever," Luke agreed.
"There are reports that things are even worse," Leia said. "And I think we need to prepare for the worst: the conquest of the Republic. If that's the case, we're back to the days of the Rebellion, and that means we need to find places to hide."
Luke nodded. "You need to get some small, isolated bases set up in case we lose."
"Exactly. I heard you were looking to do some work for Starfleet; I thought perhaps you could provide some service to the Republic once again. We don’t have a whole lot of people left with Rebel experience like you."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Luke said.
Leia swallowed and looked away for a second before glancing back at the screen. "Let me be honest, Luke. I'm only contacting you because the Republic is possibly on its deathbed, and I will not allow my personal feelings to ever get in the way of that. But don't think that this changes anything. The Republic needs you; Han and I don't. I trust we understand one another?"
Luke audibly breathed through his nose. "Perfectly," he said. "And I will do whatever I have to if it keeps the Republic alive." Leia nodded and cut the channel; Luke covered his face with his hands as if exhausted.
"You okay?" Annika asked, the Enterprise now forgotten.
"I'll be fine," Luke said. "We make choices, we live with them." Of course, the consequences had been great; this was Leia actually being nice by comparison, and Han... Han had made it clear that Luke was never to speak to him again; it was obvious he was doing his best not to pull out his blaster just at the sight of Luke. The close ties he had forged with them over the years were now forever lost. They could forgive Vader... but not him.
It was Annika's turn to pull him close. "They'll come around in time," she told him. "It's just still too fresh."
"What I did in their home..." he said, obviously unable to comprehend that even a dark side of himself could do those things. He looked up at her, and she could read his expression. She knew what that same side tried to do to her... she knew some of the threats it had made against her when it battled Luke near the end.
"Skywalker," Annika said slowly, "was everything you are not. Listen to me," she said, lifting his head so he was looking into her eyes. "I killed and assimilated my own people at Wolf 359. Let me tell you what everyone has told me: you had no control. You're not the one who did this."
Luke's jaw trembled as he looked into her face. "I tried to kill you," he said in a voice that could barely be heard.
"That wasn't you," Annika insisted.
"It... was a part of me."
Annika wasn't sure what to say. "I asked you once if you accepted that I am Borg, and you proved to me that you did. No matter what the different parts of my nature are, you still love me... do you honestly think I love you any less?”
Luke's eyes were red-rimmed, but he forced a smile to his face. "How can you be so good to me?"
Annika smiled back. Because I don't deserve you, she thought. I wasn't supposed to have you, but I do. Life gave me the luckiest of all breaks, and I never let myself forget that. So every day I wake up and promise that today I'll do something that proves I'm worthy of being yours. "Just go out there and make me proud, sweetie."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Clutching a datapad, Gen. Delric Taar, commander of the Imperial military and the Emperor’s chief military advisor, strode through the capital of Bastion towards the man who was the very center of the Empire. He barely slowed for the guards as he approached, stepping inside with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he felt slightly vindicated, but on the other, he felt the fear that all messengers do who have bad news. “General,” the Emperor said politely enough from his elevated throne, surrounded by his alien bodyguards, his Sith partner standing nearby. “You're here to report on the attack on the Klingons?”
“Yes sir,” Taar said, tapping the datapad. “The Klingon forces suffered heavy casualties and are unlikely to mount a strong counter attack of any kind. They were aided by several Federation ships, but were forced to withdraw.”
“Then the first battle was a success.”
Taar smiled, but there was no humor to it. “On the contrary, it was a defeat. We lost thirteen star destroyers plus the Vendetta. The remains of the fleet withdrew.”
“Are you saying we lost to the Klingons?” Darth Whind said skeptically.
“Yes, my lady. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“That is not possible,” the Emperor said. “The only reason for such a defeat would be sheer incompetence.” He leaned forward. “Your incompetence, general.”
“Yes,” Taar said, holding his head high. “The campaign that I gave to Adm. Hellis has fallen short. In my plans I failed to consider that ships commanded and piloted by clones presented an unstable element for our side and could in fact turn on us, as they did. I should have anticipated their inefficaciousness, given their flawed nature.”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed at him. “What exactly are you saying, general?”
“I’m saying that the clones were unreliable, as we should have known from the beginning. There is, after all, a reason why we limit cloning to ground level troops, not people in command of mile-long starships.”
“Nonsense,” Darth Whind dismissed. “I supervised the process personally; they did not suffer from any mental imbalance due to the procedure.”
“No, but they suffered the same physical vulnerability.” Taar looked at his datapad. “A prion of some kind, transmitted in the same manner as the common cold. It causes fevers, sneezing, coughs, some slight tremors, and eventually madness and death.”
“Are you saying we face a plague of some kind?” the Emperor said. “What is this prion?”
“A type of infectious particle, differing from a virus because of its lack of a nuclear protein. And as for the plague, the answer is yes, although not exactly what you’re thinking.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well this is a deadly biological weapon,” Taar continued. “Unchecked it would wreak untold havoc. Incubation is long enough to allow it to be spread and communicability rate is near 100%. The victims won’t recognize their condition until it’s too late, and even if they did there’s no cure. The result of such a disease in the general population would be chaos: fear of the plague, citizens and law enforcement driven mad and turning on each other, hospitals becoming war zones, med droids suffering complete breakdown in the face of this insolvable problem. This is not a natural phenomenon, your highness; this is a weapon of war.”
“What can we do to stop it?”
“Nothing,” Taar said simply. “It’s too late; the infection has spread so far that it won’t make any difference what we do. You see, your excellency, you, I, everyone in the Empire is immune to this prion with one exception: your clones. They possess a rare mutation which makes them susceptible to this particular disease. It’s only a matter of time before they’re all wiped out.”
Darth Whind looked incredulous. “They just happen to be vulnerable to this particular disease?”
Taar looked at her with impatience. “This is a weapon, created by and thrust upon us by an enemy who exploited our weaknesses, and that is what cost us not only our most recent battle but the Imperial flagship and the finest officers and crews in the Imperial Navy. We underestimated the ruthlessness of our opposition and overestimated our own abilities to manipulate nature to our whim, despite what we know. Clones are by nature dangerous because of their vulnerability to disease as a group; one falls and they all fall. We knew that and chose to ignore it, and now must live with it.”
The sound of the Emperor’s heavy breathing caused him to pause. He could see his pent up anger, but it wouldn’t stop him from saying the truth. The clones were a mistake; he’d said so all along. Somehow, he couldn’t take pleasure in being right. “You say this is a weapon,” the Emperor said finally. “Who used it?”
“We’re not certain,” Taar said. “The Republic-“
“You mean the rebels,” the Emperor said hotly.
Taar stopped. “Of course, your highness. The rebels certainly would have the means, as would the Federation. There are others who are capable of producing such a weapon, but they’re far less likely. The Romulans, for example, wouldn’t have done us the service of confining it to the clones, they’d have decimated us with a pandemic like no other.”
The Emperor was quiet. “Have the infected ships withdrawn and begin efforts to re-staff them.” He stepped out of his throne and came down to where a hologram of the galaxy sat, his guards moving with him as he walked. He examined the shape carefully. “I grow tired of the annoyance of the Federation,” he said with malice in his voice. “Their bloated sense of self-importance disgusts me.” He looked up to Delric Taar. “I want them crushed. I want their homeworld seized intact and their leaders brought before me to be made examples of. I want the rest of the galaxy to look at the Federation and shiver in remembrance.”
Taar nodded, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. “As you wish,” he said hollowly.
“You’ll take command of the 132nd division, 158th, 171st, 190th, and 213th. They will be the hammer to smash the Federation.”
“Five divisions?” Taar said, unable to hide his disbelief. “That’s almost three thousand star destroyers, and three times as many support craft.”
“Yes,” the Emperor said. “I want the entire quadrant seized. No opportunity for retreat and all resistance crushed. I want them destroyed!”
“Sir,” Taar said, looking at the map. “Those ships are in those positions for a reason. We need them to maintain their presence to protect against bandits, prevent incursions by rebellious and alien forces, and to maintain order. We-“
“They are my ships and they will do what I wish,” the Emperor said firmly.
Taar stopped, then he opened his mouth to say yes. No, he thought. You know this isn’t right. You’re endangering the Empire and its people for no good reason, and you can’t stand there and pretend that it’s something you can ignore. You hate this position, but it’s yours, and you took an oath to perform it to the best of your abilities. “They are your ships, your highness,” Taar said slowly. “And I will send them anywhere you wish.”
“Excellent,” the Emperor said, turning and walking back towards his throne.
“But as your chief military advisor I must tell you that this is a mistake.”
The Emperor stopped and looked back at him. “What did you say,” he asked darkly.
Taar stood his ground. So what if he died; at this point he’d come to hate his life anyway. Trapped behind a desk and telling other people to go out and kill on orders from above, orders that were mad. He had joined to fly and now he had become a bureaucrat, the sum of everything he ever hated about the military. No, he wasn’t going to do it. There comes a point where you've got to draw the line. “I said that I will obey your orders no matter what, your highness. But I believe that this decision is dangerous and self-destructive.”
The Emperor turned and stepped down the stairs towards him, and Taar had to admit the chill in his soul. He knew what the man was capable of, but he refused to give in under that gaze. The Emperor stepped before him and peered into his eyes. Then he quickly turned and walked back up towards his throne. “The Judgment has just arrived,” the Emperor said as he returned to his seat. “An Inferno-class, I believe. That will serve as your new command ship.”
“Yes sir,” Taar said evenly.
“Your responsibility will be to anticipate the threats that will take place during the campaign and deal with them. Any potential attack or act of rebellion must be eliminated in the swiftest manner.”
“Yes, your excellency.”
The Emperor turned to Darth Whind. “You will oversee the attack. See that my orders are carried out.”
“Yes, my master,” she said, nodding in respect.
“I shall make the necessary preparations,” Taar said, and the Emperor nodded to him. He turned and walked past the guard who had been standing near him. In some small way it was a victory. Of course, there was no denying that overall, it was just another defeat.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Annika was laying on the exam table when Dr. Crusher and station CMO Dr. Tuval arrived, the former wearing a smile while the latter had a typically stoic Vulcan look. "What is it? You're naming a new disease after me?"
"There will be naming involved," Crusher said, "but not by us. Annika, we have no idea how, but you're pregnant."
Annika stared. "You're not pulling my leg, are you Beverly?"
"I assure you, commander," Tuval said evenly, "the matter has been thoroughly examined. That is why I asked Dr. Crusher to come up from Sanctuary to confer. It is a mystery, but you are definitely pregnant."
Annika was breathing heavily, unable to believe it. Of course, she'd known since Sebastian arrived that such a thing might possibly happen, but- but now? And without any efforts to somehow make it happen? "What's the long term picture look like?" she asked.
"Your womb itself is healthy," Crusher assured her. "You'll be able to carry the baby to full term without a problem. The baby is healthy and strong; the chance of any problems -even with your unique physiology- is virtually nonexistent."
Annika dropped her head back and wept with joy. She put a hand on her stomach, closed her eyes, and silently thanked Luke for giving her this most precious of all gifts.
There was no time to celebrate; before they could continue the yellow alert came up and Moore sent out a message for Annika to come to operations. She wiped her eyes in the turbolift, then marched onto the deck. "Situation report?"
"Federation-wide alert, commander," Moore said quickly. "The Empire has invaded the Federation."
"Any coming this way?"
"Not yet, sir."
Annika nodded; they were okay for the moment, but only the moment. "All civilians are to be relocated to Sanctuary on the double." The security chief nodded and got on that. "What are Starfleet's orders?"
"Resist if it’s a viable option," Moore said, "but if it's hopeless, you are authorized to surrender the station."
Annika nodded. "Send the latest tactical updates, reports on our defensive projections, and any long-range sensor readings that may be anomalous to my office. Ready the crew for battle drills, but wait until we've cleared the civilians off the station first. I want all Starfleet personnel armed and ready for combat if we're boarded, I don't care if they haven't fired a phaser since they left the Academy." Moore acknowledged and Annika marched into her office and looked at the information coming up on her screen. Were they coming this way?
No, she thought as fear gripped her. They're going to Earth.
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The Battle of Wolf 359 referred to by the only Borg officer in Starfleet remained infamous. It was infamous because it was slaughter; the Federation had been poorly armed and had only a handful of ships able to fight.
A lot can happen in fourteen years.
Over a hundred fifty ships took up a protective position around Earth, capital of the Federation. Another sixty stood near Utopia Planetia as major repairs were under way for the many ships damaged during the defense of the Klingons the week before. Apparently the Empire was out for revenge; they had overrun several outer worlds in Federation territory already. It took little time to realize their true target, and Starfleet moved accordingly.
Amongst the potpourri of starships floated a ship that had spent years trying to get to this very spot. The Intrepid-class USS Voyager held its position as they waited for the arrival once again of Imperial forces.
“Long range scans have something,” Harry Kim said from Ops. “Coming in at Warp 14.”
“Red alert,” Janeway said.
“Stand by all weapons,” Chakotay ordered.
They waited tensely. That’s all there was left to do; wait and hope they pulled through again. Given the fury of the latest assault, they were naturally lacking in optimism. Janeway’s trembling hand ran over her face. “They’re not coming here,” she said quietly. “Not yet.”
Chakotay looked at her. “What makes you say that?”
“They’re going to Mars first,” Janeway said distantly.
“Captain?”
Janeway could see the explosion in her mind’s eye so clearly... “Inform Starfleet to abandon Utopia Planetia,” she said.
Harry looked uncertain. “What reason should I give, captain?”
“Just do it!” Janeway snapped.
Harry looked over at Chakotay, then activated his controls. “Aye captain.”
Chakotay stepped over to her side. “Captain, what’s this about?”
“It’s about stopping the destruction of everything we’ve struggled to maintain!” she said.
Harry looked up. “Captain, Starfleet is asking for a reason to abandon the facilities.”
“Tell them the Empire’s going to destroy them!”
Chakotay looked sympathetically at Harry. “I think they’re going to want more than that,” he said to Janeway.
“Listen, I know what will happen!” she said. “Don’t ask me how, because I haven’t the foggiest idea, but they will destroy everyone there unless they leave now! Please, Chakotay, trust me on this!”
Chakotay didn’t know what to say. “Captain, it’s not me you have to convince.”
An alarm sounded. “They’re here,” Harry said quickly.
“More precisely, near here,” said Tuvok. “Approximately eight-seven million kilometers.”
“Confirmed,” Harry said. “They’re at 015 mark 2.” He looked up, visibly shocked. “Near Mars.”
“On screen,” Janeway ordered. The red planet appeared. “Magnify.” Immediately the screen zoomed in to show the monstrous shape of a star destroyer unlike any they’d ever seen. Its very appearance was menacing as it moved slowly before Earth’s neighbor.
Chakotay stared at the ship appeared on the screen. “What the hell is that?” he said softly.
“Eclipse-class star destroyer,” Janeway said quietly. She had no idea where the name came from, but there it was, in her head.
“The ship possesses five hundred heavy turbolaser cannons, five hundred fifty small turbolasers, ten gravity well projectors,” said Tuvok as he looked at the readings. “I am detecting nine hundred thousand lifeforms on board.”
“The Empire’s been busy,” Chakotay observed.
“Orders coming in from Starfleet Command,” Harry said. “We’re to maintain position here in case this is a ruse to draw us away from Earth.”
“It’s not a ruse!” Janeway snapped. “They’re going to fire their superlaser!”
Chakotay glanced over at Tuvok, wondering if the two of them needed to relieve her of command, but Tuvok looked down at his beeping console. “I’m reading a power build-up inside the ship,” Tuvok said
“No!” she said, wringing her hands in frustration as she saw the flare come from the end of the ship. It struck the surface of the red planet and immediately there was an explosion. An area some fifteen thousand kilometers in diameter tore apart under the force of the blast, radiating outward with incredible energy. There was no time for anything, and they watched in disbelief as Utopia Planetia and the ships there were consumed by the expanding field of planetary shrapnel. Nothing could survive the intensity of the assault.
“How did you know?” Chakotay asked.
“No time,” she said. “This is just to distract us, the real fleet is going to be here very soon. We need to...” She trailed off as she saw them drop out of hyperspace. Star Destroyers, hundreds of them, now flanking the giant and moving as one. Slowly, but persistent, one destination on their mind: Earth. And she couldn’t stop them. She could see them in her mind so clearly that she swore it was actually happening in the moment. Earth, and the Federation, was about to fall.
Chuck
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Crazedwraith
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Ghost Rider
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I enjoy that you make the point that Han and Leia can forgive Darth Vader, but not Luke. It makes for fun reading, and does give the characters a nice early look of what eventually happens.
And, poor Janeway...yet another step into being what she becomes.
And, poor Janeway...yet another step into being what she becomes.
MM /CF/WG/BOTM/JL/Original Warsie/ACPATHNTDWATGODW FOREVER!!
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
I hate janeway..... lol.... nice chapters
CERC
CERC
Sum Senatus
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
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Sonnenburg
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Thank you. I think it's easy to forgive Vader because his crimes didn't seem as much like a betrayal. Luke was family, yet he returned home and tore the family apart... that's something that's so hard to forgive even under mitigating circumstances.Ghost Rider wrote:I enjoy that you make the point that Han and Leia can forgive Darth Vader, but not Luke. It makes for fun reading, and does give the characters a nice early look of what eventually happens.
Yeah, I've looked over the series as a whole, and AAO seems to be the story that it turns on, the link between past and future. It's at this point that the characters that evolve take their "first step into a larger world" as we've already seen Annika do when she cloaked herself from Skywalker.Ghost Rider wrote: And, poor Janeway...yet another step into being what she becomes.
Chuck
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Sonnenburg
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Sonnenburg
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Chris OFarrell wrote:.....................No, it just isn't the same without Kaz running in jerking off over an ISD with his eyes bulging out
I've made a couple jokes too, so just to fill this in for all the non-ASVSers, this is in regards to Kazuaki Shimazaki (the same Kaz that was banned for his sick remarks about pedophilia). Kaz stumbled into the group in response to the battle in chapter 34... Despite the fact that it clearly said that this was chapter 34, he reads it without reading any of the previous 33 chapters, or reading any of WWE or SotN, and as hard as it is to imagine, he didn't understand what was going on. Since when did the Enterprise have a phaser cannon?! Since when would the Federation have hyperdrive?! Why is an Imperial captain firing at his own people and disobeying orders... it can only possibly be because the author must not know how to write Imperial characters, not that it's part of a growing plot that would actually require context!
He made it abundantly clear that if a story did not have complete and total technical accuracy as far as the difference in powers would be, then it was obviously the author was employing a "Trekkie bias shield" as opposed to, say, trying to craft something longer than Bambi versus Godzilla.Kazuaki Shimazaki wrote:The only reason for arranging this is so that the Super Star Destroyer gets destroyed. Can't the author think of a more decent way that does not require such desperate scruples? God!
Kaz is also famous for writing Star Destroyers Rampant, which literally reads like a propaganda piece.
Chuck
Sonnenburg wrote: "Trekkie bias shield" as opposed to, say, trying to craft something longer than Bambi versus Godzilla.
bwahahahahahahaha..... but if bambi had a laser on his head then.... lol
CERC
Sum Senatus
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
And thus, the Padawan and the Master are dispatched, and it falls to the champion of the Force, Yoda to save them; whom in his near infinate power, displays little intelligence, by stopping the piller with the force instead of jerking his underlings out of the way so that his fight with Dooku can continue.....
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Ghost Rider
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I heard about the second(specifically the fanfic) from both Dalton and Wilson, and upon that sorta got what Chris was referring to. Though with the entire what did happen, a damn amusing story.Sonnenburg wrote:Chris OFarrell wrote:.....................No, it just isn't the same without Kaz running in jerking off over an ISD with his eyes bulging out
I've made a couple jokes too, so just to fill this in for all the non-ASVSers, this is in regards to Kazuaki Shimazaki (the same Kaz that was banned for his sick remarks about pedophilia). Kaz stumbled into the group in response to the battle in chapter 34... Despite the fact that it clearly said that this was chapter 34, he reads it without reading any of the previous 33 chapters, or reading any of WWE or SotN, and as hard as it is to imagine, he didn't understand what was going on. Since when did the Enterprise have a phaser cannon?! Since when would the Federation have hyperdrive?! Why is an Imperial captain firing at his own people and disobeying orders... it can only possibly be because the author must not know how to write Imperial characters, not that it's part of a growing plot that would actually require context!
He made it abundantly clear that if a story did not have complete and total technical accuracy as far as the difference in powers would be, then it was obviously the author was employing a "Trekkie bias shield" as opposed to, say, trying to craft something longer than Bambi versus Godzilla.Kazuaki Shimazaki wrote:The only reason for arranging this is so that the Super Star Destroyer gets destroyed. Can't the author think of a more decent way that does not require such desperate scruples? God!
Kaz is also famous for writing Star Destroyers Rampant, which literally reads like a propaganda piece.
MM /CF/WG/BOTM/JL/Original Warsie/ACPATHNTDWATGODW FOREVER!!
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all
Saying and doing are chocolate and concrete
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Star Empire
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Wish I had been here for that. Unfortunately I didn't pick up it up into chapter 2 of Paradise Lost, and didn't actually come to this forum for quite some after that (just read off ASVS and your site). I did read, Star Destroyer Rampant though, and propagamda certainly describes it. Didn't he have one star destroyer basically taking over the entire Milky Way, and have entire fleets not being able to lower its shields at all?Sonnenburg wrote:Chris OFarrell wrote:.....................No, it just isn't the same without Kaz running in jerking off over an ISD with his eyes bulging out
I've made a couple jokes too, so just to fill this in for all the non-ASVSers, this is in regards to Kazuaki Shimazaki (the same Kaz that was banned for his sick remarks about pedophilia). Kaz stumbled into the group in response to the battle in chapter 34... Despite the fact that it clearly said that this was chapter 34, he reads it without reading any of the previous 33 chapters, or reading any of WWE or SotN, and as hard as it is to imagine, he didn't understand what was going on. Since when did the Enterprise have a phaser cannon?! Since when would the Federation have hyperdrive?! Why is an Imperial captain firing at his own people and disobeying orders... it can only possibly be because the author must not know how to write Imperial characters, not that it's part of a growing plot that would actually require context!
He made it abundantly clear that if a story did not have complete and total technical accuracy as far as the difference in powers would be, then it was obviously the author was employing a "Trekkie bias shield" as opposed to, say, trying to craft something longer than Bambi versus Godzilla.Kazuaki Shimazaki wrote:The only reason for arranging this is so that the Super Star Destroyer gets destroyed. Can't the author think of a more decent way that does not require such desperate scruples? God!
Kaz is also famous for writing Star Destroyers Rampant, which literally reads like a propaganda piece.
Great chapters. I love the Enterprise's final part, and the way Janeway is developing. Just hope it doesn't give too much away to those who haven't read the later installments.
You said you didn't plan on a second trilogy when killing Chewie, when did you decide on one?
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I had a lot of problems on the editing side of that fic.Sonnenburg wrote:
Kaz is also famous for writing Star Destroyers Rampant, which literally reads like a propaganda piece.
Via money Europe could become political in five years" "... the current communities should be completed by a Finance Common Market which would lead us to European economic unity. Only then would ... the mutual commitments make it fairly easy to produce the political union which is the goal"
Jean Omer Marie Gabriel Monnet
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Jean Omer Marie Gabriel Monnet
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