Chapter One

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly six months ago, the Elorg War reached its conclusion.  In the aftermath of an epic battle at Ciden II, the Cerebrate Z’danorax lay mortally wounded on the bloodied battlefield—and in her dying breaths, she placed the foundations for peace.  A treaty was signed shortly thereafter, allegedly heralding a new era of peace and prosperity.  But as far as Ryan Landsberg was concerned, it was a new era of chaos.

 

He sat beside Holly Gabriel—his first officer—and Alan Christopher along one side of the sleek triangular table provided by the Elorg.  The enigmatic Elorg Administrators—Zalsar and Fel’duin—were seated to Landsberg’s left, and the eternally smug Gul Rinak was seated with his small entourage on the right.  It was, quite frankly, a congregation from hell.  And if past meetings were any indication, nothing would be accomplished—except a hell of a lot of bickering. 

 

But for the moment, everyone was silent.  That in itself was a rarity, which immediately raised a dozen red flags in Landsberg’s mind.  He made a mental note to investigate later, but for the time being, he was content to get the meeting underway before any pointless squabbles broke out.

 

“Administrator,” he said sternly, looking to Zalsar, “your new colony appears to be progressing well…”

 

Zalsar nodded agreeably.  “In fact, we are ahead of schedule by more than two of your months—and we do not foresee any problems that might hinder our efforts.  The primary command and control compound should be completed by the end of the year.”

 

“And Elorg citizens are already inhabiting the region along the southern coast,” Fel’duin added.  “By our estimates, the colony should be fully functional by the end of next year.”

 

That was more than a year earlier than the Federation’s most generous estimate.  Landsberg certainly did not doubt the Elorgs’ ability to erect the colony so quickly, but he could not help but wonder the reason for their rush.  Perhaps they were plotting something?  He smiled pleasantly at the good news, set his lingering suspicions aside, and continued:  “The Federation has granted you permission to colonize both habitable planets in the Celes System, as well.”

 

Neither one of the Elorg seemed particularly moved by the Federation’s kind gesture.  Then again, the Celes System was hardly prime territory.  “It will serve our people well,” Zalsar finally grumbled.

 

Gul Rinak suddenly pounded his fist into the shiny obsidian tabletop.  “Enough of the pointless chatter,” he snapped, summarily turning his eyes upon the Elorg.  “Three days ago, two Elorg fighter craft attacked a Cardassian frigate in the Yakra Sector.  Would you care to explain this?”

 

“It was a rogue faction,” said Zalsar with a shrug.

 

Rinak humored Zalsar with a quaint smile.  “This is the fifth ‘rogue attack’ in the past month,” he seethed through clenched teeth.

 

Administrator Fel’duin turned a placid, almost emotionless gaze upon the Cardassian.  “Certainly you realize the vast extent of our empire, Gul Rinak.  It will take time to subdue every last aggressor.”

 

Clearly, Rinak was not convinced.  “These petty assaults have been happening for months,” he said, “and from Cardassia’s point of view, they are only growing in frequency…  If you cannot control your own people, Administrator, I suggest make room for someone who can.”

 

Fel’duin’s eyes widened.  “And what does that mean?”

 

Rinak drew himself closer to the table.  “It means that if the attacks against Cardassian vessels do not cease within two weeks, I will quadruple the number of Cardassian patrols in Elorg territory.”

 

Landsberg could see the fury growing in the Elorgs’ eyes, and he knew it was time intervene.  “Rinak!” he said sternly.

 

The Cardassian laughed.  “And as usual,” he said between chuckles, “the Federation will stand by and do nothing!  Except dictate more policy—but I will tell you this, Captain Landsberg, the only policy the Elorg understand is military action.  You saw how quickly the war ended once we went on the offensive, did you not?  The Elorg understood they were doomed, and surrendered!  We should not operate any different here.”

 

A part of Ryan Landsberg—albeit a very small one—was inclined to agree with Rinak.  But six months ago, the Federation made it very clear that their primary objective in Elorg territory was to rebuild.  And rebuilding did not include military action.  “We have to give the Elorg time,” he said diplomatically.  “Like the Administrator said, their empire is vast.”

 

“I have given them time,” said Rinak pompously.  “And in two weeks, Cardassian reinforcements will arrive, unless the raids come to a complete and total halt.”

 

Landsberg cast his comrades a weary gaze.  While Holly Gabriel provided little more than an empathetic smile, the look on Captain Christopher’s face harbored a bit more expression—something along the lines of “this isn’t getting us anywhere.”

 

And it wasn’t.

 

Slowly, Landsberg pulled in a lungful of air and turned back to the two Elorg.  “Is there anything else on today’s agenda?”

 

Zalsar glanced at a padd on the table.  “Nothing of consequence,” he said evenly.  “We can address them when Admiral Reddrick arrives tomorrow afternoon.”

 

Though Landsberg was not fond of discussing pointless minutiae in the presence of an Admiral, he suspected they would have to do just that.  Gul Rinak was obviously not in the mood for a civilized conversation on this day.  “Very well,” Landsberg finally decided.  “Dismissed.”

 

Rinak and his entourage immediate vacated the meeting chamber in a storm of overdramatic fury.  Though Landsberg was relatively certain the Cardassians wouldn’t quadruple their patrols of Elorg space, after spending six months working alongside Rinak, he knew the man well enough to expect some sort of increase—and it would no doubt prove to be a logistical nightmare.

 

Administrators Fel’duin and Zalsar remained seated just long enough for the doors to close behind Rinak before making their own subdued departure.  After spending six months working alongside the two of them… Landsberg still remained weary of them.  Though they seemed up front and truthful, the Captain couldn’t help but feel they were keeping him in the dark.  Thus, he was relieved to finally have a little backup from the Federation.

 

As the doors slid shut behind Fel’duin, Captain Christopher rose from his chair and flashed a candid grin at Landsberg.  “It certainly looks like you’ve got your hands full…”

 

Landsberg nodded.  “The past six months have been nothing less than hell.  “The Elorg are concerned about the sovereignty within their borders.  The Cardassians are concerned about their borders being violated.  The Elorg push… the Cardassians shove… they say one thing, but they do another.  And after seeing all this treachery and backstabbing, I’ve decided one thing: I hate politics.”

 

“And to top it all off,” said Christopher softly, “Admiral Reddrick is en route.”

 

“To check on our progress,” Landsberg confirmed—though he used the term ‘progress’ very loosely.  Save the establishment of a few new colonies, they had accomplished next to nothing thus far.  Admiral Reddrick was not likely to be pleased.  “I’d rather be out there exploring new frontiers.  Anything beats this hellhole…”

 

“I don’t doubt it,” Christopher replied softly.

 

* * *

 

Perched silently at the large bay windows overlooking the Elorg’s fledgling colony, Talyere Rosat knew that change was on the horizon.  Billowing white clouds loomed in the distant sky, obscuring the twin suns’ gentle golden rays.  A warm breeze carried a tinge of moisture through the open window—and sent a chill down Talyere’s spine.  Though he had never before witnessed a thunderstorm, his myriad studies made him well aware of the phenomenon.  They could be a very dangerous force of nature—but Talyere had a lingering feeling that their guest in the interrogation chamber had the potential to be an even greater threat, and was this threat that gave Talyere the most concern.

 

Slowly, he closed the windows and turned to Xi'Yor.  The overseer was seated at a small round table in the center of the room, engrossed in his study of Tracker Tzudan.  “Have you learned anything?”

 

Xi'Yor looked up from his padd.  “Very little,” he admitted.  “Only that this species is unlike anything the Elorg have ever encountered.”

 

“What of his vessel?” Talyere inquired, seating himself in the chair opposite Xi'Yor.  “Have our scientists at Barona Prime made any progress?”

 

“I received their most recent status report only a few intervals ago,” Xi'Yor replied.  “They have been unable to penetrate the hull.  Apparently, it is composed of an alloy of unknown origin—and is impervious to our technology.”

 

Talyere’s immediate instinct was to go to the astrometrics lab for a more detailed analysis, but that was not possible.  It was imperative Talyere’s presence on the Elorg colony remain clandestine—if he were to return to the Starlight, there was always the possibility he could let loose information that best remained classified.  Then again, chances were good that he would not be welcomed back to the Starlight in the first place.  “Have you been able to determine the location of the Zukara Segment?”

 

Xi'Yor shook his head.  “No.  But Tracker Tzudan’s statement may have been insincere.  He seemed far too calm for my liking—he did not even moan when I attempted to injure his cranium.”

 

“A pity,” said Talyere indolently.  Though they were effective, Talyere had never been fond of Xi'Yor’s interrogation techniques.  Then again, he had never been fond of Xi'Yor.

 

Suddenly, the doors slid apart and—to Talyere’s surprise—admitted Zalsar and Fel’duin.  “That was brief,” Talyere noted.  “Did the meeting go well?”

 

While Zalsar immediately seated himself between Xi'Yor and Talyere, Fel’duin remained standing a meter or so behind Xi'Yor.  “If one takes the Federation’s agenda into consideration, then the answer is a definite ‘no.’  Gul Rinak was extremely disruptive at today’s session.”

 

“But,” said Zalsar softly, “when taking our own agenda into consideration, today’s brief meeting should be considered a successful one.  Captain Landsberg made it clear the Federation would not condone any military action taken by the Cardassians in this region.”

 

Xi'Yor’s vivid orange eyes flared with interest.  “Excellent,” he said, the word dripping with treacherous overtones.  “Then we shall continue our campaign against the Cardassians.  If we can provoke Gul Rinak to launch an assault on Elorg interests, it will jeopardize the alliance between the Federation and Cardassia.”

 

“And while the Federation is occupied with the Cardassians, they will be less concerned about us,” Zalsar noted.  “There are several Breen shipyards in the Hazor Cluster that are unbeknownst to the Federation.  If we can get them operational, we will be able to rebuild our military forces without the Federation’s knowledge.”

 

Though Xi'Yor was undoubtedly committed to this course of action, Talyere could sense there was something more.  He turned to Fel’duin and asked, “What is preventing us from bringing the shipyards online?”

 

Fel’duin sighed.  “The central core was heavily damaged by an ion storm three years ago—the entire facility is powerless.”

 

Acquiring another power core would be a difficult task.  After the war, the Federation dismantled all Elorg industrial facilities that had the potential to create vast structures such as shipyards.  Requisitioning a new core from the Federation would be next to impossible—and if not impossible, then the new core would, no doubt, be incompatible.  “What about the Cardassians?” Talyere suggested.  “Their technology is relatively compatible with that of the Breen.”

 

“It would be an excellent way to provoke them into action,” Xi'Yor said.

 

“But the majority of our raiders are destroyed when they engage the Cardassians,” Fel’duin reminded.

 

Talyere was about to suggest they consolidate their forces and launch one large offensive—but the words died in his throat as an even better idea came to mind.  “What if we were to detain Gul Rinak’s vessel?  We could claim our sensors found a defect in its power core—and that it must be removed at once to comply with Elorg safety protocol.”

 

“That is a thin excuse,” Fel’duin noted.

 

But Xi'Yor immediately dismissed Fel’duin’s concerns.  “We do not need an elaborate ploy, Administrator.  We want a violent response from the Cardassians—and this will no doubt provoke one.”

 

“But it will also expose us,” Fel’duin retorted.  “The Cardassians will know that we have their power core.  We cannot allow that to happen.  We should instead have one of our ‘rogue factions’ carry out the operation, and then destroy Rinak’s ship.”

 

“That is a Keldon-class vessel,” Talyere replied.  “Our miniscule raiders will not stand a chance against its defenses.”

 

“Then our people shall have to plant an explosive device inside the ship,” said Xi'Yor quietly.

 

Suddenly, Talyere found himself finding their plan distasteful.  “The Elorg are not terrorists,” he insisted.  “We must find another way.”

 

Xi'Yor shook his head in defiance of Talyere’s sentiment.  “Terrorism is an effective weapon—the Garidians proved that earlier this year with their assault on the Federation Council Chamber.  And until the Elorg once again have the ability to defend themselves properly, we must consider it a viable course of action to accomplish our own agenda.”

 

“Agreed,” said Zalsar.  “We shall proceed…”

 

 

 

Lieutenant Bator could not believe his ears.  He had ran Erin Keller’s sentiment through his mind at least a dozen times, but her words had yet to register in the form of a coherent thought.  Thus, he found himself simply staring at the tactical station interface in total disbelief.  “You are kidding,” he said after a long moment of silence.  But as he gazed into Erin Keller’s deep brown eyes, he found nothing but charm.

 

She smiled.  “I kid you not, little buddy.  Lieutenant Kinsey was checking you out this morning.  You had to be blind not to notice!”

 

Bator shrugged.  “Phobians are not known for their excellent eyesight,” he stated.  “But the more likely scenario is that Miss Erin Keller is simply overstating herself.”

 

Her jaw dropped at the very thought of such a thing.  “A delicate flower such as myself?  Never!”

 

“Yes,” said Bator adamantly.  “The Captain is beginning to rub off on you.  Soon, you will be telling inane jokes and constantly speaking highly of yourself.”

 

Keller giggled sheepishly. “You’re so silly!” she chirped.  “So when are you going to ask Lisa out?”

 

Bator rolled his eyes.  “I am not,” he insisted.  “Lieutenant Kinsey has never displayed any interest in our previous encounters and—”

 

“So you’ve had previous encounters?”

 

Though a response lingered on the tip of his tongue, Bator did not have a chance to speak it—instead, the shrill bleeps of a sensor alert filled the air.  “A vessel has just entered the system,” he gleaned from sensors.

 

“Origin?” asked Commander Harrison a moment later.

 

  “Unknown,” said Bator.  “But they are on a direct intercept course.”

 

Erin Keller suddenly sighed.  “So much for a nice, quiet day…”

 

 

Proceed to Chapter Two