"What is it, Ambassador?", she asked. "What is wrong?"
"Change. The balance of power in the universe is about to change."
"What do you mean?"
Delenn then noticed an I.S.N. broadcast on a nearby monitor, telling of the Dominion conference on Deep Space Nine.
"The Dominion? Who are they?", Delenn asked.
"A force stronger than we have ever encountered."
A short time later Delenn entered Sheridan's office, in an attempt to try and find out what was going on.
"You have as much idea as I do.", Sheridan said. "All I know is that as soon as news of the conference got around, Ambassador Mollari packed his bags and headed to D.S.9 as soon as possible!"
"Then the Centauri Republic has been invited also. Who else has?"
"The Sontarrans, the Breen, the Monstrons, although nothing has been heard from them for nearly two years. You name them, they've been invited!"
Delenn studied the 'guest' list.
"I see the Romulans have not!"
"I noticed that. That's what worries me. This Dominion, whoever they are, claim to want to work with every major power in the Alpha Quadrant, yet they asked that the Romulans be excluded from these talks. I don't know why."
"The Minbari have also. I thought I would have been asked to attend."
"Apparently the Grey Council are sending a representative."
"If you'll excuse me, Captain, I would like to contact my government."
And with that Delenn left Sheridan alone, so she could try and find out some more about the Dominion.
Admiral Nacheyev sat in the office usually used by Commander Sisko, gazing around at the rather bleak surroundings. She had been asked by President Servalan herself to take command of Deep Space Nine and to take personal charge of the Dominion talks herself. This came as somewhat of a surprise to her, because she thought that these talks would have been handled by someone like General Hague, but Servalan now seemed slightly displeased with her new Commander-in-Chief. As she sat in the office a call came through from the Operations room. It was from Lieutenant Dax. The Trill had only just recently returned to duty aboard the station after having been captured by the Jem'Hadar.
"Admiral, the main Dominion party has docked. The leader of the Delegation wishes to speak with you."
"Very well. I will meet him outside the airlock."
Shortly afterwards Nacheyev was standing outside the airlock when it opened, and several Jem'Hadar warriors stepped through. Not far behind them was another. This male resembled Eris, who Sisko had brought back from the Gamma Quadrant, and who it turned out was a spy for the Founders.
"Greetings, Admiral Nacheyev. My name is Borath. I am head of our delegation here."
They shook hands, and then started to walk down the corridor towards the habitat ring.
"I trust you had a safe journey.", said the Admiral.
"I have never travelled through the anomaly before.", Borath replied. "I hope to be able to do so again many times once the treaty is in place. But tell me, Admiral, why isn't your Commander-in-chief, General Hague, not conducting these talks. I would have thought he would have your president's trust."
"In case you are worried, the President has given me power to speak for the entire Federation in these talks. I have her utmost trust."
"As do I, Admiral."
"And she also hopes to make a visit to the station herself, towards the end of these talks."
"Good. There is something I wish to discuss with her. Once we have concluded these talks, I would like to discuss the possibility of a Dominion ambassador on Babylon 5. I would be very interested in gaining such a post."
"I'm sure something could be arranged."
They soon reached the quarters that had been assigned to Borath. Once inside, he started to make his plans for the first stage of the talks.
Once again Servalan took the podium during one of her regular press conferences. Again, Commander Sleer and Commodore Queeg stood either side of her.
"Before I answer any of your questions I would like to make this announcement. As I speak, on Federation station Deep Space Nine, preparations are being made for the first ever conference with a major power from the Gamma Quadrant, the Dominion. It is my hope that we can sign a treaty with them, and form an alliance that will benefit both powers."
One reporter raised his hand.
"As we all know, the so-called Galactic Empire have a small footing in the Gamma Quadrant. Is the Dominion in any way connected to them?"
"Wherever did you get that idea? No, they are not connected with the Galactic Empire. I believe the Dominion have the best interests of the United Federation of Planets to heart. They pose no threat to us."
With Borath comfortable in his quarters, Admiral Nacheyev returned to the main office, When she arrived she found Dax and O'Brien waiting for her.
"Is there anything I can do for you two?", the Admiral asked.
"It's about Commander Sisko and the others, Admiral.", said O'Brien. "It's been nearly five days since they went missing. Surely the search parties would have found them by now!"
"These things take time, Chief, as you know."
"But can't we take the Defiant out to look for them?", asked Dax. "She's almost fully repaired now, and with the threat from the Dominion gone now, we won't be in any danger."
"But this could be termed a hostile act by the Founders, taking a warship back into the Gamma Quadrant."
"Then get some of them to come along with us.", said O'Brien. "If we run into any trouble, they'll be able to sort anything out."
"Very well then. Make your preparations while I talk to Borath. If he says yes then you have two days to find any of them. After that you'll have to return home."
"Thanks, Admiral!", said O'Brien. "We'll start to work right away."
Once they left the office, Dax turned to O'Brien.
"I don't like this.", she said. "In the past, Admiral Nacheyev has virtually bent over backwards for Benjamin."
"Yeah.", said O'Brien. "Now she's giving the impression that she doesn't care less. I'm with you on this one. Something stinks here, and it's not Quark's cooking!"
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