Before Their Time 
(The Puerility of Gods)


The Year is 2378...


I


Prologue:

	A man in the heavens walked by a small pool. Something caught his eye and he stopped to look.


	Captain Dane Alder sat in his ready room, drinking coffee while perusing a PADD grasped in his hand. The door chime rang.
	"Enter" he said, not bothering to look up. A slight man strode in, taking small, quick steps. The artificial lighting only excentuated his pale skin.
	"Commander Barris," Adler smiled, finally looking up, "Are we ready to go? "
	Barris grinned, taking a seat on the couch lying opposite of the Captain's desk, "Computer overhaul is complete, as is the new warpcore installation. Weapons upgrades and metaphasic shields are operational. It's like we're flyin' a whole new ship."
	Adler gave him a sidelong glance, "I'd just finished figuring out all the things this ship could do...Now I have to start all over again."
	"That's the price of being the captain of Starfleet's flapship. We have to stay cutting-edge, after all." Barris replied with a gesture of indifference.
	"I suppose so...Is the Ambassador aboard?"
	"Just got on. Lt. Kendric is showing him to his quarters as we speak."
	"Well," Adler said, dropping the PADD on the transparent desk, "I guess it's time to be going." he stood, smoothing his uniform absently before starting for the door.
	"By the way, what exactly are our orders? I assume we're to shuttle the Ambassador somewhere, but where? Classified?"
	Adler's easygoing demeanor slid off immediately, revealing steel beneath, "Later, Flynn, later." They exited the ready room, Barris with a puzzled look on his face.
	Adler stalked to his chair, sitting down almost robotically. Barris quickly took his seat next to the captain, eying him worriedly. Adler's face was an impassive mask, now. Scanning the bridge, he said, "Commander Barris has informed me that we are ready to leave spacedock." he took one last look at the shining blue world on the viewscreen before him, "Ensign, take us out." he nodded slightly.
	The young man's hands flew over the CONN.

	Space Station McKinley's huge docking arms slowly lifted, and the USS Visigoth glided away, its sleek Sovereign-class lines making it a shark trolling for distant stars.

	"Heading, sir?"
	Adler leaned forward in his command chair, but his expression did not change, "Dominion outpost Beta-3."
	"Sir?" the ensign said, his face unsure.
	"That is our destination, ensign. Take us there at Warp Seven."
	"Yes sir." he replied, punching the controls. He shot the Vulcan lieutentant across from him a confused look. She stared back.
	Barris looked at Adler, his worried look mixing with a touch of fury.

	The Visigoth's rounded lines stretched, time standing still, and then it was gone, as though the entire ship had been shot from some great celestial slingshot.

	Captain Adler sat straight-backed in his command chair for several minutes, simply watching the starlines on the main screen. His serious expression never wavered. Barris fidgeted in his seat, telltale signs of perspiration on his face. He kept glancing back at Adler, waiting.
	Finally, he announced, "I'll be in my ready room. Commander Kelsek, you have the bridge." he stood, smoothing his uniform and headed for the ready room. Barris exhaled loudly, got up and quickly followed his commanding officer.
	As soon as the ready room doors closed, Adler's facade faded, his face going from serious to fatigued. Barris exploded, "Dominion outpost Beta 3!? That's on the Klingon border! Why the Hell are we going there? We'll be in the middle of a war zone! The Klingons are fighting tooth and nail to take that sector back!"
	Adler seemed to him no attention as he ordered tea from the replicator and took his chair.
	"Don't play the cold fish with me, Dane!" Barris shouted, "We've known each other too long. Maybe it makes your crew efficient, being isolated from the captain, but it doesn't work with friends. Answer me!"
	"Calm down, Flynn, and take a seat. This is going to take awhile." Adler finally said.
	Some of the beet red draining from his face, Barris sat. He took a deep breath before speaking, "Okay, what's going on?"
	Adler breathed evenly, "You sure you want to hear this?"
	Barris narrowed his eyes, "We're living in dark times, Dane. They can't get any darker."
	Adler took a deep breath, "As you well know, the Federation has signed non-agression pacts with all the major and minor powers in the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Quadrants. The president doesn't want another war, and neither do the people. But we're also allowing warring powers' ships to cross Federation territory to attack each other. The president wants to make sure we're on good terms with whoever comes out the winner in this thing."
	Barris rolled his eyes, "As if there's any doubt. The Dominion is wiping the floor with the Klingons, Romulans, Ferengi, and just about everyody else. It's almost like they want revenge for losing their 'Founders' during the last war. Or maybe it's just these new 'Successors' that're making them more brutal."
	The Captain continued, "But, last month, the Dominion revealed some disturbing news to Starfleet. In response to it, and in exchange for some of their 'Drakh' technology, the president has agreed to close the Federation's borders to all warships originating from powers in conflict with the Dominion. Any ship violating our space will be destroyed and it will be construed as an act of war. Naturally, the Dominion will still be able to cross our territory."
	"Jesus..." Barris said, falling back on the couch as if the wind has been knocked out of him, "None of them stand a chance now. They're not gonna risk going to war with us, and with those Drakh ships the Dominion's 'Successors' brought with them guarding its borders, they're gonna be fighting an almost entirely defensive war. The president just handed the Alpha and Beta Quadrants to the Dominion in three, four months, at most."
	"Analysts predict a month to a month and a half."
	"And then we'll be all alone, against one united foe. The president's an idiot to trust them. Look what they did to the Cardassians...He has to see it. He has to."
	"He's trying to preserve the Federation for the future."
	There was a pause, "Wait a minute. You said the Dominion gave Starfleet some information that prompted this whole deal. What was it?"
	Adler leaned forward on his desk, interlacing his fingers, "Dominion outposts picked up three Borg vessels heading directly for Federation space a month and a half ago. They're continuing on that course as we speak."
	"And naturally the Dominion is too busy with their huge war to even try to stop or slow them down."
	"Of course."
	"Three Cubes...We can barely handle one. I bet Starfleet wishes Picard was still here. His knowledge in concert with that Drakh technology would be enough to take on the whole Collective."
	"For three Cubes, Drakh technology coupled with prior experience should be enough. After all, it was demonstrated that two Drakh raiders were more than a match for a single D'Deridex Warbird during the final battle of Romulan/Cardassian War."
	"Yeah, hopefully it'll be enough. Assuming the Dominion delivers on its promise."
	Adler was silent, and it dragged on for several minutes, the only noise that of the engines' hum, and the Captain quietly sipping his tea. Finally, Barris stood and headed for the exit.
	"We are living in dark times, Flynn." Adler said suddenly. Barris turned, "Until you said it, I'd never even considered how bad things really are. I don't know whether I should thank you are not."
	Flynn merely nodded somberly as the doors parted and he exited.



II


	High Lord G'Tok sat on his throne, long greying hair draped over its back. The throneroom's darkness painted his chiseled face in shadows. He started straight ahead intently, watching the doorway on the opposite side of the large chamber. His brow furrowed, he waited.
	Finally, a slim figure appeared, walking slowly, long, unbuttoned trench coat swishing behind him. Despite the dimness, his bald head shone, though dully. He arrived at the foot of the throne, and smiled cooly.
	"Picard, I do not like to be kept waiting." G'Tok finally said through bared teeth.
	"I had...other matters to attend to. I am here now, however."
	"I am a busy man, Picard, couldn't we have done this indirectly?"
	"No, no, this is far too important." Picard said. He looked around, surveying the entire chamber, "You have done as I asked? No monitoring devices or servants present?"
	"None. Now get on with it, Picard. What is so dire that you've taken me away from a meeting of the High Council?"
	Picard looked around once more before stepping forward, "A solution to our 'mutual problem' has been devised, but it involves revealing some...confidential information."
	G'Tok scowled, "Out with it, I have no time for games."
	"As we speak the USS Visigoth is heading for Dominion outpost Beta-3. They are carrying a high-ranking Federation ambassador on-board. His purpose is to sign a treaty between the Federation and the Dominion that will involve the exchange of Drakh technology."
	"I fail to see this information's pertinence, Picard." G'Tok growled impatiently.
	Picard sighed, rolling his eyes, "The day after the signing, the Federation will announce that its borders are closed to all warships originating from powers that are at war with the Dominion. Any border violation by said ships will constitute an act of war against the Federation. Jem'Hadar ships will still be able to cross Federation territory."
	G'Tok's eyes widened as the information was revealed. He snarled, "We will be unable to strike distant Dominion targets! The Federation has sealed our fate!"
	"Quiet, quiet, G'Tok" Picard insisted, looking around again, "I'm not finished yet. This treaty presents you with an interesting oppurtuinity to rid yourself of your chief rival, Captain Ke'lesh."
	"How?"
	"Tomorrow, you, as commander of the Klingon Defense Force, will order Ke'lesh to cross into Federation territory near Dominion outpost Beta-3. He will be instructed to maintain a communications black out until his mission is done. Assure him that Starfleet is well aware of his task. Because of the timing of the mission and the black-out, he will be unaware that entering Federation space constitutes an act of war."
	"What is the mission?" G'Tok interrupted.
	Picard rolled his eyes, "Unimportant," he continued, "but you must tell him it's classified and extremely important. As he crosses the border, he will be detected by the Federation's tachyon nets or antiproton scans. Since he believes Starfleet is well aware of what he is doing, he will not stop. The USS Visigoth, the Federation's flagship, will be forced to fire upon him."
	"This will create a state of war between the Klingon Empire and the Federation! I have no desire to rule while we're at war with the Dominion and the Federation!"
	"Gowron, desperate to keep the peace between the Federation and the Klingons, will have no choice but to declare Ke'lesh a renegade. His house will be dishonored, and he will be either jailed by Starfleet or dead. Either way, your problem will be eliminated."
	G'Tok waited a moment, taking it all in, "A brilliant plan...Once Ke'lesh is gone, only Gowron will stand between me and the throne."
	Picard slowly leaned away, straightening his black button down shirt absently, "Gowron will be dealt with soon enough." he looked around once more, his long nose making him look very much like a hawk prowling for prey, before turning and heading back the way he came.
	"Picard," G'Tok shouted after him, his voice echoing through the high-ceilinged chamber, "Why are you doing this?"
	Over his shoulder Picard said, impatiently, "You will see, G'Tok. You will see."
	The High Lord watched Picard's fading shape, puzzlement, and even a trace of worry evident on his lined face.


	"It is done." Weyoun said, clapping his hands together and smiling widely, "The Federation and the Dominion are now even more closely bound together. Today has been a great day."
	Ambassador Renick put on his best toothy smile in response, but it faded a bit as he looked up at the large shimmering form behind Weyoun. It stared back with deep red eyes overshadowed by monstrous grey brows. Renick quickly looked back to Weyoun. The angelic smile was still there.
	There were several moments of awkward silence before the shimmering being slowly exited the brightly lit room, swaying in an odd manner as it moved. Renick sighed with relief and leaned back in his chair as soon as the doors closed. He shot a glance at Captain Adler, who was seated alongside him.
	"No need to worry, they make everyone nervous." Weyoun said, looking around the Cardassian-syle conference room., "The Drakh are not known for making people comfortable."
	Wiping his brow with his blue coat sleeve, he breathed heavily, "He's been making me nervous the whole time." he looked around, as if more Drakh were hiding in the corners, "What exactly are they?"
	"The harbingers of the Successors. They came to our worlds in the Gamma Quadrant, stopped the dreadful civil war that the Dominion had lapsed into when that renegade Founder Odo"-he sneered as he said the name-"destroyed the Great Link. They unified us, made us rebuild. They prepared us for the coming of the Successors. And when they did come, in their ships blacker than the night itself, we were ready." Weyoun looked up at the ceiling, as if remembering the day it happened.
	Barris, quiet throughout the entire meeting, gave Adler a sharp, sidelong look. The Captain nodded barely, "'Ships blacker than night.' Sounds like some of the stories we've been hearing from deep space freighter captains. They see something in the corner of their eye, but when they turn, it's gone. So, Weyoun, this begs the question: what are the 'Succesors' doing?"
	Weyoun raised a hand dismissively, "I find it doubtful that these reports are true, and if they are, that they're Successor ships is highly unlikely. Since their arrival, we have not seen one Successor craft. The Drakh say that they are engaged in a great war, in the distant reaches of the galaxy."
	Barris and Adler exchanged questioning looks as Renick broke in, "So, you're saying that you have no personal contact with the Successors?"
	"Sadly no," Weyoun said regretfully, "the Drakh act as emmissaries from the Successors to me and the other Vorta. The Successors have proven to be far more secretive than the Founders ever were. To date, no one has ever even seen a Successor." he cocked his head to look at all three men and smiled from one corner of his mouth, "But now I've said too much." he stood and bowed slightly, "I must go. May all our future dealings be on such good terms." 
	As Weyoun made his way out of the room, the three men looked at each, nodding as if to say, "mission accomplished." They got up and followed Weyoun out.


	"Due to the secrecy regarding this mission, detection must be avoided at all costs. You will cross the Federation border near Dominion outpost Beta-3, and continue on your course which will take you to the target. You will neither send nor recieve transmissions during your assignment. Specifics have been uplinked to your ship's computer. Are your orders clear, Captain?"
	The tall Klingon nodded, scars crisscrossing his face shining in the light of the chamber, "Yes, General G'Tok." his voice echoed deeply, "I will succeed in my task and bring glory to the Klingon Empire." They stood facing each other for several more moments, the tension growing with every heart beat, "Is that all General?"
	The older Klingon nodded and sitting back upon his throne, nearly reclining, "Yes, Ke'lesh, you may go." he made a dismissive gesture toward the exit. The captain forcibly held back scowl as he turned and made his way to the large double doors held open by armed guards. The glared at him with condescending eyes.
	"And Ke'lesh," G'Tok shouted from his perch, "Due come back alive." he smiled, jagged teeth gleaming in the light. The Captain did not turn, but continued out, as the guards snickered quietly.


	The Visigoth slowly cruised through space, four Defiant-class warships escorting it on its lonely patrol along the Klingon border. Captain Dane Adler looked out at the nearest little ship, wondering how Starfleet could be responsible for such an ugly little vessel. Still, he admired its power.
	"You've been looking out that window far too long, Dane." Flynn Barris said, sitting across from the Captain's desk, sipping tea.
	"Just looking at our escorts."
	"Those Defiant-class ships? Ugly little things, no match for the new Saxon-class and Woden-class."
	"I remember when Starfleet wouldn't even think of building a pure warship."
	Eyes narrowing, "Times change, Dane. Warships are exactly what Starfleet, and the Federation, needs now."
	Adler sighed, "Yes, yes I suppose so." he took one last look before turning away and taking a seat behind his desk, looking down at it. Slowly, he raised his eyes to look at Barris, "It's been four days. What's the status of the war?"
	Barris nearly dropped his cup, his eyes full of amazement, "You don't know?"
	"Starfleet let me off duty for two days after the negotiation. I didn't ask what was happening, I didn't look, and I didn't want to know." he looked the Irishman straight in the eye, "But now it's time to face the facts."
	Barris took a deep breath, "All trade has ceased between the Federation, the Klingons, Romulans, and several other powers. Starfleet's turned back at least half a dozen warships trying to get into our space. The Dominion is striking everywhere at once, taking several sectors worth of Klingon and Romulan territory. The Ferengi are on the verge of surrender. And with those damned Drakh ships patrolling a good portion of its borders, the Dominion is practically untouchable. Things aren't looking good, Captain, not good at all."
	"Well-" he was cut off by Commander Kelsek's voice over the intercom.
	"Captain, anti-proton scans have detected a Klingon Bird-of-Prey approaching. Please report to the bridge."
	The two men exchanged glances before getting up and making their way to their respective bridge positions.
	"Report." Adler said, his impassive command mask firmly in place.
	"K'Vort-class Bird of Prey approaching at impulse speeds. It appears that they unaware that we have detected them. They are nearing the Klingon border."
	"Hail them."
	"No response, sir."
	"Fire a warning shot over their bow." Adler commanded.

	Oranage energy arced along the Visigoth's phaser strips, coming together in a single point. The energy burst forth in a concentrated beam. It shot off into seemingly empty space.

	The bridge crew waited, all their eyes tensely fixed upon the main view screen. Finally, Adler said, "Status of Bird of Prey?"
	"Its course remains unaltered. It will cross the border in twenty seconds."
	"Open a channel." Adler commanded as he stood and moved to the center of the bridge, "This is Captain Dane Adler to Klingon vessel. You will change course immediately and remain in Klingon territory. If you cross the Federation border, it will be construed as an act of war. Do not cross."
	"No response, Captain." she paused, "Klingon vessel has crossed the Federation border."
	Commander Barris muttered, "Damn." as he heard the news. Adler half turned, silencing his first officer.
	"Target their weapons and engines. Signal our escorts not to get involved."
	"Phasers and photon torpedoes ready, sir." the tactical officer announced.
	"Fire phasers."

	A single orange beam fired from the Visigoth's saucer section. It seemed to impact on empty space. The ebon cosmos quickly transformed into the green form of a Klingon Bird of Prey. It came about quickly, heading directly for the Visigoth. Its dual disruptor cannons blasted away, strafing the flagship's saucer section as it flew by.

	"Shields down to 95%. The Klingon vessel has resumed its original course." the Vulcan reported.
	"Can they survive a direct hit from a quantum torpedo?"
	"I believe so, sir."
	"Bring us about fire one quantum torpedo at the their engines."
	"Yes, Captain."

	The sleek starship came about, and the sparking blue of a quantum torpedo was quickly launched. It flew straight and true, slamming into the K'vort's engines with a terrific explosion, leaving the vessel floating in space, a gaping hole in its stern.

	"Klingon vessel is adrift, sir."
	"Signal one of our escorts to send over a boarding party. I want that ship's captain taken alive and brought to the brig."
	"Yes sir.
	"Also, notify Starfleet Command of this incident at once."
	Kelsek glanced up at him, "Yes, Captain."
	Adler eyed the Klingon vessel warily, knowing what its intrusion could spark.



III



	"What the Hell were you thinking!?" Barris shouted, pacing around the brig, his face a deep red, "You do realize that your actions are going to trigger a war between your people and the Federation, don't you? Didn't you know that we'd closed are borders? Answer me, dammit!"
	The tall Klingon merely looked at the furious officer from his cell bench, a sullen expression on his face. Barris turned his back on the dark alien, walking back across the small room, "I don't why I should care anyway. It's your people that are going to get exterminated, not ours. You've just sealed your race's fate. You're not stupid enough to believe that your empire can take the Federation and the Dominion at the same, are you?" The Klingon merely looked at him indignantly.
	The commander was nearly ready to burst into another tirade when the Captain put his hand on the smaller man's shoulder, silencing him. He then looked at the Klingon, "Perhaps a cooler head will do us more good in such a situation." he crossed to stand at the cell's very edge, just outside the forcefield's reach, "Why did you cross the border, knowing that it would almost certainly spark a war?"
	The Klingon remained like a stone statue, arms crossed as he stared straight back the Captain.
	"You've got nothing to lose. In a few hours we'll be at war. Perhaps your explanation will put off the inevitable or prevent it all together."
	Once again the alien sat like an intricately carved stone. Adler opened his mouth, preparing to speak again when the Klingon's basso voice filled the chamber, "My name is Captain Ke'lesh of the Klingon Defense Force. I was ordered by General G'Tok to cross the Federation border, loop around, and re-enter what was once Romulan space to strike a Dominion target."
	"And you did this despite the fact that your Empire's warships were forbidden to enter Federation space?" Barris cut in. Adler fixed him with a glare, and the pale man quickly quieted.
	"My mission began several days ago, before what you said was announced. I was instructed not to break communications until my task was finished. G'Tok informed me that Starfleet was aware of my mission and I assumed your warnings were for the Dominion's 'listening ears.'"
	Captain Adler nodded somberly, "The treaty was a surprise announcement. But why didn't G'Tok cancel your mission when it was announced?"
	Ke'lesh shook his head, "G'Tok is a powerful man, even more so now that many of his rivals have either disappeared or died suddenly. I am the only one left. I imagine he hoped I'd be killed either during the mission itself, or during a skirmish with the Federation. Either way, only Gowron would stand between him and control of the Empire."
	Adler considered this with narrowed eyes, "He would risk war with Federation and destruction of the very prize he seeks just to remove you?"
	"G'Tok is power-hungry, nearly obsessed with control. But, he is not alone. My spies have often reported a mysterious man visitng him from time to time, though there are no reliable descriptions of him. G'Tok himself seems to know much about the Dominion, anticipating attacks, placing rivals in just the right places so they are killed during Jem'Hadar raids. It is possible that he knew of the Federation's agreement with the Dominion before it was officially announced."
	Barris swore in the background. Adler merely shook his head, "This is indeed disturbing. If the Dominion has agents in the Klingon Empire...Why have the other members of the High Council turned a blind eye to G'Tok's machinations?"
	"As I said, most of his rivals wound up dead or missing, and in a rather short succession soon after the Dominion re-emerged. Those that remain are his lapdogs, catering to his favor and whims. Gowron knows G'Tok has his eye on his position, but his knowledge of the Dominion is too valuable to pass up. He figures that G'Tok can be dealt with when the war is over."
	"Can we tell Gowron of G'Tok's orders, perhaps avert war with the Federation?"
	"No, Gowron wouldn't accept it. G'Tok is too powerful. Trying to displace him would split the Empire, causing another Klingon civil war. The Chancellor will deal with G'Tok when the time is right."
	"Then all we can do is watch, and wait."
	Ke'esh nodded. They eyed each other silently for severally moments. Finally, Adler said, "I must return to my duties, Captain. You will remain in the brig until another starship arrives to transport you to the nearest starbase." he started to go, but turned, "You've been very helpful, Captain. More so than I expected."
	"I have only helped you because G'Tok is a man without honor, and so that someone would know the truth regarding the Empire's condition. If the situation were any different, you would know nothing."
	Adler merely stared at him for a long moment before resuming his brisk pace out of the brig. Barris looked at the Klingon suspicously for a few more seconds before following his commanding officer out.


	"The Federation has given us two days to explain Captain Ke'lesh's actions, or they will declare war on us." a stout Klingon announced. This brought murmurs from those lining the huge hall of the High Council. Numerous voices could be heard shouting, "The Federation has no honor!"
	Gowron stood at the hall's center, robe of office slung over his shoulders, standing on the raised dais that supported his throne. He waited silently until the shouts and mutterings had quieted. Finally, he spoke, commanding voice filling the room, '"The Federation does not have honor. That has been demonstrated by their recent actions in the face of the Dominion's presence." More shouts. Gowron responded, "Quiet. Quiet! The Federation's honor is not an issue now. Going to war with them is. A solution to this situation must be found. When our war with the Dominion is over, then we will teach the Federation the error of its ways. Restricting travel through our space is reprisal enough, for now. War must be averted. The Klingon Empire cannot survive a conflict with the Dominion and the Federation simultaneously. A solution must, and will be, found." There were more murmurs, this time in agreement.
	 General G'Tok, standing several paces from Gowron's right, nodded to another robed Klingon across the Hall from him. The other nodded, then spoke up, "My suggestion is this, Chancellor Gowron: denounce Ke'lesh. We've checked a dozen times, and there is no record of him being ordered to enter Federation territory. We can merely say he was a renegade who recklessly endangered the safety of both our empires." 
	"But this will cause the dishonor of his entire house." G'Tok broke in, "Surely something else can be done. Will they not accept the fact that it was merely a misunderstanding?" Gowron peered at him suspicously from the corner of his eye as the General spoke.
	"The Federation president wants a concrete explanation. That will not suffice." the same stout Klingon responded.
	"But M'Bar's will." Gowron said, with finality, "Though the dishonor of Ke'lesh's house is a high cost, it is necessary." he looked over at the stout Klingon, "Notify the Federation at once."
	"Captain Ke'lesh is held in high regard by the Emperor, " G'Tok reminded Gowron, "He will not approve of this."
	With nearly a sneer Gowron responded, "I will deal with Emperor Kahless."
	G'Tok nodded somberly. In his mind, he grinned like a hyena closing on its prey.


	Weyoun sat at the head of a long table, in a Cardassian-style conference room, left hand lightly holding an isolinear rod. He looked down at it absently. Behind him glowed a wall display. Off to his right stood the shimmering form of a Drakh. Five Vorta sat on each side of the long table. The bright lighting glinted off their ebon hair.
	"My fellow Vorta," he finally announced, "you have been called here to recieve crucial orders regarding our war with the Alpha and Beta Quadrants." Some of the Vorta near the other end of the table glanced at each other questionably. He smiled, sensing their unease. Leaning forward slightly, he continued, "As you well know, our agreement with the Federation has greatly hindered the Klingons and Romulans in their effort to push us back to the Gamma Quadrant. Just five days ago, a Federation/Klingon war was narrowly averted. Our enemies are confused, trying to develop new strategies."
	"Yes, now is the perfect time to strike; crush them utterly." One of the others said.
	Weyoun shook his head, "On the contrary, now is the perfect time to upgrade our fleet, and rebuild damaged ships. Thus, in no less then one week I want the first, second, and sixth fleets gathered at the Coras 5 shipyards. You ten will be responsible for this."
	"That's half our Alpha Quadrant fleet!" one of them exclaimed. The remaining Vorta nodded in agreement. They all fixed skeptical eyes on Weyoun. The Drakh remained indifferent, staring straight ahead.
	Weyoun made calming gestures with his hands, "I'm not finished yet. During the duration of the fleets' upgrades, six fully outfitted Drakh carriers will be waiting in hyperspace. If we are attacked, they will come to our aid and destroy the offenders."
	"And you are planning on exactly that to happen?" one of the Vorta asked.
	Weyoun smiled, "Of course. The Successors have decided that it is time to end this war. The Drakh will decimate any who stand against them."
	The Vorta muttered amongst themselves for several moments, and Weyoun allowed them to do so. Eventually, he spoke, "I trust the ten of you to complete your tasks efficiently. You're the best that we have. Don't disappoint the Successors." he smiled, but underneath was an ominous warning. The ten Vorta glanced up at the stoic Drakh before standing and filing out of the conference room in silence. Weyoun smiled.
	He waited for several moments before turning to the Drakh, "Will you be informing the Successors now?" he asked with a touch of apprehension.
	The shimmering creature held out a silvery metallic ball. It spoke in odd tones, "Yes." The Drakh withdrew the sphere and slowly exited, swaying as it went. Weyoun simply puzzled at the odd being as it left, half fascinated, half resentful. They had displaced the Vorta as go-betweens for the Dominion's leaders, after all.
	He leaned back in his chair, absently tapping the golden isolinear rod on the table. He waited for several minutes, until the double doors slid open with a hiss and Picard entered, wearing his typical undone tan trench coat and a white, mandarin-collared shirt.
	"Why do you always wear that rediculous costume, Picard?" Weyoun asked.
	The slender man smiled faintly as he took a seat to the Vorta's left, "It's a modification of Dixon Hill's clothing. Earth, early twentieth century. Don't you read detective novels?"
	Weyoun looked down at the table, as if trying to mask annoyance, "No, can't say that I do."
	Picard gestured at the rod, "Is that it?"
	The Vorta looked at it peripherally, "Yes, this is it." he handed the rod to Picard, "Your instructions have been uplinked to your vessel."
	"I figured as much." He stuffed the isolinear rod in a coat pocket and stood, preparing to leave.
	Weyoun rolled his eyes, "I really don't see the point of this. Surely the Klingons or Romulans would discover our endevours eventually. Moving several thousand starships will draw attention no matter how much we try to hide it."
	The human raised his eyebrows slightly, "Exactly. But by the time they discover the movements, then confirm them, many of your ships will already have been upgraded. No one will want to attack hundreds of starships outfitted with new weaponry."
	Almost sarcastically, Weyoun nodded, "Aaaah, now I see..."
	"And," Picard continued, as if teaching a slow child, "by blatantly informing G'Tok that this is an ambush will reassure him and Gowron. Delivering this rod to G'Tok assures our victory, and in short order."
	"But knowing of the Drakh ambush will allow them jam all our outgoing signals. How are we supposed to notify them of our situation?"
	Picard smiled and stood, straightening his trenchcoat, "You will see, Weyoun." And with that cryptic message he headed for the exit.
	Weyoun considered the human and his words suspicously as the doors closed behind him. Contemplating the Dominion's impending victory, he turned to look out at the stars.


	General G'Tok entered his private quarters, lights dimmed to near pitch black. He briefly looked out the huge picture window that took up the entire left wall. The second best view in the Capital, overlooking much of the city, and even a portion of Council Hall. And to the very far right he could even catch a glimpse of Gowron's tower dwelling. He scowled. Soon that tower will be mine. Soon this city will be mine. All of it will be mine. Soon.
	He took a seat behind a large desk made of an exotic black wood, the front of it carved so that it depicted the epic battle between Kahless and the tyrant Molar. G'Tok paid it no mind as he clicked on his desktop display monitor. As he suspected, there were many messages waiting for him. But only one had any import. 
	Retrieving the data, he watched as another Klingon read off the casualty reports from a border raid on Oben III. Rolling his eyes, he tapped a button on the side of the display. At first, there was no noticable effect. Then, the Klingon's voice began to fade into static, though his picture remained. Slowly, Picard's voice cut through the interference.
	"You will order an attack on Jem'Hadar outpost 8873, in the Amad Sector. You yourself must be present during the raid. You will find a Vorta on-board. Personally slay him and claim that you find on his person the isolinear rod that was sent to you. It is essential that you do this. Due to the fact that this is a non-essential outpost, the Vorta will not possess the appropriate information. Do not read the isolinear rod, merely present it to be analyzed when you return. Your course of action will be clear."
	Picard's voice ceased and G'Tok shut off the display. He pulled the data rod from his robe pocket and held it between his two index fingers, examining it closely. After several moments he set it down and clicked the display on again.
	"Show me intelligence reports on Dominion outpost 8873, in the Amad Sector."
	There was a pause before the computer said, in a gruff voice, "A small outpost in orbit of Amad Prime, scouting reports indicate it has a compliment of six Jem'Hadar fighters and a mid-size cruiser. "
	"An easy kill." G'Tok said to himself, "But why would the Dominion put such priveliged information, if that's what it is, on such a small outpost?" he continued, thinking out loud, "Because they think no one would look for classified data on such and insignificant post. Yes," he nodded, "that will do."
	He called up a fleet report. Seeing five vessels to his liking he told the computer, "Inform the commanders of the Vor'cha cruisers Cy'teth and N'roon as well as those commanding the G'lach, N'astrith, and H'chook that tomorrow they will be launching an assault on Dominion outpost 8873. I will be accompanying the commander of the Cy'teth. They are to be ready at twelve hundred standard hours."
	"Message has been sent." the gruff voice confirmed.
	G'Tok leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. Soon he would be leader of the Empire. He knew it. But what if Picard were setting him up for destruction? No, not after all this work he wouldn't. Picard had an agenda all his own. Obviously a Dominion insider (however he had come to be. Starfleet's most famous captain becoming a Dominion agent was still puzzling to him), he wanted it to see it destroyed as much as G'Tok did, but for different reasons. Perhaps a Starfleet mole? But, no matter his impetus, Picard was still a dangerous man. Once I am Chancellor and the Dominion is crushed, Picard must be dealt with swiftly. He is far too cunning to be left alive.


IV


	Space around the small, diamond-shaped structure of Dominion outpost 8873 shimmered, coalescing into the forms of two Klingon Vor'cha attack cruisers and three K'Vort Birds of Prey. Immediately they opened fire, emerald disruptor bursts streaking forward.
	Three Jem'Hadar fighters broke formation and headed for the Birds of Prey, white polaron beams blazing, hightlighting Klingon shields when they struck.
	The remaining vessels arrowed toward the Cy'teth and N'roon, the larger cruiser lumbering behind the swift figthers. Two powerful disruptor bursts from the N'roon's and Cy'teth's forward disruptor cannons reduced one fighter to space debris, while disruptor beams speared at the remaining small vessels.
	Cloaking and uncloaking at dizzying speed, the K'Vorts destroyed the fighters in rapid succession, only the G'lach taking moderate damage. They flew towards the cruiser's backside, opening fire with photon torpedoes. They exploded on the vessel's shields, and the cruiser returned fire, polaron bursts peppering all three aggressors simulanteously.
	The Vor'chas blasted through the remaining fighters and began bombarding the cruiser with disruptor fire. It returned their attacks, though much less forcefully.
	For several more moments the Klingon ships fired on their lone foe, its shields buckling with every impact. Finally, dual photon torpedoes smashed through its hull. Disruptor blasts poured into the ruptures and the ship lolled to one side. Exploding, it showered the victorious warships in wreckage.
	On-board the Cy'teth, G'Tok ordered, "Begin bombarding the outpost's shields. When they are down, start beaming down raiding parties. I will accompany this ship's force. Understood?"
	The ship's captain, looking almost sullen, angry that he wasn't in command, responded, "Yes, General."
	G'Tok smiled, "Good. And notify the other ships. If there is a Vorta on-board, he's mine."
	"Yes sir."
	The General smiled again. Soon. Very soon.

	
	The red glow of transport ended, and fifty Klingon warriors stood in a large hallway, the corridor curving several meters down in both directions. The lighting was dim purple, and the stench of burned circuitry hung thick in the air. They looked around suspicously, electrical smoke dulling their senses.
	G'Tok grasped his disruptor pistol tightly and glanced at the D'ktahg in his other hand, "Half of us will go that way," he motioned down the corridor to his right, "The others that way." he gestured to the left, "And remember, Vorta are mine." He started down the left corridor, a tense line of soldiers following close behind.
	They simply stalked their prey for several minutes, moving slowly, searching every room they came upon. But, there were no Jem'Hadar to be found. The tension grew with every passing moment. They entered a wide corridor, nearly ten feet across. They all sensed an ambush.
	Where are they? G'Tok thought. He wanted to end this, and quickly.
	Suddenly, there was a swishing sound, from all sides. Jem'Hadar warriors appeared from thin air, dropping their shrouds and firing. Others came in closer, whirling their curved blades into the Klingon line, cutting down warriors before they could react.
	Two Jem'Hadar appeared before G'Tok, flanking him. He ran towards one, blade outstretched, while he fired at the other with his disruptor pistol. He went down, with a smoking hole in his chest. He rammed his knife through the other Jem'Hadar's through with a mix of vigor and contempt. There was a gurgling sound, and the horned alien fell.
	Two more Jem'Hadar appeared before G'Tok, polaron sidearms raised. Using his blade forms, he rolled. The white beams passed over his head as he performed Stones Throw and Shadow Dancing. His opponents fell. He looked back, and watched as his fellow soldiers were cut down by the Jem'Hadar onslaught. Turning, he ran down the corridor, hoping to find another Klingon raiding party to join up with.
	G'Tok ran, until he came to a door. Blasting open a control panel, he entered, weapons upraised. 
	In the middle of the simple chamber sat a short Vorta. He seemed unperturbed by the snarling Klingon before him, or by the entire attack itself. The small little alien actually smiled as G'Tok heard the swishing sound behind him and sharp metal cut across his back, breaking off several of his spinal protectors.
	The Klingon general grunted and fell. A sharp boot kicked him over. He looked into the Jem'Hadar's eyes as they widened just before a green disruptor bolt exploded in his face. The grey alien fell, G'Tok rolling to avoid its heavy body. He stood, and looked at the Vorta.
	The Vorta's facade had vanished, and he was slowly backing away, eyes filled with fear. G'Tok raised his disruptor and fired, leaving a steaming crater in his prey's left shoulder. He rushed forward, ramming his knife in to the Vorta's solar plexus. He then angled it up, driving under the rib cage.
	The Vorta gasped and sagged. In a single fluid motion G'Tok removed his knife and stepped aside, allowing the body to fall to the floor with a thump. He kicked the corpse over and removed the data rod from his armor. Reaching down, he rubbed his hand in the blood pooling on the floor beside the dead Vorta. He smeared it on the rod. Then he took a seat, disruptor pointed at the door. And he waited.


	"General!" the captain of  the Cy'teth exclaimed as G'Tok entered the dimly lit bridge, "We thought we'd lost you."
	G'Tok flashed a toothy grin as he handed the bloody data rod to a nearby bridge officer, "Take this and have it analyzed." he crossed and took his seat in the captain's chair, "There could be valuable information contained on that rod."
	"If so, why would they put it on such an insignificant outpost?" the captain asked.
	"Perhaps they didn't think we'd look at such an insignificant outpost." he stared at the viewscreen as the four other Klingon vessels bombarded the outpost with disruptor fire. It exploded in a brief flash of light, "Set course for Kronos, maximum speed."
	"Yes, General."
	G'Tok smiled as the stars streaked and became starlines.


	Captain Adler switched off his desktop display. He looked off into space, his expression unreadable.
	"What was that?" Flynn Barris asked, sitting on the couch several feet away.
	"New orders from Admiral Sisko. The three Borg vessels have accelerated. They're expected to enter Federation space in less than two weeks. A large fleet is being massed in the Mobian sector. That's where we'll make our stand. With the starbase there backing us up we should stand a good chance."
	"And we'll be part of that fleet?" Barris asked rhetorically.
	Adler answered anyway, "Starfleet doesn't want a repeat of the Wolf and Typhon incidents, where the Borg crush our main fleets and are barely stopped before they assimilate earth. All our big guns are going to be there." he paused, "And aside from survival, Starfleet is also concerned with image. We can't appear weak to the Dominion, especially now that it looks like their victory is inevitable. We need to look like we can handle anyone and anything."
	"And where are those shipments of Drakh technology that the Dominion promised us?"
	"The Klingons've destroyed five ships carrying Drakh technology already. They're trying to live up to the bargain."
	"What bull..." Barris nearly spat on the floor.
	"Well, we're supposed to meet up with the third fleet in two days. We better leave now or face breaking the 'speed limit.'"
	"Don't have to worry about that anymore. Our new engines don't rip up the space/time continuum."
	Adler took an annoyed breath, "That's good to hear." he stood, smoothing his uniform before heading for the bridge. Barris followed.


	"The isolinear rod taken from the Dominion outpost indicates that nearly all of the ships being upgraded will be totally powered-down. If we strike soon, we can destroy half of their fleet here in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants in a single strike. This will cripple them, and we can drive them back through the Bajoran Wormhole before they can recover." G'Tok stated, raising his voice so that it filled the entire cavernous chamber.
	"This has the makings of a gigantic trap, G'Tok, if the rod isn't a fake to begin with." another Klingon said, "If you'll remember, it also states that there will be six Drakh carriers waiting in hyperspace. When we attack, all those Dominion ships have to do is send a signal and we'll be swarmed by Drakh raiders. And we all know how powerful those ships are."
	G'Tok looked at his detractor with contempt. He will have to be dealt with. But he continued, confident as ever, "The rod was verified as being genuine, Mel'vek. It was subjected to numerous tests. We will jam their communications as we decloak; they won't be able to send any signals."
	"It could still be a trap, G'Tok." Mel'vek insisted.
	"Perhaps, but it's far too good an oppurtuinity to pass up. Klingon scouts have confirmed that hundreds of Dominion ships are heading for Coras 5. This is the greatest oppurtuinity we've ever had to end this conflict, and it will not come again. We must strike quickly, soon after all their ships arrive, yet after most have been powered-down. If we wait too long or are too soon some will be operational when we attack. Timing is critical." he looked over at Gowron, who sat merely watching with something almost akin to amusement, though with steel underneath, "Chancellor, I ask that you allow this attack to go forward. If we do not end this war soon, the Klingon Empire may not survive much longer."
	Gowron nodded slowly, but said nothing.
	"The Dominion surely knows that we have this information, G'Tok. They must be planning a counterattack of some sort. Anyway you put it, General, this plan has too many risks to be considered viable."
	G'Tok shook his heavily maned head, "This is too great an oppurtuinity to pass up. Whatever the risk, we must attack soon."
	Mel'vek narrowed his eyes, "I think that you're so dependant on your contacts that you'll do anything they say, even though they're obviously leading us into a trap."
	G'Tok voice dropped ominously, "What are you suggesting, Mel'vek?"
	"That someone in the Dominion is using you to help his empire win this war. And that you're so blinded by the power that you're getting because of it that you can't see that this attack is going to ruin whatever chance the Beta Quadrant has of winning this war. They're manipulating you, G'Tok."
	G'Tok's face turned to roiling fury, "You p'tahgk!" he threw off his robe and drew his blade, "You insult my honor! You call me a traitor! You will die for this transgression!" he leapt forward as Mel'vek came at him, knife also drawn.
	Several others nearly tried to stop the battle, but Gowron ended their advances with a gesture.
	They slammed together, armor clanging. G'Tok fought hard, his face a cauldron of rage. Eyes in the Mist countered The Wheel of Fire. Thrust and counter-thrust. But finally, Blood in the Wind left Mel'Vek open and G'Tok drove his blade home; straight into his foe's chest.
	Mel'Vek gasped, looked down at the blade portruding from him and crumpled. G'Tok retrieved his blade and wiped it on the fallen Klingon's clothes before standing and then spitting on his foe. He stood before Gowron's raised dais, breathing slightly faster than normal, "I ask that you allow this attack to take place. It is the only chance we have."
	The Chancellor nodded once again before standing. He addressed the gathering, "Though the risk is great, we must go forward. We will gather as many ships as possible. This will leave homeworld and many of our most valuable colonies lightly protected. We must strike swift and true, and return before the Dominion can launch a counterassault on unguarded worlds and outposts." he looked down at the General, "You will organize our forces while I contact our allies. And when the time comes, I will accompany you. I will be there during the most crucial engagement of this war."
	G'Tok nodded, "As you say, Chancellor, I obey." This has gone even better than expected, he thought to himself. Soon, the war will be over, and I will hold the Klingon Empire on the tip of my sword.



V

	
	"Should we not attack them before they strike?" a slim Vorta asked, his face red. Weyoun looked up at him from his seated position and slightly shook his head, "But, there are nearly four thousand ships heading for Coras! One thousand five hundred on each side! Our defenseless vessels will be caught in a devastating pincer attack! We'll lose half the fleet in one engagement! You must reconsider our strategy!"
	Weyoun cocked his head and looked up at the other Vorta, blue eyes narrowed, "Our strategy remains. The fleet will continue to Coras 5 and we will allow it to attack with no intereference. And when it is done, it will be them who have lost, not us."
	"But..." the Vorta continued, becoming more flustered.
	"It is quite simple." Weyoun resumed. He gestured at the dark, shimmering form of the Drakh standing several feet away, near the window looking out into space, "When the Romulans and Klingons, among others, attack, the Drakh will appear and destroy them. As I said, quite simple."
	The standing Vorta still seemed unassured. Weyoun expression turned to one of contempt, "There are many like you, Ailen. And to satisfy them, the Successors have ordered several operational Dominion battleships and fighter wings to be on hand during the battle." he looked away, "Never let it be said that the Successors are not sympathetic gods." 
	Ailen looked around, unsure what to say next. The Drakh held out a silvery ball, clutched in its shimmering hand, "It is time." The creature retracted the translator and then started for the double doors.
	"In fact, Ailen, it appears you will aboard my personal battleship during the battle." he stood, clasping his hands behind his back, "Come, it is time to leave." He followed the Drakh out, Ailen cautiously walking behind them both.

	The large form of Weyoun's battleship slowly undocked from the lower pylon of Vlain Nor. It pulled away, running lights coming on all over its silvery hull. At the same time a blossom-shaped shuttle detached from the station's docking ring. It flew towards the sprawling form of a Drakh cruiser, several thousand kilometers away. Weyoun looked on from the bridge, Ailen at his side.
	"Amazing, isn't it?" he gestured at the Drakh ship, "Technology thousands of years more advanced then our own. And to think, it is nothing to compared to that of the Successors'."
	"We've seen no demonstration of the Successors' technology, Weyoun." Ailen responded skeptically, but with eyes still fixed on the Drakh cruiser.
	"You doubt their word, and the word of their emmissaries, the Drakh?" he said, a hint of disdain in his voice.
	"No, no of course not. Despite the fact that the Successors have not yet deigned to speak with us directly..." Ailen replied.
	With the Drakh shuttle aboard, the carrier slowly turned. Space before the Drakh ship opened, forming a shining golden passage way that ended in an ebon dot which exited in hyperspace.
	Weyoun clapped his hands together like a child, "Aaaah, that's what they call a 'jump point.' With it they can enter hyperspace and travel many times faster than we can, even utilizing subspace as we do."
	The large vessel elongated and flew into the dark point, the shining corridor closing behind it.
	"Well," Weyoun said, turning to face a Jem'Hadar at helm control, "It's time to be off. Take us to Coras 5." he nodded as he gave the order.
	There was a slight rumble as the ship went to warp, and a telltale change in the hum of the engines, but it was only detectable by the Vortas' sharp ears. The bridge doors hissed open. A familiar trenchcoated figure walked up beside Weyoun so he could see the viewscreen more clearly.
	"What are you doing here, Picard?" Weyoun asked, turning to look at the human.
	"Apparently the Successors wanted me present so that I could observe the battle." he gave Ailen a dismissive glance before continuing, "And one cannot go against the will of gods, can they?" he smiled.
	"No," Weyoun replied, looking at the floor, "No I suppose not."
	The three men stood in silence, watching as the stars flew by at light speeds.


	"Status of the fleets?" G'Tok asked the entire bridge in general.
	"All vessels in Klingon/Romulan fleet have not been detected. All vessels functioning at one-hundred percent capacity."a young officer replied from the tactical station.
	"Beta fleet?" G'Tok turned in his command chair to face the young officer this time.
	"They are descending from above the galactic plane as we speak. Reports of minor skirmishes involving the Tholians and Gorn, but no concentrated attacks. It appears that we will encounter no major resistance before reaching Coras 5, General."
	G'Tok smiled, spiny teeth glinting in the crimson bridge lights, "Picard." he said under his breath, "ETA at Coras?"
	"One hour, twelve minutes, General." the same officer responded.
	G'Tok smiled devilishly once again, "Two hours until the Dominion is ruined and the Klingon Empire begins its path back to glory."


	Adler stalked down the corridor, barely nodding to whatever crewmember he passed. Face carved from granite, he entered the transporter room, nearly colliding with the doors as they opened too slowly for his speedy gait.
	Back ramrod straight, he assumed his position on one of the transport pads, fixing the nearby technician with an impatient gaze. Voice tight, he said, "Make it quick, lieutenant. I'm late as it is and Sisko will have my head if I don't make this briefing."
	The younger officer replied, "I understand, sir. "
	"In fact, beam me right outside the conference room."
	The lieutenant's brow furrowed, "Yes, Captain. Energizing now."
	There was a glow of bluish white light, and Adler was standing in a brightly lit corridor, barely distinguishable from those on his own starship. Taking a deep breath and smoothing his uniform, he entered the conference room with a whoosh of the doors.
	"And we believe that they will be-" Admiral Sisko stopped in mid-sentence as Adler strode in. Fixing him with a vexed look, he addressed the Captain, "Good of you to join us, Captain Adler. Please, take a seat." He gestured to a chair.
	As Adler took a seat, Sisko nodded to the room's other two inhabitants, "I'm sure you know Captain Kathryn Janeway and Captain Elizabeth Shelby." Adler nodded solemly nodded to both of them in kind.
	Shelby turned back to the Admiral, "Can we get back to business, Admiral?"
	Sisko smiled a bit, "Of course, Captain."


VI


	Coras 5 was a shining world, with a light purple nimbus masking most of its surface. That which did show through was reddish brown land. Above, high in orbit, encircling the entire planet, hung countless metal frameworks enclosing hundreds upon hundreds of Dominion ships, large and small. Even more floated listlessly in space, powered-down, awaiting their turn to be upgraded. Several gigantic Dominion battleships slowly  meandered seemingly aimlessly, looking as if they wanted to be somewhere else. Patrols of Jem'Hadar fighters streaked by.	
	Several thousand miles distant, space shimmered in unison, revealing a huge menagerie of varied Klingon and Romulan vessels. At the forefront flew three massive Negh'Var class vessels, flanked by two equally large Kazanek-class Warbirds. Smaller Birds of Prey and Romulan assault vessels quickly overtook the lead command ships, heading for the shipyards at breakneck speed.
	From his command post on-board the St'Rkath, G'Tok issued orders with confidence.
	"Begin rotating E-M pulse. Block all Dominion communications." the General said anxiously.
	"Done sir." a bridge officer responded.
	Relaxing a bit, G'Tok ordered, "Fighter wings one through fifteen target stationary Jem'Hadar fighter craft. Vor'cha wings four and five attack Dominion patrol craft. I will handle their battleships."
	"All craft responding."
	He smiled, "All Klingon vessels, break and attack."


	The bridge rocked as it was targetted by enemy craft. Weyoun smiled, but it was obvious he was troubled. Somewhat tensely he commanded, "Return fire." Looking at the tactical display generated before his eyes by a metal bar and sensor hooked to his shoulder, he selected a target and ordered, "Move us in range of Romulan Warbird D-738 and destroy its bridge." He turned to the human standing near him, "They have many ships, Picard. And our outposts indicate that an even larger Tholian/Gorn fleet is approaching." he narrowed his eyes, "I hope that you haven't condemned as all with your actions. Sensors indicate that all our transmitions are being jammed. Their is no way to get word to the Drakh."
	"Do you doubt that the Successors are leading the Dominion to victory, Weyoun?" Picard questioned, eyes flashing.
	"No." Weyoun replied, turning away, "No, of course not."
	Picard smiled, crossing his arms and turning his attention back to the main viewscreen, watching as enemy and ally alike exploded before his eyes.
	

	Birds of Prey swarmed the shipyards, some falling prey to orbital guns, but most destroying their targets: paralyzed Jem'Hadar ships. The larger warships fired from a distance, the huge disruptor cannons mounted on the Kazanek and Negh'Var vessels doing massive damage with each impact. A Dominion battleship, hull burnt and missing a nacelle, careened into another, sparking a massive explosion. All around Coras 5, chaos reigned.
	And on his bridge, G'Tok nearly laughed out loud with excitement. 
	"Target that battleship with the disruptor cannon." he ordered feverishly, pointing at a huge silvery shape on the viewscreen. "You may fire when-" he was cut off as the bridge jolted with sudden impact, sparks flying from several control panels.
	"Two Jem'Hadar fighters are firing!" came an anguished cry, "They're in too close!"
	"Bridge turrets, fire!" G'Tok howled, as if the fury of his voice would shatter the attackers all by itself.
	Outside, disruptor cannons fired from their bridge emplacements, lancing through the two Jem'Hadar fighters, detonating them in mid-swoop.
	"Attackers destroyed." another officer announced, breathlessly.
	G'Tok nodded, the smile returning. With confidence he commanded once again., "Target that battleship. Fire."
	Huge golden bolts issued the gigantic disruptor cannon mounted on the St'Rkath's aft section. They ripped through their target's shields, blasting massive hole's in the battleship's hull. Small Romulan attack craft swooped in, their rounded surfaces firing volleys of destructive force at their target, blowing out a warp nacelle and tearing even more chunks out of the scorched hull.
	G'Tok nodded with satisfaction as the battleship began to pitch to port, its stabilizers severely damaged. But then an odd sight passed before his eyes. A black, shimmering little shape, it looked like some type of insect, two prongs sticking from its "head," eight spikes curling back over itself at the vessel's aft. The ship, if that is what it was, moved swiftly, dodging disruptor bolts, doing corkscrews in space with apparent ease.
	Leaning forward in his command chair, the General pointed at it, "What is that?" he questioned.
	"Unknown, sir. It appears to be composed of some type of organic material. The vessel resists all attempts to scan it."
	G'Tok scratched his chin, gaze intent on the small vessel. He didn't even notice the massive detonation of seven Dominion warships docked in the shipyard scaffolding. Narrowing his eyes, still staring he said to himself, in a low voice, "A living ship. Such technology could greatly benefit the Empire." He half-turned his head to the nearest crewmen, "I want that ship disabled, not destroyed. I suspect it will be quite useful in the future."
	"Yes sir."
	G'Tok eye's followed the bug-like vessel, paying no attention to exploding ships or flaming debris.


	Sisko pointed to the large viewscreen at the front of the briefing room, depicting thousands of symbols surrouding the massive tilting form of Starbase 273, "Our starting formation will be a simple one: Alpha Fleet, under Captain Adler's command, will be positioned several thousand kilometers directly in front of  Starbase 273."
	A bright line appeared on the screen, encircling the fleet, illuminating its position.
	Sisko continued, "Several thousand kilometers in front of and off  the portside of Alpha Fleet will be Beta Fleet, under the command of Captain Janeway. Finally, Gamma Fleet is yours, Captain Shelby. Your position will be the same as Captain Janeway's, only to the starboard side."
	The trio of starship captains glanced at each other briefly, as if measuring themselves against each other, seeing if they'd be up to the task at hand.


	Weyoun nearly fell to the floor his command-ship shuddered violently, sparks spraying from numerous control panels all along the bridge. He braced himself, and looked at the Negh'Var vessel looming ominously close with contempt and fury. 
	"Stabilizers hit!" a bridge man shouted.
	Raising his voice so he could be heard over angry shouts and exploding machinery, "Take us out of that ship's weapon range!"
	"Sir, twenty-five hundred Gorn and Tholian ships have just dropped out of warp nearby. They're heading for the planet!" a Jem'Hadar snarled.
	Weyoun fixed Picard with an angry look, "If you want to survive this battle, contact the Drakh, Picard. Now!"
	The human turned to look at Weyoun as if he'd just noticed the Vorta were there, seemingly unperturbed by the chaos around him. In a calm voice he responded, "All in due time, Weyoun. The Successors will not allow their enemies to win this battle, I assure you."
	Weyoun scowled.
	Picard cocked his head a bit and smiled at him, "When the Gorn and Tholians are close enough to the planet, the Drakh will come."
	"I hope your faith is justified."
	The human simply nodded calmly, that frustrating smile still plastered on his face.


	Large and small, Gorn ships poured forth, hitting the planet's opposite side, destroying dozens of ships as they passed. The gigantic, wedge-shaped Gorn destroyers cast large shadows on the burning wrecks that they sped by, simultaneously firing blue thoron bolts and casting huge asteroids down on the planet and shipyards before them.
	Mass drivers.
	Tholian blockade runners wove their deadly webs around their enemies, tightening them until more explosions dotted the sky, and the Tholian battleships rained cascading fire upon their stationary targets, detonating countless vessels. 
	Surrounded, sandwiched between two hostile fleets, Coras 5 burned.
	On the bridge of the St'Rkath, G'Tok smiled devishly as he watched the carnage. Broken hulks of battleships drifted across the main screen. Jem'Hadar fighters pinwheeled across his view, nacelles blown off. Upon seeing the Gorn weapons in action, his rictus grin widened, splitting his craggy face in half, "Mass drivers...We must incorporate them into the fleet as soon as possible!"
	But G'Tok's joy faded a bit as he glanced at his tactical display. The oddly shaped blip was still there, evading all attempts to destroy it. He voiced his annoyance, "Why hasn't that organic vessel been neutralized yet?"
	"The target resists all attempts to fire upon it. It has eluded numerous Romulan Nel'vek gunships and Klingon Birds of Prey. Nothing we've ever seen maneuvers like it." the tactical officer responded, his chiseled face covered in soot.
	"I want that ship taken." G'Tok nearly growled, his expression turning to a glower.
	"Yes sir." the other officer responded, a touch of fear in his voice and manner. But it quickly turned to confusion, "General, the organic vessel is sending out a signal."
	"That's impossible. We're jamming all communications."
	"It seems to be having no effect, sir."
	"Where are they transmitting to?"
	"It appears to be...hyperspace."
	G'Tok smashed his chair's armrest, a sharp crack resulting. He shouted, "No! Not when we're this close to victory! I won't allow it!"
	"Reading six energy spikes! Three are forming behind us, three behind the Tholian/Gorn fleet!"
	"Order all ships to target them and open fire!" G'Tok said wildly, a cold sweat upon him, "I won't lose it all when we're this close!"


	"The Borg vessels will most likely approach at high warp speeds in a triangular formation, one Cube in front, with the other two flanking it. Their formation and speed must be remedied for the battle to begin in earnest." Sisko explained, stillstanding alongside the viewscreen, "Alpha Fleet's destroyer group will launch photon and quantum torpedoes at the lead Cube, while Beta and Gamma fleets fire on their opposite numbers."
	"That should take the Borg out of warp." Shelby interjected.
	Sisko nodded a single time before continuing, "Once we're on equal ground, we can go on the offensive, hit them while they're somewhat disorganized and confused." the screen quickly displayed the entire sector, Borg Cubes on the left side of the monitor, approaching the three fleets and starbase 273, "Alpha Fleet's main target will be the lead Cube. Fighter groups will attack first, using anti-matter spreads to distract them, then quickly moving off, allowing the escort and middle-class groups to begin their assault. Due to their small size and maneuverability, the escort vessels should be able to stay in the battle for a long period of time." Sisko looked at the display as his strategy was played out before their collective eyes. He continued, "As the Cube's outer hull weakens, the destroyer groups will move in, using their superior firepower to destroy the Borg ship. With many of the Cube's weapons emplacements eliminated, the larger vessels will face a lessened risk of being destroyed when they attack. This tactic will greatly reduce the loss of life."
	Adler nodded in agreement, leaning forward in his chair to get a better look at the viewscreen. At the same time, Sisko turned his gaze to Janeway, and then to Shelby.
	"The Beta and Gamma's fleets objectives are one and the same: separate the two flanking Borg Cubes and either destroy or cripple them. Any medium-class vessels with plasma drivers or quantum torpedoes will maneuver in-between the Borg vessels and hit them with everything they've got. Once they're done these ships will break off and circle around their targets. Judging by our previous encounters with the Borg, the Cubes will follow. As they are led away, remaining middle-class and fighter vessels will attack, surrounding their respective targets, using anti-matter spreads keep the enemy confused. As before, when the time is right, destroyer groups will begin their assaults."
	Shelby nodded her head, "It seems to be a sound strategy overall. But the Borg adapt quickly. What if they discover what we're doing?"
	Sisko took a deep breath, the display monitor changing its graphics again. Turning toward it, he pointed out three symbols near the starbase, each far behind the fleets, "If the Cubes break through the three fleets, these ships have been rigged so that they can fire one concentrated burst from their main deflector dishes. These attacks, coupled with the damage already inflicted, should destroy the Cubes."
	Adler spoke up, brow furrowed, "Why not just do that to begin with? Stop the battle before it starts?"
	Sisko shook his head, "This same tactic was used on the Borg several years ago. It had no effect. We cannot risk burning out three powerful ships unless the situation turns dire. And, " he added, "as I said before, the previous damage to the Borg vessels should enable the deflector attacks to have their desired effects."
	The three captains looked at each other once again, nodding, though their faces were hard as iron. 
	"And if all else fails, this starbase has been outfitted with multiple phaser arrays, and quantum torpedo, tri-cobalt launchers, and plasma drivers. We won't go down without a fight." Sisko's face hardened, "The line has been drawn. The Borg will not make it to earth." he looked out into space, "Not this time."


	Space opened behind the wheeling Klingon and Romulan fleet in three brilliant, sparkling blue passages. There was a bright flash, and then the trio of Drakh carriers appeared, lanky brown shapes making them look more like giant fish than warships.
	Quickly, Drakh Raiders launched, their aqua-colored weapons arrays in sharp contrast to their tiger-shark colored hulls. They streaked forward, occaisonal beams firing from them, destroying smaller enemy vessels or knocking larger cruisers out of their way. Despite being peppered with disruptor beams and photon torpedoes, they seemed rather uninterested in the sprawling fleet before them, and more preoccupied with heading toward the planet shining in the distance. Things were much the same for the Tholian and Gorn.
	Weyoun's face lit up as he saw the Raiders approaching, knocking aside his enemies as if they were nothing more than dust mites. He stood straighter, clapped his hands together, and shot a glance at Picard, "We have been blessed by the Successors! Victory is at hand!"
	Picard turned toward him, half his mouth upturned in a slight grin, the other portion straight and expressionless, "We will see, Weyoun, we will see."


	"They appear to have no interest in us, General, only firing upon vessels that get in their way." the tactical officer reported.
	"Destination?" G'Tok asked, fury and fear faded to confusion and maybe even a touch of hope.
	"Coras 5. They Drakh behind the Tholian/Gorn fleet are on a similar course."
	"Order all Klingon vessels to move away from the Drakh ships."
	"General?"
	"There is no reason to have our ships destroyed if there is no need."
	"Yes sir."
	The Klingons on the bridge watched with mounting tension as ship after ship moved away from the Drakh. Those that did not were destroyed nearly instantly by the Drakh's weaponry.
	"They treat us like ants." one officer observed.
	"We are nothing to them." another said.
	"Perhaps we did not slay our gods. Perhaps they have returned to destroy us for all eternity." a third whispered. G'Tok merely scowled.
	"Drakh ships are within two hundred thousand kilometers of Coras." the tactical officer announced. There was a bleeping noise, "There is an energy surge above the planet. Something is...emerging."
	G'Tok leaned forward, "Show me. Maximum magnification."
	The viewscreen clicked to a close up view of the area near Coras' northern pole, debris and wreckage proliferating the scene. For several moments there was nothing; then, dark space above the world shimmered, and revealed something infinitely more ebon.
	"By Kahless...What is that?" G'Tok asked.
	The tactical officer did not answer, merely transfixed by the form before him. Its black spines stretched out into the cosmos, surface slick and shiny in the white light of the world below. It was a nightmare made form.
	G'Tok irritatedly repeated, "What is that?"
	Snapping out of his reverie, the tactical officer responded, "It appears to be an organic vessel of the same construction as that smaller ship. From the longest point it seems to measure nearly two kilometers."
	"It's even bigger then those Kazanek-class Warbirds..." one of the crew whispered fearfully.
	The entire bridge rooted where they stood by the immense ebon shape before them, they could do nothing but watch, and wait.


	"Remember, keep your shield and phaser frequencies constantly rotating." Sisko explained, now sitting at the head of the table, "Don't give them time to adapt." Shelby nodded, reinforcing the Admiral's point.
	He looked around at each of the seated captains. Standing, he said, "Good luck to you all; this meeting is ajourned. You may return to your vessels and prepare for the battle ahead." With a swift nod he was gone, the hissing of the closing doors signalling his departure.
	The three officers looked off into space, staring at nothing, lost in their own thoughts
	"I wish Picard were here." Shelby finally said, breaking the silence, "The Borg have never been defeated without him." she slapped the table, "If only damned Starfleet hadn't sent the Enterprise to investigate that anomaly. They knew it was unstable!"
	Adler looked over at her cooly, "There's no point in dwelling over events of the past, Captain. Events we can't change."
	"I agree." Janeway broke in, "Picard was a great man, a great captain, but now he's dead, and the Enterprise destroyed." she looked turned her head toward Shelby, "We're on our own now. Thinking about the advantage Picard gave us will only make things worse. We all need clear heads for the battle to come."
	Shelby looked down at the table, "Yes, you're right."
	Adler and Janeway stood, nodded to each other, and to Shelby, before leaving. She did not go. Turning her chair to face the huge windows looking out on the stars, she shook her head and said to herself, "Picard..."


	Picard stared at the jet black vessel hanging above Coras 5, the memories flooding back to him. He could still remember the first time he'd seen one as if it had been yesterday. But his reverie was quickly broken by the collective gasp running along the bridge. Even the stoic Jem'Hadar were in awe of the gigantic black shape dominating the main viewscreen. Weyoun smiled.
	"Drakh vessels are continuing toward the planet. They appear to only be targetting vessels directly in front of them. All enemy ships are changing course to avoid them."
	Weyoun's visage became puzzled for a moment, but he quickly covered, "They're probably heading directly for the shipyards to ensure no further attacks..."
	"The Successor vessel is powering weapons." one of the Jem'Hadar reported.
	"I've always wondered how powerful one of those ships is..." Weyoun said absently, eyes keenly fixed on the viewscreen.


	The gigantic black shape angled down and in one fluid motion fired a glowing crimson red beam of death down on the shipyard scaffolding below, cleaving off several kilometers of floating metal with a single strike and destroying dozens of docked vessels.
	Slowly gliding along the superstructure it fired again and again, relentessly. With every burst of unholy power, massive sections of the shipyard exploded in bright flames. Dominion ships were smashed like sticks in a hurricane before the great shadow's power.


	"General," the tactical officer reported, his voice a mix of confusion and excitement, "The unknown vessel is firing on the shipyard!"
	"Put it on the main screen." G'Tok ordered. The entire bridge crew watched as the massive black shape sliced through the metal frame, doing more damage in several seconds than most of the Klingon fleet had done during the entire engagement. Explosions rippled along the scaffolding, engulfing anything in their paths. Coras' atmosphere burned as shattered hulks of starships and crisped metal plummeted to the planet below.
	"Status of Drakh raiders?" G'Tok asked, eyes now firmly locked on the carnage before him.
	"Still heading for the planet. Estimate they'll be in weapons range within ten seconds."
	"Make sure none of our ships are near Coras. I don't want to lose more ships than necessary."
	"Yes sir. Ordering all vessels to vacate the area."
	The entire bridge waited for ten seconds that seemed like an hour. The small shapes of the Drakh ships crowded the viewscreen, obscuring the huge ebon form wreaking havoc on the planet below. As soon as they were in range, thick blue beams issued from all the Drakh vessels, ripping massive holes in the metal superstructure, tearing apart any Dominion ships that got in their way.
	"Drakh ships are firing on the planet!" the tactical officer exclaimed, his expression now one of pure excitement.
	G'Tok nodded slowly, as if it had all been inevitable. He could nearly taste his victory.


	"Why!?" Weyoun shouted, his face painted with anguish, "Why have the Successors turned on us? What have we done!?"
	Picard watched the Vorta's display impassively. When his tirade was done, Weyoun turned to the human, "You. You have something to do with this, Picard." His eyes narrowed, "You will pay for this with your life."
	Picard smiled as his hand went to the polaron pistol concealed in his trenchcoat. Lightning fast and in a single sweeping motion he drew it and fired at Weyoun. The Vorta went down with a steaming hole in his stomach. He easily dodged retaliation fire from a nearby Jem'Hadar soldier, felling him as quickly as he had his master. Pointing the gun at Weyoun once again, he announced, "He is not without hope. But if you fire on me again, he will be. Lower your weapons. Now."
	The numerous Jem'Hadar, weapons all pointed at the human, looked to the Weyoun. Breathing shallowly, he barely nodded. Reluctantly, they lowered their guns, but it was obvious they could have them up again in less then an instant.
	"Good. Now that that's settled..." Picard said, looking around. He hadn't even broken a sweat.
	"Why Picard?" Weyoun asked, looking up at him, "Why have they done this? Why have they done this?"
	Stepping closer to the fallen Vorta he crouched down and spoke into his large ear, "Because you are weak. Chaos devours the weak." Standing again, he addressed the Jem'Hadar, "The Dominion is finished. Soon, all of you"-he pointed at the grey soldiers-"will be dead."
	The Jem'Hadar looked at each other quickly, then turned back to the human. Picard continued, "Since the arrival of the Successors, all supplies of Ketracel White have been tainted with a destructive enzyme. And when a specific signal is sent from Cardassia Prime, the enzyme will activate." The Jem'Hadar snarled at this. Some raised their weapons, despite Weyoun's warning. Picard smiled at this and continued, "Within one week, all Jem'Hadar in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants will be dead. The Gamma Quadrant Jem'Hadar will fare no better."
	Weyoun gasped, "No..."
	"Yes. Without the Jem'Hadar to maintain control over the Kerremma, Hunters, and all the other races, the Dominion will collapse."
	Collectively the Jem'Hadar growled and raised their weapons. Weyoun weakly motioned for them to lower their weapons, but the Jem'Hadar didn't heed his unvoiced pleas. But not all were fixated on the human. One Jem'Hadar announced, looking at a tactical display, "The Successor vessel is heading toward us. It's powering weapons."
	Picard breathed deeply, "Well, I guess it's time that I was going." With a shrug he fired, burning a hole straight through Weyoun's chest. What little life the Vorta had left was extinguished instantly. The one thing containing their anger destroyed and hatred, the Jem'Hadar fired.
	The human laughed as the white bolts passed through the glow of transport, and his disappearing form.


	G'Tok watched as Weyoun's command-ship vainly defended itself against the approaching shadow, white polaron bursts impacting harmlessly on its attacker's onyx hull. Despite its efforts, the battleship was cleanly sliced in half by that crimson beam. 
	Drakh raiders still swarmed the shipyards, though there wasn't much left of them other than  crisped metal spinning in space. Many now directed their fire on the planet below, scorching the surface and boiling the seas. Shattered hulks of Jem'Hadar vessels were strewn everywhere.
	"It's over." the General proclaimed, "The Klingon Empire is victorious! Someone, fetch me some Bloodwine!"
	"General," the young tactical officer reported, "The unknown vessel has changed course. It's heading this way."
	"Full power to weapons and shields. Order all Klingon ships move as far away as possible from its projected course." G'Tok ordered, voice becoming anxious.
	"Yes sir." he paused, "The fleet is responding."
	Tensely, the bridge crew waited, watching as the huge shadow approached, looming closer and closer. Drakh ships still milled around Coras, firing intermittent bursts at the surface, as if making sure all life was extinguished.
	G'Tok's eyes widened as the massive ebon ship neared, practically filling the entire viewscreen. He shouted to the helm officer, "We're too close! Move us away, quickly!"
	"Attempting to, General, but the enemy vessel is coming too fast."
	"We've got an energy spike!" the Klingon at tactical announced, breathing quickly.
	A red beam fired, passing over the St'Rakath's bow. Several more followed, streaking off to the vessel's starboard side. 
	"Should I return fire?" the tactical officer asked.
	"No, it wasn't aiming for us." G'Tok ordered, brow furrowed.
	With its volley was done, the huge ship increased its speed, heading into the very midst of the wheeling fleet, skrieking in the minds of the crew of any vessel it passed. Those that got in its way were reduced to shards of burnt metal in seconds.
	Slowly, the huge shape faded into the night, as if it had never existed. 
	"Sir, the enemy vessel had disappeared from our senors. We can't pick it up anywhere." the tactical officer said, exhaling loudly with relief.
	"Some type of cloaking device?" G'Tok asked rhetorically. He gave no one the chance to answer, "Status of Drakh ships?"
	"It appears that half of their number continue to bombard the planet, while the others are returning to their carriers."
	"Well, there's no reason to remain here. Contact Gowron. Tell him that I'm ordering the fleet to return to Kronos."
	"Yes sir." the communications officer said. His brow furrowed as he recieved a response to his message, "General," he paused, taking a deep breath, "Chancellor Gowron is dead."
	G'Tok was up in a second, stalking over to the communications station. He said the words to himself as he read them, "Chancellor Gowron was killed when the unknown vessel fired on the Negh'Var, destroying its bridge and causing severe damage."
	The comminications officer looked over at G'Tok, "That means you're the new Chancellor, General."
	G'Tok breathed deeply, "Yes, I suppose so." His face was a mask of sadness. Slowly walking back over to his command chair and sitting like all energy had been drained from him, he ordered, "Signal all ships. We're returning to Kronos immediately."
	Despite his outward display of concern, he couldn't keep a small smile from his face, if just for a moment. 
	It's my time now.
	

	
	

	
	

		
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