Renegades: Civil War Chapter Fifty-Eight

    With the U.S.S. Defiant now in the Gamma Quadrant, and the cloaking device engaged, Commander Sisko sat in his quarters planning what they would do once they reached the Korama system and had made contact with Quark’s business partner. A few moments later, his door buzzer sounded, and Major Kira entered.

"Was I disturbing you, Commander?" she asked.

"No, Major. Come in. Sit down."

Kira seated herself opposite Sisko. He could tell that something was wrong, that she had something on her mind.

"Permission to speak freely, Commander."

"Always."

Kira then leapt to her feet, as if she were about to give a long-winded speech in the Bajoran Senate.

"What is wrong with Starfleet? Why the hell would they want to send us a new Security Chief? Odo was doing a fine job."

"I agree with you, Major, but I also agree with Starfleet on several aspects. Odo is not a team player, and he doesn’t abide by the rules, such as filing reports when he gets the job done."

"But he got the job done. Isn't that what counts?"

"It is, but Starfleet still wants it done their way! I'm sorry, Major, but I can't do a thing. Eddington is here, and that is the end of the story."

Kira then walked to the exit, but before she left, she turned to face Sisko.

"I just want to say one more thing, Commander. Starfleet is making a big mistake here!"

"'I couldn't agree more!'" replied Sisko.

Kira was slightly shocked, and very pleased, upon hearing this. She knew that if she had to fight Odo's case, that she now had an ally.

The Observation Lounge of the Pegasus station had never seen a meeting like this before. The newly formed Free Federation Council was meeting for the second time. Present were representatives from the personnel that were now under their command. Representing the station were Captain Pendragon and Lieutenant-Colonel Greenleaf. Doctor Magus represented both the Flying Scotsman and the Time of Legends. Commander Winthorn was also there to represent the Flying Scotsman. Representing the Lohengrin were Captain Sinclair and Commander Shelby. Finally, Blake and Avon represented the crew of the Liberator.

Pendragon, chairing the meeting, banged the gavel.

"I call this meeting to order. There is, of course, only one item on the agenda. The talks, as we have called them. The question is, now we have contacted these men and women, and that most of them seem to be making plans to get to Nimbus III, what do we say to them?"

"It is simple," said Avon. "We ask them to join us, to fight the Federation."

"Is it so simple, Mister Avon?" asked Magus. "We have contacted these people, some of the finest officers Starfleet has ever known, and we are going to ask them to give up everything, their careers, their families, their lives, to come and join us for a few attacks. No. We can't go about it this way."

"What are you suggesting?" asked Pendragon.

"With luck, all those contacted will cover their tracks from Starfleet Command. Those contacted could become our eyes, our ears, and perhaps our voices within the United Federation of Planets. They could relay to us information we could use to stop Servalan from turning the Federation into a Third Reich!"

"The Rangers," said Sinclair. "Eyes and ears, all over the galaxy, making sure the balance of power does not tip in Servalan's direction."

"The Rangers," said Magus, stroking his beard. "I like that idea. Perhaps we should take a vote."

There was a show of hands, the vote being seven for and one against.

"Now we have to decide how to get to Nimbus III," said Pendragon.

"We can't all go," said Greenleaf. "If this station was under-manned we would be open to attack. Also, if every ship went we could not defend ourselves."

"Why not take the Scotsman?" asked Magus. "The cavourite drive would get us there in a few moments."

"The weapons systems on Oberth-class ships leave a lot to be desired," said Sinclair. "Perhaps the Lohengrin."

"I disagree," said Blake. "The Liberator is by far our fastest and most powerful vessel. We should use her."

"I agree," said Pendragon. "But with a cross-section of all of our crews."

"All of my crew should go along," said Blake. "After all, my people are the only ones up to spec on the design and running of the ship."

"But only just," said Magus. "But you will also need an experienced commanding officer. No disrespect to you, Commander Blake, but you do not have much command experience. I suggest Captain Sinclair for the command of this mission, with myself in charge of the diplomatic side of things, with Captain Pendragon in overall command of our forces here."

"Agreed," said Pendragon. "Then I suggest we make our final preparations, and leave for Nimbus III at oh-seven hundred hours tomorrow morning. I suggest we start making the final crew selection, and then get a good night's rest. Meeting adjourned."

As the meeting broke up, Magus remained seated in his chair. His thoughts were far away, with an old friend who was not at the meeting. Jeffrey Sinclair was a very capable and most trusted officer, but he would have preferred James Watt to be in command of this mission.

Only minutes after having gone through the customs section of Babylon 5, Connor and Duncan MacLeod were in the Alien Section wearing oxygen masks. It didn't take them long to find the man they were looking for. Ambassador Kosh knew they were coming.

"It is good to see the two of you again," Kosh said. "And there is no need for you to ask your question, because I know what it is going to be."

"How?" asked Connor. "Unless you have been contacted by Magus also."

"Whenever the Istari need help, they always contact the Vorlons. For some time now we have known that the balance of power in the galaxy is changing. Normally we would not involve ourselves. This time, at the request of our allies in the Istari, we will."

"Then you'll take us?" asked Duncan.

"Only on one condition," Kosh replied. "Our technology is sacred to us. During our voyage to Nimbus III, you will both remain unconscious. We cannot take the slightest chance that our secrets will soon become the secrets of others."

"Okay," said Connor. "Then when do we leave?"

"Tonight."

Captain Bester of the Psi-Corp stood before Servalan in her office in Paris as she read a report he had given her. She studied the report intently.

"Are you sure of this, Bester?" she asked.

"There is no doubt," Bester replied. "My numerous contacts within the Federation have made sure of this. Several of Starfleet's highest ranking officers are trying to get to Nimbus III."

"Why?"

"I do not know. But for whatever reason, they are covering their tracks well. I only found out about this by accident."

Servalan put the report down on her desk, and leaned back in her chair.

"Why would they be going to a deserted planet? Could Magus and his fools be trying to set up a base there? What do these men and women all have in common? There must be something."

Servalan then activated her communicator.

"Find me Commander Travis, and have a pursuit ship prepped and ready to go within the next two hours. Bester, I want you in command of that ship. Find out what the hell is going on on Nimbus III!"