Pytheas 1x07 - Broken Bridges

[BrotherBenny]

I would first like to thank Gibraltar for the use of his vessel though not his crew (I'd love to write Sandhurst at some point though), and also to TheLoneRedshirt for his excellent work on the Border Service.

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USS PYTHEAS

Part of the United Trek universe



1x07
“Broken Bridges”



Thanks go to Heather Jarman (Worlds of Deep Space Nine: Andor: Paradigm) for the Andorian work.​

Historian’s Note: This story takes place from early July to mid September 2378; beginning approximately three weeks after the events of The Art of War.

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Prologue

Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Mars orbit
Stardate 55513.6 (July 7, 2378)

Captain Leza Astar glanced out the window at her ship in drydock, surrounded by a full scaffold. The bridge module would be replaced and the outer hull would be patched up as good as new. The interior was to be refitted for the open-ended mission that the Pytheas was supposed to be undertaking and there was the small matter of the replacement shuttlecraft to be delivered as well. Astar took another look at the padd in her hand and sighed. She was officially on administrative leave, pending a court-martial hearing because of her actions in the Kursican sector and the mirror universe, and Command had yet to provide her with a new first officer. They believed, as she did, that Gonzales wasn't ready, and although there were several candidates, they had yet to make a decision—it wasn't hers to make. Presumably they would wait until after the court-martial to determine who the first officer would be, and whether or not a new commanding officer would also be needed.

Astar nodded to the Guardian as he left her quarters and sat down in the recliner closest to the window. She was tired after her Zhian'tara, and it had raised more questions than it had answered, but the Guardians and the Symbiosis Commission had agreed that both she and the symbiont were now safe. The information was no longer buried and threatening to kill both of them, but as she was on administrative leave, she was not able to pursue the answers to those questions. With her ship off limits to her crew during the refit, many of them had returned to their homeworlds for leave or debriefing, or were just hanging around waiting for reassignment. Though it had only been four months for most of them, the refit, which was expected to take at least twelve weeks (of which three had already elapsed) warranted leave.

'Come,' Astar said as the door chimed. She turned to face the visitor and immediately stood at attention.

'At ease, Captain,' Admiral Janeway said and looked out the window as well. 'She needs a lot of work.'

'Yes ma'am, she does.'

'I've been reviewing your logs, and I've been speaking with Captain Logan and his staff. Your tactics were sound, and the Cha'lav have been dealt a severe blow. Command is also debating whether or not to replace the Platform with a newer starbase and Captain Logan apparently does not agree. Would you know why?'

'The weapons systems,' Astar replied. 'Starbase 535 currently has a combination of Kursican and Starfleet weaponry and Starfleet isn't happy about it. They would prefer to have a completely new starbase there with Federation technology. It also gives them an opportunity to prevent the Kursicans from having the run of the starbase.'

'The Kursicans have withdrawn their petition for Federation membership and as such would like their starbase returned to them,' Janeway said.

'So give it back to them. Put the new starbase in the Ynelavii system. They have entered a petition for Federation membership, I believe.'

Janeway nodded. 'They have, but that wasn't actually what I came to discuss with you.'

'It wasn't?'

'No, I'm aware that you've just been through the Zhian'tara and I was hoping you could tell me what came up during the ritual with regards to the Xindi.'

'How did you know about that, Admiral?'

'One of your previous hosts was the Federation ambassador on New Xindus in the early twenty-third century. I'd like to know what happened there to sour diplomatic relations and force the signing of the North Star Accords.'

'It's very simple, Captain. A group of Xindi-Reptilians and Insectoids engineered a coup d'etat and overthrew the Xindi council. Since it was an internal matter we couldn't intervene and were asked to leave. We went to the Federation embassy on North Star to see what happened by the Reptilians tried to make us leave the Expanse. It was fortuitous that Captain Archer had found the Skagaran homeworld in his career as two Skagaran vessels arrived to protect the colony in response to our distress call.'

'What happened then?'

'The exiled Council was able to retake New Xindus during the Battle of North Star and the dissidents were exiled. My former host signed the North Star Accords which ceded North Star and a triangular section of the Expanse to the Federation, and the rest to the New Xindus Republic. The only problem is that we've never had a base of operations or a starship in that area so the Xindi have crossed our border with impunity.'

'Until the Skagarans joined the Federation?'

'Right, then everything went pear-shaped and the Skagarans claimed that section of the Expanse for themselves and we let them have it as part of the agreement in joining the Federation. The Xindi and the Skagarans have been at war ever since.'

'Why hasn't Starfleet got involved?'

'We were too busy chasing away the Klingons, the Romulans, the Cardassians, the Borg and then the Dominion to have any spare ships to assist the Skagarans.'

Janeway sighed. 'I'm placing you back on active duty. I want you to enter the Expanse, go to New Xindus and repair diplomatic relations at any cost. Even if it means ceding the entire Expanse to them. I will grant you a ship and crew to assist you.'

'I'd like to take my senior officers with me.'

'Those that are still around, of course. Give me twenty-four hours and contact me if I haven't contacted you after that time.'

'Aye ma'am.'

'We'll talk soon,' Janeway replied and left Astar's temporary quarters.

Astar thought about her career and the advancement that might come if she was successful. She tapped her combadge. 'Astar to Gonzales.'

'Yes, Captain?'

'Meet me in my quarters on the Central Complex immediately. We have something to discuss. Round up the senior officers.'

'Aye sir, I gave Talen the Scobee so he could go home.'

'That's not a problem, get everybody else together.'

'Aye sir, Gonzales out.'

While she waited for her officers to arrive, she searched the local database for any vessels that were docked and unassigned which Janeway could pick for the mission. She saw two and wondered which one it was going to be.'

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Hm...I wonder if Starfleet Command is testing Astar by giving her this mission now that her symbiont is no longer ill? (To see, in other words, if her judgment gets any better when there is no longer any neurological disruption.) I realize this is not a Cardassian ship or crew, but I still find myself wondering if there's going to be someone on the ship loyal to the admiralty, to keep an eye on her...

 

[BrotherBenny]

Chapter One

Shuttlecraft Scobee
En route to Andor
Stardate 55513.7 (July 7, 2378)

Lieutenant Shanitalen ch'Maras sat in the aft section of the shuttlecraft to meditate while he journeyed home to find a new trio of bondmates with which to enter into the Sheltreth. Although he still felt angry toward his former bondmates, he knew they had made the right decision in looking for someone else. He couldn't have said when he would be back and they were unable to wait. The ch'Thane Genome Project had made great strides in finding compatible bondmates and the reduction in mortality rates and infertile Sheltreth was far greater than at any time in the last century, but there was still the question as to what had caused the reproductive crisis in the first place. Talen knew that he would need to contact the Genome Project to find compatible bondmates, but he was also hoping to find out more about his people's problems, considering the fact that he might be able to assist them with the classified information from the Cha'lav medical database, which was far more advanced than the Federation's.

The computer chirped and he opened his eyes. 'Incoming transmission from USS Laikan.'

A ship named after the Andorian capital was likely crewed by Andorians, Talen thought and made his way forward. 'On screen.'

'Acknowledged.'

'Lieutenant ch'Maras, this is Captain th'Dolus of the Laikan. I have a guest who would like you to come aboard.'

'Of course, sir. I'd be delighted, but I am on my way to Andor for a meeting with the Genome Project.'

'We're heading home ourselves, Lieutenant, and my ship is faster than yours,' th'Dolus replied and Talen smothered a grin.

'Yes sir.'

'Put the shuttle on autopilot and we'll bring you in, th'Dolus out.'

Talen's antennae quivered and he knew he was intrigued. 'Computer, current data on USS Laikan.'

'USS Laikan is a Nova-class starship, launched stardate 52635, permanently assigned to the Andor sector for scientific research. The chief science officer is renowned geneticist Lieutenant Thirishar ch'Thane, founder of the ch'Thane Genome Project in 2376.'

'Thanks,' Talen replied as his shuttle docked with the starship.

He opened the side hatch and saw three people there to greet him. 'Permission to come aboard, sir,' Talen asked the captain.

'Granted. This is my first officer, Granapirto zh'Share, and I'm sure you know my chief science officer.'

'Yes sir, I do. A pleasure to meet you all.'

'Captain, Commander, with all due respect, I have some questions for our young guest.'

'Th'Dolus waved his hand in dismissal. I know when I'm not needed. Come, Commander. That stellar nursery will not chart itself.'

'Aye sir,' the woman replied and followed her commanding officer, shooting an annoyed glance at the newcomer.

'Don't mind her, she's still mad that my security clearance is higher than hers.'

'Mine isn't very high,' Talen replied.

'On the contrary, Talen, yours is almost as high as mine because of your knowledge of the Cha'lav database.'

'How do you know my name and how do you know about that?'
'My security clearance allows me access to anything that could impact our people, and the Cha'lav database is just such a thing. Because of the Yrythny eggs I bought back from the Gamma Quadrant, I was able to lengthen the window of fertility and increase the number of children born from each bonding. My next project is to discover what caused the crisis in the first place, and then solve it completely. I believe that your database can help me with that.'

'I don't have access to the medical database anymore, it was downloaded to Starfleet Tactical.'

'I have a complete copy of the Cha'lav database in a secured computer core on board. We're delivering it to Andor so I can continue my work with all the technology the Federation has at it's disposal. What I need from you, is the knowledge you've gained by examining the database.'

Talen smiled. 'That's the very reason I was going to meet with the scientists at the Genome Project, to offer my knowledge of the database to find out why we are the way we are.'

'Explain?'

'Why do we need four genders to procreate? Our mythology tells us we were split into four by Uzaveh the Infinite, and I believe it has a basis in fact, but there must be a more logical reason for it. And the only place to find that reason is to find the Cradle of Life, which I believe is Tower Hill, where the Breaking occurred.'

'And you think that when we find that, we'll find the reason for the breaking and a way to fix our quadruple genders?'

'I do.'

Ch'Thane considered the proposal and then nodded. 'ch'Thane to Captain.'

'Go ahead, Lieutenant.'

'When we get home, I need a full science and security team on Tower Hill.'

'Lieutenant, you do realise that Tower Hill is one of our most sacred sites.'

'I am aware of its cultural and mythological significance, sir, but Lieutenant ch'Maras has a theory that I believe we should examine.'

'I'll speak with the Parliament Andoria, but I don't think the Chancellor will like it very much; th'Dolus out.'

'Damn politicians,' ch'Thane muttered.

'They're the same everywhere,' ch'Maras replied.

'Indeed. Now, what do you expect to find at Tower Hill?'

'There should be a marker that signifies where the Breaking occurred, but it won't be anything as simple as a stone that says “here's where it happened”.'

Ch'Thane frowned. 'What are you saying?'

'I'm saying that I don't believe Uzaveh was Andorian, I think he was an alien from another world—and the only way we'll be able to fix this is by contacting his people and getting them to reverse the process.'

'If we get an audience with the Chancellor, don't say any of that, just say that you believe the answer to our problem lies at the beginning of our people. The Chancellor will have you executed for the blasphemy, even if it does turn out to be true. The Tale of the Breaking has been part of our mythology for centuries, you can't expect people to change overnight.'

'It may not be true,' Talen admitted, 'but there's only one way we'll find out.'

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

This could be quite interesting...I wonder if Uzaveh was Cha'lav??

 

[BrotherBenny]

Chapter Two

Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Mars orbit
Stardate 55516.3 (July 8, 2378)

Captain Astar joined her senior officers in the conference room they'd been directed to, and waited for Admiral Janeway to enter. The newly-minted admiral hadn't given a reason, just an order, that they all be there by ten hundred hours. They'd been waiting for several minutes before she actually entered the room, and were surprised to see three Xindi officers, including Lieutenant Queran, the Pytheas' deputy chief engineer. All three wore their uniforms but none had their combadges or rank insignia.

'Before you ask, Captain,' Janeway started, 'they have been officially relieved of duty and stripped of commission. They will be bargaining chips for your mission into the expanse.'

'Excuse me?'

'You will officially be in command of a Starfleet Security vessel returning these people back to their homeworld in disgrace.'

All three officers winced.

'Unacceptable, Admiral,' Astar replied. 'Their careers will be over if this goes ahead, regardless of our success in the Expanse.'

'The decision has already been made,' Janeway replied. 'They are to be kept confined at all times. I will be sending along an observer to make sure you obey those orders and if you deviate from them, he'll be authorised to take command of the ship and mission.'

Astar stepped forward. 'I officially protest these orders and will file a complaint with the Commander-in-Chief, the Federation Council, and the President.'

Janeway sighed. 'Go ahead, but I felt it was necessary in order to allow you safe passage through the Expanse.'

'The Skagarans won't make the distinction between Starfleet Xindi and Republican Xindi, they'll still fire on us, Federation vessel or not.'

'I will be speaking with the Skagaran ambassador and the Federation Council regarding the war in the Expanse. Your job is to get the Xindi back on our side.'

'What vessel are we assigned to?'

'The Gibraltar, she's on loan from the Border Service.'

'Captain Sandhurst's ship?'

'It hasn't been his ship for almost a year, Captain. You're out of touch.'

'It was his ship when I met him as a Commander during the Vanguard mission, Admiral.'

'That was almost a year ago, Captain, a lot can change.'

'Indeed it can. How soon do we leave?'

'As soon as the observer arrives from Earth.'

'Who is our chaperone?'

The door to the conference room opened and a familiar face entered. 'Admiral, I believe you requested my presence.'

'What are you doing here, Captain?' Astar asked.

Lionel Logan glanced at her. 'I've been assigned to Admiral Janeway's office. I will accompany you to New Xindus.'

'You will accord him every courtesy,' Janeway added. 'The Gibraltar is waiting for you at berth fifteen starboard.'

'Aye sir,' Astar replied as Janeway left.

'Shall we go?' Logan asked.

'Come on people, let's move out,' Astar ordered and turned to Queran. 'I'm sorry about this, and I will do everything I can to get you all back to work.'

'Thank you, Captain,' Queran said as security officers arrived to escort the Xindi to the ship.

'Confine them to quarters,' Logan told security.

'Aye sir,' the lead officer replied. 'One guard will be posted outside each of their quarters.'

Logan nodded and Astar gave him a look. 'No reason they should be in the brig. I've already logged my official protest.'

'Thank you.'

'No problem.'

The two of them walked in silence from the conference room to the berth where the Constitution-class starship was docked. The ship had been through a tumultuous time under the captaincy of Donald Sandhurst, and then she was supposed to have been refitted as a hospital ship for the Border Service. Logan told her that because of the tactical upgrades the ship was fitted with for Operation Indemnity—ousting the neo-Maquis from the Badlands over a year ago—she had been tasked with dangerous missions for the Border Service and Starfleet, and had never quite made it to the major refit. This was to be just one more dangerous mission for the Gibraltar, but Astar knew what Xindi technology was like, and she had no idea how much they had improved over the last century. At best the old starship would be out-gunned, at worst...she didn't want to think about what that might mean.

'What a bucket of bolts!' Lieutenant Commander Xeris exclaimed as he laid eyes on the Constitution-class ship. 'How did the chief engineer manage to keep that thing running?'

'The hull might be old, Commander, but everything inside is up to modern specs, including the warp core.'

Xeris shook his head. 'I'll be surprised if we come out of this in one piece.'

'As long as it has phasers and torpedoes, we'll be fine.'

'You will all get a briefing pack on what the ship has been through, its strengths and weaknesses, and we leave in twenty-four hours. Captain Astar?'

'Dismissed, I want that ship ready to go in eighteen hours.'

A chorus of ayes echoed down the corridor as her crew disappeared into the ship.

'The Admiral said twenty-four.'

'I want this mission over and done with,' Astar replied. 'It will be dangerous and we'll have enemies on all sides because there are Xindi aboard. The Skagarans will attack us, regardless of whether we're a Federation starship or not.'

'And they're members?'

'Yes, they are. Would the Admiral prefer both to be members, or just diplomatic relations to be restored, even at the cost of the Skagaran membership?'

'Getting the Xindi as members is not possible given their xenophobic tendencies, but yes, restoration of diplomatic relations is a must, regardless of the Skagarans' position.'

'That will be difficult, all the more so with the Xindi officers on board. Why do we have them anyway?'

Logan looked around and then pulled Astar into the corridor that led to the ship. 'Apparently, President Satie is trying to remove officers from non-member or non-associate to combat the growing threat of anti-Federation sentiment in the galaxy.'

'That will only make it worse,' Astar protested.

'It's only a rumour, but it explains a few things.'

'She'll never get re-elected if the public found out about that.'

Logan offered a raised eyebrow in response.

'I see.'

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

What the hell?! All I can say is, Satie seems to be showing her true colors here. We already knew she was willing to play games with people's lives to further her own political agendas--it looks like she's at it again...

 

[Mistral]

This is a pretty nasty scenario you are laying out. And where's Donald? Did i miss something?

 

[BrotherBenny]

This is a pretty nasty scenario you are laying out. And where's Donald? Did i miss something?

My stories are set over a year later than the other Gibraltar stories. As to where Sandhurst and co. are, you'll have to ask Gibraltar.

 

[Gibraltar]

This is a pretty nasty scenario you are laying out. And where's Donald? Did i miss something?

My stories are set over a year later than the other Gibraltar stories. As to where Sandhurst and co. are, you'll have to ask Gibraltar.

All will be explained, in due course...

 

[Mistral]

This is a pretty nasty scenario you are laying out. And where's Donald? Did i miss something?

My stories are set over a year later than the other Gibraltar stories. As to where Sandhurst and co. are, you'll have to ask Gibraltar.

All will be explained, in due course...

What did you do with Donald??????

 

[CeJay]

After everyting Astar has been thourgh (and has done), I didn't forsee this development. A new mission; but possibly one that only she can carry out. The odds here might not be in her favor but that will matter little. Good ol' Gibraltar will see them through ... as she always does.

Like the Andorian subplot here. Nothing like a little cultural shake-up to get things set straight again.

 

[BrotherBenny]

Sorry about the delay, RL has been throwing up a few curve balls, and I'm STILL waiting for my visa so I can leave this forsaken country.

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Chapter Three

USS Laikan
En route to Andor
Stardate 55516.7 (July 8, 2378)

'There, do you see it?' Thirishar ch'Thane asked his guest excitedly. 'This gene sequence matches nothing in the entire Federation database.'

'It is in all four genders?' Talen asked.

'Yes, buried deep within the genome. It isn't an active gene, and I can't figure out what it would do if it was active.'

'Computer, display highlighted gene sequence as binary code and convert to Federation Standard,' Talen said. 'Thirishar, think about what you're looking at. If it doesn't do anything, then it might not be a gene.'

'Call me Shar. What are you thinking, that this is some kind of code?'

'Look at the translation,' he replied as the computer displayed a long sequence of numbers.

'They could mean anything, or be completely meaningless,' Shar muttered. 'This isn't my area of expertise.'

'We've been working for over a day. You asked for my help because you didn't know what you were looking at. I graduated from the Academy with a major in xenocryptography. Let me work.'

The young geneticist stepped back and with a flourish of his hands, indicated that Talen should take over. 'All yours, Lieutenant.'

'Computer, identify numerical sequences likely to be latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of major cultural landmarks on Andor.'

'Requested function will require seven hours to complete.'

'We have plenty of time,' Shar said. 'I'll work on some of the other projects I have.'

'Wait a moment. Computer, do any of the numbers correspond with the coordinates of Tower Hill?'

'Working, stand by.'

'Do you really expect it to be that easy?'

'Some things are.'

'The numbers 02-19-16 and 48-51-55 correspond to the location Tower Hill on Andor.'

Shar was astounded. 'It was in our genetic code all the time.'

'There are three more sets of coordinates,' Talen said and instructed the computer to locate their places on Andor. 'We're sure to find something there, but I don't know what.'

'It depends what the locations are, but you've done a fantastic job here. Ch'Thane to th'Dolus.'

'Yes, Lieutenant?'

'Lieutenant ch'Maras has found something. This is a lot bigger than I expected, Captain. I would like to speak with the Chancellor at her earliest convenience.'

'I will arrange it, but you should know that I have already spoken with her about allowing an away team on Tower Hill.'

'I take it the news was not good?'

'No, it wasn't. Unless you can convince her of the import of your discovery, I do not believe you will be able to complete this project.'

'How long before we reach Andor?'

'Another five days. You have plenty of time to perfect your argument, th'Dolus out.'

'Perfect my argument, wonderful,' Shar muttered.

'I'll research the history of the landmarks and see if I can come up with something concrete to help you.'

'Thanks.'

Talen set himself up at the main station in the science laboratory where they had been working and gathered all the information he could about Tower Hill. He was familiar with the landmark as it was the primary funeral site for his people as well as location of the ancient and mythical Breaking, where Uzaveh the Infinite had told Thirishar he was not “Whole” and split him into four, thereby creating the four Andorian genders. The problem was that due to the genetic differences between the four genders, all were needed to create a child, and prior to the ch'Thane Genome Project, fewer children were being born because of bad bondings and the mortality rate was high. Now that he had found four locations on Andor which had been hidden in the genetic code, he believed he would find a way to make Thirishar “Whole” again—without destroying the four genders which had been part of Andorian life since the Breaking.

Tower Hill was the oldest monument on Andor, an ice fortress the equivalent of Mount Seleya on Vulcan, and home to Uzaveh the Infinite and the Throne of Life. He barely remembered the old Tale of the Breaking and looked up the Liturgy of the Temple of Uzaveh; Third Century Codex.


“Instead,” decreed Uzaveh, “from one, there shall be four.

“To one shall be given wisdom to be a protector—the cunning warrior who shall fight for the future.

“To another shall be given strength, providing a foundation upon which the others can build.

“One shall be given blood, the river of life that shall flow among the others, providing nurture and sustenance when the flesh longs to yield.

“And to the last shall be given passion, for the flame of desire will bring change to the others and warm them when the chill is bitterest.”

...

For Thirizaz, the Fire Daemon fed the soul-consuming passion. Loving Shanchen became a vessel for the Water Spirit, forever bound to the Eternal love flowing from Uzaveh’s Throne. For strong Zheusal, Earth became protector. For wise Charaleas, the Stars became guides, their light defying darkest night.

“When you are Whole, as I am Whole,” Uzaveh said, “then shall you return to my presence and assume your place at my side.”


'Shar, I think I understand it now.'

'What?'

'Each of the four genders is guarded by one of the four forces of nature: fire, water, earth and the stars. There is only one place where all have been One, Tower Hill. If we can find the Gates, and the Path of Light, we'll find the Throne of Secrets, where the Greatest Among Mortals was to sit beside Uzaveh the Infinite.'

'And you believe this is more than myth?'

'I believe that the four locations are where we can find the embodiment of the forces of nature, which we need for the Throne of Secrets.'

Shar shook his head. 'If I give this to the Chancellor, I'll be the laughing stock. I need something that isn't mystical.'

Talen sighed. 'Tell her that the four locations hidden in our genome are the key to finding the answer to the reproduction crisis. Hopefully, the debt she owes you for the Genome Project will be enough to get you permission.'

'Or?'

'Or we'll have to do it ourselves.'

'And breaking every law we have?'

'If need be. The very survival of our people may depend on it.'

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I am REALLY liking this plotline with Shar and Talen--I would love to see where it goes! Not just for the sake of the Andorians...but whoever it was who split them into four genders, I almost find myself wondering if they were connected to the Cha'lav.

Oh, and I like how the four elements weren't the same as any of the Earth systems I'm familiar with.

 

[BrotherBenny]

Chapter Four

USS Laikan
In Andor orbit
Stardate 55524.7 (July 11, 2378)

Talen and Shar wore their standard uniform even though it was the middle of winter on the surface. Both men had refused to don the awkward winter clothing that would hamper their efforts, though the engineers on the team were in full winter regalia. The security personnel had likewise refused the winter clothing, needing to have the full range of movement. Talen was actually surprised to learn that the Chancellor had given Shar the go ahead to find whatever they hoped to find without any fuss whatsoever. Shar later confided in him that she was hoping to get re-elected and if they were successful, she would be.

'Th'Dolus to transporter room one, are you ready to beam down?'

Shar tapped his combadge. 'Yes sir, we're in position.'

'Good luck, we'll keep a lock on you at all time, th'Dolus out.'

'Ready, Talen?'

'Ready.'

Shar turned to the transporter operator. 'Energise.'

A harsh blizzard buffeted them as soon as the materialisation sequence and Talen had to use his tricorder to find his way to the exact location given to them by the genome. When Shar, the two engineers and two security officers had joined him, Talen pointed to a spot two metres ahead of him.

'This is it, this is the spot, but I'm not picking up anything on the tricorder,' he yelled above the wind.

Shar signalled for the two security officers to aim their phaser rifles at the spot. 'Set phasers to light stun and fire for five seconds. Talen, keep monitoring the tricorder.'

Talen nodded and the officers fired. There was no change and Shar signalled for them to do it again. After another five times, Talen called a halt. 'There's something there, but it isn't natural.'

'Man made?' Shar called out as the wind started to die down.

'Definitely, but the construction materials match nothing we have on the planet.'

'Try the Federation database,' Shar suggested.

Talen patched the tricorder into the ship's library and ran the search again. 'Still nothing. What I'm detecting is a large crystalline structure, constructed in a pyramid formation, almost five hundred metres high. We'll need the ship's phasers to melt the surrounding ice.'

Shar looked shocked for a moment. 'That would destroy half the hill.'

'But we could uncover the original structure that stood here. It would be the most important archaeological find in our history.'

Shar tapped his combadge. 'Captain, we've found something down here and we need to use the ship's phasers. Lowest setting.'

'Where?' th'Dolus asked.

'This point. We need to be at least a kilometre away though.'

'What have you found?'

'Prepare to beam us up, Captain. I do not want to discuss this on an open comm channel.'

'Stand by.'

One minute and six seconds later they were back on board and the captain was there to greet them.

'Captain, I believe we've found the original structure from the Tale of the Breaking. It's a large crystalline pyramid almost five hundred metres high.'

'It sounds like it will destroy Tower Hill.'

Talen sighed. 'It will, but it may give us much more. The original structure our people used hundreds or thousands of years ago, maybe even the Temple of Uzaveh the Infinite.'

'Thirishar, the Chancellor gave you full access. Do you want to risk it?'

'Yes sir,' he replied, glancing at Talen. 'It could be an amazing archaeological find.'

'Very well, join me on the bridge and we'll see what we can do.'

'Aye sir.'

Ten minutes later they were all seated on the bridge, and the viewscreen was focussed on the area they'd already excavated.

'Shar, this is your show,' the captain told him.

'Tactical, wide-beam, minimum-setting. Fire for thirty seconds.'

Everybody watched as the ship's mighty phasers ploughed though the atmosphere and then melted the ice surrounding the tip of the crystalline pyramid. More of the immense structure became visible after only a few seconds and by the time the full thirty seconds had elapsed, more than half of it had been uncovered.

'Continue firing, ten second bursts on each face of the pyramid,' Shar said. 'We should be able to get a sensor reading now.'

'It isn't diamond, nor any other carbon- or silicon-based chain. We've discovered a new element for the periodic table,' the tactical officer said as he continued to fire.

'I'd love to get a look down there,' Talen muttered.

'You and everybody else,' Shar added. 'Captain, permission to take an away team.'

'Denied,' th'Dolus replied.

The tactical officer stopped firing and looked at his board. 'Sir, we're being hailed by the Chancellor.'

'Wonderful, on screen.'

'What in Thirizaz' name are you doing, Captain?'

'Madame Chancellor, forgive me, but if you would look at the sensor images we have just taken, you will see what we have found buried beneath Tower Hill.'

'By Uzaveh,' she murmured. 'Is that the Temple?'

'It may be, Madame Chancellor. We were going to send an away team down there to investigate.'

'Keep your people where they are, Captain. I will have a full team of archaeologists on site in a matter of hours. You may proceed to the next site.'

'Madame Chancellor?' Shar stepped forward.

'I have you to thank for this?' she asked.

'Not this time, Madame Chancellor,' he answered, stepping aside and pointing to Talen. 'Shanitalen ch'Maras discovered the locations.'

'Step forward, Shanitalen. Today has gone down in the history books as the day we rediscovered our heritage, and you shall be thanked for that. For now, please complete the rest of your project so that we may know the full extent of what we have lost.'

Talen bowed deeply. 'Thank you, Madame Chancellor. I will not let you down.'

The channel closed without a reply and the captain sighed. 'Well done, boys. You just got her re-elected without her having to campaign one iota. Where to next?'

Talen took another look at the immense structure now clear for all to see. 'Therin Park is the next site.'

'Helm, adjust course and put us in orbit over Therin Park, thrusters only.'

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I can't wait to see what's in there! And Therin Park...can't write about the Andorians on this BBS without it!

 

[CeJay]

Really digging what your doing with the Andorians here. A lot of culture and history being explored ... and perhaps ancient history revealed.

 

[BrotherBenny]

Chapter Five

USS Gibraltar
Approaching the Delphic Expanse
Stardate 55591.3 (August 4, 2378)

Captain Leza Astar stepped out from the ready room at the rear of the bridge to take her seat at the centre of the Constitution-class starship's bridge. She had brought along no personal effects to decorate it with since at the end of this mission she would be returning to her own vessel, the repaired and refitted Pytheas. As it was, the lower decks crew which had joined her on this assignment were not Starfleet officers in the strictest sense. They were from the Border Service, seen for years as the bastard child of the fleet; but in her estimation they were merely fellow officers and she treated them as such, much to their surprise. Astar was glad to have them along as they had all seen battle, both during and after—and in many cases, prior to—the Dominion war.

'Captain, we're approaching the cartographic border of the Expanse, Starfleet sector,' Weston said. 'There are no active listening posts or communication buoys.'

'There won't be, Lieutenant. The Skagarans may be members of the Federation, but this part of the Expanse is entirely their domain,' Logan replied from a corner of the bridge.

'Gonzales, keep your eyes open, it wouldn't surprise me if we were attacked by the Skagarans or the Xindi.'

'Aye sir.'

'Lieutenant Commander Epstein,' she turned to the first officer recommended to her by Admiral Bateson of the Seventh Border Service Squadron, to whom the Gibraltar would be turned over at the conclusion of the assignment.

'Sir?'

'What do you know of the Xindi?'

'Everything in the library, Captain. I did a dissertation on them at the Academy. It was published.'

She nodded. 'Is that why Admiral Bateson recommended that you serve as my executive officer?'

'No, sir. He wants to know whether I am suitable to take the executive officer billet on the USS Banshee when she has finished undergoing a major refit.'

'Well, when we get to Star Station Echo, I'll let him know how you've done,' Astar said, 'though I can see no major problems.'

'Thank you, sir.'

'Now, what can we expect from the Xindi?'

'That would depend on who you meet. The Marsupials and Primates, and to some degree, the Aquatics, will be more favoured to you. The Reptilians and Insectoids are still angry at the actions of Captain Archer for destroying the Superweapon and stopping the Sphere Builders.'

'They'll have to get over it. They'll attack but the others won't?'

'Yes sir.'

'And the Skagarans?'

'If they detect Xindi on board, they will attack, regardless of the fact that we're all in the Federation. I understand that the issue of the Skagarans' continued membership is centred on our mission?'

'One of several points which will be addressed shortly. How long until we reach New Xindus?'

'At warp six it will take us another two weeks, Captain,' Weston said.

'I do not recommend exceeding that, sir,' Epstein added. 'Although the anomalies created by the Spheres have gone, subspace is very weak in the Expanse as a result and the area is littered with various rips and tears.'

'Noted,' Astar replied. 'Weston, slow to warp six.'

'Aye sir, warp six.'

Astar looked around the bridge, noted no junior officers and activated a control on the side of her chair that sealed the bridge. Logan nodded and Epstein saw the action but said nothing. Only a raised eyebrow of surprise gave away his knowledge. Astar filed it away for future reference. 'All of you know should know that our official orders are to make peace with the Xindi after the debacle which forced the signing of the North Star Accords, and recommend whether the Skagarans' actions are appropriate given their status as members of the Federation. Additionally, we are to make sure that the North Star colony is faring well after all these years without official contact and try to correct any issues which may have arisen.'

'Sir,' Gonzales interrupted, 'we're receiving a hail from New Xindus. It's being relayed through a number of Xindi communication satellites.'

'Put it through.'

A Xindi-Primate face appeared on the main viewscreen. 'Federation vessel. You are hereby given notice to vacate the Expanse at once, or your vessel will be impounded and your crew enslaved under the edicts of the Xindi Empire.'

Astar bristled. 'This is in direct violation of the North Star Accords signed by the New Xindi Republic. We are here to return three Xindi citizens who have been removed from their positions as Starfleet officers.'

'You may do with them as you wish, they are exiles and have no standing in Imperial society.'

Astar glanced at Epstein who was as surprised as she was. 'I would like to request an audience with the Emperor to formally dissolve any diplomatic relations which may exist.'

'I will relay your request through the proper channels. The North Star colony is now a vassal world of the Empire but your Federation embassy still stands. You may wait there until you receive word. New Xindus out.'

'Lieutenant, set a course for North Star, maximum warp.'

'Aye sir, North Star, warp nine.'

'Our job may be easier than we first thought,' Gonzales said.

'Something's very wrong,' Epstein corrected. 'I saw no evidence in any Starfleet dealings with the Xindi that they have ever had an imperialistic bent. It doesn't materialise overnight and I would say that someone or something has corrupted the Republic.'

'We are in the right universe, aren't we?' Weston asked.

Gonzales scowled. 'Captain, what do we do now? Were you serious about the dissolving of diplomatic relations?'

Astar sighed. 'Not in the least, Commander. I merely needed a good reason to get an audience with the Emperor. Since it would be politically astute for him to agree, I believe I will be granted that audience and then we'll know who or what is behind this bizarre turn of events.'

'I can think of a good one,' Parker added, having been silent until now. 'Andraprani could have created the Xindi Empire with a few words here and there. I would say that the Reptilians and Insectoids are the primary movers. You'd think after the Sphere Builders, they'd be more weary of powerful beings coming to them with sweet words.'

'You'd think,' Gonzales agreed.

Logan said nothing, merely observed the proceedings.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Uh-oh, THAT doesn't look good.

I need a bit of catching-up on the politics in this area, though. The North Star colony is the one that had humans abusing Skagarans for awhile, right? Was New Xindus ever canon? Also, how did the Skagarans and Xindi ever get in the Federation with this sort of behavior? Was it because the Federation wasn't as idealistic and lofty in its ideals back then than it was in the 24th century, or what? And where does a Federation member get off telling other Federation vessels they can't come into their territory? Is this a special status, or are we seeing that the Federation isn't as federalistic a system as it usually looks? You really got my mind spinning here!

And the continued craziness in the Expanse even with the destruction of the spheres--I'm getting a bad feeling about the Temporal Cold War...

 

[BrotherBenny]

Uh-oh, THAT doesn't look good.

I need a bit of catching-up on the politics in this area, though. The North Star colony is the one that had humans abusing Skagarans for awhile, right? Was New Xindus ever canon? Also, how did the Skagarans and Xindi ever get in the Federation with this sort of behavior? Was it because the Federation wasn't as idealistic and lofty in its ideals back then than it was in the 24th century, or what? And where does a Federation member get off telling other Federation vessels they can't come into their territory? Is this a special status, or are we seeing that the Federation isn't as federalistic a system as it usually looks? You really got my mind spinning here!

And the continued craziness in the Expanse even with the destruction of the spheres--I'm getting a bad feeling about the Temporal Cold War...

The Xindi aren't in the Federation as a species, but there are a few Xindi people in Starfleet. I believe the Council Chamber was on New Xindus, so I think it was canon, but you'd think they'd have another homeworld by now. And the Expanse is still largely unexplored, so the Federation Council kind of let the Skags and the Xindi have it, they had the Klingons and Romulans to worry about after all.

 

[BrotherBenny]

Just a heads up people.

My visa has finally turned up and I am flying out to the US tomorrow afternoon. I expect it to be at least a few days before I am able to post anything else.