Episode 2.4.7: End of an Era

S2, E4, Act 1: Gut Punch
OpsBase One

Argolis Cluster

Stardate 2007.22

Things in the aftermath of Sorvek’s death were near pandemonium at OpsBase One. Lt. Commander Huotari was now in charge, the de facto head of the base with Sorvek’s untimely demise.

The Finn was in a state of disbelief. Sorvek had supposedly tried to kill Gant, there had been a struggle and Gant stabbed him in the heart. Aspects of this story did not add up. Gant had then been whisked off the station by a portion of his security detail, while the remaining bodyguards remained behind to investigate.

Huotari decided at that moment he wasn’t about ready to let the president’s people handle this … they weren’t even Starfleet. Civilian security who reported to the Federation Council and the office of the president. He ordered the crime scene sealed off and posted guards in the office immediately.

Gant’s security people were about to start throwing their weight around when word suddenly came that Gant’s shuttle had not returned to the USS Redoubtable. Both the starship and OpsBase One had lost the shuttle from sensors several minutes after it departed.

The security detail was now frantic to get off OpsBase One and return to Redoubtable before it set off in search of the missing president. Huotari provided them a shuttle and they immediately left the base, at which time Huotari put it on lockdown.

A medical team removed the admiral’s body while station security conducted an investigation. It was at that time the weapon used to kill the Vulcan disintegrated on the deck where it lay. Huotari knew this was wrong, not only from the standpoint that he’d never seen a Vulcan dagger among the admiral’s possessions on the station, but why had the weapon mysteriously vaporized before their eyes?

It was time to relay this information onto the rest of Shadow Ops, before Redoubtable reported it and Starfleet arrived to find out what was going on. Huotari sat down at his desk and gave a deep sigh, before activating a holographic communicator.

“This is Lt. Commander Huotari on OpsBase One, to USS Fearless and USS Resurrection. This is a Priority One message, authorization Huotari-one-one-alpha,” the wary officer said. “I regret to inform you that Admiral Sorvek has been killed. President Gant came to the station and was in a private meeting with the admiral when he claims Sorvek attack him and he accidentally killed him during the struggle. Gant left with his security detail and is now missing. I…I have locked down the station and I’m awaiting orders. I’ve secured the admiral’s office, I just….I expect Starfleet will be sending a ship here soon. I’m not sure what to do. Please advise…Huotari out.”

Commander Mayla Vree

Bridge, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2007.22

Mayla's grip tightened on the back of Lazarus' chair as the news came through of Sorvek's death from OpsBase One. The Vulcan had been in her and Ky's life for both of their entire Starfleet careers. It was difficult to accept that he was gone. The stoic leader was the one stable foundation they had whenever there was turmoil within the Shadow Ops organization. He was always there when they needed him. She, and her father, had always swore they would be there for him. It pained her that she wasn't there to protect him. The pain became tight in her chest and anger began to build up.

When Lazarus tried to swivel his seat, it wouldn't move until Mayla suddenly released her grip. The bridge was silent for a minute until more encrypted communiques started flooding in for Lazarus. Even Mayla received a few. She transferred the message into her eye lenses and decrypted it. It was an automated message from Admiral Sorvek, delivered to her by his AI persona created by Jonathan Tran; similar to the one she used. She put a hand on a console to steady herself as she let the message play out.

"Commander Mayla Vree, as you may have already received word, I am no longer able to continue my duties. I have set up several automatic procedures to be executed upon my death. Various former Shadow Operatives with reactivation codes, along with their dossiers and current assignments, have been forwarded to you and Captain Lazarus. I do not know what will happen with Shadow Operations now, but I trust you both will continue the work and perform your duties.

"I have also sent you several of my personal classified files in regard to your father and his whereabouts. Shortly before Shadow Operations was disbanded, I sent him to lead a covert deep space mission. I have enclosed all of my files only to you on his mission as I will require you to take my place as steward until you find someone you believe to be trustworthy to take command of your father's ongoing mission. Due to your Linea genealogy, I can only trust you with this responsibility as you know of the importance that his mission continues without interference. After the files have been transferred over to you, all information and backups will be purged and wiped from all computer systems in Starfleet. You will be the sole owner of the only copy of the data, thereby the sole contact person for members of his team.

"You have been a valuable member of Shadow Operations. Live long and prosper."

The immense amount of data that came in next nearly filled her memory storage embedded inside her head. The rush of data made her dizzy for a moment and she grabbed at Lazarus' chair to steady herself. Instead, she missed and stumbled forward.

Lazarus caught her and held her up. "Are you okay? Did you just get a download?"

"Aye, sir," she said, standing back up steady and her hand rubbing her temple.

"Jonathan Tran's AI finally came to good use," Lazarus murmured to her. She could tell he was scrutinizing his own downloaded packets, trying to suppress his own shock of losing Sorvek.

"I still miss Sweetie," Mayla said, referring to Bravo Squad's 3rd generation limited AI from ten years ago at Starbase Umbra One. "What do we do now?"

"We complete our mission to end Legion. But first, we need to get the team back together. Until I can transfer authorization to MacLeod, Sorvek gave me operational command of all of his shadowed assets," he said. "He had an asset on Kazis IX, I'll send orders to pick up Raillius' team and bring them to us." He was already looking at the star charts in and around the Klingon military command. "We'll meet them at Starbase 36."

Mayla nodded as she accessed that same asset information in her memory storage. When she saw who the asset was, she closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. A familiar asset was what they needed for morale right now.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2007.22

Lazarus listened in horror as details came from Lt. Commander Huotari about the death of Admiral Sorvek. After the initial shock was over, Lazarus grew angry. It was Dark. It had to be. Everything was pointing to him at this moment and now Gant had killed Sorvek and disappeared.

“He knows we’re about to bring everything down on him,” Lazarus muttered. “That’s why he disappeared. High tailed it out of there before his ruse was figured out.”

It was at this moment another message came through, this time from someone using Sorvek’s command authorization. Lazarus frowned, “Those relays clear?” McGuire checked with Thompson and nodded, “The nanite infestation is over. The communications grid is clear.”

“Open a channel to that person using Sorvek’s code,” Lazarus said.

A holographic image of a young man with red hair and a goatee appeared on the bridge, “Captain, I’m Lt. Commander Matthew O’Shaughnessy,” he said. “I know you may not know who I am, but I’ve been working as an aide to Admiral Sorvek for some time now.”

Lazarus nodded to McGuire who called up a file on the man and displayed it beside his image at the front of the bridge. Lazarus looked at the file and nodded, “I’ve heard him mention your name.”

“I’m in your team's mission scout,” said O’Shaughnessy. “Sorvek had me take it when he thought there was a 97.3 percent chance Gant was coming to OpsBase One. We configured surveillance equipment in the admiral’s office. I have files Sorvek had on Gant and someone called Jack Dark. I also have video of Gant transforming into this Dark character, killing the admiral, then transforming back...like a Changeling almost.”

Lazarus raised an eyebrow and looked to Vree, then back to the hologram, “We want those files and that footage. Can you get it to us?” O’Shaughnessy nodded, “Just tell me where, sir.”

Lazarus returned his gaze to Vree after muting the channel, “Thoughts, commander? Meet him in person? Starbase 36?”

Mayla kept her anger and pain in check. It helped to clear her head and hyper focused her attention at the matter at hand. "I think we should. We could use a crew member we know we can trust. And it doesn't hurt to have a shuttle again."

"We're not going back to Base?" someone on the bridge said in a quiet voice.

But Lazarus and Mayla heard the question. Mayla looked at Lazarus and he could see it in her eyes. She wanted to go. But he knew she would never choose that over the mission. Just like her father, the mission was always the priority.

"We have a mission to accomplish," he said as stern as he could. "More people will die if we don't stop Legion."

Mayla took a deep breath filled with resolve. She squared her shoulders and stood up straight by Lazarus' chair; and his decision.

Lazarus turned back to O’Shaughnessy. "Meet us at Starbase 36. We're on our way there now."

"Aye. See you soon. O’Shaughnessy, out."

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2007.22

Jahkar clenched his fists while grinding his teeth in response to hearing his former friend, Jack Dark, murdered his commanding officer, Admiral Sorvek. He was seething with anger when the transmission ended and had to restrain himself from crying out in anguish.

“Traitor,” he hissed, loud enough for most of the bridge crew to hear him. Chas’naH went to move toward him, but stopped and hung back, deciding it was not the time to offer comfort. He clearly did not want it. “Murdering traitor.”

Lazarus shot Jahkar a glance. “Contain yourself, colonel,” the captain ordered. “What’s done is done…we still have a mission.”

“What about Sorvek? We can’t let Dark get away with his!” Jahkar maintained.

“All in good time, colonel,” Lazarus said. “Take a walk and simmer down.”

The captain nodded to Chas, who picked up the signal and took Jahkar by the arm. She led him toward the turbolift and the half-Klingon/Romulan followed, still in a bewildered state of shock. Once in the lift, Jahkar turned to Chas and shook his head.

“Jack…he was one of us…one of the good guys,” Jahkar stammered. “He just…killed…Sorvek. He was never a man of high standards, but he wasn’t a killer.”

“People change,” she said. “Sorvek told him he thought his sabbatical had changed him. His files indicate Dark spent time with mystics, seers, practitioners of telepathy and telekinesis, trying to gain better control over his gift. Maybe one of them put some ideas in his head.”

Jahkar shook his head, “I just can’t believe it. Sorvek is gone.”

Chas placed a hand on his shoulder as the lift deposited them on the crew deck. Stepping out into the corridor, he bowed his head and said, “I’m fine. I don’t need to take a walk. I can do my duty.”

“You’ve mentioned Dark before,” she said. “You knew him before we served together?”

“On the Repulse. He helped Ilia and I protect Tajel when his Cardassian father was looking for him,” said Jahkar. “He hid the boy with underworld contacts on Risa.”

“You had no way to know,” Chas’naH told him. “So stop beating yourself up…or I will beat you up.”

He smirked, “In your dreams.”

“Let’s get back to the bridge,” she smiled. “Let that temper flare again and you and I are going to spar in the holodeck.”

He nodded and they returned to the bridge.

Commander T’Aayla Raillius

Lt. Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Liral and Lyral D’Hronarin

Chief Guard Rogannan Mana’ar

Kazis IX

Stardate 2007.22

As it turned out, a simple introduction from T’Aayla was all that was needed--Vanerat found the idea of working with the Carnora intriguing--and specially-made weaponry promised a very lucrative contract indeed. With contact information exchanged and an in-person meeting set up, that bit of business was finally fully out of T’Aayla’s hands.

Before they left, Liral offered “Laran Skyy” a gift. “My brewer studied hard to learn how this was made and paid a lot of money to get the ingredients,” he said, passing her a rather large clay flask covered in Carnora writing. “You can say how well he did, and I’ll let him know.”  When she opened the flask and sniffed it, she discovered it was Romulan Ale. Real Romulan Ale, which Liral’s brewer had clearly tried to do exactly right.

T’Aayla nodded at the smell of the liquid in the flask and took a swing before capping it and setting it aside. “Very good, thank you.”

“I’ll let him know he got it right,” said Liral, grinning.

He also gave Ryramorl and Reepchip flasks, and what he signed to those two made them laugh.

Also joining them was Myaral, now-Holder Of The Name Ryramorl, Roar and Myaral’s wives, Sasso Charatetet, and Rygaran, all of whom had come to bid them farewell, knowing that the Hunt was not yet over.

Reepchip chattered with Sasso, who seemed to be giving him advice, and gave him a bag containing scrolls.

Ryramorl rubbed faces and wished his brother, sister-in-law, and wife the best, saying he hoped to be back before long. He spent some extra time rubbing faces with his mate, before Myaral gave Ryramorl a small medallion marking him as a La’an. “I trust you will not use that authority in ways I will regret,” Myaral said.

Meanwhile, Rygaran handed T’Aayla an Isolinear Chip that contained his contact information. “I may not hunt with you at the moment, but Call my name, and I will answer,” he said. Ry’ala’ara presented T’Aayla a gift on the grounds that the Romulan was Ryramorl’s teammate: an obsidian dagger in a leather sheath, which Ry’ala’ara described as excellent for defending a den.

“If you need a lift back to your team, just let me know,” said Liral. “For providing this contact, I won’t even charge you.”

“And if the Blood Way needs to be dealt with--you know where to find us,” growled Lyral.

Captain Tarika

Tachi Koma, Kazis IX

Stardate 2007.22

"You're cleared for berth 31," the control tower said. Marcus looked over to Tarika.

"That's unusual," he said with a bit of annoyance in his tone. The sun flashed through the billowing clouds and reflected off of the solid looking lapels on his jacket. Through the large viewport in front of them was the cloudy sky above the Rajaran District as he winged the Tachi Koma over the southern canyon bathed in the waning late afternoon light. "Have we moved?"

Tarika opened a channel to the Tower. "This is Captain Tarika of the Tachi Koma, what happened to our berth at 17?"

"You and all of your equipment and storage lockers have been moved into a berth owned by Mister Gaish," the Tower said. "Please proceed."

Tarika held up her hands and gestured to Marcus to just follow the Tower's orders and began their slowed descent. "I hope berthing there won't shy people away from giving us their contracts. I hate to have people think we've become one of Gaish's lap dogs or some ludicrous image of the sort."

"I hope Neerou doesn't find out we were operating in her space," Marcus said offhandedly.

"You can do that? Hope?" Tarika asked with a little bit of banter at the holographic pilot. She brought up the berthing information the Tower was sending to her; including the layout and its current status. There were also a new set of 'rules' set by Gaish's on-ground maintenance crew.

"I calculate an 85 percent chance she will not find out. I keep my procedures running on that 85 percent."

"And what about that last 15 percent?"

"Those are the procedures I will take if her people come for us." He said it with all seriousness of a computer." Something flashed on one side of his console. "We are receiving a message from your Aunt Motoko."

"Send it to me," she said. The message header appeared on her chair console. She touched it and transferred it into her eye's lenses. She mentally activated the decoding algorithm that only parameters from her DNA could decrypt and then decode the message. The content was anything but a message from her Aunt Motoko, who actually didn't exist.

Aunt Motoko was code for an encrypted Priority One message from Starfleet Intelligence. It wasn't a recall order; that would have been a message from Uncle Batou. This code was an immediate change in mission orders. The message with the new written orders wasn't long, but it took her a few minutes to interpret it.

It began with her Shadow Operations reactivation code known only to Admiral Sorvek. Prior to Shadow Operations disbandment, the Vulcan had the foresight to place protocols with certain team members he trusted most before they were reassigned. This gave him access to agents throughout the organization in case he required their assistance. This was one of those times.

The next part were her orders to transport three Shadow Operatives from Kazis IX to Starbase 36 to rendezvous with the USS Resurrection. She would receive further instructions from the Resurrection 's CO at that time. Her mission was highly classified and ordered specifically not to be revealed to anyone including her Starfleet Intelligence contact. Also included in the message were the heavily abbreviated dossiers of three Shadow Operations members of Phoenix Team. A Romulan, Commander T'ayla Raillius. An Olvern Carnora, Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra'yral. And a Muran Carnora, Ensign Reepchip Charatetet. The dossiers finished up with their callsigns, subvocal and isolinear tag frequencies.

The last part was to explain that the subspace communication relays and maybe all Starfleet Intelligence encryption codes had originally been compromised. But that threat had now been neutralized and was safe to resume usual communications traffic within Shadow Operations. He stressed it was important that this information was passed on to the three operatives as soon as she was in contact with them.

Her pause was more one of shock. She had been affected like everyone else in the Shadow Operations organization when she had been reassigned along with the rest of her teammates. She became a solo field operative for Starfleet Intelligence and she hadn't heard from any of her teammates in years. Being undercover most of those years didn't give her easy nor safe access to classified information in Starfleet to look into her former teammates. But this message told her that Shadow Operations had been reactivated. And that brought a slight smile to her face.

She moved the message into her inner memory core embedded inside her head and ran a worm virus to delete all records of it from the ship's logs and computer. Even the ship's holographic programs 'forgot' about the message as it was wiped from their memories.

A temporary change in her mission meant she had to maintain her cover here on Kazis IX upon her return. This also meant she wouldn't be able to perform any contracts until then. Gaish might take offense if she just disappeared without notice, especially with her recent addition to being part of his inner circle of smugglers. Then her thoughts went to the four crates from Seraph. Maybe she could give Gaish one of the four crates as a peace offering. That would be her first order of business as soon as they landed.

Then after that, she would contact the three Shadow Operatives.

Captain Tarika

The Hole-In-The-Wall, Kazis IX

Stardate 2007.23

By the time she reached the Perdition's Flame, Tarika had learned about the events of the past day or so. There was a fight between the Carnora and Gaish's entourage of mercenary Klingon bodyguards when Gaish was kidnapped. He was recovered unharmed after a bloody fight which resulted with dozens dead. As she approached the front entrance, the first thing she noticed was an increase in Klingons out front. She was actually met at the door by the Naausicans who were usually within a weapons throw of the Ferengi.

As she was escorted through the thin crowd of patrons, she overheard low murmurs and whispers about what had conspired. By the time she got to Gaish's regular table, his entourage of women had left and was sauntering towards the bar. There were half a dozen Klingons surrounding him, and as far as she could tell, a dozen others scattered throughout that part of the establishment.

Gaish was understandably in a very bad mood. Although he looked no worse for wear, his demeanor towards her was cool. A packet that was already prepared was handed to her by a Klingon standing at his left. It held her 'introduction' package to her signed contract with Gaish's organization. Inside along with the legalese that bound her to his contracts, and him to her, also included the datacard that held a copy of his sector key. She looked and found the clause that said she was still allowed to accept any independent contracts that appear on the board.

Then she gave him the news on taking a 'vacation'. It didn't sit too well with him. She had just completed her current contract and he had a few more lined up for her now that she had become one of his aligned smugglers. She had to sweeten her news with two of the military drones she had to persuade to him that they were straight off the valuable and all important shipment she had just delivered. Telling him the value of them on the black market made his eyes light up with the glow of latinum. The fat ferengi had been appeased. At least for now.

She left the Perdition's Flame quickly before he changed his mind and headed back to the ship to find a maintenance crew already repairing the damage taken from this last job.

"I need everybody off within the hour. I'm heading out." She said to the crew chief, an Aldean who didn't seem to like anyone. And Aldeans usually liked everyone.

"I need time to fix this mess," he said in a condescending voice all the while gesturing to the several areas his people were working at. He glared at her with intense eyes that seem to increase with every passing second. "The carbon stealth coating along the port forward wing is eroded. Where the hell did you go?"

"If it's cosmetic, leave it. We'll have it done next time I come back." Tarika said, ignoring his question and standing her ground.

He gave her a look, grunted, and just walked away. Aldeans come from a peaceful and patient society embracing art and culture even with their advanced technology. But maybe this Aldean didn't fit and left his home planet. She watched him for a minute as he gave instructions to his crew who started arguing with him. When she walked up the ramp, Lennier was waiting for her. She gestured for him to follow her.

Once deeper inside the ship and away from any maintenance crew members, she addressed her engineer. "I need the ship sweeped again as soon as we're underway. This time, a Level 1 sweep."

"We haven't done a Level 1 sweep in a year," he said. A level 1 sweep also meant that they would need to use the portable holoprojector so he can inspect more closely the exterior of the ship for anything foreign like tracking devices.

"Just do it." she said, entering her quarters to change her clothes.

"Aye, Captain."

Despite the Aldean's demeanor, his crew vacated the ship and premises within the hour. Lennier had a final word with the Aldean who gave him a list of items that were still outstanding. After discussing it for a few minutes, Lennier determined they were minor enough to be repaired in the future.

The ramp closed shut and Lennier materialized straight to the bridge. As soon as he appeared, Tarika got up from her captain's chair and gave him new orders. "Lennier, activate Shadow Sunrise Protocol, Starfleet encryption authorization Tal'Aura one-six-bravo, enable." She sat down at a comm console and started assembling new access panels tuned to Starfleet encryption and communications.

"Confirmed. Shadow Sunrise Protocol enabled," all four holo programs confirmed, to Tarika's surprise, to see Chani there too. All of their clothes changed into a similar informal uniform she was now wearing that brought them together as a single crew. All in black with either a blue or gray shirt underneath, it was casual enough to be functional but elegant enough for any semi-formal event. Zhaan's uniform was the only one that had a long jacket to accentuate her tall stature. The ship's computer consoles throughout the ship also changed to become standard Starfleet ship access panels.

"Very good," Tarkia approved. "Zhaan, Chani, prepare quarters for three guests."

"Aye, Captain," they both answered briskly in unison and derezzed.

"Where are we going, Captain?" Marcus asked, prepping the ship for departure.

"Set a direct course for Risa." She said offhandedly, knowing full well they weren't going to Risa. She then manually keyed in the Phoenix Team's subvocal frequencies on the console and linked the encryption to her own. In her eyes, she could 'see' the strength of her signal augmented by the Tachi Koma. She should be able to reach them regardless of wherever they were in the city, even deep underground without having to have to use any subspace relays.

Captain Tarika

Tachi Koma, Kazis IX

Stardate 2007.23

With multiple holographic displays hovering in front of her showing the sensors and communications relay, Tarika tapped open a new display to open the channel through her subvocal. She matched the frequency in the window shown in her eye lenses along with the dossiers of the three shadow operatives.

"Shadows in the blind, please respond," she started with, giving the code phrase that another Shadow Operations team was on location. She didn't have to wait long for the response.

"Shadows in the clear," a woman's voice responded carefully. "This is Phoenix 2, identify yourself."

The Tachi Koma's advanced surveillance gear pinpointed the location of the response immediately. With a few taps on a console, Tarika narrowed the transmission field to that particular location to prevent any interception. Their location appeared on another screen linked to the sensors.

"Phoenix Team, this is Halo Alpha, I'm here for your exfiltration." Tarika watched as the scan of all three of their isolinear tag frequencies matched what she had received from Sorvek.

The same woman's voice responded. "This is Commander Raillius. Confirm, our exfiltration?"

"Affirmative. I received orders from Admiral Sorvek to extract your team when your mission here was completed. He said for me to inform you that the threat with the subspace relays have been neutralized. It is now safe to use standard encrypted Shadow Ops communications."

There was a long pause. When Raillius didn't respond, Tarika pushed. "Are Lieutenant Ra'yral and Ensign Charatetet with you?"

This time a response came back quickly. "Yes, they are."

"I already have a lock on your isolinear tags and subvocal frequency if you are ready for transport." Tarika gestured to Lennier and Zhaan to stand alert. Chani stood to the side patiently waiting for their guests. At Raillius' acknowledgement, Tarika activated the transporter. The three were beamed directly onto the bridge in a defensive formation with their weapons drawn. Tarika closed the comm channel and swiped away the screens before standing up with her hands clear of her weapons before greeting them.

"I'm Commander Sienae Tal'Aura, Shadow Operations. Welcome aboard the Tachi Koma." She greeted them formally, immediately shaking off her Tarika persona. It was all Starfleet business now.

They didn't lower their weapons, but did notice no one was pointing any at them. "Commander," Raillius acknowledged. "Where are we going?"

Sienae took note of the Romulan woman's voice was the same one over the comms. "My orders are to take you to Starbase 36 to meet up with the USS Resurrection. Is your mission completed?"

Raillius relaxed her stance. "Yes, we have." She slowly lowered her weapon. "Did you come all the way here just to pick us up?"

"I was here undercover as a cargo hauler. Two hours ago I received a coded message from the Admiral for my reactivation. If you're ready, we can depart immediately."

"Let's be on our way then, Captain Tal'Aura," Raillius said, elevating Sienae's rank to avoid any hierarchical confusion as to who was the master of this ship.

Sienae gave her a nod in acknowledgement and then turned to her holo-helmsman. "Marcus, take us out."

He acknowledged her by firing up the thrusters and steered the ship out through the cleared lane the Tower gave him. Within a few minutes, they were at warp and headed towards Risa to throw off any trackers before eventually heading to Starbase 36.

The three passengers started roaming around the bridge looking at the mismatch of systems running all around the Bridge. Sienae could see the Olvern and Muran gesturing to each other in some sort of sign language.

"Were you informed of the details of our mission?" Raillius asked, seemingly to be inspecting the ship.

Sienae just shook her head in response. "I wasn't made privy to anything else other than my own mission. But I'm to report to the Resurrection 's CO afterwards for further instructions.

I didn't know Shadow Operations had been reinstated," she asked curiously. "How many teams are there?"

"Just the one, to my knowledge," the Romulan said. "Phoenix Team, with the Resurrection 's captain as CO-Quentin Lazarus." She was now standing at a station that was unique to Romulan ships.

Sienae's eyes lit up with recognition and she let out a scoff. "I thought he retired."

Raillius let out a fast laugh. "Sorvek and MacLeod persuaded him out of retirement. Do you know him?

"Yes, I do. He was my CO. I was part of Bravo Squad."

Raillius just nodded. She'd heard of Bravo Squad before, seemingly a lifetime ago in her days with Shadow Operations. The team was just one of the numerous ones working in the shadows. Raillius thumbed over to the large Carnora as she remembered something from his dossier. "He was part of Bravo Squad too. Do you know each other?"

"No," Sienae shook her head. "Maybe before my time. We did have a Caitian on our team."

Ra'yral overheard Bravo Squad being mentioned and walked over. "You were part of Bravo Squad?"

"Yes, when were you with them?"

"From stardate 0211.07 until 1412.25 when I resigned from Starfleet."

"I see," Sienae said. "I joined them on stardate 1901.17. Long after you left."

"Was Kyril Vree still the field CO?"

"Yes."

"So you know Dakota, Bryce, and Reece?"

"Yes, I know all of them." Sienae's face fell as she remembered the difficult memory of the situation that brought her to Bravo Squad. "I had lost half my team on a mission. Bravo Squad came to retrieve us and then we were merged into their team."

Ra'yral gave out a cough that came out almost like a growl. "Good for you, Commander." And he left the conversation at that.

"This looks like a Romulan ship." Raillius said, still looking at the intricate connections between the stations.

"It was. Her shell may be Romulan, but her main systems are Jem'hadar, with bits and pieces of tech from many other places. It's whatever we can get out here; mixtech. She was originally stolen from a Romulan ship depot after their sun went nova. I acquired her about a year ago."

"Very resourceful of you," Raillius adjusted her clothes and brushed her hair back. "I noticed navigation that we're not headed in the direction of Starbase 36."

"No, not yet. Our current course is to Risa to throw off anyone who might be tracking or following us. As soon as my engineer finishes his sweep of the ship for trackers, we'll cloak and then change course before heading straight there. But for now, let me introduce you to my holographic crew."

She gestured to the human at the helm. "We have Marcus, my pilot currently at the helm."

She waved over to the tall bald blue skinned female standing patiently in front of the secondary bridge station. "Zhaan is our resident medical officer, who also unofficially doubles as our shepherd of wellbeing." The fictional Delvian priestess put her hands together and gave them a slight bow.

"Lennier is our engineer," Tarika took a look around the bridge for the projection of the fictional Minbari male. "He's probably off somewhere repairing something. And Chani here is our hospitality program, the newest addition to the crew. She'll get you settled into your quarters to rest."

"Thank you, Captain. We could use a little down time without watching our backs all the time," Raillius said.

"You have free reign of the ship, Commander. But Chani is here if there's anything you need. We should arrive in about 14 hours."

Chani then stepped forward and beckoned them to follow her. "I will show you to your quarters."

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Tachi Koma, Kazis IX

Stardate 2007.23

As Sienae Tal'Aura revealed who she actually was, Ryramorl eased the hammer of his handgun back to rest. He had actually regretted having to leave Bravo Squad, but the birth of his cubs--and the possibility that without the aid of the Ra’yrals Ry’ala’ara might never regain sentience nor his cubs develop it--had prompted him to leave once the Linea mission was done.

Reepchip, for his part, appreciated the fact that she didn’t seem surprised at his stature--but then again, Murans were a common sight in the Rajaran district.

Neither Carnora could avoid a reaction to the term “Jem’Hadar”--which surely let Tal'Aura know that the Carnora had encountered the warlike race.

Reepchip--being an engineer--kept a close eye on what was around him. He clearly wanted to have a better look at this ship. For now, he allowed himself to be escorted to his quarters.

“Is there a quiet place where I can meditate?” he asked Chani, carefully watching the human lead them off the Bridge. He was still within earshot of Tal'Aura, and the weird distortion of the words would reveal to her that he was actually speaking Federation Standard rather than relying on the Universal Translator.

"Yes, there are," Chani said pleasantly. "Most of the ship is moderately quiet as there aren't any other crew on board. Your quarters are equipped with holographic emitters, so you can run any program inside your quarters if you'd like. Even a sound proof room. But we do also have a small holodeck you can use any time for group simulations."

“Is one of those programs a firing range for ballistic firearms?” asked Ryramorl. “I’d like to practice with this.”  He touched the butt of his sidearm.

"There are various types of programs you may find appropriate," Chani said with indifference. "They are all available for you to use."

“Excellent. Where is the holodeck, then?” he asked.

With a respectful bow and gesture to follow her, she led him to the ship's only holodeck. Once inside, Ryramorl chose a simple shooting range program. To his approval, it was able to replicate the bullets he’d need. He held the firearm in his hands and closed his eyes.

“Hello once again, Giver of my name,” he said to his now-dead great-uncle. It was not necessary to speak the deceased’s name--names were for the imperfect minds of mortals, the Dead knew exactly who they themselves and each other were. He spent a moment holding the pistol, his eyes closed while he gazed upon the elder’s face in his mind. Strange that a healer would have his bones placed in a weapon--and yet perhaps, through Ryramorl, he would help heal the Federation of the Legion’s disease. When Ryramorl opened his eyes, he held the firearm in a variety of positions to gauge its weight. Silently, he loaded his firearm, and took aim at the targets. It took only a couple of shots to gauge the kickback of his new weapon. A few more, and his aim was up to his standards--which, thanks to his instructors--were very high.

Reepchip sat in their quarters. One of the things that Sasso had told him was that he should work on his telekinesis. As control was considered more important than strength, he concentrated on holding a scroll up with his mind alone, and slowly unrolling and rerolling it. Four times he dropped the scroll, so he concentrated simply holding it up and steady.

IKS CharghwI'

Somewhere in the Klingon Empire

Stardate 2007.27

Lord Kre’tok entered the interrogation cell in the brig of the IKS CharghwI' and was immediately subjected to the sounds of solid fists striking flesh, the groans of a woman following and then the unmistakable smell of blood in the air. The Klingon’s pets, following at his side, also could smell the blood and they both growled in response.

“Well ladies, are we having fun yet?” he asked, as he came to stand behind a chair, occupied by the Lady Sirella, wife of Chancellor Martok. The Klingon woman looked up at him, one eye swollen shut, her cheeks both bruised, with blood running from the corner of her mouth.

Standing over Sirella was Ktala of the House of Kiosan, a tall, strong Klingon woman with big arms, who had struck Sirella so many times her knuckles bled. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Ktala looked at Kre’tok and bowed her head.

“This petaQ is strong, for an old woman,” Ktala sneered. “Shall I continue?”

Kre’tok admired the woman’s eagerness, but he held up a cautioning hand. “That will be enough for now, my dear. We want Sirella here alive…I think my point has been made.”

He took the swivel chair Sirella was strapped into and pivoted it around so a holographic transmitter on the opposite wall could see her. He stepped around behind Sirella, grabbed a handful of her gray hair, and yanked her head up for the camera to see. Beside her, on both side, his pets sat licking their chops, hungrily.

“Computer, record,” he said. The device began to record them and Kre’tok stared into the camera, “Chancellor Martok. You can thank your Starfleet friends for this. They interfered in my attempt to rescue my father from the Federation ship and took him. Your wife has received a suitable beating in response to their actions. Now, if you don’t want to next watch my pets here devour Sirella alive for my next transmission, I suggest you demand General Krang be turned over to you and handed off to us. Otherwise, your bride here will meet a very unfortunate and dishonorable ending…you have one day. Computer, end recording.”

Once the recording had ended, he let Sirella go and nodded to the guards at the door, “Return her to her cell. Ktala, thank you for your assistance.”

The big Klingon woman left, followed by the guards who pulled Lady Sirella from the chair. On their way to the door, she looked at Kre’tok through her one good eye and cackled, “Next time do it yourself, she punches like a child. I’d like to see if you’re even still able to beat an old woman with your bare hands, or maybe you are too used to hiding behind others… bIHnuch!” She spat at him, after calling him a coward in Klingonese. The guards then dragged her away.

Kre’tok watched her leave in disgust, then said, “Computer, send recording to Ty’Gokor, attention to Chancellor Martok.”

Kre’tok then petted one of his animals and the trio made their way from the brig and headed back to the bridge.

When he stepped onto the bridge, the Blood Clan warrior at tactical turned and looked to Kre’tok. “My lord. Incoming transmission from someone calling himself Archangel. He says it is urgent.”

The Klingon leader raised an eyebrow inquisitively. He walked over and sat down in his captain’s chair and pondered the situation a moment. Archangel was never this overt about business. He wouldn’t ask for Kre’tok under normal circumstances – not without use of a private channel. The Son of Krang considered not taking the transmission at all, but he was intrigued.

“On screen,” Kre’tok said. The holographic image of a human in a dark cloak appeared toward the front of the bridge.

“You cannot be Archangel,” Kre’tok said dryly. “Tell me something that will make me believe you are who you say you are.”

“In our first conversation I told you Legion would restore the old ways of the Klingon Empire,” said Archangel. “Because your goals and ours…”

“…Complimented each other and together we would end the cycle of injustice and control our governments have over the people,” said Kre’tok. “Why are you contacting me, Archangel. I am in the midst of an operation to find and retrieve my father. You have further information that will assist this goal?”

Archangel shook his head, “Legion is hours away from falling. A series of events have been set in motion that will lead to the destruction of my organization…but your operation is still strong and you are capable of not only inflicting damage on the Klingon Empire, but also to the Federation. Your attack on Gault is an example of this power.”

“How does this help you? I sympathize with you, your organization helped get us this far, but if you are failing in your quest, why should I risk mine when we are close to success?” said Kre’tok.

“Because I can give you technological advances to help your cause,” said Archangel. “My efforts here have been thwarted, but together we can strike a blow at Martok and his government.”

Kre’tok sighed, “What are you proposing?”

“I am on my way to the Klingon border,” said Archangel. “If you will allow my crew and I aboard, we will assist you in your efforts. I have a weapon I can provide you…one that may prove useful.”

Kre’tok considered Archangel for a moment, then slowly nodded, “I’m transmitting coordinates to you. We will meet you there. If this is a trick…or a trap…you will regret any such treachery.”

Archangel shook his head, “No treachery. We will meet you in six hours. End transmission.”

The Klingon leader looked to his first officer and he pursed his lips slightly, “Before we reach the coordinates, prepare a security team. I don’t trust this Archangel. Let’s be ready, just in case.”

Lt. Daryl Thompson

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2007.30

Daryl had wrapped up the work in engineering. The madcaps had taken his idea and had worked it out further. In a way that was kind of brilliant. They had written routines for the cargo replicator to convert matter from the replicator bulk directly into omicron particles. It WAS friggin’ brilliant! In that way, the process could be fully automated without the need for a ship to be available for support. Daryl had written the code to gear it all together, and the past hour or so, they had been able to purge dozens of relays through the quadrant. Yeah, those madcaps were a valuable asset to have aboard the Resurrection. Delighted with the result, Daryl entered the bridge, but immediately, his smile disappeared as he felt the dense atmosphere. He looked at Lazarus who seemed to be on the verge of a mental breakdown. And something was odd about Mayla’s posture…. Then his AI chimed in. “What is it ?” he asked via a thought. In his view, messages appeared from Ops Base One. A man called Huotari told about Admiral Sorvek’s death. Daryls eyes fluttered as he couldn’t believe what he heard.

The message hit Daryl like a ten-ton hammer. Sorvek had been the one who recruited him for Shadow Operations, more than 20 years ago. And though Daryl hadn’t had that much contact with Sorvek, he had always liked him a lot. Sorvek was as good as the only one who believed him a few years ago when he got back from imprisonment. The Admiral had helped Daryl a great deal to give him back his ‘normal’ life. And now, he was dead…. gone…. Daryl had to concentrate and focus on his emotions to keep them under control.

He walked straight to Mayla. “My AI just passed through messages coming Ops Base One that Admiral Sorvek is dead. What happened?”

Mayla gave him a look that spoke the volumes of emotions she was suppressing while standing there on the Bridge. "A former SO member killed him, from what we've been told. He was also impersonating President Gant. It sounds like he's on the run now."

“Impersonating the President ?” Daryl replied, flabbergasted once more. How could someone impersonate the President ? With all the sensory and security, this was virtually impossible.

Without more data to chew on, this was hard to cope with. The whole situation was unusually strange, like a dream. Vree seemed to have a very hard time at the moment. Daryl decided it was best to start analyzing all the data coming in and be at the ready when they needed him. “I’ll be at my station when you need me” he said to Mayla. Mayla looked at him shortly and nodded.

Daryl walked to his console, and gestured to the AI to show all incoming datastreams.

Lt. Cody Beckett

SS Venomous

Stardate 2007.30

The fighters appeared not to pursuit them, and Cody relaxed a little. Then, in the corner of his eye, a light blinked. A message had come in. It was from the Resurrection, from Thompson, addressed to Tiri and himself. With this thought he opened the message in front of him in augmented reality space. The message was short. But devastating. Admiral Sorvek was dead. Investigation started. There were no further details, but Cody knew this was no coincidence. He looked at Tiri and contacted her over subvoc. “Read the message ?” Tiri looked at him, her eyes filled with tears and only nodded, then looked away.

“Yevgeni” Cody addressed the big Russian man. “Da” Yevgeni said, absently, as he was inputting some data into the console. “We got bad news that our commanding officer, Admiral Sorvek is dead. At this moment, no more details, but it can’t be a coincident.” Ibragimov looked at Cody. “Legion is dangerous group. If you need extra hand, Yevgeni helps”

Cody nodded “Thanks, Yevgeni. You have proven your worth during this mission. We would be glad to have you on our side. “ The Russian nodded and went back to his business.

Cody slumped back in the chair, working out his own thoughts…

[ Back to top]

S2, E4, Act 2: Gathering at Starbase 36
Commander Sienae Tal'Aura (aka Tarika)

Bridge, Tachi Koma

Stardate 2007.30

"Marcus, cloak the ship and enable full stealth mode," Sienae ordered when they were a few hours out from Kazis IX. The lighting on the bridge dimmed to blue as the ship activated the battle cloaking device and shut down minor systems to lower their energy signature. Sparks flew from several secondary consoles in the rear. Lennier was there with his fingers flying at incredible speeds across his holographic display.

"Lennier, status?" she asked the engineer.

"All systems nominal. Some of the shoddy weld's done by Gaish's people didn't hold. I'm working on it. But we should be fine." The holoprogram spoke with the calmness as if he could fix anything.

Sienae shook her head just the slightest bit wondering whether it was really worth having Gaish's dedicated crew working on her ship. "Do what you can to...fix what they didn't." She turned to address the helm. "Marcus, Crazy Ivan, and then head us out to Starbase 36, maximum warp." She got up from her chair and sat down at the secondary helm. She brought up the navigational charts to see what was between them and the base. From what she could tell, it should be an uneventful trip. She always liked sitting at the helm more than the center chair. It gave her a feeling of being more connected with the ship.

"Some tea, Captain?" Zhaan appeared silently behind her with a teacup cradled in her hands.

"Thank you, Zhaan." She took a sip of the fragrant herbal tea. "Did anyone need medical attention?"

"No, everyone seemed to be in top shape according to my scans."

Sienae leaned back in the chair and relaxed for a bit until she heard someone walk up onto the elevated Bridge. She looked at a reflection and saw Raillius.

"Are your quarters satisfactory?" Sienae asked.

"They are." She answered politely.

Zhaan materialized beside her with a cup of a blue liquid in the clear cup. "Commander Raillius, may I offer you a cup of kali-fa? It is very aromatic, my own recipe."

Raillius gave her a brief nod of thanks and took the cup. She waited for Zhaan to disappear before she came to stand behind Sienae at the helm. "Your family name, Tal'Aura, you are Romulan?"

Sienae looked at Raillius and cocked her head just a tiny bit. She did a pretty good job of hiding her true heritage with long hair that covered her ears. She even had her eyebrows surgically altered to look more human for this particular undercover mission on Kazis IX. "Half Romulan. My mother was human."

"Is your father related to former Praetor Tal'Aura?" she asked with cautious suspicion while taking a sniff at her drink.

Sienae had heard about Senator Tal'Aura who served on the Romulan Senate twenty years ago. She had thrown her support for unification with Remus and allied herself with the Reman Shinzon for a complete takeover of the government. To create an open path for her to become praetor, she activated a thalaron radiation projector in the Hall of State during a meeting and killed all of the attending senators in conference. She took control of the Romulan government as praetor until she was assassinated five years later. It was rumored that the Tal Shiar had a hand in that event.

"No relation. My father has been on Earth for a long time. He met my mother in Japan and I was born and raised on Earth." Sienae subconsciously monitored the temperature the conversation was going. Probably just like Raillius was doing, they both had the same instinct but from two different perspectives and reasons. Sienae has experienced discrimination before, but most of the time people mistakened her for being half Vulcan.

Raillius couldn't help but to read between the lines behind the presence of a Romulan on Earth back in those days. The elder Tal'Aura had to have been a traitorous defector. But she kept this realization hidden beneath a face of neutrality. "I'm sure your father had his reasons to defect."

Sienae looked at her sharply and scrutinized her face. "I don't know anything about that. But I could say the same for you. You are Romulan and working for Shadow Operations. So you also defected at some point. Or you are here under false pretenses, Commander."

There was an uneasy silence on the bridge with the just hum that could now be felt through the deck plating. Sienae looked at Raillius in the eyes to try to see who this Romulan really was. But Raillius just looked away and sat down at a secondary console.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Stardate 2008.02

Reepchip was now confident enough to roll and unroll the scroll again with his mind alone--but eventually he let it settle back onto the table, knowing if he did it for too long, he’d strain his mind. His ears swivelled back as the door to their quarters opened. “How does your new weapon perform?” he asked.

“Well enough,” responded Ryramorl. “How were your exercises?”

Reepchip smiled slightly. “I found the Hidden Hand as easy the Silent Voice,” he said. “Perhaps, if we get back to Carnor, I can start training as a second-level Shaman. But, speaking of the Silent Voice…” he held out his hands. Ryramorl placed his on top of them,  a willing partner in Reepchip’s telepathy practice.

Commander Mayla Vree

Her quarters, USS Resurrection enroute to Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.02

She sat on her bunk with her legs curled beneath her and stared at the opposite wall while the low hum of the ship lulled her to delve deep into her own memories and emotions. Tears of sorrow for the loss of Sorvek, and the joy of suddenly seeing a missed parent (even if not in person or even the present) ran rivulets down her face.

The Resurrection was still a few hours away from Starbase 36, and she was supposed to take this time to rest before the rendezvous with O’Shaughnessy and the rest of Phoenix Team. But her curiosity to see how Sorvek's files were related to Kyril got the better of her. Instead of resting, she had accessed the files Sorvek had sent to her, suspecting it had something to do with the Linea. She didn't know where to start. Then she had found a folder with a series of summary reports dating back to a few months before Shadow Operations was disbanded. From there, it led to various visual report logs from her father. When she saw his face and heard his voice, tears welled up in her eyes and ran down her face. It brought back memories of all they had been through from that day he and Bryce rescued all the children, including herself, from the Cardassian forced labor camp during the Dominion War.

She wasn't surprised to find that everything Sorvek sent her was indeed related to the possible Linea invasion of the Milky Way Galaxy. It made sense for Sorvek to assign Kyril to lead the mission. It didn't take long for her to understand why he and those with him were incommunicado for so long. And why no one knew where they were. She voraciously read through as many of the summary reports as she could starting from the beginning. The scope of Kyril's mission included thousands of Starfleet personnel whisked away clandestinely to hide their whereabouts. For the past 7 years, Admiral Sorvek had slowly, and covertly, funneled personnel, equipment, materiele, and decommissioned ships to support Kyril's mission.

Mayla appreciated the amount of thought and work Sorvek had put into the clandestine mission. After all, the fate of the Milky Way was at stake and he wanted in every way to increase their chances of survival if the invasion still came to pass. The original invasion date was already 10 years past, but that didn't mean the event wasn't still going to happen. Every day that passed without the invasion was a blessing.

After two hours of reading and watching logs of her father's reports which only covered the first few years of the mission, she saw how he threw himself into his work; putting the death of his wife and daughter behind him. What was one of the things he always said? 'The living always needed the living. The dead needed no one.' Actually, it was something one of his prior hosts, Tayna, used to say. The Trill ambassador to Vulcan had to have a logical mindset to work with the Vulcans on their home planet. What they believed as the true nature of logic permeated even the ground and mountains there.

Mayla closed out and encrypted the file access and laid down in her bed, closing her eyes for a moment to collect herself. She felt the enormity of stewardship Sorvek had placed upon her. The weight of responsibility on her shoulders gave her the same perspective as her father, who also bore the responsibility of the galaxy's safety. She knew exactly what that felt like.

"I understand now, Kyril." She said to her empty quarters. She had always known he carried a large burden, but this could be more than what one man can do. She hoped wherever he was, he had enough emotional support to carry him through this.

Even with her eyes closed, her eye lenses still fed her information on the watchdogs she had running throughout the Federation now that communications had been reestablished. She attached a watchdog to the USS Redoubtable just to keep tabs on where it was going and what it was doing. One of Jackson Bryce's original creations, the watchdog program had been enhanced by one of Jonathan Tran's AI bots that flitted around networks collecting whatever data related to its targeted watch parameters.

After she reviewed her other watchdogs, she accessed all available records she had on Jack Dark, the former Shadow Ops operative. She read through his entire file from beginning to end. Then she accessed President Gant's file and read through everything since the Repulse incident. Federation security was compromised for nearly a decade and no one knew about it. Jack Dark knew what he was doing and exactly how to do it. Her anger turned into a cold resolution to taking out Jack Dark and to bring an end to Legion.

It was like it was happening all over again similar to events that occurred with K'guang Zhou, who turned against Bravo Squad and Shadow Operations. This objectivity of being abandoned by the organization they devoted their loyalty to must have festered due to some traumatic event rearing itself from their past. She wondered how many of the thousands of Starfleet Intelligence field agents working in the shadows felt and thought this same way? It nearly happened with Daryl Thompson.

She wondered briefly if this would eventually happen to her.

The ship wide chime sounded, announcing their imminent arrival at Starbase 36. She got up and washed before donning a new uniform without her sidearms. She'd never been to this starbase before as she perused the promenade and concourse deck map in her eye lenses. It wasn't often she was on a proper starbase. The much smaller Echo Base was more like Ops Base One. Starbase 36 wasn't an elegant or pretty one either. It was a mismatched paneled station with parts from Starfleet and the Klingons. In its 150-year history, the border with the Klingon Empire had moved back and forth over the years and Klingons made additions and modifications to it when it was in their hands. Now that it's been in Federation space for a while, shop vendors had moved in by droves for the past few years. According to a publication in Memory Beta, the station now had at least two hotels, a sensory museum, and facilities for shopping and gambling. But because it was from a publication, it could all be exaggerated. Starfleet records just gave the tactical and official description. A walk in a new environment may give her a new or at least a different perspective on recent events.

Mayla stepped into the Bridge and walked over to Lazarus who was talking to his XO, Sornax. She waited patiently until they were done before approaching closer. Sornax gave her a nod of greeting and left them.

"Captain, I'd like to go aboard the station while we wait for the others to arrive."

"I want you back here when O’Shaughnessy's shuttle gets here." He swallowed an emotion and continued. "We need to review everything he has before we show it to the Team."

"Aye, sir." she said almost sullenly. She turned to leave.

"You alright?" He asked, looking back down at his padd full of reports.

"I will be when Jack Dark is dead." She didn't slow as she left the Bridge.

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

SS Venomous

Stardate 2008.02

Tiri settled into a bunk in the aft compartment of Venomous once they were away from Relnok Nor and on their way back to Federation space. She laid on the bunk and read over the data they’d gathered during the mission and immersed herself in the specification of the nanites the man called Jack Dark had commissioned Rit and his organization to produce for him.

Amid the reading and studying, Tiri faded off to sleep…

Commander Mayla Vree

Concourse, Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.02

Mayla gave the Resurrection 's security officers posted at the docking collar a simple wave as she stepped onto the gantry that led onto the concourse of the starbase. Along the enclosed gantry were weapons scanners blazing across her in red light as she walked the 20 meters to the interior docking hatch.

First thing she noticed was the mix of Starfleet and Klingon tech was not as discernible in the docking ring as was in the concourse. Out on the expansive observation deck encompassing several levels of offices and rental space, was a mixture of red and blue lighting which gave colorful swaths of a subtle purple hue throughout the station. The standard Starfleet designs of lighting and color had replaced most of the more aggressive Klingon influenced decorations and furniture. But what was left behind still gave a sense the Klingons were in command of the station at some point in its history. As time goes by, most of the interior of the station will eventually look more and more like a proper Starfleet base of operations. Unless a new crisis with the Klingons occurs and the station changes hands again.

Being this close to the border with the Klingons provided an abundance of diverse traffic coming through the starbase as the last Federation outpost before entering Klingon space. Dozens of races were represented here, more so than any starbase deeper inside the Federation. This border region was also just 15 or so hours away from the Romulan border. Mayla already deduced there must be at least some Romulans on the station, maybe posing as Vulcans as they often are to avoid any prejudice. Especially this close to the Klingons.

She walked by the transport counters where people were lined up to book passage either into Klingon or deeper into Federation space. Cargo haulers with destinations on both sides of the border stopped here to offer passengers cheap passage to try to make some extra pay on the side. There were bulletin boards full of available passage, and these were usually crowded with people. Off to the side were a group of about twenty people holding up signs that read Free Cardassia. They heckled those waiting in line who were too preoccupied with finding passage than to pay them any notice.

She passed by a small cafe with a loud group of young Starfleet officers cajoling about their new duty station. Farther along she came across a Klingon decorated bar with several Klingons inside complaining about the watered down bloodwine. Then the sound of some machine beeping and dinging came from a nearby establishment. To her surprise, it was a gambling parlor with several groups of Ferengi playing dabo. Federation starbases usually frowned upon gambling on the station. Someone here must have made some sort of deal with the starbase commander.

She continued around the concourse that ran all along the outer hull, which was populated by large viewing windows that allowed views of ships coming and going. Opposite the windows were various view ports along the inner wall that looked into the large internal docking and repair bays housing smaller transport sized ships. There were dozens of seating areas lining either side of the concourse with most monitors broadcasting the Federation News Service. Much less so were other various monitors broadcasting other dedicated newsfeeds: Mars, Vulcan, Andoria, Earth, Tellar Prime, Risa, Betazed, Trill, Carnor, Qo'nos, even the Romulan Free State.

Amongst the private communications terminals scattered throughout the concourse, there were various sized meeting rooms for conferences, businesses, and official offices representing the different public service departments of the starbase including security offices. Because the station also housed embassies of many Federation member planets, security patrols were always present to maintain order and diffuse any local disputes. Information kiosks were placed at regular intervals for travelers new to the station. These also had a massive amount of advertisements bombarding any user to entice them to their business establishments.

As she approached the shopping promenade, she noticed the type of people had abruptly changed. Whereas before most were in business attire or various uniforms representing different services. Here, people in civilian clothing far outnumbered those in suits and uniforms. The larger of the two hotels was situated here to accommodate specific types of travelers who were just passing through. There were about sixty different types of shops including different styled clothing stores, tailors, gadget shops, computer shops, skin ink shops, hydration kiosks, holonovel and holovid shops, costume shops, and even several Klingon armor repair and resale stores. Those shops that had a larger footprint sold larger items like various starship parts including recycling systems, replicators, viewscreens, touchpanels, console panels, micro nacelles, and to something as large as engines for ships. The one with the loudest advertisement at the kiosks was a chain of stores called Boss Buy.

Mayla spent a better part of two hours just wandering around until her stomach made a sound that signaled it was time to get something to eat. She hadn't eaten non-replicated food in several months and yearned for something fresh.

According to the concourse and promenade map she had opened in her eye lenses, she saw where all the food was and headed towards the section of the promenade called Restaurant Row.

Lt. Cody Beckett

SS Venomous

Stardate 2008.04

Cody opened his eyes. He was still sitting in the chair in the cockpit of the Venomous. Yevgeni was softly humming a tune while he sat back, watching the displays. Cody rubbed his eyes. He must’ve dozed away while  he was checking some data from the nanites. The datapadd had slipped off his lap besides him in the chair. He picked it up, as Yevgeni noticed he was awake.

“Tired, yes? Yevgeni let you sleep. Blue girl went to her cabin. She probably fall asleep too,” Yevgeni said amused.

“Her name is Tiri.” Cody replied, a little annoyed by the crude way the Russian Captain addressed the young Andorian woman.

Yevgeni just grinned and shrugged. “We are approaching Starbase 36.”

Cody looked at the Russian, a little surprised. “Starbase 36? I thought we were heading for Ops Base One?”

Ibragimov shrugged again. “Change of plans. Received a message from Resurrection to meet at Starbase 36. There seems to be something going on at Ops Base One,” Yevgeni said, now  a little more serious.

“That means that they succeeded in clearing the relays from Legion’s influence…that’s good!” Cody said.

The SS Venomous dropped out of warp, and soon, Starbase 36 came into view. Almost immediately, they were hailed by the Resurrection, who had already docked at one of the many docking bays of Starbase 36. Yevgeni opened a channel onscreen, showing Captain Lazarus. He looked tense. His voice boomed over the speakers. “Yevgeni. Good to see you back in one piece, my friend.”

Yevgeni grinned “It is good to see you too, Quentin. Glad to be back. But you look tired and worried. Something happen?”

“All in due time, Yevgeni.” Lazarus replied, who was visibly having difficulties to keep his posture.

Then Lazarus looked at Beckett. “Lt. Beckett. Good to see you too. Where is Ensign Sh’avelith?”

“She is in her quarters, sir. We had a bumpy ride, but we managed to get what we needed”

“Good, good. The other Phoenix members are on their way to Starbase 36 and will arrive in the next 3 to 4 hours. We have a lot to discuss. Make sure you are there. I expect you to be there as well, Yevgeni. Lazarus out.”

“Aye sir!!" Cody replied. Yevgeni just nodded. As the screen went dark, Cody got up to gather his gear and move back to the Resurrection. Before he entered his bunk, he knocked on Tiri’s bunk door.

“One moment,” he heard a sleepy voice. A few moments the door opened. “What’s up?” Tiri asked.

“We have arrived at Starbase 36. Change of plans, apparently. Something is going on at Ops Base One. Lazarus didn’t tell us, but we are to be debriefed when Phoenix team is complete, in a couple of hours. I am moving the nanites to the Resurrection for proper storage of the nanites for further research. Tiri nodded and went back into her bunk to grab her belongings.

Commander Mayla Vree

Restaurant Row, Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.04

She suddenly stopped short when she nearly passed a restaurant that served Bajoran food. She couldn't believe it. Even this far away from Bajor, there was a Bajoran restaurant here. After the doors opened to accommodate her, she saw a large banner that was hung prominently on either side of the host counter. She recognized this banner. It was only used for the Gratitude Festival on the day the festival was actually happening on Bajor. She smiled at the recognition as she was greeted by an older Bajoran woman behind the hostess counter.

"Peldor joi," the woman greeted with the customary greeting during the festival. She looked to be the proprietor of the restaurant.

Mayla bowed slightly and returned the greeting. "Peldor joi."

"Table for one today?" the woman asked. She gestured for Mayla to follow her into the dining area. To Mayla's surprise, the restaurant was full of Bajoran patrons either eating, or in line for something.

"Is it usually this busy? Or just during the Peldor Festival?" Mayla asked, using the Bajoran term for it.

The woman looked at her with slight surprise that a non-Bajoran knew of the celebration "Just for the festival today. We have an oven built with a real fire that patrons can send their renewal scrolls to the Prophets." She gestured to a line that snaked from one corner in the back to the front. Mayla nodded with understanding but saw that the line didn't merge with another line on the other side of the room. She saw the ornately decorated entrance that could only mean one thing.

"You have a shrine here?" Mayla asked as she sat down, still looking at the dozen or so people waiting patiently.

The hostess nodded. "Every year we try to have a presider monk come to the station to lead the festival. But this year, we have Ranjen Janl here as presider."

"Janl Tohio?"

"You've heard of him?" This time, she did look shocked and eyed the Trill questioningly.

"I keep up with Bajoran news." Mayla responded calmly and ignored the look. "It's said he will succeed Veidek Weka to the council when she retires."

"You really do keep up with the news. Janl was passing through and I requested for him to be our presider here for the Peldor Festival. And he agreed!" Her demeanor became giddy and waved to a man in red robes next to the oven. "We are so honored to have a ranjen here for services too. We're so far away from Bajor, it's a rare thing to see one this far out." She handed Mayla a menu. "He's already done with the morning service, so the temple is open for prayers if you'd like to visit."

"I'd like that very much. I haven't been to temple in a long time." Mayla responded while perusing the menu of the most common Bajoran foods that could be made with replicated ingredients. But she looked for ones that might have fresh ingredients. "Do you get any ingredients from Bajor?" Mayla asked.

"We have some. You want something fresh?"

"Something not from a replicator."

She pointed to a few items on the menu. "The larish pie is good today. Most of the ingredients just came in yesterday."

"That sounds good. How is your hasparat?"

The woman beamed a smile to her. "Spicy enough to set your hair on fire."

Mayla laughed. "I'll skip the hasparat for now. I'll have the larish pie with a side order of roasted katterpod beans. And jumja juice."

"Very well, be right back."

As she waited for her food, she watched the line of people waiting to burn their renewal scrolls. Some were writing several in hopes the ranjen would allow them to burn more than one. More often than not, people had more than one problem they'd like to see the Prophets take away. In the lull of the festival, she heard music softly playing over the speakers and recognized the song as one of her mother's. She shook herself as that past pain of loss attempted to pile onto the pain of losing Admiral Sorvek. She closed her eyes momentarily to compartmentalize it away.

"Here we are," the hostess came back and placed a dish with the pie and a smaller side dish of the beans. "Are you enjoying the music? I chose it myself."

Mayla gave her a smile. "I do like the music."

"Truth be told, I'm biased. A long time ago, Linsayla sang for free at my brother's jumja juice stand on Deep Space Nine as a charity. She brought in enough business for him in that one performance for him to open his own jumja juice takeaway shop. And he gave me money to open this restaurant here." She looked around her restaurant with pride. "I guess you can say Linsayla helped me open this place."

Mayla's smile got larger. She remembered the event. Sunik Chok was the man who ran the free standing jumja juice stand on DS9. A long time ago, Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax had taken Mayla to be introduced to the jumja stick. A few years later, Linsayla had chosen to perform by the stand for free as long as everyone bought a confectionery from him. Even the businesses around his kiosk forwarded him some of their profits from her public performance.

"Linsayla is very special." Mayla said wistfully, missing her adopted mother tremendously.

"That she is. Oh look at me, talking your ear off. Your food is getting cold. I'll let you eat in peace." Then she went to help another customer who was calling for her.

The line for the scroll burning was still long when Mayla finished her small meal. There was a constant flow of people coming in either for the shrine, the scroll burning, or dining. She waved the hostess over. "I'm going to visit the shrine now. I'd like a jumja stick, a deka tea, and a hot hasparat in a takeaway when I'm done with prayers."

"You young people, always eating the sweets," she chastised with a motherly tone. "It'll be hot and ready when you leave."

Mayla thumbed her payment on the padd and waited for her to walk away before leaving the table. She got into the line for the shrine which was much shorter than the line for scroll burning. Since most Bajorans present would rather go to the services with the ranjen than personal prayers, she didn't have to wait long before it was her turn to enter. Inside the fair sized room were various Bajoran religious decorations and ancient bajoran text written on banners and scrolls hung on the walls. At the far end of the room was the large symbol for the Bajoran faith. Candles and large statues filled out the rest of the room's decorations. The gentle rhythmic hum of the station mixed in with the Bajoran chime and bell could lull patrons to an emotional religious state of mind. Which seemed to work well for the two dozen or so other people in the room softly reciting their prayers.

She picked out an incense from the wall tube and respectfully lit the fragrant incense before kneeling down on a vacant prayer pillow. She raised her head slightly and murmured her prayer.

"Jia'kaja, tre'nu'tol'a rem, la'por i'lanu kos, l'nar tan'a'tali nor." Mayla recited from memory a prayer that was taught to her by Jadzia Dax on that same day after the visit to the jumja stand. She bowed once and placed the incense into the symbolic shrine shaped holder in front of her pillow.

"A prayer to the Prophets asking for protection. You've been to temple before." An older man with red robes knelt down to face her. She recognized him as the presider from the festival outside in the restaurant; Ranjen Janl Tohio.

"Ranjen," she acknowledged respectfully. "I have, on occasion, when I am anywhere near Bajor."

"Have you ever lived on Bajor? Or perhaps Deep Space Nine?"

"No, Ranjen. But I have vivid memories of the occasional visits to both," she answered vaguely. "I love it on Bajor."

"It's not the same as before we joined the Federation." He said with a bit of sadness. "Now it's less about the people but more of the political importance of its proximity to the wormhole."

"It is in a very strategic location, I must admit." Mayla folded her hands and placed them into her lap. Inside she chided at the thought that even the Federation wasn't the same as it was before either. "Bajor has protection now from anyone who attempts to conquer the area."

"But what about the Federation? By becoming a member, some people say we have been conquered. Only by a different occupier. We will become dependent on the Federation and that we may never truly be independent."

"Your people must see being a member of the Federation is much better than the Cardassian Occupation, Ranjen. Some people have called it a holocaust."

"Spoken like a true Starfleet officer," he said, gesturing to her uniform.

"I've been taught to uphold and believe all that which the Federation stands for," Mayla let out a wry smile to hide the sudden reminder of what Jack Dark had done to the Federation.

Janl almost laughed. "Spoken like a true Federation educated citizen." Then he stopped when he noticed something in her face. "Child, you seem distressed."

Her face became crestfallen as a pit manifested in her chest. The reminder of her current events and Sorvek's death also signified a significant change in her own life in Starfleet. "A dear mentor of mine has passed away recently. I am in grief." Mayla didn't know why she said it, but it came out quicker than she realized. The man gave her a sympathetic frown and placed a hand on her shoulder. It almost felt like Kyril was here with her, consoling her.

"I am sorry for your loss. May the Prophets guide and protect him on his journey to the gates of heaven." Mayla took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh at the same time fighting back tears. She felt him move his hand to her head. "I will pray to the Prophets to comfort you in your grief, my child."

All she could do was nod. "Thank you, Ranjen. I also ask for the blessing and wisdom the Prophets could give me in times of trials and crisis."

The ranjen smiled and performed a blessing. "You hold the rank of commander, but despite your youthful appearance, your mind, heart, and soul are old." He placed a hand on the side of her face and looked into her deep lavender eyes. "You are lifetimes old."

She took a deep cleansing breath and smiled at him. "That's only because you see me as a Trill."

He returned the smile and took his hand away. "Yes, that was part of it. But what comes from deep within the soul, mingles with the heart, with a touch of the mind, comes a wisdom that speaks agelessness across lifetimes. That is what I sense in you when you speak, and what I see in the depths of your eyes."

"That's very profound, Ranjen," she said. "But thank you for saying so."

Her subvocal suddenly chimed in her ear. "Resurrection to Commander Vree, report to the bridge immediately."

"On my way." she subvocalized. "I apologize for my abruptness, Ranjen, but my ship is calling for me. Thank you for this time of contemplation and your consolation."

"Good bye, youngster. May the Prophets guide you in your endeavours."

After a hasty bow to the shrine, Mayla hurried out and through the restaurant. The hostess saw her and pointed to a takeaway bag on the host counter. Mayla waved to her and headed towards the entrance of the restaurant while pulling out a small padd from her pocket. She cleared it of all of her data and copied on to it the entire library of Linsayla's body of work from her music to recordings of interviews, music videos, and publications about her. She left the padd on the host table with a note on the screen. 'I hope your jumja stick is as good as Sunik's. In contrary to what most people thought, it was a privilege for my mother to perform at my favorite jumja stand. Please enjoy her music as much as I have.' She left it unsigned.

She then grabbed her takeaway bag as she dashed out of the restaurant. During her jog back to the Resurrection, she found her mind and heart had settled into a calmness after the short conversation with the ranjen. She didn't realize this tourist trip through the starbase would give her that sense of acceptance for what had happened to Sorvek. When she got back to the docking collar, she discovered she didn't have to brace herself as much as she thought against what she was about to watch.

Starfleet Command

San Francisco, Earth

Stardate 2008.04

Admiral Kathryn Janeway and her staff entered the conference room and found several key Federation Council members present, including the Vice President Aulan Vorok, a Tellerite who had served in this capacity for several years. Janeway had with her Admiral Zhang, who looked grouchy as usual, and Admiral Sendac, a Vulcan who was her key aide.

“I apologize for the lateness of the hour,” Janeway said as she took her seat. “You’ve been briefed?” Vorok shook his head, “Not entirely. I'm not exactly clear what’s going on. Sorvek tried to kill President Gant, and now Gant has gone missing and Sorvek is dead?”

“In a nutshell, that is correct,” Janeway said. “Preliminary reports from OpsBase One indicate the president was meeting with Sorvek in private at the station, when Gant emerged from the office saying Sorvek had attacked him and he’d killed Sorvek during a struggle. Gant then boarded his shuttle to return to USS Redoubtable with about half of his security contingency, and sometime after leaving the asteroid the shuttle disappeared.”

Vorok scowled, “None of this makes any sense.”

“Where is the rest of Shadow Operations?” Zhang asked coldly. “If they are plotting to overthrow the Federation, they may have the president and…”

Janeway turned toward Zhang with a steely-eyed glare. “Admiral Zhang...you honestly believe Sorvek tried to murder Gant? And Gant somehow overpowered a Vulcan and stabbed him...with a weapon that vanished minutes later?”

Vorok gasped aloud, “The murder weapon vanished?” “Yes, Mr. Vice President,” Janeway said. “It dissolved in front of investigators. They believe it was not a dagger belonging to Sorvek, but something created with nanotechnology.”

Zhang appeared to be growing angry, “Admiral Janeway, what are you insinuating? That the president murdered Sorvek?”

“Aaron Gant has been acting unusual for some time now,” she said. “Then he disappears moments after leaving the scene of a supposed assassination attempt? There is something going on here that is not quite right.”

“It’s Sorvek and his Shadow Operations. They should never have been reactivated,” Zhang growled. “I believe the president disappeared because he was either kidnapped or he has gone into hiding because he doesn;t know who to trust.”

The bristly Tellerite leaned forward in his chair, “Shadow Ops still has General Krang, correct?”

“That is our assumption, currently, yes,” said Janeway. “I’m sure we’ll hear from USS Resurrection soon. And when we do, everything will be explained. In the meantime, Mr. Vorok, I think you may want to assume the presidency. It’s only a recommendation, but we need someone in charge right now until this is sorted out.”

Vorok nodded, “Very well, as of this moment, 0436 hours on Stardate 2008.04, I declare myself acting president of the Federation until Starfleet can get to the bottom of this matter with the disappearance of President Gant.”

The two council members present both gave their approval and an emergency declaration was signed. Vorok and his entourage then stood and he looked to Janeway before he left, “Keep me informed of everything that’s going on in this...mess. Gant, Krang and Shadow Operations. I want answers, understood?”

“Yes, Mr. President,” Janeway told him. After Vorok and his council representatives left, Janeway stood up to leave and Zhang slammed his fists down on the table.

“Dammit, Kathryn! Let me go and arrest the rest of these Shadow Operatives,” he growled. “I tell you, they are responsible for everything that is going on here.”

Janeway focused on Zhang intently and shook her head, “You really don’t see what’s going on here, do you? Or are you part of whatever Gant is scheming?”

“You’re accusing me of something?”

“There’s no need to accuse, I think you’ve made things very clear to me, Sung-ho,” she said, her tone becoming something more sympathetic than accusatory. “You have become a lapdog to President Gant. You have gone along with everything he’s wanted, the shutdown of Section 31, of Shadow Operations, and you’ve turned a blind eye to what’s really going on...all because of your personal ambitions. You’re not involved in his plot, you’re just complacent. And for that, I’m removing you as head of Starfleet Intelligence, effectively immediately.”

Zhang’s mouth fell agape, “What? You can’t….you can’t do that!”

“As acting head of Starfleet I can and I will,” she said. Janeway had been acting head of Starfleet for more than a year, following the retirement of Admiral Ross. Gant had put her in place as interim head of Stafleet while he considered his options for a suitable leader. Kathryn couldn't help but wonder now if he’d never made that choice permanent because he wanted to keep Starfleet in a state of limbo while he hatched whatever scheme it was he was carrying out now.

“Exactly...ACTING head of Starfleet!” Zhang barked at her. “I’m sure President Gant will not approve of this when he returns.”

Janeway smiled, “That may well be, but when he returns we can take it up with him. Or we can take it up with Vorok, he’s probably not in the transporter room yet. We can catch him before he beams back to Paris?”

Knowing the Tellerite would not likely go against Janeway’s decision, Zhang slowly shook his head. He then turned on his heels and stormed out of the room. Janeway then turned to her aide, Vice Admiral Sendac. “Who is competent enough over at Starfleet Intelligence to assume command of the department and be in my office in one hour for a briefing on the matters at hand?”

Sendac raised an eyebrow and considered the question a moment, then turned to the admiral and spoke, “Commodore Oh would be the next highest ranking individual at Starfleet Intelligence. She is a Romulan/Vulcan hybrid.”

Janeway nodded, “I met her at Ross’ retirement party last year. Advise her she’s in charge of Starfleet Intelligence and have her in my office in one hour. And also, send word to Redoubtable. It is to discontinue its search for President Gant and render assistance to OpsBase One until further orders.”

“As you wish, admiral,” said Sendac before he turned and left the room. Janeway then sighed and straightened her uniform before heading off to her office where she’d await word from all of the assets currently in the field.

Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection, Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.04

Resurrection crew members looked at her with slight amusement as the Trill hurried down the corridors with a jumja stick in one hand and a takeaway bag in another. She reached the bridge egress and stopped short of the door. She stuck the jumja stick in her mouth and straightened out her uniform with the free hand. Taking the sweet treat out of her mouth and holding it behind her, she walked up to activate the door opening mechanism.

On the Bridge, Lazarus got up from his chair and gestured for her to follow him into his war room. She trailed behind him wordlessly while taking several deep breaths at what was about to come. She briefly took her thoughts back to the Bajoran shrine and calmed herself. When the door closed behind them, he went straight to a wall monitor and started tapping commands.

"O’Shaughnessy just arrived and personally handed me the data on Sorvek." He stuck the isolinear rod into the wall console and stopped when he saw something in her mouth. "What the hell is that?"

"Jumja stick," she said. "Found a Bajoran restaurant celebrating the Gratitude Festival."

"You damn look like you're 10 years old again with that in your hand." He ran a few security protocol scans of the rod and brought up the contents listing. "You know there's no eating on the Bridge."

"Old habits die hard, Captain." She walked over to the monitor as he looked at the list of files it housed.

After he started transferring the files over to the computer, he suddenly turned to her. "Did you by any chance get me any hasparat?" he asked.

She was just beginning to wonder when he was going to ask. She handed over the takeaway bag. "Still hot, and deka tea."

He gave her the appropriate gruff sound of appreciation in light as they were about to watch the death of their Vulcan superior officer. "Are you ready for this?" He asked in an uncharacteristic quiet tone for him while putting aside the takeaway bag on his desk for the moment.

"More ready than I thought I was going to be a few hours ago." She answered truthfully and crossed her arms across her chest, taking a focused stance against what she was about to see.

It was like watching a science fiction horror vid from the Earth's early 21st century culture. With her emotions now thoroughly in check, she scrutinized the video closely. She had already given it some thought as to how to present it to the rest of the team as soon as they arrived. If Sorvek had enough intuition to record his death, he would have had the same foresight to record the video at a resolution high enough for the holodeck to record as much detail as possible.

"Bastard," Lazarus said after the third time they watched the video.

Mayla had accessed the raw data and gleaned how it was recorded. "He used a few of our nanoprobes linked together to map the scene. Similar to what my Echo Team did at Qo'nos. The resolution is high enough to be recreated on the holodeck."

"How much time do you need to have that set it up?"

Mayla didn't have to give it much thought. "I'll have it ready by the time the Tachi Koma gets here." She opened a watchdog in her eye lenses that showed the ship with the remaining members of Phoenix Team was estimated still several hours away at maximum warp.

Lazarus looked at the same data she was looking at with his own watchdogs and nodded. "Enlist whatever help you need. Get it done. Dismissed." He yanked the rod out and handed it to her. After she left, he opened the takeaway bag with the still warm hasparat and tea and thought to himself he wasn't going to enjoy this as much as he thought he was.

[ Back to top]

S2, E4, Act 3: Briefing
Yevgeni Ibragimov

Lt. Cody Beckett

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

SS Venomous

Stardate 2008.09

Ibragimov stood at the airlock after docking with Starbase 36 and watched as Beckett and Sh’avelith walked down the corridor toward the open hatchway between the ship and the station. The big Russian was quiet. He was sorry to see his Shadow Ops team leave.

He’d enjoyed being a part of this mission. Any time he could do something for Lazarus and his colleagues, it was his honor. Admittedly, Yevgeni missed being a part of something bigger than himself.

“Cody and Tiri,” he said warmly. “So sorry to see you go. Yevgeni will miss you both.”

Cody turned towards Yevgeni. Though the big Russian had some rough edges, he had grown to like him during the mission. He was a trustful companion, and he would be a valuable asset for Shadow Operations. Cody extended his hand. Yevgeni did the same and they shook hands firmly.

“It was an honor to work together with you, Yevgeni,” Cody said. “You’ve shown yourself to be trustworthy, someone to rely on. I wouldn’t have any second thoughts working with you again. Take care of yourself, mate, and I certainly do hope our paths cross again. “

Cody stepped back and waited for Tiri to say goodbye.

Tiri stepped up to Yevgeni and leaned in to hug him, her arms struggling to fit around his massive frame. She then stood on her tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek, before stepping back.

“Thanks for looking out for us,” she said with a smile. “Take care of yourself.”

Then they turned around and walked ahead, onto Starbase 36, back to the Resurrection.

Cody thought of something and turned around. He looked at Yevgeni. “Why don’t we go to the Starbase’s Promenade and have some decent food and a drink or two? Just to celebrate we returned alive? We still have a few hours before the briefing on the Resurrection and I could use a good, non-replicated meal. What do you say?”

Yevgeni gave a big smile. “Of course! Come, let’s celebrate.”

Together the three headed off to the station’s promenade where they found a simple watering hole and sidled up to the bar where they ordered a round of drinks.

Lt. Daryl Thompson

Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.11

Daryl was walking on one of the huge areas of the promenade. He could use the R&R, even if for a few hours. The mission wasn’t over, so much was clear. But the next couple of hours, he wanted to relax a little. Darva was still on duty, so she couldn’t join.

He strolled along the large hallway, with on both sides dozens of  restaurants, food courts, hotels, casinos, inking shops, coffee lounges, and all the alien variations of about each race in the Alpha and Beta quadrant, all trying to lure people in with their holographic adverts. Daryl smirked. His AI was counting the attempts of other AI to get access to his eyepiece and his embedded processor to show him ‘personalized’ adverts.

Slowly, he made his way through the bustling crowd. As he made his way through, he couldn’t help but think about all that had happened during this mission. Him being taken by Legion, his time there, his talk with this Archangel figure...it all passed his mind’s eye. Soon, his thoughts were interrupted by the rumbling of his stomach and he ordered his AI to lookout for a snackbar with burgers. It had been a while since Daryl set his teeth in a decent burger. So he decided this would be a good time to have one.

He reached a part where it was very crowded. Slowly he proceeded, until a hooded figure bumped into him. In his reflex Daryl pushed the man away from him and caught a glimpse of the face, hidden deep under the hood, and Daryl froze. The hooded man quickly moved on, as Daryl called out.

“Greg?” The man quickly moved on, without a reaction, and soon he disappeared in the crowd. Daryl stood there, frozen, still gazing, his mind trying to cope with what he thought he had just seen. The face of his, presumed dead, best friend Greg Durham. <> he thought. He looked once more in the direction where the hooded figure went, then he shook his head and walked on, only to bump into someone else...It was a big, bulky figure.

“Hey, watch it,” Daryl started, as he looked up in the face of the person that ran into him.

“You watch it,” the man answered with a heavy Russian accent. Then Daryl recognized the two figures behind the Russian. He stepped beside the Russian man and greeted his fellow Shadow Operatives.

“Cody, Tiri! When did you get back?”

Cody’s beard split in a big grin “We just docked half an hour ago. It sure is good to be back.“ Then his face became serious. “Is everything ok? We just saw what happened, and you looked like you saw a ghost?”

Daryl bit his lip, and looked to the floor, as if to find the answer there. “I think I did.” he said, looking up. “But I think I’ve been mistaken."

Cody cocked his head slightly. “What do you mean?”

Daryl looked again the other way, were he thought he had seen Greg. “Someone from another life.”

Daryl looked back at his friends and colleagues. The big Russian had also joined them. “I’ll tell you another time” then he smiled.

“Daryl, may I introduce to you Yevgeni Ibragimov. He was our pilot and much needed aid during our away time.“ Cody introduced the Russian man.

Daryl looked at the Russian and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Yevgeni. Sorry for my rudeness earlier. I was caught a little off guard by what I thought to have seen.”

Yevgeni accepted his hand and shook it. “No problem, Daryl. Nice to meet you too.“

Daryl pushed away the thoughts about his encounter and continued on a lighter tone. “I invite you all to join me. My AI found the best burger shack here on Starbase 36. It’s on me!“

"Well, we were looking for something to eat as well.” Tiri laughed. “So we will gladly join you. I never had real Earth meat, so I am curious!”

Daryl smiled. “Follow me then.” And stepped forward to lead them to Buicks ‘N Burgers All You Can Eat.

Dinner was amazing and the group enjoyed it to the fullest. But it wasn’t long before they needed to be getting back to the Resurrection. Yevgeni bid them all farewell and headed back to his ship where he prepared for departure from Starbase 36.

Meanwhile, Cody, Daryl and Tiri returned to the Resurrection in time for the briefing…

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Tachi Koma

Stardate 2008.12

After Reepchip finished his practice, he slumped over and yawned. Ryramorl helped him climb into one of the berths, and the Muran fell asleep.

Ryramorl let him sleep for now, and left their quarters. He found himself walking towards the bridge. When asked where Reepchip was, Ryramorl replied that the Muran was sleeping after doing some telepathy practice.

He noticed something at the comm station, and went over for a closer look. He gave Tal’Aura an amused look.

“I take it Gaish wanted to keep a close eye on the D’Hronarin Hunters?” he asked. “Not many ships have a Carnoric communications apparatus--outside of the Carnora themselves.”

"Actually, we found that on Delta Vega." She answered while pouring over a data stream coming in from their sensors. "Crashed Carnora ship. We raced a Pakled salvage ship there and were only able to pull the comm system free before they attacked us." She gestured around. "In the Tachi Koma's underbelly is a state-of-the-art surveillance package we make sure no one outside of us knows about it. Starfleet Intelligence made most of the installations, but Lennier installs whatever else we find to augment what we have."

"You surveil everything?" Ra'yral asked, now looking around beyond the comm station.

She pointed at the stream she was studying. "Everything we come across: comm traffic, ships, outposts, space stations, all sensor readings, including sensor echoes. The bioneural hardware gives us the computing power to extrapolate where a ship has been based on its sensor echo. So, when we're operating outside the Federation, the data collected is eventually packet-sent to Starfleet Intelligence for analysis."

"But you allow Gaish to install systems? I overheard Zhaan and Lennier talking about your hospitality program. How do you know she's not spying on you for Gaish?"

"I have no doubt he tries his best. That's why we do regular sweeps of the ship for anything out of the ordinary. You see, Lennier knows every part of the ship. For a holo-engineer, that's a big feat. But as my chief engineer, he NEEDS to know everything about the ship." She tapped a few keys and closed the stream and filed it away. "I'm still an independent contractor. I work for any one with the money on Kazis IX. I don't belong to Gaish. I'm just one of his more reliable carriers."

Ryramorl nodded, then turned to her, his tail twitching--Tal’Aura had seen that twitch when something seriously concerned an Olvern. “Two questions. First, did you see a Spirit Crystal Array attached to the communications?” he asked. It was entirely possible there hadn’t been one. However, if there had been one… well, if it had been destroyed, or she’d dismantled it for the dilithium within, all was well. If it had been captured by the Pakleds, Ryramorl had to send out a warning as soon as possible, in case the Network was compromised.

She slowly shook her head. "I'm not absolutely sure what the spirit crystal array is, but we had to tear out of there fast. Listen, this was over a year ago. That ship is probably in a thousand pieces spread throughout the galaxy by now."

“A Spirit Crystal Array has a set of dilithium crystals, each about the size of my fist. It would have been attached to the communications apparatus, and it’s usually just as easy--if not easier--to take both the Spirit Crystal Array with the communications apparatus as one unit than take one or the other.”  From her look, it was clear she hadn’t seen anything like that on the ship.

“Second, what ship did it come from? Was it a Muran Ship? An Olvern Ship? The apparatus should contain that information.”  Seeing her look, he revealed his secondary assignment--to find any evidence of the fates of the Jirai and Yova Muran clans, and that of the Ro’ana Olvern tribe. “It’s easy to tell the difference. Olvern Ships tend to have bone inlays, but you have to crawl to get through a Muran Ship.”

"I can only show you an image of the ship because at the time, I had just bought the Tachi Koma and it wasn't outfitted as she is now." She brought up a single image of the ship in the dim morning light at the bottom of a crevasse of the rocky planet. "That's all I have."

Ryramorl looked at the image carefully, then at the Carnora communications apparatus, then at the ship again. “That looks like a Genro Class Ship.”  He tilted his head one way, then the other, seeing the shape of the ship, then looking down one more time at the communications apparatus.. “Yes… yes…  One of…  those things. No way in the Deeps would it have a Spirit Crystal Array”

His muzzle crinkled in distaste even as he relaxed with relief. “I was going to ask what it was doing at Delta Vega, but now I’m wondering how in Agavan the Fire Moon it managed to get there in the first place.”  He looked up at Tal’Aura. “Genro Class ships are Olvern freighters that take three crew members.”

His muzzle quirked in amusement as he gestured to the communications apparatus. “Count yourself fortunate, commander. You got probably the only piece of that ship that ever worked properly. I don’t know the Rihannsu term for ships like these and the Carnora phrase is very obscene and doesn’t translate well, but the humans would call the Genro Class ‘lemons.’  They only sell because they’re cheap.”  He let that sink in.

Carnoric starships were notorious for being difficult to pilot (unless you’d grown up with their engineering philosophy), beyond hideous in looks, and as primitive as (or even worse than) Pakled ships--and yet even the Carnora considered the Genro Class a piece of junk.

Commander Sienae Tal'Aura (aka Tarika)

Tachi Koma, approaching Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.12

The ship decloaked a half hour before arriving at Starbase 36. Their IFF was switched from a Federation code to a Starfleet one before the station's sensors picked them up. When they were in visual range, Sienae hailed them.

"This is the Tachi Koma, requesting immediate docking entry. Authorization zeta two nine eight four alpha." She told the control tower.

There was a pause before a response came. "Authorization confirmed. Proceed immediately to docking bay doors for automated navigation synchronization."

Normally a docking ship would wait in line for those who arrived ahead of them to dock first. But providing an alpha code authorization usually used for Federation dignitaries bumped them up to the next available slot opening. A display appeared on their forward window showed the approach lane the station was sending them to follow into the docking bay. Marcus slowed the ship as they passed several ships docked on the docking halo surrounding the outer hull of the station. The computer identified each one of them as they steered towards the bay doors.

Then she saw a ship she recognized. An Inquiry class ship named the USS Guo Xing, NCC-75886. She knew it well. Actually, she knew the captain well. Two years ago, she had visited the heavy cruiser while it was on its maiden voyage when it stopped by Earth for some presentation to a bunch of Starfleet brass. She was in between assignments at the time, and her father had called in several favors to offer her a position at Starfleet Command on Earth rather than continue in the field. She turned it down to his dismay and she left their home in the Napa Valley on bad terms. That was before she left for her next assignment to Kazis IX.

It was also the last time she saw her eldest brother. After her argument with the elder Tal'Aura, Captain Shoji Tal'Aura of the Guo Xing brought her on board for the sole reason of giving her a dressing down about her decision. He made it clear to her what their father went through to get her another assignment. They also did not part amicably.

Two years on, being undercover on Kazis IX and keeping busy was all that kept her mind off of that event that further estranged her from her father and oldest brother. She let out a sigh as she watched the ship pass beyond view. Bridges will eventually need to be mended, but not today.

Once the Tachi Koma reached the bay doors, the control tower navigational computer took control of the ship to guide it the rest of the way. The ship's system lit up and Marcus derezzed for a moment as the ship moved on its own. The ship lurched a little as it went through the forcefield into the large pressurized docking bay of the station. Inside, every bay had various types of ships docked to it. People didn't take much notice that a Romulan ship was going by as their presence in the Federation was more prevalent now ever since the destruction of their home planet. The Tachi Koma headed towards the starboard side of the bay quietly.

"There is the Resurrection," Marcus was lounging back in his chair and pointed.

Sienae looked to where he was pointing and the window showed a tactical outline of the Vigilant class ship. She'd never seen one before, but it was similar enough to a Defiant or Sao Paulo class ship for her to not give it much further thought. Within a few minutes, they approached their landing platform that was just one amongst a dozen mounted vertically. She looked up and down to see what other types of ships were there. Not as many as she thought.

"Chani, inform our guests we've arrived. I will accompany them to the Resurrection as soon as we land." Siena ordered while still staring at the Resurrection.

"We're here," a voice announced behind her. Raillius, Ra'yral and Charatetet were standing at the back of the bridge watching the ships go by as they made their final approach. Chani respectfully stood a few meters away ready to answer their every need.

"Marcus, contact the Resurrection and inform Captain Lazarus that we've arrived. We should be on board shortly." Sienae got up from her chair when he gave her a nod of acknowledgement. "You and Lennier keep the ship secured while I'm away."

"As we always do, Captain."

She pushed aside her thoughts of family matters and led the way off the ship and on to the bustling station. It hadn't changed from the last time she came by a few months earlier. She had ordered a few parts for the Tachi Koma at the Boss Buy store. She liked coming here. There was a good diversity of food and salvaged parts from ships of all types. Scroungers also came here to offload their 'found' parts to resell under the guise of a salvage.

The four of them walked purposefully and briskly on a direct path to the Resurrection 's docking gantry. When they finally arrived, security already knew who they were and profiles given to them to permit entry on to the ship.

Sienae was surprised to see a familiar face waiting for them when they made the first turn towards the Bridge. It was a face with a forced smile that spoke more than just seeing a familiar face from the past. She hadn't seen the Trill in seven years, and it was as if she hadn't aged a day.

"Sienae, it's good to see you again," Mayla Vree said after taking a brief stock of Raillius' team and letting them pass before approaching her with a handheld out in greeting.

Instead of taking the hand and just shaking it, she pulled the former Echo Team leader into an embrace. "It's been a long time, Mayla."

Mayla pulled away and held Sienae at arm’s length, seeing how far the woman had come since joining Bravo Squad. Her ordeal with the Borg nanite experiments and damage done to her internally and externally seemed to have been completely healed. Although Sienae was 16 years her senior, they held each other with the utmost respect and camaraderie that was only bonded through years of battle and hardships together.

"Still there, huh?" Mayla said, holding Sienae's hand and feeling the Borg assimilation nodules beneath the skin.

"Still there," Sienae said, slowly pulling her hand away. "Are you part of Phoenix Team too?"

"Field team leader. Lazarus is the CO.

"Why doesn't that surprise me you're the team lead," she scoffed. "And yes, I heard about Lazarus. I guess he got tired of retirement. Anyone else from Bravo Platoon?"

"No." Mayla led her out of the transporter room before speaking over the subvocal. "Admiral Sorvek has been killed."

Sienae almost stopped walking, but Mayla took her arm and pulled her along while telling her the events that led up to Sorvek's death. She also explained to her the mission they were on and how widespread Legion's reach and influence was.

"Come on, Lazarus has called for a briefing in half hour in the holodeck. You're included."

Ty’Gokor

Klingon Empire

Stardate 2008.16

The military headquarters for the Klingon Empire was based on the planetoid called Ty'Gokor. It was protected by a powerful defensive shield and a tachyon detection grid, as well as several orbital defense facilities. It had been the equivalent of a bunker during the Dominion War for the military high command and now, it served to protect Chancellor Martok and his top military commanders from another threat – this one internal.

Martok had lived in a constant state of concern for his wife, Lady Sirella, since her kidnapping several days earlier. Matters had been further complicated when, reportedly, a team of rogue Starfleet operatives had kidnapped General Krang during an attempt by Kre’tok to rescue his father.

While the chancellor appreciated the Federation’s interference in the kidnapping attempt, he was not happy with the fact Shadow Operations had not delivered Krang to him or to Starfleet.

Further complicating matters, Kre’tok had revealed he possessed the IKS CharghwI' – the empire’s new flagship that was believed destroyed in a terrorist attack on the shipyards that built the massive dreadnought. Not only had Kre’tok used it to launch a rapid strike against Qo’noS the day Sirella was taken, but he’d taken it into Federation space and destroyed the colony Gault.

For that, the Federation was now demanding answers.

Martok sat in his command cell off the operations center on Ty’Gokor and answered the incoming transmission from Earth. Holographic representations of a female Starfleet officer and the Federation vice president appeared before him.

“Chancellor Martok,” the woman said. “It’s good to see you.”

The one-eyed Klingon scowled, “Admiral Janeway. Vice President Vorok. Allow me to apologize for the unfortunate attack on Gault. By the Blood of Kahless, I will not rest until these terrorists are brought to justice.”

Janeway nodded, “We appreciate your concern, chancellor. We would like you to answer a few questions if you would.”

Martok bristled. “Admiral, I understand the Federation wants answers. It’s not every day the Klingon Empire loses a dreadnought. But trust me when I say we will deal with this transgression. I promise you that.”

“Chancellor!” the Tellerite acting president barked. “From everything we understand from sensor logs recovered on Gault, that ship violates not only the Khitomer Accords, but many of the articles included in the treaty that marked the end of the Federation-Klingon War of 2372. Phased cloaking devices? Regenerative armor? High yield missiles?”

Martok gritted his teeth, “Why am I speaking with this Tellerite? Where is President Gant?”

“He is indisposed right now,” Janeway said. “Vice President Vorok is acting president. And he has many valid points, sir.”

“You possess this technology, but you expect us not to develop it?” he countered. “The ship and it’s systems were being developed for testing. We had every intention of addressing our wishes to renegotiate the terms of the treaties between our peoples when we had proven IKS CharghwI' to be successful.”

“I’d say Kre’tok and his terrorists have done that for you, chancellor,” Janeway said sternly. “We don’t require answers at this moment, we need to know if you will allow us to help you find Charghwl’ and destroy it? Before another Federation colony is destroyed.”

Martok gave a low growl and turned his head away slightly. After a long pause, he sighed, “The empire is in great turmoil, Admiral Janeway. Allowing Federation ships into our space to help find our missing ship and destroy it will not play well with the growing opposition movement here.”

“Opposition movement?” Vorok asked. “We knew there was unrest, but you make it sound like this is much more serious?”

“It goes deeper than the followers of Krang, Mr. Vice President,” Martok muttered. “There are serious divisions in the very fabric of the empire. We’ve been held at bay for too many years. We have been prevented from expanding and the people, frankly, are not happy with this. My people require breathing room.”

Janeway shuddered at the chancellor’s choice of words. She looked over to Vorok, who also appeared to be surprised at the statement. She looked back at Martok and sighed, “Breathing room? That’s what one of Earth’s worst dictators called it when he invaded the countries neighboring his own. I hope you’re not planning anything like that, chancellor?”

Martok shook his head, “I am not, admiral, but it is no mystery I am not long for this world. My days are growing shorter and my hold on the reigns of power in the Klingon Empire is loosening. I have done all I can to keep the Klingon Empire and the Federation as allies, but it is likely after I am gone that my successor will not have such a cooperative mood as I have demonstrated.”

Vorok looked concerned, “Surely, the Klingon people must realize peace has benefitted all of us.”

“Benefitted whom? It has kept my people from expanding, from moving against our enemies,” he stated. “We made concessions after the Dominion War. We did not hold any space taken then and we are prepared to withdraw from the Cardassian Union when the occupation ends. We will honor our word. We also did not act against the Romulans when their star went supernova. Oh, we could have and many of my people demanded we seize as much territory as possible, but again we gave in to Federation pressure and we stayed out of the matter.

“The Klingon Empire is done making concessions,” Martok added, firmly. “Regardless of the outcome of this insurrection by Kre’tok and his people, the days of Klingon cooperation with everything the Federation asks of us are over.”

Janeway was quiet while the old Klingon’s words sank in. Finally, she took a deep breath and continued, “Regardless, we are talking about the here and now, chancellor. Your lost ship destroyed a colony belonging to us. There are nearly 20,000 people dead – Federation citizens. We demand justice and we want to help you stop this illegal dreadnought you’ve built. What do you say, Martok son of Urthog?”

Martok gave a sharp sigh, as if he’d been stabbed in the gut, then slowly he sat up straight and nodded, “Very well. Send the ship that has Krang aboard. That is the only vessel you may send into our space.”

Janeway looked apprehensive, “We have a task force of 18 ships ready to…”

“One ship,” Martok growled. “The one that stopped Kre’tok from rescuing Krang. Send the ship with Krang aboard and we will allow the vessel and her crew to assist in tracking down and destroying the IKS CharghwI'. Send them to my position at Ty’Gokor. They will be allowed safe crossing of Klingon space. You have my word.”

Vorok looked completely out of his element and he deferred to Janeway, who slowly nodded. “Fine. I’ll send them. Janeway out.”

As soon as the transmission ended, Janeway looked to her nearest aide at Starfleet Command. “Get USS Resurrection on the line. Tell them it’s urgent.”

Lt. Matthew O’Shaughnessy

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.17

O’Shaughnessy landed at Starbase 36 and made his way immediately to the docked USS Resurrection. Upon his arrival at the airlock, he was greeted by two security officers from Resurrection, Ensign Aurelia Sentaa and Ensign Kyle Rolston.

“State your business,” Rolston stated.

O’Shaughnessy, dressed in civilian clothing, the same he’d been wearing since leaving Earth, approached and stopped when Rolston spoke. He nodded, “I’m O’Shaughnessy…Matt O’Shaughnessy. Captain Lazarus is expecting me.”

Sentaa scanned him with a tricorder while Rolston steppe dup and conducted a retinal scan of Matt, who was fully cooperating.

“You know, if I’m using Legion tech to disguise myself, they probably know how to fool a retinal scan,” the Irishman said.

The Deltan woman, Sentaa, smiled. “I know…but we have our orders.”

Rolston stepped back and nodded, “Says its him.” He tapped his comm-badge, Rolston to Jahkar. O’Shaughnessy is here.”

“I’ll be right there,” the deep voice of Jahkar responded.

A short time later, Jahakr arrived at the airlock and when the door slid open, he stepped out and his gaze fell upon Matt. “Lieutenant, good to meet you,” he said, extending a hand which O’Shaughnessy shook. “Come with me. The team is waiting for you.”

He led O’Shaughnessy through the ship on his way to the holodeck. As they walked, Jahkar glanced over at the redheaded man. “I didn’t know the admiral had an aide?”

“It was never an official position,” O’Shaughnessy said. “He pulled me out of some trouble I got myself into and had me listed as his personal pilot.”

Jahkar gave a half grin, “But it was more than that?” Matt nodded, “You could say that. I did a lot of computer hacking, research, ran errands…”

“You were his intern, more or less,” Jahkar said.

“Gopher, errand boy, but with spy duties,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Yeah…I did it all. I really liked working for him.”

Jahkar gave a soft grunt, his mood darkening, “We all did.”

O’Shaughnessy’s mood also dropped, “I want to get that bastard.”

“So, do we,” said Jahkar as they arrived at the holodeck. “Good to have you here, Mr. O’Shaughnessy.”

He then opened the door and they walked into the holodeck.

Commander Mayla Vree

Holodeck, USS Resurrection docked at Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.17

Mayla stood behind Phoenix Team and Admiral MacLeod, who was there holographically from his office on the Fearless, while they watched the holographic reproduction of Sorvek's death at Ops Base One. Instead of watching the program play out, she was watching the individual reactions of her team.

They watched the entire program from start to finish three times. Each time everyone took a different vantage point to see all they could see. The most alarming thing was watching Jack Dark morph himself into President Gant and how the dagger had just seemingly materialized in his hand.

"I know this event will certainly affect you, but we have to remain focused as we are still in a crisis. With Krang and the one called Sera still in our custody, we need to address that first. We are going to Ty’Gokor to hand over Krang to Chancellor Martok. We will inform him of our findings of the Klingon dreadnought and hand over every piece of information we have on that ship."

"After that, we can address how we can neutralize this threat." Lazarus brought up Jack Dark's Starfleet Intelligence profile. "Now, from what we know of Jack Dark, he was born with telekinetic abilities that allowed him to control the nanites in his body. He is a hybrid – Risan mother and father of an unknown humanoid species. When he was part of Shadow Operations, he was able to use his abilities to do things like hack computers, form weapons with his limbs and so forth.

"His abilities have grown since before his 'death'." Mayla said. "Before he was only able to control the nanites while they were inside his body. Now he can control them to create matter as if it were billions of tiny replicators that can create matter and turn them back into energy. From this recording, he was clearly unstable with powerful control over his nanites. Included in Sorvek's data was an analytic report of all of Federation President Gant's recent actions and decisions. The Captain has backfilled Sorvek's existing research all the way back to the incident with the USS Repulse on Kazis IX."

"We have to come up with some way of neutralizing the nanites in his body if we have any chance of apprehending him."

"Apprehend him?" Thompson said with hatred in his voice. Jahkar was also going to object to the idea. "I want to beam him into the sun, nanites and all."

"I'm sure we all have the same sentiment," Mayla said, keeping her voice level. "Let's turn that anger into a way to neutralize his ability to defeat us."

After her comment, the room fell silent as she very well knew ideas were running through everyone's minds.

"Maybe a focused high intensity electromagnetic stream would destroy the nanites," Beckett said. "I think I can rig up a few modified phaser rifles to do it."

“Yeah, short-circuit that son of a b***,” Daryl said through gritted teeth. “But the intensity would have to be really high.” he continued, then a dark grin appeared on his face. “But it would work….”

Sienae raised her hand. "I know I'm an outsider here, but there is a neurolytic pathogen." She waved her hand and a viewscreen appeared in the air showing everyone a chemical schematic of a compound. "It was originally created to break the mental link between the Borg queen and her drones. This version separates the connection between a host and the nanites in the drone's body. There has been several iterations of the pathogen since then, but the baseline structures are the same."

Mayla saw pain in Sienae's eyes as she could see how difficult it was bringing the pathogen to the table.

Sh'avelith shook her head. "I've never seen anything like that before. Starfeet has this?"

Lazarus looked at Sienae and then to Mayla. "All you need to know about that," he pointed to the screen, "is that we've never used it on anyone before. But we know it works on Borg drones."

"You've tested it?" Raillius asked.

"It was developed by the only Borg drone we had working at Starfleet Research."

"That would have to be Seven of Nine," Jahkar said. "So this pathogen really does exist."

"It does," Sienae confirmed. "It was given to me on a mission when Seven of Nine was kidnapped by black market scientists. They wanted to extract her assimilation nanites and reprogrammed them to use on...various subjects they can then control. If we were unable to rescue her, we were to destroy her using the pathogen." She slightly massaged the nodules on the back of her hands. "The version we had with us not only separated the connection but was specifically designed to destroy the nanites. But we didn't get the chance to use it."

"Can we create that pathogen here?" Mayla asked, changing the subject so they wouldn't have to delve any deeper to Sienae's devastating final mission before bringing her to Bravo Squad.

"The compounds and bonding methods are from Shadow Operations, everything we need will be there in the file."

"So that gives us two options to neutralize Dark," Mayla said. "The electromagnetic ray and the pathogen. But both require us to be in close proximity to him. Is there a longer range weapon we can use against him?"

"I think if we can aerosolize the pathogen," Sienae said, refocusing on the matter at hand. "It could prevent Dark from controlling the nanites regardless if they're in or outside of his body."

Lazarus looked sharply at the two women and shot down that idea quickly. "And what will that do to the both of you if you're exposed to it?"

Both women looked at each other and shook their heads. "If it's the only way, Captain."

"Both of you have nanites in your body. If that pathogen gets on your skin, you are both dead." He said, glaring at Mayla. "We will find another long range solution."

“We could modify the deflector dish of the Resurrection and flood the whole area with omicron radiation. The deflector dish could easily deliver radiation a thousand fold of what we used on the relays,“ Daryl said. “It would cost us a significant amount of matter and anti-matter though,“ he continued.

"That could also kill everyone in that area," Mayla said. "And could leave us short in supply when we may need it most."

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Holodeck, USS Resurrection docked at Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.17

Ryramorl gritted his teeth. Now both Admirals who had saved him back in the Academy were dead--may all of Sorvek’s bones be useful and honored for eternity, and the other’s bones rot and be forgotten. He growled a phrase in his own language--and Reepchip leapt straight up out of his chair and clung to the ceiling while Admiral MacLeod barked “NO!”

Ryramorl firmly calmed himself, then rose and saluted. “Apologies, sir,” he said, and sat down.

Admiral Macleod looked at the chittering, growling Muran. “Come down and have a seat,” he said, and Reepchip dropped from the ceiling and sat back in his chair, though eyeing Ryramorl. He then looked at Captain Lazarus. “Sir, what about a poisoned dart? I am a good shot with a blowpipe, and it is easy to create an air-powered rifle as well--we Madcaps made one back in Starfleet Academy.”

“If it turns out you need one of us to administer the poison up close, that would be me,” volunteered Ryramorl. He looked around at the rest of the team. “Admiral MacLeod may or may not have shared this with anyone here, but I am a trained Berserker--that is why he rebuked me for my profanity.”  He took a deep breath. “Though a Berserker normally serves as an ordinary soldier, he is ever ready for that final command. When that command comes, a Berserker no longer considers itself a living being, but as artillery--or more often a guided missile--to be aimed and launched at its commander’s discretion.”  He looked at Admiral MacLeod. “So, should you need someone to deliver that poison in person, then here am I, ready to receive ordinance, sir.”  His pun was deliberate--but made with no trace of humor.

[ Back to top]

S2, E4, Act 4: Making Plans
Commander Sienae Tal'Aura

Holodeck, USS Resurrection at Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.18

"We can load the pathogen into a salvo of injection darts," Ra'yral suggested. "I'm sure I can get at least one to connect."

"And you'll end up like Sorvek; skewered with a weapon he can just form with his hand," Thompson said, trying to contain his anger. "This guy can send a cloud of nanites to kill you before you can even get close enough to blow a dart at him."

Ryramorl was about to answer when Reepchip chittered. “You remember what those nanites did to the computer on Andoria,” the Muran said. “It would be like taking a sword against the Crawling Hunger--and I don’t think the Admiral is the type to launch artillery when he is certain it would hit nothing.”  But something about Ryramorl’s suggestion had troubled the Muran.

Siena smacked her fist into her palm. "On my last contract on Kazis IX, I ferried some military grade drones to a ship in Cardassian space. The drones were stolen tech from Tharnos IV, otherwise known as Minos. Highly advanced and very deadly. I was able to procure two of them thinking of taking them to Starfleet R&D. Or sell them on the black market."

There was suddenly an uproar from everyone before she was even done with her comment and the questions bombarded her. But MacLeod called for order.

"What were you doing on Minos?" MacLeod demanded. "Everyone is banned from stepping foot on that planet."

"With all due respect sir, banning the planet without enforcement doesn't mean anything to anyone looking to make some latinum. In this case, the tech was stolen, modified, and developed into a military grade drone. I picked up the cargo on Tharnos VII, where they apparently were made at an underground facility. From what I've been told, the drones can be entirely autonomous with offensive, surveillance, and defensive weaponry capabilities. Dominion houdini cloaking technology was added to increase their stealth effectiveness. They are nearly impossible to detect, but cannot move while cloaked. Because of its modular design, it is highly adaptable to be outfitted with any type of tech. We can load the drones with several salvoes of the dart and send them out to look for Dark. Maybe we can even aerosolize the pathogen and package it into the drone."

Now Lazarus was concerned about this last job she had just done. "Advanced military drones in Cardassian space? Who was your contact? Did you see any of them? Were they Cardassians?"

Sienae shook her head. "It was verbal communications only. A man named Seraph and several pallets of drones were beamed off my ship. And that was the end of the transaction. I returned to Kazis IX and then received my Shadow Ops reactivation code."

"Seraph?"

Sienae nodded. "It could be related to Legion."

“That’s who I got a scent of,” rumbled Ryramorl.

Lazarus wiped his face with a hand. "That's going to have to be a different conversation if Legion is planning something in Cardassian space. But for now, we have to concentrate on eliminating Dark."

"Agreed," MacLeod said. "Commander Tal'Aura, I want a full report of that contract to Minos."

"Aye, sir."

Lazarus looked at Sienae. "Beam over the drones so we can take a look at them. Maybe we can use it in lieu of whatever else we can have planned. Let's not just focus on one solution since we don't know how effective any of these ideas will be. So, let's have several back up plans just in case because I get the feeling we may only get one chance at him."

By the look on Reepchip’s face, he was eager to have a look at those drones himself.

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.19

Jahkar was quiet through the holographic replay of the confrontation between Jack Dark and Sorvek. He watched silently, taking in every move, every action the two men took. This was definitely Jack Dark -- the face, the voice and the abilities -- only greater than he remembered. There was also a complete change in the man’s personality.

After the replay and the discussion between Tal’Aura and Lazarus, Jahkar added his own input to the conversation.

“I worked with Jack Dark on Repulse years ago. I met Dara Ilia on that posting and when we met, she and Jack had just come out of a relationship,” Jahkar explained. “Jack and I were never close. Frankly, I found him to be arrogant with a bit of a God complex going on, but he was dedicated to his friends. He helped Ilia and I hide Tajel from his Cardassian father when we found out he was searching for him. Jack used his Risan underground connections to keep the boy hidden for several months until we killed the Cardassian bastard.”

Jahkar paused a moment, then looked to Lazarus, “That is Jack Dark, but he’s changed. The arrogance is gone, but he’s something else now. He’s obsessed with something. I don’t think he wanted to kill Sorvek...something in him just took over and he made the killing stroke.”

“Are you defending him?” Daryl asked.

“Not at all. If I find him I will be the first to bury my blade in his chest,” Jahkar said coldly. “What he has done is unforgivable. But I’m telling you, he is changed. If there’s any thought here about trying to take him alive, forget it. He’s a lost cause.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Chas’naH growled low in her throat.

Jahkar looked around again and shook his head, “I don’t have any input on the nanotech issue. That is something that appears to have also changed since I last saw Jack. If you think these options will work, I’m ready to go with whatever you all decide.” Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.21

Sh’avelith raised her hand, not certain how to join in the conversation. When Vree nodded toward her, she spoke.

“You mentioned something about radiation particles used to eliminate the nanites from the communications relays?” Tiri asked, referring back to an earlier part of Lazarus’ briefing where he detailed the operation to purge the nanites. “Any chance we could utilize that same radiation to kill all of the nanites inside Jack Dark, when we catch up with him?”

Vree looked over to Thompson and Beckett and received a shake of their heads. "That will expose everyone to the radiation and eventually kill them all. And it will also deplete our matter/anti-matter reserves even further. We've already used a quantity to eradicate the infestation in the relay systems."

Briefing Aboard USS Resurrection

Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.23

In the middle of the briefing, Lt. Commander McGuire chimed in over the speaker in the holodeck. “Captain Lazarus, Admiral MacLeod, incoming transmission from Starfleet Command. It’s Admiral Janeway.”

Lazarus looked at the hologram of MacLeod, who raised an eyebrow.

“Well, it seems the long arm of the law has caught up with us,” MacLeod said. “Put her through, commander.”

A moment later, the holographic representation of Kathryn Janeway appeared in front of them, standing between Sorvek's death scene and the rest of the Shadow Ops team. She looked around, taking in her surroundings and her gaze settled on MacLeod and Lazarus.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything?” she said. “My sympathies for the loss of Admiral Sorvek. I understand what he meant to all of you and the Shadow Operations group.”

“He was Shadow Ops,” said MacLeod, gruffly. “So, I suppose Starfleet wants us to turn Krang over and report back to Earth, ASAP?”

Janeway smiled, “No, we don’t. There is a shakeup happening right now here on Earth. Zhang is out as head of Starfleet Intelligence. The vice president has taken over as acting president and Commodore Oh has launched a massive investigation into how this Dark character assumed the identity of Aaron Gant and essentially took over the Federation for seven years.”

“So how exactly does all of this affect us,” Lazarus asked. “We just want to go after Dark at this point, admiral.”

Janeway nodded, “I agree, he needs to be brought to justice for everything he’s done. But right now, we need Resurrection to take Krang to the Klingons and help them bring down Kre’tok and the dreadnought.”

“As if they’d bloody let us help them?” MacLeod said, bristling at the mention of helping the Klingons.

“Actually Ian, they are going to do exactly that,” she replied. “You bring them Krang and they will allow Resurrection to assist them in destroying the captured dreadnought. Starfleet wants it destroyed before it can be used against our people again, as it was on Gault.”

“The moment we give them Krang, they’ll trade him for Lady Sirella,” said Lazarus. “You know that, admiral.”

“That’s not our concern,” she said. “We want to maintain relations with the Klingons, but we want to make sure that ship is no longer a threat. And regardless if Kre’tok is commanding it, or if it is serving in the Klingon fleet, it’s a threat. You all understand this, don’t you?”

Everyone nodded, but it was MacLeod who spoke, “You want it destroyed? What if they don’t want it destroyed?”

“Do what you can, without risking an incident, and if they manage to salvage the ship gather as much intel on it as you possibly can before returning home,” Janeway said firmly. “If we can’t see it destroyed, we at least want to know all of its capabilities.”

MacLeod and Lazarus looked at one another and both nodded, “We can do that,” Lazarus said. “Assuming we survive an encounter with that damn thing.”

“Agreed,” she said. “Meanwhile, you are cleared of any wrongdoing or restrictions placed upon you by Gant and Zhang. Chancellor Martok is expecting you at Ty’Gokor as soon as possible.”

Janeway paused a moment and looked at the team, “Anything else? Anyone?”

Commander Mayla Vree

Holodeck, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.24

Mayla gave Lazarus a quick glance, indicating they were communicating over the subvocal. He gave her the briefest of nods.

"Admiral, there could be others working with Dark in the President's cabinet, or even Starfleet Command. Someone else inside Starfleet must have known all of our communications relays had been compromised. How can something like that be hidden for so long?"

Janeway gave her a grave look. "We are moving on questioning everyone who has had any contact with Gant. You let me worry about Starfleet Command, and you focus on that dreadnought."

"With all due respect, Admiral, Jack Dark had intimate knowledge of our organization and knew what we are capable of. Someone with that knowledge and foresight could have placed traps throughout the organization, even throughout the Federation maybe, to be triggered by a killswitch. Your people must look at all aspects and levels of the whole of the Federation."

Thompson's eyes suddenly became alarmed and started nodding. "I have to agree, Admiral. Those nanites that were in the communications relay had a limited AI in them. And if he was capable of keeping the nanites hidden from the usual diagnostics and software sentries, who knows what he may have left behind in those seven years he was President. He did have nearly unfettered access to everything."

Mayla threw Thompson a nod of agreement. "For all we know, he could have been funneling material, equipment, weapons, technology, and even ships to Legion. He could have set up catastrophic events to initiate once he is dead. In fact, he could have impersonated anyone and passed on false orders to place those loyal to him throughout the Federation."

Janeway looked at each member of Shadow Ops closely, stopping for a brief pause on Tal'Aura, before responding to that. "I will have the team look into that, Commander. We will be sure to audit all of his movements and activities."

"It looks very bad if word got out that we may have been funding a terrorist organization intent on bringing down empires." Jahkar said in a low growl.

"Or a complete galactic take over," Sh'avelith murmured.

"You have made it clear that we should not underestimate Dark. I will hand pick the team for the investigation and to inform them to be meticulous." Janeway said, giving Mayla a hard stare.

"Thank you, Admiral." Mayla responded, returning the stare.

Lazarus gave Mayla a glare in regards to her tone with the Admiral before taking a step forward. "It was just a suggestion from Shadow Operations, Admiral. We know how things could be done covertly and how far reaching the consequences could be when someone really puts their mind into it."

"And it is appreciated." Janeway looked away from Mayla to Tal'Aura. "Commander Tal'Aura, I'd like to speak to you in private after we are done here."

"Aye," Tal'Aura answered, then giving Mayla a quick glance.

Janeway then glanced around and continued, “Also, I should let you know that your intel on Turkana IV is being checked out. I’ve sent a task force there to deal with the Legion threat. Whatever they have going on that planet, we’ll be putting a stop to it right away.”

"Now, is there anything else?" Janeway looked to the rest of the team.

Ryramorl Ra’yral

Holodeck, USS Resurrection at Starbase 36

Stardate 2008.27

Ryramorl rumbled and bared his teeth slightly. “If this took place at Ops Base One, then Legion already knows exactly where we are. We need to get ready for the possibility of an attack on our headquarters.”

Lt. Cody Beckett

Holodeck, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.29

Cody nodded on the comment of the Carnora. “Ryramorl is right. Ops Base One should be warned. We don’t know their numbers, nor what they’re up to. We do know that they had access to all comm relays for an extensive amount of time. So they probably know that Ops Base One is our HQ. They need to be prepared.”

Lt. Daryl Thompson

Holodeck, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.29

Daryl spoke up “I’m still worried about the encounter with Dark. He has absolute full control over nanites. He can do things we’ve never seen. Even though analysis is running on the samples Beckett and Sh’avelith retrieved from Rit, we could use any information how Dark controls the nanites. We have some scenarios, but the more information we have the better. Admiral, is there any information that may help us with that?”

MacLeod took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, “Not really. There was very little documentation of his abilities that I could find. His original Shadow Operations records have vague details on his nanites. It was noted then that attempts to scan the nanites contained within his body met with some form of shielding. Medical reports were inconclusive.

“Once he was a full-fledged Shadow Ops agent, there were no further efforts by Starfleet to learn more about him and his TK abilities,” MacLeod said. “Sorvek provided him with certain protections to keep Starfleet from prying too much into Mr. Dark’s background. As far as Sorvek was concerned, he was an asset one who had proven loyalty time and time again to Shadow Ops and Starfleet.

“Upon his return from his sabbatical, Dark declined to speak about his travels, who he met with, what sort of skill he’d gained,” said MacLeod. “The Incident at Kazis happened within weeks of him returning so that’s where the record goes cold.”

The admiral turned toward Thompson, “He controls them with his mind, lieutenant. That’s all we really know. He never exhibited any telekinetic ability that didn’t involve the manipulation of nanotechnology.”

Daryl shifted in his seat. “Telekinetic you say…What if we make use of methods that cause disorientation, or even plainly overload his brain causing an epileptic seizure ? We could blast him with high volume alpha and theta waves, causing his neocortex to overload and temporarily crash his neural system. “

MacLeod nodded, “That is one possible way to incapacitate him.”

“I agree,” said Lazarus. “He looked around. Consult with the Mapcaps and Commander Carmichael on all of these options. Let’s see what we come up with. Dark’s last medical scans are in the computer. Everything we have available on him is at their disposal. Thompson, you will lead the engineering team in making preparations.”

Janeway smiled, “For what it’s worth to all of you, good job.”

MacLeod looked to the team, “I will echo the admiral’s sentiments. Now, let’s get this thing done – for Sorvek. Dismissed.”

Commander Sienae Tal'Aura

Holodeck, USS Resurrection

Stardate 2008.29

The team was dismissed, and they began leaving the holodeck. Sienae stayed behind and waited until the door closed behind the last person.

"Computer, end program." Sienae ordered the holodeck. Sorvek's death scene disappeared and the yellow grid lines appeared with just Janeway's holographic image standing there in the center. The lighting became muted with just the two of them bathed in the overhead lighting.

"Admiral," Sienae acknowledged respectfully to the holographic display of the former USS Voyager captain. "What can I do for you?"

"Commander Tal'Aura, it's been a while."

"It has. Since the Delta Quadrant mission."

"Yes," Janeway said, reminiscing silently of her visit to the Delta Quadrant to establish the Federation's farthest outpost. "That's something many will never know how indebted I am to your team for taking us there."

Sienae shook her head. "Not me, Admiral. I was just along for the ride. Bravo Squad was what made that passage possible for you before I joined the team. They came about with the technology."

Janeway put her hands on her hips. "But you helped with saving Neelix and establishing a Federation presence."

"Just part of my duty, Admiral. We all played apart in the success of that mission."

"And we made it home safely. I don't know what I'd do if I had to make that trip home again."

Tal'Aura didn't respond to that. Most everyone had read her report on Voyager's seven year mission to get back to the Alpha Quadrant. Their arrival 16 years ago was still celebrated today by clubs and associations honoring the crew and the ship itself. There was now an elective study course of that mission at the Academy. Even Voyager was displayed at the Starfleet Museum alongside other prominent ships in Starfleet's history.

Janeway took her silence as an emotional silence. "I haven't been back since. I'm afraid that technology is no longer accessible to us."

"It might be again, some day."

There was another awkward silence as both parties were keeping secrets. Janeway broke the silence by changing the subject. "I'm glad to hear Seven was able to help with your recovery."

Sienae was wondering why Janeway wanted to speak with her in private. It couldn't be just to ask her about her medical recovery. Not something that trivial. She was sure Janeway had more important things to do.

"I was saddened to hear she left Starfleet. Do you know why? And where she went?" Sienae asked. She and Seven of Nine had become friends after years of weekly medical check ups on her post-nanite infection recovery prior to their mission to the Delta Quadrant.

Janeway tried to be strong, but the hurt and pain still remained even after all these years. "She was very angry when Starfleet abandoned Romulus and the neutral zone was removed. The last I heard was she had joined up with the Fenris Rangers; serving their own version of justice on anyone taking advantage of the chaos."

Sienae nodded with understanding. She knew first hand how she, and many of her 'colleagues' on Kazis IX, ran jobs all along the nearly lawless Romulan border to planets fighting for their own survival against raiders and smugglers. In the two years she had been operating as Tarika, she fortunately hadn't come across any Rangers.

"I want to ask you something," Janeway said, now relaxing her stance. "This Mayla Vree you're with, is she anything like her father? What do you think of her?"

"That's a strange thing to ask."

"I want your assessment of her vindication and loyalties. She was adamant with telling me what I should be doing. Just like what her father did to me on that last mission."

"I've worked with her, and I consider her a sister to me. Both Vrees are wise beyond their years. Kyril Vree has the memories and experiences of at least two Starfleet officers, and one ambassador to Vulcan." Sienae couldn't help but smile. "He's taught Mayla everything she knows. It's uncanny how much she has learned from him. It's as if she also embodies those same memories and experiences. To them, we might be as inexperienced as children in certain matters. Maybe this was one of them."

Janway watched her carefully as she talked and made note of the expressions that ran across her face. After Sienae was finished, she gave her a nod. "It's good to hear it from you. I needed to know if I could trust her, as much as I trusted her father."

"You can trust her, ma'am." Sienae cocked her head to one side. "Captain Lazarus is here too. He was the CO of Bravo Squad. He's known her ever since she was a child. Why ask me?"

The admiral nodded. "Rather than hearing from a commanding officer, or maybe even a father figure, I want to hear it from someone who has actually been in the field with her. Field experience is often more telling of one's character than a post mission evaluation. With this predicament Gant has put us in, the question of whether or not to keep Shadow Operations operating is in play. And who in the organization we can now trust."

Sienae fell silent as she wasn't part of the currently operating team. "You should be talking to MacLeod or Lazarus about this."

Janeway gave a wave of her hand. "I already know what they're going to say."

"Then as Kyril Vree would say," Sienae scoffed with a smile. "'Therefore you already know what should be done.'"

Janeway looked at her for a moment letting out a laugh of defeat. "Touché. Thank you for your candor. There is one other matter I need to broach. It concerns your father."

Sienae sighed to herself. This must have been the reason for this conversation. "Another transfer request?"

"He has requested I transfer you to a position in my department."

"With all due respect, I decline. I want to stay in the field."

"What about a position in Starfleet Intelligence under Commodore Oh? I'm sure she could use a former Shadow Ops officer looking at the investigation from a covert operations perspective. Or, if you'd like, the position in my department working with Starfleet Intelligence specifically on this investigation." Janway gave her a hopeful grin. "I'd like to have someone I can trust close to me."

Now that offer gave Sienae reason to pause and consider. Give up Shadow Operations and field work to work on the team investigating the man who nearly brought down the Federation, and several other empires in the galaxy? It tickled her curiosity and, she had to admit, gave her a bridge to mend things with her father and brother. Who knows how far reaching Dark's influence was in those seven years he was president? The assignment could last years. And it may require field work to correct whatever Dark has done to the Federation.

"I appreciate the offer. But right now, I want to help Shadow Ops finish this mission. Can I give you my answer after we've dealt with the current crisis?" She asked, trying to buy some time to mull over the interesting offer.

"Alright, you do that. Either way, both offers stand. Contact me after your mission is done." Janeway said.

"Aye. I will. Thank you, ma'am."

The Admiral gave her a nod in parting. "Janeway, out."

Sienae stood there for half a minute after the Admiral's image had already disappeared. The offer made to her was enticing, but for now she should focus on the mission at hand. She walked out of the holodeck to find Lazarus waiting for her. He gestured for her to follow him.

"The Klingons only gave permission for one ship to go to Ty'Gokor. So you won't be able to come with us. But I still want you on hand to back us up if an when we do meet up with the CharghwI'. Your ship has a cloaking device?"

"Yes, a battle cloak, Jem'hadar primary weaponry, and Starfleet Intelligence's full surveillance suite. But she won't hold up against a fight against something that big." She kept pace with his fast gait and they reached the Bridge in no time.

"No, she won't. But neither would we. With tensions high between us and the Klingons, it's only prudent to have an ace up our sleeve while we're surrounded by them."

"You want me to wait for you somewhere until you send word?"

"Yes. In the meantime, I want you to recon Turkana IV. Make sure nothing escapes the Starfleet task force. If they do, tail them and determine where they go."

"Aye, sir. Do you want me to leave immediately?"

Lazarus sat down in the center chair. "Yes, on your way."

"See you soon."

IKS CharghwI'

Operating inside Klingon space

Stardate 2009.01

Kre’tok and a squad of his soldiers stood in the hangar of the massive dreadnought as the door to the Federation shuttle opened and three human males walked down the boarding ramp. Kre’tok stepped forward and extended a hand in traditional human custom to the man who led the group.

“I am Lord Kre’tok, welcome aboard the CharghwI',” said the Klingon leader. “You are Archangel, I presume?”

“I am. But you can call me Jack Dark,” the human replied. “My associates, Deland and Hanzou.”

Kre’tok nodded to the other two men, then turned his attention back to Dark, “So, Mr. Dark, tell me why you are here and not running the Legion’s campaign in the Federation?”

“The Federation campaign has run afoul of assets from Starfleet Intelligence,” he said. “I am here with an offer to assist you with your own mission to overthrow the Klingon leadership.”

Kre’tok smiled, “A bit presumptive, aren’t you?”

Dark shrugged, “Legion was instrumental in helping you get this insurrection off the ground. Now, in our time of need, I would think you would be happy to reciprocate.”

“Normally I would, if I felt I needed your assistance,” Kre’tok said boldly. “We have matters under control here. The CharghwI' is regrouping with the rest of the Iomqa’ Clan fleet to prepare for our offensive.”

“We can still offer assistance,” Dark insisted.

“Unless you’ve somehow packed weapons and supplies on that shuttle, I don’t see what you can offer me, Mr. Dark,” Kre’tok said, a slight attitude to his voice. “You are welcome to remain aboard since you apparently have no place to go, I just ask that you and your associate’s stay out of our way.”

“I have ways to improve your weaponry,” Dark said. “There are adjustments I can make. Please, just give me access to your compliment of torpedoes. I can upgrade them.”

Kre’tok looked skeptical, “Really, I don’t have time…”

Dark smiled and leaned in toward the Klingon, “Humor me, Lord Kre’tok. Let me have access to your armory. I have some improvements I’d like to make, something I haven’t tried before.”

“Something experimental?” Kre’tok asked. “I can’t risk my weapons as we go into battle for the very soul of the Klingon Empire.”

“I promise, I won’t compromise your firepower,” said Dark. “You can have your security monitor my actions, if you don’t trust me.”

Kre’tok pondered the matter for a moment, then sighed, “Very well, Mr. Dark. You can have access to 20 percent of my torpedo compliment. Nothing more.”

“I’d also like to modify a number of your probes…the scientific ones,” said Jack. “Certainly, you won’t need them.”

“There is a small complement of them onboard, indulge yourself,” Kre’tok said, then turning to one of his men. “Korvot, see to it Mr. Dark and his associates have quarters and then give him access to the weapons and probes…20 percent of the compliment.”

Korvot nodded, “Yes, my lord.”

Kre’tok turned to Dark, “Anything else?”

“No,” Jack smiled. “That will be all. Thank you, Lord Kre’tok.”

The Klingon said nothing more, but then took his officers and headed to the turbolift, leaving Korvot to tend to Dark and his men.

“Can I see the weapons first?” Dark asked.

Korvot looked at Dark and grunted, “Come with me.”

He led them to the nearest weapon’s magazine and Dark began his work…

[ Back to top]

S2, E4, Act 5: Arrival at Ty'Gokor
Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

Admiral Ian MacLeod

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.02

After the meeting, Reepchip chittered to Admiral MacLeod. "I have a question for you sir," he said deferentially.

MacLeod looked down at the Muran as the room cleared and continued, "Of course, ensign. What is it?"

"I know I was not summoned by you but sent by my OverKing to accompany Ryramorl.  Therefore, I ask, should Ryramorl perish, what happens to me?”

The admiral considered the Carnora for a moment, then offered a smile, "You may not have been invited, but you've proven yourself to be an asset to this team and the organization. Should the day ever come, and hopefully it will not, that Ryramorl is lost in the line of duty, you would be allowed to remain as a Carnora exchange officer...assuming your government wants you to remain."

Reepchip gave a chitter of relief. "I was concerned, because my people have a saying: 'If a tapestry has a loose thread, do not let it hang there.  Weave it back in or... snip it off.'"  With what Reepchip had learned of Federation Technology from the Madcaps, and his short history with Shadow Operations already, it was no surprise he'd see himself as a potential loose thread.

MacLeod gave a faint smile, "I don't think you're considered a loose thread. You're part of the Shadow Operation tapestry and I would be happy to have you continue on here regardless of whether Ryramorl is here or not. My only wish would be to see both of you work harder to adapt to Starfleet ways. We want you to maintain your cultural identity, but at the same time embrace Starfleet and Shadow Operations customs, rules and regulations better. I think that's all any of us would ask."

Reepchip nodded and gave a standard Federation salute to the Admiral. "I will work on that, sir," he said.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

Lieutenant Daryl Thompson

Lieutenant Cody Beckett

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.03

As Ryramorl left the holodeck, Daryl and Cody came up to him. “What in the world did you say in there?” asked Daryl. Ryramorl faced them calmly. “Explain.”

“When Reepchip jumped to the ceiling and Admiral MacLeod yelled at you.” “It is a very strong curse word in my language. It has no translation to Federation Standard aside from ‘it is an obscenity.’” came the calm reply.

It was clear from their expressions that neither Cody nor Daryl bought that explanation.

"All languages have strong language. Can you give us some more detail? " Beckett asked.

Ryramorl sighed. “Of all the space faring races known to the Federation, the Olvern and Usarin Carnora are the only two to still embrace the berserker--so far as I know anyways--and I am one. Spoken once, that phrase is, as I said, a great obscenity. When repeated, it is a chant to work myself into a berserk rage.”  He was reluctant to tell this because humans tended to get nervous when they learned that two races of the Carnora still had berserkers.

Daryl stopped walking. "So with these words you can get yourself loaded up to get into berserker mode? Wow. " He walked on and thought about that for a few moments. "How would that work? " He asked again. " I mean, physically? What happens in your brain and body when you go into berserker mode? "

“It depends on which rage I go into. In both cases, my conscious mind simply turns off. I stop thinking entirely. In the Rage of Fire, my strength takes a massive surge because--well, the hormone is different in the Carnora, but it is like adrenaline. I can--and have--forced my way through force fields. The drawback is that my actions become difficult to control--in our military, berserkers get training so they can be commanded, but it’s not so much issuing orders so much as aiming the berserker at a target. And whatever I do while in the Rage of Fire, I do it full strength.

“The Rage of Ice is the cessation of all emotion and thought--a cold fury, if you will. The strength is much less, but I am more easily commanded. Again, I do not think of what I’m doing. I simply do.”  He pondered his next words. “The Carnora take berserkers very seriously. If I had said that phrase three times in a row, then according to our laws Admiral MacLeod would have been fully in his rights to summarily court-martial me for trying to drive myself into a rage without being commanded to do so--or at least throw me in the brig. I know this is the Federation, not Carnora territory, but if I’d said that phrase thrice, I would essentially be endangering the lives of everyone on this ship for no good reason.

“Also, when I am berserk, I ignore all injuries done to myself, even if fatal. Back on Kazis IX, there was a battle between the Blood Way and the Carnora enclave there. It seems one Klingon shoved a bat’leth through a berserk Olvern--and still got torn apart. Only when the Olvern recovered from his rage did he realize that he was mortally wounded. Of course, taking my head off or disintegrating me would stop me, as would the removal of my limbs, but other than that, it is nigh-impossible to halt a berserk Carnora--and completely impossible to make it run away or distract it.”

His face softened slightly. “And that is why saying that phrase once is considered particularly harsh swearing.”

Daryl looked sideways to Ryramorl, as he noticed the change of voice of the large Carnora.

Cody nodded, thoughtfully. "You say you can be commanded. But to whom would you listen? You say your conscious mind switches off. But you do take commands. But from whom? Is that what the training is for? To learn to obey commands from a particular person. And also, do you remember what happened when you come out of the berserker rage? "

“We have special rituals that train us to listen to certain voices. I have some holodeck simulations that let me keep up with that training; a friend of mine at Starfleet Academy helped me program them. I’ve suggested to Admiral MacLeod that I add him to those programs, but he hasn’t said yes yet, so I haven’t. As for memories--seldom, and they are dim if I do have them.”

“Interesting” Beckett replied. “You refer to a Carnora who is in Berserk mode as ‘it’. Do you see them as a tool? A weapon perhaps?”

Ryramorl grunted. “Did you not listen when I explained the Berserker during the meeting? A weapon is exactly what a Berserker is. And it is part of our training; to drive home that when a Carnora is Berserk, it has no control over itself, no more than a thrown rock or a shot arrow. It is one of the first things we learn as Berserkers. Another thing a Berserker does from the start is to meditate for hours on the commands to switch them off, so to speak. Those are the first commands we learn.”

Thompson reacted "my apologies, I was probably thinking about ways to incapacitate Dark. Speaking of which, I need to be in Engineering to start working on the preparations against Dark. Beckett, I need you there as well with the nanite samples you retrieved from Rit. Then he addressed Ryramorl. "If you are willing to do what you said, I might be able to work out a scenario where your Berserker capacities come in. "

Ryramorl stopped in his tracks and looked at Daryl. "MacLeod said no. That should be respected"

Daryl shrugged. "It's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. We need to consider ALL scenarios. Even the unexpected and unwanted ones. You never know how a situation works out. "

Ryramorl grunted. “All right, but just know this:  I don’t know if Admiral MacLeod knows how to command me while I’m in Berserker mode. I do know that nobody else does. Once I am loose, I will be focused on whatever target I’m aimed at, until I come to my senses on my own--whenever that is.”  It was clear the thought made him uncomfortable. And even with his training, it had been…  how long since Berserkers were used in battle? The training of a Berserker was considered an important part of their culture, but it had been a very long time since a Berserker was called on to fulfill its role--perhaps not even since the Great Teaching so long ago.

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.03

Tiri left the briefing feeling like a dunce. Her brilliant suggestion about using the same radiation the Madcaps and Daryl had used to purge the nanites from the communications relays had been a complete flop. Of course, the radiation would harm people. She had medical training -- she knew that. Or, she should have before she shot off her big mouth.

The Andorian headed to the medical bay where she figured she’d be available to assist the EMH once casualties began to come in. If they engaged the Klingon dreadnought in battle, there would be injuries among the crew. She just hoped it wouldn’t be too bad.

On her way to the medical bay, Tiri ran into Commander Raillius who stopped her in the corridor. “Ensign, you’re with me. Come with me to the lab, we’re going to assist Thompson and the Mad Caps with the synthesizing of the neurolytic pathogen.

The Andorian nodded and fell in step with Raillius, heading back up the corridor to where the lab was located.

“Do you ever get the feeling Commander Vree is a little...tense?” Tiri asked.

Raillius smiled, “She’s always like that. Her father was the same way. She has a laser focus. Don’t take it personally.”

“Personally, oh...I don't know…” Tiri stammered.

“She shot you down in the briefing,” the half-Romulan said. “Actually, let me restate that, they all shot you down. Good suggestion in theory, but not feasible in reality.”

“I know. Sometimes I just feel like I’m a few paces behind Vree, Beckett and Thompson,” Sh’avelith muttered. “I guess I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in.”

“You have a valuable skill set, ensign,” Rallius said. “You’ll find your place eventually. Give it time and don’t let Mayla and the others make you feel bad.”

They entered the lab and Tiri gave Raillius a nod, “Thanks commander.”

Once there, Tiri looked around at the staff present and declared, “We’re here to help!”

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.03

Lazarus arrived on the bridge following the briefing with Janeway and MacLeod and took his chair in the center of the bustling room. The crew was on the move, preparing Resurrection for departure from Starbase 36.

There was a bit of apprehension in the air, with the death of Sorvek still painfully gnawing at the crew and the looming confrontation with both Legion and the treacherous Jack Dark, and the Klingon renegades aboard IKS Charghwl’. They were the linchpins in resolving both matters and it was weighing heavily on everyone.

“Lt. Commander Carmichael,” he announced, stirring Tommy from his station on the bridge. “Prepare the coaxial drive for the trip to Ty’Gokor. I want your calculations to put us just outside the system with the phased cloak engaged.”

The chief engineer nodded, “Aye sir,” he said before leaving for engineering.

Lazarus then looked to Lt. Commander Revu at the helm, “Coordinate with Mr. Carmichael on the jump, but first, disengage docking clamps and take the Resurrection out thrusters only.”

“Aye sir,” the Bajoran helmsman said. “Disengaging docking clamps. Engaging thrusters.”

Resurrection uncoupled from the starbase and drifted out a ways before thrusters kicked in and carried the escort craft into space.

“We are away from Starbase 36,” Revu announced.

“Take us out at impulse speed,” Lazarus ordered. “Mr. Carmichael, let us know when you’re ready to engage coaxial drive…”

Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection, Starbase 36

Stardate 2009.03

After the briefing, she went to her quarters to change into her fatigues where she felt the most comfortable, and with her sidearms. After a short goodbye with Sienae, she watched on a monitor as the Tachi Koma departed the starbase just as the Resurrection also prepared for her own departure.

Bringing up the feeds to the brig, she watched their two prisoners seemingly restless confined to their cells. Krang had been given medical treatment and was well again. Sera just kept to herself as she laid on the bunk. She watched the two for a few minutes thinking what they might be going up against when they find the stolen dreadnought.

Or when they meet up with Jack Dark and his Legion.

She felt the ship lurch as the docking clamps detached. In a few minutes, they were out in space and leaving Starbase 36 behind. She sat on her bunk to begin a meditative trance to clear her mind and heart, so she could focus on the next part of their mission. It was no time at all when the ship wide announcement came.

"All hands, black alert. All hands, black alert."

She came out of her trance and took a deep cleansing breath just as her vision blurred for just a moment to signify coaxial transition.

"Commander Vree, report to the bridge."

Her work is never done. She tapped her comm badge as she got off her bunk. "On my way."

USS Resurrection

Departing Starbase 36

Stardate 2009.15

The Resurrection had moved off from the starbase and Captain Lazarus was ready to get underway. He sent a final message off to Yevgeni Ibragimov, thanking his old friend for his help and assuring him his payment had been sent. He also sent a final acknowledgement to the Tachi Koma wishing Sienae Tal'Aura luck.

Once formalities were out of the way, Lazarus looked to Lt. Commander Revu at the helm. “Mr. Revu, lay in a course to Ty’Gokor.”

“Course laid in, captain,” the Bolian said.

“Black alert,” Lazarus said. “Engage the coaxial drive.”

The ship disappeared from space around Starbase 36 and for the crew, the effect was its usual for the crew of Resurrection: everything blurred around them and there was a momentary feeling of light-headedness amongst most members. When it was over, Revu reported from the helm that the ship was in the system that was home to the Klingon military fortress known as Ty’Gokor.

“Well, they’re going to be surprised when we disengage the phased cloak,” Lazarus said, looking around at the dozens of Klingon ships orbiting the massive battle station. “But we were invited.”

Reepchip, having just finished his talk with Admiral MacLeod, found himself bent over as the drive hit him worse than most. He fumbled for a tiny flask that he had in his pocket, and quickly drank it. Seeing Admiral MacLeod’s look, Reepchip assured the Admiral that what he’d had was nothing more than medicine that would calm his body. Indeed, the medicine had a swift effect on the small ensign’s body, and he was soon able to stand upright again.

Captain Quentin Lazarus

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.16

Lazarus pondered the situation for a moment. Then he turned to Lt. Nyck Dahrt at tactical, “Open a channel Mr. Dahrt.”

The Iotian nodded, “Aye sir, channel open.”

“This is Captain Quentin Lazarus aboard the USS Resurrection,” he said. “Chancellor Martok, we are here at your request and ask your permission to decloak.”

The line was silent a moment, then the viewscreen flickered and Martok appeared, his hair white, an eyepatch still worn across one ruined eye. “Permission to decloak? Where are you?”

“Mr. Dahrt, disengage phased cloak,” Lazarus ordered.

“Aye sir,” he replied. His hands flew across the holographic display and the ship return to normal phase, making it appear to the entire fleet massed at Ty’Gokor.

“Let’s hope there are no itchy trigger-fingers out there,” the captain said dryly.

“Several Klingon ships have locked onto us,” Dahrt said. “Orders sir?” “Steady.”

Martok scowled on the viewscreen, “How did you get past our defensive grid?”

“Sorry sir, I can’t say, but we are here as requested and we have the prisoner Krang to turn over to you,” Lazarus said. “We are also here to help you deal with our mutual problem.”

Martok nodded, “Indeed. Ready Krang for transport, I need to have him prepared for the prisoner exchange. Time is running out. I will see you and your officers on Ty’Gokor shortly. Permission to beam over.”

“Thank you, chancellor,” he said. “Lazarus out.”

The captain turned to Mayla, “Pick a couple of your team to accompany you and I over to the station. Dahrt, have the transporter room standby. When we beam over, have Krang beamed with us but have it done directly from his cell. I don’t want to give him another chance to kill anyone and escape.”

Lazarus then headed toward the door on his way to the transporter room.

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S2, E4, Act 6: Package Delivered
Commander Mayla Vree

USS Resurrection, Ty'Gokor

Stardate 2009.14

Mayla left the Bridge after Lazarus and headed down to their armory. On her way there, she thought about the worst-case scenario that might happen during the prisoner transfer. She also wasn't going to let the captain beam into an unsecured location. She opened a channel to Phoenix Team.

"I need two teams, recon and escort. Raillius will lead the escort team to provide protection for Krang and the Captain and beam directly from the brig. Thompson, Sh'avelith, Beckett, and a small security detail will accompany you. The rest with me as recon to secure the beam in site before prisoner transfer. Meet me in the transporter room in 15 minutes."

"Don't you think that's over doing it?" Lazarus' came over with the full gruffness he usually easily mustered at a moment’s notice.

"Don't think for a minute I'll let the master of this vessel beam into an unsecured site, Captain."

To her surprise, Commander Sornax was listening in. "I have to agree with her, Captain. As your XO, I have to state regulation-"

"Alright," Lazarus jumped in, clearly agitated. "I don't need the regs quoted to me."

"Do you want us in full gear?" Thompson asked.

"We're going in to see the Chancellor. Appearing in a full load out might give them the wrong idea." Jahkar said.

"Point taken." Mayla reached the armory to see several other team members approaching. "Minimal load out. Hidden is better. Questions?"

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.18

Ryramorl rumbled. “I think Reepchip should perhaps remain behind,” he said. “Outside of the occasional friendship or understanding, Klingons don’t get along with the Carnora very well at the best of times, and most find Murans particularly irritating. I believe it has something to do with their voice. Also, a single Muran does not look particularly imposing, and the Klingons may consider his presence mockery. It is simply that way, Reepchip,” he said in apology to the diminutive ensign.

Vree stopped just as she entered the armory to face the Carnora. "If that's what you feel is best. Then I'd like him to watch Sera and the brig. We don't want another incident to happen while we're all off the ship."

Ryramorl nodded. “If nothing else, his defensive shriek should be warning enough if something goes wrong,” he said with a slight wince and a twitch of his ears. Even if the commander had never heard such a sound, from the look on Ryramorl’s face it had to be impressive.

Colonel Jahkar

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.18

Jahkar looked at Ryramorl and smirked, “Mockery. Wait until I beam in, a Klingon/Romulan hybrid, they’re gonna love me.”

The big marine looked down at the Muran and gave him a smile, “If you go, stick by me. They’ll have to decide which one of us they hate more.”

Chas’naH stepped up, “Commander, I know I’m not officially part of this team, but I was assigned to Krang by Starfleet Intelligence and by all rights I should see him over to Ty’Gokor. Is that acceptable?”

"That would be appropriate, since he was originally your charge," the Trill commander said as she strapped one of her katanas across her back before picking up her rifle. "You will replace Raillius as command of the escort team. Raillius will be with me."

Now Jahkar looked at her with concerned eyes. "So, the first ones transporting in is a Klingon/Romulan hybrid, a Carnora, AND a Romulan? Are you trying to make some sort of impression?"

Vree headed for the door. "I don't know what you mean, Colonel."

Jahkar grinned and strapped his dual Klingon handaxes to both outer thighs. He checked that his Type II Phaser sidearm was in its holster at his hip, then selected a Type V Tactical Phaser Rifle. At the small of his back was a d’ktahg, something he needed when going into a Klingon environment.

“Ready to go when you are,” the Marine said. “Let’s do this.”

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.23

Ryramorl grunted. By his side he had not only his phaser, but also the revolver he’d gotten from his tribe. Martok might respect him more than Reepchip for at least looking like a warrior, or perhaps even more if the Chancellor knew that Ryramorl was the bodyguard of the Overking of the Olvern. That being said, the average Klingon’s attitude towards the Carnora could be summed up with one of their idioms:  “cha’maH cha’ joQDu’ ghaj Qronrapu`.”--”The Carnora have 22 ribs.”

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.23

Reepchip gave a quiet chitter and saluted, assuring Mayla he would be glad to remain behind for such duty. His tail brushed the hilt of his Scorpion Dagger reflexively. His muzzle quirked at Ryramorl’s description of a Muran’s shriek.

Lt. Daryl Thompson & Lt. Cody Beckett

USS Resurrection, Engineering

Stardate 2009.23

Daryl looked at Cody as the order from Vree came in and gave him a wry smile. “Guess the engineering has to wait a little bit. Then he looked around engineering and found Lt. Corhees.

“Lt. Corhees. Could you do me a favor and start setting up some simulations? I’ll give you access to the plans I have so far and all necessary datafiles. Beckett and myself have a short interlude with some Klingons, I believe”. Corhees looked a bit confused for a moment, then he nodded. “Aye, will do”. Corhees opened a channel. “Lt. Spargan, Ensigns Wong, Turner and Grollan, report. I have some urgent work for you.”

Daryl nodded to Corhees, and turned around, while he ordered his AI mentally to give the team led by Corhees access to all data concerning Dark.

“Let’s go and suit up. We don’t want the Commander waiting for us, do we?” Daryl said to Cody, as they both turned around and left Engineering. On their way to the armory, Daryl opened a channel to Darva McGuire. “Daryl here. Is the security detail ready for beaming over with Krang?”

“Yes, they are. Ensigns Sentaa, Auriak and Rolston are on their way to have Krang secured.”

“OK, thank you hon...Lt. Commander McGuire,” Daryl corrected himself

“Anytime, Lieutenant….McGuire out.”

Beckett smirked. “What?” Thompson reacted with his well-known half grin. Beckett just rolled his eyes as they entered the armory.

Beckett walked to his locker, which opened automatically once he stood in front of it. He put on his SO field gear, dual phaser sidearms and a Type V Tactical Rifle. Two hunting knives on his back and he was good to go.

Daryl took the same loadout, with the exception of the hunting knives. He had his Chinese butterfly knives on his back and a set of throwing knives in the side pockets of his suit.

Minutes later, both Lieutenants entered the brig. Lazarus was already there as was the Klingon female Chas’naH. Lazarus nodded shortly to both Shadow Operatives.

Beckett and Thompson walked towards Chas’naH. As they approached, she turned her gaze on them. “Lieutenants Beckett and Thompson reporting in, ma’am,” Thompson said. Chas’Nah looked at them and nodded, in agreement. “At ease lieutenants. Where is the Andorian Sh’avelith?”

The door to the brig slid open, and Tiri, along with the security escort walked in. Daryl looked at her and gestured for her to come over. She hasted to get there, and reported in. “Good. We are complete. Let’s get this over with” Chas’naH said. She moved forward to the brig. “All weapons on stun. He has to be transferred alive.”

“Thompson, Beckett, each on one side of the cell. Sh’avelith, you're with me” Chas’naH ordered. “Security detail, after me.” Then she turned towards the hulking Klingon in the cell. The look on his face was one of pure hatred. Chas’naH stepped in front of him. “In the back of the cell. On the ground. Hands behind your neck.”

Krang butted his head into the forcefield, either of frustration or hoping to hit Chas’naH. She didn’t flinch. Then he folded his hand behind his neck, stepped slowly to the back of his cell and lay down on the floor.

Chas’naH looked at Lazarus, then to Beckett and Thompson, to end at Tiri. The young Andorian woman was nervous but tried to hide it. She looked at Beckett, who gave her a reassuring nod and a thumbs up. The Chas’naH lowered the force field and stepped into the brig, towards Krang. Tiri stood beside her, training her weapon on the back of the Klingon on the ground. The Security officers did their job swiftly, and Krang was handcuffed, hands behind his back. Then his feet were cuffed too. They helped him up again. His eyes pierced through everyone he looked at, but he stayed silent. “Prisoner secured,” ensign Rolston said.

“Formation” Chas’naH said.

They moved around. Krang was in the middle, put on his knees. Lazarus and Chas’naH stood behind him. The security around them, out of his immediate reach, and around that, looking outwards, were Thompson, Beckett and Sh’avelith. Lazarus and Chas’naH stood in between both. They were ready to beam out.

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.29

Tiri stood in her position, with her rifle in hand, as they assembled around the prisoner. Confirming they were ready, Chas’naH signaled their readiness to beam out. A moment later they were enveloped in the transporter beam and dematerialized on Resurrection.

IKS CharghwI'

Operating inside Klingon space

Stardate 2009.29

Lord Kre’tok sat on the bridge of the Dreadnought IKS CharghwI' and watched a holographic live stream of the main weapons magazine aboard the ship. There, supervised by one of his followers, the man known as Archangel walked along a row of plasma torpedoes and placed his hand on each one, paying a moment, before moving on to the next.

Looking over his shoulder, one of his aides, Korvot, watched the human as he seemed to be almost praying over or blessing each of the torpedoes.

“Is he mad?” Korvot muttered. “It looks like he is blessing the torpedoes with the might of Kahless himself.”

Kre’tok shook his head, “I thought the same. Then I did a scan of the magazine and found out something interesting. He is infusing each warhead with something from his body. It appears to be some form of nanotechnology.”

Korvot scowled, “Nano...you mean, microscopic robots?”

“Essentially,” Kre’tok replied. “Once he plants a group of nanites inside the warhead, they mass produce there.”

“Is he sabotaging them?” Korvot asked, glaring.

“I don’t believe so,” said the leader of the Iomqa’ Clan. “I think he is enhancing them somehow. This individual, Jack Dark, the empire has limited files on him. He is supposed to be dead. It seems he was a member of Shadow Ops some time ago. Had the ability to control nanites with his mind...telekinesis.”

Korvot frowned, but before he could ask Kre’tok added, “...he can control objects with his mind. He had spent years perfecting this ability.”

“What will happen when those torpedoes hit an enemy ship?” Korvot asked/

Kre’tok turned toward his junior officer and smiled, “Enhanced damage, I hope. Maintain guards on him at all times. When he is finished there, bring him to the bridge.”

“Yes, my lord,” Korvot said. “Martok missed another deadline. What are your orders?” “Have her beaten again, send the holographic recording to Ty’Gokor. Tell him this is the last extension of his deadline,” Kre’tok said. “Next time we will start removing digits, then appendages, and when she runs out of those, we’ll kill her swiftly. Tell Martok to be at the rendezvous in six hours with my father.”

Korvot nodded, “As you wish, my lord.”

Commander Mayla Vree

Recon Team, Ty’Gokor

Stardate 2009.29

Mayla, along with Raillius, Jahkar, and Ra'yral stood in a defensive circle on the transporter pad. She had their weapons at ease just before she signaled for transport.

The uproar that sounded as soon as they materialized would have made any new recruit panic and bring their weapons to bear. But these were Shadow Operations elite, and held their ground without movement until they heard the order from their CO. The ruckus got even louder when they realized who had actually beamed in.

Mayla was the only one facing Chancellor Martok, who stood on the other end of the large room. The man's long hair and beard was as grey as Kahless himself, but did not seem as feeble as most people would take him for at this advanced age. He held a large walking staff in his left hand and she could see a batleth hung on the side of his chair for easy access. The shadow operatives remained motionless as Mayla took in the room that was built specifically in case the Chancellor was ever to visit. Lined on either side of the center path were several squads of heavily armed Klingons. The decor of the walls with fire lit alcoves no doubt held more guards. She also had no doubt there were doorways behind the dozen or so tapestries hung from the high ceiling where more guards to appear from. The dozen guards surrounding the Chancellor had leapt into motion and stood in front of Martok now even though they were over 20 meters away.

Martok banged his staff on the platform, letting the thumping sound resonant in the chamber before he spoke. "Where is Krang?"

Mayla stepped forward and slung her rifle and let the echoes die down before responding. "I am Commander Mayla Vree of the USS Resurrection. My team is to secure this location before we beam him over." She said in a loud clear voice that pierced the distance between them.

The elderly Klingon glared from afar at the diminutive Trill woman who spoke as if she was ten times bigger. "As you can see, Commander, the room is very secured."

Mayla was about to rebuff when she got the all clear from the rest of her team over her subvocal. "Affirmative, Chancellor. I will give the word." She and her team took five steps forward, expanding their defensive perimeter to allow room for the escort team to beam in.

"Watch for snipers," Mayla whispered into the subvoc. This would be the perfect opportunity for any of the Legion infiltrators to try to take them out. Constantly moving her eyes to scan her area for anything suspicious, she gave the Resurrection the word to beam over the escort team along with Lazarus and Krang.

Lieutenant Ryramorl Ra’yral

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.29

Ryramorl not only kept his eyes peeled, but twitched his ears and breathed deep, trying to scent or hear any sign of treachery.

Ensign Tiri Sh’avelith

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.29

They rematerialized on Ty’Gokor and found themselves in a huge chamber, where Commander Vree and her team stood with Chancellor Martok and a group of his warriors. With Tiri and the team was Krang, who was bound, and Captain Lazarus.

She looked at Martok, in awe that she was here with the hero and legend of the Dominion War. His attention was directly solely on the prisoner, Krang.

“Guards,” Martok barked. “Take this petaQ into custody.”

Ty’Gokor

Klingon space

Stardate 2009.29

Two warriors stepped up and seized Krang by the arms, his wrists still bound at his back. He gave a wicked grin at Martok and laughed, “Enjoy these final days of your reign, Martok. They will soon be over.”

“Silence, you murdering targ!” Martok growled. “It is you and your son that will soon be at an end.”

“So, I take it we are going to the exchange site?” Krang grinned. “Where you exchange me for your wife?”

“Enough!” Martok bellowed. “Get him aboard my flagship. We depart in 30 minutes.”

The guards then turned to take Krang away as Martok turned his attention on the Shadow Ops team and Captain Lazarus. “We will be rendezvousing with Kre’tok at a set of coordinates several light years from here. Admiral Janeway has asked that you accompany us and assist. Is this acceptable?”

Captain Lazarus frowned, “You realize Kre’tok is using your wife as bait to destroy you and as many of your ships as her can with that stolen dreadnought?”

“What kind of warrior would I be Lazarus if I allowed my wife to die at the hands of that petaQ?” Martok bristled. “I have lived a long life. Today is a good day to die.”

Lazarus leaned forward toward the Klingon leader, “But you don’t need to die, chancellor. Let my team get aboard that ship, rescue your wife and see if they can’t sabotage it, give us an advantage in battle.”

He realized he was likely committing the team to a very difficult task, one they might not survive. But they had to try -- to keep them from getting Krang and to stop them from using the dreadnought to kill any more innocent civilians.

The captain looked to Vree, “Commander, does this sound like an option we could help the chancellor with?”

Commander Mayla Vree

Ty’Gokor

Stardate 2009.29

Mayla slung her rifle and looked from Lazarus to the chancellor. "We have a fair chance if we can get on board in stealth." She gave Lazarus a smirk. "Shadow Operations has done it before."

Lazarus had to give her a grim smile before turning to the Chancellor. "Commander Vree is my field team leader."

"So it was you who had the audacity of bringing with you a k'abitak hybrid, a hairy qronra, and a treacherous Romulan lo'be'vos. I should feed your chopped up corpse to my targ for staining this chamber with their stench." The guards around the chancellor reacted to his tone and closed ranks around the dais that held the elaborately decorated chair of the Klingon Chancellor. His personal guards growled menacingly at the slight of a Trill woman, but her blank eyes told them nothing. Especially not intimidation nor fear.

She stared at him with blank eyes for a few moments before speaking. "Is there anything else you'd like to add, Chancellor?" she said in a voice that seemed to irk him even more. "Maybe something not for the ears of these mindless t'gla surrounding you?"

At the sound of that insult the dozen guards leapt forward to close ranks but stopped at a sharp bark from Martok. He gestured them to step back and stood up as tall as he could in front of his imposing throne to look down at her. Her eyes betrayed no intimidation at all to his inward amusement.

"You are Commander Vree of Shadow Operations?" Chancellor Martok picked at a memory. "You are not Commander Vree of Bravo Squad," he stated. "But you sound and act like him."

Mayla shook her head, also accessing the same memory Martok was probably remembering. "I believe you knew my father during the Dominion War. You met him on Deep Space Nine during a mission briefing. He led Bravo Squad on a joint mission with the Romulans to destroy the Dominion's prototype battleship called the Dreadnaught."

Martok let out a deep laugh at the memory and eased himself back down into his large throne chair. "Yes, yes! And after the Romulan treachery he assaulted the Romulan senator, Nardel, who set up the mission."

"Yes, Chancellor, that he did."

Martok laughed heartily now as he did when he had first heard of it back then. "Disabled the crew and commandeered a Romulan warbird after accomplishing the mission and returned to DS9. Then he alone transported directly into the senator's quarters while he was sleeping, snatched him right from under Sisko's nose, and dragged him into his office like a wet, sniveling targ."

"Yes. Admiral Ross wasn't too happy with that."

"And he received a formal reprimand for it, I heard. Even a diplomatic one."

"Yes, Chancellor."

He chortled and sat back down. "The Romulans were humiliated by Shadow Operations. They hate competition that rivals their own treacherous methods." He said while eyeing Raillius.

"That may be so. But on a previous mission, my father and his team received a commendation from Romulus for saving their empire from a Borg invasion."

"A rare thing indeed." He shook his head at the callousness the elder Trill commander was dealing with the Romulan senator. It was nearly something a Klingon might have done. But the fact the Romulans had given a rare commendation to an outsider told him the elder Trill may be just as treacherous. Now he understood why this young Trill chose these particular team mates as part of the first to beam into this chamber. And her defiant stance against his dozen guard detail. "Your father was a formidable opponent; standing up against the posturing of the whole of the Romulan Star Empire at that!" He almost gave out a triumphant bellow as if it was nearly his own victory even though he was only a witness to it. But it was quickly tempered as he glared at her with his one and only eye. "But you, do we know each other?"

"No, Chancellor. We have never met face to face."

"No, we have not. But I do know of you. It was you who led the assault on the ghost clan stronghold on Qo'nos a few weeks ago."

Mayla's eyes didn't reveal if she did or not. "I don't think so, sir."

The elderly Klingon leaned back in his chair and eyed her with his one eye. "I have intelligence that says otherwise, Commander." He gestured to his guards to take a few steps further back. If this young Trill was indeed the one who led the assault, there was no doubt she could take on everyone in this room. He had seen the report that described the remains of those in the fortress. There was no need for the senseless bloodshed of his finest warriors currently protecting him. He looked over to Lazarus.

"Despite the current tensions between the Empire and the Federation, your Shadow Operations did good work during the War. They saved my life and I will never forget that. Now we must see if you can neutralize our dreadnought and save my wife. Qa'pla, Captain, Commander. We will provide to you with everything we have on the dreadnought. Is there anything else you need?"

"A fleet of ships standing by for our signal if we need any assistance or distraction." Mayla said. "As a secondary route in case the mission doesn't go as planned."

"And we still have to find that ship first," Lazarus said.

"There's a good chance the dreadnought will be at the exchange," Mayla said offhandedly.

Thompson's voice came over the subvoc to the team. "Maybe we can piggyback our transporter signal on Krang's when they beam him over?"

"That is an option. But state of the art ship with new systems," Lazarus said, "if you're detected, they could scatter your signal and kill you before you even knew it."

"We also should consider the possibility the Klingon's communications could also be compromised." Raillius said. "Which means they may know we're here."

"Maybe we could ask the Chancellor to send out a false message to Janeway to report that an 'incident' has occurred here and they had no choice but to open fire and destroy the Resurrection." Jahkar said.

"All good ideas," Mayla said. "There's so little we know about them now; we should assume the worse so we can be prepared for the worst case scenario."

Ty’Gokor

Stardate 2009.29

Martok looked over the group of Shadow operatives and grunted, “Very well. We need to be underway as soon as possible. Kre’tok will send a set of coordinates when we are ready to deliver Krang. We will rendezvous with him at those coordinates to make the exchange.”

Lazarus nodded, “I’d like to assign a couple of my operatives to act as liaisons.”

Martok frowned, “Very well.”

The captain looked to Mayla, “I’ll let you decide who you’re sending. The rest of us will beam back to Resurrection and prepare to depart.”

Ensign Reepchip Charatetet

USS Resurrection

Stardate 2009.29

Reepchip remained behind in the brig to watch Sera. The normally chatty Muran said nothing, he simply sat on his haunches, staring into her cell. His tail was coiled around a long knife, and he had a phaser by his side, which looked comically large compared to the tiny creature. His rat-like face seemed unreadable.

Sera looked up from her bunk inside her cell and studied the Muran. Finally, she smiled slightly and said, “I’m not familiar with your species. But I get the sense you’d like to come in here and kill me? I guess I don’t blame you.”

Reepchip said nothing for a while longer. He used his telekinesis to levitate a PADD while he read it, and his muzzle twitched as he found something… interesting.

Finally, he began to speak with the cadence of a storyteller passing on a clan history. “And so it came to pass that the war amongst the Andorians came to a close. And the Carnora --who lay in wait as hunters do when the Horghenhar do battle and are left exhausted, came in. The Carnora, in their unity, had grown stronger, while the Andorians were shattered by conflict, and divided by mistrust, and thus the Empire, unto Andoria Prime itself, proved easy and weary prey.

“And the Overkings of the Carnora came into the presence of the Messengers--even unto the very Khyrrians themselves--and revealed their prize. The Khyrrians were pleased, and welcomed the Carnora back into their Empire at long last, to begin a second Age of Wonders, as was of old. And Rissa Jachekchek, OverKing of the Muran, was given dominion over Andoria, and he gave governance of it unto the Jirek-Jai, who are best suited for the cold.

“And from generation unto generation, no Andorian ever set foot on Carnor, for that is a privilege for the Carnora alone and those they respect, not for the conquered and subjugated.”

Only after he told this tale did he lift his eyes to meet Sera’s. “So… with people like you to make such a prize an easy fruit to pluck, why would I want to kill you?”

Sera shrugged, “Because I participated in the murders of two of your crew mates. Because I betrayed the Federation.”

“While I wish the wrath of Lord Agavan on you for the murder of my crew mates, I shall pray you live to a very old age, with a strong mind even to your deathbed, so that all your life you would gather in full storehouses of what you’ve sown. I can think of no greater damnation in this life for one with Muran blood on a bronze sword.

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