Pride and Hatred

Most of the senior Bridge crew was at their post running simulations and tests to see if the Leviathan-A would perform just as good as the Leviathan. Lieutenant MacLeod was helping Ensign Gordan at Ops showing her quicker ways to pull up department status quicker. Then Ensign Grafton grabbed everyone's attention. "Captain Devore were being hailed, it appears to be a Cardassian hailing frequency."

Devore stood up and tugged his tunic. "On screen Mr. Grafton."

The view screen came alive with the picture of a Cardassian male aged in his 50s wearing the traditional black uniform, [Greetings Captain Devore.]

Devore gave a fake smile in return, "Greetings....?"

[Gul Rineck in-charge of the Cardassian 6th order.]

"All right Rineck. Now the greetings our over, what is it I can do for you ?"

[Captain. If you think we want something from the Federation you are very much mistaken.]

"Then what is you need ?"

[Captain....] Rineck began smugly. [.......I feel it is time that we as Cardassian and Federation people need to work together after all we live in the same quadrant.]

Devore was getting impatient with Rineck's evasiveness. "Listen Rineck ! Either tell me what the hell it is that you want or you can speak to a dark screen."

[You need not be rude, Captain. I'm prepared to assist you with my 6th order against this Barien threat.]

*How did he know about the Barien threat.* Devore thought.

Mac didn't like that at idea at all and was about ready to say something out loud when Grafton stopped him. "Easy sir, tell the Captain after the links been shut off." Grafton said

Devore had an inherent dislike for the Cardassians and really didn't trust them whatsoever, but knew that this might be a tactical advantage. "I will have to get back with you. I'm sorry but I must confer with command."

[Very well, my flag ship arrives at DS9 in one day.]

The screen went blank and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately the Senior Ops officer began, "Captain I say that the Cardassians are not to be trusted. They turned their backs on their allies before. The Federation, Dominion and may I say the Alpha quadrant. Who is to say they won't fire on us once the battle begins to go badly."

"I agree sir, the Cardassian Military may see this as a chance to take to test their might and skill against Barien and if they see the Bariens as strong people. Rineck might be another Dukat." Chief Shale said from the helm station. Devore was quiet and looked up at Ensign Grafton to see his opinion but Grafton remained silent.

"Ensign Hale. Ross and McCaffee are on the station. Tell them about our recent chat with a Gul."

"Aye sir !"

After twenty minutes, the two Admirals McCaffee and Ross along with Captain Roberts were in communication with the Leviathan. McCaffee spoke first as the Leviathan

[Listen Captain Devore this is the first time anyone has heard anything from a Cardassian since 2381. We are still trying to get the Cardassian Union to agree to a treaty. So it may be advisable to enlist their solicitation.]

"You mean like the treaty of 2370 where the 'spoon heads' would be able to enter the DMZ. That would give them access to everything and all they would have to do is feel if a colony was endanger. With all due respect, that is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard. Chief Shale bellowed out with total disregard of protocol.

[As you were chief.] McCaffee said sternly. [Captain Devore. I don't like them anymore then you do. But remember they have a right and an obligation to defend the Alpha Quadrant.]

"Sir ? They can't be trusted." Devore began.

[Captain Devore, I'm Captain Roberts. As Chief of Strategic Operations for the entire fleet. I must say you'll need all the help you can get, but from my stand point it's wrong.]

[It's your choice Marc.] Ross said from his chair. [Tell you what. The fleet is almost assembled. I believe we are waiting for the Knight. I want a battle plan on my desk by morning. By the way, meet me and the rest of the command in the ready room at 17:00.]

"Aye sir."

[Ross out.]

The view screen went blank.