USS Accipiter - Buried History

[DavidFalkayn]

Very well done action sequences here. This story is coming along really well--you do a good job maintaining tension and pacing and your characterizations are vivid.

Nicely done--it's great watching the evolution of a writer!

 

[mirandafave]

Mmm, you have a number of sentence frags-WORD should leave a green line under them to notify you

I thought that was tinsel decorations I hadn't taken down from Christmas! Yeah my bad Mistral. I had hit a bump in the road of the story for the part after this and in concentrating on it and in trying to maintain the pulse and feel for action i zipped through some sentences. So there were some frags. I do try to cut down on those green lines - but frags and passive sections appear to be my nemesis. I will try to do better.

Very well done action sequences here. This story is coming along really well--you do a good job maintaining tension and pacing and your characterizations are vivid.

Thank you DavidF. Glad that the action sequences pleased and that I managed to keep the tension and pacing.

There's more to come but I'm off for a week's break so won't get back the story until then. Might squeeze in the last of the chapter tomorrow. Again some action sequences and then I have to dither over how much more there is to come and the direction to take to get to the end. The joys of writing I suppose.

Thanks for reading and the helpful comments guys.

 

[mirandafave]

*****​

Gedasada, The R'Uye Foothills

Dagon slid the blade’s edge out from the First’s ribcage. The Jem’Hadar leader dropped slowly to his knees as his eyes started to cloud over. He tried to word the honour due Dagon for his fight but his last breath escaped his lips and the Jem’Hadar toppled over onto his side.

Looking down on his victory crossing his arms with the weapon he used to kill still in his grip, Dagon gave a silent bow to the brave warrior who had faced him. He looked up at the surrounding Jem’Hadar some of whom realised the acknowledgement Dagon had paid their leader. They respected him for it. Now they would kill him for it.

Tired, bruised, cut and bleeding Dagon teetered backwards to give himself room from the corpse and then squared himself for his last stand. They would no longer attack him one by one but together. He would be overwhelmed and he was certainly outnumbered. Fifteen soldiers remained. But their number could be to his advantage as they would encumber each other as they sought to spill Dagon’s guts. Dagon only had to lash out whereas the Jem’Hadar soldiers would maybe try to avoid inflicting hurt upon one another. They would also block and hinder blows designed for Dagon as they moved in.

He could kill a good number of them before he went down but to kill all fifteen was next to impossible.

****​

Ignatius hobbled on stumbling over the rocks as the pain in her leg worsened. Nevertheless, she compelled herself to move. Her pain was nothing in comparison to the hurt Dagon was surely enduring. This thought alone kept her going.

Joy of joy then, she saw the rubble of fallen rock and rising dust that indicated the site of the explosion. It was then she saw that she had hobbled along an outcrop of rock that did not lead down to the site of the cave’s ruined opening. She had to backtrack and grimaced in pain as she turned back. Her ears pricked up as she heard the march of three Jem’Hadar soldiers who must have broken free of Dagon’s challenge to find the cave.

Her only advantage lay in the fact that they believed they had successfully reached the position before anyone else. She had surprise on her side but she was no skilled fighter with a phaser rifle her weapon of choice was a tricorder. She doubted if she could swiftly shoot all three soldiers. A wide beam might hit them but the Jem’Hadar were all too often immune to lower phaser hits. The soldiers came closer, approaching on the dirt track leading to the cave, a small gorge between the outcrop of rock Ignatius was on and the face of the mountain.

She had one good option and it allowed her pay back. Ignatius pushed the rifle setting up to high and fired into the rock just ahead of the soldiers. A terrible explosion roared out the concussion of the blast knocking the soldiers to the ground before the rocks fell on them pulverising the Jem’Hadar bodies underneath the weight.

Scrambling down the rock Ignatius ignominiously fell managing to tuck and roll. Straightening herself, she looked back at the pile of rubble where she had buried the soldiers and shook her head in disbelief. She had never taken lives before in such a direct manner in her years in Starfleet. It had always been from the confines of a starship.

Limping forwards, she came to the location of the cave. She had reached the captain’s position at last. Tapping her badge, she tried to raise the Accipiter but there was no joy. With her time possibly running out, for Dagon could surely not hold out much longer against the soldiers, she raised the Manhattan.

****​

Vaughan gasped as he stared through the dust. His rescuer was none other than Tyler Ramsey.

The look of relief on the man’s face was obvious as Tyler moved forward to help his son Kurt up. Only briefly, did his eyes flash angrily to Vaughan. Thereafter Ramsey deigned not to talk to or meet Vaughan’s eye.

“Are you ok Kurt?” He tried to hold a formal tone to show the members of his crew stood around them helping Vaughan’s crew and the members of the Gedan cabinet out from the cave. Nevertheless, the worry that had strained Ramsey since he had discovered his son was missing with his former Captain had been all too evident to his bridge crew. When the call had come through from Ignatius detailing her discovery of the cave entrance and the possible approach of Jem’Hadar soldiers, Tyler Ramsey had charged out of his chair to the transporter room and once on the planet started to haul rocks away with his bare hands. He had to get to his son! He could not bear the thought Vaughan might have taken someone else from him.

Seeing Kurt, hurt but standing, Tyler’s chest coursed with relief and he felt his body tremble from the repressed emotions and adrenalin. He took Kurt’s bleeding head in his hands and just as he had when he was smaller bowed his forehead to touch with Kurt’s. It was good to see him again. No matter their differences in the past, here and now, father and son were reunited for the duration of the moment.

Ignatius came up to the captain and relief clear in her voice she said, “It’s good to see you all again Captain. Wait till you hear what has happened since you’ve been gone!”

Vaughan was more than intrigued, especially in light of Tyler Ramsey’s presence. He hoped to push for an explanation when panic passed the face of the science officer stood in front of him. “Mr Dagon! The Jem’Hadar have him surrounded!” She turned and ran on a badly injured leg. Vaughan went to follow but his own leg collapsed under him.

Kh’ién and Martin, bruised and battered, ran to his side but he waved them after Ignatius. Ramsey looked up from his embrace with Kurt and saw the collapsed Vaughan. He said nothing but with a quick look at his first officer, he ordered his security personnel to follow suit.

*****​

Ignatius ran on blocking out the pain from her leg and praying they made it back in time to help Dagon. The other security personnel caught up with her and with direction s from her they started to run ahead. Sam Martin at the head a rifle ready in her arms as Ignatius dropped further and further back. Rounding the last corner of the track that led back to his position Ignatius saw the security team standing still and silent in front of where she had last seen Dagon.

They blocked her view but she knew for them to stand stock still meant something bad had frozen them to the spot. She tried to call out as she hobbled up to them. But she found her throat constricted as with horror and fear Ignatius realised she had left Dagon to his fate.

She pushed through the wall of security personnel and stared widely at what her eyes beheld. An ensign from the Manhattan doubled over and vomited at the blood and carnage. Then with a shocked whimper, Ignatius found her voice. “Oh my ...” Ignatius put a hand to her mouth as she took in the appalling sight in front of her.

*****​

As the security team ran off Kurt went to follow but Tyler held him back. “You’re injured Kurt.”

“So are Kh’ién and Sam, and Ignatius for that matter. He’s my department head. I have to follow.”

Tyler recognised the passion underlining the plea and he knew in a similar situation he would have bolted past any senior officer to ensure the safety of a shipmate. But Tyler was speaking as his father not a starship captain. He hauled Kurt back and seeing the defiance in his eyes he chided himself even as he groped for the reason to stop Kurt. “You stay here ... someone has to get your captain back to his ship.”

Kurt noted how his father refused to name Vaughan, nor did he speak with concern for Vaughan. In fact, bitterness edged the command. Kurt recognised Tyler’s resentment having his son look after the man he blamed for his wife’s death. Kurt declined to run after Ignatius and company. He thought it was more perhaps defiance of his father’s true wishes rather than the wisdom of his words. He turned and walked stiffly over to Vaughan.

Tyler Ramsey followed a few footsteps behind as they walked up to Eugene Loren Vaughan. Members of the Gedan government surrounded the Accipiter’s captain and turned to look at a shuttle bus land a small distance away. From the shuttle bus poured Gedan militia and some medics.
“Thank you again Captain Vaughan. Your help was most appreciated.” The Prime Governor was polite but nervous. He looked in the direction of the shuttle bus again. “Our transport back to the capital has arrived and I fear there is much to be done.”

“Undoubtedly.” Vaughan looked to Tyler Ramsey. “I’m sure the Accipiter and the Manhattan have proven most helpful to the rest of the citizen’s of your world.”

“Ah yes, thank you Captain ...”

“Ramsey. Tyler Ramsey. The situation is under control for the present but there are some reports of disease breaking out. We hope to contain it and to continue to render medical assistance. The Jem’Hadar’s presence has somewhat complicated matters but our interests lie in helping the people of Gedasada.”

“Of course. We had best make our move now. Again thank you captains ... ensign.” This last he addressed to Kurt Ramsey who stared off in the direction his colleagues had run. Distractedly he mumbled about it being part of his duty but he remained quiet thinking as to the fate of Dagon and what exactly the Gedan’s had been up to hiding the city in the caves.

Vaughan understood Kurt’s concerns and asked the Prime Governor, “What about the city?”

Petok snarled, “I hardly think now is an appropriate time to talk about it Captain!”

The Prime Governor grimaced at the outburst and placed a firm grip on Petok’s arm causing the man to frown and stop his rant before he could start. “It is an internal matter Captain Vaughan. However, as I mentioned no decision as to the city’s fate has yet been reached.”

Vaughan politely pointed out, “Yet bombs were placed down there with the design to obliterate all evidence of there ever being a city.”

Smiling to cover up the angry frown on his face, the Prime Governor replied, “An over zealous department acting ahead of itself.”

“Perhaps it is as you say, Prime Governor. I hope you take the proper time to reflect on the treasures found here. With so much damage to your world an historical find like this can often act as a beacon for the future.”

“Indeed that might very well be true Captain.” With that the Prime Governor and his entourage walked off towards the shuttle bus. When they had boarded and the shuttle bus took off the Prime Governor rounded on Petok and Weran. “What is the meaning of this? I had given no such order.”

Weran patting his rotund belly nervously, answered, “As you say Prime Governor an over zealous department clerk wanting to impress in order to get promotion.”

“Don’t think me a fool Weran. No bureaucrat is ever over zealous in that fashion. They only ever wrap things in even more red tape if over zealous. No this is the work of someone working against my reform programmes. They know rightly my desire to try and foster a better relationship with the Conmenian. If Gedasada wants to become a part of the intergalactic community we must first be able to live side by side with the citizens of our own world.”

“Bah! That’s rubbish Prime Governor. If you want to follow that policy you’ll see your fall from government. We must rid ourselves of these Conmenian including their relics of a by gone age. They’ve tried to wipe out our planet by exploding the moon. They’re animals!”

He stabbed Petok with an angry finger, “So you seek to replace me Petok. You act against my orders.”

“No!”

“Then who?”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

Galek, a mere simple clerk, interjected receiving frosty stares from Petok and Weran. “Prime Governor I do not think Official Petok could have or would have countermanded your orders.”

“I think you are correct Galek. Petok could have countermanded my orders. Not alone. That snivelling snot of a speaker no doubt! His ambition knows no bounds even if it means alienating the Conmenian further and engendering more hatred and terrorist acts.”

Petok reddened and tried to stammer innocence but the Prime Governor did not listen to him. “Weran get me the Speaker on the communication system.”

Weran bowed his head and slinked away while Petok's defiant eyes dropped from meeting the Prime Governor's. Turning into a corner so not to be seen, Galek allowed himself a slight self-satisfied smile. Jem'Hadar forces were in orbit above and his plans, though they had not panned out as designed, had nevertheless gone exceedingly well.

****​

 

[DavidFalkayn]

A positively Byzantine web you're weaving here. Nice action sequences--it looks like Dagon went down fighting--or did he?

 

[CeJay]

I've been catching up with this and you have created a very fascinating story indeed. A lot of schemes and rivalries going on. Add to that a rather intersting and diverse crew and you got all the makings of a terrific Trek story.

The last segment was filled with a lot of great tension. My money by the way is on Dogan. I think he prevailed in the end.

Truth be told I was a bit concerned about the many parallels I've discovered with my own story but I guess those things are hard to avoid. Thankfully they are still two very distinct and different stories.

 

[Mistral]

Excellent work but my head hurts sorting out all of the factions.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Just getting caught up. Like Mistral, I'm having difficulty sorting through the various factions - not a criticism, just shows the depth of your story. A very engaging and complex plot, to be sure!

 

[mirandafave]

Hi everybody, sorry about the long absence real life got very busy compounded by losing my internet connection in moving house etc. Anyway things still up in the air but hopefully later this week the next segment will be put up. Thanks for sticking with and comments.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Hey, RL has to take priority over writing fan-fic (I keep telling myself that, anyway ). Hope things have settled down following your move and that you can begin posting more of your story!

 

[DavidFalkayn]

That's ok--real life has been keeping me pretty busy too. We look forward to reading more of your story once things settle down a bit.

 

[mirandafave]

Buried History - Chapter 6 'Erasing The Past'

The R’Uye Foothills

In a world rich in wildlife and mammoth predators the Trammealean stood at the top of the food chain; and in order to survive the creatures that roamed its surface, the Trammealean had to be fierce warriors and brutal hunters. No surprise then that their tribal culture revolved around a warrior caste lifestyle. For millennia, the Trammelean lived a simple and spiritual life at one with the nature that surrounded them. They waged war in their hunt of the fierce predators that stalked the plains or prowled in the mountains and occasional feuds erupted and they waged war clan against clan. Intertribal warfare and great hunts honed the skills of the warriors who ruled the clans but at the root was a profound respect for the creatures they hunted and the enemies they faced.

The Trammealean developed a strong spiritual aspect and the work of the Creator in many manifest vessels all around them. The Creator was in the mountains that sent winds and rain to breathe life into the plains. The Creator was in the vulture hawks that spied on the spoils of war in the skies above seeking satisfaction as well as blood and flesh The Creator was in the Rivers that slaked their thirst and brought life to their crops. The Creator was everywhere.

Then one day there were Klingons! It was a Klingon scout ship that brought the Trammealean world to the galactic stage. Intended as another land grab by the Klingon Empire the scout ship instead discovered on Trammealea a tribal based society ruled over by mighty warriors. They found not a planet to be grabbed but to be fought for. They found a worthy foe to send their warriors against. And the Trammealean met the challenge.

The First Klingon-Trammealean War was a protracted affair that lasted over five years until the Klingons turned their attention elsewhere. But at this stage word had filtered out to other worlds of a species so fierce as to defeat the Klingons. And so they came, and the world of villages and clan chiefs found itself trading with Ferengi and Orions. Some came hoping to enslave the Trammealean, but to no avail. Until that is the Romulans.

The Romulans came and whispered into the ears of the Chiefs words of warning. ‘The Klingons intend to return.’ They sought an end to the Trammealean embarrassment. The brave Trammealeans asserted that they would meet the Klingons in battle. But the Romulans warned, ‘The Klingons will not fight fair. They will attack from the skies and rain down fire.’ The Romulan lies convinced the Trammealean to trust the Star Empire and soon they were allied. But the Trammealean in return for weapons and a small flotilla of ships found themselves acting as the Romulan shock troops for their own ambitious designs.

And then the Klingons returned. The Romulans stood back to see the damage the Trammealean would inflict upon their enemy. And the hurt was great, but it was great on both sides. But as the Second War waged the Trammealeans learned. They defeated Klingon after Klingon and stole ship after ship. Slowly and gradually, they garnered the technology and weapons to make themselves a viable threat on the galactic stage and they struck back at the Klingons bringing the War to a Klingon world for the first time. The Second War soon came to another inconclusive end and the Klingons ceded a number of outposts to the Trammealean and retreated licking their wounds for another day.

The Romulans had seen in the Trammealean a tool and a weapon to wield against the Klingons. And they had seen it was a success and so theSenate made contact with the Chief of Chiefs and offered the Trammealean World a protectorate ship within the Romulan Star Empire. This protection provided the natives of the world technology, knowledge, and warp capable ships. They allowed the Trammealean small trading rights and to transverse Romulan space in order to attack the Klingons.

The Trammealeans built up their space navy until they had amassed a cannibalised fleet, and when the day came when they were ready, the fleet was launched to strike a deadly blow against the Klingons. While this plan failed, they did reap havoc and damage in the Klingon Empire and ignited a bloody and violent three-year war. It was a war of great attrition on both sides and eventually they had no choice but to seek a ceasefire. It was a tenuous ceasefire but it held when the Klingons recognised the right of the Trammealean to their own world. For the Trammealean it was all they had ever needed.

This did not negate the fact there would last for evermore a deep hatred between the two peoples and a lasting lust for vengeance. A day would come the Klingons swore. The Trammealean turned to their world and their hunts and vowed no other would bloody their people so.

But the Senate in Romulus did not approve of the peace overtures. They wanted the Trammealean and the Klingons at war. And so the Romulans returned to spread lies and to whisper in ears but the clans did not listen. They had Trammealea and the Great Hunts and the Creator in all the world around them. They would not wage war on the Klingons and they tired of being the cannon fodder for the Romulan Star’s ambitions. The Empire met this defiance with force but the Trammealean discovered the Romulan plans and went once more to war.

A war that cost the Romulans greatly and earned them the eternal enmity of the Trammealean for their treachery. In a last and brutal act the Romulans bombarded one of the Trammealean holy shrines of the highest mountain peak. The attack devastated the mountain reducing its peak to a smouldering pile of rubble and killing scores of Trammealean and their clan leaders attending an annual rite at the Seat of the Creator. The war was abruptly ended but the Trammealean swore they would one day mete out retribution upon the Romulans. That day had not yet come but those Romulans that remember the crimes committed sometimes awake at night with a cold sweat fearing the new day might bring the Trammealean.

So both the Klingons and the Romulans learned the lesson of the dangers of crossing a Trammealean. Both learned to fear and respect the savage and unadvanced Trammealean. As he stood facing the circling pack of Jem’Hadar soldiers Dagon swore that the Jem’Hadar would today learn that lesson too, even if he should die in its teaching.

 

[mirandafave]

Buried History - Chapter 6 'Erasing The Past'

USS Accipiter, Main Bridge

Vaughan wearily stepped onto the bridge. Even as exhaustion eked to wash over him, Vaughan felt renewed as he approached his central chair. He saw the relief that passed over his executive officer’s face as he finally saw the return of his captain. “Good to see you again Captain.”

“You too Nathan. What’s our status?” Vaughan eased himself into his chair wincing as he hit some of his bruises.

“Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yes, yes Nathan. Don’t henpeck. No doubt I’ll cop it from the good doctor soon enough.”

Nathan flushed at this comment. “What is it Commander Forrest?” The use of his rank added with the tone Vaughan used warned Nathan.

“We’ve had a number of developments in your time away. Among them Conmenian terrorists have taken Doctor Fichtner. Keresh is currently trying to find her location.”

Vaughan let out a breath and his shoulders slumped. “The last thing we need at a time like this is a gunfight. The only surprising thing is they haven’t communicated wanting to give her back.” Then looking at the viewscreen Vaughan spied the Carling Paul Linnaeus flanked by the Manhattan and Accipiter as a Jem’Hadar ship approached from behind. “Nathan would you care to explain that?”

“Another complication and I’m afraid in the hunt to find your whereabouts Captain the Gedan have led us on a merry dance and the Jem’Hadar forces have eagerly sought your location too.”

“For what reason?”

“Revenge perhaps but I’m not sure. All I do know is that their pursuit was more than a little eager and they did try to despatch with our team trying to locate you.”

“So we are now on what footing with the Jem’Hadar?”

“The Jem’Hadar are restraining themselves so far. It seems they want to keep on a good footing with the Gedan officials and so far that means not shooting the people providing the relief and medical aid for the planet. But we are awaiting word from Ignatius as to the current status regards Lt Commander Dagon.”

“Dagon ought to be able to fend for himself. The news that the Jem’Hadar have not escalated their actions is a blessed relief but for how long can we expect that to be the case?”

Marching on the bridge a bedraggled but determined Caitlyn Ryan proclaimed, “Considering their troops tried to kill myself and Ensign Rowan under the direction of the acting Cabinet I would not hold out too much hope. In addition to that, the extent to which we can trust the Gedan government, acting or otherwise is dubious. There is a clearly complicated and bloody history of the planet below and I would not make any bets as to the innocence of the Gedan government in much of what has happened. It appears the Gedan and the Conmenian have a long and conflicted shared history.”

“What do you mean?”

“In studying the mass grave below my preliminary scans have revealed some startling truths.”

Vaughan exclaimed, “Mass grave! Ok let’s get me caught up on what the heck is going on here.”

Moira interjected, “We all could do with figuring out what is going on? But I think it is going to have to wait I have an incoming message from the surface.”

“Is it the Prime Governor?”

“No Captain, it is from below the surface on an old transmission wave length I think it is from the doctor.”

“Onscreen.”

A haggard Donna Fichtner stood in front of them flanked by a mean spirited looking man. Static intermittently washing over the image and distorted Donna’s voice into a warble. “Good to see you again Captain. I guess it was my turn to go missing.”

“Very glib Donna. Care to explain what is going on in your situation.”

“This is Janek, no doubt he is very familiar to the authorities on Gedasada. He openly admits to carrying out and orchestrating numerous terrorists plots. I want to make clear that I am not condoning his actions nor accept his argument about the need to resort to violence. I have however agreed to open a communication with you Captain on their behalf. Should I say on the behalf of the Conmenian people.”

Vaughan suppressed a desire to chuckle at the image of Donna ‘Fury’ Fichtner lecturing the de facto leader of a terrorist organisation on the use of peaceful methods and non-violent protests as a means to achieving his goals. “Very well doctor, you have started the conversations, what pray exactly do they wish to discuss?”

Donna looked sideways at Janek. “Well we are not going to sort out a lot talking over a viewscreen like this but we can begin by telling you of the most urgent matters at hand. Namely that the terrorist act on the moon was not orchestrated by Janek or his organisation.”

A none too believing look passed over Vaughan’s features. “I dare say no one wants to admit to that particular act of terrorism Donna. You’ll excuse any scepticism we might hold regards that.”

“No one doubts it was sabotage. In fact we have evidence on its way here confirming that very fact.”

Vaughan sat up a little straighter in his chair at this news. “Go on.”

“Janek’s sources have acquired a copy of a communication just prior to the explosion between the actual men on the ground who perpetrated the crime and the person who coordinated the attack from here on Gedasada. That person is said to actually be a Gedan using Janek’s terrorist network to place the blame squarely on the Conmenian and therefore allow the harshest of repercussions upon the Conmenian.”

“Donna that all seems rather convenient, does it not, that this evidence exonerates Janek and his gang of terrorists. Of course, they are going to claim that. The evidence could likely be fabricated.”

“Perhaps so, which is why when it gets here, Janek wants the Accipiter to test the validity of the evidence. He wants more than anything, a strong case against the Gedan officials who actually committed this crime.”

Vaughan leaned in, his words addressed to Donna but his eyes focused on Janek. “Why should we believe him? Why should we trust him?”

“As a gesture of his good faith, Janek will return me to the Accipiter with the evidence that will corroborate his theory.” At this pronouncement, Janek’s eyes widened. The doctor had forced his hand. However, Janek remained immovable at the doctor’s side and continued to maintain his silence. The fact he did not protest, despite Donna’s bold move, put him up in Vaughan’s estimation.

“That is all well and good Donna but the hope of some evidence about this particular terrorist act is not going to be enough to get Mr Janek off any justice~”

Her hand up to halt Vaughan’s protest Donna interjected, “He is not looking to excuse himself of his past crimes Captain. Nor would I ever argue such a case for him! He is merely interested in telling the truth of the situation. The truth that also includes how death squads hired by the Gedan government have caused countless deaths, rapes and murders to the Conmenian people forced into a subsistence of almost slave labour, poor education, no health provision, no recourse to justice, no rights, forced to live in squalor, cramped and dangerous living conditions ripe with disease and food shortages.”

“Donna this all seems like propaganda 101 for a rookie terrorist. What evidence does Janek have?”

Janek stepped forward, clearly annoyed at Vaughan playing devil’s advocate. “Dr Fichtner will be provisioned with data rods that include testimonies, images and videos pertaining to the injustices and crimes she has just outlined. That is the evidence I have for you Captain. But your own eyes ought to have told you as much already.”

Caitlyn Ryan stepped forwards and boldly asserted, “My eyes have seen much too Janek. And they told me of the mass graves of thousands of massacred Gedan bodies dumped in the peatlands of R'Uye. Who subjected those people to that treatment?”

“We did.” His voice was flat and held no sorrow or anguish at this knowledge. “Alas ours is a long and bitter past. At times we, the Conmenian have held the upper hand, and at times, such as now, the Gedan have had the upper hand.”

Caitlyn retorted, “So whomever has the upper hand has the right to kill the other side wantonly without remorse. Is that how it goes?”

Vaughan begrudged the interruption but allowed it to pan out. He noted on the viewscreen that Janek was nonplussed at the accusations but as a hardened terrorist that was hardly a surprise. Donna however was a different story. A new rage held her in its grip and she darted dark looks at Janek and at Caitlyn too. “I am not here to discuss the history of my planet but to avert the execution of my people in the here and now!”

“Yes because to hell with what has gone before! Don’t you see the folly of your ways?”

“Yes doctor, now at last I do. Thanks to you I have been enlightened.” The sarcasm from Janek in response to Donna was heavy. She rounded on him and slapped him hard causing the man to stagger. A dark mood passed on his shocked face and he gripped the small scabbard that held his knife.

“Don’t mock me Janek. Not after everything I have seen here and the people I have tried to help.”

“And don’t you presume doctor that you can touch me like that. You’re lucky I don’t slice you open.”

“You’re lucky I don’t slice you open! As a practised surgeon I could severe every artery and have you bleed out in less than twenty seconds and still be asking you about your holidays!”

Standing to get their attention Vaughan had to also raise his voice, “That is quite enough. The debates we can leave to another time. Our priority is the evidence you have on those data rods. Get us your coordinates Donna or get to a position where we can beam you up. Then this can be settled.”

“It is not as easy as that Captain. We must wait for the evidence about the moon explosion.”

Donna in frustration whirled round to face Janek again. “I’ve told you we cannot wait. I have to get back to the Accipiter. The outbreak of the disease has to be stopped. You yourself claim that it is the work of the Gedan government. Do you wish to see them succeed in killing hundreds, if not thousands of your people?”

Vaughan uneasily moved forwards, “Donna I’m still getting caught up here. What disease?”

“Janek informs me that a plague of some kind has broken out across the planet and the epicentres appear to be our relief centres. He claims that it is a manufactured bio-toxin created by the Gedan government to target the Conmenian. I don’t know the validity of that statement however.”

Nathan stepped up to the Captain and informed him, “Captain Tiana was expressing grave concerns about it Captain. She also expressed her desire to have Donna returned as the best expert they might have to deal with the crisis having specialised in the field.”

“I told you Janek!”

He simply returned, “And I told you about the disease and now you see I was telling the truth.”

“Ok.” Vaughan interrupted again before they started to argue. “We need you back here Donna. As soon as. Is that clear Janek? The other evidence will have to wait. Have you anything else on the bio-toxin?”

Janek replied, “On the data rod we have details of two installations used by the Gedan to conduct their experimentations. One for example is adjoined to the new medical facilities. The other is in an isolated region three hundred miles east of the R'Uye mountains.”

“Then that is where we will begin. Janek get me my doctor back.”

“We will have to move her. This area is heavily shielded to stop Gedan scans and we have discovered it blocks your transporters.”

“Ok then move her quick and get us that evidence. Contact again when in position. I will get Keresh to meet with you. Vaughan out.” Vaughan turned then a little more at ease that some answers were on their way but those answers were only serving to make him feel even more unease. Mass graves, bio-toxins, hidden cities prepped to be destroyed! “Alright folks we have a lot to be getting on with. I’m sure we’re all fairly bushed but we can’t rest until this is sorted.”

Moira reluctantly interrupted. “I think we have a new problem.”

“What?”

“The communication, because it was on an old Gedasadan wave length was unsecured. Therefore, it was open for all on the planet to hear. Major Raleigh is communicating that already disturbances have broken out on the planet and mass panic has broken out in the areas surrounding the relief centres.”

Vaughan was alarmed and disbelieving that someone as proficient and as professional as Moira could make such a mistake. “Didn’t we secure it at our end?”

“We did, I did. It appears it was subrouted at the doctor’s end.”

Nathan asked the obvious, “Why would they do that?”

Caitlyn answered, “They deliberately broadcasted it.”

Vaughan kicked his chair, “Damn. Even I said as much that everything that was being said was terrorist propaganda 101. They can’t take the chance we don’t corroborate their evidence. And even if we don’t, if we discover it to be a complete lie the fact is we were seen to be talking with the terrorist godfather and implicitly agreeing with him by condoning an investigation into his claims. Damn and bloody hell.”

“Worse Captain,” Caitlyn coolly added, “It is not just the citizens of the planet who have heard it but the government and security forces too.”

“And they are going to act quickly on it too! Get me Keresh. We’ve got to get Donna and whatever evidence that is before the Gedan do.”

The doors of the turbolift parted at this moment and all turned to the bloodied form of the science officer at the door. “Ignatius! All that blood!”
She staggered forwards and Nathan grasped her side and brought her to a seat. She shook her head staring into nothing. “It’s not mine. It’s Dagons.”

***​

 

[mirandafave]

Buried History - Chapter 6 'Erasing The Past'

The Chamber of the Prime Governor

The Speaker fumed. Keevan watched from the corner of the barrel vaulted stone room as the man paced the office. A wry smile on his face amused to see the Speaker appear so emotionally drawn by his conversation with the commander of the Accipiter. “How dare they interfere?!”

“As I say Speaker, it is the Federation way.”

He turned vehemently on the Vorta, “You needn’t continue to push your agenda Vorta!”

“I did not intend to.”

“Of course you did! It’s what’s been genetically programmed into your very fibre Vorta.” Keevan offered a shocked and hurt expression in response. “You see, we are not so backward here on Gedasada. We know all about your ways! How the Dominion usurps and takes what they want. You seek to use us against the Federation!”

“My, my, my, Speaker. You hurt me with your accusations.”

“I doubt if the Vorta have feelings beyond constant suspicion and worry and an arrogance that belies belief.”

“You misunderstand the motivations of the Dominion and the virtuous rule of the Founders. It is with the utmost regret that we should need to revert to force or take what is not ours but if we are provoked, if we seek only to defend ourselves then we shall strike back. Just as we did with the Federation and the Klingons. Both expansionist powers seeking to undermine our rule and dictate to all others in the Alpha Quadrant. Is it any wonder they reacted so aggressively towards the Dominion. They saw a power capable of standing up to them. When we sought to include others in our hegemony they decried, ‘the Dominion seeks to take over the galaxy!’ You see it is they who sought to entangle your government in a trade agreement with them. First, they traded with your neighbours so to encircle and weaken your position offering you little or no choice but to acquiesce to their demands. Now they seek to uncover dirt on your government to bring it down. They collude with terrorists. They desecrate your dead thinking they have stumbled upon a dark secret. Do you begin to see the perfidious nature of the Federation? We are at least more open in our intentions. They however seek to wrap themselves in the flag of liberty. To pretend to the rest of the galaxy that they are the decent and honourable protectors of peace and civilisation with their vaunted code of ethics – the Prime Directive – a directive they have ignored when it has suited their needs.”

Looking upwards at the cracks on the vaulted roof of the office he had so long desired to seat in The Speaker clenched his teeth. His thoughts bitter and angry. He shook his head angry and despondent. “Again you try to trick me with your words.”

“What trickery do I employ? I have already made known to you that the Dominion look favourably upon reaching an accord with the Gedan government. The Gedan government. We too see the Conmenian as a troubling element in your population that needs ... shall we say controlling?”

“You say all the right words Vorta but...”

“But what of our willingness to act. You need only say the word. You do not want the Federation to retrieve that evidence?” The Speaker met his eyes with a stony stare. “Then they will not. Second Jran’iklan, see to the retrieval of the evidence. And anyone who should stand in your way ... is to be eliminated. Is that understood?”

Clapping a fist to his breast and bowing, the Jem’Hadar soldier professed, “Obedience brings victory, and victory is life."

“Your soldiers are very loyal.” The scorn dripped from the Speaker’s tongue.

“Loyalty is a trait we most admire.” Concern flashed in the Speaker’s eyes. But Keevan continued, “The Jem’Hadar are a brutal species but we ensure their control. That way we are certain of their loyalty. As I am sure we can depend on your loyalty Mr Speaker.”

“What do you imply?”

“Only that we have helped you in your efforts so far. Despite the fact you have been less than truthful and have hindered us finding the Prime Governor.”

The Speaker bristled and wondered what his chances of getting security in here were. Even if he could manage not to get killed by the Vorta’s guards stood outside the office he knew that the Jem’Hadar battlecruiser lay in orbit above and could render devastation to the already crippled planet.

The Vorta smiled wanly. “I have a feeling though Mr Speaker that your loyalty can be relied upon, just as our discretion can be relied upon.”

“Discretion.”

“In regards your being less than willing desire to see the rescue of the Prime Governor.” He was about to protest but Keevan continued, “Also regards the shipments being made to the relief centres around the planet from the industrial sites cited by Dr Fichtner and Janek in her broadcast.”

Shocked at this knowledge he stuttered, “How do you?”

“We make it our business to be very well informed.”

“In that case see that those sites are secured by your soldiers. I don’t want the Conmenian or the Federation getting to them.”

The Vorta smiled and bowed. “Only too happy to oblige.” He turned as if to go sort out the Speaker’s request when Keevan stopped short and asked, “Oh and one other little matter. The Prime Governor is on his way back with the remainder of his Cabinet.”

The Speaker tried to curtail the sneer on his face. “What of it?”

“Would you like for us to ... take care of the situation?”

His heart in his throat the Speaker though carefully of his words. His reply was tantamount to treason. He knew the Vorta could not be trusted unless of course one was serving their purpose. And Keevan had made it clear that he approved of the Speaker and desired to work with him. With a large degree of trepidation but equally with a feeling that he was embracing his destiny the Speaker replied, “That would be most helpful ... but it must appear.”

“It will more than appear. An accident would be too much of a coincidence but I do feel that you should insist upon a photo opportunity to the new medical facilities. Seeing as how you have braced the crisis thus far.”

The Speaker’s eyes narrowed as he considered the Vorta. “But the Prime Governor would not buy it.”

“No I dare say he will insist on appearing before the cameras after his ordeal to give the appearance that he is back in control. It would be a pity for him to steal your thunder. But sometimes these things do have a way of working out for the better.” The Vorta moved away to talk privately with his soldiers and his ship. The Speaker called for his assistant.

“Prepare a photo op for me at the Junsoon Medical Facilities. We have to appear strong and as if we are in control of events. I can give a condemnation of this broadcast and allay the fears of our citizens.”

“Would the Prime Governor not wish to do that?”

“I suggested it and I want you to get it sorted. The Prime Governor is not here to say otherwise.” The assistant scurried off and the Speaker stood triumphant in the office of the Prime Governor feeling decidedly pleased with himself. His path to the Premier’s Chair was going to be even more stellar than even he had dared to imagine it. The Prime Governor would walk to his fate once it was presented as a fait accompli and his own ascendency was assured.

****​

 

[Mistral]

Re: Buried History - Chapter 6 'Erasing The Past'

Wow. Twisty as always. That was a fun read!

 

[mirandafave]

Chapter 7 - Erasing the Past

The Ru’Ye Foothills

Dagon faced his foes, meeting their eyes with his own cold stare. Then suddenly he snarled and bounded forwards a juggernaut of immense power that crashed into two soldiers knocking them flat. He flipped backwards with an agility and grace unexpected of such a massive brute of a creature. This move causing Dagon to land in amongst a number of troops charging his previous position. He dropped to the dirt and viciously swept the feet of the Jem’Hadar hearing the sickening and satisfying snap of bone from at least one of the fallen warriors.

There was no time to take pleasure in felling so many so quickly. He had to continue to move decisively and aggressively against the Jem’Hadar unit. Hit them fast and hard and then he could dispatch with them.

A few of the troops were quick to see his tactic and held back, happy to allow him to expend his energies on the others before they made their move in turn. Dagon saw them remove themselves from the immediate fight, edging back to the periphery. He kept a wary eye to them as he wrenched a looming soldier off his feet following the move through with a heavy karate chop to the base of the neck causing immediate paralysis to his victim.

Scooping up the fallen soldier’s kar'takin, he swept left and upwards with the razor edge to slice open the face of another and then back slashed the soldier who fell on his knees with his bloodied and torn face in his hands. The kar'takin stuck in the Jem’Hadar’s skull and Dagon moved swiftly on to slam his fist into an attacking soldier’s nose. The soldier staggered back but recovered admirably and recharged.

As he did, another soldier dove at Dagon with his blade scything through the air to slice at Dagon’s elbow. In burning agony, Dagon spun round and grabbing the soldier charging him threw him onto the blade as his opponent stabbed at Dagon again. The blade slid into the side of the charging Jem’Hadar’s ribs. Dagon continued to use the soldier as his shield and pushed back at the attacker who ripped the blade out of his comrade’s ribs, much to his comrade’s horror.

But Dagon could not afford to get bogged down by a conflict with one opponent he had to engage them all and then start to take them out when he had wounded them. So he tossed his ‘shield’ onto the other Jem’Hadar and ploughed forwards, leaping over their sprawled forms to attack three Jem’Hadar readying to attack.

Pre-empting their move his took out the soldier on the right before pirouetting on his toe to grab the middle foe by the neck and with a sharp twist snapped the neck. Even as the body dropped to its knees, Dagon’s hand shot out at the third enemy. His hand like a claw grasped the soldier at his jugular and with a fierce roar, Dagon pulled tearing out the soldier’s throat and tongue. Leaving the soldier to stoop over on his hands and knees pouring pools of blood out through the torn hole in his throat.

Quickly changing direction Dagon dived then rolled towards two of the soldiers who had opted to stand back awaiting the best moment to strike out. In doing so, he caught them completely off guard and despatched the first with ease. The second forced to fight recovered swiftly with a kar'takin in his hand. Dagon snatched up the first’s so that they crashed into one another with a sound of steel. They retreated and then smashed into each other again. Blades ringing and scraping against one another as they tussled for a better foot hold than their opponent. The Jem’Hadar made a bold move causing Dagon to readjust and he seized his chance and knocked Dagon onto the ground.

Unperturbed Dagon rolled deftly away and collided with two others who had run up to the fight. Leaping up from lying prostrate on the ground, startling them, landed atop one, grasped the rifle of the other out of his hands, and turned it quickly on him. He spun and dropped to the ground to shoot back in the direction of the soldier he had retreated from. The Jem’Hadar’s head exploded with the blast and Dagon whirled round to press his advantage but a massive Jem’Hadar’s foot crashed into the side of his head.

Dagon fell backwards and the rifle skittered away. The foot reconnected again with his head and his vision went white as pain seared through his temple. He rolled and rolled again as the kicks kept coming and chasing after him until with a harsh slap, he rolled into a tree stump. Gasping for air and totally disorientated by the blows and the rolling Dagon could hardly get onto his hands and knees. A shadow passed in front of his eyes and without thought, he instinctively reached out to grab the foot about to smash into his face.

For a moment, he held it aloft surprising himself and the Jem’Hadar soldier then savagely he twisted the leg. The Jem’Hadar anticipated the move and twisted his body to the ground with Dagon’s motion. However, undeterred Dagon reversed the twist abruptly and then reversed it again as the soldier attempted to compensate. A harsh crunch and the Jem’Hadar face scrunched up in pain as the leg bone protruded the skin. Dagon pawed his way up to his feet and stamped on the soldier’s face before turning to face the remainder and recovering soldiers.

Ducking, he narrowly avoided a directed polaron beam and tucking himself into a ball propelled himself like a cannon at the threat opening fire on him. Dagon was at an advantage in doing so from a smaller height to his assailant. With a satisfying smash he pulverised the soldier picked up his blade and speared it at another soldier on his flank so it stabbed his throat and then it ran at the Jem’Hadar wide-eyed at the blade sticking out and through his neck. With a savage twist he wrenched it out whilst taking the other kar'takin and repeated the trick with both blades, one to deadly effect as it implanted itself deeply between the eyes of a soldier.

The other spun the Jem’Hadar it hit on the shoulder round. Dagon pressed on to charge him whilst his back was turned but another soldier wrestled Dagon to the ground stabbing his blade into Dagon’s ribs. Its keen edge scraping against the rib bones and Dagon’s thick fur making it difficult for the soldier to recover the blade. Dagon pulled it out himself and started to attack back with it. The bare tip slicing the skin of the Jem’Hadar’s throat but it was no mortal wound and the Jem’Hadar cried out a death cry and brought his fists down on Dagon’s skull.

Falling onto his knees as the blows rained down Dagon stabbed the blade into the crotch of the Jem’Hadar pummelling him. With immense strength, he stood up lifting the hilt of the sword to lift bodily the Jem’Hadar skewered at the crotch on the blade.

The move gave the others pause and it bought Dagon the time to launch himself through the air at a last pack of them. He flattened three bit the leg of a fourth before smashing in the faces of the three on the ground, leaving their bodies to twitch in their final death thralls. He picked up a blade again and bore down on the arm of a fleeing soldier hewing off his arm. The soldier struggled to his feet and ran off leaving his arm behind but Dagon filled with blood lust picked the arm up and chased after him and beat the soldier to the ground using his arm as a club to do so.

An almighty thirst and anger possessed Dagon then. He was a Trammealean unleashed. A Trammealean as a basic brute savage predator. There was no more room for thought and tactic. It was pure and unadulterated butchery and animal madness. A red mist descending over him obliterating all thoughts of mercy or giving quarter. A rage and passion so immense his throat was sore from the roaring he maintained throughout the slaughter. His teeth were cracked and two lost as if tore into flesh and bone. The nails of his hands flayed and bloody as the dug into eyes sockets snapped necks and wrenched clean a head off a Jem’Hadar’s shoulders.

And then it was over. He looked round and saw the torn body parts and bleeding corpses. The detritus of a Jem’Hadar unit. Dagon keeled over exhausted and despoiled by his savagery. As on a knoll looking down on him his shipmates looked on at the scene of horror in abject terror.

*****​

 

[mirandafave]

Chapter 7 - Erasing the Past

USS Accipiter, Main bridge

Vaughan looked at the blood-caked uniform of Ignatius and asked disbelieving that her answer could bode any good news, “Where is Dagon?”

Her form slumping in the chair she added almost breathlessly, “He has retired to his quarters to attend his wounds and complete some sort of ritual.”

“A ritual?” Nathan queried at the preposterous notion of such a spiritual activity in the midst of a crisis.

Vaughan though explained, “The Trammealean purification rite after close hand to hand combat giving thanks to the Creator for his protection and acknowledging the fate of his enemy.”

“Enemies. He butchered at least twenty of them. It was a massacre.” She shuddered as she recollected the images of the scene below.

Nathan tried a jovial, “Trammealeans are not to be trifled with.” Ignatius met the feeble lighthearted response with a cold harsh stare.

“If you’d seen what he did you wouldn’t comment so lightly Commander. It was a bloodbath.”

Vaughan touched her arm carefully and in a soft tone tried to reassure her. “Dagon was only doing what his duty. He was trying to protect us.”

“I know but ...” She did not finish her thoughts. She just recoiled at the thought of serving with Dagon in any future capacity. She had seen something of what he was capable of and the glimpse of his true nature filled the science officer with abhor.

Vaughan simply nodded knowing a little of the capabilities of the Trammealean. “Get yourself cleaned up and report back here in half an hour for a staff meeting. We have to pool our thoughts and figure a way out of this mess. Moira have you raised Keresh yet?”

Beneath Mouyr City, Gedasada

“Acknowledged Captain. We are moving to intercept the doctor now.” Keresh looked round at the search and rescue team. He wished he had more security personnel with him still but at least now after what Vaughan told him the terrorists were at least seeking to return the doctor in good faith. He turned to address the team.

“Ok you heard the Captain. The doctor is on the move and our objective has been made all the easier for that. However, we want to get the doctor quickly and we haven’t managed to slip the militia completely, merely delayed them. So we move at the double, stay sharp and when we catch up with the doctor we play it real careful like with the terrorists. For now they are working with us but don’t expect undying loyalty. If they see benefit in it they will cut us down as soon as they return the doctor. Understood?”

They all silently nodded their heads in acknowledgement to Keresh and hoisted their weapons as a demonstration of their readiness to move at once. Which is what they did.

****​

Sergeant Huyrek berated the lead soldier who had fallen for the false trail set down by Keresh’s team. “You’ve lost us valuable time and it has allowed the rebels to cause anarchy on the surface above. You are a failure and a disgrace to this unit!” With these last words, the man tried to offer words of protest but looked agog as a crimson liquid coursed from his throat down his front. His puzzlement gave way to horror as Huyrek wiped his short blade on the collar of the man’s uniform.

Turning to face the rest of the squadron with a snarl of deep filled hatred he expounded, “The same fate awaits anyone else who fails me.” He stomped his feet and the squadron fell into place and promptly marched past the fallen militia man without a backward glance fearing to do so would earn the ire of their devious leader.

****​

Janek pulled the elbow of Pet forcing the young girl to stumble. “Keep up. We can’t tarry here.”

Donna harshly rebuked him, “Don’t do that! There’s no need to hurt her. Stay with me Pet.” She took the girl by the hand and stood by her side defying Janek who simply glowered in return. “I’m not intimidated by you Janek remember.”

Whispering into her ear as his fingers stroked her throat and surreptitiously tightened his fingers around her windpipe. “Only because I have not given you sufficient cause. For now I need you but don’t keep pushing me doctor.” Gritting his teeth, he added with mock sweetness, “Just keep up with the pace we set.”

Releasing his hold on her throat, Donna gulped for air but levelled her eyes at Janek at he stepped back from her before turning to issue orders to his men. “I swear ...”

He looked back at her as the men filed past. “You swear what doctor? You’ll kill me? I thought you were a bleeding heart pacifist? Or is that only when it is a matter not concerning you? We can all afford lofty principles when we are at a remove on a starship cocooned in the austere surrounds of a medical bay. My contact warned me prior to taking you doctor about the supposed morals of the Federation. You get angry when it suits you and fight back when your own interests are at stake. Am I not right?”

Taking a step closer to him she defiantly replied, “I get angry plenty. And Vaughan has promised to look into all of your claims. In what way does it interest him to do so. It doesn’t serve the Federation any to get involved in the internal politics of your world. But here we are, slap bang in the middle of it all. So give us a little more credit Janek. Remember you went to some lengths to capture me because you needed me. Just before you start getting too superior. Come on Pet, we’re falling behind the others.” With that she moved off to follow the others leaving Janek to give a leering look at the rear of both women.

Vehnet his right hand came up to him also giving a dangerous look towards the two females. “Do we need the doctor so badly?”

“Yes, we do. Otherwise I would never stand for her insolence. What have you to report?”

“The riots have escalated and the militia are responding in kind. Our men inform us that there have been at least one hundred deaths already in the city above. All Conmenian innocents at the hands of the militia. The numbers are sure to rise swiftly not even counting other districts and cities. And when the militia start to go down into the lower levels it will become a bloodbath.”

“Not if we can avert that! That is why we need the doctor and her Federation. They can come to our protection.”

“Will they though?”

Janek answered confidently, “Of course they will, their Charter and principles demand they do.” However confidently he voiced this assertion in his heart and mind the rebel leader was filled with worries and doubts. “In the meantime tell our people on the surface to try and restore a measure of calm and not to get involved in the riots, however tempted they might be. It will not serve our cause any to provoke the Gedan forces or provide them with the excuse to kill innoncents.”

Vehnet scoffed, “As if they ever need an excuse.”

“Exactly so all the more reason to not give it to them. Make sure they do as I say Vehnet.”

He met his leader’s stare levelly before responding with a submitting, “As you demand Janek.”

Janek stalked off after his party looking warily into the shadows expecting an ambush at any moment. Such instincts had kept him alive. And the truth was the pinprick feeling he had in his back was like a sixth sense warning telling him of imminent danger. In all likely hood an ambush by the Gedan militia but it could be something to do with these Starfleet people or the other aliens to their world. Or perhaps the fact that someone had used his network to devastate the moon and pin the blame on him and his organisation.

Vehnet held back to make his communications back to the surface. He finished off, “You heard me correctly. Janek was most certain of his strategy. We keep fuelling the fires and organising the riots. We keep attacking the Gedan whilst they are weakened. We must bring them to their knees and we will do so without any intermediaries. Understood?”

“Of course Vehnet. I just worried that our actions are causing greater grief.”

“We are waging war and there will be sacrifices to be made. For too long we have played it safe. It is time for brutality. It is all the Gedan understand. And they will come to understand most clearly by the time we are done.”

He ended the call and saw on his intercom device the icon that showed his contact was returned with the Prime Governor. He chanced it and activated the signal for the communication. “So you live?”

“Try not to be too disappointed Vehnet. Things are going exceedingly to plan. But I need you to make some quick preparations ahead of the Prime Governor’s address.”

“What preparations?”

“A blow to the Gedan government that will leave them reeling and their retribution will be harsh but will provoke the whole planet scale fight you want to instill and it might even convince the Federation of the evils of the Gedan.”

Vehnet sneered at this last suggestion. “That is Janek’s policy. I do not believe they are necessary. Why replace the yoke of the Gedan for the yoke of the Federation?”

“Because they have weapons we can use to finish off the Gedan for good.”
Warily he asked the question he always asked when he communicated with him and to which he always received a cryptic answer. He expected the same again today. “Why are you, a Gedan, doing this?”

The man smiled and then he answered surprising Vehnet, “Because we deserve to die. We have done great evils to this world. And because my secret bride was Conmenian until one night as she stole away from my dwelling, because we could not live together, Militia cornered her and after they ravaged her for five whole days they slit her throat and hung her body upside down in the central plaza to our complex as a warning to all Conmenian not to trespass into Gedan districts. That is why.”

“Then with the utmost pleasure I will assist in killing you all.”

The Gedan bowed his head and smiled gratefully. “I chose you for that very reason. Now here is what I want you to do...” The Gedan outlined the plan and now Vehnet smiled as he listened. When the transmission ended, Vehnet made his calls and set everything in motion. With the security bypasses supplied it was going to be a glorious act of terror upon the Gedan government. He turned with the smile still large on his face and raced after to catch up with Janek and the others.

****​

Keevan stepped out of the shadows of the corner and admired the tale spun by the Gedan to the terrorist called Vehnet. “My, my, that was an interesting tale. Is it true?”

The clerk whirled in his seat disgusted, “Me take a Conmenian bride? There is no chance. The Conmenian raped and killed my mother and sister when I was but a baby. My aunt fostered me and she was a cruel and evil witch. They stole the life I should have had. So I will make sure that I steal each and every Conmenian life as compensation.”

“With our assistance of course.”

“Don’t worry. I care not if we need serve your Founders. For too long our government has been served by a weak and ineffectual leadership an almost virtual aristocracy. With the Dominion in control of the planet, the Gedan will reign supreme because they will be the only people alive. I only desire to kill every Conmenian. So long as each and every Conmenian is dead.”

“Of that you can be certain. Tell me, something that still puzzles me, why did you argue so forcefully to protect the caves if your hatred of the Conmenian is so strong? You could not have foreseen these actual events.”

“No, but the Conmenian legends tell of a great labyrinth city that once existed near the Ru’Ye Mountains decimated by a deadly plague. I had hoped our scientists could perfect their bio-engineered viruses if they could find a trace of it in the city.”

The Vorta seemed pleased and almost proud of the reason provided. “The Speaker thinks that he is a skilled politician. You are truly the much more skilled an dangerous. And your ambitions are not limited to a position. Though in the new order we shall bring to Gedasada, you will rise far from the humble clerk position.”

The Gedan smiled unconcerned, “I’m not concerned about the trappings of power, merely the obliteration of the Conmenian. My clerk title is enough. Though perhaps I might wish to change it from Clerk Galek, to Clerk Galek the saviour of Gedasada and harbinger of the Conmenian’s extermination.”

Galek turned away from the Vorta revelling in the devastation he was going to reap upon the Conmenian and smiled thinking of how he had duped them al. He had duped his superiors and the Conmenian terrorists Janek and Vehnet pitting them against one another garnering their trust so that he was able to infiltrate their organisation and wreak havoc across the world with the moon explosion. Lastly he smiled as he relished the deceit he had played on Captain Vaughan of the Accipiter convincing him that he, Galek, of all the Conmenian had a conscience and a strong moral base.

****​

 

[mirandafave]

Internet connection is still crazy but manage to get these parts up. The worst part is not getting to all of the other stories out there. Am going to have so much catching up to do. Not a bad thing though. In the meantime hope you like the recent installments.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Wow! Talk about an intensely brutal fight scene. I could almost hear the snap of bone, the crunch of cartilage and the labored breathing of the combatants - great visualization!

 

[Mistral]

Nasty fight scene. Nastier political intriguing. Good job.

 

[CeJay]

That was a fight of near epic proportions. You did a great job at giving us a sense of the fighter's background to convince us that he indeed stood a good chance of defeating all these Jem'Hadar. Who are not exactly wimpy either.

The main plot is coming along nicely as well, with a lot of duplicity and evil doers behind the scenes.