Star Trek Chimera - Holy War

[Kaziarl]

Holy War is the story of the Chimera's first mission in the Gamma Quadrent. I got writers block on it, so I'm not to sure what to do with it. Thats when I decided to write the first part of Gamma Force. It's not done by a long shot, but here's what I have for Holy War. And yes, as you can probably guess by the title, it does have something to do with the Prophets.

 

[Kaziarl]

Star Trek:

Chimera

Chapter 2: Holy War (part 1)





Kaziarl sat in his quarters listening to some Klingon Opera. In his hand, he held a book. It was a rather heavy looking book, bound in black leather; along the side, you could see “The Writings of Shakespeare” inscribed in gold Klingon script. The quarters were decorated with many Klingon artifacts; he had his Bat’leth on the wall, and various other Klingon weapons beside it. There was a small cabinet in one corner of the room, in which stood a small gold stature depicting the battle between Khaless and his brother Molar. It was a rather odd sight to some; here was a human male, who listened to Klingon Opera, read Klingon books, and had Klingon artifacts around his quarters. As he read, the comm. panel next to him beeped. He let out a sigh as he reached for the comm.; he had just gotten to a good part of the book.

“Yes, what is it.” He asked, waiting for a response.

[“Veldan here Sir, he have a Priority 1 call coming in from Miranda Outpost.]

Miranda Outpost? he thought. That was a name he had not heard in a few years; ever since he moved to the command branch of Starfleet.

“I’ll take it here Commander.” he said, as he moved to his desk.

As the desk monitor came up from the desk, he could see the Starfleet logo reflecting on the polished surface. A moment later, the imaged was replaced by that of a Fleet Admiral. The commodore was a female Betazoid, with dark red hair, and a very deep gaze, Kaziarl could almost feel her picking through his head.

[Captain, you never call, you never write. What am I supposed to tell your godchildren when they ask about you?] she asked with a grin.

“Fleet Admiral Julia Herra; how long has it been?” Kaziarl asked. “Two years? Three?”

[Four years, 3 months, and 5 days since you left us for that damned commission.] she replied, glaring at him.

“It’s good to see you again Julia, are the twins there?” he asked, with a gleam in his eye.

The Admiral nodded, and then faced to the side of the screen. [Brett, Julia; come here and say hello to Kazzy.]

Two children, each about 18 years old ran into view of the screen. One of them, Brett, was blonde; he got that from his grandfather Cyril. The other child, Julie, already looked as beautiful as her Mother does.

[UNCLE KAZZY!] they exclaimed in excitement.

“Hey guys,” Kaziarl replied with a great smile. “How have you been?”

[I have been accepted into Starfleet Academy.] Brett boasted.

[Yeah? Well I have been accepted to the Andorian Science Institute.] Julie replied, sticking her tongue out at Brett.

“Congratulations to both of you, I’m very proud. And Julie, I know a certain Science Officer of mine who would like to speak to you some day.”

[Yes Uncle.] they said in unison.

[Go on now.] Julia said softly, nudging the kids out of view. [Your uncle and I have to talk about grown up things.]

“Admiral, they are becoming just like you and the Colonel.” Kaziarl said in a joking manor.

[Actually, Joey is a General now, and we have not talked to each other in two years.] she corrected. [However, you are right; they are turning into us. I sometimes pity those teachers, but then I remember that I have to live with Julia and Brett.]

“I’d love to stay and chat Admiral, but this is a Priority 1 channel.” Kaziarl reminded her.

[Yes, of course.] she replied, her expression going very serious. [The truth is I need your help.]



One our later, the senior staff assembled in the Briefing Room. At the head of the table sat the Captain, his calm expression seemed to put everyone at ease, but Veldan could tell there was something bothering him. Veldan, the Executive Officer, sat to his right with her hands folded and resting on the table. To the left was Thirishrar ch’Thane, the Chief science officer. The Andorian sat calmly, waiting for the meeting to start, and going over some data that Kaziarl had him look up before the meeting. Next to him was the Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander Tanya “Midnight” Walch. At the far end of the table sat Setal, the local ex-Tal Shiar agent. She had no real position on the ship, but Kaziarl wanted to keep an eye on her. Behind the captain was a large window, through which you could see the stars streaking by.

“Are we all here?” Kaziarl asked, looking around at everyone. They all nodded in approval, and waited for him to continue. “Good. About an hour ago, I received a Priority One message from Rear Admiral Julia Herra, the Commanding Officer of Miranda Outpost.”

“Miranda Outpost sir?” Shar asked, “You used to be assigned there, were you not?”

“Correct, as did Midnight. Julia Herra helped me out a lot,” Kaziarl replied. “She helped me get command of this very ship. So you would understand why I am inclined to help her out.”

“Yes sir.” said Veldan. “What is the nature of the call?”

“Nearly 5 years ago,” he explained. “A ship came to Miranda Outpost on a mission to find a race that called them selves the Ascendants. That ship was the USS Pearl Harbor, under the command of Captain Thouglar. There mission was to try to find a diplomatic solution to the problem, and it seemed to work, until recently.”

“I remember that,” Midnight interjected. “They always seemed to come from nowhere, strike, and then disappear just as quickly.”

“Sir?” Veldan interrupted. “Who are the Ascendants?”

Kaziarl looked over to Shar. “Do you have your information ready?”

“Yes sir.” he said, as he got up and moved to the display screen.

“The entire conflict revolves around the wormhole, or more precisely, the entities that reside within it. There are three factions directly involved; the Bajorans, whom worship the entity’s as the Prophets; the Eav’oq, who worship the same entities as the Siblings, and the Ascendants who call them the True, or Unnamable. For the past 5 years, the Eav’oq and the Bajorans have been coexisting peacefully, due to the fact that their cultures are really quite similar. The Ascendants, however want to destroy the Bajorans and Eav’oq because the see only themselves as worthy enough to worship the wormhole entities.”

“So it’s a Holy War?” Veldan asked, a bit confused. “Why is Starfleet involved in a holy war?”

“The Ascendants aren’t stopping with the Eav’oq and the Bajorans,” Kaziarl stated. “They want to destroy anyone who even uses the Wormhole, including Starfleet. So far, nothing major has happened, one or two raids on Ferangi and Cardassian cargo ships, but Starfleet wants us to check it out; Also, Bajor is now a Federation Member World, and the Eav’oq a protectorate, we need to defend them. Now, unless there are any further questions, we will arrive at Bajor in five hours and thirty-six minutes. I want everything ready before we get there. Dismissed.”



[5 hours and 28 minutes later]

Kaziarl looked at the view screen; ahead of them, you could see Bajor, beyond that lie Deep Space 9.

“Coming up on the Bajoran system now Sir.” announced the helm officer.

“Thank you Lt.” Kaziarl replied.

The lights were dim, and the only real illumination was from the Bajoran sun on the view screen. Kaziarl looked at the arm of the Captains chair, from which he could control almost anything on the ship. He opened a comm. link to DS9 and waited for a reply.

[USS Chimera, this is General Kira Nerys, how may we help you?]

“General, this is Captain Kaziarl of the USS Chimera. We are on approach vector, and request permission to dock once we arrive.”

[Granted Chimera, you are cleared for docking at lower pylon 3. Once you drop off your XO, you are to proceed to Bajor for the conference.]

“Thank you General, Chimera out.”

“Well, that was easy.” Veldan noted, she was always skeptical when one could move quickly through a major trading center like this one.

“Oh come now Commander, they probably knew we were coming.” Kaziarl responded. “We are picking up a Bajoran liaison after all.”

Kaziarl got up and walked over to the Science station; Shar was busily looking aver what information they had on the Ascendants.

“Shar, what have you got?” asked Kaziarl.

“Its interesting sir, we have very little information about them. However, what we do have leads us to suggest that there is only a small number of the Ascendant race. Their ships, for example, are manned by a single pilot, who has been integrated into the ship. This alone gives them a major advantage; their weapons seem to depend on the mental power of the pilot as well. They are really quite fascinating.”

“You sound like you are starting to envy them.” Kaziarl joked.

“No sir, after being linked to that creature, I don’t want to repeat the experience.”

[Midnight to the Captain, could you please come to my office?]

“Hmm… wonder what she wants,” he said, reaching for is combadge. “On my way; Veldan, you have the bridge.”



Kaziarl walked through the corridors of the ship, nodding to crew as he passed. He thought back to his first encounter with the Ascendants, when the Pearl Harbor came to Miranda Outpost.



Senior Commander Kaziarl stood on the bridge of the Norway Class Pearl Harbor. Admiral Julia Smith stood behind the Captains Chair, and Captain Thouglar ich’Shane was sitting in it. The Commander had been asked to act as a liaison since the Pearl Harbor was new to this area of space. The Admiral, as she usually does, did not listen to reason and came along.

“Ops, Report.” ordered the Captain.

“Nothing Sir, there is no sign of the Ascendants.”

Kaziarl shifted uncomfortably, something was coming; his Klingon instincts told him that. Then suddenly the ship rocked violently from an assault. Kaziarl jumped into action as he moved to the Tactical console.

“We have 3 unknown hostiles Captain, they came out of nowhere.” he reported. “I can’t get a lock on them.”

The Admiral moved to Kaziarl’s side. “Kaz, I’ve seen you work without a weapons lock, you can do this.”

“There moving to fast… I cannot… HELM! Hard to port!”

Across the view screen, they saw a torpedo from one of the Hostiles fly by.

“That was to close Commander,” Thouglar said, glaring a bit.”

“Kaz, you can do this, think of Midnight, I know you can feel her from anywhere on this ship. Let her strength help you.”

At that moment, Kaziarl’s mind calmed, and all he saw was his targeting screen. Nothing else mattered, except Midnight. Kaziarl pressed the Fire control, even as the ship rocked again. One of the hostiles was hit and spun out of control into another. He then began to track the last hostile, it was much more agile and hard to target as its two counterparts. Again, Kaziarl thought of Midnight, and launched everything the ship had at the last hostile, destroying it; but not before, it got off one last shot. They all stood up and watched as the hostiles torpedo streaked through space and into the Harbor’s engineering section.

[Sir, Warfina here, we have been hit pretty badly and are building towards a warp core breach.]

“Captain! There is another ship approaching,” announced the Ops.

Kel turned towards Kaziarl, what were they going to do now? He had used everything on the last hostile.

“It’s the Ohroho.”

[10 minutes to a warp core breach] the computer announced.

“All hands, abandon ship, I repeat, this is Captain Thouglar, All hands abandon ship.” Thouglar looked around the Bridge. “Everyone MOVE!”

The Admiral had a worried look on her face. “Kaz, I have to find my Kids.”

“What! Are you insane Admiral? This ship is going to explode.”

“Kaz, there my children, I can’t leave them; just like you couldn’t leave Midnight if you were in this situation.”

“That may be true Admiral, but I’m not leaving you either.” Kaziarl looked over to three crewmembers. “You three, escort the Admiral to an escape pod, by force if needed.”

The Admiral had a very displeased look on her face. “You do realize that you are asking for a court martial?”

“Fine, but we can deal with that after we get you off the ship, and don’t worry about your kids.”



Kaziarl did not usually run through the corridors, there was not usually need for it.

[6 minutes to a warp core breach]

Now there was, and he had to run faster then this.

“Computer, Locate Brett Smith, and Julie Smith.”

[Brett Smith and Julie Smith are in the daycare center on deck 3] the computer responded as he jumped into a turbo lift.

“Deck 3”



Kaziarl entered the Daycare center and looked around; all the children were huddled together in the corner and some were crying.

“Children, I know you are scared,” Kaziarl said, trying to calm them. “And you have reason to be, but I need you to be strong so we can get out of here.”

One of the older children looked up at him, a tear moving down the side of his face. He nodded and stood up, motioning others to do the same.

[4 minutes to a warp core breach.]

“Kaz!”

Kaziarl turned and saw Midnight, a furious look came across his face. “What in the name of Khaless are you doing here?! You should be off the ship!”

“I ran into the Admiral and she said you ran off to find the children.”

“You should have gotten off the ship.” Kaziarl said sternly.

“I couldn’t leave you.”

“I’m still mad at you, but as long as you’re here, you can help.” Kaziarl said as he picked up Brett and Julie. “Come on children, we have to hurry.”



When they made it to the Escape Pod, Kaziarl and Midnight helped get all the children inside. After they get the children in, there was only room for one of them.

“Midnight, thank you for helping me get the children. If I don’t make it, I want you to know that I love you.”

“What do you mean if you don’t make it, you’re getting in there if I have to knock you out and shove you in.”

[2 minutes to a warp core breach, all escape pods will now Launch.]

“NO!” screamed Kaziarl as the hatch closed. They were now stuck there, doomed to die together.

“Kaz, I’m sorry it had to end like this.”

[1 minute to a warp core breach]

Midnight stepped closer to Kaziarl and wrapped her arms around him. He looked down at her and saw that she was beginning to cry. They stood there, and even though he knew they were about to die Kaziarl thought that this was the most peaceful moment of h—the corridor began to vanish in a sparkle of light, and was replaced by a transporter room. Kaziarl looked around and saw the Admiral and Captain. He also saw another captain, but he did not recognize him.

“Welcome aboard the Ohroho Commander, and Lt.”

[Captain, the Harbor’s core has breached.]

Everyone in the room dropped their head. Kaziarl wondered if there was something he could have done differently.

“Admiral, the children?” he asked, the worry obvious in his voice.

“There fine Kaz, thank you.” she replied. “Now, about these hostiles. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of them.”



Kaziarl let out a sigh as he stopped in front of Midnights office. Years ago, the Ascendants almost destroyed them, who know what kind of advancements they had made since then. Kaziarl rang the door chime to Midnights office and stepped through the door when it opened. She was leaning against her desk, he arms supporting her, watching him with a look of concern.

“You wanted to see me Lt. Commander?” he asked as he looked around the small office.

“Hon, you don’t have to act like the captain in front of me.” Midnight replied. “I know when you’re troubled and you know that you can’t hide it from me.”

Kaziarl let out a sigh as he dropped onto the small couch along the wall of the office.

“I want to know how you learned to read me so well.” he said sternly.

“It’s called love,” she answered with a smile as she moved to sit next to him. “And the fact that I’m troubled for the same reason.”

Kaziarl reached out and pulled her closer to him, holding her in his arms trying to comfort her. She looked up into his eyes, and he saw that she was truly worried about what was going on.

“It’ll be ok Hon,” he said softly, trying to take her mind away from worrying. “I’ll make sure of that.”

He bent down and gently kissed her on the forehead. She leaned into him and Kaziarl realized that he was tired from being up all night reading reports. Soon he fell asleep, with her lying next to him.



Veldan walked out onto the Promenade of DS9, a busy market place hanging in space situated conveniently to the most important trade route in this part of the galaxy. Veldan looked around at the conglomeration of aliens and shops. There were Bolians, Andorians, Ferangi, Romulans, Klingons, even a Br’kar. However, she did not care about them; she was after one person in particular. She stopped a passing security guard.

“Where is the Ferangi Maggot known as Quark?” she asked, some what maliciously.

“That way ma’am.” replied the Bajoran as he indicated towards the bar and continued on his way.

She proceeded to Quarks Bar; it was busy right now and looked like you could not squeeze a denebian slime devil in there. But she managed to get in and find Quark.

“You are Quark?” she asked as she began to rub his ears.

“Who wants to know?” he replied, breathing a bit heavily.

“I am Veldan, from the USS Chimera. I need information and I hear you are the person to see.”

“Well, that all depends on what kind of information.” he said, looking over her body with an impish grin. “And what kind of… Payment…”

“How about this for payment,” Veldan said, obviously disgusted by the trolls mind. “If I like what I hear, I won’t rip off your ears and shove them down your throat.”

Quark sighed; he could tell that she was serious.

“Fine, what do you want to know?”

“The Ascendants, What do you know about them?”

“Sorry lady, I don’t get involved with the religious types, they like to say paying is against there religion.”

Veldan reached out and twisted one of the imp’s ears.

“AHH ah… ah… ok, ok, I’ve heard some stuff about them, but nothing of any profit.”

“Tell me, before I get out my dk’tagh.”

“All I know is that they supposedly have some kind of new weapon, but they are just rumors.”

“What kind of weapon?”

“I don’t know.”

Veldan twisted his ear again and the shriek echoed through the bar.

“I swear on all that is latinum, I don’t know!”

She let go and placed a small bag on the counter. She had gotten everything she was going to get from him, and might as well leave.

“Good bye Quark, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you.”

Quark just whimpered as he held his ear and watched her leave, he then looked into the bag. Three strips of latinum, better then nothing I guess.



Captain Kaziarl, Lt.Com Shar, Lt. Tanya "Midnight" Walch, and the Romulan, Setal, materialized in the main hall of the Provisional Government Building. Around the room they could see paintings and other pieces of art that where part of Bajor's rich culture. Flags from the different Provinces hung from the ceiling, and Monks were busy tending lush plants that adorned the perimeter. The sounds of the busy streets could easily be heard in the air as children’s laughter echoed through the hall. Ahead of them, two great doors opened and allowed them to enter the Council Chambers; from above Light shone through the windows and glittered off the ear rings of the council members.

"Captain Kaziarl, Welcome to Bajor," announced Prime Minister Jarom Kian as he began to gesture to the other council members. "This is Second Minister Idek Oran, Third Minister Fren Litesh, and Fourth Minister Reese Dyvil."

They all nodded in acknowledgement as their names were called, the ear rings shinning in the light. Kaziarl and his crew nodded in return as he stepped forward to introduce them.

"Prime minister, Thank you for having us here and allow me to introduce my crew." He gestured behind him. "This is Lt.Cmdr Thirishrar ch'Thane, my second officer, and Chief of Science. Lt. Tanya Walch, my Chief of Security, and Setal, our Chief Engineer."

"It is a pleasure to meet you all, but I wish it was under better circumstances.”

"As do I Prime Minister, but time is of the essence here."

"Of course Captain, allow me to introduce Protector Dur Tyran, your Liaison for this mission." the Prime Minister said as he gestured to one side of the room.

There sat another Bajoran, Bright orange hair with streaks of brown bound into a long pony tail, hazel eyes, and the predominant nasal ridges that all Bajorans have in common. His earring displayed a dark marble like stone Kaz had not seen on any other Bajoran earrings. Tyran bowed, the sunlight streaking across his burgundy and crimson uniform.

"Captain, a defined pleasure to meet you." Tyran said with a hint of real emotion not displayed by many of the council.

"A pleasure to meet you as well Mr. Tyran." replied Kaziarl as he looked over the man. "You are not your average Bajoran, are you? I have never seen a Bajoran male with long hair."

"I pride myself on my individuality and I believe it helps contribute to my success." Tyran replied. "Oh, and sir... seeing that I am your liaison officer I might remind you that Bajoran surnames come first and it would be appropriate to refer to me as Protector Dur."

"Of course, my apologies Protector Dur." Kaziarl conceded, lowering his head slightly. "Your earring seems different as well."

"It has luminescent qualities and is from the Gamma quadrant, also rare." Tyran smiled.

Kaz looked at the Bajoran for a moment. He was unsure if he wanted to buy the man a drink, or rip his head off. This had the possibility for being a long mission in more ways then one.

"Well, If I am not mistaken, the ship is almost stocked and ready to go, perhaps you should have a tour before we get under way?"

"I am looking quite forward to it Captain." Tyran smiled.

Prime Minister, if you will excuse us?" Kaziarl said, facing Jarom Kian.

"Of course Captain, may the Prophets be with you." The council members bowed and exited the room.

"Protector Dur, if you will stand over here please?"

Tyran tilted his head, examining his new captain as he walked over, his leather boots clicking on the floor of the council hall.

"Kaziarl to Chimera, 5 to beam up."



Kaziarl stepped off the turbo lift and onto the Bridge of the USS Chimera, with Protector Dur close behind. Kaziarl gestured around the Bridge explaining the different consoles and what they do.

“And this is the best seat in the house.” Kaziarl stated, pointing to the Captains Chair. “From here I can control every aspect of this ship, everything from the ablative hull armor to the weapons system.”

“Captain, you have a magnificent ship, simply magnificent.” Dur replied, still looking around the bridge.

“Captain,” interrupted Shar. “We are approaching DS9, and Commander Veldan is awaiting transport.”

“Thank you Shar,” replied Kaziarl as her moved to his chair. “Kaziarl to transporter room, lock onto Commander Veldan and beam her directly to the bridge.”

[Aye Sir.]

A moment later, there was a low hum as the familiar image of a transporter beam appeared in front of the Captains Chair.

“Welcome back Commander,” Kaziarl said as Veldan came out of transport. “I trust your ‘talk’ with quark went well?”

“That it did Sir, I’ll tell you about it shortly; but right now I need a shower, if you don’t mind waiting.”

“By all means, go ahead.”

Veldan walked to the Turbo Lift and headed towards he quarters to freshen up.

“Protector, I trust you know how to work the Helm?”

“Yes Captain, I do.”

“Good, then please take the helm and take us into the wormhole.”

Dur moved to the Helm station, relieving the officer that was there, and took a seat.

“Course set captain, taking her in.



The view screen showed nothing but stars behind the Denorius belt of the Bajoran system. As they moved forward, there was a flash of light as the stars themselves seamed to rip open and spiral down into the now visible hole in space, the Bajoran Wormhole was open before them as they moved forward. When they entered, the particles interacted with the shields, reminding Kaziarl of the Fire Dancers on Qo’nos, and suddenly he was there.

He could see them as if they were there, the Fire Dancers were large pockets of methane gas below the surface that released into the atmosphere. Insect in that small area lived off the energy given off when the methane ignites and had adapted long ago to make them ignite. As he sat and watched, he could feel something was not right, he was being watched.

“You are Kaziarl.”

He turned to see his Foster Father, Kort’k, standing behind him.

“Father? What are you doing here?”

“This image is of Kort’k, why does this cause you to react?

“Who are you?”

“Who are you?” came another voice. Again Kaziarl turned, and he saw Veldan. “You are Kaziarl.”

“Yes, I am Kaziarl. Veldan, what is going on?”

“You have a mission.” came yet another voice, this time it belonged to Protector Dur.

“What do you mean ‘I have a mission’?”

“You must find the True Protector.” this time it was Shar.

“What?”

“You will understand.” They all said in unison.



“Captain?”

Kaziarl eyes shot open, unsure of what just happened. Quickly he looked around, he was back on the Chimera, yet he was sure he was just on Qo’nos.

“ungh… That was weird…”

“What happened Sir?” asked Dur.

“I’m not sure, it might have been a hallucination, you where all in it, and so was my Father.

“Could it have been the Prophets?” asked Shar.

“Maybe, they mentioned something about… the true protection? I am sorry; it is somewhat hazy now.”

“Well, in any case Sir, we are about to exit the wormhole.”

“Very well, once we exit head towards the Eav’oq world and take up standard orbit.

The wormhole opened up and dropped the Chimera in the Gamma Quadrant, a still vastly unexplored area of space fraught with adventure and danger.



To Be Continued

 

[Kaziarl]

Star Trek

Chimera

Holy War

Part 2

Setal was working in Engineering, trying to get the ships engines running at peak proficiency when she heard the doors open as Dura stepped through.

"Setal, would you care to join me in my quarters for some Romulan ale? Considering I'm in the Bajoran militia it's not illegal..."

Setal stared at Dura Tyran, unsure what to do. "And why would you want to share your Ale with me, Bajoran?"

"I believe highly in fellowship... and considering that we are the resident aliens, I figured we should get to know each other better." Tyran replied.

"Very well Bajoran, I will drink with you; but don't expect me to be friendly."

"Well, if we are not under the pretense of being friendly, perhaps we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement." Tyran answered, hoping to appeal to Setal one way or another.

Setal's eyes narrowed, "And what do you have in mind?"

"A trade of any information you deem relevant." Tyran suggested.

"I highly doubt you have any information of value."

"Let's see... I'm a member of the Bajoran militia, worked within Bajoran resistance cells against the Cardassian order, and I was in the recovery effort to a former Romulan colony that contained several bits of technology that were thought to be destroyed." Tyran smiled.

Suddenly, Setal noticed the Bajorans earring glow slightly. "A Tear..."

"Excuse me?" Tyran questioned.

"Your earring, where did you get the stone?"

"Reminds you of the orbs? It is from the Gamma quadrant. There is a planetoid a few dozen light years from the wormhole ripe with them." Tyran answered.

Setal held out her hand, "Give it to me."

Tyran reached up, sliding the clip off the top of his right ear and carefully removing his earring. He set it pin side up into Setal's hand.

"The earring itself is diamide-laced birithium." Tyran stated.

Setal examined the stone, not caring about the earring itself. "Are you sure this is a Tear?"

"If it was I'd be very surprised. There are only ten 'Tears of the Prophets'. This is just a pretty rock I found that reminds me of them." Tyran answered.

"I've analyzed one of the orbs myself, when I was still with the Tal Shiar."

"How did you get an orb?" Tyran asked in surprised tone.

"The Cardassians aren't the only people with Spies." she replied, smiling a bit.

"Well..." Tyran said disgustedly. "What did you learn? It must have been hard to study the orbs considering anyone exposed to them gets sucked into a vision."

"Yes, we found that out quickly. Afterwards however, we set up the orb in a secure lab and studied it remotely."

"The artifact had a crystalline structure unlike any I had seen before." she said, remembering the studies of the orb. "It was slightly similar to some tests we had done at one point, trying to use artificial crystals to store information, but this was much more advanced."

"Bad karma for your pagh... if the Bajorans found out they'd be very enraged... but anyhow, was your study limited to the crystalline structure?"

"No, there was also some kind of energy coming from it. We could not figure out where it was coming from though." Setal handed the earring back to Dura. "It was odd, even though we tried to cut it off completely from any source of energy; it still seemed to draw power from somewhere."

"The prophets of course." Dura smiled.

"I do not believe in the 'Prophets' Protector Dura. I am an engineer and a scientist, not a ghost hunter."

"Well they would be classified more of a deity than ghost, also they might 'scientifically' be classified as the wormhole aliens." Tyran replied.

"Perhaps and there have been other entities that could be where the mythes around 'gods' comes from. In any case, what do you believe, Protector? Do you blindly follow your people's religion? Or do you search for your own answers?"

"That's what I find interesting about people... they always want to choose one or the other. What would you say if I said I found answers to justify myself when blindly following the religion of my people?" Tyran questioned.

"I would have to laugh, Protector. In my experience reason and religion rarely coincide."

"But when they do, wouldn't that mean there is at least a chance that it is truly valid?" Tyran questioned, his tone changing to be more convincing.

"I trust my senses, Protector. I believe in what I can see, feel, hear, smell, taste. Everything else can be proven wrong at any time." Setal was beginning to feel frustrated, this conversation brought up some unpleasant memories.

Tyran readjusted his posture.

"Anyhow, I answered your questions... is it my turn?" Tyran questioned.

Setal let out a sigh; she had been trained not to answer questions, a habit she had to break since she arrived here. "Very well, but make it quick. Engines don't fix themselves."

"All right then, I have two questions..., and I promise I'll leave you alone for a while. The first, is loyalty something you can see, hear, smell, or taste? The second is, will you be my friend? You do not have to answer me now though. Why not wait until we have that Romulan ale. Good day Setal." Tyran bowed his head as he got up, turning to leave.

"Loyalty may not be seen, heard, smelt, or tasted, Protector." She replied as he walked through the door. "But you can feel it; it lingers in your blood." She turned to him with a smirk across her face. "I get of duty at 1600 hours if you want that drink.” Tyran nodded with a smile, exiting the room. The doors hissed shut behind him.



The doors to Tyran's quarters hissed open. The light from the hallway filtered into the darkened room. An array of candles stood in a fireproof globe in the corner, contrasting with the teal plasma lights on the other side of the room. Tyran opened his eyes from his meditative position on the floor. His hair was unbound, cascading over his shoulders.



"Good evening, Captain." Tyran smiled.

Kaziarl nodded as he looked around the room. He had always been interested in other cultures, probably because he felt that he belonged to two different ones. "Good evening, Protector. I trust that you are well?"

"I am off duty Captain, if you do not mind I would prefer Tyran, and yes, I am well." Tyran voiced in a more serene tone than usual.

"Of course Tyran." Kaziarl replied "But only if you call me Kaz when off duty, I find that my full name is often difficult for others to pronounce."

Tyran smirked. "You should have met my cousin, Dura Mez'lhanahe."

Kaziarl smiled at the Bajoran, and then remembered something he had brought with him. He removed his left hand from behind his back, the one he usually held there anyway, to reveal a bottle of Romulan Ale. "My own private stash, would you care for some?"

"I've already opened a bottle I had to share with the former Sub-commander. To tell you the truth, I do not really care for the stuff. But I think I might have some blood wine around here somewhere..." Tyran noted.

Kaziarl set down the bottle of ale, and then turned to Tyran, "A Bajoran that likes Klingon blood wine? I never thought it possible."

"Captain... I mean Kaz... you must learn this single detail. I strive to be unique. I may prefer Jumja tea, but I still have a place in my heart for blood wine." Tyran replied.

"But how did you acquire a taste for the stuff? Most non Klingons have to grow up with it like I did."

"I tried a lot of things when I was a teenager... the stuff was horrible at first, but it was 'cool'." Tyran shrugged.

Kaziarl raised his eyebrow, "That sounds like something a human would say. But no matter, how have you come on that prophecy?"

"I found it... I wrote it down when I was studying to be a protector. They are so rare you know, I thought it was interesting." Tyran stood up. Kaz realized he was garbed in some sort of leather for pants and a silk shirt. An odd combination. Tyran withdrew a tattered notebook from the shelf and turned the pages for a few moments.

“In the fourth age of the people of Bajor, in the second age of a far off star, beyond the time of the tear of contemplation a time of strife will befall the chosen. Brave from all ages walk along the void, and the true protector will rise to face the scourge of the tears.

In the twilight of the tears of the prophets a time of strife will sweep the lands. The four winds will come together in a whirlwind, threatening the bridge that connects two continents, bringing the prospect for Armageddon down on the chosen.” Tyran paused. “From the mists of the whirlwind will come the true protector: Auspix for the emissary, hand of the prophets, savior of the people. This true protector, seer of Pah'tem'far, strong will unify the three winds, leaving only the angry sudel to Armageddon.

From two stars, between the nordek wind and another comes a spirit. This one whose quest to find the lone savior is noble and worthy.”

"Ok, hold on. Bajoran mysticism was not a required course at the academy. How does this apply to us?"

"A matter of years ago Pah'wraiths destroyed a Bajoran orb. They all went dark until Captain Benjamin Sisko found the tenth orb. The wormhole was reopened, the orbs came back. Since then we've been in the 'twilight of the tears', the tears of the prophets." Tyran replaced the book on the shelf.

"As for the winds, they are societies. The Bajorans have lived through four major eras... the ancient times, the prosperous times, the occupation, and current era." Tyran voiced.

"You of course are the second wind. Humans anyway... Before Starfleet and after."

"And the Far Off Star you mentioned before, the Federation?"

"Obviously. So translated, The Bajorans and Federation and two others will together have strife... out of this a visionary, seer of orbs, will come, and save everyone from the problem... and one of the four will fall to destruction."

So, the Four Winds? Bajor, the Federation, the Eav'oq, and the Ascendants? One of which will be destroyed?"

"Yep." Tyran yawned, walking over to the replicator. "Perelian Ginger Tea." He ordered. He picked up the cup that materialized and sipped from it.

"I still don't understand something." Kaziarl said as he moved to the window.

"What is that, Kaz?" Tyran questioned.

"Why us? I mean, why the Chimera, and why communicate with me in the wormhole?"

"You had a vision?" Tyran questioned with interest.

"I don't know, it's hazy now. Nevertheless, that is why I asked you to find this prophecy. It, they, whatever I met in there said something about finding the True Protector

"THEY are the Prophets... or if you would prefer wormhole aliens." Tyran said distinctively. "But anyhow, tell me as much as you can remember about the vision."

"Well, when we first entered the wormhole I thought about the fact that it reminded me of the Fire Dancers on Qo'nos, then suddenly, I was there."

"I have heard they take on the appearance of those we know." Tyran stated.

"Yes, apparently that's true; I saw my senior staff."

"Intriguing." Tyran sipped his tea, staring into space.

"They said I had a mission that I had to find the True Protector. Then I was back on the bridge."

"Then you have a mission... unless it is already complete." Tyran noted.

"How can it be complete when I don't even know where to begin? Besides, Starfleet sent us to try to find a peaceful solution, not one that will destroy an entire race."

"Kaziarl... double meanings are predominant among Pah'tem'far. In addition, if the Eav'oq or the Ascendants start a war, will the Federation simply pull out and let them fight it out themselves?

"No, of course not. Eav'oq is still a protectorate. But that does not mean we should destroy an entire race."

"Tell me... the Cardassians participated with the Dominion during the wars on their own accord, yes?" Tyran questioned.

"Yes, but that is old news."

"So is the Trojan horse, but that doesn't keep people from still using it. Anyhow, wouldn't you say the Cardassians led to their own fate? What if the Sudel destroy their own race?" Tyran asked. "For all we know, the Borg could come. They're in a second age... and are strong."

"I suppose, but the Cardassians are still there." Kaziarl replied as he leaned against the bulkhead. "And if, IF I do believe any of this, where would I start?"

"Go back to the wormhole. Ask the prophets." Tyran said adamantly.

"Tell me, would you put the life of your friend, family, your entire people, or the entire Gamma and Beta quadrant on the line based on something these 'Prophets' said?"

"For me it's religion, Faith, so I would say yes. As for you, the least you could do is START there. More information can't hurt. If we do nothing, the Wormhole may even be destroyed. Deep Space 9 could come under attack. Biological weapons could be used on Bajor, Cardassia, Trill Prime, any planet in reach. A proactive approach is necessary, but what we do is up to you. You are the Captain, it is your call." Tyran replied.

"Maybe, but you are the resident Prophet expert, so your opinion is helpful." Kaziarl sat there in thought for a moment, motionless and silent.

Tyran finished his tea and returned it to the replicator where it promptly disappeared.

"Very well, Kaziarl to the bridge, reverse course to the wormhole. Tyran, if you will excuse me, I have a shuttle to prepare."

"Um... Kaz, being that for the moment we are on a personal level..." Tyran hesitated.

"Yes?"

"I would be fulfilling my duty as protector if I accompanied you..." Tyran said subtly.

"Do you really think I'd let you out of coming along? Like I said, you are the resident Prophet expert."

Tyran grinned.

"I owe you a bottle of blood wine."

"Just be ready." Kaziarl ordered as he left the room.

"Aye sir." Tyran replied.



Kaziarl entered his quarters, today had been too long, and he was ready for a long sleep. As he walked in, Midnight was already there waiting for him.

"Good evening, hon. Care for some dinner?" she asked as she moved to the replicator.

"No thanks," he replied. "I grabbed something in the mess hall after I had a meeting with Dura Tyran."

Midnight nodded as she got herself something out of the replicator, then turned back to Kaziarl. He was sitting on the couch rubbing the back of his neck, thinking back over the events of the day.

"Is your back bothering you again?" she asked.

Kaziarl nodded as she sat down next to him, moving his hand away, and placing her own there trying to relive some of the stress.

"My, you are tense, here; anything I can do to help."

"I’m ok, but it has been a long day, and so much has come up since we crossed the wormhole."

"Like?"

"Well, Starfleet sent us here to try and stop a war, and now, somehow I'm fated to be a part of it."

"Do you believe in fate?"

"If you mean do I believe that our lives are planned out before us, no.” Kaziarl turned to Midnight and looked her in the eye. "Some things seem like they are meant to be, but not our entire lives."

"So what are you going to do about this?" she asked.

"I really don't know," he conceded, leaning against the back of the couch. "But I have to know what is going on."

"You're going back to the wormhole aren't you?" she asked, sounding a little disappointed.

"I know, it's a long shot," he replied, sounding a little disappointed as well. "But right now it's the only shot we have. Now enough talk, the Protector and I are going to be leaving in a shuttle tomorrow morning and I need some sleep first."

Midnight knew there was no point in arguing further, and she could tell that he was tired. They sat there on the couch, in each other’s arms as they fell asleep, and she could not help but wonder what these "Prophets" had in store for them.



As the crew of the USS Chimera slept, a force of unknown power grew deep in the heart of the gamma quadrant. In this distant sector, there was a planet orbiting around an insignificant star. The light from this star shone as something around the planet glinted from the light. Something was being constructed, something the size of a moon.

This power already knew of the Chimera, and her crew.

"We must stop them," echoed a single thought out of the void.

"They will resist, and the Unnamable seem to be on their side."

"Never, we are the Chosen of the True."

"They will still resist."

"They will perish."

"And what of the Destroyer?"

"He too shall perish."



Shar entered his quarters and he looked about. Everything felt cold to him as he shed his uniform and flopped into the bed without even getting into his pajamas. He ordered the computer to lower the lights and raise humidity another 10%. As he laid there he felt a pain in his heart and antennae, then there was blackness.

Shar was falling through darkness, he came to a wrecked Starfleet vessel. Bodies were strewn about as his bare feet hit the deck. The strong smell of sulfur and the coppery stench of blood was thick in the air as he realized his feet were burning, the deck was burning. He looked at the bodies then something caught his eyes, something glinting on the wall. It was the dedication plaque of the Chimera, the bodies on the floor, his crew...his friends. First, he went to the inert form of Kaziarl, then to Veldan, then to Setal, and the tactical officer as well. Their bodies were horribly mangled and the confused Andorian tries his best to help them. Soon he is covered in their blood. He sobs and continues to try to help them until he sees something in the corner of his eye; it was himself. He goes over to the dead form and begins to pump at the chest trying to get a heart beat going, nothing, just blue blood covering his hands and his face as he tries to resuscitate himself. He sobs when all of a sudden a beam falls and impales him through the heart. Then there is black again. People are standing around him, the ones he had failed to save.

"You are the one who failed us" His close friend walked up and stared at him.
“I thought you cared about me, I thought we had something special!"
“ That is what I get for trusting a pak'tagh Andorian! The large Klingon female came up next and towered down, staring at him. Then something that shocked him was next, he - himself was standing in front of him. "You failed us! You failed yourself.” The Andorian who was Shar swung his fist and hit him, sending Shar to his knees. "You have a chance to save us, don't let this happen, give your self willingly to us and you will be given the knowledge and power to save them, to not let them perish. Will you do this, for you friends?” The Andorian cried, "Yes, Please! I'll give anything" They all smiled and the copy of the Andorian plunged his hand into Shar's chest. "Then you give your heart to the Ascendants, you are ours.” The Andorian staggered backwards screaming, and then collapsed into the blackness.

Shar jolted forward in his bed and screamed. He looked at his clothing and his sheets. They were covered in blood; blue, red, purple, and green. He screamed again and bolted off the bed, landing in the corner and collapsing. He managed to get his hand to the com panel, "Captain to Shar's Quarters" He remained shivering in the corner, a new scar on his chest, over his heart. This had not been there when he went to bed.



Kaziarl entered Shar's quarters, yawning and obviously not quite awake yet.

"Shar, it's 02:30 in the morning, now what was so important that you had to wake me up?"

Shar was sitting in the corner, shivering...covered in blood. Blood was all over his quarters, his feet were burned, and his once proud white dreadlocks were covered in smoke grit and blue Andorian blood.

Kaziarl could not believe his eyes; he had never seen anything like this before.

"Shar? What happened?" he asked as he rushed to Shar's side.

Shar was not moving; his eyes seemed different as well. They were distant and darker, and appeared as if nothing was behind them.

Kaziarl reached for the comm. panel and called for a Medical Team, then looked over Shar, trying to find any injuries. It was then that he noticed the scar on Shar's chest. "What the hell? Shar, snap out of it."

Kaziarl looked around the room, he saw the bed stained with different colors of blood, but he could not believe it.

The Andorian’s skin was paling and his antennae were flat against his head.



Shar spent the night in Sickbay and other than the scar was fit for duty, Kaziarl asked him to come to the Captains Ready Room to talk about what happened.

Shar stepped into the Ready room, his hands behind his back and a hollow look still on his face. A pain in his chest twinged with every breath.

Kaziarl looked at Shar with a touch of concern, the information he had received could push Shar over the edge

"Shar, this is the report I received from the Medical Officer. The blood in your quarters exactly matches everyone on the ship"

"I-I know Sir.” He sat down and gripped the desk, shivering. He looked at the captain through his hollow eyes

"No, I'm not sure you do. There were four different types of blood in your quarters, from four different races. And yet it each type exactly matched the DNA from everyone on the ship, and there are at least 9 different races on this ship.” Kaziarl looked over at Shar; he could tell this was hard on the Andorian. "What happened Shar?"

Tears streaked down his face as his head went to the desk. "Not Again...Please not again" He didn’t know the reason for what happened, but it had happened none the less

"Shar, I want to help you, but I need you to tell me what is going on."

"Dam it! I do not even know, my heart feels like someone is squeezing it. I woke up covered in blood, your blood, everyone’s blood!"

"No Shar, you don't understand. Each blood type matched everyone. The Romulan blood matched Bajoran DNA, the Klingon blood matched Human. It's not our real blood, it can't possibly be."

"Then what was it?" His fist slammed down on the desk and he gripped his chest, coughing, and then looking up at Kaz. Even though he was in a near fury, his eyes remained dull and emotionless.

"I don't know, that’s why I need you to tell me everything you can remember. That’s an order, Lt. Commander."

"I was on a bridge, this ship’s bridge. Destruction...death...We were all dead; I tried to help everyone... I failed, I did something wrong" He was one the verge of losing it. "They said I could stop it, then the---"

"Whoa, slow down. They? Who are they?"

"They are they." He spoke as if suddenly he feared them with all his being

"Great, more riddles.” Kaziarl let out a low sigh. "Shar, I need you to be very specific, who was there on the ship? Who did you talk to?"

"You, Veldan, Setal..." he hesitated on a name, not wanting to say it in front of him

Kaziarl looked confused. "What did I... we say?"

"You...Well They said I failed them, I killed them...M-Midnight was there too" He was getting closer and closer to flying of the handle, as an engineer would say.

Midnight? Kaziarl thought.

"Did they say anything else?"

His thoughts screamed “Yes!”, but then he lied, and like always, his antennae showed it. "No Sir"

Kaziarl could see that Shar was hiding something, but the Andorian had been thorough enough so he let it go for now.

"Lt. Commander Thirishrar ch'Thane, as of this moment, you are off active duty and confined to your quarters... unless you would prefer guest quarters"

"I-I can’t go back to them...” His hand weakly took the pips from his collar and his combadge and set them on the desk. Then something happened. Shar stood up, his eyes different. "You are the Kaziarl."

"Shar?"

Shar's eyes burned a bright red and he took a step forward, menace in his body actions, “You shall be removed from the equation before you become too big of a factor."

Kaziarl reached for his combadge while trying to avoid Shar’s grasp. "Security to my ready room, Protector Dura get in here please."

"Don’t run, running will only make this worse...You know, It was quite easy to obt--" He wass cut off as the door whooshes open

"Stun him; I want him in sickbay under guard. I'm sorry, Shar, something has happened to you."

Two crimson beams strike him in the back just as Shar’s eyes return to normal. "What? Why?” That was all he managed to get out before he hit the ground at Kaziarl’s feet.

"Take him away," Kaziarl said as Tyran walked in past them. "Ah, Protector. I have some questions for you."



Kaziarl entered sickbay and looked around, there were two guards by the door, and the main biobed was cut off behind a force field. Shar was sitting on the bed looking ashamed of himself. Doctor T'Amara was in her office, the calm complexion giving the Vulcan an expression of there being nothing wrong. Midnight was also in the room, watching over her Security team. Commander Veldan followed behind the Captain and examined the scene. Shar watched them enter and he turned around, facing the wall. He did not want to see the people he had failed once again. His skin was pale again and his antennae were drooping down. Even his hair had lost its shine as he sat in the secluded biobed area. Kaziarl turned to the doctor and asked for her report.

"According to my scans, Captain, his mind has been invaded by some external source of energy. I currently have the computer searching for a match."

"Thank you, doctor.” Kaziarl replied as he turned to Shar.

Kaziarl stood in front of the force field and looked at the Andorian; it pained him to see Shar like this. The blue-skinned creature gripped the biobed with his hands and showed little cuts on his arm that looked self-inflicted.

Veldan was really bothered by all the events that had happened thus far; though she had seen few of them herself, she had been told about them. She stood behind Kaziarl, watching Shar...lost in thought and racking her mind for an answer.

"Shar, how are you my friend?” Kaziarl asked, genuine concern echoed in his voice.

"How should I feel?” His voice was hollow and empty. He did not move or turn.

Kaziarl turned to Midnight; she was standing by the main console and keeping a watchful eye on things. "Lower the force field." he ordered.

Midnight looked at him as though he was insane, but complied. She would have probably done the same thing.

Shar did not move or react, he was breathing lightly, and some blood was dripping down his forearm. Kaziarl moved to Shar's side, purposefully letting down his guard, and sat down next to the Andorian. Again, he did not react. He moved his arms and started to cut into the arm again, his thumbnail slowly piercing his blue skin.

"Uh...captain... you think this is a good idea at the moment?” Veldan asked...worried for the both of them.

Kaziarl ignored Veldan’s words, even though he knew she was probably right, this was something he had to do. Slowly he reached out and placed his hand on Shar’s wrist, trying to stop him from injuring himself.

He just continued to cut, not reacting. "Is there something you want from me?"

"I want you to stop doing this to yourself. I don't know what’s happened Shar, but something in you has died."

Veldan shifted her weight from one leg to the other nervously. She could not stand to see Shar like this.

"Commander Veldan, Doctor T'Amara. Leave us alone please."

Veldan nodded, and headed out the door, followed by the doctor.

He looked up at him, his eyes dead and lifeless, there was no color in them as he continued to cut into his arm

Kaziarl set a D'ktagh knife next to Shar, and then moved over to Midnight. "I'll need you and your team to go too."

"What? Are you insane?” Midnight protested loudly. "I can't just leave you in there with him."

"That’s an order, Lt."

Midnight looked as though she was about to protest again, but she could see that it was futile to argue and left, her team following behind her.

Shar's eyes settled to the knife and he looked at it considering it

Kaziarl turned back to Shar, who was still staring at the blade. "So what are you going to do? Use it on me? Yourself?"

He picked it up, "You want the devil to do away with himself?” He cut his arm with the knife slightly.

"Maybe it's for the best, since the Shar I remember is obviously dead."

"So were you, you all were....” He put the knife on his chest, near his heart.

"Are you saying you can see the future now?"

"Maybe, and since it is for the best...” He pushed the knife into where his heart should be.

"Shar no! The future is not written in stone. You have to be strong enough to change it.” Kaziarl ran to Shar’s side, examining the wound. There was no blood.

He looked at him, eyes blank and hollow still. "I feel nothing"

"Damn you, Shar.” Kaziarl cursed as he examined the wound. "What in Grethor were you thinking?"

He pulled the knife out and went back to cutting his arm, looking distantly at the bulkhead, “I should be dead, shouldn’t I?"

"I don't know Shar," Kaziarl admitted. "I just don't know. This... Holy War, everything is messed up."

The knife rhythmically sliced into his skin, as he watched the one called Kaziarl.

"One thing I do know, something terrible has happened to you.” Kaziarl said, looking away from Shar. "The Shar I remember would not do this to himself, no matter how bad it got. He was stronger then that, more... Honorable then that."

"You speak of this honor as something I should care about, or how he acted"

"All I know is that Shar would be trying to find a solution to this, that’s what drove him; but you... you don't care at all. It's as though everything you care about has been taken away and left you nothing but an empty shell."

"And what if that is what is left. His shell" He upturned the palm of his other hand and carved into it an unfamiliar symbol. He held his hand over Kaziarl's arm and some blood dripped from it.

Kaziarl flinched, on his arm there was a mark where the blood had hit. Something within Shar was filled with rage, but against what?

"Does it hurt when my blood touches you?” He got up, his bloody palms out towards Kaziarl, "Are you afraid of me?"

"No Shar, I am not afraid of you, I am afraid of what has changed you.” Kaziarl replied, moving away from the Andorian. "THINK damn it, Remember the scouting mission? Or when the Romulans tried to take the ship? You’re still in there, Shar, I know you are."

Shar just continued to walk forward, looking at him with dead eyes.

"Damn it, Shar, wake up. You've got to be in there, you wouldn't give up so easily.” Kaziarl stopped, he had run far enough. The only way to save Shar was to confront him. "I'm sorry, Shar."

Kaziarl jumped forward, trying to grab the knife from Shar’s hands. Shar reacted quickly as Kaziarl stumbled past and over a console leaving his back open. In an instant, Shar brought down the knife right into Kaziarl’s back as Doctor T'Amara rushed back in with the security team.

"Shar-" Kaziarl muttered as he fell unconscious.

Shar looked at the security team with fearful eyes, he was back, the demons seem to leave whenever they knew pain was coming, "I-I didn't...."

Doctor T'Amara checked on Kaziarl, the wound was serious and would need major surgery. She looked back at the Security team. "Get him out of here."

"N-No...I didn't mean it...Please...” He dropped to his knees, crying some.

The security team grabbed onto Shar, removing the knife from his hand. Shar did not try to resist, he just stared at Kaziarl's limp form. Once they were gone, the Doctor began to work on Kaziarl; it would be a long night for her.



Kaziarl awoke in sickbay and looked around. Doctor T’Amara was standing by the Biobed looking over the most recent scans.

“Doctor…” Kaziarl said; his voice still scratchy and dry.

“Take it easy Captain,” T’Amara replied trying to keep him calm. “You have been unconscious for three days; you need to give your body a chance to catch up.”

“Three days? Where are we?”

“Approximately 3.5 light-years from the wormhole and holding position. Protector Dura Tyran has been waiting for you to recover. I believe he is eager to get underway.”

“I don’t blame him,” Kaziarl slowly sat up and looked around. “Shar?”

“In the Brig, Commander Veldan thought it best to restrict Lt. Walch’s access to his cell.”

“She’s probably right,” He replied, looking away slightly. “So I suppose you and half my senior staff want to lecture me on what a stupid mistake I made?”

“No Captain, I know of your particular upbringing. The combination of the human need for connection, along with the Klingon desire to protect what is yours is a very strong one for you.”

“I suppose that’s true.” He acknowledged. “So how long do you plan to keep me here?”

“I would like to keep you here for a few more hours to make sure the wound has healed properly, and for your muscles to recover from being inactive for so long; after that I see no reason that you cannot return to active duty.”

“Very well, thank you Doctor.” Kaziarl replied, lying back down on the Biobed.



Midnight was standing at the main console in the Brig, just staring at the slumped figure of the once proud Andorian. There was nothing but silence in the room, other then the hum of the force field.

"You son of a bitch." she finally said, breaking the silence.

Shar sat still, awake but unmoving. He didn’t know what to say...He didn’t know how to react," I-I didn’t mean..."

"Didn't mean what?" she questioned sarcastically. "You didn't mean to try to kill my husband? And your best friend?"

The Andorian swallowed harshly and looked at her, then to his arms and hands. "Wh-whats happening to me...What’s wrong with me"

Midnight walked right up to the force field, any closer and she would have hit the field. "Damn it Shar, snap out of it. You were the best man at our wedding, you and Kaz have saved each others lives countless times, and doesn’t that mean anything to you anymore?"

He lowered his head and his skin got paler...His antennae just seemed to be dead things growing out of his head, "Don’t you think I want it to be the way it was...don’t you....DONT YOU!” The Andorian grew angrier.

"THEN WHY DON'T YOU FIGHT WHATEVER THE HELL HAS BEEN SCREWING WITH YOU SHAR!” Midnight yelled at the top of her lungs, unaware of the tears streaking down her cheeks. At the same time, she punched the force field, and Shar could have sworn he saw the field bend slightly.

"I've tried...I’ve tried and tried, but I fail every time. Is that what you want to hear, the Andorian’s too weak to do it, oh but Kaz could do it most certainly...without a problem" He said this all with a sneer.

"Kaz is only human," she replied, trying to calm down. "But he has the heart of a warrior. As for you? The old Shar would have fought with every fiber of his being, because he also had a warrior spirit; but you, your spirit is gone. Shar, listen to me, your spirit may be gone, but your mind isn't, and the mind can be just as powerful as the spirit.” She stared at him for a short while, waiting for his reaction. She had no idea what he would say, but she hoped that brain of his still worked.

"It doesn’t matter, I’m going to fail anyways; I see it ever time I close my eyes. I FAIL! There’s nothing I can do about it, every time my eyes close...” He snarled, and it looked as if he was going to get up.

Midnight continued to stare at him, rage burning in her eyes, but also compassion. "I wish I could get in there and knock some sense into you."

"Go ahead, do you think I care one damn bit, if you’re worried about your career, I won’t tell a soul. At least those who have them.” He stood up, looked her in the face with hollow eyes, and clenched fists.

"Unfortunately, the good commander saw to it that I couldn't,” she replied. "I can't lower the force field."

"That’s too bad...Do you want me to do it, do you want me to die for nearly killing your husband...Do you? DO YOU?” The Andorian was losing it now, as he looked at her, his eyes emotionless.

Midnight flipped and reached out for Shar's neck, completely forgetting about the force field. She was so angry that she didn't even feel the shock at first, and almost got her hand all the way through before she was thrown back.

"Sh- Shar, I-" she stammered as she tried to catch her breath. "Some one from Earth, hundreds of years ago; he said, 'Failure is not falling down,'" She stood up, using the console to brace herself. "'Failure is not getting back up.’ Are you going to stay down, or try to get up?"

"Since when did you become a damned counselor? Come on, give into your hate, you know what; you know what you would like. Me just throwing myself into the field.” Shar stood up and prepared to run at it, knowing it would throw him into the wall.

"Damn you Shar, why are you doing this to yourself? Kaz told me what you saw in your dream, but it does not mean anything. At most, it's a warning, one that you should prepare for instead of what you've been doing."

"It means everything. Have you ever seen the faces of the ones you loved and cared about, dead charred, with you trying to save them...to see yourself...dead. Then to be surrounded by them and told you’re the cause of this, this is why they were dead.” He was still leaving something out whenever he told this story as if he did not remember it or they did not want him to remember it.

"Don't you see? You ARE causing it, you saw Kaz dead in the dream, and you just tried to kill him. They are making you do what you saw in your dream, and if you want to prevent it then you have to fight them."

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” He dropped to his knees as he tried to fight his personal demons, he knew the outcome already, they owned him, but he could still try.

"Shar, Shar! What’s going on?” Midnight reached for her combadge and tapped it. "Medical Emergency, Med teams to the Brig."

His eyes flared red again as he lunged for Midnight, but the field stopped him. It threw him into the bulkhead. He lay there stunned and dazed, all the while looking at Midnight...he whispers,” I sold my soul to them..."

Suddenly, behind Shar, Midnight thought she saw a figure. The figure was hazy, and she could not see who it was for a moment as it became clearer. Then she heard a voice, it was Shar's voice, but he was not speaking.

"Shar...” Midnight's eyes were transfixed on the figure, soon it became clear enough to identify, and it was a ghostly image of Shar.

Midnight stood there, staring at the thing as it moved towards her. Having been married to Kaz and learning Klingon traditions from him, she knew that spirits were to be respected and not feared.

Shar saw the thing floating towards Midnight and his hands reached out for it. He looked pitiful, like a child in want. The ghostly creature looked at Midnight and then to Shar, "He gave himself away for you..."

"He chose the wrong people to give himself to."

"Yes, he may never regain himself..."

"And who the hell are you?"

Midnight slowly began to reach for her phaser. "I want to know who, or what you are."

"I am him, he is me...or he was me, he lost me"

"Then why don't you help him, or you, or... dammit, just do something useful. If you are really Shar, then use that Andorian intellect of yours and figure out something to do!"

"He doesn’t deserve me back, he hasn’t earned it yet"

"Then help him earn it." Suddenly, Midnight looked down and laughed. "I can't believe this; I'm talking to the ghost of the person in the brig."

"You know, it is awfully lonely for him...maybe you would like to join us...” The spirit reached a hand towards her chest, and began to float closer.

Midnight moved away, trying not to be cornered. "You stay the hell away from me."

"Why...Don’t you want to help Shar, help us to not be so alone?” It floated closer.

"Giving up my soul won't help anyone; just look what it did to him."

The spirit grins, its exterior gaining a more reddish glow, "Come now."

Midnight backed up into a wall, a look of fear came across her face. This was not a spirit, it was a daemon straight from hell, and now she was trapped.

Its hand reached towards her chest, towards her heart,” It only hurts for a while, just ask him."

"NO!” She screamed, as the creature was thrown back. There was a look of horror on its face.

"You have a stronger soul than he, but I assure you, I will possess it, along with every other soul aboard this vessel....” It floated away through the bulkhead. Shar was curled up on the ground, unconscious and shivering.

Midnight leaned against the bulkhead. "What the hell is going on here?"



"Hasperat, hot.” Tyran ordered. A bowl of steaming food materialized with yellow energy in the replicator slot. "I'd like to say this was more fun than an Itanu Ceremony... well at least if my memory is intact. It's been some time since I was fourteen."

Kaziarl looked at the controls of the shuttle, making sure they were going the right direction. "Two minutes to the wormhole. What is an Itanu Ceremony?

"Coming of age, Bajoran style... anyhow what did you learn?” Tyran questioned as he sat down, dipping a spoon into his Hasperat."

"You mean what did the 'prophets' show me?" he asked, still unsure if he believed in these prophets.

"Hey, even if you don't believe they're religious figures, at least you can call them prophets without worrying about it. Look at your ranking system, the commander doesn't command but everyone still calls them that.” Dura said matter of factly.

"True, I never did understand that myself. However, I am still not sure if they even exist. As to what they showed me? All I know is that they want me to find someone."

"One matter before I ask who, if you don't believe in them, what did you have? Hallucinations caused by a tumor?” Dura smirked.

"Or a piece of moldy cheese." Kaziarl replied, mocking a story he had read years ago.

"Scrooge..." Tyran lifted an eye brow.

"You know Scrooge?"

"It's an earth classic... I also saw a recording of a reenactment from a member of the late Enterprise delta." Tyran answered.

"You never cease to surprise me Protector Dura."

"It's simply eidetic memory, I assure you.” Tyran smiled. "As for your 'hallucinations', could you be more specific?"

"They said I would go on a quest to find the True Protector."

"Amusing...” Tyran smirked, adjusting his sitting position

"What?"

"That we came across the prophecy and then you were sent to find it.” Dura answered simply.

"Hmm... yes, I suppose there is some irony there. So where do you suppose we would find this 'True Protector'?"

"The task was appointed to you, Oh Emissary.” Dura joked.

"Oh no, I'm no religious leader."

"In the widest description of the word, the emissary is simply who the prophets talk to."

Before them, the wormhole opened wide, allowing them to enter.

"I guess we'll find out one way or another soon.” Kaziarl replied as he shut off the engines.

Tyran watched as the swirling and cascading energy came into view, including gargantuan glowing balls of energy that to him looked simply like glowing boulders capable of bashing the shuttle to bits.

"You know I...” Tyran led off, realizing Kaz was unconscious.

Kaziarl looked around in what seemed to be an endless view of white.

"Hello?" he asked.

"Hello.” An echoing voice returned, but spoken by the image of Midnight.

"Midnight? What are you doing here?" he asked as the scene shifted to the Chimera Bridge.

"He is eager to believe what is before him.” Midnight said.

"It is comforting to believe in familiar images after all.” Shar's image stated.

"But not reasonable when a task is at hand.” Tyran stated.

"What’s going on?” Kaziarl questioned.

"Does he not remember when we last spoke?” Shar's image questioned.

"He finds it hard to believe. The time of strife is come and he sees clear skies. The winds are silent to him.” Midnight replied.

"Time of strife? You mean the Armageddon foretold in that prophecy Dura showed me?"

"Armageddon is yet to be seen. A prediction is not necessarily the future. The one wind could sweep away the rain, causing all the other crops to die.” Shar commented.

"Your task is still at hand.” Midnight added.

"What task? What does any of this have to do with me? I'm not even Bajoran."

"Species is not important. You should realize that. You are son of two worlds.” Tyran stated.

"I still don't understand, what task?"

"You must find the one the prophecy speaks of.” Tyran stated.

"The True Protector?"

"Yes.” Midnight answered.

"How will I recognize him?"

"The safest place to hide a thing is directly in the sight of the ones looking.” Tyran answered.

"More riddles, do you ever give a straight answer?” Kaziarl asked. "If I'm the one who is supposed to find this person, why don't you just tell me who it is?"

"A straight answer is only so to one who sees it as such. If one cannot understand such intricacies, one must have more clues. The true protector shall shine in a time when you hold a tear close to your pah.” Midnight answered.

"And the Talking Targ shall lead us to victory.” Kaziarl replied sarcastically. "And what happens if I don't find him?"

"Then the winds will die, the drought will come, and all will die except for the feeding locust.” Tyran answered.

"Ok, let me get this straight.” Kaziarl said forcefully, still obviously confused and aggravated. "Something that a Bajoran saw thousands of years ago is now happening. I am supposed to find someone to stop it, because I am the 'son of two worlds' and I do not even know where to look. Am I keeping up so far?"

"The safest place to hide a thing is directly in the sight of the ones looking.” Tyran answered again.

"Right..." he replied, eying the figures before him. “Sisko was supposed to be your emissary right. I do not know how he dealt with you people. For all I know, you’re a hallucination, how do I know any of this is real?"

"When you came here you believed it was.” Midnight said, showing the slightest sign of emotion.

"Midnight? What are you doing here?" an echo of Kaz questioned.

"I was caught off guard, but that still doesn't mean you are real.” Kaziarl replied.

"And if you were never able to return to this place?” Shar questioned, gesturing to the bridge.

"How do you know Kahless is real?” Tyran asked.

"How do you know this thing you call love is real?” Midnight questioned.

"Even if we are not real, how would you go about the tasks given to you of your kind?” Tyran asked after silence.

"I would do them to the best of my ability, of course."

"Is it so hard to have faith?” A second Tyran, the real Tyran asked for a moment before he disappeared.

"I have faith," Kaziarl replied slowly. "Faith in my crew, and in myself. And it looks like I don't really have a choice but to believe what you tell me, but that still doesn't help me do what you've told me to do."

"Put faith in what you trust.” Midnight stated.

"But do not blind yourself to the possibilities.” Shar added.

"Find the true protector, but the task is not as daunting as you think.” Tyran finished the chorus.

Kaziarl stood there, unsure of what to say. He did not know what to believe now and almost felt like this was a waste of time, and yet he felt that there was some clue that he was missing. Then he thought back to the Chimera, and to Shar.

"What about Shar? The Andorian you, or something like you, invaded?"

"The Pah Wraith.” Shar said.

"There is a balance to all. As one wind will cause the drought, as will this entity. They seek to destroy all we have created, all any have created.” Tyran stated.

"That’s not what I want to know, can you do anything for him?"

"The antidote to a poison can only be found when one knows what poisoned them.” Midnight stated.

"One of you entities 'poisoned' him, wither Pah’wraiths or Prophet, you are two factions of the same species, aren't you?"

"His spirit is damaged, his mind hiding. The one you fear for can heal him, or you can.” Midnight answered.

"How?"

"His soul was damaged in the same way we speak to you now. While we propose the hope for your future, they proposed only your friend's worst fears and darkest images.” Shar replied.

"And the only answer is to get 'them' out?"

"He has seen in his soul only darkness, fear, and suffering. You must provide the hope of life.” Tyran answered.

Suddenly, the scene around them fractured, flashes of light blinded Kaziarl. Everything was starting to shift to the red. "What’s going on?"

Tyran yelped as he was thrown from his chair. The shuttle shuddered as it was tossed end over end. Tyran slid along the floor, landing under the control panel. He braced himself against the underside of the interface.

"Captain!” Dura shouted.

"Tyran! What's happening?” Kaziarl asked as he regained consciousness.

"Do you think I have any clue?"

[Warning: Hull stress is approaching critical.] The computer warned. The image of the prophets flashed through Kaziarl's mind sharply, but also did the images of horrors he could not describe. A wave of inertia shot through the ship, the shuddering stopping as the shuttle was launched from the opening of the wormhole at excessive speeds. The shuttle slowed, ending at a slow drift. Tyran pushed himself out from under the interface, looking out of the window. The wormhole throbbed with energy, the light pouring out of it fluctuating. A shock wave spread outward from the wormhole as the azures and teals and blues of the wormhole shifted, changing to crimsons, burgundies, and violets.

The look of terror on Tyran's face was absolute. He stumbled backwards, falling into the chair. His face paled, his skin turning to a nearly dead white.

"Report!” Kaziarl ordered as he looked over his controls. "Where are we?"

Tyran sat, motionless and silent.

Kaziarl moved to Dura's side. "Dura, snap out of it."

Tyran shook his head, the light shining off his fire red hair.

"Captain... the wormhole...” Tyran whispered.

"Yes, I know... I saw it.” Kaziarl replied. "But all we can do now is figure out where we are."

"Chimera's beacon is within range... as for the wormhole, it's not registering on sensors.” Tyran answered.

Kaziarl moved back to the pilot’s chair. Outside, the wormhole was still visible, and giving off a deep red color. "But I can see it; it has to register on something."

"Captain, Chimera's beacon is fluctuating. There is a growing disturbance in sub-space... far end of the spectrum though... communications may not be possible soon.” Tyran reported.

"Very well, take us back to the Chimera, I need a Raktajino," he ordered as he moved to the Replicator. "Captain, that may take some time... we can't establish a warp field...” Tyran stated.

"What else can go wrong? Ok then, send a message before we lose that two, tell them we need a lift."

"I can tell them to meet us half way; the effects of this cross the sector by now... the wormhole is releasing a massive disturbance.” Tyran replied.

"Ok, send it, just send it quickly."

"Protector Dura to Chimera, unknown event has caused disruption of wormhole and subspace. Warp impossible. Request immediate pick up at full impulse. Will proceed towards your location, meet you half way.” Tyran sent the transmission.

Kaziarl looked at the wormhole again, and then turned to his console. "In the meantime, I'm going to look over our sensor logs, see if I can find an explanation for this."

"I already have, or begun to anyway...” Tyran leaned to the side, exposing his console to the captain. "The event horizons of the wormhole as well as the apex showed signs of being pulled into subspace. The shock waves and many of the effects are similar to a number of encounters Voyager had, including a subspace glob of energy and tornado like events... the only difference is that the wormhole is so massive that it isn't completely engulfed, and...” Tyran hesitated.

"And what?"

"Well it may have been a 'hallucination'.” Tyran stated.

"If you have something you think is important, I want to hear it."

"I saw the prophets and the Pah’wraiths fighting.” Tyran answered.

"I'm starting to feel like a pawn in a chess game.” Kaziarl said, almost muttering. "How long until we meet the Chimera?"

"I can't tell... I am getting sensor ghosts and reflections... this might be relevant information anyhow... All the telemetry we're getting suggests the wormhole is being pushed into another level of space or reality.” Tyran answered.

"'The bridge is burning'" Kaziarl replied. "That is what the Prophets would say, is it not?"

"Well, it would apply. I'd like to think they put the answer right in front of me.” Tyran said while reading the reports with deep thought.

"Right in front of you...” Kaziarl muttered under his breath. "'The safest place to hide a thing is directly in the sight of the ones looking' but that could be anyone I know."

"Captain?” Tyran questioned, looking up from his studies.

"Something the Prophets said, about the True Protector."

"You had another vision rather than just a cat nap then?” Tyran questioned.

"Yes, I suppose I did. I'm beginning to wonder how Sisko ever dealt with these people, they speak in nothing but riddles."

"Not necessarily. Sisko said in one of his papers that the most confusing problem with them is that they switch between riddles and drastically subtle literalism.” Tyran said, still reading.

"There was something that was interesting, but it was probably just coincidence."

"Captain, haven’t you got faith by now that nothing is by coincidence?” Tyran questioned.

"I suppose you’re right about that." he replied.

Tyran continued typing into his console.

"One of the things they said over and over were 'The safest place to hide a thing is directly in the sight of the ones looking'"

"All right... was your location or who you were talking to significant?"

"It wasn't just one person; they had taken the image of Shar, Midnight and you."

"That is significant. That typically means the vision is of the utmost importance.” Tyran stated.

"It was different this time though; the first time through the wormhole it showed me on Qo'nos.” Kaziarl said, looking puzzled. "And there was another person there that time as well."

"The problem is growing graver."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm no expert, but I've studied everything published on the visions... The level of interaction is almost perfectly matched to the importance of the vision...” Tyran answered.

"Ok, then lets see if we can figure something out with what I've seen." he said, trying to remember everything he could. "The first time through the wormhole, it was you, Shar, Veldan, and one other person."

"People important to you... people possibly involved in the conflict...” Tyran tried to find any relevant details.

"You three I can understand that, but the other person was my foster father."

"Perhaps there is some double meaning to the role of father, or son...” Tyran continued in thought.

"Then this time, he was replaced by Midnight.” Kaziarl thought for a moment, and then muttered under his breath. “‘A son of two worlds.'"

Tyran smiled slightly, the color returning to his cheeks.

"Maybe that’s why my foster father was in the first one, and then was replaced by Midnight. I'm a Human, raised by Klingons; in the first vision, my foster father showed my Klingon upbringing, then Midnight showed my Human ancestry."

"I don't remember that from the prophecy though...” Tyran said.

"It was something the Prophets said, just now, while we were inside. They said I was the son of two worlds, and that because of it, I would find the true protector."

"And are you any closer to a clue?” Tyran questioned, moving back towards the replicator.

"You mean to the identity of the True Protector?"

"Unless you've figured out where the south wind is building its forces.” Tyran stated. "Alvas.” He ordered. A pale yellow fruit appeared in the replicator. Tyran picked it up, biting into it with an awkward sound.

"I think I have a clue to that, but it could mean just about anything."

"Well consider that the solution to most riddles is not the deeper meaning, but that the answer is merely skin deep.” Tyran bit into the Alvas again.

"Perhaps you're right. They said “The true protector shall shine in a time when you hold a tear close to your pah'. But now that the wormhole is unusable, there is no way we can get to a Tear."

"Again, you're thinking too deeply... perhaps the true protector will shine when you are sad... or mourning.” Tyran answered.

"We'll see, right now lets just get back to the Chimera."

"Too late...” Tyran stated, pointing out of the window. In the distance, a bright teal light indicated the deflector dish of their ship.

Kaziarl let out a sigh; it was always good to return to the ship. "Open hailing frequencies; let them know we’re coming home."

"I'm attempting to use the radio, let's just hope they're listening.” Tyran stated. "Shuttlecraft Mombassa to Chimera, request to begin docking procedures."

[Proceed, Mombassa, shuttle bay one is ready... but if you do not have objections we'd like to beam the captain to sickbay...] The lieutenant’s voice hesitated.

"What’s the problem, Chimera?” Kaziarl questioned.

[No offense to protocol, but you had better see in person.] The lieutenant stated.

"Very well, Chimera, initiate transport. Dura, you have the pilot’s seat."

"I had already...” Tyran smiled, bowing his head as the captain disappeared in a wash of azure energy. Kaziarl’s form disappeared as the glowing spheres of light reached the top and bottom of the column.



To Be Concluded