Perhaps Unai should not have thought of such things. Suddenly, the sensor chief picked up a huge sub-space anomaly in orbit around the ice planet. The energy signature was similar to that of a cloaked vessel, but no Klingon or Romulan ships were due on Traxxor. Then, massive energy blasts emanated from the 'anomaly', ripping through the ice into the very crust of the planet's surface. Blast was followed by blast, as countless cities and settlements were destroyed. Fighters were launched to try and repel this attack, but they stood no chance against an enemy they could not see.
Those in the central command tried to send a distress signal, but found that their transmissions were being blocked, probably by their attacker. Within the short span of ten minutes, all life on Traxxor was gone, wiped out by the strange attackers.
Weary, Sisko sat in the cockpit of the shuttle. They had been drifting for nearly five days, their power reserves were low, and life support was set to minimum. The last thing they had seen in space was the Defiant surrounded by five Jem'Hadar fighters.
Slowly, in the seat beside him, Bashir began to come to.
"I thought you were asleep.", said Sisko.
"I was listening to your last log entry.", Bashir replied. "Are things really that bad?"
"I'm afraid they are, Doctor."
Suddenly, there was a clanging noise from outside the shuttle.
"A tractor beam.", said Sisko. "Something's locked onto us with a tractor beam!"
"The Jem'Hadar!", said Bashir. "That's all we need!"
Then there was another noise. This noise told Sisko that someone was about to board the shuttle. Both of them grabbed a phaser and aimed at the door. Then, the door began to slowly open, but the first thing they saw then was not the scowling face of a Jem'Hadar warrior. It was much more friendly than that.
"Stop! Stop! We come in peace!"
Sisko and Bashir were more than happy to see the familiar cheerful face of Chief O'Brien in the doorway.
"Chief!", said Bashir. "Am I glad to see you!"
Seconds later, Dax joined O'Brien in the doorway.
"Good to see you too, old man!"
"Likewise, Benjamin.", Dax replied. "A lot of things have been happening in the past five days. Our mission was a success."
"What do you mean?", asked Bashir.
"There's a peace conference taking place on the station.", replied O'Brien. "All because of our work!"
"Come on.", said Dax. "The Defiant's waiting for us!"
With his ship in the docking bay, Zarkoff boarded D.S.9. Looking around, he began to admire the Cardassian structure. He then started to walk past the Security office, his first test. The officer on duty looked up as he walked past, and paid Zarkoff no heed. It seemed that he would be able to carry out his task, to observe the conference without being recognized.
I.S.N. started a special broadcast from Deep Space Nine, the first interview with a citizen of the Dominion, Borath. At first the interviewer did not know where to start. But start the interview did, and soon the topic turned to President Servalan.
"I cannot speak highly enough of your President.", said Borath. "If it was not for her these talks, and this interview, would not even be taking place. A state of war would exist between us. I am sure this would do her a great deal of good in your forthcoming election."
On the same broadcast, Servalan announced, in her daily news conference, that she would be personally attending the talks, and that she hoped to sign the treaty herself.
On the campaign trail, Spock arrived on Babylon 5. After giving a brief press conference, he met with Sheridan in his office.
"It is good to see you again, Ambassador.", Sheridan said, shaking Spock's hand. "I trust your journey was a pleasant one?"
"As always, Captain. But there is something I would like to ask you. You are in a position here to ascertain the feelings about the Dominion conference on Deep Space Nine. Ever since I heard about these talks I have heard nothing but annoyance that several prominent parties in this quadrant have been excluded at the Dominion's request."
"There are also several that were invited who did not want to go.", said Sheridan. "I understand that the Vorlon and Minbari governments both turned down the chance to send delegates. The Narns were too engaged in their own problems at the moment, but the Centauri were one of the first to accept the invitation. Ambassador Mollari should be arriving as we speak. There are also many in the League who did not attend."
"And what is your view, Captain?"
Sheridan smiled.
"My view doesn't matter. The views of my superiors do, however."
"I disagree. Everyone's view counts."
Sheridan leaned back in his chair, and a wry smile appeared on his face.
"My view is simple, and I've found out that it's shared by many of my senior officers. But please answer this question for me, Ambassador. What do you know of the Dominion?"
"Almost nothing, except that which has been released."
"Precisely. We know that they come from the Gamma Quadrant, and their military arm, the Jem'Hadar, is supposedly one of the finest fighting forces in the galaxy. But haven't the Galactic Empire got a footing in the Gamma Quadrant also? They also have a footing in the Delta Quadrant. Who's to say that they aren't in some way connected with the Dominion. Perhaps they are the Dominion! As you yourself said, we know almost nothing about them!"
"Are you saying we shouldn't have entered into these talks so easily?"
"There's an old saying in the Sheridan family, dating back to twentieth century Ireland. 'Enemies do not make good friends.'"
"There is also a similar saying on Vulcan. I agree with you, Captain. Something does not seem right here."
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