The colossal headquarters of the organization known as the United Council could be seen from space as Asani’s ship orbited Virinat along with Jajot’s Romulan warbird and the Admiral’s Federation vessel. The history of this planet was well known to any Romulan, especially the Tal-Shiar. Colonies of Romulan defectors had made their life on this planet until the Tal-Shiar used them as a lesson to all Romulans that defection was not an option. This was one of the main reasons why the creators of the United Council built their headquarters on this planet. It was to represent the ones that were forgotten in this Universe. “Built upon the ruins of those that were massacred, so that they are never forgotten.” This phrase is written above the main entrance so all may understand the United Council’s purpose.

Many different vessels of many species orbited the planet because of the much business and transactions that took place. Large Starbases that held the United Council insignia were the first communication for anyone wanting to visit this establishment. Pristine vessels that appeared eerily similar to Federation vessels patrolled the upper atmosphere of Virinat. Communications from the Admiral ship with those Starbases and vessels were not proceeding as plan as Asani could tell Admiral Riker was becoming quite annoyed.

“Why is it so difficult for me to speak to Admiral Richards!?” yelled Admiral Riker. The communication was being sent to the Romulan Warbird and Asani’s ship. “I have vital information to discuss…”

“I have no idea where Admiral Richards is,” said a nasally sounding voice in response. “I only can tell you without proper permission from a Council member, I am not authorized to allow you to transport anyone to the surface.”

“I don’t care about your protocols!” yelled Riker, making Harry and Thomas tense. “I have urgent matters to discuss with Admiral Richards! Now tell me where he is, or I will…”

“You will do nothing!” screamed a second voice more nasally than the first. “You are talking with the United Council…not a scared little Federation ally. You have no authority here, Admiral!”

“Admiral Richards is a Federation Officer…”

“He is also an elected official of the United Council and therefore must give permission for you to transport…”

“Do not tell me the rules!” Asani pictured in his mind what Riker’s face looked like. His neck was red. His eyes fierce. Asani was very happy that he was not receiving the full force of Riker’s wrath this time. “I am here looking for an Admiral of the Federation and if I believe that he is in any danger, I will beam an entire army down on this planet and will search every building until…”

“Hello Admiral Riker,” said a familiar voice. The monitor screen of the Admiral’s ship showed the image of Admiral Richards which then appeared on both Jajot’s monitor and Asani’s.

Asani could picture what Admiral Riker was doing now. He knew he had lifted his leg and placed it on the bottom bar of the front console and was now leaning on his knee. Asani knew exactly what Admiral Riker’s face looked like because of the look Admiral Richards was giving on the monitor.

“I have been trying to reach you for three days, Admiral,” said a very tense Riker. “I do not like being ignored.”

“I was not ignoring you, Admiral,” responded Admiral Richards in a cheerful tone. “I was doing the duties that I have been elected to do as part of the United Council. There is much that must be done…”

“Your duties as an officer of the Federation come first!” said Admiral Riker. “I know that was the agreement when we all agreed to allow you to have this little Ambassador job.”

“I have done more as an elected official with the United Council than I have ever done as an Admiral…”

“Spare me your arguments, Admiral! I do not wish to be lectured!” Asani could picture what Riker was doing now. He could see him now standing straight up and now adjusting his uniform. “Are you going to give me permission to beam down, or will I have to send a few dozen quantum torpedoes in your direction until you change your mind.”

“Always a pleasure, Admiral Riker,” said a smiling Admiral Richards. “You bring that Federation charm wherever you go. You may beam down whenever you wish. I will give you the full tour of this spectacular coliseum that is a beacon to all in the Universe…”

“I’ve seen it,” responded Riker in a tone that made Harry and Thomas giggle. “Expect my arrival in fifteen minutes.” The monitor went blank and then Asani, Harry, and Thomas, all eyed each other. They each smiled and then proceeded to laugh.

In exactly fifteen minutes, Admiral Riker and his two personal guards beamed into the office of Admiral Richards. Jajot, Hakeev and a funny looking Romulan transported as well into the office of this elected official. Upon complete re-assembling of their atoms into their original form, a slender, female Vulcan stood from her post. Her short black hair and green eyes went perfectly with her black uniform and red lining. She nodded towards the Admiral and then quickly scanned the others in her group. Her eyes narrowed upon seeing the Romulans. Her eyes stood on Jajot for a second longer than the rest. She then returned to Admiral Riker.

“Greetings Admiral. We are delighted for your visit.” The Admiral raised his chin with a frown and then gave a quick nod with a crooked smile. “We hope that this visit to the United Council is…”

“Where is Admiral Richards?” remarked Riker with narrowed eyes and a slanted head. The unusual looking Romulan gave a smirk.

The Vulcan extended her hand towards a large double door. “He is expecting you in the conference room.” Riker nodded and proceeded towards the double door with the rest of his calvary walking behind him.

“Asani?” said Harry into the ear of the funny looking Romulan. “We are getting readings of…”

“Now is not a good time, Harry,” said the Romulan.

“But…”

“Not right now,”

They all entered the conference room where they found Admiral Richards, the Vulcan Ambassador, a highly decorated Cardassian, and a small, stout Ferengi. All rose as the Admiral entered with his posse. “Admiral Riker,” said Admiral Richards with too much pleasantry. “We are delighted for your visit. It comes at a time of great inconvenience where the United Council is working to help the Xiezios people from the brutal attack on their planet, but your message did sound urgent.”

Admiral Riker eyes narrowed at the greeting and then looked at the other individuals seated around the table. “Would you mind introducing us to the rest of your party?”

“But of course,” said Admiral Richards while shaking his head. “I just have many things on my mind.” He then extended his hand towards the highly decorated Cardassian. “This is General Lassik Noc of the Cardassian military.” The Cardassian bowed his head as Riker gave him a nod with his brow furrowed. “Of course, you know our Vulcan Ambassador Nalk,” the Ambassador and Riker nodded, “and this is Daimon Tyector of the Ferengi Military.” The stout Ferengi quickly nodded which surprised Riker. “He is my budget and planner guy. Makes sure we are always on schedule and not over budget. General Noc is here because he is assisting me on gathering all data on the attack that happened to the Xiezios people.” Admiral Richards then quickly looked at everyone standing behind Riker then back at the Admiral.

Riker understood the request and with a smile extended a hand towards the others. “This is Subcommander Jajot, Colonel Hakeev, and Major Raka.” All three nodded together. The two guards for the Admiral resumed their post at the double doors. “They are the ones that brought me this information of which I need to speak to you about. It is about the attack on Xiexath and…”

“It is most unwise to bring members of the Tal-Shiar to a place where a massacre happened by their own hands,” said General Noc in his high-pitched voice. “An Admiral of the Federation should know this.”

“All of us have history that we need to learn from,” said Colonel Hakeev in a calm tone. “The Romulan Empire began the healing process for this tragedy many years ago.”

Asani saw a sneer appear on the Cardassian’s face. “Money and apologies do not bring back those lives that were lost.”

“Do not lecture us, Cardassian,” said Jajot in a tone that made Asani know she was angry. “You have no moral high ground to tell us how we can make amends.”

Ambassador Nalk gave a large smile and put his hands in the air. “We are not here to fight among ourselves. We have many on Xiexath that are needing our help.” General Noc shook his head while the Romulans both bowed theirs. “Please, Admiral Riker. You were saying?”

“We were given alarming reports about this attack on Xiexath,” began Admiral Riker. He removed a PADD from his pocket. “These reports show that the United Council were the ones that planned this attack with help from many different groups.”

Ambassador Nalk eyes grew twice their size. “May I see these reports?” Admiral Riker handed the PADD to the Ambassador.

Admiral Richards shook his head. “That is impossible! Who gave you this information!?” Major Raka shifted from one leg to the other.

Admiral Riker looked at the Admiral with a blank face. “Our information comes from very good sources and the Federation has looked over these reports and fine them to be genuine.”

“Then the Federation is just as foolish as it always has been,” remarked General Noc. “We know exactly how this happened.” He tilted his head and smiled. “An ex-Federation officer, Lieutenant Nasos, built and detonated a bomb on the first moon’s mining facility. We can show you evidence that he built the bomb for this very purpose.”

“We don’t dispute that this Lieutenant Nasos built the bomb,” said Admiral Riker. General Noc and Admiral Richards gave the same stare of brows furrowed and jaws clenched. “But the evidence supports the story of Lieutenant Nasos being ordered to build the bomb by the United Council for the sole purpose of stopping Xiexath’s rise in power. “

“That is not possible,” countered Admiral Richards. “The United Council would never stoop to such levels.” Major Raka’s eyes grew twice their size. “Does your evidence say who initiated these plans?”

“It shows you designed the whole plan,” stated the Ambassador.

“What!?” yelled Admiral Richards. “That is preposterous! Why would I design such a plan to harm so many?”

“Because you blame them for the death of your daughter,” said Major Raka. Admiral Riker and Jajot both gave a quick glance at disguised Asani then back at the Admiral.

The Admiral’s jaw clenched as he stared at the disguised Romulan. “I would never seek revenge in such a manner. I am an Admiral in the Federation.”

The Ambassador slid the PADD across the table to Richards. “Then explain these documents. Your signature, access codes are found all over these plans.

“It shows signatures and access codes from many different people, including mine,” said Riker. “I would never sign off on anything like this. The documents detail a well-designed plan of trickery and deceit that has put an end to Xiexath.” Admiral Richards lifted the PADD and began to read. “If these documents were not created by you, then someone in the United Council has been able to create official documents with many signatures to fool many in carrying this plan forward.”

“There had to be inside help to create these documents,” said Ambassador Nalk. “I agree with Admiral Riker. Those documents look genuine.”

General Noc laughed. Asani saw Riker’s eyes narrowed. His jaw clenched. It would have not surprised him if the Admiral leaped across the table and cracked the Cardassian’s neck. “You Federation and Vulcan fools. You are being deceived. The true villain is Lieutenant Nasos. He is manipulating you so that you fight among yourselves why he escapes.”

“Lieutenant Nasos also told us about how you captured him and made him watch you blow up a Federation starship,” said Jajot. Admiral Richards immediately lifted his head at this comment. “You have created a new vessel that uses the power of Thanatos. There are many reports of a Cardassian vessel destroying everything it comes in contact.” Noc’s smile showed everyone his guilt. Asani could tell Admiral Richards’s was not aware. The disdain on his face was seen by everyone.

“Your reports are inaccurate,” said Noc. “Our reports show that all species are buyers of this incredible weapon. Not only the Romulans,” Noc turned his head to Riker, “but the Federation as well. War is everywhere and we are here to help the United Council stop it.” General Noc then turned towards Admiral Richards and nodded.

The Admiral shook his head and then slowly took a seat. He slid the PADD back to Riker and then looked at the Admiral. Asani could see his eyes were tired and his lips displayed a large frown. He noticed that there was much more greyness in his hair and the wrinkles in his face were much more apparent. “Present your findings to the Council,” said the Admiral. General Noc’s eyes doubled in size. The Ferengi, who everyone forgot was in the room, gave a quick nod with a little smile. Ambassador Nalk nodded. “They are in session right now and discussing what has happened. I will let them know that you intend to speak.”

General Noc shook his head. “This is crazy! You are allowing him to manipulate the evidence that we have already presented! This is madness!”

“I am doing my job as an elected official of the United Council!” yelled Admiral Richards.

“It seems you are being more like an Admiral of the Federation!” refuted the Cardassian.

Admiral Richards bowed his head. “Maybe I am.” He then looked at Admiral Riker. “Maybe it is time I start acting like one again.”

Admiral Riker gave a quick smile. “All the evidence points to you as the designer of this plan. If I present this evidence to the Council, it could mean the end of your career and possible court-martial from Starfleet…”

“I know what can happened,” said Admiral Richards. “I am tired of hiding.” He then looked at Admiral Riker. His brow furrowed and jaw clenched. “Just make sure you tell them everything in those documents. They all need to understand why.”

Asani saw the Ferengi give a small smile and then wipe a tear from his eye.

Over eight-hundred elected officials sat in the Grand Conference Hall as they awaited the newly announced speaker. Excitement had built once it was discovered who was speaking. Many knew the name of Admiral William Riker and his comments he had made publicly about the United Council. “A Federation want-to-be” were words that made all elected officials despise the Admiral, but they did respect his many years of dedicated service.

The large conference hall was circular with the main stage sitting high above the main floor in the middle of this giant room. The eight-hundred and counting elected officials sat in the seats in front of the stage. The other twenty-thousands seats were for all ambassadors, officials, and other distinguished guests. Every seat was filled awaiting Admiral Riker to speak. Asani or Major Raka, Jajot, and Hakeev were all sitting to the side of the giant main stage. Asani could tell that Admiral Riker was not liking this idea, but Asani knew he wanted answers, and they both hoped that revealing this evidence to everyone will help to quiet the wars that have begun everywhere. Asani thought if they all knew the cause, it may force governments to rethink the United Council and turn to the Federation as their support. “The Federation has many bureaucracy issues, but the United Council appeared to be completely insane,” thought Asani as he looked around at the large conference hall. “How could I have been so stupid and do exactly what they wanted and build a bomb.” He put his hand through his hair and stopped half-way through as he forgot he was still in disguise. He saw Admiral Richards take a seat next to Riker on the stage. They both nodded knowing what was to come. “Maybe I would have done what Admiral Richards did. Maybe I did this for revenge as well.” Asani gave a heavy sigh. “What have I done,” he whispered. Jajot sitting next to him, placed her hand on his. He quickly looked her direction and saw a kind smile. He nodded and her smile grew. Admiral Riker then walked to the podium.

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“Elected officials of the United Council,” Admiral Riker began. His voice was clear and crisp. His eyes focused and his posture was perfect. “I come here today not only as an Admiral of the Federation, but as a concerned friend of all who desire peace in our Universe.” The crowd was silent as they waited for him to continue. “Evidence has been brought to us in the Federation that tells a frightening story of the events that took place on Xiexath.” Admiral Riker then paused and looked toward Asani. Then he looked towards the crowd. “But first I will tell you of what the Federation findings were of Xiexath. We became concerned of the Xiezios many years ago as we saw them gaining power quickly in their quadrant. We deployed an away team to study the Xiezios people in hopes of understanding their culture and finding common ground.” Riker paused as he scratched his beard. Asani knew he was not expecting to tell this part of the story. “We found the Xiezios to be warm-hearted and gifted in many ways,” Asani remembered reading those words from Faye’s report, “but they lacked the proper leadership. The people were being used to mine a powerful mineral that all of us have come to know as Thanatos.” Admiral Riker scratched his beard again.

“Asani?” came a voice in Major Raka’s ear. “Asani, this is important.”

“What is it, Harry?” whispered Asani. “Admiral Riker is addressing the council.”

The Admiral continued, “Findings showed that Xiezios were in business of exporting this powerful element to all who would buy it, knowing of the potential weapons they could create. Still the element was very unstable and could be used only for certain minor uses, but the potential was known by many.”

“We show the same Warp Signature of the Bird of Prey…” Harry was gone. Static ringed in Asani’s ear then he was back… “same vessel that landed back on that ‘miserable planet’…” More static.

“Bird of Prey?” said Asani. Jajot looked over at Asani.

The Admiral continued to speak, “The Federation is not innocent in buying this powerful mineral from Xiexath. There are many in the Federation that have seen its potential and because of this, have begun to divide themselves from the Federation because of the differences in opinions of…how we can use this mineral.”

The crowd was silent. Many were shocked that he was being so transparent. But Asani did not hear anything the Admiral said. He was trying to understand what Harry was saying. “Harry,” whispered Asani. “Repeat again.”

“We are getting readings of the same Bird of Prey that the Assassin was flying has already entered Virinat’s atmosphere.”

“Now we are at an impasse,” continued Riker. “I know that many of you are concerned about the events that are taking place within your people. From Romulans, to Klingons, Cardassians, Vulcans and Ferengis, we are seeing wars happening everywhere…and now I must tell you of the plot that was created to destroy the world of Xiexath.”

Silence again from the crowd, except in Asani’s ear. “We are detecting a torpedo lock on the United Council building, Asani!” Asani sprang to his feet. Jajot and Hakeev looked at Asani.

“Lock onto Admiral Riker’s position and beam him out of there!” yelled Asani as he ran towards the main stage.

The Admiral did not notice Asani. He continued to give his speech. “We know of the ex-Federation officer that built this bomb to destroy the mining facilities on the moon of Xiexath, but the evidence we have tells us that he was ordered to do so by members of this very United Council…” Admiral Riker then faded away in a blue light. Precisely at that moment, an explosion ripped the ceiling of the large conference hall. Wood, rubble and metal fell from above landing on anything it found below. The podium, where Admiral Riker was standing, was crushed by debris. Bodies were found everywhere as Asani continued running towards the stage.

Blue, white, and green transporter flashes were seen everywhere as everyone was communicating with ships looking to escape this madness. Another explosion ignited and more debris fell, and fire breathed around the room. The explosion made Asani stop and look behind him. He could not see Jajot or Hakeev. He looked up towards the main stage and saw Admiral Richards. The Admiral had a blank stare as he looked out across the room. Another explosion erupted. Asani ran towards the Admiral when he saw more debris falling towards him. He jumped at the Admiral and grabbed him from certain death as debris fell where he stood. They slid down the back supporters of the main stage to the main floor. The impact was rough which sent them rolling across the floor. As Asani was able to stand, he ran to the Admiral to assist him. The Admiral pushed him away and removed a phaser and pointed it at Asani.

“Leave me alone, Lieutenant Nasos!” yelled the Admiral. Asani looked shocked. “I know it is you! Only you would know of my daughter!” He began to look around him as more debris and objects began to fall smashing all around them. He shook his head and tears rolled from his eyes. “Don’t you see! I want to die! I want it all to end!”

Asani could only stare in shock. He saw his hands shaking. He was confused on what to do.

The Admiral held the phaser up to face level and appeared he was going to fire the weapon at Asani. He then lowered the weapon and put his hand over his eyes and began to cry heavily. Asani began to approach. The Admiral jumped back and pointed the phaser once again. “Don’t you come any closer!” He looked around and shook his head. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” More debris crashed around them. He then pointed the phaser underneath his own chin. He then looked at Asani. “Tell them why I did this…and that I am sorry.” Asani shook his head and came closer. The Admiral pulled the trigger. The shot when through his head and then his body evaporated into dust.

“Asani!” yelled Thomas into his ear. “We need to get you out of there!”

Asani did not respond for a few seconds as he could not believe what he witnessed. He shook his head. “Where is Admiral Riker?”

“We beamed him to his ship!” yelled Thomas. “Things are crazy up here! Ships are firing at anything that moves! Riker is trying to appease the United Council ships that they are not the enemy! It seems to be working!”

Asani started walking back towards his original destination. “What about Jajot and Hakeev? Have you heard from them?”

“Tracking her now,” said Harry. “She is still on the planet, close to your location.”

“I can’t see anything!” yelled Asani. He pulled out his tricorder. “There is debris everywhere!” He looked around trying to find her. He pushed buttons on his device hoping it would help. He saw other bodies, but none of them were her. He checked vital signs, and all had pass on. “Try to intensify the search. I need a precise location.”

“That will be difficult with all the debris!” yelled Harry. “Checking! This is the best I can give you!”

He looked at his tricorder and began to follow the coordinates. He stopped where the coordinates took him and saw an arm. He put away his tricorder and began to move debris. He found her underneath and immediately bent down by her. “Jajot! Jajot! Can you hear me?” He pulled out his tricorder and checked her vitals. He got a blip. “Jajot! I need to get you out of here! I am going to beam you to my ship!”

Her eyes opened and saw Asani. She smiled. “My…have the tables turned. Now you are saving me,” she whispered.

“Your life signs are weak, but nothing we can’t fix,” said Asani. “My holograms will help you and get you back to your ship.”

“Won’t Harry be so happy,” she said as she gave a light laugh.

“He will be ecstatic,” said Asani with a grin. “Thomas? Beam Jajot directly to our sick bay. I will find Hakeev.”

“He has to be close,” whispered Jajot. “He was right by me.” A blue flash and she was gone.

More debris fell. Another explosion as Asani saw a United Council vessel fall from the sky and slam into the ocean surrounding the building. He saw more phaser fire from another ship as the other vessel returned fire. He quickly scanned the area with his Tricorder and saw there was a body buried beneath the rubble. He began removing wood, metal, and everything else searching for Hakeev. He removed a large wood piece and threw it to the side and then he saw Hakeev. He began to scan his body. Nothing came back on the tricorder. He attempted to resuscitate the Colonel with the tricorder shocks. No result. He tried again with the same outcome. He then tried a third time. A small blip on his screen. It was very faint. “Harry!” yelled Asani. “I found Hakeev! I got a faint life sign! Beam him directly to sick bay quickly!” A blue light and Hakeev was gone.

“Asani! We will beam you aboard now! We need to get you out of there!” yelled Thomas.

“There are more people down here. I need to see if I can help any others.”

“Asani! We need to…” Nothing but static was heard.

“Thomas, can you hear me? Thomas?”

Suddenly a green flash, and then an individual stood fifty feet away from him. His green hazel eyes stared at Asani while his mouth gave a tiny grin. “Hello, Lieutenant Nasos,” said the Assassin with the same tone that Asani will never forget. “Your little disguise does not fool me. I know it is you.”

Asani could still only hear static through his earpiece. “Are you the cause of this destruction?”

“This is not destruction, Lieutenant Nasos,” said the creature with a grin. “This is progression. This is moving us closer to a world of peace.” He looked around the large conference room where debris and fire were found everywhere and held up his hands. “This is chaos…and then comes…the creation.”

Asani shook his head. “So, these lives mean nothing to you?”

“It is the cause that I care about, Lieutenant Nasos,” said the Assassin. “These lives are mere sacrifices for what must be done.” He pointed at the now open ceiling above them. “Look at the beautiful sight above.” Asani saw vessels falling from the sky. More phaser and torpedo fire everywhere. “Can you see the glory that will come of this? Only from chaos…will true peace be found.”

“Is that what Cain told you?” said Asani. “I remember him speaking those same words on Xiexath.” He checked his earpiece, but still only could hear static.

“Cain…has begun his new mission.” A large smile appeared across the creature’s face. “Your gift will allow him to change the eternities.” The creature gave a heavy sigh. “I wish I could go with him, but my mission is here.”

“And what is your mission?” said Asani, hoping he would hear Harry and Thomas in his earpiece again.

“You,” said the Assassin. “And because of the true warrior that you are, I will fight you in hand-to-hand combat. No guns or phasers. No torpedoes or starships. Just you and me. A battle to the death.”

“I am flattered…but here…with all this chaos.”

“A true warrior does not care of his surroundings. He fights wherever he needs to.”

“Asani? Asani?” said a voice in his ear. “Can you hear us?” Asani gave a sound of an affirmation. “We now have a lock on you. There appears to be a dampening field at your location. We have been able to break through, but do not know for how long. We need to get you of there!”

“I am staying,” Asani whispered. “I am tired of running.”

“Asani, you don’t stand a chance,” said Harry.

The Assassin brought out two short blades from his belt. “Now I will face my biggest competitor of all time.” The creature smiled. “As my blade slices your throat and I see life leave your body…” He held his head to the heavens and closed his eyes. For a moment he was silent, and then looked at Asani. “My joy will be complete.”

Asani gave a broad smile. “I believe the term to define this relationship is called a ‘bromance’.”

“This is not a time to joke,” said Thomas, as the Assassin’s eyes narrow.

“I do not understand your humor, Lieutenant Nasos, but our battle will be remembered by all as the greatest battle ever. The heavens will record this battle in the stars for future generations to see.”

“Asani, please let us beam you up!” yelled Harry. “This is not going to end well.”

“I must do this,” whispered Asani. “It is time to end this.”

The Assassin began to approach as he placed his blades into fighting position. Asani took his position and said into his earpiece, “I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” He heard groans from the holograms as the Assassin attacked.

Three quick strikes and Asani was able to dodge each one. The fourth strike he blocked, but the fifth strike the Assassin sliced his shoulder and then he took a kick to the head which sent Asani flying. He smashed against fallen debris and found himself very dazed. He quickly rebounded and saw the Assassin flipping his blades as he shook his head.

“I know you are better than this, Lieutenant Nasos,” the Assassin mocked him. “Maybe you are not the warrior that I thought you were.”

“I think it is time for one of those tricks,” said the voice in Asani’s ear.

Asani quickly pulled something from his belt and prepared himself for the Assassin’s attack. He came at Asani with faster attacks. He dodged every attack and then with one quick movement wrapped a wire around the Assassin’s arm. He then sent ten thousand amps into the Assassin’s body. Electricity could be seen flowing through the wire. The Assassin began to shake and scream in horror. Sparks could be seen shooting from the Assassin’s body. The Assassin then ripped his arm away from Asani and backed away.

The Assassin then grinned. “I have not felt pain for over a hundred years.” Asani readied himself for another attack. “You are truly a great warrior, but you will not defeat me with these cleaver tricks.” He attacked with even faster speed. The blades were millimeters from Asani’s throat. As the Assassin swung his blade down, Asani rolled behind him and wrapped the wire around his leg and sent more electricity into the Assassin’s body. That much electric current would have killed any creature in seconds. This creature shouted in pain once again and then began to laugh.

“You…are…a fool…if you think…this will stop…me,” said the Assassin as Asani stared in disbelief. The Assassin swung and Asani jumped back shocked that the Assassin was not lying on the floor. For a brief few seconds, they circled each other and then the Assassin attacked again. Asani dodged each attack and then tried to send more electricity into the Assassin, but this time he missed. The Assassin made him pay with a deep slice across his right shoulder and another kick to the stomach. Asani felt his ribs break as he slid across the floor. The Assassin began walking towards him as Asani crawled away.

“Asani, I am beaming you out of there,” said Harry.

“Not yet,” said Asani as he got to his feet and winced in pain. “I am not finished yet.”

The Assassin began his attack. The blades were closer than before. Just as the Assassin struck downward for a fatal blow. Asani clicked the button on his point-to-point transporter. He disappeared in a blue flash and reappeared behind the Assassin. He struck at the Assassin with his electric gloves hot. The Assassin took hits in his rib cage, on his neck, and one powerful blow to his face which sent the Assassin to the ground. Asani stood over top of him ready for more.

The Assassin’s face was memorized. “You are indeed the greatest warrior I have ever faced.” He began to laugh. “Never have I seen such impressive trickery.” He stood up and prepared his blades for another strike. “The joy I will feel when I stab this blade through your heart.”

Immediately the Assassin attacked, but Asani was waiting. He rolled under the attack and dodged the second swing. The Assassin jumped at Asani and found himself slicing at air. Asani reappeared in a blue flash, right behind the Assassin. More punches at the ribcage. The Assassin sliced at Asani again, but his blade found air again as Asani clicked the transporter and reappeared in less than a second on the other side of the Assassin. Another punch to the ribcage, another blow to the face. The Assassin screamed in anger. With incredible quickness, he jumped at Asani with both blades ready to plunge into his chest. The Assassin saw another blue flash. As he turned to face Asani, he was met with a fist under his chin and then a second smash to the side of his face. Sparks ignited from his gloves with every impact. Both blades from the Assassin went flying. Asani then grabbed the Assassin around his face and neck and sent a thousand amps surging into the Assassin’s body which made him scream in horror. The Assassin then used all his strength and knocked away Asani’s hands. He then grabbed Asani and flung him easily across the room. Asani smashed against more debris and his transporter device went flying. As he tried to get up, he found himself spitting up blood. He looked towards the Assassin and could see the world was turning. After a few seconds, the world stopped turning in his head and he saw the Assassin approaching. He felt blood dripping from the top of his head and Asani knew he was close to passing out.

“Asani!” yelled Thomas. “We need to get you out of there!”

Asani began crawling backwards. “Not yet. One more trick.” Asani saw the Assassin reaching for him. As he did, he grabbed a device from his belt. The Assassin grabbed Asani by his neck and lifted him high in the air. He began to squeeze. The Assassin then pulled him in so that he was inches from his face.

“Any last words, Lieutenant Nasos before I break your neck,” said the Assassin.

Asani quickly clicked the device in his hand and small marbles dropped to the floor. “I do,” whispered Asani trying to breathe. The Assassin grinned. “Get ready for a big bang.” The Assassin’s eyes narrowed. Asani clicked the button again and the marbles magnetized and attached to the Assassin’s leg. The Assassin looked down and Asani clicked the button again. An explosion erupted sending Asani and the Assassin flying.

Asani landed hard but was able to get to his knees. The Assassin found that his leg had been blown off. He screamed once again and then laughed. “Never have I faced such an incredible warrior.” His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. He began to pull himself across the floor towards Asani.

Asani began to crawl away, but then slipped and landed hard. The Assassin grabbed his leg and began pulling Asani towards him. Asani clicked the button again and more marbles fell to the ground. Another click and the marbles flew through the air and attached to the Assassin’s hand. This surprised the Assassin and he let go of Asani’s leg. Asani then dove away from the Assassin and clicked the button again. The explosion blew the Assassin’s arm into a million pieces. He looked at it with his eyes twice their size. Again, he laughed.

Asani was able to stand. He stared at the Assassin lying on the ground. He felt very faint, but he knew he had to end this. The Assassin stopped laughing and glared at Asani. His jaw clenched as he began pulling himself towards Asani with his one good arm.

Asani clicked the device again. The Assassin watched as the tiny marbles fell to the floor again. He continued to crawl towards him. Another click and the marbles flew in the air and attached to the Assassin’s face. The Assassin gave a huge grin. Then his eyes narrowed and then he screamed as he pulled himself towards Asani.

Asani eyes narrowed and his jaw tighten. He then held up a middle finger. “Hasta La Vista…sweetheart.” He clicked the button and the Assassin’s head exploded sending parts everywhere. He could hear clapping and whistling happening through his earpiece. Asani then gave a heavy sigh and fell to the ground. “Ok. Beam me up, Harry.”

Asani found himself lying on the one Sickbay bed. “Where is Jajot and Hakeev?”

“Their vessel beamed them to their ship,” said Thomas. “We have been hiding behind one of Virinat’s moons watching everything take place.”

“How are they?”

“Jajot has greatly improved, but Hakeev is still critical,” said Harry. “We haven’t had any communication with them since they were beamed to the Romulan vessel.”

“The fighting is still going on,” said Thomas. “Admiral Riker was able to gain the trust of the United Council ships and took down three Birds of Prey. More Federation ships have arrived which made the remaining ships, plus the large Cardassian vessel, retreat.”

Asani’s eyes narrowed. “If the enemy ships have retreated, then who is fighting.”

Thomas looked at Harry. “A crew from the Cardassian vessel was able to board the Admiral’s ship,” said Harry with a frown. “It appears they have hijacked the ship and taken hostages. Byers was a part of the crew that hijacked the ship.” Asani’s eyes narrow and his jaw tighten. Harry gave a heavy sigh. “We know that Admiral Riker has been critically injured. We have lost contact after that.”

“Where is the Admiral’s ship now,” said Asani as he lifted himself on one elbow.

“Still in orbit,” said Thomas. “But before anything else happens, we need to get you fixed up.”

Asani fell back on the bed. “I think I like that idea.”

“I will see what I can find out about the Admiral’s ship,” said Thomas. “Harry, see if you can heal some of those wounds.” Harry gave Thomas a nod as Thomas left to the bridge.

“You were amazing, Asani,” said Harry as he began scanning the tricorder around Asani’s body.

“Thanks, Harry.” Asani winced in pain as Harry began using a medical tool to help close the deep cuts he had received.

“I never knew you had it in you, plus you got to use your invention.” Harry began working on the second deep cut. “Those exploding marbles worked perfectly.” Asani nodded. “Only one thing I wanted to mention.”

Asani smiled. “Only one.”

Harry smiled. “You didn’t say the catchphrase correctly.” Asani’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Harry. “It isn’t Hasta La Vista, sweetheart. It is Hasta La Vista, Baby.” Harry’s grin grew bigger. “Plus, you should always say it with an Austrian accent.”

Asani could only grin. “Sorry Harry. I will get it right next time.”