"Unwelcome News"

Commander Buford was already in the briefing room when the first of the senior staff arrived for the briefing. Last to arrive was the Doctor, who quickly apologised for being late and took her seat. The Commander sat back looking over the crew sat around the table wondering how everyone was going to take the news that he was about to give out.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Some of you are not going to like what I am about to say, but I have recently spoke with Starfleet Command and they agree that this is the best course of action to take." AJ started. "We have agreed to co-operate with the Dominion in searching down these rogue Jem'Hadar and their supporters."

AJ watched the crew for signs of displeasure at the news, but there was either very little reaction to the news or they were all hiding it well.

"Further more, the Vorta Sabá and the Jem'Hadar we rescued from the rogues will be staying onboard to assist and act as our liaison with the Dominion." AJ continued.

This time the crew was more vocal in their reactions.

"I realise that several of you will find this situation a little difficult to deal with, but it is the best way forward. We will remain at Juno III until a science vessel and its support arrives to re-establish the base. That will be four to five days, depending how fast Starfleet can get a vessel to relieve us. From what I've been told the transwarp drive will be off-line for at least the next three days anyway."

"Commander, you can't trust these people." K'Lin stated, they are an enemy of the Federation and a threat to the entire Alpha quadrant.

"Lieutenant, The Dominion was our enemy, but now all they desire is peace. They have their own problems to deal with. The aftermath of the Dominion war has shown that they are not invincible and they want to keep what they already have. These rogue forces however are a threat to the Federation and all the colonies set-up in the Gamma quadrant. We will work with the Dominion, because to allow these pirates to grow their forces could one-day put all our lives in danger."

"What about 'White' ?" The Doctor enquired.

"The Dominion will be sending across a supply of 'White' before they leave." AJ replied. "I'd like you to keep it locked up in sickbay and only you and your staff will be allowed to dispense it to the Jem'Hadar."

"And what about our prisoner ?" Lieutenant McQueen asked. "Are we going to turn him over to the Dominion ?"

"The existence of the Jem'Hadar prisoner will remain a secret for as long as we can keep it so." AJ replied. "Lieutenant, The Jem'Hadar we rescued will remain in cargo bay one and the Vorta Sabá will be restricted to her quarters unless escorted. The Doctor or one of her staff will take their 'White' from sickbay to the cargo bay. The Vorta is to have as little contact with the crew as possible. I presume you can ensure that all this can be achieved."

"Of course Commander." Logan confirmed.

"We're going to be here a few more days, let's see if we can work on ways of finding and rescuing the scientists." AJ suggested. "Chief Hawk, the Dominion have provided us with the original specifications for the prototype vessel. See if you can a way of detecting them and any weaknesses that we can exploit should we get into a fire-fight."

"Understood Commander." The Tactical officer replied.

"I think that is all." AJ stated. "So unless anyone else has anything to say, I think we should call it a day."

The room was silent. AJ rose from his seat and headed back to his ready room. The remainder of the crew did the same and dispersed back around the ship.