PART II - THE NEVER-ENDING WAR
1
Michael Owens stepped onto the bridge and noticed his first officer already sitting in her usual chair, next to his, seemingly studying a computer console. He took his seat and leaned over to her. “Commander?”
She didn’t even react.
“Commander?” He tried again, this time a little more forcefully and loud enough to cause Deen at operations to glance back at them curiously.
The Trill looked his way and then when she had apparently realized that he had addressed her, blushed ever so slightly. “Sorry, sir, million miles away.”
He frowned. “You’ve seemed distracted over the last few days. Anything I should be concerned about?”
She quickly shook her head. “No, nothing. I’m fine. Honestly.”
He wasn’t convinced. It hadn’t been that long ago that Michael had finally managed to convince himself to let her off the proverbial leash and to begin to show her more trust than what he had been able to afford her after she had first come aboard. And even though she had been on the ship for over a year now, he knew their relationship was still not as strong as the one he’d shared with her predecessor. It wasn’t at the level he was entirely comfortable with. Perhaps he had been spoiled by Edison, but he wanted his first officer to be an extension of himself, especially when it came to dealing with the crew. Sometimes he wasn’t quite sure if the reason they hadn’t managed to establish that kind of rapport yet was because he was unwilling to go the extra mile or if it was Star who refused to go it with him.
However there was no doubt that she had worked hard over the last twelve months, maybe harder than anyone else on this ship and that she had earned to be a member of this crew despite whatever sins she had committed in her past life. She had redeemed herself in his eyes and he certainly wasn’t going to disregard her splendid track record on
Eagle because of a couple of days she’d been less focused than usual.
“Are you sure? I’m still waiting for that intelligence report you promised me.” Since Star had once worked for Starfleet Intelligence—albeit a rather shady part of the organization from what Owens understood—and still had a few contacts within SI, she had become his unofficial intelligence officer, often able to provide pertinent information faster and more reliably than if relying on official channels.
Tazla Star was not a woman easily rattled and yet she looked downright embarrassed at her oversight. “I’m sorry, I’ve got it right here.” She picked up a padd and then worked her console to transfer the data before handing it over to the captain.
Owens scanned the content but couldn’t find anything particularly interesting. “What are the highlights?”
“We don’t have much on the Cardassians,” she said. “Starfleet believes that a Gul Metral has been left in charge of the military contingent after the Jem’Hadar and the Vorta pulled out. Their troop strength is estimated at about fifty thousand Cardassian soldiers, similar to the number of Starfleet Marines stationed there.”
Owens scrolled through the report until he found the sparse details it contained on the Cardassian officer in command. “What do we know about Metral?”
She shook her head. “Not much. He’s a career military man from a wealthy family on Cardassia Prime. He’s been serving in the Twelfth Order pretty much all his adult life and made a name for himself during the Klingon-Cardassian War.”
“Was our guest able to shed some more light on him?”
“Can’t say that he has. Belore has never met the man and only knows him by reputation which is not particularly noteworthy.”
Owens wasn’t surprised, by his own admission, Tevor Belore was not likely to have travelled in the same circles as Gul Metral. Perhaps Belore’s concerns that he wasn’t going to be very useful on this mission were appropriate after all.
“Now I did dig up quite a bit on General Lam.”
“Oh?”
“For one thing I was able to find out the answer to the question as to why Starfleet would continue to invest manpower and resources to fighting a ground war on a planet with seemingly little strategic value. It seems it’s mostly thanks to Lam himself who has been able to convince Command over and over again that giving up on Valeria would be a grave mistake. And the man seems to have enough clout with the powers that be to have had his way. The general has some very important and influential friends back on Earth including a relative who works within the administration. Among senior officials the Valeria campaign has gained the nickname Lam’s War.”
Owens did not like the sound of that. He turned to look at DeMara Deen who had been listening in. “What’s so important about Valeria to dedicate so many men and resources to it? What do we know about the planet?”
Deen was prepared. “Valeria is a class-M planet in a binary star system with a mostly temperate to tropical climate. Its a warp civilization with a grade six on the industrial scale which places it roughly a century behind current Federation technology levels. The planet is sparsely populated and is not a major supplier of resources. However the Valerians are very active and important in the interstellar trading community in this sector, trading with both the Cardassians and the Federation. They have attempted to remain neutral with both.”
He looked back at Star who nodded in agreement with Deen’s report. “They signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion before the war broke out. When it did, its location close to Cardassian and Federation space made it a possible invasion route into Federation space but after just a few months the war moved elsewhere and Valeria was mostly left alone.”
“Except for Lam and Gul Metral,” said Owens. “So have they been fighting their own private little war all this time?”
She nodded. “I believe so. Certainly since the Dominion pulled out and both sides stopped actively supporting it.”
“That’s just great.”
The doors to the forward turbolift opened to allow Doctor Elijah Katanga to step onto the bridge. Michael doubted that it was a mere social visit. Katanga had made it very clear ever since coming onboard that he wanted to play a much greater role on
Eagle than Doctor Wenera had ever done and the captain had gotten used to Katanga spending some of his time on the bridge. And on occasion he even welcomed the input of the most veteran officer serving on his ship. Of course there were equal amounts of occasions when he wished he could keep his observations to himself. Michael had found it difficult to tell one of Starfleet’s living legends to shut up. Not that he thought it would do much good.
“Doctor.” He offered him a nod as he made himself comfortable in the chair to his left. “What brings you up here?”
“We’re about to arrive at Valeria and I’d like to be here when we get to break the good news.” He had a smirk on his face.
Katanga had the uncanny ability to show up on the bridge just before something important was about to happen. Owens had come to think of him as an omen. And not always of good news.
Culsten spoke up from the helm. “Captain, we are approaching the Valeria system.”
Owens exchanged a quick look with Star, once again surprised how well Katanga had been able to set his clock to match up with ship events. Then he stood. “Slow to impulse once we enter the system and set a course for Valeria Prime.” He glanced back at Star. “Please ask Mister Belore and Major Wasco to join us on the bridge. With any luck we’ll be able to resolve this mission in just a few minutes.”
Her response was not an expression of optimism and learning everything she had told him, he could hardly blame her.
“Dee, what’s happening around the planet?”
She promptly consulted her board. “Very little. But I’m detecting a number of defense satellites in orbit. Both of Federation and Cardassian design.”
Star nodded after she had summoned the two men to the bridge. “That’s all that’s left. Starfleet as well as the Dominion took all ships and most orbital facilities with them when they pulled out.”
“They didn’t pull out everything, obviously.” Katanga sported a frown now. “What insanity to fight over something nobody really wants.”
“It’s war, Doctor.” Owens spoke without looking at the man. “Most of it tends to be rather insane.”
“Well, the war is over,” he shot back. “Time for those kids to get with the program.”
“Couldn’t agree more.” Owens looked back towards Deen. “Do the satellites pose any danger to us?”
“The Cardassian ones would be if we were to stray too close. Friend-or-foe detection on ours has already kicked in and we are not being targeted by those.”
He nodded and glanced towards tactical and for a moment expecting So’Dan Leva to stand watch there. Then he quickly remembered that the Romulan had left the ship and in his stead he found Junior Lieutenant Trinik manning that post. A final decision about Leva’s permanent replacement had not yet been made but for now the Vulcan was the next highest ranking tactical officer and it made sense that he would step up to fill that position. “Mister Trinik, are we able to hail the planet from here?”
“Negative. Sensors are detecting significant interference emanating from the planet’s surface. I am not certain we will be able to open reliable communications at all.”
“How are we going to break the good news if we can’t even talk to them?” Deen looked at the doctor who quickly nodded, recognizing the dilemma.
Just then the turbolift deposited their Cardassian guest along with science officer Xylion and Major Wasco onto the bridge.
Owens regarded Xylion first. “Commander, we’re having some trouble communicating with the planet’s surface. See what you can do, please.”
He offered a curt nod while he headed towards the Science I station at the aft part of the bridge. “I have already expected this complication. A ground war of this magnitude is likely to depend heavily on communications and transporter jammers in order to achieve a tactical advantage over the enemy.” He took his seat and began to work. “I have formulated a number of theories as how we may be able to circumvent scattering fields blocking our communication attempts.”
Katanga rolled his eyes. “Sure, let’s fight a horrible ground battle and while we’re at it let’s take away all means to talk to each other. I’m starting to like this place less and less.”
“Now entering standard orbit around Valeria.” Culsten was experienced enough to know that this would have been the captain’s next order and had taken the initiative. “I’m keeping us well away from those nasty little Cardassian weapon platforms.”
Owens nodded and regarded the screen where the large green and blue orb filled out most of the space now. At first glance the planet reminded him a little bit of Earth. Upon closer inspection however it was clear this world was smaller, with fewer landmasses and heavier cloud cover. From about six hundred fifty miles from the surface the planet seemed peaceful with no indication at all that a terrible ground war had ravaged this world for nearly two years.
The captain looked at his two guests who had joined him in the command area at the center of the bridge, finding both men appearing fairly confident even if Belore had already warned him of his perceived low chances of success. Of course that wouldn’t stop Owens from trying.
Wasco with his strong and square jaw looked as stone-faced as ever. Owens couldn’t quite shake the feeling however that he was trying to keep his distance from the Cardassian. No surprise considering the Marine had fought his kind up until a week ago. “Gentlemen, as soon as we are able to open communications you’re up. I’ll speak with General Lam myself but I think it be best if you stay close Major and jump in if you feel it necessary.”
He nodded curtly in response.
He glanced at Belore. “As for Gul Metral, it may be best if you address him yourself.”
“Certainly, Captain.”
“Sir.” The science officer turned from his console. “I’ve been able to boost our communications grid to make contact with the Cardassian system and we should be able to open a channel. It might not be very reliable but it should be stable enough to allow for a two-way audio/visual signal for up to three minutes.”
Star shot the Vulcan a quizzical look. “How about our side?”
“The Marines are employing a more sophisticated jamming system and it will take longer to attempt to circumvent it.” Xylion focused back on his station, no doubt in order to work on a way to open a channel to the Federation presence on Valeria.
Katanga’s frown seemed to be edged onto his face now. “You’d think our people would make it easier for us to talk to them.”
Owens felt similar but decided not to wait. “Very well, we’ll start with Metral in the meantime.” He glanced at Trinik. “Lieutenant, hail them and advise that we have a Cardassian military representative onboard who needs to urgently speak with Gul Metral.”
The tactical officer nodded and tended to his controls.
Owens glanced at Belore. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.”
They had to wait nearly five minutes for a response and when Metral finally appeared on the view screen, the channel was heavily distorted and flickering as if it was about to collapse at any moment.
Belore took a step towards the screen regardless. “Greetings Gul Metral. I am Gul Belore and I have come to advise you that the war between the Federation and the Dominion has formally ended. A treaty has been signed three days ago and hostilities have come to a close.”
The man on the screen didn’t seem to respond to this, he hardly even moved.
“Metral, can you hear me?”
“Yes, I can hear you.” His voice came across as distorted as his image.
“Who did you say you are?”
“Gul Tevor Belore, assigned to the Ninth Order. What’s left of it.”
“I’ve never heard of you before.”
Belore nodded. “As you can imagine, Cardassia is in turmoil at the moment. We have suffered heavy losses. Regretfully I was the only military officer available at short notice to come here. I’ve only been a gul for a brief time. But that doesn’t change the situation. The war is over and we’re here to make sure the fighting on Valeria comes to an end accordingly.”
“That’s just like the Dominion.” Metral practically spat as he spoke, showing little love for his former allies.
“They pull out of here with all their men and equipment, telling me to keep fighting but haven’t sent me a shred of support since. If the war really is over, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were the last to be told about it.”
Owens exchanged a quick and encouraging look with Star. Metral seemed to be willing to listen.
On screen the channel flickered out completely for half a second before coming back on.
Xylion glanced towards the captain. “We are likely to lose this signal shortly.”
Belore understood. “Gul, we are having trouble keeping this channel open. If you could disable your comm jammers, we might be able to discuss this over a more stable connection.”
But Metral seemed to be concerned by something else altogether.
“You have arrived here on a Federation starship? What does this mean? Have we lost the war?”
Belore didn’t respond straight away but glanced at Owens instead, not entirely sure apparently how to breach that particular subject. The captain prompted him to continue. “The Dominion forces have surrendered to the Federation following a siege of Cardassia Prime.”
Metral leaned back in his chair, and taking far too much time to take in this information, considering the unstable connection.
“You are putting me into a difficult position here, you understand this, don’t you? I’ve never even heard your name before today and you come here on a Starfleet ship telling me the war is over and that we have surrendered to the Federation. I suppose next you’ll tell me to surrender myself to Lam. How do I know this is true? How do I know you’re not part of Damar’s Rebellion I’ve heard about?”
It was a good point, Owens had to admit. Gul Damar, the former leader of the Cardassian Union had indeed rebelled against the Dominion and had even received Federation support for his efforts. The Dominion and the new Cardassian leadership had naturally spun Damar’s action into a rebellion against Cardassia itself and the uprising had initially failed. Metral probably hadn’t learned of that outcome yet or of any of the other events which had transpired after, including the Dominion’s harsh retribution against Cardassia and its eventual surrender.
“We have copies of the official records we’ll be able to transmit to you. But I’m not asking you to surrender, Metral. All we want is a cease fire until you are able to verify what we have said.”
Owens was pleasantly surprised at Belore’s approach and remembered that he had claimed to have been a diplomat before being drafted into the military.
“What’s Lam got to say about all this?”
Owens stepped forward. “We have not yet been able to contact General Lam but we expect to do so shortly. He has no reason to mistrust us and I would expect he would agree to an immediate cease fire as well.”
Metral uttered a short little laugh.
“Clearly you don’t know Lam.” He continued before Belore or Owens could respond.
“I might be willing to entertain the notion of a cease fire if Lam agrees. But until then I shall not move a single man from the front lines. I will not take that kind of risk. Contact me again when—“ The channel cut out for good and Metral was gone, once again replaced by the image of the slowly spinning planet.
Deen offered a little nod. “That went better than I would have expected.”
“Contrary to what you might have heard, Lieutenant,” said Belore. “Cardassians can be reasonable people.”
“All we need to do now is get Lam to agree to a cease fire and half our job here is done.” Owens found his science officer again. “Commander?”
“I have found a way to communicate with the Federation embassy on Valeria which functions as General Lam’s headquarters.”
The captain gave Trinik the go ahead.
Within a few moments a middle-aged man, apparently thin and with short white hair appeared on the screen. He seemed to be standing in an office of sorts and while the image was just as bad as it had been with Metral, it was just good enough to make out his uniform and rank insignia. It was without doubt General Lam.
“Greetings General. I’m Captain Michael Owens of the starship
Eagle. We have been dispatched to deliver good news. The war is over. The Dominion has surrendered.” A smile decorated his lips. He was never going to get tired saying this.
“Captain Owens.” Lam spoke slowly, almost methodically.
“Welcome to Valeria. The Dominion has surrendered, you say?”
Owens had expected Lam to be relieved, or at the very least surprised by the news. Neither seemed to be the case. “Yes, sir. A treaty has been signed.”
Lam seemed to recognize the man standing next to Owens.
“Cesar? Cesar Wasco?”
Michael was pleasantly amazed to see the major smile for once. “Yes, sir, it’s me.”
“My God, how long has it been?”
“Eight years, sir.”
Lam nodded slowly.
“Far too long.”
“It has. We’ve come to bring you and your men home, sir.”
“Yes, of course.” Lam glanced towards Owens again.
“Captain, would you do me the honor of joining me on the surface so that we may discuss this situation. And Major, I would be delighted if you could join us as well.”
Owens nodded. “We shall beam down shortly, General.”
“Splendid. I’ll have precise coordinates and instructions sent to you immediately. With all these overlapping scattering fields in effect, transporters can be a little tricky on Valeria and I suggest you follow the instructions closely. I’m looking forward to seeing you both. Lam out.”
And with that he disappeared as well.
Owens turned to his crew. “Thoughts?”
Katanga was unsurprisingly the first one to offer his opinion. “The fella didn’t look as relieved as I would have been when getting these kind of news.”
Wasco shot the doctor a hard look. “General Lam is a highly experienced Marine who has been around for a very long time. He’s also one of the most stolid people I’ve ever met. However that does not mean that he would not feel immensely relieved to hear of the end of the war. For the sake of his own men at the very least.”
“I’ve been around for longer and witnessed more than my fair share of tragic events. Trust me I took those news a lot less gracefully.”
Star stood from her chair. “After serving on the front lines for as long as he has, he may have become somewhat jaded. Perhaps he is a little less willing to believe anything he hears at face value. No matter how good it may sound.”
Owens nodded. “Agreed. We’ll go down there and let him know that this isn’t a mere gift horse.” He regarded the Cardassian. “Mister Belore, I think you should join us as well. You’re presence might help convince the general that this war is truly over.”
“Whatever I can do to help.”
He pointed at Deen next who understood and she left her station. He turned to his first officer last. “Commander, mind the store while we’re gone.”
“Sir, I’d much rather you let me go down there instead to brief the general.”
But Owens shook his head. “Lam is expecting me. Besides, these are the kind of news I like to deliver in person.” He was already heading towards the turbolift with Belore, Wasco and Deen following closely, his mind fully made up on the issue.