Previously on Star Trek: Eagle Star…

Admiral Bolter and Lieutenant Commander Tricacious were deep in logistics paperwork for the move, two hours later, when Bolter’s office door chimed. When Bolter let the Space brothers in plus their chief engineers in, he said, “You better have good news, because we’re buried here in bad news.” “It’s good, Karl. We’ve solved the problem of moving the station.” Bolter lifted an eyebrow; Izak and AJ explained their plan. When they finished, Bolter smiled, “That is a lot of good news. It takes some of the pressure off my back.” “How so?” Bruce asked. “The Dominion pulled out of the operation. Consul Vinshar came in an hour ago. He didn’t have good news.” “I met him on the Promenade. Did he seem odd to you?” “No not really, but then, with this on my mind, I didn’t take much stock of him anyway.” “Well, well, just when we were counting on those Dominion dreadnoughts. Ain’t that enough to piss off the pope?” “That’s only half of it. The Klingons and the Romulans are sending small colonization teams. It seems the Federation Council encouraged a joint settlement on New Horizon.” “That’s all well in good for the Council,” Ted said, “I’ll bet they’ll get a lot of airtime over the Federation News Service. But for us, this translates into a half dozen ships carrying settlement equipment and personnel. Not to mention a full contingent of troops for security. God knows the Klingons and the Romulans haven’t liked each other for over forty years now.” “So how much more support are we going to get from Starfleet?” Bruce asked. “Not much. An additional ten ships,” Bolter replied. “That’s thirty-five ships to protect nearly fifty or sixty others? We are seriously undermanned, Admiral.” “I know.” “Well, just like in an old western. Who’s the fastest draw and the best shot to look after the ‘ol wagon train to the stars?”

And Now the Conclusion…

Bruce strode through the corridors of the Eagle Star in a very pensive mood; his meeting with Admiral Bolter playing over and over in his mind. The Klingons and Romulans sending in colony ships? He could just imagine how it all happened: the Federation Council received word from Bolter about a system in Gamma Quadrant worth defending from a hostile power in the Section, the Klingons and Romulans agree to support the endeavor but want to ensure their own interests first, the Federation Council makes the concession which allows them to colonize New Horizon in exchange for the defensive support. All too convenient… Now they were really in a jam, having to drive the Avkar out of AC-21 while protecting the interests of the Federation Alliance. Yet, with all of this churning in his head, one thing kept raising itself to the forefront of his thoughts: the Spire down in Science Lab Four. That had to be the reason why the Avkar had such a vested interest in the New Horizon system. He’d seen the power they possessed, seconded by his brother. Diabolus had to know and certain to have at least one; that meant there was more than just the one they had. Somehow, he needed to get his hands on the one Diabolus possessed. This idea more than any other, both intrigued him and scared the hell out of him. When he allowed the idea to fully form he couldn’t believe that he’d actually thought of it. Admiral Bolter certainly wouldn’t approve of it, and Dana would approve of it even less than Bolter. Still, it would give them the advantage they needed over the Avkar and Diabolus. To pull it off though, that would be hell trying to arrange and to accomplish alone. No, he needed help. Help of a kind that only certain crewmembers could arrange or provide.

Sandarklan lay on the bunk in his quarters, flat and stiff as a board. Jem’Hadar and Klingons did have one thing in common, neither species believed in softening their bodies by putting down a pad on the bunk. Humans, on the other hand, seemed to feel some need to pad themselves. All wasted; it did nothing but make them soft. Still, there seemed no way to remove the bedding, so he dealt with it as any upright Jem’Hadar would. The door signal chimed. Sandarklan sat up thinking, this was a mistake. No one on this ship would just casually come to visit him in his quarters, and if somebody wanted something of him, they would just simply use the comm. system and make him do the work. He hadn’t expected this, so it took another signal before he said, “Enter.” Bruce entered. He glanced about the room, then said, “I love the decorations. You must have gone with the refugee motif.” Sandarklan’s walls stood completely bare of anything. “Jem’Hadar do not decorate the walls of their barracks. We are soldiers of the Dominion, first and foremost. We have little regard for frivolity, nor do we have a sense of aesthetics.” “You know, I didn’t come down here to criticize your taste in decoration.” “I know that. What are your orders, Captain?” “I need assistance on a vital mission. A mission I believe suited to your talents. You’re aware of the artifact we have secured in Science Lab Four?” “Yes, though peripherally.” “There are more. These artifacts also have a power, a power I do not as yet understand. But Commandant Diabolus knows something about these artifacts. I need to find out what he knows. I need your help to do so.” “How?” “I am going to infiltrate Commandant Diabolus’ ship. I know him; I understand where he’s vulnerable. You know the Avkar better than we do. I need someone by my side who can think as they do.” “It is true I know the Avkar better than you, yet it is clear that very few on this vessel trust me. Would you take that risk, Captain?” Bruce replied, nonplussed by Sandarklan’s bluntness, equally blunt himself, “If you wish to gain someone’s trust, Mr. Sandarklan, you have to earn it. I am offering you that opportunity.” Sandarklan rose from the bunk, staring straight into Bruce’s eyes, assessing the words the man spoke. Humans made eloquent speeches, though speeches meant nothing on the field of battle. “I am a Jem’Hadar. You are my commander. Obedience brings victory. Victory is life.”

In the outer reaches of the final frontier, new

enemies lurk in wait. In the great unknown, darkness rises. Yet, one crew will stand against the dark and explore the unknown, mounting up

with wings as eagles to the stars.

Episode #106 “New Horizons”

Written By Michael A. Slagenweit

Personal Journal – Recorded under security lockout Omega 2-3-2 I don’t want to take the chance that this might be found until later, when I need it. Sandarklan has agreed to accompany me on an away mission to infiltrate Commandant Diabolus’ ship and retrieve new information on the Spires. I— Computer end recording.

The ready room door signal had just chimed. Bruce stopped pacing and dropped into his desk chair, grabbing a padd and raising it so he looked as if he were reading, “Come.” Dana entered, “Admiral Bolter signaled. The E.T.A. on the Klingon and Romulan colony ships is at six hours out.” “Estimated time to departure for New Horizon?” “Not for another twenty-four. They still need time to finish retrofitting the station for departure. Thompson’s pulling double shifts to make sure we’re ready too.” “Very good. Thank you, Dana. Would you let Talkart know that I need to talk to him?” “Sure. What’s up?” “Nothing important.” Dana looked levelly at her husband. The tone of his voice and the inflection he chose to the words confirmed in her mind, something was up. She’d heard it before; many time before. “All right.” She turned and headed back to the bridge. Bruce set the padd down, thinking about how he’d have to explain his plans to her sooner or later. Later preferably, but sooner looked more likely to happen. No, worry about that later; focus on the job at hand, he thought. A moment later the door signal chimed again, Xanthus Talkart entering this time, “You wanted to see me, Captain?” “Lieutenant, what I’m about to ask you is off the record and consider yourself under orders not to reveal this to anyone.” “Understood, Sir.” “I know that Commandant Diabolus is in possession of more of the artifacts we found in New Horizon. I also know that they have some properties of which, when in the wrong hands, could have disastrous consequences. I am going to lead a team to retrieve those artifacts from his ship. I need a strong back and a good shot to succeed.” “You have it, Captain.” “I have asked Crewman Sandarklan to join us, he—” “You what?” Talkart interrupted. “I asked Crewman Sandarklan to accompany us on the Away Mission, as he understands the Avkar better than we do.” “Do you think that wise, Sir?” “If another way to accomplish the task without him existed, I might consider it. However, since there isn’t a way to achieve what we hope to without Sandarklan, I suggest you start finding a way to work with him and put your personal feelings aside.” “As Chief of Security, I am entrusted with the safety of the Captain, more so during the course of an Away Mission.” “Of which, I have no doubt, you will do an exemplary job of, as you always have, Xanthus. However, this is one occasion in which you’ll need to trust beyond just me.” Xanthus nodded, but said nothing. Bruce knew Xanthus to be a bit of a stubborn hardhead, but so was he at times. Hell, he might be being one right now, being so convinced he was right in his thinking about Diabolus and the Spires.

Commandant Erik Diabolus sat at the head of the conference table in the Executor’s wardroom, his eyes fixed on a map display of the gathering Alpha Quadrant forces, his cigarette reduced to a long cylinder of ash, sweat slightly under his collar. Space was certain to be coming; he was nothing if not persistent. The question: why? He’d proven himself superior to the Federation’s forces, both in terms of technical might and tactical skill. Yet they still prepared to return! Why? Could it be…? Diabolus rose from the table, leaving the ash filled cigarette holder in an ashtray. He opened the secret niche he’d constructed in the statue of a former Avkar Commandant, gazing on

the Spire. Trusting the artifacts to anyone else was out of the question; he alone would know the secret of these artifacts, the secret of ultimate power. This is what Space is after! Ah, how clever, he thought, he gave Space that much anyway. Yet, the Starfleet captain was not clever enough, considering his superior forces. He walked back into the wardroom and activated the internal communications system, “Command deck, this is Commandant Diabolus. I want all attack cruisers deployed along the border to the system. Establish a blockade and hold it. Nothing gets through. Understood?” “Understood, Commandant.” “We will join them. Proceed immediately.”

Xanthus was adjusting phaser power pack efficiency in the Eagle Star’s armory. Sandarklan entered, holding a padd. Talkart shifted position, but did not turn round to see the Jem’Hadar enter the room. “The Captain asked me to give you the layout of known Dominion dreadnought, so that you may plan our entrance to Commandant Diabolus’ ship,” Sandarklan said. Talkart said nothing, but pointed to the stand with his equipment case sitting atop it. Sandarklan set the padd down on the case and asked, “Is there anything else you require, Lieutenant?” “No.” Sandarklan began to walk away back to the corridor, when he turned and said, “This is the reason why the Dominion wanted nothing to do with the Federation after the war.” Talkart turned to face Sandarklan, “Let’s get something straight between us, Crewman. I’m going on this mission because the Captain ordered me to. I don’t have to like it, but I’ll do it. Quite simply, Mr. Sandarklan, I don’t trust you, nor do I trust any Dominion officer. That will never change.” Sandarklan raised an eyebrow, silence ensuing between them. He then replied, “It pleases me that we understand each other.” He turned and walked out into the corridor. Xanthus went back to the phaser pack, fuming; irritated. He couldn’t understand why Captain Space wanted the Jem’Hadar on the mission. He didn’t have time to fume long; Dana walked into the room not more than two minutes after Sandarklan walked out. Like Sandarklan, she carried a padd, “The programming you requested for Transporter Room Three has been completed.” Talkart looked up from his work, took the padd, and said, “Thank you, Commander.” “You’re welcome. But I suppose you’re not going to tell me why you requested these modifications.” “I’ve been ordered not to, by the Captain.” “I figured as much,” She shifted to begin heading away, when Xanthus called her back. “Commander, I really shouldn’t—” “I know what he’s doing, Xanthus. He’s going after Diabolus.” “That’s not—” “It’s typical of him.” “Commander, he’s not going after Commandant Diabolus.”

Bruce entered his quarters, following a satisfactory tour through the Eagle Star. He knew he’s to have to get some sleep tonight or everything would go into toilet tomorrow. His wife awaited him, sitting very un-ladylike in his recliner, with a scowl on her face. A quick fleeting thought slipped though his mind of turning right around and waiting for it to blow over, whatever it was, but that’d bring more trouble than sticking it out. “And just when were you going to ask me about this plan of yours?” Dana asked, fuming. “Probably sometime after the mission was over,” Bruce replied, lightly. “Bruce!” “Hey. I’m being honest.” Dana continued her tirade, despite Bruce’s sincerity, “I don’t know what pisses me off more: that I had to hear this from Xanthus or me thinking that this is a good idea.” “Dana!” Bruce interrupted.

“What?” “First, thank you for letting me get a word in. Second, I’m not going after Diabolus. I’m going after the artifacts he has in his possession.” “What makes you so positive he has one?” “You know as well as I that he has one, possibly more. You have seen what the Spires can do. They have to have some power that he could exploit for his own designs. That’s what I have to stop. And I can’t do it if you don’t trust that I’m right, Dana.”

Diabolus, after a long day on the bridge of the Executor, strode into his barracks, thinking of a long night with his mistress, only to find an Avkar sitting at his desk. Anger flashed in both eyes, biological and artificial, at the newcomer’s impudence. He grated, “How did you get in here?” “You sent for me, did you not, Commandant Diabolus? I am Doctor Kezarak.” “You ought to learn to demonstrate proper respect to your Commandant, Doctor. The Commandant of the League of the New Order.” Diabolus hissed. “I do not need to demonstrate respect to you, Commandant. I am an Avkar; you already have my respect, of which you do not need any more than I need yours. So let us skip these formalities, Commandant Diabolus, and get to what you want of me,” Kezarak replied. “You’re aware of the formula developed by Doctor Zeket?”

“Doctor Zeket was one of my more brilliant students. Though not one of my brighter students,” Kezarak said.

“How so?” “You should know, Commandant, you killed him for it, did you not?” “He couldn’t keep his mouth shut.” “Precisely.” “Can you, Doctor?” “If you had not that faith in me, Commandant, would you have called me here?”

“I need your assistance in strengthening the formula for sustained use on the changeling. I have a mission for him. Can it be done?” “I believe so,” Kezarak said, after a pause, “I will have to return to my laboratory and run some experiments.” “Work quickly.”

Bruce arrived on the bridge the next morning to find simulcast communications transmissions playing out on the speakers. Dana said, “Admiral Bolter ordered the fleet to prepare for departure.” AJ’s voice came over the comm. system, “Engines and weapons systems ready, Captain.” “Very good, Chief.” Meanwhile, Admiral Bolter said, “Commander Tricacious, report to the Theodosius.” Bruce said, “Tug ships to positions, defensive wings to standby points.” Bolter ordered, “Initiate subspace deflector fields. Thrusters to ready.” The station’s ops officer replied, “Fields initiated, Admiral. Thrusters ready.” “Set course, Mr. Sandarklan. Three-quarters impulse power,” Bruce ordered, “Commander Space, signal the fleet to get underway. Make sure they leave plenty of room for the station to make adjustments as necessary. Order the Theodosius to monitor.” “Aye, Sir.” Bolter’s voice sounded again, “Initialize transit mode to three axis stabilization. Engage thrusters.” “Thrusters engaged. We’re underway.”

“Commandant,” Sergeant Rizak said, “The Federation Alliance fleet has departed Idran. They will be here within the next two days.” A smile broke across Diabolus’ face. Ah, Space, you come waltzing back just as I expected you to, and you will not succeed this time. He said, “Maintain sensor lock, Sergeant. Monitor their progress. If they display any unusual changes, alert me at once.”

“Understood, Commandant.”

Captain’s Log – Supplemental We’re now an hour and a half out from the New Horizon system. The last two days have been uneventful with no response from Avkar forces in the area, though I don’t anticipate it to remain that way. Aboard the Eagle Star, we’ve been running combat readiness drills and, at the insistence of my wife, briefed my crew on my plan.

“Captain, there’s a massive fleet of Avkar ships,” Cammy Spencer said, “Dead ahead.”

“On screen, Ensign.” Bruce broke out into a cold sweat. Diabolus was there, waiting for him, waiting for them. The question now became, what were they waiting for? If they planned to attack, why didn’t they come for them before the taskforce reached AC-21? Of course, he wanted to make the kill on his terms; not that Bruce planned to be killed today. “Red Alert!” Kevin said, “Shields up, maximum intensity.” “Dana, signal all ships: prepare to open fire,” Bruce added. “Acknowledged,” and after a moment of listening to something on her ear receiver, she said, “All ships ready, Captain. Awaiting your order.” “Open fire.” Two attack wings of Starfleet and Klingon ships, lead by the Eagle Star, headed for the Avkar ships, while a defensive wing moved into position to protect the colony ships and the station. The red-gold and green phaser fire of the attack force showed as an eerie glow in the dark of space. Prepared and skilled in ways Bruce might not have or couldn’t have anticipated, the Avkar scattered, meeting the attack with strength and determination. Bruce said, “Xanthus, target the sensor clusters on Commandant Diabolus’ dreadnought.” “Aye, Sir.” Kevin swiveled slightly, “Bruce, don’t you think we should be targeting something more vital than Diabolus’ sensors?” “We should, but I have my reasons. Carry out my orders, Lieutenant.” The Eagle Star broke away from the pack, heading toward the Executor, a salvo of phaser fire shooting out at the armored sensor clusters. Sandarklan was right, Bruce thought, the sensor pods are less protected than the weapons or shields. A right spot for a first attack.

“Commandant! The Federation starship is attacking our sensor clusters!” Rizak said. Diabolus shot a look of venom at Rizak, “Evasive!” Space seems to have found a weak spot. That damned Jem’Hadar must be giving him a hand, he thought. Still, they now had the perfect opportunity to use the ace Diabolus kept up his sleeve. He tapped his internal communications control, “Commandant Diabolus to weapons deck. Fire!”

“Captain, reading an energy buildup in the dreadnought’s forward cannon!” Cammy Spencer said. Bruce shouted, “Hard to starboard! Evasive!” A short burst of intense white energy shot out of the Executor’s cannon, smashing into the Eagle Star’s shields. The ship rocked with the volley, a console near tactical erupting in a shower of sparks. When it ended, Xanthus shouted, “Shields at thirteen percent, Captain! One more good hit and they’ll collapse.” “That’s the bad news, Captain,” Dana said, “But the good news is, that energy burst drew a lot of their power. I’ve detected a weak spot in their shields.” Bruce replied, “Excellent. Kevin get us in. Away Team, report to Transporter Room One. Commander Doran, you have the bridge.”

“Commandant, the Federation ship’s shields are heavily damaged,” Sergeant Rizak stated, off his console, “But they’re coming in for another attack!” “Can we fire again?” Diabolus demanded. “Negative, Commandant! Our power systems are severely strained.”

“Fall back; tell the other ships to give us cover fire!” “Commandant, most of our other ships are under assault.” “Very well, we fall back, but tell our other ships to stand their ground! Return the artifacts to the council chambers.” “Understood!” The Executor suddenly rumbled. Diabolus yelled, “What was that?” “The Federation ship has given chase,” a beat, “They’ve taken out one of our shield generators!” Damn you, Space. “Target their engines! Destroy them!” “I can’t, Commandant! They’re too fast for us!”

Bruce’s team’s transport set them down in the middle of an empty corridor as luck had it. Xanthus immediately drew his phaser while Bruce and Sandarklan drew tricorders out of the equipment belts they’d strapped on before leaving the Eagle Star. Bruce found almost at once what he was looking for. He said to the others, “It’s down here, in a large room. Come on.” Sneaking down the corridor, as if it were a jungle, shifting from nook to cranny back to nook, the trio reached the conference room. Sandarklan worked his tricorder, using a standard Dominion override code, and they heard the locks give way and the doors slide open. Bruce expected there to be a legion of guards, but no such luck. He re-holstered his phaser and about to un-holster his tricorder when an alarm blared. Before he could do much else, the legion he expected to be in the room when he entered, now followed after them. Unwilling to engage the twenty Avkar he now found himself up against, he quickly gave an order to surrender. Well, not really surrender he thought, just buy time and see if he could get Diabolus to reveal where he’d hidden the Spire.

“So what do you propose, Sandarklan? That we just sit here and wait until they return?

By that time, they could have severely tortured or killed the Captain.” Xanthus grated. They’d been separated from Bruce by the Avkar security guards and taken to a holding cell, how far away from the Captain, Xanthus had no idea. “I do not propose that we wait,” Sandarklan replied, “Did you see where the control juncture was when they put us in here? I did not.” “Sure,” Xanthus said, pointing to the left of the opening, “It’s there.” Sandarklan removed his belt and disconnected the buckle. He placed the buckle on the wall, directly behind the control panel; the buckle attaching magnetically. Xanthus asked, “What’re you doing?” “I suggest you step back, Lieutenant.” The buckle suddenly exploded, punching through the wall to the power conduit underneath. The force field collapsed. Sandarklan and Xanthus stepped though the open doorway into the brig’s control area. They put their equipment back on as well as their combadges, and Xanthus said, “What now?” “We need to find the Captain.” The pair moved out into the corridor, phasers in hand, Xanthus expecting to be ambushed by a regiment of Avkar security officers, but the corridor seemed empty. He said, “Must be focused on the battle.” “Perhaps,” Sandarklan said, “If I recall Dominion dreadnoughts correctly, we should be able to disable the ship’s security network from Engineering. That provided, of course, that Commandant Diabolus hasn’t changed that in his modifications.” “How far away are we?” “Down two decks and head aft. There should be a service crawlway behind that maintenance panel there.” The Jem’Hadar pointed and Xanthus pulled away the panel to reveal a ladder descending into the lower depths of the ship. He indicated Sandarklan go first and followed him. The crawlway was cramped, just as they were on Starfleet ships, but the thickness of the decks awed Xanthus more. Must be some kind of defense for the power transfer conduits, he thought; bury them in the deck plates rather than the walls.

“You’re a distraction, aren’t you, Space?” Diabolus grated at Bruce, the red eye glowing intensely. The Starfleet captain sat, hands cuffed behind him, in a chair in Diabolus’ conference room. Diabolus continued, “You cripple or damage the Executor, thinking you’ve rendered me helpless, and then your Federation fleet moves in to drive us out of the system. Fat chance.” A smile lifted on Bruce’s face, “Not as fat as you think Erik.” “Please, Captain, show a little respect. You’re speaking to the Commandant of the Avkar Solidarity.” “I don’t recognize that government or political entity, so I have no reason to address you as ‘Commandant.’” “No do I recognize the Federation, so I see no reason to address you as ‘Captain.’” “Well, seeing as the pleasantries are over, Erik, why don’t you stop wasting my time and get on with whatever it is that you’re going to do to me. I haven’t got all day.” Diabolus outraged at this insult, put his fist across Bruce’s face. The sound like a football being punted echoed in the room. Bruce could feel the bruise welling almost immediately, as pain lanced through his head. Nothing that Dr. Al-Rashid and her care couldn’t fix, he thought, but all to give Xanthus and Sandarklan more time.

Sandarklan and Talkart reached the engineering level not more than five minutes after breaking out of the holding cell. Xanthus, no spelunker, hadn’t expected the climb to tire him, but on reaching the level Sandarklan indicated, he found himself a trifle short of breath. The Jem’Hadar made a sign for him to ready his weapon. Talkart did so, feeling slightly aggravated at this blatant disruption of the chain of command, though he had no time to protest. Sandarklan kicked the wall panel before them, sending it flying against the bulkhead opposite. The two burst out, phasers firing. Three Avkar engineers dropped, stunned, before the other eight had time to react. Xanthus found the nearest console to cover behind, while Sandarklan took the one opposite. Sandarklan might have given thanks to the Founders, but considering the barrage of Avkar phaser fire, they were now under, ample time for such things later. Obedience brings victory. Talkart, an excellent marksman, quickly gained them the advantage, and put down the ones his companion missed. He was about to rise to take out the rest, when a lucky shot by one of the remaining Avkar hit the console before him, sending him flying backwards in a shower of sparks and shrapnel. He landed with a hard thud on the deck, several hunks of the shrapnel in his left arm and leg. Sandarklan caught it, fired at the last two standing, catching them both, then moving to help his injured colleague. “Are you hurt badly?” Sandarklan asked. “Not terrible,” Xanthus replied, “Though, that’s a pretty good piece in my leg.” “Hold still, I will try to remove it.” “No. We’ve got a mission to accomplish. Get the security grid down and get the Captain.” “This will not take long,” Sandarklan replied, ripping away the uniform around the large chunk in Talkart’s leg, clearly ignoring Xanthus. He got a hold on the shrapnel and pulled. “I gave you an order, Crewman,” Talkart said, between clenched canines and groans. Sandarklan continued to wiggle and pull until the piece came free, slick with Talkart’s blood. The Jem’Hadar pulled off the sleeve off his flight suit, using it as a bandage for Talkart. He said, “That will do until we can get you back to the Eagle Star, Lieutenant.” Xanthus rose, surprised that there wasn’t much pain at all, only if he moved his arm the wrong way. Otherwise, he could work just as well as if uninjured. He stared at Sandarklan for a moment, then said, “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on, we’ve got a job to finish.”

Sergeant Rizak’s voice broke Diabolus and Bruce’s banter, “Commandant, there’s a security breach in the engine core!” “What? How could that be?” Diabolus demanded.

“I don’t know, Commandant! The prisoners have escaped from the holding cells and have taken the engine core.” “Security detail to my barracks and the engine core, immediately! Don’t let the prisoners escape!” “At once, Commandant!” Diabolus turned back to Bruce, “You’re very wise, Space, but not wise enough. Your men won’t succeed at what they’re planning.” “Don’t be so sure, Diabolus, especially considering you don’t know what they’re planning.” Diabolus spat at Bruce, then wheeled about, marching out of the room, black cloak billowing like a sail behind him. Bruce watched him go, expressionless until he’d departed, when a second smile broke across his face. He whispered, “Well done, boys.” A tiny beep sounded and the cuffs which held him back loosened, falling off his wrists to the floor. He rose from the chair, massaging the slightly raw skin where the cuffs rubbed against his wrist, looking about for where Diabolus might have hidden the artifact. Knowing Diabolus as he did, Bruce was assured that the Avkar Commandant kept it nearby, so as to know its whereabouts at all times.

His eyes became drawn to the ornate statues, standing in the rear of the room, flanking Diabolus’ chair at the head of the conference table. He wondered, could Diabolus be using one of the oldest tricks in the book to hide the Spire? He walked up to the one on the right, placing his head against the stonework, tapping on the surface. Sounded like his fingers tapping on stone. He tried the other one; same thing. He peered between the wall and the statue, but nothing like hinges showed. This had to be it! He ran his hands up and down the statue, nothing.

He looked at again for a moment. The statue stood, holding a sword before him. The sword contained a rather large jewel in the hilt. Bruce wondered and then pressed on the jewel. The façade gave way and there before him, on a shelf, stood the Spires. Excited by this discovery, he grabbed the artifacts, put one under his arm holding tightly to the other, reached into his pocket and found the emergency transport unit. He was about to activate it when the conference room door opened, Xanthus and Sandarklan entering.

“You’re just in time, gents. Good work. No trouble I trust?” Bruce said. “None whatsoever, Captain,” Xanthus replied with a wry grin, “No need for the ETU, Sir,

we’ve used ours and this ship’s shields are down. Talkart to Eagle Star, three to beam back.”

Halfway to the engine core, Diabolus realized just how badly he’d been duped. Space was a diversion just as much as this attack on his engineering. Enraged by his own stupidity, he raced back to the conference room. Heads would roll for this and Space’s would be the first. Upon entering, his fears stood confirmed. He stormed back to his bridge, ordering a full weapons barrage at the Eagle Star while en route.

Bruce, Xanthus, and Talkart skipped Sickbay upon their return from the Eagle Star and made their way straight to the bridge. Kevin was at the helm, piloting the Eagle Star out of the Executor’s barrage while Dana worked frantically to keep the shield strength up. Kevin said, “Engineering, I need a short warp burst!” “Commander?” AJ Thompson’s voice replied. “Do it, Chief! Dana, how many tricobalt charges do we have?” “Six,” “Listen carefully, I want you to deploy those charges in a full spread, but don’t detonate them. Let Diabolus do that himself. Engineering, ready warp jump.” “You’re thinking Diabolus will hit the tricobalt charges rather than us,” Bruce said. “And if he does, he’s going to have a lot more trouble than he’s already got.” “We’re ready, Kevin,” Dana said,” Kevin replied, “Fasten your seat belts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Cammy asked, “Commander, what seat belts?” “Just hang on, Ensign! Fire! Engage!”

The Eagle Star shot into warp, leaving the tricobalt bombs in its wake. As Kevin predicted, the Executor’s wild shooting hit one of the bombs, detonating them all. A short distance away, Kevin brought the ship in to a reverse arc and charged the damaged Executor, getting off a full volley of phaser and torpedo fire. Diabolus, knowing the battle now belonged to Space and the Federation, ordered a communications channel to the Eagle Star. “What can I do for you, Diabolus?” Bruce asked, taking his chair. “This day is yours, Space, but you and I have not yet begun to fight.” The transmission blanked out, replaced by the Executor turning about and speeding away, followed by a smaller collection of Avkar ships than when they first arrived. Bruce breathed a sigh of relief, looking down at the Spires in his lap. He hoped this had all been worth it. He said, “Dana, open a channel to Admiral Bolter.” “The Theodosius is hailing us, Sir,” she replied, putting them through. “Theodosius to Eagle Star,” Tricacious’ voice asked, “Are they retreating?” Bruce replied, taking his chair, “They are that, Commander. Tell Admiral Bolter, the way is clear for him to establish orbit around the sixth planet.”

Captain’s Log – Stardate 59788.1 The Federation Council, pleased at the developments achieved here in the last few days has officially granted New Horizon “Federation Colony Status.” Starfleet Command has ordered the establishment of a “Gamma Fleet” here to serve as the permanent defensive forces of Deep Space Fifteen. The Klingons and Romulans have begun work on their respective embassies on New Horizon VI. I still harbor some small hope that the Dominion will join us… In time that is.

Xanthus Talkart waited for a turbolift after a follow-up visit to Sickbay. Dr. Al-Rashid’s

Rentakian algae therapy seemed to be working pretty well, you’d never been able to tell there’d been scars, just as if she’d used a dermal regenerator. He mused over this when the turbolift’s doors slid open revealing Sandarklan inside.

“Lieutenant,” he said. “Are you going to the bridge?” Xanthus asked. “Yes, Sir.” Xanthus stepped in, ordered the car to resume, then dropped his head to stare at his

feet. Sandarklan had his gaze fixed on the doors. A long moment passed before Talkart said, “I didn’t get the chance to properly thank you for what you did on Commandant Diabolus’ ship.”

“I do not understand why I did that,” Sandarklan replied, “Jem’Hadar do not assist injured compatriots. Being wounded in battle is a disgrace, better to die for the Founders than live as a prisoner of our enemies.”

“Perhaps you’ve learning that we don’t leave our team members behind?” “I cannot understand what has happened to me.” Xanthus looked up at Sandarklan, “Whatever it is, I hope that you’ll let me help. I mean,

that’s what friends are for, isn’t it?” Sandarklan turned to look at Xanthus, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had a friend before.” “Well, you’ve got one now.”

Bruce sat cross-legged on the grass of a precipice overlooking a river valley on New Horizon VI’s surface. To the west, the sun slowly sank toward the horizon, casting a red orange light all around. A warm breeze wafted on the air, rustling the leaves of trees, mussing his hair. As he watched the water dancing about below, Dana strode up and sat beside him. She said, laying her head on his shoulder, “Nice view.” “Sure is.” “Thinking about Diabolus?” “No. I’ve been thinking about building a house here.” “You serious?” “Sure. After all, aren’t we out here chasing new horizons?”

Star Trek: Eagle Star

Episode #106 “New Horizons”

Written By

Michael A. Slagenweit

Based on “Star Trek” Created By Gene Roddenberry

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