The Twilight War

[Stravo]

Chapter 11: Parting Shots

“If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.”
Twelfth Night
Act 3, Scene iv


The Enterprise soared past a Dreadnought on fire, her hull blackened and split open in several places by heavy fire. She was slowly spinning off her axis into a dive out of the main plane of engagement. A swarm of Republic fighters flashed by the proud starship trading blaster fire and waves of proton torpedoes trailing bright blue contrails as they closed with the starship or passed by it, proximity fuses detonating with bright orange blossoms of light and fire.

The Enterprise’s droid fighter escort was severely depleted in the furious combat that was swirling around the Republic and Separatist fleet. The remaining droid fighters remained close to the Sovereign class starship, in many instances racing to take a hit from concentrated Republic fire to protect the starship, or firing in rapid bursts to intercept any incoming proton torpedoes that were coming too close to the Enterprise.

As the Enterprise cleared the dying Republic dreadnought it fired a spread of quantum torpedoes. A squadron of Republic Z-95 Headhunters flying close escort for a squadron of Y-Wings were caught in the rapidly expanding blast of the quantum torpedoes. Most of the fighters were consumed in the blast, a small number spun out of the blast radius, trailing glittering debris, missing a wing or simply tumbling madly out of control into the side of a capital ship. The Enterprise followed through with quick slashing phaser strikes at the Y-Wings trying to make an attack run on the heart of the Separatist fleet. Some of the Y-Wings managed to withstand the withering phaser strikes, their shields flaring up brightly against the assault but several were destroyed, one of their large engine struts coming apart or the cockpit section spun away from the main body.

The starship dove sharply and spun on her axis as Republic counter fire splashed around the space where she had been mere moments ago.

The battle was a furious brawl between the titanic capital ships of the Republic and Separatist fleet. Jedi Master Naz’s bold strikes to flank the Separatist fleet and directly attack the wormhole were blunted by the surgically precise counterstrokes of Sev’Rance Tan. It seemed that the Separatists had ships precisely in the right place at the right time to meet the Republic advances.

Captain Picard shook his head as sparks flared up on a council behind him to his left. Sev’Rance sat in the seat to his right, Riker to his left. Sev’Rance’s hands were in constant motion on the command pads at the armrests of her seat.

“I commend you and your Starfleet, Captain. The ergonomics of these controls is fascinating. I’ve been able to command the fleet with exceeding ease from this ship.” Sev’Rance noted with a soft smile.

“I’ll let Starfleet know as soon as we get out of this.” Picard replied with a bemused grin.

The bridge shuddered hard as turbolaser cross fire exploded nearby in an exchange between a Banking Guild Bulk cruiser and a Republic assault frigate.

“IF we get through this.” Riker noted with some concern. The scale of firepower out there was amazing.

“Captain, forward shield strength is down to 43%.” Data warned.

“Increase regenerative shield rate.” Picard ordered. “How soon can we expect reinforcements?” He asked Sev'Rance.

“Not for another 30 minutes at least. The Republic was very thorough when they planned this attack. They waited until the bulk of our fleet was repositioning and deployed elsewhere when they made this attack. I think that Captain Sisko’s Deep Space Nine will be needed on this side of the wormhole as soon as possible to provide a true defense for the wormhole.”

“Aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves?” Riker interjected.

Counselor Troi paused as she felt a spike of anger from the cold blue skinned woman.

“Nevertheless Captain, we won’t need the reinforcements.” Sev’Rance replied with a sly smile.

“Oh?” Picard wondered.

“This battle is nearly over and we have won.”

“How can you be sure?” Picard pressed.

Sev’Rance looked over at the screen and watched for a moment as the Republic assault frigate trading fire with the Banking Guild Bulk cruiser was suddenly overwhelmed by the combined fire of several Separatists heavy ships that had managed to flank and surround the assault frigate.

It exploded into a ball of fire, debris and wreckage spinning out from the epicenter of the blast.

“Because I can feel it, Captain. The tide is turning and I’m about to finish this battle.” She replied with a cold satisfaction as she entered a string of orders into her tactical pads in a flurry of precise motion.







“The tide is turning. We need to think of retreat.” Naz stated gravely to Yuess Fane. The Bothan’s eyes twitched for a moment.

“Are you sure? The losses we’re inflicting on the Separatists is mounting.” Fane pointed out.

Naz nodded.

“And ours are mounting as well. I had not counted on a protracted fleet engagement. This attack was meant as a quick strike and fade operation. The sole goal of this operation was collapsing the wormhole, not engaging a Separatist fleet.”

“Nevertheless, battle is joined and we’re tearing their wings apart.”

“Their center holds and will not break, Fane. And more importantly, our men are faltering in their hearts. Morale is flagging.”

“Not on MY fleet it’s not.” Fane spat.

Naz smiled softly. He placed a hand on his Bothan friend’s shoulder.

“Yuess, this is not a slight against you or your fleet. They were not expecting this, no one was. The casualties are mounting and many of the ship captains are starting to realize that we are not going to break through to the wormhole. Sev’Rance, she’s a sly one indeed. She can sense the turning of the tide as I do. She is already gathering for another counter attack.”

“Master Naz, strategic scans indicate a sizable Separatist relief fleet inbound. ETA: 27 minutes.” A tactical officer called out from his station.

“And so comes the final stroke. I warned you this was the greatest danger for the plan. The longer we stay here the longer we will be over whelmed.” Naz replied with a bitter frown. Fane looked into the Jedi master’s white within white eyes.

“I should have been more forceful, gotten the Fortieth tactical fleet or the First Correllian Expeditionary force.” Fane lamented.

“Not your fault, Yuess. Now we need to regroup and prepare for a fighting retreat.” Naz counseled softly.

“Is there any choice?” Fane asked his old friend already knowing the answer. Naz was renown for his tenacity in battle. He and Fane had fought in too many campaigns for the Bothan to delude himself as to Naz’s intentions and beliefs.

“No, Yuess. This needs to end now. Sev’Rance will do her damndest now to try and pin us down. If she can trap us here when the Separatist fleet arrives they will cut us to pieces.” Naz replied.

Fane nodded reluctantly.

“Alert all commands. Prepare for a fighting withdrawal. I want the center to hold position and begin withdrawing the wings.” Naz ordered.

“Aye sir.”







“It looks like they’re retreating.” Riker noted with some surprise.

“I am reading general withdrawal of all of their wings.” Data added.

“It looks as if we don’t need those reinforcements as you predicted.” Picard noted as he watched the Republic forces begin their orderly retreat, each wing slowly pulling away from the tangle of warships, simultaneously providing covering for fire for the next wing of ships.

“Our job is not complete yet Captain. We need to keep the pressure on. If we can pin them down this surprise attack can turn into a Republic defeat that will reverberate through this sector.” Sev’Rance Tan replied stonily.

“We’re lucky enough to have fought them off. The prudent thing to do is to disengage and allow them to retreat.” Riker suggested.

Sev’Rance paused and glanced sharply at Riker.

“Talk like that will not win us victory Mr. Riker. We need leaders with vision and daring. In case you have not noticed, this possible alliance hung on a thread this day and if not for the vision of your Captain you would have been stranded in this galaxy for the rest of your lives.”

Riker glared angrily at the beautiful blue skinned woman, his eyes boring into her glowing crimson ones.

“She’s right, Will. We have to push our advantage to the limit. Would you let a Dominion task force get away that easy?” Picard asked gently.

“I just think we are putting this ship at an unacceptable risk sir. I don’t need to remind you that the Enterprise was here on a fact finding mission not combat operations.”

“We’ll discuss this later, Number One.”

Sev’Rance ignore the exchange and eagerly typed in new orders for her nearest ships. The Republic could not be allowed to escape. This would be a pretty prize to bring back to her master in addition to the Federation entourage.

On screen the Banking Guild bulk cruiser that had been engaging the Republic assault frigate was under heavy fire from a retreating heavy cruiser, her port side was on fire and the Guild Bulk cruiser would not relent.

“She needs to pull back.” Picard noted with growing concern as more fires began sprouting along her hull.

“She’s trying to hold back the Republic cruiser until more support ships come in.” Sev’Rance replied coolly as she directed more ships to slash into the retreating wings. Jedi Master Naz was not going to get away that easy from her.

Picard frowned as he watch the bulk cruiser’s forward portions battered by the Republic cruisers turbolasers. He glanced down at his tactical display and saw that any nearby Separatist ships were too far away.

“She needs help. Number One, bring us in on an oblique angle, one alpha strike on the shield portion being hit by the Bulk Cruiser. Maybe we can help bring down that shield.”

“And provide a tempting target for their gunners?” Riker added with a smirk.

“I wouldn’t have put it in quite those terms, Number One, but the idea is to get some pressure off that ship.”

“That is a Republic heavy cruiser, Monarch class, she could tear this ship apart.” Sev’Rance warned eyeing Picard.

Picard returned the gaze with a bemused smile.

“Then the key here, Sev’Rance is not to get hit.” He turned to Riker. “Engage.”

“Aye sir. Mr. Data?”

“Coming in on oblique approach, all weapons on standby for alpha strike.”

The Enterprise leapt forward like an eager wolfhound and raced towards the two cruisers locked in a death struggle. The Republic heavy cruiser loomed on the view screen, her gun arrays spitting out a steady stream of green turbolaser fire. Riker watched the awesome display of fire power, knowing full well that just one of those broadsides could reduce the Enterprise to her component atoms if they weren’t careful.

Data’s hands moved along the helm controls without hesitation in a near blur as he guided the starship through the storm of enemy fire blossoming around them. His eyes did not leave the view screen while the heavy cruiser grew larger, taking up nearly half of the screen.

“Weapons standing by.” Hawk reported calmly as his hands hovered over the weapons controls.

“Closer…” Picard urged and the Enterprise shuddered as if in response to his words.

“We’re taking fire.”

“Captain, this maneuver could be too dangerous, I suggest we do not get any closer.” Sev’Rance warned quietly so only Picard could hear.

Picard did not take his eyes off the screen.

“Duly noted but weren’t you the one that admonished us on being more daring and visionary?” Picard replied dryly.

Sev’Rance shook her head in chagrin.

The Enterprise shook harder and several warning alarms beeped loudly for attention. On screen the heavy cruiser now filled the screen and they could make out the individual gun batteries firing their terrible payloads. Green turbolaser fire cris-crossed the screen etching bright bursts of exploding plasma in the star field around them. Red turbolaser fire was streaming in from the starboard side in a rain of fire that was erupting on the surface of the cruiser’s shields, creating a cascade of light from the strained shield grid as it valiantly tried to vent out the massive energy surges.

“Mr. Hawk, try to match our alpha strike to the bulk cruiser’s barrages, let’s see if we can’t bring down this shield.”

“Aye sir.” Hawk replied enthusiastically.

Riker grit his teeth as the Enterprise shook violently under their feet and a console exploded to his left, sending a crewman spilling backward screaming in pain. The cruiser finally noticed the Enterprise had drawn dangerously close to them and several batteries turned their attention to the Enterprise.

“Now.”

“All weapons firing.”

The Enterprise fired a devastating volley of fire, the quantum torpedo turret swung into action and spat out five torpedoes in the span of a heartbeat as heavy phaser arrays glowed brilliantly and fired several steady phaser bursts that danced along the cruiser’s shield like mad dervishes.

The torpedoes exploded in a plume of fire and plasma as the Enterprise spun on her axis and danced between turbolaser bolts. As she snapped past in a flash of white and ivory, rear mounted phaser slashed into action as the forward arrays switched off. Rear mounted launchers released another volley of torpedoes.

The shield flashed brightly like a lightning storm at night. A volley of red turbolaser bolts slipped past the overloaded shield and struck the hull.

“Shield momentarily overloaded, Captain.”

“Excellent work, Mr. Hawk. Mr. Data full evasive, keep us in their weapons range and prepare for another pass.”

“Captain, daring is one thing, foolhardy is another. I urge you to withdraw.” Sev’Rance exclaimed as the starship came around in a sharp turn just as two turbolaser bolts flashed by, less than half a kilometer from the hull.

“Sev’Rance, if a Federation starship cannot even keep your Republic enemies occupied or support an attack on a capital ship of what use is the Alliance then and would it be worth our while to join if we are so sorely overmatched?” Picard asked without looking at her as he examined his tactical display.

“Number One, set next quantum spread at pattern Sierra. Mr. Data, bring us in low and fast, break into pattern Gamma once we are within 500 meters.”

“500 meters?!” Sev’Rance spat and her hand gripped Picard’s shoulder like a claw. “You do not need to prove anything to anyone Picard.”

Picard glanced at her for a moment. He turned back to Data as another volley of turbolaser fire exploded around them.

“Engage.”

“Acknowledged.”

Sev’Rance stared at Picard, aghast at his actions. Could it be that she had read him wrongly? Was there some odd death wish at work here that she had overseen?

The Republic cruiser was not so trusting of its invulnerability this time and many of her batteries turned to swat the annoying starship away. A veritable cloud of heavy flak fire burst in a myriad shapes and colors around the starship.

Sev'Rance noticed right away that the volume of fire against the Banking Guild bulk cruiser had lessened dramatically. The Enterprise had done her job. Now there was only one problem – surviving this attack run.

“Captain, we have Republic fighters coming in at 67 mark 22.” Data warned.

“Continue your attack. Number One?”

“Already on it.” Riker replied. Counselor Troi watched him intently as he entered a string of command codes. Sev’Rance had granted Will command of the droid fighters escorting the Enterprise. Now Riker was bringing the last of the squadrons around to face the new threat.

He frowned slightly as the tactical display showed the last of the small dots escorting the Enterprise peeled away in a tight formation and moved to intercept the Republic threat fighters.

“We’re down an escort.” Riker muttered to Picard.

“We’re almost out of this Will.”

The Enterprise banked hard to port to avoid another blast of turbolasers and then unleashed a volley from her forward armaments. The Banking guild cruiser, wise to Picard’s tactics now, timed his own volleys to lend maximum effect to Picard’s alpha strike.

The already heavily strained shield grid simply failed under the assault and as the tight bubble of energy simply dropped around that portion of the Republic cruiser, the Enterprise’s rear mounted weapons unleashed a barrage against the open hull. Deftly avoiding the heavily armored portions, Hawk guided the phasers to dance along the open weapons ports and the torpedoes to detonate in tight clusters around exposed conduits, sensor grids and turbolaser emplacements.

Sev’Rance checked the damage and could not help but smile.

“I must commend you and your crew Captain. The Monarch class heavy cruisers are the pride of the Republic fleet. You have just help lay one low.”

“This is not quiet over yet.” Picard replied as the Enterprise suddenly lurched forward, fire alarms tripped simultaneously.

“We took a hit on the port side aft.” Data began to report when there were a few hammer like blows that seemed to drive the starship down and forward. The screen broke into a moment of static snow and when it cleared up three fighters zoomed over head and began a tight banking turn.

“Three fighters managed to slip by our fighter screen.”

“They’re coming around for another pass.” Hawk snapped as he watched the two Z-95 headhunters and a damaged Nubian fighter swinging around.

“Aft Shields are down to 12%. Port side nacelle is showing plasma leaks and I’m getting fluctuations from the warp field.”

“Engineering to Bridge.”

“Go Geordie.” Picard replied as he quickly assessed his situation.

“Captain I have to take the port nacelle off line or we’ll start venting plasma and damage our manifolds.”

“I need every erg of power I can get right now, Geordie.” Picard replied as he nodded to Riker.

“Data, full evasive, lose those fighters. Mr. Hawk, I want you to clear my sky.” Riker ordered.

“On it sir!” Hawk replied and quickly recharged the phasers. The Enterprise began to spiral away from the fighters, keeping her stronger starboard and forward shields facing the eager fighters. Her port nacelle was flickering madly, like bugs zipping into an electric field.

“Captain, I don’t have much of a choice, if the venting plasma gets into the manifold we’re liable to lose the whole nacelle or worse.” Geordie urged.

Picard sighed softly.

“Do it Geordie, but try to find me power from somewhere and try to coax more out of the regenerative shield rate.”

“Aye sir.” Geordie replied. Picard could hear the dismay in Geordie’s voice. Picard was asking for much. The Sovereign was already a power hungry beast, taking a nacelle off line was going to put the power reserves into a nosedive and Picard was asking for more power.

“Controls are sluggish Captain. I suspect some damage between here and the ODN relays.” Data noted as he tried valiantly to steer the underpowered starship out of the zone of engagement.

“Its going to be near impossible to keep those fighters off our tails.” Riker noted.

Picard watched the Monarch class cruiser, damaged and on fire slowly pulling away from the fight, the Banking Guild cruiser not relenting in her storm of fire.

“I have an idea. Mr. Data, take us in, all available power to the engines, take the torpedoes off line and shunt life support from the shuttle bays and other areas with no personnel.”

“The torpedoes sir?!” Hawk replied incredulously.

“The torpedoes aren’t going to help us much against the fighters at this range, Mr. Hawk. I’m trusting to your gunnery skills and Mr. Data’s piloting skills to get us out of this.”

“Aye sir. I won’t let you down.”

Sev’Rance watched the exchange silently, noting Picard’s calm under fire demeanor, Riker’s quiet efficiency and the bridge crew’s loyalty to their captain. No one had shown a single shred of fear or anger at their commander for putting them into this position. They were doing their jobs without faltering.

She was particularly interested in Data. He was slowly proving to be the answer that her master sought in regards to their troop problem. He had shown an amazing versatility and judgment skills that surpassed those of any battle droid yet produced by the Geonoshians and the Trade Federation.

Her eyes fell on Councilor Troi who was watching her with a hooded expression. As soon as she noted the attention the beautiful betazoid turned away quickly and focused on her station.

Sev’Rance’s eyes narrowed on the empath.

Others would have to be dealt with and soon. A slip of anger or emotion and she may be betrayed.

Troi did not know that at that very moment, she had been marked for death.

“Where?” Riker asked amazed.

“Right down her port axis, Data. All possible speed, let’s see if we can’t get some of their friendly fire to help dissuade pursuit.” Picard answered.

“Aye sir.” Data replied without hesitation.

“Try and keep her steady, Mr. Data. I need to draw some beads here.” Hawk added.

“I will try but I cannot guarantee that I will not engage in some extreme maneuvers to evade fire.” he replied evenly.

“Yeah, Ok Data.” Hawk replied with a smirk.

Data blinked for a moment and shrugged as he began his evasive maneuvers right down the port axis of the Republic cruiser.

Hawk worked the phaser controls and peppered the area behind the Enterprise with phaser fire. The Republic fighters bobbed and weaved between the crimson phaser blasts as they closed on their wounded prey.





“We have to withdraw.” Naz urged.

“The 7th wing is still tangled up with the damned Separatists. “Freedom’s Spear” is under heavy attack from that alien ship and a few Separatists support ships. What do you expect me to do?” Fane asked sharply.

Naz girded himself for the reaction.

“We withdraw, leave the 7th wing behind.”

Fane stared expressionless at the obsidian skinned Jedi master. Nothing was said for a few heart beats then Fane exploded.

“What in the name of the Republic are you saying?! That we leave the 7th wing behind?! you say that with such ease Naz.” Fane hissed.

“Calm yourself, anger will gain you nothing save cloud your judgment.” Naz counseled quietly.

“No, anger will allow me to say this to you without regret or hesitation. You advise me to leave the 7th wing behind as if you were telling me to leave behind a handful of fighters or a dying wreck of a ship. We’re talking about 20 ships, their fighters and thousands of lives Naz.” Fane replied, voice dripping with contempt and anger, his facial fur bristled.

“I’m talking about 100’s of ships and tens of thousands of lives Fane.” Naz replied evenly.

The Bothan glared at the calm Jedi master.

“You make that order. I will not.” Fane spat and turned his back on Fane.

“Yuess…” Naz gently reached out to touch his friend’s shoulder.

Fane pulled his shoulder away from the Jedi master.

“You have to realize that if we stay and fight the Separatist fleet will surround us, trap us and destroy us. The Republic would lose an entire battle fleet as opposed to a single attack wing. Surely you can see the military necessity.”

“One wonders, Jedi master Corvuss Naz whether you would make that order if there were Jedi among the attack wing.” Fane replied darkly.

Naz was dumbstruck.

“You know I would.” Naz replied after a moment of disbelief and shock.

“I served in the 7th wing when I was but a youth. I still have friends there.”

“And I do not?” Naz snapped.

“Sirs. Separatists task force will emerge from hyperspace in 5 minutes.”

Both men stared at each other for a long moment as the battle continued to rage around them, every second of their silence countless men and women were dying in the void beyond.

“Alert all commands.” Naz began and his voice was husky with emotion, his eyes never leaving Fane’s. “Begin making the calculations for the jump to lightspeed.”

The command staff exchanged troubled glances.

“Sir,. the 4th attack wing requests permission to lead a counter attack to free the 7th wing.” the tactical officer said quietly, watching the Jedi master intently.

Fane said nothing but crossed his arms deliberately. He would not make this any easier for Naz. Naz was the overall field commander, in the end it was his fleet, his commission by the Republic, but Naz would be the one to give the order to leave the 7th wing behind.

“Navigation, time for the 4th attack wing to initiate counter assault?” Naz asked already knowing the answer.

“Three minutes.”

“They cannot free the 7th wing in two minutes of battle. I will not risk losing the 4th wing as well. Sev’Rance Tan is just waiting for us to pounce.” Naz replied.

“Give…the…order.” Fane said quietly and grimly.

Naz stared at the Bothan and found no sympathy or help in his eyes. He gathered his cloak around him and strode down to the navigation station.

“Alert all commands. We retreat now.”

“Aye sir.” the tactical officer replied flatly.

He felt the surge of anger among the bridge crew, and as the order disseminated among the fleet he could feel the outrage and anger spreading like a storm.

“Get us out of here now.” Naz ordered tightly.

“You heard the Jedi master.” Fane added and politely stepped off the bridge. Naz walked over to one of the bridge windows and placed a hand on the armored glass, watching the 7th wing, swarmed by Separatist ships now slowly pulling away as the fleet pulled back. The wing fought on, turbolaser bolts still flashing out brightly in the dark void until, as the fleet pulled further and further back accelerating to make the jump to lightspeed, all that could be seen of the 7th wing was the flashing green bolts of their defiant courage.

“A bold stroke indeed”, Naz lamented softly to himself.

Naz bowed his head as the fleet jumped to lightspeed.






“It is over.” Sev’Rance announced.

Picard watched as the last of the Republic ships finally surrendered. The attack wing had fought valiantly, chewing up the Separatist forces that tried to overwhelm them. It was only when the Separatists relief forces arrived that the Republic forces finally relented when they saw that there was little else they could do.

“I’m glad to see that your forces have not taken to learning the lessons of other rebel groups and take out your frustrations and anger on the government forces you fight against.” Picard noted with relief. He was afraid that as the Republic forces fought on harder that the Separatists would become frustrated and not accept the inevitable surrender that was to come.

He had to admit that he had his doubts at first. Sev’Rance was very aggressive and merciless in combat but now she was proving that not only was she an implacable warrior but also a humane victor. His estimation of the Separatists had risen dramatically.

“Make sure that every Republic soldier is accounted for and given a field ration and any medical assistance we can spare. Once they have been secured prepare them for processing on the Anvil.”

“The Anvil?” Troi asked.

“Yes, it is the penal colony we have set up in a secret location in the Rim. There the Republic prisoners are held until the conflict is over.”

“I assume similar arrangements have been made for Separatist prisoners?” Riker asked.

“We occasionally hear rumors, some good some horrifying of what the Republic does to our own. Our prefer to believe that they are as human as we are.” Sev’Rance replied.

“Sir, we’re receiving a hail from the fleet commander.”

“Put it on screen.”

The Neimodian, Numus Dalas was smiling broadly as he appeared on the screen.

“Sev’Rance a wondrous victory! And Captain Picard, my fleet captains which to pass on their praise of your actions, particularly Captain Husar of the Assessor.”

“The Assessor?” Picard asked.

“The Banking guild Bulk Cruiser you assisted in bringing down the Monarch class cruiser. In a one on one, a Republic Monarch class would easily defeat a bulk cruiser but you helped tipped the odds in his favor. He is most appreciative.”

“I was merely doing what I could to help.”

“And if the rest of your Federation does as well as you, I have no doubts that we will soon embrace victory.” Dalas said his odd accent lending an almost comical tone to the praise as he clasped his hands together in joy.

“Let’s not count our chickens.” Riker added.

The look on Dalas’ face was priceless.

“We were lucky no clone troopers or Jedi were on board any of these ships or things could have ended far bloodier.” Dalas added.

“Why is that?” Picard asked.

“Clonetroopers are fanatics, Captain. They fight to the death. Much like our own Mandalorians, they never surrender. And the Jedi…well they are an entirely different animal. Not so much mindless fanatic as unstoppable killing machine. I’ve seen Jedi knights empty out entire droid carriers holding off boarding actions. Put the two together and that is a vicious combination.” Sev’Rance replied darkly.

An aide stepped into view and whispered something into Dalas’ ear.

“Uh, Sev’Rance. Count Dooku is requesting the Enterprise’s presence at the Capital immediately.”

“Of course. Inform him that we are coming.” Sev’Rance replied. She turned to Picard and gently touched his forearm. Her eyes gazed into his. “And now Jean Luc, we shall step into a whole new world.”

Picard regarded her for a moment, her crimson glowing eyes looked into his eagerly.

“I suppose that we will.” He replied.






The sound of construction was loud on the promenade, at some points culminating in ear aching shrieks as metal was wrenched from places or plasma cutters sliced through armor. Many people walking the promenade would be forced to cover their ears for a moment as the sounds would pass like wounded predators howling in the night.

For a Ferengi, there were no romantic notions of what the sounds were like.

“This is MADDENING.” Quark shouted over the roar of something being wrenched apart.

Odo nodded slightly, taking note of the Ferengi’s discomfort.

“You’re lucky that Captain Sisko managed to talk the engineers to work on the more massive projects now and not during the night cycle.”

“Does it matter?” Quark replied bitterly as he tried unsuccessfully to block out the sounds with two wadded up cotton balls.

“What do you mean?” Odo asked curiously.

“I’m a Ferengi, Odo, you would have thought that after all these years you would have realized that. Night shift, day shift, this noise reverberates through the hull and it sounds like they’re hammering right in my bedroom.” Quark snapped.

“As usual you exaggerate.” Odo snorted.

“And look at what it’s done to my bar.” Quark continued his tirade. Odo glanced around at the mostly empty bar.

“Some of your regulars are here.” Odo noted. Morn sat several stools down from them staring into his drink. Worf and General Martok were seated at a table to their right deep in a discussion.

“Great, some blood wine, prune juice and a black hole. I can just hear my profits going up, up, up.” Quark sneered. A new cacophony of cutting metal and shrieking steel filled the air and Quark grunted in pain.

“I’m sure that’s not all you’re hearing Quark. By the way have you given any thought to the state of your profits when the Separatists begin passing through here?”

“What are you talking about? All I’ve seen are their droids, which they seem to have plenty of…” Quark glanced over Odo’s shoulder as a trio walked into the bar. “And them.” He indicated the three new comers. Each wore the distinctive battle armor of the Mandalorian super commandoes, they carried their helmets snugly under their arms. They had been stationed on Deep Space Nine to help provide security while the upgrades were completed.

Odo was not particularly pleased with their presence on the station. He took it as an affront to his own competence that they did not trust him with guarding the station from threats to its security. They trusted him when the Klingon threat had loomed, and the Dominion war was about to break out but now this was too much?

He was meaning to speak frankly to Sisko about it.

The Mandalorians were not loud and boisterous like the Klingons, nor emotionless killers like the Jem’Hadar but there was something different about them. They walked like specters of death, they were comfortable with it and that was obvious in the way they carried themselves, the way they spoke, death was around them and like angels of death they frightened those around them.

So even though their leader laughed and smiled, there was a darkness there that unnerved most others.

Mostly.

Odo glanced over at the Klingons.

Martok and Worf were eyeing the Mandalorians with barely concealed interest. Odo had noticed that the Klingons were drawn to the Mandalorians much like moths to a flame. The Mandalorians did not return the favor. They tended to stick to themselves.

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Aren’t you going to serve them? Paying customers seem so hard to find these days.” There was a hiss of plasma that sounded as if a giant snake were loose in the bar quickly accompanied by the tear of something else and the bar shook as if a giant foot had stepped overhead.

Odo knew that Chief O’Brien was in heaven at this very moment. The Separatist workers, supplemented by the Federation corps of engineers and a veritable army of droids were basically rebuilding the station from the ground up.

Odo had seen some of the weapon arrays being installed from the upper observation deck and he was impressed. The size of the batteries was an indication as to what sort of firepower the station would soon be able to bring to bear. But the one change that was soon to go underway was the one that had O’Brien most excited, something about the installation of a hypermatter reactor.

What was hypermatter and why it had the Chief so excited was beyond Odo. Sometimes the action of solids could still be so confusing for him.

“You know what they’re going to order, Odo? Water. Antaran Water if they feel adventurous but water and some simple salads.”

“Reasonable diet for warriors, no?”

“Klingons don’t eat like that.”

“They don’t strike me as being cut from the same cloth.”

“What does Garak have to do with this?” Quark replied confused.

“Sorry?” Odo was bewildered by the sudden shift in gears.

“Oh, you’re using Humon idioms now, eh?” Quark noted with some distaste. He shook his head and clucked his tongue as he nodded to a waitress who walked over to the Mandalorians.

“Take it from me, Odo. Humon culture, particularly Federation humon culture is insidious. Don’t let yourself get sucked in or you’ll end up like my brother Rom.”

“Happy and married with a bright future ahead of him?” Odo replied without missing a beat.

Quark waved Odo’s words away like pesky flies. “You mark my words. This whole Separatist Galactic civil war business is something we’re going to regret.”

“Oh?”

Quark picked up a datapad and walked back behind his bar during a moment of relative quiet.

“The lobes know. This whole alliance thing feels wrong somehow, like things aren’t supposed to be this way.”

“I suppose you would have preferred having the station fall into Dominion hands.” Odo replied sardonically.

“As weird as that sounds, Odo, that just feels right to me.”

Odo shook his head.

“You are incorrigible.”

“What I am is a business man and war is bad for business. This is a galactic war, a war we have no right being involved in.” Quark replied. For once, Odo could not disagree.

Back at the table in the corner Martok and Worf watched the Mandalorians as they seated themselves. Even the casual motion of sitting seemed like an intricate dance, they moved with a supple caution that spoke of intimate experiences with danger and death.

“Not one of them sits with his back to the door. I noticed this the second time I saw them seated here.” Worf noted as he rolled the cup of prune juice between his hands. Martok nodded gruffly.

“They are warriors, of that there is no doubt. Captain Sisko has been told that they are the most dangerous warriors in this new galaxy.”

Worf said nothing as he watched them interacting with the waitress.

“But there is one thing we do not know about them Worf.”

“What is that?”

Martok leaned in close and clasped Worf’s forearm in a tight grip.

“We do not know if they have honor.”

Worf looked into the general’s only eye.

“There would be one way to know and that is to talk with them.”

Martok sat back as if stung.

“You have lived among these humans too long, Worf. One does not speak of honor. Honor is in the acts, in the very breath of a warrior. These Mandalorians do not strike me as honorable warriors. They seem more like lovers of death.” Martok eyed them for a moment and grunted. “And it does not help that they seem to be human in every respect.”

“Captain Sisko is human.” Worf noted. He had reflexively defended his human friends from Martok’s knee jerk reaction to the race. Worf had lived among them long enough to know that the old Klingon prejudices simply did not hold water.

“Precisely. Captain Sisko’s honor is worn on his heart like a badge. One can see his honor these Mandalorians however walk among us like ghosts. Besides Worf, how honorable can one be when you go into combat wearing battle armor that makes you into a walking tank? I have not seen a blade among them.” Martok noted derisively.

“What do you intend to do about it?” Worf asked.

Martok nodded to himself slowly. He took a large drink of his blood wine.

“Honor is seen in actions Worf and I intend to read their actions and their honor.”

Worf said nothing but would not be surprised if Martok simply walked up to one of them and initiated combat. Luckily, Captain Sisko seemed to have anticipated this possibility and ordered all Klingons on the station to treat the Separatists with respect and that included the Mandalorians.

“And of the treaty? What has Gowron said?”

Martok looked back at Worf blinking for a moment at the sudden change in conversation. Worf was subtly trying to change the subject. Now was not the time, he could feel it. They would gain nothing from challenging the Mandalorians.

“Gowron is opposed to entering into a treaty with these Separatists at this time. He feels we do not know enough about them to commit the empire to a war of this scale.”

“Eventually the Empire will have to make a decision. We cannot simply stand by the wayside while the Federation engages in glorious combat in another galaxy against insurmountable odds.” Worf said wistfully.

“We?” Martok noted with a hint of bemusement.

“I meant you and the Empire of course.” Worf quickly corrected himself.

Martok nodded and chuckled.

“We may yet make steal you away from your precious Federation my friend.” Martok laughed and slapped Worf on the shoulder. “Now…about these Mandalorians.” Martok turned his eye back on the silent warriors sitting at the table drinking water and watching the crowd with a detached interest of a butcher to his carcass.

Worf sighed softly.






“Are you well, Senator?” Bastion asked softly as he watched the beautiful young senator seated across from him in the small dining room in her Nubian transport.

“Yes, I’m just not hungry.”

“Still blaming yourself for what happened back on Camlan?” Bastion asked knowing the answer already. Her dedication to the peace movement had never faltered but Bail Organna had quickly vaulted to the fore as the leader of the movement. Bail was not afraid to publicly criticize the Supreme Chancellor. Amidala was constrained by the fact that Palpatine was from Naboo, and very popular back home.

“I know what you’re going to say Bastion.” she replied looking up at the young Jedi with golden hair, his blue eyes shown like pieces of sapphire in the light of the ship.

“Really? I was going to ask you if you were going to eat that?” Bastion replied pointing to a piece of fruit at the edge of her plate.

Padme stopped short for a moment and looked down at her plate and started to laugh softly.

“That’s the spirit, my lady. You are far too beautiful to be frowning like that.” Bastion replied with a smile of his own, his teeth shown brightly like pearls. He nodded to her and she acquiesced as he took the fruit.

“Every time people ask me why they call you the laughing Jedi I repeat the things you say so casually. Frankly Bastion you are the happiest person I have ever met.”

“You think I’m funny? You haven’t seen my impression of Master Yoda.” Bastion said with a wry wink.

“Is that even allowed you rogue?” she replied with a playful slap of his shoulder.

“I am a Jedi Knight, milady and I can do as I please as long as I live the ideals of the order.”

She shook her head ruefully. Some days the only bright light during these dark days were her hours spent with Bastion. She had never seen him angry, sad, upset. He was always smiling, always laughing, even in battle.

Her thoughts briefly flickered to Anakin. He rarely laughed anymore.

“You miss him don’t you?” he asked.

She stared at him for a moment, eyes narrowed on the Adonis like Jedi.

“No…no, milady, I was not peaking, it’s just very obvious on your face. You and Anakin are very close friends, most everyone knows that. You’ve known him since he was a child. So did I by the way and I don’t know how you put up with him.”

“He is a good man.” she protested.

“Of that there is no doubt.” he replied with a laugh. He leaned forward and whispered to her in a conspiratorial tone. “I swear by the Force milady, he has made brooding into an art form.”

“He had much on his mind.” she stopped herself. It was Bastion’s way to make fun and she was acting like an over protective woman.

“I just don’t know mila---“

“Bastion, you’ve known me long enough to call me Padme.”

“Very well, Padme.” Bastion replied inclining his head towards her. “You don’t have to defend him so vigorously Padme.” he began. Padme took a sip from her drink watching the young Jedi. “It’s not like you’re married or anything silly like that.”

She choked on her drink and coughed loudly as she tried to clear her throat. Bastion leaned forward with concern.

“Are you alright?” he asked suddenly concerned and leaned forward.

“Yes…” she managed to choke out.

Bastion shook his head smiling and rose from the table.

“I’ll go check the navigational controls, we should be at Coruscant within the hour.”

She nodded still coughing.

[El Moose Monstero]

Bansaiii! First Post, and a really good chapter, nice combat scene with some issues being raised, and a nice bit of character work at the end...

[Crazedwraith]

Very Nice. Apart form the fact you substitutaed a council for a console, Extremley Nice.
One thing:

“What I am is a business man and war is bad for business. This is a galactic war, a war we have no right being involved in.” Quark replied. For once, Odo could not disagree.

Seems slightly out of Character for Quark after all Rule of Aquisition number 34: War is good for Buisness.

[Stravo]

Very Nice. Apart form the fact you substitutaed a council for a console, Extremley Nice.
One thing:

“What I am is a business man and war is bad for business. This is a galactic war, a war we have no right being involved in.” Quark replied. For once, Odo could not disagree.

Seems slightly out of Character for Quark after all Rule of Aquisition number 34: War is good for Buisness.

I could have sworn there was an episode that the Ferengi said that war was good for business up to a certain point. I could be imagining that.

[Crazedwraith]

Very Nice. Apart form the fact you substitutaed a council for a console, Extremley Nice.
One thing:

“What I am is a business man and war is bad for business. This is a galactic war, a war we have no right being involved in.” Quark replied. For once, Odo could not disagree.

Seems slightly out of Character for Quark after all Rule of Aquisition number 34: War is good for Buisness.

I could have sworn there was an episode that the Ferengi said that war was good for business up to a certain point. I could be imagining that.

I beleive Ezri quoted the rule to Quark at one point. To which he responed:
"Rule of Aquisition 35: Peace is good for buisness"

[2000AD]

Is it me or is this the biggest double post ever?

[Stravo]

Chapter 12: Night Calls

“He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.”
Love’s Labours Lost Act 5 scene i



Sev’Rance Tan moved like a panther, stalking after the damaged droid. Her crimson lightsaber hummed hungrily as she avoided a hot white stun bolt the droid loosed from its remaining blaster arm.

She leapt across a rock formation, past a chasm below and landed agilely in a crouch. The droid’s slender neck twisted quickly as it tried to track her. She moved quietly, her skin tight fighting tunic was black as night and moved like a second skin as her eyes found the droid, measured the distance between her and the droid.

It would be a difficult jump but not impossible, not impossible for one like herself. She spun the blade rapidly as she ran and picked up momentum. The droid’s head snapped over to her position as she catapulted herself off her end of the rock formation and tucked into a rolling ball.

The droid backed up quickly on six spider like legs and unleashed a steady stream of bright white stun bolts. Sev’Rance continued spinning through the air, her crimson lightsaber flashed out and batted aside the stun bolts that would have struck her and she landed behind the droid on one leg, the other leg whipped around in a roundhouse kick striking the droid’s head.

The droid was turning at its waist, blaster arm ready when the blow struck its head, stunning it long enough for Sev’Rance to lash out with her lightsaber and slice through the droid’s torso. The droid let out a pathetic squeal as it crashed to the floor and trashed around violently. Sev’Rance strode over to the fallen droid and placed a foot on its head holding it in place as she stabbed downward into its back. The droid stopped moving instantly and a small cloud of white smoke rose from the droid’s ruined lower torso.

Sev’Rance lifted the lightsaber blade and held up before her face in a strange salute.

“I must say, that was most impressive.” Picard commented.

Sev’Rance turned her head slowly and smiled.

“Captain Picard, what a pleasant surprise.” she breathed.

Picard walked over to the debris that once comprised the combat droid. He inspected it closely and eyed her crimson humming blade curiously.

“I wonder how you managed to keep the beam coherent and at a certain length.”

“It is one of the mysteries of the Jedi which only the initiated may know.” she replied and extinguished her blade. “It is more an objet d’art than it is a practical weapon for most.”

“As I understand it, the Jedi knights use the weapon exclusively.” Picard replied casually.

“Yes, but there are those who do not agree with the direction the Jedi have taken of late, and although we may share the same beliefs we are not like them in many other ways.” Sev'Rance noted as she extended her hand out to Picard and offered the lightsaber to him. Picard looked slightly concerned.

“Do not worry. I have tripped the safety grips, only I know how to activate it at this point. Quite helpful when you’re letting others inspect it. We wouldn’t want the impending treaty between our peoples ground to halt by the untimely death or maiming of Captain Jean Luc Picard by my lightsaber.”

Picard smiled and took the offered lightsaber hilt. He inspected it, marveled at how light it was.

“I was expecting something a little heavier.”

“It is perfectly balanced for my use.” she slid in closer to Picard. “Each lightsaber is crafted by the wielder to their own individual specifications.” she explained her voice dropping slightly.

“Fascinating, Sev’Rance.” he looked up at her, suddenly aware of how close she was to him in her black skin tight form fitting fighting tunic. Her crimson eyes looked into his with a hooded expression.

Picard cleared his throat. “You know, you say my name with a perfect French inflection. Its rare that I meet someone that can do that.” he softly.

“Indeed.” she replied evenly. “I have a gift with tongues. I speak at least 50 different languages not counting various dialects.” she replied, eyes boring into his. There was a palpable heat between them as her heaving chest and finally slowed slightly, but the sweat still ran down the sides of her exquisitely chiseled face.

Picard looked back down at the saber.

“Interesting design.” he said trying his best not to look at her body as he looked down.

“I crafted it in honor of my master’s own lightsaber.” she replied and accepted the lightsaber back from Picard. She leaned in slightly but Picard was already walking around the droid. Sev’Rance blinked and then smiled slyly. She followed him, slinking along like a big cat on the prowl.

“I watched your battle and I have to say that some of those combat moves were simply impossible for a human or humanoid to carry out. Some of those leaps were in excess of ten meters. I assume that you practice using this Force the same way the Jedi do. Can we expect the same sort of fighting from a Jedi Knight as I saw?”

Sev’Rance smiled brashly.

“I expect that I could defeat your average Jedi Knight, if the word average could ever be used to describe them. My training emphasizes the combat uses of the Force for obvious reasons.” she paused and looked up. “Computer end program.”

The droid, rocky terrain and overcast sky vanished, replaced by the cold grid of the holodeck. Sev’Rance glanced around and nodded.

“I must say that I was skeptical at first about this holodeck of yours but I am convinced, this could prove to be an innovative training technique for our warriors.”

“Not to mention a recreational alternative.” Picard added hopefully. Sev’Rance looked at him and laughed, it was a quiet laugh and she smiled broadly at him shaking her head.

“You must think me a fanatic, Jean Luc. I apologize, that was not my intention. It’s this damned war.”

“War has a way of changing a person and not usually for the better.” Picard said with a soft sigh. “It is one of the most challenging aspects of this alliance that has me concerned.”

“How so?” Sev’Rance asked curiously. Picard looked up at her for a moment, weighing his words.

“The Separatists want an alliance to aid them in their war against the Republic, we want the alliance because of the scientific and economic benefits that it would bring. There is a price to pay for the progress and security that this alliance would offer and that is to plunge the Federation into a galactic civil war on the scale that we could only dream about.”

Sev'Rance nodded slowly.

“And yet, as we speak, a squadron of heavy cruisers are currently fighting their way through Cardasian space and have all but eliminated the Dominion threat to your Federation. I can see how war would not appeal to you and your Federation.” Sev’Rance replied frostily.

“I never agreed to the Separatist intervention in the Dominion War.” Picard snapped.

“You did not but your Federation council accepted it as sign of good faith as suggested by Count Dooku himself. So you invited the Separatist into your war but now that we ask the same from you, you recoil from the very thought of it. I am most disappointed Captain. My fleet captains can only talk about the bravery of you and your crew. The attack runs of the Enterprise and the repulse of the enemy fleet has quickly become legendary and spread throughout the Separatists Union. Our allies were there for us from the moment they passed through the wormhole and now you tell me that you have doubts because your Federation may suffer losses?” Sev’Rance strode up to Picard and thrust her face into his. “I am ashamed for you.” she hissed and strode past him, bumping past his shoulder as she passed him.

The doors to the holodeck snapped open and Doctor Crusher walked in and was nearly bowled over by Sev’Rance Tan.

“Sev’Rance!”

She stopped at the doorway, head turned slightly to see him. Picard turned around slowly to face her.

“I thought we understood each other well enough to be honest. I will have to reconsider that notion.”

Sev’Rance stared at him for a long moment, Beverly Crusher carefully watched the exchange between the two.

“I apologize Captain Picard. For now, please prepare yourself, in 7 hours we will reach the Separatist Headquarters where Count Dooku waits anxiously to speak to you.” Sev’Rance replied and slipped away like a shadow.

Doctor Crusher frowned slightly as she noted how Picard looked after her.

“She can be quite bossy, huh?” Beverly asked neutrally.

Picard shook his head as if coming out of a dream. This made Dr. Crusher purse her lips sourly.

“Yes, I suppose so, but when you are saddled with the responsibility of being one of the key leaders of an outgunned and outnumbered liberation movement it can be very stressful.” Picard noted.

“You seem rather understanding.” She said cattily.

“Beverly.” Picard replied with a bemused smile.

“Will you be having dinner with me or do I have to go lead a rebellion somewhere to gain you attention?” She asked with a wink.

“You need to do nothing of the kind, Doctor. I would be honored to accompany you to dinner.” Picard replied and offered his arm.

“You are a charmer, Jean Luc, no one can take that away from you.” Dr. Crusher smirked and accepted the offered arm. They walked out of the holodeck together arm in arm.

“You know, Sev’Rance knows how to say my name properly.” Picard noted casually as they exited the room.

“Did I ever tell you how much I hate Earl Grey tea?” Dr. Crusher replied without skipping a beat. They exchanged quiet gazes and smiled.

As the pair entered a turbolift at the end of the corridor, Sev’Rance watched them. Her crimson eyes narrowed on the pair, particularly the Doctor. She nodded slowly as if coming to a decision and walked to her quarters.





“Captain James T. Kirk, this is such a unique pleasure.” Bail Organna said with a warm smile. He clasped Kirk’s hand and shook it firmly. Kirk was immediately impressed by the large man. Bail Organna wore a luxurious dark blue tunic and pants, a bright elegant silver sash was draped down his right shoulder, strange symbols etched in the face of the sash. Meerlinda had told them in a very brief thumbnail sketch about their next host and one of the details was that the sash was worn during times of war by the nobility of Alderaan. Each symbol represented a victory that he had achieved on behalf of his world.

“Senator Organna, I’ve heard so many things about you.” Kirk replied smiling. There was something about the man, something reassuring and trusting.

“All good I hope.” Bail replied and indicated the open chairs across from his table. Kirk did not see it but Dehner’s sharp eyes saw the briefest flicker of Bail’s eyes to Sly Moore.

“Nothing but the best I assure you. For the head of the opposition party you certainly have achieved a certain elite status even from your opponents.”

“I find it highly ironic that those among the pro war party are the ones who have the least military experience. I on the other hand, Captain am opposed to war because she and I have danced far too often. I have seen what lies behind the veil that so many of her worshippers place on her.”

Kirk sat still for a moment, moved by the man’s words.

“That was a very eloquent statement, Senator Organna. I can see why you are such a persuasive voice. First I’d like to apologize for the lateness of the hour. It was not my intention to make this a night call on your residence. Our meetings with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi Council ran far longer than expected.”

“Please Captain, there is no need. I am gratified that you made the time to see me on the same day you met with such distinguished dignitaries and representatives of our great Republic.” Bail replied holding up a hand.

“Can I ask you, sir, how do you feel about the possible Alliance between our peoples?”

Bail Organna sighed softly and leaned forward as he regarded Kirk with a keen gaze.

“I have led many men into battle. I have also help lead my world through peace and prosperity. I want to see that peace return to our galaxy sooner rather than later.”

“I take that to mean that you agree with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s initiative for the Grand Alliance?” Dr. Dehner asked.

Bail Organna smiled softly. “I never thought you would find me agreeing much with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine but in this instance I cannot argue with the logic that your Federation joining the war effort can only hasten the end of this horrific war.”

“I did not see you disagree with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine when he dispatched me to help you defend Alderaan from the Separatist attack meant to reduce Alderaan to glass.” Anakin commented quietly from his place behind the Federation entourage. Obi Wan spared him a warning glance but Meerlinda was obviously not happy with the comment and openly glared at the young Jedi knight.

Bail paused and looked at Anakin with a hooded expression that slowly melted into one of disappointment.

“I actually accepted your assistance on the recommendation of Senator Amidala. Padme said that you had a knack for getting into and out of impossible situations. And she was quite right, I could never have dreamed that you would infiltrate the Mandalorian command ship and defeat the warrior contingent then send the ship against the siege platform approaching my world. It was a victory unlike many we have seen in this war and lately there have been so few of those victories. I never regretted you assistance Anakin, frankly there was no way we could have won that battle without you. I consider you a dear friend because of it.” Bail replied.

Anakin blinked, caught off guard by the revelation.

“I’m sure Anakin feels the same way, Bail.” A new voice announced.

Bail Organna’s face lit up as he looked upon the speaker.

“Padme! I wasn’t told you were coming.” He exclaimed and rose from his seat respectfully. Kirk and Dehner exchanged knowing glances. There was no doubt that at least on Bail Organna’s part, there was more than friendly or professional feelings involved.

“I do not understand.” Spock quietly told Number One. She nodded as she watched the exchange between Bail and Senator Amidala.

“Humans tend to become very expressive with the ones they love or have serious feelings for. Captain Kirk and Dr. Dehner merely noticed this sudden change in emotional states and concluded the obvious, Organna seems to be in love with Senator Amidala.” She replied very softly.

Not softly enough for Anakin’s ears. He stiffened.

“Well you can blame Bastion for that.” Padme laughed and indicated the dashing young Jedi knight that walked in behind Amidala. She gripped Bail’s hands but he immediately turned it into a warm embrace.

“We missed you. Thank the force you are safe.”

“Come now, my lord, did you think I would let any harm befall on the most beautiful Senator in the entire galaxy?” Bastion added with a roguish grin and a wink. Anakin frowned as he watched the young Jedi and his performance.

“You are too kind, Bastion.” Padme said and others could see the blush spreading on her cheeks.

“Yes, Bastion, perhaps you’d like to come with me on my next mission out to the Rim, trying to track down Separatists leaders and bring them to justice.” Anakin cut in with a dark smile.

“I wouldn’t want to take any of the spotlight away from you, Ani. Everyone knows you’re Palatine’s guard dog.” Bastion replied with a snort.

Anakin swallowed an angry retort, there was no malice in Bastion’s voice or intent. Even Anakin in his simmering anger could feel that clearly, all he could feel from his fellow Jedi was what Bastion always felt towards Anakin, warm friendship. It was Bastion’s way, the laughing Jedi indeed.

“Please, Padme, allow me to introduce you to some very important guests.” Bail said excitedly and led her to face the group. As he made the introductions, Bastion slid in with the other Jedi.

“Meerlinda, lovely as ever I see, and Obi Wan you old dog, I heard about your little adventure on Eminaar…an entire division of droid troopers?” Bastion said with mock shock.

“That was a squadron of droid troopers. How in the name of the Force do these stories get blown out of proportion like that?” Obi Wan wondered.

“False modesty I’d say.” Bastion replied.

“Bastion, it’s so good to see you too. What news do you bring from your mission?” Meerlinda asked.

“Mission, what mission?” Anakin asked sharply.

“Uh…Meerlinda, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bastion replied hesitantly.

“You told me you would look after Padme here on Coruscant.” Anakin continued his eyes boring into the young Jedi. Bastion tried to look innocent.

“Anakin, I did indeed look after her. I am not happy with this accusation from a fellow Jedi.”

“But-” Meerlinda continued, slightly confused. Bastion force nudged her in the ribs and continued smiling innocently at Anakin who was eyeing him suspiciously.

“And this is Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo. She was one of the first to found the peace movement among the senate despite being at the heart of the start of the Clone wars on Geonosis. She has been an inspiration to us all.” He looked at her and beamed. Kirk and Dehner exchanged another furtive glance. “Many say that I am the head of the Peace party but she is its heart.”

“Thank you, Bail. I am honored to meet the representatives of the Federation. I have heard of your troubled entry into our space and allow me to extend my sincerest apologies that the harshness of war has already touched you and yours so soon after meeting us.”

“There is no need to apologize, Senator Amidala. We were well aware if the risks and I might add has certainly strengthened the Republic’s position with us.”

“Indeed.” Bail replied darkly. “It troubles me that such actions and accidents of fate always seem to take place to our advantage.” He commented dryly.

“What are you implying sir?” Dehner asked cautiously. They were obviously treading in some very highly charged political ground and she wanted to be cautious. The Federation, if the alliance were to be successful, wanted to come in on the best terms possible. They did not want to alienate any of the powerful factions least alone the one faction that was probably most in line with Federation policies and ideals.

“I think that Senator Organna should be very careful about any speculation he makes, particularly in view of the importance of this possible alliance for all involved. Need I remind him that the Conscription Act is still in conference and has not been tabled?” Sly Moore said quietly from her place behind the entire group in a corner of the room.

“And there’s the rub is it not?” Bail replied wistfully. “You see my friends, with losses mounting and no end in sight for this war, the Republic may need to institute conscription. A word that has sent shivers throughout the member worlds of the Republic.”

“With what’s at stake you would think that conscription would be a natural option to follow.” Kirk noted.

“I have been reviewing some very interesting figures, Senator and I note that estimated population figures of Separatist star systems are barely 1/3 of those of the Republic’s.” Spock began. “Through a universal or perhaps even limited conscription, the Republic would be able to field an army and navy that could easily outnumber the Separatists in a matter of months.”

“As the Conscription act proponents have been advocating since the initiation of hostilities.” Sly Moore added and inclined her head to Spock. “The dossier on Vulcans submitted by Meerlinda Farstrider stressed your devotion to logical reasoning devoid of any human emotion. I commend you, Mr. Spock.”

“You commend him for what exactly, Moore? For pointing out that we can efficiently kill more citizens of the Republic as well as Separatists citizens if we force our population to fight?” Amidala asked sharply.

“For seeing the truth in the Conscription act. That we can outlast the Separatists in a war of attrition which they seem so hell bent on carrying out.” Anakin replied before Moore could say anything else. Padme glanced at him and there was pain in her eyes. He had said it so coldly.

“I assume you view the proposed Grand Alliance as a way of heading off that position?” Dehner asked intently.

Kirk shifted uncomfortably in his seat. This was a selling point for the Alliance and he knew damn well that this was one of the primary reasons that Palpatine was so hot to trot to get the Federation to sign on. It was difficult to digest. The Federation would represent the fresh blood and troops that would fill in their worn ranks without having to turn to their civilian population. Yet.

Kirk was no fool, he had read some of the battle reports. The sheer number of ships and troops involved in just one sector campaign gave him pause. Starfleet would be involved in battles of a scale that they had never even dreamed of against an enemy that had a technical edge on them. Cannon fodder was a term that sprang to mind. Talk like this did not alleviate that tension.

Number One carefully slipped a datapad to Kirk. Some numbers were flashing on the screen.

“I don’t think you should interpret it as anything other than your Federation providing the much needed support we need to prosecute an end to this conflict.” Bail stated diplomatically.

“Senator, please forgive me but when we look at the numbers that my XO has just provided me on our own calculations for the economic benefits that a trade treaty would provide the Republic, it pales in comparison to the benefits we would reap, medical and scientific advancements would be nearly one sided in the proposed exchange program. So, in the end the Grand Alliance sole benefit for the Republic would be militarily.” Kirk explained.

Dehner let Kirk field this debate without input. She was not a military expert but even she could see the prime benefit of an Alliance that would forestall a politically poisonous proposal like this conscription act seemed to be.

“We have never said otherwise.” Meerlinda spoke up suddenly, not liking where this train of thought was going.

“I never said that you did not. All I’m pointing out is that the Republic is very adamant about pushing the Alliance and I want to know if the primary reason is that the Conscription Act is forcing your hand and you see the Federation as cannon fodder that can forestall what I frankly see as inevitable.”

The gathered Jedi and Senators seemed to take a deep breath. Kirk nodded slowly as he looked from each face to the other. He had obviously pointed to the elephant in the room.

“I do not see inevitability in the Conscription Act.” Obi Wan said slowly. “What I saw out there, in the battle at the wormhole, was a single Federation starship, willing to risk its self and its crew in a battle against incredible odds and leading the Republic forces in a crushing victory. So if you mean to ask us, Captain, that we think the Federation will bleed for the Republic for a little while in order to forestall the Conscription Act then you are very wrong indeed.” Obi Wan answered, his eyes not leaving Kirk’s as his voice picked up strength and confidence. “I see the Federation bringing us much needed victory so that there will be no need for a Conscription Act at all. And the sooner we win this war, Captain, the sooner we can get back to our lives and the Federation can prosper alongside the Republic.”

Kirk nodded hesitantly.

“I see.”

“Master Obi Wan, whom I had no idea was such an excellent public speaker I believe sums it up rather well for my position, Captain.” Bail added.

“You can understand why we would be so concerned by the thought that the Federation was merely being brought in to help staunch some of the bleeding in this war.” Dehner noted.

“Yes, but I can say this, the Federation was not the only government we considered asking to join in the Alliance.” Bail replied.

“Oh?” Kirk responded curiously.

“There was no doubt that it would be the Federation after initial probes.” Sly Moore added hastily and eyed Bail coldly.

“Captain, I was on the subcommittee established to investigate the opportunities open to us when we discovered the wormhole. I was handed detailed dossiers on the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, we quickly eliminated all the minor powers from our agenda and focused on those three empires. The Klingons and the Federation were of particular interest to us, the pro war faction was inclined to have the Klingons allied with us because of their warrior ethic and warships, but the peace faction was inclined towards the Federation for the simple reason that you are closest to us in philosophy and cultural outlook.”

“I always wondered why we were honored with this offer. I would have been inclined towards the Klingons myself. The Federation hasn’t fought a general war in recent memory.” Kirk replied.

“You do our guests a disservice by not finishing your story.” Sly said in a cool monotone as she drew her white cloak tighter around herself.

“Oh. You are quite right.” Bail added and slowly made his way back to his chair. He slid into the seat and looked into Kirk’s eyes. “It was Supreme Chancellor Palpatine who made he decision after consulting with the Jedi Council to approach the Federation on an Alliance.”

“As you can see, we have nothing to hide.” Amidala effortlessly picked up on Bail’s point. “We stand before you as we are, needing your help to end this war and ready to join you as brothers and sisters to our cause.”

Dehner smiled softly.

“Thank you, Senator Amidala. We don’t want to take any more of your time, and the hour is late.”

“Of course.” Bail nodded to the Federation entourage and they started to leave. Kirk walked to Bail and offered his hand. Bail took it and shook firmly.

“Thank you sir. I was pleasantly surprised by this meeting. You have made quite the impression. I hope to relay to my government the kindness and honesty I have seen from the peace faction here in the Republic.”

“And I would like to add my own thanks for your openness and hospitality.” Dehner added.

“It has been my pleasure, I assure you.” Bail replied and shook Kirk’s hand and delicately kissed Dr. Dehner’s hand.

The Federation entourage politely filed out of Bail Organna’s office. Meerlinda followed them out, falling into discussion with Dehner and Kirk. Obi Wan and Anakin remained behind for a moment as Amidala collected herself.

“I will escort the Senator back to her quarters.” Bastion explained to Bail.

“I was hoping that you would join me for dinner.” Bail interjected softly.

Amidala looked down at the floor for a moment and battled the urge to look over at Anakin, despite the fact that she could feel his eyes on her like lasers.

“I am tired and I want to be at my best when we have dinner with the Supreme Chancellor. It is in our best interest to keep the Federation close to us instead of having them under Palpatine’s thumb.”

“Unless I’m mistaken, we’re all on the same side.” Anakin added casually.

“Indeed.” Bail replied glancing at the young Jedi knight.

Amidala reached out and touched Bail’s hand.

“Forgive me. I simply am not in the mood for dinner. I am looking forward to some rest and a bath.” she explained gently.

Bail smiled kindly and gripped her hand. Anakin’s eyes narrowed on the touch. Too long he held her hand, too long he looked in her eyes. What had happened here while he was away on campaign. His bionic hand closed tightly into a fist.

He wanted answers.

“I think it would be best if I escorted the Senator. She is on the way to the temple and I have not seen her since I left on campaign.” Anakin said clearing his throat.

Obi Wan looked confused as he reacted to Anakin’s response.

“Weren’t we ordered by Master Yoda and Windu to remain close to the entourage?” he asked softly.

“I’m sure you and Bastion can handle the babysitting until I get back.”

“Bastion?!”

“Uh, Ani, she’s on the way to the temple for me as well.” Bastion noted with a hesitant smile on his face.

Anakin bit back the acerbic response. It was hard to not like Bastion but he was not going to abide having to wait any longer to speak to her. Alone.

Amidala came to the rescue.

“It’s alright Bastion, Anakin is a very old and dear friend and I’m sure that he is more than slightly offended that we lied to him and traveled off world.” Anakin’s cold smirk pinned Bastion.

“Well, to tell you the truth, Padme, I sort of convinced him otherwise until now.” Bastion muttered and shook his head looking down at the floor.

“Well, I can certainly understand that Padme. Besides it is time Bastion spends some time doing productive missions for the Republic such as assisting Master Obi Wan in the protection of the Federation entourage.” Bail said with a soft smile. His eyes seemed to only see her.

“Productive?! I am wounded, you have cut me to the quick my lord!” Bastion protested and held up his hands in a mock warding gesture chuckling.

“If not for the fact that we are related—” Bail began with a warm grin.

“Distantly I would emphasize.” Bastion interjected.

“If you’ll excuse us.” Anakin interjected and motioned for Padme to join him.

“Of course Anakin.” Bail replied and his smile dropped slightly. The warm feelings that the two from Alderaan had generated in the room was rapidly extinguished by Anakin’s cold demeanor. Padme frowned slightly and walked over to Bail and kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you again, Bail, once again you proved why you are the leader of our faction. And we will have dinner soon, I promise.”

“I will hold you to that milady. We nobles must stick together.”

Bastion rolled his eyes.

“Well, I renounced my noble blood long ago when they handed me this pretty light stick and so my friends are the lowly commoners like Master Kenobi here.” Bastion announced as he placed an arm around Kenobi’s shoulder and gave him a good natured squeeze.

“Lowly Commoners?” Obi Wan replied with a bemused smirk.

“Out scoundrel, cousin or not, Jedi or not, you are a constant embarrassment to the family and Alderaan.” Bail exclaimed in mock outrage. Padme could not help laughing. Bastion had a way of bringing out the brightest in people. Bail had been so morose of late with all the pressures of state and the war itself. It was refreshing to see him with a smile on his face.

“Thank you.” Padme said as she laughed and kissed Bastion on the cheek.

“Milady?” Bastion replied, his hand wandering to his cheek. No one noticed how tenderly he touched the spot where she kissed him.

“For living up to your name, my laughing Jedi.” she said and walked out of the room. Anakin glanced over at Bastion.

“You and I are going to have words later about this ‘trip’. Anakin said lowly and walked out following Padme.

Bastion kept his hand up to his cheek a moment longer, as if trying to feel her lips again.

“It was all worth it.” he replied softly then snapped out of his reverie and clapped Obi Wan on the shoulder. “Come now Master Kenobi. We have an entourage to protect and I have to make myself useful.”

Obi Wan shook his head as they walked out.

“Why do I always get stuck with the malcontents?” he muttered.




The door to Padme’s quarters slid open and she stepped through, the lights activating as she entered. Anakin stood in the doorway, the darkness of the corridor during the night cycle behind him covered him in darkness as she stood in the light.

She turned and looked at his imposing silhouette in the doorway.

“Are you coming in?” She asked hesitantly.

“I was waiting to be invited.” he replied softly.

“You never have to wait for me, besides, I don’t like you in the darkness, come step into the light.” she told him and held out her hand to him. Anakin walked forward into the light and took a hold of her hand. The contact was electric. His eyes looked into hers as he drew her close to him.

“Your hair.” she commented looking up into his face.

“What of it?” he asked as he gently stroked her cheek, his yearning to feel her skin after al these long months finally satisfied. He could see his hand trembling slightly.

“Its so wild, unkempt.” she noted as she examined the thick mane of hair on his head, so different from his short padawan’s haircut he sported when she met him again as a man.

“It suits me.” he said huskily.

“I don’t like wild men.” she replied in a whisper as he drew her to him, lips parting.

“I’m not a wild man.” he whispered.

“You look like—” the kiss was slow and the passion built as he held her closely to him. They kissed for a long while, their hunger for each other evident as their hands wandered over each other’s bodies. Anakin swept her off her feet and carried her, still kissing towards the bed.

“Wait.” she said suddenly pulling away from his lips.

Anakin looked puzzled then a shadow crossed his face.

“What is it?” he asked tightly as he let her down.

“Anakin, we just can’t –” she stopped herself, looking for a better word. He watched her like a predator, eyes locked on her, his chest heaving with barely contained passion and desire. “People saw us come in together, and well, we have to be careful. This isn’t Naboo.” she tried to explain.

Anakin whirled, his cloak whipping after him like the wings of a hawk as he turned his back to her. The action hurt her. He never turned his back to her before.

“Is it Bail?” he asked darkly, his voice soft and dangerous.

“Bail? No! Anakin why would you think—”

“Because I am not a FOOL!!” Anakin roared as he turned on her, eyes ablaze with anger and fingers jabbing at her like knives.

“Anakin!” she exclaimed in fear and took several steps back from him. He seemed larger, darker than she ever remembered him.

“What?” he sneered as he saw her cringe. “Do I frighten you? Why do I frighten you unless you’re afraid.”

“I am afraid, Anakin. Stop it! You’re scaring me.” she snapped suddenly standing her ground.

Anakin stared into her eyes for a moment, chest heaving.

“Why would you be afraid, Padme, unless there’s something for you to be afraid of, hmmmm? Maybe you’re guilty of something. Only the guilty cower and cringe from Order.” he declared.

“You sound like a Palpatine propaganda poster.” she shouted.

Anakin laughed darkly.

“Why must you always bring your damned politics into any conversation we have? I’m not a politician, I have no aspirations to power. What do I care for the peace or war faction. What matters to me is that this war be over.”

Padme started to speak.

“But no, you need to live in this putrid world of corruption where under the table bargains and endless committees decide the fate of a galaxy. I am so sick and tired of the talking and the debating and the wheeling and dealing. I want order. That’s all I want.”

“Anakin, we don’t have to talk about politics. I’m sorry but you have to realize that what you and your fellow Jedi are fighting for is our free Republic.”

“Don’t hazard to tell me what my fellow Jedi and I are fighting for.” Anakin snapped.

Padme stopped and looked at him closely.

“Then tell me, Anakin. What are you fighting for?”

Anakin said nothing and glared at her. He started to storm out of the room and Padme started after him. He stopped at the door and turned his head, pinning her with his gaze.

“I thought I was fighting for us, now I wonder whether that was worth it or not.” he said darkly.

“Don’t you say that to me!” Padme exclaimed angrily. “Now get out damn you! Get out!”

Anakin melted away into the shadows of the night.

[Illuminatus Primus]

First post!

[phongn]

First post!

Bah, since when was this Slashdot?

Interesting chapter, Stravo, the wheels turn evermore ...

[Singular Quartet]

First post!

Only because I stopped reading thorugh it about halfway through to check some other stuff. Made comments elsewhere...

[El Moose Monstero]

Overall, very good, but the last section bothers me slightly, I'm not sure why, it read a little uncomfortably on this end...

[Stravo]

IP what's the current thoughts on general conscription during the clone war?

I'm using it as one of the main reasons why the Republic wants the Federation to come on board, but can they realistically continue fighting without conscription? I don't want to go down that road because I don't think there was conscription in the ANH era Star Wars galaxy. (Luke was thinkig of applying to the Academy not forced to go)

But as usual, I could be wrong about these things.

Lumberjack - what was uncomfortable, the situation because thats what was meant to be conveyed or uncomfortably badly written?

[El Moose Monstero]

Maybe it was just the atmosphere of the scene coming through, but Anakin's explosion at Padme seemed very sudden and explosive, despite looking at all of the anger build up in the previous sections. Perhaps it was the very short nature of the explosion, with not much build up in terms of the actual argument itself, despite all the stuff before hand.

Anakin restraining himself from making a retort at Bastion, only to explode into extreme anger at Padme didnt seem quite right. Perhaps if there had been more emphasis on what Anakin has done in the wars, with Padme not understanding what he's been through, but I'm not sure.

Then again, it could be that I'm just not fully into Anakin's character within the story as yet. *shrugs*

[Stravo]

Anakin restraining himself from making a retort at Bastion, only to explode into extreme anger at Padme didnt seem quite right. Perhaps if there had been more emphasis on what Anakin has done in the wars, with Padme not understanding what he's been through, but I'm not sure.

Bastion is sort of that trusted friend that Anakin feels comfortable entrusting Padme's character with, in fact in some ways trusting him more than Obi Wan. (Partly because he thinks Obi Wan would figure out the secret right away and considers Bastion more of a buffoon)

And I also want to show the ultimate expression of why Jedi aren't supposed to be in love. Love leads to feelings of possesion and control and right now Bail is a HUGE threat to Anakin because Anakin is simply not around and the relationship has slowly been deteriorating since AOTC.
So he's very jealous.

One thing is to yell at Bastion for just beiong an ass, the other is to rip into your lady when you already suspect she's sleeping with someone else and she just denied you sex. Anakin hasn't had sex in a few months, wants some and suddenly Padme acts all demure.

I'd blow up too.

[Crown]

I will have to agree with Lumberjack here. I think it felt a little rushed. Maybe there was no 'calm before the storm' for the lovers you know? Like Anakin wanting to bring the topic up with Padme, but her charm made him forget, and it just sort of stues for a while to explode later.

But I think you are using AotC for that, which looking back on it is more than fair.

Great chapter Stravo, but just one question; when did Obi-Wan become a wall flower?

P.S. Yes I am biased asking that question, since Obi-Wan is my favourite character from SW.

[Stravo]

Great chapter Stravo, but just one question; when did Obi-Wan become a wall flower?

P.S. Yes I am biased asking that question, since Obi-Wan is my favourite character from SW.

Obi Wan gets a much larger role as the story progresses. I like Obi Wan too, he was the only one that never really faltered in his duty to the Order. And there is a great battle scene coming up where he gets a chance to shine.

And you'll LOVE me when I finally do the Obi/Anakin duel.

Unfortunately this is slowly turning into War and Peace for me, I'll be juggling ALOT more characters than Stracrossed.

[Crown]

Great chapter Stravo, but just one question; when did Obi-Wan become a wall flower?

P.S. Yes I am biased asking that question, since Obi-Wan is my favourite character from SW.

Obi Wan gets a much larger role as the story progresses. I like Obi Wan too, he was the only one that never really faltered in his duty to the Order. And there is a great battle scene coming up where he gets a chance to shine.

And you'll LOVE me when I finally do the Obi/Anakin duel.

Unfortunately this is slowly turning into War and Peace for me, I'll be juggling ALOT more characters than Stracrossed.

Well you know me Stravo, I always strive to 'keep you honest'!

And sorry about the first part, obviously I posted at the same time as you did about the last scene in the chapter.

I guess I should explain why I like Obi-Wan so much; from the original trilogies, he seemed like the most tragic character. He was head strong and felt that Anakin had to be trained and did so, because he believed that Anakin presented more good than bad, over the objections of Yoda (when he says 'I thought I could train him just as well as Yoda, I was wrong.' Always read to me like Yoda didn't want to do it).

While the PT, especially TPM, diluted that assumption a little, showing that it was Qui-Gon who initially defied the council, and that Obi-Wan trained Anakin mainly out of obligation, AotC showed that he saw Anakin truely as his greatest friend, almost like a son.

To be struck down by someone who he ultimately loved so much, always spoke to me on a par with the great Greek tragedies, you know?

I should add that I can't wait for Obi-Wan to unleash a can of whoop-ass on Anakin, both here and on Ep III when it comes out. I have posted many times that for me, that would be the highlight of the movie.

[Stravo]

Chapter 13: All the King’s Horses

“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below:
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
Hamlet, Act 3, scene iii



The Enterprise emerged from hyperspace accompanied by a flotilla of Separatists ships. She coasted along gracefully as the larger ships slowed and broke formation giving the Enterprise all the space it needed to maneuver through the clouds of droid mines and patrol ships.

Floating silently in the midst of the automated mines were enormous guns mounted on the remains of asteroids. The asteroids were interspersed throughout the mine field and provided coverage on every approach. The massive guns were designed to be a threat to even the largest warship.

Riker wondered briefly what sort of havoc defensive guns like that would cause against a Federation fleet.

“Those are some impressive defensive systems.” Riker mentioned to Picard and motioned to his tactical display. It displayed computer models of the damage levels the guns could deliver.

Picard said nothing but his eye brows raised slightly as he observed the numbers.

Sev’Rance punched in a string of codes from her touch pad on her seat. On the screen, the mines slowly parted, several at first but soon dozens of mines fired small repulsors and spun their way clear to form a clear flight path for the Federation starship. On the view screen the action resembled a small sea of stars parting as one before the bow of the Enterprise.

“We have a visual communication from the planet sir.” Data reported.

“On screen.” Picard ordered and stood up in his chair, adjusting his uniform as he did so.

The screen wavered for a moment and the face of an older stern man appeared. Iron gray streaks in his hair and a powerful steady gaze fixed itself on Captain Picard.

“Captain Picard I presume,” nodded to Picard. “I am Count Dooku, titular head of the Separatist Union. I welcome you to Belos Prime. This is the current headquarters of the Separatists and my home now that the Republic has seized my homeworld in vengeance for daring to rise up against them. I apologize for the recent actions taken against you upon entering our space and it is a relief to see you standing here before me whole. I honestly do not know what I would have done if I had heard the worst.”

“Thank you Count Dooku, I am here representing the United Federation of Planets in anticipation of our alliance.” Picard replied. “And your words are too kind. If not for the bravery of your fleet and Sev’Rance Tan, we would have been captured or worse.”

Dooku smiled warmly.

“Sev’Rance has proven to be a gift for the Union. She has given so much and asked for nothing in return. I could not be prouder of my apprentice.” Dooku added.

“Service to the Union is all I ask but I do believe that a face to face meeting would be appropriate at this time.” Sev’Rance spoke softly.

“Yes, indeed. Captain I am told that you have a mode of transportation that does not require you to take a vessel down to the surface. I am most curious to see this in practice.”

“Of course, Count. We will be beaming down to the coordinates you provide us momentarily.” Picard grinned.

“I will be anxiously awaiting your arrival, Captain. I have been looking forward to this for some time.” Dooku replied and the view screen switched back to a view of the planet as the starship gently glided into a stable orbit.

“He is excited to see you Captain. He has worked very hard for this alliance. He views it as the future of the Union.” Sev’Rance commented as she rose with Riker and Data to walk over to the turbolift.

Picard nodded.

“Not exactly helping your negotiating position are you?” Riker chided. Sev’Rance’s eyes flashed for a moment but a tight smile spread across her beautiful face.

“I’m not approaching these negotiations from an adversarial position,” Sev’Rance paused as he smile grew colder and she pinned him with her steady unwavering gaze. “Are you?”

Picard paused at the turbolift doors as they opened.

“Counselor Troi, I’ll want you to accompany us.” Troi nodded curtly,

“Of course Captain.”

“Is that really necessary?” Sev’Rance interjected.

Picard nodded slowly as he watched her closely.

“Counselor Troi has always been an integral part of my negotiation team.”

“But she is a Betazoid, as I understand it she is an empath.”

“And?” Riker asked tersely as Troi joined them at the turbolift door.

“There can be many ways of viewing her presence at the negotiation table.” Sev’Rance replied evenly, glancing at Troi with suspicion.

“And you choose the most negative way?” Picard asked pointedly.

“I always look at matters in the worst possible way, Jean Luc, it keeps me from being surprised. Count Dooku is a trusting man and he expects this trust to be returned. Counselor Troi’s presence at the table could be…disconcerting. Maybe even misconstrued and we wouldn’t want that at this delicate point in the negotiations.”

Picard looked from Troi to Sev’Rance.

“She’s is coming with us. If Count Dooku really looks upon the Federation as part of the Separatists’ future then he will have to accept that we have diverse species and among them are the Betazoids. He can take her presence as he will.” Picard replied.

“I see.” Sev’Rance replied and nodded sagely. She fell in step with the others and said nothing more. Troi however could feel the hostility directed towards her like daggers. She tried to see of there was deception behind her concerns, a trap perhaps? But there was no hint of any deception at all, simply a dislike of her and what she represented.

Still, Troi did not need her abilities to tell her that there was more here than met the eye and she could not discount the possibility that the blue skinned woman had enough control over her emotions that she could fool her empathic sense. It would not be the first time an alien had done so.

The turbolift doors snapped shut.



“What is thy bidding my master?” Tyrannus asked softly as he bowed his head to the holoimage of his master, the Sith lord Darth Sidious. Darth Sidious stood imperiously above the Count and watched him intently for a moment.

There was a time, when he was first apprenticed to him that the Count kneeled before him as his Maul did. Sidious missed the young Sith lord. Darth Maul was a paragon of the dark side’s power and influence. He had molded him carefully since childhood to be the perfect warrior, the perfect assassin and of course the prefect pupil.

But he had been cut down on Naboo by a Jedi padawan of all things.

It still angered him even now. All that effort, training and energy expended and for what? To be slain by one of the mewling light side’s students?! It was a horrible moment in his plans, as if everything were unraveling but he was a Dark lord of the Sith. He recovered, found a new apprentice and his plans were still on, slightly off schedule but still going forward.

Lord Tyrannus was unfortunately going to be a problem.

He was starting to taste too much of the intoxicating power of the dark side and he was giving in to the constant temptation that all Sith lords were offered - the chance to use that power to supplant their master.

He was not fooled by the obvious masquerade between Tyrannus and Sev’Rance. Nor was he a blind fool to the reports of dark and fallen Jedi massing in the Rim. They were all being called to Tyrannus’ banner in a vain and foolhardy attempt to create a dark side equivalent to the Jedi Order. Tyrannus no doubt was molding himself as the titular head of that order and once he had a literal Jedi army at his side and his own powerful apprentice then what was Sidious to do, hmmmm? He would have to give in to the inevitability of Tyrannus’ command.

Sidious did not smile, did not sneer at the foolishness of those dreams.

Did Tyrannus honestly think that his rallying of the Dark Jedi was not precisely what Sidious wanted? In time, all would be revealed and Tyrannus would serve his master well even in his vain attempts at rebelling against him.

But for now, he missed Maul. Maul lacked the imagination for such plans and perhaps it was for the best that he was not here now. This war would not be won by the vicious and cruel, but by the sly and intelligent. But at least Maul knew how to show the proper respect.

“Offer anything that the Federation wants in exchange for the treaty. You must seal their fate to your own.”

“And what of the Federation from the past?”

“Leave them to me. Your responsibility is to make sure that the future Federation is firmly entrenched on your side and then we will take the next steps necessary.”

“I am troubled my lord by certain news.”

“Go on.” Sidious replied darkly.

“Anakin Skywalker has made it a personal vendetta to find me and bring me to trial on Corsucant.”

“This was well known to you after Geonosis, Lord Tyrannus.”

“Indeed.” Tyrannus replied. He stared into his master’s eyes. Deep down, in the dark reaches of his mind, far from where he thought the Sith lord could probe him without fail a thought bubbled to the surface.

Does he know?

“However when I was on my mission to Bibringi, Anakin Skywalker nearly caught me there.”

“Your point would be, Lord Tyrannus? Surely you are not afraid of a young Jedi Knight you so soundly defeated on Geonosis.” Sidious sneered derisively. His patience with his apprentice was wearing thin. He chose Tyrannus precisely because the ex Jedi master could be counted on to function on his own without support or assistance from Sidious.

“No one knew of my mission to Bibringi. I did not tell anyone, not even Sev'Rance. It was a simple pickup and reconnaissance mission. I was on the planet for less than twelve hours. Yet he nearly found me.”

“You evaded him? Perhaps you should have killed him. Skywalker has been a thorn in our side since the inception of this war.”

“Yes, my master he has, he also seems to have a profound knowledge of many of our strategies and even my whereabouts.” Tyrannus replied.

Sidious paused and his head tilted to the side slightly as he examined his apprentice closely.

“What are you saying Lord Tyrannus?” Sidious asked dangerously.

“Merely that I suspect that Anakin Skywalker may be more powerful than we anticipated, after all the only person that knew of my mission to Bibringi was you. And you would never cooperate with the Jedi so I can only assume that Anakin Skywalker has powers of perception greater than we have anticipated.”

Sidious said nothing for a moment, his hologram hissed softly in the air as both Sith lords stared at each other. Tyrannus knew he had all but said what he suspected, Sidious could act on it and try to kill him now, at the most critical part of the negotiations to bring the Federation into the war and start the endgame that would bring about the fall of the Republic. But the message had been sent.

“We will keep a closer eye on Anakin Skywalker. You remember what you have to do, Lord Tyrannus. The Federation must come into the war. Once the Alliance is sealed we will continue with our plan.”

“May the force be with us in this endeavor.” Tyrannus added.

“Do your part Lord Tyrannus and we will be assured of victory.” Sidious replied coldly and his hologram vanished.

Tyrannus remained standing quietly in the shadows of his study. His hands were clasped together behind his back as he was lost in thought.

A chime sounded.

“Yes?”

“The Federation entourage is here, Count. You asked me to let you know.”

“Of course. I will be right out.” Dooku replied quietly, the darkness around him seemed pull back and his eyes softened. He pulled his cape close to him and strode out of the room.



Picard and his landing party appeared in several brilliant columns of light. The Separatists welcoming committee stood in a semi circle facing the newcomers. A pair of battle droids painted in ceremonial colors snapped to attention.

“Now.” The Neimoidian Ias Dillot ordered.

“Roger. Roger.” The battle droids responded simultaneously. The Anthem of the United Federation of Planets began playing from the droids’ vocal units.

“Captain Jean Luc Picard captain of the starship Enterprise, welcome to the Belos Prime.” Ias Dillot announced with much pomp.

Picard smiled and nodded to the Neimoidian representative.

“I am Ias Dillot, head of the Neimoidian contingent of the Separatist Union.” He indicated with a graceful wave of his hand the alien standing next to him, a tall gray skinned being with a flattened head.

“This is San Hill the head of the Banking guild contingent of the Separatist Union

He inclined his head to a small alien with a large head, it resembled of all things a goblin from Picard’s imagination when he was a child.

“Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild.”

Ias waved to the contingent to his right.

“Passel Argente of the Corporate Alliance.” he pointed to a tall reptilian alien encased in cybernetic gear. It uncomfortably reminded Picard of the Borg.

“Wat Tambor or the Techno Union.”

“On behalf of the United Federation of Planets I thank you for the warm reception.” Picard replied and gently but firmly clasped the Neimoidian’s hand.

“I hope I have not kept you waiting Captain. I had business to attend to but I must say that this is a truly historic moment that I would not miss.” Count Dooku said regally as he strode into the meeting hall. The assembled Separatist leaders parted like a sea allowing him to approach, black cloak flapping behind him like his own personal escort.

Picard sized him up in an instant.

This was a born leader. He was accustomed to power and command. His eyes were sharp and penetrating. Picard doubted that little got past the man’s attention.

“Count Dooku.” Picard said with a warm smile and extended his hand. Dooku clasped his hand, putting his free hand over Picard’s offered hand and fully covered it as he shook his hand. Despite his obvious age, the man was very strong, his grip was uncomfortably tight.

“Captain Picard. A distinct pleasure sir, and your crew?” he asked his gaze looking past Picard to the landing party behind him.

“Ah yes, this is my first officer William Riker.”

“Sir.” Riker politely inclined his head.

“My operations officer Mr. Data.”

“Count Dooku.”

“So this is the one.” Dooku noted with interest as he examined Data from head to toe with a measured gaze.

“I do not understand.” Data replied curiously.

Dooku turned his head to face Picard.

“We have heard of your droid from Sev’Rance’s mission briefings. Most impressive.”

“My droid? You mean Mr. Data? No, he is a free sentient being.” Picard explained.

“Indeed?” Dooku replied as he eyed the android again. “Do you routinely give your droids free status or just the elite ones such as Mr. Data here.”

“I am a unique artificial entity in the Federation.” Data explained.

“They have no droids?” Ias wondered aloud.

“A technological failing that we can easily rectify. The Techno Union would be willing to provide the Federation with a full line of droids, from combat to etiquette and protocol.” Wat Tambor said in a deep bass voice that he adjusted slightly to fight a sudden surge of feedback on his speakers.

“The Trade Federation has been dealing in droids since its inception, I assure you Captain that the quality of our product is second to none.” Ias Dillot broke in softly.

“Our offer would be at a discounted fee of course, a discount which we would be willing to negotiate up once member ship is pending within the Union.” Wat interjected and spared a harsh glare at the Neimoidian.

“The Banking Guild is well aware that the Federation may not be willing or able to expend much money to invest in such a massive overhaul of their infrastructure, we at the Guild recognize the Federation’s worth to us as allies and can make easy arrangements to float a capital loan to the Federation at an almost non existent interest rate to help pay for these droids.” San Hill explained warmly and held out his hands palms upward in a gesture of giving as he spoke.

“Captain Picard, droids can mean only one thing. Maintenance. Despite the Trade Federation’s assurances whether their droids are top of the line or not they WILL break down and we in the commerce guild have sub contractors who are fast, cheap and reliable when it comes to maintaining droids.” Shu Mai added in quick sing song voice that reminded Picard of a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower.

Picard held up his hands and tried to calm the excited trade guilds down.

“I’m not in a position to accept any of these terms at this time. There is also the troubling question of whether your ‘droids’ would be considered sentient and thus subject to the Federations’ rights for a sentient being.”

“Droids’ rights?” Wat stammered.

“Surely you jest Captain.” the Neimoidian guffawed.

“Captain.” Dooku’s voice cut through the growing buzz. “You must forgive them. Despite Republic propaganda efforts to paint us as intergalactic warlords, they are businessmen first and rebels second. They see the trade opportunities that your Federation offers ahead of any military considerations. If you agree with the preliminary findings of the Federation High Council’s Commission on Union with the Separatist faction then we will open such a torrent of trade with the Federation that you will soon be able to buy your opponents instead of making war on them.” Dooku promised. He looked over at Sev’Rance who had her head bowed respectfully in his presence.

Riker was impressed. Everything he had seen about Sev’Rance Tan never let him believe that she would ever bow her head to anyone. It spoke volumes about Dooku himself.

“And Sev’Rance Tan, my good pupil, I assume she has been helpful for you Captain?”

“Indeed she has. We could not have survived our first encounter with the Republic without her.”

“Captain Picard is too kind, my master.” Sev’Rance replied softy, her voice like silk. She spared Picard a secretive glance, her crimson eyes searching out his own blue ones. He found her gaze and quickly looked away.

“My fleet captains have already begun speaking of the bravery of the Starship Enterprise, her captain and her crew. Word is spreading that our allies will help turn the tide in this war.” Dooku replied.

“I think they may be speaking too soon.” Riker commented.

“Hope, Mr. Riker is all my people had when we rebelled against the most powerful and largest civilization this galaxy has ever seen. Hope allowed us to weather the initial assaults by hordes of clone troopers on our respective homeworlds. Hope is what gave me the strength to continue when my own homeworld of Serenno was occupied by the Republic despite the fact that Serrano has remained neutral in this conflict. You will find, Mr. Riker that hope is all that many of us have left in this war.” Dooku replied seriously.

“I stand corrected sir.”

“No need, Mr. Riker. You remind me of my Mandalorian advisors. They too tend to see things in a more…‘realistic’ light.” Dooku replied with a chuckle and gripped Riker’s shoulder. “I’m certain he makes a fine first officer, captain. I find that having an opposing view provides you with the best perspective on decision making.”

“It does indeed Count.” Picard said as he watched the Count move among his people, assured and confident. He would be a dangerous man to oppose. He wondered what the Republic’s leadership was like. As much as Dooku spoke about hope and the suffering his people were suffering he could not detect a hint of any morale problem among the Separatists. They seemed highly motivated and dedicated to their cause.

They had the look of victory in their eyes. They were not thinking of defeat.

“And who is this radiant beauty?” Dooku asked as he stopped in front of Deanna Troi.

“That is my counselor, Deanna Troi.”

“Betazoid?” Dooku asked curiously, examining her eyes.

“Yes sir.” She replied with a gentle smile. His emotions were like exploding rockets. No deception at all. He was a proud man but there was something else behind the man’s demeanor, a deep abiding sadness. The war had affected him more than he would let on to anyone.

“An empath, how intriguing.” Dooku said softly looking into her eyes then suddenly turned his head towards Picard. “I assume that Sev’Rance was opposed to your presence in deference to me?” Dooku asked with a bemused smile.

Picard exchanged a glance with Sev’Rance.

“Yes she did. I told her that the negative implications of bringing an empath to our conference were—”

“Foolish, Captain. I apologize for Sev’Rance’s over protectiveness of my feelings. She has always been fiercely loyal to me and it can blind her to some of the truths that I hold dear.”

“Such as?” Troi asked him curiously.

“That beautiful women can go where they please.” Dooku replied regally and took a gentle hold of Deanna’s hand and kissed her knuckles. Deanna smiled and fought the blush coming on to her cheeks.

“A gentlemen and a warrior. That is a difficult combination to find, Count. I am impressed.”

“And I am flattered young lady. If I were but 20 years younger.” Dooku replied, charm dripping from each word. Riker’s eyes narrowed on the older man with a smirk.

“Now, if you will please, I have refreshments waiting for us in our conference center. I have been waiting too long to hold off these talks any longer.” Dooku announced and clapped his hands together cheerfully. “Please follow me.”

“He’s quite the charmer isn’t he?” Riker muttered to Troi as they started walking.

“I hadn’t noticed.” Troi replied with a secret smile. Her eyes wandered past the group for a moment and saw a pair of humans walking past them. One was older, wearing an eye patch and black cloak and robes. He moved with a determined stride. She noticed the lightsaber at his belt. The younger man drew most of her attention. He moved several steps behind the older man, a stormy expression in his eyes and a dashing sway to his stride, there was raw confidence there but she could feel his anger as well, just bubbling beneath the surface of his carefully constructed demeanor. He wore a form fitting black tunic and boots.

He was also one of the most handsome men she had ever seen.

His eyes flashed up and met hers. They stared at each other for a moment. He smiled softly for a moment, hesitantly as if he were unaccustomed to the action and quickly covered the smile with a scowl as the older man glanced back at him and said something.

Troi watched him closely as he continued to walk by, she noticed the lightsaber at his belt as well, it was much longer than the others she had seen so far and she wondered what that could mean. He glanced back at her as the doors slid open to the conference center. She looked away shyly and he smiled again before entering the conference center.

“Something wrong?” Riker asked.

Troi looked up at him as if she were just waking up.

“Nothing, nothing at all. Do we have any idea who they are?” She asked him pointing at the two dark clad humans.

Riker saw them and frowned slightly.

“They sort of look like Jedi Knights.” Riker noted.

“Jedi Knights? I thought they were fighting on the side of Republic.”

“Those are most certainly Fallen Jedi.” Data interjected.

“How do you know that?” Riker asked.

“I have studied all of Sev’Rance Tan’s briefing reports.” Data replied simply.

“All of them? But she must have transferred thousands of pages of---oh forget it.” Riker finished with a rueful shake of his head as he watched Data’s expression.

The group entered the conference center. It was an enormous room with a large clear crystal table in the center. On the crystal table top readouts were gently scrolling down at each place where a seat was located.

Floating over the table was a holographic display of the galaxy, the portions of space held by the Separatist glowed a dull yellow. Picard immediately noticed that the Separatists held enough space to fill the Alpha Quadrant alone. The number of worlds must have been staggering.

Dooku took his place and politely waited for the rest to take their places. He smiled at Picard and indicated the seat directly opposite his.

The two dark Jedi were seated quietly in the back of the conference center, wreathed in shadows.

“So that’s the Federation?” Bane whispered as he grimly watched them with his single eye while they assembled at the table.

“I could care less.” Janus replied softly, his eyes discreetly watched the beautiful young woman with the haunting eyes.

“All you care about Janus is getting out there and killing more Jedi. It gets tiresome you know. All that killing.” Bane replied wearily.

“Well, you didn’t lose family to them. You have no idea what I lost.” Janus snapped.

“Calm down, Janus.” Bane replied. “All you young lost ones are always so quick to anger.”

Janus said nothing for a moment.

“When do we tell him?”

Bane nodded slowly as he watched the talks begin.

“When it is most dramatic.”

Janus nodded.

“Lord Tyrannus does love his drama doesn’t he?”

Bane sighed softly.

“By the way, kid. Just because I’ve got one eye don’t think I haven’t noticed the eyes you’ve been making at the slit over there.” He said with a cold smirk.

Janus shifted uncomfortably but said nothing.

The talks began in earnest.




“Target aspect is changing.”

“Estimate weapons range in twenty seconds.”

“Bring the wing about in attack pattern J-22.”

“Acknowledged.”

The bridge of the Dominion attack fighter was bathed in an eerie red glow from the alert lights. It looked as if the crewmen were wading through blood as they took their battle stations. The Vorta stood proudly in the center of the bridge, a headset on, her eyepiece lit as she watched the space around them. Bereft of a view screen, the only way of seeing what was happening was by use of the ocular viewers.

The Jem’Hadar first walked over to the Vorta.

“Early readings indicate heavy cruiser class.” The first reported.

“One of those ring shaped battleships again?” Veeta asked.

“Yes.” The First replied flatly.

“We only have a single wing of attack craft. There is no chance of even holding that behemoth here.”

“We have our orders. We must hold the counter attack here as long as we can while the planet is evacuated of all Dominion personnel.”

“I know my orders, the point is that we cannot hold them.”

“That is not up to us to decide.” The First replied coldly.

An alarm buzzed.

“It looks as if they have made the decision for us.” Veeta spat through gritted teeth as the battleship exited hyperspace. A trio of attack ships immediately banked hard and opened fire on the ship as they passed under the main ring.

“Receiving a transmission from the planet. Battle cruiser BC-30099 is inbound from the surface. All attack wings are to provide covering fire until it can go to warp.” Veeta announced. She did not relay the rest of the message. The flashing amber text that scrolled across the top of her viewer alerted her to the passenger on the battle cruiser.

She had suspected from the moment they were rerouted from reinforcing the 17th Tactical wing that had been mauled badly in the disastrous defense of Cardasia Prime to put up a ragtag defense of this relatively unimportant colony world.

There was a Founder on the colony.

She heard that the two founders in the Cardasian Empire had been on Cardasia prime when the Mandalorian attack fleet struck. Hundreds of Dominion ships launched themselves against the fleet only to be slaughtered like lambs. One Founder managed to flee the catastrophe and one vanished on the planet when occupation troops began landing. (within one hour of the battle being joined, it was unheard of in Dominion history for landing operations to have begun so soon after first contact with their forces.)

She was willing to bet that this was the one that had fled, hoping that the relative unimportance of the colony world would keep the Founder safe for some time. Unfortunately this enemy seemed to have the ability to read minds.

The three initial attack ships suddenly vanished under a furious fusillade from the ring shaped battleship. Not even debris was left from the field of energy flak thrown up around the ship.

“Send in the 4th and 5th squadrons, tell them to shunt power from shields to weapons, our shields won’t matter at this point.”

The First nodded.

“Battle cruiser clearing the first perimeter. The battleship has seen it and is adjusting fire to concentrate on the Battle cruiser.”

“Bring more supporting fire from the wing against the battleship and see if we cannot generate a rotating tertrion field to try and mask their scanners.”

“Understood.”

The bridge rocked for a moment as more enemy flak exploded nearer to the heart of the Dominion defensive fleet.

“This feels wrong somehow.” Veeta muttered.

“They have more than enough firepower to deal with us.” The First replied as his viewer showed another groups of Dominion attack ships vanishing in clouds of energy fire.

“These Mandalorians don’t fight with just enough firepower, they surround, they overwhelm.” Veeta countered as the Battle cruiser drew closer.

“Nevertheless we must protect the Founder.” The First urged. Veeta looked up at the Jem’Hadar first in surprise. He smiled sardonically. “Not all Jem’Hadar are mindless soldiers. It does not take Vorta intellect to see that the passenger of that cruiser is a Founder.” He added.

“You continue to surprise me First.” She replied softly.

Another alarm sounded. The bridge crew tensed for a moment waiting for the report but instead the bridge shuddered hard to port and sparks showered from overhead systems that overloaded.

“Another warship has emerged directly behind us!” the First shouted over the din.

“Evasive maneuvers! What’s the status of the Battle cruiser?”

“She’s taking fire from the enemy warship, starboard nacelle has been destroyed and her defensive grid has been smashed.” The First replied coolly as he held on to his station with one hand and entered in a new string of orders with the other.

Veena glanced down to her feet with the viewer, but instead of her feet and the floor, she could see the space beneath the fighter. The Battle cruiser was listing badly, her starboard nacelle sheared off by enemy fire and trailing a glittering stream of plasma and molten metal. The other white nacelle was flickering madly. Holes were blasted into the hull and she could tell that the ship was dying. There was no way it was going to warp.

“Take us down fast and lock on to the Founder’s signature for beam up.” She snapped.

“Understood.”

The small Jem’Hadar attack ship dived sharply down the plain of engagement as the defensive fleet erupted into blossoms of fire around it. Enemy weapons fire exploded in titanic blasts all along her escape route as she wove her way through the dying fleet.

“We are in range.”

The bridge shuddered hard again. A support beam came loose and swung down like a hammer towards Veena’s head. She turned, eyes widened in shock but ready to die. The Jem’Hadar First grunted as he slammed his arm across the beam, tilting it off target and it crashed into a counsel instead of Veena’s head with a crash and the sick sputter of dying circuits and conduits.

Veena looked at the first, his arm shattered by the blow but he did not seem to notice.

“You…”

“You are the Vorta, I cannot allow you to fall if life remains in my body.”

“I am the Vorta.” She replied. “And I shall care for you.” She finished and tore a strip of cloth from her uniform and began binding the Jem’Hadar’s arm.

“What is the status of the transport?” she shouted.

“Commencing.”

“The cruiser’s power matrix is rupturing!” the tactical officer shouted in alarm.

The Jem’Hadar attack ship flashed down past the dying battle cruiser, one of her nacelle’s no longer glowing and her hull pitted and gouged by shrapnel and fire. The battle cruiser slowly exploded, her rear section tearing itself apart and spinning madly away on fire.

“We have the Founder!” The First announced with a triumphant slap of his control counsel.

“Go to warp now!”

“Engaging.”

The Jem’Hadar attack ship vanished in a flash of pseudomotion and light as the Separatist ships slowly met in the middle, the wreck of the Dominion defensive fleet floating around them like attendant insects.

[2000AD]

Cool. Dooku getting under Sidious' skin. Can't wait for past and future to meet up.

Any news on the next Cain and Able chapter?

and first post too

[Illuminatus Primus]

*teeth grind* Nitpick, but as I said before, "seperatist" is just a term for what they are, like rebels or revolutionaries are.

They are known as the Confederacy of Independent Systems. They have NO OTHER NAME. Seperatist Union is absurd. Its really quite contradictory. "Seperatist movement" made sense--a general trend and desire to seperate from the Republic. But the "union of those wishing to seperate from a greater political whole" makes no sense at all as well as outright contradicting canon.

The "Nemodian contingent" is the Trade Federation. And the "Banking guild" is the Intergalactic Banking Clan.

They wouldn't refer to themselves as "contingents"---the CIS is a confederation, and her members view themselves as independent in their own right (hence the name, Confederacy of Independent Systems).

[Stravo]

*teeth grind* Nitpick, but as I said before, "seperatist" is just a term for what they are, like rebels or revolutionaries are.

They are known as the Confederacy of Independent Systems. They have NO OTHER NAME. Seperatist Union is absurd. Its really quite contradictory. "Seperatist movement" made sense--a general trend and desire to seperate from the Republic. But the "union of those wishing to seperate from a greater political whole" makes no sense at all as well as outright contradicting canon.

Aww....IP but I LIKE Sepratist Union. With the additon of teh Federation, I promise the name will change for the canon title. *grumbles as if Confereacy of Independent Systems is any better than Separatist Union*

BTW isn't that what they were called in the videogame Galactic battlegrounds? I must have gotten that name from somewhere.

[Illuminatus Primus]

I dunno, but the Confederacy of Independent Systems is from the title card of Attack of the Clones.

Just label that the "Seperatist Union" is just one of the subcatagories of the CIS, that is. Multi-layer confederations/federations aren't unknown: look at the Galactic Empire herself.

Corporate consoritums = Seperatist Union

Seperatist Union + independent systems (there are rebel worlds that aren't controlled by the corporations) + UFP = Confederacy of Indpendent Systems.

[Crazedwraith]

Nice chapter. A new sub-plot too. I really Liked the Jem'Hardar bit.

[Singular Quartet]

Nice chapter. A new sub-plot too. I really Liked the Jem'Hardar bit.

Same here. It should prove intresting...

[El Moose Monstero]

Didnt notice the new chapter, nice work, enjoyed it immensely, you seem to have Christopher Lee pretty much bang on, and it's nice to see that he isnt altogether evil...