Categories > TV > Star Trek: Deep Space Nine > Drunken Hobbits and an Irishman
Tactical Positions
A crossover of Star Trek: Deep Space 9 and Lord of the Rings. This is the sequel to my story Pointy Eared Mischief. While on their way to Valinor, Lord Elrond and others arrive on DS9 after an atta...
?Blocked
Chapter Eight: Tactical Positions
Hidden under the veil of the cloak, the Defiant traced along the trail she was set to follow. The warp signature residue had not degraded too much by the time the task force set out but staying at a good pace was of the utmost importance since they would not like to lose the trail completely yet also not go too quickly as to miss a sudden course correction. Several recalculations had to be made as the signature jumped suddenly in other directions, seemingly trying to avoid a pursuer. However, the little ship stayed her course without too many problems. Though it proved frustrating when it seemed the Dominion ship had gone in circles simply to confuse instead of keeping a steady course straight to a destination.
Odo had retired to the Mess Hall until the Defiant came upon anything to investigate. The whole involvement with the elves left him feeling uncomfortable; as they seemed to scrutinize him at any given moment he was around one. Sisko had warned Odo that Lord Elrond had new information concerning the Changelings and that it would be best that Odo speak with him. It did not surprise the shape shifter in the least when Elrond arrived in the Mess Hall, immediately walking toward Odo once he noticed his presence.
"Hello, Lord Elrond. What can I do for you?" Odo asked, knowing full well they would have an interesting conversation.
"Do you have a moment that we could speak?" the dark-haired elf queried. "There is much for us to discuss."
"By all means," Odo replied as he motioned for Elrond to take a seat near him.
"I do not want you to think me suspicious of you for I do not doubt your Captain's word as to where your loyalties lay," he began. "However, I am not aware of all you know about your people. Captain Sisko said you have some familiarity but not too extensive."
"I have linked with one of the Founders on an occasion," Odo said. "But much was kept from me because I later discovered their deception, keeping me from knowing that they lead the Dominion."
"Founders..." Elrond repeated, taking a long sigh after a slight nod. "It does not astonish me they chose that name for themselves."
"Sisko informed me you have some information about my people," Odo said. "I've been searching for them my whole life and I have yet to learn everything about them once I did meet them. If you know anything else, I would appreciate it if you'd tell me."
"Sisko did say you were not raised by them," Elrond responded, ignoring Odo's request at first as he appeared in thought. "Spared of their evils at least..."
"What do you mean?" the changeling questioned, his tone forceful as he tried to push Elrond into being less cryptic and more detailed. "Tell me what you know!"
Elrond's gaze focused on Odo again at his demand, then nodded.
"It would be best for you to know the truth," he said slowly. "Perhaps then you would be prepared for the course your future takes."
"Then please do continue," Odo responded, getting frustrated with the elf.
"Very well," Elrond said, nodding. "The ones who created life in this universe are named the Valar on my world. They mostly have disappeared from the lives and histories of other worlds but usually come as a god-like being." Elrond paused for a moment, making sure Odo was following him well, then continued. "Long ago there was a war among the Valar and many other lesser beings. Those who sided with evil and Morgoth were either cast out and exiled to the Void or brought in chains to the Halls of Mandos and other places near to it; though, it appears they escaped and have since created their own realm once more."
"They are the Dominion?" Odo asked.
"These Founders you speak of are those who were banished by the Valar after their treason," the elf lord spoke. "I only hope not all their powers have grown since leaving the Void."
"The Founder I spoke with did mention a persecution by solids, perhaps it is really this war?" Odo said thoughtfully. "How do you know all this?"
"The Valar have been close with the Eldar through the ages," Elrond said. "We were the Firstborn and know most of the secrets of this universe that they divulged to us. We were some of the first to see the world fully as well as be the last to see the end."
"This all seems rather extraordinary," Odo said. "I don't know if I can believe this."
"After we find who is behind the attacks and kidnappings, I think you will be certain of it," the elf said.
*
"Have you found anything yet?"
Dax looked up from her controls to find Glorfindel standing next to here chair and console, holding a mug from the replicator.
"Nothing," she said as she took the mug he offered her, smiling to herself that he had gotten her favorite drink: raktajino.
Even the little things Glorfindel had already done on the mission surprised Dax and she had to remind herself that he knew her inside out since their overwhelming connection the night before. She was about to say something more when her console beeped.
"Captain," she said turning in her seat to face Sisko. "We're nearing the Badlands and it looks like the trail enters the region."
"Slow down to full impulse to maneuver around the distortions and funnels," Sisko ordered.
"Aye, sir," she said, turning back to her console and making the adjustments.
"So, this is the place called the Badlands," Glorfindel said, glancing at the viewscreen. "I remember something in your thoughts about this place."
"Yes, we've been here many times for various missions and is a great place to hide out if need be," Dax explained. "Though that might work to our advantage this time instead of hindering our searches."
"That is good to hear," Glorfindel said.
Not much else occurred as the tiny ship traveled along in the tumultuous region of that sector. Dax piloted the ship carefully as Glorfindel watched her attentively while making small talk. Kira would give out information concerning sensor readings as they kept following the warp trail. Soon enough, the Defiant found herself nearing the edge of the Badlands.
"Activate the cloak," Sisko ordered. "I don't want us sticking out like a sore thumb and giving a heads up to our enemy."
"Aye, Captain," Worf said as he triggered the protective measure.
The Defiant flickered out of view just as she exited the Badlands. They continued on the trail of the warp signature only to find it stopped in a nearby solar system with a number of planets.
"The fifth planet seems to be where it ends," Kira said as she checked her readings.
"Matching course," Dax said as she changed their trajectory.
"Scan the surface," Sisko said. "I want to know everything that is on that planet."
"It is a class M planet and I'm getting power fluctuations, energy readings, and protective shields in the mid-section of the northern hemisphere on the large, peninsula," Kira said.
"Set standard orbit," Sisko told Dax. "Magnify on the viewscreen where the readings are coming from."
The viewscreen changed its view to show a modified section of the planet's surface. What appeared to be a large compound in the middle of a forest met their eyes and they all wondered to themselves if this was where they must go.
"Have you picked up anything from the Dominion warship?" Sisko asked. "It is rather quiet here."
"Nowhere according to our sensors, Captain," Kira said turning to him. "Though there does seem to be distortions still coming off from the Badlands that might hide their power signature."
"Go around the dark side of the planet and see if there's anything there," he ordered.
They waited a few minutes as the Defiant made a quick run out of orbit around the planet to be certain no other ships were hiding out of range. Nothing was found so they came back to their first point.
"Here's what we're going to do," Sisko said, getting everyone's attention. "I want two teams in shuttlecraft. We'll have them disembark while we are in the Badlands to avoid detection. Their signatures should be hidden as well so they can head to the surface. Meanwhile, the Defiant will be cloaked and waiting in orbit if trouble is to start."
"That is a good plan, Captain," Lord Elrond chipped in when he was done. "Let us get started before that warship returns."
*
The shuttles headed out toward the outer edge of the solar system where the planet was located, avoiding any plasma discharges or funnels from the ending borders of the Badlands along the way. Once they neared the planet, the shuttles slipped to the far, dark side of its outer atmosphere as to keep their signatures from being detected. Carefully they glided down to their destination but split off as each went to locations on the opposite sides of the compound. They both would hopefully meet up without any problems once the teams gathered enough information to aid them in knocking out the main systems and power generators.
Glorfindel watched through the main window as Worf and Dax piloted their shuttle down through the clouds and skimmed over the mountains and treetops before setting down in a small clearing. All of them were piling out of the shuttle quietly as to not draw attention from any patrols that could be in the area. Glorfindel did a final count and check of his team members that were composed of Odo, Worf, Dax, Gildor, Rúmil, a mixture of elves from Gildor's ship, and some Starfleet security personnel.
Lord Elrond remained aboard the Defiant with Sisko, O'Brien, and Bashir in case anything was to develop while Lieutenant Commander Eddington had stayed behind to watch over the fort. Haldir was leading the other team that had landed along with his brother Orophin, Kira, again a mixture of elves, and Starfleet security. Soon their plan would be put into motion. However, a surprise came that no one had expected.
As Dax was opening compartments to retrieve comm badges and phaser rifles to hand out, a familiar figure with dark curly hair tumbled out of one of the bins. Frodo Baggins looked up at them all with a sheepish grin at having been caught. Everyone stared at him in surprise before Glorfindel kneeled down to the hobbit.
"What are you doing here, Frodo?" he asked, apprehension lining his voice. "It is dangerous here!"
"I understand that, Lord Glorfindel," Frodo said. "But I felt that I needed to help. I could not stand by back in the station with all of you out here looking for Gandalf and Lady Galadriel."
"We made a decision back in the council," Glorfindel said sternly but kept his voice low. "You should have abided by that!"
"Gandalf is my friend too!" Frodo blurted out as Glorfindel began to move away from him. "I want to help him just as much as you do!"
"I apologize, Frodo," Glorfindel said. "I know you have met your fair share of dealings with evil but this situation is treacherous and we do not know what to expect. Let the elves and Starfleet handle it."
Frodo was about to argue more when Worf stepped up. The Klingon was in charge of the mission and if anyone had the final say, it would be him.
"It would be best if you remained in the shuttle until we know more about what is going on here," Worf said. "We can lock the shuttle doors and leave a phaser in case trouble does come while we are away."
"Yes, Mr. Worf," Frodo said hanging his head in disappointment.
After leading the hobbit back inside and showing him how to fire the phaser, the team closed the doors to the shuttle and locked it. They started to file through the dense foliage as they moved on toward the compound. Frodo watched intently from the front window until they disappeared from his sight.
Hidden under the veil of the cloak, the Defiant traced along the trail she was set to follow. The warp signature residue had not degraded too much by the time the task force set out but staying at a good pace was of the utmost importance since they would not like to lose the trail completely yet also not go too quickly as to miss a sudden course correction. Several recalculations had to be made as the signature jumped suddenly in other directions, seemingly trying to avoid a pursuer. However, the little ship stayed her course without too many problems. Though it proved frustrating when it seemed the Dominion ship had gone in circles simply to confuse instead of keeping a steady course straight to a destination.
Odo had retired to the Mess Hall until the Defiant came upon anything to investigate. The whole involvement with the elves left him feeling uncomfortable; as they seemed to scrutinize him at any given moment he was around one. Sisko had warned Odo that Lord Elrond had new information concerning the Changelings and that it would be best that Odo speak with him. It did not surprise the shape shifter in the least when Elrond arrived in the Mess Hall, immediately walking toward Odo once he noticed his presence.
"Hello, Lord Elrond. What can I do for you?" Odo asked, knowing full well they would have an interesting conversation.
"Do you have a moment that we could speak?" the dark-haired elf queried. "There is much for us to discuss."
"By all means," Odo replied as he motioned for Elrond to take a seat near him.
"I do not want you to think me suspicious of you for I do not doubt your Captain's word as to where your loyalties lay," he began. "However, I am not aware of all you know about your people. Captain Sisko said you have some familiarity but not too extensive."
"I have linked with one of the Founders on an occasion," Odo said. "But much was kept from me because I later discovered their deception, keeping me from knowing that they lead the Dominion."
"Founders..." Elrond repeated, taking a long sigh after a slight nod. "It does not astonish me they chose that name for themselves."
"Sisko informed me you have some information about my people," Odo said. "I've been searching for them my whole life and I have yet to learn everything about them once I did meet them. If you know anything else, I would appreciate it if you'd tell me."
"Sisko did say you were not raised by them," Elrond responded, ignoring Odo's request at first as he appeared in thought. "Spared of their evils at least..."
"What do you mean?" the changeling questioned, his tone forceful as he tried to push Elrond into being less cryptic and more detailed. "Tell me what you know!"
Elrond's gaze focused on Odo again at his demand, then nodded.
"It would be best for you to know the truth," he said slowly. "Perhaps then you would be prepared for the course your future takes."
"Then please do continue," Odo responded, getting frustrated with the elf.
"Very well," Elrond said, nodding. "The ones who created life in this universe are named the Valar on my world. They mostly have disappeared from the lives and histories of other worlds but usually come as a god-like being." Elrond paused for a moment, making sure Odo was following him well, then continued. "Long ago there was a war among the Valar and many other lesser beings. Those who sided with evil and Morgoth were either cast out and exiled to the Void or brought in chains to the Halls of Mandos and other places near to it; though, it appears they escaped and have since created their own realm once more."
"They are the Dominion?" Odo asked.
"These Founders you speak of are those who were banished by the Valar after their treason," the elf lord spoke. "I only hope not all their powers have grown since leaving the Void."
"The Founder I spoke with did mention a persecution by solids, perhaps it is really this war?" Odo said thoughtfully. "How do you know all this?"
"The Valar have been close with the Eldar through the ages," Elrond said. "We were the Firstborn and know most of the secrets of this universe that they divulged to us. We were some of the first to see the world fully as well as be the last to see the end."
"This all seems rather extraordinary," Odo said. "I don't know if I can believe this."
"After we find who is behind the attacks and kidnappings, I think you will be certain of it," the elf said.
*
"Have you found anything yet?"
Dax looked up from her controls to find Glorfindel standing next to here chair and console, holding a mug from the replicator.
"Nothing," she said as she took the mug he offered her, smiling to herself that he had gotten her favorite drink: raktajino.
Even the little things Glorfindel had already done on the mission surprised Dax and she had to remind herself that he knew her inside out since their overwhelming connection the night before. She was about to say something more when her console beeped.
"Captain," she said turning in her seat to face Sisko. "We're nearing the Badlands and it looks like the trail enters the region."
"Slow down to full impulse to maneuver around the distortions and funnels," Sisko ordered.
"Aye, sir," she said, turning back to her console and making the adjustments.
"So, this is the place called the Badlands," Glorfindel said, glancing at the viewscreen. "I remember something in your thoughts about this place."
"Yes, we've been here many times for various missions and is a great place to hide out if need be," Dax explained. "Though that might work to our advantage this time instead of hindering our searches."
"That is good to hear," Glorfindel said.
Not much else occurred as the tiny ship traveled along in the tumultuous region of that sector. Dax piloted the ship carefully as Glorfindel watched her attentively while making small talk. Kira would give out information concerning sensor readings as they kept following the warp trail. Soon enough, the Defiant found herself nearing the edge of the Badlands.
"Activate the cloak," Sisko ordered. "I don't want us sticking out like a sore thumb and giving a heads up to our enemy."
"Aye, Captain," Worf said as he triggered the protective measure.
The Defiant flickered out of view just as she exited the Badlands. They continued on the trail of the warp signature only to find it stopped in a nearby solar system with a number of planets.
"The fifth planet seems to be where it ends," Kira said as she checked her readings.
"Matching course," Dax said as she changed their trajectory.
"Scan the surface," Sisko said. "I want to know everything that is on that planet."
"It is a class M planet and I'm getting power fluctuations, energy readings, and protective shields in the mid-section of the northern hemisphere on the large, peninsula," Kira said.
"Set standard orbit," Sisko told Dax. "Magnify on the viewscreen where the readings are coming from."
The viewscreen changed its view to show a modified section of the planet's surface. What appeared to be a large compound in the middle of a forest met their eyes and they all wondered to themselves if this was where they must go.
"Have you picked up anything from the Dominion warship?" Sisko asked. "It is rather quiet here."
"Nowhere according to our sensors, Captain," Kira said turning to him. "Though there does seem to be distortions still coming off from the Badlands that might hide their power signature."
"Go around the dark side of the planet and see if there's anything there," he ordered.
They waited a few minutes as the Defiant made a quick run out of orbit around the planet to be certain no other ships were hiding out of range. Nothing was found so they came back to their first point.
"Here's what we're going to do," Sisko said, getting everyone's attention. "I want two teams in shuttlecraft. We'll have them disembark while we are in the Badlands to avoid detection. Their signatures should be hidden as well so they can head to the surface. Meanwhile, the Defiant will be cloaked and waiting in orbit if trouble is to start."
"That is a good plan, Captain," Lord Elrond chipped in when he was done. "Let us get started before that warship returns."
*
The shuttles headed out toward the outer edge of the solar system where the planet was located, avoiding any plasma discharges or funnels from the ending borders of the Badlands along the way. Once they neared the planet, the shuttles slipped to the far, dark side of its outer atmosphere as to keep their signatures from being detected. Carefully they glided down to their destination but split off as each went to locations on the opposite sides of the compound. They both would hopefully meet up without any problems once the teams gathered enough information to aid them in knocking out the main systems and power generators.
Glorfindel watched through the main window as Worf and Dax piloted their shuttle down through the clouds and skimmed over the mountains and treetops before setting down in a small clearing. All of them were piling out of the shuttle quietly as to not draw attention from any patrols that could be in the area. Glorfindel did a final count and check of his team members that were composed of Odo, Worf, Dax, Gildor, Rúmil, a mixture of elves from Gildor's ship, and some Starfleet security personnel.
Lord Elrond remained aboard the Defiant with Sisko, O'Brien, and Bashir in case anything was to develop while Lieutenant Commander Eddington had stayed behind to watch over the fort. Haldir was leading the other team that had landed along with his brother Orophin, Kira, again a mixture of elves, and Starfleet security. Soon their plan would be put into motion. However, a surprise came that no one had expected.
As Dax was opening compartments to retrieve comm badges and phaser rifles to hand out, a familiar figure with dark curly hair tumbled out of one of the bins. Frodo Baggins looked up at them all with a sheepish grin at having been caught. Everyone stared at him in surprise before Glorfindel kneeled down to the hobbit.
"What are you doing here, Frodo?" he asked, apprehension lining his voice. "It is dangerous here!"
"I understand that, Lord Glorfindel," Frodo said. "But I felt that I needed to help. I could not stand by back in the station with all of you out here looking for Gandalf and Lady Galadriel."
"We made a decision back in the council," Glorfindel said sternly but kept his voice low. "You should have abided by that!"
"Gandalf is my friend too!" Frodo blurted out as Glorfindel began to move away from him. "I want to help him just as much as you do!"
"I apologize, Frodo," Glorfindel said. "I know you have met your fair share of dealings with evil but this situation is treacherous and we do not know what to expect. Let the elves and Starfleet handle it."
Frodo was about to argue more when Worf stepped up. The Klingon was in charge of the mission and if anyone had the final say, it would be him.
"It would be best if you remained in the shuttle until we know more about what is going on here," Worf said. "We can lock the shuttle doors and leave a phaser in case trouble does come while we are away."
"Yes, Mr. Worf," Frodo said hanging his head in disappointment.
After leading the hobbit back inside and showing him how to fire the phaser, the team closed the doors to the shuttle and locked it. They started to file through the dense foliage as they moved on toward the compound. Frodo watched intently from the front window until they disappeared from his sight.
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