by John Peel
Still, he had several calls to make, none of which were likely to be pleasant. When he reached his ready room, the first one he placed was to Admiral Noguchi.
The old man managed a thin smile. "I hope you have good news to report, Captain."
"I wish I had, sir," Sisko replied. "The Hivemasters are still intent on making Bajor their next target, and nothing I've managed to do so far has convinced them to change their minds. However, one of the Masters, Tork, is accompanying me back to Bajor to study the situation for himself. I believe he is sympathetic, and I hope that I can win him over to our side."
Noguchi nodded. "But will one lone voice for us affect them?"
"Frankly, I'm not sure," Sisko admitted. "But there's very little hope otherwise."
"I understand, Captain." Noguchi drew himself up straight. "Then Starfleet's orders are clear: If you cannot persuade the Hive to change its plans, you must do all within your power to stop them. We cannot allow these intruders to devastate another planet—particularly not Bajor. Is that clear, Captain?"
"Perfectly." Even though he had been expecting the command, it still disturbed Sisko. "They are not a bad people, Admiral. I hope we can negotiate a peaceful settlement."
"So do I, Captain," Noguchi said fervently. "Starfleet wants nothing more than peace. But we cannot allow a planet-wrecking society to remain at large in this galaxy." He glanced at his padd. "Relief will not be with you any faster," he apologized. "This one is on your shoulders, Benjamin. I'm sorry."
"So am I, Admiral," Sisko admitted. "But it's part of my job." He signed off, feeling weary. That communication had been bad enough, but he was dreading the next one.
A few moments later, Gul Dukat's supercilious smile greeted him. "Captain! Allow me to congratulate you on your recent promotion. It couldn't have happened to a better human."
"Thank you, Dukat," Sisko answered. "But this is not a social call. I assume you have been briefed on the situation in the Darane system by your ship that's sitting here watching?"
Dukat inclined his head slightly. "You mean the tragic destruction of Darane IV and the appalling loss of life with it? Sadly, yes." He spread his hands. "I wish I could help, but complications have arisen, and there is little we can do but offer condolences."
"You'd better save them for your own people," Sisko told him, and was slightly pleased to see the smug expression wiped off the Cardassian's face.
"What do you mean, Captain?"
Sisko hedged for a moment. "Do you know what is happening to the Hive at this moment?"
Dukat glanced away for a few seconds, and then back. "It appears to be suffering some kind of splitting process," he replied. "My observers think it may be fissioning into two separate craft."
"Your observers are quite correct," Sisko confirmed. "In two days, there will be two identical Hives, each with the capacity and appetite of the first Hive."
"That is … unfortunate," Dukat answered. Then the point sank home, and he scowled into the screen. "Appetite? You mean that the two Hives will be seeking further worlds to plunder?"
"Precisely. One of the Hives is targeting Bajor."
Dukat clucked his tongue. "That's a shame. I assume that the Federation will be protecting their ally?"
"We will be doing everything that we can," Sisko extemporized. "What should interest you more is that the second Hive will be heading for Cardassia Prime."
That completely wiped the last vestiges of his smugness away. "What?" If it was possible for a Cardassian to look paler, Dukat managed that astounding feat. "Cardassia Prime?"
"Your hearing is excellent." Sisko leaned forward. "I wish we could offer you assistance, but under the circumstances…" He spread his arms. "Given their level of technology, Dukat, I'd strongly advise you to try and talk to these people to avoid a war."
"Thank you for your concern, Captain," Dukat managed to say, looking very pained. "But we know best how to look after our own interests. Thank you for this … information. Now, I believe I had better discuss this matter with my colleagues." The screen went blank.
At least I managed to shake him up a bit, Sisko thought. But the Cardassians were in a much better position to meet this threat head on than Bajor was. Cardassia had three fleets stationed within two days of the homeworld at all times. Maybe they would stand a chance if it came down to a war with the Hive. Bajor had no such forces. The only things that stood between it and the Hive were the Defiant and Deep Space Nine. And there wasn't a great deal of firepower concentrated between the two of them.
He could put off his next call no longer. A moment later, he was looking into the troubled eyes of Shakaar. The first minister grimaced slightly.
"It's too much to hope for good news, I imagine," he said.
"I'm afraid so," agreed Sisko. "The Hivemasters remain firm in their intentions. However, I will be bringing one of their number with me back to DS9 and then on to Bajor. He is willing to listen to whatever you have to say. I think he is sympathetic to our point of view, and we may be able to win him over."
Shakaar nodded. "That, as you humans say, is the good news. I can tell from your expression that there is also bad, and that it probably outweighs the good."
"Yes," Sisko admitted. "Even if Tork is on our side, I am not sure that his fellow Hivemasters will agree with him that Bajor should be spared. They seem pretty set on making you their next target."
Shakaar sighed. "How can any race be so indifferent to the suffering they cause?" he exclaimed.
"They aren't indifferent," Sisko corrected him. "They do feel badly about the whole thing. But they're working on some Great Design, and feel that the needs of the Hive take precedence over the wishes of aliens."
"Wonderful." Shakaar shook his head. "So we're going to be attacked by a race that doesn't wish us any harm but will kill us anyway."
"That's about it," agreed Sisko. "Naturally, my people and I will do everything in our power to stop them, Shakaar."
"I know that, Captain, and we are truly grateful. We, also, will do everything in our power to stop the Hive. Let us both pray that our combined efforts will be successful." He terminated the conversation.
Sisko sighed and settled back. It had gone better than he'd feared. Shakaar, at least, was a very rational man, and didn't waste time or words on recriminations or foolish posturing. But there was no denying that this was a dire situation. And their only hope at the moment was one sympathetic alien who might turn out to be completely powerless in the end. . . .
Sahna was both elated and terrified. When Tork had broken the good news to her that they would not be separated after all, she had, at first, been thrilled. Her confidence in him had not been misplaced: he had salvaged their relationship without compromising his integrity. Now, however, as she stood prepared to accompany him to the alien vessel, she was having twinges of fear.
She had never been off the Hive before. None of her people had, as far back as the First Hive. To leave the comfort and friendship of her people, to risk her life with aliens … that was, quite frankly, scaring her. She did not know what to expect. The only thing that prevented her from panicking and backing out of this trip was Tork's confidence. He had to be as scared as she was, but he trusted and liked these aliens. They had saved his life, and the lives of others. That spoke well for them. They lived in a space station of their own, which showed their intellectual evolution.
But they terrified her. Aliens!
Sahna wished she could behave more like a scientists to simply accept facts and not burden herself with emotional issues, but she could not. The idea of being out among the stars she loved was appealing. And she would be going where none of her race had gone before. She and Tork were pioneers. . . .
She wished it were someone else. But it was not.
Tork gave her an encouraging smile. "Courage," he whispered to her, stroking her shell affectionately.
"I will not shame you," she promised.
"I know that" he answered. "Ah, here is Odo
now."
Sahna looked around the vestibule as the alien—the first she had ever seen—arrived. She couldn't suppress a shudder and a gasp as she saw him. "Forgive me," she said, attempting to excuse her lack of respect. "I did not mean to be rude. But you are so …"
"Ugly?" asked Odo. He bent his head to one side and studied her. "I am not offended. Others have thought me so before, and doubtless others will in the future."
"I am sure I must look as ugly to you," Sahna stammered.
"Not quite," Odo replied. "But I have the advantage over you. I have met thousands of alien intelligences and am beyond such reactions. Considering I am your first alien, I think you're doing rather well."
Pleased by his understanding, Sahna inclined her head. "You are very kind."
"Well," Odo said brusquely, as if embarrassed by the compliment, "I think it is time that we left." He looked at Sahna and then Tork. "Are you both prepared for this?"
Sahna swallowed nervously. "Will it hurt?" she asked.
"Not at all. There will be a momentary sense of dislocation, and then you will be on board the Defiant. It is a safe and not unpleasant experience." Odo tapped the badge on his clothing. "Three to beam over."
Trying hard not to panic, Sahna steeled her nerves for whatever was about to happen. For an instant, that was nothing at all. Then she felt a tingle throughout her body, and her vision seemed to shimmer. When this cleared, her surroundings were utterly different. She stood within a different chamber, on a slightly raised platform. Facing her were three beings that were clearly non-Hive. In rough shape and appearance, they resembled Odo, but she realized that there were minor and possibly significant differences.
"Welcome to the Defiant." The one who had spoken and stepped forward was tall and dark in coloring. This must be the Sisko, of whom Tork had spoken. Her guess was confirmed when Tork stepped down and greeted the man.
"Thank you, Captain Sisko. May I present Sahna? She is my assistant and my One-to-be."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Sahna." Sisko smiled at her, and gestured for her to leave the platform. "Please join us."
"Thank you, Captain." Sahna followed Tork, staying close to him. These aliens were strange-looking and puzzling to her—and at the same time exhilarating. An alien species! No, several, if what Tork had said was accurate.
Sisko finished the introductions. "This is Major Kira, and this is Chief O'Brien."
Sahna bowed her head to each in turn. Kira was also tall, but her nose structure was odd. She also wore some form of ornamentation on one ear, perhaps for some ritual reason. She was, judging by the shape of her unshelled body, a female. O'Brien was stockier, and she guessed probably male. It was difficult to be certain with alien races. Could she judge them by the standards of the Hive?
"Let's go to the bridge," Sisko suggested. "Then we can get under way for Deep Space Nine."
Sahna followed along as a part of the group, trying to absorb as many details of the craft through which she passed as she could. The alien named Kira fell in beside her.
"So," Kira said, "You're Tork's One-to-be? Does that mean you two have a relationship, then?"
Sahna bowed her head. "Yes. As soon as is possible, we are to become One." She wrinkled her snout. "Do you have similar ritual arrangements?"
"Yes," answered Kira, laughing. "We call them marriages."
"Ah." Sahna nodded. "Interesting."
"Here we are." Kira gestured for Sahna to precede her through an open doorway. Unlike the Hive, these doorways slid aside instead of irising open.
Moving on the bridge of the ship, Sahna stared about in amazement. It looked very complex and busy. It was also very cramped and dark, compared to her workspace on the Hive. She realized that space on this small craft was at a premium, but did it really have to be so small? She realized she was judging the aliens again, and clamped down on those thoughts.
There were several workstations, most of them staffed by the same kind of humans as she had already met. The far end of the room was taken up by a large screen, which was at the moment completely blank.
"I'm afraid we don't have chairs to fit you," Sisko commented as he led them across the bridge. "I'm having some fabricated for the quarters you'll be assigned on Deep Space Nine, though. Meanwhile, I hope you won't be too uncomfortable here."
"This will be fine, Captain," Tork said politely. Sahna could tell that he felt rather confined in the room also, but he was being polite. The aliens were trying their best, after all.
"Good." Sisko moved to what was obviously a chair designed for his body and sat down. It was weird seeing an intelligent being bend like that without snapping a limb! "Helm, set course back to DS9. Warp five."
"Acknowledged," the helmswoman answered.
There was the briefest flare of sound from whatever powered this ship, and then it settled back down to the background hum again. "Are we moving, Captain?" asked Sahna.
"Yes," Sisko replied. "The inertial dampers keep you from realizing it, though."
"Fascinating," she commented. "Your technology is truly amazing."
Sisko laughed. "I had thought the same of yours."
Inclining her head, Sahna agreed. "We both have some unique aspects to our lives, I suspect." She glanced up at the screen hungrily. "Is it possible for me to view the stars? I am excited to be out here among them, Captain. I have never been in space before."
Sisko glanced at Tork. "I've kept the screen blanked out in case of … problems," he replied carefully and politely.
"And I appreciate the thought, Captain," Tork answered. "But I must get used to the sight of the stars." He looked toward the screen. "This is only a representation, is it not? Perhaps, then, it will not affect me as strongly."
Proud of her male, Sahna said, "And I am with you, my love. I will try and give you strength." How many other males would dare so much as he?
"Very well" Sisko agreed. "But if it does prove to be too much for you, I'm switching it off." He moved to one of the panels and tapped in a series of commands. "Get ready," he warned them. "Screen is coming on-line … now."
The blankness vanished slowly, and gradually images started to form. The background was dark, and then thousands of points of light came into view.
The stars! And she was among them!
Beside her, Tork gave a strangled gasp of shock and terror. She whirled to him in concern. He was rigid with fear, but he had not curled into a ball. Sahna could see the tension in every line of his face and body, and his hands were clutched into claws. He was shaking and sweating, but he was fighting off the worst of it.
"I am so proud of you," she whispered in his ear.
Tork managed a very strained nod of his head, but he was spending almost all of his powers of concentration on fighting the terror that was ripping at his soul. This was a fight she could offer only emotional support for; he would have to wage this war alone.
Glancing around, Sahna saw that Sisko was watching with concern. "He is all right," Sahna informed the captain. "It will get better for him soon. This representation of the stars does not seem to be as hard on him as the real thing."
"I'm glad to hear it," Sisko replied, removing his hand from the screen's controls. "As long as you are sure."
"I am." She stared greedily back at the screen again, drinking in the view. It was magnificent! "Is it possible to change the angle of view?" she asked. "I should like to see what the Hive looks like from the outside."
"Of course." Sisko manipulated the controls again.
Slowly, the picture shifted. He was doing this out of concern for Tork, she was certain, and she felt grateful for this. Tork was still rigid, but he seemed less tense now. He really was getting acclimatized to the view. On the screen, the stars shifted, and then the Hive moved into the image. When it was centered, the picture stopped.
They were receding from the Hive quite quickly, and the beautiful shape was getting smaller and smaller as she watched raptly. Her home, and the home of her people
for thousands of generations! No Hive dweller had ever been this far away in all of history. She felt a pang of sickness, wishing to be back. But that was swallowed up in her sense of wonder. What further marvels lay ahead of her?
She was on the adventure of a lifetime. The only cloud over it was the possibility that it might end with the destruction of an inhabited planet if the Hivemasters had their way. . . .
CHAPTER 19
"ROM! ROM! WHERE are you, you lazy good-for-nothing?" Quark scanned his stockroom angrily.
"Here I am, brother!" Rom popped out from behind a stack of crates, carrying a barrel of Romulan ale. "I was just—"
"Well, don't," snapped Quark. "This is no time for such frivolities. Put that thing down and listen to me."
With a grunt of relief, Rom did as he was asked. "What is it, brother?" he asked anxiously. "You look worried."
"Of course I look worried, you idiot—anyone with half a brain would be worried." He glared at Rom. "That's why you're not worried, of course." He handed across a padd. "Here, go and take inventory in storage room nine."
"Room nine?" Rom looked confused. "But you told me never to go in there!"
Quark sighed, then growled, "And now I'm telling you to go in there. Can't you do anything I tell you without argument?"
"Of course I can, brother," Rom said quickly. "Uh … isn't room nine where you store your armaments?"
"Special orders!" Quark yelled angrily. "Special orders—remember that. I've put the access code on the padd so you can get in."
Rom wisely didn't mention that he already knew it. "Of course, I get it!" he exclaimed happily. "You're going to be selling arms to the Bajorans for their upcoming war."
"How perceptive." Quark's voice dripped sarcasm. "Of course I am. Then we're getting out of here, fast."
Rom frowned. "But why, brother? Rule of Acquisition Number Thirty-Five states—"
"Don't start quoting the Rules to me!" snapped Quark. "I knew them backwards before you'd learned to stop drooling. 'War is good for business.' Rom, think for a minute—assuming it won't overload your wiring. Why is war good for business?"