Battle Fleet Omega met up with TF-113, General Smith and Cmdr Petrofski were met by Admiral Heath aboard the U.S.S. Los Lobos. "General Smith" said Heath. "Admiral Heath, this is my XO Cmdr Petrofski" replied Smith. "Time to hunt Maquis" answered Heath. "We have to be thorough, it's search and destroy tactics. The Maquis prefer ambush and hit and run " replied Smith. "The best way to deal with insurgents is to separate them from the local population, hearts and minds" answered Heath. "Any targets in civilian areas are to be raided in pinpoint raids, any Maquis ships who engage us will be destroyed with extreme prejudice. My crews owe them some payback for the loss of the Shenzhou, Buran and Gagarin will all hands lost on those ships, Admiral, I'm giving you the after action report of that skirmish along with the readingss from my vessel. Your officers will need to study it very carefully" replied Smith passing Heath the PADD.
"You suspect ambush?" asked Heath. "I do, when ambushed, repay them with the same mischief" answered Smith. "Turn their ambush into our ambush, R'Shee co-ordinate with Cmdr Petrofski" replied Heath. "Mario, I need you on allied co-ordination" said Smith to Petrofski. "Boss, you've got it" answered Petrofski. "We need somewhere secure to plan our campaign" said Heath. "I know a place, these co-ordinates" replied Smith handing Heath the co-ordinates. "That's in the Delta Quadrant" answered Heath. "We don't want the enemy finding our meeting location" replied Smith.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Captain McBrocken walked in to the ready room. Heath stood looking at the display of the 113th disposition. "They are ready to go hunting Lazy," she reported. "Good." "There's only one problem." She turned to look at her. "What's that?" She took a deep breath before speaking. "Heath Layress, you are emotionally comprised and therefore unfit to command." "What?" "I hereby relieve you of your duties and order you to report back to the Prime universe." "This isn't funny Augie." "I'm serious Admiral." "I don't have time..." "You are the wife of the President of the Federation. He is in a hospital recovering from an assassin's attempt on his life. You can't be out here running around trying to find them. You have to be there for him, for everyone back home. You have greater duties than this now. Now will you leave peacefully, or do I have to call security?" "You are such a pain in the TRIBBLE Augie." "You only call me that when you know I'm right. Besides you really think I want to be in charge of these gobshikes? I'd rather gnaw my own foot off. You go be the first lady, I'll take care of them and bring them back to you." McBrocken walked up and hugged her. "Hate you you Scottish idiot." "Hate you too, you bouncy Bajoran wench."
"Captain McBrocken" said General Smith. "General, Admiral Heath won't be joining us on this hunt. Personal reasons" replied McBrocken. "Understandable" answered Smith. "Time to get these people" replied McBrocken. "Agreed, that's why I recruited some extra help" answered Smith smiling as representatives from the Benthan Guard took their seats. "We take the rule of law very seriously, the General has given us the list of Imperial laws and my captains are familiar with them" said the Benthan fleet commander. "That's why I recruited them" added Smith. "More allies" commented McBrocken. "Let's get to business" said Smith.
"These orders come from the Empress of the Empire and the President of the Federation, search and destroy operations are authorized. Civilian casualties to be avoided" read Captain McBrocken. "Agreed" chorused everyone in the room. "Let's go hunting" said Smith. The Allied fleet of Imperial, Federation and Benthan Guard ships all entered the transwarp conduit and arrived at Starbase 24, the fleet then turned for the Trill Sector at slipstream and arrived over their first target of Separus Prime. Jumping into orbit, allied troops then landed and overran a Maquis base taking it's garrison prisoner. After downloading the computers, the base was demolished by spatial charges, those Maquis who tried to flee were caught and their ships disabled, the crews then taken prisoner for questioning. "Distress call, Imperial patrol group under attack by at least two dozen ships" reported Sydulla on the bridge of the Bellerophon.
Every ship got the message and made a jump to the site of the battle, putting themselves between the Maquis and the eight crippled Imperial ships, they destroyed 12 ships out of the attacking 26 ships. The Maquis broke off the engagement but were shot down by vengeful Imperial crews. "That was for the Shenzhou, Buran and Gagarin, let's get these ships home" said Smith fleet wide. The allied fleet formed up around the eight Imperial frigates and escorted them to Terra. The Imperial Commander thanked the fleet for arriving and watching their back. "Excellent start everyone, this is only the beginning" said McBrocken fleet wide. "I've sent the report to the boss, make sure your president receives this report" said Smith securely sending over the report to McBrocken.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"The problem with back injuries is that you have to stay on your stomach while you heal," Ford complained. "Your lucky you weren't paralyzed sir," Djetta replied. "But I'm stuck facing the floor in this harness. All I can see are your feet "It's designed to keep you from moving and placing minimum stress on your back." "I know. I know. So what do we know about the attack?" "Sir you should be trying to rest." "My body may be healing, but my mind still works fine. I want something to think about other than the patterns in the floor." "Yes sir. With the level of infiltration unknown, we brought you back to the Constellation. The upgrade projects were cancelled until we can determine if the materials that were being used were safe. And Yes, we called in who you wanted. He's checking everything over now." "Good." He heard the door and close. "I gave orders that he not be... Oh. You are an exception to the rule." Another pair of feet came into view.. "Whoever you are, nice sandals. Cute toes too," Ford commented.. The newcomer knelt down revealing it's body. "Now I don't know toes but I never forget a bust. Especially one that big." The figure reached up and gently touched his face. "Perverted jerk," she said softly. "So why are you here and not chasing people around in the Mirror universe?" "Augie declared me emotionally comprised and relieved me of command. Told me to come back here and be the First Lady instead of an Admiral.." "I don't know about him, but I'm grateful for that," Djetta replied. "Those reporters are getting on my nerves.." "I'll handle it. What do you have on the Bynars,?" "Nothing yet. They're hard to track." "I have people that can help." "Excuse me, but you're not leaving me out of this." "Like you sent me to another universe to keep me out of it?" "Alright, you win. We do it together." "You see? You can learn... Djetta, would be so kind as to get a table that we can lay the PADDS on down here so we can go through them?" "He's supposed to rest." "I'll make sure he does even if I have to drug him." "Yes ma'am." "You know with all the stuff in me post surgery you can't drug me." "True, but I have other ways of getting you to obey." "Do you now?" She crawled under the harness and kissed him. "Yes I do." "Yes Empress."
"So all we've got are the logs from Starbase 74, U.S.S. Enterprise-D personnel and Data's logs" said Shade. "It's a start, let's get reading" replied Jasmine looking at the box on the table. "Where's Trianna?" asked Shade. "Passed out on the couch, I've just put a blanket on her" answered Isoisa. "Best leave her" replied Jasmine. "Good idea, when the little one is on nap time, she usually catches up on sleep" answered Isoisa. "We do have a Borg here, maybe Bareil can check the collective's records for us" suggested Lwasana. "That works" answered Jasmine. "Isoisa to Bareil, could you assist with some research?" asked Isoisa tapping her combadge. Bareil walked into the room and took a seat before asking "what kind of research?" "A species called the Bynar, what records of the Bynars did the collective keep?" replied Jasmine.
"Checking collective records now" answered Bareil as he put the information down onto PADDs. "Fascinating" said Shade reading through the collective's records. "Their symbiosis with technology makes them potent but we need a defense against their computer attacks, we need ideas" said Jasmine. "I may have a suggestion, it may involve an upgrade of your computers with Borg technology" replied Bareil. "Elaborate" requested Shade. "Introduce specially modified nanoprobes into the system to counter these computer attacks, the nanoprobes track and destroy any sentient intrusion" answered Bareil. "A bit radical don't you think?" asked Isoisa. "It's efficient" answered Bareil. "We would have to clear this with the Empress, I'm going to see her in an hour. Bareil, come with me to explain your idea to the Empress, she'll listen" replied Jasmine. "I will, Miss Jasmine Smith, is the Empress like the queen at the centre of the Empire's hive?" asked Bareil. "I've never heard that description before but it's accurate. Call me Jasmine" answered Jasmine smiling. "The General calls me Sparks, I don't know why" replied Bareil. "My brother has nicknames for people, Sparks is a good one" answered Jasmine.
Half and hour later, Trianna woke up and fed Ablim jnr as she read and noted down information. Armed with the new intel and accompanied by Bareil, Jasmine left for the Empress's meeting.
Palace holding cells (MU red)
Both Prime and red Sito were sat with their legs and arms cuffed to the chair as the hoods came off, first thing they saw was a flood light shining into their faces. "Morning" said General Smith as both Sitos were implanted with an agony chip each. "Let's talk about your friends, as you have both noticed, you have agony chips in your heads. Rules are if any one of you don't co-operate, the other gets this" said Smith pushing the button on his remote. Red Sito screamed as Thay sat there clearly enjoying it. "Now, shall we begin?" asked Smith. "We're not saying a word" said Red Sito, Smith in no mood for mercy pushed the button and Prime Sito screamed. "Remember, co-operate or it's more discomfort" said Thay smiling. "Where's your main sector bases?" asked Smith. "May your pah burn" answered Prime Sito. "Give the traitor Sito a jolt" said Thay, Smith pushed the button and the questioning started again.
Thay and Smith showed no mercy as every bit of information was extracted the hard way, once questioning was over the Sitos were thrown back into their cells and the agony field set to high. "Take Omega to the Sicaris system, wipe that base out with extreme prejudice" ordered Thay. "Consider it done" answered Smith. Within minutes, Omega and TF-113 were on their way to the Sicaris system, they jumped in above the planet and deployed the grounds units. Surprise was total as the Maquis were caught before they could evacuate, the base computers were downloaded and the base flattened from orbit as the ground units were beamed back aboard the ships. "Next target, the old Terran/Cardassian DMZ, expect resistance" said Smith to McBrocken via secure channel. Omega and TF-113 cleared the DMZ reducing Maquis bases to rubble in every system they visited. Maquis activity in the Alpha Quadrant was crippled then eliminated as the Maquis were hammered remorselessly by Omega, TF-113 and the Benthan Guard.
Now they turned their attention to the Beta Quadrant. Reports were sent to Empress Heath and President Ford securely informing them on campaign progress. INN had watched the whole campaign from the bridge of the Bellerophon and reported live to the peoples of the Empire, "this is the war report, Allied troops have taken the fight to the Maquis. The hunters are fast becoming the hunted, several Maquis bases were raided and then destroyed by our brave troops and allies. We will update you as the campaign progresses, this is Liandra Konig reporting for INN."
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"Ms Konig, first time on a warship?" asked General Smith. "It is, feels strange to have things shot at me" answered Konig. "You get used to it, I notice you and your team tense up when under fire" replied Smith. "We're not trained to deal with this, when we took this assignment, we were told this was not a safe assignment" answered Konig. "It's a warship, my lot are used to being fired at. Next time we go into action, I want your cameras rolling so the citizenry see our battles raw and uncut" replied Smith. "Deal, my viewers will see our troops and allies fighting as one" answered Konig. "Boss, we're getting a distress call, troop convoy under sustained attack. At least half a dozen raiders phasing in and out of cloak according to the convoy escort commander" reported Sydulla. "Location?" asked Smith. "15 LY, Rigel system" answered Sydulla. "Ms Konig, take a seat and get your cameras rolling, Ensign Leandros set course at slipstream" ordered Smith.
Battle Fleet Omega all jumped to the Rigel system and arrived at the site of battle in five minutes. "This is the General, form a perimeter around the troop ship. All tactical officers, target any enemy raiders making runs on the convoy" ordered Smith. At the same time, Konig began her broadcast, "Liandra Konig reporting from the front, Imperial troops have just entered combat after responding to a distress call. As this is being aired, our troops are engaging the enemy to protect a convoy. Enemy ships are trying to swarm our ships but we're holding the line as our professional troops are remaining calm and on focus. General Smith putting his ships and crews in harms way is an act of honor even in the face of repeated enemy attacks." "Enemy ships trying to flank, Agrippa and Roanoke are moving to intercept, their fighter drones have launched to draw enemy fire" reported Sydulla. "Target the lead Maquis ships, full power to the weapons. Let's ruin their day" ordered Smith.
"Antiprotons charged and ready, quantums are locked" reported Sydulla. "Wait until they get to within close range" ordered Smith, "helm, don't give the enemy room to move." "Sir" chorused Sydulla and Leandros. "Targets in range, they're locking torpedoes" reported Sydulla. "Don't give them chance to fire, wipe them out" ordered Smith. "Firing" reported Sydulla. The Bellerophon fired and destroyed five Maquis ships before they could fire. Konig reported the battle, "five enemy ships destroyed, four more are joining the attack." "Give the enemy a full broadside" ordered Smith. "Firing" reported Sydulla. Bellerophon's next strikes wiped out the four attacking raiders. "Disable the rest" ordered Smith. "Targets disabled" reported Sydulla smiling. "Put me through" ordered Smith. "You're through boss" reported Tommen Paris. "To the Maquis survivors, you have 30 seconds to strike your colors and unconditionally surrender. This is your only warning" said Smith over the channel as he signaled for his ships to lock weapons on the Maquis survivors.
"This is Commodore Peres, we surrender" answered the Maquis commander. "Since you are in open war with the empire, you and your people will be treated as prisoners of war until the end of this current conflict. Afterwards you will have to face court proceedings over your actions" replied Smith. "I agree to those terms" answered Peres. The Maquis survivors were beamed off their ships into cells and the ships destroyed. "Has the convoy jumped to warp?" asked Smith. "Convoy is away and safe" reported Sydulla. "Well done everyone, we saved a lot of lives today so hold your head up with pride. We can win this war and we will, the Maquis may try and run but they can never hide from us, we'll find them and defeat them" said Smith fleet wide. The INN crew aboard got all of that and broadcast the battle and results to the citizenry. "Ms Konig, for a bunch of civilians you and your team did well" said Smith. "General, it's a pleasure to let us aboard to report this war. The citizenry have to see this victory" answered Konig. "Agreed, all ships head for home base" ordered Smith. INN later broadcast the entire battle uncut, public support for the war increased and the troops were cheered by the crowds as they were allowed to have a parade through the streets of Paris. At the palace, the Empress personally met the crews who had taken part and spoke to each one smiling.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"You are talking about infecting every computer, both ship and ground based, with these nanites," the Empress said calmly after hearing their proposal. "I know it's a radical idea," Jasmine. "And potentially dangerous is some one can access them to reprogram them. Our systems would be wide open." "We can add multiple safeguards to prevent that from happening." The Empress tapped her fingers on her desk in thought. "I want a master kill switch," she said finally. "Keyed only to me so that no one else can effect the network. I want it to constantly generate a signal that keeps them in their active defense state. If it's interrupted, they lockdown. If it goes wrong I wan't to be able to stop it and anyone attempting anything dead. Get me a plan for that and we'll talk." "Interesting" Bareil. "She thinks like a Hive Queen." "When planning the future of two universes, you need to" the Empress sighed. ", How's your head?" "Better. No lasting effects. How's your arm?" "Light duty. Nothing heavier than Ohsa or Prin allowed."
"I'm on a 72 hour alcohol ban, Mereu insisted and would not budge on the matter" sighed Jasmine. "She's right, alcohol could cause problems" replied Heath. "Yep, Dexter has it worse. He does not get away from medical examinations, it's amusing watching Mereu track him down" answered Jasmine smiling. Heath just smiled, at that point, "Good news from the front, more bases knocked out" she said passing Jasmine the PADD. "My brother has been busy, it seems he's brought in allies from the Delta Quadrant" commented Jasmine. "The Benthans joined the Empire diplomatically, General Smith has picked his allies well" replied Heath. "Odd move giving captured Maquis prisoner of war status until the end of this conflict" answered Jasmine.
"It's a good one, it might give an extra incentive for surrender. They know they will be well treated if they surrender" replied Heath. "Though they will be given a fair trial after the war for their actions" answered Jasmine. "And they will be fairly sentenced" replied Heath. "Ma'am, you have the support of the people and of the military. The attempt on your life angered the people, INN are calling this the Empress's Crusade. I do disagree with the people watching the war uncut" answered Jasmine. "It's sending a message home, this is the fight our brave troops and allies have to go through daily" countered Heath. "It could be a nightmare politically" answered Jasmine. "Something to consider" replied Heath. "Can Bareil work up here?" asked Jasmine. "Makes sense, I'll partner him up with someone of like mind on this project" answered Heath. "Trianna has started work on her front on isolating the frequency, I'll ask her to create a kill switch but I'm sure she can be creative" reported Jasmine.
"Make it something even she can't break into, trust me, she'll enjoy the challenge" replied Heath. "Ma'am" answered Jasmine. Bareil and Jasmine were then dismissed.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
While Trianna and Shade got to work on breaking the Bynar frequency, General Smith was aboard the Bellerophon planning the assault on the Maquis base at Gorlan Station. This would be tough target to break as it was a main fleet anchorage for the Imperial fleet, intel had also revealed a disturbing update. There were two battle groups of battle hardened veterans defending the station, the station itself was also heavily fortified with torpedo turrets and heavy shielding. The recent offensives had pushed the Maquis all the way to Gorlan and with no prospect of escape or rescue, they prepared to stand their ground. "Battle Fleet Omega, TF-113 and the Benthan Expeditionary fleet won't be enough" sighed Smith.
"We're going to need more ships, I don't fancy the thought of tangoing with those defenses" advised Cmdr Petrofski. "It would end up being a bloodbath, something we need to avoid" replied Smith. "Any chance of getting the First fleet?" asked Petrofski. "That's a stretch but I'll ask the Fleet Admiral" answered Smith. "Would be worth it" replied Petrofski. "The Empress did order us to wait here at Terra, I wonder why?" asked Smith. "Just look out of the window" replied Petrofski. Smith looked out of the window as reinforcements from the Romulan Aristocracy decloaked. "Their government has put them under your command, Admiral Eriksson has also pledged her ships. Admiral Barclay has also dispatched more ship to reinforce us" reported Petrofski. "We win here, we end the war. They're trapped like rats in a barrel" answered Smith.
"There's an old Russian adage, never corner a wounded bear. It still can kill you even wounded" replied Petrofski. "Agreed, that's why we have to do with minimum losses. During the Dominion War, we deliberately cornered ourselves to slow down 3000 Jem Hadar and Kobali ships, we only had 500 ships" answered Smith. "Place an army in a place of no escape and they will prefer death to flight" quoted Petrofski. "Exactly, the Maquis know that" replied Smith. "Does Gorlan have a civilian population?" asked Petrofski. "Planet was rendered uninhabitable by the I.S.S. Enterprise in 2267, the station is a purely military installation" answered Smith. "How many ships backing up the station?" asked Petrofski. "At least 350 mostly modern battleships and cruisers supported by destroyers and escorts" answered Smith.
"We have 700, even with two to one odds we're going to take terrible losses" replied Petrofski. "We need to draw them out into a battlefield of our choosing" answered Smith. "We need bait to draw them out, then we ambush them for a change" replied Petrofski. "I'll bring this to the boss's attention" answered Smith. "Mereu called, she expects you home in 15 minutes" replied Petrofski. "Medical, I never get away with avoiding them" answered Smith. After organizing the intel, they took it with them and locked the room after they left.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"Time for some psychological warfare instead of actual," the Empress said studying the situation. "Time is on our side. Take a hundred ships and have them lock on to a land mass on the planet. Preferably something unimportant. Tell them to maintain their distance, but move so they are always over that location. Just orbit the planet while the others remain where they are. If they come to investigate, run back to the others. Meanwhile search the system and find a few big nickel iron asteroids. Make sure they're a few kilometers in length. Bring them in to orbit with you. Let them sweat for awhile... You know that world would make a perfect home for all the Lukari refugees if it's not too damaged afterwards."
The Allied fleet joined the blockade, 100 Imperial ships were dispatched to the planet's far orbit and they locked weapons onto the ruins of the old Gorlan capital. Other ships were were asteroid harvesting, the asteroids were brought into orbit tethered by tractor beams and deployed between the Imperial blockade and Maquis positions around the station under cloak. However the Maquis had detected the 100 Imperial ships in orbit and deployed their ships to eliminate them. The Imperial ships under orders to avoid engagement ran back to the fleet followed in hot pursuit by the Maquis. Aboard Bellerophon, General Smith watched the Maquis movements and repositioned his fleet to block the Maquis. The Maquis barreled down on the 100 Imperial ships, what they found was 700 ships decloaking all around them.
Smith gave the order to fire, in the ambush that followed, all Maquis ships were disabled before they could fire a shot. Smith sent the message to the Maquis that surrender was the only way their lives would be saved. The Maquis diehards refused to surrender. Smith rather than take any more lives flooded the Maquis ships with a knockout gas and ordered the ships to be boarded and captured. The crews were put into cells and the former Maquis ships were added to the blockade, the diehards on the station steeled themselves for combat but their defenses suddenly shut down as Imperial computer warfare teams remotely sabotaged the station. Smith now brought the station under close blockade and deployed troops to capture the station. After a short battle, the station surrendered and was brought back under Imperial control.
The Maquis were defeated without a single life lost on both sides. When the allied fleet arrived at Terra, the prisoners were offloaded. Later, the Maquis leadership signed an unconditional surrender and gave the order for all Maquis units to lay down their arms and stand down. The Empress had made her point, the conflict was over and no civilians had been killed or wounded during the Allied offensives. Gorlan was given to the Lukari and Kentari peoples as a joint home world to begin their societies again, Imperial personnel were assigned to make sure the planet was operated in an efficient manner and new energy sources were looked at. Gorlan would become a trading hub for the sector as well as military base. Now the physical fighting was over, the electronic war had yielded a breakthrough. Bareil had developed a program hard keyed to Empress Heath's quantum signature, the nanoprobes were modified to target and destroy any non Imperial frequency that tried to break in. Trianna and Shade had also made progress on their front and isolated the Bynar frequency, Trianna then tested her security program to see if it could break the frequency. It did, Bareil was sent the results and his project was ready for demonstration as the program was tested. The Bynar frequency was found then eliminated, Heath had the killswitch on her desk, she smiled when she saw it was hard coded to her DNA signature and quantum signature.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Aboard the I.S.S. Los Lobos, Heath read the full report and concluded "Well fought, you showed restraint and a habit of deliberately putting yourself in harm's way to help others." "Best part was that there were no civilian casualties, the local populations were more than happy to assist us in pointing out Maquis. They were also happy to have troops around, they felt secure" answered Smith. "The peoples of the Empire all saw the struggles of the troops, recruitment went up because of it" replied Heath passing Smith the PADD. "Not all will be fit enough" pointed out Smith. "Put them in support roles" replied Heath. "That's usual policy" answered Smith. "Keep it as that" ordered Heath. "Ma'am, permission to put Captain Sito Thay in front of a military tribunal?, she broke her oath and committed high treason" asked Smith. "I'll think on that one" answered Heath.
Jasmine entered the office and saluted Heath. "Jas, how's the head?" asked Smith. "No lasting effects, I'm fine" answered Jasmine. "Good, we caught those responsible" replied Smith. "General, good job" said Heath as she dismissed him. "Ma'am" answered Smith before he left the office.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Vulcan sector (MU) The Entieri'Is fired at Maquis transport vessle, flawlessly executing it's ambush and coming out of cloak. Scans had left no doubt as to the contents of the freighter- rather specialized ship parts. Revenent, having been placed in temporary command, ordered the strike team to secure the vessel. He tapped his fingers over the command chair impatently.
As the shadows began their assault the looked to the communications officer. "Tell them if they resist we won't take prisoners." "Transmitting message now Rev- Union Kronous warbird decloacking the Romulans are hailing on all frequencies."
"... Open a channel." "Imperial vessel, I've been ordered to transfer a prisoner into the empires custody." The Reman began, "À maquis agent attempted to make a deal for arms at Eternity station. Given recent discoveries we have no intention of being puppets of Vadez, or Leata and denied his request after he gave a meeting location."
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
The captured Maquis were processed and tried, the defendants were all found guilty. The sentences were tough but fair, the leadership got life sentences in the penal mines at Taffun and other imperial penal institutions. The lesser operatives got sentences of between ten to fifteen years hard labor. General Smith was a happy man at seeing justice done, it was now Tyler Grey's turn in the dock. Grey was found guilty of mass murder and attempted cultural genocide, in sentencing him, the judge was severe, the sentence was death. On Bajor, the crowds watching INN cheered. The Empress just let off a subtle smile at the sentence.
At the next senate meeting, the Empress announced an expansion of the senate with the invitation to the Benthans to have a seat on the council. "The Benthans accepted and their representative took his seat. "The Benthans aided us during the Maquis crisis, such service should be recognized" said Heath. "My people believe in law and order, to meet others who also believe in law and order goes a long way with us" replied the Benthan senator. "Indeed, I've heard about your people" answered Heath. "My captains operating here will be updated on your laws, we'll be introducing them to the Delta territories by end of the month" replied the Benthan representative. "Your people will be the police force for the Delta Quadrant, they have permission to deputize any Imperial Captains if they need the extra back up" answered Heath. "Thank you Empress" replied the Benthan representative.
"Next order of business, improved disaster management. Ms Smith brought this up and she raised a good point, it took hours to get aid to the survivors and emergency services, we need to be quicker on the response" said Heath. "I was first one on the ground with teams of volunteers, too many died because of delays in aid arriving" replied Smith. "It's a valid point" said Senator Iodokar of Betazed Yellow.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Nathan Valdez was on grandfather duty when he got a call, "Hey dad, caught you at a bad time?" asked Trianna (red). "Not really, just trying to catch a hyper toddler, Anna made the mistake of giving your darling little sister some chocolate. She's now racing round the room at warp speed" answered Valdez. "Oh dear" replied Trianna (red) while she resisted the temptation to laugh. "Hold on, Teanna Jane Valdez, stop beating your aunts around the head with a soft toy" answered Valdez. That got Teanna Jane's attention, Ablim Snr picked her up and put her in her playpen. "I see Ablim is taking no prisoners" joked Trianna. "No" yelled Teanna Jane. "Right little lady, enough of that" said Valdez to Teanna Jane. She took notice that granddad was not happy and quietened down. Trianna (red) found all this amusing.
"How's Trianna?" asked Trianna (red). "Complaining, doctor ordered her to rest so she's been told to take it easy. We've been covering for her with the little ones" answered Valdez. "She'll appreciate the help, my doctor is the same, she does not take prisoners on those who avoid medical examinations and treatment" replied Trianna (red). "Trianna will be starting her physiotherapy soon, she'll need all the help and support she can get" answered Valdez. "True, what's this I've heard about you remarrying?" asked Trianna (red). "Your counterparts insisted I move on, they played matchmaker" answered Valdez. "Who did they pick?" asked Trianna (red). "Captain Joanna Dawson" answered Valdez. "Good choice though I'm not calling her mom" replied Trianna (red). "I know the twins are on first name basis with her" answered Valdez.
"When's the big day?" asked Trianna (red). "Two weeks, we started sending out invites" answered Valdez. Joanna Dawson beamed down and gave Valdez a kiss. "How was your day?" asked Valdez. "Excellent, I did not know you were on call" answered Dawson. "Meet my daughter's counterpart. Joanna, meet Trianna Bray" replied Valdez. "Trianna, a pleasure to meet you. I faced your father on the battlefield once, please say you don't take after him" said Dawson. "Dad's counterpart and the Empress have shown me different ways of looking at things, I call his counterpart Dad these days" replied Trianna (red). "Some days, it's like I've got identical triplets but end of the day they are my daughters in some crazy way" said Valdez to Dawson. "That's fine with me, I want to see all three girls at the wedding" replied Dawson. "I may have to ask the Empress for permission" answered Trianna (red). "Of course" replied Valdez. "I'll be there. Congratulations on your engagement" answered Trianna (red). "Thank you Trianna" replied Dawson and Valdez. "Little one is awake, back to mom duty" answered Trianna (red). "We'll leave you to it" said Valdez.
Trianna (red) then closed the channel after saying "laters." "I've got a fortnight off, so how about we take a weekend break to Venice?" asked Dawson. "Just the two of us?" asked Valdez. "Just the two of us" answered Dawson smiling.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Acting on the intel from the shadows and the Romulan Star Union, General Smith took two cruiser squadrons to the meeting site and waited cloaked. "These holdouts have ignored the surrender order, let's see what they'll do" noted Smith to Cmdr Petrofski. "Chances are they won't be alone" answered Petrofski. "I know, that's why I brought back up" replied Smith. "We've got a contact, bearing five LY and approaching at warp three" reported Lt Sydulla. "How many contacts?" asked Smith. "One freighter and she's being escorted by several traitor cruisers, in total ten ships" answered Sydulla. "Good thing we have two cruiser squadrons with us then" replied Smith. "They'll be here within the hour" answered Sydulla. "I'll need your fingers ready to pull the trigger when they get here" replied Smith. "I'll be ready sir" answered Sydulla smiling. "Keep an eye out" replied Smith smiling.
Smith now prepared his ships for action and got a roll call of all captains, they all reported ready. The freighter arrived expecting Romulans but was soon surprised by the Bellerophon and a squadron of cruiser decloaking on three sides as the second cruiser squadron decloaked behind the freighter. After disabling communications, weapons and engines on the traitor escort cruisers, Smith sent a message demanding total surrender. He did not like the response, "we will not surrender to those who work for the usurper empress, we would rather die" answered the traitor commander. "Fine, have it your way" answered Smith before he gave the order "target their warp cores and fire." Sydulla did not hesitate and fired, the Imperial ships showed no mercy as the traitor cruisers were destroyed and the survivors of their crews taken prisoner. The freighter was then boarded and secured along with her crew and cargo of weapons.
Smith now towed the freighter back to Terra under heavy guard and arrived 72 hours later.
Terra (MU red)
Trianna was speaking with the empress on ways of making security even tighter. "Colonel, if we increase security again, it may infringe on citizen's rights" pointed out Heath. "Eternal Vigilance is the price of freedom, with respect ma'am" answered Trianna. "How would the average citizen take having to go through extra security?" countered Heath. "The people support the increased security, my operatives confirmed that privately citizens approve the increases given the Maquis activities. We've been removing the die hard cells who ignored the surrender order, General Smith has just intercepted an arms deal and has brought the evidence with him to Terra for our security to start questioning the crew. A substantial amount of weapons and quantum warheads were also recovered" answered Trianna.
"I want the General to be brought to the Los Lobos immediately for debriefing" replied Heath. "I've sent him the message" answered Trianna. "You look like something has cheered you up" replied Heath. "I got some news from dad, he's remarrying. I've been requested by his fiance to be at the wedding" answered Trianna. "I see" replied Heath. "He's marrying a Starfleet captain by the name of Joanna Dawson, my counterparts decided to play matchmaker to get dad to move on. They chose Captain Dawson, do I have permission to attend dad's wedding?, it'll be on Earth in two weeks" asked Trianna. "Will you be taking your little one?" asked Heath. "I don't want to risk the little one through a trans-dimensional transporter" answered Trianna. "Leave us a list of instructions and his routine, we'll babysit" said Isoisa and Mereu in the background. "Mereu is like an aunt to the little one" said Trianna. "I'll think on it, Empress out" replied Heath and the screen went blank.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
While on patrol with two cruiser squadrons, General Smith and his ships were pulled into a temporal anomaly. "Where are we?" asked Smith. "Bajoran system but not our universe" answered Paris. "Which universe and when?" asked Smith. "You won't like it" answered Paris. "Tommen, this better be interesting" replied Smith. "Prime universe but we're in the year 2369" answered Paris. "Oh hell" replied Smith. "Maybe we're here for a reason" suggested Cmdr Petrofski. "How so?" asked Smith. "Threats were made against the Empress's family, maybe we're here to stop them from being killed" answered Petrofski. "Why us?" sighed Smith. "Because we're here" answered Sydulla. "Or that the universe is playing one big joke on us" replied Paris. "Just our luck" said Leandros. "First things first, we need to find the Heath family while avoiding being detected" ordered Smith.
"Do we have a location?" asked Petrofski. "Let's try Gallitep" answered Smith. "I'm scanning now" reported Paris. "What do we know about the Cardassian occupation of Bajor?" asked Sydulla. "From what the empress has told me, we're going into hell. It's nothing but misery and suffering for the Bajorans down there, the Cardassians used them as slaves to strip mine the planet of all natural resources" answered Smith. "Found something, the Heath family is in Gallitep labor camp" reported Paris. "Can we beam them out?" asked Smith. "Not without being detected" answered Paris. "Then we do it the stealthy way, small team tactics" replied Smith. "I can transport a five man team down but we'll have to hijack Cardassian frequencies to do it" suggested Paris. "I'll lead, I'll take four commandos" said Smith. "Too high risk" replied Petrofski. "I'll go, if anything goes wrong, beam us back up" ordered Smith. "Is the General always this crazy?" asked Leandros. "Pretty much" answered Petrofski. Smith left the bridge and suited up along with a small team and covertly transported down to the surface.
When they arrived in the camp, they were nearly sick at the level of suffering and the conditions. "Ten minutes, let's find the Heath family and get them out of here" ordered Smith. "Sir" chorused the commando team. After searching the habitation areas, they found what they were looking for. Smith and his team had got there just in time as the the Heath family were lined up in front of a firing squad. "Not today, take those Cardassians down" ordered Smith, the commandos dropped the guards with well placed head shots and quickly attached micro transporters to the Heaths as the alarm went off. Bajoran collaborators were no match for the battle hardened Imperial commandos as the Heath's were beamed out along with the team. In the Bellerophon's sickbay, the Heaths were confused. "How are they?" asked Smith. "Malnourished, physically exhausted and traumatized, the elderly think this is a Cardassian trick and are refusing treatment" reported Mereu. "Need a hand down here?" asked Smith. "Convince them we are not Cardassian" replied Mereu. "I'll speak with them" answered Smith.
Smith then spoke with the Heath family and showed them he was not not Cardassian. The Heaths then accepted treatment, Smith then tapped his combadge and ordered "Get us out of Cardassian space." "Sir" replied Leandros. Smith's ships all jumped to warp and arrived in Federation space, the Heath family were dropped off at Starbase 74 and Smith's ships left covertly, now they had to find a way home. "Does this ship have temporal communications?" asked Smith. "It does" answered Sydulla. "Send a message to the Empress on this frequency, tell her we may need a lift home" ordered Smith. "Message sent" reported Sydulla as Smith's ships found somewhere to hide until help arrived.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Jasmine Smith was called into Heath's office. "Ma'am, you sent for me" said Jasmine after saluting. Heath then poured a drink and told Jasmine to sit down. "Got bad news, trust me you'll need this" said Heath passing Jasmine the glass. "What's happened?" asked Jasmine. "Your brother was on patrol in the Bajor Sector with two cruiser squadrons, we lost contact with them. So far we've searched everywhere but no wreckage or any clue, your brother and his crews have been listed as missing" answered Heath. Jasmine was stunned and clearly upset at this, "what happened?" asked Jasmine wiping tears from her eyes. "It appears they were pulled into a temporal anomaly, no one knows where they are and when they are" answered Heath. "Mother won't like this, given the nasty divorce case and recent events, this is the last thing she needs. She'll be heartbroken her only boy is missing" replied Jasmine.
"He's resourceful and a proven survivor, he may still be alive along with his crews" answered Heath. "Put me on the search, Dexter even though he can be a pain in the backside has looked out for me so I must do the same for him" replied Jasmine. "Ma'am, we've got a signal and it's on your frequency" reported R'shee over a secure channel. "Put it through" ordered Heath. "Ma'am, we ran into a slight problem. We got pulled into a temporal anomaly but we're not even in our own universe, we're in the prime universe but it's the year 2369. We need a lift home" said the message. "That's your brother's frequency, he's alive by the sounds of it" said Heath. "I'm going to kick his backside from one side of Terra to the other when get hold of him" replied Jasmine smiling. "If he's awaiting help, he'll find somewhere to lay low and avoid any Federation attention" answered Heath. "He's good at avoiding detection, when are we going to bail him out of this mess?" asked Jasmine. "R'shee, did you get a location?" asked Heath. "Paulson Nebula, we can launch when ready to recover our troops" answered R'shee. "Jasmine, let's rescue your brother" said Heath and both Heath and Jasmine transported to the Los Lobos.
The Los Lobos engaged her temporal drive.
Paulson Nebula, 2369 (Prime)
"Sir, are we going to make it home?" asked Leandros. "Help should be on it's way, I need everyone to remain calm and professional. We all have families back home so we have to get back to them, understood?" answered Smith. "Sir, you've never let us down" replied Leandros. "I don't intend to" answered Smith. "Boss,we're getting something. Putting it on the view screen now" reported Paris. "Tommen, friend or foe?" asked Smith. "They're hailing us" reported Paris. "Sydulla, put them through" ordered Smith. Heath's face appeared onscreen, "follow the Los Lobos through the rift, time to get you and your people home" ordered Heath. "Ma'am" reported Smith. The Los Lobos led the the Imperial patrol squadrons through the rift and arrived at Terra in the correct universe and year.
Aboard the Los Lobos, Smith and Mereu were met by Heath and Jasmine. "Dexter, next time you make us worry like that, I'll be kicking your backside from one end of Terra to the other" said Jasmine after giving her brother a hug, "good to have you back." "Next time, you try descending into hell" joked Smith. "Hmm?" asked Jasmine. "That hell is called Gallitep, we stopped an execution of innocent people. The Heaths were all lined up in front of a firing squad, we did not give that squad a chance to carry out the executions and got the Heaths out of Gallitep and into Federation space. They refused treatment citing that this was a Cardassian trick, I had to show them I was not Cardassian before they accepted treatment. Don't worry, we made sure they got chance to clean up and have a good meal afterwards. Ma'am, what I saw there was enough to make me nearly sick at the conditions there. The worse part was we observed Bajorans executing their fellow Bajorans on the orders of the Cardassians, it's enough to make one question their own sanity" answered Smith. "Welcome home" said Heath smiling.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
It was wedding day at the Valdez farm, Trianna and Isoisa (red) had arrived the evening before bring Ablim Jnr (red) with them. "Trianna, Isoisa, thank you for coming" said Nathan Valdez smiling that all three of his girls were there. "Uncle Iblim, Aunt Lwadana" said Trianna (red) smiling. "Trianna" replied Iblim smiling at seeing all of his nieces together. Meanwhile Valdez was getting ready, "Uncle, you're nervous" said Obin. "I know, it's a big day" answered Valdez. "Relax then and stop worrying" replied Obin. Elsewhere, the Triplets got the little ones ready, "how do we tell our our little ones' apart?" asked Trianna (prime). "Simple, my Ablim will be wearing red" answered Trianna (red). "Mine is in blue" replied Trianna (prime). "That works" said Ablim snr getting his tie right. Admiral Heath arrived along with president Ford, "Layress, Mr President" said Valdez greeting his guests. "Micheal, best behavior or I ram my boot up somewhere it does not belong" said Heath. "Yes dearest" answered Ford.
"You look nervous" said Heath. "I am" answered Valdez. "Nathan, Joanna's sons have arrived and they're terrified" said Iblim. "Why bro?" asked Valdez. "They've just met the girls" answered Iblim trying not to laugh. "You three, best behavior" said Valdez to the triplets. "Yes dad" chorused the triplets. "Sir, we're not calling you dad" said the Dawson boys. "You don't have to, where's Joanna?" asked Valdez. "Getting her make up done, Nathan we feel outnumbered by women" answered Luke Dawson. "You'll get used to it" replied Valdez. "Never had sisters before" said Rick Dawson. "You'll get used to them" answered Valdez. "Thanks Nathan" chorused the Dawson boys. Both Isoisas were getting Teanna Jane and Marie Wray ready, after a 20 minute battle, both toddlers were ready. "Mr Valdez, your immediate family is Betazoid" said Ford. "I was raised on Betazed after losing both parents at an early age" answered Valdez. "Mom's here" said Luke as everyone got to their positions.
When Joanna walked to the alter, Valdez was stunned and said "wow" at Joanna's beauty. "Very dashing" countered Joanna. After the ceremony, both Mr and and now Mrs Valdez signed the register. The party afterwards went long into the evening, "Nathan, congratulations" said Heath. "Thanks Layress" answered Valdez. "Dad, Uncle Iblim has just given the toddlers chocolate and both Ablim Jnrs are trying sing along to one of Anna's classic rock tracks" said Trianna (prime). "Oh dear, poor Luke and Rick" answered Valdez laughing at the toddlers terrorizing the Dawson boys. "Why are my boys whimpering?" asked Joanna. "Hyper toddlers" answered Valdez. "Well, it's the last dance of the evening" replied Joanna. Once the party was over, Heath and Ford left for the Constellation after Nathan and Joanna Valdez were sent off on their honeymoon. The next day, Trianna and Isoisa (red) returned home along with Albim Jnr (red).
The Wrays returned to Betazed as the Dawson boys returned to Starfleet academy. Back at Terra, Trianna (red) put the Valdez family wedding photo up on the wall.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
A ship waited in orbit for thier return. Upon arrival they were hailed and the face of Papela appeared on screen.
"I trust you're done being a **** up!" She Said before anyone else could speak. "Your wife and daughters have been taken by the Ask'kaar!" " What? Where? How?" Heath demanded. "Your wife ... my daughter, and your children, my grandchildren, were taken captive by the Ask'kaar Republic several hours ago while you were playing with your temporal rubbish. We don't know much, but we suspect it's retaliation for what Thay's been having Naynta do to them." "How did they get here and what was she doing... Later where are they now? Find them. Don't let those ships leave the Empire's territory." "I imagine my daughter (Naynta) has lost a ship raiding their space, allowing them access to the multidimensional drive ... I imagine they're already back in the alternate universe. So far, few know about this, I suggest we find a way to get them back, NOW!" "Back in the other universe? Contact the Federation, tell them what happened and that I am coming to get them back. Get the fleets from both universes ready to go. I want Naynta here to find out what the hell she was doing. And when we get over there, contact the Ask'kaar I want to talk to them." "To hell with the Federation, we send the fleet straight to Ask'kaar space, and get them back now! If the Federation intervenes, they'll be punished." Papela demanded. "Excuse me for thinking before rushing into things. I'm telling them to stay out of the way. I don't want a war on two fronts when I don't need to be distracted. When the fleet has gathered we go." " in things like this I am impatient! Let's go get my daughter!"
Bajor sector border(prime)
The combined Imperial fleet jumped into the prime universe. They oriented themselves and proceeded at full speed towards the Ask'kaar border.
"Attention all alliance ships, this is Empress Layress. The Ask'kaar have kidnapped my wife and children. I am going to get them back. You are advised to be elsewhere while I do this." " I take it you'll be punching Naynta later?" Papela asked." if she's lucky, all I will do is punch her. We've had to reveal that we can come over here whenever we want without their permission. That isn't going to sit well with them. I'll have to deal with that later. Now open a channel to them."
"Ready."
" 'Attention. Ask'kaar leaders. This is Empress Layress. You have taken those from me that you shouldn't have touched. Now I offer you a chance to return them before I respond. You may find it amusing that I would want to talk, but I want to give you a chance to spare your people from what is about to happen. And if you care about them you will take my offer. I don't know what stories you've heard about me, but let me put them in context. I always considered myself a good person, always willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt in all things including attacking me.
That, was before I got married and had children. All of which you have taken from me.
Now, you have thirty seconds to return them to me or I will come and get them. And I will kill everything you put in front of me to try and stop me. I will leave nothing but death in my wake and when I reach your world, I will incinerate the surface of it except for where you are. Then I will come down there, and beat you to death with my own hands.
You have thirty seconds to comply. Then I am coming. Empress out.' Start the clock."
"Incoming signal," Callie reported five seconds later.
"On screen."
Much to their surprise, Thay's smiling face appeared.
"Hey Lazy! *grins knowing the quadrant is likely listening* I am so attacking your chest tonight. You're going to be a size smaller when I'm done with you."
"What..."
"Apparently the former commander of this ship, had gone rogue on information *notices Naynta (red) next to Papela* which YOU unknowingly gave them, bla bla bla, we've also got a lot of Gorn prisoners on board as well, they've taken over the vessel, but as I knew you were coming, I have agreed on your behalf to take them back to their planet.
Pren and Osha are fine, though Pren had a little accident with one of the Gorn children ... someone decided it was best to settle a squabble with their teeth. Pren left teeth marks in the arm of a Gorn child.
Anyway, we're on a ship at [coordinates] come and pick us up please, had enough of this ship!"
I have the oddest conflicting emotions. Layress thought. I'm beyond happy that they're alright, yet I want to strangle her.
"we're on the way," she said aloud. "Be there shortly." " So ... Thanks to our Gorn friends, we've got 400 Ask'kaar prisoners, what do you suggest I do with them?"
" which one had the idea to come over here and take you and the kids?"
"The commander of course, I suspect her crew were involved too, but so far no one has decided to share their personal opinions. I was thinking of letting your Paris 'play' with them. She'll get me the information I need."
"I want to talk to them myself."
"They're in the brig and cargo bays. Can you come and pick us up now? We're getting bored!"
"I'm on the way."
Thay sat on the Ask'kaar bridge with Ohsa and Pren in her lap waiting for Heath.
" See that file? That's called the 'Crew Manifest' ... mummy has to decide on what to do with the evil ladies who tried to hurt her girlsI. If Mommy was here, she'll be telling us about how we must be compassionate to our prisoners ... although she didn't sound very compassionate. I think she's learning. I suppose Naynta will have another 400 playthings. Maybe I should schedule a visit to her ship, she might even treat me to a show."
She looked at the star chart of their territory.
"One day my dear crinkled nose friends, if Layress won't conquer you, I will."
" when we're in transporter range beam them and the Ask'karr Commander from over there to the bridge here.. Naynta (red), stand over there. I expect you to come up with an explanation of what caused this. I advise you not to disappoint me. Pauline, ladies, with me be ready. In range. Zulilia, bring them back over. "
One large and two small figures appeared on the bridge. Layress waited for them to fully materialize then abandoned all pretense and ran to hug them all.
"Are you alright? They didn't hurt you or them did they?"
"We're fine." She did the group hug then gave Pren and Osha to Papela to hold her. " That's the last time I visit Bajor alone! Mom, take care of the girls for me please, I want to go rant at that purpled haired witch of a daughter of yours. I promise, I wont hurt her."
"I make no such promise," Layress countered. "But go ahead."
"Your Ask'kaar Commander is in the brig, do with her as you wish."
"oh I shall."
Prime Naynta, the doctor, was checking the girls over when she shuddered violently.
"What's wrong?"
"I've never felt something like that from her before. Even when she threatened to skin me alive, I never felt Something that... Sadistic from her before."
Thay looked after Layress as she walked in to the turbo lift.
"What did feel like?" She asked. "Was she scared?"
Naynta nodded.
"she was scared that she might have lost all of you. But this is... You heard her. She would have laid waste to everything to get you back. She's still in that mindset. She's going to do things to her I don't want to think about. The worst part is she's so calm about it."
" If it's disturbing you go and enjoy time with the other you, go and relax it off.
"please ma'am. Try to calm her down."
Thay turned to address the other Naynta on the bridge.
"I will deal with you later. Pray I'm in a better mood when I do."
She entered the lift and left the bridge. She went to the detention block where she found Layress staring at the unconscious Ask'kaar Commander.
"So, a little busty Betaziod tells me you're on the verge of doing something I would do, but ... calmly?"
Layress looked into the cell.
" it's not that I want to, I have to. If people think that they can take someone I love and get away with it, you'll never be safe. So I have to make an example out of her. I have to do something so horrific to her that no one will ever think of trying something like that again. And...I wasn't completely honest with you. I do want to hurt her for taking you, but not to the extent that I'm going to.
"So you want something that looks excessive for the public, but isn't? Well, Naynta has these Silicon-based beasts on her ship, said Ask'kaar would be eaten whole, but being as these Silicon life forms can't digest carbon based life forms ... after an hour or two they throw up want they can't digest ... and said Ask'kaar can be fed to it again and again until you're satisfied or she gets use to it."
She leaned her head on Layress's shoulder. "But, right now, I want to be with my little angels, then I want to sleep!" "that will work." She put her arm around her. " I think we're going to sleep with them between us on the bed for awhile tonight."
Later that night, Layress looked down at the sleeping twins now back in their own bed. " is mommy still a good person?" She asked whispering softly. "I have done things that if I told the other me about would horrified myself. I was willing to lay waste to an entire planet and kill millions. And yet, Prophets forgive me, I think I can live with it. I find that they are necessary to make things better for everyone... Is the safety of trillions across two universes worth my own sense of morality?"
She reached down and touched their heads.
"I will make things easier for you two. I won't let all the stresses that I deal with effect you... Because I can live with it."
She paused and said it again trying to add more Conviction.
"I can live with it."
She continued to look down at them.
"Now that you two have your teeth, me feeding you with these stops."
She felt something pull on her braided hair. Thay was standing there. She motioned with her head to go in the other room.
They went into the living room of thier quarters.
"Sorry. Did I wake you?" Layress asked. Thay closed her eyes, sighed, opened them, then slapped Layress hard across the face. She stared at Thay in shock, cupping the side of her face. "Do not yell," Thay said quietly. "You'll wake them." Layress's brain re-engage, her face twisted in anger. "What the hell?" She hissed at her. ""At times you have shown flashes of that iron determination. The will to crush those who oppose you without a thought. In the Senate, when you kill that troll that dared to threaten the girls without hesitation. That was the cold strength that they respected. And now that threat you broadcast to the entire prime universe... Again, they feared and respected you. But now you sit here, wondering if you did the right thing. You back away from your own strength like your afraid of it. If you continue to be like this, they will never respect you. When you took that throne you and everyone around you became a target. They will continue to come after you, to come after us. You have to be strong enough to protect them and your Starfleet ways aren't going to cut it." Layress stared at her for a minute. When she spoke her voice remained calm.
"Always, I try to be reasonable, to be fair. I try to talk to people. And no one ever takes it as anything other than weakness. You listen to me try to be civilized and you think, 'Oh, she's nothing. Her, we can ignore. Her, we can push around. We can do whatever we want - she won't stop us!' Because nobody ever takes me seriously - unless I shout and threaten like a character from some cheap Holo novel. Well, you know what? I can do cruel. I really can. And I can be the most cruel sadistic b*tch you have ever seen and it looks like I'm going to have to. If I'm going to accomplish anything here at all, it looks like I'm going to have to give up all this "being reasonable" garbage — and show you idiots what kind of a alpha b*tch you're really dealing with. I will make them bend to my rules. If all they respect is power, I will show them what real power is. Compassion and cruelty are the the two sides of the same sword. I can wield both with equal effectiveness. I will protect the lives of every citizen of Empire and make those who would harm them fear my wrath. They will fear the name of the Dark Empress. And don't you ever hit me again."
Thay bowed her head.
"I'm sorry."
Layress paused.
"Is this what you wanted? Have you been waiting for this moment? The moment when I fully embrace that power is the only thing that will make them obey?"
"Yes, I've been waiting for you to assert your dominance over here, but I'm not enjoying it as much as I thought I would."
" The humans over there have a saying be careful what you wish for. Because you might get it. Now I'm going back to bed."
Thay watched her go back in to the bed room.
I'm sorry Lazy, she thought. But for your own survival and the girls I need you to be the Empress. And maybe one day, you'll forgive me for that.
Both Smith siblings were at the palace for their meeting with the empress. "Watch what you say, the empress is in a most foul mood" advised Jasmine. "Thanks for the heads up Jas" replied Dexter Smith. "Dexter, tunic" answered Jasmine glaring. "Oops" said Dexter as he did his tunic up. When they got to Heath's office, Smith just thought "oh ****" when he saw Papela next to Heath. "Both of you, take a seat" ordered Heath after the Smith sibling saluted. They took their seats and Smith gave Heath the report. "General, that little stunt of yours" said Papela. "Respectfully ma'am, it was an accident. I still have no idea how my patrol group ended up in the prime universe in 2369" answered Smith.
"Regent, is he being honest?" asked Heath. "He is though he's thinking right now, he's in trouble" answered Papela. "I see, though his actions while he was there, we'll review" replied Heath. She then read the full report and smiled, "General, your habit of putting yourself in harm's way to help others" she said afterwards. "They were innocents, those Cardassians were about to kill them so I took the correct course of action in terminating them, we would not be having this meeting if they were not taken down" answered Smith honestly. "He's telling the truth" said Papela. "General, you prevented a temporal assassination" said Heath to Smith. "Another day at the office with respect ma'am, you've earned the respect of the troops for getting them home" answered Smith. "General, after reading the reports, you and your captains are not in trouble. In fact, I've a job for you" replied Heath.
"Ma'am?" asked Smith.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Heath Thay arrived by shuttle along with Admiral Lot, Naynta's head was covered by a hood. After implanting a tracking chip, Naynta was told to run after the hood came off. What Naynta did not know was she was being tracked from the air, Isoisa piloted the shuttle while Thay and Smith ran hunt control. On the ground, commando teams were already on Naynta's trail as she tried to evade. "Fugitive on a path north east, distance 2.3 km" reported Smith to his teams. The commandos matched Naynta move for move as Naynta tried to evade the commandos. "What's to stop her from removing the chip?" asked Smith. "It's set to give her a jolt if she attempts to remove it, she knows that" answered Thay. "She's trying to hide in the forest, Sonic, give her a warning blast from the phaser array" ordered Smith. Isoisa fired one shot which flushed Naynta out.
"That's better" said Thay smiling. "Time to deploy the dogs" said Smith as dog teams were deployed to track Naynta after they got a scent sample. "Why dogs?" asked Thay. "Dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, Naynta will find it near enough impossible to evade the dogs" answered Smith. "This is sport" replied Thay smiling. Meanwhile on the ground, Naynta tried to evade the dogs as their handlers created a cordon around her, commandos then put phaser blasts above Naynta's head to flush her out. "She's running, according to the implant, she's experiencing fear. She's terrified" said Thay laughing. "Thank you for giving my commandos a tough target to track, they are enjoying this sport" replied Smith. "You're welcome" answered Thay smiling. The hunt continued until Naynta was cornered by commandos pointing their weapons at her and the dog teams, the dogs just snarled and barked at her while their handlers kept them in check.
General Smith now landed dressed in commando armour, his face was covered by helmet and a mask with a skull painted on the face plate. "Next time you let a data breach like this happen, the next hunt will be for real and result in your death" said Thay. "It's time for her next ordeal, let's make it something she won't forget" said Smith. "Thank's for the hunt, let us be more creative" replied Thay. "Message from Ghost, she heard what happened and wants in on terrifying Naynta" reported Isoisa. "Keep Admiral Lot in custody, let's plan how to make her life even more hellish" said Thay. Naynta was put into confinement aboard Los Lobos while Thay visited Castle Bray to see Trianna. At the castle, Trianna was shocked to see Thay, "Fleet Admiral, unexpected surprise" said Trianna. "Trianna, I see motherhood has calmed you down" said Thay. "It has, you're here to meet Ghost I take it" answered Trianna. "She wants in on making Naynta's life hell" replied Thay. "You're speaking to her now, I'm Ghost" answered Trianna. "Why do they call you Ghost?" asked Thay. "This is why" answered Trianna showing Thay her sniper rifle, "it's a projectile weapon, I eliminate from distance." "I've heard stories about a sniper putting bullets through wine glasses at 800 metres" replied Thay. "That's me" answered Trianna as she was feeding her little one by bottle.
Post edited by theraven2378 on
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Thay just smiled, "so you found a way of taming that temper of yours" she said afterwards. "I have, the target on the business end of that rifle feels my fury with every pull on the trigger" answered Trianna. "Not very honorable" replied Thay. "I can kill up close and personal too, I just prefer not to unless it's required" answered Trianna in a ice cold tone. "Remind me never to get on your bad side" replied Thay when she realized that Trianna was being serious. "Let's talk business" said Trianna as she attended to her little one. "I need your technical expertise for one and your other talents for another job" answered Thay. "The data leak, I heard" replied Trianna calmly. "Can you design a security program that locks down computers and causes any technology aboard an Imperial ship to self destruct if the ship is faced with capture?" asked Thay. "A wise precaution, I'll get a team working on this project" answered Trianna.
"The second job is dealing with Admiral Lot. How accurate are you with that rifle?" asked Thay. "Very, you need to arrange a scare?" answered Trianna. "You wicked little Betazoid" replied Thay smiling. "Never get on my bad side, if Naynta needs that lesson teaching again then so be it" answered Trianna. Thay just smiled and after giving Trianna the technical data from the leak, she boarded her shuttle and left for the Los Lobos.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Layress opened her eyes and sat up. She yawned and stretched. But she stood up she was yanked back down by her hair.
"Ow! What the hell? Computer, lights."
The lights came up to half illumination, default setting as not to wake up the girls. It showed that the end of her braid had been tied one of the bars on the headboard. It was locked there in place with a magnetic clamp.
"What the hell..."
"I didn't want you to leave before we could talk," came from the doorway.
Thay stood there, looking at her.
"I moved the girl's bed into the other room so we wouldn't disturb them."
"You said plenty the other day."
Thay walked over and sat down on the bed. Her head was down facing the floor.
"I... I was wrong."
"About what?"
"About you."
"In which particular way?"
"I don't want you to change. I want you to keep being you."
"You said I was weak..."
Thay shook her head.
"In a universe that constantly wants blood, you're strong enough to still be compassionate. I... I thought that my form of strength was the only one."
She reached over and took her hand.
" I want... I need you to be you. To be that same person that I had to chase for months to get in bed."
She looked up at her.
"Please Lazy. Don't become me. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it done so you wont have to. Just, please Stay the way you are."
Layress was quiet.
"Don't ever hit me again."
"I won't."
"And don't do this to my hair again."
"I can't say that."
"Oh really?"
"I may want to tie you up with it at some point."
"Really?"
"If you insist on having it..."
"I do."
"Then I'm going to use it on you."
Thay took both her hands in hers.
"My beautiful, and sometimes scary Fed girl."
Layress smiled at her.
"Being angry all the time is tiring. But you are to going to pay for this."
"How so?"
"I'll think of something."
Trianna was called into Heath's office. Stood next to Heath was Thay, "Ma'am, ma'am" said Trianna after bowing and saluting. "Trianna, any progress on finding how the leak happened?" asked Thay. "I had a team run a full rundown of communications from Admiral Lot's fleet, we know how the Ask'Kaar destroyed one of our ships and reverse engineered the drive" answered Trianna. "What are the findings?" asked Heath. "Negligence on Admiral Lot's part, sending orders over a unsecured channel and uncoded. Rule of thumb is always keep radio silence when in hostile territory, that's how the Ask'Kaar intercepted our lost ships" answered Trianna. "I asked Trianna to look into the matter and look at ways of securing our technology" said Thay. "What precautions do you both recommend?" asked Heath.
"Critical technology has a self destruct program, if any of our ships are faced with being captured the computer will automatically self destruct and destroy any sensitive systems and equipment to prevent it being reverse engineered" suggested Trianna. "A wise precaution given the leak" said Thay. "I agree" added Trianna. "Any progress on the program?" asked Thay. "My team are working on the base code as we speak" answered Trianna. "I want it ready for field tests in three weeks" ordered Heath. "Ma'am" answered Trianna. "On the matter of Admiral Lot, she needs to learn some lessons. I hear General Smith had her set loose in wilderness then sent his commandos and hunting dogs after her" replied Heath. "The General is not best pleased with Admiral Lot, he showed her what happened if anyone got on his bad side. Admiral Lot was lucky in this case, those dogs will kill on the General's command" answered Trianna.
"Admiral Lot was clearly terrified" added Thay. "Admiral Lot will be dealt with, make sure the regent gets the full report of Admiral Lot's negligence" ordered Heath. "As you wish" answered Thay. "Permission to speak freely?" asked Trianna. "Granted" answered Heath. "You've got to be like a mother to the whole empire, if you need people to disappear then my rifle is at your service. Just give me a target and that target is dead" replied Trianna.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Trianna had set a trap in the palace gardens for Naynta, on a table there were bottles of alcohol. Naynta arrived and saw the alcohol on the table and thought "free drinks." What Naynta did not know was that she was being watched by Trianna and Thay from the palace roof. "Come into my web" said Trianna as she pulled the bolt back on her rifle, Thay just smiled at the level of control that Trianna was exercising. Naynta picked up the first bottle and as she raised it, Trianna but a bullet through it. "What the hell was that?" yelled Naynta not sure where the shot came from. "We need to change position" said Trianna to Thay, they then changed positions as each bottle on the table was shattered by well placed rounds. "Whoever is doing this, stop and that's an order" yelled Naynta. "How many rounds left?" asked Thay. "I brought extra magazines so that's another 40 rounds" answered Trianna.
Naynta dived for cover as rounds passed close to her head. "Come out you coward" yelled Naynta. "Last mag, let's really scare her now" said Trianna to Thay. "Target, 400 metres, next to the lake" said Thay spotting for Trianna. Trianna fired another 10 rounds in causing Naynta to slip and land face first in mud. "Please stop this, I give up" yelled Naynta in fear that the next round was aimed for her directly. "Oh shoot, I'm out of ammo" said Trianna. When Naynta was returned to her cell, she found a note saying "do not attract my personal attention again." "Time to get back to the little one" said Trianna as she and Thay returned to the Los Lobos. Aboard Los Lobos, Trianna and Thay found Papela. "I see you've both got bored of terrorizing my daughter" said Papela. "Ran out of ammo" answered Trianna which caused a smile from Thay. "What's your little one called?" asked Thay. "Ablim, named after his late father" answered Trianna. "Well it looks like Ablim and twins are getting along" said Thay smiling. "How has he been?" asked Trianna to to Doctor Lot. "A little angel" answered Doctor Lot. "Thanks for keeping an eye on him" replied Trianna as she picked Ablim up, "who's mommy's little angel?" she said as she changed Ablim's diaper and got him into his buggy. Ablim just smiled and giggled.
"Let's get you home" said Trianna as she board a shuttle pushing the buggy. She got home and put Ablim to bed before she and Isoisa relaxed while there was peace. "Good day at the office?" asked Isoisa. "You could say that" answered Trianna smiling.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
General Smith was at the kennels with Mereu, all 20 dogs all stopped barking and sat when commanded by Mereu. "Guess you're alpha" said Smith smiling. "I am, time to get the dogs fed" answered Mereu. After feeding the dogs, both Smith and Mereu got back to their day off, "Dexter, what is this project you are working on?" asked Mereu. "It's for the empress, something to say thank you for giving us a chance" answered Smith. "Ah, I have to see it" replied Mereu. "You will before it's sent off to the empress" answered Smith. Back at home, Smith unveiled his pet project, "this is a scale model of the USS Los Lobos, we need to check if it's accurate because this is going to the empress" said Smith.
Everyone took a look and smiled. "Let's get this sent to the empress" said Trianna as she was feeding her little one and talking to him. "Dexter, your mother sent you a letter and she wants to speak with you and Jasmine" said Mereu passing Smith a PADD. Dexter opened the letter, it was the deeds to the Smith family home, "Looks like mother has moved back to Somerset, she's given us the house. Me, you and Jasmine" said Smith. "Dexter, time to speak with ma" replied Jasmine. After an hour, Dexter, Mereu and Jasmine Smith were the legal owners and arrangements were made for their things to be moved. Trianna and Isoisa gave them a hug and a congratulatory smile. Smith then stroked his pet wolf and smiled. "Dexter, you got a name for that wolf yet?" asked Trianna.
"He's called Attila" answered Smith. "The wolf stays outside Dexter, that is not a house dog" replied Jasmine. "Attila, don't you listen to that mean Jasmine" joked Smith. The wolf just wagged his tail, "time to send this off" said Trianna as Smith carefully put the model in the box and sent it to the empress. The note on the box said "Thank you for giving us a chance, signed Dexter Smith." Meanwhile Trianna's tech teams were running damage control on Admiral Lot's TRIBBLE up, what they developed was a program that would self destruct any sensitive equipment should a ship be faced with capture or destruction. The program was sent to Thay for scrutiny by Heath.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
In her quarters, Layress was involved in serious negotiations. "Come on girls, say 'ah'. What? This is good. See, mommy likes it. Mmm good. Now come on open up. No, I don't care how much you pout and point. The mommy milk station is closed. You two have teeth now and you bit that little Gorn child and left teeth marks. Sorry girls but I am not taking any chances on you biting down on mommy's sensitive parts like that." "You are such a hypocrite, Lazy. You don't complain when I do it." "That's different." "Let me try. Ok girls, you have monopolized mommy's nice round bits long enough. Mummy wants to have her turn with them. Now say ah and mummy will get you your own set of Trills to play with." "You are not doing that." "Ignore mommy. Trills are nice and soft and you can chew on their soft bits all the time." "Thay..." "Or maybe you prefer Andorians like mommy." "Do not be a bad influence on them." "Hey, it worked. They're eating. Andorians it is." "Prophets above. I pray that there's enough me in them to offset all the you." "Now that would be boring." Further discussion was interrupted by a call from the bridge. "Excuse me ma'am but we're receiving a transmission across the secure channel from the other universe." "I've been expecting this," Layress sighed. "I'll keep feeding them. You going to go change?" "Why bother? They call me when feeding them, they can deal with casual me." Thay was going to point out the splattered food on her face and in her hair, but Layress picked up the PADD before she could say anything. "Hello Mr. President." "Hello Emp... Did I catch you at a bad time?" "Just feeding the girls. Introducing them to solid food." "Yes. We heard about their jaw strength. How are they?" "Everyone's find thankfully. I'd ask how's your back, But I don't think that's why you called." "No it's not, and it's healing nicely thank you. How long have you been able to cross over freely like that?" "We both know that they were doing it long before we were both born." "That's individuals. I'm talking moving fleets like that." "That is a relatively new development. I only became aware that we had the ability to do that when I took over. Need to know and all that stuff." "I see." "Michael, I have no intention of invading or attacking you." "Although you technically already did invade." "Ask your wife if you had been taken and brought over here, would she have waited for our permission before coming over to find you. You know the answer to that." "I concede that point. But your sudden appearance and subsequent threat of retribution has put a lot of people on edge. They want to know what's stopping you from trying to invade and conquer us." "Do really think that I want a war? That I want to be constantly worrying about someone trying to target them to get at me? I don't want that. I don't want them to grow up in that kind of environment." "So what are your plans?" "I'm going to do what was done over there. I'm going to create my own version of the Alliance. Unifed across both universes I will bring them all together under one banner." "The Empire's I assume?" "Tell me, does the Federation tell the Klingons how to run their internal affairs?" "No." "Then why do you assume that I would? Do you have that little faith in me?" "You, I have faith in. It's those around you that I worry about." "Like those around you that tried to kill you?" He just smiled. "You are so much like her. She said the same thing." "We are basically the same." "The incursions over here stop." "I have no quarrel with the Alliance. The Ask'karr however, capture and experiment on new races they encounter. I will contain my activity to thier borders. Any ship caught outside that area that is not in need of help, is fair game." "Agreed. As our any of our ships you find over there illegally." "See, we can work things out to..." She stopped midword as a blob of something unrecognizable landed on the side of her head. "Pren, Bad girl," came from off screen. "No throwing food at mommy when she's working." "I will let you go so you can clean up." "Thank you." "I'll be in touch." The screen went blank. "Did you mean that?" Thay asked. "About the Ask'karr?" "We encountered a race that did the same thing. They hid in subspace. Captured and experiment on people. We stopped them, the Ask'karr don't get a pass just because they look like us." Thay kissed her on the cheek. "You don't know how happy that makes me." "However there are rules that will be obeyed. Civilians, especially the pregnant and children are not to be touched. Also Alliance soldiers are off limits. They find any, pack them up and send them back. Those are my terms for doing this." "I Can live with that." "Good. Now I'm going to go wash my hair to get this stuff out of it." That watched her go. "I have to get you two something really sticky to eat," she thought smiling. "If you get it in mommy's hair maybe she'll finally get it cut... No, she going to deal with those wrinkled nosed pests for me. She can keep her hair, for now." Thay froze, gazing out the window. "Illegally?" she said aloud. 'Why would he word it like that?'
General Smith was on a secure channel to the empress, "General, how familiar are you with a race called the Ask'kaar?" asked Heath. "Not very ma'am" answered Smith. "Admiral Lot's fiasco allowed the Ask'kaar to take advantage and you are familiar with the recent incident" replied Heath. "We've been running damage control, if the Ask'kaar can reverse engineer a trandimensional drive then what else could they have reverse engineered?" asked Smith. "That raises questions in itself" answered Heath. "It's something to take into account" replied Smith honestly, "how are the twins given what happened?" he asked afterwards. "They're fine" answered Heath. "If a punitive operation is on then count me in" replied Smith.
"You've got homework to do" ordered Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "I'll leave you to it, you've full access to the Federation library on the Ask'kaar" replied Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "You've a week to to get yourself familiar, empress out" replied Heath an the screen went blank.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
General Smith was reporting to Heath via secure subspace, "ma'am, there is a way we can weaken the Ask'kaar before we go into their home world and stop their experiments" he said. "General, you have a idea I take it" replied Heath. "Liberate their subject races and restrict the Ask'kaar to their home system after we destroy their labs and free the prisoners being used as lab rats" answered Smith. "We do not want to be disrupting their culture, you knows the rules of engagement" replied Heath. "No pregnant women and no kids" answered Smith. "Make sure your troops know those rules" replied Heath. "They will do, if we have to launch planetary assault landing to evict the Ask'kaar military off them, we'll need a a armored vehicle to support our infantry and armored vehicles to get them from point A to B quickly" answered Smith.
"What are you proposing?" asked Heath. "These" answered Smith sending Heath the schematics of a tank and a Infantry fighting vehicle. "This is shuttle grade shielding and ablative armor built into the armored hulls" replied Heath looking through the designs. "In the turret on the tank, there is a twin lance phaser cannon. It's beam can be set to stun or kill, on the Infantry fighting vehicle, the armor is thinner but the shielding is very strong, enough room for a 10 man squad along with their gear. Armament are twin mounted phaser miniguns, again they can be set to kill or stun" answered Smith. "How would get these onto a planet's surface?" asked Heath. "Argo shuttles and Pathfinders along with Intrepids" answered Smith. "What's the engines for these vehicles?" asked Heath. "A micro Impulse manifold" answered Smith. "The Ask'kaar have never seen anything like these, have your engineers start work on the prototypes" replied Heath.
"Ma'am" answered Smith. "General, I'll be needing Battle Fleet Omega to come to these co-ordinates" ordered Heath sending Smith the co-ordinates. "Ma'am, that's in the other empire" answered Smith. "We need somewhere secure to plan, bring your plans and work on the prototypes on the way" replied Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. After a roll call, Battle Fleet Omega was ready to go. Admiral Lot was recalled to Betazed (red) in disgrace for her judgement. Trianna meanwhile was working on her tech security upgrades and feeding her little one. Aboard the ships of Battle Fleet Omega, the engineers were working on the prototypes.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Comments
Battle Fleet Omega met up with TF-113, General Smith and Cmdr Petrofski were met by Admiral Heath aboard the U.S.S. Los Lobos. "General Smith" said Heath. "Admiral Heath, this is my XO Cmdr Petrofski" replied Smith. "Time to hunt Maquis" answered Heath. "We have to be thorough, it's search and destroy tactics. The Maquis prefer ambush and hit and run " replied Smith. "The best way to deal with insurgents is to separate them from the local population, hearts and minds" answered Heath. "Any targets in civilian areas are to be raided in pinpoint raids, any Maquis ships who engage us will be destroyed with extreme prejudice. My crews owe them some payback for the loss of the Shenzhou, Buran and Gagarin will all hands lost on those ships, Admiral, I'm giving you the after action report of that skirmish along with the readingss from my vessel. Your officers will need to study it very carefully" replied Smith passing Heath the PADD.
"You suspect ambush?" asked Heath. "I do, when ambushed, repay them with the same mischief" answered Smith. "Turn their ambush into our ambush, R'Shee co-ordinate with Cmdr Petrofski" replied Heath. "Mario, I need you on allied co-ordination" said Smith to Petrofski. "Boss, you've got it" answered Petrofski. "We need somewhere secure to plan our campaign" said Heath. "I know a place, these co-ordinates" replied Smith handing Heath the co-ordinates. "That's in the Delta Quadrant" answered Heath. "We don't want the enemy finding our meeting location" replied Smith.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Captain McBrocken walked in to the ready room. Heath stood looking at the display of the 113th disposition.
"They are ready to go hunting Lazy," she reported.
"Good."
"There's only one problem."
She turned to look at her.
"What's that?"
She took a deep breath before speaking.
"Heath Layress, you are emotionally comprised and therefore unfit to command."
"What?"
"I hereby relieve you of your duties and order you to report back to the Prime universe."
"This isn't funny Augie."
"I'm serious Admiral."
"I don't have time..."
"You are the wife of the President of the Federation. He is in a hospital recovering from an assassin's attempt on his life. You can't be out here running around trying to find them. You have to be there for him, for everyone back home. You have greater duties than this now. Now will you leave peacefully, or do I have to call security?"
"You are such a pain in the TRIBBLE Augie."
"You only call me that when you know I'm right. Besides you really think I want to be in charge of these gobshikes? I'd rather gnaw my own foot off. You go be the first lady, I'll take care of them and bring them back to you."
McBrocken walked up and hugged her.
"Hate you you Scottish idiot."
"Hate you too, you bouncy Bajoran wench."
"Captain McBrocken" said General Smith. "General, Admiral Heath won't be joining us on this hunt. Personal reasons" replied McBrocken. "Understandable" answered Smith. "Time to get these people" replied McBrocken. "Agreed, that's why I recruited some extra help" answered Smith smiling as representatives from the Benthan Guard took their seats. "We take the rule of law very seriously, the General has given us the list of Imperial laws and my captains are familiar with them" said the Benthan fleet commander. "That's why I recruited them" added Smith. "More allies" commented McBrocken. "Let's get to business" said Smith.
"These orders come from the Empress of the Empire and the President of the Federation, search and destroy operations are authorized. Civilian casualties to be avoided" read Captain McBrocken. "Agreed" chorused everyone in the room. "Let's go hunting" said Smith. The Allied fleet of Imperial, Federation and Benthan Guard ships all entered the transwarp conduit and arrived at Starbase 24, the fleet then turned for the Trill Sector at slipstream and arrived over their first target of Separus Prime. Jumping into orbit, allied troops then landed and overran a Maquis base taking it's garrison prisoner. After downloading the computers, the base was demolished by spatial charges, those Maquis who tried to flee were caught and their ships disabled, the crews then taken prisoner for questioning. "Distress call, Imperial patrol group under attack by at least two dozen ships" reported Sydulla on the bridge of the Bellerophon.
Every ship got the message and made a jump to the site of the battle, putting themselves between the Maquis and the eight crippled Imperial ships, they destroyed 12 ships out of the attacking 26 ships. The Maquis broke off the engagement but were shot down by vengeful Imperial crews. "That was for the Shenzhou, Buran and Gagarin, let's get these ships home" said Smith fleet wide. The allied fleet formed up around the eight Imperial frigates and escorted them to Terra. The Imperial Commander thanked the fleet for arriving and watching their back. "Excellent start everyone, this is only the beginning" said McBrocken fleet wide. "I've sent the report to the boss, make sure your president receives this report" said Smith securely sending over the report to McBrocken.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Earth orbit prime
"The problem with back injuries is that you have to stay on your stomach while you heal," Ford complained.
"Your lucky you weren't paralyzed sir," Djetta replied.
"But I'm stuck facing the floor in this harness. All I can see are your feet
"It's designed to keep you from moving and placing minimum stress on your back."
"I know. I know. So what do we know about the attack?"
"Sir you should be trying to rest."
"My body may be healing, but my mind still works fine. I want something to think about other than the patterns in the floor."
"Yes sir. With the level of infiltration unknown, we brought you back to the Constellation. The upgrade projects were cancelled until we can determine if the materials that were being used were safe. And Yes, we called in who you wanted. He's checking everything over now."
"Good."
He heard the door and close.
"I gave orders that he not be... Oh. You are an exception to the rule."
Another pair of feet came into view..
"Whoever you are, nice sandals. Cute toes too," Ford commented..
The newcomer knelt down revealing it's body.
"Now I don't know toes but I never forget a bust. Especially one that big."
The figure reached up and gently touched his face.
"Perverted jerk," she said softly.
"So why are you here and not chasing people around in the Mirror universe?"
"Augie declared me emotionally comprised and relieved me of command. Told me to come back here and be the First Lady instead of an Admiral.."
"I don't know about him, but I'm grateful for that," Djetta replied. "Those reporters are getting on my nerves.."
"I'll handle it. What do you have on the Bynars,?"
"Nothing yet. They're hard to track."
"I have people that can help."
"Excuse me, but you're not leaving me out of this."
"Like you sent me to another universe to keep me out of it?"
"Alright, you win. We do it together."
"You see? You can learn... Djetta, would be so kind as to get a table that we can lay the PADDS on down here so we can go through them?"
"He's supposed to rest."
"I'll make sure he does even if I have to drug him."
"Yes ma'am."
"You know with all the stuff in me post surgery you can't drug me."
"True, but I have other ways of getting you to obey."
"Do you now?"
She crawled under the harness and kissed him.
"Yes I do."
"Yes Empress."
"So all we've got are the logs from Starbase 74, U.S.S. Enterprise-D personnel and Data's logs" said Shade. "It's a start, let's get reading" replied Jasmine looking at the box on the table. "Where's Trianna?" asked Shade. "Passed out on the couch, I've just put a blanket on her" answered Isoisa. "Best leave her" replied Jasmine. "Good idea, when the little one is on nap time, she usually catches up on sleep" answered Isoisa. "We do have a Borg here, maybe Bareil can check the collective's records for us" suggested Lwasana. "That works" answered Jasmine. "Isoisa to Bareil, could you assist with some research?" asked Isoisa tapping her combadge. Bareil walked into the room and took a seat before asking "what kind of research?" "A species called the Bynar, what records of the Bynars did the collective keep?" replied Jasmine.
"Checking collective records now" answered Bareil as he put the information down onto PADDs. "Fascinating" said Shade reading through the collective's records. "Their symbiosis with technology makes them potent but we need a defense against their computer attacks, we need ideas" said Jasmine. "I may have a suggestion, it may involve an upgrade of your computers with Borg technology" replied Bareil. "Elaborate" requested Shade. "Introduce specially modified nanoprobes into the system to counter these computer attacks, the nanoprobes track and destroy any sentient intrusion" answered Bareil. "A bit radical don't you think?" asked Isoisa. "It's efficient" answered Bareil. "We would have to clear this with the Empress, I'm going to see her in an hour. Bareil, come with me to explain your idea to the Empress, she'll listen" replied Jasmine. "I will, Miss Jasmine Smith, is the Empress like the queen at the centre of the Empire's hive?" asked Bareil. "I've never heard that description before but it's accurate. Call me Jasmine" answered Jasmine smiling. "The General calls me Sparks, I don't know why" replied Bareil. "My brother has nicknames for people, Sparks is a good one" answered Jasmine.
Half and hour later, Trianna woke up and fed Ablim jnr as she read and noted down information. Armed with the new intel and accompanied by Bareil, Jasmine left for the Empress's meeting.
Palace holding cells (MU red)
Both Prime and red Sito were sat with their legs and arms cuffed to the chair as the hoods came off, first thing they saw was a flood light shining into their faces. "Morning" said General Smith as both Sitos were implanted with an agony chip each. "Let's talk about your friends, as you have both noticed, you have agony chips in your heads. Rules are if any one of you don't co-operate, the other gets this" said Smith pushing the button on his remote. Red Sito screamed as Thay sat there clearly enjoying it. "Now, shall we begin?" asked Smith. "We're not saying a word" said Red Sito, Smith in no mood for mercy pushed the button and Prime Sito screamed. "Remember, co-operate or it's more discomfort" said Thay smiling. "Where's your main sector bases?" asked Smith. "May your pah burn" answered Prime Sito. "Give the traitor Sito a jolt" said Thay, Smith pushed the button and the questioning started again.
Thay and Smith showed no mercy as every bit of information was extracted the hard way, once questioning was over the Sitos were thrown back into their cells and the agony field set to high. "Take Omega to the Sicaris system, wipe that base out with extreme prejudice" ordered Thay. "Consider it done" answered Smith. Within minutes, Omega and TF-113 were on their way to the Sicaris system, they jumped in above the planet and deployed the grounds units. Surprise was total as the Maquis were caught before they could evacuate, the base computers were downloaded and the base flattened from orbit as the ground units were beamed back aboard the ships. "Next target, the old Terran/Cardassian DMZ, expect resistance" said Smith to McBrocken via secure channel. Omega and TF-113 cleared the DMZ reducing Maquis bases to rubble in every system they visited. Maquis activity in the Alpha Quadrant was crippled then eliminated as the Maquis were hammered remorselessly by Omega, TF-113 and the Benthan Guard.
Now they turned their attention to the Beta Quadrant. Reports were sent to Empress Heath and President Ford securely informing them on campaign progress. INN had watched the whole campaign from the bridge of the Bellerophon and reported live to the peoples of the Empire, "this is the war report, Allied troops have taken the fight to the Maquis. The hunters are fast becoming the hunted, several Maquis bases were raided and then destroyed by our brave troops and allies. We will update you as the campaign progresses, this is Liandra Konig reporting for INN."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"Ms Konig, first time on a warship?" asked General Smith. "It is, feels strange to have things shot at me" answered Konig. "You get used to it, I notice you and your team tense up when under fire" replied Smith. "We're not trained to deal with this, when we took this assignment, we were told this was not a safe assignment" answered Konig. "It's a warship, my lot are used to being fired at. Next time we go into action, I want your cameras rolling so the citizenry see our battles raw and uncut" replied Smith. "Deal, my viewers will see our troops and allies fighting as one" answered Konig. "Boss, we're getting a distress call, troop convoy under sustained attack. At least half a dozen raiders phasing in and out of cloak according to the convoy escort commander" reported Sydulla. "Location?" asked Smith. "15 LY, Rigel system" answered Sydulla. "Ms Konig, take a seat and get your cameras rolling, Ensign Leandros set course at slipstream" ordered Smith.
Battle Fleet Omega all jumped to the Rigel system and arrived at the site of battle in five minutes. "This is the General, form a perimeter around the troop ship. All tactical officers, target any enemy raiders making runs on the convoy" ordered Smith. At the same time, Konig began her broadcast, "Liandra Konig reporting from the front, Imperial troops have just entered combat after responding to a distress call. As this is being aired, our troops are engaging the enemy to protect a convoy. Enemy ships are trying to swarm our ships but we're holding the line as our professional troops are remaining calm and on focus. General Smith putting his ships and crews in harms way is an act of honor even in the face of repeated enemy attacks." "Enemy ships trying to flank, Agrippa and Roanoke are moving to intercept, their fighter drones have launched to draw enemy fire" reported Sydulla. "Target the lead Maquis ships, full power to the weapons. Let's ruin their day" ordered Smith.
"Antiprotons charged and ready, quantums are locked" reported Sydulla. "Wait until they get to within close range" ordered Smith, "helm, don't give the enemy room to move." "Sir" chorused Sydulla and Leandros. "Targets in range, they're locking torpedoes" reported Sydulla. "Don't give them chance to fire, wipe them out" ordered Smith. "Firing" reported Sydulla. The Bellerophon fired and destroyed five Maquis ships before they could fire. Konig reported the battle, "five enemy ships destroyed, four more are joining the attack." "Give the enemy a full broadside" ordered Smith. "Firing" reported Sydulla. Bellerophon's next strikes wiped out the four attacking raiders. "Disable the rest" ordered Smith. "Targets disabled" reported Sydulla smiling. "Put me through" ordered Smith. "You're through boss" reported Tommen Paris. "To the Maquis survivors, you have 30 seconds to strike your colors and unconditionally surrender. This is your only warning" said Smith over the channel as he signaled for his ships to lock weapons on the Maquis survivors.
"This is Commodore Peres, we surrender" answered the Maquis commander. "Since you are in open war with the empire, you and your people will be treated as prisoners of war until the end of this current conflict. Afterwards you will have to face court proceedings over your actions" replied Smith. "I agree to those terms" answered Peres. The Maquis survivors were beamed off their ships into cells and the ships destroyed. "Has the convoy jumped to warp?" asked Smith. "Convoy is away and safe" reported Sydulla. "Well done everyone, we saved a lot of lives today so hold your head up with pride. We can win this war and we will, the Maquis may try and run but they can never hide from us, we'll find them and defeat them" said Smith fleet wide. The INN crew aboard got all of that and broadcast the battle and results to the citizenry. "Ms Konig, for a bunch of civilians you and your team did well" said Smith. "General, it's a pleasure to let us aboard to report this war. The citizenry have to see this victory" answered Konig. "Agreed, all ships head for home base" ordered Smith. INN later broadcast the entire battle uncut, public support for the war increased and the troops were cheered by the crowds as they were allowed to have a parade through the streets of Paris. At the palace, the Empress personally met the crews who had taken part and spoke to each one smiling.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Terra orbit mu red
"You are talking about infecting every computer, both ship and ground based, with these nanites," the Empress said calmly after hearing their proposal.
"I know it's a radical idea," Jasmine.
"And potentially dangerous is some one can access them to reprogram them. Our systems would be wide open."
"We can add multiple safeguards to prevent that from happening."
The Empress tapped her fingers on her desk in thought.
"I want a master kill switch," she said finally. "Keyed only to me so that no one else can effect the network. I want it to constantly generate a signal that keeps them in their active defense state. If it's interrupted, they lockdown. If it goes wrong I wan't to be able to stop it and anyone attempting anything dead. Get me a plan for that and we'll talk."
"Interesting" Bareil. "She thinks like a Hive Queen."
"When planning the future of two universes, you need to" the Empress sighed. ", How's your head?"
"Better. No lasting effects. How's your arm?"
"Light duty. Nothing heavier than Ohsa or Prin allowed."
"I'm on a 72 hour alcohol ban, Mereu insisted and would not budge on the matter" sighed Jasmine. "She's right, alcohol could cause problems" replied Heath. "Yep, Dexter has it worse. He does not get away from medical examinations, it's amusing watching Mereu track him down" answered Jasmine smiling. Heath just smiled, at that point, "Good news from the front, more bases knocked out" she said passing Jasmine the PADD. "My brother has been busy, it seems he's brought in allies from the Delta Quadrant" commented Jasmine. "The Benthans joined the Empire diplomatically, General Smith has picked his allies well" replied Heath. "Odd move giving captured Maquis prisoner of war status until the end of this conflict" answered Jasmine.
"It's a good one, it might give an extra incentive for surrender. They know they will be well treated if they surrender" replied Heath. "Though they will be given a fair trial after the war for their actions" answered Jasmine. "And they will be fairly sentenced" replied Heath. "Ma'am, you have the support of the people and of the military. The attempt on your life angered the people, INN are calling this the Empress's Crusade. I do disagree with the people watching the war uncut" answered Jasmine. "It's sending a message home, this is the fight our brave troops and allies have to go through daily" countered Heath. "It could be a nightmare politically" answered Jasmine. "Something to consider" replied Heath. "Can Bareil work up here?" asked Jasmine. "Makes sense, I'll partner him up with someone of like mind on this project" answered Heath. "Trianna has started work on her front on isolating the frequency, I'll ask her to create a kill switch but I'm sure she can be creative" reported Jasmine.
"Make it something even she can't break into, trust me, she'll enjoy the challenge" replied Heath. "Ma'am" answered Jasmine. Bareil and Jasmine were then dismissed.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
While Trianna and Shade got to work on breaking the Bynar frequency, General Smith was aboard the Bellerophon planning the assault on the Maquis base at Gorlan Station. This would be tough target to break as it was a main fleet anchorage for the Imperial fleet, intel had also revealed a disturbing update. There were two battle groups of battle hardened veterans defending the station, the station itself was also heavily fortified with torpedo turrets and heavy shielding. The recent offensives had pushed the Maquis all the way to Gorlan and with no prospect of escape or rescue, they prepared to stand their ground. "Battle Fleet Omega, TF-113 and the Benthan Expeditionary fleet won't be enough" sighed Smith.
"We're going to need more ships, I don't fancy the thought of tangoing with those defenses" advised Cmdr Petrofski. "It would end up being a bloodbath, something we need to avoid" replied Smith. "Any chance of getting the First fleet?" asked Petrofski. "That's a stretch but I'll ask the Fleet Admiral" answered Smith. "Would be worth it" replied Petrofski. "The Empress did order us to wait here at Terra, I wonder why?" asked Smith. "Just look out of the window" replied Petrofski. Smith looked out of the window as reinforcements from the Romulan Aristocracy decloaked. "Their government has put them under your command, Admiral Eriksson has also pledged her ships. Admiral Barclay has also dispatched more ship to reinforce us" reported Petrofski. "We win here, we end the war. They're trapped like rats in a barrel" answered Smith.
"There's an old Russian adage, never corner a wounded bear. It still can kill you even wounded" replied Petrofski. "Agreed, that's why we have to do with minimum losses. During the Dominion War, we deliberately cornered ourselves to slow down 3000 Jem Hadar and Kobali ships, we only had 500 ships" answered Smith. "Place an army in a place of no escape and they will prefer death to flight" quoted Petrofski. "Exactly, the Maquis know that" replied Smith. "Does Gorlan have a civilian population?" asked Petrofski. "Planet was rendered uninhabitable by the I.S.S. Enterprise in 2267, the station is a purely military installation" answered Smith. "How many ships backing up the station?" asked Petrofski. "At least 350 mostly modern battleships and cruisers supported by destroyers and escorts" answered Smith.
"We have 700, even with two to one odds we're going to take terrible losses" replied Petrofski. "We need to draw them out into a battlefield of our choosing" answered Smith. "We need bait to draw them out, then we ambush them for a change" replied Petrofski. "I'll bring this to the boss's attention" answered Smith. "Mereu called, she expects you home in 15 minutes" replied Petrofski. "Medical, I never get away with avoiding them" answered Smith. After organizing the intel, they took it with them and locked the room after they left.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Terra orbit mu red
"Time for some psychological warfare instead of actual," the Empress said studying the situation. "Time is on our side. Take a hundred ships and have them lock on to a land mass on the planet. Preferably something unimportant. Tell them to maintain their distance, but move so they are always over that location. Just orbit the planet while the others remain where they are. If they come to investigate, run back to the others. Meanwhile search the system and find a few big nickel iron asteroids. Make sure they're a few kilometers in length. Bring them in to orbit with you. Let them sweat for awhile...
You know that world would make a perfect home for all the Lukari refugees if it's not too damaged afterwards."
The Allied fleet joined the blockade, 100 Imperial ships were dispatched to the planet's far orbit and they locked weapons onto the ruins of the old Gorlan capital. Other ships were were asteroid harvesting, the asteroids were brought into orbit tethered by tractor beams and deployed between the Imperial blockade and Maquis positions around the station under cloak. However the Maquis had detected the 100 Imperial ships in orbit and deployed their ships to eliminate them. The Imperial ships under orders to avoid engagement ran back to the fleet followed in hot pursuit by the Maquis. Aboard Bellerophon, General Smith watched the Maquis movements and repositioned his fleet to block the Maquis. The Maquis barreled down on the 100 Imperial ships, what they found was 700 ships decloaking all around them.
Smith gave the order to fire, in the ambush that followed, all Maquis ships were disabled before they could fire a shot. Smith sent the message to the Maquis that surrender was the only way their lives would be saved. The Maquis diehards refused to surrender. Smith rather than take any more lives flooded the Maquis ships with a knockout gas and ordered the ships to be boarded and captured. The crews were put into cells and the former Maquis ships were added to the blockade, the diehards on the station steeled themselves for combat but their defenses suddenly shut down as Imperial computer warfare teams remotely sabotaged the station. Smith now brought the station under close blockade and deployed troops to capture the station. After a short battle, the station surrendered and was brought back under Imperial control.
The Maquis were defeated without a single life lost on both sides. When the allied fleet arrived at Terra, the prisoners were offloaded. Later, the Maquis leadership signed an unconditional surrender and gave the order for all Maquis units to lay down their arms and stand down. The Empress had made her point, the conflict was over and no civilians had been killed or wounded during the Allied offensives. Gorlan was given to the Lukari and Kentari peoples as a joint home world to begin their societies again, Imperial personnel were assigned to make sure the planet was operated in an efficient manner and new energy sources were looked at. Gorlan would become a trading hub for the sector as well as military base. Now the physical fighting was over, the electronic war had yielded a breakthrough. Bareil had developed a program hard keyed to Empress Heath's quantum signature, the nanoprobes were modified to target and destroy any non Imperial frequency that tried to break in. Trianna and Shade had also made progress on their front and isolated the Bynar frequency, Trianna then tested her security program to see if it could break the frequency. It did, Bareil was sent the results and his project was ready for demonstration as the program was tested. The Bynar frequency was found then eliminated, Heath had the killswitch on her desk, she smiled when she saw it was hard coded to her DNA signature and quantum signature.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Jasmine entered the office and saluted Heath. "Jas, how's the head?" asked Smith. "No lasting effects, I'm fine" answered Jasmine. "Good, we caught those responsible" replied Smith. "General, good job" said Heath as she dismissed him. "Ma'am" answered Smith before he left the office.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The Entieri'Is fired at Maquis transport vessle, flawlessly executing it's ambush and coming out of cloak. Scans had left no doubt as to the contents of the freighter- rather specialized ship parts.
Revenent, having been placed in temporary command, ordered the strike team to secure the vessel. He tapped his fingers over the command chair impatently.
As the shadows began their assault the looked to the communications officer. "Tell them if they resist we won't take prisoners."
"Transmitting message now Rev- Union Kronous warbird decloacking the Romulans are hailing on all frequencies."
"... Open a channel."
"Imperial vessel, I've been ordered to transfer a prisoner into the empires custody." The Reman began, "À maquis agent attempted to make a deal for arms at Eternity station. Given recent discoveries we have no intention of being puppets of Vadez, or Leata and denied his request after he gave a meeting location."
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
The captured Maquis were processed and tried, the defendants were all found guilty. The sentences were tough but fair, the leadership got life sentences in the penal mines at Taffun and other imperial penal institutions. The lesser operatives got sentences of between ten to fifteen years hard labor. General Smith was a happy man at seeing justice done, it was now Tyler Grey's turn in the dock. Grey was found guilty of mass murder and attempted cultural genocide, in sentencing him, the judge was severe, the sentence was death. On Bajor, the crowds watching INN cheered. The Empress just let off a subtle smile at the sentence.
At the next senate meeting, the Empress announced an expansion of the senate with the invitation to the Benthans to have a seat on the council. "The Benthans accepted and their representative took his seat. "The Benthans aided us during the Maquis crisis, such service should be recognized" said Heath. "My people believe in law and order, to meet others who also believe in law and order goes a long way with us" replied the Benthan senator. "Indeed, I've heard about your people" answered Heath. "My captains operating here will be updated on your laws, we'll be introducing them to the Delta territories by end of the month" replied the Benthan representative. "Your people will be the police force for the Delta Quadrant, they have permission to deputize any Imperial Captains if they need the extra back up" answered Heath. "Thank you Empress" replied the Benthan representative.
"Next order of business, improved disaster management. Ms Smith brought this up and she raised a good point, it took hours to get aid to the survivors and emergency services, we need to be quicker on the response" said Heath. "I was first one on the ground with teams of volunteers, too many died because of delays in aid arriving" replied Smith. "It's a valid point" said Senator Iodokar of Betazed Yellow.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Nathan Valdez was on grandfather duty when he got a call, "Hey dad, caught you at a bad time?" asked Trianna (red). "Not really, just trying to catch a hyper toddler, Anna made the mistake of giving your darling little sister some chocolate. She's now racing round the room at warp speed" answered Valdez. "Oh dear" replied Trianna (red) while she resisted the temptation to laugh. "Hold on, Teanna Jane Valdez, stop beating your aunts around the head with a soft toy" answered Valdez. That got Teanna Jane's attention, Ablim Snr picked her up and put her in her playpen. "I see Ablim is taking no prisoners" joked Trianna. "No" yelled Teanna Jane. "Right little lady, enough of that" said Valdez to Teanna Jane. She took notice that granddad was not happy and quietened down. Trianna (red) found all this amusing.
"How's Trianna?" asked Trianna (red). "Complaining, doctor ordered her to rest so she's been told to take it easy. We've been covering for her with the little ones" answered Valdez. "She'll appreciate the help, my doctor is the same, she does not take prisoners on those who avoid medical examinations and treatment" replied Trianna (red). "Trianna will be starting her physiotherapy soon, she'll need all the help and support she can get" answered Valdez. "True, what's this I've heard about you remarrying?" asked Trianna (red). "Your counterparts insisted I move on, they played matchmaker" answered Valdez. "Who did they pick?" asked Trianna (red). "Captain Joanna Dawson" answered Valdez. "Good choice though I'm not calling her mom" replied Trianna (red). "I know the twins are on first name basis with her" answered Valdez.
"When's the big day?" asked Trianna (red). "Two weeks, we started sending out invites" answered Valdez. Joanna Dawson beamed down and gave Valdez a kiss. "How was your day?" asked Valdez. "Excellent, I did not know you were on call" answered Dawson. "Meet my daughter's counterpart. Joanna, meet Trianna Bray" replied Valdez. "Trianna, a pleasure to meet you. I faced your father on the battlefield once, please say you don't take after him" said Dawson. "Dad's counterpart and the Empress have shown me different ways of looking at things, I call his counterpart Dad these days" replied Trianna (red). "Some days, it's like I've got identical triplets but end of the day they are my daughters in some crazy way" said Valdez to Dawson. "That's fine with me, I want to see all three girls at the wedding" replied Dawson. "I may have to ask the Empress for permission" answered Trianna (red). "Of course" replied Valdez. "I'll be there. Congratulations on your engagement" answered Trianna (red). "Thank you Trianna" replied Dawson and Valdez. "Little one is awake, back to mom duty" answered Trianna (red). "We'll leave you to it" said Valdez.
Trianna (red) then closed the channel after saying "laters." "I've got a fortnight off, so how about we take a weekend break to Venice?" asked Dawson. "Just the two of us?" asked Valdez. "Just the two of us" answered Dawson smiling.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Acting on the intel from the shadows and the Romulan Star Union, General Smith took two cruiser squadrons to the meeting site and waited cloaked. "These holdouts have ignored the surrender order, let's see what they'll do" noted Smith to Cmdr Petrofski. "Chances are they won't be alone" answered Petrofski. "I know, that's why I brought back up" replied Smith. "We've got a contact, bearing five LY and approaching at warp three" reported Lt Sydulla. "How many contacts?" asked Smith. "One freighter and she's being escorted by several traitor cruisers, in total ten ships" answered Sydulla. "Good thing we have two cruiser squadrons with us then" replied Smith. "They'll be here within the hour" answered Sydulla. "I'll need your fingers ready to pull the trigger when they get here" replied Smith. "I'll be ready sir" answered Sydulla smiling. "Keep an eye out" replied Smith smiling.
Smith now prepared his ships for action and got a roll call of all captains, they all reported ready. The freighter arrived expecting Romulans but was soon surprised by the Bellerophon and a squadron of cruiser decloaking on three sides as the second cruiser squadron decloaked behind the freighter. After disabling communications, weapons and engines on the traitor escort cruisers, Smith sent a message demanding total surrender. He did not like the response, "we will not surrender to those who work for the usurper empress, we would rather die" answered the traitor commander. "Fine, have it your way" answered Smith before he gave the order "target their warp cores and fire." Sydulla did not hesitate and fired, the Imperial ships showed no mercy as the traitor cruisers were destroyed and the survivors of their crews taken prisoner. The freighter was then boarded and secured along with her crew and cargo of weapons.
Smith now towed the freighter back to Terra under heavy guard and arrived 72 hours later.
Terra (MU red)
Trianna was speaking with the empress on ways of making security even tighter. "Colonel, if we increase security again, it may infringe on citizen's rights" pointed out Heath. "Eternal Vigilance is the price of freedom, with respect ma'am" answered Trianna. "How would the average citizen take having to go through extra security?" countered Heath. "The people support the increased security, my operatives confirmed that privately citizens approve the increases given the Maquis activities. We've been removing the die hard cells who ignored the surrender order, General Smith has just intercepted an arms deal and has brought the evidence with him to Terra for our security to start questioning the crew. A substantial amount of weapons and quantum warheads were also recovered" answered Trianna.
"I want the General to be brought to the Los Lobos immediately for debriefing" replied Heath. "I've sent him the message" answered Trianna. "You look like something has cheered you up" replied Heath. "I got some news from dad, he's remarrying. I've been requested by his fiance to be at the wedding" answered Trianna. "I see" replied Heath. "He's marrying a Starfleet captain by the name of Joanna Dawson, my counterparts decided to play matchmaker to get dad to move on. They chose Captain Dawson, do I have permission to attend dad's wedding?, it'll be on Earth in two weeks" asked Trianna. "Will you be taking your little one?" asked Heath. "I don't want to risk the little one through a trans-dimensional transporter" answered Trianna. "Leave us a list of instructions and his routine, we'll babysit" said Isoisa and Mereu in the background. "Mereu is like an aunt to the little one" said Trianna. "I'll think on it, Empress out" replied Heath and the screen went blank.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
While on patrol with two cruiser squadrons, General Smith and his ships were pulled into a temporal anomaly. "Where are we?" asked Smith. "Bajoran system but not our universe" answered Paris. "Which universe and when?" asked Smith. "You won't like it" answered Paris. "Tommen, this better be interesting" replied Smith. "Prime universe but we're in the year 2369" answered Paris. "Oh hell" replied Smith. "Maybe we're here for a reason" suggested Cmdr Petrofski. "How so?" asked Smith. "Threats were made against the Empress's family, maybe we're here to stop them from being killed" answered Petrofski. "Why us?" sighed Smith. "Because we're here" answered Sydulla. "Or that the universe is playing one big joke on us" replied Paris. "Just our luck" said Leandros. "First things first, we need to find the Heath family while avoiding being detected" ordered Smith.
"Do we have a location?" asked Petrofski. "Let's try Gallitep" answered Smith. "I'm scanning now" reported Paris. "What do we know about the Cardassian occupation of Bajor?" asked Sydulla. "From what the empress has told me, we're going into hell. It's nothing but misery and suffering for the Bajorans down there, the Cardassians used them as slaves to strip mine the planet of all natural resources" answered Smith. "Found something, the Heath family is in Gallitep labor camp" reported Paris. "Can we beam them out?" asked Smith. "Not without being detected" answered Paris. "Then we do it the stealthy way, small team tactics" replied Smith. "I can transport a five man team down but we'll have to hijack Cardassian frequencies to do it" suggested Paris. "I'll lead, I'll take four commandos" said Smith. "Too high risk" replied Petrofski. "I'll go, if anything goes wrong, beam us back up" ordered Smith. "Is the General always this crazy?" asked Leandros. "Pretty much" answered Petrofski. Smith left the bridge and suited up along with a small team and covertly transported down to the surface.
When they arrived in the camp, they were nearly sick at the level of suffering and the conditions. "Ten minutes, let's find the Heath family and get them out of here" ordered Smith. "Sir" chorused the commando team. After searching the habitation areas, they found what they were looking for. Smith and his team had got there just in time as the the Heath family were lined up in front of a firing squad. "Not today, take those Cardassians down" ordered Smith, the commandos dropped the guards with well placed head shots and quickly attached micro transporters to the Heaths as the alarm went off. Bajoran collaborators were no match for the battle hardened Imperial commandos as the Heath's were beamed out along with the team. In the Bellerophon's sickbay, the Heaths were confused. "How are they?" asked Smith. "Malnourished, physically exhausted and traumatized, the elderly think this is a Cardassian trick and are refusing treatment" reported Mereu. "Need a hand down here?" asked Smith. "Convince them we are not Cardassian" replied Mereu. "I'll speak with them" answered Smith.
Smith then spoke with the Heath family and showed them he was not not Cardassian. The Heaths then accepted treatment, Smith then tapped his combadge and ordered "Get us out of Cardassian space." "Sir" replied Leandros. Smith's ships all jumped to warp and arrived in Federation space, the Heath family were dropped off at Starbase 74 and Smith's ships left covertly, now they had to find a way home. "Does this ship have temporal communications?" asked Smith. "It does" answered Sydulla. "Send a message to the Empress on this frequency, tell her we may need a lift home" ordered Smith. "Message sent" reported Sydulla as Smith's ships found somewhere to hide until help arrived.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Jasmine Smith was called into Heath's office. "Ma'am, you sent for me" said Jasmine after saluting. Heath then poured a drink and told Jasmine to sit down. "Got bad news, trust me you'll need this" said Heath passing Jasmine the glass. "What's happened?" asked Jasmine. "Your brother was on patrol in the Bajor Sector with two cruiser squadrons, we lost contact with them. So far we've searched everywhere but no wreckage or any clue, your brother and his crews have been listed as missing" answered Heath. Jasmine was stunned and clearly upset at this, "what happened?" asked Jasmine wiping tears from her eyes. "It appears they were pulled into a temporal anomaly, no one knows where they are and when they are" answered Heath. "Mother won't like this, given the nasty divorce case and recent events, this is the last thing she needs. She'll be heartbroken her only boy is missing" replied Jasmine.
"He's resourceful and a proven survivor, he may still be alive along with his crews" answered Heath. "Put me on the search, Dexter even though he can be a pain in the backside has looked out for me so I must do the same for him" replied Jasmine. "Ma'am, we've got a signal and it's on your frequency" reported R'shee over a secure channel. "Put it through" ordered Heath. "Ma'am, we ran into a slight problem. We got pulled into a temporal anomaly but we're not even in our own universe, we're in the prime universe but it's the year 2369. We need a lift home" said the message. "That's your brother's frequency, he's alive by the sounds of it" said Heath. "I'm going to kick his backside from one side of Terra to the other when get hold of him" replied Jasmine smiling. "If he's awaiting help, he'll find somewhere to lay low and avoid any Federation attention" answered Heath. "He's good at avoiding detection, when are we going to bail him out of this mess?" asked Jasmine. "R'shee, did you get a location?" asked Heath. "Paulson Nebula, we can launch when ready to recover our troops" answered R'shee. "Jasmine, let's rescue your brother" said Heath and both Heath and Jasmine transported to the Los Lobos.
The Los Lobos engaged her temporal drive.
Paulson Nebula, 2369 (Prime)
"Sir, are we going to make it home?" asked Leandros. "Help should be on it's way, I need everyone to remain calm and professional. We all have families back home so we have to get back to them, understood?" answered Smith. "Sir, you've never let us down" replied Leandros. "I don't intend to" answered Smith. "Boss,we're getting something. Putting it on the view screen now" reported Paris. "Tommen, friend or foe?" asked Smith. "They're hailing us" reported Paris. "Sydulla, put them through" ordered Smith. Heath's face appeared onscreen, "follow the Los Lobos through the rift, time to get you and your people home" ordered Heath. "Ma'am" reported Smith. The Los Lobos led the the Imperial patrol squadrons through the rift and arrived at Terra in the correct universe and year.
Aboard the Los Lobos, Smith and Mereu were met by Heath and Jasmine. "Dexter, next time you make us worry like that, I'll be kicking your backside from one end of Terra to the other" said Jasmine after giving her brother a hug, "good to have you back." "Next time, you try descending into hell" joked Smith. "Hmm?" asked Jasmine. "That hell is called Gallitep, we stopped an execution of innocent people. The Heaths were all lined up in front of a firing squad, we did not give that squad a chance to carry out the executions and got the Heaths out of Gallitep and into Federation space. They refused treatment citing that this was a Cardassian trick, I had to show them I was not Cardassian before they accepted treatment. Don't worry, we made sure they got chance to clean up and have a good meal afterwards. Ma'am, what I saw there was enough to make me nearly sick at the conditions there. The worse part was we observed Bajorans executing their fellow Bajorans on the orders of the Cardassians, it's enough to make one question their own sanity" answered Smith. "Welcome home" said Heath smiling.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
It was wedding day at the Valdez farm, Trianna and Isoisa (red) had arrived the evening before bring Ablim Jnr (red) with them. "Trianna, Isoisa, thank you for coming" said Nathan Valdez smiling that all three of his girls were there. "Uncle Iblim, Aunt Lwadana" said Trianna (red) smiling. "Trianna" replied Iblim smiling at seeing all of his nieces together. Meanwhile Valdez was getting ready, "Uncle, you're nervous" said Obin. "I know, it's a big day" answered Valdez. "Relax then and stop worrying" replied Obin. Elsewhere, the Triplets got the little ones ready, "how do we tell our our little ones' apart?" asked Trianna (prime). "Simple, my Ablim will be wearing red" answered Trianna (red). "Mine is in blue" replied Trianna (prime). "That works" said Ablim snr getting his tie right. Admiral Heath arrived along with president Ford, "Layress, Mr President" said Valdez greeting his guests. "Micheal, best behavior or I ram my boot up somewhere it does not belong" said Heath. "Yes dearest" answered Ford.
"You look nervous" said Heath. "I am" answered Valdez. "Nathan, Joanna's sons have arrived and they're terrified" said Iblim. "Why bro?" asked Valdez. "They've just met the girls" answered Iblim trying not to laugh. "You three, best behavior" said Valdez to the triplets. "Yes dad" chorused the triplets. "Sir, we're not calling you dad" said the Dawson boys. "You don't have to, where's Joanna?" asked Valdez. "Getting her make up done, Nathan we feel outnumbered by women" answered Luke Dawson. "You'll get used to it" replied Valdez. "Never had sisters before" said Rick Dawson. "You'll get used to them" answered Valdez. "Thanks Nathan" chorused the Dawson boys. Both Isoisas were getting Teanna Jane and Marie Wray ready, after a 20 minute battle, both toddlers were ready. "Mr Valdez, your immediate family is Betazoid" said Ford. "I was raised on Betazed after losing both parents at an early age" answered Valdez. "Mom's here" said Luke as everyone got to their positions.
When Joanna walked to the alter, Valdez was stunned and said "wow" at Joanna's beauty. "Very dashing" countered Joanna. After the ceremony, both Mr and and now Mrs Valdez signed the register. The party afterwards went long into the evening, "Nathan, congratulations" said Heath. "Thanks Layress" answered Valdez. "Dad, Uncle Iblim has just given the toddlers chocolate and both Ablim Jnrs are trying sing along to one of Anna's classic rock tracks" said Trianna (prime). "Oh dear, poor Luke and Rick" answered Valdez laughing at the toddlers terrorizing the Dawson boys. "Why are my boys whimpering?" asked Joanna. "Hyper toddlers" answered Valdez. "Well, it's the last dance of the evening" replied Joanna. Once the party was over, Heath and Ford left for the Constellation after Nathan and Joanna Valdez were sent off on their honeymoon. The next day, Trianna and Isoisa (red) returned home along with Albim Jnr (red).
The Wrays returned to Betazed as the Dawson boys returned to Starfleet academy. Back at Terra, Trianna (red) put the Valdez family wedding photo up on the wall.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Terra orbit mu red
A ship waited in orbit for thier return. Upon arrival they were hailed and the face of Papela appeared on screen.
"I trust you're done being a **** up!" She Said before anyone else could speak. "Your wife and daughters have been taken by the Ask'kaar!"
" What? Where? How?" Heath demanded.
"Your wife ... my daughter, and your children, my grandchildren, were taken captive by the Ask'kaar Republic several hours ago while you were playing with your temporal rubbish. We don't know much, but we suspect it's retaliation for what Thay's been having Naynta do to them."
"How did they get here and what was she doing... Later where are they now? Find them. Don't let those ships leave the Empire's territory."
"I imagine my daughter (Naynta) has lost a ship raiding their space, allowing them access to the multidimensional drive ... I imagine they're already back in the alternate universe. So far, few know about this, I suggest we find a way to get them back, NOW!"
"Back in the other universe? Contact the Federation, tell them what happened and that I am coming to get them back. Get the fleets from both universes ready to go. I want Naynta here to find out what the hell she was doing. And when we get over there, contact the Ask'kaar I want to talk to them."
"To hell with the Federation, we send the fleet straight to Ask'kaar space, and get them back now! If the Federation intervenes, they'll be punished." Papela demanded.
"Excuse me for thinking before rushing into things. I'm telling them to stay out of the way. I don't want a war on two fronts when I don't need to be distracted. When the fleet has gathered we go."
" in things like this I am impatient! Let's go get my daughter!"
Bajor sector border(prime)
The combined Imperial fleet jumped into the prime universe. They oriented themselves and proceeded at full speed towards the Ask'kaar border.
"Attention all alliance ships, this is Empress Layress. The Ask'kaar have kidnapped my wife and children. I am going to get them back. You are advised to be elsewhere while I do this."
" I take it you'll be punching Naynta later?" Papela asked."
if she's lucky, all I will do is punch her. We've had to reveal that we can come over here whenever we want without their permission. That isn't going to sit well with them. I'll have to deal with that later. Now open a channel to them."
"Ready."
" 'Attention. Ask'kaar leaders. This is Empress Layress. You have taken those from me that you shouldn't have touched. Now I offer you a chance to return them before I respond. You may find it amusing that I would want to talk, but I want to give you a chance to spare your people from what is about to happen. And if you care about them you will take my offer. I don't know what stories you've heard about me, but let me put them in context. I always considered myself a good person, always willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt in all things including attacking me.
That, was before I got married and had children. All of which you have taken from me.
Now, you have thirty seconds to return them to me or I will come and get them. And I will kill everything you put in front of me to try and stop me. I will leave nothing but death in my wake and when I reach your world, I will incinerate the surface of it except for where you are. Then I will come down there, and beat you to death with my own hands.
You have thirty seconds to comply. Then I am coming. Empress out.' Start the clock."
"Incoming signal," Callie reported five seconds later.
"On screen."
Much to their surprise, Thay's smiling face appeared.
"Hey Lazy! *grins knowing the quadrant is likely listening* I am so attacking your chest tonight. You're going to be a size smaller when I'm done with you."
"What..."
"Apparently the former commander of this ship, had gone rogue on information *notices Naynta (red) next to Papela* which YOU unknowingly gave them, bla bla bla, we've also got a lot of Gorn prisoners on board as well, they've taken over the vessel, but as I knew you were coming, I have agreed on your behalf to take them back to their planet.
Pren and Osha are fine, though Pren had a little accident with one of the Gorn children ... someone decided it was best to settle a squabble with their teeth. Pren left teeth marks in the arm of a Gorn child.
Anyway, we're on a ship at [coordinates] come and pick us up please, had enough of this ship!"
I have the oddest conflicting emotions. Layress thought. I'm beyond happy that they're alright, yet I want to strangle her.
"we're on the way," she said aloud. "Be there shortly."
" So ... Thanks to our Gorn friends, we've got 400 Ask'kaar prisoners, what do you suggest I do with them?"
" which one had the idea to come over here and take you and the kids?"
"The commander of course, I suspect her crew were involved too, but so far no one has decided to share their personal opinions. I was thinking of letting your Paris 'play' with them. She'll get me the information I need."
"I want to talk to them myself."
"They're in the brig and cargo bays. Can you come and pick us up now? We're getting bored!"
"I'm on the way."
Thay sat on the Ask'kaar bridge with Ohsa and Pren in her lap waiting for Heath.
" See that file? That's called the 'Crew Manifest' ... mummy has to decide on what to do with the evil ladies who tried to hurt her girlsI. If Mommy was here, she'll be telling us about how we must be compassionate to our prisoners ... although she didn't sound very compassionate. I think she's learning. I suppose Naynta will have another 400 playthings. Maybe I should schedule a visit to her ship, she might even treat me to a show."
She looked at the star chart of their territory.
"One day my dear crinkled nose friends, if Layress won't conquer you, I will."
" when we're in transporter range beam them and the Ask'karr Commander from over there to the bridge here.. Naynta (red), stand over there. I expect you to come up with an explanation of what caused this. I advise you not to disappoint me. Pauline, ladies, with me be ready. In range. Zulilia, bring them back over. "
One large and two small figures appeared on the bridge. Layress waited for them to fully materialize then abandoned all pretense and ran to hug them all.
"Are you alright? They didn't hurt you or them did they?"
"We're fine." She did the group hug then gave Pren and Osha to Papela to hold her. " That's the last time I visit Bajor alone! Mom, take care of the girls for me please, I want to go rant at that purpled haired witch of a daughter of yours. I promise, I wont hurt her."
"I make no such promise," Layress countered. "But go ahead."
"Your Ask'kaar Commander is in the brig, do with her as you wish."
"oh I shall."
Prime Naynta, the doctor, was checking the girls over when she shuddered violently.
"What's wrong?"
"I've never felt something like that from her before. Even when she threatened to skin me alive, I never felt Something that... Sadistic from her before."
Thay looked after Layress as she walked in to the turbo lift.
"What did feel like?" She asked. "Was she scared?"
Naynta nodded.
"she was scared that she might have lost all of you. But this is... You heard her. She would have laid waste to everything to get you back. She's still in that mindset. She's going to do things to her I don't want to think about. The worst part is she's so calm about it."
" If it's disturbing you go and enjoy time with the other you, go and relax it off.
"please ma'am. Try to calm her down."
Thay turned to address the other Naynta on the bridge.
"I will deal with you later. Pray I'm in a better mood when I do."
She entered the lift and left the bridge. She went to the detention block where she found Layress staring at the unconscious Ask'kaar Commander.
"So, a little busty Betaziod tells me you're on the verge of doing something I would do, but ... calmly?"
Layress looked into the cell.
" it's not that I want to, I have to. If people think that they can take someone I love and get away with it, you'll never be safe. So I have to make an example out of her. I have to do something so horrific to her that no one will ever think of trying something like that again. And...I wasn't completely honest with you. I do want to hurt her for taking you, but not to the extent that I'm going to.
"So you want something that looks excessive for the public, but isn't? Well, Naynta has these Silicon-based beasts on her ship, said Ask'kaar would be eaten whole, but being as these Silicon life forms can't digest carbon based life forms ... after an hour or two they throw up want they can't digest ... and said Ask'kaar can be fed to it again and again until you're satisfied or she gets use to it."
She leaned her head on Layress's shoulder.
"But, right now, I want to be with my little angels, then I want to sleep!"
"that will work."
She put her arm around her.
" I think we're going to sleep with them between us on the bed for awhile tonight."
Later that night, Layress looked down at the sleeping twins now back in their own bed.
" is mommy still a good person?" She asked whispering softly. "I have done things that if I told the other me about would horrified myself. I was willing to lay waste to an entire planet and kill millions. And yet, Prophets forgive me, I think I can live with it. I find that they are necessary to make things better for everyone... Is the safety of trillions across two universes worth my own sense of morality?"
She reached down and touched their heads.
"I will make things easier for you two. I won't let all the stresses that I deal with effect you...
Because I can live with it."
She paused and said it again trying to add more Conviction.
"I can live with it."
She continued to look down at them.
"Now that you two have your teeth, me feeding you with these stops."
She felt something pull on her braided hair. Thay was standing there. She motioned with her head to go in the other room.
They went into the living room of thier quarters.
"Sorry. Did I wake you?" Layress asked.
Thay closed her eyes, sighed, opened them, then slapped Layress hard across the face.
She stared at Thay in shock, cupping the side of her face.
"Do not yell," Thay said quietly. "You'll wake them."
Layress's brain re-engage, her face twisted in anger.
"What the hell?" She hissed at her.
""At times you have shown flashes of that iron determination. The will to crush those who oppose you without a thought. In the Senate, when you kill that troll that dared to threaten the girls without hesitation. That was the cold strength that they respected. And now that threat you broadcast to the entire prime universe... Again, they feared and respected you. But now you sit here, wondering if you did the right thing. You back away from your own strength like your afraid of it. If you continue to be like this, they will never respect you.
When you took that throne you and everyone around you became a target.
They will continue to come after you, to come after us.
You have to be strong enough to protect them and your Starfleet ways aren't going to cut it."
Layress stared at her for a minute. When she spoke her voice remained calm.
"Always, I try to be reasonable, to be fair. I try to talk to people. And no one ever takes it as anything other than weakness. You listen to me try to be civilized and you think, 'Oh, she's nothing. Her, we can ignore. Her, we can push around. We can do whatever we want - she won't stop us!' Because nobody ever takes me seriously - unless I shout and threaten like a character from some cheap Holo novel.
Well, you know what? I can do cruel. I really can. And I can be the most cruel sadistic b*tch you have ever seen and it looks like I'm going to have to. If I'm going to accomplish anything here at all, it looks like I'm going to have to give up all this "being reasonable" garbage — and show you idiots what kind of a alpha b*tch you're really dealing with. I will make them bend to my rules. If all they respect is power, I will show them what real power is. Compassion and cruelty are the the two sides of the same sword. I can wield both with equal effectiveness. I will protect the lives of every citizen of Empire and make those who would harm them fear my wrath. They will fear the name of the Dark Empress. And don't you ever hit me again."
Thay bowed her head.
"I'm sorry."
Layress paused.
"Is this what you wanted? Have you been waiting for this moment? The moment when I fully embrace that power is the only thing that will make them obey?"
"Yes, I've been waiting for you to assert your dominance over here, but I'm not enjoying it as much as I thought I would."
" The humans over there have a saying be careful what you wish for. Because you might get it. Now I'm going back to bed."
Thay watched her go back in to the bed room.
I'm sorry Lazy, she thought. But for your own survival and the girls I need you to be the Empress. And maybe one day, you'll forgive me for that.
Both Smith siblings were at the palace for their meeting with the empress. "Watch what you say, the empress is in a most foul mood" advised Jasmine. "Thanks for the heads up Jas" replied Dexter Smith. "Dexter, tunic" answered Jasmine glaring. "Oops" said Dexter as he did his tunic up. When they got to Heath's office, Smith just thought "oh ****" when he saw Papela next to Heath. "Both of you, take a seat" ordered Heath after the Smith sibling saluted. They took their seats and Smith gave Heath the report. "General, that little stunt of yours" said Papela. "Respectfully ma'am, it was an accident. I still have no idea how my patrol group ended up in the prime universe in 2369" answered Smith.
"Regent, is he being honest?" asked Heath. "He is though he's thinking right now, he's in trouble" answered Papela. "I see, though his actions while he was there, we'll review" replied Heath. She then read the full report and smiled, "General, your habit of putting yourself in harm's way to help others" she said afterwards. "They were innocents, those Cardassians were about to kill them so I took the correct course of action in terminating them, we would not be having this meeting if they were not taken down" answered Smith honestly. "He's telling the truth" said Papela. "General, you prevented a temporal assassination" said Heath to Smith. "Another day at the office with respect ma'am, you've earned the respect of the troops for getting them home" answered Smith. "General, after reading the reports, you and your captains are not in trouble. In fact, I've a job for you" replied Heath.
"Ma'am?" asked Smith.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Heath Thay arrived by shuttle along with Admiral Lot, Naynta's head was covered by a hood. After implanting a tracking chip, Naynta was told to run after the hood came off. What Naynta did not know was she was being tracked from the air, Isoisa piloted the shuttle while Thay and Smith ran hunt control. On the ground, commando teams were already on Naynta's trail as she tried to evade. "Fugitive on a path north east, distance 2.3 km" reported Smith to his teams. The commandos matched Naynta move for move as Naynta tried to evade the commandos. "What's to stop her from removing the chip?" asked Smith. "It's set to give her a jolt if she attempts to remove it, she knows that" answered Thay. "She's trying to hide in the forest, Sonic, give her a warning blast from the phaser array" ordered Smith. Isoisa fired one shot which flushed Naynta out.
"That's better" said Thay smiling. "Time to deploy the dogs" said Smith as dog teams were deployed to track Naynta after they got a scent sample. "Why dogs?" asked Thay. "Dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, Naynta will find it near enough impossible to evade the dogs" answered Smith. "This is sport" replied Thay smiling. Meanwhile on the ground, Naynta tried to evade the dogs as their handlers created a cordon around her, commandos then put phaser blasts above Naynta's head to flush her out. "She's running, according to the implant, she's experiencing fear. She's terrified" said Thay laughing. "Thank you for giving my commandos a tough target to track, they are enjoying this sport" replied Smith. "You're welcome" answered Thay smiling. The hunt continued until Naynta was cornered by commandos pointing their weapons at her and the dog teams, the dogs just snarled and barked at her while their handlers kept them in check.
General Smith now landed dressed in commando armour, his face was covered by helmet and a mask with a skull painted on the face plate. "Next time you let a data breach like this happen, the next hunt will be for real and result in your death" said Thay. "It's time for her next ordeal, let's make it something she won't forget" said Smith. "Thank's for the hunt, let us be more creative" replied Thay. "Message from Ghost, she heard what happened and wants in on terrifying Naynta" reported Isoisa. "Keep Admiral Lot in custody, let's plan how to make her life even more hellish" said Thay. Naynta was put into confinement aboard Los Lobos while Thay visited Castle Bray to see Trianna. At the castle, Trianna was shocked to see Thay, "Fleet Admiral, unexpected surprise" said Trianna. "Trianna, I see motherhood has calmed you down" said Thay. "It has, you're here to meet Ghost I take it" answered Trianna. "She wants in on making Naynta's life hell" replied Thay. "You're speaking to her now, I'm Ghost" answered Trianna. "Why do they call you Ghost?" asked Thay. "This is why" answered Trianna showing Thay her sniper rifle, "it's a projectile weapon, I eliminate from distance." "I've heard stories about a sniper putting bullets through wine glasses at 800 metres" replied Thay. "That's me" answered Trianna as she was feeding her little one by bottle.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Thay just smiled, "so you found a way of taming that temper of yours" she said afterwards. "I have, the target on the business end of that rifle feels my fury with every pull on the trigger" answered Trianna. "Not very honorable" replied Thay. "I can kill up close and personal too, I just prefer not to unless it's required" answered Trianna in a ice cold tone. "Remind me never to get on your bad side" replied Thay when she realized that Trianna was being serious. "Let's talk business" said Trianna as she attended to her little one. "I need your technical expertise for one and your other talents for another job" answered Thay. "The data leak, I heard" replied Trianna calmly. "Can you design a security program that locks down computers and causes any technology aboard an Imperial ship to self destruct if the ship is faced with capture?" asked Thay. "A wise precaution, I'll get a team working on this project" answered Trianna.
"The second job is dealing with Admiral Lot. How accurate are you with that rifle?" asked Thay. "Very, you need to arrange a scare?" answered Trianna. "You wicked little Betazoid" replied Thay smiling. "Never get on my bad side, if Naynta needs that lesson teaching again then so be it" answered Trianna. Thay just smiled and after giving Trianna the technical data from the leak, she boarded her shuttle and left for the Los Lobos.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Terra orbit MU yellow
Layress opened her eyes and sat up. She yawned and stretched. But she stood up she was yanked back down by her hair.
"Ow! What the hell? Computer, lights."
The lights came up to half illumination, default setting as not to wake up the girls. It showed that the end of her braid had been tied one of the bars on the headboard. It was locked there in place with a magnetic clamp.
"What the hell..."
"I didn't want you to leave before we could talk," came from the doorway.
Thay stood there, looking at her.
"I moved the girl's bed into the other room so we wouldn't disturb them."
"You said plenty the other day."
Thay walked over and sat down on the bed. Her head was down facing the floor.
"I... I was wrong."
"About what?"
"About you."
"In which particular way?"
"I don't want you to change. I want you to keep being you."
"You said I was weak..."
Thay shook her head.
"In a universe that constantly wants blood, you're strong enough to still be compassionate. I... I thought that my form of strength was the only one."
She reached over and took her hand.
" I want... I need you to be you. To be that same person that I had to chase for months to get in bed."
She looked up at her.
"Please Lazy. Don't become me. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it done so you wont have to. Just, please Stay the way you are."
Layress was quiet.
"Don't ever hit me again."
"I won't."
"And don't do this to my hair again."
"I can't say that."
"Oh really?"
"I may want to tie you up with it at some point."
"Really?"
"If you insist on having it..."
"I do."
"Then I'm going to use it on you."
Thay took both her hands in hers.
"My beautiful, and sometimes scary Fed girl."
Layress smiled at her.
"Being angry all the time is tiring. But you are to going to pay for this."
"How so?"
"I'll think of something."
Trianna was called into Heath's office. Stood next to Heath was Thay, "Ma'am, ma'am" said Trianna after bowing and saluting. "Trianna, any progress on finding how the leak happened?" asked Thay. "I had a team run a full rundown of communications from Admiral Lot's fleet, we know how the Ask'Kaar destroyed one of our ships and reverse engineered the drive" answered Trianna. "What are the findings?" asked Heath. "Negligence on Admiral Lot's part, sending orders over a unsecured channel and uncoded. Rule of thumb is always keep radio silence when in hostile territory, that's how the Ask'Kaar intercepted our lost ships" answered Trianna. "I asked Trianna to look into the matter and look at ways of securing our technology" said Thay. "What precautions do you both recommend?" asked Heath.
"Critical technology has a self destruct program, if any of our ships are faced with being captured the computer will automatically self destruct and destroy any sensitive systems and equipment to prevent it being reverse engineered" suggested Trianna. "A wise precaution given the leak" said Thay. "I agree" added Trianna. "Any progress on the program?" asked Thay. "My team are working on the base code as we speak" answered Trianna. "I want it ready for field tests in three weeks" ordered Heath. "Ma'am" answered Trianna. "On the matter of Admiral Lot, she needs to learn some lessons. I hear General Smith had her set loose in wilderness then sent his commandos and hunting dogs after her" replied Heath. "The General is not best pleased with Admiral Lot, he showed her what happened if anyone got on his bad side. Admiral Lot was lucky in this case, those dogs will kill on the General's command" answered Trianna.
"Admiral Lot was clearly terrified" added Thay. "Admiral Lot will be dealt with, make sure the regent gets the full report of Admiral Lot's negligence" ordered Heath. "As you wish" answered Thay. "Permission to speak freely?" asked Trianna. "Granted" answered Heath. "You've got to be like a mother to the whole empire, if you need people to disappear then my rifle is at your service. Just give me a target and that target is dead" replied Trianna.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Trianna had set a trap in the palace gardens for Naynta, on a table there were bottles of alcohol. Naynta arrived and saw the alcohol on the table and thought "free drinks." What Naynta did not know was that she was being watched by Trianna and Thay from the palace roof. "Come into my web" said Trianna as she pulled the bolt back on her rifle, Thay just smiled at the level of control that Trianna was exercising. Naynta picked up the first bottle and as she raised it, Trianna but a bullet through it. "What the hell was that?" yelled Naynta not sure where the shot came from. "We need to change position" said Trianna to Thay, they then changed positions as each bottle on the table was shattered by well placed rounds. "Whoever is doing this, stop and that's an order" yelled Naynta. "How many rounds left?" asked Thay. "I brought extra magazines so that's another 40 rounds" answered Trianna.
Naynta dived for cover as rounds passed close to her head. "Come out you coward" yelled Naynta. "Last mag, let's really scare her now" said Trianna to Thay. "Target, 400 metres, next to the lake" said Thay spotting for Trianna. Trianna fired another 10 rounds in causing Naynta to slip and land face first in mud. "Please stop this, I give up" yelled Naynta in fear that the next round was aimed for her directly. "Oh shoot, I'm out of ammo" said Trianna. When Naynta was returned to her cell, she found a note saying "do not attract my personal attention again." "Time to get back to the little one" said Trianna as she and Thay returned to the Los Lobos. Aboard Los Lobos, Trianna and Thay found Papela. "I see you've both got bored of terrorizing my daughter" said Papela. "Ran out of ammo" answered Trianna which caused a smile from Thay. "What's your little one called?" asked Thay. "Ablim, named after his late father" answered Trianna. "Well it looks like Ablim and twins are getting along" said Thay smiling. "How has he been?" asked Trianna to to Doctor Lot. "A little angel" answered Doctor Lot. "Thanks for keeping an eye on him" replied Trianna as she picked Ablim up, "who's mommy's little angel?" she said as she changed Ablim's diaper and got him into his buggy. Ablim just smiled and giggled.
"Let's get you home" said Trianna as she board a shuttle pushing the buggy. She got home and put Ablim to bed before she and Isoisa relaxed while there was peace. "Good day at the office?" asked Isoisa. "You could say that" answered Trianna smiling.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
General Smith was at the kennels with Mereu, all 20 dogs all stopped barking and sat when commanded by Mereu. "Guess you're alpha" said Smith smiling. "I am, time to get the dogs fed" answered Mereu. After feeding the dogs, both Smith and Mereu got back to their day off, "Dexter, what is this project you are working on?" asked Mereu. "It's for the empress, something to say thank you for giving us a chance" answered Smith. "Ah, I have to see it" replied Mereu. "You will before it's sent off to the empress" answered Smith. Back at home, Smith unveiled his pet project, "this is a scale model of the USS Los Lobos, we need to check if it's accurate because this is going to the empress" said Smith.
Everyone took a look and smiled. "Let's get this sent to the empress" said Trianna as she was feeding her little one and talking to him. "Dexter, your mother sent you a letter and she wants to speak with you and Jasmine" said Mereu passing Smith a PADD. Dexter opened the letter, it was the deeds to the Smith family home, "Looks like mother has moved back to Somerset, she's given us the house. Me, you and Jasmine" said Smith. "Dexter, time to speak with ma" replied Jasmine. After an hour, Dexter, Mereu and Jasmine Smith were the legal owners and arrangements were made for their things to be moved. Trianna and Isoisa gave them a hug and a congratulatory smile. Smith then stroked his pet wolf and smiled. "Dexter, you got a name for that wolf yet?" asked Trianna.
"He's called Attila" answered Smith. "The wolf stays outside Dexter, that is not a house dog" replied Jasmine. "Attila, don't you listen to that mean Jasmine" joked Smith. The wolf just wagged his tail, "time to send this off" said Trianna as Smith carefully put the model in the box and sent it to the empress. The note on the box said "Thank you for giving us a chance, signed Dexter Smith." Meanwhile Trianna's tech teams were running damage control on Admiral Lot's TRIBBLE up, what they developed was a program that would self destruct any sensitive equipment should a ship be faced with capture or destruction. The program was sent to Thay for scrutiny by Heath.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Betazed orbit mu yellow
In her quarters, Layress was involved in serious negotiations.
"Come on girls, say 'ah'. What? This is good. See, mommy likes it. Mmm good. Now come on open up. No, I don't care how much you pout and point. The mommy milk station is closed. You two have teeth now and you bit that little Gorn child and left teeth marks. Sorry girls but I am not taking any chances on you biting down on mommy's sensitive parts like that."
"You are such a hypocrite, Lazy. You don't complain when I do it."
"That's different."
"Let me try. Ok girls, you have monopolized mommy's nice round bits long enough. Mummy wants to have her turn with them. Now say ah and mummy will get you your own set of Trills to play with."
"You are not doing that."
"Ignore mommy. Trills are nice and soft and you can chew on their soft bits all the time."
"Thay..."
"Or maybe you prefer Andorians like mommy."
"Do not be a bad influence on them."
"Hey, it worked. They're eating. Andorians it is."
"Prophets above. I pray that there's enough me in them to offset all the you."
"Now that would be boring."
Further discussion was interrupted by a call from the bridge.
"Excuse me ma'am but we're receiving a transmission across the secure channel from the other universe."
"I've been expecting this," Layress sighed.
"I'll keep feeding them. You going to go change?"
"Why bother? They call me when feeding them, they can deal with casual me."
Thay was going to point out the splattered food on her face and in her hair, but Layress picked up the PADD before she could say anything.
"Hello Mr. President."
"Hello Emp... Did I catch you at a bad time?"
"Just feeding the girls. Introducing them to solid food."
"Yes. We heard about their jaw strength. How are they?"
"Everyone's find thankfully. I'd ask how's your back, But I don't think that's why you called."
"No it's not, and it's healing nicely thank you. How long have you been able to cross over freely like that?"
"We both know that they were doing it long before we were both born."
"That's individuals. I'm talking moving fleets like that."
"That is a relatively new development. I only became aware that we had the ability to do that when I took over. Need to know and all that stuff."
"I see."
"Michael, I have no intention of invading or attacking you."
"Although you technically already did invade."
"Ask your wife if you had been taken and brought over here, would she have waited for our permission before coming over to find you. You know the answer to that."
"I concede that point. But your sudden appearance and subsequent threat of retribution has put a lot of people on edge. They want to know what's stopping you from trying to invade and conquer us."
"Do really think that I want a war? That I want to be constantly worrying about someone trying to target them to get at me? I don't want that. I don't want them to grow up in that kind of environment."
"So what are your plans?"
"I'm going to do what was done over there. I'm going to create my own version of the Alliance. Unifed across both universes I will bring them all together under one banner."
"The Empire's I assume?"
"Tell me, does the Federation tell the Klingons how to run their internal affairs?"
"No."
"Then why do you assume that I would? Do you have that little faith in me?"
"You, I have faith in. It's those around you that I worry about."
"Like those around you that tried to kill you?"
He just smiled.
"You are so much like her. She said the same thing."
"We are basically the same."
"The incursions over here stop."
"I have no quarrel with the Alliance. The Ask'karr however, capture and experiment on new races they encounter. I will contain my activity to thier borders. Any ship caught outside that area that is not in need of help, is fair game."
"Agreed. As our any of our ships you find over there illegally."
"See, we can work things out to..."
She stopped midword as a blob of something unrecognizable landed on the side of her head.
"Pren, Bad girl," came from off screen. "No throwing food at mommy when she's working."
"I will let you go so you can clean up."
"Thank you."
"I'll be in touch."
The screen went blank.
"Did you mean that?" Thay asked. "About the Ask'karr?"
"We encountered a race that did the same thing. They hid in subspace. Captured and experiment on people. We stopped them, the Ask'karr don't get a pass just because they look like us."
Thay kissed her on the cheek.
"You don't know how happy that makes me."
"However there are rules that will be obeyed. Civilians, especially the pregnant and children are not to be touched. Also Alliance soldiers are off limits. They find any, pack them up and send them back. Those are my terms for doing this."
"I Can live with that."
"Good. Now I'm going to go wash my hair to get this stuff out of it."
That watched her go.
"I have to get you two something really sticky to eat," she thought smiling. "If you get it in mommy's hair maybe she'll finally get it cut... No, she going to deal with those wrinkled nosed pests for me. She can keep her hair, for now."
Thay froze, gazing out the window. "Illegally?" she said aloud. 'Why would he word it like that?'
General Smith was on a secure channel to the empress, "General, how familiar are you with a race called the Ask'kaar?" asked Heath. "Not very ma'am" answered Smith. "Admiral Lot's fiasco allowed the Ask'kaar to take advantage and you are familiar with the recent incident" replied Heath. "We've been running damage control, if the Ask'kaar can reverse engineer a trandimensional drive then what else could they have reverse engineered?" asked Smith. "That raises questions in itself" answered Heath. "It's something to take into account" replied Smith honestly, "how are the twins given what happened?" he asked afterwards. "They're fine" answered Heath. "If a punitive operation is on then count me in" replied Smith.
"You've got homework to do" ordered Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "I'll leave you to it, you've full access to the Federation library on the Ask'kaar" replied Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "You've a week to to get yourself familiar, empress out" replied Heath an the screen went blank.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
General Smith was reporting to Heath via secure subspace, "ma'am, there is a way we can weaken the Ask'kaar before we go into their home world and stop their experiments" he said. "General, you have a idea I take it" replied Heath. "Liberate their subject races and restrict the Ask'kaar to their home system after we destroy their labs and free the prisoners being used as lab rats" answered Smith. "We do not want to be disrupting their culture, you knows the rules of engagement" replied Heath. "No pregnant women and no kids" answered Smith. "Make sure your troops know those rules" replied Heath. "They will do, if we have to launch planetary assault landing to evict the Ask'kaar military off them, we'll need a a armored vehicle to support our infantry and armored vehicles to get them from point A to B quickly" answered Smith.
"What are you proposing?" asked Heath. "These" answered Smith sending Heath the schematics of a tank and a Infantry fighting vehicle. "This is shuttle grade shielding and ablative armor built into the armored hulls" replied Heath looking through the designs. "In the turret on the tank, there is a twin lance phaser cannon. It's beam can be set to stun or kill, on the Infantry fighting vehicle, the armor is thinner but the shielding is very strong, enough room for a 10 man squad along with their gear. Armament are twin mounted phaser miniguns, again they can be set to kill or stun" answered Smith. "How would get these onto a planet's surface?" asked Heath. "Argo shuttles and Pathfinders along with Intrepids" answered Smith. "What's the engines for these vehicles?" asked Heath. "A micro Impulse manifold" answered Smith. "The Ask'kaar have never seen anything like these, have your engineers start work on the prototypes" replied Heath.
"Ma'am" answered Smith. "General, I'll be needing Battle Fleet Omega to come to these co-ordinates" ordered Heath sending Smith the co-ordinates. "Ma'am, that's in the other empire" answered Smith. "We need somewhere secure to plan, bring your plans and work on the prototypes on the way" replied Heath. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. After a roll call, Battle Fleet Omega was ready to go. Admiral Lot was recalled to Betazed (red) in disgrace for her judgement. Trianna meanwhile was working on her tech security upgrades and feeding her little one. Aboard the ships of Battle Fleet Omega, the engineers were working on the prototypes.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius