From: brownpm@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Peter Brown)
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Subject: "For the Honor of the Empire"
Date: 8 Apr 92 00:20:08 GMT
Article-I.D.: mentor.44327
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center

CHAPTER TWO:  "For the Honor of the Empire."

[Fade back to _Enterprise_ warping through space...]

Picard:       "Captain's Log, supplementary.  We are presently en route
              at Warp Six to investigate a disturbance at a Federation
              Research Station on Chelea Four.  I have contacted Starfleet
              Command, and they have informed us that the _USS_Hood_ and
              _USS_Valiant_ are standing ready to assist us, should the
              situation require a more violent solution.  I am entertaining
              suggestions for an alternative course of action."

[Fade to Bridge Observation Lounge.  We see our familiar characters sitting
around the kidney-shaped mock-oak table.  LaForge, Riker, Worf, Data, Troi,
Crusher, and Picard are discussing possibilities.]

Data:         "Captain, two minutes ago we received an additional message
              from Chelea Four.  Commander Mobatso said that they were
              under intense attack by starships of unknown design, and which
              did not answer their hails.  According to the message, which 
              quite brief, the alien vessels conformed to no known
              construction style, and used very small attack craft as a
              primary assault force.  They disabled the deflector shields
              almost immediately, and Mobatso did not know how long his
              auxillary defenses would hold out."

Picard:       "I see Data.  Did Commander Mobatso say anything else?"

Data:         "Not anything we received, sir.  The message was badly garbled
              and it is highly probable that the signal was being jammed
              by the alien vessels."

Riker:        "I know Chelea Four is a Starfleet Proving Grounds of sorts,
              but what exactly is the outpost for?"

Data:         "Chelea Four is a proving grounds for Starfleet theoretical
              science experiments.  It was chosen for its relative isolation
              and distance from the Romulan and Ferengi borders."

Picard:       "I met with Commander Mobatso just six months ago.  He said
              they were working on a new warp engine design, but he didn't
              give any specifics.  We can be rest assured, however, that the
              Outpost was more than capable of defending itself from an 
              attack."

Worf:         "Commander Mobatso's message suggests otherwise..."

Laforge:      "And I would assume that their shield generators are at least
              as powerful as our own."

Riker:        "But we don't know how the aliens managed to drop their
              shields so quickly.  They could have used weapons that the
              shields were not set to deflect, or they may have simply
              overpowered them."

Picard:       "I agree Number One.  But one thing we do know.  They are
              employing squadrons of small fighting craft, which penetrated
              the Outpost's shields.  We have no reason to assume that the 
              intent was hostile from the beginning, but in case it was, I
              want to be prepared."

Worf:         "Our phasers are capable of cycling single phaser bursts, but
              only up to three a second.  It will be [pause] *difficult* if
              there are large numbers of fighters."

Riker:        "Is it possible to configure one of the phaser collimeters to
              hit multiple targets, maybe at a reduced power level?"

LaForge:      "Certainly.  It would take a bit of work, and the collimeter
              would have to be reconfigured.  It would also have to be under
              computer control since no human could possibly be fast enough
              to lock onto each one and fire.  But it can be done."

Picard:       "Excellent.  How long would it take to reconfigure?"

Laforge:[shrugs] "Shouldn't take more than a couple hours per collimeter."

Picard:       "Make it so.  Leave the dorsal collimeter as it is, in case
              we need a full phaser.  I hope that we will not have to
              use it.  I would much rather have a peaceful end to this.
              That is all."
 
[The crew gets up and filters out of the room.  Riker takes the oppurtunity
to talk amiably with Deanna.  Picard leaves for the Bridge, and Worf, Data,
and Geordi head toward Engineering.  Switch camera to Worf, Data and Geordi.]

LaForge:      "If you are now needed anywhere else, Data, I could use your
              help callibrating the collimeter control circuits.  I don't
              like the computer controlling them much, but it has to be 
              done and you're the fastest on the ship."

Data:         "Certainly, Geordi.  I shall be pleased to assist you."

LaForge:[sighs] "Yep, the universe is sure getting complicated.  Hostile
              races everywhere.  The Romulans, the Ferengi, the Borg...
              makes you wonder..."

Data:[confused] "Wonder what?"

Laforge:     "Well, sometimes Data, it just seems like every other race we
             meet is hostile toward us, and that they seem to be getting
             more and more powerful each time.  First the Romulans, then 
             the Klingons, now the Ferengi, the Q, Negielum, the Kardassians,
             the Borg, and now this."[shakes his head]

Worf:        "Few of those have any honor in battle.  That is our greatest
             advantage and our greatest threat."

[Geordi, Data, and Worf enter a turbolift.]

Geordi:      "Engineering.  Ah yes, Worf, but it kinda makes you wonder 
             why so many are our enemies.  Honor or no honor, they, for
             whatever reason, seek to destroy us, to conquer and subjugate
             us.  Why should they hate us so?"

Data:        "One could postulate that other races share certain 
             characteristics with humans.  I have observed that humans can
             frequently appear to be incapable of accepting what they
             have.  They always seem to exhibit a desire to strive to
             obtain more.  If other races have simular drives, then 
             perhaps conflict is inevitable. [pause]  There have been
             notable occasions when races have voluntarily controlled
             these desires to their mutual benefit, however.  Humans and
             Klingons are a case in point."

Worf:        "Only the Federation showed honor.  A warrior does not turn
             on an ally in the face of danger, like the Romulans.  The
             Federation stood and fought at our side even *before* we  
             were allies. [Pause]  Many still distrust the Federation,
             but in StarFleet *my* honor has *increased*."

Laforge:     "Do you truly believe that Worf?  That honor above all else
             determines the moral rightness of a race?"

Worf:[Pauses, takes a deep breath, stands straighter] "Hold. [turns as the
             turbolift comes to a halt] Klingons had believed that *batlh*,
             honor, could only be developed by the greatest Warrior.  But the
             true measure of a warrior is not battles won, but the way he
             distinguished himself with valor.  Allowing a vanquished foe to
             live, keeping his word, giving his life for his friends, allies,
             and duty, *that* is how the warrior gained batlh.  Batlh *was*
             the Empire.  Resume."
             [Worf faces foreward, his teeth grinding.  After a pause, he 
             turns to Geordi.]
             "The High Council knew that other races that lacked honor would
             attack the Empire should a weakness be shown.  Batlh would be
             preserved through strength.  Honor did not, however, pervade the
             hearts of all Klingons.  Some learned that ignoring honor could
             lead to [sneers] *profit*.  By betraying the honorable, great
             power could be seized."

Data:        "Like Duras."

Worf:[nods with a look of disgust] "Humans fought hard for barbarians -- no
             offense intended, Commander.  The Federation could not be 
             ignored because of its power.  The High Council recognized
             that it could be a dangerous force if manipulated by men with
             no honor.
                  "At Khitomer, the Federation proved themselves worthy of
             honor.  However, factions within the Empire were becoming
             powerful without regard to batlh.  When the crisis came, the 
             Federation aided the honorable, those of the Empire who still
             clung to the ways of the Warrior.
                  "Honor dictates those who can and cannot be trusted.
             Without trust, conflict is inevitable."

LaForge:     "So you think that we will see more Klingons in StarFleet
             soon then, huh?"

Worf:        "Of course."

[They arrive at Engineering.]

LaForge:     "Well, we had better get started on these callibrations, 
             eh Data?"

[Worf nods to Geordi and Data, and walks off deeper into Engineering.]

Picard:      "Ensign McMurphy, what is our ETA to Chelea Four?"

McMurphy:    "Two hours and thirty seven minutes sir."

Picard:      "Increase to Warp Factor Eight."

McMurphy:    "Aye s--"

[Telltale beep beep sound from Security Board.]

Holiday:     "Incoming Message from Chelea Four, all frequencies Captain."

Picard:      "On screen."  [Picard stands up, tugging at his jersey.  We see
             the view screen jump around, and static crackles across the
             image of Commander Mobatso.  He is bleeding from a head wound,
             and it is is obvious his Command Center is ablaze around him.]

Mobatso:     "To any Fed-/skrriiich-pop/ vessel.  This is /pop/ Chelea Four.
             We ar/zliiich/der attack by a race whi/zzzzz/ identif/zzz-sizzle-
             pop/ as the Empi/fizzzzz-snap-zzz/ Primary life support is /pop/
             out, and all/skriich/fenses have been neut/grrz/ized.  Please 
             /whiiiinee-skrich-snort-pop/" [Screen becomes TV-snow mess.]

Holiday:     "That's it sir."

Picard:      "Helm.  Belay that order.  Increase speed to Warp Factor nine
             point three.  Engage." 

McMurphy:    "Aye sir. Warp nine point three.  ETA, seven minutes."

[Fade to _Devastator_ Command Center.  Admiral Valasian steps nervously and
deliberately across the stainless steel floor.  On the View Screen we see
the image of the moon, with TIE fighters zipping by in close formations,
and great flashes of light from what we can presume to be the remains of
the Chelea Four Outpost.]

Valasian:    "Lieutenant, report."

Hadrian:     "My Lord, the fighter wings report that the base has been
             obliterated.  Sensors verify this observation, and no life
             forms are being picked up."

Tarkin:      "Have you determined where the energy signal was sent to?"

Hadrian:     "No sir.  The signal must have been a ruse as well."

Tarkin:[raises an eyebrow] "A ruse?  Explain."

Hadrian:     "When the signal was sent, it barely registered on our sensor
             scans.  It appears to have literally disappeared.  There were
             particles emitted, but the sensors were unable to track them."

Valasian:    "A tachyon beam perhaps?"

Hadrian:     "No, my Lord.  A tachyon beam would have left a definate 
             signature which our sensor arrays would have picked up.  Nor
             could it have been any type of hyperspatial shunt device."

Tarkin:      "Some new *alien* technology, perhaps?" [Tarkin turns and gives
             Valasian a cold look, which is returned.]

Valasian:    "Commander, do not be ridiculous.  It must have been a vessel
             using an invisibility device.  Order the squadron to spread
             out and search the system for an ion trail.  The ship must
             still be here somewhere.  I want it captured before it can
             jump to light speed!"

[Cut back to the _Enterprise_ Bridge.]

McMurphy:    "ETA to Chelea Four, four minutes, Captain."

Riker:       "Lieutenant Worf, Lieutenant Commander Data, to the Bridge!"

Picard:      "Lieutenant Holiday, are sensors picking anything up from
             here?"

Holiday:     "Yes sir, but I can't get a very accurate reading at this 
             range.  It seems that there are three *very* large objects
             in the system that shouldn't be there."

Picard:      "Any further transmissions from Chelea Four?"

Holiday:     "No sir.  Sensors do report considerable electromagnetic
             activity within the system however."

Riker:       "Communications?"

McMurphy:    "Could be sir, or possibly crude sensor equipment."

Holiday:     "Captain, sensors report that the objects each mass over ten
             *million* metric tons!  Power levels are incredible!"

Riker:[to Picard] "That's over three times the size of the _Enterprise_."

[Picard nods, a stern look on his face.  The stage left turbolift door
opens and Worf and Data emerge and take their respective stations.]

McMurphy:    "Chelea System in one minute, thirty seconds."

Picard:      "Do sensors pick up anyhting about the Oupost?"

Data:        "Negative, sir.  We are not reading any power levels or 
             Federation transponder activity."

Picard:      "I don't like this at all, Number One."

[Riker gets up and hurries to the Tactical station beside Worf.]

Riker:       "Shields up, *red alert!*"

Worf:        "Shields at maximum.  Photon torpedoes armed and ready, sir.
             Dorsal phaser array is armed and functional.  Primary phaser
             array non-operational."

Picard:      "Understood, Lieutenant."

McMurphy:    "Forty seconds to intercept."

Worf:        "Sir, sensors report no change in alien dispersal...I do 
             *not* think they detect us."

Data:        "Sensors indicate alien vessels continuing along projected
             flightplans.  No change in electromagnetic activity."

Riker:[Raising an eyebrow, a bit cynical] "It's not like we're cloaked..."

Picard:      "Slow to impulse."

McMurphy:    "Aye sir.  Slowing to impulse power."

[Exterior shot of _Enterprise_ emerging out of warp in deep space.  In the 
distance several moving objects appear to begin to head toward the
_Enterprise_.  Cut to _Devastator_ Command Center.]

Hadrian:     "My Lord!  The _Phalanx_ reports that a ship just arrived 
             out of hyperspace fifty parsecs from its current location.
             They are sending their fighters to intercept."

Tarkin:      "Why didn't our sensors pick up their exit from hyperspace?"

Hadrian:     "I don't know, Commander."

Valasian:    "Well, *check them* lieutenant!"

Hadrian:[shaken] "Yes sir!"

[Hadrian fiddles with dials and buttons for a few seconds.]

Hadrian:     "Sensors check out within acceptable parameters."

Ensign:      "Data from the _Phalanx_ coming in now, sir.  Volume of 
             vessel, three million metric tons.  Power levels are extremely
             high for a vessel of that size.  Life signs read
             approxiamately twelve hundred crewmembers, apparently 
             humanoid.  Ship configuration does not correspond to any
             known design."

Tarkin:      "Then it does not appear to be a Rebel starship.  The Rebels
             have only a few converted freighters, they do not have
             access to power plants of that magnitude."

Hadrian:     "Sir, I am unable to determine the propulsion system of the
             intruder.  It literally seems to *slide* through space.  Its
             engine mass accounts only for one seventh of its total mass."

Valasian:[with a cold smile] "Communications Officer, order the _Phalanx_
             to attack the Rebel vessel as soon as it is within range. 
             Inform them that we shall be joining them shortly."

Tarkin:[his face aghast] "SIR!  That is madness!  It is obvious--"

Valasian:    "Commander!  Do not force me to relieve you of your
             command!  That *is* a Rebel ship.  The Emperor would not
             be pleased if we allow it to escape, now will he?"

Tarkin:      "Valasian, your hunger for power and glory are clouding your
             judgement -- that ship is using power levels half our own in
             one *twentieth* the power plant mass!  They *cannot* 
             possibly be the Reb--"

Valasian:[incensed] "Commander Tarkin. [He speaks quietly, and delibrately]
             I hereby relieve you of your command.  You are to go to your
             quarters and remain there until further notice.  Do you
             understand me, Commander?"

Tarkin:[quietly, restraining his anger] "Yes my Lord.  I understand you
             completely."

[Tarkin turns and walks out of the Command Center.  As the doors close, 
the Command Center is quiet.  Valasian turns and gives a hard look, the
officers and crew immediately turn back to their business.  Valasian turns
to two Stormtroopers at the Command Center door.]

Valasian:    "Guards.  See to it that Commander Tarkin arrives at his
             quarters, and that he remains there! [The guards nod and
             Valasian turns back to face the View Screen.  Peering out
             toward the distant battlefield, he straightens his uniform
             and posture.]  Lieutenant, close on the Rebel Crusier.  We
             shall eradicate the rebel scum the moment they are within
             firing range!"

[Cut to Commercial:

LED ZEPPELLIN IS BACK!

Jimmy Page has personally digitally remastered all of Led Zeppellin's
original insidiously boring tracks...

{{Author's Note:  I'm not kidding! }}
{{-Just a joke guys, please don't flame me! ;)- }}

Please send comments, suggestions, praise, marriage offers, and unused
 Federal Reserve Notes to:

 Peter
 c/o brownpm@mentor.cc.purdue.edu

                                           Copyright 1992 by me.
                                           Plagarize me, and I'll be quite
                                             put out!
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative