Title: "Rising Anger"
Author: Lt. Commander Dana Nori
Stardate: 2460178
Earthdate: March 6, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

Maruu was alone. The only friend he had now was Benton. He knew the truth and thus had not lost their respect for the captain. Loran, M'Terrn, and all the others following orders, but they did not respect him anymore. Some had even taken that dislike to a whole new level. Take K'Lara's attack for example. She was not an easy woman to deal with. The same day, when K'Lara had attempted to kill the captain, Dana had also displayed her hatred of the captain. All the others were hard enough to deal with. Dana had been too much. He loved her, and he felt lost without her. Maruu remembered what had happened three days before...
_______________________________________

Nori got up off the floor and cleaned up the bay area, while thinking about all of the events that were happening. Nori looked at the door to sickbay as a tear rolled down her face. "K'Lara, my dear friend. My heart pains for you and your loss: a child on the way and your mate disintegrated into nothingness. I am so worried about your well being..."

Nori was bent down trying to pick something off the floor but she couldn't quite see what it was because of the tears now where flowing heavily. Nori stood up and headed for the sickbay doors. When she stepped out of sickbay their was an ensign that walked into her almost knocking both of them to the ground.

As the ensign looked into Nori's eyes, he said, "Ma'am, sorry ma'am, I didn't mea..."

But his voice froze as he looked into Nori's eyes, he could feel a very cold feeling race down his back as Nori wrinkled up her nose and her eyes turned to a very dark red making her look almost pasted. The ensign took a step to the right out of Nori's path and watched as she steamed passed him. Nori headed for the bridge; when she stepped out of the turbolift onto the bridge she saw Maruu and Jorail walking into the captain's ready room. Nori walked over to the science station and asked the ensign if K'Lara was there.

The ensign replied, "Yes, Ma'am". Then she started to tell Nori what had taken place. The ensign noticed that the deep redness in Nori's eyes started to bleed over onto Nori's cheeks.

Nori said, "Okay. Thank you, Ensign."

The ensign watched as Nori turned and walked over to the ready room and entered without even ringing the chimes. Once inside, Nori looked at the captain and said, "I need to speak with you now, alone, it is very important to me."

Maruu smiled at seeing her. However, he needed to maintain an open communication with the Vorta or endanger the alliance. "Nori, you can speak freely in front of Jorail."

Nori looked into Jorail's eyes with hers. Nori's eyes were so red with anger that the only thing missing was smoke. "I SAID ALONE!"

Never taking his eyes off Nori, Jorail said, "It's okay, Captain, I'll be on the bridge." Jorail left.

Maruu walked towards Nori, stopped in front of Nori, and started to bring his arms up to put his hands on her shoulders when all of a sudden Nori slapped the captain on his right cheek with her left hand as hard as she could.

Maruu flinched in pain. "What the hell?!"

But he was cut off with Nori remarking on her true feelings. "YOU SON OF A BITCH! HOW DARE YOU! HOW COULD
YOU? WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THE PROPHETS COULD YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT!" Maruu started walking towards Nori, but this time Nori closed her fists. When Maruu got close enough to her, she threw a punch straight for his face. The captain blocked it, then blocked the other one.

"Nori, please calm down. You don't underst..."

The captain was cut short again when his doctor lost control of her mouth once again. "NO...NO I WON'T CALM DOWN! HOW DARE YOU KILL YOUR OWN PEOPLE! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR SENSES!" The tears were falling off Nori's face like someone left a faucet trickle a little on the fast side. "NORI TO SECURITY, TO THE CAPTAIN'S READY
ROOM, ON THE DOUBLE!]

Benton's voice came back to Nori. [Aye, Aye, Ma'am. On the way...]

Nori continued, "I TRUSTED YOU! WE ALL TRUSTED YOU! WE BELIEVED IN YOU! I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEFT MYSELF FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU! I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOU ANY MORE; NONE! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU
AGAIN!" Nori ripped off her pips and threw them at the captain just as a security team of 10 came through the ready room door. Two security members ran to each side of Nori and grabbed her arms taking her into custody. At first, Nori struggled. Then she stopped and looked into Maruu's eyes and in the coldest of cold voices growled through her teeth. "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE JEM'HADAR! I NEVER WANT TO SEE OR SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN! Nori pulled herself away from security, but she lost her balance and fell smashing her head on the corner of the table knocking herself out cold.

Maruu reached down and grabbed her. Nori was out. He looked at Benton. "I wish we had never started this."

Benton sighed. "It is for the best, Captain. They will understand when the time comes."
_______________________________________

That had been only three days ago. It had felt like an eternity. Now, the times he wasn't spending creating false alarms to aid in the construction of the transwarp drive, or speaking with Jorail about diplomatic issues, or running the ship while avoiding the Jem'Hadar, was spent in sickbay watching an unconscious Dana. He wanted to tell her the truth; it would clear everything up. If he had, though, the ship would be doomed. One Federation starship cannot very well battle 100 Dominion ships and live to tell of it. Until then, he would have to wait.
 

Title: "Alone"
Author: Lt. Commander K'Lara
Stardate: 2460181
Earthdate: March 7, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

Lt. Commander K'Lara sat on her couch in her dimly lit quarters. Lt. Benton had assigned her to quarter confinement after he had asked the captain's permission to do so. He had also ordered that the pre-natal
check-ups continue and for her to go to counseling.

K'Lara, though, just wanted to sleep. Sleep alluded her, though, and she was now sitting on her couch. The stars were not even soothing to her anymore. Now, they were just reminders of how her world came to an
end. She dared not look at them now, for fear of breaking what little strength she had left.

*If only I had gone with you, Jon,* K'Lara thought. *I could be with you now instead of all alone. How I wish you were here.*

K'Lara was brought out of her thoughts by the door chime. She tried to ignore it, but it became persistent.

"Enter already!" she growled.

The door opened and Ensign Francesca Milano stepped inside. The door closed and she was immediately
cloaked in near darkness.

"For crying out loud, Commander, this place is too dark."

"Funny, I thought it was perfect. Fits my mood just great."

Milano shook her head, even though K'Lara couldn't see it. "Computer, lights on forty percent."

K'Lara winced as the lights came on. She did not realize that she had been sitting in the dark for nearly an hour. She opened her eyes to see that Milano had her tricorder with her. It was obviously time for the pre-natal check-up. K'Lara sighed and allowed the nurse to scan the baby.

"Hmmmm." she said as she read the results a few moments later. "You're baby is doing fine as usual. You're recent rampage didn't seem to affect the fetus much. I didn't get a chance to scan it when you were in the brig, but I believe it probably was a bit stressed."

"Your point?"

Milano stared at the half-Klingon. She knew what K'Lara could do when she was angered enough, but she had put her baby in danger, and that to her was inexcusable.

"You could have done some damage you the fetus, K'Lara. You put yourself and the baby under a great deal of stress. I want you to report to counseling tomorrow and get this under control."

K'Lara's eyes flashed, but she remained sitting. She hated being told what to do, especially during a lecture. She growled low in her throat, but she nodded. It did not good for the baby at all, that she knew. If nothing else, she could at least do this for the child.

"Good," Milano said, smiling. "Before you know it, you'll be back to your old self."

K'Lara only nodded, though deep down she knew that without Jon, she would always be alone.
 

Title: "More Anger Channeled"
Author: Lieutenant Benton
Stardate: 2460181
Earthdate: March 7, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

Maruu was alone. The only friend he had now was Benton. Benton knew the truth behind what was going on, and thus had not lost his respect for the captain. Loran, M'Terrn, and all the others were following their orders, but they did not respect the captain anymore. Some had even taken that dislike to a whole new level. Take K'Lara's attack for example. Under the best of circumstances, she was not an easy woman to deal with. The same day, when K'Lara had attempted to kill the captain, Dana had also displayed her hatred of the captain.
_______________________________________

I won't calm down! How *dare* you kill your own people! Have you lost your senses?!" The tears were falling off Nori's face. "Nori to Security! Captain's Ready Room, on the double!"

Benton's voice came back to Nori. [Aye, Aye, Ma'am. On our way.]

Nori ripped off her pips and threw them at the captain just as the security team, led by Benton, came through the ready room door. Two security members ran to each side of Nori and grabbed her arms taking her into custody.

Nori pulled herself away from the security guards, but she lost her balance and fell, smashing her head on the corner of the table knocking herself out cold.

Maruu tried to catch her, but missed. Sure enough, Nori was out. Maruu looked at Benton.

Maruu had a strange expression in his eyes. As usual, Benton struggled to interpret what he saw in another's face. Loss? Hurt? Despair? He just couldn't tell.

"I wish I had never started this," Maruu said softly. He looked at Dana's immobile form, her closed eyes, and closed his own eyes for a second. "The price has already been much too high." He touched his forehead to hers. He felt her pain and wished he could make it go away.

Benton sighed. He loathed having to intrude on this moment. "Agreed, Sir. However, now that it's started, we have to see it through or else *all* is lost, and the *Virgo* will in all probability be destroyed." He paused for a moment. "Hopefully the crew will understand when it's all over."

Maruu recovered himself, and stood. By this time, the medics that Benton's team had called had arrived, and began tending to the Doctor.

"Take her to Sickbay, *under guard*, Benton," said Maruu.

"Are you sure that's necessary, Sir?" asked a hesitant Benton. This charade had already gone on too far. Benton was absolutely no good at perpetrating falsehoods. He hated to add yet another!

"Yes, Benton," said Maruu, with emphasis. He knew what Benton was thinking. "Don't worry too much. It won't be for too much longer."

Sitto Lan arrived at last. Maruu said to him, "Ensign Lan! Please take Dr. Nori to Sickbay and have her head injury looked over."

Benton added, "Keep her under guard at all times. I'll be there in a few minutes."

"OK, Chief," said Lan.

Lan's boys took a wobbly Dana Nori out of the Ready Room, on to Sickbay. Benton turned back to Captain Maruu. The Captain was looking at the closed ready room door.

"Captain, this brings up something I've been meaning to ask you," said Benton.

Maruu dragged his attention from the closed door to his Chief of Security. "What is it, Lieutenant," he asked without much interest.

"Well, Sir, Commander K'Lara has been in the brig for some time now. I was wondering if it wouldn't be wise to confine her to quarters instead."

Maruu thought for a while. "Very well."

"Aye, Sir," said Benton. "There's one more thing, Sir."

Maruu waited.

"I have a message from Mr. Loran, Sir. About the engines." Benton handed Maruu the PADD he had gotten from Loran with the transwarps specs.
_______________________________________

Benton arrived in Sickbay. Dr. Nori was being attended to by Ensign Francesca Milano and the ship's EMH.

Francesca was saying, "I don't know what you mean!"

"Just hold this like that," said the EMH doctor, with feigned patience. Milano complied. She held the transneural synapsifier above Dr. Nori's head, and it started to beep. That was a good sign.

The EMH took a quick look at Benton and his men and said, "Lieutenant, are you and your goons really necessary here?"

"Yes, Doctor. Quite."

The EMH looked skeptical but kept on working.

Francesca moved around to the other side of the biobed where Benton was standing, all the while making sure she kept the medical instrument over Dana's head. "Hi, Benton," she smiled.

"Francesca," nodded Benton politely but kept his attention on the doctor. "What is her condition, Doctor?" he asked.

The doctor's facial expression grew more annoyed, Benton hadn't thought that was possible. He said, "I'm a little busy, Lieutenant. Ensign Milano, would you be so kind as to get Nori's medical report for the Lieutenant here? Maybe then he'll get out of our way and let us do our work in peace."

Francesca jumped at the chance to help Benton out. She returned quickly with a PADD, and handed it to Benton. "You're never in MY way, Benton," she said.

"Thank you kindly, Francesca." Benton looked the PADD over. It held several pages of technical medical information. According to it, Nori had sustained a concussion. She would most likely be unconscious for a
few days.

After finishing reading all the info, Benton handed the PADD back to a delighted Francesca. He tapped his com badge, "Benton to security."

[Security here.]

"Set up a duty roster for maintaining a security post in Sickbay."

[Aye, Sir.]

"Lieutenant! I must protest!" complained the doctor.

Benton held up his hand to stop the doctor's verbal onslaught. "Captain's orders, doctor. Dr. Nori is to be watched at all times."
 

Title: "The Quest for The Alliance" (Part 1 of 2)
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460184
EarthDate: March 8, 2360
Location: Lambda Flier/Jeorri Battle Cruiser Callaan

The cloaked *Lambda Flier* dropped out of warp as it entered the Jeor system, and Commander Lataro had taken the helm as the now weary Lt. Valdago took this opportunity to get some rest. He laid in the back of the ship sleeping, his arm draped over his eyes snoring loudly. Lataro laughed to himself as the roaring snores rocked the cabin.

<There is a ship approaching bearing 020 mark two,> the computer announced.

"Computer. Can you identify the ship?" Lataro asked as he tried to manually get a ID.

<Unknown configuration.>

"Very well. Drop to one-fourth impulse. On screen."

On the screen was a ship about double the size of the *Flier* and looked to have double the armor. It had weapon turrets scattered in random pattern throughout the hull: all seemed to be aimed forward, and if Lataro didn't know better, all were aimed for him. <Unknown ship is within weapons range.>

As the unknown ship broke the 1000 km barrier, the cabin lights turned red. <There are neutrino pulses emanated from the ship.>

*Hmm. They are on to us.* "Computer decloak ship, but keep weapons and shields down."

<Acknowledged.>

Immediately, the computer registered that the massive alien ship began to power all weapons and shields came up. Just as the tension started to grow, Lataro felt a hand on his shoulder that made him jump and react by grabbing it and twisting it, forcing the unknown assailant face first in to the console. "Whoa, Commander! Relax. It is just me," Valdago said with his face smashed flat on the forward display.

"Sorry. My nerves are a little shot right now. Do you recognize that ship?" Lataro said releasing Valdago's hand helping him up.

"No. It does somewhat look like the Jeorri ship we encountered the first time we were in this sector, but it is a lot bigger and well-better armed."

"My thoughts exactly."

[Unknown ship. This is the Battle Cruiser *Callaan*. You will come to full stop and prepared to be boarded.]  A voice came over the intercom.

"Battle Cruiser *Callaan*. This is the *Lambda Flier*. We have no hostile intent. I request to establish visual communication." Suddenly the view screen appeared, and sitting in a chair in the center of a large bridge was a Jeorri. Lataro smiled and was jubilant inside, but the initial contact was far from hospitable. "Sir, I am Commander
Jonathan Lataro, First Officer of the *USS Virgo*, commander of this vessel, and this is Lieutenant Johnathan Valdago. We are..."

[The *Virgo*! Yes. I have heard of you. Is Lt. Roen with you?] the Jeorri asked, excitedly standing up.

Lataro looked at Valdago then back to the view screen. "Um, Sir, Lt. Roen was killed on an assault of the Kirusan fortress." The excitedness was lost with those words as the Jeorri sat back down. Both Lataro and Valdago immediately noticed that the Jeorri became choked up.

[I am Major Cleteri of the Jeorri Militia. If I recall our briefings wasn't your ship a bit larger and under the command of a Captain Maruu?]

"Yes, Sir. You are correct on all accounts. We were sent by Captain Maruu on an important mission so that we must speak to your governments leaders. It is of dire importance to both you and the entire Gamma Quadrant."

[Well tell me what it is and I will relay the message.]

"Sir, may we come aboard? I don't want to risk a security breach."

[That important, huh? Very well.] The Jeorri tapped a few buttons on his panel and immediately the *Flier's* computer registered the *Callaan's* shields coming down. [Commander, we are locking on to you with a tractor beam and bringing your ship into one of our access bays. Please come aboard.]

"Thank you, Sir. Lieutenant, cut all power to the engines," Lataro ordered.

"Aye, Commander."

The *Flier* was instantly pulled aboard the *Callaan* and docked. In the bay, Captain Cleteri and two other Jeorri met the Commander Lataro and Lt. Valdago as they disembarked.

"Commander Lataro. Lieutenant. I would like to introduce my Number One and Number Two, Captains L'Ciliar and Uyteria," Cleteri said, pointing to the officers in turn as they were introduced.

"Pleasure," Lataro said extending his hand. The Jeorri saw the hand didn't know how to react. Instead they bowed solemnly. "I am sorry. I forgot." Lataro retracted his hand and returned the bow.

"Please, Commander. Let us go to my office where we can discuss this important mission," Cleteri said as he waved his hands to the door. "Captain Uyteria. Please return to the bridge and continue patrol of sector Tila I."

"Yes, Sir," Uyteria said, rushing away.

"Shall we, Commander."

"Of course, Major. After you."
_________________________________________

After about 20 minutes in the major's office, Lataro started to think that maybe he wasn't the best person for this mission. Major Cleteri was sitting in his chair with his fingers interlocked looking at Lataro with wide-eyed fascination. Often a look of disbelief formed on his face, and at other times, looks of affirmation. Finally, Lataro said his final pitch phrase and sat back. Cleteri sat there and looked at Lataro and then at Valdago. "So let me get this straight. Your plan is to a massive armada of Jeorri warships fight off the Kirusans?" Cleteri finally said, breaking the minute long silence.

"Yes."

"Well, Commander. I for one don't mind a fight. I am a fighter. How do you think I got to where I am today. But to fight the Kirusans one-on-one, it is almost suicidal. Do you know how many ships we have in our militia?"

"I am not sure. I really don't have the faintest idea."

"We have four battle cruisers like this one, and a total number of 12 attack ships in our entire defense force."

Lataro sat back in amazement. How for so long did the Jeorri fend off the Kirusans with such a  minimal number of ships? "Major, how many ships have you lost in your fight?" Lataro asked.

"We have lost only five ships, but are tactics are different than yours, I would imagine. We hit and run just long enough for the Kirusans to want to disengage us. Enough hits on vital areas and the Kirusan ships go kaboom!"

"Okay. Then with concentrated fire power with your fleet and with the *Virgo* we may be able to inflict even greater amounts of damage."

Cleteri liked the idea of ridding his race of the threat of the Kirusans. He wanted freedom. Freedom to go where he wanted to and when he wanted to without the threat of being pursued or attacked by the Breadth. But his numbers were small and totally against him in comparison to the Kirusans. What was he to do? How was he to feel? Oppression or death?

Cleteri pondered those questions as Valdago leaned over to Lataro and whispered something to him. Lataro's eyes opened wide as if something had hit him. "Major, I forgot to mention, and this may help sway you. Do you remember your ancestry?"

"Ancestry, Commander?"

"Yes. Where you come from?"

"Well sort of. The teachers tell us that we were born of this world created from the primordial sludge. Then many years ago, a super powerful race of beings came and took a chosen few. These chosen few never were seen again, and we never knew what became of them."

"Major. Let me show you something. Is it possible to patch your computer system into the *Flier's* database?"

"Of course."

"Good. Please do so and pull up the entries on the Dominion."

Cleteri punched a few buttons and within minutes the entire database of the *Flier* was downloaded into the *Callaan's* computers. "Computer. Display all entries on the...Dominoes?"

"Dominion," Valdago corrected with a smile.

"...the Dominion." The computer spewed the information faster than Lataro and Valdago could normally process it. However, Cleteri seemed to have little to no problem reading and absorbing the material. Finally the last bit of information came and a picture of a Jem'Hadar soldier appeared. With that Cleteri gasped, and was amazed at the sight. "The Jem'Hadar! They are our lost ancestors."

"Yes, Major. But, they are not the like you. They are bred for war and fighting totally dependent on a substance they call 'ketracel white'. It is a drug that reinserts a chromosome which is vital for their survival. Its administrators are a race called the Vorta. The Jem'Hadar stop at nothing and are interested in one purpose: to serve the Founders. The Founders are their leaders or gods, who are bent on universal conquest. Once they return to your world, they will conquer you and enslave your people."

"No! I will not let that happen."

"Good. Lt. Valdago informed me that we are here not to ask for you to help us fight the Kirusans, but fight the Dominion!"

"From what I saw, I don't like the Dominion anymore than I do the Kirusans. Yes I agree, we must fight them to insure the Jeorri freedom. But, Commander, I also noted in the data that you are allied to them?"

"Yes. We are allied with them to fight off the Kirusans, but Captain Maruu intends us to show up after their fight against the Kirusans to fight off the Dominion. We are to turn against the Dominion to ensure and protect your freedom. This is a PADD that explains briefly what the Captain Maruu has in mind and why," Lataro said, handing Major Cleteri a PADD which he looked at confusedly. Cleteri had never seen technology quite like this but was eager to learn. Pushing a few buttons a few lines of text appeared which he began to read. As Major
Cleteri looked over the PADD, Lataro spoke. "There are five opposing parties here: the Federation, the Jeorri, the Kirusans, the Resistance, and the Dominion. When the Federation leaves this part of space, Captain Maruu wants the Kirusans and the Dominion to have fallen. The only winners here must be the Kirusan Resistance and you. Even if the alliance works, the captain doesn't want the Dominion to come and take control of you or your people as the Kirusans have. Besides, when the Dominion realizes you still exist, the Shahtar themselves have warned us that the Dominion will destroy your entire race because you threaten the entire Dominion's military force."

"I am sorry. Who are the Shahtar?"

"They are the leaders of the Kirusans, and their gods."

Cleteri read no more. He put the PADD down and opened a com channel. "Captain Uyteria."

[Yes, Major.]

"Set a course back to Jeor, maximum warp plus one."

[Yes, Sir.]

Lataro and Valdago grabbed tight to their chairs as the ship banked. The Jeorri hadn't perfected inertial dampeners as the tight turn was felt. Lataro hadn't felt something like that since he was on Earth flying an ultra light which he had made for a school project. That school project cost him greatly, a broken arm, legs, and clavicle bone resulting from the ultra light's crash which Lataro would never forget.

"Bridge, what is the estimated time of arrival to Jeor?" Cleteri asked.

[One hour, twenty minutes,] Uyteria said.

"Well, gentlemen. You have my vote, but unfortunately I am not the one to make those decisions. You must speak to the Council of Elders. With their approval, we will join you in the fight."

"Good."

"Until then, please make yourselves at home. Commander, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Major."

"Tell me how Lili died. You see, Lili was my sister."
 

Title: "Quest for the Alliance" (Part 2 of 2)
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460184
Earthdate: January 8, 2360
Location: Jeor

On Jeor, Major Cleteri, Commander Lataro, and Lieutenant Valdago were all standing in front of the Jeorri Council of Elders. The Council of Elders resided in a very immaculate palace in the predominant city of the greater inland continent. The Jeorri civilization was based on a upper ruling class and lower working class, all working together for a common good. The common good was what was deemed 'good' by an elite ruling class of 12 members and one arbitrator which is chosen amongst the working class. These 13 men and women were the Council of Elders, all having a very interactive role in the day-to-day life of the Jeorri. Laws and legislation were brought forth to the council by any member of society on approval of an audience. It presented a very unbalanced distribution of power considering the members of 12 were of the upper class, but in case of deadlock votes, the arbitrator would break the tie and present the new legislation to the people. It seemed
to be efficient for the Jeorri because the contentment level was as high as was the efficacy rate. The lower class controlled the main power of government where the upper class made their suggestion.

As the three requesters made known their points, Major Cleteri made it known to Lataro and Valdago that the Madam Arbitrator was descendant of the original oligarchy of Jeor. She often listened to the militia and favored Major Cleteri because he was one of Jeor's highest decorated officers in their history. Even, General Tomai had less awards then Cleteri and resented that fact since Cleteri's voice was most heard amongst the Council.

"So, Commander Lataro," Madam Arbitrator began. "This Dominion is a threat to the Jeorri way of life?"

"Yes, Ma'am. As of now you are in control of your own action as the Kirusans tend to let you maintain you existence, as long as you do not cross some invisible barrier. However, as you might cross it, you will be fired upon. The Dominion, if allowed to move into Jeorri space, will undoubtedly come and destroy you. The United Federation of Planets, of whom I and Lieutenant Valdago are members, is here to help protect your freedom. Right now, true freedom is not what you have. You are in a prison, designed by the Kirusan Breadth, to protect them. If you consider that freedom, then fine, but the Dominion will and can destroy your entire race and wipe you from existence as a smudge on a table.

"The *Virgo* proposes to assist in your independence to establish your on national identity free to choose your own path and destiny. If your people want to explore then you can, free to roam and explore not to be threatened by any established confines. My people on Earth had that happen many centuries ago in a war known as War of Independence against another nation-state known as Great Britain. Our freedom was being violated and taken away against our will. We realized that a man, race, or even species, as it may apply to you, are never really free unless you have freedom." The Council of Elders began to murmur and whisper amongst themselves. The Madam Arbitrator pounded a metal ball against her table. "You see, Madam Arbitrator, freedom has been a theme for war throughout Earth's history, and I am here to aid you in achieving yours. All I require is that you help us by supplying us with a formidable force to crush the Dominion in this sector once and
for all. They will take you by force, but the *Virgo* is here to help you, so help us help you," Lataro said, finishing his oratory with a point.

"Commander Lataro? It is our understanding that you are now allies with the Dominion. Please explain. If they are the enemy, why this 'alliance'?" one the council member asked, scrutinizing Lataro.

"Sir, may I?" Valdago asked. Lataro nodded. "Council members please understand. The primary enemy is the Kirusan Breadth, and, as we all know, your militia is limited, as are we are. To ally ourselves with the lesser of two evils was determined to be the best course of action to ensure that we could win the war against the Breadth, however, Captain Maruu wants to ensure that if the Dominion turns on us, we will to be able to withstand an attack. A small fleet of Jeorri warships can take out the remainder of the battle worn Dominion fleet
along with the *Virgo*. The *Lambda Flier* is a formidable ship as well and can add that much more firepower to the Jeorri Armada."

"We understand the tactical reasoning, but tell us, what are the chances of success?"

"Please understand, ladies and gentlemen," Major Ceteri began standing up, "the overall analysis of the strategy is a sound one. Imagine one person fighting two people. That one person fends off the two attackers, during which he is taking damage and weakening himself. Even if the two attackers were killed of immobilized, that one is fatigued and possibly could not go on. Then another two fresh attackers come and decimate the battle weary one. This is the tactic which has been discussed, and, in my sound opinion, would guarantee
minimal loss with greater chance of success."

"Major Ceteri," Madam Arbitrator began, "your opinion is of no doubt a major point for us to consider. Would you be willing to risk the entire Jeorri defense force and the militia to fight this battle?" Ceteri looked around for a minute and noticed that everyone was looking at him. Even General Tomai, who usually approves and goes
along with Ceteri's recommendations, was now looking at him cynically.

"Madam Arbitrator," Ceteri said, returning his gaze to her after looking at Lataro, "I believe that if we don't fight this fight where the chances of victory are greater, then we will lose if we had to fight the Dominion on Jeor. Yes, Madam Arbitrator. I am."

The Council of Elders began to whisper and talk amongst themselves again, leading to the Arbitrator to strike her gavel. "Very well, Major. If you and your entourage wouldn't mind going into the antechamber, we will discuss and give you a decision."

"Of course. By your leave."

Ceteri, Lataro, and Valdago left the chambers and waited for the answer in the antechambers.