Sunday, 10 August 2025

Federation No More: Civil War Chapter Sixty-Six

"...and if Servalan was to win the forthcoming presidential election, we in the Traxxon government would have to strongly re-consider our role within the Federation."

"You mean you would leave?"

"Yes. That is one option."

"Those were the words of Traxxon First Minister Unai. Minister Unai is the first planetary leader to speak out against President Servalan..."

"Switch it off.", Servalan ordered. "I've heard enough."

Tarak Queeg, standing by the view-screen, did as he was ordered.

"Do you believe him?", Queeg asked.

"To be honest, yes, I do."

Then, Commander Sleer entered the office.

"Madam President, General Hague is here to see you."

"Good. Show him in."

A few seconds later, Hague was seated before Servalan.

"I'm very disappointed with you, General. Why was I not informed about the incident with the Dominion?"

"You were away on your goodwill tour, and I didn't want to cause undue alarm among the citizens of the Federation."

"That is not good enough, General. I still should have been told of your peace plan. As it is, several of Deep Space Nine's senior officers are now missing in the Gamma Quadrant."

"As I understand it, Madam President, Lieutenant Dax and Chief O'Brien have been found."

"I know. At this moment, they are helping prepare Deep Space Nine for the peace talks with the Dominion."

"With all due respect, shouldn't these talks be held on Babylon 5? After all, it is neutral territory."

"The Founders wanted the talks held on D.S.9. They have also asked that all major powers in the Alpha Quadrant be represented."

"Then as Commander-in-Chief I should leave soon."

"Not needed, General. Admiral Nacheyev will be handling things for the Federation."

"But surely talks like this should..."

"I have the utmost faith in the Admiral, General. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I have work to do."

Hague stood up, and shortly left the office. Seconds later, Queeg and Sleer left also.

Once alone, Servalan switched on her view-screen, and tuned her communicator to a private channel.

"Morgan, your services are needed again."

Slowly, Captain Janeway began come around. Around her she could see her fellow crew members also beginning to regain their senses.

It seemed as if she had been out for only a few moments, yet she clearly remembered the scene near the old farm, and the pain she felt when the alien device entered her torso.

Getting to her feet, she activated her communicator. "Janeway to Bridge. How long were we aboard the array?"

On the Bridge, the young officer checked the readouts.

"Three days, Captain.", he replied.

"Three days!", an astonished Janeway responded.

In Sickbay, the Doctor looked confused. He had done nothing for three days. He approached Paris, who seemed as confused as he was.

"What is happening?"

Paris did not reply at first. He looked around, as if someone was missing.

"I'll let you know when I do, Doc!"

Paris then activated his communicator.

"Computer, locate Ensign Kim."

"Ensign Kim is not on board."

He then left Sickbay, and headed to the Bridge.

When he arrived, he found that most of the senior officers had already arrived. Janeway was trying to re-establish control of her vessel.

"Captain.", he said. "Harry didn't make it back!"

Then, the tactical officer reported something from his panel.

"Captain, I'm detecting life-signs from the Maquis ship."

"Hail them."

Seconds later, the image of the Maquis leader, Chakotay, and the Vulcan, Tuvok, appeared before them.

"I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation starship Voyager."

"I am Chakotay. What are you doing here?"

"The same as you. We were brought here by the array. One of our crew members is missing. Are any of yours?"

"My engineer, B'Elanna Torres."

"Then it would appear that we have a mutual problem, Mister Chakotay. I suggest we work together to try and solve this problem."

Chakotay turned to Tuvok, as if he were about to ask his advice. The Vulcan did not reply, instead giving a reassuring nod.

"Very well.", Chakotay said. "Three of my crew will beam aboard. Expect us shortly."

Within a minute, Chakotay, Tuvok and a Maquis crewman beamed to the Bridge of Voyager. They were armed, and poised to fire. The tactical officer raised his phaser, but Janeway motioned to him to lower his phaser.

"There is no need for your weapons here.", Janeway said. She then walked up to Tuvok, and smiled.

"Welcome back. Mister Tuvok!"

A shocked look appeared on Chakotay's face.

"What is this?"

Tuvok turned to Chakotay.

"Mister Chakotay, I am Captain Janeway's chief of security."

The shocked look changed to one of anger.

"What was your job, Vulcan? To deliver us into her waiting hands?"

"My job was to observe Maquis activities, and then to accumulate information on you, to 'deliver you into her waiting hands'."

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Chakotay saw Paris.

"At least he was working for a good cause!", he said. "What were you working for, Paris? Payment of your bar bill?"

"And it's nice to see you again, Chakotay!"

"Enough of this!", said Janeway. "We both have a problem, and we won't achieve anything with this bickering."

Chakotay began to calm down. He knew Janeway was correct.

"I will lead a joint away team to the array. Mister Chakotay, you are welcome to join me. Mister Tuvok, break out the phaser rifles."

Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok then headed toward the turbo-lift. Paris called out to them.

"Captain, I'd like to go along!"

Janeway approached Paris.

"Why?"

"Because Harry was...my friend. I'd hate to see anything happen to him."

Janeway paused for a moment before she replied.

"Very well Mister Paris. You're with me."

Shortly afterwards, they returned to the strange array.

 


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