The Enterprise and the Romulan warbird Valdore approach the coordinates of the secret Romulan research station, tension thick in the air. Captain Kirk and his crew are still reeling from the revelation that the Romulans have been experimenting with Borg technology, a revelation that could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the galaxy.

As the two ships drop out of warp, the research station comes into view – a massive, sprawling complex hanging in the void of space. Its surface is a patchwork of Romulan and Borg technology, a testament to the unholy alliance that has been forged in secret.

“Captain,” Spock reports from his station, “I am detecting numerous life signs aboard the station. Romulan…and Borg.”

Kirk's eyes narrow. “Borg? Are you sure, Spock?”

“Positive, Captain. It appears that the Romulans have not only been studying Borg technology, but actively collaborating with the Collective.”

Before Kirk can respond, the viewscreen crackles to life, revealing the haughty visage of Commander Sela. “Captain Kirk,” she says, her voice dripping with false cordiality. “Welcome to our humble research facility. I trust you are impressed by what you see?”

Kirk leans forward, his tone icy. “Commander Sela, what is the meaning of this? You told us you were studying Borg technology, not working with the Borg themselves!”

Sela's smile is a knife's edge. “Come now, Captain. Surely you of all people understand the necessity of…unconventional alliances in the face of a greater threat. The Borg are the future, and the Romulan Empire intends to be on the winning side of that future.”

Kirk shakes his head, disgust etched into every line of his face. “You're playing with fire, Sela. The Borg cannot be controlled or bargained with. They'll assimilate you and your entire empire given the chance.”

“We shall see, Captain. In the meantime, I invite you and your crew to come aboard the station. See for yourselves the progress we have made. Perhaps it will change your perspective on the matter.”

The transmission cuts off, leaving Kirk staring at a blank screen. He turns to his crew, his expression grim. “I don't like this. It's a trap, it has to be.”

“I agree, Captain,” Spock says. “However, we may have no choice but to play along for now. If we are to uncover the true nature of the Romulan-Borg alliance, we must gather more information.”

Kirk nods, his jaw tight. “Alright. Mr. Spock, you're with me. Mr. Sulu, you have the conn. If anything happens to us over there…you know what to do.”

Minutes later, Kirk and Spock materialize aboard the research station, the acrid stench of Borg technology thick in the recycled air. A contingent of Romulan guards greets them…and a lone Borg drone, its black, lifeless eyes staring straight ahead.

As Kirk and Spock are led deeper into the station, passing chamber after chamber filled with twisted amalgamations of Romulan and Borg tech, a sense of unease grows in the pit of Kirk's stomach. What have the Romulans unleashed here? And what will be the price of their hubris?

Finally, they are brought before Commander Sela in what appears to be a central control room. The walls are lined with pulsing Borg circuitry, and in the center of the room stands a large, glowing cube – a miniature version of a Borg ship.

Sela spreads her arms wide, a triumphant grin on her face. “Behold, gentlemen. The future of the Romulan Empire…and the galaxy.”

Kirk steps forward, his voice tight with barely contained anger. “Sela, listen to me. Whatever you think you've achieved here, it's not worth the risk. The Borg will turn on you, just as they've turned on every other species they've encountered.”

Sela's eyes flash with a zealot's fire. “No, Captain. This time, it is different. This time, we have the upper hand. With the technology we have developed here, we will be able to control the Borg, to use them as a weapon against our enemies…including the Federation.”

Kirk exchanges a loaded glance with Spock. The stakes have just gotten much, much higher. The Romulan-Borg alliance is not just a threat to the Romulan Empire, but to the entire galaxy.

But how to proceed? Do they try to reason with Sela, to convince her of the folly of her plan? Or do they take matters into their own hands and attempt to destroy the research station, along with all the dangerous knowledge it contains?

Kirk must make a decision…and the fate of billions hangs in the balance.

4C Attempt to reason with Sela | 4D Secretly sabotage the research station