by John Peel
"It certainly sounds like the first part might apply to what happened to Darane," he said cautiously. "But I have no idea what the rest of it may mean."
"I understand that, Emissary, Yarka said smoothly. "Kai Winn is claiming to be the one referred to in the second stanza, but it is quite clear to me that you, Emissary, are the one it must mean. 'One shall protect you.' That is what you do, is it not?"
"It's what I try to do, yes," agreed Sisko, wondering how he was going to talk his way out of this one. "But it could mean almost anyone. Look, I don't wish to be rude, but I am very busy with this crisis, and—"
"I understand," Yarka replied. "I shall be brief. I do not know who the other two referred to in the prophecy are. But it is clear to me that in this hour of crisis, you are Bajor's only hope. Only through your faith can this crisis be averted. It is up to you to find the meaning of the prophecy, Emissary. It is my task only to bring these words to your attention. I am confident that, through you, Bajor will be saved." He bowed again. "And now I have taken up enough of your valuable time. I shall leave you to ponder the meaning of the Prophets. And I shall thank you for what you will do. Good day, Emissary." He gave another bow and swept from the room.
That was just perfect. As if he didn't have enough problems to contend with, now he was being made the object of another obscure prophecy. Sisko sighed. Maybe he'd believe more in these Prophets if they only spoke to him in English instead of riddles!
Her sense of wonder sated, Sahna turned from viewing Bajor back to Tork. He was tense, and clearly forcing himself to look, but he had not succumbed to his fears. "How do you feel?" she asked him gently.
"As well as can be expected," he said, managing a feeble smile. "But I have proven that it is possible to endure what was once considered unendurable."
"You can endure," Sahna corrected him affectionately. "You are the bravest person I know, Tork."
"If I can do it, then anyone can," he replied. "I have no great strength here, Sahna. I have only necessity to drive me. Perhaps this fear of space is not as ingrained in our race as we had thought. Perhaps it is simply that we have always given in to it, instead of challenging it."
Sahna considered the idea. "It is possible," she agreed. "By giving in to our fears, we strengthen them. By standing up to them, as you have done, we prove that they are not in command of our lives."
"I wish I felt better about winning, though," he joked. He moved to the seat, and lowered himself onto it. "At least I am gaining some control over one of my troubles. And the others help me to distract my mind from what I see."
Sahna frowned. "You refer to the problem about Bajor?"
"Partly." He gave her a very odd look. "Sahna, I am troubled, and there is no one to help me in this struggle in my soul."
She moved to his side and rubbed his shell. "I will always help you," she vowed.
"But in this matter, there is little you can do. I wish you could help me."
"I can do at least one thing," she informed him. "I can listen to you. What is it that distresses you so?"
Tork gathered his thoughts for a moment, and then nodded. "It will do me well to unburden myself, even if you cannot solve my dilemma," he agreed. "Shortly before we left the Hive, Hosir summoned me to talk with him."
"I know of Hosir," Sahna said. "He used to be the Security Master, did he not?"
"Yes. When Dron became Grand Master, however, he appointed Raldar to that post, and had Hosir made merely a Hivemasterin name, without purpose." He grimaced. "This conversation with Hosir was very short and troubling. He entered some technical data I do not comprehend into my comp, and then said only one thing to me that I cannot get out of my mind." He paused, deeply troubled, and then continued. "He asked me a question: 'How do you know that the Two Hundred and Third Hive's rebellion failed?' And he refused to say anything more."
It didn't make sense to Sahna. "Of course the Two Hundred and Third Hive's rebellion failed," she said, puzzled. "We all know that. It is in our records. It is part of the sacred texts."
"Exactly." Tork gave a deep sigh. "So then why did Hosir ask such a foolish question? Unless it is not as foolish as it sounds?"
Sahna shook her head. "I cannot say. But perhaps I can help you understand the data he gave you. May I see your comp?"
Fishing it out of his shell, Tork tapped in the commands to bring up the data. "Here." He passed it to her.
Glancing it over, Sahna scrolled the screen several times back and forth. As Tork had said, it was in some obscure computer code. Yet, there was a little that she could understand. "Most of it is very opaque to me," she admitted. "But I can read portions of it. It appears to be some kind of computer command sequence."
"That I had already surmised," Tork replied. "But to what? And why? And why should Hosir give it to me?"
"He may not understand its significance, either," Sahna pointed out. "These codes are very old, in a form of logic we have not used in a thousand generations. But some of the data is quite clear. I can make out astronomical readings here. I have studied the old texts from the first Hives for data on our home system, and this is written in the same kind of coordinates. . . . And yet it is not completely the same." She sighed. "Perhaps back on the Hive, with access to my computers, I could decode this. Here, I can tell you no more." She passed him back his comp.
"Astronomical data?" mused Tork. "Why would Hosir wish me to have this? And what significance does it have to do with his question?"
"The data is old," Sahna offered. "Possibly dating before the Two Hundred and Third Hive."
He smiled. "That is a link," he agreed. "But astronomical data from so long back can have no bearing on our current troubles, can they?"
"I do not know," Sahna admitted. "As you say, I cannot help you further."
He stroked her shell fondly. "You have already helped me a great deal. What comes next is on my shell." He sighed. "I do not look forward to this trip to Bajor, but it is my duty. I will do whatever is needed." He smiled again at her. "Would you mind if I rested awhile? I am worn out from my struggles."
"Of course not," she answered. She glanced back at the window. "Shall I close the portal?"
"No," he answered. "I must get used to the sight."
She considered a moment further. "I am not tired," she said. "I am too excited. Would you mind if I left you to explore a little?"
"Of course not. But take care. These aliens might be friendly, but we do not know all of them. Perhaps it would be best to ask Captain Sisko for an escort?"
"A wise idea," she agreed. It had already occurred to her. "Rest, now. I shall be careful." She crossed to the computer. "Computer," she asked, turning it on. "May I speak with Captain Sisko?"
"One moment."
In far less than the promised time, the screen lit up with Sisko's face. "Sahna," he greeted her. "Is there a problem?"
"No, Captain," she answered. "It is merely that I should like to look at your fascinating station while Tork rests. Is it possible that you could supply me with an escort? Preferably one who knows science? I have many questions to ask."
"I know just the person," Sisko answered. "She'll be with you shortly."
About five minutes later, there was a buzz at the door, which Sahna answered. She discovered a young human-looking female there. She had long hair, clipped back behind her head, and curious rows of spots running down her face and neck.
"Hello, Sahna," she said cheerfully. "I'm Jadzia Dax."
"Hello." Sahna looked back, and saw that Tork was resting, his eyes closed, his body less tense. "Shall we leave him in peace?"
"A good idea." Dax led the way outside, and the door closed automatically behind them. "So, what would you like to see?"
"Almost anything," admitted Sahna. "But I should very much prefer to talk with you."
Dax laughed. "That sounds like the perfect cue for the Promenade," she answered. "Let's go."
She led Sahna to a marvelous place. They stood together beside a guard
rail, looking down on a long, curved row of stores and peoples. Sahna was astonished and delighted by the variety of goods and aliens that she could view from here. And if she tired of those, she could simply turn about and look out of large windows and at the stars. It was almost too much to take in, and she laughed almost drunkenly.
"Such a place of wonders!" she exclaimed.
"It is, isn't it?" agreed Dax. "And yet, I've seen things that makes this place look dull and boring."
"I am sure you must have," agreed Sahna, wistfully. "I have studied astronomy since I was a child, and yet I never expected to experience any of it. Now, here I am. . . ." She sighed. "I do not want this to stop," she admitted. "Please, tell me about some of your experiences."
Dax smiled. She had an idea that it would take quite a while to answer even half of Sahna's questions.
"Forgive me for pointing this out, Captain," Kira said as patiently as she could, "but isn't time of the essence here? Bajor only has another four or five days before the Hive arrives."
"You're forgiven," Sisko replied with a smile. "That's quite correct, of course."
"Then why are we just sitting here doing nothing?" Kira demanded. She gestured at the screen on her workstation. "Dax is just chatting with Sahna, and Tork is catching up on his sleep."
"I know it looks like we're doing nothing," Sisko replied, "but that isn't the case. Sahna seems very eager to learn about what it's like to live on a planet. Dax is the perfect person to make her understand. After all, she's 'lived' many more years than the rest of us combined. I think there's a good chance Sahna is already in favor of letting Bajor alone. As for Tork …" He turned to Bashir, who was hovering close by. "Doctor?"
"The medical scanners in his room show that he is under a great deal of stress," Bashir explained, frowning. "I'm comparing his readings to those of Sahna, who seems to be pretty well adjusted, so there may be a percentage of error here, of course. If he were human, I'd say he was hovering on the brink of mental exhaustion at best, and dementia at worst." Bashir paused, then resumed in a more cheerful tone. "Sleep is the body's way of attempting to cope with stress and it's showing some effect already. I believe that an hour or so more of sleep will do wonders for him. After all, going down to Bajor will be quite traumatic for him. We want him as relaxed as possible before we start."
"So, as you see, we aren't doing nothing," Sisko added. "In an hour, we'll wake Tork and head down to meet the government. Hopefully, both Tork and Sahna will be sympathetic and we can sway them." His face became grim. "Believe me, I know how important this is to all concerned. I'm just trying to give us the best possible chance of success. After all, we won't get a second chance to try and save your world. We have to do what we can with this."
Kira nodded her understanding. "I just hope it's enough," she said.
"So do I, Major," agreed Sisko. "So do I."
CHAPTER 21
"NOW WHAT IS it?" yelled Keve. He glanced up from his desk and winced. "Oh. Dukat. It's you."
"Yes," agreed Dukat. "Gul-Tar, the situation with the Hive has become worse. Sisko has informed me that they aim to target Cardassia Prime when the split of the Hives is complete. According to the captain of the Karitan, that will be in approximately one day."
Keve considered the news for a moment. "I agree, that's not good news," he snapped. "But Gavron and the Third Fleet will intercept this Hive before it could possibly reach Cardassia. So what's the problem?"
Dukat sighed mentally. "The problem is that the Third Fleet may not be sufficient to stop the Hive. I strongly suggest that we have the Home Fleet intercept—"
"No!" Keve thundered. He rose to his feet. "Dukat, I can understand that you want only what is best for Cardassia, but you don't see the larger picture." He slammed his hand down on the reports on his desk. "There have been antimilitary demonstrations in three provinces. In one case, I was forced to quell the protest before it developed into a riot. My agents inform me that unrest is growing. I need the Home Fleet where it is. Without it, the traitors would feel more secure in their demands and attacks. We cannot afford that. The Third Fleet should be more than sufficient to subdue or destroy this alien Hive."
"And if it is not?" Dukat asked, pointedly.
"Then I will turn over command of the Home Fleet to you, and you can have the second shot at the damned thing," Keve snarled. "Would that make you happy?"
Bowing slightly, Dukat said, "It is what would be best for Cardassia, Gul-Tar."
"And not bad for you personally, if you're the man who saved our planet, eh?" Keve remarked sourly. "Oh, I know you're thinking of the homeworld first," he said before Dukat could protest, "but I know you well enough to know that you're also after something for yourself. I'll have the orders drawn up, ready for implementing if the occasion should arise. Now get out of here, and let me deal with this rebellion problem."
"Of course." Dukat bowed again, and then left the room. Outside, he paused for a moment to ponder the exchange, and then hurried to his private quarters. Once there, he activated his communications unit and then tapped in a series of commands. Good—he was still unmonitored. His safeguards were paying off. Then he keyed in the private line to Feron Mulak's home.
Mulak's startled face looked back at his a moment later. "Dukat!" he exclaimed. "I was not expecting—"
"I know that," Dukat said smoothly. "I also know that you're the brains behind this so-called revolt against the military."
"I assure you—" Mulak began.
"Assure me of nothing," Dukat interrupted. "I'm not a fool, and you know that. As I say, I know you're the one behind the planning. Not the front man, of course. And I have not told the Gul-Tar what I know."
Mulak scowled, and then looked thoughtful. "I assume that means you want to make a deal."
"Perceptive." Dukat smiled. "That is indeed what I propose. The military rule of Cardassia is coming to an end. We all know this, especially, I think, Keve. My concern here is that there be a speedy transition of power with the minimum amount of bloodshed and disruption. To that end, I do believe that I can help you."
"And why would you do that?" asked Mulak.
"Because in the new civilian government, you will need someone in charge of the military, naturally."
Mulak laughed, short and sharp. "And you know just the person for that post, I imagine. All right, Dukat: I'll bite. What do you propose?"
"An alliance," Dukat answered smoothly. "We can be of great help to one another, you and I. . . ."
Sisko had wondered if the runabout would pose a problem for Tork, but the alien had taken his specially prepared seat without a murmur. Sahna reclined beside him, their hands entwined in the classic pose of lovers from many cultures. "You're sure you'll be okay with this?" he asked again.
Tork smiled tightly. "Captain, I know what to expect now. I am getting more adjusted to the sight of the stars. I promise I will do my best."
"We can't ask for more than that," Sisko replied. He took his seat beside Kira. "Are we ready?"
"Affirmative," she replied, running the final checks on flight status. "Ready when you give the word."
Sisko looked back one last time. Dax, seated beside the aliens, gave him a reassuring smile. "Okay, let's move out."
As Kira tapped in the commands, the runabout came up to full power, and then the airlock ahead of them opened to reveal space. It was a strain for Sisko not to look back at Tork again, especially when he heard the sharp intake of the alien's breath, but he had to trust that things would be well with him. The trip to Bajor was too far for a transporter, and the runabout was the only way to get them there.
The craft gave a slight tremor as Kira took it through the open lock and then out into space. "Everything's fine," she reported. "Estimated flight time of twenty minutes, Captain."
"Excellent." Sisko smiled. "I'm going to talk to our passengers, Major." He rose and went aft to take the seat beside Dax. He gave Sahna an encouraging smile, which wasn't really needed. The female a
lien was enthralled with the view out of the windows. Tork, on the other hand, seemed understandably tense. But he was not catatonic, which was an improvement. "How are you feeling?" he asked sympathetically.
"Terrible," Tork confessed. "But I trust the feeling will pass. If not, I probably shall." He swallowed. "Captain, perhaps now would be a good time for us to continue our conversation. It would help to take my mind off my distress."
Sisko nodded. "I agree. You were going to tell me about the Great Design."
"That is correct." Tork made an effort to gather his thoughts. "When the makers of the First Hive constructed the Hive, they were not simply planning that we flee our world. They had an aim in mind. Since we had to leave our home galaxy, they had aimed us for this one, not knowing precisely what we should find here. But they believed that we would find worlds that contained at least primitive life.
"The Hive is constructed so that it can reproduce itself, as it is now doing. The First Hive decided that when we reached our new galaxy, the best way to insure the survival of our race was by duplicating the Hive. To do this, we would need to absorb the resources of a planet. It would have to be one with life of some kind, because we would need the vegetation and other lesser life-forms to replace those that had died during the journey. The Hive is an integral mix of technology and the biological sciences, Captain. It was designed to maintain a stable population for the journey and to contain the resources necessary for their survival. There would, of course, be some attrition over the millennia, and this would need to be replaced when we reached our goal.
"Once the Hive splits, these resources will need replenishing again. Once more, we must have one target world per Hive. When they are absorbed, both Hives will be at their peak again. The Great Design then calls for one of these Hives to return to intergalactic space and make the crossing to the galaxy that you term Andromeda. Once there, it will repeat the fission process. The other Hive will remain in this galaxy, and every thousand years or so will absorb another world and then fission. This will insure the survival of our species."
