Star Trek: Eleventh Fleet

Ep2: Chapter 5: Timid Peace

The Founder paced and grumbled on the bridge of his Borg Sphere. A holographic screen floated in the air before him, displaying three ships under construction. They harvested parts from the old Borg station to create these small, fast attack vessels. He favored the Dominions tactic of highly maneuverable attack ships.

"Founder." Kilana stepped onto the bridge and came right up to him.

"Please tell me that the work on crafting that trans-warp gate is done."

"Estimated time of completion is twenty-two point six hours." She dryly stated.

"All right, then what are you doing here?"

"Information has been obtained that requires your attention, Founder." She turned and the holo viewscreen changed to a series of energy wave patterns.

He looked over the data. "A signal... a trans-warp signal. No, this is my interlink signal to my drones. So?"

"Sensors indicate an additional three drones within the collective the Founder has created. These drones are unaccounted for and remain inactive."

"Three drones... wait, that captain stole several of my assimilated subjects. Have you located them?"

"Affirmative." She changed the view to a star chart of the location of the signal. "Signals originate in sector five six five six, known to the Federation as the Tarven System. The drones are on a Federation Starbase in orbit of the fourth planet in the solar system."

"Good. Tell those drones I want them to gather as much data as they can from that station and assimilate or kill anyone who gets in their way."

"At this time, we cannot activate drones due to limited communication."

"Then make it possible."

"Affirmative." She turned and left.

He smiled at the data still displayed on his screen. Such a glorious opportunity. The Dominion has always enjoyed using infiltration to weaken and bring down their enemies. This has fallen in his hands and he would not let it go to waste.

***

Kal walked through the mall level of the Starbase. He had grabbed a quick bite from the replimat and was on his way to meet with his mother. Commander Shepard was prowling around like he had lost something, so Kal approached him. The red-headed commander peered in stores, looked at every passing person, and seemed to remain confused at each sight.

"Commander, is there a problem?"

Brian stopped and gave Kal a surprised look. "Oh, uh, Captain Henderson. I was just... uh... seeing if I could find one of the visiting Cardassians to... speak with."

Kal didn't like the way this commander seemed almost scared. "Why would you need to speak with them?"

"No particular reason. I just need to ask a few questions."

"About?"

Commander Shepard spent a moment as he considered his words. Finally he said, "I need to ask them if they're working with these Maquis."

"These people aren't Maquis."

"Understood. I still would like to speak with them."

"The Cardassians are here under protected asylum status rules, per my personal allowance, as highest ranking Federation representation on this station and sector. They have been through a lot and their friends are just now recovering from a horrible ordeal. I suggest you stay away from them for a while and let them recover their strength and wits. If I decide you can have the pleasure of interrogating them, I will let you know. This also goes for any suspected Maquis members, not just the Cardassians."