Shadows of the Night, Part XXVII

Ackbar had been distrustful of Thrawn when his fleet arrived during a particularly nasty battle with the Ssi-Ruuk at Muhdel, but over the weeks that followed the mounting problems had left him little choice but to try and find a way to fight alongside his former enemy. After all, he reminded himself, things have changed; this was the same man who wanted a truce with the Republic, something none of the other warlords had wanted. Maybe things had changed after all. In fact, Thrawn was being considered something of a hero to many worlds of the Republic, a rather uncomfortable thing for Ackbar but something that needed to be accepted. He'd certainly rather have him and his ships instead of trying to fight this war alone.

Thrawn had been invited over to Home One, Ackbar's command ship, to discuss the current campaign. It was rumored that he had a keen mind when it came to military operations, and given the strain of the past several months Ackbar was more than willing to swallow his pride and get some feedback from his Imperial counterpart.

"It's a difficult position," Thrawn said as he nodded his head, looking at the holographic representation of enemy forces across the galaxy. "A war fought on two fronts is a war not easily won."

"Yes," Ackbar said with weariness. Even if he hadn't already known it, the recent experience had taught that well enough.

"However," Thrawn said with some thought, "perhaps we can use that to our advantage."

"How do you plan to do that?" Ackbar asked with incredulity. Being surrounded is exactly the opposite of what any commander wants for his forces, regardless of how primitive or advanced.

"Tell me, if two men are engaging you in personal combat from front and behind, what's the best thing you can do?"

"I don't know," Ackbar said testily, "Duck?"

"Exactly," Thrawn replied.

Ackbar stared curiously at him. "Fine, what does that have to do with us?"

"You shall see, admiral," Thrawn said. He studied the map of Borg activity in some detail. "Yes, that should do it," he said finally. "Take the fleet to these coordinates," he said to Ackbar, indicating a point on the display.

"Are you mad?" Ackbar said. "We're not moving there, there's no sign of Ssi-Ruuk activity there."

"There will be," Thrawn said.

Ackbar remembered now why he didn't like dealing with Imperials. "What are you up to?" he asked suspiciously.

"I'm trying to end the war," Thrawn replied. "You'll just have to trust me."

"I don't."

"That's unfortunate," Thrawn said, "because you don't have much choice in the matter. If you won't listen to reason I'll take my ships and leave you to solve this mess."

"You haven't explained what you're doing," Ackbar replied.

"I can't. Not yet. It's vital that this remain as secret as possible. But don't worry, I'll fill you in on exactly what's going on, but you have to move the fleet."

Ackbar didn't like it, but he didn't have much choice. He knew that if Thrawn left over this the Republic would descend into chaos. On a thousand worlds word had spread that the Republic didn't care about its member worlds; by driving away Thrawn and his fleet he would only be reinforcing that belief. Reluctantly, he agreed.

The USS Enterprise returned from hyperspace, grateful to find the fleet none the worse for wear during her long absence. Apparently the Borg had committed themselves to the invasion of the Republic for now, which at least gave them some time to go over the newly discovered data about the Borg Pyramid. Riker was also surprised at the latest revelation he received when they returned.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say, it's good to have you back, Jean-luc," Riker said in the Enterprise's meeting room. There was agreement from the others present: Laforge, Luke, and Capt. Janeway.

"Thank you," said Picard. "I'm afraid that my return brings bad news." He quickly filled them in on everything, the Imperial ambush, Thrawn's revelation, and the insistence that the Empire believes him to be dead.

"I can understand why," Luke said. "If Thrawn does have this influence over the Borg, he might try to destroy the Federation to cover his tracks."

"And I for one fail to see how we could stop him," Riker said grimly. "How did he know about this project? We kept it a very secure secret."

"I did some investigating," Janeway said. "We have reason to believe the Cardassians have been trading secrets to the Empire in exchange for supplies to fight their Civil War. If they somehow found out about it, they could have easily given it to the Empire."

"Gee, who'd imagine us being betrayed by Cardassians," Laforge said dryly.

"Anyone know who's specifically responsible?" Riker asked.

"Starfleet believes Gul Tulvek is the one dealing with the Imperials," Janeway said. "But he uses intermediaries. The most well-known is a Cardassian named Garak."

"Garak?" Luke said in disbelief. "I worked with him during the war. I find it hard to believe he'd betray us to the Empire."

"I don't," Riker said. "This means we're going to have to keep your presence," he indicated Picard, "a closely guarded secret. No one can know, or we risk the Federation."

"That's going to be difficult," Laforge said. "Starfleet's withdrawing the fleet in light of the data on the Borg Pyramid. They said they don't want to do anything to provoke them while they're examining it, especially after what we've learned about Coruscant."

"Then instruct the fleet," Riker said. "We'll withdraw within the hour. Dismissed."

Janeway walked out of the meeting room towards the transporter room. Luke ran to catch up to her. "Captain," he said quickly, and she stopped.

"Yes," she asked curiously.

"About Seven," he asked with concern. "Is it true?"

"I'm afraid so. Still no progress since you departed."

Luke put his hand to his head; he'd only just heard about her condition on their rendezvous with the fleet, that she might not- No. She was strong. She- He looked up. "What do you mean, 'since you departed?'"

"Captain Riker didn't tell you?" Janeway said. She made a gesture of "boy did I screw up." "I'm sure he had a good reason," but before the words even finished Luke had turned and stormed back into the room where Riker and Laforge were talking.

"You knew about Seven," Luke demanded.

Riker looked uncomfortable. "Yes," he said.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Luke demanded.

"Mr. Skywalker," Riker said, "I'm in the middle-"

"Answer me!"

Riker looked hard at him. "Geordi, step outside." Laforge complied. "Mr. Skywalker, you're a guest on my ship. I appreciate all your assistance, but you'd better not forget that fact."

"You haven't answered my question," Luke said darkly.

"I didn't tell anyone," Riker said firmly. "I knew we were going on an extended mission, and worrying about one of our colleagues wasn't going to help us get the job done."

"We had a right to know!" Luke insisted.

Riker stared at him in confusion. "What brought this on? Wait..." He took his seat and stared at the wall for a while. Luke's anger slipped into despair and grief. "The Borg Cube. It wasn't our fear you sensed, it was Seven's, just after nearly being assimilated." Luke said nothing, and Riker shook his head. "You care a great deal about her, don't you... that's what happened, isn't it. Because of her, you lost control." Luke didn't answer, but it was clear he didn't need to. Riker sighed. "If I'd known, Luke, I would have told you. I'm sorry." Luke said nothing, and Riker must have seen how distraught he'd become. "The fleet's rendezvousing at DS13, where she's staying," he said.

Luke nodded. "Good," he said. "Good..." He turned to leave, but Riker stopped him.

"You remember Kalib mentioning that prophecy about opening that citadel on the Borg homeworld?" Riker asked. Luke nodded. "He included the full version in the data he provided before we parted ways." He shook his head. "I'm not normally one for prophecies, but this is downright scary." He held up the PADD and read it aloud. "'I saw an alien, with hair like amber and eyes of blue - the touched one. An orphan, in part. The mother is dead, the father gone, a child raised by strangers, trying to escape the legacy of evil. This child will be touched with powers beyond understanding, and strive to be pure in spite of the shadows of the past.'"

Luke cleared his throat. "That does sound a little familiar, doesn't it."

Riker nodded. "It goes on. 'The touched one knows the Borg must be stopped, and will bend every thought to it. But the first attempt will fail, for the child was not truly ready. But then the time will come and the child will know how to open the door, and in so doing, the evil of the Borg will be forever ended.'" He lowered the PADD. "I'm not normally inclined to believe such things," he admitted, "but given what I know about the Force, it is certainly possible that this prophet of theirs could have foreseen our arrival on the planet."

Luke nodded. "There were many prophecies of the Jedi in times of old," he explained. "This is comparable with the level of detail many included."

Riker nodded, but there was an element to it that implied he was a little out of his depth. "There's more, though if it is about you, I'm not sure you want to hear it." He looked to Luke, who nodded, and took up the PADD. "'But do not be fooled, for the door holds back the ancient evil of the Collective, yet it is the only doorway that leads to the means of victory. But that victory will only come at a terrible cost, as the sins of the dark father are visited on the son. Yet this must happen, for if it is not then the Borg and the spider will consume all things, and cast darkness across galaxies known and unknown. They have grown too strong now... only another evil, born of light but consumed by hate, can hope to overcome it. And the child, champion and savior of all, will find no joy in victory, only tears... standing alone.'"

Luke looked into Riker's face, then turned and left without comment. Let them prophecy, he thought grimly. Right now the Borg are the furthest thing from my mind.

A large fleet of Ssi-Ruuk ships was battling a handful of Star Destroyers at the Hhhyll System when suddenly the enemy ships turned and vanished into hyperspace. The Ssi-Ruuk weren't surprised why the Imperials would want to flee from their superiors, but it certainly wasn't in character with what they had been up to.

And then they checked their sensor records, and they saw it. A secret message, encrypted of course, but childishly simple to the advanced Ssi-Ruuk mind. What they read filled them with excitement and bloodlust. Apparently their campaign of terror was working; the Emperor himself had commanded a large fleet to come and protect him from the Ssi-Ruuk forces at the Noad System. At last, it was their chance for revenge against his betrayal. A scoutship was sent, confirming the presence of the Imperial fleet, many many ships to be sure, but the Ssi-Ruuk would triumph. All the warriors gathered their forces and prepared for the final assault that would bring them the vengeance they had been seeking for so long.

"Well," Kira asked, unable to believe everything she'd been told. "What's the situation with Quark?"

Lt. Barclay shrugged. "He's obviously a bit shaken up by all this. He was programmed to accept his own existence; this has caused some serious conflict problems within his program." He turned back to the display for a moment. "He's remarkable; probably the most advanced isomorphic projection I've ever encountered."

"Who made it?" she asked. "And why? Why create a simulation of a Ferengi bartender?"

"Ah, I think I can answer the second, if not the first." Kira was a little surprised with the lieutenant. He seemed much more at ease than he had been in previous discussions. Apparently he found discussing holograms relaxing. "His perceptions have been set up into a program matrix, in essence recording all of his experiences. It seems to me that someone wanted to keep an eye on things here on this station. And in retrospect he's the perfect choice; he's a shopkeeper with a reputation, he blends into the background unnoticed, and as a Ferengi there's no need to worry about telepaths growing suspicious."

"In other words," Kira said, "He was a spy."

"Well," Barclay began, and then floundered. He shrugged, "Yes."

"This raises another question," Lando said. "What does this have to do with Boba Fett? Remember, Quark had some kind of dealing with him."

"Ah, I checked into that, Mr. Calrissian," Barclay said. "Apparently Quark's memory of that entire exchange has been erased."

"So," Lando said, "It seems we've got more questions than we do answers."

"Not for much longer," Kira said with determination. "I don't like spies on my station. We are going to get to the bottom of this."

Ackbar was restless as he paced the bridge of Home One, wondering just what was going on now that they were hundreds of light-years from the nearest Republic world. This was a mistake, he thought; ultimatum or not I shouldn't have listened to him. We've got to take the battle to the Ssi-Ruuk, that's the only way to eliminate them so they could focus their attention on the Borg.

Thrawn entered the Bridge quite calmly, which antagonized Ackbar to no end. "What are you doing here?" he demanded. "You should be in command position on your ships for the battle, if there even is one."

"Oh there will be, admiral," Thrawn replied evenly. "Although we don't have too much to worry about." He climbed up the ladder to the elevated portion of the bridge and looked at the mass of ships, Republic and Imperial side by side. "It's good to see us working together again; united children of our galaxy defending it against these invaders."

"Yes, wonderful," Ackbar replied. "Now can we prepare for the battle..."

"There's nothing to prepare," Thrawn said. "Everything's already been set into motion."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you read much Federation culture?" he asked plainly.

"No," Ackbar said with impatience.

"Let's just call this a variation on the Trojan Horse," Thrawn replied. "Except we've tricked the Ssi-Ruuk into the horse."

"I don't understand what you're trying to say."

"It's not important," Thrawn said, dismissing it. "Just be prepared to move out the fleet on my signal."

"Your signal," Ackbar said. "I command this fleet; we agreed on that."

"And you do," Thrawn replied. "And that's why I'm asking you to order the fleet to move."

"When?" Ackbar demanded.

"Sir," Thaneespi said excitedly, "A Ssi-Ruuk fleet is coming out of hyperspace! It's- It's enormous!"

Ackbar gaped in shock as he saw the distant ships like a swarm of locusts in space. Could they destroy that many? he thought.

"I think now would be a good time," Thrawn said.

"What?"

"Move out the fleet, admiral."

"What are you talking about? The Ssi-Ruuk are here. We've got to try and stop them."

"That won't be necessary," Thrawn said. He looked at his chronometer. "And I do suggest for all our sakes that you hurry and give the order."

"No more games, Thrawn," Ackbar said angrily. "What's going on?"

"The Ssi-Ruuk are trying to destroy us," Thrawn said quickly. "And they'll succeed if you don't give that order."

Ackbar was livid but he had no choice. With anger he ordered Thaneespi to tell all ships to move to lightspeed. The fleet was quick to respond, disappearing from reality, but it was only temporary; the Ssi-Ruuk would pursue them to their destination and...

"Sir! We've detected an interdiction field!"

"How many ships have we lost?" Ackbar said quickly.

"None sir," Thaneespi replied. "It appeared after we'd already left."

Ackbar eyed Thrawn suspiciously. "What's going on?"

"I told you," Thrawn said. "We'll let the two fight it out."

"What are you talking about?"

"Didn't you pay attention to what was going on on that map?" Thrawn asked with surprise. "If all goes well, we should have this problem taken care of for us."

The Ssi-Ruuk ship watched the Imperials disappear, a surprising turn to say the least. That left the Emperor undefended on the planet. A just turn, they thought, the betrayer betrayed by his own troops. They moved to engage the planet when they saw the truth: there was no one there. The planet was lifeless. Instead a device was broadcasting false lifesign readings. What was happening?

Suddenly there were more ships and the Ssi-Ruuk were surrounded. Very well, they would pay for their interference. And then they received the communication.

"We are the Borg. Resistance is futile. Your existence as it has been is over. From this time forward you will service us."

The Ssi-Ruuk ships scoffed at the threat, but were amazed at how resilient these ships were; after only a few hits their weapons were causing little or no damage. After a few minutes they realized that their forces were being overrun; despite their numerical superiority these Borg were overwhelming them. A call for retreat was ordered, but their hyperdrives wouldn't function. It was impossible; these Borg were inferior! Inferior! "You cannot stop us!" one of the commanders shouted over the communications array at them. "We are the Ssi-Ruuk! We are superior!"

"Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own," the Borg replied. "You will add to our perfection."

And despite their words of bravado, the Ssi-Ruuk began to panic. They had never faced an enemy like this before. They were unrelenting, unmerciful. They didn't just destroy their ships, they tore them to pieces and swallowed them up. Several Ssi-Ruuk ships tried to escape at sublight speeds, but they were quickly surrounded and devoured as well.

The commander of one of the last ships realized their situation, and decided to take action. The self-destruct was ordered on the ship as he carefully opened a large container, pulling out a rock strapped to an antigrav pad, one of the remains of his homeworld. Perhaps, he thought, perhaps if I die here, with it, I'll be saved. He watched with surprisingly little emotion as the ship's reactor began charging to overload. Then he heard the noise, like a descending swirl sound. Three creatures had appeared on the bridge of the ship. Were these the Borg? What were they doing here? He pulled out his weapon and fired at the tall one, causing it to stop for a moment; then it continued towards him while the other two moved towards the controls. "No!" he said, realizing what they were doing, and he fired again and again, but to his astonishment the weapon stopped in the air before reaching the beast. It plucked him up off the remains of his world and held him in the air before its lifeless face. Monster, he thought as he looked at the strange beast, part machine, part animal, and it had three legs?! "Put me down," he insisted. "We are the superior! We are-" his voice was cut off by the tubes that entered his throat. He was dropped twitching to the floor, unable to move voluntarily. He watched in horror as the reactor began to stabilize thanks to the other monsters that had arrived. No, he would not die today, a fact he learned to his horror.

It took less than an hour for the remains of the Ssi-Ruuk fleet to be rounded up and absorbed into the collective. Billions had been added, many new technologies already being integrated into the Borg collective, moving them closer and closer to perfection. When Anansi returned to them they agreed that the mission had been a success. The Borg were now that much closer to their goal of perfection.

Now was the time for the final phase to begin.

Go To Part XXVIII
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