| Released july 31st, 2008 Abyss of Oblivion by Missbevcrusher Rated [R] Chapter 5 �Progress report,� Picard said as he walked in the engineering section where LaForge and his team were assembling the last components of the concentrated energy burst weapon. �So far so good, Captain. We�re now nearing completion with only the hypersonic energy conductors left for recalibration.� �How long before it�s completed?� �I�d say a half hour, maybe less.� Jean-Luc nodded, his expression blank. �Very well. Keep me apprised of your progress, Commander.� �Yes, sir.� Satisfied with the crew�s work, the captain headed for the bridge for what would undoubtedly be the most difficult day of his life. When he arrived, Commander Riker, Counselor Troi, and Lieutenant Commander Data were already at their posts. Out of everyone on the bridge, Data was the only one who was unaffected by fatigue, and that was despite having worked on the Borg shielding problem all night. The captain knew that they were not allowed to beam over there, but he hadn�t been able to take Data off the project nonetheless. It would have been like driving another nail in Beverly�s coffin. As he watched the android go about his task at Ops, Picard couldn�t help but be envious toward Data�s ability to shut off his emotions at will. From the tactical station, Lieutenant Callaway said, �Sir, we are being hailed.� Jean-Luc tried to calm his nerves. �On screen.� The terrifying yet heartbreaking view on the screen took almost everyone aback. Although everyone knew of Beverly�s assimilation, seeing her in full Borg attire both terrified them and wrenched at their hearts. For Riker and Troi, the scene brought those same emotions they�d experienced when they�d first seen Picard as Locutus. In slow, deliberate movements, their former Chief Medical Officer walked closer, her stare stone cold. �I am Carus of Borg.� Her voice sounded like several computer-altered Beverlys speaking all at once. When he heard her Borg name, Picard felt the stab of guilt dig deeper. Carus was Latin for dear and beloved. �Your existence, as you now know it is at its inevitable end. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile� Jean-Luc.� For the first time in his life, Picard was at a loss for words before an adversary. Before he could say anything, the Borg severed communications. �Captain,� Data spoke up, �the Borg ship is reducing its speed.� What the hell are they doing? �They are now coming to a full stop.� The android cocked his head to one side as he analyzed the readings. �It seems as though they are attempting to open a subspace rift using their secondary weapon�s array.� In his mind, the captain could hear the Borg�s low whispered directives. Although he couldn�t quite make out what they said, something in their jargon seemed to spark within him. And then he knew. �They�re going to summon other Borg cubes from across the galaxy through that rift.� Riker�s reflex was to ask, �Are you sure?� but he knew that Picard still had an involuntary intimate link to the hive mind. The captain knew what he was talking about. �Mister Data.� Picard approached the android. �Is there a way we can either prevent or slow the rift�s opening?� �I believe a series of quantum torpedoes fired directly into the forming rift would stall the process.� The Captain turned to tactical. �Make it so, Lieutenant. And fire phasers toward their weapon�s array.� �Aye, sir,� Callaway responded. �Firing.� A series of quantum torpedoes emerged from the bow of the ship and headed straight for the forming rift. When they reached their intended destination, each detonated in sequence. Ripples formed in the fabric of space. At the same time, the ship�s phasers cut their way through the Borg�s weapon�s array. Sparks flew as small explosions broke through that part of the cube. �The array has suffered major damage.� Picard looked on as the cube started to slowly regenerate from the damage. �How long before the array is functional again?� Data answered in his usual stoic manner, �From the rate of their regeneration, I would say thirty minutes at most.� �Captain,� called out Callaway, �the taskforce informs us that they should reach our coordinates within the next twenty minutes.� Things were very tense of the bridge. If they couldn�t be ready to attack in time, the Borg would undoubtedly try to summon the other cubes again and their second attempt wouldn�t likely be a failure. �Picard to Engineering.� �LaForge here.� �Commander, we need that weapon ready to fire within the next fifteen minutes.� �We�re just finishing up now, sir. We�ll be ready. LaForge out.� * * * * On the enemy vessel, the Queen and Carus observed the Enterprise through the viewscreen. �They will put up a valiant effort, but that alone will not be enough,� said the Queen Beside the Queen, Carus said nothing. Instead, she simply stared analytically at the scene before her. Buried deep inside, Beverly Crusher�s faint consciousness tried to fight what was happening with all her might. But it was a hopeless battle. Even futile. * * * * �Captain, the Blue Mist is hailing us.� �On screen, Mister Callaway,� �Long time no see, Captain.� On the screen, Captain Cleland stood before his command chair. �I know. I wish our reunion were under better circumstances.� Cleland nodded in understanding. �Starfleet�s wasted no resources on this one. Some of the best tactical ships in the fleet are in this task force. The Borg will not win this time.� Picard wished he could be as confident as Cleland seemed. �Once we get into position, all ships will standby for your orders.� �Understood.� �Good luck, Captain.� �Likewise.� The screen reverted to the view outside. Several seconds later, Data spoke up. �The taskforce is now approaching, bearing one four five mark three.� Out in space, the task force of twenty ships arrived in an aggressive V formation. In unison, they all slowed and came to a stop slightly behind the Enterprise. �Lieutenant Callaway, open a channel to the fleet.� �Aye, sir.� �Attention all ships, this is Captain Picard of the Enterprise.� Jean-Luc went over to his command chair and sat down. He tapped a few commands on the small console atop the arm rest and continued, �Stand by to execute attack pattern Alpha-Sierra on these specified targets. Wait for my mark.� After another second, Callaway nodded. �All ships are ready and standing by.� �Engineering to bridge.� �Go ahead, Mister LaForge.� �Sir, the weapon is ready.� Picard glanced briefly at his First Officer who nodded once. With his attention now planted firmly on the forward viewscreen, the captain tried to calm his nerves. It has to be this way� I�m sorry I couldn�t save you� The conflict that raged inside his heart was almost too much to bear. Slowly, he got up from his chair and took a few steps forward. As he stared at the Borg cube, a thousand different memories started to wash over him at the same time. Beverly�s eyes� the ways she used to say his name� her smile� �Mr. Callaway�� The captain felt his pulse surging through him. �� fire.� With those words, his world came crashing down around him. As the Enterprise started to power up their weapon, the captain ordered the task force to engage. Instantly, the ships all barreled down toward the cube, weapons blazing. Everything seemed to unravel in slow motion. For Jean-Luc, it felt as if his very life was coming to an end. He shook himself mentally and proceeded to command his crew into what was turning out to be the most difficult of all his battles. Although they were technically outmatched by the awesome power of the Borg, with Picard�s help, the fleet managed to hold its own against the foe. The newly upgraded energy burst weapon was doing its job. As it continuously pummeled the Borg ship, fluctuations in the enemy�s energy grid began to show. And as the barrage of firepower unleashed by the fleet plowed down on the cube, this one retaliated with fury. Time seemed to be standing still, but in fact, they had been in full battle for close to four minutes. Ever so slowly, sparks started to fly and small explosions started to burst through some sections of the complex hull of the cube. It then veered sharply to one side before stopping again. All around it, the Starfleet vessels kept up the frantic pace of their assault. Although some of them had received a good amount of damage from the all-too powerful Borg vessel, most of them managed to steer clear of incoming fire. With an unbelievably blank stare, Picard watched as the cube started to buckle. Inside his mind, the voices of the collective seemed to be in full retaliation mode. And he couldn�t help but think that somewhere amid that mess of voices, was that of Carus. � How he so hated that name� the name that had meant the demise of Beverly� With nothing but emptiness left in his soul, the captain stood to witness the last dying moments of the huge vessel before him. I will never forget� even until my very last breath. More explosions rattled the Borg ship and the shockwaves could be felt all the way to the Enterprise. I love you� more than life itself. The only thing left to do was to wait for the cube to burst out into oblivion. But just before it did, something happened. Large doors to the side of the cube opened and out of them, came a spherical vessel. No doubt it contained the Queen. Picard did not know what to think as he watched the cube finally explode while the smaller vessel made a hasty retreat. It was not over. Was Beverly, or rather, Carus, aboard the smaller vessel? He had to stop this train of thought. The battle was not over. Quickly, he snapped to attention. �Sir,� Data said, �the Borg sphere ship is engaging warp engines.� Picard�s command skills took over. �Follow in pursuit.� The Enterprise raced after the Borg vessel, the task force a short distance behind them. * * * * Captain�s Log, Stardate 41146.8 We are now in full pursuit of the Borg escape vessel. It�s unclear what they intend to do next, but one thing is certain�their present course is taking them straight toward heavily inhabited sectors. We must stop them at all costs. �Considering their ability to adapt, it is highly unlikely that another attempt at using our energy burst weapon would be successful,� Picard told Admiral Worthington over subspace. �Our best chance at neutralizing the Borg would be to infiltrate their vessel as soon as they get out of warp and eliminate the Queen.� �And how do you expect to get through the ship�s defenses?� �Lieutenant Commander Data has developed an algorithm that should allow us to beam through their shields.� The admiral seemed to ponder Picard�s proposal for a few seconds. �Very well, assemble a team consisting of your best people and have them ready to leave at a moment�s notice. I don�t need to tell you that failure is not an option.� �Of course not.� �And just so we�re clear, the number one priority on this mission is to kill the Borg Queen. Only once that is done are you permitted to try and retrieve your fallen officer. That is, if she�s on that vessel.� �Understood, Admiral.� �Worthington out.� * * * * Riker approached the doors that led to one of the most forward rooms on the ship. When they parted, his eyes landed on his captain who stood staring at the retreating Borg vessel. The first officer made his way over to Picard and took a few seconds to gaze at the view. �Do you think she�s on that ship?� �I don�t know.� Picard�s stare never wavered from his silent vigil. �And� I find myself not knowing whether I should hope that she is or not.� Riker waited. �If we fail� I�d rather know that she died on that cube than to have her live out the rest of her existence as one of them�� �With everything that�s happened, I haven�t had the chance to tell you. But, I�m really sorry for your loss.� Picard closed his eyes and nodded before opening them again. �As much as we all loved Beverly, I know that you two shared a very special friendship.� �We did.� With a respectful nod, Riker took a step back. �The away team is fully prepared and standing by until the Borg ship comes to a halt. All they need now is their captain.� Picard turned with a sad smile. �What, no protests about me leading an away mission?� �I wouldn�t dream of it. Not this time around.� Riker then left the captain to his own thoughts. * * * * Their chase had gone on for more than 16 hours. �Commander,� Data said from his Ops console. �We are now approaching sector 045 which includes the four M-class planets of the Coralis system. Total humanoid population is an estimated 9 billion.� Riker remained poker-faced. �Let�s just hope the Borg don�t feel like making a pit stop here.� A few minutes of silence followed. And then the android spoke again, �The vessel is indeed reducing its velocity.� �Riker to Picard.� �Go ahead.� �Sir, the Borg are coming to a stop.� �Understood.� The captain did not waste any time, for barely three seconds later he emerged from his ready-room. �Captain,� said the android, �the enemy vessel is attempting to create a rift.� To tactical, Picard said, �Fire Quantum torpedoes on the forming rift and fire phasers on their weapon�s array.� �Firing.� After a few seconds, Data reported again, �The formation of the rift seems to be slowing down, but the vessel has adapted. The array is undamaged.� �Let�s keep firing torpedoes into the rift to buy us some time.� Riker rose from his chair. �Sir, I just sent notice to the away team. They�ll be waiting for you in transporter room two.� �Very well.� �Be careful, sir. And� good luck.� �Thank you, Number One.� To the android, he continued, �Mister Data, you�re with me.� �Aye, sir.� They needed the very best for this mission and Data certainly was one of them. Knowing he�d have his trusted friend along for this one brought a small measure of comfort to the captain. On his way to the transporter room, Picard relied on his training and on his many years of service to keep a sharp focus on the task ahead. The stakes couldn�t have been higher. Nine billion lives to start� he kept reminding himself, for if their mission wasn�t a success, many more would surely perish. When he finally arrived in the transporter room, the other three members stood waiting. Each team member would carry a phaser rifle as well as the small, concealed device holding the nano-probes. Since they didn�t know how things were going to play out, their strategy was that it didn�t matter who did the Queen in. That task would fall on whoever could get to her first. Picard looked at the team gathered around him on the transporter pad. �Everyone ready?� �Aye, sir,� they responded. �Energize.� The blue shimmer grabbed hold of them and their surroundings faded away. continue to chapter 6 library |