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Plata #47120 Ma jött egy jó hosszú vakera.
Kings & Queens - The Onslaught
Faction leaders and famed starship captains meet with diplomatic ambassadors in an effort to unite against the Borg and end them once and for all.
By Fero January 14, 2025, 08:00 AM
Tortured screams filled every inch of the room, until a cacophony of synchronized footfalls gradually drowned them out. Military-style boots shot down rhythmically onto a broken marble ground, as terrified civilians attempted to flee a city ruins. Systematically, the young were ripped away from their guardians and sealed into pods by sinister silhouettes. A civilization on the brink of annihilation.
The audience exchanged nervous glances as the footage cast pale, cracked faces plagued by invasive implants across the walls around them. It was unsettling. Especially for any onlookers that had witnessed similar events. From the ashes of a scorched metropolis arose a chilling and far too familiar chorus: “Resistance is futile,” recited the invading army.
Then, silence as the holographic projection came to a halt. “Play it again, my friends. No sound, lights on, from the beginning,” Thaseen-Fei commanded resolutely, standing atop a central podium before a diverse gathering of esteemed dignitaries.
Gut-wrenching visuals of alternate dimension Borg assimilating defenceless Aetherians filled the room once again; families torn apart, renowned scientists falling to their knees, pets and plantations abandoned, followed by silent screams of anguish that had reverberated throughout the Lukari Council’s stately diplomatic conference room only moments ago.
“The Cybernetic Onslaught marked the beginning of the end for my people and our glorious civilization. Few escaped, and fewer yet survived,” Thaseen-Fei’s voice quivered almost imperceptibly. She walked around the room, backlit by her own presentation, as she maintained eye-contact with those whose hearts she hoped to reach. “Running, begging, fighting - it made no difference. Escape shuttles were crippled and repurposed nefariously, pleas for mercy went unheard, and combatants were overpowered, slowly, but surely. Inexorably,” she lowered her gaze for the first time, glaring at the ground before her. “In the end, assimilation was indeed inevitable.”
. . .
Faction leaders and famed starship captains had travelled across several quadrants to meet with diplomatic ambassadors on the Lukari homeworld in an effort to share information in an effectively neutral location. The time had come to unite against the Borg and end them once and for all. But to watch the terraformation of Aetheria into a desolate and soulless husk alongside its despondent leader was harder than anyone had imagined. Admiral Quinn and Chancellor L’Rell locked eyes from across the room. Even Klingon soldiers could be seen to shudder, as the thought of Qo'noS falling to the Borg crossed their minds, a fate far worse than falling to the Hur’q. The audience was transfixed, shaken, silent.
“Inevitable, for us. But, we believe it does not have to be for you, and your universe.” Thaseen-Fei lifted her gaze and with it, the spirits of her spectators. “We made a critical mistake when we first built our society. You see, Aetherians were once a splintered, isolationist species.” She took in the vast array of peoples and ranks present before her today. “However, during the Onslaught, it dawned upon some of us that only through unity and harmony would we keep our people strong and secure. Those who worked together, survived. Those who did not-” she trailed off, allowing the unfinished sentence to hang in the air, and complete itself unvoiced in the minds of her audience.
The sound of a chair scraping against the hard floor interrupted the quiet. A Cardassian general had stood up from her seat. “And why help us? Why not simply rebuild your own civilization?” The decorated officer narrowed her eyes, before turning to face the rest of the room. “A waste of resources, time, and wit is what I discern from this presentation. Why bother?” she scoffed.
An uncomfortable pause permeated the premises. Thaseen-Fei stepped down from the central podium, and walked into the crowd. Seats parted for her with every step she took until she reached the general, whose height and stature could not rival an Aetherian’s.
“Why?” a pained smile crept across Thaseen-Fei’s, breaking with her angular features, as she peered down at her challenger. She softened her stance and turned to face Quinn. “Because when we witness the peaceful First Contacts of the Federation, surviving Aetherians get a glimpse of the civilization that could have been, and perhaps still could be.” Thaseen-Fei pivoted to face L’Rell. “When we behold the wild and rugged landscapes that are home to Bloodwine Rivers on the Klingon homeworld, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring tetryon storms of our Raas-Nepra deserts.”
The Aetherian Concordium Leader motioned towards the ceiling, raising her arms. The projection of the Aetherian homeworld, devastated and dark, shifted, until it was restored to its former glory. A city of white and gold pillars, wondrous aqueducts, and aerial gondolas coalesced into existence. A row of colorful statues, fractal glass and marble, adorned the gardens of a vast Aetherian plaza.
“The ancient Romulan archaeology you unearth and restore on colony worlds bear a striking resemblance in symbolism to the monuments that once stood in Hothori, the square at the heart of Namad, our fallen capital.”
The visuals shifted once more, showcasing high-tech, urban habitats, then glimmering deep sea vents, and finally, exotic flora and fauna. “The Cal-Toregi and Ocal-Zil once soared our clear skies. Now, these winged creatures are but a distant memory.” Thaseen-Fei paused, and turned to face the general once more. “Though we cannot bring them back, we long to see such harmony again. Your universe gives us hope. Perhaps one day, we’ll be able to reforge our civilization. Surely, you of all people, understand the desire to resurrect what once was?”
The disgruntled Cardassian general pursed her lips, before conceding. “I take your point,” she continued, “But what if that’s simply impossible?”
“Then at least Aetherians can play a pivotal role in this universe. We seek to be more than ghosts of our tragic past, wandering the galaxy aimlessly. We have purpose. And for that, we thank you.” Thaseen-Fei lowered her hands, interrupting the projection permanently. Claps and nods of approval rippled through the room, as the general reclaimed her seat.
. . .
“Friends, please accept these iadi as a token of our gratitude for your attendance today,” Thaseen-Fei urged, as she ceremoniously handed small, triangular data devices from a large chromatic container. “They hold classified holographic projections detailing the ways in which Aetherians have thwarted new Borg incursions in this galaxy, and remained unified throughout this endeavor,” she shared, gliding through the seated guests. As she moved through the crowd with a keen eye, someone caught her attention.
“Ensign Vaaruunte, I believe?” Thaseen-Fei took in the short, stern-looking Lukari comms officer who stood before her.
“Leader Thaseen-Fei, that was an impressive speech,” replied Vaaruunte, with a curt, deferential bow. “I was moved by the retelling of Aetheria’s history. I am sure Admiral Kuumaarke would have shared the sentiment, had she been able to attend.”
“Yes, a pity,” Thaseen-Fei thought out loud. “Important stellar research, no doubt. I take it that you’re filling in for her?” The ensign gave a swift nod in reply. “In any case, fret not, Ensign. A number of great allies could not attend today, and for good reason too, though I hope to see them soon.”
“Thank you for your understanding,” Vaaruunte responded.
“That said - could I entrust you with giving the Admiral this iad? It contains classified information that could be valuable to her and her efforts.” Thaseen-Fei extended her hand, proffering the device.
“Certainly. I will pass it on to Lieutenant Commander Saarii, our Chief Xenoanthropologist.” Vaaruunte took the object. “I will ensure it is stored here in a secure compartment on the homeworld, until the Admiral’s return. She’ll come to collect it as soon as possible.”
“You would not transport it back to the Reskava?”, Thaseen-Fei asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
“Ah, apologies for the confusion.” Vaaruunte looked up from the Aetherian device, and crossed her arms behind her back in a show of respect. “The Admiral is not aboard the Reskava at the moment… But… We can parse the data and transmit it to her on a secure line, if it’s urgent?” The Lukari officer raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
“I see! No need, thank you. Perhaps I could pay a visit to the Reskava myself in that case, while I’m still here,” Thaseen-Fei suggested. “In addition to the iad, I could host a seminar, so you may assess the urgency yourselves. And I believe the Reskava is the only Lukari ship I have yet to board for a diplomatic visit. I would be delighted to do so,” she smiled.
“The pleasure would be ours, I’m sure,” Vaarunte politely returned the smile. “You would have to put in a request with the Admiral’s number one, of course.”
“Of course,” Thaseen-Fei lowered her head in acknowledgment. “Well, it has been a pleasure meeting you in person, Ensign. If you would excuse me, I must speak with the Lukari Council…”, she broke off distractedly, before turning around.
Vaaruunte watched as Thaseen-Fei made her way towards a crowd of senior Lukari officials. Across the room, loud and animated talks were underway - delegates discussing their reaction to the Aetherian Leader’s presentation, others debating the appointment of faction ambassadors and the need for personnel specialized in Borg encounters.
At the heart of this group, stood two holographic figures, partners of some sort, Vaaruunte presumed - a man, and a woman. The Reskava’s comms officer could not place them, but they looked familiar.
Iad in hand, Vaaruunte retreated to one of the many side-rooms in the area and activated her comms badge: “Reskava, this is Vaaruunte. One to beam up. Oh, and prepare to send out an encrypted report to the Admiral. I have intel for her.”
Vaaruunte smirked. “Faction ambassador, huh…” She looked at the triangular data device - an odd-looking object. She tossed it into the air, caught it, and slipped it into her pocket just as the transport beam engulfed her.