On the Horizon

The first thing both Syntron and Kheren noticed when rematerializing in the main transporter room of the huge Lotus fleet flagship was that they were alone and the transporter was on standby mode. The Andorian watched the Vulcan reflexively use his tricorder and went to the console. He activated the comm system.

''Transporter room One to bridge; this is former Captain Kheren. We come unarmed to discuss terms and situation.''

Not a bleep came back. Kheren switched to ship wide channel.

''This is Kheren, on board the Horizon with former captain Syntron. Anyone aboard, please respond.''

The silence made the hum of the ship's engines almost deafening. All four eyes of the Andorian scanned the room as his fingers reflecively tapped the transporter console to get a level 5 diagnostics. because of his Andorian physiology, it took him a moment to sense the unusual coldness of thinner air and notice the low level lighting. He spoke to keep Jureth, Sorripto and Rogers apraised of the situation over their open comlink.

''No officer on duty; door locked, console frozen under operating code, yellow alert status.  Even life support is on blue mode to save energy and prevent any potential power surge or leak. Sensible measures if flying on full automation into a hazardous area.''

The Andorian’s ship-wide message remained unanswered as Syntron cautiously stepped off the transporter pad.  Data entered then processed within his tricorder.

“Detecting 216 life-signs on this ship, each registering below standard metabolic rates,” the Vulcan announced, as he continued examining an array of information.

“All biosigns are indicating that they are confined to deck 12. According to ship records, this deck houses a full medical facility, which would be the logical location to sustain a skeletal crew held in stasis.”

Syntron peered over to Kheren. “As a precaution, I would recommend that we only resuscitate Captain Redding, at least initially.”

Kheren nodded.

''Logical, as always; and prudent. But... not yet. Since it seems the entire ship is still on automation, we should first get to the science lab.''

He anticipated the arching eyebrow of the Vulcan and answered it with a single name.

''Tessa.''

The Vulcan was indeed taken aback by that announcement.

“Do you intend for us to reactivate that sentient holographic program, or do you believe that it is already on duty?” he inquired, with an almost imperceptible tinge of vexation laced in his inquiry.

''Redding would not have left the ship fly mindlessly into an unknown area, let alone a potential danger zone. But with Sisko not on board, he would not have felt fully confident in giving full control and autonomy to a sentient artificial lifeform that had once hijacked a starship; even if that lifeform is a duly commissionned Starfleet Ensign. So my guess is, yes she is manning the ship... but only with basic functions and confined in her... quarters, so to speak; the main cybernetic lab.''

He went for the door and, prudently, opened it manually so as not to trigger any sensor. He eyed the empty corridor beyond as he lowered his voice.

''That would explain why there is no response to our hails; and why the ship only took position but no action yet; she knows Jureth and I are involved; Giri and Ninjo; duty and desire, the conflict between heart and mind.''

With the slightest elevation of a brow, Syntron moved toward the opened doorway.

“Logical assessment,” he acknowledged quietly, as he moved in closer proximity to the Andorian then checked his tricorder again.

“If we procced as you recommend, then our immediate destination would be deck 15,” he added after confirming the location on the Horizon.

Kheren sighed.

''And using the jeffreys tubes will be more discreet and less risky than using turbolifts. Nine decks; fortunately, climbing down.''

As they went to the nearest maintenance conduit and took the ladders allowing passage through them from one level of the ship to another, the unease of the Andorian explained itself, as he visibly panted once they emerged from their one hundred meters climb.

''Now I remember why Andorian ships were always elongated with few decks. And how I hated fitness training at the Academy; Human fitness training. They might be weak, slow and fragile, dull in the senses; but they sure have stamina.''

The descending excursion hardly taxed the physiology of the Vulcan. The thinner air seemed normal to him as well. It was the coldness of the artificial air that was challenging his well-being as he climbed off the last step and brushed away the virtually imperceptible sprinklings of dust from his attire.

“Stamina and stubbornness are often cornerstones of human demeanor,” Syntron noted, as he scanned the immediate vicinity then moved toward the specific science lab of their destination. “Given the history of this sentient holographic entity, do you have any trepidations about involving her in this mission, especially in regard to the Achilles?”

Kheren's antennae wobbled.

''My... trepidations are of little concern. It's hers I am more worried about.''

They soon reached the door of the lab Joey Day Sisko used for his work on giving the holographic lifeform an actual physical body worthy of her. The Andorian paused far enough from the door's sensor to turn towards his former exec.

''Any recommendations before we meet our dear lady?''

“The economy and precision of language used to convey the entirety of our circumstances to this entity cannot be underestimated,” Syntron noted stoically yet with conviction.

''Noted. You appeal to her computer logic. I will try to appeal to her conscience. Now, shall we?''

His scarred blue-skinned hand gestured in invitation toward the door.

With an affirmative nod, the Vulcan moved in proximity to the entryway, manually opened the door, then stepped inside the lab.

The place was, as expected, quiet, deserted and dimly lit. Both the Vulcan and the Andorian were not hampered in the slightest by the lack of illumination, and it helped them focus on one apparatus that was obviously activated. It looked much like a transporter pad except that there was a continuous swirl of energy as if the annular confiement beam was on a continuous loop. But as soon as they approached, the light coalesced into a humanoid form; that of a very singular woman in an ensign's Starfleet uniform but with an astounding mix of features. She appeared mostly human except for her grayish skin color and faint ridges on her neck and brow, with long silky white hair and a small pair of delicate antennea on the top side of her head. her eyes were a deep liquid blue  and blinked as she smiled to them.

''Captain Kheren! Captain Syntron! I am so glad to see you safe and sound.''

Kheren could not smile back but his antennae curved as much as hers.

''Hello Tessa.''

Lights came on in the room and she stepped down from the platform; yet, her seemingly solid form stayed there at the same time although completely frozen.

''The android body is still in assembly phase Captain; I will have to continue as a hologram for the time being.''

''That will be fine Tessa. And it's just Kheren and Syntron now; we have resigned our commissions. But Jureth is still Captain.''

Worry creased the brow of the young woman.

''Is he alright? I detected the Alsea in combat configuration upon dropping out of warp out of the galactic barrier. And those... things out there, the robotic planet-killers... and... and...''

The Andorian took her shoulders to force her to look at him instead of what he guessed was the external ship sennsors her computer mind was evidently connected to.

''Jureth is fine, Tessa. And the Achilles is under our control. He will not harm you again.''

The smile returned to her face but the worry did not entirely leave it either. She looked at them both in turn.

''Captain Redding had orders to find you and put you all under arrest by any means necessary; up to and including lethal force.''

Kheren took a reassuring tone.

''Redding would do no such thing.''

''No Captain Kheren; but Starfleet would. There is a trojan program within the ship's computer core installed during mission preparation. It will put the Horizon into full offensive posture the moment red alert will be sounded; and she would start firing at two pre-designated targets upon detection; the Intruder... and... and the Alsea.''

The Andorian looked at Syntron with a telling glare in his silvery eyes.

''Reminds you of anything?''

“It is as we suspected,” Syntron calmly acknowledged. “Unfortunately, we do not have time available to contain and purge the invasive program entirely from the core. Instead, we must devise a methodology to temporarily disable its implementation.” He briefly scrutinized the holographic projection.

“Have you calculated a viable option we could swiftly administer?”

The holographic ensign nodded.

''Affirmative, Captain Syntron. A pinpoint level 2 diagnostics will locate the invasive program; estimated time fifty-three seconds. Then an override command code from a grade 7 computer expert with a level 10 security clearance will implement the procedure. It will isolate and neutralize the invasive program by putting it on standby for full diagnostics mode. Estimated time of procedure; five point three-four-seven minutes.''

Kheren furrowed his brow.

''So, because you are of Ensign rank with only a level 7 security clearance, you yourself can not proceed.''

''Affirmative, Captain Kheren.''

This time, the Andorian's silvery eyes widened.

''Is your own programming affected, Ensign?''

''Negative, Captain Kheren. I am in this lab under a constant diagnostic loop. All my parameters are at one hundred percent efficiency according to specifications. Also my... consciousness allows me to override any program I am in contact with, just like you yourself can willfully ignore any stray thought or suggestion; or even an order.''

''Yes, that's how you first stole the Achilles back then... But then, why do you still refer to us as commanding officers? How come you forgot that I told you Syntron and I resigned?''

''I did not, Captain Kheren. Although you have both been relieved of command duty, your resignation has not been recorded by Starfleet Command, Sector Command or Starbase Command.''

Kheren looked at the Vulcan with wobbling yet curved antennae.

''Now isn't that interesting, Captain Syntron.''

“Intriguing,” he noted, as an eyebrow heightened once again on the otherwise stoic facade of the Vulcan. “It would appear our resignation remained localized rather than continuing through normal protocols of the command structure. This too is another indication of anomalies existing within Starfleet and the Federation.”

Kheren's face didn't have enough muscles for smiling. Yet, his face conveyed the definite impression of a smirk when he spoke next.

''I think your task awaits you, Captain.''

He turned his silvery gaze back to the hologrphic ensign.

''Are you going, to assist, stand back or hinder, Ensign?''

''I will help you, Captain Kheren; you and Captain Jureth and the others. It's the least I can do to those who allowed me to live free and happy.''

''What about Captain Redding? He is the commanding officer of this ship.''

A small smile and some redness appeared on the face of the young woman.

''Until he wakes up, He put me in command, Captain Kheren. I am now relinquishing that command to you, as per Starfleet General Order 38 and Emergency Starfleet Regulations.''

''Why not waking him up? He certainly gave you orders to do so.''

Again, the redness appeared on her features but her eyes, so much like his own, stayed straight towards his.

''I don't know him well enough yet to estimate accurately how he will react to present, unforeseen circumstances, Sir. Unpredictability is in fact his strongest defining trait. Captain Redding gave me full discretion to assess the situation before revival. For the sake of the Federation, if not the entire galaxy, I estimate crew revival at this juncture poses an unwarranted risk to ship and crew. Therefore, not being of command grade and experience, and as per General Order 38, someone I know and of proper rank and experience should assume command and make that decision; that being you, Sir. ''

Kheren nodded.

''The Zeroth Law.''

Tessa's eyes widened.

''You know about the Zeroth Law, Sir?''

''I read Isaac Asimov, the human author who devised the imaginary laws that inspired all robotics, AI and cybernetic endeavors in the Federation; from Soong's androids to holograms. Originally three laws; never harm a human being even by inaction; always obey a human being unless violating the first law; preserve one's own existence unless violating the first two laws. From this emerged the Zeroth Law; the unamed law that validates and supercedes all three; never allow one person, even by inaction, to harm Humanity.''

Relief was most evident on her face.

''In my case, it extends to all entities and all sentient life. Well summarized, Sir; and most reassuring, as you are all here clearly following this same idea.''

Kheren nodded to accept her words like a compliment.

''Then let us start with this computer boobytrap here. Ensign, please assist Captain Syntron. Join me on the bridge once you are finished here.''

He then looked straight ahead before raising his voice.

''Captain Jureth, have you been listening? We require your approval on record for this.''

"Indeed, Captain Kheren." the Bajoran replied hoping the relief of some of the regulations wasn't creeping into his voice. "Proceed as you have outlined, and gentlemen, you may want to..."step on it" to use a human term. The planet killers are closing on our location."

''Acknowledged, Captain Jureth.''

Kheren looked back at Syntron.

''Well, Captain Syntron, going by General Order 38, in case of incapacitation, a ship commander may be temporarily relieved of duty by three officers of command grade and command befall to the next highest ranking officer available with the most command experience and seniority. So unless you disagree, I am assuming command of this vessel for the duration of the crisis.''

Syntron nodded affirmatively as he spoke.

“It would be the most advisable course of action under these circumstances.” He then changed his position slightly as he faced the Andorian.

“There are options available regarding how we proceed. I can reprise my roles in this endeavor and serve as your first officer and science officer, similar to how we operated aboard the Artemis. Alternatively, with Tessa by your side, my assistance may not be required at all. In that instance, I would return and assume command of the gamma vector of the Alsea.”

 The eyes of the Vulcan remained dispassionately focused on Kheren as he allowed a moment for the options to resonate.

“I leave the decision within your capable hands.”

Kheren pondered a moment.

''As much as I would like to relive our old times together, and even recognizing Lieutenant-Commander Sorripto's excellence... We need all experienced commanding officers available where they can be most efficient. That means you back in command, Captain. Since Tessa once managed a whole starship all by herself, I am sure she and I can do the job here.''

The startling young Ensign went to attention.

''I come to serve, Captain Kheren.''

He then raised his voice:

''Captain Jureth; Captain Syntron will be back to the Gamma vector of the Alsea presently. Once he completes purging and adjusting things here, all ships will be manned. And then, out we all go fishing big eels. Please acknowledge.''

"Understood Captain Kheren," Oseno replied in a slightly distracted tone. The Bajoran was busying himself at the Alsea's main tactical console ensuring, for the umpteenth time, that her targeting systems and weapons were ready to go.

Syntron nodded in agreement as the Andorian confirmed what he anticipated regarding their roles in the impending confrontation with the triad of doomsday devices proceeding towards Federation territory. As he headed back in the direction of the exit, he stopped.

“An old Terran quote comes to mind,” the Vulcan spoke softly as the words coalesced in his thoughts. “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

He stood silent for a moment reflecting on the axiom.

“I am not certain why that particular adage manifested, nor any specific significance related to our impending circumstances,” he admitted, almost bewildered why he even expressed those fleeting words to the Andorian and to those that may have been listening in on an open channel.

Kheren cocked an eyebrow, one of the very rare facial movements he was able to make, if only so subtly maybe only a Vulcan could make it out.

''Not sure it applies against mindless robots. But it bears to be kept in mind later regarding whoever started this whole mess. In the meantime, there is some metal scrap to deal with.''

Sitting in the command chair of the Horizon, Kheren felt curiously at ease; as if he had never left. But he quickly forgot the feeling.

This is Redding's ship now. Sorry my friend if I rob you of it for a while; but I must see this through to the end. I'll do my best give it back to you in one piece.

On impulse, he recorder this very thought on a log adressed to his former exec, then opened a shipwide channel.

''Captain Syntron; are we ready to go fishing yet?''

“Final adjustments to computer systems on the Horizon will be complete in approximately one point three-seven hours,” Syntron confirmed from his temporary station. “Once I return to the Gamma vector, we should be ready for departure in an additional point two-three hours.”

The Andorian nodded to himself then addressed all channels.

''This is our timetable, gentlebeings. Captain Jureth, as the officially acknowledged ship commander here, you should lead this task force; never mind tactical ship advantage regulations. Mister Sorripto and I will be too busy doing the job of hundreds and Syntron's unemotional tactical and scanning experience will require all his attention. As for you, Mister Rogers, you are the hammer to our anvil; strike hard and strike true.''

He paused before finishing.

''We will be committed in ninety minutes... mark!''

On all ships, the tactical sensors and computers recalculated the relative positions of every one and the three intergalactic monsters at the appointed time. To everyone, it was clear that it would leave no margin of error. If but one of them reached the galactic barrier, it would be lost... until it started ravaging the galaxy.

Once purging of all corrupted files and systems aboard the Horizon was complete, Syntron transported back to the bridge of the gamma vector of the Alsea. He released it from remote management of the Cardassian skillfully operating control from an adjacent vector.

The Vulcan meticulously rerouted and centralized all commands to one console so that he could helm the agile vector, operate all scanning systems and weaponry simultaneously or in succession as required. He ran a series of simulations to test out his agility and dexterous responses from his console then refined their parameters accordingly after each virtual interaction.

Knowing the magnitude of lethality lurking within the doomsday device previously encountered by the federation confirmed that any misstep or erroneous miscalculation would have dire consequences. Unfortunately, they had three of these enormous weapons of planetary destruction rapidly approaching from different vectors. Their small hastily assembled and seriously underwhelming task force would likely be all that stood in the way of their voracious appetite should they manage to cross beyond the great barrier.

Kheren's voice reverberated on all comm channels.

''Task Force Commander; reporting all ships now under direct control. We await your orders.''

Hearing Kheren's report of the "fleet" standing by for his orders Jureth, in a mostly symbolic gesture since no one could see him, walked down and stood in front of the Alsea's command chair. He looked around the empty bridge, at each station normally occupied by his trusted officers, and hoped that this moment wouldn't be the final time he would stand in command of his beloved vessel. If it was though, he would do so knowing it was for the right reason. The others knew it too and they didn't need reminding, but perhaps it was his the well known emotion of his species that made Jureth feel the need to say something to his compatriots and was reminded of something he'd read once...

"All commands, this is Captain Oseno, the human Sun Tzu wrote let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. Whoever is behind this undoubtedly knows we are out here, but they cannot know what we plan and now is our time to move. We will hit our targets and we will not, we cannot, fail. All ships, plot course to intercept of the first target, and engage."