Title: "Peace in Our Time"
Series: Crossover
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: Endings
Notes: I've been re-working this fanfic a lot, as it has been giving me a lot of trouble. Basically, this describes the "end" of the Prime timeline -- ie. the destruction of Romulus, the rise of Nero, etc etc. It also completely circumvents "Countdown," which I felt was waaaay too fan-wanky for its own good. Though this has some fan-wank, I like to believe that it's more, er, natural. I could be wrong, though.
THE CONFERENCE
The base at Archer IV was a bustle of activity around Alexander as he pushed his way forward. Despite the ambassadorial robes that swept around him and the staff in his hand, everyone seemed to ignore his progression. He cracked the bottom of his large bone staff against the ground, catching the attention of various officers around him, who finally parted, showing him the respect he was normally used to.
“My apologies, Mister Ambassador,” said one commander.
Alexander ignored her and instead made for the open doors to the briefing room. It was a large, dark room with no windows and only a few ambient lights. A podium with the Federation emblem sat on the table in front of a large viewscreen. The room was sparsely populated, but Alexander saw a few old hands from Earth.
“Alexander,” came a familiar greeting.
“Ambassador Picard,” Alexander responded, shaking the old man’s hand. Former Captain Jean-Luc Picard had spent the past three years as the Federation’s point man in First Contact situations. It suited him very well.
“Do you know what this is all about?” Alexander asked after the usual small talk.
“I have heard rumors,” Picard answered. “Something involving the Romulans.”
Alexander nodded, but didn’t follow-up. He had heard similar rumors. Something had happened in Romulan space – something that put a halt on the civil war and caused a sort of impulsion in Romulan ship movements. Fleets that were scattered had moved quickly into the heart of Romulan territory.
Picard and Alexander walked to their assigned seats a few moments later. Chimes were ringing out, telling all those that had assembled that it was time to take their seat. Alexander recognized Captain Ezri Dax across the table, who gave him a small wave. Sitting next to her were two captains he didn’t recognize, and one that he knew only by reputation – Captain Tom Paris of Voyager.
Other ambassadors were also in attendance - Ferengi, Cardassian, and Talarian.
Everyone was assembled and PADDs were slowly handed out, but they were locked and would remain so until the meeting began. At that moment, the doors opened and three figures walked into the room. Romulan Ambassador Galathon; Vulcan Ambassador Spock; and Starfleet Chief of Command LJ Akaar. Akaar took his position behind the podium.
“Good morning,” he greeted gruffly. “The discussions of this meeting are confidential. An official press release stating what we are about to discuss will be made in two standard days. That being said, the orders given to Starfleet officers today will remain classified.”
Everyone shifted a little bit.
Akaar gripped to podium with his giant hands. “Ten days ago, the Hobus star deep in Romulan space unexpectedly went supernova. It destroyed a colony in that system. Two days later, the nearby Uth’aran star also went nova. What is becoming abundantly clear is that a subspace disruption is the cause of these novas. Further more, these novas are spurning on this disruption and it is spreading fast throughout Romulan space. Two more suns are believed to be endangered; one of which is near the Neutral Zone.
“The Romulans have called a cessation to the civil war and convened an emergency council. Ambassador Galathon.”
The elder Romulan stood and took Akaar’s place. “As the Admiral explained, the civil war that has lasted since the Reman incident has ended. However, between the Borg invasion and the civil war, the fleet is in shambles. The time has come to accept outside help. The emergency council believes that this disruption could eventually endanger the entire galaxy. It must be stopped. We also believe the key to ending this threat is by our peoples working together. Our alliance with Starfleet is two-pronged. We need emergency aid to evacuees escaping critical worlds. We also seek your help in stopping this subspace disruption.”
Galathon moved aside, allowing Ambassador Spock to stand at the podium.
“While the origins of the disruption remain unclear, its effects are evident. I have concluded that only a red matter induced singularity will be able to collapse the disruption. To do this, however, we need both red matter and a ship of both high maneuverability and speed. Romulus has officially commissioned Vulcan and Starfleet to build such a ship. I will be will piloting this vessel.”
“Excuse me, Ambassador,” Picard cut in, “but why you? Surely, there is someone just as capable . . .”
“My presence means much to the Romulan people. The increased popularity in the reunification movement is what helped spurn this alliance.”
Picard nodded, but Alexander seemed to note that he probably had more to say.
Spock stepped back from the podium, allowing Akaar to retake it.
“Captain Dax, you are charged with finding the red matter. Time is of the essence and as the Aventine is still our fastest ship in the area . . .”
“Aye, sir,” Dax replied.
“Captain Paris, Voyager is to escort a team of engineers to Vulcan to continue their work on the vessel at hand.”
Akaar finally turned to Alexander. “Ambassador, we have another situation. As Starfleet and Romulan ships cross the border, there is a danger that Remans will take advantage and attack. They have small outposts throughout the Klingon/Romulan boarder and it would not be hard for them to strike. We would appreciate the Klingons help in keeping them under control.”
Alexander considered these words. Martok was no friend of the Romulans, but perhaps his old heart had changed over the years.
“I will speak to the chancellor.”
***
Half an hour later, Ambassador Picard found himself beneath the statue of Captain Jonathan Archer, for whom this world was named. A hand fell upon his shoulder, catching the man by surprise. Spock was there, also looking up at the statue.
“Jonathan Archer,” Spock stated.
“I was just considering, Mr. Ambassador, the significance of what was announced today. Despite the growing peace between the Romulans and the Federation, I believe what is about the happen will serve as the beginning of an alliance between us.”
“Indeed,” Spock agreed. “I would be remiss to point out that it was your clone that initiated the more open attitude throughout the Romulan Star Empire. Even if it led to civil war, a less xenophobic approach to other species and governments has won out.”
Picard grinned a little. “It was the Romulans interference in interstellar affairs that led to the foundation of the Federation. They helped create and it feels like we’re just returning the favor.”
Spock perked an eyebrow. “An interesting approach, Ambassador.” He sighed a bit. “I am glad to be here, though, as history takes another step.”
“As am I.”
Spock looked back up at Jonathan Archer, then turned his gaze to Picard. “I apologize for cutting this short, but I must be going.”
Picard nodded. “Of course, Ambassador.” Then, raising his hand in the salute, “Peace and long life.”
Spock returned the salute. “Live long and prosper.”
Picard watched Spock walked. He considered the words of the ambassador, rolling them around in his mind. He looked back to Jonathan Archer and thought about– of all people – James T Kirk. His own encounter with Jim Kirk had been brief. What he would have given to spend more time with him, to talk about the mission to Babel or the discovery of the Preserver obelisk or the Genesis Planet. Spock, like Kirk, had been there, and Picard found himself wishing he had had more time to speak with him about the same.
But he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that told he had missed that opportunity.
----
Next: Dax and the Aventine embark on a dangerous mission. Will they find the Red Matter . . . or something else entirely?
Series: Crossover
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: Endings
Notes: I've been re-working this fanfic a lot, as it has been giving me a lot of trouble. Basically, this describes the "end" of the Prime timeline -- ie. the destruction of Romulus, the rise of Nero, etc etc. It also completely circumvents "Countdown," which I felt was waaaay too fan-wanky for its own good. Though this has some fan-wank, I like to believe that it's more, er, natural. I could be wrong, though.
PEACE IN OUR TIME
THE CONFERENCE
The base at Archer IV was a bustle of activity around Alexander as he pushed his way forward. Despite the ambassadorial robes that swept around him and the staff in his hand, everyone seemed to ignore his progression. He cracked the bottom of his large bone staff against the ground, catching the attention of various officers around him, who finally parted, showing him the respect he was normally used to.
“My apologies, Mister Ambassador,” said one commander.
Alexander ignored her and instead made for the open doors to the briefing room. It was a large, dark room with no windows and only a few ambient lights. A podium with the Federation emblem sat on the table in front of a large viewscreen. The room was sparsely populated, but Alexander saw a few old hands from Earth.
“Alexander,” came a familiar greeting.
“Ambassador Picard,” Alexander responded, shaking the old man’s hand. Former Captain Jean-Luc Picard had spent the past three years as the Federation’s point man in First Contact situations. It suited him very well.
“Do you know what this is all about?” Alexander asked after the usual small talk.
“I have heard rumors,” Picard answered. “Something involving the Romulans.”
Alexander nodded, but didn’t follow-up. He had heard similar rumors. Something had happened in Romulan space – something that put a halt on the civil war and caused a sort of impulsion in Romulan ship movements. Fleets that were scattered had moved quickly into the heart of Romulan territory.
Picard and Alexander walked to their assigned seats a few moments later. Chimes were ringing out, telling all those that had assembled that it was time to take their seat. Alexander recognized Captain Ezri Dax across the table, who gave him a small wave. Sitting next to her were two captains he didn’t recognize, and one that he knew only by reputation – Captain Tom Paris of Voyager.
Other ambassadors were also in attendance - Ferengi, Cardassian, and Talarian.
Everyone was assembled and PADDs were slowly handed out, but they were locked and would remain so until the meeting began. At that moment, the doors opened and three figures walked into the room. Romulan Ambassador Galathon; Vulcan Ambassador Spock; and Starfleet Chief of Command LJ Akaar. Akaar took his position behind the podium.
“Good morning,” he greeted gruffly. “The discussions of this meeting are confidential. An official press release stating what we are about to discuss will be made in two standard days. That being said, the orders given to Starfleet officers today will remain classified.”
Everyone shifted a little bit.
Akaar gripped to podium with his giant hands. “Ten days ago, the Hobus star deep in Romulan space unexpectedly went supernova. It destroyed a colony in that system. Two days later, the nearby Uth’aran star also went nova. What is becoming abundantly clear is that a subspace disruption is the cause of these novas. Further more, these novas are spurning on this disruption and it is spreading fast throughout Romulan space. Two more suns are believed to be endangered; one of which is near the Neutral Zone.
“The Romulans have called a cessation to the civil war and convened an emergency council. Ambassador Galathon.”
The elder Romulan stood and took Akaar’s place. “As the Admiral explained, the civil war that has lasted since the Reman incident has ended. However, between the Borg invasion and the civil war, the fleet is in shambles. The time has come to accept outside help. The emergency council believes that this disruption could eventually endanger the entire galaxy. It must be stopped. We also believe the key to ending this threat is by our peoples working together. Our alliance with Starfleet is two-pronged. We need emergency aid to evacuees escaping critical worlds. We also seek your help in stopping this subspace disruption.”
Galathon moved aside, allowing Ambassador Spock to stand at the podium.
“While the origins of the disruption remain unclear, its effects are evident. I have concluded that only a red matter induced singularity will be able to collapse the disruption. To do this, however, we need both red matter and a ship of both high maneuverability and speed. Romulus has officially commissioned Vulcan and Starfleet to build such a ship. I will be will piloting this vessel.”
“Excuse me, Ambassador,” Picard cut in, “but why you? Surely, there is someone just as capable . . .”
“My presence means much to the Romulan people. The increased popularity in the reunification movement is what helped spurn this alliance.”
Picard nodded, but Alexander seemed to note that he probably had more to say.
Spock stepped back from the podium, allowing Akaar to retake it.
“Captain Dax, you are charged with finding the red matter. Time is of the essence and as the Aventine is still our fastest ship in the area . . .”
“Aye, sir,” Dax replied.
“Captain Paris, Voyager is to escort a team of engineers to Vulcan to continue their work on the vessel at hand.”
Akaar finally turned to Alexander. “Ambassador, we have another situation. As Starfleet and Romulan ships cross the border, there is a danger that Remans will take advantage and attack. They have small outposts throughout the Klingon/Romulan boarder and it would not be hard for them to strike. We would appreciate the Klingons help in keeping them under control.”
Alexander considered these words. Martok was no friend of the Romulans, but perhaps his old heart had changed over the years.
“I will speak to the chancellor.”
***
Half an hour later, Ambassador Picard found himself beneath the statue of Captain Jonathan Archer, for whom this world was named. A hand fell upon his shoulder, catching the man by surprise. Spock was there, also looking up at the statue.
“Jonathan Archer,” Spock stated.
“I was just considering, Mr. Ambassador, the significance of what was announced today. Despite the growing peace between the Romulans and the Federation, I believe what is about the happen will serve as the beginning of an alliance between us.”
“Indeed,” Spock agreed. “I would be remiss to point out that it was your clone that initiated the more open attitude throughout the Romulan Star Empire. Even if it led to civil war, a less xenophobic approach to other species and governments has won out.”
Picard grinned a little. “It was the Romulans interference in interstellar affairs that led to the foundation of the Federation. They helped create and it feels like we’re just returning the favor.”
Spock perked an eyebrow. “An interesting approach, Ambassador.” He sighed a bit. “I am glad to be here, though, as history takes another step.”
“As am I.”
Spock looked back up at Jonathan Archer, then turned his gaze to Picard. “I apologize for cutting this short, but I must be going.”
Picard nodded. “Of course, Ambassador.” Then, raising his hand in the salute, “Peace and long life.”
Spock returned the salute. “Live long and prosper.”
Picard watched Spock walked. He considered the words of the ambassador, rolling them around in his mind. He looked back to Jonathan Archer and thought about– of all people – James T Kirk. His own encounter with Jim Kirk had been brief. What he would have given to spend more time with him, to talk about the mission to Babel or the discovery of the Preserver obelisk or the Genesis Planet. Spock, like Kirk, had been there, and Picard found himself wishing he had had more time to speak with him about the same.
But he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that told he had missed that opportunity.
----
Next: Dax and the Aventine embark on a dangerous mission. Will they find the Red Matter . . . or something else entirely?
