Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: Wed, 26 May 2004 22:24:42 -0400 In: alt.startrek.creative From: kdj2020@webtv.net (Kevin Johnston) Title: Worlds Move On Author: Kevin Johnston Series: Shadows And Suns, my own DS9 and TNG alternate universe that now also incorporates some elements of Rob Morris' "Ancient Destroyer" cycle and the original series. Rating: PG-13 Archive: yes for ASC Feedback: Wanted and welcomed, by post or by e-mail Setting aside that bit of mild unpleasantness, Winn turned her mind to other, more pressing matters. The Starship Enterprise was still orbiting Bajor, with her captain still holding seventy-two Klingon warriors in custody. And, of course, the Emissary was dying. That was one of the few regrets she felt, that her actions had, however indirectly, led to such suffering for the chosen one. She prayed every hour, on the hour, for his suffering to cease, either through recovery or death. Tapping her comm console, she signalled Kor. Only a few seconds later, his face appeared on her screen. "First Minister, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Kor, Winn knew, viewed her call as anything but a pleasure, and she was willing to bet that he knew she was far from fooled. However, the two of them did have an agreement, one that both sides were honoring, one that each side expected the other to continue to do so. Bajor would serve as administrative capital for the new empire being built by the Disciples Of Kahless, would offer its clerical expertise. In turn, that new empire would offer Bajor full protection from all threats. Bajor was also guaranteed its continued independence. Winn knew that her people would, within the space of a decade's time, be indispensable to the daily bureaucratic affairs of the empire, thus guaranteeing their safety. Kor knew that these Bajorans would serve his empire well, and that the short-term gains to be had in conquering them did not begin to match what they could offer his people in the long run. As they stared at each other for a long moment, all this ran through their minds, until one broke the silence. "I wish to discuss the final disposition of the Starship Enterprise." That got Kor's attention, and kept it. "Speak." "Kirk poses the greatest threat our infant alliance will ever know. He holds your warriors in captivity, and offers no terms for their release." "As of yet." "As of yet,", she agreed, then continuing, "so let we of Bajor broker their release." "How so?" "I will make Kirk an offer. In return for the release of your warriors, I will allow his ship to enter what he calls the "wormhole" and examine its authenticity. He will, of course, find that it is the genuine article, and in the finding, eliminate any remaining dissent amongst my people." Kor liked that idea, but had doubts. "And this eliminates Kirk, how?" Winn smiled. "Within the Celestial Temple, the Prophets themselves will sow the seeds of his death. A disease will befall the crew of the Enterprise, one so seemingly insignificant as to escape notice, until after the point of no return. Within a week's time, over a third of her crew will be dead. Within a month, less than twenty will survive, and they will be forbidden to touch any world's soil, lest they spread the illness." "The Prophets will do this?" Seeing Kor's uncertainty, Winn gave him the final bit of her plan. "I have journeyed to a time when it is done." "You've been to the future?" "And seen it with my own eyes. I have spoken with the Prophets in that time, and heard their stories of how it comes to pass. The Prophets have spoken, and decreed the ending of the legend called Enterprise." Kor smiled back at Winn, nodded once with great satisfaction. "So be it. Until this evening, and your speech." "I will speak with you again, just before I address my world." The screen went dark. -- Forwarded to ASCL by: Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ ASCL is a stories-only list, no discussion. Comments and feedback should be directed to alt.startrek.creative or directly to the author. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCL/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: ASCL-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ From ???@??? Fri May 28 21:54:02 2004 X-Persona: Status: U Return-Path: Received: from n20.grp.scd.yahoo.com ([66.218.66.76]) by bunting (EarthLink SMTP Server) with SMTP id 1btT0X6ZU3NZFmR0 for ; Fri, 28 May 2004 18:51:59 -0700 (PDT) X-eGroups-Return: sentto-1977044-13636-1085795518-stephenbratliffasc=earthlink.net@returns.groups.yahoo.com