Re: The Cleansing Part II
Betrayal
Chapter 4
“The Death toll is in the billions!” The headline was morbid. How ironic that he should think this morbid after what they had done? Billions of lives lost, an entire world obliterated, and an entire race on the verge of extinction. Yes it was morbid, but he does not feel pain for them. Why should he, after all, they killed his wife and daughter.
Tam sat back in his chair, looking out over the news vid at the city that lay beyond his window. Soon Earth would be attacked, and all of this would be gone. As Tam sat in his chair he began to think about the events of the past, about the Last time he had seen this beloved city in ruin.
Following the defeat of the Dominion, many war criminals were arrested and charge for their crimes. Among them, the Leader of the Breen Imperium.
“For the record, the events you are about to witness are actual records from the Breen Imperium Planetary Archives.” Tam Rogue was a tall slender man with white hear and a fairly tan complexion. He spoke with a gentle yet firm voice; his stride was sure and precise. He knew what it was he was doing, and it was his faith in justice that drove him. Today was his day, for he was the Chief Prosecutor for the Federation and he knew what had to be done. As he slowly stood and walked with a smooth effortless form from his table to the center of the court, making momentary eye contact with each of the six presiding Federation Judges as they sat in a semi circle behind their bench, he continued speaking.
“You will witness the planing, the betrayal, and the attack, orchestrated by the Breen against the Federation. The very attack that left Star Fleet Command in ruin and nearly hundred thousand people dead.” He paused for effect as he directed his gaze at the Breen sitting at the defense table. “Ornok Vassuala, is the mastermind behind the atrocities I have just described.” Now pointing directly at the Breen, Tam continued his opening statement.
“The prosecution will show beyond a doubt that Ornok Vassuala, then the Breen Prime Counsel, leader of the Breen Imperium, with full knowledge of his actions and intentions. That he entered into a dialect of peace with the Federation with the sole intent of betraying our trust. By ordering an attack upon the Planet Earth during a peace envoy which resulted in a before mention horrific loss of life.” Tam looked back at the Judges before making his next statement. “Ornok Vassuala acted with criminal intent when he ordered the bombardment of San Francisco, the destruction of Star Fleet Command, and the obliteration of Star Fleets Orbital Facility.”
No one spoke as Tam returned to his table and sat down. He touched a few controls and the room dimmed. In the center of the court a holographic representation of the Breen Prime Counsel Chamber took form. Ornok Vassuala could be seen entering the room from a side door. He was followed by two other Breen’s, all wearing their protective environmental suites say for their helmets. The room was not empty prior to their entry, for six other figures stood in the center of the room waiting. Four Jem’Hadar, a Vorta, who was well known as the Vorta Weyoun, and a female humanoid that everyone in the room immediately identified as a Founder.
Ornok Vassuala spoke as he entered the room. Breen language is exceptionally complicated and his voice came acrossed as a rash of mechanical scraping noises. The universal translator interpreted what was spoken for all to hear. “Greeting Founder. I trust your journey here was a pleasant one.” It was more of a statement than a question. The founder looked at him as he approached.
“Oh it was an excellent trip my dear Vassuala.” She looked oddly at the little Vorta standing next to her who then spoke.
“I trust that all was satisfactory?” The Vorta asked of the Breen.
The three Breen stopped within half a meter of the Founder and her Vorta. Again Vassuala spoke and once again the universal translator interpreted his language. “It preformed as you had promised.”
The founder put her hands together and spoke in a genuinely soft and comforting tone. “Then it is settled. Your people will join the Dominion.”
Vassuala spoke only one word. No translation was needed for what he had said, for everyone present knew the meaning. “Yes.”
The hologram faded from view as it was replaced with a new scene. Two humans sat in a room, from the architecture; it was clearly Breen, as two Breen, both fully costumed in their environmental suites, entered the room. One of them was carrying a package; the other extended his hand to one of the Humans. The Breen offering his hand spoke first, the universal translator interpreted his comments. “Greeting Ambassador Rogue, I am Prime Counsel Ornok Vassuala of the Breen Imperium. I trust that you enjoyed your trip to our world?”
Tam Rogue could be seen smiling in the hologram, as he responded. “It was a fine trip Prime Counsel Vassuala. Allow me to thank you on behalf of the Federation and the Alpha Quadrant Alliance for your hospitality and generosity.” Looking to the man standing next to him Tam continued speaking. “Allow me to introduce to you my aid, Mathew Bishop.”
Vassuala nodded slightly then reached back and took the package from his aid and offered it too Rogue. “This is a gift for your President. It is a shame that he could not have come for these negotiations.”
“If not for the war, I am certain that he would have Prime Counsel.” Rogue was smiling warmly as he took the gift from Vassuala. “I will see that he gets this.”
“You are the first of your kind, from the Federation that is, to visit Breen are you not?” Vassuala asked as he motioned for them all to sit. There were four fine looking wooden chairs, or so Rogue thought, for them to sit in just off to one side of the room.
“From my understanding Prime Counsel, we are the first delegation from Earth to visit Breen.” Rogue answered as he took a seat. “I must say that your world is not what he have been lead to believe.”
“Ah you thought it to be a frozen waste land did you not?” This was the first time the Vassuala's aid had spoken. Rogue looked from the Prime Counsel to his aid before responding.
“Yes, we were led to believe it to be just that, a frozen world.” Rogue did not like this Breen. Something about his mannerism alarmed Rogue. What exactly it was, he could not articulate, but he knew that he did not like him.
“A misconception that we feel protects our privacy Ambassador.” Vassuala was indeed a polished politician. Hard to believe, but even in distant parts of the galaxy, one politician can always recognize another. Changing the subject Rogue brought up the reason for their visit.
“Prime Counsel, without Breen support, the Alpha Quadrant Alliance could fail, and the entire Quadrant would then be defenseless and ripe for the taking by the Dominion.”
“We are aware of this.” Again it was the Aid who spoke.
“Forgive me Ambassador, allow me to introduced Cal Mook’Vain, Supreme Military Commander of the Breen Imperium.” This bothered Rogue, although he hid it well, it was still semi noticeable in his expression.
“I apologize, I had assumed he was your aid Prime Counsel.” Tam felt ill, something was wrong here, what that was still remained to be seen? “I had thought him to be the same individual who had greeted us when we arrived on your world.”
This Breen was not an aid, but the second in command of the Breen Imperium. Why he was not introduced when they first entered the room Rogue had no clue. Damn those environmental suites. It is difficult enough speaking to these Breen through them, that they are now exploiting that ability makes the task even that much more difficult.
“I often forget that off worlders have difficulty telling us apart.” Vassuala’s comment only proved to raise the hairs on the back of Rogues neck.
“As may be the case Prime Counsel.” Bringing the subject back onto topic. “Eventually the Dominion will target the Breen. If you elect to join us in our defense of this Quadrant, then you will have taken the right steps in insuring that the Breen Imperium continues.”
“What then Ambassador, what then would happen if we do defeat the Dominion?” Cal Mook’Vain asked.
“I do not understand what your are asking me Commander?” Rogue knew full well what this Breen was asking; he just wanted to hear it from him.
“What of the spoils of war Ambassador?” It was the answer he knew he did not want to hear. A question that frightened him even more so than an answer of no to the Alliance's offer. When Rogue spoke, he did so as carefully as he could. There could be no miscommunication here.
“Commander, the Federation is not interested in the spoils of war, but only in the continued peace of our quadrant.”
“That is no answer!” Cal’s tone and intent were clearly apparent even through the universal translator. “That is no answer to my question human!” He stood and took a step toward Rogue, who stood in kind. “I ask it again, what of the spoils of war?”
Rogue knowing full well he was now being tested, an old strategy whereby the leader would allow an underling to attack so the he could study the pray for weakness. Rogue chose his response carefully before replying, as this was not the time for a challenge.
“As I said Commander, The Federation is not interested in such things. However, any territory you take will be considered yours so long as the other members of the Alliance do not challenge it.” He kept his gaze and tone even as he looked directly at he masked Breen. ‘Who will blink first my masked friend?’ Thought Rogue to himself as he starred down the Breen with his most politest smile. ‘Who will blink first?”
“They are our guest Cal, take your seat!” Vassuala was firm, his command over his subordinates was clear. Cal sat back down. ‘Score one for the Federation.’ Thought Rogue as he shifted his gaze from the now seated Cal to the Prime Counsel.
Rogue knew that his sole purpose for coming to Breen was to ensure that the Breen understood the importance placed upon the defense of the Quadrant. That with them, the Alliance stood a greater chance of defeating the Dominion than without them. He was not going to fail. The Breen had to join the Alliance.
“I have reviewed the proposal sent by your Federation Counsel.” Said Vassuala as he slowly stood. “We will sign this treaty with your people. We will join your Alliance against the Dominion.”
A wave of relief washed over Rogue. Successes score two for the Federation.
“I shall come to Earth and we will celebrate that day for an eon to come.” With that Vassuala turned and started walk toward a door. As he left he spoke. “Cal will make the arrangements for your journey home, and our peace envoy.” Then he was gone.
Cal stood and for just a second, Tam could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. “Follow me.” Is all that Cal said as he turned and started from the room. Tam Rogue and his aid, Mathew Bishop, followed.
The holographic imaged blurred for second as the next scene was loaded. When the image finally formed they were on what appeared to be the Bridge of a Breen war ship. It was a rather large bridge by any definition, and one that was full of Breen officers and crew. They moved about performing their tasks oblivious to the image upon the viewscreen.
Earth was beautiful in the Breen Viewscreen. It was a true gem in the night sky, representing the very center of the Federation. A virgin as pure as any world untainted by war. A condition that was soon to be changed forever.
“Vice Lord we are within striking distance.” The Breen weapons officer was like most Breen, tall and costumed in an environmental suite. He spoke in Breen, but the universal translators in the courtroom translated his comments.
“Very well. Communications, send the message.” The Vice-Lord of this Breen ship was also attired in a Breen environmental suite. He stood amid deck looking directly at the image of Earth on viewscreen as it changed to the face of the Prime Counsel of the Breen Imperium. “Send to fleet, we attack in one kelgon!”
The Pro Counsel of the Breen Imperium spoke. It was a pre-recorded message for the people of Earth and the members of the United Federation of Planets.
“People of Earth, members of the Federation, you will surrender now or face your destruction at the Hands of the Dominion!” With that the screen returned to the view Earth.
“Commence the attack!”
The hologram faded and the lights in the courtroom brightened.
Tam Rogue stood once again, and began to speak. “Members of this court, what you are about to see is a compilation of the events that followed. With that he sat back down and tapped a few controls on his consul. The room dimmed once again, and a holographic star field began to take form.
The Breen had sent an envoy of just five ships to Earth. Each of these ships were scanned by ships of the First Federation Fleet, including the Enterprise, as they passed into the Sol System. Earth was one of the most heavily defended planets in the quadrant, an entire Fleet of star ship protected her. Yet not one of these ships had expected or was ready for the treachery of the Breen. The Breen ships were of the Brodalla class, normally diplomatic vessels with few armaments, however these ships were far from normal. Each of the Breen ships possessed a Dominion Sensor Inverter which generated a false sensor readings in order to hide the true payload of these ships. Each of the five Breen ships were armed to the teeth with Dominion weaponry. Each ship possessing the firepower of three Galaxy Class star ship.
The Breen ships all fired their weapons; both beam and torpedo at nearly point blank range. The night sky was filled with a brilliant green light as hundreds of torpedoes and beams streaked through the atmosphere of earth. Never before had Earth been attacked from orbit so many of those who saw the funny green lights did not realize what was about to happen.
The first Breen salvo was launched and directed at Star Fleet Command and the city of San Francisco. The Breen beams hit a mid tower of Star Fleet Command. The explosion could be seen from space as nearly half of the campus was obliterated within a millisecond. The first of the Breen Photon Torpedoes impacted shortly afterward. The resulting explosions ripped the Golden Gate Bridge from her foundation and twisted her into wreckage. Many of the torpedoes impacted directly in the City of San Francisco reducing the city to a smoldering pile of ruble. Within seconds, nearly fifty five thousand people were killed and nearly five times that injured.
The Breen then turned their attention onto Star Fleets Orbital facility, the large mushroomed looking Star Base 1. For nearly 90 years this was the Beacon of the Federation, and a true icon of Star Fleet. Within seconds, it was no more, twenty five thousand people; six star ships and ninety years of history were blown apart.
During this time the Federation ships began to react. The Enterprise laid waste to the first Breen ship, nothing survived. Within moments all of the Breen ships were destroyed by the vengeful fire of countless Federation star ships.
As the lights began to brighten the hologram dissipated and sounds of shock and murmurs of sadness and grief could be heard and indeed felt throughout the courtroom.
Tam Rogue knew that he had won his case before he had even presented it. He knew that Ornok Vassuala would be found guilty of his war crimes, and punished accordingly. If he had a phaser, he would shoot the Breen himself. For he had shaken this beings hand and trusted him with all of their lives only to have that trust betrayed, and his family killed. Oh yes, if he had a phaser he would shoot him dead right here and right now. But that was not Federation Justice, and justice for he alone could not bring back all those who had died. No, Vassuala had to be punished by the Federation. An example to all the rest who would commit mass murder in the name of war.
It took the Federation Judges less than twenty minutes to find Ornok Vassuala guilty of the war crimes in which he was indited. He would be sentenced to life on a Federation penal colony. A place where many of his subordinates already consider to be their home.
As Tam Rogue sat in his desk remembering these events, he never figured that to hear of Ornok Vassuala again. But as he sat and read the news reports about the Cleansing fleets attack upon the Homeworld of the Breen, he could not help but wonder what Vassuala was feeling.
Vassuala had been captured on Breen by Federation Agents and extradited to Earth following the Dominions Surrender. His Supreme Military Commander, Cal Mook’Vain, and his staff had escaped from Cardassia and their whereabouts are still unknown even after all this time.
The loss of his wife and daughter in the Breen attack still pains him deeply; he feels the emptiness as deeply as he did on that first day. He had just beamed from home to the office of the President when the message came through. “Surrender or face your destruction at the hands of the Dominion.” The attack took less than ten minutes, and in that time nearly one hundred thousand people, including his beloved wife and child were dead.
Now, with this new threat, all of that seems like nothing. The Evacuation of Earth has already begun, and millions have already left. Would they survive, or will they all be hunted down and exterminated? Whatever happens, he will face it here on Earth with those who choose to remain behind. ‘I am not going to leave you again my dears.’ Tam turned back from the window and placed the news pad down upon his desk and stood. As he walked from his office, he knew thought only of his wife and daughter.
[ August 16, 2002, 14:19: Message edited by: Atrocities ]
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