GRAVITAS Title: Gravitas, 14/26 Author: Jaye (Copyright September 2002) Codes: VOY/TNG/DS9 Many Pairings NC-17 Disclaimer: Star Trek and all related characters and concepts are the property of Paramount. Gladiator belongs to Dreamworks SKG and Universal. No infringement is intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for adult themes, violence and sex. If you aren't interested (or aren't old enough), don't read it. Archive: Drop me a note first so I know where it's going. Please keep the text (especially the disclaimer) intact. Feedback: Sure but be kind, or at least constructive. E-mail is reader8901@fastmail.fm Summary: Treachery raises the stakes and changes lives when the leader of the Terran Empire seeks to restore the Federation. Note: Very AU, as this is basically the plot of the film "Gladiator" set in a Star Trek universe. Some scenes and dialogue closely mirror the film (though it's starting to drift away from the exact plot). No Maquis, no Delta Quadrant, etc. This is my response to Polly's Cha!Club challenge about movies. Sisko is older here than in canon. *************** CHAPTER FOURTEEN San Francisco as a whole was never really quiet, but a few minutes before midnight the streets around Sisko's compound were deserted. There was a glimmer in the darkness, and three dozen Guards appeared. They were wearing body armor and carried phase rifles in addition to their personal sidearms. Sisko saw them from where he'd been standing on his balcony enjoying the balmy night. He swiftly went inside and crossed to a terminal. A few moments of punching codes into the computer and the forcefields were locked into place so none of his own security personnel could lower them. His face grim, he descended to ground level and made his way outside. He paused and yelled up to his guards, "I've fused the controls for the forcefields. You won't be able to get out or let them in. It's up to you what you do when they break through." Then Sisko crossed the garden and training grounds, heading for the dormitory. *************** Joe Carey stood before the gate. He saw Sisko moving and called, "Open in the name of the Emperor!" When he was ignored, he turned to his troops and ordered, "Break through the forcefields, I don't care how. But remember---" his fierce gaze encompassed them all "---to take them alive. No exceptions." He stepped back and let his people get to work. They concentrated their fire, trying to overload the system. *************** Sisko entered the dorm building and made his way to a door. He unlocked it and entered to see the gladiators already awake, peering out of the windows and talking over the sounds of phaser fire. "People." His voice immediately brought silence and attention. "We're about to be invaded. There are weapons in the armory. If you want to fight for your freedom, then come with me." His eyes roamed over them all. "The choice is yours. From this moment you are no longer my slaves." As the gladiators began streaming into the hall Sisko pulled Chakotay aside. Tuvok and B'Elanna hovered nearby. "It looks like we've run out of time, Admiral," Sisko said. "Stay in the shadows. Make your way into the garden. In the southwest corner is an old manhole cover. Under it is a ladder that will carry you down into the access tunnel. The park is three openings further down the line." He handed his erstwhile property a wristlight and phaser. Chakotay searched the older man's face. "What will happen to all of you?" Sisko's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "It looks like we'll start the revolution without you." He sobered. "We'll hold them off as long as we can." Chakotay nodded. "Thank you, and good luck," he said quietly. "To you too," Sisko replied with a nod, then hurried down the hall to make sure his people were properly equipped. B'Elanna and Tuvok approached. The three gladiators clasped hands a moment, bidding silent good-byes. "Strength and honor," Chakotay said, and their murmurs echoed his. Then he let go and made his way out the door and into the night. Tuvok and B'Elanna turned and raced after Sisko, determined to make their last battle count. *************** Chakotay darted from one clump of shadows to another, making his way across the training yard, heading for the relative safety of the gardens. As he was finally shrouded in greenery he turned a moment for a last glimpse of his comrades. They were upending tables and benches, finding cover. Beyond them the forcefield whined under the assault of the Imperial Guards' weapons. He whirled and plunged into the bushes to search for the tunnel access. As he wrenched open the rusted iron disc Chakotay noted the eerie silence that fell over the compound. It told him the barriers had been breached. With a final thought for his fellow gladiators, Chakotay disappeared underground. *************** It was not going to be a fair fight. That much was certain. They didn't have armor or heavy weapons. Sisko's eyes roamed the moonlit figures of his gladiators, crouched and waiting for the Imperial troops to fire the first shot. He was pleased that all of his guards and servants had also joined in this last stand. Most of them didn't know they were guarding Admiral Chakotay's escape. They were here because Sisko had been good to them for many years. Sisko gave a shark's smile and tightened his finger on his phaser. It was time to become a warrior once more. *************** Without warning the night was shattered by the bright bolts and high shrieks of phaser fire. The Guards' volley was answered by Sisko's people. The gladiators proved as adept with energy weapons as they were metal. Guards grunted as the energy dissipated along their armor. More troops transported in, appearing in the middle of the yard. The new Guards immediately fanned out to secure the gardens and mansion. With a yell B'Elanna leapt over her protective cover and lay down a barrage of fire, striking half-a-dozen foes, drawing the new squad's attention. She landed into a roll to avoid being hit by return bolts. She sprinted into the cover of the garden and crouched a moment, catching her breath. The half-Klingon grinned. She was about to go hunting. *************** Sisko saw his people picked off by Imperial sharpshooters. Their own strikes were useless if they impacted on the enemy's armor. They had to hit exposed skin to be effective. His guards and gladiators were good, but there was precious little flesh showing to target. He heard B'Elanna's shout and saw the new Guards---and where they were headed. He shared a look with Tuvok, both pairs of dark eyes flecked with moonlight. The two men stared at each other, then moved as one to attack the newcomers, their phasers spitting fire. *************** Chakotay held the wristlight as far away from his body as possible, just in case someone was waiting further down the tunnel to take aim at him. He moved as swiftly as he could through the subterranean passage, knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone figured out where he'd gone. He finally reached the third ladder after his own. He turned off the light and climbed upward in complete darkness. At the top he waited under the closed cover, catching his breath and straining to hear anything above him. There was only silence. Hooking one arm tightly around an iron rung, he pressed his other hand against the lid to the portal. Chakotay slowly pushed upward, wincing at the sound of grating metal. He peered out from the small slit he'd created, but again there was nothing suspicious. Just a quiet street, the faint wind stirring the tree branches into leafy whispers. Taking a deep breath, he lifted the cover completely off and stepped into the moonlight once more. He swiftly replaced the lid and dashed into the nearest patch of bushes. About two blocks away he noticed a figure in the moonlight standing beside a hovercar. He approached cautiously, trying to make as little sound as possible. He soon recognized Harry Kim. Still, something didn't feel right. Chakotay stopped and stepped deeper into some foliage. He pursed his lips and gave a low whistle. Harry's heart leapt and his gut twisted as he heard the quiet sound. "Chakotay, run! It's a trap!" A figure suddenly rose up from where they had crouched in the hovercar. Harry grunted in pain as a beefy hand yanked him back by the neck and pressed a phaser to his temple. The Guard, a man named Braxton, shouted into the darkness. "Give yourself up quietly, Admiral, or I'll kill him where he stands." He smiled in satisfaction as he heard soft scuffles. The rest of the Guards hidden in the area were readying their weapons. Braxton tightened his grip on Harry and opened his mouth to shout again, but left the words unspoken at the sound of something small skittering along the pavement. When it stopped, it turned out to be a deactivated phaser. Both men were surprised to then see a flash of movement. A powerful silhouette appeared, limned in moonlight, fingers spread and hands slightly raised. It was Chakotay. *************** Chakotay continued his walk to where his would-be captors waited. He didn't resist as more men flowed out of the shadows to roughly grab him and drag him to the hovercar. He couldn't let Harry be killed for no reason. It was clear they'd been betrayed. Chakotay had sensed the tense bodies in the darkness. Human hunters waiting to pounce on their prey. Too many to take out quickly with a single phaser. He was surrounded. There was no way Chakotay would have been able to get out of the area, much less the city, on his own. And since Jake had already delivered his orders, there was no need for Chakotay to escape to give them in person. Especially with the young Ensign's life as the price of his freedom. He'd taken a moment to bid farewell to all the half-formed dreams he'd nurtured for the future, his own and the people's. He hoped Sisko and the other gladiators survived, that Tom and Lucien at least were safe, far from the palace. And that somewhere, Will Riker and the others still roamed free. It was clear his own road, his own life, would end in Imperial hands. He'd briefly touched the braid on his wrist, thinking that soon he would join his family in death. Then he stood up and delivered himself back into captivity. Braxton stared at the famed admiral as he approached, surrounded by Guards who took advantage of the strong man's passivity to deliver a few cowardly kicks and blows. Braxton gave a sharp bark of laughter. "Such nobility and sacrifice. You can always tell the idealists. They'll do anything to save their friends." He pressed his phaser to Harry's temple once more. "They're so stupid. Not everyone keeps their word, Admiral." Ayala stepped out from where he'd been observing in the shadows. "You have your orders, Braxton." His voice was a low growl. "I said no casualties. You harm the Ensign and you can be sure I'll be shooting you right after." He kept his eyes firmly turned away from Chakotay. He couldn't bear to look at his former friend. Instead he gestured impatiently for Braxton to back off and other Guards to secure the prisoners. As his hands were bound and a collar locked around his neck, Chakotay noted with relief that Harry was being similarly restrained. At least the younger man would live. He gave a dejected Harry a small shrug. They'd done their best. Sometimes that just wasn't enough. *************** Elsewhere in the Empire, Julian's minions were collecting his other enemies. The houses of Janeway, LaForge, and other Councilors were invaded without warning. Like Sisko's compound, the residences' forcefields were overloaded and the troops moved in. Those who had stood against Julian were summarily arrested, dragged out into the night and transported away. ************************************************************ Joe Carey wiped the sweat from his brow. It had been a surprisingly hard, long battle to secure Sisko's domain. He regarded the unmoving figures lying on the ground before him. He knew Sisko and some of the gladiators by sight. He issued his commands: the gladiator owner and his warriors were to be transported to the Colosseum. The rest of the rabble were going to be held in the compound until the Emperor decided their fates. He shook his head sadly as he wondered if sparing their lives was merely condemning these brave people to an inevitable, but far more painful death. In the end he shrugged. He had his orders. He would follow them. For now. *************** "Damn it Will, we have to do something!" Tasha Yar's fist pounded the surface of the Enterprise Captain's desk. "The Emperor's running rampant down there!" Will looked into his second's blazing eyes. His own drifted to gauge the other occupants of his Ready Room. Josh Cavit and Ken Dalby, beamed over from Voyager, looked equally upset at the turn of events. Rudy Ransom, representing the Guard Captains and crews who had also joined the rebellion, was sitting quietly waiting for Riker to speak. Reg Barclay and Marla Gilmore, found and recruited from Earth for their technical expertise per Chakotay's orders, were fidgeting, uncomfortable with the tension in the room. And Jake Sisko, INN researcher/reporter and the bearer of Chakotay's last message, was frowning in a mix of anxiety and frustration. Will felt a hand rest on his shoulder a moment and reached up to clasp it. He sensed Deanna's silent offering of strength and calm through their bond. He nodded to himself, sure of his decision. "I *am* doing something, Tasha," he said. "I'm following Chakotay's orders. You heard him. He's outlined a solid plan for a takeover that is as bloodless as possible." He let some of his own frustration leak through. "We don't know exactly what's happening down there. Chakotay and Janeway have obviously been betrayed, but *we* haven't been exposed. Otherwise the Emperor would have moved to destroy us by now. Yes, our friends are in danger. But I can't jeopardize this entire mission for one or two people. No matter how important they are to me personally." He spread his hands. "Please, Tasha, don't fight me on this. We need to be united or we might as well give up before we fire the first shot." The angry blonde stared into Will's determined face for a few moments, then sighed and backed down. "I'm sorry for my outburst, Captain. I just don't like the thought of Chakotay, Harry and the others in that bastard's hands. There's no telling what he has planned for them." "Nothing good, that's for certain." Jake wasn't protesting, just stating a fact. He'd been numbed by shock at the news that his father was among the prisoners. "Considering what happened to Dorvan V, it's a pretty safe bet Julian Bashir Picard will be even more vindictive at close range." Rudy Ransom spoke up. "But it *is* the distraction the Admiral spoke of. We won't have to manufacture one, since the Emperor will be so focused on seeking revenge that he's not likely to notice the changing of the Guard, as it were." Will nodded. "So it's settled. We'll move forward as scheduled. Rudy, you've explained things to your people?" "Yes. We'll be releasing our political prisoners and filling up the jails with the Guards and Councilors who've willingly conspired with the Emperor. Unfortunately, we can't be sure who we can trust in the Emperor's personal entourage, so we'll have to leave them for last." "Understood. Reg and Marla, are you ready to play secret agent?" Will hid a hint of a smile at the way the two instantly sat to attention. "Yes," Marla replied. "We're going to sneak into the main computer complex and let loose a few of our new drones." "It should take about an hour to secure all of the automated defenses and Imperial systems," Reg added as he nodded, twisting his hands together nervously. "Voyager is ready to help secure the shipyards and guarantee that the vessels we're not sure of stay locked down." Cavit's face was grim. "I just wish we could have fulfilled the retrieval part of our mission as well." "As do we all," Deanna said softly. "But now we need to concentrate on making the return of the Federation a reality." Jake clutched his padd in a tense grip. It had been copied and returned to him for safekeeping. "I'd like to link up with my group at INN to start downloading the Admiral's messages for the people. He makes the case for a restored Federation pretty convincingly." "That's good to hear," Will said, "Because like it or not, the Empire is going to fall." *************** Chakotay was marched along a familiar passage into the bowels of the Colosseum. He was chained hand and foot, bruised and sore from the less-than-tender care at the hands of his captors. He passed cells of silent prisoners, and recognized the faces of his friends and allies. Janeway stood in front of a group of frightened men and women. Councilors, he guessed, by their stunned visages and soft bodies. He noted Harry's disheveled form in their midst. The next cages held the gladiators. Some were sporting obvious injuries, but nothing serious. He caught the somber eyes of his friends, B'Elanna, Tuvok, even Sisko. They nodded in solemn tribute as he walked by. At the end of the corridor the solid beams of the massive structure were exposed. From the thick joists hung chains. The Guards marched Chakotay underneath the center set and spun him around. Carefully they transferred his bonds so that when they were finished he stood with his arms outstretched by the new chains. Finally they removed the collar from around his neck and left him standing, alone. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ Julian stood on a balcony of the Imperial Palace, watching the sun rise on the first day of his new---and absolute---reign over the Empire. Power and satisfaction flowed like the headiest of wines through his veins. Julian Bashir Picard had achieved the destiny he'd anticipated for a decade. And soon all the universe would prostrate themselves before his greatness. Shelby appeared at his elbow, bowing deeply. "It is done, sire." "Chakotay? Janeway?" he inquired. "Yes, and all of the others." "Good." Julian waved her away. She departed, looking forward to her reward. The Emperor turned away from the wakening city, strolling to a table inside the room. He mused as he walked around its inlaid surface, "But there is yet the small matter of my treacherous family. What of my nephew? And what of his father?" He passed a chair that was pulled out from the table. Tom Paris sat stiffly upon it, his hands clenched in his lap and his face pale and strained. Julian gripped the top of the high chair back and stretched forward to whisper in Tom's ear, "Should both of you share your lover's fate? Or should I be merciful?" He chuckled. "Julian the Merciful." With a yank Julian pulled out the chair and spun it to face him. He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the carved arms and thrusting his face close to Tom's. "Lucien will stay with me now. And if you give even a single *look* that displeases me he will be dead before you blink." His eyes narrowed, boring into the younger man's. "As for you, in three days I will have you outfitted with an artificial womb. Containing *my* son. You will agree to everything, follow the doctor's orders to the letter." He smiled. "It is an honor, you know. To bear the first of my progeny. A pure-blood heir, the beginning of my dynasty. *That* is your destiny." He stood and folded his arms. "Am I not merciful?" he asked. Tom stared at him in silence. ************************************************************ The Colosseum was filled to overflowing. People had heard that a match was scheduled, more amazing than any they had ever seen. No one knew the details, but the promise of a spectacle was enough to bring them forth. Hushed whispers echoed in the vast space. There had been rumors of disappearances and disturbances during the night, but no one knew what, if anything, had really happened. The tinge of anxiety only increased their anticipation. *************** Kate, Jadzia, and Keiko sat in the middle tiers of the stands, close to an exit. They held hands for mutual comfort. *They* knew that Kathryn Janeway had been snatched from her bed in the early morning hours. When Kate had been unable to reach her old friend they'd done a little asking around. The answers they'd gotten chilled the marrow of their bones. They decided to hide in plain sight, figuring if the net widened to include them at least there would be witnesses. *************** Dressed in white-and-gilt body armor, Julian strutted through the corridor underneath the Colosseum stands. His personal Guards marched with him in quick formation, phasers drawn. Ayala reluctantly brought up the rear. Chakotay watched Julian approach. He forced himself to stay relaxed in these final moments of his life, refusing to show any emotion to feed this man's gloating triumph. The Emperor moved to stand in front of Chakotay. His eyes caressed the powerful figure. Faintly, the sounds of the crowd's chant began to filter down to them. "Chakotay! Chakotay! Chakotay!" the people shouted for their champion. Julian's tilted his head upward, listening. He returned his gaze to his nemesis. "They call for you," he said. "The Admiral who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an Emperor." He began to circle his bound prey, running his fingers along the bronze flesh exposed by the tunic. When Julian was behind Chakotay he pressed himself against the gladiator's back, resting his chin in the crook of Chakotay's neck. His hands continued their liberties, roaming the strong body. "It's an impressive tale," he purred. "And now people want to know how the story ends." Chakotay endured the speech and touch in silence. Julian ended the forced embrace and returned to his original position. He peered into Chakotay's indifferent face. "Only a famous death will do." He smiled unconvincingly. "And what could possibly be more dramatic than to challenge the Emperor himself in the Colosseum?" Surprise and suspicion washed through Chakotay's expression. "You would fight me?" "Why not?" Julian snapped. He drew himself up stiffly. "Do you think I'm afraid?" For a moment, Chakotay was seeing a young boy from a long time ago. His gaze was steady, his voice sad but certain as he replied, "I think you have been afraid all your life." Julian flinched at that. His hand jerked as if seeking to deliver a blow. But he stopped himself and sneered, "Unlike Chakotay the Invincible, who knows no fear?" Chakotay gave a small shrug. "I knew a man once who told me, 'Death smiles at us all. The best that we can do is smile back'." "I wonder," Julian said with a smirk, "did your friend smile at his own death?" "You must know," Chakotay said solemnly, staring into Julian's eyes. "He was your father." The bolt struck home. Julian stiffened, failing to hide his reaction. Then his expression shifted to insincere concern. "You loved my father, I know." He drew close to Chakotay again, wrapping his arms around him, hands stroking the strong back. "That's why this is so fitting." He slipped a hypospray from his sleeve and jammed it against the nape of Chakotay's neck. "You'll share the same death." Chakotay gasped at the burning touch of the instrument pressed to his skin. As Julian stepped back Chakotay swayed slightly, pain like an acid beginning to burn along his nerves. In contrast, his muscles felt somehow leaden and clumsy. He stared at Julian in horror. Julian casually tossed the used hypospray on the ground. "Of course, my father had been exposed to low doses of this poison over a period of months. His final moments were much more...merciful...than yours will be." His eyes glittered. "You're already feeling the effects, my dear Chakotay. The pain and the debilitation will increase gradually until all you can do is writhe in agony, unable to even beg for death." The Guards' faces betrayed their shock at this display of treachery and cowardice, but they remained silent. Julian reached out and sank his hand into Chakotay's hair, holding his head in place. Then he ground his lips against the full mouth that had for so long haunted his dreams. When Julian was done he stepped back and raised a brow. "You should never have refused me, all those years ago." With that he gestured to Ayala. "Put a breastplate on him and unchain him, but keep your phasers set to kill. It's show time." Greg's hands trembled slightly as he secured the pieces of metal over Chakotay's torso. Then he unlocked the chains, releasing Chakotay's arms. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. The two men shared a look. Then with a gentle hand on his old friend's shoulder, Greg guided Chakotay to stand with the other Guards and Julian. The platform under their feet began to rise, the ceiling parting before them so they could travel up to the arena floor. *************** Tom sat in his usual chair in the Imperial box, Lucien right beside him. His eyes roamed the nearly empty Councilors' section. He snorted. It was now called the Ministers' box, since Julian planned to cement his power by dissolving the Council. He blinked and swallowed, refusing to give in to any of the emotions coursing through him. *He* had given Julian the key to destroying Janeway's budding transition government. She and many other officials were residing underneath the Colosseum at this moment, awaiting their turn in the arena. Worse still, Tom had handed over Chakotay. He unconsciously pulled Lucien more tightly to his side. He'd had no choice if he'd wanted to protect Kate and her friends, as well as the military coup Chakotay had worked to arrange. Julian would never have stopped digging, hunting, searching. Not until his most hated enemy was again in his clutches. Tom knew he'd only done what he had to do once Lucien's life was threatened. *Knew* it, in his heart and soul and mind. But that didn't stop the endless ache of knowing he'd betrayed the man he loved. Both Paris men tensed as a pit in the floor of the Colosseum opened to reveal several dozen men. Most of them wore the purple and black of the Imperial Guard. They were Julian's personal retainers, hand-picked by the Emperor for their viciousness. He also saw Greg Ayala, his face set like stone. Julian was impossible to miss. His armor reflected the sun, making him shine like an ancient idol. Satisfaction shimmered off him in waves. In contrast, Chakotay seemed a little worse for wear. Tom bit his lip, cataloging the visible cuts and bruises. His eyes narrowed; Chakotay looked ill. There was a gray cast to his normally warm complexion, and he looked like he was struggling just to stay on his feet. In a flash Tom knew what Julian had done. The coward had already murdered Chakotay, ensuring his own victory. Tom's fists clenched, but he was trapped, by the threat hanging over his son's life, as well as the Guards creating a cordon around the box. Suddenly a hand landed solidly on his shoulder. Startled, Tom turned to look into sympathetic eyes under curly auburn hair. "I'm Joe Carey, sir, assigned to lead your escort." Tom nodded, uncertain why the man would bother introducing himself. Carey's eyes darted about, weighing the risk, then leaned forward as if to shake hands. Instead he whispered, "All is not lost, though the Admiral may be." Tom's eyes were wide as he watched the Guard return to his place. *************** The gladiators and Councilors had been moved into arena-level cells on Julian's orders. They pressed against the bars, trying to see what was happening. Former slave mingled with ex-official, indistinguishable. Each of them drew comfort from the presence of the others as they watched a great man face the last fight of his life. *************** Kate had never met the Admiral, but she had been following his bouts over the last few days. She stared down at the figure standing by the Emperor. "Something's not right," she said, narrowing her eyes. "With what, Kate? Are the Guards showing some interest in us?" Keiko leaned over to ask the questions, since Kate was on the other side of Jadzia. "No, it's the Admiral. He looks ill---" her brow furrowed with a new suspicion "---or poisoned." "Poisoned? You mean with the Cardassian toxin?" Jadzia focused her attention on the arena, trying to confirm Kate's supposition. "More than likely." Kate's face creased with sorrow as she sighed. "Poor man," she murmured. The other two women's thoughts silently echoed her words. *************** Jake had a visitor seat on the Enterprise bridge. He was monitoring the news channels. "Oh shit!" he shouted. "What is it?" Will demanded from his place with Tasha at Tactical. "It's Chakotay. He's in the Colosseum and it looks like he's going to fight the Emperor!" "On screen," Will ordered as he moved to his seat. All eyes were glued to the sight of the Emperor standing beside their former leader, surrounded by Guards. "This is it," Will said quietly. He looked to Tasha. "Give the signal." *************** Data stood in his usual box, profoundly grateful he didn't have to make any grand speeches for this fight. He had a very bad feeling about it. But he was going to carefully monitor the audio and visual feeds. *************** The thousands of citizens in the Colosseum audience roared as they realized that the battle would be between their beloved Chakotay and the Emperor himself. Julian smiled at the acclaim. He held out his hand and a Guard put his sword into it. He stretched out his arms and slowly turned, facing every part of the Colosseum. The sun glistened against his armored body and along the edge of his weapon. Chakotay, still unarmed, was trying to control the pain and leaden feeling creeping along his limbs. He kept his breathing deep and slow, his eyes drifting along the stands until he reached the Imperial box. His heart sank when he saw Tom and Lucien there, heavily guarded. He straightened further, swallowing as he raised a shaky hand to touch the Dorvan talisman around his neck. He had only one chance. One choice. Kill the Emperor. It was the only way to save all those he cared for. *************** Julian snapped his fingers and a sword was put into his other hand. He flung it contemptuously at the feet of his weakened foe. Chakotay stooped and picked up the sword. As he stood he saw the flash of Julian's approach. He barely managed to raise his blade in time to block the Emperor's first blow. Julian grunted in annoyance as the gladiator managed to counter his next few strikes. He was rather surprised that the man was still upright, much less defending himself. His features darkened as he increased the fury of his attack. Chakotay was barely managing to turn away that flickering sword. He wanted to curl up and hide away from the agony wracking him, tightening his flesh, throbbing in his bones. He knew he didn't have much time. *************** Confused comments were exchanged among the spectators as they speculated on the gladiator's apparent trouble. They suspected that the cause was more than the Emperor's skill with a sword. Their shouts were an incoherent rumble, their voices filled with a mix of pleading for Chakotay and anger at Julian. *************** Suddenly Julian saw his opening. He brought his sword down in a vicious blow, aiming for the back of Chakotay's leg. He intended to sever the wavering man's hamstring and tendons, crippling him. But he failed. At the last moment Chakotay lurched, moving out of the way. The sword still cut into the bronze flesh, but it was not the devastating injury Julian had hoped for. *************** The cries of dismay that filled the Colosseum echoed throughout the Empire, where citizens of every planet sat glued to their monitors. Reg and Marla were in the Empire's San Francisco computer complex, keeping track of their drones' secret invasion via a padd. But neither of them could turn away from the vidscreen filled with the sight of their friend bleeding onto the arena floor. *************** Kate, Jadzia and Keiko stood up as one. Their voices raised in a fierce cry of Chakotay's name, hoping in some small way to let him know he wasn't alone. *************** Tom joined Lucien in the shouting, standing proud and defiant at the edge of the box, willing his strength to the man still fighting below. *************** Chakotay was consumed by the fire of pain that singed his lungs with every breath, that burst over him in waves with every beat of his heart. Each moment that passed it became harder to brace his body to absorb the shock of Julian's sword against his own. The more difficult it was to move his arms to meet the flash of the Emperor's blade, each strike planned to bring about his death. "Chakotay! Chakotay! Chakotay!" The sound surged through Chakotay's ears and into his soul, reminding him of his duty, those he fought for. Those he was dying for with each sobbing breath. He couldn't fail them. From some unknown reserve, a surge of energy ran through his frame. With a roar he went on the attack. *************** Outside the Colosseum a revolution was taking place. And nobody noticed. The Enterprise and Voyager were joined by a handful of Guard ships as they conquered the skies above Earth. The rebel force disabled vessels loyal to Julian, one after another, until all of them were under Riker's command. Reg and Marla secured the information networks, sensor nets, planetary weapons and Imperial databases. Throughout the core worlds, Guards loyal to the Emperor were deposed and incarcerated, while crewmembers accepting orders from Riker and Ransom took command. Their work done, the foundation for the new Federation laid, all eyes turned to watch the architect of this new universe as he struggled on a much more personal level to end the Emperor's reign. *************** Julian retreated before the rain of blows. His stunned mind couldn't deal with the fact that Chakotay was somehow overcoming the effects of the poison. His movements lost their smooth surety as panic set in. The gladiator and the Emperor continued to clash, the only sounds above the chant of the crowd the strike of their swords and their heaving breaths. First Chakotay would seem to have the upper hand, but then he would stumble and the Emperor would swoop down, raining blow upon blow but never able to break the other man's defense. Julian sent his sword in a wide arc, striving to cleave Chakotay's head from his shoulders. The older man ducked under the blow and started to spin away from Julian. The Emperor readied a counterattack, but he was surprised when Chakotay reversed course. The gladiator lunged forward, slashing at Julian. Suddenly Julian felt a fire along his arm as Chakotay's sword cut through armor and flesh. He dropped his sword and scrambled back as the gladiator continued to advance, bearing down upon him. *************** Chakotay was gasping, almost unable to breathe through the pain. He continued to track Julian, but his steps were beginning to falter. His arms trembled with the strain of continuing to heft the sword in his hands. Julian shrieked at the Guards, still standing as silent sentinels on the arena floor. "Shoot him! I command you to obliterate him to atoms where he stands!" "Power down your weapons!" Greg Ayala's command was fierce and loud. He backed up the order with his own phaser, trained on his subordinates. Several Guards, who'd tired of the violence and greed the Emperor had espoused, took up position beside him. The rest stood down, understanding their time was done. The Emperor's eyes were wide as he watched his own retainers turn on him. "For pity's sake, Greg, toss me your phaser! I'll do it myself!" "No, sire," was the quiet response. *************** The crowd continued their chant, but their hero was failing, dying. Chakotay dropped his own sword, suddenly too weak to hold it. But he continued his advance, step by excruciating step. *************** The second Julian realized his opponent was also unarmed, a fierce and ugly smile crossed his face. He stopped retreating and used his uninjured hand to pull out a hidden dagger. Its wickedly serrated edge gleamed in the sunlight. He sprang at Chakotay, intending to end his hated enemy's life once and for all. *************** Chakotay found some last measure of strength, of will, to fulfill this final duty. He caught Julian's arm and turned it, forcing the blade back toward the Emperor. When it rested against the younger man's neck, he gave a harsh cry and with a brief burst of energy, forced the blade deep into Julian's throat. Then he pushed the bleeding man away from him. For one instant Julian seemed to hang in the air, blood pouring from the fatal wound. Then he finished his arc toward the arena floor and crashed upon it. His unseeing eyes stared up at the blue sky. *************** Data frowned as he watched the victor, Admiral Chakotay, stagger and wrap his arms around his middle as if in pain. He knew that for whatever unknown reason, the great man was not long for this world. He turned up the audio feeds, hoping to catch Chakotay's last words. It was all he could do to honor him. *************** The second Julian was dead Tom was turning toward the stairway leading to the arena floor. Lucien was right behind him. He paused a moment in shock when he realized Carey had phasered some of his own Guards, and was now ordering the "Ministers" to be taken into custody. Shelby's loud and long protests were completely ignored. Tom barely registered the change in authority as he flew downward. He had no other thought, no other purpose but to reach Chakotay. He and Lucien burst out of the doorway and ran toward where Chakotay was straightening. *************** Chakotay raised a hand, swaying, preventing Greg from rushing to his side. "It is done," he said, his voice strained with exhaustion and pain. "Greg," he rasped, "Free my people." Ayala nodded, blinking back tears. He gestured and one of his Guards hastened to obey. *************** Kathryn, Sisko, B'Elanna, Tuvok and LaForge were in the front of the surging tide of people spilling from the arena cages. But they, too, stopped in silence a few meters away. *************** A hush fell over the Colosseum, over the entire Empire. Each person pausing to hear Chakotay speak. *************** Chakotay raised his face a moment to the sun, his hand unconsciously encircling the braid around his wrist. Then he opened his eyes and looked at the men and women standing before him. "The Federation was a dream that once came true. Jean-Luc Picard died believing that the seeds of that dream still resided in the heart of every member of the Empire. That together you could create a universe anew, in justice, equality, freedom, truth, love, duty, and peace." He gasped as another stabbing pain shot through him. "It is up to you to make the Federation dream a reality once more. Let it live again, in strength and honor." The last of his vitality gone, Chakotay crumpled to the floor of the Colosseum. *************** Tom got there first. He threw himself over Chakotay's unmoving body, his hands frantic. "Oh no, Chakotay. Please, don't leave me. Not now." He pressed his face into the crook of Chakotay's neck. He sensed the body underneath him stir and he drew back, clutching at the broad shoulders. Dark eyes filled with love and pain opened and Tom felt his own burn with tears. "You...Lucien...safe?" Chakotay asked, his voice the merest whisper of sound. "Yes," Tom forced from his tight throat. A smile ghosted across Chakotay's face and was gone. He tried to convey with this last glance all he felt for the man who'd dwelled in his heart for decades. "Love you. Time...home." "Yes, Chakotay. It's time for you to rest." Tom's voice was strong as he stroked the beloved face, even as silent tears streamed down his own. "Just think of home." Chakotay's eyes closed. *************** Tom stood, his face stern as he regarded the people on the arena floor and sitting silently in the stands. He shouted, his voice ringing throughout the space, "He has paid the price for your freedom. What you do with it is up to you. All of you." His expression turned fierce. "Is your freedom worth one good man's life? We believed it once." He challenged them all, "Make us believe it again." Tom turned back and looked at Chakotay. "He was a man of strength and honor. Never forget him." *************** Silence reigned throughout the Colosseum as Tom, Sisko, Lucien, B'Elanna, Tuvok, Janeway, LaForge, and Greg surrounded Chakotay's body. They hefted him up onto their shoulders and carried him from the place of blood and death. Julian Bashir Picard's corpse they left behind. TBC ************************************************************ ************************************************************ Author's Note: This is pretty much where the movie concluded. When I began this story, I decided to take full advantage of 24th-century technology to craft a different destiny for Chakotay. So if you prefer angst and the darker realities, stop reading here. If, like me, you want to see a happy ending, the story isn't over yet.